SeaLink investment in Kangaroo Island tops $1.3 million over five years

Over the past five years, SeaLink South Australia has contributed more than $1.3 million in funding, sponsorships, and in-kind and discounted travel to Kangaroo Island organisations, initiatives and events through its CommunityLink Program and sponsorship partnerships.

This contribution includes over $335,000 being invested through CommunityLink and sponsorships in 2026/27, benefiting initiatives across education, sport, arts and culture, environmental conservation and wellbeing, alongside major events that bring people together, attract visitors to the Island and contribute to the local economy.

For more than 30 years, CommunityLink has helped local groups connect people and programs with opportunities on both Kangaroo Island and the mainland. Today, the program benefits more than 50 organisations across the Island, with recipients spanning four key pillars:

• Environmental conservation and research, including Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch, Kangala Wildlife Rescue, the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network, Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium’s Kangaroo Island Seed Conservation and Revegetation Program, and Flinders University and the Citizen Science Hub at the Kangaroo Island Koala Sanctuary through the Passport to Recovery initiative.

• Youth development and education, through initiatives such as Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE), Kangaroo Island Future Leaders Program, and Children’s University.

• Local sport, events and cultural organisations, including the Kangaroo Island Football League (KIFL), Kangaroo Island Netball Association (KINA), Kangaroo Island Pony Club, Kangaroo Island Cricket Association (KICA), Art Museum of Kangaroo Island and the Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival, alongside other festivals and volunteer-led activities.

• Health and wellbeing, including services and initiatives such as the Lions Club Parndana, Kingscote Men's Shed and the Island Care Food Project.

SeaLink South Australia General Manager Tracy Croft said the breadth of CommunityLink reflected the many different ways local organisations contribute to life on Kangaroo Island.

“CommunityLink is about backing the people and organisations that contribute so much to life on Kangaroo Island,” Ms Croft said.

“This year’s CommunityLink recipients represent a diverse cross-section of the Island, from education and sport to health and wellbeing, arts, research and environmental conservation.

“What makes this program so important is the difference these organisations make every day. They create opportunities, bring people together and deliver services and programs that genuinely enrich life on the Island, and we’re proud to help them continue that work.”

COMMUNITYLINK IN ACTION

A cornerstone of island life, Kangaroo Island Football League provides local competition and development opportunities for players across the Island. SeaLink travel assistance helps players, volunteers and club leaders attend training, matches, development programs and interleague events on the mainland, while also helping create pathways for junior players.

Kangaroo Island Football League Secretary Kristy Turner said:

“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.”

A long-standing partner in developing football pathways for young Islanders, South Adelaide Football Club helps connect Kangaroo Island players with opportunities across South Australia. Through in-kind ferry and coach travel, SeaLink helps players attend trials, training camps and matches as part of the SANFL talent pathway and South Adelaide’s junior development programs.

SPONSORSHIPS

Alongside CommunityLink, SeaLink partners with events that attract visitors to Kangaroo Island, generate economic activity and showcase the Island to audiences from across South Australia and beyond.

The SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival is the Island’s largest annual event and a highlight of the South Australian racing calendar. Centred around the Kangaroo Island Cup, the Carnival combines racing, hospitality and entertainment, drawing racegoers from the Island and mainland for Kangaroo Island’s most anticipated weekends of the year.

Kangaroo Island Racing Club representative Shane Pope said:

“SeaLink’s partnership is fundamental to the success of the Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival. Their continued support allows us to attract thousands of visitors each year, delivering genuine economic benefits for local businesses, tourism operators, and community groups.

“Without this partnership, the logistics and costs of staging a major racing event on an island would make the Carnival simply not viable.”

SeaLink has also partnered with the Kangaroo Island Run Festival for more than a decade. Held last Sunday, this year’s event brought runners and visitors to the Island to experience a distinctive course combining rugged terrain and spectacular coastal scenery.

Marathon Tours & Travel Race Director Shannon Stacey said:

“We’re incredibly grateful for SeaLink’s ongoing support in helping bring this event to life each year and sharing something truly special with both the local community and visitors to Kangaroo Island,” Mr Stacey said.

“The Kangaroo Island Run Festival offers a really unique experience, combining rugged terrain, spectacular coastal scenery and an amazing atmosphere that makes the challenge so rewarding for participants.”

A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN THE ISLAND

Ms Croft said SeaLink’s investment across CommunityLink and its broader sponsorship partnerships recognised the vital role local organisations, volunteers and events play across Kangaroo Island.

“From the local groups and volunteers who make an important contribution to Island life, to events that bring thousands of visitors to the Island and contribute to the local economy, these partnerships deliver benefits right across Kangaroo Island,” Ms Croft said.

“We’re proud to continue investing in the people, organisations and events that strengthen the Island’s communities, help protect its unique natural environment, and make Kangaroo Island such a special place to live and visit.”

For more information about SeaLink South Australia and the CommunityLink program, visit www.sealink.com.