SRWRA announces $50,000 in environmental grants for local schools
Primary and preschools across southern Adelaide are invited to apply for up to $50,000 in funding under the Southern Region Waste Resource Authority’s (SRWRA) 2026 Les Perry Grant program, to support environmental and sustainability initiatives.
With applications opening 28 August, the 2026 program will see 10 grants of up to $5,000 available to boost school-based activities that improve environmental outcomes and teach students to look after the world around them.
SRWRA is inviting primary schools, preschools, kindergartens and early childhood education centres across the Cities of Marion, Holdfast Bay and Onkaparinga to apply before 30 October.
For more than 15 years, SRWRA has supported over 50 school-based environmental projects through the Les Perry Grant program, helping students and school communities turn practical ideas into meaningful action.
Previous grants have been used to build student-run veggie patches, install composting bins, roll out recycling education campaigns, boost gardening activities on school grounds and much more.
In 2026, SRWRA has expanded the Les Perry Grant, increasing the value of grants to support school environmental activities.
SRWRA CEO, Martin Borgas says the additional funding will mean local schools have greater opportunity to deliver more ambitious and impactful sustainability projects.
“Our goal is to teach our youngest community members about the importance of looking after the environment and empower them to become sustainability champions in their own schools and homes,” says Martin.
“SRWRA remains committed to environmental education and we’re proud to once again be supporting local schools as they inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders.”
The grant honours the legacy of Les Perry, who served as SRWRA’s Executive Officer from 1999 to 2007 and was known for both his dedication to sustainability and his contribution to Adelaide’s southern communities.
Schools with big environmental ideas are encouraged to submit their application online via the SRWRA website. Applications may be submitted by teachers, school boards, authorised parent groups and school leadership teams, with both public and private schools eligible to apply.
Projects will be assessed with priority given to initiatives that demonstrate significant educational benefit and show an innovative approach to reducing, reusing, recycling or composting.
Applications must be submitted before 30 October 2026. Learn more about the Les Perry Grant program and apply at srwra.com.au/education/les-perry-grant.