A driver has died following a serious crash at Meadows on this morning.About 2am Sunday 22 June, police and emergency services responded to Morris Road at Meadows after reports that a car had collided with a tree.The driver of the Toyota ute, a 28-year-old man from the Mid North, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.Sadly, the man has since died.The passenger of the ute, a 47-year-old man from Meadows, was seriously injured and remains in hospital.Morris Road was closed while Major Crash investigators examined the scene, however, has since re-opened.The driver's death is the 38th life lost on South Australian roads this year.

Police are investigating a break-in at Port Noarlunga South this morning and have released CCTV of the suspects and their getaway scooter.Three unknown males attended an address in Aldam Road, Port Noarlunga South about 8.30am on Saturday 21 June.  One suspect waited outside on a scooter while two males entered the home and confronted the four occupants.Three victims were assaulted during the incident and sustained minor injuries.The offenders stole a Playstation 5 and two wallets before getting back on the silver and black scooter, described as similar to a Yamaha NMAX 155, and heading west along Aldam Road.They were all dressed in black, with their faces covered.Southern District CIB detectives are investigating.Anyone who recognises the trio or scooter or has dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Two men have been injured in a serious crash at Meadows overnight.About 2am Sunday 22 June, police and emergency services were called to Morris Road at Meadows following reports that a car had collided with a tree.The driver of the Toyota ute, a 28-year-old man from the Mid North, sustained life threatening injuries while his passenger, a 47-year-old man from Meadows was critically injured. Both men were transported to hospital for treatment.Morris Road is currently closed between Brookman Road and Arunga Road while Major Crash investigators examine the scene. Road users are asked to avoid the area.

Aldinga Library will host a free workshop on Healthy Eating on a Budget on Saturday 28 June.Accredited dietitian Mattea Palombo will offer a supportive and down-to-earth presentation with practical strategies for eating well without overspending.She will cover planning nourishing meals, making the most of the grocery budget and how to navigate confusing nutrition messages—all without guilt or restriction.Having overcome an eating disorder and now living with Coeliac Disease, Mattea sees good nutrition as crucial for good health. “What you eat impacts on how your body functions. My passion and goal is to help people nourish their body correctly.”Her compassionate, no-fads approach to nutrition focuses on building healthier relationships with food.The hour-long session will run from 10.30am; bookings are essential at Aldinga Library on 8384 0022.

🐾 Pet of the Week: Meet Boss – A Big Softie Looking for a Forever HomeThis week, RSPCA South Australia is proud to spotlight Boss as our Pet of the Week! This sweet and friendly boy is searching for a calm, loving home—and for a limited time, you can adopt him for just $95.🐶 About BossBoss is a lovable companion who’s ready to trade shelter life for cozy naps, relaxing garden time, and endless affection from his favourite people.He dreams of a quiet home where he can soak up love and feel secure. While he may need a bit of time to adjust, once comfortable, he’s full of charm and loyalty.His perfect day includes:Quality cuddle timeExploring the yard or gardenPuzzle toys and rope games (his absolute favourites!)🏡 Boss’ Ideal Home✅ Loves human affection ✅ Would like to be the only dog in the home ✅ Best suited for adults or older children ✅ Needs a peaceful, structured environment where he can settle in and feel safeBoss has waited long enough for his second chance—could it be with you?📍 Visit RSPCA South Australia’s O’Halloran Hill animal care campus or find out more about Boss (AID: 188965) at www.rspcasa.org.au.

Significant reforms to dog and cat laws including banning puppy farms, expanding feral cat eradication and increasing penalties for dog owners that attack people and other animals have passed State Parliament. Dog owners now face a maximum fine of $25,000 if their pet attacks a person or animal causing serious injury or death. This fine will be up to $50,000 if the attacking dog was already the subject of a dangerous dog order. In extreme cases, when a dog owner deliberately encourages their pet to attack or harass a person or animal, the owner could be fined up to $100,000 or be jailed for four years. In South Australia 503 people presented at a public hospital in 2024 after being attacked by a dog, while another 1200 dog attacks were reported to SA councils. Dog control orders placed on pet owners who move to South Australia from interstate - such as a dangerous dog order or a prohibition order - will also be better recognised and enforced under South Australian law. Councils will also have increased powers to manage nuisance barking and dogs that persistently wander in their districts. This includes the ability to issue control orders on dogs that continually wander at large, with penalties of up to $2500 each time a dog with a control order is caught wandering. The updates will also allow councils to work more closely with dog owners to help prevent offences before they occur, such as implementing specific measures to stop dogs wandering at large. Large-scale puppy farms are now banned in South Australia, outlawing inhumane breeding programs that increase the risk of animal cruelty. A new breeder licensing scheme has also been introduced under the reforms to the state’s Dog and Cat Management Act. This scheme has a rigorous assessment process for breeders, including criminal background checks on applicants, and the ability to suspend and cancel breeder licences and fines of up to $10,000 for breeding animals without a licence.Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says these important updates to the Dog and Cat Management Act will prevent puppy factories from being set up in South Australia. “Everyone deserves to know that their new family puppy has come from a responsible breeder who cares for their animals and keeps them in good living conditions. “We have also introduced heavier penalties to help prevent violent dog attacks and increase the safety of all South Australians and their pets. “The increased punishments for dog attacks will act as a strong deterrent and ensure that owners do all they can to control their dogs.” In addition to the breeder reforms, all property owners more than 1 kilometre from another residence are now permitted to undertake humane lethal cat controls on their property. This update is aimed at allowing landholders in regional areas to deal with feral cats on their properties in a similar way to controlling other pest animals, such as foxes. The legislation allows for this distance to be reduced if required.Minister Close says feral cats are one of the biggest threats to native animals, killing more than 1.5 billion mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs and 1.1 billion invertebrates each year. “The new abilities for property owners to undertake feral cat controls will help to protect our vital native wildlife.” Feral cats can already be managed using lethal methods by landholders and government agencies, such as councils or regional Landscape Boards. 

City of Victor Harbor is calling for community feedback on its amended Urban Growth Management Strategy, following changes made in response to previous consultation.The population of Victor Harbor and its surrounding suburbs is expected to grow by 50 per cent, approximately 8,000 people over the next 25 years.The council says it is important to manage this growth to maintain a thriving community with a strong economy, without losing the character that makes the town unique.It will hold community open days to discuss the strategy on Saturday 28 June from 9.30am to 12.30pm and on Tuesday 1 July from 3pm to 6pm at the council chambers. Register online to attend one of the sessions. The main changes include areas to be investigated for rezoning, altering the focus on infrastructure and adding childcare provision as a priority.A summary of previous feedback and the key changes made to the updated strategy can be viewed on the council website or in hard copy at the Civic Centre. The strategy will be finalised after this final round of community consultation, which ends at 5pm on Thursday 10 July.

Asbestos contamination has been added to the list of the late autumn storm damage dealt with by City of Onkaparinga, with exposed sheets found at Aldinga Beach.In a statement the council says the storm surge in late May exposed asbestos sheets at a known contaminated site in the coastal reserve at Aldinga Beach, which are believed to be from beach shacks demolished and illegally dumped in the 1960s and 70s.“The asbestos was found by council staff as part of our post-severe weather coastal inspections and our licenced asbestos assessor and removalist contractor attended the site to make the area safe. “Their air monitoring didn’t reveal any airborne fibres. The asbestos was transported and disposed of by our contractor in accordance with EPA requirements on 29 May. “Our contractor also visited this site in February this year, in May 2024 and in January 2023 to remove pieces of asbestos.“There was no risk to the public.“The area where the asbestos was found is within a known contaminated site, registered in our Contaminated Land Register.”The council says it’s not unusual for severe weather events to cause erosion and expose materials asbestos containing that were previously dumped and buried many years ago.There are 11 similar sites across the city – including in Port Willunga, Sellicks Beach and Port Noarlunga, which the council manages with regular inspections from qualified remediation specialists. Asbestos or hazardous materials found in public areas should be reported to the council on 8384 0666.

An increase in heater-related fires has sparked a warning from authorities for residents to check their winter appliances and use them safely around the home.  The MFS has attended 11 incidents across the state this year, resulting in around $1.1 million of damage – compared to eight fires linked to electric or gas heaters, combustion heaters and fireplaces at the same time last year. In 2024, MFS and CFS crews attended a total 47 related blazes – an increase of more than 50 per cent on the previous year, with 31 incidents recorded.  In the past month, firefighters have responded to house fires in Woodville South (combustion heater spreading to the roof), Happy Valley (outdoor heater under a pergola) and Morphett Vale (combustibles near heater) – each causing significant damage to the properties and putting lives at risk.  Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island residents are urged to have their combustion heaters, flues and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year – timed for the start of the cold weather – to keep them in good working order and avoid embers sparking a fire. Other heater safety tips include:Keeping combustible items like clothes, bedding, furniture and curtains well clear of heaters – ideally a minimum of two metres.If clothes need to be dried inside, using a clothes airer in a room with no heater but a good air flow.Ensuring any heating equipment is installed by a qualified tradesperson and regularly maintained.Following the manufacturer’s instructions.Checking for signs of wear and tear before use and replacing as needed.Fatal house fires are more common during sleeping hours of the cooler months, June to August – highlighting the need for all households to prepare this winter. A working smoke alarm is crucial for giving early warnings of fire, providing the time needed to safely evacuate from the property.Fire-related deaths often result from smoke inhalation and toxic fire gases rather than direct contact with flames and heat. MFS Chief Officer Jeff Swann says an uncontrolled fire has the potential to engulf a room within three to four minutes, creating thick, toxic smoke. “As firefighters, it is our duty to serve and protect the South Australian public from the effects of fire – part of that is to actively educate the community in prevention and awareness.“Installing working smoke alarms throughout your home offers early warning of a fire, providing the best opportunity to keep yourself and your family safe.”  

The Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre celebrates its eighth anniversary this year and is about to start a milestone maintenance project to ensure its long-term future.Jointly owned by Alexandrina Council and the City of Victor Harbor and managed by YMCA South Australia, the Aquatic Centre features a 25-metre lap pool, multi-use hydrotherapy pool, program pool, outdoor splash park, crèche, fitness facilities, and kiosk.In a joint statement the councils say after nearly a decade of continuous operation, the pools are due for an important ‘health check’ and upkeep to optimise operations and to ensure the long-term viability of the assets.Starting on 30 June there will be a staggered closure of the three pools to replace the epoxy coatings and filter media and inspections and maintenance will be done on the expansion joints.The councils and the YMCA plan to start the maintenance project by closing the hydrotherapy pool, then the children’s program pool, and finishing with the 25-metre lap swimming pool.“The pools will be closed sequentially to minimise the disruption to users, water will be transferred from one pool to another where possible to conserve water, and the aim is to have the children’s program pool available for the July and October school holidays,” says City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins.Work on each pool is expected to take four weeks to complete, barring any unforeseen issues, with the project expected to be completed by October. Weather, humidity and the ability to dry out the pool areas may affect the timing of works.Throughout the rolling shutdown, the YMCA will relocate classes and programs to available pools wherever possible. Membership suspension options will be available during the works.Late in 2025, once all the maintenance work is done, Alexandrina Council, the City of Victor Harbor and YMCA South Australia will host a reopening event to celebrate the completion of the project and the facility’s eighth birthday.The event will also highlight some planned purchases of new equipment for the Centre, including new gym gear, and a mobile lifter to improve accessibility to all pools.Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes says the Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre is much-loved and well-used by the Alexandrina and Fleurieu communities. “The health and wellbeing benefits to our community are outstanding the facility is a key attraction for visitors to our region, especially families. “We are excited to embark on this important maintenance project to ensure the longevity of these important assets, and we look forward to celebrating the Centre’s eighth birthday later this year.”The councils say there are more than 183,000 visitors to the Centre every year. The YMCA has over 1,200 members at the facility and provides more than 13,500 swimming lessons annually.For regular updates on the maintenance project, visit the website.

More than 200 bales of hay will be delivered to drought-impacted farmers on Kangaroo Island this week in a hay drop, made possible through the state government’s Drought Support Package. Charity Rural Aid will deliver more than 150 tonnes of hay to 19 Kangaroo Island farmers over two days today, 18 June and next week, on 25 June.Rural Aid CEO John Warlters says this hay drop represents a significant and much-needed show of support for farmers on Kangaroo Island. “They’ve battled through some of the toughest seasons on record, and this delivery will help ease the burden during a critical time.“It’s a privilege to stand alongside these resilient communities and let them know they’re not forgotten.” The hay run is supported by the state government’s $6 million Drought Donated Fodder Transport Assistance Scheme, which helps charities with their transport costs to deliver donated fodder to farmers who need assistance to feed their livestock. So far, it has funded the transport costs of charities to deliver more than 9,800 tonnes of donated hay to over 1,200 farmers across South Australia. It is actively working with Rural Aid, Need for Feed, Rapid Relief Team, Farmers Relief Agency, and the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association, whose participation provides specific support to dairy farmers across South Australia. Primary producers are encouraged to contact participating organisations directly to understand what types of fodder are available and to register their interest. For more information about drought assistance visit the PIRSA website.   

A 37-year-old Adelaide man has been reported for drink driving after being caught with a blood alcohol reading more than five times the legal limit at Encounter Bay.Police stopped the man on Mill Road, Encounter Bay, around 7.30pm on Tuesday, 17 June, for a mobile driver test. He returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.252.The man was issued a 12-month instant loss of licence and had his vehicle impounded for 28 days. He will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

The historic Hardys Tintara winery in McLaren Vale will stop making wine as parent company Vinarchy transitions operations to the Riverland and the Barossa.Vinarchy announced the change in early June, as part of a long-term growth plan that includes establishing two winemaking hubs in South Australia, with the company’s global corporate headquarters to be located in Adelaide.Winemaking currently undertaken at Hardy’s Tintara winery will move to Rowland Flat for the 2026 and 2027 vintages.Chief Supply Officer Joe Russo says Vinarchy recogises the rich local history in McLaren Vale.“Adopting this twin-hub structure at Berri Estates and Rowland Flat allows us to consolidate our resources and expertise, strengthening the business and ensuring we remain competitive in the face of ongoing challenges in the global wine market.”“While our winemaking will move, our commitment to quality wines, local sourcing and premium cellar door experiences for these brands do not change.“These wines will be made with the same grapes from the same regions, by the same winemakers, just at another winery.”He says Vinarchy recognises these changes may create uncertainty for team members and is committed to supporting its people as changes are implemented progressively over the next 12 months.“We are deeply mindful of the impact these changes may have on our people.“Where roles are affected, we are committed to supporting our teams through redeployment opportunities to other locations in many cases, or, where necessary, redundancy and outplacement support. We will continue to consult closely with our teams over the coming months as we make this transition.”Vinarchy was established earlier this year after the takeover of Accolade Wines by French company Pernod Ricard.

The Science Collective will present the Victor Harbor Science Fair on Sunday 29 June at the Recreation Centre.Supported by the City of Victor Harbor, this will be the fourth time the fair has brought all things science with hands-on activities for all ages.SciFiBri will bring the Fire and Froth Show and Animals Anonymous will offer the chance to get up close with wildlife.Fleurieu Marine Education and the Marine Discovery Centre will have marine science displays and the Roboroos team will demonstrate robotics for those intrigued by technology.SciWorld's huge inflatable Starlab will guide a journey through the night sky and IgniteVR will offer an engaging virtual reality experience. There will be recycling tips, a Toddlers Corner, the Aces Magic Show, Dr Who’s Daleks and more. The Rotary Club of Victor Harbor will put on a sausage sizzle and Laynies Coffee van will the adults’ caffeine fix.There will be two sessions, from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 1pm to 4pm. Tickets  cost $9, or $29 for a family of four and can be booked online. 

Alexandrina Council will hold an information drop-in session at the Signal Point Experience Centre on Thursday 26 June.The session is to discuss a proposed amendment to the state government Planning and Design Code that affects parcels of land within the Goolwa Wharf precinct.A Goolwa Wharf Subzone will better reflect the precinct’s unique character, rich First Nations heritage, and its important role in the state's riverboat and steam railway history, according to the council.The intention is to shift the focus from solely marine transport to a wider view on community, tourist, cultural and recreational aspirations. The information day at Signal Point will run from 10.30am to 3.30pm. More information about the proposed Code Amendment can be found on Alexandrina Council’s My Say website. The page includes a fact sheet, a map of the proposed Goolwa Wharf Subzone and a survey to enable feedback on the idea. The deadline for community input is Friday 11 July.

Strathalbyn has been chosen as a host town for the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, and the iconic Melbourne Cup Trophy will visit the Strathalbyn Racing Club on Wednesday 2 July for a special community event.The Our Town Our Track Our Day event will run from 12noon to 3pm, with the $5 entry feedonated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.This nationally celebrated tour recognises the heart and spirit of the towns that keep up the traditions of horse racing. The local event is designed to honour Strathalbyn’s community, racing history, and local businesses.This will include stall displays and marquees, Cup Tour days specials, window displays and decorations throughout the town.In the morning there will be community visits to Strathalbyn & Districts Aged Care Facility and Eastern Fleurieu 7-12 School.The Cup will then travel to Strathalbyn Racing Club via horse-drawn carriage for the main event, which will feature a talk by former Melbourne Cup jockey Clare Lindop, ‘local legends’ story time, a local art and produce showcase, food trucks and Langhorne Creek wine tastings.

Cockle Train services were curtailed over the weekend for safety reasons, with trains running only between Goolwa and Port Elliot.SteamRanger, which runs the popular tourist attraction, advised that recent wet weather has caused destabilisation of the dunes and hillside around Hayborough.This has resulted in a land slip above the railway track that is threatening the rail corridor between Port Elliot and Victor Harbor.With more rain forecast there was the risk of a second landslip, so it was not safe for passengers and crew to run the service to Victor Harbor.SteamRanger says it is working with relevant stakeholders to stabilise the site. 

Fleurieu and KI dog and cat owners are being urged to ensure their pet’s details are up to date in the state-wide register ahead of annual registration renewals.In July renewal notices will be sent to dog and cat owners across the state and, to ensure a renewal notice is received, the Dog and Cat Management Board is calling on pet owners to update or register their information in Dogs and Cats Online this week.In South Australia, all dogs and cats must be desexed, microchipped and registered in Dogs and Cats Online within 14 days of taking ownership if the pet is older than three months.Dog and Cat Management Board Chair David Parkin says it is vital that owners take the time to update details and to register their pets as soon as possible.“If your pet happens to escape, the details on their microchip can be the difference of whether or not they can be returned to you,” he says.“For cats specifically, shelters have reported that 97 per cent of cats can’t be returned because owners have not registered a microchip in Dogs and Cats Online and kept the information up to date.“It is also important to note that, just because your pet is microchipped, it doesn’t automatically mean they are registered in Dogs and Cats Online. Microchip details might be listed on other databases, but in SA it is a requirement for them to be included in Dogs and Cats Online.“We strongly recommend that all pet owners head to Dogs and Cats Online to ensure their pets are registered on the site and that their details are up to date.”Owners will have until August 31 to complete their renewals in Dogs and Cats Online and pay any associated fees, or risk possible late fees.Anyone who needs help to register a dog or cat, contact the local council.The Board’s website has information on the state dog and cat laws, along with tips for potential and current owners.

This week, RSPCA South Australia is featuring two incredibly lovable cats, Cuddles and Ollie, as our Pets of the Week! These two are bonded best friends and are looking for their forever home together. For a limited time, you can adopt them both for just $90.💕 About Cuddles & OllieCuddles (pink nose, female) is the confident one who adores snuggles and loves to look out for her best friend.Ollie (black nose, male) is a little more timid at first, but once he settles in, he turns into a purr machine who loves cuddles and smooches.Together, they’re the perfect pair — affectionate, sweet, and happiest when curled up with their humans, soaking up attention and giving gentle head nudges in return.🏡 Their Ideal Home✅ Adaptable to most home environments ✅ A calm, patient family who can give Ollie time to settle ✅ Must be adopted together ✅ Slow introduction if other pets are in the home (the RSPCA SA cat team can provide advice)📍 Visit Cuddles (AID 195073) & Ollie (AID 195074) at RSPCA South Australia’s O’Halloran Hill animal care campus or learn more at www.rspcasa.org.au.