Supporting country communities

Rural communities are the lifeblood of our nation – the ones who keep the ball moving, week in and week out.

That’s why The Hospital Research Foundation Group – the SANFL’s official charity partner – is dedicated to supporting these communities and level the playing field when it comes to healthcare.

“Ensuring everyone, no matter where they live, has access to quality healthcare is a huge priority for The Hospital Research Foundation Group,” its CEO Paul Flynn says.

“We fund grants into regional hospitals, support grassroots health initiatives like Fat Farmers, provide accommodation to country cancer patients travelling to Adelaide, and so much more.

“We’re committed to helping country people thrive.”

With the 2025 THINK! Road Safety Country Football Championships hitting Port Pirie this weekend, The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s focus on country health is in the spotlight.

Over the years, the iconic SA charity has funded grants to:

• Upskill country doctors and ambulance officers in identifying stroke
• Bring pop-up skin cancer screening clinics to regional communities
• Enhance mental health referral systems in rural areas using AI
• Purchase much-needed hospital equipment such as chemotherapy chairs for Port Lincoln, ultrasounds for Wallaroo and Port Pirie, anaesthetic infusion pumps for Mount Gambier and a ventilator for Gawler
• Support men’s health initiative Fat Farmers to improve regional communities’ physical and mental health
• Deliver a range of women’s health programs for cardiac and pregnancy
• Improve telehealth facilities across a range of centres
• Facilitate allied health visits for people with chronic conditions including Parkinson’s, stroke and arthritis
• Run inclusive cinema experiences in country centres for kids and families with special needs
• Provide country cancer patients access to family-style accommodation when visiting Adelaide for treatment
• And much more!

These initiatives have only been made possible thanks to generous donors and fundraisers.

To support The Hospital Research Foundation Group, learn more at www.hospitalresearch.org.au