SeaLink South Australia invites Kangaroo Island community organisations to apply for support via the CommunityLink Program, with applications now open for 2026/27. 

SeaLink's long-running CommunityLink initiative provides funding and in-kind support to local organisations and groups delivering environmental, youth, cultural and community wellbeing initiatives across Kangaroo Island.   

For more than 30 years, the program has supported the groups and organisations that help keeps the community connected and thriving. Today, CommunityLink supports more than 50 organisations across Kangaroo Island through funding and travel assistance where it is needed most. 

In FY2025/26, SeaLink is providing approximately $280,000 in funding, sponsorships, and in-kind travel through the CommunityLink Program, supporting a greater number of organisations and initiatives than in the previous year. 

 Tracy Croft, General Manager SeaLink South Australia, said CommunityLink reflects SeaLink's long-standing commitment to support Kangaroo Island. 

“CommunityLink is about backing the people and organisations that help keep Kangaroo Island community strong and connected,” Ms Croft said. 

“We are proud of the positive impact of these programs every day and remain committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the island's wellbeing and long-term sustainability.” 

CommunityLink is structured to ensure funding and in-kind contributions deliver meaningful benefits across Kangaroo Island. Organisations we currently support include: 

• Environmental conservation, including Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch, Seeds of Hope threatened-species programs, the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network and the Flinders Passport program 

• Youth development, through initiatives such as Children's University, Kangaroo Island Children's Education (KICE) and the Future Leaders Program 

• Local events and cultural organisations, including sporting clubs, festivals and volunteer-led activities such as the Kangaroo Island Football League (KIFL), Kangaroo Island Netball Association (KINA), Kangaroo Island Cricket Association (KICA) and the Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival 

• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including services such as the Lions Skin Cancer Unit and the Island Care Food Project. 

SeaLink continues to receive strong interest from local organisations seeking to participate in CommunityLink. The following two CommunityLink recipients highlight how the program supports the island:

Strengthening community connection through the Kangaroo Island Football League 

A cornerstone of island life, the Kangaroo Island Football League (KIFL) brings communities together across the island's five clubs: Dudley United, Wisanger, Parndana, Kingscote and Western Districts. 

The league runs a 40-week competition and oversees development pathways connecting players to regional and statewide opportunities. SeaLink contributes ferry travel each year, enabling players, volunteers and club leaders to attend training, matches, development programs and interleague events on the mainland. 

This support helps maintain participation levels, strengthen leadership pathways and ensure football — one of Kangaroo Island's most unifying institutions — continues to thrive. 

Kristy Turner, Secretary of KIFL, said SeaLink's ongoing involvement plays a critical role in sustaining the competition. 

“SeaLink's partnership not only keeps our competition strong, but also opens doors for our juniors, who are now accessing development opportunities and playing with South Adelaide Football Club through sponsorship, a huge step in their growth,” Ms Turner said. 

“Without this assistance, association games and interleague opportunities simply wouldn't be possible. Looking ahead, we're also planning to bring Adelaide-based umpires to the island to mentor and develop our local umpiring group, lifting standards across the competition.” 

Supporting families through the Island Care Food Project 

Another CommunityLink recipient is the Island Care Food Project, a volunteer-run charity helping Kangaroo Island families access fresh, affordable food through its discounted fruit and vegetable shop. 

With cost-of-living pressures continuing to rise, access to affordable and nutritious food has become increasingly challenging for many households. Island Care helps address this need by providing fresh produce and essential staples for local families. 

Produce is sourced directly from the Adelaide Produce Markets, along with regular donations from mainland food partners. The service provides an important safety net for many island households, particularly during peak demand periods such as the lead-up to Christmas. 

In addition to discounted fresh produce, Island Care supplies breakfast clubs at Kingscote and Parndana schools and provides weekly fruit boxes to the local kindergarten, supporting children and families throughout the year. 

SeaLink contributes ferry travel for the Island Care truck, allowing essential supplies to be transported to the island and enabling the organisation to focus its resources on delivering food where it is needed most. 

Ms Croft said the diversity of CommunityLink recipients reflects SeaLink's ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen island communities. 

“Kangaroo Island is a close-knit and resilient community, and CommunityLink allows us to support the organisations that help it thrive,” Ms Croft said. 

Applications for 2026/27 

Applications for the 2026/27 CommunityLink program opened on Monday 16 March 2026. Organisations and groups interested in applying can visit sealink.com.au for information on the program parameters and application process. 

Applications close at midnight on 12 April 2026 for the 2026/27 CommunityLink program, for the timeframe of 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for this intake.