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Meet the RSPCA Pets of the Week: Sadie & Chester
Meet the RSPCA Pets of the Week: Sadie & Chester

22 March 2025, 1:36 AM

This week, RSPCA South Australia is shining a spotlight on two beautiful pets—Sadie and Chester—who are full of love and ready to find their forever homes.Sadie – The Independent SweetheartRSPCA South AustraliaMeet Sadie, a small, glossy beauty with a heart full of love and a purr you’ll never forget. She’s a toy enthusiast who enjoys chatting when she’s ready for playtime and will happily let you know when it’s cuddle o’clock.While she may be a little shy at first, once Sadie warms up to your routine, she’ll be a confident and loving part of your household. She loves a good fuss, but also appreciates her independence—she’s the definition of a modern cat with character!After spending time in foster care, Sadie is well on her way to becoming the ultimate family cat. All she needs now is a quiet and loving home to call her own.Read more about Sadie hereChester – The Clever, Loving CompanionRSPCA South AustraliaSay hello to Chester, the clever canine with a heart of gold. Chester already knows sit, drop, shake, and high five—what a star! He’s eager to find a forever family that’s ready to have fun, build a bond, and take on life’s adventures together.Chester would be a great fit for families, but he prefers to be the only fur baby in his household. While he gets along with some dogs, he enjoys having all the attention (and cuddles) to himself.Chester is ready to share his love, energy, and smarts with his new best friends. Could that be you?Read more about Chester hereIf you’re looking to welcome a new four-legged family member, Sadie and Chester are waiting to meet you!Visit RSPCA South Australia’s O’Halloran Hill animal care campus or browse available pets at www.rspcasa.org.au.

Campground and holiday park under new management
Campground and holiday park under new management

21 March 2025, 9:39 PM

District Council of Yankalilla has contracted BelgraviaPRO (Bpro) to manage the Normanville Jetty Holiday Park and the Rapid Bay Campground.The agreement follows an evaluation process over more than 18 months that examined various management models, followed by a tender process.Council CEO Nathan Cunningham says Bpro is a recognised leader in park management, bringing extensive experience, skills and knowledge to the role.“Through careful planning and a detailed selection process, Council has chosen Bpro to manage these important community assets. We are confident that Bpro’s industry expertise and proven track record will enhance the visitor experience while ensuring the long-term viability of both sites.”Bpro has a portfolio of more than 42 parks across Australia and New Zealand.CEO Nick Cox says the company is grateful for the opportunity to oversee the management and operations of Normanville Jetty Holiday Park and Rapid Bay Campground.“We’re proud to partner with The District Council of Yankalilla in managing both of these wonderful parks on the Fleurieu Peninsula. “These parks aim to provide a welcoming place for travellers of all ages and backgrounds, offering a range of activities from outdoor adventures to relaxation, where guests can socialise, unwind and explore the surrounding natural attractions,” he says.“This partnership aligns with our commitment to supporting local economies by employing local staff, engaging regional suppliers and investing in community resources.” The council says transition to Bpro’s management has been meticulously planned, ensuring good relationships, extended preparation, on-site handover and provisioning for a smooth transition. “Continuity of service remains a priority and visitors to both the Normanville Jetty Holiday Park and Rapid Bay Campground can expect a seamless experience, with the existing booking processes remaining unchanged.”The contracts were signed under a Management Licence Agreement model on Monday 17 March.More information can be found on the council website.

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Pollution closes beaches and horse tram
Pollution closes beaches and horse tram

21 March 2025, 1:30 AM

Waitpinga and Parsons Beaches remain closed until further notice and Victor Harbor horse tram tips to Granite Island have been suspended, following health concerns raised by south coast surfers this week.There have been widespread reports of surfers and beachgoers suffering symptoms including coughing and breathing difficulties, itchy eyes and blurred vision.Dead fish, octopuses and seahorses have washed up on shore and beaches have experienced red staining and excessive foam.The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued a statement on Tuesday 18 March, saying it was working with other agencies, including PIRSA Fisheries and SA Health, to attend the scene and take water samples.“It is believed the event could be due to a microalgal bloom that has been driven by hot temperatures and still water and an ongoing marine heatwave, with temperatures currently 2.5C warmer than usual, with little wind and small swell contributing to conditions.”SA Health has issued a warning that exposure to algae, including in aerosols, can cause allergic-type responses, including respiratory irritation, eye irritation and skin rashes.It says ingestion of contaminated water may cause stomach upsets and flu-like, symptoms, which generally disappear once exposure stops or after washing in clean water.As well as the closure of Waitpinga and Parsons, authorities are closely monitoring beaches from Encounter Bay to Hayborough but are not anticipating further closures.The horse tram closure was announced yesterday, Thursday 20 March as a precautionary measure to safeguard horses and staff while awaiting information from SA Health and the EPA.

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Footage highlights feral deer issue
Footage highlights feral deer issue

19 March 2025, 1:47 AM

Recent CCTV footage captured in Mount Osmond has revealed feral deer wandering down a suburban driveway, highlighting the increasing presence of feral deer in Greater Adelaide’s peri-urban areas. The footage, recorded at a private residence, underscores the challenges these animals pose to residents, the environment, and road safety.The Mount Osmond resident who captured the footage was surprised to see the deer so close to his home.“I still can’t believe it when I check the footage and see deer casually strolling down my driveway in the middle of the night,” he says. “We’ve had almost daily sightings in the past twelve months, and have seen them wandering around sporadically for a few years now. The problem is getting worse.”Feral deer populations have been expanding across South Australia, damaging native vegetation, agriculture, and waterways. In peri-urban areas, feral deer are more difficult to control and raise additional concerns for residents. Recent peri-urban feral deer sightings have been reported in Mount Osmond, Belair, Crafers, Bridgewater, as well as Chandlers Hill and Onkaparinga Hills.“They’ve worn trails through the garden, eating our plants and stripping our fruit trees as they go. They are a real nuisance but not exactly easy to control without help,” the concerned resident says.The Greater Adelaide Peri-Urban Feral Deer Eradication Plan, led by Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu and Green Adelaide, is focussed on reducing feral deer numbers across the region. Sightings like these highlight the need for urgent action.“Feral deer are among the most damaging invasive species in Australia,” says Tom Kloeden from Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu. “They don’t just harm the environment – they trash and destroy habitats. They trample delicate bushland, strip vegetation bare, and turn creeks into muddy wastelands. Native animals that depend on these ecosystems are left struggling to survive.”“We’ve seen the devastation they cause in the eastern states, where feral deer populations have spiralled out of control. In the Adelaide Hills and surrounding areas, we have a small window of time to act, and we’re calling on the community to help by reporting any sightings of feral deer at feralscan.org.au.”Land managers across Greater Adelaide and the Hills and Fleurieu can also register their interest in joining the feral deer eradication program. Joining the program is free and enables discussion of safe, effective and professional control operations. Registrations of interest can be made online.View the footage online. 

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More housing development for south coast
More housing development for south coast

18 March 2025, 8:08 PM

The state government is proposing to free up agricultural land for more housing development on the south coast and other areas of outer Adelaide.It will introduce a bill to vary the Environment and Food Production Areas (EFPA) to ensure an ongoing supply of development ready land over the next 30 years to accommodate 315,000 new homes. It says changing the EFPA boundaries to align with the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP) will unlock the potential to accommodate 61,000 new dwellings which will ensure there is a greater supply of land for housing.The GARP identifies land within the current EFPA at Roseworthy, Two Wells, Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor and Goolwa as potential future greenfield supply.The state government says growing communities will be well-serviced as the GARP ensures enough land will be preserved for future hospitals, roads, public transport, schools, and emergency services. Without the proposed changes, it says the housing crisis could continue for another generation as most of the proposed greenfield growth sites identified in GARP could not be rezoned and developed within the next 15 to 20 years.This assumes lack of land availability is the main cause of the housing crisis; there are no proposals to address any other causes. Planning Minister Nick Champion says rolling development and a ready land supply are needed to ensure the state doesn’t face another housing crisis. “Changes to the legislation will align the EFPA to government policy, which states there is no longer a target for greenfield vs infill development. “The total amount of land anticipated to be removed from the EFPA in the Greater Adelaide area is less than one per cent of the current area.“The GARP identifies land appropriate for housing which is neighbouring existing residential areas and is already well serviced by infrastructure.” He says the GARP investigations that informed the identification of growth areas included detailed land suitability assessments which considered environmental value and the agricultural value of land. It assumes that over the next 30 years South Australia will need approximately 315,000 more homes. The GARP has identified a mix of greenfield development and strategic urban infill opportunities to ensure this target is met.  He says when the EFPAs were created, the government’s priority was for 85 per cent of all growth to occur through infill development which means the existing Act is inconsistent with the current objectives and needs updating.Spanning approximately 11,000 square kilometres from Cape Jervis to Murray Bridge, taking in the townships of the Barossa and the boundary of Port Wakefield, the Greater Adelaide region is currently home to around 1.5 million people, approximately 85 per cent of the state’s population.The GARP can be read online. Premier Peter Malinauskas says he wants to make sure the state grows in the right way.“That means learning the lessons of the past, where growth has not been properly calibrated.“We cannot see our suburban streets just continue to be carved up and subdivided in an uncontrolled manner.“We must grow in a way that gives people choice, whether that be living in close proximity in the city or raising a family on a bigger block in the suburbs. "By identifying areas of growth and preserving land for future infrastructure, we are saving taxpayers money and helping appropriately budget for the long term."The bill to amend the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 to ensure EFPAs are aligned with the GARP is planned to be introduced to Parliament this week.The Premier told ABC radio on Monday 17 March that he hoped to have the support of the cross bench in the Upper House to pass the legislation.

Southern rail corridor preserved for future growth
Southern rail corridor preserved for future growth

18 March 2025, 1:36 AM

Two rail corridors from the city - one south towards Aldinga and Sellicks Beach and one north towards Roseworthy and Concordia - will be preserved by the state government to cater for future housing development. It says securing these corridors will unlock more transit options for the outer southern suburbs, which the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP) forecasts to grow by 23,000 homes, and the northern outer suburbs, expected to grow by 82,000 homes.  The state government launched its Transport Strategy on 16 March, which outlines a 30-year vision to transform how people and goods are moved around the state. This supports the GARP, which will also be released this week, by guiding development of a transport network that provides safe and affordable options and identifies future transport corridors that will support new housing and economic opportunities. The Transport Strategy sets the overall direction for future transport planning and will guide decisions on which projects to prioritise and invest in. More than 6000 people participated in community engagement shaping the strategy, which included virtual reality hubs across the state, an online survey and written submissions. This engagement allowed South Australians to identify what was most important to them when it comes to transport and their future needs, with 10 per cent of respondents planning to use their car less in the future.Around 24 per cent of respondents said they wish to use public transport more often and 44 per cent said they want to walk, run and cycle more. Some of the key priorities identified in the strategy include improving the quality of roads, public transport and active transport options to support housing and population growth. It identifies that efficient supply chains strengthen the state’s competitiveness, driving economic opportunity, and that a safer and more accessible public transport system will be required to meet the needs of an ageing population. Another priority is to reduce the environmental impact of the transport network. Planning Minister Nick Champion says it’s important to plan for future infrastructure requirements to support growth. “This is planning and transport working together to get a better outcome for South Australians in the future.  “Proper planning ensures our city will remain a liveable and attractive place with coordinated transport options.”

Honouring inspirational women who make an impact
Honouring inspirational women who make an impact

17 March 2025, 1:52 AM

South Australians are invited to keep shining the spotlight on women making significant contributions to their communities and industries following the state’s first ever Women’s Week. Nominations for the new South Australian Women of Impact Awards opened on International Women’s Day, 8 March. The Awards recognise and celebrate women making an impact and creating positive change for women in South Australia across four categories:Impact in Industry Award – women making a positive impact in their industry. Impact in the Community Award – women making a positive impact in their community.Aboriginal Impact Award – First Nations Women advocating for their community and/or making a difference in their field.Ending Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Impact Award – women dedicated to preventing and ending DFSV in South Australia.The categories aim to encourage nominations from diverse groups within the South Australian community and to recognise and raise the profile of the outstanding service and significant contributions of women across all areas.Katrine Hildyard is Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence.“The South Australian Women of Impact Awards are about shining a light on the efforts of hardworking volunteers, advocates, researchers, service providers and others who have made it their mission to drive positive change. “These are the women we hope will inspire the next generation to give back to their communities and to pursue their goals. “I encourage any South Australian who knows a woman making waves in her workplace or community to put their name forward to be recognised for their contributions to the state and commitment to driving lasting change that will make a difference in women’s lives and to the strength of their communities and our state as a whole.” Nominations can be made through the South Australian Women of Impact Awards website until 30 May. The winners for each category are expected to be announced in September. You can nominate someone for a Women of Impact awards online. 

Encounter Centre gets garden grant
Encounter Centre gets garden grant

16 March 2025, 8:10 PM

Victor Harbor’s Encounter Centre is among more than 80 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia to share in $827,253 in grants for Strengthening Rural Communities. The Foundation for Rural and regional Renewal (FRRR) Small and Vital grants offer up to $10,000 to grassroots not-for-profit organisations for initiatives that celebrate, strengthen and support their rural communities to be more vibrant, resilient and sustainable.Encounter Centre was awarded $7803 for an upgrade of its community garden, to provide a disability inclusive environment for health and social wellbeing activities by installing mobility-friendly pathways and garden beds for a community gardening program.Nearly $560,000 has been awarded through the Small & Vital stream and will support 67 projects that create inclusive and accessible community spaces, provide mentoring and training and learning opportunities, improve employment prospects, or offer people the chance to connect and engage with others and their wider community.The Prepare & Recover (P&R) stream of the program has awarded nearly $270,000 to 17 initiatives that build community resilience, preparedness and capacity to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events, as well as support medium to long-term recovery in regions impacted by previous disasters, such as the 2022 floods and the Black Summer bushfires.The full list of grant recipients is available on the FRRR website.Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, says the team is continually inspired by the strength and resilience of groups dedicated to helping remote, rural and regional communities thrive.“What makes rural communities amazing are the people that live there. These places are filled with locals working hard to keep community spirit alive and willing to step up to see their region navigate the highs and lows that come with living in the country. We see our role as walking beside them and empowering local groups to lead the projects they know will have a real impact.“After supporting communities impacted by disasters for the past 25 years, we also know just how important flexible recovery and preparedness funding is, Because communities’ needs change over time. By using a medium to long-term recovery lens, we’re able to support projects that strengthen the social fabric of a community through preparedness, capacity and resilience-building activities.“Our grants are often just one part of the bigger picture in terms of getting projects off the ground. But we know that this funding is often a crucial catalyst, encouraging further investment in local solutions.“Demand for funding continues to grow, as the cost of living and operational expenses rise, government priorities shift, and the impacts of climate change and disasters evolve.“To meet this demand, FRRR needs the support of the philanthropic and corporate sectors. A collaborative effort is needed to empower rural communities to lead a vibrant and sustainable future,” The Strengthening Rural Communities program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the FRRR website.FRRR always accepts applications to this program, which awards funds around four times a year. Local not-for-profit organisations and community groups are encouraged to review the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available on the website.Encounter Centre is a community organisation that offers programs and activities for people on the south coast of all abilities.

A strum of ukuleles brings joy to the world
A strum of ukuleles brings joy to the world

16 March 2025, 1:09 AM

Story courtesy Coast Lines MagazineWords: Susie WilliamsIn the picturesque town of Willunga, a delightful melody often fills the air. This is no ordinary sound; it’s the harmonious strumming of the Willunga Ukulele Ensemble—a spirited group of music lovers who have been bringing joy to the community since 2017. With their ukuleles in hand, they have created a symphony of connection, camaraderie, and celebration that resonates far beyond the music they play.What makes the Willunga Ukuleles truly special is the intergenerational spirit. From eager teenagers as young as 15 to spirited seniors in their 80s, this 50-member ensemble transcends age barriers. Each strum of their ukuleles weaves a story of mentorship, learning, and friendship. Younger members find inspiration and guidance, while seasoned players rediscover the joy of teaching and sharing their passion. It’s a beautiful blend of life experiences, proving that music is a universal language that bridges generations.More than just a musical group—the ensemble is a community in motion. Their melodies have graced bustling farmers' markets, lively local festivals, and intimate nursing home gatherings. Each performance is an act of connection, bringing smiles and shared moments to audiences across the region. Whether uplifting spirits at public events or lending their support to community causes, the music is a gift that unites and inspires.A hub for musical discoveryThe group’s mission extends beyond performances. It serves as a vibrant hub for musical education, welcoming newcomers to the world of the ukulele. Through workshops and teaching sessions, they nurture budding musicians and provide a platform for seasoned players to refine their craft. The joy of learning is at the core of their ethos, ensuring that every participant—whether a beginner or a pro—feels valued and encouraged.At its heart, the Willunga Ukulele Ensemble is a family. Rehearsals echo with laughter, friendships bloom with every chord, and the rhythm of togetherness beats stronger with each strum. Members come from diverse backgrounds, but their shared love for music creates a common bond. The group celebrates not just their differences but the harmony that comes from uniting them—a lesson in inclusivity and mutual respect.Looking ahead to 2025, the ensemble has exciting plans to expand its reach and deepen the impact. Their new home at the Willunga Golf Club will host twice-monthly strum sessions, complementing the existing beginner-friendly daytime gatherings at Aldinga Community Centre. Evening strums at the Willunga Hub will also offer a fresh opportunity for the community to come together and create music. These initiatives aim to make the group even more accessible, spreading the joy of ukulele playing across the Fleurieu Peninsula.Join the melody!Are you ready to become part of this harmonious community? Whether you’re a seasoned strummer or a complete novice, the Willunga Ukuleles welcome you with open arms. Together, you can create melodies that brighten days and build lasting connections.To learn more about upcoming performances, workshops, or how to join, visit their website at Willunga Ukuleles or email them at [email protected]. Evening strum sessions for 2025 are already in the works, set for the second Thursday of every month at the Willunga Hub at 7pm.

eSafety and SAPOL team up
eSafety and SAPOL team up

14 March 2025, 9:27 PM

The eSafety Commissioner and South Australia Police have committed to closer collaboration in the fight against criminal content and other serious online harms.eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant and South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising updated protocols to jointly investigate matters ranging from cyberbullying to image-based abuse, adult cyber abuse and illegal and harmful content.The MoU will see eSafety share information from investigations into some of the thousands of complaints it receives every month.“Reports to eSafety of serious cyberbullying, abuse and harmful content continue to grow,” Ms Inman Grant says.“For example, we received 2,978 cyberbullying complaints in 2024, a 25 per cent jump from the previous year. Of those reports, 46 per cent were in relation to children 13-years-old and younger.“We have a fantastic partnership with South Australia Police and this MoU will strengthen that by formalising our approach in vital areas of cooperation to improve online safety for South Australians,” she says.Commissioner Stevens has echoed this commitment, emphasising the critical role of law enforcement in tackling online threats.“This MoU will see our continued relationship with eSafety and ensure all parties work together to make the online environment safe for our community,” he says.“We are committed to using our resources to investigate cybercrime matters whether through fraud, child exploitation or abhorrent violent material.”The MoU covers serious cyberbullying, adult cyber abuse, the sharing of intimate images without consent and the distribution of illegal or restricted content, such as child sexual exploitation and abuse material and extreme violence or terrorism content. This extends to content that, “instructs, promotes and encourages crime and violence”, as has been increasingly seen with youth crime posted online.The strengthened partnership has also been welcomed by South Australia’s Police Minister Stephen Mullighan, who has highlighted the importance of a united front against online crime.“The state government welcomes the collaboration between SAPOL and eSafety to help stamp out criminal activity online,” he says.“Crimes including cyberbullying, adult cyber abuse and the distribution of illegal content have no place in South Australia and this agreement will strengthen the fight against those illegal activities.“By sharing resources and jointly investigating online offences, SAPOL and eSafety are in a better position to close the net on online criminals,” he says.eSafety also provides information, resources and training to help police officers around Australia deal with online harms ranging from cyberbullying to gender-based violence.“It is vital that eSafety’s works very closely with law enforcement agencies such as South Australia Police to target perpetrators and identify victims in more serious criminal matters,” Ms Inman Grant says.“This work with law enforcement complements eSafety’s civil powers to remove harmful content, helping us keep Australians safer – both online, and in the real world.”

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