Noarlunga Aquatic Centre will be closed for longer than originally planned as the refurbishment project has been expanded to improve amenities.The centre closed in July and is now scheduled to reopen for summer 2026-7City of Onkaparinga says the major refurbishment is well underway, with works progressing strongly, and a number of additional features will be delivered to create a more modern, sustainable and welcoming facility for the community.Demolition and equipment removal are complete, the roof replacement – including the distinctive curved vault – is advancing, the high-level structure has been repainted, and installation of the new pool systems and acoustic ceiling has begun.Originally focused on essential works to ensure the centre’s long-term reliability and efficiency, the project has now expanded significantly thanks to a competitive tender price and additional budget allocations.Mayor Moira Were says the expanded scope reflects the council’s commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing.“This upgrade is all about our community and together creating a future-ready aquatic centre that supports healthy lifestyles, reduces emissions, and provides a space our community can be proud of.“We’ve taken the opportunity to go beyond the basics, investing in modern systems and design improvements that will make the centre more comfortable, energy-efficient and enjoyable for everyone.”The upgraded design introduces major sustainability features that will deliver long-term operational savings and environmental benefits, including:• electrification of pool heating and water systems to replace gas and reduce emissions.• double-glazed windows upgraded insulation and new compartmentation walls to improve energy efficiency.• a transformer upgrade to support the new electrical systems.Visitors can also look forward to:• refurbished spa and sauna facilities and a new first aid room.• improved reception and café areas, upgraded Wi-Fi, and refreshed branding and signage.• new furniture, play features, lane ropes, and landscaping to enhance the overall experience.The council has also applied for state government funding for a new outdoor splash pad to further enhance the centre’s family appeal.While the expanded works mean the refurbishment will take a little longer to complete, Mayor Were says the result will be well worth the wait.“Delivering these upgrades requires extra design and construction time, but they’ll result in a modern, sustainable facility that serves our community for many years to come.“We anticipate reopening the centre at the beginning of summer 2026-27 – and when we do, it will be something very special.”The Noarlunga Aquatic Centre refurbishment is jointly funded by the City of Onkaparinga and the federal government through the Thriving Suburbs Program.The community can stay informed on progress by visiting the council's Your Say page.

The annual Onkaparinga Business Awards were presented at McLaren Vale's Ekhidna Kitchen & Wines last night, Wednesday 20 December, with 23 local business crowned winners across 15 award categories.This year's awards saw more than 13,000 unique votes casted for 447 local businesses.City of Onkaparinga has congratulated the winners, saying  they are fantastic local businesses, are collectively working to provide valued goods and services to the community while helping build the capacity and resilience of the local economy. The council has also thanked everyone who cast a vote for their favourite businesses.The winners are:Fantastic Food and DrinkRestaurants, Bakeries and CafesThe Macaron Bar (micro business)Grandalf’s Burgers and Tacos (larger business)Wineries, Distilleries, Breweries and VenuesPenny Red Beer Co (micro business)Unit Three Collective (larger business)Mobile Food Vendors and Food ProducersGrazy Little ThingsPrecise Professional ServicesConstruction, Automative and TradesService One Heating and Cooling (micro business)MyEnergy Engineering (larger business)Financial, Legal and Real Estate Loan Market - Carli Wright (micro business)Mortgage Choice Noarlunga (larger business)Support, Care and Cleaning Independently DrivenPerfect Personal ServicesBeauty and Hair Care Diamond Medi SpaFitness and Wellness The Ace of Hearts - Unlock your PotentialPet Grooming and Care Healthy Paws Nutrition & Grooming (micro business)Paw by Paw Playhouse (larger business)Remarkable Retail ServicesClothing, Home Decor and GiftwareCoco & RajFloristry, Plants, Landscape and Hardware Botanista (micro business)Buds & Blooms (larger business)Specialised Services Tailwind Cycles (micro business)Sticky Vinyl Australia (larger business)Captivating Creative ServicesArtists, Musicians and Creators Micsar Built DesignsMasterminds Tattoo Studios (larger business)Marketing, Design and Mediastickbird.studioRecreation and EntertainmentGone AWOL

Alexandrina Council has appointed Councillor Michael Scott ASM OAM to be Deputy Mayor for the following year until the conclusion of the 2026 Local Government Elections.Cr Scott will replace the current Deputy Mayor Peter Oliver, whose term ends on 30 November.Alexandrina Council chooses to elect by secret ballot one of its councillors to the position of Deputy Mayor on an annual rotation basis. An election was held during the 17 November Ordinary Council Meeting.“I thank Cr Oliver for his service over the past year. Peter has been a diligent and accessible Deputy Mayor, representing Alexandrina at many events and meetings over the past year,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“I welcome the opportunity to work with Cr Scott over the next year leading into our Local Government Elections in 2026.”“Deputy Mayor is a position of responsibility. In my absence, the Deputy Mayor may act in the office of Mayor and carry out a range of functions including presiding over meetings of Council, acting as the principal spokesperson of Council, providing advice to the Chief Executive Officer as required, representing Council at Civic and Ceremonial functions, and participating in key meetings with stakeholders.”Cr Scott has been a Councillor for 11 years and is serving his third term with Alexandrina Council.He is a representative on the Ratalang Basham Beach Horseshoe Bay Advisory Committee, the Cemeteries Advisory Committee and the Strathalbyn Recreation Precinct (Lot 10) Advisory Group Committee and Council’s proxy member on the Climate Emergency and Environment Advisory Committee.He is one of two Council delegates on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Region Six stakeholder group covering the Lower Murray, Lakes and Coorong region and the delegate on the Adelaide Hills Regional Waste Authority and its representative on the Working Group planning a commemorative event for the 90th anniversary of the 1936 South Australian Centenary Grand Prix in Port Elliot, Chiton and Victor Harbor.

Aerial shark patrols have resumed this week and will monitor metropolitan and Fleurieu Peninsula beaches until late April next year. Regular daily flights will occur from North Haven to Rapid Bay, extending to the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. Trained shark spotters aboard a Shark Patrol branded light aircraft will closely monitor some of the state’s most popular beaches over the summer to help protect beachgoers. The spotters will immediately advise SAPOL, who then provide an appropriate response in notifying the community. If the plane spots a shark that may pose a risk to the public, the aircraft will fly in a circle over the location and sound a siren, alerting swimmers in the vicinity to leave the water. They will also immediately advise the South Australia Police (SAPOL), who will then provide an appropriate response. The Shark Patrol aircraft will be based at the Aldinga Airfield and will be clearly visible to beachgoers with its Shark Patrol branding. From 14 March, the patrols will be scaled back to weekend cover but will revert to daily flights over the Easter and April school holidays when beachgoer numbers increase. Minister for Emergency Services Rhiannon Pearce says last season, the Shark Patrol aircraft undertook more than 450 flights and was in the air for more than 1200 hours. The aircraft siren was also activated more than 90 times, indicating that there were either people in the water or on the beach in the vicinity.“Due to an increase in shark activity now occurring earlier in the season, the decision was made to begin shark patrols from mid-November rather than the start of December and extend the flight coverage area to encompass the popular surfing beach of Waitpinga,” she says. “Aerial surveillance is an important measure to help keep beachgoers safe, providing eyes in the sky to detect potential danger below. “Having eyes in the sky is one way to protect beachgoers who will be making the most of warmer conditions heading into summer.”The provision of this service is undertaken by the State Emergency Service and the SA Police in accordance with a Shark Sightings and Incident Response Plan which is administered by Primary Industries and Regions SA. Darryl Wright is Deputy Chief Officer for the SES, which is responsible for the training of the aircrews and managing the service. “Sharks are a natural part of our environment, and the State Government has provided funding for aerial shark patrols of highest risk beaches since 2003,” he says. “While this service provides beachgoers with some level of security about sharks, we encourage people to still be aware when they are in the water of any potential dangers and if they see something that looks like a shark, get out of the water and alert nearby swimmers and the police.”

The Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Research Centre is asking the community to help shape the future of the region by completing a short survey.The Centre is conducting a horizon scan project in conjunction with UniSA and Adelaide University.A horizon scan seeks and identifying emerging trends and helps assess and prioritise early signals for decision-making or for further examination and analysis.The survey aims to gain insights from a wide range of people who are interested in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth.It will look ahead over the next 15 years and identify key questions, challenges, and opportunities for the region.People who complete the survey can go into a draw to win a $150 gift card. Access the survey on the CLLMM website by Sunday 30 November.

The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) has launched a free online tool to make it easier for local community groups in remote, rural and regional areas to access data to strengthen their funding applications.The FRRR Community Data Tool provides easy access to reliable data that community groups can use to demonstrate the real need in their community that is driving their work, and to help funders see the impact that their support can make.The tool draws on a range of trusted public data sources to provide reliable data that will be automatically updated, in one place. Jill Karena, FRRR’s Head of Granting, says that every remote, rural and regional community in Australia has a story of resilience, challenges and hope, but not everyone can back up their story with accurate data.“We commissioned the FRRR Community Data Tool, to make it super simple for groups to pull up key data about their community, just by entering their location in the online tool. “It will tell them things about their community, like the population, gender split, remoteness classification, their SEIFA rating, etc – all drawing on reliable, publicly-available data. “If groups want to dive deeper, there are links to some excellent resources that we also use to inform our grant programs, such as information about health and wellbeing, the workforce, income levels and economic growth. There are even more insights that they can access through our partnership with Seer Data & Analytics.“Being able to access this data and wealth of information, free of charge, will help community groups more effectively advocate for themselves and for their community’s needs. The project was funded by the federal government and community groups are encouraged to log into the tool online and to share feedback after using it, so that it can be continually improved.

Across South Australia, roadside weeds are becoming an increasing challenge for grain growers. Weeds like flaxleaf fleabane and feathertop Rhodes grass don’t respect fence lines, they spread easily, often harbouring stronger herbicide resistance than those found on-farm. Left unchecked, they can quickly undo even the best onfarm weed management efforts. Recognising that roadside weeds are everyone’s problem, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has invested in a new three-year project designed to bring people together to tackle the issue collaboratively. The NGN Roadside Weed Control – From Both Sides of the Fence project, led by Cross Country Management (CCM), will focus on developing practical, community-based approaches that reduce weed resistance and improve coordination across government agencies, councils, growers and other landholders. “This project came about through roadside weeds being identified as a key priority at National Grower Network forums in Warooka and Langhorne Creek,” said GRDC Grower Relations Manager – South, Rebekah Starick. “Given the complexity of managing these problem weeds, it was important to develop a solution that involved multiple stakeholders. This project will build on learnings from the Area Wide Weed Management project led by CSIRO and aims to demonstrate a sustainable way forward for roadside weed management.” Understanding both sides of the fence Roadside weed management involves multiple stakeholders, councils, government departments, growers, contractors, and community members, each with different responsibilities, regulations, and priorities. This complexity often makes it difficult to achieve consistent and timely management, creating opportunities for resistant weeds to spread. Workshops, stakeholder interviews, and herbicide resistance testing will underpin the project’s activities, aiming to: • Improve understanding of roadside weed resistance and current management practices • Clarify roles and responsibilities across the system • Identify and test best-practice approaches that balance weed control, safety, and environmental outcomes • Deliver case studies and recommendations that can be applied across Australia’s grain-growing regions Science, collaboration and community at the core Herbicide resistance testing, led by Dr Peter Boutsalis of Plant Science Consulting, will provide credible local data to inform practical recommendations. By combining scientific insight with local knowledge, the project will identify the most problematic weeds and the most effective control methods. Importantly, the project will also explore vegetation and management strategies that reduce weed spread while supporting biodiversity and soil health, aligning with GRDC’s national Weed Management Initiative (WMI). Led by Cross Country Management Cross Country Management Principal Consultant Paige Cross will lead the delivery of the project. A qualified agronomist and experienced facilitator, Paige brings practical insight into weed management and a strong background in stakeholder engagement. “Effective weed control doesn’t stop at the farm gate,” Paige said. “By working from both sides of the fence, we can strengthen collaboration between Councils, growers, and government, ensuring roadside management contributes to, rather than undermines, on-farm weed control.” Get involved Consultation workshops will begin in early 2026 across the pilot regions. Growers, councils, contractors, and community members are encouraged to take part and share their perspectives. To register your interest in being part of the workshops, visit www.crosscountrymanagement.com.au or contact [email protected]. The NGN Roadside Weed Control – From Both Sides of the Fence is an investment of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). It is led by Cross Country Management.

The City of Onkaparinga is one of seven councils nationwide taking part in a national federal governmentsurvey on sport and physical activity.It aims to understand how people in the local community take part in sport and physical activity or if they don’t take part.People of all ages and levels of activity are wanted to take part, from children and young people to adults and older residents, whether or not they play sport or are at all physically active in any way.This information will help the council to better understand participation levels, barriers, and opportunities for the community.The confidential survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete online and will be open until 7 December. Results will be published next March.

Finniss MP David Basham has rejected comments made by the Premier in State Parliament that questioned his leadership and commitment to the southern Fleurieu community during the harmful algal bloom crisis.The Shadow Minister for Environment and Water says the comments were made during Question Time last Wednesday 11 November in response to a question about the state government’s handling of the natural disaster.This follows release of a Senate inquiry report that found the state government was unprepared for the harmful algal bloom due to a lack of long-term ecological monitoring. Mr Basham says the Premier attacked his character rather than addressing the substance of the question in a manner that was, “false, unnecessary and deeply disrespectful to the people of Finniss.” He says the attack was not just aimed at him, “it was an attack on the genuine concerns raised by businesses, councils and residents along our coastline.“To suggest that I somehow failed my community is simply untrue. Every question I ask in the Parliament comes directly from the people I represent—and to dismiss those concerns is insulting to my constituents.” Mr Basham says the Premier misrepresented his actions from March to June, the critical early months of the Karenia cristata bloom, ignoring the record of engagement undertaken from the moment the bloom was identified. “From day one, my office sought information, shared government health advice publicly, and offered bipartisanship to the Minister for Environment and the Minister for Health,” he says.“On 17 March, the very first week of the bloom being identified, I requested a health briefing and immediately conveyed that information to the community.” Mr Basham also highlights that he raised the issue formally in Parliament on 3 April and continued to share government agency updates throughout March, April and beyond.“The Premier claimed I wasn’t raising concerns—but the record shows otherwise,” he says. He says politics should never get in the way of keeping communities informed during an environmental crisis.“My community deserves facts, transparency and timely information—not partisan point-scoring.“The harmful algal bloom deeply affected local fishers, tourism operators and coastal residents. My sole focus has been getting them answers and support.” Mr Basham says he will publish a full chronology of his actions on his website. “The Premier may wish to rewrite history, but the people of the Fleurieu know exactly how hard I have been working for them.”The State Liberal Party has announced a $30 million election commitment as a first step towards a Save Our Seas plan to guarantee additional investment in shellfish reefs.It says the marine habitat restoration project will establish an additional 50 hectares of limestone shellfish reefs along South Australia’s coastline and is calling on the federal government to immediately fund an additional 200 hectares of large-scale shellfish reefs to support long term marine ecosystem resilience.  A South Australian Parliamentary inquiry into the harmful algal bloom is continuing.The state election will be held on 21 March 2026.

As the new week continues, drivers are reminded to keep a close eye on their speedometers today, Tuesday, November 18, with mobile speed cameras operating across South Australia.Police speed detection units will be monitoring roads in both metropolitan and regional areas, including the Fleurieu Peninsula. These cameras are part of an ongoing effort to improve road safety by encouraging compliance with speed limits and reducing preventable crashes.Whether you're commuting, heading out for business, or travelling through the region, remember to drive responsibly. The full list of mobile speed camera locations for today is included below.BAINS RD, WOODCROFTBALMORAL RD, DERNANCOURTCLAIRVILLE RD, CAMPBELLTOWNDARLEY RD, PARADISEELIZABETH RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSFLAXMILL RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSGORGE RD, ATHELSTONEGRAVES ST, NEWTONHECTORVILLE RD, HECTORVILLEKOONGA AVE, ROSTREVORMAIN SOUTH RD, HACKHAMMAIN SOUTH RD, HUNTFIELD HEIGHTSMARYVALE RD, ATHELSTONEMEYER RD, LONSDALENORTH EAST RD, MODBURYO'SULLIVAN BEACH RD, LONSDALEO'SULLIVAN BEACH RD, LONSDALEODESSA DR, WOODCROFTREYNELL RD, WOODCROFTSHEREBROOKE BVD, WOODCROFTSIR JAMES HARDY WAY, WOODCROFTSOUTHERN EXP, LONSDALESTRADBROKE RD, ATHELSTONESTRADBROKE RD, NEWTONSTRADBROKE RD, ATHELSTONEThe Country Camera locations: Monday, 10 November 2025 to Sunday, 23 November 2025ADELAIDE RD, MCCRACKENAGERY RD, AGERYARDROSSAN RD, MAITLANDARMSTRONG RD, VICTOR HARBORASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELBALAKLAVA RD, BALAKLAVABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSBAY RD, MOONTABEACH RD, COOBOWIEBEACH RD, GOOLWA BEACHBLANCHE TCE, MOONTACHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCOAST RD, MOONTA BAYCOPPER COAST HWY, PASKEVILLECOPPER COAST HWY, KADINACOPPER COAST HWY, KULPARACROZIER RD, VICTOR HARBORFENCHURCH ST, GOOLWAFLAGSTAFF HILL RD, MIDDLETONGOOLWA RD, MIDDLETONGWY TCE, BALAKLAVAHUGHES ST, WALLAROOKADINA RD, WALLAROOLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN SOUTH RD, DELAMEREMAIN SOUTH RD, MYPONGAMAIN SOUTH RD, YANKALILLAMAIN SOUTH RD, WATTLE FLATMAIN SOUTH RD, NORMANVILLEMAIN SOUTH RD, SECOND VALLEYMAIN ST, MINLATONMAITLAND RD, MINLATONMAWSON RD, MEADOWSMINLATON RD, MINLATONNORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, GOOLWA BEACHRUSSELL ST, KADINASEAVIEW RD, VICTOR HARBORSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSPENCER HWY, ALFORDSPENCER HWY, PORT BROUGHTONST VINCENT HWY, PINE POINTTOTTENHAM COURT RD, PORT ELLIOTTRAEGER RD, BALAKLAVAVICTORIA ST, VICTOR HARBORWAITPINGA RD, WAITPINGAYORKE HWY, CURRAMULKAYORKE HWY, ARDROSSAN

Three years after a catastrophic storm flooded parts of Middleton, Alexandrina Council has scheduled remediation works for a section of Middleton Creek.Contractors will start construction of a gabion rock retaining wall near the Mill Terrace footbridge in late November.The project has been designed to prevent further erosion of the escarpment along the creek bank, identified as a risk following the major storm event.Middleton caravan park and the medical practice went under water in the November 12 downpour, with many other businesses and households affected when more than 60mm of rain was dumped on the south coast in two hours.The gabion rock wall will be built 3m high and approximately 13m long; the work is expected to be finished in late January 2026, weather permitting.Some traffic and pedestrian restrictions will apply during some parts of the wall construction, with traffic management in place.Visit the Alexandrina Council website for details of current and completed projects. 

Three men, including one from the south coast,  have been charged for allegedly interfering with protected bottlenose dolphins in two separate incidents at Seacliff and Brighton on 10 August.A Belair man, 19, has been charged with two counts of using a jet ski to interfere with or harass a protected animal and two counts of using a jet ski to undertake or continue an act or activity in relation to a protected animal.A Glengowrie man, 20, has been charged with one count of using a jet ski to interfere with or harass, a protected animal and one count of using a jet ski to undertake or continue an act or activity in relation to a protected animal.Both men are alleged to have brought their vessels within 300 metres of the dolphins, breaching legal distance requirements.A third man, 20, from Goolwa South, has been charged with one count of using a boat to interfere with or harass a protected animal and one count of using a boat to undertake or continue an act or activity in relation to a protected animal.This man is alleged to have also breached legal distance requirements by bringing the boat to within 50 metres of the dolphins.The men have been charged with offences under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and the National Parks and Wildlife (Protected Animals - Marine Mammals) Regulations 2010.Bottlenose dolphins are a protected species under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, and the maximum penalty for interfering with a marine mammal is a $100,000 fine or imprisonment for 2 years.As part of the investigations, both jet skis and the boat were seized by the Department for Environment and Water.The men are due to appear before the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on 22 December.

Words: Susie WilliamsThanks to Coast Lines magazineGuardians of Granite Island: 25 years of community, conservation and cultivationJust across the Causeway from Victor Harbor lies Granite Island—known as Kaiki in the Ngarrindjeri language—a wind-battered, rugged stretch of land shaped by time and tides. For the past 25 years, a quiet group of volunteers has been helping shape its future. The Friends of Granite Island, or FOGI, have spent every Wednesday morning—rain, shine, or sea mist—pulling weeds, planting natives, guiding school groups, and nurturing biodiversity. Their mission is simple: restore the island’s natural ecosystem, one plant and one conversation at a time.FOGI is one of more than 140 community groups across South Australia that form the Friends of Parks and Nature network. Backed by the Department for Environment and Water and working alongside the National Parks and Wildlife Service, these volunteer groups form the living, breathing heart of conservation in the state. Each group, like FOGI, brings passion, local knowledge and persistence to the long-term care of parks, reserves and coastline.Among the familiar faces on the island is Stephen Hedges, a long-time tour guide and BirdLab field assistant. Stephen began working with penguins on the island in 2001 and has been a regular part of FOGI’s efforts ever since. He speaks about the landscape with a kind of reverence—as something both fragile and enduring. “There are old photos from a hundred years ago where the island was completely cleared,” he says. “No trees, no shrubs—airplanes even used to land on top. What we’re doing now is trying to reverse that, to give the land some of its strength back.”Revegetation lies at the heart of this mission. Over the years, volunteers have worked hard to remove invasive species and replace them with hardy native sedges, saltbush, and low-growing coastal shrubs that can thrive in the island’s tough conditions. The work isn’t glamorous—it’s muddy, repetitive and often wind-whipped. But the results, as Stephen points out, are slow and deeply satisfying. “Plants don’t shout for attention,” he says, “but if you look back over time, suddenly it’s greener, softer, more alive.”FOGI’s work isn’t just for the environment—it’s also about people. Local school groups regularly visit the island as part of a hands-on education program supported by grants and community partnerships. The process begins in the classroom, with lessons about the link between land and sea, and ends on the island with students digging, planting and learning from experience. “It’s a highlight for all of us,” says Stephen. “To see kids kneeling in the dirt, planting a future, learning how everything connects—it stays with them. Some may come back as adults and remember the exact spot where they planted something.”There’s also something quietly powerful in the diversity of experiences and knowledge each volunteer brings. “It’s not just what we do, but who we are. Everyone brings their own background and insight—people you might not meet otherwise.” He speaks especially of Andrew, one of the founding members, a retired geology school teacher and the grandson of the island’s former harbourmaster. “He’s fired a whole new interest in me about the island’s rocks and history—how the past shapes the present, not just in the soil, but in the stories we share. That kind of connection is what makes this group special.”That sense of connection—between people, place, and purpose—was at the heart of FOGI’s 25-year celebration earlier this year. The group marked the occasion with a planting morning, service awards, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. Founding members Andrew and Heather Jeffery, still active in the group, were honoured alongside long-serving volunteers including Stephen. “These aren’t just milestones,” he says. “They’re proof that community care works. That passion and patience can outlast almost anything.”FOGI also has plans to bring art into their work, with murals on the island’s utility shed featuring native animals and birds. For Stephen, who was a teacher in a past life, the idea blends creativity with education—another way to connect visitors with the life that’s slowly returning to the island.The group welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels. No experience is necessary—just a willingness to help and an appreciation for nature. Working bees are held every Wednesday morning, typically from 8am to 10am. Tools and good company are provided. For those who can’t join in person, donations are always welcome and go directly toward native plants, educational materials and signage.In an era where conservation often feels like a race against time, the work on Granite Island reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful change comes quietly. A tree planted. A weed removed. A conversation started with a curious visitor. These small acts, repeated over weeks and years, add up to transformation.Stephen says it best: “Every plant we add is a promise—to the land, to the future, to each other. “Interested readers can contact Jean Flamank (mob: 0488 185 484) or visit the Friends of Parks SA website to learn more about joining or supporting a local group.https://friendsofparkssa.org.au/members/members-directory/friends-of-granite-island-recreation-park/

ABC TV Gardening Australia presenter Sophie Thompson will share the joy of gardening at a workshop at Strathalbyn Town Hall on Thursday 27 November.The author and radio broadcaster will discuss how the power of nature and gardens can connect people and help to build stronger communities.She says gardens are more than just green spaces, they can improve wellbeing and contribute to a better physical and emotional environment.This workshop is a collaboration between Alexandrina Council and Second Nature Conservancy. The Wellness in Nature project is supported by Office for Ageing Well, through the 2024-2025 Age Friendly SA grants program, and is also supported by Green Adelaide.The session will run from 10am to 11.30am and costs $5; book tickets via Humanitix.

Motorists are advised to take extra care on the roads this Sunday, November 16, with mobile speed cameras set to operate throughout South Australia, including regional and high-traffic areas.As weekend travel continues, police will be monitoring a wide range of locations to promote safer driving and reduce the risk of speed-related incidents. Whether you're returning from a getaway, out for a drive, or visiting local events, it's important to remain alert and observe the speed limit.Below is the full list of mobile speed camera locations for Sunday. Drive safely and help keep South Australian roads safe for everyone.ALDINGA BEACH RD, ALDINGA BEACHBEOVICH RD, INGLE FARMBLACKS RD, GILLES PLAINSCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDESPLANADE, SEAFORDGORGE RD, ATHELSTONEGRAND BVD, SEAFORD RISEGRAND JUNCTION RD, GILLES PLAINSGRAND JUNCTION RD, HOPE VALLEYGRIFFITHS DR, MOANAHECTORVILLE RD, HECTORVILLEKELLY RD, MODBURYLYONS RD, HOLDEN HILLMARYVALE RD, ATHELSTONEMONTAGUE RD, PARA VISTANORTH EAST RD, ST AGNESOLD COACH RD, MASLIN BEACHPORT RD, PORT WILLUNGAPORT RD, ALDINGARESEARCH RD, POORAKARIVER RD, PORT NOARLUNGASEAFORD RD, SEAFORDSIR ROSS SMITH BVD, OAKDENWANDANA AVE, GILLES PLAINSWRIGHT RD, INGLE FARMThe Country Camera locations: Monday, 10 November 2025 to Sunday, 23 November 2025ADELAIDE RD, MCCRACKENAGERY RD, AGERYARDROSSAN RD, MAITLANDARMSTRONG RD, VICTOR HARBORASHBOURNE RD, STRATHALBYNAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELBALAKLAVA RD, BALAKLAVABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSBAY RD, MOONTABEACH RD, COOBOWIEBEACH RD, GOOLWA BEACHBLANCHE TCE, MOONTACHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCOAST RD, MOONTA BAYCOPPER COAST HWY, PASKEVILLECOPPER COAST HWY, KADINACOPPER COAST HWY, KULPARACROZIER RD, VICTOR HARBORFENCHURCH ST, GOOLWAFLAGSTAFF HILL RD, MIDDLETONGOOLWA RD, MIDDLETONGWY TCE, BALAKLAVAHUGHES ST, WALLAROOKADINA RD, WALLAROOLONG VALLEY RD, STRATHALBYNMAIN SOUTH RD, DELAMEREMAIN SOUTH RD, MYPONGAMAIN SOUTH RD, YANKALILLAMAIN SOUTH RD, WATTLE FLATMAIN SOUTH RD, NORMANVILLEMAIN SOUTH RD, SECOND VALLEYMAIN ST, MINLATONMAITLAND RD, MINLATONMAWSON RD, MEADOWSMINLATON RD, MINLATONNORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, GOOLWA BEACHRUSSELL ST, KADINASEAVIEW RD, VICTOR HARBORSOUTH TCE, STRATHALBYNSPENCER HWY, ALFORDSPENCER HWY, PORT BROUGHTONST VINCENT HWY, PINE POINTTOTTENHAM COURT RD, PORT ELLIOTTRAEGER RD, BALAKLAVAVICTORIA ST, VICTOR HARBORWAITPINGA RD, WAITPINGAYORKE HWY, CURRAMULKAYORKE HWY, ARDROSSAN

A driver lost her licence for 12 months after being caught drink driving at Aldinga Beach overnight.Police pulled the driver over for a mobile driver test on Quinliven Road, Aldinga Beach about 12.30am on Saturday 15 November.The driver, a 60-year-old Aldinga Beach woman, recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.178 - more than three times the legal limit.She was reported for drink driving and issued with a 12-month instant loss of licence.  Her vehicle was impounded for 28 days and she will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.294557

Federal independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie will be the guest speaker at another forum on ageing well on the Fleurieu in Victor Harbor on Wednesday 19 November.Other speakers will include Doreen Salon from the Office of Ageing Well, Kristina Walsh for the Compassionate Communities Collaborative and two independent candidates for the state seat of Finniss, Lou Nicholson and Bronwyn Lewis.There will also be speakers on diet and nutrition, exercise physiology and mental health. Hosted by the South Coast Progressive Women’s Group, this free community forum will be held at the Christian Gospel Centre on George Main Road and will run from 2pm to 5pm.Afternoon tea will be provided. To attend RSVP via email.

After a year’s hiatus, the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic will officially return in 2026 and will celebrate 20 years of showcasing motoring heritage, fine wine, and community spirit, with entries now open.The popular car parade event will roll through the heart of McLaren Vale on Sunday 12 April, bringing together hundreds of vintage and classic vehicles on the Main Street, along with local wineries, live entertainment, and family fun.A brand-new, Vintage & Classic charity party will be held at Chalk Hill on the night before the parade on Saturday 11 April, replacing the traditional charity dinner.Open to the public to enjoy, the charity party will feature live entertainment and a stunning display of cars across the Chalk Hill lawns, creating the perfect atmosphere to kick off the weekend celebrations. A $10 entry fee will apply, with proceeds supporting several local charities, while food and drinks will be available to purchase on the night.Event chairman Nigel Williamson says the milestone year marks the start of a new era for one of South Australia’s most iconic regional events.“We are thrilled to be bringing back the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic, ensuring that we are safeguarding this amazing event for generations to come,” he says.“Our mission is simple – we are passionate volunteers driven to elevate our community by hosting a free event for all ages where the region as a whole benefits.“McLaren Vale is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Events like this, supported by our amazing volunteers and community groups, help bring people from across the state and country to experience and celebrate everything our region has to offer.”He says since its inception in 2006 the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic has drawn thousands of visitors to the region each year, marking it as one of the region’s signature events on the calendar, bringing in people from around South Australia and interstate, especially Victoria, to the heart of McLaren Vale.More than just a car parade, the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic is a strong community festival, highlighting the wonders of the region, where both entrants and guests gather after the parade and enjoy the afternoon.A range of local wineries will once again participate in the event, including:● Lloyd Brothers● Kay Brothers● Hastwell & Lightfoot● Chalk Hill● Leconfield● Shirvington● Serafino● Ekhidna kitchen● Goodison Brewery● PaxtonVehicle owners are encouraged to secure their spot early to be part of this milestone event, and can register to be part of the parade via the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic website.

SA Water will hold two drop-in information sessions, in Myponga and Yankalilla, for the community to learn more about its Reservoirs for Nature project.They will be at Myponga Town Hall on Tuesday 18 November and at Yankalilla Library on Thursday 20 November, both sessions from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.The project will start at Myponga Reservoir next year and the SA Water Environment and Energy team will be available to share information and answer questions.Each session will also include short 15-minute presentations at 4pm and 5.30pm.Everyone is welcome to attend with no booking required.