Flinders has again sponsored the Education category in the annual South Australian Regional Awards, which acknowledge outstanding contributions to progress and change in the regions by individuals, groups, businesses and organisations.

The awards are presented at ceremonies in seven regional centres across the State during October.

In the Far North, the Flinders Education Award went to Laura Trotta of Roxby Downs for her development of online resources for rural and remote areas. An environmental engineer with 11 years experience in the minerals industry, Ms Trotta founded an online eco-parenting resource called Sustainababy after the birth of her son in 2009. In 2015, she created Sustainahome, an online eco-living education resource.

In the Yorke and Mid North, the Education Award went to Barossa Lower North Futures and its Regional Youth Bus. The program brings together local government, Department of Education and Child Development (DECO), SAPOL, health professionals, industry and service providers, volunteers and local youth organisations. Over the last year, a retired metro bus has been refurbished and customised as a mobile facility for engaging, educating and delivering services to young people.

Port Lincoln High School was the winner in Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula for its Indigenous Ranger Cadetship Project, which enrols senior Aboriginal students in certificates in Conservation and Land Management to provide pathways for employment. Under the leadership of an Aboriginal teacher, the program has enabled 30 students to complete their studies at school, with a further 14 enrolled this year. The project exemplifies the collaboration of schools and local communities to improve student engagement, and allowing students to be work-ready.

The awards are continuing. A full list of winners will be available on the website.