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More ways to support algal bloom recovery
More ways to support algal bloom recovery

11 December 2025, 8:08 PM

A host of community-led initiatives are being rolled out to support environmental resilience and restoration, providing more ways for South Australians to get involved and give back to the marine environment during the recovery from the algal bloom. Backed by the state government’s $102.5 million summer plan, new measures that the public can get behind include:More support for seagrass restoration, expanding on the volunteer-led program run by fish habitat charity OzFish. Establishing a public drop-off point, now in place, for recycled shellfish shells to help restore native reefs.Dedicated volunteer portal launched today to highlight opportunities available.Seagrass restoration helps filter excess nutrients from the water, supports bacteria that inhibit algal growth, improves water quality and provides a nursery habitat for juvenile fish and other marine species. Through OzFish’s Seeds for Snapper Adelaide program, volunteers rescue seagrass seeds found washed ashore – which are then processed in tanks, sewn into biodegradable sandbags and placed in the ocean to help restore seagrass meadows.OzFish SA Project Manager Brad Martin says as well as providing an important habitat for fish, seagrasses help to stabilise soil and sediment on the ocean floor, helping to protect our shorelines from erosion and storms.“Seagrasses store carbon and nutrients, which can help to improve water quality – a hectare of seagrass can store 35 times more carbon than a hectare of rainforest.“OzFish’s shell recycling project is a sustainable solution that reduces waste and conserves our ocean. We are pleased to continue to work with the community to recycle as many shells as possible to build and restore South Australia's shellfish reefs.” The state government will deliver additional support to the metropolitan program over summer, building on the program’s success which has seen 50,000 seedlings replanted across the Gulf St Vincent in the past five years. South Australians can also play a key role in creating additional community shellfish reefs, as part of the summer plan efforts. A public shellfish collection bin has been set up at Port Noarlunga jetty, allowing people to drop off shells of seafood they consume at home. Additional drop-off locations will be determined in partnership with OzFish and local councils.Effective shells for establishing new reefs include SA oysters, scallops and mussels, with donated shells taken to Garden Island for processing.Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood says South Australians are passionate about their marine environment and have made clear they want to step up and give back to coastal communities. “We’ve heard this at our community forums and responded through our summer plan to help the public contribute to projects making a difference across the state.  “Volunteers are already driving local initiatives, citizen science projects and on-ground observations, and expanding on these efforts to get more people involved will strengthen our recovery from this unprecedented event.“To support projects underway, a new volunteer portal – listing programs and events the community can contribute to – has been created on the Government’s dedicated algal bloom site. Registrations are now open to get involved in key initiatives, including seagrass restoration and community reefs along with becoming a beach clean-up volunteer.   

Stronger police powers for missing persons
Stronger police powers for missing persons

10 December 2025, 8:00 PM

Police have been given stronger search and entry powers to investigate high risk missing persons cases, following the passage of key legislation through State Parliament.The laws give police greater powers when seeking to enter a premises to investigate high risk missing persons cases, ensuring they have all the powers they need at their disposal to keep the community safe.Under the previous laws, police could only enter and search a premises without the owner’s consent if they reasonably suspected a crime had been committed, a person had died or that a person was in need of medical or other assistance.The reform expands police powers, by allowing senior police officers to authorise a police officer to enter a premises, vehicle, vessel or other place without the owner’s consent if they reasonably suspect that either a high risk missing person or information that may assist in locating the person is there.An authorisation given by a senior police officer remains in force for a maximum period of up to 48 hours, until the missing person is located, or the authorisation is revoked (whichever occurs sooner).  Attorney-General Kyam Maher says these reforms will be an important tool in helping SA Police investigate missing persons cases comprehensively and effectively, by providing police with additional powers that can be used in investigations involving vulnerable individuals who may suffer serious harm if not located quickly.“Given time is of the essence in these types of investigations, ensuring police have the ability to enter a property without an owner’s consent will help ensure they have access to any potential information that may assist with their inquiries.“These measures are responsible changes that will expand police powers while also ensuring there are appropriate checks and balances in place.Initial authorisation to enter a premises will be overseen by senior police officers while any application to enter or search a premises that extends beyond the 48 hour mark will need to be considered by a Supreme Court judge before approval is given.Acting Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Cath Hilliard says SA Police welcome any legislative amendment that will assist in enhancing the ability of police to keep the community safe.“The amendment of the Summary Offences Act will provide police, in certain cases, with additional powers that can be used in investigations involving vulnerable individuals.“The amendment gives police the power to search a premises, vehicle, vessel or other place if a senior officer suspects such action may provide information that may assist in locating a high risk missing person.”The new laws will also allow police to apply to a Supreme Court judge for a warrant to enter and search a premises in relation to a high risk missing person investigation for a longer period in certain circumstances. The laws are based on similar laws already in effect in Queensland.

Who makes the local community shine?
Who makes the local community shine?

10 December 2025, 2:08 AM

Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island residents are encouraged to recognise the everyday heroes who strengthen local communities, with nominations now open for the 2026 South Australian Volunteer Awards.Volunteers lift communities – from crisis response to neighbourhood support – and these awards honour their generosity and talent, which often goes unrecognised.People can nominate themselves or another group or individual they know in the following categories:The Joy Noble Medal - South Australia’s highest distinction for an individual volunteer.The Andamooka’ Community Project Award - Recognising a community or group volunteer project of significant community benefit.The Young Volunteer Award – Honouring an impressive young volunteer aged 12 to 25.The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award - Honouring a volunteer manager for their outstanding contribution to the profession.The Premier’s Award for Corporate Social Responsibility – Recognising the community contribution of a South Australian for-profit business.Winners of the 2025 awards included a suicide prevention advocate; a champion of reconciliation and social justice; an SA-based global education platform for isolated students; and volunteers from the much-loved Chihuly in the Botanic Gardens.The 2026 South Australian Volunteer Awards will be held at Government House for the first time, coinciding with National Volunteer Week, which runs from 18 to 24 May 2026.Volunteering SA&NT Chief Executive Hamilton Calder says the South Australian Volunteer Awards continue to honour those whose dedication and compassion make a real and lasting difference across the state.“Each year we are inspired by the stories of people who quietly transform their communities through service. “With the valued support of the department, we’re proud to once again host this important celebration of service.”Danica Gates, 2025 Joy Noble Medal winner, says people often think volunteering means joining a big group where everyone connects and agrees – but that’s not always the case. “Volunteering isn’t only about being part of a group. If you’re passionate about something or want to create change, there are many ways to strengthen your community on your own. “Connecting with others isn’t possible for everyone – and that’s okay. There are still meaningful ways to contribute.”South Australia has more than 950,000 volunteers who contribute an estimated 223 million hours each year, equivalent to $36 billion in social and economic value.Help to recognise the local heroes in the community by nominating an exceptional volunteer or group for the South Australian Volunteer Awards. Self-nominations are also welcome.Nominations close Monday 26 January at 5pm.The awards are presented by Volunteering SA&NT and supported by the South Australian Department of Human Services.For more information visit the website.   

Summer of science on the Coorong
Summer of science on the Coorong

09 December 2025, 1:50 AM

This summer locals and visitors can get to know the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) region better through a series of free events.From a family-friendly fun early evening with popcorn and ice cream at a screening of that most classic Coorong movie, Storm Boy, to meeting the people who are out in all weathers running our field research, join the CLLMM Research Centre for its Summer Series of Science 2025/26.The CLLMM Research Centre in Goolwa collaborates with local communities to develop and deliver knowledge of how climate change is impacting the region, and how and what can be done to prepare for it or prevent it.“During our Summer Series of Science visitors can get to know our work firsthand,” says Dr Tiffany Nay, Education and Science Communications Coordinator.“Our research includes 29 projects that examine aspects of how we live and thrive in this area, despite challenges from the harmful algal bloom in autumn and winter, low rainfall reviving memories of drought, to floods and fish kills.“We invite more community participation in our projects to help us identify and fill knowledge gaps about how we can manage present and future change.”The Summer of Science Series presents four exclusive events:12 December: 7-9pm twilight screening of Storm Boy.13 January: Freshwater Science Tour on the River Murray for insight into CLLMM research projects including lokeri (mussels), the local rakali (water rodent) and revegetation efforts.20 January: Saltwater Science Tour on the River Murray for insight into CLLMM research projects including shared access to ocean beaches, and the vulnerability of coastal dunes.6 February: Speed dating with science is an informal evening with researchers to find out about their work, helping understand climate adaptation.The Centre is open from 9 to 5pm, and people of all ages can experience the SandBox, a highly colourful, state-of-the-art virtual reality platform designed specifically for CLLMM. It is a fun and immersive way - using sand and computer overlays - for users to explore information on the cultural, economic, environmental and social values of the region.Based in Goolwa, the Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre works collaboratively with First Nations and community organisations on projects that investigate the significant challenges posed by climate change throughout the region.

Snakes and adders: play it safe this summer
Snakes and adders: play it safe this summer

08 December 2025, 7:33 PM

Fleurieu residents and visitors are being encouraged to stay vigilant as the weather heats up, bringing snakes out of their slumber heading into summer. There have already been several reports of snakes on nature strips and roadsides on the south coast and summer has only just begun.New SA Ambulance Service data reveals 91 patients were treated for snake bites in 2024 – the highest number of callouts in the past five years (2020-2025). Summer has been the busiest season for ambos, with more than 170 snake bites responded to between December and February since 2020 – compared to around 130 bites in spring over the same period. During the warmer months, snakes become active out of brumation – a hibernation-like state – signalling that breeding season is underway. Snakes, like other animals, need food, water and shelter – and will make use of any cover close to the ground, such as wood heaps or piles of corrugated iron. Steps to minimise snake encounters at home include keeping the yard clear of long grass, removing rubbish and actively reducing rats and mice on the property. Bushwalkers in national parks and reserves are advised to stick to trails, make some noise when walking and wear enclosed footwear and long pants. Venomous species commonly found across the state include eastern brown snakes, red-bellied black snakes, copperhead snakes, western brown snakes and tiger snakes.Snakes – which are a protected species and play a vital role in the state’s ecosystem – should be left alone if encountered, whether they are venomous or not. Most snake bites occur only when someone attempts to handle or kill a snake.Benita Dillon, Principal Ecologist Wildlife Management, Department for Environment and Water, says snakes are protected under South Australian law and have an important place in our ecosystem, especially controlling rats and mice.“Just because you’ve never seen a snake on your property doesn’t mean they aren’t there, so you should always be careful about putting your hands or feet into spots you can’t see, like long grass, or that pile of junk behind the shed.”Snakes will generally try to avoid confrontation with a human by either moving away and hiding or lying still until the person has moved away. Like most wild animals, snakes will defend themselves if they are startled, feel threatened or are cornered.If found inside the home, keep children and pets away, watch where the snake goes if safe to do so and call a licenced snake catcher to remove it.If someone is bitten by a snake, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Keep the person as calm and still as possible and apply pressure bandaging. If the bite is to a limb, apply another pressure bandage, beginning at the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and extending upward to cover as much of the limb as possible. Leave the bandage in place until medical help arrives.Do not wash the bite, cut the wound, apply a tourniquet or attempt to catch the snake.For more information on living with snakes and property maintenance, visit the Environment SA website. 

Excellence in business celebrated in Victor
Excellence in business celebrated in Victor

08 December 2025, 8:01 AM

Business excellence across the Fleurieu was celebrated at a gala evening for the 2025 Business Victor Harbor Awards on Friday 5 December at McCracken Convention Centre.This year there were 14 merit based categories, with 73 nominations. Chop It Axe Throwing Alley was named Business of the Year, while the Fleurieu App took out two awards.The 2025 winners are:Services Industries Award – Old Coach Road EstateTrades Business Award – 4Life ConstructionsProfessional Services & Finance Award - Cathy Domoney Executive CoachingPrimary & Agribusiness Industry Award – FPAG, Victor HarborEducation, Employment & Training Award -  Fleurieu Study HubHealth, Social Assistance and Care Award -  SpecSavers, Victor HarborNew Business  Award -  Unicorn Equine ServicesMicro & Homebased Business Award  -  Fleurieu AppRegional Impact Award - Fleurieu AppSustainability Award -  ShedEx FleurieuEmployee of the Year Award   -  Jim Kearns, ShedEx FleurieuApprentice of the Year Award -  Amanda Uttridge Ocean Hair ArtistryExcellence in Workplace Culture & Wellbeing Award  -  Encounter CentreBusiness of the Year Award -  Chop it AxeSusie Williams, creator and Director of the Fleurieu App, said she was both proud and genuinely surprised by the recognition:“To be honest, I’m still in shock! Winning the Micro & Home-Based Business Award is incredibly special, but receiving the Regional Impact Award truly means the world. The Fleurieu App has always been about connecting our community—offering a free local platform where residents, businesses and visitors can find everything that’s happening across the Fleurieu. We work hard to provide a cost-effective and interactive space for local businesses to advertise and be seen across the entire region. For the judges to recognise and appreciate that purpose is something very special, and it really does make all the hard work worthwhile.” The nominees for this year are: 4life Constructions, Back Valley Farm Pastured Raised Eggs, BCS Electrical Pty Ltd, Cathy Domoney Executive Coaching, Chop It Axe Throwing & Escape It Rooms, Encounter Community Centre, FAFM First Aid and Workplace Training, Fleurieu App, Fleurieu Crash Repairs, Fleurieu Locksmith, Fleurieu Study Hub, FPAG (FP Agriservices), JaDs Hairdressers, Kink, Mr Menswear, Newton & Co Real Estate, Ocean Hair Artistry, Oldbook, Old Coach Road Estate, Pan Co, Parkers Crash Repairs Victor Harbor, Plus Printing, Sanctuary Day Spa, See Optometry, ShedEx Fleurieu, Shortie Designs, SkinOptics, Southern Vales Legal, Specsavers Victor Harbor, Spirit of the Coorong, Stacked Signs PTY LTD, Strive Kids Hub PTY LTD, Sweep & Shine, The Big Duck Boat Tours, The Pirate's Seachest, Thinkwater Fleurieu, Trent's Plumbing & Gas,  Unicorn Equine Services, Victor Harbor Motor Co

	 New children’s mental health service in the south
New children’s mental health service in the south

07 December 2025, 8:19 PM

Children in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and on the Fleurieu Peninsula now have access to early intervention and mental health support through a new Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub. The Kids Hub located at the Marion GP Plus Health Care Centre was officially opened last week by Emma McBride MP, federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Chris Picton, SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing. The Kids Hub provides free mental health and wellbeing support for children aged 0-12 years experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, relational and/or behavioural challenges, while supporting their families, carers and kin. Children don’t need a formal referral or diagnosis to receive care. The Marion Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub will service southern Adelaide families, including those living in Bedford Park. Outreach services are also available at the Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre, providing access for children, and their families in the outer southern metropolitan region and the Fleurieu. Through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, the Australian and South Australian governments are working together to establish a Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub across two locations, aimed at improving the mental health of children.  The second site will be established in northern Adelaide with the location to be confirmed. Over the next four years, the federal government is working with all states and territories to create a national network of 17 Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs. Kids Hubs aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children through the provision of accessible, child-centred services at no cost to families. The Marion Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub at 10 Milham Street in Oaklands Park is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Outreach services at Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre on Pridham Boulevard in Aldinga Beach are open Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. For more information about Kids Hubs and helpful resources, visit the website. 

Alexandrina honours volunteer service
Alexandrina honours volunteer service

04 December 2025, 2:11 AM

Alexandrina Council has recognised the contribution of 152 volunteers who have contributed 7,329 hours of service to council programs and activities over the past year.Their efforts were highlighted at a recent Volunteer Recognition Event, held at Centenary Hall in Goolwa, and attended by Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes, Councillors Michael Scott, Margaret Gardner and Peter Oliver, Acting Chief Executive Officer Tash Hunt, General Manager Infrastructure Alan Harvey, and General Manager Community Stacey Bateson.The theme for the 2025 event was Sustainability in Action, with natural, fully compostable materials selected to reduce waste and educational materials on recycling and resource recovery provided on guest tables.Certificates of Appreciation were presented to more than 20 volunteers who had contributed 10 years of service (or more) to Council, including Libby Wall, Michael Cordell, Lyn Kearvell and Penny Bell who were recognised for 15 years of service.Council volunteer programs include the Visitor Information Centres at Strathalbyn and Goolwa, the Libraries at Goolwa and Strathalbyn, Centenary Hall and Art Galleries, Open Space and Cemeteries, and the Advance Care Directive support service.“I would like to thank each of the 152 volunteers across our programs who continue to give so generously their time and talents,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“Our community relies heavily on the work of our volunteers in our programs and services, and we are incredibly thankful for their continued commitment.“Our volunteers restore native habitat and improve biodiversity, they help make our community gardens and our parks and reserves places that foster community pride, they assist visitors to our region, promote local businesses and local artists, repair books, research history, act as tour guides and assist residents with information so they can ensure their future care needs are officially documented.“Their efforts have a huge impact on the positive interactions and experiences that residents and visitors have with Council, and Council thanks them sincerely for their valuable service.”To learn more about volunteer in the community through Alexandrina Council, visit the website.

RAA calls for growth without gridlock
RAA calls for growth without gridlock

03 December 2025, 7:59 PM

RAA has released its state election platform, outlining a vision to support South Australia’s population and housing growth through investment in infrastructure and services that improve the state’s liveability. With South Australia’s population set to eclipse two million within the next five years, RAA has put forward a suite of over 30 projects and recommendations to support growth by improving infrastructure and services.Top 10 recommendations include:Housing Growth Transport Infrastructure Package to deliver:​​​​A blueprint to expand rail to the north and south of Adelaide – extending the Gawler and Seaford lines.A third lane on Main South Road between the Southern Expressway and Onkaparinga River.A third lane on Main North Road between Montague Road and Kesters Road.Duplicating Curtis Road.An overpass at the intersection of Port Wakefield Highway and Riverlea Boulevard.Expand on-demand bus services in outer suburbs and regional centres.A third lane on the South Eastern Freeway from Crafers to Verdun.Secure full funding to progress the Adelaide Hills Freight Bypass to get more trucks out of metropolitan Adelaide,Plan and commit funding to duplicate key sections of the Augusta Highway, Sturt Highway and Dukes Highway, and,Address the road maintenance backlog through a $1 billion fund over four years. ​​​Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade says the RAA state election platform is a blueprint for South Australia to achieve growth without gridlock and drive a state that is safe, sustainable and liveable.“South Australia’s population is climbing towards two million people and we’re seeing an explosion of new housing to support that,” he says.“That growth is great for our economy, great for jobs and great for our state – but it has to be supported by investment in infrastructure and services.“If we don’t make that investment simultaneously, we run the risk of ending up with gridlock and compromising our state’s liveability which has always been one of best things about South Australia.“We believe we can have growth without gridlock – that’s the blueprint we’ve set out in our election platform.“We’ve outlined a plan to expand rail services and future-proof our road network to support the high growth areas – particularly north and south of Adelaide, as well as the Adelaide Hills.”Mr Reade says RAA acknowledges the state government is undertaking a record infrastructure program, centred around the completion of the North-South Corridor and level crossing removals. “While we fully support the Torrens to Darlington project and understand it’s absorbing a large portion of the infrastructure funding at the moment – there are many other projects we desperately need to support growth around the state,” he says.“We need to think beyond today and create a pipeline of projects ready to roll, positioning our state not just for tomorrow, but for the decades ahead.”

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