South Australia’s regional wine communities will receive additional support for wellbeing initiatives as the industry navigates one of its most challenging periods.
As part of the South Australian Government’s commitment to supporting the grape and wine sector, $200,000 will be provided to the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) to deliver a mental health and wellbeing program during 2026-27.
The Wine Industry Wellbeing Program will improve access to mental health and wellbeing support for winegrape growers, winemakers, their families, regional businesses and communities during a period of structural adjustment in the sector.
Delivered in partnership with SAWIA, the 2026-27 program responds to calls from wine regions at wine industry roundtables, the Riverland Transition and Economic Diversification Think Tank Workshop, and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop for greater wellbeing support.
The wellbeing program will deliver locally tailored activities designed to meet the unique needs of each regional wine community.
Support will be delivered through a series of activities over time, providing assistance, support and community connection where it is needed most.
South Australian Wine Industry Association chief executive Inca Lee said, “SAWIA welcomes this funding, which recognises that behind the economic challenges our industry is facing are people, families and communities carrying the weight of significant change.
“South Australian growers and winemakers are facing sustained pressure, and while wellbeing programs are not a substitute for the broader actions needed to improve business viability, they are an important way to support people through this period of adjustment.
“SAWIA is working closely with regional wine associations to ensure support is practical, locally relevant and builds on trusted programs and services already operating in our wine communities.
“Every region is different, and we want to make sure this funding delivers support where and how it is needed most by growers and winemakers.”
SAWIA is working with regional wine organisations across SA to deliver and build on existing local wellbeing initiatives.
The program will also include Mental Health First Aid training, equipping participants with the skills to recognise early signs of distress and connect people with appropriate services.
The funding builds on the South Australian Government-funded Wine Connect program delivered by SAWIA in 2025 to help people across the sector stay connected and supported.
It also responds to recommendations from the national viticulture and wine sector working group, South Australian wine industry roundtables, and regional think tanks involving state and local government, industry and community organisations held in 2026.
Premier Peter Malinauskas recently hosted a forum with key representatives from the state’s wine industry to consider a range of solutions to support the sector through this period of transition and help shape a whole-of-government response.
PIRSA deputy chief executive Jo Collins said, “We all know that when people are doing it tough, looking after their mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever.
“We understand the significant challenges the wine industry has faced due to oversupply and financial pressures, and the toll this has taken on wine growers, winemakers, their families and regional communities.
“That’s why we established the National Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group in 2024 and have continued listening to industry about the support that’s needed.
“We’ve heard that while existing measures have helped, more support is needed as the industry continues to adapt.
“This funding for the Wine Industry Wellbeing Program will provide practical, ongoing support for winegrowing communities as they navigate change and build a stronger future.”