Green Adelaide chair Professor Chris Daniels will be the guest speaker on The Nature of The Fleurieu at Victor Harbor library on Friday 20 September.He will focus on birds and their songs and improving the nature value of the local area. Professor Daniels has a regular spot on ABC Radio mornings discussing birds, reptiles and the environment.The event is a fundraiser event hosted by See With Me - a self-help group for blind and low vision people.Tickets are $15, with all proceeds going to Sight For All - a South Australian organisation making a difference to those with serious vision impairments. The talk will run from 10.30am to 12noon. Tickets available via Eventbrite.

With warmer weather around the corner it’s time to think about teaching young people to swim and be safe in the water.Summer VACSWIM enrolments have opened and due to the popularity of local options, Finniss MP David Basham is encouraging early booking on the VACSWIM website. Administered by Surf Life Saving SA, VACSWIM equips children aged 3 to 12 with essential skills to thrive in the water.Through engaging lessons during the December and January school holidays, VACSWIM fosters:Water safety awareness.Confidence in the aquatic environment.Competency in swimming techniques.Essential personal survival skills.Understanding of basic aquatic emergency procedures.The sessions are held in four, five-day blocks from mid December.Mr Basham says the state government funds VACSWIM to provided subsidised water safety programs. “Established in the 1950s, VACSWIM has become a household name in South Australia. “Each year, the program engages thousands of pre and primary school aged children in locations across the state. “VACSWIM's vision is a reduction in the incidences of drowning amongst the younger generations.” “Each year it is a delight to see VACSWIM students and their families enjoying all the good things of this region and learning how to do so safely. “Last year nearly 900 young people learnt more about swimming and water safety at Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Pt Elliot with VACSWIM – I am very keen to see more children access this lifechanging program.”Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island locations for VACSWIM include:Aldinga BeachChitonGoolwa BeachFleurieu Aquatic CentreNormanville BeachPenneshaw BeachPort Elliot Port Noarlunga Strathalbyn Outdoor PoolVictor Harbor Primary School The Finniss Electorate office has printed copies of a flyer with local options available and can offer assistance booking or finding locations on the south coast. Visit the VACSWIM website for more information.    

The Kangaroo Island Council has acknowledged ongoing construction delays at Pennington Bay in an update to the community.It attributes the delays to unforeseen construction issues, which have temporarily halted the project. Chief Executive Officer Daryl Buckingham says the council is actively addressing these challenges to ensure a successful outcome.“We understand the frustration that these delays are causing and are fully committed to resolving the issues as quickly as possible. “Our team is working diligently to pinpoint the root causes and implement effective solutions. The success of this project is of utmost importance to us.”The council says it is cognisant of the expected increase in visitor numbers to the popular site as the warmer months approach, with s safety and long-term sustainability its top priorities.Mayor Michael Pengilly says the Kangaroo Island Council sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused by the delays.“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during this period. We are collaborating closely with adjoining property owners to establish an alternative pathway, ensuring that visitors can access the site safely while we work on the final product. “Our goal is to deliver a high-quality and sustainable solution for everyone to enjoy.The $2.17 million upgrade of Penneshaw’s foreshore along Hog Bay Beach and Frenchmans Terrace was expected to be completed by Spring 2025. The council has yet to announce a revised timetable but says it we recognises the need for transparency and accountability.“As we address these challenges, we acknowledge that mistakes have been made and are actively rectifying these. We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring a positive outcome for all.”

City of Victor Harbor will revisit the question of electoral wards for council elections in a three-week public consultation exercise.The Local Government Act requires councils to conduct a representation review at least every eight years, examining issues such as the number of councillors, direct election of a mayor and ward structures.In the last review, held eight years ago, the majority of public submissions favoured a ward system.However the council of the day determined that wards would be too difficult to implement in Victor Harbor.Alexandrina Council has four wards - Alexandrina North, Alexandrina South and Alexandrina West – each returning three councillors; and a directly elected mayor.District Council of Yankalilla has two wards – urban Light returning five councillors and Rural Field returning four councillors – with the mayor elected from within.The current Victor Harbor consultation process will include information sessions on the pros and cons of a ward system, from the perspective of the council.This will include listening posts at Victor Central Shopping Centre on Thursday 12 September from 10am to 1pm and at Victor Harbor Farmers Market on Saturday 14 September from 8am to 12.30pm.Feedback can be given in person at these events or at the Civic Centre on Bay Road, or submitted online. All feedback must be lodged by the deadline of 5pm on Thursday 26 September.The results will feed into a formal representation review, with recommendations made to the council for determination.Any changes arising from the representation review would take effect after the 2026 local government election.

Words: Laura DareIn a world of fast fashion, Megan Caldersmith is hitting the brakes. As the owner of McLaren Vale’s She Sews and the mastermind behind the region's first Recycled Runway event, Megan shows that style and sustainability are a winning combination.Megan grew up in a family of skilled sewers. "My grandmother taught me when I was about five," she says. "She was a tailor, and my mum was an incredible sewer." This early exposure to sewing laid the foundation for her career in fashion. After starting a Bachelor of Fine Art, Megan realised she wanted a more commercial path and pursued an Associate Diploma of Fashion at TAFE SA. Then, with her best friend and business partner Nicky Atkinson, she bought and revitalised a rundown bridal business called Betrothed in Norwood, which they ran for 12 years. "Doing custom wedding gowns was my number one passion and what I absolutely love doing," she says.Megan and her husband, a winemaker, moved to the Fleurieu Peninsula 10 years ago, drawn by its natural beauty and vibrant community. "We love it so much. We will never leave," she says. "It has absolutely everything – beach, wineries, it's semi-rural. We can walk everywhere or ride our bikes."Megan has immersed herself in the local McLaren Vale community. She is an active member of the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association and organises the annual Christmas pageant. "We’ve always lived where we work," she says. "We like living right in the heart of our community." At She Sews, Megan offers a range of services that showcase her 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. "I just love sewing – in whatever form it takes," she says. Her business specialises in made-to-measure bridal and evening wear, expert alterations and specialty tailoring. From creating custom wedding gowns to altering school uniforms, she breathes new life into garments of all kinds – ensuring fewer textiles end up in landfill.One of her passions is working with vintage wedding dresses. "I do a lot of altering for brides of their mother's wedding dresses. Recently, the trend of wearing that as a second dress has become popular. That's one of my favourite things to do." This blend of old and new perfectly encapsulates Megan's approach to fashion – honouring the past while embracing sustainable practices for the future.Megan's commitment to sustainability extends beyond her day-to-day work at She Sews. This year, with the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association and the City of Onkaparinga, she organised the first Recycled Runway McLaren Vale event, which was a massive success. The event challenged participants to create wearable garments from pre-loved clothing. "People paid, registered their interest, and came to She Sews to pick up a bag of five pre-loved garments," Megan says. "They had about six weeks to come up with a wearable garment, and then they paraded them on the catwalk "The event, in which competitors of all ages and sizes showed off their creations at Wirra Wirra Winery, was a huge hit, with 67 registrations, 42 final entries and a sell-out crowd. More importantly, it sparked conversations about sustainable fashion in the community. "I had customers coming in to my shop telling me they had had no idea about the environmental toll of fast fashion, no idea about people working in the industry being underpaid, and that they were going to change their spending habits," Megan says. “Australia's the number one polluter per capita in the world at the moment when it comes to fashion. All that landfill – it’s so depressing. We’re ruining the natural world with what we’re doing right now, but we have an opportunity to stop that.” “I just feel like instead of being overwhelmed, I can do something that makes me sleep at night and perhaps changes some people's views, and surely that's better than nothing.”Building on this success, Megan is already planning next year's Recycled Runway, which will include a category for wearable art or costuming. "Textile art and recycling have always been passions of mine. I love vintage, I love history, and I'm really sentimental. I'm just really enjoying the recycling and upcycling at the moment, but that naturally leads into wearable art and textiles. They're all linked.” She Sews also hosted Recycled Rumble events held over two weekends in June and July to promote circular fashion. People could sell their preloved fashion for a commission, or buy vintage to refresh their wardrobe. The Friday night openings were community parties, featuring a DJ, wine and food. “Then I was open all day Saturday and Sunday both those weekends where people can just come and shop pre-loved garments," Megan says. The Recycled Rumble aims to provide affordable, stylish options for the local community while promoting sustainable fashion.For those looking to make more sustainable fashion choices, Megan offers practical advice. "I would have a look at what's available and what you think you'll wear over and over again," she suggests. "Even if it's a pair of jeans, instead of buying four pairs of jeans just buy one and wear them all the time and cherish them."She also advocates for investing in quality pieces and considering pre-loved options. "Go and spend money on pieces that you will wear a lot and then buy pre-loved to wear with them," she says. "I would really use the word considered – make considered purchasing decisions." "Just make some small changes," she says. "You don't have to change the world. You just need to change some habits and consider what's in your wardrobe." As Megan begins planning Recycled Runway MV 2025, she's excited about the potential for sustainable fashion in the region. With She Sews as a hub for custom creations and alterations, and events like Recycled Runway inspiring the community, Megan is stitching together a future where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand.Find out more about Megan Caldersmith at shesews.com.au or follow recycledrunwaymv on Instagram and Facebook.

Victor Harbor R-7 school has reached its 150th anniversary and, following a birthday fair in March, will kick off a further week of celebrations on Saturday 14 September.At 10am the primary school will dig up a 50 year time capsule and the contents will be put on display for the public to see.The celebratory day will include music, school tours, a photo booth and a historical display, with coffee and cake available.Opened in 1874, the primary school was originally located at Victor Central and new premises opened at the current Parkway Drive site in 1986.It has recently undergone a $5 million facilities upgrade.The historical display and contents of time capsule will be available to view at set times from Monday 16 to Friday 20 September. Find full details on the school website.

Police are preparing a report for the Coroner following the death of a man at Willunga South.Emergency services were called to a vineyard on Newman Close about 10.45am on Saturday 7 September.Sadly, the 70-year-old man could not be saved and died at the scene.Police and Safework SA will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

This week, RSPCA South Australia introduces two charming animals looking for their forever homes – Mandy and Tilly.Mandy: The Sweet and Chatty CompanionMandy, with animal ID 145941, is a six-year-old shepherd-husky cross who’s ready to find a loving family to call her own. This gentle girl has the biggest heart and a soft, sweet nature that will make her a perfect addition to any home. Known for being a bit chatty – thanks to her husky side – Mandy is a great conversationalist and will keep you company with her warm personality.Mandy thrives in environments where she can spend lots of quality time with her family, lounging on the couch and showering her loved ones with affection. While she is sociable with other dogs, she would prefer to be the only pet in her forever home. Mandy is currently in foster care and is ready for adoption. Could she be your new family member? To learn more about Mandy or to meet her, visit her profile here.Tilly: The Spirited and Curious ExplorerTilly, with animal ID 183098, is a one-year-old cat currently residing at RSPCA South Australia’s O’Halloran Hill animal care campus. Full of confidence and energy, Tilly is always on the go, darting up to people for snuggles and purrs or racing around to explore her surroundings. She’s a whirlwind of fun with a knack for turning any object into a toy, making her the perfect companion for someone who enjoys an active and playful pet.Tilly would thrive in a peaceful home without young children, where she can explore and show off her unique personality. She gets along well with both dogs and cats, making her open to sharing her home with a cool canine or another fabulous feline. To learn more about Tilly or to meet her, visit her profile here.Both Mandy and Tilly are waiting to bring joy and companionship into their new families' lives. If you’re interested in adopting, please visit RSPCA South Australia’s animal care campus or learn more online.

The SA Water safety upgrade of the Myponga Dam is almost complete, with work expected to be finished by the end of September.Until then, access to Reservoir Road between the Myponga Reservoir Lookout and Forktree Road will remain closed to all vehicles and pedestrians.The reservoir was built between 1958 to 1962 to supply drinking water to the Fleurieu Peninsula.The upgrade of the spillway gates is the first since the dam was opened and is intended to last for the next 50 years.When the dam is full water is released into the Myponga River and the region’s water supply is treated at the Myponga Water Treatment Plant.The reservoir has been open for public recreation, such as fishing and kayaking, since March 2021.Water levels have been kept lower than usual during the upgrade to enable work safety.For more information on the upgrade visit the SA Water website. 

Locations have been identified for the construction of three new overtaking lanes on Main South Road between Myponga and Cape Jervis.The overtaking lanes are a joint $31.8 million (50:50) commitment from the state and federal governments.They aim to improve traffic flow and boost safety for all motorists including locals, tourists and heavy vehicles, while also building capacity for future growth.The three overtaking lanes will be built between Second Valley and Normanville (northbound), Delamere and Second Valley (southbound), and Cape Jervis and Delamere (northbound).The state government undertook a planning study to investigate potential locations that considered environmental impact, socio-economic impact and other construction challenges.It says engagement with key stakeholders resulted in more than 190 pieces of feedback showing strong support for the project. Road travel times and road safety were the most consistent topics raised.Concept designs for the overtaking lanes are now being developed with further engagement to be held with key stakeholders and the local community as the concept designs progress.Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis says the state government is committed to improving safety on Main South Road. “It was important we spoke directly with people who use the road so we could better understand the concerns of communities in and around this section of Main South Road.“Now that we’ve identified the locations, we’ll get on with delivering these overtaking lanes to improve safety and travel times - and reduce driver frustration - along this stretch of road.”

Police are investigating after a train and a car collided at Lonsdale early this morning.About 12.45am on Friday 6 September, police and emergency services were called to Christie Road at Lonsdale after a train collided with a car.Police will allege the driver of a black Nissan Patrol entered the train track from Christie Road and drove about 100m south before attempted to reverse however the car became stuck on the track.A short time later a train travelling south collided into the read of the Nissan causing extensive damage.  There were a number of people on the train however no injuries were reported.The driver, a 30-year-old man from Morphett Vale, and his passenger were not in the car at the time and were uninjured.About 5am, the car was removed from the tracks.Investigations are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.  You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

City of Onkaparinga plans to install a roundabout to improve safety at the intersection of How Road and Aldinga Beach Road.The planned works involve reconstructing the intersection and increasing its capacity to cope with extra traffic flows from nearby developments and the Aldinga Payinthi College. The new dual lane roundabout will be similar to one further west at the Aldinga Beach Road and Rowley Road intersection. The council says a roundabout is the best solution for improving safety and reducing congestion.The draft concept plan can be viewed on the council website. Preparatory work is almost complete and major construction is expected to start in October.How Road South will be closed for the duration of the project and traffic management will be in place to maintain safety for workers and the community.The project is scheduled to be completed in the 2024-25 financial year.

Police and emergency services are continuing their search for a missing teenager at Granite Island.Police from the Water Operations Unit, PolAir crews, Surf Rescue, National Parks, Volunteer Marine Rescue and SES members have assisted local patrols and members of the public all week in their search for the 16-year-old boy that went missing on Sunday 1 September.Specialist divers from Water Ops searched the area today, Thursday 5 September, along with the police helicopter and officers on foot around the entire island and surrounding beaches at Goolwa and Victor Harbor.Searching will resume on the morning of Friday 6 September, and will continue throughout the coming days.Weather conditions have hampered the search at times, but police would like to take this opportunity to express their gratitude to all volunteers and other agencies who have worked tirelessly since Sunday afternoon in the search for the missing boy.

The annual Coastrek Fleurieu Peninsula charity walk will take place on Friday 6 September.This year’s fundraising goal is $350,000 for the Heart Foundation, with more than $240,000 raised so far.The iconic hiking and walking challenge sells out every year and this year the teams have two options, either 20km or 35km from Parsons Beach to Port Elliot.SA Police have approved temporary road restrictions for the event at Cutting Road car park in Port Elliot.A section of the car park will be closed temporarily between 7am and 7pm on Friday 6 September.For more details about the closure, including a map, visit the Alexandrina Council website.

Alexandrina Council is calling for community input on where future housing growth should happen on the south coast - particularly Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island, Middleton and Port Elliot. The council has developed a draft South Coast Growth Strategy in response to federal and state government requests to identify locations suitable for housing growth over the next 30 years. It has considered different locations to accommodate this pressure for growth, stemming from the housing affordability and availability crisis affecting communities across Australia.The draft strategy has also been based on community feedback from several workshops in late 2023.In person information sessions will be held across the south coast, with council staff available to answer questions and take feedback.They will be at in Goolwa Shopping Centre Mall on Thursday 19 September, 9am to 5pm, and Middleton IGA on Saturday 28 September, 10am to 1pm.Alexandrina residents can view the strategy and provide feedback on the council website. Submissions will be accepted until 5pm on Wednesday 2 October.

SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is looking at hosting a ‘Firey Women’ workshop in the Strathalbyn area,.This free workshop is designed to empower and equip women with vital skills for protecting themselves, their families, and their communities in the event of a bushfire. Whether home alone or with kids, women will gain information and practical skills in a safe and supportive environment.The workshop can be offered either over two full days, most likely a weekend, or over four evening sessions. Any local women who would like to participate should complete a brief online survey and advise their preferred workshop format.For more information about the workshop, visit the Firey Women website. 

Seniors in the Yankalilla and Onkaparinga council areas are needed for the Small Steps research study.It aims to help people aged over 65 to build healthy sleep and exercise habits.Volunteers will join a 12-week program, which includes website access for support.They will wear a Fitbit, which is theirs to keep when the study is completed.Some participants will also receive 15 ten-minute phone calls and all will complete follow-up sessions to check on progress.The program will include five in-person visits at Noarlunga or in the city and continued monitoring over several months.For more information, anyone interested in taking part should visit the Small Steps website or call 8302 2097.

McLaren Districts Cricket Club will host a Cricket Blast junior come and try day on Wednesday 25 September.The school holiday Cricket Blast program is a free, energetic and fun sessionfor boys and girls up to the age of 10.The come and try session will be run during the junior Registration night from 5pm to 6pm. Everyone is welcome. They can develop new skills, expand on what they already can do and play in a team environment.The McLaren Vale ‘Crushers’ are located at the Mclaren Vale Sporting Complex.on Park Drive. They offer senior and junior teams, including an all-girls team.Find the club on Facebook. Register for the Cricket Blast program online. Get more information via email. 

The City of Victor Harbor has named its 2024 Arts and Culture, and Major Festivals and Events grants recipients.The yearly grants programs offer Victor Harbor individuals and initiatives financial support to contribute to the region’s social, cultural and economic vitality.Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says the council is pleased to support a diverse group of recipients this year.“These recipients are contributing to the connectivity and liveliness of our coastal city,” she says.“The arts, public events and creative initiatives are important allies to the quality of life we value here in Victor Harbor. I’m pleased to see Council back these projects and look forward to their positive impacts within our community.”2024 Arts and Culture Grants Program recipients:Lauren McKay, to support an International Women’s Day event to be run in parallel with the Powerful Women Exhibition.The Australia Dance Theatre, to support a weeklong Artist in Residence Program for young people aged 12-17.Honor Freeman, as a part of the 150-year celebrations for the Victor Harbor Primary School, to support installation of a mosaic mural.2024/25 Major Festivals and Events Grants Program Round 1 recipients:Robert and Jane Cawood, for the Beachside Market 30th Anniversary Event.Delfos Holistic Health and Fitness, for the 2025 Sid James Victor Harbor Triathlon.Events and Festivals Australia, for the 2024 SA Viking Festival.Fairy Pig Productions, for two Summer Sands Session events.The City of Victor Harbor has also backed a four-year commitment to the annual Victor Harbor Art Show as a Platinum Sponsor from 2025, with a $5000 sponsorship and $3,500 in-kind support for venue hire.A $4,000 cash grant previously awarded for the 2023 Victor Harbor Christmas Pageant, which was cancelled due to poor weather, has been reallocated to the 2024 Victor Harbor Christmas Pageant.