The state government has achieved a major milestone at the Onkaparinga Heights land release site, striking an agreement with the landowners specifying the infrastructure requirements for the southern suburbs development. Infrastructure deeds have been signed by all parties, allowing planning, engineering and land division work to start before critical elements of the development such as earthworks, road network, water, wastewater and stormwater begin later this year.   This could enable construction on the new homes to begin as early as 2026, with at least 2000 new homes to be built at the southern suburbs greenfield development, located at the end of the Southern Expressway. Formerly known as Hackham, Onkaparinga Heights was one of four sites included in a land release, to increase the supply of residential land to address the housing crisis. Onkaparinga Heights will be the first of the land parcels to be under construction, with the land already rezoned for housing. The rezoning process for Dry Creek has recently begun with a code amendment initiated, while both Concordia and Sellicks Beach are also in the rezoning process with community consultation scheduled for 2025. At least 20 per cent of housing at the 230-hectare Onkaparinga Heights development are expected to be affordable. Renewal SA proposes to bring the Onkaparinga Heights development opportunity to market in mid-2025.Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion says with the infrastructure deeds have been signed, work will soon begin to transform the empty paddock into a new housing development. “Onkaparinga Heights represents a significant opportunity to provide much needed housing in the tight southern suburbs market which is incredibly popular but has limited strategic infill locations.”

Summer in McLaren Vale is set to shine brighter than ever with the return of the much-anticipated SummerVines Festival, running from January 17 to 27, 2025. Nestled between rolling vineyards and the crystal-blue waters of the Gulf of St Vincent, this 11-day celebration brings together the very best of wine, food, and entertainment, infused with the laid-back coastal charm that defines this iconic South Australian region.Now in its third year, SummerVines has become a highlight of the local calendar, offering visitors and locals alike the chance to immerse themselves in McLaren Vale’s vibrant energy. The festival showcases the region’s world-class wines, thriving farm-to-table food culture, and stunning landscapes, all wrapped into an unforgettable summer experience. This year’s program features 24 unique events designed to delight every sense.Food and wine enthusiasts can look forward to pairings like lobster rolls matched with sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay at Angove Family Winemakers, or a sunset banquet dinner at the whimsical d'Arenberg Cube. For those keen to deepen their appreciation of McLaren Vale’s celebrated terroirs, tastings such as the Yangarra x Hickinbotham experience will offer Rhône-style whites, bold reds, and perfectly paired small plates. Alternatively, Varney Wines invites guests to sip and snack while soaking in views of the Onkaparinga Gorge.The festival also offers hands-on and exploratory experiences. Aspiring winemakers can try their hand at blending wine during a guided session at Haselgrove Wines, complete with a rooftop tasting. For a whimsical twist, Journey Home Wines combines wine tasting with a donkey-led stroll through the vineyards, blending four-legged fun with fine flavours.Relaxation and entertainment are at the heart of SummerVines, with options like Sunday Sounds at Hastwell & Lightfoot, where live music and family-friendly vibes create the perfect atmosphere for a lazy summer afternoon. At Battle of Bosworth Wines, visitors can enjoy a leisurely game of croquet while sipping Grenache-based sangria.With events ranging from free entry to curated experiences priced between $10 and $110, the festival caters to all tastes and budgets. Whether it’s a spontaneous outing or a carefully planned weekend, there’s something for everyone. Advance bookings are recommended to ensure a spot at these popular events.McLaren Vale, renowned for its innovative winemaking, fresh local produce, and commitment to sustainability, provides a picturesque setting for this celebration of summer. SummerVines is more than just a festival—it’s an invitation to savour the essence of this remarkable region.Visitors can explore the full program and book tickets at SummerVines 2025. With its combination of extraordinary wines, exceptional food, and a relaxed coastal vibe, SummerVines 2025 promises to be a highlight of the season.

Shortly after 8pm on Thursday 9 January, CFS firefighters were called to a house fire in Aldinga Beach.Twenty firefighters on five trucks responded to the house fire, working alongside SA Police, SA Power Networks, and SA Ambulance Service. Fortunately, no occupants were home at the time.The fire destroyed the house and a car on the property. However, volunteer firefighters' quick response and defensive tactics stopped the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties, preventing further damage.Crews will remain on site for some time to ensure any remaining smouldering areas are fully extinguished.The fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damages, and Fire Investigators have been called to the scene.

The 46th annual Victor Harbor Rotary art show kicks off tomorrow, Saturday 11 January, following its gala preview tonight.The big white marquee is up on Warland Reserve for Australia’s largest outdoor art exhibition. Last year saw more than 10,000 attendees across eight days, with artwork sales exceeding $300,000. The 2025 Victor Harbor Art Show will feature around 1,300 artworks to view and for sale until next Saturday 18 January.It is open to the public daily from 9.30am to 8.30pm. Entry costs $10 for adults, $8 for Seniors; Children under 16 years free.The prize pool is more than $25,000, with the major award of $12,500 for the Victor Harbor Art Prize.Full details of the event can be found on the website.

The Alexandrina Council has announced recipients of its 2025 Australia Day Awards, celebrating the remarkable contributions of individuals and groups who dedicate their time and energy to enriching the community. From lifesaving efforts to fostering local traditions, these recipients represent the heart and soul of Alexandrina.The awards will be presented on Sunday, January 26, 2025, during two ceremonies:Strathalbyn: 9am at the Soldiers Memorial Gardens, with a picnic-style event accompanied by live music from the Strathalbyn and District Concert Band starting at 7.30am.Goolwa: 11am at Centenary Hall on Cadell Street, with the Goolwa Band welcoming attendees.Citizens of the YearDavid Reynolds (Goolwa & Surrounds): With a surf lifesaving career spanning 50 years, David Reynolds has dedicated over 1,000 patrol hours to keeping Goolwa Beach safe. As the driving force behind the Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club, David was instrumental in building the club’s facilities and mentoring young members. His legacy includes receiving the National Patrol Service Award for his service.Trevor McLean (Strathalbyn & Surrounds): A long-time advocate and volunteer, Trevor has contributed to numerous committees, including the Strathalbyn National Trust and the Angas Bremer Water Management Committee. From preserving local heritage to supporting sustainable agriculture, Trevor’s dedication is woven into the fabric of the community.Young Citizens of the YearJack Breen (Goolwa & Surrounds): At just 17, Jack has amassed over 735 patrol hours with the Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club. A skilled lifesaver and mentor, he also supports events like the Victor Harbor Triathlon and Nipper Carnivals, inspiring others with his commitment to safety and service.Natasha Osmond (Strathalbyn & Surrounds): An 18-year-old advocate for arts and environmental stewardship, Natasha leads drama and dance classes, mentors young people, and participates in clean-up initiatives. Her contributions to creative and sustainable practices highlight the power of youth leadership.Community Events of the YearTour Down Under in Middleton: The Middleton Town and Foreshore Association created a vibrant celebration for the Santos Tour Down Under, transforming the town with decorations, live music, and a street party. Their efforts earned Middleton the Gold Award for the Santos Best Dressed Town in South Australia.Christmas at Nine Mile (Strathalbyn): Bernadette and John Chaplin’s magical Christmas light display has become a festive highlight for the region. Their resilience in rebuilding the display after theft and their dedication to spreading holiday cheer have left an enduring impact.Active CitizenshipCorey Anderson (Goolwa & Surrounds): Known for his tireless efforts in Mount Compass, Corey beautifies public spaces, supports local events, and assists with recycling initiatives, embodying a spirit of quiet determination and generosity.Jessica Chandler (Strathalbyn & Surrounds): As President of the Langhorne Creek Football Club, Jessica has transformed the club into a welcoming, inclusive environment. Her work promoting opportunities for rural women further underscores her leadership and vision.Mayor’s Community Service AwardsDuncan Norris (Goolwa & Surrounds): As President of the RFDS Fleurieu Support Group, Duncan has spearheaded fundraising and community engagement efforts, expanding the group’s impact across the region.Roger Miller (Strathalbyn & Surrounds): With decades of service to the Milang Historical Society and other community organizations, Roger’s contributions include museum development, event planning, and youth mentoring.Mayor Keith Parkes has praised the award winners, saying, “It is inspiring to hear what our award-winners have contributed to our region. I encourage our community to attend the Australia Day events in Strathalbyn and Goolwa to personally thank and congratulate these outstanding individuals.”

Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu are among regions to benefit from the state government’s commitment to employ 15 new Aboriginal park rangers as part of a $5 million initiative to increase Aboriginal management of South Australia’s natural environment. The rangers have been employed to work in national parks across South Australia, including in the Limestone Coast, Eyre Peninsula, Far West Coast, Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges. The initiative, which was launched in 2022, draws on Aboriginal expertise and knowledge in caring for Country.The Aboriginal rangers support park conservation and management activities, maintain park facilities, participate in fire and emergency response and ensure park visitors enjoy a safe and memorable experience. They also play an important role in maintaining, promoting and sustaining cultural sites, storytelling and language to provide a richer experience for people visiting national parks. The Aboriginal Rangers Program is part of the government’s broader commitment to ensure greater involvement of Aboriginal people in the management of protected areas and enhance the capability of the National Parks and Wildlife Service to manage national parks. This includes a co-management model for some national parks, creating a partnership between the state government and Aboriginal groups that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary park management. The co-management of parks also plays an important role in advancing the reconciliation process and managing matters relating to traditional land ownership.National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Ashley Millar says as a Ngarrindjeri man, it has been a pleasure over the last two years to work on Country and look after the land and water. “The Fleurieu Peninsula is a special place, and I have had amazing opportunities to see the best parts. “In my role as a ranger, I have been able to really immerse myself in biodiversity work. I have been part of a number of programs, including a 20-year program supporting seabirds on West Island, south of Encounter Bay, and planting nationally vulnerable Hindmarsh correa plants as part of the Hindmarsh Valley Hotspot Project. “Another great part about been a ranger is working alongside a great community of volunteers, including volunteer rangers, Friends of Parks and Nature and other groups. They dedicate lots of time and work with us in partnership on large scale projects like revegetation. There are 12 co-management agreements in place over 35 of South Australia’s parks and reserves, covering 13.5 million hectares or 64 per cent of the reserve system, which equates to 13 per cent of the land area of South Australia. Deputy Premier Susan Close says the state government respects the important role Aboriginal people have played in managing our landscapes for millennia.  “We must always embrace their knowledge and cultural connections to ensure we preserve these precious landscapes for future generations, as well as protecting the hundreds of species of plants and animals that enrich our world. “The Aboriginal Rangers Program and the co-management model for managing national parks are vital to conservation efforts and improving biodiversity across South Australia.”

Running a small business can be immensely rewarding, but it often comes with unique challenges and pressures that can take a toll on mental health. Recognising this, Beyond Blue offers a valuable resource for small business owners through its NewAccess for Small Business Owners program – a free and confidential mental health coaching service designed specifically to support those managing the complexities of small business life.The program is tailored for small business owners who may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or struggling with their mental well-being. Developed by Beyond Blue, NewAccess offers practical, solution-focused coaching to help participants develop effective strategies to manage stress, improve resilience, and regain a sense of control.The service is particularly beneficial for those facing:Financial stress.Business-related challenges..Difficulty balancing work and personal life.Feelings of burnout or being overwhelmed.It is a six-session program delivered over the phone or via video call, making it accessible to small business owners across regional areas, including the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. It’s designed to fit into the demanding schedules of business owners and is completely free of charge.The program pairs participants with a qualified mental health coach who understands the unique challenges of small business ownership. Coaches provide support, practical tools, and an action plan tailored to individual needs. Importantly, no doctor’s referral or mental health diagnosis is required to access the program.For many small business owners, mental health often takes a backseat amid the pressures of running a business. Recent studies have shown that small business operators are at higher risk of mental health issues due to financial strain, isolation, and the unpredictability of their work. Programs like NewAccess provide a much-needed lifeline, offering support before problems escalate into more serious concerns.Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman has emphasised the significance of such programs: “Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, but they’re often juggling enormous pressures. NewAccess provides the tools and support they need to navigate these challenges and look after their mental health.”Small business owners interested in NewAccess for Small Business Owners can learn more and get started by visiting the program’s website: Beyond Blue - NewAccess for Small Business Owners.With vibrant local economies driven by small businesses across the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island, this service is a crucial tool for ensuring the well-being of those who keep our communities thriving. Whether you’re running a café in Victor Harbor, managing a boutique on Kangaroo Island, or overseeing a family vineyard in McLaren Vale, NewAccess offers practical support tailored to your needs.

Predicted higher temperatures and dry conditions for the rest of January comes with an increased risk of fire for South Australian communities. A very dry spring throughout the state has primed the landscape for bushfires and recent fires across the border in Victoria could be a sign of things to come in SA.Even the south coast is unlikely to be spared as temperatures have been forecast to rise to heatwave conditions by the end of this month. With lower than average fire activity in South Australia over the past few years, the state government is warning landowners and residents not to be complacent and to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming bushfire season.Premier Peter Malinauskas says 2024 was a particularly dry and hot year and complacency is an enormous risk."The message to South Australians is clear. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, you must prepare now." Around a third of South Australians living in bushfire risk areas incorrectly think they don’t live in a bushfire risk area or don’t know either way, while only half of travellers or transiting workers regularly find out the Fire Danger Rating for the areas they are in. CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin says staying safe from bushfire is a shared responsibility between the CFS and the South Australian community.“Now is the time for you and your family to review or create a Bushfire Survival Plan, which includes the care and transport of pets and livestock before, during and after a fire.”Greater awareness of Fire Danger Ratings and using the CFS website and Alert SA app to stay informed form a key part of the current CFS bushfire safety campaign.

Today, Wednesday January 8, the Fleurieu Peninsula region is a focus area for mobile roadside speed cameras. These cameras are part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and ensure drivers maintain responsible speeds. Below is a list of locations where speed checks will occur today. Please drive safely and observe speed limits to keep the roads safe for all.BATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSBAY RD, VICTOR HARBORBULL CREEK RD, ASHBOURNECROZIER RD, VICTOR HARBORMEADOWS RD, ECHUNGAPARIS CREEK RD, PARIS CREEKSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSTRATHALBYN RD, MACCLESFIELDSTRATHALBYN RD, FLAXLEYVENABLES ST, MACCLESFIELDVICTOR HARBOR RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT COMPASS

Surf Life Saving SA is urgently seeking two qualified instructors to deliver essential VACSWIM water safety lessons on Kangaroo Island from 12 to 25 January. This program plays a crucial role in equipping children aged 3 to 12 with lifesaving aquatic skills, fostering water safety awareness, confidence, and competence.Two Instructors are required. For full details of the role including pay rates, qualifications required and additional benefits see the Fleurieu App's jobs button.VACSWIM is South Australia's leading government-supported initiative dedicated to providing children with opportunities to develop water safety skills, confidence, and competence in aquatic environments. Administered by Surf Life Saving SA, the program offers engaging lessons during the December and January school holidays, focusing on personal survival activities and basic aquatic emergency procedures.Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children up to the age of 14. Programs like VACSWIM are essential in teaching children how to stay safe in and around water, aiming to reduce drowning incidents and promote a lifetime of safe aquatic recreation.By joining the VACSWIM team on Kangaroo Island, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering life-saving education to children in these communities. Your expertise will help instill essential water safety skills, potentially preventing future tragedies and fostering a culture of safety around water.For more information about VACSWIM and its programs, visit their official website.Your contribution can make a significant impact on the safety and well-being of children on Kangaroo Island. Join us in this vital mission to educate and protect our community's youth.

The saga of the Fleurieu's coastal swimming pontoons continues with the District Council of Yankalilla restricting access to the Normanville facility for safety reasons.Late on the evening of Friday 3 January the council advised it was aware of two issues with the swimming pontoon and had secured a contractor to address them as soon as possible.The ladder to the pontoon has been raised out of the water and blocked off for safety and the council advises the public not to use it. The popular feature was first installed in the waters of Yankalilla Bay, near the jetty off the Normanville foreshore, for the summer of 2018-19.It was high and dry for more than a year following storm damage, before a community fundraising campaign enabled its reinstallation just prior to Christmas 2024.Concerns over the cost of insurance and maintenance to local councils has threatened the future of swimming pontoons around the state.Meanwhile Alexandrina Council returned Port Elliot’s Horseshoe Bay pontoon to the water between Christmas and New Year after a three month absence , also due to storm damage. So far so good for south coast swimmers.

Looking for a unique way to start the new year? Willunga is hosting a creative and meditative opportunity to explore the world of Haiga, an artistic practice that combines poetry and visual art. Led by accomplished artist Julia Wakefield, two upcoming workshops will introduce participants to this traditional Japanese art form and its modern digital counterpart.Rooted in Japanese culture, Haiga merges haiku – short, evocative poems – with minimalist visual art, creating a seamless interplay between text and imagery. Traditionally hand-drawn or painted, Haiga captures the essence of the haiku, enhancing its mood and meaning with simple yet profound illustrations. This art form, steeped in subtlety and reflection, invites participants to find beauty in simplicity.Workshop 1: Handmade HaigaWhen: Saturday 11 January, from 1.15pm to 4pm.Where: Waverley Park Homestead, St Peters Terrace, Golf Course entry, Willunga.Cost: $15In this hands-on session, participants will explore the traditional practice of creating Haiga entirely by hand. Whether you’re an artist, poet, or beginner, the workshop offers an inviting atmosphere to combine text and visuals. Bring your favorite haiku or write your own, and experiment with collage, drawing, and other media. Art supplies will be provided, though attendees are welcome to bring their own materials or personal photos.📅 Book your spot: Handmade Haiga WorkshopWorkshop 2: Digital HaigaWhen: Saturday 18 January, from 1.15pm to 4pm.Where: Waverley Park Homestead, St Peters Terrace, Golf Course entry, Willunga.Cost: $15This follow-up or standalone workshop introduces participants to digital Haiga creation. Using user-friendly tools such as Microsoft Word and Snapseed, participants will learn to pair haiku with digital imagery. The session encourages creativity with personal photos or stock images, making it accessible to all skill levels. Bring your laptop, iPad, or phone loaded with photos, and discover new ways to express your poetic vision.📅 Book your spot: Digital Haiga WorkshopJulia Wakefield, an experienced artist with a passion for blending poetry and art, emphasises that no artistic background is necessary to enjoy these workshops. Haiga is about capturing a moment, emotion, or idea through the delicate balance of words and images. Participants can expect a relaxed and inspiring environment to explore their creativity.Whether you’re drawn to the tactile experience of handmade art or intrigued by the potential of digital tools, these workshops offer a chance to learn something new, connect with others, and create meaningful art.Embrace the opportunity to explore Haiga this January at Willunga’s Waverley Park Homestead, and start the year with a spark of creativity!

Police are investigating significant property damage and attempted copper piping theft from Telstra Pits at two locations at Aldinga Beach.About 11.45am on Monday 30 December, suspects have accessed a Telstra pit on Quinliven Road, east of the intersection of How Road.  Cabling in the pit was cut, which caused significant damage.A short time later, a second Telstra/NBN pit near the Aldinga Football Club on Quinliven Road was accessed and cabling was cut.Police are requesting anyone who was travelling on Quinliven Road between Old Coach Road and Pridham Boulevard between the hours of 11.30am and 12pm on 30 December and has dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.   You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online or free call 1800 333 000.

Police are investigating a crash at Mount Compass on New Year’s Day and are requesting dashcam footage from any drivers in the area.About 1.40pm on Tuesday 1 January, police were called to Victor Harbor Road at Mount Compass after an orange 2000 ZX600J Kawasaki motorcycle and a dark blue Tesla collided.The motorbike rider, a 38-year-old man from Hindmarsh Valley, suffered non life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. The driver of the Tesla was uninjured.The motorbike was being ridden south on Victor Harbor Road at an excessive speed when it collided into the car.Police are investigating and ask anyone who has dashcam footage or who witnessed the motorbike being ridden prior to the crash to contact Crime Stoppers.  You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online or free call 1800 333 000.

Visitors to South Australia’s national parks are encouraged to conserve the coastline to ensure they enhance their experience and safeguard the environment.National Parks and Wildlife Service is raising awareness of the need to protect the state’s precious beaches as locals and tourists hit the road for summer holidays.Fleurieu visitors and national park lovers should be aware of a current track upgrade in Deep Creek National Park and Wild South Coast Way on the  Heysen Trail.The Boat Har­bour 4WD track will be under­go­ing upgrade and verge trim­ming works from until 24 Jan­u­ary. It will remain open for 4WD vehi­cles access dur­ing road works and pub­lic access to the Boat Har­bor Beach and its walk­ing trails will be main­tained while works occur. Visitors should expect traf­fic delays dur­ing the upgrade while road works take place. For fur­ther infor­ma­tion con­tact Nation­al Parks and Wildlife Ser­vice SA – Deep Creek Park Office on 8598 0263.The public is also being asked to restrict recreational use of Wright Island, in Encounter Bay until late January, due to impacts on the Crested Turns and Sooty Oystercatcher fledglings.Restricted access will mitigate disturbance during the critical breeding stages of both species.South Australia’s national parks are home to an abundance of native wildlife and vegetation, and include sites considered culturally significant to First Nations people.Compliance will help better protect the state’s unique biodiversity, and minimise the effect on threatened species of animals, including nesting shorebirds, and plants.Visitors are encouraged to:Leave no trace in parks by bringing garbage bags and taking home litter as bins are not available.Keep dogs – except assistance dogs – out of most parks for their own safety but also to minimise the risk to native wildlife, vegetation and other visitors.Use gas and liquid fuel fires – apart from on total fire ban days – rather than solid-fuel fires, which are not permitted in most parks.Drive on established roads or tracks and avoid unauthorised areas for the safety of all visitors, and to protect sensitive nature and the environment.National Parks and Wildlife Service Regional Operations Director Stuart Paul says raising awareness will encourage visitors to protect our unique and beautiful coastline.“Most visitors to our national parks and beaches behave appropriately and want to ensure they adhere to regulations,” he says.“This reminder balances visitor enjoyment with safety and the shared responsibility that ensures our unique and valuable environments are sustainably managed.”Visitors can use National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Find a Park tool to look for dog- friendly parks and establish where campfires are permitted.Campers need to bring their own firewood, which must be free from dirt and weeds to avoid bringing pest species into parks. Collection of firewood within parks is prohibited.Penalties apply for offences in national parks under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.Mr Paul says summer also provides a timely reminder for fishers to be aware of rules for marine parks, particularly the location of sanctuary zones.“Marine parks sanctuary zones are like national parks in the sea and have a high level of protection due to their conservation value.“Fishing in a marine parks sanctuary zone is no different to hunting in a national park. It interrupts the natural balance of the ecosystem.“It is an offence to take or harm any plant or animal within these sanctuary zones, which means fishing is strictly prohibited.”The maximum penalty for marine park sanctuary zone offences are a $100,000 fine or two years’ imprisonment.There are numerous tools available to help fishers locate sanctuary zones, including www.marineparks.sa.gov.au and smartphone apps, including SA Fishing and Deckee.For more information about South Australia’s parks and reserves, and to book, visit the website.

Police are investigating a serious crash at Strathalbyn.About 10.40am Sunday 5 January emergency services were called to the intersection of Callington Road and East Terrace after a bicycle rider came off his push bike and crashed.The intersection of Callington Road and East Terrace was closed for a short period while emergency services were at the scene and the rider taken to hospital, but all roads have now reopened.

Story courtesy of Coastlines magazine. Words: Sarah Ansell.Bursaria spinosa, also known as Christmas Bush, is a hardy, native shrub that is a real MVP in any habitat garden. This versatile plant, common in the Mount Lofty Ranges, thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an adaptable choice for gardeners looking to attract wildlife. With dense, prickly branches and clusters of fragrant, white flowers around Christmas time, Bursaria provides essential shelter and food for a range of native species.One of the main benefits of is its role in supporting insect life. The flowers attract an array of pollinators, including native bees, butterflies, and wasps, which are crucial for biodiversity and the health of surrounding plants. If you see a flowering Bursaria in nature or the garden, stand by it for a few minutes and you will lose count of the number of insects you will see! Bursaria is a known food source for caterpillars of various native butterfly species including the Common Brown. Small birds like wrens and finches love the dense, spiny foliage as a safe nesting and foraging refuge. In the garden, Bursaria is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Its deep root system improves soil structure and can help stabilise slopes and prevent erosion. As a nitrogen-fixer, it enriches the soil, benefiting surrounding plants and general soil health. Incorporating Bursaria spinosa into a habitat garden not only creates a biodiverse environment but also supports resilient ecosystems that can thrive with minimal intervention—making it a sustainable and valuable addition for any nature-focused gardener.Keen to add Bursaria to your garden? The Second Nature Community Nurseries at Mount Barker and Goolwa can help you! Visit us at www.secondnature.org.auBursaria spinosa. Image: S. Ansell

Cabaret performer, journalist and endometriosis patient Libby Trainor Parker will discuss her book Endo Days: Life, love and laughter with endometriosis at the Victor Harbor library on Wednesday 15 January.She tells her inspiring tale of chronic illness and pain with a warmth and humour that welcomes all to learn about women's health and the female reproductive system.You don’t have to have endometriosis, or know someone with endometriosis, to benefit from attending this event. It is suitable for anyone wishing to know more about a very common yet under-researched medical condition, in a fun and honest format.Libby always wanted to be a writer and performer but was held back by chronic pain, which was misdiagnosed for 22 years as stress and anxiety. Since her endometriosis diagnosis at the age of 36. she has dedicated her life to advocating for people with chronic illness, pain and disability through her award-winning show Endo Days and her book of the same name published by Wakefield Press in 2023. Now with a fresh diagnosis of neurodivergence in her 40s, Libby is on another mission to empower people to learn about their bodies and brains so they can take charge of their physical and mental health.She runs Endo Support SA, was a Director on the Board of Pelvic Pain Foundation Australia, is an affiliate member of Australian Coalition for Endometriosis (ACE), co-wrote the national schools program PPEP Talk (Periods, Pain & Endometriosis Program) and has co-authored and worked on committees for various endo research projects. This free event will run from 6pm to 7pm; reserve a seat online. Libby's book Endo Days will be available for purchase and she will sign copies on the night.Find out more about Libby Trainor-Parker, her book and cabaret show, on her website.

Story courtesy The ConversationChances are that the end of the year has made you assess some of your 2024 New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you, like us, bought a home spin bike or rowing machine in January. Most likely by March, you realised you’ve used it a lot less than you planned. And very probably by June, it has disappeared under a pile of clothes.You are not alone. A recent Gallup survey shows seven out of ten adults plan to set goals for the next year. According to statista, the most common ones are health goals (exercise and diet) followed by saving money. This is why exercise equipment sales peak in January.But research shows a quarter of us fail to stick to our New Year resolutions after just one week and more than half within six months. At the end of two years, only 20 per cent succeed.So why do we keep making resolutions – often accompanied by considerable expense – even though we keep breaking them, and what can we do to persevere? How can you redeem your spin bike? Recent insights from behavioural science hold some answers.Why we try, and why we failYou bought a spin bike because you are human.Other animals do not exercise. Many of them are goal-oriented (they chase or flee), but only humans have the ability to pursue self-improvement to better achieve goals in the future. Exercise is an example of this.Psychologist Abraham Maslow famously put self-actualisation – fulfilling your potential – at the top of the hierarchy of human needs. You want to be the fittest version of yourself you can be. It’s only natural.Humans want to improve ourselves, but sometimes willpower is lacking. ShutterstockThe problem is that regular exercise involves willpower and discipline beyond most of us. Especially when faced with the choice between comfy couch and spin bike. Your ambition may be willing, but your flesh is weak. Exercise feels hard.This is because our brains evolved in the Stone Age when it made survival sense to loaf about whenever the opportunity arose. With limited food, our ancestors needed to conserve energy for the next chase or flight.This is true for other vices too, such as binge eating or gorging on sugary foods. But these things are often counterproductive in the modern world where we consume a lot more energy than we normally expend.Self-regulationBut your bike is also a beacon of hope. Even though our psychology is often at odds with modernity, we have a trump card: the ability to self-regulate. At our best, we can override daily temptations and move towards longer-term goals.Psychological research has identified two key ingredients to this (in addition to setting goals): monitoring your behaviour for any breaches, and correcting them whenever detected.You’ve scored two out of three so far: you made the commitment to the bike and you noticed you failed to live up to it. Now it’s time to work on the correction.Nudge yourselfZen masters turn weakness into strength. You too can use the human psychological failings from our evolution to your advantage. This is known as self-nudging: changing your own choices to make your best decisions more likely.An example is the “sunk cost fallacy”, our tendency to base decisions on irrecoverable past expenses.Here is where the spin bike makes sense: having incurred the expense, you might have a greater motivation to go on your own new bike than to go to the gym. Membership can easily be cancelled, but the bike has been bought.You could also go wholesale and use the very tools governmental Behavioural Insights Units use, on yourself. For example, policymakers use the EAST framework to make our desired behaviours easy, attractive, social and timely for us.Make working out at home as attractive as possible, perhaps by watching TV at the same time? ShutterstockThe spin bike at home is easy to use compared with changing into your fanciest lululemons, packing your gear, driving to the gym and parking your car.It is also timely. You can use the home spin bike whenever it suits you without needing to queue for lockers, equipment and showers.Why not make it attractive too? Many home exercisers use a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. In our house, the spin bike is permanently parked in front of the widescreen TV. Behavioural scientists call this temptation bundling.You can also make your spin bike experience social. This is the Peloton phenomenon: instructors, leader boards and interactions with the exercise community.Turn over a new leafSo should you try again in 2025? Yes.The new year is a natural opportunity for self-improvement due to the fresh start effect. Psychologist found events that mark the passage of time (birthdays, holidays, new years) allow people to mentally consign their failures to the past and start again with a clean slate. It’s an uncanny tactic and it works.The lesson is that the end of the year provides a great opportunity to ring in much-needed changes. But that’s not enough. You also need some simple strategies to help you stick to them.AuthorsSwee-Hoon ChuahProfessor of Behavioural Economics, Tasmanian Behavioural Lab, University of TasmaniaRobert HoffmannProfessor of Economics, Tasmanian Behavioural Lab, University of TasmaniaDisclosure statementThe authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.