SeaLink has announced that it’s once again backing the people and organisations that help Kangaroo Island thrive, with applications now open for its long-running CommunityLink Program.
Community groups across the island are being invited to apply for funding and in-kind support as part of the 2026/27 intake, continuing a program that has played a role in strengthening local life for more than three decades.
From environmental conservation and youth development to sporting clubs, cultural events and essential wellbeing services, CommunityLink supports a wide range of initiatives that keep the island connected. Today, more than 50 organisations benefit from the program, with SeaLink providing financial support alongside critical travel assistance.
In the current financial year, the ferry operator is contributing around $280,000 through the program, spanning funding, sponsorships and in-kind travel. It’s a level of support that continues to grow, helping more organisations deliver services and programs where they’re needed most.
SeaLink South Australia General Manager Tracy Croft said the initiative reflects a long-standing commitment to the island community. “CommunityLink is about backing the people and organisations that help keep Kangaroo Island community strong and connected,” she 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.”
The breadth of support is wide-ranging. Environmental programs include wildlife conservation efforts and threatened species initiatives, while youth-focused projects help create pathways for education and leadership. Local sporting leagues, festivals and volunteer-run organisations are also key beneficiaries, alongside services tackling food security and community health.
For many groups, the support goes beyond funding. Travel assistance plays a crucial role in overcoming the logistical challenges of island life, enabling access to training, competition and essential supplies from the mainland.
That impact is clearly seen in the Kangaroo Island Football League, a cornerstone of community life that brings together five clubs across the island. SeaLink’s ferry support allows players, volunteers and officials to travel for games, development programs and interleague opportunities, helping maintain participation and strengthen pathways for young athletes.
“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,” said KIFL Secretary Kristy Turner. “Without this assistance, association games and interleague opportunities simply wouldn’t be possible.”
The program is also making a tangible difference in addressing cost-of-living pressures. The Island Care Food Project, a volunteer-run initiative, provides affordable fresh produce to local families, alongside school breakfast programs and weekly fruit deliveries for children. With ferry transport support from SeaLink, the organisation can bring essential supplies from the mainland and focus its efforts on distribution within the community.
As demand continues to grow, SeaLink says the diversity of recipients highlights just how vital grassroots organisations are to the island’s resilience. “Kangaroo Island is a close-knit and resilient community, and CommunityLink allows us to support the organisations that help it thrive,” Ms Croft said.
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
