Residents in the Alexandrina Council area have a unique opportunity to enhance their gardens and contribute to local biodiversity, all for just $10. As part of the Alexandrina Greening and Wildlife Project, the council is offering native plant packs containing 10 local species, grown at the Alexandrina Community Nursery. This initiative aims to promote environmental stewardship and support local ecosystems. It allows residents to purchase a selection of native plants that are perfectly suited to the region. These plants not only beautify gardens but also provide crucial habitats and food sources for local wildlife, playing a vital role in preserving the area's natural heritage, according to the council.The council has thanked the dedicated volunteers at the Alexandrina Community Nursery, whose hard work in propagating and nurturing these seedlings has made this offer possible. It says their efforts ensure that the plants are well-prepared to thrive in local gardens, enhancing the local environment for years to come.Residents can collect their plant packs on Saturday 7 September from 10am to 12pm at the Alexandrina Community Nursery on Kessell Road, Goolwa. The council says it’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded neighbors and learn more about local plant species.To order a native plant pack, view the list of available plant species, or learn more about the Alexandrina Greening and Wildlife Project, visit the Second Nature website. There is a limit of one pack per household.This project is a collaboration between Alexandrina Council and Second Nature, with funding provided by Alexandrina Council. By participating, residents not only get to enjoy the beauty of native plants in their own gardens but also contribute to the broader effort of preserving and enhancing local biodiversity.

Police are investigating a car crash into the Victor Harbor Hospital this morning.Just after 9am on Wednesday 21 August, police and emergency services were called to Bay Road, Victor Harbor after receiving reports a Holden station wagon had collided with a Tesla before crashing into the side of Victor Harbor Hospital.The driver of the Holden, a 61-year-old-male from Encounter Bay was assessed by hospital staff at the scene.POLIce say there are no reports of injuries from the driver of the Tesla or occupants in the hospital.MFS and SES are managing the removal of the car from the hospital wall.Police investigations are continuing to determine the cause.

Onkaparinga residents have been invited to have a say on the closure of part of Sellicks Beach for a week to accommodate a motorcycle event next March.The City of Onkaparinga proposes to grant a short term Licence to Motorcycling South Australia Inc. for the exclusive use of a portion of coastal land to host the Sellicks Beach Historic Motorcycle Classic.The event will require three lead-in days to set-up and two days post event to pack-up, with a licence term from 12 to 18 March 2025 inclusive. Organisers say the celebration of historical motorcycle racing will have a focus on vintage and classic motorcycles, including demonstrations and displays. It will be ticketed and fully fenced with 24-hour security. The council says Risk Management Plans are in place to manage community and environmental safety, including unauthorised access to the sand dunes and environmentally sensitive areas in or around the Licence area. It is asking for community feedback up until 9 September, to examine any local information or potential issues before a final decision is made on granting the license.Silver Sands Beach access ramp (at the end of Norman Road) will be closed to the public for the two-day event, Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 March. Alternative beach access ramps are available at Aldinga Beach and Sellicks Beach.Full details of the event and how to have a say can be found on the City of Onkaparinga website.

Christies Beach has had a vibrant facelift, thanks to a comprehensive streetscape improvement project aimed at revitalising the western end of Beach Road. Among the many new features, a playful ice cream sculpture has captured the attention of locals and visitors alike, becoming an emblematic piece of the beachside community’s renewed energy.The quirky upturned ice cream artwork, designed by artists Will Cheeseman and Laura Wills from Wills Projects, is more than just a whimsical nod to a classic beach-time mishap, according to Onkaparinga Council—it’s a centrepiece of the broader revitalisation efforts. The sculpture, which cost $41,080 to fabricate and install, was funded by a $100,000 grant received by the council from the state government specifically for public art as part of the streetscape improvements.This investment in public art is part of a larger $600,000 initiative designed to enhance the appeal and functionality of Beach Road. The funding for this initiative comes from a combination of sources: a $400,000 grant from the state government’s Community Infrastructure Fund, a $160,000 contribution from the council, and additional state government funding that was used to deliver other public art installations.The $100,000 art grant was also used to fund a striking 125-square-meter mural on the corner of Beach Road and Roy Terrace, completed by Malicious Delicious Creative. Onkaparinga Council says this mural, along with 16 footpath artworks featuring quirky beach-themed items, adds to the eclectic and vibrant atmosphere that the project aims to foster.The council says the art installations and enhancements to the street’s infrastructure—such as new lighting, pavement, furniture, street trees, and landscaping—are all part of a strategic effort to draw both locals and tourists to the area. By creating an inviting environment that encourages people to stop, dine, and linger, the project seeks to stimulate the local economy and benefit the diverse mix of businesses along Beach Road.While the ice cream sculpture is a focal point and an attraction in itself, the artwork wasn’t designed to promote any specific business. Instead, it embodies the essence of a typical coastal experience—a reminder of warm summer days at the beach, where ice cream is a staple, and the occasional dropped cone is all part of the fun. The ongoing streetscape improvements are in line with the Christies Beach Tourism Action Plan, which was developed through extensive engagement with the community, local businesses, and landowners. The project reflects a collective vision for a thriving and welcoming Beach Road that serves as both a local hub and a tourist destination.In a related project, a new public toilet facility will be added to Beach Road at the original open market site. Fully funded by the state government, the facility is expected to be completed by late 2024.

Independent Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie will host a small business breakfast event on Thursday 29 August in Port Elliot.She will be in conversation with Bruce Billson, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman on all things related to small business in Mayo. The aim is to provide insights from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman about supports available to help businesses grow and thrive.The breakfast will be held at SALT at the Elliot, on The Strand, from 7am to 8.30am.Tickets cost $45; to RSVP and find out more visit Rebekha Sharkie’s website, or book via Eventbrite.

Green Adelaide plans to reintroduce one of Australia's most iconic species, the platypus, back into Karrawirra Pari/The River Torrens. As part of an ongoing efforts to restore local ecosystems, the organisation will host an online seminar on Wednesday 21 August from 4-5 pm, for people to learn about the project and the role of the platypus in preserving the region's biodiversity.The platypus is not only a marvel of nature but also an 'umbrella species' which means that conserving their habitat will protect a wide range of other species within the ecosystem. The seminar will feature Wildlife Ecologist Liberty Olds, who will provide insights into the biology, behaviour and ecological importance of the platypus.Liberty Olds will also share promising findings from a recent scoping study conducted by Green Adelaide in collaboration with the Nature Glenelg Trust. The study revealed several positive indicators for the potential reintroduction of platypus to the River Torrens. Among these are high levels of macroinvertebrates, which serve as a crucial food source for platypuses, low levels of litter-based pollution, improved water quality, and the availability of suitable habitats.The seminar will cover the results of recent Environmental DNA testing, which has been instrumental in detecting the presence or absence of platypus in the region's rivers. These findings, coupled with ongoing conservation efforts, lay the groundwork for the successful rewilding of the platypus in Adelaide.This event is an opportunity for the community, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts to engage with the innovative efforts aimed at enhancing the biodiversity of Adelaide's river systems. Green Adelaide's rewilding project is not just about bringing back the platypus; it's a step towards creating a cooler, greener, and wilder Adelaide for future generations.Book Here

The state government has provided $100,000 to help expand the Fleurieu Milk Company’s innovative milk keg initiative to reduce the need for plastic milk containers in cafes and restaurants. The reusable milk keg and glass bottle model is slashing the number of plastic milk cartons used in the local hospitality industry with 128,000 less plastic bottles used since it was first rolled out in October last year. The funding will be used will upscale the reusable milk filling system via an enhanced digital platform and traceability tracking system. The upgrades and expansion of the program is expected to see 1000 kegs delivered weekly, saving 9000 plastic milk containers weekly, or about 500,000 annually. The funding boost comes ahead of the phasing out of more single use plastic products from 1 September 2024.  Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says surveys have shown overwhelming public support for banning single use plastics which are a significant source of pollution including to waterways.  “South Australia is a recognised national leader in state’s transition to a more circular economy and continues to support circular economy market development.  “South Australian business, industry and organisations are increasingly looking at new ways of doing business via circular economy business models, practices and circular products and materials.  “Since 2018 more than $2 million has been provided to develop and test more circular practices that can be scaled up, repeated, and easily adopted by other South Australian businesses. “Seeing the Fleurieu Milk Company closing the loop on their resources is going to have an immediate benefit for the environment and for a more circular economy.” Nick Hutchinson is General Manager of Fleurieu Milk. “In October 2023, we launched our reusable milk keg and glass bottle model for purchasing fresh milk to addresses the very high volumes of plastic waste in the dairy industry.  “We've reduced the need for over 128,000 plastic milk bottles with our kegs, each one featuring a QR code, so our customers can track how many plastic milk bottles they’ve avoided.  “Recognising the potential of reusable glass bottles in the dairy industry, we are gathering data on their usage to understand their environmental impact better.  “This grant funding will enable the development of a ‘Fleurieu Milk Co. app’, allowing consumers to monitor their reduction in single-use bottles and earn rewards for sustainable practices.” Director of Adelaide Zoo Dr Phil Ainsley says as a conservation charity, Zoos SA is proud to be leading the way in sustainability and collaborating with Fleurieu Milk Company.  “Plastic pollution poses a huge threat to all species and by eliminating plastic milk carton waste here at Adelaide Zoo we can have a direct impact on protecting local habitats of our native species. “Unfortunately, in the wild, Australian natives are at serious risk of extinction. Every effort to keep native habitats free of plastics, such as the caps and rings from plastic milk bottles that often end up in marine environments and picked up by native birds, is incredibly important. “In 2022, Zoos SA was named a plastic-free champion for eliminating key single use plastic including straws, non-certified compostable coffee cups and lids, cutlery, plates, and it’s great to be building on this momentum with Fleurieu Milk Company’s milk taps at Adelaide Zoo.”   

A total of 37 regional events and festivals across South Australia have received a collective $531,500 financial boost in the latest round of the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Event Fund. The Regional Event Fund aims to support the development of new and innovative regional events and grow existing events, while driving visitation and economic stimulus across regional South Australia. The 2024-25 Fund supports events that are staged from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025. McLaren Vale’s Grenache and Gourmet, coming up in September, and Summer Vines, in January, are two of the beneficiaries, along with Langhorne Creek’s Handpicked Festival in November. The Kangaroo Island Cup, in February and Gutsy Kangaroo Island, in June, will also be supported.Rounding out the local grants are Goolwa’s biennial Wooden Boat Festival, scheduled for next April; next June’s Winter Whale Festival in Victor Harbor; and the Willunga Almond Blossom Festival next July. Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison says a diverse range of events is supported in this year’s Regional Event Fund, which are set to showcase the best of South Australia’s unique regions and world-class hospitality. “Delivered through the South Australian Tourism Commission, the Regional Event Fund is an important initiative that supports a thriving events calendar across our state, helping trigger visitation as those thinking about exploring our state commit to a trip. “With 43 cents in every tourism dollar spent in the regions, it is important we continue to drive visitation across regional South Australia and this Fund aims to do just that.”  

CFS crews on Kangaroo Island responded to multiple triple 0 calls just after 5pm on Saturday 17 August, following reports of a gas explosion and fire at a fish and chip shop on North Terrace at Penneshaw.The force of the blast blew out a large section of the shop front and crews worked hard to quickly contain the smoke and fire in the kitchen and also assist a woman who was inside at the time of the explosion.She sustained multiple injuries and was transported to Kingscote hospital for treatment.Initial estimates have placed the damage bill at $40,000 however that figure could rise once Fire Investigators attend the property and also determine the exact cause of the blast.

Kangaroo Island Council will create a free weekly program to support the development of local babies and toddlers with the help of funding from Words Grow Minds.The Words Grow Minds campaign is a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, providing information to parents about how best to support their child’s development in the crucial first three years of life.Based on the motto of ‘talk, play, read and sing with your baby’, the statewide campaign is an Australian-first, putting the neuroscience of early childhood brain development into accessible language for parents and the broader community.In addition to the paid information campaign across television, radio, newspapers, billboards and social media, Words Grow Minds is awarding $60,000 in grants to 17 councils and children’s service providers to bring the message to life in local communities.Kangaroo Island Council will receive $5000 to help develop an ongoing weekly music and story time for the island’s youngest residents, incorporating reading, singing, movement, music, visual arts and play. The weekly program will also aim to connect parents to other childhood services such as health and development checks, and link in with local playgroup providers to reach as many KI families as possible.Words Grow Minds is led by Kate Ellis, the CEO of Raising Literacy Australia and Chair of the Early Years Taskforce, and a former federal minister for early childhood.“We cannot ignore the fact that South Australian children’s development is behind the national average before they even start school.“We know there is still a belief in the community that you only really need to start reading with your child at school age.“But what the latest research shows us is that 85 percent of a child’s brain development happens by the time they are three, and every positive interaction in those early years literally grows their brains.“Not every parent knows how to play or talk with their baby in a way that nurtures their child’s development, especially if that wasn’t a factor in their own childhood.”Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly says the council is looking forward to spreading the Words Grow Minds message throughout Kangaroo Island."We want to improve outcomes for children on the island by ensuring they have access to quality early childhood programs and events that highlight the importance of the ‘talk, play, read, and sing’ message."Mayor Pengilly extended his heartfelt thanks to the officers from Customer and Library Services, particularly Sophie Northcott-Rogers, for her efforts securing the grant.More information about Words Grow Minds resources can be found on the website.  

This week, RSPCA South Australia is highlighting two wonderful pets in search of their forever homes at the O’Halloran Hill animal care campus.Vitani: The Adventure-Ready PupVitani, with animal ID 188942, is a sweet ten-month-old pup who has been under the care of RSPCA South Australia since April. This beautiful boy is eager to find a loving family to call his own, ready to embark on a lifetime of adventures together. Whether you need a partner in crime, a movie marathon buddy, a food taste tester, or a best friend for life, Vitani is your guy.Given his young age, Vitani would benefit greatly from participating in force-free training classes to support his growth and development. Sociable by nature, Vitani would be happy to share his forever home with another canine companion, but it’s important to bring your current dog in for a meet and greet first. To meet Vitani or to learn more about him, visit his profile here.Moe: The Cheeky and Affectionate FelineMeet Moe, with animal ID 190404. This one-year-old cutie is a cheeky boy with a delightful personality and luxurious fur that deserves the royal treatment from a loving family. Moe can be a bit shy around unfamiliar faces, but with a little patience, he quickly warms up to new environments.Once Moe bonds with you, he’ll shower you with affection, offering headbutts and purrs to show his love. While Moe is open to living with other fur-residents, a slow introduction is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. The RSPCA’s cat-care team will be there every step of the way to help Moe settle into his new home. To meet Moe or to learn more about him, visit his profile here.Both Vitani and Moe are ready to bring joy and companionship to their new families. If you’re interested in adopting, please visit the RSPCA South Australia’s animal care campus at O’Halloran Hill.Visit the RSPCA South Australia’s animal care campus at O’Halloran Hill and add a new companion to your life – it's a decision you won’t regret.The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) South Australia is the state’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, dedicated to giving animals a second chance at a happy life.

 Alexandrina Council has restricted access to two shelters in the Freeman’s Knob reserve on The Strand in Port Elliot. The council says a recent engineering inspection raise concern about the safety of the shelters and recommended they be removed. For public safety the shelters have been temporarily cordoned off until they can be removed. After removal the council will consult the community about potential replacements. Visit the Alexandrina Council My Say web page to register for updates.

Good morning! Here are today's mobile roadside speed cameras around the Fleurieu.These cameras are in place to enhance road safety and promote responsible driving.Below is a list of the specific locations where speed compliance will be monitored throughout the day.Drive carefully and adhere to speed limits to ensure everyone's safety.ALDINGA BEACH RD, ALDINGA BEACHALDINGA RD, WILLUNGABABBACOMBE DR, MOANABAINS RD, ONKAPARINGA HILLSGRANTS GULLY RD, CLARENDONKANGARILLA RD, KANGARILLAKANGARILLA RD, MCLAREN VALEMAIN SOUTH RD, OLD NOARLUNGANASHWAUK CRES, MOANAOAKLEY RD, MCLAREN FLATOLD COACH RD, MASLIN BEACHPORT RD, ALDINGASEAVIEW RD, MCLAREN VALETATACHILLA RD, TATACHILLA

Words: Lara Pacillo Four and a half years have passed since the Black Summer bushfires on Kangaroo Island. Nature is flourishing again, with produce thriving, animals multiplying, and communities rebuilding. But it’s not forgotten what was lost in December 2019, when nearly half the island burned. A total of 211,474 hectares of land, 32 000 animals, two human lives, homes, businesses, and crops were all lost to the ravenous fires. “We lost our entire property, our house, all our infrastructure, livestock, machinery, everything,” said Sabrina Davis, one of around 4500 residents of Kangaroo Island. Forced to relocate to the opposite end of the island with her two young children while her husband focused on recovering the property, Sabrina felt isolated. This wasn’t helped by COVID, which came along only a few months later. Yet from this isolation, her Humans of Kangaroo Island storytelling project was born. Sabrina began speaking with community members, and from this, sharing their stories online with the island and the wider community. Her platform soon grew a strong following. “In a time of a lot of grief, trauma, frustration, challenges, recovery, and COVID, I think the stories gave people a moment out of their life where they could just relax and read about how their neighbours and friends were going, or they could find out something new about that community member they had maybe seen before in the supermarket and never spoken to,” Sabrina said. “The project ended up creating a lot of connections and became a conversation starter for many people. It created a positive light in what was quite a dark time.” In the years since, Sabrina has published a book collating the Humans of Kangaroo Island stories, hosted a music festival, and created a documentary, all to raise funds for the island’s recovery. She now works with the Australian Red Cross in her efforts to support other disaster-affected families. “I can use my personal lived experience to help families across Australia, with the hope that some of the information I've learned can be helpful for others who find themselves in that unfortunate situation,” Sabrina said. Maintaining its properties is a high priority on Kangaroo Island, where residents are more focused than ever on resources and preventative measures to avoid repeating the past.Previous KI community recovery officer, Cathy Tydeman, and Sabrina Davis. Photo supplied Among these innovations is Embarr — a new smart bushfire sprinkler that automatically switches on and off in response to bushfire threats. “Embarr detects flames from a couple of hundred metres away and then runs a deluge of water over your property. It then switches off again,” explained co-owner Paul Sandercock. Embarr was founded by firefighter and paramedic Graham Pole, who came up with the idea for his elderly father who lived in a bushfire-prone area in SA, concerned he would not be physically able to start the bushfire pump. Since entering the market two years ago, Embarr’s fire detection sprinkler has grown in popularity Australia-wide and on Kangaroo Island. The product extends and maximises a pump’s fuel and water supply by activating and deactivating itself, reducing potential damage and helping to save lives. “Embarr offers the confidence to get out early and know that your investment in your sprinkler system and your house will have a better level of protection because of the automation,” Paul said. “Our tech means you can get your family and yourself out of there and leave it to the virtual firefighter to do the job that humans had to do in the past. “People lose lives, they lose pets, they lose property — fires leave a terrible scar. We’re offering something to provide more protection.”Embarr sensor. Photo supplied. The Kangaroo Island Rare Plant Garden is another future-proofing initiative that sprouted post-Black Summer fires on Kangaroo Island. The project is a collaboration between the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre, the Nature Conservation Society of SA, and Bio·R, funded by the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant. It started out in 2022 with about 80 species — a mix of rare plants and plants endemic to Kangaroo Island — within a 75m by 150m space. Now, in 2024, the Kangaroo Island Rare Plant Garden is home to over 100 species, with the garden growing by 20 per cent each year. “The idea is to collect the seed, grow the plants, and then get them back into the wild so that the plants that are only found in one or two locations on Kangaroo Island can have multiple populations across the island,” explained Bio·R Nursery Manager Penny Paton. “So if there’s a fire or another emergency, then we’ve actually got some other insurance populations somewhere else on the island.” Kangaroo Island and the Mount Lofty Ranges region is one of 15 biodiversity hotspots in Australia which is an area recognised for its rich flora and fauna, particularly those that are endemic or restricted to a specific location. This significance is recognised by the government and community. Through the Kangaroo Island Rare Plant Garden, people volunteer in weekly workshops, which involve weeding, planting, watering, and collecting seed. There is also a focus on educating the community, particularly school kids, about the unique plants. The garden represents resilience, futureproofing and community passion. “I think immediately after the fires, it was really important to have things that were forward-looking and also strategies in place to mitigate against the effects of such a catastrophic event,” Penny said. “Our project, along with many others that were coming to life on the island, gave people something positive to focus on. “Almost half of the island was burnt in the fires, and a lot of biodiversity was impacted —some of which will not come back. I think protecting what we have and having insurance policies against such disasters in the future is really important in such a biodiversity hotspot."Kangaroo Island Rare Plant Garden. Photo supplied. Sabrina said Kangaroo Island has always been a community that is very well connected and very good at supporting each other, and this has only grown stronger through adversity. “I think that's why recovery happened so well, because we are just such a resilient community,” Sabrina said. “Most people live here for the same reasons — we like beautiful beaches and freedom, we like hanging out with like-minded people, and all of us really appreciate having this beautiful big space to ourselves. “There have been more and more connections created over the years since, and I think they will mean that even if we need to prepare for or experience another disaster in the future, the power of the network within our community is much stronger than it was before.” 

Hindmarsh Valley, August 16, 2024, 6:18 AM – A vehicle collision has occurred on Victor Harbor Road near Crows Nest Road in Hindmarsh Valley. Emergency services are on the scene, with three SES units responding to the incident.Motorists are advised to avoid the area as authorities work to manage the situation and ensure safety. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.Please stay tuned and consider alternate routes if traveling in the vicinity.

The annual Strathalbyn Antiques and Vintage Fair is on this weekend, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August.All the action will be on one site, at Strathalbyn Oval, between Coronation Road and Ashbourne Road.The 2024 event is extra special as Strathalbyn celebrates 185 years of European history.Daily tickets cost $10 with no charge for accompanied children under 12.The fair will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and from 9.30 am to 4pm on Sunday.Strathalbyn Rotary club also will run its Sunday Treasure Market at the Oval, from 7.30am, with $2 entry.A mini market will be held on both days as usual at Gilbert’s Motor Museum and nearby local retailers will showcase antiques, collectibles and crafts.

The Fleurieu community has a special opportunity to witness the inspiring story of Australia’s most iconic racehorse, Winx, in the critically acclaimed documentary A Horse Named Winx. This one-time screening will be held at Victa Cinema on 5 September, offering a rare chance to delve into the life of a horse that captured the hearts of millions across the nation.Directed by Janine Hosking, with a screenplay by journalist and author Andrew Rule, A Horse Named Winx goes beyond the racetrack victories that made Winx a household name. The film reveals the untold story of a champion who faced her greatest challenges away from the spotlight, triumphing over adversity to remain undefeated.During her remarkable career, Winx became known as the 'people’s horse,' an athlete who transcended the sport of horse racing to become a national treasure. Her 33 consecutive wins—a record that may never be broken—drew massive crowds to racetracks across Australia, making her the Phar Lap of the modern era. Her final race was watched by millions worldwide, solidifying her status as a sports legend alongside figures like Cathy Freeman and Sir Donald Bradman.Even in retirement, Winx continues to make headlines, with her only foal recently selling for a world-record $10 million at auction. The documentary traces her journey from a difficult-to-manage foal to a front-page phenomenon, and the immense pressure faced by her trainer, Chris Waller, and jockey, Hugh Bowman, as they navigated the “horse racing fairytale” that tested them to their limits.This screening at Victa Cinema is more than just a film; it’s a chance to celebrate a piece of Australian history and connect with the story of a champion who inspired a nation. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to see A Horse Named Winx and experience the unforgettable legacy of a horse that meant so much to so many.Mark your calendars for 5 September at Victa Cinema, and be part of this special community event. Tickets are available now at the cinema box office and online.

The man, aged in his 70s, set off on a kayaking trip from Goolwa along the Coorong on Monday 12 August. The alarm was raised on Wednesday 14 August after he stopped making regular contact. PolAir and Water Operations Police conducted a coordinated search of the area.Just after 11pm last night, police were able to make contact with the man by phone and confirm he was safe.The man was subsequently sighted safe and well this morning by Police near Long Island.

The Food Embassy is one of 18 community organisations to receive a Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) grant for its Healthy Minds, Healthy Farmers, Healthy Landscapes project in Mount Compass.The project aims to enhance mental health literacy among farmers in the southern Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu region through a series of free events, codesigned workshops and mental health first aid training.The FRRR grant of $19,980 is from the In a Good Place (IAGP) program to support mental health in rural communities across Australia.It gives small remote, rural and regional communities the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of community-driven projects, services, activities or initiatives, which clearly and directly focus on strengthening mental health and wellbeing.There are now two streams within the program:Community wellbeing for projects focussing on mental health and wellbeing within remote, rural and regional communities.Farmers and farming communities for project specifically supporting mental health and wellbeing of farmers and the communities they live in.The IAGP grants awarded $286,992 to 18 not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural and regional communities for community-driven projects, services, activities or initiatives that help people at risk of, or currently experiencing, mental health challenges.Jill Karena, FRRR’s People Programs Portfolio Lead, says there are a range of factors in agriculture-dependent communities that affect wellbeing.“The new farmers and farming communities stream of the IAGP program has given us the chance to offer more funding and support to projects that are filling the gaps in mental health services in farming communities. “These places are often under a lot of pressure due to natural disasters, inflation and financial stress – all of which can lead to high levels of mental health struggles.”Full details of the IAGP grants and other FRRR programs, visit the website.