City of Victor Harbor’s Active Wellbeing Program will offer two free yoga and dance activities at Carrickalinga House on Saturday 21 June.To celebrate International Yoga Day, there will be three yoga sessions at 9.15am, 11.15am and 4pm.The first session is a gentle Hatha yoga class; session two is chair yoga and meditation; while session three will comprise flow, yin and relaxation.It’s all about connection — to self, others, and the wider world – so everyone, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners are welcome to join in.The evening will see a DJ and dance session at 6pm, featuring free-form mindful movement and dance guided by music.Bookings are essential on the council website to secure a place. 

Kangaroo Island Council is inviting community input on its 2025/26 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget, which is now open for public consultation until 5pm, Tuesday 1 July.It says the draft plan outlines a realistic and responsible approach to fiscal repair, with the council implementing a multi-year budget stabilisation plan to strengthen long-term financial sustainability. The plan focuses on delivering essential services and community infrastructure while reducing debt, limiting expenditure, and adopting lean operational practices over the next two years, all while keeping the proposed 4 per cent rate increase for the 2025/26 financial year among the lowest in the state.“I’m committed to leading Council through this period of fiscal discipline,” says CEO Daryl Buckingham. “Our focus must be on reducing debt, streamlining services, and ensuring every dollar delivers value for the community. The 2025–2026 Annual Business Plan provides a pathway toward a more financially sustainable future, without compromising what matters most to Islanders.”To help residents better understand the proposed plan and contribute to the discussion, the council will host an informal session on Thursday 26 June at Kingscote Town Hall from 5.30pm. The community is encouraged to attend, speak directly with council staff and elected councillors, and ask questions in a relaxed, one-on-one setting.“These are important conversations, and we’re committed to working openly with residents throughout this process,” Mr Buckingham says.Mayor Michael Pengilly says, “Kangaroo Island is facing some tough financial decisions, but by working together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable Council. Community feedback is crucial to getting this right.”Topics expected to generate interest include:The proposed rate movement and its implications.Council’s debt reduction strategy.Long-term goals for financial sustainability.Planned capital and operational projects.For those unable to attend in person, the session will also be accessible online via Microsoft Teams.Feedback can also be submitted online.

The 2025-26 State Budget has provided welcome funding for some important road upgrades, according to the RAA, but road maintenance funding remains insufficient to address South Australia’s growing $2 billion backlog.The State Budget has allocated funding for a number of road and transport projects, including:$125 million to progress the High Productivity Vehicle Route which includes the Adelaide Hills Freight Bypass.$125 million to fund the $250 million Curtis Road level crossing removal project.$40m to fund the $80m upgrade of Main South Road between Myponga and Yankalilla.$110m road safety package including additional funding for road safety maintenance and safety cameras.$20.7m over four years to reduce public transport fares for students.$12.5 million to make on-demand bus services permanent in Mount Barker. RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade says while these road and infrastructure projects are welcome, it appears South Australia’s $2 billion road maintenance backlog will continue to increase.“Ahead of this state budget, we called for $1 billion over four years to begin tackling our $2 billion road maintenance backlog which amounts to more than 2,500 km of our road network,” Mr Reade says.“That means the condition of our roads will continue to deteriorate, resulting in more potholes, crumbling shoulders and cracks that cause a risk to safety and wear and tear on vehicles.RAA has also welcomed the decision to make on-demand bus services permanent in Mount Barker, which has been a long-held advocacy position for RAA, but says it should be extended to the Fleurieu.“The on-demand bus service has been extremely popular in Mount Barker and RAA has been calling for some time to make this service permanent.“RAA continues to call on the Government to trial on-demand services in other regional and outer suburb regions like Victor Harbor and Goolwa.”

A man has been injured after a serious crash at Currency Creek on Monday evening.Just after 9pm Monday 9 June, police and emergency services were called to Alexandrina Road, Currency Creek after reports that a car had crashed into a tree.The driver, a 20-year-old man from Goolwa Beach, suffered life threatening injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.Alexandrina Road was closed for several hours while Major Crash investigators examined the scene, however, has since re-opened.The man's car was towed from the scene for examination.

The state government has secured the future of marine research in South Australia with $44 million committed in the 2025–26 State Budget for a new state-of-the-art coastal research vessel.  The new 37.7-metre coastal research vessel will support a wide range of marine research, including fisheries, aquaculture, climate science, oceanography and significant marine events such as the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) that is currently affecting South Australia. The vessel will be equipped with advanced sensors and technology, enabling the collection of critical data, which will significantly contribute to addressing known data gaps in national databases and enhancing oceanographic forecast models. It will also play a crucial role in deploying and maintaining coastal observing platforms, including moorings that can be equipped with advanced sensors designed to detect HABs, which will help guide effective response strategies. Equipped with hi-tech oceanographic tools, the vessel will also allow for collection of water samples and comprehensive data from various depths throughout the water column. It is funded through a $44 million commitment, comprising $25.35 million in State funding matched with $19 million from the Commonwealth Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy. It will enable the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, to progress into procurement and design, with construction expected to begin in 2027.  Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says the state’s marine industries and coastal environment are vital to the economy and way of life. “This new vessel will enable world-class research to support our $477 million fisheries and aquaculture industries, expand our knowledge of the oceans, and strengthen our capacity to respond to climate change, biosecurity threats, and marine events like the algal bloom currently impacting South Australian waters.  “This is a once-in-a-generation investment that will benefit South Australia and the broader southern Australian research community for decades to come.”The new vessel will replace the 40-year-old MRV Ngerin, which has undertaken over 500 voyages but is now unable to meet the growing demands of modern marine science. The vessel will be the only dedicated coastal research vessel operating in southern Australia east of Esperance, giving South Australia a competitive edge in attracting national projects, research collaborations and supporting the development of the ‘blue economy’. Once operational, the vessel is expected to support over 200 days at sea each year, providing critical infrastructure for agencies, universities, and industry across the nation, and strengthening South Australia’s reputation for world-leading marine science. It is anticipated to be operational by late 2029.

Kangaroo Island Council is calling on the community to help celebrate the remarkable contributions of the Island’s youth, with nominations now open for the 2025 Kangaroo Island Young Achiever of the Year Award.The award recognises outstanding young people aged 12 to 25 who are making a positive impact across a range of areas including volunteering, sport, education, science, culture, the arts and the environment.Mayor Michael Pengilly says recognising the achievements of young people is an important part of building a strong and connected community.“Kangaroo Island is home to many inspiring young people who are already stepping up as leaders, innovators and community contributors,” he says.“This award is a chance for us to acknowledge their efforts and celebrate the bright future they represent for our Island.”Nominees must be residents of Kangaroo Island and can be nominated individually or as part of a group. A nominator and an independent referee are required as part of the nomination process.Nominations close at 5pm on Wednesday 25 June. Find nomination forms and further details on the council website.

The storm in late May and subsequent wintry weather has dissipated some of the algal bloom affecting the south coast and Kangaroo Island, but it has also now spread to the Coorong.Testing of water in the Coorong North Lagoon has confirmed the presence of the Karenia strain of algae.The testing, conducted by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), shows the algae is present in the between Seven Mile Basin and Long Point.Experts believe the current Karenia algae strain flowed through the Murray Mouth and into the lagoon during the May 26 storm and May 27 high tide.The Karenia mikimotoi algae has been detected in numerous locations along the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island since March this year.The agencies will test the water in the Coorong weekly to understand how the situation is developing and to inform any potential future management options.“The composition of the Coorong means that it flows naturally to the open Murray Mouth and vice versa when high ocean tides can enter the lagoon.“This current algal bloom is constantly changing, meaning that its spread and dissipation is dictated by the weather and ocean conditions.“The dynamic nature of the algae means its effect on people, coastal industries and the ecosystem is unpredictable.“Unfortunately, there is no feasible method to dilute or dissipate the bloom.”PIRSA has issued an update on the way the bloom is affecting Kangaroo Island and the south coast, saying sea surface temperatures have stabilised across shallow coastal and gulf waters.It says daily satellite measures of chlorophyll-a levels, an indicator of algae concentrations, have decreased in some areas but have increased off the southeastern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula from Tunkalilla to Victor Harbour, and in a small hotspot observed near Goolwa and the Murray Mouth.DEW Strategic Projects Director Grant Pelton says the connectiveness of the Coorong to the ocean had numerous environmental benefits but also came with its risks.“The state government agencies involved will continue to monitor the algal bloom in the Coorong and the rest of the state.“While we can hope that water temperatures continue to drop and prevent the algae from growing in the ocean, the Coorong’s unique low water flow makes it more difficult to dissipate and there is a possibility that the algal bloom remains there for some time.“Discussions about the flushing of the North Lagoon will be considered, however there are positive and negative ramifications for the river’s ecology, all of which will need to be carefully considered by the experts.”The Coorong region remains open. Visitors are advised to check signage and avoid contact with discoloured water, foamy water, or water where marine life is dead or in poor health.For the latest updates on the harmful algae bloom, visit the DEW website.

City of Onkaparinga will hold its annual community tree giveaway and family fun afternoon on next Sunday 15 June at the Aldinga Community Centre.This year the council ran a trial for pre-registration for up to four free native trees for Onkaparinga households, local community groups and small businesses.Held in April, to coincide with Earth Day, the pre-registration was fully subscribed within a week with 1,000 available trees allocated.Lucky tree huggers can collect their tube stock trees by presenting their tickets between 2pm and 3pm.Everyone interested in native trees is welcome to attend, even if they missed out on the allocation, as there will also be entertainment and educational activities.These include a performance from Drumming Monkeys; free nature-themed kids’ activities and face painting; a pollinator workshop; expert tree planting advice; and community garden tours.If any trees are not collected they will be made available to people who may have missed out, between 3pm and 4pm.The tubestock trees have been grown by Trees for Life volunteers using local remnant seed and Arborgreen will provide free tree guards and stakes.One Tree Per Child Onkaparinga is a partnership between the council, One Tree Per Child, Green Adelaide, Arborgreen and Trees For Life.  Find out more on the council website.

Inspection fees will be waived for South Australian farmers importing fodder from interstate amid ongoing drought conditions. In recognition of the hardship being felt by many, South Australian farmers will not have to pay the $167 hourly fee usually required for inspections of incoming fodder to ensure it does not contain any pests such as Red Imported Fire Ants and Green Snail. Red Imported Fire Ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species and have infested parts of New South Wales and Queensland. Green Snail, from certain areas of Western Australia and Victoria, also poses a risk to South Australian producers. Biosecurity inspections are critical to protecting South Australia against these pests, which, if established, would have significant ongoing challenges for farmers. Biosecurity inspections will continue to occur, with no cost to drought affected farmers. Rebates will be available for inspection fees paid since November 2024, when the first drought package was announced. Details will be available on the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) website.Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says times are incredibly tough and the fee relief will help support farmers through this difficult time. “It is critically important that biosecurity inspections continue and everyone complies with the requirements to protect our producers from the economic risk that results from the introduction of new pests.“ PIRSA’s Biosecurity division has been working with peak commodity groups such as Livestock SA and the South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association to facilitate movement of hay into South Australia while still protecting our crucial biosecurity. PIRSA has also been working with all charities and associations involved in bringing hay into the state through the Donated Fodder Transport Drought Assistance Scheme to ensure compliance with biosecurity regulations. The scheme is part of the state government’s $73 million Drought Support Package and has seen thousands of tonnes of fodder delivered to farmers across the state with more deliveries to come. For more information on drought support visit the PIRSA website. 

RAA is urging safety on the state’s roads ahead of a wet and windy June long weekend – especially for those travelling throughout the regions.The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast showers and high winds over the weekend and a possible thunderstorm on Monday 9 June for the southern Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.RAA says crash data shows drivers are more likely to hit roadside objects like trees and stobie poles in wet conditions – with ‘hit fixed object’ crashes accounting for 44 per cent of all wet weather crashes on high-speed roads.This compares with 28 per cent of dry weather crashes on those roads.Pedestrian crashes resulting in a serious injury or fatality increase by 43 per cent during winter compared to the rest of the year.In the five years between 2019-23, 130 crashes resulted in a pedestrian being seriously injured or killed during winter.RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain says drivers hitting the road for the long weekend should prepare for longer stopping distances and lower visibility.“The June long weekend brings with it additional challenges on our roads,” Mr Mountain says.“When the road is wet, the proportion of crashes involving drivers losing control and hitting roadside objects increases, so take extra care if you’re behind the wheel.“Cyclists and pedestrians should use designated crossing facilities where available to ensure they’re seen from a distance.“Make sure you turn your headlights on if it’s dark or the rain is reducing visibility don’t rely on the auto –on function.“Drive to the conditions and reduce your speed when there are potential hazards like curves or people near the road.”Mr Mountain says now is a good time to conduct some vehicle checks including headlights and tail lights, tyre tread (at least 1.5mm across the entire tyre width), windscreen wipers and engine oil.

Victor Harbor’s iconic Victa Cinema will close for almost three weeks to enable fire safety upgrades to the historic building.It is scheduled to close from Tuesday 10 June to Friday 27 June while a new external fire escape is installed for the upstairs cinema, as well as a new fire detection system and fire panel.Works will be paused for on day to accommodate the Ocean Film Festival screening, in the upstairs cinema, on Saturday 21 June.The art deco-style cinema celebrated its centenary in 2023, the same year it was listed on the South Australian Heritage Register.City of Victor Harbor purchased the cinema in October 2020, intending to incorporate the building into a future Arts and Cultural Centre, along with the Town Hall, Old Mechanics Institute and Librarian Residence.Stage five of the council’s Main Street Redevelopment includes a concept design for the Arts and Cultural Centre, which has been on hold since public consultation in mid 2021 revealed community concern about design and a projected cost of $20 million.When the safety upgrades are complete the cinema is scheduled to reopen in time for the July school holidays.For more information on the Victa Cinema and its program, visit the website.

The McLaren Vale community came together on Saturday 31 May 31 Wirra Wirra winery for the second year of Recycled Runway, celebrating sustainable fashion and community creativity.From confident returnees to first-time catwalkers aged 15-75, participants took to the runway in outfits made from five preloved garments and a misprinted apron, all saved from landfill. The result was a night of bold, inventive fashion with plenty of heartfelt moments.Participants shared how the event inspired them to try something new, hone their craft and connect with other people. Highlights included the collaborative 80s costume ‘Desperately Seeking Karen’, created by five friends during crafternoon sessions. “It wasn’t just about fashion - after a few difficult years for all of us, it was the perfect excuse to get together, have a laugh, create and not worry about perfection,” says Natalie RIckers, one of the group.“It turned out one of our friends - Keri - actually had some secret sewing skills that saved the day.” Award Winners:Student Category: Sacha Macgill-Rankin Open Category: Janet BrodieCostume Category: Jane OldsThe event featured entertainment by Mia Reschke and was hosted by Break the Ice Entertainment's comedic duo, adding absolutely fabulous humour to the evening.Its success was made possible through the support of sponsors, including the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association, Bendigo Bank, She Sews, Office and Image, and venue sponsor Wirra Wirra. A special acknowledgment goes to Megan Caldersmith of She Sews for her dedication and vision in bringing Recycled Runway to fruition.“This event would not have been possible without the commitment of local volunteers bringing it all together and the generosity of our donors. It shows how much community and creativity exists in our region,” she says. 

The state Department for Infrastructure and Transport is conducting a Regional Public Transport Review  and is calling for input from regional areas, including the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.The review will inform its Public Transport Strategy to set the vision of public transport for the next 30 years.It is an opportunity to have a say on local public transport – or the lack of it -and tell the state government what the region needs.Regional Development Australia conducted a regional public transport study for the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula last year, which it will feed into the upcoming review. It says access to effective public transport remains a challenge across most of the region and it is advocating for increased budget for regional public transport. “Currently, South Australia invests less per person in regional public transport than any other state*.RDA is urging people to get involved and provide feedback on public transport needs to the state government; its study can be found online. An information session on the Regional Public Transport Review will be held  next Thursday 12 June at the City of Victor Harbor Council Chambers from 4.30pm to 6pm.Another session will be held in Penneshaw on Saturday 14 June from 10am to 12noon.For anyone interested who can’t attend in person there will be an online webinar on Monday 16 June from 5pm to 6pm.To find out more and to complete the survey, visit the website. Consultation closes on Friday 27 June.

It’s not September, but the Shining Stars of the Milang Fibre Art Group will create a crafting Boogie Wonderland again at its annual Earth, Wind & Fibre Fair.It will be held at the Milang Institute this weekend, 7 and 8 June, from 10am to 3pm.The group will give demonstrations and advice on all things fibre, including weaving, rag rugs, knitting, spinning, felting and basket making.There will be a range of hand crafted items for sale from local fibre artists, as well as tools if the trade for crafters to make their own creations.A light lunch and refreshments will be available. For more information visit the Facebook page.

In a wide-ranging speech to state Parliament, MP for Finniss David Basham has issued his wish list for the region ahead of the next state budget, due to be handed down by the treasurer tomorrow, Thursday 5 June.Health; education; road and rail infrastructure; disaster prevention and mitigation; and long-term planning with fiscal responsibility are the local Liberal MP’s main priorities.“We need to make sure that we get the spending in the right locations, that the right projects are supported and that we as members of parliament—and particularly the government—direct that spending to the right priorities so that the community receives the benefit it needs from investing their tax dollars in the right places,” he says.“It must also be mentioned that we need to make sure those projects delivered in a timely manner.’Mr Basham says delays to the upgrade of  Victor Harbor’s South Coast District Hospital Emergency Department is a major issue for the people of Finniss.“I am told that September 2025 is the completion date for the new ED and I hope that will be the case. There is a long way to go yet.“Certainly, the roof is not all on yet and there are many external walls missing, let alone any internal fit-out that is required for the ED to have it completed by September.”Mr Basham says his family’s recent personal experience with the ED showed its overloaded capacity and lack of privacy was unfit for purpose, despite the excellent care provided.“I am very much looking forward to the delivery of the new ED, but as I said it is, sadly, running well behind the original delivery date of 2023.”He has reiterated his concern that the almost completed new helipad will not be in operation until the ED is at lock-up stage because of a concern that debris may be blown around from the building site.“It is a challenge for the hospital staff to continue to manage with an offsite landing site.”With a growing population, delays to infrastructure development is also top of mind for Mr Basham, saying the upgrade of the Hindmarsh Tiers Road-Victor Harbor Road intersection has taken too long to complete, given its importance for the safety of the community.“One of the big challenges of the area from Hindmarsh Island through to Encounter Bayis the traffic movement.“It is highly congested at times and really challenging to move, particularly during thesummer holidays, across that path.“We very much need to look at a second road that runs behind Middleton and Port Elliot.”He says part of that upgrade may actually solve another problem that also faces the township of Middleton, following the major flood there a couple of years ago.“Another issue that has been around for many years is the duplication of the Victor Harbor Road.Mr Basham says the parts of the road that have been duplicated have made it so much safer, but there is then the challenge for the rest of the way.“I see that there are probably three stages that need to be considered with this upgrade going forward over the next period of time, whether it is 10 or 20 years before we see all the work done.“With proposed growth down in Goolwa and Encounter Bay, but in particular Goolwa, the Mount Compass to Goolwa Road needs some significant investment to make sure that it is a safe road to travel. The first three or four kilometres of that road is an appalling piece of road.”He says tourism is such an important part of the business community and the life of the region and it also needs infrastructure support.“SteamRanger are doing a great job, as a mainly volunteer organisation, at making sure that the line is maintained as well as possible.”He says investment is required to preserve the ageing piece of infrastructure; the line itself and the bridges that are in operation on that line.Early childhood education also needs more attention from the state government, according to the Finniss MP, with Kindergarten capacity a particular issue with the three-year-old cohort coming in.He says the Mount Compass kindergarten is in an ageing and poorly located building that is nearly at full capacity now with just four-year-olds.“Likewise, there are challenges in Victor Harbor and Port Elliot. “To me there are many challenges going forward in the area of care and education for young children in my electorate.”

A series of three interactive workshops on building individual, community and regional action in the food community will be offered in Yankalilla. They are aimed at people who want to become more active food citizens, who are invited to share their thoughts on food resilience and sustainability. Co-hosted by The Food Embassy, Fleurieu Environment Centre, and District Council of Yankalilla, the sessions will feature inspiring guests, practical skills, take-home resources and time for discussion.Guest speakers will include local foodie Tara, permaculture practitioner Bill Mansell and chair of the Onkaparinga Food Security Collaborative Sharon McCann.The plan is to kickstart a locally led food project, with mentoring support available after the series to help bring ideas to life.The workshops will be held on Mondays 16, 23 and 30 June at Yankalilla Library from 5.30pm to 7pm.Tickets cost $40 for all three workshops, $30 concession, or $15 for a single session and include a light snack and drink. Find out more about the workshops and speakers and book tickets via Humanitix. 

Last week’s storm has had a lingering impact on Onkaparinga’s coastline, with high tides, strong winds and large surf causing damage and prompting several closures to ensure public safety.City of Onkaparinga closed the Port Noarlunga jetty, Witton Bluff Base Trail boardwalk and the South Port pedestrian bridge in response to the heavy weather on Monday and Tuesday, 26 and 27 May. The council says that while the new boardwalk is holding strong, the jetty has sustained damage and will remain closed while engineering inspections and repairs are carried out.“Storm tide conditions also led to water overtopping Saltfleet Street – a state-managed road – near Port Noarlunga’s Jubilee Adventure Playground, and SAPOL closed the road temporarily. The playground has been inundated and will remain closed while we assess damage.“Nearby, minor flooding has occurred at the Wearing Street aquatics precinct and Port Noarlunga Oval. The Moana Surf Life Saving Club also experienced water ingress despite proactive sandbagging.The council says heavy rain caused minor water damage at Aldinga Community Centre, which has since reopened and more significant flooding at Woodcroft Library, which is closed until further notice.“With 31km of coastline to assess, this work will take time. We ask the community to stay safe and respect all closures – they’re in place for your protection.“We sincerely thank SES, SAPOL and our council crews who continue working tirelessly in challenging conditions. With more wild weather forecast, we remain on alert and ready to respond.”

South Australia is leading the nation in providing the first health care facility to become fully powered by electricity, according to the state government. As the only fully electric health service in the country, the Kangaroo Island Health Service is leading the way with South Australia’s healthcare services adopting measures raised in the new SA Health Climate Change Framework.The Framework informs the public healthcare system how it can be environmentally sustainable, low carbon and climate-resilient while maintaining high-quality healthcare by making simple changes like transitioning to LED lighting and using specimen bags made from 100 per cent recycled plastic. The gas phase-out led by the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network and for it to use electricity not only reduces impact on the environment but is also more cost effective for the hospital.  This has been achieved by replacing all previously gas-powered assets and infrastructure, including hot water systems, cooking appliances, steam generator boilers and gas heaters. The success of this initiative is now guiding similar efforts across ten health sites in the region, including the new Mount Barker Hospital, which will be built gas-free. SA Health is responsible for approximately 30 per cent of the state government’s operational emissions, with healthcare nationally estimated to contribute to five per cent of Australia’s total carbon emissions. The Framework outlines four SA Health goals for responding to climate change and discusses the efforts undertaken to achieve its goals across eight priority action areas. Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier says climate change is the greatest threat to global health and is already impacting on the health of South Australians. “The SA Health Climate Framework lays the foundation for a net-zero emissions, climate-resilient health system that can anticipate, respond to and recover from climate-related challenges while improving the overall health of our population. “It paves the way for even greater achievements in emissions reduction across the years ahead, which will be to the benefit of all South Australians. “Adaptation is about protecting the health of South Australians, where climate change is already causing extreme heat, bushfires, flooding, and exacerbating health inequities.  “As well as reviewing and addressing climate risks to our healthcare infrastructure and services, the Framework outlines the need to work with key public health partners and local community to enhance preparedness across the state.”

Nine small businesses in Alexandrina will share $20,000 in Council Business Initiative Grants to facilitate projects including website improvements and initiatives to encourage tourism and build awareness of local produce.The funds were allocated in one competitive round as part of Alexandrina Council’s 2024/25 Grants Program and were approved by the council at its May general meeting.“It’s encouraging to see Council’s Business Initiative Grants making such a positive impact on small businesses in the region. I’m looking forward to seeing the outcomes and how these businesses progress,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“Working with businesses and industries is crucial as it contributes to the prosperity of the region and aligns with Council’s vision to make our region more liveable, green and connected.“We hope that by funding these projects, it helps to put these small businesses on the map and attract more visitation and growth in Alexandrina.“Since Council is no longer accepting applications for the 2024/25 Grants Program, we encourage community groups, small businesses and individuals to be on the lookout for the opening of the 2025/26 Grant Program and to get involved to ensure projects happen in your community.”Applications for the Business Initiative Grants opened on Monday 10 February and closed on Monday 17 March.The successful 2024/25 Business Initiative Grant recipients were:• Bleasdale Vineyards $2,500 for Bleasdale 1892 Cellar Museum Renovations Documentation and Plans.• Debbie Constable $1,950 towards Fundamentals of Business & Leadership - Social Media Strategy.• Strathalbyn Tourism Association $2,500 for developing a portfolio of images.• The Huzzah Democracy Pty Ltd $1,500 towards website Improvement Project.• Slow Mover Coffee $2,500 for Slow Mover - Digital Upgrade.• Peninsula Providore Farm Pty Ltd $2,500 towards showcasing Local Flavour: Elevating Peninsula Providore’s Digital Presence Through Recipe Creation & Professional Photography.• Woodburn Homestead $2,300 for Woodburn 'Winter Series': Winter Staycation Project.• Hays St $2,000 for Marketing Enhancement for Hays St Bar & Kitchen.• Fleurieu Locksmith $2,250 for Enhancing Fleurieu Locksmiths Digital Presence for Business Growth.More information on the  2025/26 Grants Program will be available soon. For further details about the grant program and the selected applications, visit the website.Alexandrina Council offers a range of business support facilities, including access to meeting rooms, hot desks and expert-led training programs. It provides mentoring, workshops and networking opportunities to help business owners thrive. For further details contact [email protected] or visit the Business Hub at 12 Cadell Street, Goolwa.