This week in federal Parliament, Independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie raised her concern with the dire situation in South Australia where many Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Kangaroo Island residents are running out or have exhausted their water supplies.With 2024 annual rainfalls at near or record lows in many parts of the electorate, Strathalbyn received 68 per cent of its average rainfall, Cape Willoughby 62 per cent and Gumeracha just 59 percent.Ms Sharkie says farmers are hurting and households not connected to mains water are struggling to get water delivered.  'Water carters have advised that domestic demand for water has reduced the water pressure across the system and what usually takes around half an hour to fill a tanker is now taking one and a half hours, extending delivery times.'This is a critical issue requiring an urgent fix. It is incomprehensible that in the year 2025 we have houses running out of water.''My office is in contact with the office of the South Australian Minister for Water and I'm pleased there is a mutual desire to fix this issue.'On Kangaroo Island PIRSA convened a water meeting on Tuesday11 February, attended by government agencies and local groups.Mayor Michael Pengilly reported that the Middle River Dam is at around 60 per cent capacity, which is above the average for this time of year.“There are no plans to introduce water rationing, as the desalination plant continues to ensure a reliable supply of potable water for Kangaroo Island" he says."We are seeing increasing demand for stock water as dry weather continues, and many dams are drying up. Evaporation levels are high, which is putting additional strain on farmers.”Meanwhile Finniss MP and state Shadow Minister for Water Infrastructure David Basham says many households have resorted to using a back-up water tank reserved to protect their properties against bushfires. “This is an incredibly precarious situation for those forced to use emergency water supplies, leaving their homes at greater risk in the event of a fire.“We have previously used milk tankers to support getting water to households quickly, but the only solution offered up by the Water Minister is to put your name on a list.“It’s simply not good enough, having water in your home is a basic living standard that we expect in South Australia.“In May 2022, the Government declared a Climate Emergency. What have they done in the last two years to prepare for the water shortages caused by the lack of rainfall?“The Minister is telling us to prepare for the next 20 to 30 years, but South Australians can’t wait and need practical action now.”

Alexandrina Council has scheduled major tree maintenance works in the Soldiers Memorial Gardens and Lions Park in Strathalbyn next week.It follows recommendations of an arborist report conducted late last year after community concerns were raised about the health of a historic Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) near the rotunda on the southern side of the Peninsula.More than 20 trees in the Gardens and Park will be pruned of dead wood, including the historic Stone Pine, which was one of the original trees planted in the precinct in the late1800s.Three dead or dying Cotton Palms (Washingtonia robusta) at the eastern end of the Children’s Bridge will be removed.Due to their heritage value, the removal of the Cotton Palms was referred to State Heritage for advice and to PlanSA for Development Approval, which was granted.One of Cotton Palms is an original planting from the 1930s and has been assessed as having reached the end of its life span.The remaining two Cotton Palms were planted as replacements sometime between 2001 and 2004 following the collapse of an original palm during a storm. Drought conditions in the ensuing years and more recent seasonal damage caused by Little Corellas have contributed to their demise.A fourth Cotton Palm, believed to be an original planting but located away from the Children’s Bridge, is in good condition and will remain.Two small dead Eucalypts will also be removed from the banks of the Angus River as they pose a risk to park users and have been assessed as providing limited habitat value.In the cooler months, the council will plant Eucalypts and smaller species along the river’s edge on the downstream section of the park between the last weir and the St Andrew's Bridge.Alexandrina CEO Andrew MacDonald says: “Back in 1999 a Conservation and Management Study of the Strathalbyn Soldiers Memorial Gardens was conducted by the University of Adelaide and the Cotton Palms were classified as having ‘high aesthetic value’. “In line with the management plan for the Gardens, we have sought advice from State Heritage regarding their replacement, which will be close to their original location and equal distance from the path near the Children’s Bridge.“We are sourcing advanced Cotton Palms from interstate, and they will be planted this year when the seasonal rains arrive, and conditions are optimal.“Ground anchors will be used to secure the root ball thereby eliminating the need for unsightly staking and cabling.“The retaining bricks that surround the base of the palms will be removed, as they do not conform to the heritage of the Gardens.“The Soldiers Memorial Gardens are a popular and picturesque feature of Strathalbyn and the Alexandrina community is proud of its history.The works will start on Monday 17 February and are expected to take up to 10 days to complete, weather permitting.For more information about our projects, visit the Alexandrina Council website.

Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) will offer free Stay Afloat lifejacket clinics at boat ramps and events across the state this summer, including three on the Fleurieu.DIT staff will be on hand with the clinic trailer, travelling Adelaide and surrounding areas to upgrade personal flotation devices; no bookings are required. The Fleurieu clinics will be held at:Wirrina Caravan Park Oval on Friday 14 February from 4pm.Victor Harbor boast ramp on Friday 28 February from 9am to 1pm.O’Sullivans Beach boat ramp on Saturday 8 March from 10am to 2pm.The clinics will cover how to wear and maintain life jackets; safety gear; and understanding emergency communications.There will also be an opportunity to ask any other boating safety questions.Participants can take along life jackets for help with servicing, including some free replacement parts.Marine Safety SA can also help understand the different types of lifejackets, and how to clean, size and fit a lifejacket.The Wirrina clinic will take place prior to the event briefing for the Game Fishing Club of South Australia'Wirrina Tuna Slam'.DIT has also established no-cost boat launching for the Wirrina Tuna Slam and while Cape Jervis works are being completed.For details of all the clinics across the state visit the website. 

Mount Compass Area School students went on an ‘Amazing Race’ in State Parliament on Thursday 30 January with Finniss MP David Basham.He led nineteen Year 12 students through a Voting and Speaking exercise at  Parliament House, as part of the school’s Amazing Race event.The students were split into small groups and started in the Old Parliament House Chamber Room where they were taken through a preferential voting and counting exercise. From here, they elected a representative MP and each group collaborated on a speech. Mr Basham spoke to each group, providing guidance and advice along the way.The students then moved to the Parliament’s House of Assembly, where the representative MP stood up and used the speech notes to speak on a subject for at least 90 seconds.Mr Basham says each group was keen to move through the exercises and speech quickly, in order to move on to the next challenge in their Amazing Race event.This led to fast talking, fun, laughs and discovering the necessity of team support to encourage speakers to remain calm and focussed on delivering their speeches in the given time, before the MP released them to move on.“The students were really engaged and committed to the challenge. The experience provided the students with a better understanding of our political history and systems.“As future voters I am excited to see students understand how representative government works.”

Whether ageing gracefully or disgracefully, it pays to be across the range of services and supports available.Free My Aged Care information sessions will be held in Goolwa and Strathalbyn next week to help you find the right aged care service and provide information about government-subsidised Australian aged care services.Representatives from Department of Health and Aged Care will be there to provide independent and general information about the My Aged Care system.Each session will run for around an hour, with light refreshments available after the event.They will be held on Thursday 20 February at the Alexandrina council offices in Goolwa at 10am and at Strathalbyn at 1pm.Reserve a place via Humanitix at either Goolwa or Strathalbyn. Contact the council to discuss access requirements or for more information on 8555 7000.

Two recent battery fires at waste depots have prompted the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA) to issue an alert on disposal of batteries in kerbside bins.Kangaroo Island Resource Recovery Centre shed suffered extensive damage from a major fire started by a lithium battery on December 22.On the same day Strathalbyn Waste and Recycling Depot had a close call when staff identified a hidden gas bottle still filled with gas and removed it from the general rubbish. Ten minutes later a small battery fire started in the same vicinity, which was fortunately able to be extinguished completely.FRWA has reminded residents to dispose of batteries for free at their local depot and keep staff and the community safe. Damaged and used batteries can start fires; leach chemicals into the ground; and are a missed opportunity for recycling valuable resources. FRWA says battery fires in rubbish trucks and waste depots are becoming a major issue across Australia and are pleading with people to do the right thing: No batteries in kerbside bins. Don’t hide batteries (or gas bottles) in depot waste. Separate and store batteries (put tape over terminals).There are special battery recycling bins at waste depots and staff can direct people to their location.Many supermarkets and hardware stores also offer battery recycling collection pointsFor more information on safe storage of used batteries and alternative collection locations visit the website. For details of FRWA collection locations visithe website. 

Acraman Street and Carlyle Street are at the centre of the City of Victor Harbor’s push towards safer streets.The council's 2017 Town Centre Traffic Movement and Car Parking Strategy investigations identified Acraman Street, Carlyle Street and the one-way Hill Street as streets or intersections requiring remedial measures. The design of the of the Acraman Street Corridor Management Plan is complete and implementation is about to start, with support from the state government’s Black Spot funding program.Safety remediation works are set to begin on Monday 17 February and are expected to take eight weeks. The Black Spot Program is an infrastructure investment strategy that directly targets improvements on high-risk roads or roads with proven crash history.With improving safety for all street users a key objective for this project, the council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee were consulted during the design process with the aim of improving accessibility for all users.Safety works will include a variety of pram ramps, new and improved footpaths, defined bike lanes, street lighting, road resealing and new line marking.One major safety improvement includes the change of give way direction at the intersection of Hill and Acraman Streets.City of Victor Harbor Chief Executive Officer Victoria MacKirdy says the works will contribute to a safer walking, biking and driving environment in one of Victor Harbor’s busiest locations.“As an area close to the shopping centre and town centre, a focus on pedestrian and biking safety is paramount.”Businesses and residents will be notified through a letter drop, and the community will be kept up to date on temporary road closures.

Independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie introduced her Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025 in the House of Representatives yesterday, Monday 10 February.She has urged the federal government to require all online gambling apps and websites to display real-time, user-friendly information about customers' net losses and wins, at all times. This could be a banner on display at the top of the screen, similar to the mock up shown below.Ms Sharkie held a joint press conference to discuss the Bill, along with Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who seconded the Bill; CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Martin Thomas; and activist Jake Minear."With so many gambling apps and websites, and wall-to-wall gambling ads, it has never been easier to gamble away the roof over your head, without even leaving home,” Ms Sharkie says."Online gambling operators must share information about net wins and losses with their customers, but a monthly email that goes to the junk folder or data hidden at the back of an app is not as effective as a banner on screen, which would really keep this information at front of mind."With Australians losing $32 billion to gambling each year, I urge the Government to support my Bill to empower customers to make more informed decisions while wagering.Minear proposed the idea in his submission to the Inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm, chaired by the late Peta Murphy MP."People should have a right to total transparency, and never more so than with their own information. "Saying ‘gamble responsibly’ does not stack up when Australians are losing a combined $32bn per annum. "We need individuals to have the right to monitor their own financial position in real time, every time. "Online gambling has provided so many companies with huge profits due to the technology and real time data insights into their customers' habits, yet that same technology and transparency has not been shared equally to truly benefit their customers.

This is the last week that nominations are open for the Fleurieu Women’s community awards, held in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).The awards will be presented at the IWD breakfast on Friday 7 March at Encounter Bay Football Club.The event is run by VIEW (voice, interests and education of women) Club in conjunction with Finniss MP David Basham.Now in its twelfth year, it aims to draw awareness to International Women’s Day and nominations are being sought now for outstanding or inspirational Fleurieu Women.In the past The Smith Family and Fleurieu Community Foundation have been worthy recipients of funds raised by the breakfast event.Mr Basham says the awards acknowledge the often quiet achievers who make a contribution to the business, volunteer or youth world of the Fleurieu.Local author Darry Fraser will be this year’s guest speaker at the breakfast event. The 2024 Fleurieu Inspirational Business Woman was TJ, from Goolwa’s Thai Days restaurant, who has since gone on to open Siam Seaside in Victor Harbor.Beyond her business success, TJ attributes much of her growth to investing in mindfulness and wellness, enabling her to lead with confidence and energy.Her commitment to her team extends beyond training and skill development. She ensures her staff's well-being through team-building activities, like beach volleyball, and creates an environment that fosters connection and growth. TJ’s success as a leader is rooted in her belief that when her team thrives, her business thrives.She deeply values the Fleurieu Peninsula and the sense of community it offers. “I love the region, the people, and the peacefulness,” she says. Winning last year’s award filled her with pride: "I felt so proud to win. I am just a girl from the Thai countryside who couldn’t speak English, and I’ve come so far from that young girl and her background."Mr Basham says the awards help celebrate the varied range of talented and hardworking local people.“I encourage everyone to consider outstanding or inspirational women in the Fleurieu and nominate them. The form is not complex, and nominees will be acknowledged, which could positively influence, even change, their life in a significant way.“The award categories include Young female ambassador, Community volunteer and Inspirational business woman; nominations close Friday 14 February.“It is a pleasure to continue to work with the VH View Club to highlight the important roles women have in our local community.“Find a nomination form online. Contact the Finniss Electorate Office on 8552 2152 for further information or visit the website.Book to attend the breakfast event on 7 March at 7.30am via Trybooking.  

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has announced Kingscote will host one of 10 new Regional University Study Hubs; part of a $66.9 million initiative intended to remove barriers to accessing high-quality tertiary education.Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island (RDA AHFKI), which led development of a business case for the hub, has hailed the decision.“It represents a significant milestone for the education landscape on the island. “It is equally rewarding for the broader community who participated in the community consultation that informed the business case, including Kangaroo Island Community Education, students, industry, business groups, community groups, Kangaroo Island Council, and individuals who believed in the need for improved access to tertiary education. Scheduled to open in July 2025, the hub will provide 24/7 study spaces with high-speed internet, on-site support in business hours, and opportunity for students to spend time with their peers – all at no charge. RDA expects the hub to deliver many positive outcomes for the island, including increased participation, retention and completion in tertiary education, enhanced community engagement including between industry and students, and strengthened workforce development. A locally based staff member will support students who use the hub.Steve Shotton, Director of RDA AHFKI, says the study hubs at Victor Harbor and now at Kingscote, deliver on key economic development priorities that also align with a commitment to regional leadership capacity, outlined in the organisation’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025“By helping students attain highly sought skills and qualifications, we can impact on labour and skills shortages, meet the evolving needs of our workforce, and drive economic growth and prosperity across our region,” he says. “By design Regional University Study Hubs are community-led and Kangaroo Island has again shown how strong its community is. “Not only have a group of residents been working together for several year on options for better access to tertiary education, when we consulted with the broader community, the message was clear they knew how important a Study Hub was to lifting tertiary education access and completion rates. “RDA Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island has worked hard to make the most of this excellent program and as a result we will now have two Regional University Study Hubs in the region.” 

Meet the RSPCA Pets of the Week: Bailey & SophieThis week, RSPCA South Australia is highlighting two special pets looking for their forever homes: Bailey, a sweet senior dog who deserves a loving retirement home, and Sophie, a gentle and curious cat eager to find her perfect match.Dog of the Week – BaileyAID: 192890Meet Bailey, a special and sweet old lady who loves nothing more than relaxing and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Bailey would be the perfect picnic buddy—not only because she’d love to share snacks, but because she enjoys basking in the sunshine and spending quiet moments with her favorite humans.Bailey is a ‘fospice’ dog, which means she needs an extra special home where she can be comfortable in her golden years. As she’s slowing down with age, Bailey would thrive in a calm and peaceful environment where she can lounge around and soak up the warm sun.Could you give this lovely senior girl the loving home she deserves? Learn more about Bailey here.Cat of the Week – SophieAID: 191149Meet Sophie, a beautiful and curious cat who has been in RSPCA care for over 100 days, waiting for her forever family. Sophie may be shy at first, but once she settles in, her chatty and inquisitive nature will shine.She absolutely loves food and treats, and puzzle toys are a great way to keep her entertained. Sophie is looking for a calm and patient adopter—someone who understands that she needs time to adjust to new surroundings. Because of her sensitive nature, Sophie would do best in a home without young children.Could you be the loving and understanding person Sophie has been waiting for? Visit her profile here to learn more.🐾 Both Bailey and Sophie are ready to find their perfect homes!If you’re interested in adopting, visit RSPCA South Australia’s O’Halloran Hill animal care campus or explore available pets at www.rspcasa.org.au.🐶🐱 Give these wonderful pets the love they deserve! 🐾

South Australians are invited to highlight the hard work of outstanding individuals or groups by nominating them for this year’s South Australian Volunteer Awards.Minister for Human Services Nat Cook says volunteers play a crucial role in strengthening communities and these awards honour their vital contribution to the community.“This year, as we mark the 20th anniversary of these awards, we celebrate the nearly one million volunteers who help our state grow stronger and more connected every day.“South Australia’s volunteers are often the quiet champions of change in our communities and continue to demonstrate remarkable generosity through their efforts.“The volunteer sector has faced its challenges, but South Australia continues to punch above its weight when it comes to giving back.“I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to nominate a deserving individual or group and help shine a spotlight on their invaluable contributions.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.The 2025 South Australian Volunteer Awards will be held on 22 May at the National Wine Centre. It coincided with National Volunteer Week, which runs from 19 to 25 May.Nominations close Sunday 30 March. For more information visit the website.  The awards are presented by Volunteering SA&NT and are supported by the state government.

McLaren Vale is one of four new regions to benefit from more than $1 million allocated as part of the Farm Business Resilience Program.This will grow the reach of a transformative program aimed at boosting drought resilience amongst South Australian viticulturalists and vegetable growers.The Farm Business Resilience Program is part of the Future Drought Fund. The program is jointly funded by the federal and state governments to build the strategic management capacity of primary producers to prepare for and manage risk, adapt to a changing climate, and improve their economic, environmental and social resilience.The program is sector-led and provides tailored industry-specific learning and development to maximise the benefits to participants.Under the Farm Business Resilience Program, the Wine Grape Council of South Australia (WGCSA) successfully delivered the GrowStrong Program for wine grape growers in Langhorne Creek, the Riverland, and the Limestone Coast last year. Through the program, a further $1,021,000 has been allocated to WGCSA to deliver the program to four new regions: the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare, and McLaren Vale.The program will also provide follow up support for past participants. Through the program, $210,900 has also been allocated to AUSVEG SA to continue delivery of tailored training for South Australian vegetable growers. This program provides growers with an immersive training experience packed with practical tools and invaluable knowledge that can equip their farm business to meet the demands of vegetable growing in the immediate and long-term future.The Farm Business Resilience Program offers a suite of options to growers including:Business masterclasses and training delivered in region.Farm business fitness checks with support to develop a ‘plan on a page’ or update an existing business plan.Support to build skills in business strategy and decision-making, drought and risk management, natural resource management, and personal and social resilience.For more information on the Farm Business Resilience Program SA, visit the PIRSA website.  State Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says the business of farming is becoming increasingly challenging due to the impacts of climate challenges, including drought.  “Preparing for the future and building resilience so farmers can be better equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to tackle these challenges, is key to ensuring the sustainability of South Australia’s viticulture and vegetable industries and regions. “I encourage growers in these sectors to make the most of this opportunity to build on their skills and better equip their businesses for the future.“

Story courtesy Coast Lines MagazineWords by Ry Pahl, images provided by Carolyn Corkindale Hosted in the most picturesque of local landscapes, the Fleurieu Film Festival has become a widely loved celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community. Founded by Alison Alcock in 2016, the festival has grown into a space that nurtures emerging filmmakers and provides audiences from far and wide with a memorable evening under the stars in McLaren Vale.Each year, the festival’s gala screening and awards night brings together filmmakers, industry professionals and film-buffs in a joyful, festive atmosphere. The 2025 festival gala night on 8 February at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre promises another unforgettable evening. All are welcome at the festival, which runs exclusively on the hard work of dedicated local volunteers.This year, the festival has chosen to forgo a specific theme, allowing filmmakers the freedom to showcase their most compelling work. Its recognition of both emerging talent and seasoned creators is a significant part of its mission. Awards like Best Short Film and the People’s Choice Award, with recipients announced on the night, celebrate excellence in storytelling and craft, while industry professionals provide valuable feedback and networking opportunities for filmmakers.Festival Director Carolyn Corkindale sees the Fleurieu Film Festival as more than just a showcase for films - it is a vital part of the local arts scene, engaging the community and supporting the region’s creative talents. Her journey with the festival began as a participant, and taking part in the first ever festival was a big thrill. In fact, one of the reasons she took on the role as Director in 2019 was to help others experience this thrill too.Carolyn Corkindale, Director Fleurieu Film Festival. Photo supplied."The Fleurieu Film Festival is the first step for many filmmakers, younger and older. Seeing your film on a big screen (and our screen is large!) and witnessing the reaction of the audience, which includes industry judges and creatives, is magical," she says.For aspiring filmmakers based in South Australia, the festival provides a fantastic opportunity to enter the industry. Carolyn’s takeaway advice for anyone starting their filmmaking journey is simply to have fun. "Create a team and keep making films together Your showreel is important," she says. "I made five films in the year after film school - including two for this festival." Carolyn also emphasises the importance of post-production and warns first-time entrants to, "try not to be submitting on the last day - like I did!". A highly rewarding experience for Carolyn as Director of The Fleurieu Film Festival was developing two workshops that involved working with Mark Koolmatrie and Kool Tours. These educational workshops combined Indigenous stories and Country with filmmaking. She says this experience was so much fun, and it was interesting to explore the region through this lens.The festival offers many ways to get involved, whether it is through volunteering, submitting films to future festivals, or attending the gala night each year. For those looking for inspiration it  is a brilliant way to set creative goals or learn about emerging talent in the film industry. With award categories like Best South Australian Director, Best South Australian High School Short Film, and Best South Australian Sound Design, there are ample opportunities for a talent to shine. The festival’s impact extends beyond the films themselves, fostering a sense of community and collaboration that resonates throughout the Fleurieu. Local businesses benefit from increased tourism, and the event creates opportunities for volunteers to learn new skills and connect with like-minded individuals. Audiences too are treated to more than just films - they experience the peninsula’s stunning scenery, wine, and great cuisine.Looking ahead, the Fleurieu Film Festival continues to grow in scope and ambition. “We have new members and there will be a new Director, and I’m delighted to hand over the baton to fresh energy and experience,” Carolyn says. Her vision for the festival’s future is one of increased local involvement and statewide recognition as the premier short film festival for early career and emerging filmmakers. With a dedicated team and a passionate community behind it, the Fleurieu Film Festival is set to continue inspiring and connecting people for years to come. Tickets are available at the door or book online here

Kangaroo Island Council is yet to find a solution to ongoing access issues at Pennington Bay. The $2.17 million upgrade of Penneshaw’s foreshore along Hog Bay Beach and Frenchmans Terrace was expected to be completed by Spring 2025. Work on the project was suspended in September 2024 due to unforeseen construction issues.A council briefing on Thursday 30 January  revealed little progress on the Pennington Bay pathway and staircase project., with no final solution in sight. “While the upper section of the steps has been completed with a handrail, the lower section remains unfinished due to ongoing engineering challenges. “One of the primary difficulties is ensuring the project meets building standards and successfully navigates the Development Application process, which takes time.The council says any major construction solution will require significant funding and will need to be considered in next year’s budget, meaning implementation is still some time away.Meanwhile visitors have difficulty in safely accessing the beach. The council says it is seeking urgent advice from Crown Lands and the Coastal Protection Board to determine if a new access point can be fast-tracked. Until then, it strongly advises visitors to exercise caution and avoid creating their own paths through the dunes, which could lead to erosion and environmental damage.A meeting with the Coastal Protection Board is scheduled for late February and the council will subsequently provide an update on progress.Mayor Michael Pengilly has committed the council to transparency and community engagement on the project, “We acknowledge the frustration this situation has caused. While we are working to find a practical and sustainable solution, we must also be realistic about the challenges ahead. We appreciate the community’s patience as we navigate these issues.”

Applications are now open for the 2025 Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring program, which has expanded its support to assist adult children of military families to navigate career and business pathways.Recognising the unique challenges often faced by the veteran community in defining their career and business goals post-service, the program equips participants with critical skills for success by connecting them with experienced South Australian business leaders.Now in its fourth year, the program is open to transitioning and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, reservists, Defence partners and – for the first time – veterans’ children who are over 18 years.The 2025 program will run across eight months, from April to November, with pairs working together on career planning, skills translation, business planning and networking. Monthly online workshops will also expose participants to topics covering career transitions, job seeking tips and business support advice.Mentee participants are offered a choice of two program streams – Career and Skills Development or Business Development and Entrepreneurship – and matched with a mentor who best suits their individual needs.Mentor applications are open to professionals from across the South Australian business community and have previously included former-serving ADF members wanting to give back to the veteran community.South Australian-based Strategy and Business Coach Christine Molitor, from Be Sustained, will facilitate the program.Since it began 2021, 61 members of the veteran community have completed the mentoring program. Participants have successfully gained meaningful employment, secured new opportunities, and used mentor support to shape business plans and bring their business ideas to fruition.Katerina Blekic was a 2024 Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program participant.“Being a Defence partner certainly comes with its challenges, in particular moving frequently and having to switch jobs can leave you feeling unsettled and stuck in limbo. I started to lose my confidence and I was seeking that growth and networking.   “The Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program was a real game-changer; it gave me the support I needed and set me on a clearer path professionally and personally. “Thanks to the support of my mentor, I was able to get my confidence back and step out into the Defence community by moving into a new role within the defence industry.”Applications close Sunday 16 February 2025. To apply or find out more visit the website. 

Alexandrina Council has issued a warning about an unauthorised South Australian Wooden Boat Festival page. The Facebook group is not affiliated with the council's SA Wooden Boat Festival or its community committee. The authorised page features the 2025 Festival Poster, created by local graphic designer Lara Simpson. This unaffiliated group has no local connection and the council and the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival Committee are warning the community not to provide personal information, buy tickets nor register boats via the unauthorised page. The iconic South Australian Wooden Boast Festival  is a biennial event that in 2025 will be held on 26 and 27 April.It will showcase the historic Goolwa wharf and celebrate river boating history and traditions and the Murray River.For more information about the festival visit the website. 

City of Onkaparinga is proposing a Code Amendment affecting 89 Local Heritage Places across the region. Between 2020 and 2022 the council undertook a comprehensive city-wide heritage review of local heritage places, the first time this had been done since 1997. As part of this review it developed a framework of 11 historic themes, ranging from early settlement to 20th century industrial and suburban development.The framework encompasses agriculture, mining, transport, leisure and infrastructure.The council says Local Heritage listing of places is an important part of heritage conservation and helps to ensure that the past is preserved to tell the story to future generations. Its conservation of built heritage includes statutory protection measures such as code amendments and support to heritage property owners through advice and grants.The 89 places affected by the proposed Code Amendment include:Two Representative Buildings recommended for upgrading to Local Heritage Places.43 places recommended for listing as Local Heritage Places.20 Local Heritage Places recommended for delisting.24 Local Heritage Places recommended for an amendment.The Fleurieu is well represented with 59 of the 89 affected places in Aldinga (6), Old Noarlunga (7) McLaren Vale (9), Port Willunga (4), Willunga (26) Sellicks (7).These are detailed on the council YourSay website, with the opportunity to give feedback. The community engagement process remains open until 5pm on Monday 17 March.

Alexandrina Libraries will hosting additional Little Rock ‘N’ Read sessions at the Strathalbyn library during February and March.Funded by Words Grow Minds, a state government initiative that aims to support healthy brain development in children aged birth to three years, parents and caregivers are encouraged to Talk, Play, Read and Sing to their young child.Participants will receive a free Words Grow Minds bag that includes a board book, a children’s picture book, prompt cards and a library card.Parents and carers can sign up children with their library card on the day to support their learning journey with language, literacy and numeracy and learn to borrow and return library items.Little Rock ‘N’ Read is a free, weekly early-learning literacy and language-based activity for families with babies and young children, offered by Alexandrina Council’s library team during school terms.Sessions include songs and stories performed by staff from the reading chair.Regularly scheduled sessions at Strathalbyn Library on Thursday mornings, 10am-10.30am, will continue with the additional Tuesday sessions offered to encourage new members.Sessions for the additional sessions at Strathalbyn will be held from 10am to 10.30am on:Tuesday 18 FebruaryTuesday 25 FebruaryTuesday 4 MarchTuesday 11 MarchAlexandrina Council’s Library & Customer Service centre is located at 1 Colman Terrace, Strathalbyn.To find out more about Little Rock ‘N’ Read visit the Alexandrina Libraries website or call 8555 7000.