A man has been arrested after police located a quantity of suspected stolen property at an Encounter Bay address.Victor Harbor police searched a property in Encounter Bay on Wednesday 11 February, where officers seized multiple items believed to be stolen.Among the items recovered was a Kawasaki motorcycle, identified as one of three bikes stolen during a break-in at Middleton on 12 January. Police also located a whipper snipper linked to a break-in at Back Valley in October.During the search, officers also seized a machete and a crossbow, along with three cannabis plants found in the backyard.A 32-year-old Encounter Bay man was arrested and charged with unlawful possession and possessing a prohibited weapon. He was refused police bail and appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court today.A 67-year-old Encounter Bay man was reported for cultivating cannabis and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.Police are continuing their investigation and are appealing for assistance to locate two green Kawasaki motorcycles — models X230 and X140 — as well as the owners of a large quantity of suspected stolen property, including motorcycle helmets, sunglasses, mobile phones and jewellery.Anyone with enquiries about recovered property can contact Victor Harbor Police Station between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online. Reports can be made anonymously. Reference number: CO2600006418

Incident UpdateThe Deep Creek National Park fire on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula has now been declared controlled, meaning the perimeter is secured and the fire is not expected to break out. It has burned 4,500 hectares and has a perimeter of 60 kilometres.Over the coming weeks, fire crews will continue to actively patrol and work within the fireground to ensure the area remains safe for the wider community.Most closed roads have now been reopened as hazardous tree assessments have been completed by the relevant authorities. There are still some road closures; it is unknown when the roads will be reopened. Visit traffic.sa.gov.au for more information on road closures.Anyone in or near the area is reminded to remain alert to ongoing hazards caused by the fire. These include reduced visibility from smoke, falling branches and trees, and risks associated with fire-affected infrastructure. Damaged fences may allow livestock to wander onto roads, and wildlife may seek refuge in unusual areas, creating additional road hazards.If you are travelling in or through the area, emergency services may be operating on or near the roads. Motorists are urged to take care and to drive according to the conditions.Talisker Conservation Park and Deep Creek National Park remain closed to the public. For further information, visit the closure and alerts page at parks.sa.gov.auWhile the fire is no longer spreading, it may still be burning freely and visibly within the perimeter. If the public sees any unattended fire, they are urged to call Triple Zero (000).CFS Community Engagement Officers will be in the local area, including Cape Jervis and Delamere, over the coming weeks. For further information on future programmed events or workshops, visit the CFS Events Page on the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.auThe Deep Creek fire is affecting local individuals, families and the wider community in many ways. If you have been impacted and would like support, you can register for a wellbeing call back from the Australian Red Cross by completing the wellbeing support registration form. This can be found on the dedicated webpage on the CFS website at cfs.sa.gov.au/deep-creek-fire, alongside ongoing updates and a link to The District Council of Yankalilla Community Resources and Support Services page..Stay 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 short film on local leafy sea dragons is among three Australian features on show in the 13th annual Ocean Film Festival World Tour.The Tour is set to make a splash across Australia from March, returning with a line-up of films that celebrate the ocean from every angle.From high-stakes adventure and record-breaking journeys to intimate portraits of marine life and environmental restoration, the 2026 program is packed with breathtaking cinematography, inspiring characters and a deep respect for the ocean and the communities shaped by it.The local film is A Dragon’s Dance, an underwater poetic tribute to the leafy sea dragon and the extraordinary biodiversity of Australia’s Great Southern Reef.Jemima Robinson, Founder and CEO of the Ocean Film Festival World Tour, says the 2026 season continues the festival’s mission to share ocean stories that move, inspire and connect audiences.“As we head into our 13th year, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour remains a celebration of the ocean in all its beauty, power and vulnerability,” she says.“Each film in the 2026 program offers something special — whether it’s extraordinary adventure, breathtaking marine life, the people dedicating their lives to protecting the sea or a call to action from our audience.”The 2026 festival program showcases a diverse mix of films that span science, conservation, surf culture and wildlife wonder.  The other Australian films are The Kelp Collector, a short following retired scientist Sandy Webb as she documents and preserves the algae species of Port Phillip Bay; and The Raftsmen, an epic story of courage and endurance following 12 unlikely adventurers from seven different countries.The international films are: Stone Biter: Saving The Arctic Sea Forests, from Norway; Antarctica: Domain One, from Argentina, narrated by surfing icon Kelly Slater; and Brazil’s TAINÁ, a portrait of professional surfer Tainá Hinckel.Jemima Robinson says what makes the Ocean Film Festival World Tour so special is the way it brings people together through a shared love of the sea.“It’s always incredible to see audiences come out year after year — not just to watch beautiful films, but to feel part of something bigger,” she says.“The ocean connects all of us, and this event is a chance to celebrate that connection on the big screen.”The family-friendly Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2026 kicks off across Australia in March.South Australian screening will be at The Capri Theatre, in Goodwood, on Saturday 14 March and Victa Cinema, in Victor Harbor, on Saturday 27 June. Tickets are available online.

Alexandrina Council has called out vandalism of trees along the main street of Goolwa.Nine trees along Cadell Street have been spray-painted with red crosses and the council says the action has been taken by vandals and not by the council or any other legitimate entity, according to its enquiries.“Vandalism of public assets, including trees, is an offence under the Local Government Act, and offenders can be prosecuted.“Council is removing the markings using a citrus and eucalyptus oil blend that will not harm the trees. We will also look into this matter further.”The council has called on anyone who has information that may help determine who carried out the vandalism to make contact by email or by calling 8555 7000.It says the future of the street trees along Cadell Street is being reviewed and community consultation will be conducted on in the coming months. “We will be asking for feedback regarding a progressive tree replacement program for the street.”

Investigations are continuing into a fatal light plane crash near Goolwa South earlier this month, as authorities ask the public to assist with the recovery of aircraft debris.Emergency services were called at about 4.20pm on Friday 6 February after reports a light aircraft had crashed into the ocean at Long Bay, near Goolwa South, close to the Murray Mouth.Police and emergency services responded immediately.Tragically, all three men on board the aircraft were later located deceased. They included the pilot, a 53-year-old man from Morphett Vale, along with an 18-year-old man from Freeling and a 20-year-old man from Pasadena.The aircraft wreckage has since been brought ashore.Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are attending the scene, and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.Police are asking members of the public who may find any aircraft fuselage or debris along the coastline to take the item to the Victor Harbor Police Station between 9am and 5pm, or contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 if they are unable to attend the station.Police have thanked supporting emergency services, including CFS, SES, Sea Rescue, and commercial operators, for their assistance during the search and recovery operation.

The federal government has deployed National Emergency Management Stockpile assets to support the South Australian bushfire effort. This includes a large emergency shelter camp capable of accommodating 256 emergency management personnel close to the Deep Creek bushfires. The Humanihut camp is made up of a series of modular huts that can be rapidly deployed to disaster and emergency sites and can house either emergency response personnel or displaced community members. Across 32 (including four that are accessible) huts and six ablutions blocks, each camp has off-grid capability with its own power, potable water and waste-water storage. Each hut has its own climate control system, lighting and power and can sleep up to eight people. By Friday night, less than 10 hours after a convoy carrying the camp left their depot, 128 emergency personnel moved into the base camp. The Humanihut camp will initially be deployed for seven days but may be extended based on operational need. The Humanihut deployment is part of a range of federal support for the current South Australian fires, including the use of the Australian Defence Force’s Keswick Barracks to house emergency personnel, and the deployment of specialist firefighting aircraft. The National Emergency Management Stockpile allows state and territory governments to access additional equipment and services during a crisis. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain says the federal government is making all options available to support the firefighting effort. “This Humanihut camp allows firefighters and other emergency management personnel to stay close to the fire ground, as well as enabling them to spend the end of a long shift somewhere that’s airconditioned, has flushing toilets and showers and is much better protected from the elements than a tent. “That can provide a significant boost to fatigue management and improve the time it takes to respond to these fires.”  The latest CFS incident update says firefighters are continuing to patrol the fireground, extinguishing hotspots throughout the rugged and undulating terrain of the Deep Creek Fire.South Australian firefighters and local Farm Fire Units continue to be supported by interstate crews on the fireground and within our Incident Management Team. Despite the fire being declared contained on Sunday, 8 February, considerable work remains for firefighters to ensure all active fire is put out.Smoke will continue to be seen in the area. While the spread of the fire has stopped, it may still be burning freely within the perimeter of the fire. If the public see any unattended fire they are asked to call Triple Zero (000).The fire has burned approximately 4,400 hectares and has a perimeter of 56 kilometres.SA Police rapid assessment teams have conducted further damage assessments across the Deep Creek Fire, which have identified one unoccupied residential dwelling as part of the impacted structures. It has been confirmed 22 structures have been damaged or destroyed and 12 vehicles have been destroyed.Bushfire investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of this fire, however, the fire is not being treated as suspicious.An increased number of emergency service vehicles are still operating in the area, and as such, the CFS requests any unnecessary travel into and around this area to continue to be avoided.Hazardous tree assessments are still in the process of being finalised. While several roads were recently opened, others still require assessment and work from arborists to be deemed safe to open. Please refer to traffic.sa.gov.au for the most current information. 

Two youths have been arrested following a series of thefts from vehicles in Hallett Cove during the early hours of Wednesday morning.Police were called to Burlington Road at about 2.40am on Wednesday 11 February after reports of two masked males attempting to break into cars, captured on CCTV.A search of the area led police to two 16-year-old boys from Christie Downs, who were found in possession of a balaclava and property believed to have been stolen from six different vehicles in the Hallett Cove area.Both youths were arrested and charged with carrying an article of disguise, unlawful possession, five counts of interfering with a motor vehicle, and three counts of theft.Police are working to return the recovered property to its owners.The boys were refused bail and are due to appear in the Christies Beach Youth Court today.Anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area at the time, or who has relevant CCTV or dash-cam footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online. Reports can be made anonymously.Reference numbers: 39461 / 39477

Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is inviting not-for-profit organisations to collaborate with local young people in remote, rural and regional communities to design and deliver local solutions that respond to the issues that matter most to Australia’s rural youth.Earlier this month, more than 30 young people from across rural Australia attended a week-long Summit in Canberra, where they shared their stories and discussed their most common areas of concern and discussed “How might we…”help young people learn about respectful relationships and consent?connect young people with development opportunities in their communities?help communities connect without alcohol or drugs?support regional communities before and after a disaster?remove barriers and bias in healthcare for regional young people?create safe spaces where young people can connect and grow?Through the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program, local groups and NFPs are now invited to put forward an idea for a grant of up to $10,000 to activate a locally designed initiative that addresses one of the six issues. The submissions will then be shortlisted by the young people who identified the issues, with a number of organisations invited to submit full applications. They will then be reviewed by a Youth Assessment Panel, who will recommend which projects should be funded.Deb Samuels, FRRR Head of Partnerships, says that the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program is a great opportunity for young people to step up as leaders and local changemakers. “Over the past 13 years, we’ve seen firsthand the catalytic impact that occurs when young people are given the opportunity to address issues that matter to them in ways that work for their own communities.“This year we are calling on rural councils, schools and community organisations to put this opportunity in front of young people, and to support them to imagine their own solutions and access the support to see those ideas brought to life.”  Justin Stevens, ABC Director News, says the program continues to empower young people to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities. “The ABC Heywire Regional Summit brings together young people from every corner of Australia, and the issues that they identify reflect the real challenges facing young people on the ground,” he says.“FRRR’s funding plays an important role in the Heywire program. It enables communities to create real impact, while reinforcing to young people that their voices matter and that they can be leaders in their communities.”This round has $100,000 in funding available nationally, thanks to the support of The Sally Foundation, David Mactaggart Foundation, Kellogg’s and private donors. Expressions of Interest close 5pm AEDT Wednesday 11 March, with those invited required to submit full applications by 30 April. Recipients will be announced in July.More information about the grants can be found on the FRRR website.    

Police are investigating the theft of two distinctive road bicycles from a residential property in Normanville.The bikes were stolen from a home on Norman Avenue sometime between 11pm on Wednesday 4 February and 5.30am on Thursday 5 February.The stolen bicycles are described as a black Wilier road bike and a yellow LaPierre road bike.Anyone who sees the bikes or has information that may assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online.Please quote reference number 033492.Police also encourage bike owners to take steps to protect their property, including registering details through bike identification programs.

South Australia’s sick and injured native wildlife will benefit from improved veterinary care under a $1 million state government program to support the volunteer rescue and rehabilitation sector.Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER), at Onkaparinga Hills, will receive $600,000 over four years to help the charity continue its work, including delivering vital care for koalas, echidnas and other native wildlife in need.The volunteer-led organisation has provided free treatment to more than 700 native animals across over 30 species through their on-site veterinary clinic since late 2024.This includes young koala, Axle, who was recently rescued after being struck by a car on Kangarilla Road and becoming wedged inside the vehicle’s grille. He has undergone a full health check and is set to return to the wild in the coming days.SKER’s 24-hour rescue service with a full-time wildlife veterinary clinic enables prompt assessment of rescued wildlife, including x-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests.Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic has been provided $100,000 over four years to support the island’s wildlife carers and deliver critical treatment to native wildlife.A further $300,000 over four years will boost opportunities for veterinarians across the state to undertake specialised training in wildlife treatment.About 20 veterinarians or veterinary nurses will be supported to gain knowledge and skills using established training courses in the program’s first year. Development of new training options will also be considered as part of the investment.SKER Founder and Operations Manager Mish Simpson says this funding will provide a vital lifeline to its Wildlife Veterinary Clinic at a time when demand for services has increased.“We are seeing a steep rise in rescues attended by our own team, alongside a growing number of requests for veterinary support from wildlife carers right across South Australia.“This funding will help us continue providing urgent, specialist veterinary care to sick and injured native animals when they need it most.”There are around 400 permitted wildlife carers in South Australia, each of whom contribute hundreds of hours in voluntary work every year.     

Three Fleurieu sporting organisations will share in $9.1 million in infrastructure grants aimed at empowering girls and women in sport.A total of 41 clubs have been funded through The Power of Her Infrastructure and Participation Program, marking the largest funding round in the program’s history.The funding will support the delivery of safe, accessible spaces, programs and equipment that encourage female participation and meet the current and future needs of South Australian girls and women.The Power of Her was originally launched to ensure the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continues, helping to grow a more inclusive sporting landscape for girls and women across the state.Other sports supported through the program include golf, surfing, tennis, netball, basketball and Australian Rules football.Reflecting the continued growth of girls’ and women’s football (soccer), this funding round will provide more than $6.1 million to support 18 football clubs across South Australia, including Port Elliot’s Southern Breakers.Alexandrina Council has been granted $1,070,000 to construct two new female changerooms and refurbish two existing changerooms at Port Elliot Oval. In other grants, Myponga Memorial Community Centre gets $332,700 to construct new female changerooms and amenities and the Adelaide Hills Dressage Club won $83,100 to construct three new Olympic-sized dressage arenas at Strathalbyn Polo & Recreation Grounds.Michael Carter, CEO of Football SA, says the Power of Her fund has demonstrated a great commitment to the growth of women and girls in sport and in particular Football. “The investment has unlocked millions of dollars in funding from Local Government, educational institutions and clubs.”The benefits will be felt statewide, with 65 per cent of infrastructure stream recipients located in greater metropolitan and regional areas.

Two teenagers were reported for riding unlicensed after they were caught riding e-bikes at Seaford last night.Police received numerous calls from the public reporting kids riding electric bikes on the roadway and in front of cars in the Seaford area around 7pm on Sunday 8 February.PolAir was overhead and located the group on Grand Boulevard, Seaford.  They were tracked to a home address and visited by Road Policing South officers.Two 13-year-old boys were reported for riding unlicensed and one for riding in a manner dangerous to the public after PolAir detected him riding at speeds of up to 80 km/h on the wrong side of the road.His bike was impounded for 28 days.Staying safe on the road is important for all road users. With the increased popularity and use of e-bikes, it is important to know what is legal and prioritise using them responsibly.For more information South Australian e-bikes, go to SA.GOV.AU - Riding a power-assisted bicycle37062

Two Fleurieu councils are updating their Disability Access and Inclusion Plans for 2026–30 and are inviting the community to provide feedback.The District Council of Yankalilla and Alexandrina Council want input from the community, particularly people who live with disability, care for someone with disability, work as a support worker, or are part of an organisation that supports people with disability to live well.The plans guide how councils work to remove barriers and improve the way all people of all abilities engage with services, facilities, programs and decision-making. They say community input is essential to ensure the plans reflect local experiences and support inclusion across the region.The South Australian Disability Inclusion Plan 2025- 2029 has identified priority areas and measures that all plans will need to include.They include inclusive environments and communities; education and employment; personal and community support; and safety, rights and justice.Alexandrina Council’s plan can be viewed on its website. It will hold drop-in information sessions at the Goolwa library on Wednesday 11 February and at Strathalbyn library on Friday 13 February, both from 9.30am to 12noon.District Council of Yankalilla’s plan can be viewed online; it will hold an information drop-in session at the Yankalilla library on Tuesday 24 February from 10am to 12noon.Consultation for both council plans close on Friday 27 February and the final draft of the plans will be presented to the councils by April.

The McLaren Vale wine region community came together at Wirra Wirra Vineyards on Saturday 6 February to mark the beginning of Vintage 2026, recognising the efforts throughout the season so far and the work that lies ahead through harvest.Joining in this celebration was state Premier Peter Malinauskas, Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs, Mawson MP Leon Bignell and Mayor of the City of Onkaparinga Moira Were AM.Speaking at the event, Premier Malinauskas affirmed McLaren Vale’s place as one of South Australia’s most significant regional assets.“McLaren Vale is home to something very special, which is embodied by this community. The region should be proud of what it continues to do for South Australia as a whole.”That recognition was reinforced by the Premier’s announcement of a $250,000 commitment to Labor’s new A Stronger Future for McLaren Vale: Agriculture, Tourism and Trade Strategy, aimed at strengthening the region’s long-term prosperity through agricultural diversification, expanded market access for local producers, and high-quality tourism investment.The McLaren Vale wine community welcomed the commitment, particularly the Premier’s pledge to work with growers, winemakers, tourism operators and the local community to enhance the region’s competitiveness and resilience in a changing global economy.Erin Leggat, CEO of McLaren Vale Wine Region says the announcement was a timely and welcome vote of confidence in the region. “McLaren Vale is operating in an exceptionally challenging global environment, and the Premier’s commitment recognises both the scale of the pressures facing our growers, winemakers and tourism operators, and the strategic importance of this region to South Australia’s economy, identity and global reputation,” she says.“The $250,000 commitment to a Stronger Future for McLaren Vale strategy provides an opportunity for our region to work collaboratively with government on the priorities that matter most right now. “Just as importantly, it acknowledges the strength of this community and its readiness to adapt, innovate and partner for the long term.”Held annually, the Bell Ringing Ceremony is testament to the close-knit fabric of the McLaren Vale community and the innovative and collaborative spirit of the wine region, and honours the traditions that have shaped the region since its first vintage 185 years ago.The ringing of Wirra Wirra’s 3⁄4 tonne Angelus Bell to symbolically welcome in the new vintage is a custom that began over 35 years ago with the late Greg Trott, modern founder of Wirra Wirra and a vocal champion of McLaren Vale Wine Region.This year’s vintage was hailed in by reigning McLaren Vale Bushing Monarch Paddy Gilhooly of Thistledown Wines, who rang the bell with Premier Malinauskas while the community raised a glass and sang the traditional ‘Bushing Wassail’. The McLaren Vale Bushing Monarch title has been bestowed on the producer of the ‘Best Wine of Show’ from the preceding year’s McLaren Vale Wine Show for over 50 years.Speaking at the event, Bushing Monarch Paddy Gilhooly cited the raft of national and global accolades awarded to McLaren Vale Grenache wines throughout 2025 as further endorsement of McLaren Vale’s world-class fine wine reputation.

As the new week begins, drivers are reminded to stay vigilant on the roads this Monday, February 9, with mobile speed cameras scheduled to operate across South Australia, including both regional and metropolitan areas.Police continue their statewide speed enforcement efforts to reduce road trauma and encourage safer driving behaviours. With school back in session and commuter traffic building, it's an important time to stay focused, drive to the conditions, and respect speed limits.Whether you’re heading to work, dropping the kids off, or running errands, make safety your priority on the road.The full list of mobile speed camera locations for Monday, February 9, is provided below.ADDISON RD, PENNINGTONALDGATE-STRATHALBYN RD, ECHUNGABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSDAYS RD, REGENCY PARKDAYS RD, FERRYDEN PARKDAYS RD, CROYDON PARKECHUNGA RD, ECHUNGAFLAXLEY RD, FLAXLEYGOOLWA RD, MOUNT COMPASSHANSON RD, WOODVILLE GARDENSMAIN NORTH RD, ENFIELDNANGKITA RD, MOUNT COMPASSPARIS CREEK RD, PARIS CREEKPORT RD, QUEENSTOWNPORT RD, ALBERTONPORT RIVER EXP, GILLMANPORT RIVER EXP, WINGFIELDPORT WAKEFIELD RD, GEPPS CROSSTRIMMER PDE, SEATONVENABLES ST, MACCLESFIELDVICTOR HARBOR RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT JAGGEDVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT COMPASSWELCH RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYCountry traffic camera locations until February 15, 2026:AUGUSTA HWY, WARNERTOWNAUGUSTA HWY, REDHILLAUGUSTA HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKAUGUSTA HWY, PORT WAKEFIELDAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELAUGUSTA HWY, SNOWTOWNBARRIER HWY, HANSONBARRIER HWY, BURRABARUNGA GAP RD, SNOWTOWNBIRDSEYE HWY, CLEVEBROADBENT TCE, WHYALLA NORRIEBROADBENT TCE, WHYALLACHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCHATFIELD TCE, WALLAROOCOPPER COAST HWY, PORT WAKEFIELDFLINDERS HWY, WANGARYGOYDER HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKGREENLY AVE, COFFIN BAYGREY TCE, PORT PIRIEHORROCKS HWY, TARLEEHORROCKS HWY, AUBURNHORROCKS HWY, RHYNIEHUGHES ST, WALLAROOKADINA RD, WALLAROOLINCOLN HWY, NORTH SHIELDSLINCOLN HWY, TUMBY BAYLINCOLN HWY, PORT LINCOLNLINCOLN HWY, CULTANALONDON ST, PORT LINCOLNMAIN NORTH RD, CLAREMAIN RD, PORT PIRIEMARINA DR, PORT LINCOLNMARY ELIE ST, PORT PIRIEMCDOUALL STUART AVE, WHYALLA STUARTMCDOUALL STUART AVE, WHYALLA NORRIEMORTLOCK TCE, PORT LINCOLNNEAGLES ROCK RD, CLARENEW WEST RD, PORT LINCOLNNICOLSON AVE, WHYALLA NORRIENICOLSON AVE, WHYALLA STUARTNORRIE AVE, WHYALLA NORRIEOXFORD TCE, PORT LINCOLNPLAYFORD AVE, WHYALLA PLAYFORDRACECOURSE RD, WHYALLA NORRIESENATE RD, PORT PIRIE WESTSHEOAK RD, TULKATOD HWY, CUMMINSVERRAN TCE, PORT LINCOLNWANDEARAH RD, PORT PIRIE SOUTHWESTERN APPROACH RD, PORT LINCOLN

Favourable conditions throughout the past 24 hours have assisted crews to secure the fireground to the coastline, with the approximately 100 firefighters on the fireground patrolling for hotspots and extinguishing any flare ups.South Australian personnel are being supported by Farm Fire Units and crews from the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), Forestry SA, New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and Victorian Country Fire Authority, who continue to work on the fire.Several external agencies are continuing to support in other capacities including the SA State Emergency Service with the management of basecamps and accommodation.Yesterday, SA Power Networks successfully restored power to 42 properties, and today they are working on fixing damaged infrastructure to restore power to the remaining 6 properties whose connections were affected by the fire.Aviation retardant lines have been established adjacent the substation that delivers power to Kangaroo Island.A portion of the fireground has now been deemed safe for authorised wildlife personnel to conduct their vital work.Currently there is no uncontrolled fire within the containment lines. At this time there is no foreseeable threat to the community, however, the predicted weather for Wednesday will be the first test of our containment.There will be continued presence at this fire and planning includes our ability to provide additional resources if required.At this time, it has been confirmed that nineteen structures have been damaged or destroyed and nine vehicles have been destroyed. SA Police rapid assessment teams are continuing to conduct assessments of any potential additional impacts when conditions allow.The Deep Creek National Park, Talisker Conservation Park and Second Valley Forest are closed.Hazardous tree assessments are being finalised, which has enabled the opening of several roads in the area. Please refer to traffic.sa.gov.au for the most current information. If you must travel in the area, please drive to conditions and follow directions from emergency services.Stay 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.

Content proudly provided by Coast Lines magazineBy any measure, Christopher Battams is a remarkable poet. For Coast Lines readers, his is a familiar voice whose poems pulse with the rhythms of the land, the weight of memory and the ache of justice. But beyond the lines is a man whose journey from flood-swept Riverland beginnings to international acclaim has been far from ordinary.Born in Barmera in 1956, Chris’s early life was shaped by water—too much of it. The Riverland region suffered a catastrophic flood the year he was born, and that deluge marked not just the town, but the mind of a child who developed a life-long distaste for deep water. Growing up in rough country housing without electricity or plumbing, Chris moved often, attending many schools. What remained constant was his love of English and his growing connection to storytelling.As a boy, he was drawn to the ballads of Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson—poetry that sang of dusty stock routes and the rawness of the Australian bush. He also fell for the gentle cadences of country music, its “soft lullaby” staying with him into adulthood. Later, he would chase these stories firsthand, working on vast sheep and cattle stations. But it wasn’t until tragedy called him back home that his poetic voice began to develop.Returning to support his mother and younger siblings, Chris settled back in the Adelaide and joined the Glenelg Council. In the early 70s, a motorbike accident left him with severe head injuries and loss of speech. Recovery was slow and brutal. But during this time, a friend gave him a book of poetry by Roland Robinson—an act that would redirect his life.Robinson, a member of the Jindyworobak movement, wrote of Indigenous life, birds and the Australian landscape. Chris connected deeply with these themes and began to write again, finding in poetry a therapeutic path to reclaim his language and identity. His first political poem, Talking Tree, emerged from this period—a response to a Bulletin  magazine article about the destruction of an Aboriginal sacred site. Written from the perspective of a tree mourning its loss, the poem struck a chord. It has since been published in ten anthologies across five countries.Today, Chris lives just outside Back Valley, on a patch of rural land surrounded by birdsong, kangaroos and gum trees. “It’s good for my psyche,” he says. “It’s where I come from. It’s my heritage.” From this tranquil base, he writes longhand in his study, inspired by the land, Aboriginal culture, mythology and the solitude of country life.But Chris is not a recluse. He’s an active member of the vibrant Fleurieu artistic community. “There’s a strong sense of connection here,” he says. “We share work, give feedback and lift each other up.” For those looking to share their creative work, his advice is simple: “Join a group. You need feedback. It gives you confidence. It makes you better.”After four decades of writing, Chris’s resume is staggering. He’s been published over 40 times, aired on radio and television, featured in Australian and international journals, and even invited to lecture at the Sorbonne in Paris on the intersection of Indigenous culture and poetry.Still, he remains grounded. “It took me 45 years to become an overnight success,” he says, with a grin.Chris has also taught science and Aboriginal education professionally and believes deeply in the power of knowledge. “I like the idea of learning and passing it on,” he says. Whether it’s explaining the concept of air pressure to school kids with a plastic bag or breaking down the complexities of archaeological evolution in his poetry, Chris sees education and writing as intertwined tools for understanding the world.His poetry collections—A Book of Poetry—are stocked in local libraries, and his work appears frequently in Coast Lines. He continues to write every day, often drawing from deep within: memories of working in London, homesickness turned into epic verse, the resilience it took to find his voice again after injury.Even now, with a friend in Sydney helping refine a new compilation of his life’s work, Chris is chasing perfection. “It has to be right,” he says. “If it’s not, I’ll pull it.”When asked what readers should know about him, Chris doesn’t talk about fame or awards. He talks about kindness. “Don’t be cruel to animals. Don’t litter. Look after the environment,” he says. “We live in the best part of the world. We need to care for it.”With every line he pens, Chris Battams reminds us that poetry is not just a craft—it’s a calling, a mirror and a map. And through his words, our community has come to see itself more clearly.

Excitement is building for the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize 2026, with announcement of the three judges ahead of entries opening next month.The three judges are Tansy Curtin, Assistant Director, Artistic Programs at Art Gallery of South Australia; Lee-Anne Hall, Curatorial Director at the Jam Factory; and Andrew Purvis, Director of Adelaide Central Gallery at Central School of Art.Tansy Curtin has held senior positions at the Art Gallery of South Australia as Curator of International Art pre-1980 and Bendigo Art Gallery as Curatorial Manager. She has curated major exhibitions including Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution (AGSA), Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits (Bendigo Art Gallery) and Marilyn Monroe (Bendigo Art Gallery). Dr Lee-Anne Hall is newly appointed to her role at the Jam Factory. She has a long career in both academic and arts organisations and was most recently Director of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and the National Art Glass Gallery and Collection.An accomplished curator and artist, Andrew Purvis has curated a series of ambitious exhibitions in Western Australia, most notably at the Fremantle Arts Centre and the Lawrence Wilson Gallery. He has written widely about contemporary art and is a practising visual artist, an award-winning arts writer and an educator.Entries open for the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize 2026 on Monday 16 March and close at midnight on Sunday 13 April.Finalists will be announced in the week starting 4 May, with the winners announced on the opening day of the month-long exhibition on Friday 5 June at Fleurieu Arthouse.

This week’s official RSPCA Pet of the Week is the fabulous Orion – a curious, energetic, and loving young cat who’s bursting with personality and ready to shine in his forever home.🐱 Meet OrionAdoption Fee: Only $45 – this week only! Orion is a lively, affectionate boy who’s always up for a play session. He’s a fan of toys, tunnels, and feather wands, and his playful spirit will brighten your home in no time. After some good fun, Orion also enjoys quiet moments and sweet snuggles – but like many spirited cats, he’ll let you know when it’s time for a break.Ideal for a household with adults or older childrenLoves interactive toys and exploring new thingsMay enjoy the company of another cat, given his social natureNeeds a home that can read his cues and give him time to settleWhether he’s chasing a toy or curling up after a busy day, Orion is a joy to be around – and now he’s available for a super special adoption fee of just $45, which includes:✔️ Desexing ✔️ Microchip ✔️ Vaccinations ✔️ A FREE bag of Royal Canin dry foodIf you're ready to welcome home a playful new best friend, Orion is waiting to meet you!