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Curtain up at the Hopgood Theatre
Curtain up at the Hopgood Theatre

08 October 2025, 2:00 AM

The Hopgood Theatre will welcome the community for a free Family Fun Day on Saturday 25 October from 1–4pm, celebrating the completion of its $6 million transformation, supported by a state government grant.The event features a packed program of free activities for all ages, including outdoor entertainment, creative workshops, performances, story time and behind-the-scenes tours. City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were says families can drop in anytime or stay for the whole afternoon.“The Hopgood Theatre has long been a cultural hub for our region, and this transformation ensures it will continue to inspire and connect our community for generations to come. “We invite everyone to come and experience the new-look theatre at our Free Family Fun Day.”All arts activities at the Family Fun Day are free, with food and drinks available to purchase. It is also a chance to discover the theatre’s exciting calendar of upcoming shows – delivered through a renewed partnership between the City of Onkaparinga and Country Arts SA. They include talented comedian Anh Do on 25 November and the internationally acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir on 17 February. For more information, visit the theatre website. Free Family Fun Day program:Outdoor entertainment and a community BBQCardboard city construction (suitable for ages 5–12)Puppet making (ages 4–8)Animation workshops (ages 5–15-)Short film screenings (suitable for ages 4–8)Music concerts and demonstrations (all ages)Storytime sessions (suitable for ages 1–6)Costume creation and parades (suitable for all ages)Family-friendly chill zoneBehind-the-scenes tours (suitable for ages 12+)

Ports ready but new KI ferries delayed
Ports ready but new KI ferries delayed

07 October 2025, 7:44 PM

The upgrade of the ports at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw is now complete, improving safety and efficiency and better supporting ferry services between the mainland and Kangaroo Island. The two ports are part of the essential link between Kangaroo Island and the mainland for cars, freight, and passengers. The Kangaroo Island Ferry Service carries approximately 500,400 passengers, more than 146,000 cars, and 14,000 freight vehicles per annum. The state government says the upgrade includes new fit-for-purpose facilities, which will support an increased number of ferry services and faster turnaround times, along with improved safety for passengers and the new, larger SeaLink vessels, particularly during adverse weather and storms. Unfortunately, delivery of the two new ferries has been delayed. SeaLink has advised the new vessels will be not operate between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw until 1 June 2026. In the interim the state government has guaranteed an additional daily return service and cheaper fares while the current ferries continue to service KI. The Resident Vehicle Saver fare, originally planned to start with the new ferries, will now be available prior to the arrival of the new boats, with KI residents to be able to book a vehicle on the boat for $30.35, a saving of $48.55. From November 1, the new saver fare will be available on two morning departures from Penneshaw and two evening departures from Cape Jervis. To support farmers ferry livestock freight fees will be held at the lower rate of $39.60 until the end of 2026.  SeaLink will continue its infrastructure work in both Cape Jervis and Penneshaw in preparation for the new ferries. It will require a three-day suspension of all services to replace the ramps for the new roll-on, roll-off ferries. The three-day shutdown period will occur in May, following the busy summer season, Easter long weekend and April school holidays. SeaLink will finalise the timing in consultation with the community.Donna Gauci is SeaLink Marine & Tourism CEO. “We look forward to delivering two new larger state-of-the-art ferries, Wanggami and Ruwi, for Kangaroo Island that will deliver a ferry service that meets the evolving transport needs of the community well into the future. “ The cruise season will not be impacted by any works with cruise ships to continue to berth at the temporary berthing pontoon as they did last year. It will begin in October 2025 marking the arrival of the first cruise ship of the 2025-26 season at Penneshaw.  

Warning as bitumen bandits return
Warning as bitumen bandits return

07 October 2025, 1:30 AM

The state government is warning South Australians to be on the lookout for ‘bitumen bandits’’ who go door-to-door offering cheap bitumen work, following new reports. The state’s consumer watchdog has received fresh reports of people being targeted in Edwardstown, Rosewater and McLaren Vale by dodgy unlicensed tradies offering to do cheap bitumen work. Bitumen bandits are roaming, unlicensed tradies who travel from town to town targeting both homes and businesses, claiming to have leftover bitumen from a previous job and offering to do a cheap job. However, the work is substandard and often leaves consumers out of pocket as they are faced with the cost of remedial work to fix the mess they are left with. These unscrupulous operators often use high-pressure tactics to solicit work and then demand payment for substandard work particularly targeting elderly or vulnerable people. The state’s consumer watchdog is aware of one person who was recently billed more than $6000 by an unlicensed tradie who approached him soliciting work and ended up doing an unsatisfactory job of repairing some potholes. This person saw the terrible job and investigated further, leading them to realise the tradie was unlicensed. They have subsequently made a report to Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and SAPOL. CBS has also received information about another consumer in McLaren Vale, who paid more than $18,000 to an itinerant tradie for dodgy bitumen work and another who paid approximately $10,000 in Rosewater. At this stage, it is unclear whether the same individuals are involved. Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Andrea Michaels says the reports are extremely concerning she urges people to report any approaches by these dodgy tradies to Consumer and Business Services.  “People should never accept an offer of cheap work from someone going door-to-door.  “Bitumen bandits will often claim to be licensed and even go so far as to use the name of a legitimate business so always double check that they are who they say they are.  “Always seek multiple quotes, look for testimonials and if the trader is using high-pressure tactics to try and force a sale, don’t engage. “It’s easy to be tempted by the offer of cheap work, but people should remember that an offer that seems to be too good to be true usually is. “The fact is the work – on the rare occasions they do any – is almost always substandard and will cost you more in terms of repairs and remedial work than if you had gone with a licensed tradie to begin with.” If performing building work unlicensed, offenders are liable for an up to $50,000 fine and the maximum penalty for a breach of Australian Consumer Law is a fine of $2.5 million. Anyone who has encountered these individuals are encouraged to contact Consumer and Business Services on 131 882 or online as quickly as possible as part of the challenge is that the offenders often move on to a new location before a complaint is received.

Plan to boost sea lion resilience
Plan to boost sea lion resilience

06 October 2025, 8:10 PM

Inoculating pups, controlling feral cats and installing shelters are the centrepiece of a plan to increase resilience of the endangered Australian sea lion during South Australia’s unprecedented algal bloom.The $1.4 million program is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and aims to address key threats and boost the recovery of Australian sea lions by: Inoculating sea lion pups with ivermectin, which decreases their susceptibility to hookworms and significantly improves their survival.Controlling feral cats to reduce the impact of diseases like toxoplasmosis on sea lions.Installing pup shelters at seven high-risk sites, including Seal Bay, to enhance pup survival by reducing heat stress and the effects of adult male aggression.Lucy Hood is South Australian Minister for Climate, Environment and Water. “The Australian sea lion is an iconic marine species, drawing visitors from around the world to our shores, and these measures are vital to help their recovery during this unprecedented algal bloom,” she says.“We are determined to protect and regenerate Australian sea lion numbers and this program is supporting targeted conservation efforts.“A more resilient sea lion population will play a critical role in the next breeding season after such an impactful event.”More than 80 per cent of Australia’s sea lion population lives in SA waters and this program is an important measure to ensure appropriate protections are in place for the vulnerable mammal – with the total population of the species estimated to be fewer than 12,000. Sea lion colonies in the Spencer Gulf account for over one-third of the South Australian population.Historically hunted for their fur, Australian sea lions have not recovered from harvesting and their numbers have dropped by more than 60 per cent over the past 40 years.Australian sea lions only reach breeding maturity at 12 years old and breed every 18 months.A recent survey of the sea lion population at the Pages Islands, east of Kangaroo Island, has recorded a mortality event at this location amongst seal pups of 34 per cent.While it is not uncommon for sea lion pups to die during this vulnerable stage of life, the mortality rate is significantly higher than the average across recent breeding seasons.The Pages colony breeding season overlapped with the peak of the algal bloom in Investigator Strait.It is believed the higher mortality rate is most likely linked to nutritional stress in adult females.Further testing will be conducted to determine the cause.Some of The Pages Australian sea lion population are known to forage in shallow waters off Investigator Strait and lower Gulf St Vincent, and the remainder in deeper continental shelf waters.There are no reports of unusual deaths at the Australian sea lion colony at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island.Australian sea lions are a species of conservation concern and listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.They are protected and listed as vulnerable in South Australia under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Free land care workshops on the Fleurieu
Free land care workshops on the Fleurieu

05 October 2025, 8:02 PM

In a changing climate, a clear plan is one of the most powerful tools land managers can have, according to Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu.To support farmers and land managers in adapting to a changing climate and improving the health and resilience of natural features on their properties, it is rolling out a series of practical workshops designed to help them strengthen their property’s readiness for the future.Focused on practical solutions and long-term sustainability, the workshops will support land managers to create tailored action plans that boost the health and productivity of natural assets such as soil, watercourses, native vegetation and revegetation areas. Developing a property action plan is a critical step for land managers looking to apply for grants or seek co-investment.“These workshops reflect our commitment to supporting land managers through the Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu Stewardship Program,” says Will Hannaford, Stewardship Team Leader.“By helping land managers plan for the future and care for their natural assets, we’re working together to build long-term sustainability and resilience for our landscapes across the region.”Themes of the workshops will cover a wide range of topics, including soil care, weed control, managing farm emissions, carbon markets, green finance, healthy watercourses and more.The events are designed to support all land managers, from large broadacre producers to those with smaller lifestyle blocks. Whether people are just getting started with a property action plan or looking to refine their current approach, these workshops offer expert guidance and a chance to connect with others who are navigating similar challenges.Upcoming workshops include Planning Healthy Watercourses at Sellicks Hill on Thursday 16 October and Planning for Thriving Native Vegetation at McLaren Vale on Tuesday 21 October.Further events are scheduled for Finniss and Strathalbyn in November.Find more details and register to attend the free workshops via Humanitix.

Oceans to outback
Oceans to outback

05 October 2025, 2:00 AM

Words: Susie WilliamsThanks to Coast Lines magazineOceans to Outback: A Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island tribute to saving livesEvery October, as the scent of wattle and sea salt lingers in the Fleurieu breeze, I find myself walking with purpose. It’s the time of year when I join the Oceans to Outback challenge to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. And as my footsteps trace the coastline or cut through vineyard trails, I’m not just chasing a fitness goal — I’m walking with deep gratitude in every stride.This challenge means more to me than just numbers on a tracker. Over the years, I’ve had many family and friends assisted — and lives saved — thanks to RFDS. Participating in Oceans to Outback is my way of saying thank you. It’s a small gesture for a service that has done so much for people I care deeply about.Living on the Fleurieu Peninsula and often crossing over to Kangaroo Island, I’ve seen how critical RFDS services are to our regional communities. In the past year alone, the Flying Doctor landed 337 times on Kangaroo Island — more than six missions each week. Patients in need of urgent care were flown from Kingscote to Adelaide for surgery or specialist treatment, often when time was running out. That makes Kingscote one of the top ten RFDS landing locations across South Australia and the Northern Territory.These aren’t just flights — they’re life-saving interventions. Across SA and NT, the RFDS assists more than 47,000 patients each year, which works out to helping one person every ten minutes. That’s someone’s father, daughter, friend, neighbour. It could be any one of us.And it’s not just outback cattle stations or distant desert towns that rely on this service. Emergencies happen right here too — on our winding coastal roads, on remote island farms, or in homes where there is no specialist care nearby. A sudden health crisis doesn’t wait for convenience.The RFDS answers that call with quiet, determined urgency. Based in Adelaide, its teams of pilots, flight nurses and retrieval doctors are available around the clock, ensuring people in rural and remote communities receive the same quality of care as those in metropolitan areas.Community support plays a major role in keeping this vital service airborne. Fleurieu Peninsula volunteers have raised $20,000 for the RFDS — a remarkable achievement that reflects the generosity and commitment of local residents. It’s the kind of fundraising that fuels medical equipment upgrades, supports staff training and helps cover the cost of missions across the region.That same spirit fuels Oceans to Outback. Last year, more than 16,000 Australians took part in the challenge, logging over a million kilometres and raising $3.5 million for the RFDS. Some people ran marathons. Others strolled around their block or cycled scenic backroads. It’s not about speed — it’s about showing up.This year, I’ll be moving through some of my favourite places: a coastal stretch in Victor Harbor, a crisp morning walk near Port Elliot, maybe a ride through the vines of McLaren Vale. Each kilometre will be for someone — a neighbour I never met, a child in need, or my friend whose life was saved a few years ago by RFDS, when every second counted. Every step is a tribute, a quiet thank you and a promise to keep this vital service flying.And I invite you to walk with me, in spirit or stride. You don’t need to go far. You just need to believe in the power of community and the importance of care. You can support my challenge by donating through my RFDS fundraising page, or you can start your own journey. Every step we take together helps keep the Flying Doctor flying.Because from oceans to outback — and everywhere in between — every step counts.👉 Donate HERE Photo credit: RFDS

Bloom hotline to keep community informed
Bloom hotline to keep community informed

02 October 2025, 9:15 PM

A new algal bloom phone hotline will launch today, Friday October 3, providing further access to accurate, timely and consistent information about the algal bloom affecting parts of South Australia.The free 1800 774 779 state government hotline will make it easier for people to connect with existing algal bloom support services through a single contact point.Callers to the hotline will be able to make selections to:Seek general information about the algal bloom.Ask questions about industry support, including how to apply for business grants.Get the latest health advice, including access to mental health services.Report fish kills or dead sharks.Report sick or dead wildlife, such as marine mammals.Hotline operators will also be available to answer frequently asked questions about the algal bloom, including that it is safe to visit the beach and that all commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat.The hotline will operate seven days a week, including on public holidays, from 9am to 5pm.Calls related to mental health support, as well as at risk or dead fish or wildlife, will be answered 24/7.Language translations will be available for those who require the service.  The hotline will complement the existing dedicated state government website, which includes comprehensive information about the bloom.The hotline has been established as part of the joint algal bloom response by the state and federal government.The response is focussed on providing industry and community support, keeping people informed about the algal bloom, and investing in scientific research to support environmental resilience.

Lonsdale death declared a major crime
Lonsdale death declared a major crime

02 October 2025, 5:33 AM

The death of a man whose body was found in a Lonsdale workshop on September 30 has been declared a major crime.The man has been identified as Chris Robertson, 49, of Moana (pictured below).A post-mortem examination has revealed Mr Robertson was assaulted and the subsequent injuries resulted in his death.Mr Roberston was a father of two children and had five siblings.Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said while the murder investigation was in its early stages, police do not believe it was a random attack.“The death of Chris Robertson has shattered many families. He had two children and five siblings. Each of those families is now coming to terms with their loss and dealing with his tragic death,’’ he said.“We know that Chris was celebrating the AFL grand final with several friends over the weekend.  We understand that this celebration moved to several locations.“We are seeking assistance from people who were celebrating with Chris or who know Chris more broadly to piece together his movements over the last week.“Any information, no matter how small can be critical to us in establishing Chris’ movements and the circumstances which led to his death.’’Det. Supt. Fielke said detectives were examining CCTV from premises around the Lonsdale workshop to identify any vehicles or individuals who may be connected.Detectives are also appealing for anyone who may have driven through the area between Saturday 27 September and Tuesday 30 September and who may have dashcam footage to contact police.Mr Robertson’s parents, siblings and other relatives have asked that the media respect their privacy and not attempt to contact them.Police urge anyone with any relevant dashcam footage taken in the vicinity of 55 O’Sullivan’s Beach Rd at Lonsdale or who has any information about Mr Robertson’s murder to contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au#252513

Yank council to review services
Yank council to review services

01 October 2025, 9:11 PM

District Council of Yankalilla has engaged independent consultants to review its services to the community.BeeSquared Consulting has been appointed to work with the council Service Review Working Group, with$30,000 set aside in the 2025–26 Annual Business Plan & Budget to cover the cost of the review.CEO Nathan Cunningham says it will be a structured health check of a select number of services provided by council.“We’re always looking for ways to deliver the best possible services for our community and to do so in the most efficient and sustainable way we can. “Every year we set ourselves savings targets across different parts of the organisation, but sometimes it helps to step back and obtain a fresh look at how we’re operating.”The review will centre around four key questions:Are the right services being delivered for the community?Are they delivered in the best way possible?Could they be delivered more efficiently or effectively?Are the service levels appropriate given the financial capacity?“The review doesn’t just focus on cutting costs ,” Mr Cunningham says. “It’s about making sure the services we deliver remain relevant, effective and aligned with the needs and expectations of our community."The Service Review Working Group is made up of Mayor Darryl Houston, Councillors Wayne Gibbs, Shane Grocke and Karin Hatch, along with CEO Nathan Cunningham, Director Corporate Services Jodie Summer and Director Assets & Environment Mark Gibson.Mr Cunningham says the group is working closely with the consultants to identify priority areas for review and to ensure the process remains grounded in both operational knowledge and community perspective.“BeeSquared have already begun a ‘rapid diagnostic’ of Council’s operations, which will help narrow down the focus to a few key services for deeper review.“The aim is to identify practical efficiencies and improvements that can deliver genuine value for money while maintaining (and where possible improving) service outcomes.“It’s important to note that not all Council services are discretionary. Some, like rubbish collection, stormwater management and planning approvals, are required by law. “Others, such as libraries, playgrounds, or sporting facilities, reflect what communities have told us they value. “The Service Review will look at discretionary and non-discretionary services as it considers where improvements can be made.”Mr Cunningham says the council will provide regular update to the community as the review progresses.

	 Main South Road duplication ramps up
Main South Road duplication ramps up

30 September 2025, 8:30 PM

The southbound on and off-ramps at the new Aldinga Interchange are now open to traffic, as stage two of the Main South Road duplication from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach moves closer to completion.The Aldinga Interchange realigns the junctions of Aldinga Beach Road and Aldinga Road to create a safer and more efficient connection to and from Main South Road and smoother connections to the Fleurieu region.Main South Road carries around 19,000 vehicles a day and that is only set to increase, with traffic volumes expected to grow to 26,000 vehicles a day by 2036.The ramps at the Aldinga interchange form part of the future permanent layout where Main South Road traffic will flow freely under the Aldinga bridge.They will provide dedicated access to and from Aldinga, improving traffic efficiency and connectivity across the southern section of the project.In the coming weeks, traffic will temporarily shift back on to the newly constructed southbound carriageway on Main South Road between Aldinga Road and Perth Street. This will enable finishing works on the northbound carriageway to be carried out.The Aldinga Bridge, a key feature of the Aldinga Interchange, opened to traffic in March this year.Sustainability is an important focus of the project with the equivalent of more than 31 million recycled glass bottles, or almost 7,000 tonnes of glass, to be repurposed in the construction of the new roadway from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach.The recycled glass replaces a portion of natural sand in the asphalt and is diverted from the local waste stream.The landscaping program for the stage two duplication of Main South Road will include more than 100,000 trees, shrubs, understory and aquatic plants along the road corridor.SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Emily Bourke says the opening of the south-bound on and off-ramps at the new Aldinga interchange is a major milestone in an important project that will create better connections for motorists.“Over the coming months, you’ll start to see some major changes taking shape across the project, including new road connections, traffic switches and the finishing touches, with crews working hard to keep things moving as we progress towards completion.“Stage two of the Main South Road duplication between Aldinga Beach Road and Sellicks Beach is jointly funded by the federal and state governments as part of the $810.4 million Fleurieu Connections project.The federal government is committing $221.6 million, with the state government providing $588.8 million. Full completion is expected in 2026.

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