Lifetime Support Authority - LSA

This morning, LSA staff were delighted and honoured to attend Australia’s largest International Women’s Day breakfast, held right here in Adelaide.

This year’s theme, “Balance the Scales,” is a powerful reminder that every woman and girl - regardless of background, circumstance or identity - deserves to feel safe, be heard, and have the freedom to shape their own future.

We were especially inspired to hear from Adelaide’s own Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first Australian woman to receive professional astronaut wings. Her message to the young women in the room was simple but powerful: follow your dreams. With determination, courage and belief in yourself, the possibilities are limitless.

Events like this remind us of the importance of continuing to support and uplift women and girls in our workplaces, communities and beyond.

Earlier this week, the LSA team came together for our final all-staff meeting of the year and the 2025 LSA Values Awards, a great opportunity to celebrate the year that was and look ahead to what’s next.

The Values Awards recognise individuals and teams who embody our core values: People & Passion, Trust & Respect, and Innovation & Growth. We were also honoured to have Board Chair Andrew Culley join us to present this year’s awards.

We extend our Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients!

This morning, we were proud to celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) at the LSA with a morning tea and a live stream organised by DTF. We were honoured to hear from guest speaker Tammie Sinclair, Manager Workforce Development, Training and Education in the Disability and Specialist Services division at the Department of Human Services.

The 2025 theme -'Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress' - is a powerful reminder that inclusion is not a single action, but an ongoing commitment to meaningful change. At the LSA, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace and ensuring our services remain accessible, supportive and responsive to all. By championing inclusion, celebrating diversity, and removing barriers, we can help build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Earlier this week, the LSA welcomed Allied health providers and their staff to our Allied Health Provider Forum. The forum was a great opportunity for LSA staff to share updates on our work, discuss innovative projects, and connect with providers who play such an important role in supporting Lifetime Support Scheme Participants. It was also a valuable chance for us to hear directly from Service Providers, gather feedback, and continue to strengthen our relationships across the allied health community.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions - your insights help us continue to improve and deliver the best outcomes for LSS Participants.

Yesterday, South Australian primary school students took part in the annual Street Smart Primary Road Safety program! Proudly delivered alongside RAA,
Think! Road Safety, and the SA Government, this free program teaches kids essential road safety skills as passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Students enjoyed interactive lessons and a fun design challenge to come up with creative ideas to improve road safety. It was inspiring to see their innovation and enthusiasm!
Our People and Partnerships Director, Mandy Turnbull, was proud to join the judging panel to review the innovative ideas and concepts presented by the students.

Want to learn more about this fantastic program? Check it out here: https://www.raa.com.au/about-raa/community-programs/community-education

A simple question 'R U OK?' can be the beginning of a life-changing conversation. Today reminds us all to pause, check in with those around us, and really listen. Because you never know who might need that support.

This morning, LSA staff came together for a special morning tea to reflect on the importance of mental health and connection. We were privileged to hear from two insightful guest speakers:

LSA Participant Rebekah Pergold, who shared practical and personal strategies for looking after her mental health.

Dr Jo Anne Dumalon-Canaria from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE), who spoke about the value of working in a healthy, supportive workplace.

A heartfelt thank you to both speakers for their time and for helping us better understand how to support ourselves and each other.

Let’s keep the conversation going – not just today, but every day.

Last night, we proudly hosted our third annual LSA Innovate Forum.

It was a fantastic evening showcasing the innovative research being carried out through projects funded by our Research, Education and Program (REP) Grants Program

A huge thank you to our inspiring presenters: Dr Kate Gould, Dr Ryan Quarrington and Associate Professor Maayken van den Berg.

Their work is pushing boundaries and creating real impact in the lives of individuals.

If you'd like to learn more about the Research, Education and Program (REP) Grants Program head to: REP Grants | Lifetime support

Check out some highlights from the evening below!

This week at the LSA we have been celebrating NAIDOC Week, with a morning tea to raise money for the Tjindu Foundation and Kaurna language class facilitated by Uncle Tamaru.

This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.

It's the final week of the 2025 Grant Round. Get your application in before the round closes on 30 June. For more information, visit https://www.lifetimesupport.sa.gov.au/grants/rep-grants

LSS Participant and Road safety ambassador Holly Scott once again shares her vital message in the latest issue of The Post lift out in CityMag. Holly worked with the LSA communications team, DPC and The Post to tell the harrowing but important story of the crash that almost took her life in 2017 – and how she’s doing today.
Click below to read Holly's story. https://thepostsa.au/education/2025/04/15/nobody-thought-i-would-survive-why-you-need-to-listen-to-holly-this-easter/


Holly Scott - Road Safety Advocate

The 2025 Grant Round is open now! Visit the LSA website to lodge your application by 30 June 2025.
https://www.lifetimesupport.sa.gov.au/grants/rep-grants