The Governor General of Australia His Excellency David Hurley and Mrs Hurley will visit Kangaroo Island this Sunday 28 April.They last visited in February 2022 to turn the sod for the Stokes Bay Community Hall, in support of the island community after the devastating fires of 2019-2020.KI Council says the Vice-Regal couple had planned to visit again earlier but were delayed by COVID.“The revitalisation and rebuilding of the Kangaroo Island community has been of particular interest to the Governor General and Mrs Hurley. “They are delighted to be returning to rekindle their connection to Island residents and see the revitalisation of the Stokes Bay community and Stokes Bay Hall.”The community is invited to Stokes Bay Hall at 2.30pm for an informal meet and greet with the Official party as they tour the Stokes Bay Community Hall Facility.

Federal MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has called on the Australian government to back food manufacturing, following the launch of the SA Dairy Action Plan.The launch was held at the opening of the Amdena Dairy's new state-of-the-art rotary milking system in Mount Compass on Tuesday 23 April.The dairy has been operated by the Brokenshire family for more than 40 years and the opening showcased the state-of-the-art rotary milking system that will boost productivity, improve environmental outcomes, and support the health of their 400 Jersey cows.Ms Sharkie says more than 100 people attended the event, with the youngest of the family arguably stealing the show.  Haydon, Henry, Mia and Arlo, pictured with the MP, dressed in their distinctive blue overalls, demonstrating that generational contribution to the industry starts at a very young age.However, this is in stark contrast to the average age in the industry, currently 56 in South Australia. Ms Sharkie says the dairy sector and government are working together to address workforce issues as part of their successive industry action plans. “The dairy sector has experienced its share of ups and downs; it’s now heartening to see the industry in such a mature phase of development. Increases in technology, and animal and pasture management has resulted in considerable improvements in milk production.“It is now possible, in the right environment, for individual cows to produce up to 13,000 litres of milk per year, compared to less than 4,000 litres of milk per year 40 years ago.“The Australian Government has earmarked $15 billion in its National Construction Fund. “The Government must ensure viable industries, such as the food manufacturing sector, be given appropriate access to grow the dairy opportunity, especially given the natural competitive advantages Australia has in the area.“As a nation we tend to view manufacturing in the lens of physical products that we build rather than products that are consumed.  “We need to change this mindset. Food manufacturing for a global market is an enormous opportunity and we have all the elements for success.”

The City of Victor Harbor and Business Victor Harbor have been working closely together to develop a pathway for successfully attracting investment needed to grow the local economy.The newly endorsed Investment Attraction Strategy aims to strengthen Victor Harbor’s position as the regional centre of the Fleurieu Peninsula. It focuses primarily on the attraction of private commercial investors.The strategy is closely intertwined with the council’s existing Economic Development Strategy and partnership with Business Victor Harbor.Ultimately, the vision is for investment to be rewarding, easy, well informed and supportive of Victor Harbor as a place of prosperity and sustainable growth.City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says the four-year strategy is the first of its kind in Victor Harbor.“We sought to be clear on Victor Harbor’s competitive strengths and how these could be leveraged to attract and grow commercial activity that will drive the economy and create jobs,” she says.“While developing the strategy, we were able to outline 25 actions that all work towards different priorities, such as growing key industry sectors or investing in talent and skills development.”“The development of this strategy is important because if we can attract investment to Victor Harbor, we can build an even more liveable town for our community and secure a sustainable future.”“There are many reasons for private commercial stakeholders to invest in Victor Harbor. Strong population growth, proximity to Adelaide, a supportive business environment and an excellent lifestyle are just the beginning.”Business Victor Harbor Chairperson Gavin Daniell says a significant amount of work went into developing the strategy, which will now guide the approach towards attracting investment.“The strategy provides greater clarity on the various roles that partners have in attracting investment to Victor Harbor,” he says.“In Business Victor Harbor’s case, we typically play a role as an information channel, advocate or service provider.”“The strategy also seeks to address impediments to local investments, both perceived and real. “Actions in this area focus on development pathways and supporting investments in growing local talent and skills, enabling local businesses to deliver on their aspirations.”“Now the strategy has been endorsed and adopted, representatives from Council and Business Victor Harbor will need to come together to map out some preliminary actions that we can progress.”The Victor Harbor Investment Attraction Strategy can be viewed in full on the council website. victor.sa.gov.au/economicstrategy

Inspiring South Australia, the Department for Environment and Water and the South Australian Chapter of the Australian Citizen Science Association have opened nominations for the Citizen Science Award. Groups on the Fleurieu and KI have a great track record in citizen science; the 2023 award went to Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch.The Citizen Science Award welcomes submissions that highlight the remarkable achievements of South Australian citizen science projects in advancing scientific knowledge and understanding.Organisers say citizen science is a powerful tool, with the ability to connect people of all ages and walks of life, across the state, with science and the world around them. It can help bridge gaps in research data, enhance science communication, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world, through educational initiatives and outreach programs. Sonia Dominelli is National Parks and Wildlife Service Acting Director, Regional Operations.“Citizen science contributes to our knowledge of flora and fauna across the state and captures important information which can help to inform conservation and management actions,” she says.“With the help of citizen scientists, we can better understand South Australian biodiversity and ecosystems.“The National Parks and Wildlife Service highly encourages South Australians to recognise any group or individuals undertaking citizen science projects with a nomination in this year’s awards.”Citizen science can also empower individuals to actively contribute to scientific endeavours in their own communities.It has grown into a global movement, enlisting the passion and dedication of people in the community. Their participation in meaningful research projects exemplifies the democratisation of science, demonstrating that scientific discoveries are within reach of anyone willing to engage with curiosity and enthusiasm.Dr Sylvia Clarke, Chair Australian Citizen Science Association – SA Chapter, says it is an exciting time for citizen science in South Australia with the number and real-world impact of projects increasing every year.“We welcome nominations from citizen science projects where the South Australian public are making contributions to any scientific field, from environmental sciences to health sciences to astronomy.“We look forward to seeing which project will join previous winners Insect Investigators, Echidna CSI and Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch, as the 2024 recipient of the award.The Citizen Science Award is open to South Australian groups and individuals currently engaged in citizen science activities that promote and increase community participation in projects that encompass quality science, engagement and education.Alison Kershaw, Program Manager Inspiring South Australia, says citizen science is often the first-time children and young people get to meet real scientists and get hands on with real science.“Inspiring SA is proud to be a supporter of the Citizen Science Award which showcases the fantastic citizen science projects happening in South Australia.”The Award offers two prizes, a first prize of $5,000 and a finalist prize of $2,500, it’s hoped the prize money will further support the project or to generate new projects.Nominations close at 10am Tuesday 11 June. For more information and to submit nominations visit the website.

RSPCA SA’s Lonsdale shelter will close to the public for the last time today, and CEO Marcus Gehrig will be there to welcome a retired district court judge who was instrumental in building the facility more than 40 years ago.Kingsley Newman, who celebrated his 88th birthday this month, was the organisation’s chairman for six years, from 1982 to 1988. By the time Mr Newman took on the role, the Lonsdale land had been bought, kennels had been built and the facility was being used to accommodate and re-home stray and unwanted dogs, following the closure of the Lost Dogs Home on Belair Rd at Torrens Park.By 1984 the shelter needed upgrading and expansion to accommodate other species, so Mr Newman successfully applied to the federal government for a Commonwealth Employment Project grant.“Prime Minister Bob Hawke was giving a lot of money away under the scheme to create jobs, and we got a terrific builder who had sadly gone bankrupt due to the tough economic times,” Mr Newman recalled.“The first building we got on the site was an old transportable someone gave us – I had volunteers helping to take off the roof so it could go under powerlines while in transit, and they helped paint it too.”Asked how he felt, now that the Lonsdale shelter he helped to build was closing, Mr Newman was full of enthusiasm for the move.“I’m proud of what we built back then, and it’s served animals and the South Australian community well, but animal welfare has come a long way in the decades since it opened and it’s definitely time RSPCA moved to a better and more prominent home.”Mr Gehrig said he was delighted that Mr Newman – who was there when the facility first opened – could be there again for this historic day.“We’re closing a huge chapter in RSPCA’s 149-year history in South Australia, and Kingsley Newman was a key figure in this organisation’s development through those first years at Lonsdale,” Mr Gehrig says.“Having him here today is an absolute joy.”To celebrate the Lonsdale shelter’s last day and to help as many animals as possible find homes ahead of next week’s relocation, all adoption fees will be halved today. The shelter will open at 10am and close to the public for the last time at 4pm. The new animal care campus, located on the north-west corner of South and Majors Roads at O’Halloran Hill, will open to the public at 10am on Monday 6 May.31 March 1985 – Then RSPCA SA Chairman Kingsley Newman at the opening of the extended Lonsdale animal shelter, with then SA Deputy Premier Don Hopgood.

Mrs Irene Dixon, 101, describes her time in the Australian Land Army as, “honest, hard work.”Now a resident at Resthaven Port Elliot, Irene is believed to be the last surviving South Australian member of the Australian Women’s Land Army.“It’s not surprising really,” she says with a wry smile. ”Many of the women I was with were about 10 years older than me.”Irene joined the Australian Women’s Land Army when she was 22 years old. World War II had broken out, and as the daughter of a farmer, she felt she could help with the war effort.“It was hard work,” she says. “We did all sorts of seasonal work, picking fruit, or helping in factories to dry potatoes. We went wherever we were needed. It wasn’t the type of work I was used to on the farm, as I was given the ‘girl’ jobs at home. “There was always a good fellowship among us workers,’” Irene says. ‘Everybody would do their bit. I can’t remember anyone ever getting into trouble for not doing the right thing. We were all hard workers.”One of 11 children, Irene grew up on the far west coast of South Australia, in a town called Charra, located between Ceduna and Penong.“Two of my brothers joined the army,” she says. “They wrote to let me know that the dried potatoes weren’t very tasty,” she laughs.Sadly, in 1941 one of her brothers was killed in Tobruk. Irene says things were different after that, and the family moved from Charra to Whyalla. While on holiday at Victor Harbor, Irene met her husband, John.“He was on leave from the navy, and two years after the war ended, we were married,” she says. ‘Times were hard, but he was a lovely man and a loving husband. We were married for 75 years.”Irene and John also lived in Whyalla for many years, but when their two children grew up and moved to Adelaide, Irene and John followed them to be closer to family. Sadly, John died in 2022, and Irene decided it was time to move again. She moved into Resthaven Port Elliot and is very pleased she did. “It’s a beautiful place to live,” she says. “I knew my life was going to change when I moved here. I went from being very independent to receiving help for many things. But I decided to be graceful about it, and I have been treated with kindness and respect at every turn.” Irene’s photos and some information about the Australian Women’s Land Army have been put on display at Resthaven Port Elliot, and on ANZAC Day this year, she will lay a wreath to remember those who lost their lives serving Australia.”Across the Fleurieu there are many ways to commemorate the day and honour Irene and other men and women who served.Here are the events scheduled for ANZAC Day 2024, Thursday 25 April:AldingaWar Memorial dawn service, starting 6.30am.EchungaRemembrance Gardens dawn service, starting 6.30am.GoolwaGoolwa RSL dawn service, starting at 5.45am.Hindmarsh IslandA short but solemn service of commemoration will be held in the forecourt of the Hindmarsh Island Cemetery (657 Randell Road) at 6.15am.The service will be held at the recently established memorial commemorating military service to Australia by European and Ngarrindjeri men and women from the Coorong.McLaren ValeMemorial Park dawn service, starting 5.45am.MeadowsMemorial Gardens dawn service, starting 6.30am.MiddletonMiddleton Soldiers Memorial Gardens, Remembrance ceremony starting 11.30am.Organised by the Middleton Town & Foreshore Association, the ceremony will be followed by tea, coffee and ANZAC biscuits.MilangMilang Soldiers Memorial Gardens, starting 10.30am.Mount CompassMount Compass Memorial Hall dawn service, starting 6am.Port ElliotPort Elliot War Memorial dawn service, starting 6am.The RSL bar and barbecue will be open from 1pm, with Two-Up from 1.30pm.Second ValleyWar Memorial dawn service, starting 6.15amStrathalbynStrathalbyn Soldiers Memorial Gardens dawn service, starting 6am.TooperangTooperang War Memorial Hall dawn service, starting 6am.Victor HarborCross of Sacrifice dawn service, starting 5.45am.WillungaRecreation Park dawn service, starting 6.15am.Road closures and speed limits will be in place for some services in the Alexandrina Council region, and drivers are urged to be cautious, with an increased number of pedestrians expected in these areas. For details visit the council’s Temporary Road Closures page.Visit the RSL South Australia website for further information and a full list of ANZAC Services happening across the state.

A comprehensive program of events, workshops and business-building opportunities scheduled for the upcoming Small Business Week will include a full day on Kangaroo Island.  The week-long program runs from 29 April to 3 May, with in-person and online sessions that align with the six themes of the SA Small Business Strategy 2023-2030. These themes were identified by South Australian business owners as the areas where they could use the most support to achieve growth:· Strengthening business capability.· Building skills and workforce.· Navigating the digital environment.· Boosting business sustainability.· Embracing diversity.· Improving access to government services. The live events will be complemented with a suite of online resources to allow all business owners access to the information they need, when they need it. Published throughout the week, these helpful resources will remain accessible to small businesses via the Resource Centre on the Office for Small and Family Business website.  The Kangaroo Island event will be held on Monday 29 April at the KI Business Hub in Kingscote, from 9.30am to 3pm. Its focus will be strengthening business capability, building skills and workforce.The program has been specifically created to provide local small and family businesses with relevant insights and support to address current challenges and opportunities.Business owners can join the event for all three sessions, or pick and choose what’s most relevant to them.Details of the full Small Business Week program and how to register are available on the Business SA website. The KI Business Hub will also host and evening workshop on Monday 29 April on Demystifying Migration.Regional Development Australia is supporting Department of Home Affairs and Department for Industry, Innovation and Science to deliver a practical discussion exploring the role of skilled migration in addressing workforce shortages. It will run from 6pm to 7pm; book a place via Eventbrite.   

Alexandrina Council is asking for community input to its concept design for a proposed permanent sound shell in the Strathalbyn Memorial Gardens.The structure would host a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, replacing the temporary stages that are currently used.It would be built on the northern side of the Angas River, allowing audiences to enjoy events and performances from the southern side. The sound shell would serve as a shelter available to the public in between events.The council expects constriction to cost more than half a million dollars, which is why it is calling for public feedback before exploring grant funding.Consultation closes Friday 10 May, with the final report due 17 June.View the proposed concept design and share opinions on the council’s My Say page. 

The state government has invited public  feedback on its draft Ramsar Management Plan for the Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Wetland.The draft plan provides a framework to protect and maintain the ecological character of the Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Wetland.This is critical for the environment, First Nations, local communities and economies, the overall health of the Murray-Darling Basin and the success of the Basin Plan. The Coorong is one of South Australia’s most iconic natural assets and is recognised as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar 1971).The Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Wetland Ramsar site provides significant environmental values that underpin the recreational and economic benefits of the region, such as tourism and commercial fishing.The site is of great cultural importance to the Ngarrindjeri and First Nations of the South East as their spiritual, social, cultural, and economic practices come from the region's lands and waters.Since the original Ramsar Management Plan was developed in 2000, there has been significant progress in both environmental management practices and scientific investigations of the site. The revised draft plan incorporates takes account of this, along with the experiences, knowledge and learnings from the Millennium Drought.All feedback will be considered when finalising the draft Ramsar Management Plan, which will be released later this year.Consultation closes 24 May; full details and a survey can be found on the state Your Say website.

Friends of Nangawooka Flora Reserve will hold its autumn open day next Sunday 28 April.Six growers from the Australian Plant Society of SA will have native plants for sale and free soil testing will be offered to those who take samples from their garden.Butterfly conservancy, Native Orchid Society and Cittaslow will all attend the day, which will run from 10am to 3pm.An all day barbecue, plus tea, coffee and cake will be available to fuel appreciation of the autumn foliage.Maintained by volunteers, Nangawooka is a 5-acre reserve north of Victor Harbor on the corner of Waterport Road and the Adelaide Road. It was started in 1982 and plantings range from Western Australian species at the Northern end of the reserve to a mix of general native species in the centre and species specific to the Fleurieu Peninsula nearer the southern entrance.Entry to the reserve is free but a gold coin donation is always appreciated.

McLaren Vale road closures are in place today for the Richard Hamilton McLaren Vale MarathonMore information: https://mclarenvalemarathon.com.au/traffic/Detour Map Main RoadMcMurtrie Road to Branson Road   6:00 am – 1:30 pm   Road ClosedNorthbound detour via Malpas Road, Main South Road & Tatachilla Road;  via Malpas Road, California Road & Tatachilla Road; or via Branson Road, Gilbert Road & Johnston RoadSouthbound detour via Tatachilla Road, California Road & Malpas Road; via Tatachilla Road, Main South Road & Malpas Road;  via Johnston Road, Gilbert Road & Branson Road; or via Kangarilla Road, Oakley Road, McMurtrie Road, Strout Road & Binney Road.Rifle Range RoadMain Road to Strout Road 6:30 am – 11:00 am Road ClosedLocal access to properties on Rifle Range Road from Strout road will be managed by a traffic controller during the event. Binney RoadShiraz Trail to Strout Road 6:30 am – 11:00 am  Road closed to eastbound traffic. Detour via Main Road, Gaffney Road & Edwards Road.Road open to westbound traffic under reduced speed restriction.  Please show extreme caution if accessing properties on north side of Binney Road – runners have right of way on closed carriageway.Strout RoadBinney Road to McMurtrie Road6:30 am – 11:30 am  Road closed to northbound traffic. Detour via Malpas Road, Main South Road & Tatachilla Road;  via Malpas Road, California Road & Tatachilla Road; or via Branson Road, Gilbert Road & Johnston Road. Road open to southbound traffic under reduced speed restriction. Please show extreme caution if accessing properties on west side of Strout Road – runners have right of way on closed carriageway.McMurtrie RoadStrout Road to Shiraz Trail7:00 am – 10:00 am Road closed to westbound traffic.Road open to eastbound traffic under reduced speed restriction from Strout Road.  Please show extreme caution if accessing properties on southside of McMurtrie Road – runners have right of way on closed carriageway. McMurtrie RoadStrout Road to Oakley Road  7:00 am – 11:45 am   Road closed to eastbound traffic. Detour via Main Road, Kangarilla Road & Oakley Road.Road open to westbound traffic under reduced speed restriction from Oakley Road.  Please show extreme caution if accessing properties on north side of McMurtrie Road – runners have right of way on closed carriageway.  McMurtrie Road closed at Strout Road – vehicles must turn left into Strout Road. Oakley RoadMcMurtrie Road to Sand Road7:00 am – 12:00 pm Road closed to northbound traffic. Detour via McMurtrie Road, Strout Road, Binney Road, Malpas Road, California Road, Tatachilla Road & Kangarilla Road.Road open to southbound traffic under reduced speed restriction. Please show extreme caution if accessing properties on west side of Oakley Road – runners have right of way on closed carriageway.Sand RoadOakley Road to Hunt Road7:00 am – 12:00 pmRoad closed. Local access to De Lisio Wines & the Vine Shed from the west will be managed by traffic controllers.   Hunt RoadSand Road to Conte Drive7:15 am – 12:15 pm  Road closed, except for local access. 10 km/h speed restriction with runners keeping to left of road.  Hunt RoadConte Drive to Kangarilla Road7:15 am – 12:15 pm Half road closure – runners on western carriageway. Local access between Kangarilla Road and Conte Drive will be managed by traffic controllers. Kangarilla Road, McLaren FlatCrossing @ Hunt Road / Blewitt Springs Road7:45 am – 11:45 am  Runners crossing Kangarilla Road from Hunt Road to Blewitt Springs Road, managed by traffic controllers. Delays expected.  Chalk Hill RoadBlewitt Springs Road to Foggo Road7:45 am – 12:00 pm Road closed, except for local access. 10 km/h speed restriction with runners keeping to left of road. Foggo RoadCrossing @ Shiraz Trail7:45 am – 12:00 pmRunners crossing Foggo Road at the McLaren Flat to McLaren Vale shared use path, managed by traffic controllers.Kangarilla Road, McLaren ValeCrossing @ Shiraz Trail8:00 am – 12:30 pm  Runners crossing Kangarilla Road at Shiraz Trail, managed by traffic controllers. Delays expected.  McMurtrie RoadCrossing @ Shiraz Trail8:00 am – 12:30 pmRunners crossing McMurtrie Road at Shiraz Trail, managed by traffic controllers. Delays expected.

Drivers will need to slow to 25km/h when they see the amber flashing lights of a RAA van stopped at the roadside, in a move designed to enhance safety for workers as well as stricken motorists. The state government has introduced legislation to parliament that if passed will reduce the speed limit when passing all breakdown services vehicles and tow trucks flashing amber lights. RAA workers attend more than 950 callouts a day in South Australia, with an increasing number on high-speed arterial roads where workers – as well as drivers and passengers waiting at the roadside - are particularly vulnerable. The proposed change is part of a push to protect breakdown service workers on the job as they help get motorists and their passengers safely back on the road. The new law will mean drivers must slow to 25km/h as they pass a stationary breakdown services vehicle with flashing amber lights. Failure to slow down may result in a fine and demerit points based on the level of speeding. If successfully prosecuted for the offence, a driver faces a maximum court penalty of up to $2500. The new speed limit will not apply if the stationary breakdown services vehicle is on the opposite side of the road. In the past four years there have been 20 reportable safety incidents caused by cars driving past breakdowns without due care, according to RAA data. This included five incidents in which vans were hit by a car or motorcycle, and seven where traffic cones were knocked over or dragged down the road.The legislation is an extension of the existing 25km/h speed limit in place to protect frontline volunteers and emergency services workers as they respond to incidents roadside.RAA Senior Manager Safety & Infrastructure Charles Mountain says RAA welcomes any measure to keep the vulnerable members and patrols safe at the roadside.“Almost every South Australian motorist would have a story about when they were rescued at the roadside by an RAA patrol,” Mr Mountain says.“We’ve seen dozens of near misses and our patrol vans have been hit five times over the last few years so it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.“This is not just about keeping our patrols safe, but also our 820,000 members and the rest of the South Australian community who might need a tow or other assistance.“Our patrols are often helping some of the most vulnerable South Australians on our busiest and most dangerous roads.“When you see the amber flashing lights of a breakdown service vehicle attending to someone’s car, please check your surroundings and safely reduce your speed – so we can all get home safely.”Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis says the new law is acommonsense measure that protects the people who help when car troubles strike. “A vehicle breakdown is not only inconvenient, it can also create an unsafe situation for the driver and their passengers, as well as the professionals who come to help. “While roadside workers do what they can to make the breakdown safe site and keep everyone at a safe distance, inattentive driving - and going past too fast - can have dire consequences for all. “When you see an RAA patrol van flashing amber lights and traffic cones at the roadside, please slow down and adhere to the reduced speed limit. “Workers might be out of sight, underneath the vehicle working on a repair or changing a tyre - and there may also be small children nearby waiting with their family to get back on the road.“Pay attention, slow down and stick to the limit to keep everyone safe."If passed by parliament the legislation is expected to come into effect later this year. 

The annual Southern Surf Festival is on at Middleton next weekend, Saturday and Sunday 27 and 28 April.This two-day celebration of South Australian surfing and surf competition will feature more than 200 competitors at Middleton Point from 8am both days.They will battle for State Championship status in shortboard, longboard, and kneeboard surfing along with an inter-club twin-fin and midlength event.There will be music, food trucks, local wine and beer, featuring singer, songwriter, producer and DJ Erin Buku on Saturday from 12pm.Temporary road restrictions will apply between 7am on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.This includes closure of the car park on Ocean Parade and a 25 km/h speed limit on Dover Road, between Highland Terrace and Ocean Parade car park.For spectators entry is free both days.

A prescribed burn is planned at Mount Compass today, Saturday 20 April, weather conditions permitting.The prescribed burn will start at 12.45pm and is likely to be completed by 4.30pm.The area to be burnt is 1.3 hectares on Arthur Road, directly across from the Mount Compass Area School.This is an ecological burn aiming to regenerate critical habitat for the endangered southern emu-wren.Arthur Road may be affected by smoke and will be reduced to one lane of traffic for the duration of the burn.Some smoke and fire activity may be observed in the days following the burn.National Parks and Wildlife Service crews will remain on site until safe.NPWSSA conducts a statewide program of prescribed burns to reduce the spread and intensity of bushfires, protect communities and enhance biodiversity. Prescribed burning is just one tool used to reduce fuel loads across strategic areas of public and private land.Prescribed burns will only be carried out when it is deemed safe to do so and may be cancelled at short notice.For the most up-to-date information and to find a list of planned prescribed burns, visit the DEW website.

Meet our lovable Pets of the Week. They are looking for their forever homes thanks to the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter.Boof and Clive are this week’s friendly Pets of the Week. These loving animals are waiting to find their perfect family. If you think that could be you, read more about them below.Dog of the Week – BoofMeet Boof (AID 188356) - a beautiful boy on the inside and out.Boof has been living at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter while he waits to find his happily ever after.At only seven months old, he is full of beans and excitement, and he’s ready to find a loving family that he can enjoy his life adventures with.A smart and social boy with an eagerness to learn, he would benefit from some force-free dog training classes.Could you open your heart and home to a delightful dog like Boof?This sweet boy is open to living with another dog-resident, but please bring your dog in to meet him first.  Read more about Boof and learn how to adopt him.Young playful Boof. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Cat of the Week – CliveThis gorgeous boy is Clive (AID 188437) and he’s been living at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter for the past month after he was found as a stray. Two-year-old Clive is a curious cat and is skilled at keeping an eye on everything – he would make the purrfect neighbourhood watch cat. An active boy, he enjoys having fun and playing with enrichment toys. Clive is super affectionate boy and loves attention – you’ll know when you’ve built a bond with him as he’ll rub against you and start to drool when he’s feeling happy. Clive would make the most loving family member and is open to sharing his furever home with another fur-resident.  Find out more about Clive and how to adopt him.Fun and playful Clive. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Visit the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter and add a new companion to your life – you won’t regret it.The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) South Australia is the state’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity.

Alexandrina Libraries are offering free workshops to get up to speed with the digital age, with sessions on podcasts and travel apps at Strathalbyn and Goolwa.Find out about the way podcasts have revolutionised the way content is consumed, offering genres ranging from true crime mysteries to thought-provoking discussions on science and society.This session on Monday 22 April at Strathalbyn library will walk through how to find and access podcasts from 10am to 11am.In Goolwa library on Tuesday 23 April potential travellers can discover useful apps that can help research holiday ideas and improve the travel experience.It will cover apps that provide travel reviews and safety advice; ways to book accommodation and access entertainment, as well as maps, rideshare and transport apps in Australia and overseas.The session will run from 9.30am to 10.30am.Both sessions are free but numbers are limited so book a place via Eventbrite for Strathalbyn or Goolwa.

Ratepayers in the City of Onkaparinga face a 6.8 per cent increase for the next financial year in the council’s proposed business plan and budget.The plan also includes cost cutting and a pause on grants in an effort to bring the budget into balance.A recent report from the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) found the City of Onkaparinga’s financial position is potentially unsustainable.The City of Onkaparinga’s draft Annual Business Plan (ABP) and Budget 2024–25 opens for community engagement from today, Friday 19 April, until 9am on Monday 13 May.Mayor Moira Were says the focus of this year’s plan is on budget repair.“Council has operated at a deficit for seven consecutive years, and we need to act now to return to a balanced budget as soon as possible,” Mayor Were says.“The elected members, management and I are all working towards this goal, while ensuring we can continue to provide the services our communities need.“We will still deliver $158.29 million in services, programs and asset maintenance, and $73.57 million in new projects and initiatives for the community.“But, to develop the budget this year we’ve also had to make some hard decisions.“We know some of these measures will impact people in the community, but they are vital to improve our overall financial position and ensure we can continue to deliver important and valued services to the community well into the future.“This budget will also meet all key financial indicators set for the local government sector.“This means delivering a surplus in our budget, committing to adequate investment in asset renewal, and ensuring debt remains within an acceptable range.”The key measures implemented as part of the budget include: A rate increase of 6.8 per cent (noting Adelaide CPI in December 2023 was 4.8 per cent), plus rates from new properties.Managing employee costs to achieve an additional $2.48 million in savings.Managing costs within the council’s control such as contracts, materials and other expenses, which are budgeted to rise by less than SA’s current CPI of four per cent.Recovering the full-service cost of the community wastewater management scheme.Pausing the grants program for 12 months to review the way the program delivers the best value.Onkaparinga CEO Phu Nguyen says the ABP and Budget was developed with reference to the February 2024 Essential Services Commission (ESCOSA) report, which identified challenges to council’s financial sustainability.“We were already aware of the issues identified by ESCOSA and we’ve continued to actively address them in this budget,” he says.“After seven consecutive years of budgets in deficit, the measures outlined in the ABP and Budget will return the council’s financial position to surplus.“To achieve this, we had to thoroughly analyse the causes of historic budget challenges and be bold in exploring the budgetary options available.“There are economic factors that are outside of our control such as CPI and interest rates. Those things affect our ratepayers, and they also affect council’s day-to-day work, so we must factor them in.“The rising cost of living, post-pandemic recovery, inflation, existing commitments, workforce, and energy prices all needed to be considered.“I was appointed as CEO in 2023 with a mandate to achieve tangible improvements in the council’s financial position and to drive this common objective.“The ESCOSA report affirms we are pointed in the right direction and has independently confirmed our assessment of the situation,” Mr Nguyen says.Go to the council's YourSay page for full details and to provide feedback.

The Willunga Environment Centre will host an orchid masterclass at McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre on Sunday 21 April.The Orchid Club of South Australia publicity team, Amber Stevens and Trev Garard will lead the workshop. Orchid enthusiasts are invited to take along plants for inspection and advice on diseases, pests, re-potting and more.This will be followed by a Q&A session and a break for refreshments - available from the café.The final session of the workshop will be the masterclass on Moth orchids, which are readily available and an easy to grow indoors.The event will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm and will also feature a huge raffle and some giveaways.Tickets cost $5, or $3 concession, which includes a raffle ticket, and can be booked via Humanitix.

Police are investigating a serious crash at Pelican Lagoon on Kangaroo Island overnight.A passing motorist came across a single vehicle crash on Hog Bay Road, Pelican Lagoon about 4.15am on Thursday 18 April.  The ute had left the road and hit a tree.The driver, a 69-year-old Dudley West man, who was the only occupant of the ute, sustained serious injuries and was taken to the local hospital before being airlifted to the mainland for treatment.Hog Bay Road was reopened to all traffic about 6am.