Yellow recycling bins and green FOGO (food organics garden organics) bins will be collected weekly from today, Monday 15 December until Friday 23 January 2026. Collection of blue and red bins for general landfill waste will still be done fortnightly.Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA) depots at Goolwa, Yankalilla, Strathalbyn and Kangaroo Island will be closed on all public holidays, with early closures at 1pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.Christmas week bin collections for Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December will be one day later than usual:    Monday 22/12 collection → as usual.   Tuesday 23/12 collection → as usual.   Wednesday 24/12 collection → as usual.   Thursday 25/12 collection → Friday 26 December.   Friday 26/12 collection → Saturday 27 December.Collections occur as usual on the New Year’s Day public holiday.Over the holiday period there could also be delays to the timing of bin collection as in addition to busy season FRWA is also dealing with the reduced capacity of its Goolwa site due to major fire damage caused by a hidden battery.Batteries must never go in any kerbside bins. Free battery drop-off is available at Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority depots. FRWA advises that as additional waste may accumulate over the holiday period, all food waste, including seafood shells, bones, cheese and compostable packaging, should go in the green bin. For more information about summer holiday waste collection and to download an area-specific collection calendar, visit the FRWA website.      

This week, RSPCA South Australia is delighted to introduce Sammy and Lacey — a sweet, bonded pair of cats who are searching for a calm, loving home where they can flourish together. These two gentle souls have plenty of love to give and deserve a home that will let them come out of their shells at their own pace.🐱 Meet LaceyHi! I’m Lacey — a shy but affectionate girl who loves attention once I feel comfortable. I can be a little reserved at first, but with patience and gentle love, I really open up and show my sweet side. I thrive in quiet environments, where I can confidently explore and soak up affection on my terms.🐱 Meet SammySammy is Lacey’s bonded partner in crime — calm, comforting, and just as deserving of a loving home. Together, they share a quiet companionship that brings out the best in each other.❤️ Togetherness MattersSammy and Lacey must be adopted as a pair. Their bond is strong, and they rely on each other for comfort, confidence, and fun. A home that welcomes them together means double the cuddles, double the gentle purrs, and a lifelong friendship you won’t want to miss.🏡 What Kind of Home Suits Them?These sweet cats would thrive in a:Quiet and calm householdAdults‑only home (no young children)Pet‑free environment (no other animals)They’ve blossomed in care, and with the right amount of patience and love, they’ll continue to grow into confident, happy companions.🐾 About the AdoptionAdoption fee: $99 for the pairIncluded: ✔️ FREE bag of Royal Canin dry food ✔️ Desexing, microchipping and vaccinationBoth Sammy and Lacey are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, and up to date with parasite prevention — all ready to make the transition to their new home.📍 Meet Them Today!If you’re looking for loving feline companions and have a calm home to share, come meet Sammy and Lacey at the RSPCA South Australia animal care campus. They’re ready to fill your life with gentle purrs and shared snuggles.👉 RSPCA South Australia – Adopt a Pet

A woman was arrested last night after being caught drink driving at Christie Downs.About 11.20pm Saturday 13 December, police were stopped on Cecilia Road when a car pulled up beside them and the driver allegedly hurled abuse at the officers before speeding off. The patrol followed the Holden sedan and pulled it over where it’s alleged the driver provided a positive roadside breath test and continued to swear and behave aggressively towards police.She was subsequently arrested for disorderly behaviour and underwent a further breath analysis test, returning a reading of 0.170 – over three times the legal limit.The 26-year-old woman from Seaford was reported for drink driving, issued with a 12-month instant loss of licence and had her Holden impounded for 28 days.She was released with an adult caution in relation to her behaviour and will be summonsed to court for drink driving in the new year.321623

The Fleurieu community is again invited to the Grosvenor Gardens in Victor Harbor for the opportunity to have Coffee with a Cop.Between 10.30am and 12.30pm Monday 22 December, Hills Fleurieu police will host Coffee with a Cop at the rotunda in Grosvenor Gardens.The community will have the opportunity to interact with officers and discuss local topics in a relaxed and informal setting with complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

A citizen-science experience, astronomy tour, e-biking, twilight kayaking and enhanced wildlife encounters are some of the 17 projects supported by the final round of the $2 million Experience Nature Tourism Fund. Round 4 of the Fund saw $625,900 in grants unlock over $985,000 in combined project value, supporting tourism operators to attract more domestic and international visitors while showcasing the State’s natural landscapes. Projects range from new accommodation and equipment to vehicle purchases, tour diversification and marketing.  Coastal destinations in regions including Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide and the Coorong will see projects celebrate their diverse marine life, such as a Reef Resilience Project, Dolphin and Coastal Discovery Experience and a tour of the Coorong’s unique ecosystem. Research and Discovery Coastal Tours Kangaroo Island (RAD KI) will deliver a project improving boat capabilities to support the delivery of a citizen-science experience, Reef Resilience Project, which monitors the health of South Australia’s Great Southern Reef and supports ecological recovery from the algal bloom event. The now fully allocated $2 million Experience Nature Tourism Fund has supported a total of 63 projects worth almost $3.5 million in combined project value. Successful projects in Round 4 include: The Tailor Touring Co., Research and Discovery Coastal Tours Kangaroo Island, Neptunes / Neptunes Surf Coaching, Discovery Resorts - Wilpena Pound, Ancient Land Tours, Skytrek Willow Springs Station, The Koala Sanctuary, Kangaroo Island Trails, Radelaide Tours, Griffens Marina Blanchetown, Tracx, Catninga Hut, Skillogalee Estate, Coffin Bay Tourist Association, Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours, Escapegoat Adventures and SA eBikes. Kirsty Siekmann, Chief Operations Officer The Tailor says receiving support through the Experience Nature Tourism Fund has been instrumental in bringing a new Coorong cultural and nature-based tour to life. “The grant is directly assisting with the purchase of a purpose-built LandCruiser, allowing us to access remote and ecologically rich areas of the Coorong in comfort and safety. “This new experience not only highlights one of South Australia’s lesser-known, environmentally significant landscapes, but does so in respectful collaboration with the Ngarrindjeri people, whose connection to this land spans tens of thousands of years. It’s a deeply personal and powerful journey for our guests, and we’re incredibly proud to share it. “In addition to the vehicle investment, we are committed to significant domestic and international marketing of this product through The Tailor’s extensive network of ultra-high-net-worth agents and travellers. It’s an opportunity to shine a global spotlight on the Coorong and Ngarrindjeri Culture, while supporting sustainable regional tourism. 

Motorists and residents are advised of temporary road closures in Port Noarlunga South, Seaford and Moana on Sunday 14 December 2025 for the Moana Triathlon (State Olympic Distance).Roads along the Esplanade and connecting residential streets will be closed to traffic between 5.30am and 1.30pm, and drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and avoid the area where possible.Road closures: 5.30am to 1.30pmPort Noarlunga SouthWeatherald Terrace, between Commercial Road and EsplanadeEsplanade, between Weatherald Terrace and Aldam RoadFremantle Road, between Albany Avenue and EsplanadeAldam Road, between Compass Drive and EsplanadeSeafordEsplanade, between Aldam Road and Robertson RoadSeaford Road, between Compass Drive and EsplanadeMoanaEsplanade, between Robertson Road and Nashwauk CrescentNashwauk Crescent, between Moana Crescent and EsplanadePedestrian and safety informationAn exemption has been granted to all persons taking part in the event from Australian Road Rules relating to pedestrian behaviour for the duration of the triathlon. All other road users and spectators must follow normal road rules and directions from traffic controllers and SA Police.Residents within the closure area are encouraged to move vehicles before 5.30am if they need to travel during the event and to take extra care when entering or leaving affected streets.For more information, please contact event organiser Jason Delfos on 0415 409 032 or email [email protected].

A host of community-led initiatives are being rolled out to support environmental resilience and restoration, providing more ways for South Australians to get involved and give back to the marine environment during the recovery from the algal bloom. Backed by the state government’s $102.5 million summer plan, new measures that the public can get behind include:More support for seagrass restoration, expanding on the volunteer-led program run by fish habitat charity OzFish. Establishing a public drop-off point, now in place, for recycled shellfish shells to help restore native reefs.Dedicated volunteer portal launched today to highlight opportunities available.Seagrass restoration helps filter excess nutrients from the water, supports bacteria that inhibit algal growth, improves water quality and provides a nursery habitat for juvenile fish and other marine species. Through OzFish’s Seeds for Snapper Adelaide program, volunteers rescue seagrass seeds found washed ashore – which are then processed in tanks, sewn into biodegradable sandbags and placed in the ocean to help restore seagrass meadows.OzFish SA Project Manager Brad Martin says as well as providing an important habitat for fish, seagrasses help to stabilise soil and sediment on the ocean floor, helping to protect our shorelines from erosion and storms.“Seagrasses store carbon and nutrients, which can help to improve water quality – a hectare of seagrass can store 35 times more carbon than a hectare of rainforest.“OzFish’s shell recycling project is a sustainable solution that reduces waste and conserves our ocean. We are pleased to continue to work with the community to recycle as many shells as possible to build and restore South Australia's shellfish reefs.” The state government will deliver additional support to the metropolitan program over summer, building on the program’s success which has seen 50,000 seedlings replanted across the Gulf St Vincent in the past five years. South Australians can also play a key role in creating additional community shellfish reefs, as part of the summer plan efforts. A public shellfish collection bin has been set up at Port Noarlunga jetty, allowing people to drop off shells of seafood they consume at home. Additional drop-off locations will be determined in partnership with OzFish and local councils.Effective shells for establishing new reefs include SA oysters, scallops and mussels, with donated shells taken to Garden Island for processing.Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood says South Australians are passionate about their marine environment and have made clear they want to step up and give back to coastal communities. “We’ve heard this at our community forums and responded through our summer plan to help the public contribute to projects making a difference across the state.  “Volunteers are already driving local initiatives, citizen science projects and on-ground observations, and expanding on these efforts to get more people involved will strengthen our recovery from this unprecedented event.“To support projects underway, a new volunteer portal – listing programs and events the community can contribute to – has been created on the Government’s dedicated algal bloom site. Registrations are now open to get involved in key initiatives, including seagrass restoration and community reefs along with becoming a beach clean-up volunteer.   

Several Victor Harbor roads will be closed this Saturday, 14 December, to allow for the annual Christmas Pageant to take place along the foreshore.The pageant will begin at 5.30pm, travelling from Bridge Terrace along Flinders Parade and the Esplanade, before finishing with the arrival of Father Christmas at Warland Reserve. The evening will conclude with community Christmas carols on the lawns.To ensure the event can run safely, the following roads will be closed from 3.30pm to 7pm:Bridge Terrace (Grantley Avenue to Eyre Terrace)Eyre Terrace (Hindmarsh Road to Bridge Terrace)Flinders Parade (Eyre Terrace to Granite Island Road)Coral Street (McKinlay Street to Flinders Parade)Esplanade (Granite Island Road to King Street)Albert Place (Esplanade to Railway Terrace)Motorists are advised to plan ahead, follow detours, and allow extra time when travelling through the Victor Harbor precinct on Saturday afternoon.

Police have been given stronger search and entry powers to investigate high risk missing persons cases, following the passage of key legislation through State Parliament.The laws give police greater powers when seeking to enter a premises to investigate high risk missing persons cases, ensuring they have all the powers they need at their disposal to keep the community safe.Under the previous laws, police could only enter and search a premises without the owner’s consent if they reasonably suspected a crime had been committed, a person had died or that a person was in need of medical or other assistance.The reform expands police powers, by allowing senior police officers to authorise a police officer to enter a premises, vehicle, vessel or other place without the owner’s consent if they reasonably suspect that either a high risk missing person or information that may assist in locating the person is there.An authorisation given by a senior police officer remains in force for a maximum period of up to 48 hours, until the missing person is located, or the authorisation is revoked (whichever occurs sooner).  Attorney-General Kyam Maher says these reforms will be an important tool in helping SA Police investigate missing persons cases comprehensively and effectively, by providing police with additional powers that can be used in investigations involving vulnerable individuals who may suffer serious harm if not located quickly.“Given time is of the essence in these types of investigations, ensuring police have the ability to enter a property without an owner’s consent will help ensure they have access to any potential information that may assist with their inquiries.“These measures are responsible changes that will expand police powers while also ensuring there are appropriate checks and balances in place.Initial authorisation to enter a premises will be overseen by senior police officers while any application to enter or search a premises that extends beyond the 48 hour mark will need to be considered by a Supreme Court judge before approval is given.Acting Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Cath Hilliard says SA Police welcome any legislative amendment that will assist in enhancing the ability of police to keep the community safe.“The amendment of the Summary Offences Act will provide police, in certain cases, with additional powers that can be used in investigations involving vulnerable individuals.“The amendment gives police the power to search a premises, vehicle, vessel or other place if a senior officer suspects such action may provide information that may assist in locating a high risk missing person.”The new laws will also allow police to apply to a Supreme Court judge for a warrant to enter and search a premises in relation to a high risk missing person investigation for a longer period in certain circumstances. The laws are based on similar laws already in effect in Queensland.

McLaren Vale came alive with festive colour and Christmas cheer on Sunday as close to 50 floats, community groups and entertainers rolled through the main street for this year’s Christmas Pageant.From grease monkeys to fairies, tractors, vintage fire trucks, dance crews and skateboarders — and of course a visit from Santa — the procession drew thousands of spectators who later made their way to the Piazza to enjoy food stalls, music and a relaxed community celebration.Chair of the McLaren Vale Business & Tourism Association (MVBTA), Megan Caldersmith, said the event captured the essence of the region and its people.“The Pageant is such a beautiful reflection of who we are as a community — creative, connected and always willing to come together to make something special,” she says.“Seeing so many groups, families and volunteers pitch in is a reminder of the heart that makes McLaren Vale such a wonderful place to live.”The MVBTA thanked its major partners, Bendigo Bank and the City of Onkaparinga, along with Gold Sponsor Kalyra, and all silver and bronze supporters whose backing, alongside the work of volunteers, made the event possible.With the Christmas Pageant wrapped for another year, attention now turns to the next major celebration for the region — the return of the Tour Down Under.Photo credit: Carney Sims

Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island residents are encouraged to recognise the everyday heroes who strengthen local communities, with nominations now open for the 2026 South Australian Volunteer Awards.Volunteers lift communities – from crisis response to neighbourhood support – and these awards honour their generosity and talent, which often goes unrecognised.People can nominate themselves or another group or individual they know in the following categories:The Joy Noble Medal - South Australia’s highest distinction for an individual volunteer.The Andamooka’ Community Project Award - Recognising a community or group volunteer project of significant community benefit.The Young Volunteer Award – Honouring an impressive young volunteer aged 12 to 25.The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award - Honouring a volunteer manager for their outstanding contribution to the profession.The Premier’s Award for Corporate Social Responsibility – Recognising the community contribution of a South Australian for-profit business.Winners of the 2025 awards included a suicide prevention advocate; a champion of reconciliation and social justice; an SA-based global education platform for isolated students; and volunteers from the much-loved Chihuly in the Botanic Gardens.The 2026 South Australian Volunteer Awards will be held at Government House for the first time, coinciding with National Volunteer Week, which runs from 18 to 24 May 2026.Volunteering SA&NT Chief Executive Hamilton Calder says the South Australian Volunteer Awards continue to honour those whose dedication and compassion make a real and lasting difference across the state.“Each year we are inspired by the stories of people who quietly transform their communities through service. “With the valued support of the department, we’re proud to once again host this important celebration of service.”Danica Gates, 2025 Joy Noble Medal winner, says people often think volunteering means joining a big group where everyone connects and agrees – but that’s not always the case. “Volunteering isn’t only about being part of a group. If you’re passionate about something or want to create change, there are many ways to strengthen your community on your own. “Connecting with others isn’t possible for everyone – and that’s okay. There are still meaningful ways to contribute.”South Australia has more than 950,000 volunteers who contribute an estimated 223 million hours each year, equivalent to $36 billion in social and economic value.Help to recognise the local heroes in the community by nominating an exceptional volunteer or group for the South Australian Volunteer Awards. Self-nominations are also welcome.Nominations close Monday 26 January at 5pm.The awards are presented by Volunteering SA&NT and supported by the South Australian Department of Human Services.For more information visit the website.   

Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism is running a ‘summer like a local’ competition for those who enjoy the best in their own backyard and want to spread the word.To enter, take a photo or a video that illustrates how to ‘summer like a local’; share it on Instagram or Facebook: #summerlikealocal; and tag @fleurieulivingmagazine and @officialfleurieupeninsula.Entrants must be over 18 and all eligible entries will go into a draw on 18 February 2026.The winner will receive a $500 Hometime accommodation voucher; a $250 The Salopian Inn voucher; and a Premium Gin Masterclass experience for two at Never Never Distilling (valued at $290).For all the details, terms and conditions, visit the Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism website.

This summer locals and visitors can get to know the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) region better through a series of free events.From a family-friendly fun early evening with popcorn and ice cream at a screening of that most classic Coorong movie, Storm Boy, to meeting the people who are out in all weathers running our field research, join the CLLMM Research Centre for its Summer Series of Science 2025/26.The CLLMM Research Centre in Goolwa collaborates with local communities to develop and deliver knowledge of how climate change is impacting the region, and how and what can be done to prepare for it or prevent it.“During our Summer Series of Science visitors can get to know our work firsthand,” says Dr Tiffany Nay, Education and Science Communications Coordinator.“Our research includes 29 projects that examine aspects of how we live and thrive in this area, despite challenges from the harmful algal bloom in autumn and winter, low rainfall reviving memories of drought, to floods and fish kills.“We invite more community participation in our projects to help us identify and fill knowledge gaps about how we can manage present and future change.”The Summer of Science Series presents four exclusive events:12 December: 7-9pm twilight screening of Storm Boy.13 January: Freshwater Science Tour on the River Murray for insight into CLLMM research projects including lokeri (mussels), the local rakali (water rodent) and revegetation efforts.20 January: Saltwater Science Tour on the River Murray for insight into CLLMM research projects including shared access to ocean beaches, and the vulnerability of coastal dunes.6 February: Speed dating with science is an informal evening with researchers to find out about their work, helping understand climate adaptation.The Centre is open from 9 to 5pm, and people of all ages can experience the SandBox, a highly colourful, state-of-the-art virtual reality platform designed specifically for CLLMM. It is a fun and immersive way - using sand and computer overlays - for users to explore information on the cultural, economic, environmental and social values of the region.Based in Goolwa, the Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre works collaboratively with First Nations and community organisations on projects that investigate the significant challenges posed by climate change throughout the region.

Fleurieu residents and visitors are being encouraged to stay vigilant as the weather heats up, bringing snakes out of their slumber heading into summer. There have already been several reports of snakes on nature strips and roadsides on the south coast and summer has only just begun.New SA Ambulance Service data reveals 91 patients were treated for snake bites in 2024 – the highest number of callouts in the past five years (2020-2025). Summer has been the busiest season for ambos, with more than 170 snake bites responded to between December and February since 2020 – compared to around 130 bites in spring over the same period. During the warmer months, snakes become active out of brumation – a hibernation-like state – signalling that breeding season is underway. Snakes, like other animals, need food, water and shelter – and will make use of any cover close to the ground, such as wood heaps or piles of corrugated iron. Steps to minimise snake encounters at home include keeping the yard clear of long grass, removing rubbish and actively reducing rats and mice on the property. Bushwalkers in national parks and reserves are advised to stick to trails, make some noise when walking and wear enclosed footwear and long pants. Venomous species commonly found across the state include eastern brown snakes, red-bellied black snakes, copperhead snakes, western brown snakes and tiger snakes.Snakes – which are a protected species and play a vital role in the state’s ecosystem – should be left alone if encountered, whether they are venomous or not. Most snake bites occur only when someone attempts to handle or kill a snake.Benita Dillon, Principal Ecologist Wildlife Management, Department for Environment and Water, says snakes are protected under South Australian law and have an important place in our ecosystem, especially controlling rats and mice.“Just because you’ve never seen a snake on your property doesn’t mean they aren’t there, so you should always be careful about putting your hands or feet into spots you can’t see, like long grass, or that pile of junk behind the shed.”Snakes will generally try to avoid confrontation with a human by either moving away and hiding or lying still until the person has moved away. Like most wild animals, snakes will defend themselves if they are startled, feel threatened or are cornered.If found inside the home, keep children and pets away, watch where the snake goes if safe to do so and call a licenced snake catcher to remove it.If someone is bitten by a snake, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Keep the person as calm and still as possible and apply pressure bandaging. If the bite is to a limb, apply another pressure bandage, beginning at the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and extending upward to cover as much of the limb as possible. Leave the bandage in place until medical help arrives.Do not wash the bite, cut the wound, apply a tourniquet or attempt to catch the snake.For more information on living with snakes and property maintenance, visit the Environment SA website. 

Business excellence across the Fleurieu was celebrated at a gala evening for the 2025 Business Victor Harbor Awards on Friday 5 December at McCracken Convention Centre.This year there were 14 merit based categories, with 73 nominations. Chop It Axe Throwing Alley was named Business of the Year, while the Fleurieu App took out two awards.The 2025 winners are:Services Industries Award – Old Coach Road EstateTrades Business Award – 4Life ConstructionsProfessional Services & Finance Award - Cathy Domoney Executive CoachingPrimary & Agribusiness Industry Award – FPAG, Victor HarborEducation, Employment & Training Award -  Fleurieu Study HubHealth, Social Assistance and Care Award -  SpecSavers, Victor HarborNew Business  Award -  Unicorn Equine ServicesMicro & Homebased Business Award  -  Fleurieu AppRegional Impact Award - Fleurieu AppSustainability Award -  ShedEx FleurieuEmployee of the Year Award   -  Jim Kearns, ShedEx FleurieuApprentice of the Year Award -  Amanda Uttridge Ocean Hair ArtistryExcellence in Workplace Culture & Wellbeing Award  -  Encounter CentreBusiness of the Year Award -  Chop it AxeSusie Williams, creator and Director of the Fleurieu App, said she was both proud and genuinely surprised by the recognition:“To be honest, I’m still in shock! Winning the Micro & Home-Based Business Award is incredibly special, but receiving the Regional Impact Award truly means the world. The Fleurieu App has always been about connecting our community—offering a free local platform where residents, businesses and visitors can find everything that’s happening across the Fleurieu. We work hard to provide a cost-effective and interactive space for local businesses to advertise and be seen across the entire region. For the judges to recognise and appreciate that purpose is something very special, and it really does make all the hard work worthwhile.” The nominees for this year are: 4life Constructions, Back Valley Farm Pastured Raised Eggs, BCS Electrical Pty Ltd, Cathy Domoney Executive Coaching, Chop It Axe Throwing & Escape It Rooms, Encounter Community Centre, FAFM First Aid and Workplace Training, Fleurieu App, Fleurieu Crash Repairs, Fleurieu Locksmith, Fleurieu Study Hub, FPAG (FP Agriservices), JaDs Hairdressers, Kink, Mr Menswear, Newton & Co Real Estate, Ocean Hair Artistry, Oldbook, Old Coach Road Estate, Pan Co, Parkers Crash Repairs Victor Harbor, Plus Printing, Sanctuary Day Spa, See Optometry, ShedEx Fleurieu, Shortie Designs, SkinOptics, Southern Vales Legal, Specsavers Victor Harbor, Spirit of the Coorong, Stacked Signs PTY LTD, Strive Kids Hub PTY LTD, Sweep & Shine, The Big Duck Boat Tours, The Pirate's Seachest, Thinkwater Fleurieu, Trent's Plumbing & Gas,  Unicorn Equine Services, Victor Harbor Motor Co

The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board is asking the island’s community and visitors to get involved with recording and reporting effects of the algal bloom.It is working closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and the Environmental Protection Authority to monitor the current Harmful Algal Bloom affecting South Australia.The board is asking people who notice dead fish or other marine life along the Kangaroo Island coastline to report any dead marine life and unusual marine mortalities.It says reporting helps scientists track the impact of the bloom and guide the ongoing response and asks people to call the Fishwatch Hotline (24/7): 1800 065 522Callers will be asked for details such as time, date and location so the incident can be investigated and recorded.To report dead marine mammals  such as seals, dolphins and whales people should call the KI National Parks Office on 0477 334 898.Monitoring efforts can also be supported through iNaturalist, by downloading the free app and joining the Kangaroo Island Algal Bloom Impacts project, then uploading observations and photos of affected marine life.Situational updates on the algal bloom are available on the PIRSA website.

An illegal e-bike was seized on Friday after the rider was caught riding on the footpath at Port Noarlunga.Around 3pm Friday 5 December, motorcycle officers stopped an electric mountain bike on the Esplanade, Port Noarlunga and spoke with the rider. Police inspected the bicycle where they allegedly uncovered that it was illegally modified and as such was capable of travelling in excess of 100 km/h.Such a modification means the bike is legally considered a motorcycle and therefore subject to standard licence and registration provisions.Checks on the rider revealed that he has never held a motorcycle licence.The 16-year-old boy from Sellicks Beach was reported for riding whilst unlicensed, riding an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and failing to wear a motorbike helmet. He will be dealt with in accordance with the Young Offenders Act.His bike was impounded for 28 days.314230

Children in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and on the Fleurieu Peninsula now have access to early intervention and mental health support through a new Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub. The Kids Hub located at the Marion GP Plus Health Care Centre was officially opened last week by Emma McBride MP, federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Chris Picton, SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing. The Kids Hub provides free mental health and wellbeing support for children aged 0-12 years experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, relational and/or behavioural challenges, while supporting their families, carers and kin. Children don’t need a formal referral or diagnosis to receive care. The Marion Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub will service southern Adelaide families, including those living in Bedford Park. Outreach services are also available at the Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre, providing access for children, and their families in the outer southern metropolitan region and the Fleurieu. Through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, the Australian and South Australian governments are working together to establish a Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub across two locations, aimed at improving the mental health of children.  The second site will be established in northern Adelaide with the location to be confirmed. Over the next four years, the federal government is working with all states and territories to create a national network of 17 Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs. Kids Hubs aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children through the provision of accessible, child-centred services at no cost to families. The Marion Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub at 10 Milham Street in Oaklands Park is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Outreach services at Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre on Pridham Boulevard in Aldinga Beach are open Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. For more information about Kids Hubs and helpful resources, visit the website. 

The Botanic Designer, Markus Hamence, will lead a free workshop on using plants to create a magical table for Christmas entertaining on Friday 12 December.The one-hour workshop that is fun-filled, entertaining and full-of-acts will be held in the Goolwa library at 10am.This program is partly funded through an Age Friendly SA Grant from Office for Ageing Well.It is free to attend but books are essential via the Alexandrina Council Eventbrite page.