Grants up to $25,000 available for safety projects

Entries are now open for SafeWork SA’s 2026 Augusta Zadow Awards for safety solutions targeted at women and young workers.

The annual grant program was established in 2005 to recognise the legacy of Augusta Zadow, who became South Australia’s first female inspector of factories in 1895. Augusta played a crucial role in securing better conditions for employees, particularly women and children.

South Australian businesses and individuals can apply for up to $25,000 in funding for projects that improve the health and safety of women or young people working in SA.

Since the program began in 2005, SafeWork SA has awarded 44 grants to fund safety initiatives valued at almost $475,000.

Projects funded last year included a culturally safe WHS induction toolkit for young Aboriginal construction workers, an electrical safety awareness program for young workers, and a research project to develop strategies addressing the challenges of menopause in shift workers.

Applications for the 2026 awards will close on 30 June 2026.

Successful applicants will be announced at an awards ceremony as part of National Safe Work Month in October.

For further details and to apply, visit the website.

Attribute to SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell:

For more than 20 years, SafeWork SA’s Augusta Zadow Awards have helped to improve the safety of women and young workers across South Australia – to honour the legacy of one of the state’s great workplace safety pioneers.

We’re encouraging South Australians to prepare their applications and be part of that legacy. We’re here to answer your questions along the way.

We’ve funded research and solutions across industries from academia to agriculture, and plenty in between. Take a look at the past winners to inspire your next research project, training course, machine prototype, safety group, campaign or new solution.

These awards are part of SafeWork SA’s ongoing commitment to supporting workplace safety through practical initiatives and evidence-based research.