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. 

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

The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board is asking the island’s community and visitors to get involved with recording and reporting effects of the algal bloom.It is working closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and the Environmental Protection Authority to monitor the current Harmful Algal Bloom affecting South Australia.The board is asking people who notice dead fish or other marine life along the Kangaroo Island coastline to report any dead marine life and unusual marine mortalities.It says reporting helps scientists track the impact of the bloom and guide the ongoing response and asks people to call the Fishwatch Hotline (24/7): 1800 065 522Callers will be asked for details such as time, date and location so the incident can be investigated and recorded.To report dead marine mammals  such as seals, dolphins and whales people should call the KI National Parks Office on 0477 334 898.Monitoring efforts can also be supported through iNaturalist, by downloading the free app and joining the Kangaroo Island Algal Bloom Impacts project, then uploading observations and photos of affected marine life.Situational updates on the algal bloom are available on the PIRSA website.

An illegal e-bike was seized on Friday after the rider was caught riding on the footpath at Port Noarlunga.Around 3pm Friday 5 December, motorcycle officers stopped an electric mountain bike on the Esplanade, Port Noarlunga and spoke with the rider. Police inspected the bicycle where they allegedly uncovered that it was illegally modified and as such was capable of travelling in excess of 100 km/h.Such a modification means the bike is legally considered a motorcycle and therefore subject to standard licence and registration provisions.Checks on the rider revealed that he has never held a motorcycle licence.The 16-year-old boy from Sellicks Beach was reported for riding whilst unlicensed, riding an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and failing to wear a motorbike helmet. He will be dealt with in accordance with the Young Offenders Act.His bike was impounded for 28 days.314230

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. 

The Botanic Designer, Markus Hamence, will lead a free workshop on using plants to create a magical table for Christmas entertaining on Friday 12 December.The one-hour workshop that is fun-filled, entertaining and full-of-acts will be held in the Goolwa library at 10am.This program is partly funded through an Age Friendly SA Grant from Office for Ageing Well.It is free to attend but books are essential via the Alexandrina Council Eventbrite page.

The Christmas magic is back at the District Council of Yankalilla with Santa's mailbox returning to the main council office.It is there to collect all the letters full of Christmas wishes from children of all ages. To help the elves deliver the mail to Santa in time, letters must be posted by next Friday 12 December. Santa will reply to every letter, so a return address should be included with the Christmas wishlist.

Incident UpdateBALD HILLSIssued on05 Dec 2025 14:14Bald Hills grass fireThe CFS is responding to a grass fire near Inman Valley and Bald Hills, in the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. 60 CFS volunteers on 12 trucks and 4 support vehicles, supported by aircraft, have contained a fire, which started burning in grass and hay bales and is causing a significant level of smoke. Anyone driving in the area is urged to take care and drive to conditions. Crews will be onsite for some time working extinguish the fire and ensure the scene remains safe. For further information or updates, please continue to monitor the CFS website - www.cfs.sa.gov.auMessage ID 0008765Stay informedCFS website cfs.sa.gov.auInformation Hotline 1800 362 361For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361For teletype service TTY 133 677 then ask for 1800 362 361CFS on Facebook or XAlert SA Mobile AppOn local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast PartnersFor emergencies call Triple Zero (000).End of message.

A search and rescue training exercise is happening at the Bluff Boat Ramp tomorrow, Saturday 6 December. Multiple organisations will be involved in the exercise, with a large number of emergency service vehicles and vessels in the area.The training exercise is expected to conclude by 1pm and while it is underway there will be limited trailer parking available and there may be delays accessing the boat ramp. Check live boat ramp conditions via the City of Victor Harbor webcam online. Boat ramp fees across the Fleurieu and on Kangaroo Island have been waived for the summer under the state and federal government algal bloom summer plan.

Onkaparinga Council is inviting community feedback on a proposal to install permanent bollards along the existing no-vehicle zone at Sellicks Beach. This engagement is about the bollard proposal only – vehicle access rules are not changing.The proposed bollards aim to:Maintain car-free beach areas for safe, uninterrupted pedestrian access.Improve safety for beachgoers.Protect the coastal environment.Prevent vehicles from entering restricted areas.It follows a deputation presented at the council meeting on 14 October and builds on previous council discussions and community feedback about bollards and signage at Sellicks Beach, Aldinga and Silver Sands, dating back to 2018. Community input will help determine whether bollards are installed and, if supported, what their design and function should be.Engagement is open until 1 February 2025 and all feedback will be considered by councillors in March next year before any decisions are made.To find out more about the proposal and to complete a short survey visit the council website.

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 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.”

Drivers are urged to stay alert and drive responsibly this Thursday, December 4, as mobile speed cameras will be operating across South Australia, including regional centres and metro areas.With the festive season approaching and road traffic increasing, police continue their efforts to reduce speeding and improve safety for all road users. These mobile cameras are placed in areas known for high traffic volumes or past incidents, helping to prevent crashes and encourage safe driving behaviour.The full list of mobile speed camera locations for Thursday is available below. Let’s all do our part to make our roads safer as we head into the holiday season.BRIAR RD, FELIXSTOWCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDFITZROY TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEGALLOWAY RD, O'SULLIVAN BEACHGLEN OSMOND RD, GLEN OSMONDGORGE RD, ATHELSTONEGRANT RD, REYNELLAGRAVES ST, NEWTONKOONGA AVE, ROSTREVORLANGMAN GR, FELIXSTOWLEFEVRE TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEMAGILL RD, MAGILLMAIN SOUTH RD, OLD NOARLUNGAMAIN SOUTH RD, MORPHETT VALEMEYER RD, LONSDALEODESSA DR, WOODCROFTOLD SOUTH RD, OLD REYNELLAOSMOND TCE, NORWOODPERRY BARR RD, HALLETT COVEPIMPALA RD, OLD REYNELLAROY TCE, CHRISTIES BEACHSHERRIFFS RD, REYNELLASTATES RD, ONKAPARINGA HILLSSTRADBROKE RD, ATHELSTONEWALKERVILLE TCE, GILBERTON

A sunset screening of surf film Ceibo will be held at Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday 13 December.It follows two surfing legends, Pacha Light and Lucy Small, as they journey across Ecuador to learn from women how to better coexist with the planet. Along the way, Pacha untangles her own evolving identity as she reconnects with her Ecuadorian roots and embraces what it means to be Ecuadorian.  A bonus local surf film will also be shown.The event is hosted by the Surfrider Foundation and Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club as a fundraiser for a citizen science project with diving Adelaide.Go along for food, drinks, a beach bar and bean bags for a chill Aussie beach party from 6pm to 10pm. Tickets are $12 and include popcorn; book via Humanitix. Find out more about the local Surfrider Foundation on Instagram @reefrangers.

The McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association is encouraging local photographers to capture the magic Christmas at its two festive events this week.This evening, 3 December, the Mix and Jingle replaces the Association's usual monthly members Mix and Mingle, with everyone invited to year-end celebration that honours McLaren Vale’s community and traditions. At the event each year the latest Bushing Monarchs are celebrated, by paving their names into history along the Main Road.  Main Road has had a paver for every Bushing Monarch since the tradition began in 1973, to honours the winemaker of the ‘Best Wine of Show’ at the McLaren Vale Wine Show. Giles Cooke MW and Patrick Gilhooly of Thistledown Wines have been crowned the 2025 McLaren Vale Bushing Monarchs, an accolade recognising their contribution to the McLaren Vale wine industryThe evening starts at 5.30pm and will feature wine, food and an opportunity for the community to reflect on the year while enjoying the festive atmosphere.The Association will follow up this special celebration with the annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday 7 December, starting at 6pm.Main Road will come alive with creative floats, music and festive cheer, all organised by local volunteers. Celebrations will continue in the Piazza following the pPageant with food, wine, beer, market stalls and family entertainment. 

Best-selling Fleurieu author Darry Fraser will speak about her work at two local libraries this month, with appearances at Goolwa and Yankalilla.Known for her captivating stories about ordinary people living in nineteenth-century Australia,  Darry will discuss her writing journey, inspirations and her latest book, The Adventuress of Albany.She will be at Goolwa Library on Thursday 4 December, from 4pm to 5pm and at Yankalilla Library on Friday 12 December at 10.30am.There will be book sales and signings after the talks.Both events are free to attend, but booking is essential for catering purposes - online for the Goolwa session and by calling 8558 2043 for Yankalilla.

District Council of Yankalilla is reviewing its current rating structure and has developed a proposal that rebalances how rates are distributed across different property types.The council says its review is not about increasing overall revenue but about determining whether the current rating structure still reflects community expectations, is fair and supports long-term financial sustainability. It will consider:Rating distribution and trends in property value across the District.Land use and ownership patterns.Capacity to pay across different property types.The District’s socio-economic diversity, business diversity and community values.The council is asking the community to take some time to become familiar with the rating system – learn how it works and how rates are calculated. There will then be an opportunity to provide direct feedback to councillors before they decide on any changes.Anyone interested in finding out more and register for project updates can visit the council website and read the consultation paper. There will also be an information drop-In session at the Yankalilla Library on Wednesday 17 December, from 3pm to 6.30pm.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Seaford and are asking members of the public for assistance.About 9.15am Friday 28 November, police and fire crews responded to reports of a waste compactor fire outside Seaford Shopping Centre. Clothing inside the centre was damaged by smoke and the compactor was subsequently destroyed.Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the fire and ask anyone in the vicinity of the shops on Friday morning, who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour, to come forward.If you have any CCTV or dashcam footage of the centre’s car park from 8.30am to 9.30am, please contact Crime Stoppers online www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000 – you can remain anonymous.306918

State Traffic Enforcement Officers have today seized two bikes being illegally ridden in Seaford.At 3.30pm on Monday 1 December police spoke with the riders of a modified mountain bike and an electric pit bike on Grand Boulevard Seaford.The bikes which should not be ridden on a road were seized and the rider of the mountain bike, 14- year-old boy from O’Sullivan Beach and the rider of the pit bike a 17-year -old boy from Port Noarlunga South have been reported for ride unlicenced, unregistered, uninsured and fail to wear a motorcycle helmet.Both bikes were impounded and towed from the scene.310007 /309994