Alexandrina Council has awarded $125,7000 worth of community grants to 45 clubs, organisations, artists and businesses to help protect local heritage, improve the local environment, support business and tourism initiatives and build community wellbeing and resilience.The funds were allocated in four separate competitive grant categories as part of the council’s 2025-2026 Grants Program and were approved by councillors at the October general meeting.The program opened on 28 July and closed on 8 September  with Council Grant Assessment Panels receiving 63 applications to consider against listed criteria.The Small Grants Program opened for applications on 20 October and will remain open until all funds are allocated.“Our grants program helps our community deliver our shared vision to make Alexandrina Liveable. Green. Connected.’,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“These grants also assist our endeavours to meet the objectives of our A2040 Strategic Delivery Plan.“Projects range from assisting the Langhorne Creek vigneron community provide cellar door customer service training to helping local community halls with capital projects as well as revegetation initiatives, assistance for much-loved community events and funding to preserve local history.“We have an innovative, creative and passionate community in Alexandrina and our grants program gives our people some support to do what they do best, which is delivering much needed projects for our residents.”The council approved the allocation of $20,000 from the 2025/26 Business Initiatives Grant budget to support the awarding of nine grants to the following applicants:• Strathalbyn Tourism Association $2,500 – improve technical skills and enhance digital presence.• Grommets Play Cafe $2,500 - building social media presence to raise community awareness.• Middleton Tavern $1,050 - developing a portfolio of images• Away at Ancell $2,500 - Mini Moments at Ancell Acres.• kuti shack $2,500 - Brand identity, marketing, social media.• Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Inc. $2,500 - cellar door customer service training.• Follett's Lake Breeze Pty Ltd $2,300 - digital assets for website and digital library.• Bremerton Wines $2,500 - Bremerton Video portfolio.• Advanced Seeds Australia Pty $1,650- Dog Lake Farm Veggie Baskets.The council approved the allocation of $18,200 from the 2025/26 Community Environment Grant budget to support the awarding of seven grants to the following applicants:• Mount Compass Area School $3,000 - Mount Compass Area School Swamp Monitoring.• Kumarangk Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group Inc $4,000 - progressing Reserve 8 Restoration.• Friends of Nurragi Association Inc $2,200 - enhancing Native Vegetation in the Nurragi Conservation Reserve.• Freemans Knob Coastcare $2,000 - Freemans Knob Coastcare 2026 Planting.• Radio Goolwa - Alex FM $1,500 - increase of canopy cover and planting and water Conservation.• Captain Sturt Revegetators $4,000 - continuing the Captain Sturt Parade waterfront Restoration.• Port Elliot Community Garden $1,500 - Port Elliot Community Garden - build seven new low garden beds.The council approved the allocation of $20,000 from the 2025/26 Community Wellbeing Grant budget to support the awarding of five grants to the following applicants within the 'Vibrant and Artistic' stream:• Goolwa Community Centre $3,671 - Flying the Flag for the Goolwa Community Centre.• Aleksandra Antic $5,000 - Intertidal Zone.• Wes Maselli $5,000 - mentoring and development: Punorama.• Luisa Stocco $3,500 - Memory of Trees.• Rebecca Elson $2,829 - Art of Family Mindfulness Series.The council approved the allocation of $50,000 from the 2025/26 Community Wellbeing Grant budget to support the awarding of 17 grants to the following applicants within the 'Active and Healthy', 'Connected and Inclusive' and 'Places and Spaces' streams:• Goolwa Bowling Club Incorporated $5,000 - Safe and Welcoming Clubrooms.• Woodchester (Richardson) Hall $5,000 - Woodchester (Richardson) Hall - toilet facility/parents room upgrade.• The Milang Vintage Machinery Club Inc. $2,500 - The Yesterdays Power Rally.• Port Elliot Community Garden $5,000 - Tool Shed.• Yundi War Memorial Hall $2,500 - Heating and Cooling Yundi War Memorial Hall.• Strathalbyn Tennis Club $3,475 - North Parade Internal Fence Windbreaker.• The Goolwa Girl Guide and Scout Hall Management Committee Inc. $2,500 - Heat and Cool Hall.• Clayton Bay Community Association Community Garden $2,500 - Increased Production in the CBCA Community Garden through installation of water wise wicking beds.• New Year’s Eve Fireworks Off The Bridge 2025-2026 $2,500 – costs of running New Year’s Eve Fireworks Off The Bridge.• Armfield Wooden Boats Inc $1,900 - Water, lights and mower project.• Goolwa Children's Centre $2,100 - Reclaiming her Voice.• Clayton Bay Community Association Inc $2,000 - Clayton Bay progression towards Dark Skies International Accreditation.• Ashbourne War Memorial Centre Inc. $2,000 - Smart Cleaning Upgrade to Support Inclusive Use of Ashbourne Hall.• Belvidere Memorial Hall Inc. $3,870 - re-roofing entrance area.• Port Elliot Tennis Club $3,000 - Maintenance of tennis courts and shelter for social tennis members.• Goolwa Aquatic Club $2,500 – Aquafest 2026.• Coorong Dragons Incorporated $1,655 - Dragon Boat Light Weight Paddles.The council approved the allocation of $17,500 from the 2025/26 Heritage Grant budget to support the awarding of seven grants to the following applicants:• Lyndall Anderson $2,500 - Stonework at ‘Lorraine's’.• Katie Stevens $2,500 - Installation of fence at 1A Hooper Road, Strathalbyn.• Peter Moeck $2,500 - Conservation Practice.• Craig Williamson $2,500- Repair and Restore Facade of Strathalbyn Workers Cottage.• The Potts Vintage Collection Inc. $2,500 - Digitising our Catalogued Archive.• Bleasdale Vineyards Pty Ltd $2,500 - Bleasdale 1892 Cellar Museum Conservation of Stone and Brickwork.• Armfield Wooden Boats Inc $2,500 - Shelter for Gladys.For further details about the grant programs and the selected applicants, visit the Alexandrina Council website.

Victor Harbor Library is again inviting the local community to help celebrate the festive season by donating a new children’s book for ages 0-18 years.Grandcarers SA will wrap and distribute all donations to families across the Fleurieu just in time for Christmas. Last year the generous local community donated 359 books to families in need.The library will accept new, unwrapped books from Monday 10 November until Saturday 6 December.

The locations and designs for three new overtaking lanes on Main South Road between Normanville and Cape Jervis have been finalised. The state and federal governments jointly committed $31.8 million (50:50) to improve safety for all road users on Main South Road, between Normanville and Cape Jervis. It is an important route for commuters, tourists and freight, connecting Adelaide to destinations in the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. According to the state government, between 1,200 and 2,200 vehicles travel between Normanville and Cape Jervis every day. Between 2020 and 2024 there were 17 crashes along this stretch of road where people were injured, including one fatal crash in 2023. Mawson MP Leon Bignell drives that stretch of road on a regular basis.“I know just how dangerous it can be,” he says.  “It’s not a good mix when you put cars, caravans, heavy trucks, tourist buses, agricultural vehicles and overseas tourists on a narrow, windy road with few places to overtake.  The locations for the new overtaking lanes are between:Normanville and Second Valley (northbound).Second Valley and Delamere (southbound).Delamere and Cape Jervis (northbound).The locations for the overtaking lanes were chosen after analysing various criteria such as environmental and land impacts, access to the road, and the ability to construct the lanes in each location. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Emily Bourke says this can be a frustrating stretch of Main South Road for motorists. “The new overtaking lanes will provide more frequent opportunities to pass slower vehicles and help reduce risky driver behaviour that can lead to tragedy. “Starting with 94 potential locations for the new overtaking lanes, the community feedback has helped us settle on these three final locations.” The key factors incorporated into the final locations and designs include environmental impacts, drainage and erosion issues, safety at existing bus stops, speed limits at entry and exit points on Main South Road, traffic volumes and driveway access. The project will include upgraded drainage, new pavement and road surfacing, new line marking, new safety barriers and Audio Tactile Line Marking, and new landscaping in various sections. Construction is expected to start in early 2026, with works anticipated to be completed in early 2027.  The state and federal governments have also committed $80 million (50:50) for two new overtaking lanes and safety improvements along Main South Road between Myponga and Yankalilla. Planning is underway for this project which will include curve easing and road widening, along with widening of narrow bridges and culverts to improve safety and reduce delays. For more information on the final locations and designs of the three new overtaking lanes visit the Department for Infrastructure and Transport website.   

Alexandrina Council will begin repairs to the seating at Freeman's Knob Lookout, in Port Elliot, starting in early November. The works will involve repairs, rendering and painting of the walls and seating. The council has removed the Corten steel artwork in the centre of the seating area, which it says is over 20 years old with sections that have rusted. It will be replicated and reinstated when the wall repairs are complete. A local supplier involved in the creation of the original artwork in 2001 has been contracted by the council to restore the structure.The lookout will be partially closed during works with temporary fencing and signs will be in place to assist pedestrian traffic movements.Weather permitting, the works are expected to be completed by late December.For more information about Alexandrina Council projects visit the website. 

City of Onkaparinga must recruit a  new Chief Executive, following the resignation of CEO Phu Nguyen after only 2.5 years in the role.Mr Nguyen has announced his intention to step down in January 2026 to take up the CEO position at the City of Hobsons Bay in Victoria.He says the decision was a difficult one, made after careful consideration.“It’s been a privilege to lead this organisation and work alongside such passionate and dedicated people who deliver so much for our community.“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together over the past two years – from strengthening our financial position, building a more connected, trusted and high-performing organisation and delivering a shared vision for our community.“While I hadn’t anticipated leaving so soon, this opportunity allows me to return closer to family.“The City of Onkaparinga will always hold a special place for me, and I’m confident the organisation is in strong hands and well positioned for continued success,” he said.Mayor Moira Were says she is incredibly sad to see Phu leave.“I will miss Phu and I’m sure I will not be alone. We had an effective working relationship, but I understand and respect that Phu is putting his family first.“Phu has navigated us out of financial sustainability concerns and supported organisational culture change so the organisation can deliver the best outcomes for our community. He will be missed.”Mr Nguyen took up the role of CEO in July 2023 after Director Strategy and Engagement Julia Grant had acted in the position for more than a year.Previous CEO Scott Ashby left the job less than two years into his contract and the appointment of his successor, Alastair Dawson, was rescinded in June 2022.The council says recruitment for a new CEO will commence immediately to ensure a smooth transition.

Words: Sarah AnsellProudly brought to you by Coast Lines magazineSpot a Turtle? Help Protect Them with TurtleSATHave you seen a turtle crossing the road, basking by the river, or digging a nest in your local park? Those moments are more than just a lucky sighting – they’re a chance to help protect our much-loved freshwater turtles.Here on the Fleurieu, the Long-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) and the Short-necked Turtle (Emydura macquarii) are our most common species. Sadly, their numbers are dropping due to habitat loss, predators, and road traffic. But together, we can make a difference.That’s where TurtleSAT comes in. TurtleSAT is a free citizen science tool where anyone can record turtle sightings. It’s simple to use – just jump online at www.turtlesat.org.au or download the app, and log what you’ve seen. Every record, whether it’s one turtle or many, helps researchers and land managers understand where turtles are living, nesting, and facing challenges. By sharing your observations, you’re adding to a big picture of turtle movements across South Australia. This information helps guide conservation efforts, protect nests, and care for the waterways that turtles – and we – depend on.So next time you spot a turtle, take a moment to record it. It’s an easy way to care for nature and make sure these ancient creatures are around for future generations to enjoy.Need help to install the app? Pop into the Strathalbyn Natural Resource Centre and we would be happy to help! Second Nature are a not-for-profit environmental organisation based in Strathalbyn. To learn more about what we do, visit www.secondnature.org.au

Following the success of the inaugural Set your clothes free textiles collection event in May, Green Industries SA will again partner with local councils and charities.The event will be held on Saturday 1 November, from 9 am to 3 pm, to help people donate their unwanted, high-quality clothing and pass on their unwanted household linens for recycling.There will be 13 drop-off points across the state, with one in the City of Victor Harbor and one in the City of Onkaparinga.Green Industries says Australians are the world’s biggest consumers of fashion, purchasing an average of 53 items of clothing per person each year – but a significant portion of those end up unworn or underused, buried in wardrobes and destined for landfill.Set your clothes free day will give genuinely reusable clothing items a second life in charity stores, easing the burden placed on charity stores that can become overwhelmed with poor-quality donations that can’t be re-sold.Good quality clothes and shoes plus both pure and blended polyester and cotton household linen, in any condition, will be accepted.Donated clothing and footwear will be sorted and distributed to the participating charitable organisations for resale. Linen will be sorted, decommissioned and recycled.Salvos Stores is the charity partner of City of Onkaparinga, with a collection point at Wakefield House Positive Ageing Centre in Morphett Vale.Red Nose is the charity partner of City of Victor Harbor, with a collection point in the Civic Centre Car Park on Bay Road.Find out more about the day and Green Industries projects on the website.

There is a current power outage in McLaren Vale. Saturday October 25, 2025 3:16pm.SA Power Networks are working to fix the issue.Estimated restoration 8:30pm tonight.

🐱 Pets of the Week: Pluto & Kyro – Two Brothers, A Lifetime of Love to GiveThis week at RSPCA South Australia, we’re spotlighting a truly special pair: siblings Pluto and Kyro. These two best‑friends are not only looking for their forever home—they must be adopted together, so they can continue to lean on each other, grow together and fill a home with twice the affection and fun.Meet Pluto Pluto is the confident, outgoing brother of the pair. He loves to greet you with a “hello!”, then plop down beside you for chin scratches, gentle pats, and cuddles when he’s ready. He loves toys, the peek & pounce game, and exploring his surroundings—but he appreciates a calm introduction, too. Pluto may prefer being on the floor rather than being picked up, but once he’s comfortable, he becomes boldly affectionate.Meet Kyro Kyro is the more gentle, mellow side‑kick to Pluto’s outgoing nature. He enjoys quieter moments—but make no mistake, he’s full of personality. A slow approach means he’ll reward you with soft head‑butts, purrs and quietly becoming your shadow. With his brother Pluto alongside him, Kyro blossoms into the loving, social cat he truly is.Together, Pluto & Kyro do best when given the time to settle in, a warm space to call home and the comfort of being side‑by‑side. They share a love for toys, snacks, window‑watching and simply being together. It's their bond that makes them truly special—and a home that cherishes them both will be lucky indeed.Why adopt them now? ‑ As our Pets of the Week, their adoption fee is reduced to $99 for the pair (limited time only). ‑ They come ready: desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and with parasite prevention all taken care of. ‑ Because they’re bonded, adopting them together means less stress for the cats and more joy for you.Who they suit best They’d thrive in a home with:A calm, stable environment to help them settle inPeople who will invest time and gentle encouragementA cosy space with scratch posts, comfy spots and windows to watch the worldThe commitment to keep them together and let their relationship flourishThey’d ask for patience at first—but the reward? Twice the companionship, purrs, cuddle sessions and cat‑play entertainment.Ready to meet them? Visit the RSPCA South Australia’s animal care campus at O’Halloran Hill or learn more about Pluto and Kyro via their adoption profiles:Pluto – Adopt‑a‑PetKyro – Adopt‑a‑PetGive this bonded brother duo the home they’ve been dreaming of—and you’ll gain two loving companions for the journey ahead.

A much-loved community sculpture, featuring a mother kangaroo with a joey in her pouch, has gone missing from the corner of Willson Thomas Road and Middle Terrace, Penneshaw.Created by respected local artist Phil Baines, the artwork was commissioned by Kangaroo island Council.The matter has been reported to police and the council is urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or has information about the sculpture’s whereabouts to contact South Australia Police or Crime Stopperson1800 333 000.Mayor Michael Pengilly says the incident is deeply disappointing and disrespected both the artist and the wider community.“This is yet another wanton act that will not be tolerated,” he says. “To remove a piece of public art created by a talented local artist for the enjoyment of the whole community is beyond comprehension. “It’s not just a loss for Council; it’s a loss for every ratepayer who contributed to the creation of something special for Penneshaw. Acts like this erode community spirit and waste the time, effort and pride that go into making our Island a place people love.”The sculpture as it should appear.

The McLaren Vale Business & Tourism Association Business Awards once again shone a spotlight on the outstanding people and businesses that make our region such a vibrant, resilient, and thriving place to live, work, and visit.From small family-run enterprises to innovative newcomers and long-standing local icons, the 2025 awards celebrated the passion, creativity, and community spirit that define McLaren Vale and surrounds.Held before a packed crowd of local business owners and community leaders, the evening highlighted the breadth of talent across the Fleurieu — from retail and hospitality to trades, professional services, and tourism experiences.2025 Award WinnersHospitality Sponsor: McLaren Vale Tyre Service, T/A Tyre Plus McLaren Vale Winner: Ekhidna WinesRetail Sponsor: Maine Beach Winner: Terry White Chemmart McLaren ValeNew Business Sponsor: Dance Xtreme Winner: UsefullEmployee of the Year Sponsor: Wirra Wirra Winner: Liz Cowan – Beyond BeautifulProfessional & Business Services Sponsor: Terry White Chemmart McLaren Vale Winner: Donna Adams ConsultingHome-Based Business Sponsor: LED4 Electrical & Lift Solutions Winner: Tasty Bakes and Wedding CakesEnvironment Sponsor: Annette Tothill Finance Winner: Southern Koala and Echidna RescueTourism & Experiences Sponsor: Maine Beach Winner: Great Southern RunsTrades Sponsor: Southbound Locksmiths Winner: McLaren Vale Tyre Service, T/A Tyre Plus McLaren ValeHealth & Wellbeing Sponsor: Community Bank Fleurieu Winner: Dance XtremeBusiness of the Year Sponsor: Community Bank Fleurieu Winner: UsefullHall of Fame InducteeThe prestigious Hall of Fame honours businesses that have won in the same category three times.This year, Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue joins the Hall of Fame — recognised for their tireless commitment to protecting and rehabilitating our region’s native wildlife.Previous inductees include Willunga Physiotherapy & Pilates, Julia Brown Naturopath, Ellis Butchers, Biodiversity McLaren Vale, Chook’s Little Winery Tours, Southbound Locksmiths, The McLaren Vale Garden Centre, and Sign Boys.Celebrating Local SpiritEach award celebrates the drive and dedication of local people who continue to build on McLaren Vale’s reputation for excellence, community collaboration, and innovation.Congratulations to all the winners and finalists — and to the McLaren Vale Business & Tourism Association for another inspiring celebration of local success.

The state government will impose temporary fishing restrictions from 1 November following stock assessments of the waters of Gulf St Vincent, Kangaroo Island and Spencer Gulf showing declines of some species.Calamari, Garfish and King George Whiting have particularly declined in Gulf St Vincent, with other species including Blue Crab and Abalone also impacted. To allow for recovery of stocks of species a temporary 50 per cent reduction in bag and boat limits will be implemented for recreational fishing and passenger bag limits for charter boat fishing in the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone. A temporary 50 per cent reduction in bag and boat limits for recreational fishing and passenger bag limits for charter boat fishing will also apply to Calamari, Garfish, Blue Crab and King George Whiting in the Spencer Gulf Fishing Zone. A temporary restriction on all commercial Marine Scalefish Fishing and Blue Crab fishing will be implemented in the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone.It is envisaged the restrictions will remain in place until 30 June 2026, subject to regular science reviews. Subject to existing limits or catch quotas, commercial fishing in Spencer Gulf will remain unaffected. Commercial Sardine, Abalone and Rock Lobster fisheries across the state will remain unaffected. Prawn fisheries will operate as normal, noting a temporary November-December spawning closure will occur in parts of northern Gulf St Vincent, as occurred last year. Existing fishing restrictions on Snapper will be extended until 30 June 2027. Recreational fishers are strongly encouraged to assist the scientific effort by reporting their catches via the SA Fishing app. Visit the PIRSA website for details.Premier Peter Malinauskas says the science shows the algal bloom has had an unprecedented impact on fish stocks, particularly in Gulf St Vincent. “It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that we help to protect and regenerate those species, and those whose livelihoods depend upon them. “Through the Algal Bloom Summer Plan, we have carefully calibrated a comprehensive package of measures designed to protect industry, support recreational fishers, and to help recover our fish stocks. “The package includes free access to boat ramps and coastal parks, discounted boat rego, significant industry support, and a range of other measures from reefs to restocking.”Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says the algal bloom has had a significant impact on fish stocks in the Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone and action is needed to give affected species time to recover and in order to support sustainability into the future. “We have been working closely with the commercial fishing industry to plan a way through this challenging time with comprehensive support for impacted fishers as well as a range of measures to support recreational fishing. “Decisions of this nature must be based on the best science available and these restrictions are being implemented based on the data available through the South Australian Research and Development Institute rapid stock assessments and ongoing monitoring.”The plan for the long-term recovery of fishing stocks in waters affected by the algal bloom forms part of the Algal Bloom Summer Plan, which includes short and long term measures to protect and support businesses, support recreational fishing, and protect and grow fishing stocks.It has received support from Kyri Toumazos, Executive Officer, Seafood Industry SA.“The decision to look after fish stocks in a trajectory of rebuilding over the next period is the right decision which we fully support,” he says.“I would like to highlight the leadership and the custodianship of the marine ecosystem by the commercial fishing sector, having those conversations is not easy.“The State Government has always listened to what we have brought to the table and all of the support measures will help build resilience for those family businesses to stay committed in the long term and to build the industry, so it is stronger after the algal bloom and better prepared for any future events.”RecFish SA CEO Asher Dezsery has expressed concern about the fishing restrictions’ impact on recreational fishers.He told ABC Radio that it seems illogical for the Summer Plan funding to encourage  people to visit and enjoy the coast and then restrict their ability to do so.City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were says that although there is some concern in the community about the restrictions she believes there is broad support for action.“There is a high priority on trying to ensure economic and environmental wellbeing into the long term.We are all in this together and we don’t want to leave anyone behind.”  

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were will travel to Brazil next month to attend the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro.C40 is a global network of mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis.The summit will be held from 3 to 5 November in the lead up to COP30, the 30th annual meeting of the 198 signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Belem from 10 to 21 November.The Mayor was invited to join Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith’s delegation to the summit, which brings together mayors from nearly 100 cities to focus on climate change and urban sustainability.“It's a chance for Onkaparinga to be part of a global conversation and showcase the work of local government in South Australia,” she says.“The visit also supports Adelaide’s bid to host COP31 next year, which – if secured – is expected to generate over $500 million in economic benefits to our state, boost off-peak tourism demand and attract new investment in green technology. “These benefits would flow to Onkaparinga businesses and communities, and give us exposure on the world stage.”Mayor Were says all travel and accommodation costs are being covered by the Local Government Association (LGA) of South Australia. “As a board member of the LGA and Chair of the Greater Adelaide Regional Organisation of Councils, I’m attending in a broader leadership role.“The remaining costs are to be self-funded. The trip isn’t being funded by the City of Onkaparinga, and I don’t intend to claim reimbursements for incidentals, which I indicated to the CEO before the trip was approved by elected members at the 14 October Council meeting.”The Mayor has faced questions about whether it is appropriate for her to attend the summit, given the hardship faced by the local community with cost-of-living pressures and the effects of the algal bloom.“I agree that local governments must prioritise local issues, and addressing climate change impacts is one of the most challenging local issues we face, as evidenced by the current harmful algal bloom that’s seriously impacting our coastline,” she says.

A prescribed burn is planned at Talisker Conservation Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula on Friday, weather conditions permitting.The prescribed burn will start at 11am on Friday October 24 and is likely to be completed by 4pm on the same day.This is a 1.8-hectare edge burn to the north of Talisker Road in preparation for a larger burn. Talisker Road will be impacted by smoke and will remain open.National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) crews will remain on site until safe.NPWS conducts a statewide program of prescribed burns to reduce the spread and intensity of bushfires, protect communities and enhance biodiversity.Prescribed burning is just one tool used to reduce fuel loads across strategic areas of public and private land.Prescribed burns will only be carried out when it is deemed safe to do so and may be cancelled at short notice.For the most up-to-date information and to find a list of planned prescribed burns, visit the DEW website.

A Connecting Community Forum will be held at Encounter Bay Football Club on Friday 31 October for people experiencing dementia and their families and friends.MP for Finniss David Basham will host the free event, in conjunction with federal independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie and Dementia Australia.“Carers and families are the quiet heroes of our community. Dementia can be overwhelming when it first touches your life, and nobody can do it alone, Mr Basham says. “This month we’re shining a light on the practical help that’s available and creating spaces for people to connect, share strategies and feel supported.“If you or someone you love is affected by dementia, please reach out to Dementia Australia’s National Helpline on 1800 100 500. It’s an evidence-based service staffed by trained professionals, and it makes a real difference.” Ms Sharkie has welcomed the community focus: “Dementia touches so many local families. By coming together—carers, clinicians, service providers and elected representatives—we can improve navigation of services, reduce stigma and champion better support across our region.” Local carer and advocate Deidre Henderson will be a guest speaker at the forum.“When my husband Warren was diagnosed in 2020, the Helpline was a lifeline. I learned I wasn’t alone and that practical guidance was right there when I needed it.”Mrs Henderson says her husband was always a larger-than-life personality with a joyful disposition. “People were drawn to him. He was adored by everyone.”An Australian National Sailing Champion, Warren was an expert sailor, a successful business owner and a dedicated family man.In 2020, the couple retired to Victor Harbor, ready to settle into the next phase of their lives. Deidre had noticed Warren was struggling with his memory, but she put it down to his massive workload running a successful building company.“I thought his memory lapses were due to work stress and a busy social life and hoped it would improve once he gave up work.”Instead, Warren’s memory rapidly declined, and Deidre also noticed behavioural changes in her once cheerful partner. Within six months of their retirement to the Fleurieu region, Warren was diagnosed with dementia. Four years later, Deidre’s own major health issues forced her to make the heart wrenching decision to place Warren into full-time care.“I was devastated. It was the most heartbreaking experience to be separated from my soul mate.”Deidre credits staff at Dementia Australia and Carers SA among those who supported her through that difficult time.“I received fantastic support and feel blessed to have had local medical teams, helplines and fellow carers to show me a way forward.”David Basham says Deidre’s story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to talk about dementia in the community.“A dementia diagnosis is a daunting health issue to navigate. I am glad we have strong support structures in place and people like Deidre in the Finniss community advocating for more awareness because there is still so much to be done in this space.” The Connecting Community Forum will run from 1.30pm to 3.30pm; to attend RSVP via Trybooking. 

Alexandrina Council offices, libraries and depots will close for almost two weeks over the Christmas and New Year holidays.They will close from 12 noon Wednesday 24 December 2025 until 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.City of Victor Harbor offices and depots will close at the regular times on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen at 9am on Friday 2 January 2026. The library will be open on Monday and Tuesday 29 to 30 December from 9am to 5pm and Wednesday 31 December from 9am to 6pm.Visitor information services and arts centres in both council areas will only close on the public holidays for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, 25 and 26 December and 1 January.At the October meeting Alexandrina councillors endorsed the extended Christmas closure period as recommended by CEO Andrew McDonald.“In previous holiday periods, Council has closed its principal offices, libraries and depots during the Christmas and New Year period, where customer volume is anticipated to be low. “Such holiday closures have been considered successful in reducing Administration's leave, liability and budgeted goods and services expenditure. “Notwithstanding the closure, there will be a skeleton staffing level maintained with the ability to access additional resources if required. “Throughout the Christmas closure, Council's general contact number is 8555 7000 will be monitored by Council's out-of-hours service provider.”Victor Harbor councillors endorsed the holiday closures at the August council meeting following a report from Karen Rokicinski, Director Corporate and Customer Service. “It has been the practice of the City of Victor Harbor to close its principal office, library and depot between Christmas and New Year's Day. “In recent years, however, the library has trialled opening on selected days between the public holidays, with positive results. It is therefore recommended that the library remain open again this year during this period, except on the Saturday immediately following the Proclamation Day public holiday.”Ms Rokicinski said the office and depot closure period of eight days would give staff a much- needed break and was a way to manage and reduce Council's accumulated leave liability.All waste collection, cleaning and traffic management services will operate as usual.

The City of Victor Harbor will host a series of free sustainability workshops for the community to learn more about green living. Living sustainably can help to reduce the impact on the planet and preserve it for future generations by making healthier choices.Four workshops will be held over the next three months to help expand knowledge of sustainable practices.All aged over 13 are welcome to take part, with registrations essential via the City of Victor Harbor booking site.First up on Thursday 30 October is an information session on Natural Fermented Sodas: Kombucha, Jun and Ginger bugs. It will be held at the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Register online. Two workshops will be held at the Visitor Centre on Friday 28 November.They are on starting a Veggie Patch from Scratch from 10am to 12noon (register online); and Creating food forest and growing perennial foods from 2pm to 4pm; Register online.The final session, Beeswax Wrap workshop, will be held at the Coral Street Art Space on Friday 23 January from 2pm to 3pm. Register online.

New laws banning the use of robocalls and robopolls relating to state elections and deepfake political advertisements have come into effect ahead of the March 2026 state election.The new laws prohibit political parties, candidates, members of Parliament (MPs) and persons acting on their behalf from making robocalls consisting of unsolicited automated calls containing a pre-recorded message relating to a state election. They also prohibit political parties, candidates, MPs and persons acting on their behalf undertaking robopolling, where automated opinion polls are conducted using a computer script—rather than by an individual—relating to a state election or voting intentions. Anyone caught breaching these laws will face penalties of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for body corporates. Under the reforms, the use of AI-generated deepfakes to create electoral ads that depict acts that a person did not perform – without that person’s permission - will be banned, with penalties in place of up to $5,000 for people caught in breach.A person will be able to consent to their image being used in a deepfake advertisement, but those advertisements - and any others that use AI - will need to be clearly labelled as such.The laws prohibit using AI to generate electoral advertisements, or deepfakes, which have been designed to mislead voters, which has occurred in recent interstate and overseas elections. Deepfakes are images, video or audio of a real person that have been digitally altered to create an extremely realistic but false depiction of them doing something they did not actually do or say. The new laws also prohibit political involvement in the postal votes application process, and create new offences and give stronger powers to authorised officers to deal with disruptive behaviour at electoral events. Authorised Electoral Commission officers will be able to give directions to maintain order at an election. New penalties are $5000 for the new offences and failing to comply with directions.Deputy Premier and Special Minister of State Kyam Maher says the state government is committed to strengthening South Australia’s democracy, and ensuring South Australians can have confidence in the electoral process. “Our world-leading ban on political donations was just the beginning of this robust suite of reforms aimed to protect and strengthen our democracy.“One thing that is becoming more apparent by the day is that we need to be on our guard to protect against misinformation online, and our laws banning the use of misleading deepfakes in political advertising is an important step in keeping up with this technology.“We know that South Australians are sick and tired of political robocalls, which are becoming all too frequent. Our reforms mean that political robocalls and robopolls are now banned for state elections.”

Artist and storyteller Libby Tozer will offer a free workshop at Strathalbyn Library Community Room on Monday 27 October as part of the Wellness in Nature project."Bring a vase that holds a story—and take part in a gentle, nature-based flower arranging session focused on creativity, connection, and conversation,” Libby says.“Together, we’ll explore simple arranging techniques, the meanings behind common blooms, and which flowers are edible (or not). “This workshop is about more than creating something beautiful—it’s about rediscovering creativity, embracing imperfection, and connecting with nature and each other. “Nature is wild, uneven, and full of character—and your arrangement will be too. That’s the beauty of it."The ‘Flowers from Home to Home’ session will run from 10am to 12noon; reserve a place via Humanitix.This program is funded through an Age Friendly SA Grant from Office for Ageing Well as part of the Wellness in Nature Project run by Alexandrina Council.Find out more about the Wellness in Nature program, including Walking on Country at Port Elliot's Basham Beach on Thursday 23 October and a First Nations Weaving Workshopat Goolwa's Signal Point Experience Centre on Thursday 30 October, on the Alexandrina Council website.