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Speed cameras target Sellicks Beach and beyond – Friday, July 18
Speed cameras target Sellicks Beach and beyond – Friday, July 18

17 July 2025, 8:00 AM

Motorists are urged to drive with caution tomorrow, Friday, July 18, as mobile speed cameras are set to monitor roads across the Fleurieu Peninsula and wider South Australia — with Sellicks Beach among the key target areas.As part of an ongoing statewide road safety initiative, police will deploy speed detection units in locations known for high traffic volumes or previous speeding concerns. These efforts aim to reduce road accidents and encourage safer driving behaviour throughout both regional and metropolitan areas.Whether you're travelling locally, commuting to the city, or enjoying a coastal drive, remember to check your speed, stay focused, and drive responsibly.The full list of mobile speed camera locations for Friday has been released. Help keep our roads safe — for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.ALDINGA BEACH RD, ALDINGA BEACHANGLE VALE RD, EVANSTON GARDENSBABBACOMBE DR, MOANABALMORAL RD, COCKATOO VALLEYBARNET RD, EVANSTONCLARK RD, EVANSTON GARDENSDUBLIN RD, DUBLINESPLANADE, ALDINGA BEACHGRANTS GULLY RD, CLARENDONGULF PDE, MASLIN BEACHGULF VIEW RD, SELLICKS BEACHHIGH ST, WILLUNGAHORROCKS HWY, ROSEWORTHYJOLLYTOWN RD, LYNDOCHKANGARILLA RD, KANGARILLAMAIN RD, MCLAREN VALEMCLAREN FLAT RD, KANGARILLAMURRAY ST, TANUNDAOAKLEY RD, MCLAREN FLATOLD COACH RD, MASLIN BEACHSEAVIEW RD, MCLAREN VALESELLICKS BEACH RD, SELLICKS BEACHTATACHILLA RD, TATACHILLATHIELE HWY, FREELINGTRAEGER RD, MALLALA

Organ donor plea to young South Australians
Organ donor plea to young South Australians

17 July 2025, 3:10 AM

Young South Australians are being urged to register as organ donors and have conversations with their families, to help save lives should the unthinkable happen. The state government says that while South Australia significantly leads the nation in organ donation registration, only 40 per cent of South Australians aged 16 to 24 are on the register, compared with 70 to 84 per cent for older age groups. South Australia is the only state where people can register on the Australian Organ Donor Registry through their driver's licence. Anyone aged 16 or over can register. Because of the driver’s licence scheme, South Australia leads the nation with 74 percent of eligible people registering their wish to become an organ donor. That is more than twice the national average. More than half of all 16 to 17-year-olds on the national register are from South Australia.Health Minister Chris Picton says South Australians should be proud of the fact that we lead the nation in organ donation registration. Our sign-up rate is more than double the national average. “There is no doubt this is helped by our unique system of being able to register when you get or renew your driver’s licence. “We’re urging even more South Australians – particularly young people – to register to give the gift of life to others. Getting your driver’s licence is the perfect opportunity to sign up. “Of course, no young person or their family wants to imagine the worst happening at the wheel, but having those serious conversations about responsibility on the roads is the perfect time to talk about the amazing gift of organ donation.” DonateLife SA Medical Director Dr Stewart Moodie and other advocates want more young South Australians to sign up and talk to their families about their wishes.“Talk to your family, have that conversation. Time and again we see that it helps a family in the midst of their devastation when the person has registered and discussed their wishes.  “This is particularly important for the family of a young person, where they see that their tragedy can do such good.” One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and change the lives of many more through eye and tissue donation. Adelaide father and organ donation advocate Oren Klemich lost his 18-year-old son Jack to Meningococcal disease 16 years ago. “Our gorgeous son Jack was pronounced dead 16 years ago having contracted Meningococcal disease. He was 18 years old, studying Year 12. “He had registered as an organ donor through his driver’s licence registration. At the time of registering, he had asked his mother, ‘Mum, what’s organ donation?’ Her reply was, ‘If something horrible happens to you, the doctors can give your organs to someone else.’ “Jack ticked the box to register, and sadly, several months later, he died. Five of his organs were received by four people around Australia. Jack saved the lives of four Australians. Sixteen years on, three are still alive today. “Losing Jack was the worst time of our lives, but the knowledge of his organs saving other people’s lives provides us comfort.” More than 1,800 Australians are waiting for an organ transplant but sadly in the past five years, more than 200 have died waiting. An additional 14,000 on dialysis for kidney failure might also benefit from a transplant. Families have the final decision in organ donation, which is why it’s so important for people to register and talk to their loved ones. When people are registered, eight out of ten families give consent for the organ donation, but that drops to four out of ten if the family is not aware of their relative’s intentions. The plea for more young South Australians in particular to become organ donors comes ahead of national DonateLife week, 27 July to 3 August. People can register on the DonateLife website, through their driver’s licence registration or renewal, or through Medicare.    

Be on the lookout for cyber scams
Be on the lookout for cyber scams

16 July 2025, 8:47 PM

Hills Fleurieu police are urging the community to remain vigilant following a recent cyber scam that cost a local thousands of dollars.Earlier this month, Mount Barker police were contacted by a local woman who was targeted by a scammer posing as an employee from a phone company. This caller falsely claimed that the victim's internet had been compromised and persuaded her to download an application and transfer $5000 to "secure" her network. The victim was also asked to send copies of her Medicare card and driver's licence to the scammer.SAPOL offers the following tips to help protect yourself from scams:Hang up and contact the organisation on a known, reputable number. Do NOT trust contact details given to you by the caller.Be aware of requests for unusual payment methods. Once you have placed money into a crypto ATM it will never be seen again.Remember that you can still receive scam calls from a private number. If in doubt, hang up and ring the organisation back on a known reputable number.Never download programs or applications at the request of someone over the phone.Do not be intimidated by technical language or pushy behaviour.Make sure your computer is protected and regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Conduct your own research first and only purchase software from a source that you know and trust.Never give remote access to your device or computer, no matter how legitimate they appear!For more tips on staying cyber safe, visit Australian Cyber Security Centre and report any cybercrimes to police.

Fisheries vessel to inspect harmful algal bloom
Fisheries vessel to inspect harmful algal bloom

16 July 2025, 2:40 AM

South Australia’s flagship fisheries patrol vessel Southern Ranger is operating in the Gulf of St Vincent today, Wednesday 16 July, to conduct underwater observations of the harmful algal bloom to understand the effect on the ecosystem. A variety of locations will be visually surveyed with remote operated vehicles and this information will help authorities to better understand the rate of potential recovery once the bloom dissipates. Marine sanctuaries, where an extensive data set already exists, will be surveyed to provide a comparison with the observations from the trip.Professor Gavin Begg, Executive Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, told ABC Radio that the vessel will operate in waters off Rapid Bay and Carrickalinga and up to Outer Harbor, using underwater drones.Community concern has been growing since the algal bloom first affected south coast waters in March.A public meeting, organised by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, brought together scientists, activists and concerned citizens at Brighton-Seacliff Yacht Club last night, Tuesday 15 July.Senator Hanson-Young says the algal bloom is a national disaster and should be treated as such by the federal government.A Sit-in for the Sea will be held on the steps of Parliament House on Sunday 27 July.It had been hoped that winter storms would break up and disperse the bloom, but while the effects on the south coast have reduced, the blook has persisted and spread to metropolitan beaches and across the waters off Yorke Peninsula.State government agencies are now taking weekly water samples at 17 sites across West Lakes, the Port River, the Patawalonga River and the end of four jetties at Largs Bay, Grange, Glenelg and Port Noarlunga. A state government taskforce and reference group has been established to help industries and stakeholders respond to and recover from the algal bloom affecting South Australia’s environment and coastline. The group will comprise representatives from Seafood Industry South Australia, RecFish SA, Conservation Council, Tourism Industry Council and First Nations groups. The Harmful Algal Bloom Reference Group will:Represent sectors to identify key issues for government to consider in managing and recovering from the algal bloom.Identify opportunities to further engage with and provide more information to industry sectors, stakeholders and the community.Provide ideas for government consideration to support an expanded scientific monitoring program.The group will report to the Harmful Algal Bloom Taskforce which will meet weekly in Adelaide to discuss the latest updates on the algal bloom.Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says the state government recognises the widespread effects of the algal bloom on the environment, coastline, businesses and industries, and has established this reference group to work with those people who are on the frontline. “The algal bloom is a dynamic situation and its effects are unpredictable but, by bringing together industry representatives and science specialists, we can continue looking at research and investment options. “We have already provided immediate fee relief to the industries affected by the algal bloom and will continue to support them through this difficult time.” Experts believe there are three potential plausible contributing factors causing the bloom, which started in March:A marine heatwave that started in September 2024 – with sea temperatures about 2.5°C warmer than usual – combined with calm conditions, light winds and small swells.The 2022-23 River Murray flood washing extra nutrients into the sea.An unprecedented cold-water upwelling in summer 2023-24 that has brought nutrient-rich water to the surface.The algal bloom has caused discoloured water and foam along parts of the state’s coasts and has affected various marine wildlife, including fish, sharks, rays, and a wide range of invertebrates. Health advice from state government agenciesKarenia mikimotoi does not cause long-term harmful effects in humans but exposure to discoloured or foamy water can cause short-term skin or eye irritation and respiratory symptoms, including coughing or shortness of breath. If you are outdoors and experience irritation, go indoors, close windows and rinse exposed skin. If symptoms are more severe or do not resolve, seek medical advice from a GP and call 000 if it is a medical emergency. People and dogs should avoid swimming or surfing in discoloured water, foam or where marine life is dead or in poor health. Do not eat dead fish and cockles because of decomposition and spoilage. Fish caught live are safe to eat. Report fish deaths to FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522. Dog owners should keep their pets under effective control to prevent them eating dead or dying fish, which may cause similar symptoms to those in humans. No reports of dogs becoming sick from the algal bloom have been received but owners concerned about their pet’s health should take them to a veterinary clinic.   

Greater protection for home builders
Greater protection for home builders

15 July 2025, 9:12 PM

With plans to build thousands of new homes across the region, the state government has introduced better protections, with maximum insurance payouts to increase to $250,000 if a builder fails to deliver a finished a home.The Treasurer and the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs have completed a joint review into Building Indemnity Insurance to enhance protection for consumers and support for the building industry.Under the reforms, from October 1, the policy limit for all QBE policies - which represent the majority of the SA market - will increase from $150,000 to $250,000. The 66 per cent increase will see home builders receive up to $100,000 more in the event their home is not completed.The average premium for a new build or renovation valued between $500,000 to $750,000 will increase from $2,251 to $2,814, a difference of $563 or 0.1 per cent of the value of the build.The $100,000 increase in cover is to keep pace with the higher building industry costs.The state government also intends to update the regulations that will make it mandatory for all insurers to provide the increased cover to better protect all people building or renovating their home. Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels says South Australians will gain a much stronger level of protection when building a home.“Buying a home is the biggest investment most people will make in their lives and it is so important that people have sufficient building indemnity insurance in place when building.“Our building industry is strong but we have all seen the horror stories in recent years after a builder has collapsed and that’s why we have acted to ensure South Australian consumers have better protection in place to complete their homes in the event something goes wrong.”Building Indemnity Insurance protects homeowners against losses relating to non- completion of a property and defective works where a builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent.It has ensured work can be completed on properties impacted by the insolvency of major builders, including Felmeri Group, 7 Star Constructions, Qattro Built and Xtraordinary Constructions.The state government took on underwriting Building Indemnity Insurance when private insurers withdrew from this specific market in 2013.It says in the past 12 months, several builders have become insolvent, and currently more than 100 claims have been lodged relating to the collapse of those businesses.

Call for Royal Commission into toxic algal bloom
Call for Royal Commission into toxic algal bloom

14 July 2025, 3:05 AM

An independent Royal Commission must be convened to examine the wide-ranging and devastating impacts of the toxic algal bloom on South Australia’s marine industries, according to the state opposition.The Liberal Party is calling on the state government to allocate funding to support the Royal Commission and recommends the terms of reference include:A review of marine environment monitoring.Identifying key environmental early warning signs of toxic algal blooms.Examining health impacts of the toxic algae to marine life and humans.Economic impact of marine disasters on coastal communities and industries.Preventative measures to avoid or reduce impact of future events.Recommendations for how to respond to future events.Leader of the Opposition Vincent Tarzia says the sheer scale of the environmental disaster on our coastline demands this scale of response.“This goes far beyond politics. This is about doing all we can collectively to ensure we understand the full impact of this disaster and what actions we can take to help the affected industries,” he says. “The experience of similar incidents around the world shows that it could be several years before our fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries recover from the enormity of the algal bloom event.“A Royal Commission would bring independent accountability, transparency and real recommendations for the best way to support our industries now and into the future.“We firmly believe that a Royal Commission is what this crisis deserves and will bring the necessary independent oversight to this issue. I would encourage the government to pursue this as a matter of urgency.”Acting Premier Susan Close has rejected the call, saying it would be a waste of money asking questions scientists have already answered.The Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Regional South Australia, Dr Nicola Centofanti, says the state’s marine industries are worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the economy and they deserve this investment in their future."Royal Commissions are the highest form of public inquiry in our democratic system,” Dr Centofanti says.“We establish them when an issue is so serious, so complex, or so systemic that it demands a deep, independent investigation, beyond what a Government department or Parliamentary committee can provide.“While a Royal Commission provides a medium to long term solution, we are also calling on the Government to do better when it comes to immediate relief.“We are calling for a full waiver of commercial fishing license fees beyond June of this year for those affected.“When boats can’t go out and catches can’t be made, it really is unjustified to expect businesses to pay fees that are normally based on active commercial use.”Shadow Minister for the Environment and Finniss MP David Basham says a Royal Commission would also look at the impact natural disasters have on coastal communities who rely on tourism and marine industries.“Many coastal towns have now had two peak school holiday periods impacted by this algal bloom, yet where is the relief or certainty for them?“The future of our coastal environment, communities and industries relies on us doing the right thing now, and that means an urgent and independent Royal Commission.“Labor’s environmental platform to date seems to be an effort to secure COP and even that being delivered is in doubt.“Labor has done nothing but grandstand its environmental credentials by declaring a climate emergency, but this is pure tokenism when they fail to respond when the impact of that emergency washes up on our shores.”

Too many bloomin’ ideas
Too many bloomin’ ideas

13 July 2025, 3:00 AM

Too many bloomin’ ideasWords: David O’Brien | Images: Shane Grocke of Fleurieu ImageryThanks to Coast Lines magazineHave you ever realised that what you’re meant to do in life has been right in front of you all along?That’s exactly what happened to Luisa Berry Smith when she found herself on the western Fleurieu coast after life took an unexpected turn five years ago.“It was the wrong time in history—when COVID hit. I lost my job and spent six months looking for work in Adelaide with no luck. I came down to Normanville for a weekend away, saw the local café was hiring, and thought, ‘Great, I’ll work from here and figure something out.’ Five years later, I’ve moved down permanently and own a business.”Luisa’s story takes a few loops, so let’s rewind.“I worked in hospitality after uni in the 2000s while travelling. It was an easy job to pick up—if you're a hospitable person, it’s just about learning a few niche skills and you can go anywhere.”Then came a big career shift: “I switched to finance for 13 years, climbed the corporate ladder and everything. But eventually I realised corporate life wasn’t for me. I took everything I learned—financial skills, team management—and brought it with me into the café world.”Fast forward to Normanville, where Luisa took up a local café job. But she wasn’t settled.“I worked at the café for about a year, then moved on. I just couldn’t find the right fit—worked at Bunnings, Ampol, even tried remote work as a travel consultant. Nothing clicked. Then my absolute favourite café in Normanville went up for sale. It was a tiny 32-seater on the corner next to the bakery. It was called Southbound Diner. I’d never owned a business before but thought, ‘Why not? I’ll give it a go for the length of the lease—three years. If it’s going well, I’ll keep going.’”It’s clear Luisa is someone who thinks deeply—and acts decisively. When opportunity knocks, she opens the door.Just over a year into running the newly named Southbound Café, another door opened.“I had the chance to lease the Old Courthouse—a 163-year-old heritage-listed building. It had been vacant for seven months, and people were wondering what would happen with it. I saw the opportunity to expand and jumped.”For Luisa, bringing the heritage building back to life was just as important as growing her business.“It’s a building for the community. It has so much history. Everyone had a connection to it. I wanted to honour that.”She took over just two weeks before Christmas 2024.“I’ve probably quadrupled my seating space. I rebranded, renamed, completely restyled the café.”At the heart of Bloom & Brew Co. is a love for good coffee.“Coffee brings people in. Once you win them over with great coffee—right beans, right milk—you can turn them into diners.”Luisa is also deeply committed to local produce.“I wanted to use mostly South Australian products—food and drinks. We’re on the Fleurieu! We’ve got amazing local suppliers—Fleurieu Milk Company, Patio Coffee Roasters in Adelaide, Eden Valley Farms for olive oil, feta, olives. My fruit and veg come from just up the road in Seaford. And we serve local beer and wine.”Her dedication has been recognised—Bloom & Brew Co. is now a Brand SA partner.Upstairs, she’s maximised the space further by creating a co-working hub.“There are three rooms. One’s a boardroom for meetings or workshops—seats eight, has whiteboards, a TV for video calls. Another has hot desks for affordable hire for an hour or a day. The third is a longer-term space for people working down here, especially in summer.“We’ve started running workshops—we hosted two pottery classes for the Festival Fleurieu, and a macramé wall hanging session. Live music is starting up. And later this year, when it’s warmer, I’d love to run an open-air cinema night.”Luisa is full of ideas and she’s not slowing down. If you want to more of her plans—and there are many—head down to Bloom & Brew Co. in Normanville. Chances are, she’s got another idea brewing.

Fleurieu Unearthed uncovers winter pleasures
Fleurieu Unearthed uncovers winter pleasures

11 July 2025, 9:41 PM

Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism is inviting visitors to ‘unearth’ the best of the world-famous region this winter with a new tourism campaign and revitalised events in the cooler months.Fleurieu Unearthed is a celebration of food, wine, story and place that supports small operators in the region and builds on the South Australian Tourism Commission’s current tactical marketing campaign – ‘Simple Pleasures Guide to Winter’ - to drive off-peak regional visitation.Fleurieu Unearthed unites three hero festivals from August until October:Fleurieu Food Festival | 1-31 August - managed by Fleurieu Food Inc, Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism and South Australian Destination Management Co.Langhorne Creek Cellar Treasures | 15-17 August – managed by Langhorne Creek Grape & Wine Inc.McLaren Vale Grenache & Gourmet | 19 September to 6 October – managed by McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism AssociationEvent highlights include a personal chef experience at off-grid Nest & Nature; Canoe the Coorong for bushtucker walks and local fish burger on the sand dunes; a relaxed long lunch in Langhorne Creek; and the Fun-ghi Dining Experience at Ekhidna Kitchen & Wines.Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says Fleurieu Unearthed is the perfect celebration of what makes the Fleurieu Peninsula a must-visit destination all year round.“We know events trigger visitation and entice visitors to stay longer, and I have no doubt the three hero festivals on offer this winter will see foodies and festival goers commit to a trip to the Fleurieu Peninsula throughout the traditionally quieter months. Discover the Fleurieu Unearthed on the website.Tourism is a core economic driver for the Fleurieu Peninsula, supporting thousands of jobs across accommodation, hospitality, retail, experiences, and events.Many businesses, from small family-run ventures to larger operators, rely on seasonal tourism demand. Beyond economic benefits, tourism enhances community vibrancy, cultural exchange, and regional branding—drawing attention to local food, wine, and outdoor experiences.South Australian tourism operators and industry bodies can find out more about how to leverage the campaign online. 

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