As the new year begins, women across the Fleurieu are being encouraged to prioritise their health, with BreastScreen SA offering free breast screening in McLaren Vale throughout January.The BreastScreen SA mobile screening unit will be available from 6 January to 2 February 2026, providing free breast screening for women aged 40 and over, with women aged 50 to 74 especially encouraged to book.Regular breast screening can detect breast cancer early — often before symptoms appear — when treatment is most effective.The mobile unit will be located in the car park behind McLaren Vale Hospital, with entry via Gate 3, at Aldersey Street.Appointment detailsDates: 6 January – 2 February 2026Time: Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.00pm (Excludes public holidays; hours may vary depending on availability)Location: McLaren Vale Hospital, Aldersey StreetAccess: Wheelchair accessibleSupport: Free interpreter services availableBookings are essential and can be made online at www.breastscreen.sa.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.Women are encouraged to make time for themselves this new year and take this simple but important step for their health.For more information or to view upcoming locations, visit www.breastscreen.sa.gov.au/our-locations.

The Milang Butter Factory will host free afternoon Sunday Sessions of live music throughout January, starting this weekend.It kicks off on Sunday 4 January with Geistare Bunenaite, flowed by Wooly Johns taking the stage on Sunday 11 January.Taylor Pfeiffer will entertain on Sunday 18 January and the final session will be on Sunday 25 January, featuring Ella and Sienna.Each Sunday session will run form 1pm to 4pm and light meals, coffee, cake and drinks will be available for purchase.This live music event is free to attend, but donations are appreciated to assist in hosting more live and local musicians. Call 00480 512 457 to book a spot.

It’s set to be one of the busiest weeks of the year on some regional roads, prompting an RAA reminder to plan ahead and drive safely.Traffic data analysed by RAA vehicle numbers at the Copper Coast Highway/Yorke Highway intersection – the portal to the Yorke Peninsula – were 87% higher in the week after Christmas last year compared to earlier in December.Main South Road at Myponga – a key route to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island – may also be busier this week, carrying about 44% more vehicles in the week after Christmas last year.Drivers are being urged to remember the road safety basics if heading away this week – including resting at least every two hours, sharing the driving and allowing extra time for the journey where possible. RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says the data highlighted the popularity of post-Christmas travel but also the need to plan ahead.“After Christmas, we see a sharp increase in traffic on regional roads as people head away for holidays, often travelling longer distances than they do during the rest of the year,” he says.“Unfortunately, the Christmas and New Year period also coincides with the highest number of serious crashes, and many of these are linked to the Fatal 5.“Speed, fatigue, inattention, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence and dangerous driving continue to be among the biggest causes of serious injuries and deaths on our roads.“Allow extra travel time – particularly if you are driving on unfamiliar roads, take regular breaks and share the driving where possible.“Planning ahead is one of the simplest ways drivers can reduce risk before leaving the driveway.”Even small amounts of alcohol can slow reaction times and increase the risk of a crash, and Mr Mountain also urges drivers to make a plan to get home safely without drinking and driving.“Planning ahead and arranging a sober ride could save your life and the lives of others,” he says.“Alcohol impairs your reaction times and judgement, and even a short drive can be dangerous.”RAA’s road trip advicePlan your route and rest stopsTake regular breaks, sharing the driving where possible, and avoiding night driving can help combat distraction – one of the Fatal 5 causes of road trauma.Pack smartLoad heavy items low and as far forward as possible in the boot. This reduces the risk of objects shifting suddenly if you need to brake hard or swerve.Check your fluid levelsMake sure your engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid are topped up. Running out of oil or coolant can cause your engine to overheat and lead to costly repairs, while a clear windscreen is essential for safe driving, especially on country roads.Inspect your tyresTyres should have at least 1.6mm of tread across the entire width. Worn tyres increase stopping distances, which can be particularly dangerous on high-speed regional roads or when the roads are wet or slippery.Test your lights and batteryCheck that headlights, brake lights and indicators (including on trailers or caravans) are all working properly. If your battery is older than 3–5 years or showing signs of weakness, such as slow starts or dim lights, consider replacing it before you leave. Packing jumper leads is also a smart precaution.

 As South Australians prepare to welcome the New Year this Wednesday night, the state’s fire services are calling on the community to celebrate responsibly and leave fireworks displays to licensed professionals. Between 1 December 2024 and 31 January 2025, there were approximately 30 incidents caused by unlicensed fireworks, a third of which occurred during the 24-hour New Year’s Eve celebration period, placing unnecessary strain on emergency services and increasing risk to community safety. The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and SA Country Fire Service (CFS) remind South Australians that the private use of fireworks is unsafe and illegal. While fireworks are a popular New Year’s tradition, using them without a licence presents serious and unnecessary risks. Illegal fireworks can cause severe injuries, burns, fires, and even fatalities. Professional displays are carefully planned and rigorously risk-assessed to protect public safety and manage fire danger. The state is currently in the fire danger season, with hot, dry conditions and limited rainfall increasing the risk of fast-moving fires.  MFS Chief Officer Jeff Swann says every New Year’s Eve, the MFS and CFS attend a number of fires caused by illegal fireworks. “This occurs during an already demanding period, unnecessarily diverting vital resources away from other emergencies.“We want this New Year’s Eve to be a time of celebration, not tragedy. The risks simply are not worth it, for your safety, your loved ones, or the wider community.This New Year’s Eve, we urge the community to help keep our firefighters available where they are needed most, by leaving fireworks to the professionals. SA Country Fire Service Chief Officer Brett Loughlin says illegal fireworks are not the way to celebrate with your friends and family this New Years – they put lives, property and CFS volunteers at unnecessary risk.  “Every preventable fire takes our volunteers away from their own families during a time when they should be celebrating safely at home.“All it takes is one spark or ember to ignite a fire which could quickly take hold, so we urge all South Australians to reconsider making reckless decisions this New Year’s Eve.” This New Year’s Eve, enjoy the spectacle, respect the law, and leave the fireworks to the experts. The public is encouraged to attend one of the many licensed fireworks displays across Adelaide and regional South Australia, all delivered by qualified pyrotechnicians under strict safety controls. A list of approved, licensed community fireworks events is available via the SafeWork SA website. 

South Australians can enjoy fresh, locally grown cherries not only for Christmas this year, but into the New Year as well, with a cooler spring extending the season to mid-January.  An unusually cool and damp spring delayed the ripening of some cherry varieties, especially in the Adelaide Hills and on the Fleurieu, but recent warm weather saw them ripen just in time for Christmas. Most cherry orchards were able to open last week with many offering Pick-Your-Own experiences, allowing people to pick straight from the tree and take home a box of sweet, juicy cherries. The later start to the season means there will be strong supply of locally grown cherries in January, making them the perfect summer snack.More than 50 different varieties of cherries are grown in these regions with Merchant, Stella, Lapin, Sweetheart and Simone the most popular.  Acting Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Zoe Bettison says South Australia’s cherry season is traditionally short-but-sweet, running for just eight weeks, but with the late start this year it means cherries can be enjoyed after Christmas and into the New Year as well.  “The Pick-Your-Own experiences are also the perfect school holiday activity to get the kids out in nature, exploring the orchards and going on their own cherry adventure.  “Whether it’s handpicking them yourself, buying a box at the farm gate or purchasing locally grown cherries at the store, I encourage everyone to support our amazing South Australian growers.   Grant Piggott, Fruit Producers SA CEO says the change in season offers a rare opportunity in January for a drive into the Hills or down to the Fleurieu to collect quality cherries for enjoyment at home. “A large proportion of the South Australia’s cherry crop is produced in the Adelaide Hills & Fleurieu, well suited due to the range of temperatures and hillside orchards.   “The cherries benefit from the attention provided on family farms, hand picking and seasons of working with different varieties and processes to grow great cherries.”  Growers in the Adelaide Hills are responsible for about 90 per cent of the state’s cherry’s production, with growers also located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, in the Riverland and in the South East. South Australia’s cherry industry on average produces approaching 2,000 tonnes of cherries per year, approximately 15% of the national crop with a farmgate value of over $20 million. 

Once again the Fleurieu will put on a show to farewell 2025 and welcome in 2026 on Wednesday 31 January.There will be family-friendly activities in Goolwa and Victor Harbor, as well as the annual pageant in Normanville, so choose your preferred entertainment and settle in for a happy New Year.Here is a brief summary of the three events and associated road closures:Goolwa – NYE at The WharfGoolwa Community Association will host a  concert at Jaralde Park from 7pm, featuring JukeBox Revival playing hits from the 50s to the 80s, followed by fireworks off the Hindmarsh Island bridge at Midnight.There will be some food and drinks available for purchase, but people are welcome to take along a picnic and chairs. The area is a dry zone.Temporary road closures will be in place on surrounding roads between 11.15pm and 1am. For full details and traffic management maps visit the Alexandrina Council website. Victor Harbor Causeway to Granite IslandThe entertainment kicks off at Warland Reserve from 7.30pm with roving performers, live music, a petting zoo, face painting and food vendors.There will be early fireworks at 9.45pm, as well as the traditional midnight show.Road closures will be in place from 5pm on New Year's Eve to 6am on New Year's Day at:The Esplanade (Flinders Parade to Wills Street).Albert Place (Crozier Road to The Esplanade).Flinders Parade (Coral Street to The Esplanade).Railway Terrace (Albert Place to Coral Street).Ocean Street (Coral Street to Albert Place).For more event details, including water traffic restrictions, visit the City of Victor Harbor website. Normanville foreshoreMore than 30 vibrant and colourful floats are expected to parade through the streets, starting from Katherine Drive at 7.30pm.It winds up at the foreshore, with food trucks, family fun, roadside chalk drawing and the Forktree Brewing fireworks display at 9.30pm.Road closures will be in place:6.30pm–1pm: Jetty Rd (Main St to Foreshore).6.30pm–8.30pm: Edwards Ave, Andrew Ave, Main St.7pm–8.30pm: Katherine Dr, Norman Ave.

The community is invited to have a say on proposed new mental health laws for South Australia. The state government says it is committed to delivering modern legislation that better supports vulnerable South Australians and aligns with the community safety and human rights standards everyone should expect with mental health services in this state. This modern legislation has now been drafted as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Bill 2026, expected to be introduced in the next parliamentary term. The Bill would replace the Mental Health Act 2009, which has governed the treatment, care and rehabilitation of individuals with severe mental illness in South Australia for more than a decade. This proposed legislation has been informed by an independent statutory review of the existing laws that was undertaken by the South Australian Law Reform Institute, and through consultation with mental health patients, clinicians and advocates. Feedback from these consultations has informed the development of new and expanded guiding principles to uphold human rights, as well as new safety and accountability measures. Some of these additions include:Supported decision-making to enhance the autonomy and dignity of people receiving care.Establishment of a statutory body to advise on human rights in mental health and monitor efforts to reduce coercion.An increased duty to warn individuals who may be at risk.New Guiding Principles that support the care for people who experience severe mental health conditions including those who have other co-occurring conditions such as substance use, autism or intellectual disability, and that require the views of family and carers be considered.Other key features of the draft Bill include the establishment of a Statement of Recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, along with a new option for people to record their preferred approaches regarding care that can be used at a later time if needed. Department of Health and Wellbeing Chief Psychiatrist John Brayley says this is a vital opportunity for people to have their say on a Bill that will shape the future of mental health care. “The new Bill will modernise mental health legislation by recognising supported decision-making, enhancing individual rights as well as considering the rights of families, carers and the broader community. It creates stronger safeguards for children and vulnerable groups, and the greater clarity in the Bill will assist clinicians to focus on their work providing care.  “Community feedback will help refine the proposed laws to ensure that they underpin best practice mental health care across South Australia.”Consultation is open until 13 February 2026. To provide feedback, complete the online survey.  

In January OzFish will offer two opportunities to mussel up for its scorched mussel restoration trial in Encounter Bay and at the Onkaparinga River.The first will be on Sunday 4 January at the Bluff Boat Ramp carpark, with the chance to learn about local fish habitats.Hosted by the OzFish Coorong chapter, the session will make mussel mats in time for the recruitment of baby mussels to boost local fish prey and filter-feeders. It will run from 9.30am to 12:30pm and, depending on time and tides, may involve visiting other restoration sites along Franklin Parade.Volunteers should wear sun-safe gear for working outdoors including long-sleeved shirts, hats, sunscreen and enclosed shoes.For supporting deployment, reef walkers, waders or dive boots will be needed for working in the intertidal zone, plus towels and clothes that can get wet.This project is funded by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing and supported by the City of Victor Harbor and The Big Duck.On Sunday 18 January the OzFish Adelaide Chapter will build Mussel Mats for the Pygmy Black mussels that are native to the Onkaparinga River system and thus an integral part of its ecosystem.This session will start at 10am at Old Noarlunga Hall on Patapinda Road, and will run until 3.30pm, with a light lunch provided. Volunteers should wear waders, gumboots or dive boots for working in the intertidal zone to help with the mat installation, and sun safe gear for working outdoors including long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunscreen.Safety requirements around steep riverbanks mean this event is strictly for ages 16+; register to attend online.This project is funded by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing and the City of Onkaparinga, with support from Flinders University.

Incident UpdateSECOND VALLEYIssued on29 Dec 2025 09:55SECOND VALLEY GRASS FIRECFS crews are currently on scene at a grass fire at Second Valley, approximately 8km east of Rapid Bay in the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula.Approximately 40 CFS and Forestry SA firefighters on 8 trucks are working to strengthen containment lines.The fire is burning in pine slash and grass. Thanks to the efforts of ground and air crews yesterday, the fire has been prevented from spreading into a nearby pine plantation.Roads in the area remain open at this time, however conditions may change at short notice. For information on road closures, visit traffic.sa.gov.au.There will be smoke visible throughout the day, and crews will remain on scene monitoring the fire.The cause of the fire has been determined as a rekindle of a previous burn-off.

The state government is urging South Australians to donate responsibly this festive season. Take unwanted Christmas gifts and other usable goods directly to charities during opening hours or placing items neatly and safely into outdoor donation banks. In recent years, charities across the state have repeatedly faced the same problem, items, many not fit for purpose, being left outside op shops after hours. Too often, those goods are rummaged through, scattered across carparks, damaged by weather, only to become an expensive clean-up for charity staff and volunteers. Charities are asking the community to ensure any items they want to give away:Are clean, safe and still in good condition.Are handed to staff during trading hours (especially larger items), or placed carefully into outdoor donation banks.Match what the charity can accept.Charities rely on donated goods and resale income to fund programs that support South Australians doing it tough. Most charities can accept quality clothing and accessories, toys, books, CDs and DVDs, homewares, furniture and small electrical items. When unusable or unsuitable items are left behind, charities can face disposal costs and lost time, so people are urged to check first and only donate goods that can genuinely be reused or resold. Minister for Human Services Nat Cook has urged people to show respect for op shops and volunteers - keep donations clean, safe, and inside, not dumped on the footpath.  “If you’re unsure whether an item can be accepted, check first. A quick call can prevent a donation becoming a disposal cost.”Published by Green Industries South Australia in June 2025, the latest South Australia-wide reuse sector figures (covering 2023–24) show SA’s reuse sector is making a big impact:SA reuse organisations, including op shops and op shops, second-hand/vintage retailers, online resale and sharing platforms, and community reuse initiatives, rehomed an estimated 34.8 million second-hand items (about 16,000 tonnes), averaging roughly 19 items per person (around 8.4kg per person).The value of second-hand goods sold or donated through SA reuse organisations totalled an estimated $112.5 million, including $106.1 million in goods resold in SA.Reuse delivered an estimated $231 million in community savings (around $300 per household) and $14.2 million was reinvested into social and community programs.Vinnies Acting CEO Michelle Kemp says the organisation deeply appreciates the generosity and goodwill of the community, with funds raised at the stores supporting Women’s and Men’s Crisis Centres, ten Fred’s Van food services, and an assistance line. “Goods left outside our stores, particularly after hours, create significant challenges for our volunteers and staff and can end up unsellable. “We want to encourage donors to bring items in during opening hours, or leave them fully inside donations bins, so they can be properly received and cared for.“At Vinnies we have a saying: ‘if it’s good enough to give to a mate, it’s good enough to donate’, so if you wouldn’t give it to a mate, then we kindly ask that you don’t donate it to Vinnies.”

Incident UpdateSECOND VALLEYIssued on28 Dec 2025 14:17SECOND VALLEY GRASS FIREThe CFS is responding to a Grass and Scrub fire at Second Valley, 8km East of Rapid Bay in the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia.CFS volunteers on 8 trucks, supported by Forestry SA and Aviation Support including water bombing aircraft are on scene working to extinguish the fire.The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.Roads are currently open around this incident however this may change at short notice. Continue to monitor road closures at: traffic.sa.gov.au.Message ID 0008852Stay informedCFS website cfs.sa.gov.auInformation Hotline 1800 362 361For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361For teletype service TTY 133 677 then ask for 1800 362 361CFS on Facebook or XAlert SA Mobile AppOn local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast PartnersFor emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

Police are investigating a crash at Hallett Cove.About 12.40pm Saturday 27 December, police and emergency services were called to Warilda Crescent after a collision between a Toyota sedan and parked Nissan 4WD.The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota, a 27-year-old local man, was taken to hospital by Paramedics in a life-threatening condition.Police are investigating if driver may have suffered a medical episode prior to the crash. The investigation is ongoing.Anyone who was a witness or has dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.333584

Ocean beaches have an iconic place in Australian identity and culture, and this region is no exception, with South Australia’s longest beach - the Coorong - providing so many wild ways and remote places to enjoy it.Many uses mean many users, who don’t always agree. Understanding these different perspectives is the aim of a project at the Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre (CLLMMRC), which is exclusively focusing on ocean-side environments at Goolwa and the Coorong. Ocean beach ecology and threats: a stakeholder perspective is led by Associate Professor Craig Styan and a team from Adelaide University conducting research that includes community feedback.He acknowledges the recent experience of the algal bloom focused attention on local ocean beaches and how and why people engage with them.“The restricted access to ocean beaches brought home just what they mean to us. It’s a prompt to find out what and how we monitor conditions, and what adaptions we may need to make if we are to continue engaging with these special spaces in the face of climate change-induced impacts such as rising sea levels and temperatures, and beach erosion,” he says.This project has three phases, and the local community can participate in Phase 2 over the summer by completing a survey. Interviews with stakeholders will provide further data to identify and map areas of greatest use, and the ones which people value most.‘We want to know why and how users engage with this environment, what they like and value, the benefits they get from the beaches, and any perceived threats,” Craig says.The project also aims to get a greater feel for what users do and don’t know about the potential impacts of their actions, now and in a changing climate.Project outcomes will provide a better understanding of how ocean beaches are used and valued and give managing agencies – including different layers and agencies of government, many community organisations, NGOs and specialist user groups - crucial insight and information to preserve such a crucial natural and cultural resource – the beach.To complete the short survey, visit the CLLMM website. Or pick up a hard copy from the CLLMM Research Centre, Level 1/92 Barrage Rd, Goolwa South.Based in Goolwa, the Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre (CLLMM RC) works collaboratively with First Nations, and community organisations on projects that investigate the significant challenges posed by climate change throughout the region.

The City of Victor Harbor has launched a community petition calling on the state government to waive stamp duty for first homebuyers in regional South Australia.The waiver would apply to those purchasing an existing home up to the value of $750,000.Councillor Brayden Mann says high housing costs and upfront fees can make it harder for young families and professionals to buy their first home. “This petition aims to make home ownership more affordable, attract and retain younger residents, and support stronger, sustainable communities.”The petition can be signed in person at Victor Harbor Library and Civic Centre, Victor Harbor Visitor Centre, or Coral Street Art Space. Businesses and community groups can also register with the council to display the petition form.The petition is open from December 2025 to April 2026, with the intention to present it to Parliament in May 2026.Find out more and download petition forms from the City of Victor Harbor your say website. 

Emergency services are responding to a vehicle accident on Main South Road at Yankalilla.The incident was reported at 4:50pm, with two emergency units currently in attendance.Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and allow extra travel time, as conditions may be affected while crews respond.

Alexandrina Council is inviting the community to take part in ‘Alexandrina Through Your Eyes’, a photography and caption project celebrating the natural places in the region thatrestore and inspire.This project encourages residents and visitors to share photographs and short reflections of landscapes within Alexandrina that support their wellbeing and places where they feel calm,connected, grounded, or uplifted.The photographic contributions will then form the foundation of a travelling exhibition highlighting the diverse natural landscapes in the region, to be displayed at the Strathalbynand Goolwa libraries.The project is part of Council’s broader ‘Wellness in Nature’ initiative, funded through an Age Friendly SA Grant from Office for Ageing Well."This project is more than an exhibition - it’s about recognising the role nature plays in our health and happiness,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“By sharing photos and short reflections, we’re building a stronger, more connected community that values the environment and the wellbeing it provides."I’m looking forward to seeing the submissions. I might even discover a hidden gem or a new favourite spot in our region. Alexandrina is full of special places, and this is a great way toshare them."Submissions are now open and close at 5pm, 27 February 2026. To get involved, visit the council website to submit photos (up to 10MB) and caption. Terms and conditions apply.

Round 2 of Expressions of Interest to take part in the SA Power Networks 'SA Energy Masters' research project is open to Fleurieu residents. Energy Masters empowers 500 eligible South Australian households with smart appliances, tools and know-how to take control of their energy use, save on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.In return, eligible households will participate in research that will strengthen South Australia’s position at the front of the global energy transition.Households that express their interest will receive an outcome of their expression of interest in February 2026.Energy Masters could help you take control of your energy use – making it easier to use energy smarter, reduce your bills, and lower emissions. They will be carefully selected by the project team to make sure the research is representative of as many South Australians as possible.Energy Masters is an SA Power Networks project supported by the Department for Energy and Mining, South Australia. The project has also received funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. Find the details of how to sign up online. 

As a challenging year comes to a close the news team at the Fleurieu app would like to give seasons' greetings and wish a merry Christmas to all readers.Here's hoping for a peaceful holiday celebration and a brighter 2026.

An Advice-level bushfire alert has been issued for Reynella, near Moore Road.The alert was issued at 5:11pm on Tuesday, 24 December 2025 and applies to residents in the surrounding area.At this stage, there is no immediate threat to life or property, and firefighters are currently attending the fire.The Country Fire Service advises residents to monitor local conditions and stay informed, and to consider what actions they would take if the situation changes.Further updates will be provided by the Metropolitan Fire Service as more information becomes available.Residents are urged to remain alert and follow official advice.What you should doCheck and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan.Stay alert for potential dangers such as smoke, increased traffic and falling trees.Drive carefully in the area as smoke may reduce visibility.Close all doors and windows and stay inside if the smoke is causing you concern.Look and listen for information on television, radio, internet, mobile phones and by speaking with neighbours.Stay informedLook and listen for information on television, radio, internet, mobile phones and by speaking with neighbours.MFS website mfs.sa.gov.auInformation Hotline 1800 362 361For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361For teletype service TTY 133 677 then ask for 1800 362 361MFS on Facebook or XAlert SA Mobile AppOn local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast PartnersFor emergencies call Triple Zero (000).