Department of Human Services SA (DHSSA)

Poverty, poor health, and wellbeing are inextricably linked. Research consistently demonstrates that the poor are more likely to suffer ill health than well-off members of society, and behaviours that pose a risk to health and contribute to chronic disease are more prevalent among lower socio‑economic groups.

The Department of Human Services SA (DHSSA) and the Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW) will work in partnership to improve the health and wellbeing of South Australian communities, particularly those who are considered vulnerable. This will be actioned through a combination of broad policies, programs, and targeted initiatives, focusing on addressing intergenerational disadvantage, improving food security for vulnerable populations, and contributing to a whole of government position and strategy related to wellbeing.

A couple outcomes of the partnerships to date have been the 90 day project – State of Wellbeing, and development of the Atlas of six South Australian communities: Mapping the influences on community wellbeing (PDF 15MB).

90 day project – State of Wellbeing

The South Australian government is strongly committed to collaborative partnerships that integrate efforts and resources to improve outcomes for South Australians. A 90 day project – State of Wellbeing was undertaken, which aimed to develop a statement to describe SA as a state of wellbeing, considering:

  • what wellbeing means in SA
  • what makes up wellbeing
  • how we measure wellbeing
  • the benefits of wellbeing
  • how to achieve the benefits of SA as a state of wellbeing.

View the 90 day project – State of Wellbeing webpage for more information.

An atlas of six South Australian communities: Mapping the influences on community wellbeing.

Over the last three decades, numerous reports and studies have highlighted substantial variations in the wellbeing across the South Australian population, and the gaps between those who are doing well, and those who are not. These differences, or 'inequalities', are readily apparent across Adelaide, and our rural and remote communities, as they are in other areas of Australia.

This atlas describes the extent and significance of inequalities in individual and community wellbeing, particularly those associated with wider social and economic influences; and points to areas where the impacts of disadvantage across the lifespan, and, in many cases across generations, need to be addressed. The atlas includes a number of communities in Adelaide and rural and remote parts of the State, identified by these Departments (DHSSA and DHW). 

View the Atlas of six South Australian communities: Mapping the influences on community wellbeing (PDF 15MB).