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 130 years ago, 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 $40,000 in funding – an increase from $25,000 in previous years – 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 41 grants to fund safety initiatives valued at more than $400,000.

Projects funded last year(external site) included research to advise negotiation for midwife caseloads, as well as upgraded resources for employers hosting apprentices, and a Burnout Resilience training package for workers in the care sector.

Applications for the 2025 awards opened this week and will close on Sunday 31 August 2025.

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(external site).

Attribute to SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell:

For the past 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.