The Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA) has changed the kerbside waste collection service over the peak summer period.From Monday 18 December to Friday 26 January green-lid organics bins and yellow-lid recycling bins will be collected weekly, rather than fortnightlyCollection of blue-lid bins for general landfill waste will remain fortnightly.Christmas Day, 25 December, falls on a Monday this year and there will be no kerbside collections that day. All collections will be made a day later than usual during this week:Monday collection → Tuesday 26 December.Tuesday collection → Wednesday 27 December.Wednesday collection → Thursday 28 December.Thursday collection → Friday 29 December.Friday collection → Saturday 30 December.FRWA advises that it is best to put all bins out the night before, as collection may be very early during this busy time.In some areas collection may also occur later in the day than usual, so bins should be left out until collected. Bin collection will take place on all public holidays, except for Christmas Day.For information on summer waste collection, what to do if a collection is missed and how to organise and pay for extra services, go to the FRWA website or call the customer service team on 8555 7405.FRWA is an authority formed by Alexandrina Council, City of Victor Harbor, District Council of Yankalilla and Kangaroo Island Council to service the region. Goolwa, Yankalilla, Strathalbyn and Kangaroo Island waste and recycling depots will all be closed on all public holidays.

''Meet the lovable Pets of the Week looking for forever homes at the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter.Connie and Sally are this week’s friendly Pets of the Week. These loving animals are waiting to find their perfect family. If you think that could be you, read more about them below.Dog of the Week – ConnieIntroducing Connie (AID185274), a young girl in care at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter looking for a home to call her own. This sweet girl is only 9 months old and very eager to learn! Connie will blossom with training classes where she can show you just how clever she is and strengthen your bonds together. This lively young lady would be best suited to a home without young children but is open to living with another doggy friend, so please bring your dog to meet her. Read more about Connie and learn how to adopt her.Clever Connie. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Cat of the Week – SallyThis lovely girl is Sally (AID 186191), an affectionate and loving young cat with a sassy streak. She’s a great listener and loves to spend her time curled up and relaxing in your company. While she does enjoy basking in your attention, too much can leave her feeling a bit overwhelmed. Keeping your pats short and sweet will be just what you need to keep this girl happy and content by your side. Sally’s purr-fect home is one without young children where she can be your only cat. Located in RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter, she can’t wait to meet you.Find out more about Sally and how to adopt her.   The Lovely Sally. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Visit the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter and add a new companion to your life – you won’t regret it.The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) South Australia is the state’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity.

The summer weather has been slow to arrive on the Fleurieu, but the holidays are here and there is plenty to do indoors and out.The first week is all about Christmas – making decorations, face painting, carols, crafts in the local libraries and visits from Santa.There is also snorkelling at Second Valley; Laser skirmish on Victor oval; Normy Summer Beachfest; a magic show in Goolwa; drumming; gardening; board games and so much more.There is something free or low cost to suit all ages across the region. Check out this program of holiday events published by Alexandrina Council. Venues include Goolwa, Strathalbyn, Victor Harbor and Yankalilla libraries; Normanville foreshore; Goolwa Community Centre, Sports Centre and Aquatic Club; and Fleurieu Environment Centre.Onkaparinga Council offers the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge, Christmas story time and summer crafts and games through the Noarlunga, Aldinga and Willunga  libraries.There are also fun things to do from now until the end of January at the Studio 20 Youth Centre in Aldinga Beach and the Wardli Youth Centre at Christies Beach, including a kayaking session at Port Noarlunga.Check out the full program of holiday events and activities on the City of Onkaparinga website.

The Fleurieu Milk Company has been named Brand of the Year at the 2023 SALIFE Absolute Best Awards, presented by Brand South Australia.The awards were held at the Adelaide Festival Theatre on 7 December.Stowaway Kangaroo Island was named Absolute Best Luxury Experience at the gala event. It has been a big year for the Myponga-based Fleurieu Milk Company, which launched its sustainable milk on tap keg program in October.The initiative promises to dramatically reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles by also introducing one-litre refillable glass milk bottles.The milk processing business was established in 2006 by three dairy farming families.It has since grown to employ 90 workers and sells its milk from nine local farms to retail outlets and farmers markets across the state.Fleurieu Milk Company General Manager Nick Hutchinson says being named Brand of the Year tells the company they are doing something right.“Conservation of our environment is something we as a business and as community members, are committed to – from protecting the clean, green and pristine farmlands of the Fleurieu Peninsula where our cows graze, to simple choices we can make at home to lessen our impact on the world around us.”“Fleurieu Milk Company is excited to be leading our industry, in bringing something totally new to market, something that’s good for the industry and good for the environment,” he says.More good things are planned for 2024, with the company expanding into education and tourism.Full details of the 2023 SALIFE Absolute Best Awards can be viewed online.

Marking three decades of artistic celebration, Onkaparinga's annual Surf Art exhibition kicks off on December 15, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of both the exhibition and the Arts Centre in Port Noarlunga.Since starting in 1993 the event has become a cherished tradition, symbolising the onset of summer and securing a prominent position in the southern arts calendar.Housed in the historic Gawler Street institute building, the exhibition encapsulates the essence of local surfing culture, history, and coastal beauty.In 2013, Surf Art made history by setting a Guinness World Record for the longest line of surfboards, spanning an impressive 783.5 meters along Port Noarlunga's sandy shores.Open to Australian artists, the exhibition embraces diverse media, showcasing scenes of coastal life, surfing, and the vibrant culture surrounding it.This year's instalment features works from 59 artists across the Onkaparinga and Red Rover Galleries and is on display until January 29.In conjunction with the annual Surf Art Exhibition, the Surf Art Christmas Market on December 16 offers a unique opportunity to purchase a slice of surfing history.Presented for one day only, local artists will showcase and sell their work, including paintings, prints, jewellery and homewares.The Surf Art Christmas Market is open from 10am to 4pm.

Alexandrina Council will lease the top storey of the Goolwa Aquatic Building to the Goyder Institute for Water Research. It will be used as office and community engagement space for the recently established Coorong, Lower Lakes, and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Research Centre. The Goyder Institute for Water Research will receive $8 million from the federal government over four years from 2022-26 to work with communities to investigate the impacts of climate change on the CLLMM region. The centre will occupy the site for the duration of the funding. “Alexandrina Council is delighted to be involved in this research program, which seeks to develop critical knowledge to support the health of the nationally and internationally significant Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region,” says Chief Executive Officer Nigel Morris. “Business Alexandrina has already been supporting this key initiative through our Business Hub in Goolwa, providing a coworking space as a launch pad for the Centre and its four-year program. “In November 2023, CLLMM used the Hub to engage with the community, showcasing its versatility beyond a workspace. “A special event, 'Creating Shared Knowledge - Where Our Waters and Our People Meet,' invited local businesses to deepen connections and set the foundation for the CLLMM Research Centre's work. “Our community is keenly interested in seeing the upper storey space in the Goolwa Aquatic Building occupied with a suitable tenant. “We believe having a Research Centre focussed on the future health of the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth and strategically located here in Goolwa along the majestic River Murray is a game-changer for our region. “This initiative is not just a research project; it's shining a spotlight on our community's resilience and commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change. “We look forward to partnering with the CLLMM Research Centre as it works to develop relationships with First Nations, communities and industries to harness ideas to improve management of this ecologically important area.” Goyder Institute Director Dr Alec Rolston says the centre is delighted to be working with Alexandrina Council to support this critical research.“Our aim is to provide an evidence-base for future management decisions in the region and the broader Murray-Darling Basin. “While our four locally-based staff members will be based at the Research Centre in Goolwa, our work will include reaching out to communities throughout the wider region. “The space will be utilised as a hot-desking space for visiting researchers, but also home to an augmented reality experience which will showcase the values of the region in a new and exciting way, as well as providing community space for engagement activities. “It will serve as a base for knowledge exchange and will showcase the research in our region. “We are very much looking forward to working with communities to inform management decision making in the region.” The CLLMM Research Centre will host a public launch in early February. It has also invited the community to have a say in future research priorities and engagement activities. For further information and to complete the survey, visit the website.  The council has been seeking a tenant for the building’s top floor for more than a year. A previous proposal to lease it to funeral home was rejected as unsuitable for the location.

Victor Harbor council has loosened the leash laws for dogs on local beaches, following community consultation.It made several adjustments to dog leashing requirements at its meeting on Monday 11 December, allowing additional hours to walk off-lead on the beaches while giving extra protection to sand dunes.In November, the council sought community feedback on dog leashing requirements across the district. and as a result it made two major determinations.To protect vegetation and wildlife, the Hindmarsh River Estuary sand dunes, Inman River Estuary sand dunes and Wright Island will become 24/7 on-lead areas.Hours for off-lead dog walking on beaches will be extended during daylight savings, meaning dogs can be walked off-lead from 6pm to 10am. Previously the time frame was 8pm to 10am.Other leashing requirements remain unchanged.City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says community feedback informed the council’s decision making.“I would like to sincerely thank the community for taking the time to submit feedback on the application of Council’s by-laws last month. “I know it’s a topic that is close to many people’s hearts, as a large number of us (including myself) love walking our dogs on Victor Harbor’s stunning beaches.”She says the council received more than 200 surveys and 26 written submissions during the consultation period.Council staff also more than 100 face-to-face conversations with locals.“The feedback told us that protecting our natural environment is equally as important as allowing ample access to open spaces for dog owners,”  Mayor Jenkins says.“The outcome is that dog owners now have an additional two hours to walk off-lead on our coastline during daylight savings time. “They just need to take extra care by leashing their dog if they plan to venture up into the sand dunes near the Hindmarsh River Estuary and Inman River Estuary.”Although Petrel Cove was ultimately determined not to be an appropriate location for a designated off-lead area, the community can use the Victor Harbor Dog Park for off leash exercise.“The Dog Park is an off-lead area for dogs to play, socialise and exercise around the clock. It’s a great place for dog owners to connect with one another too – I’ve made many friends there!” Mayor Jenkins says.As a result of the consultation the council will review its signage to make dog leashing requirements clear and concise.For more information about dog leashing requirements visit the council website. 

A lightning strike damaged the Obelisk at Freeman’s Knob during a violent storm on the south coast on the morning of Monday 11 December.The historic monument overlooks Port Elliot’s Horseshoe Bay and was built as a navigation aid for shipping in January 1852.This followed the official proclamation of Port Elliot as a port in 1851.According Monument Australia, the obelisk was visible for 10 miles out to sea and a blue flag was raised on the flagstaff when the channel into port was considered unsafe. Alexandrina Council has closed the area to the public while it assesses the extent of the damage.“The Obelisk is a heritage-listed asset, and it is insured, so we are in the process of obtaining an engineer’s report on the damage and engaging a heritage architect to assess repair options.“The insurance processing, assessments and repairs will take some time, but we hope to have the Obelisk open to the public as soon as possible in 2024.”ABC Radio has reported that the lightning strike shattered and split the Obelisk’s wooden flagpole and damaged the stone structure.Local Peter Nichols documented the damage on Facebook.

South Australia’s biodiversity will be better protected, including from climate change, as part of proposed state government legislation that is now open for public consultation. Biodiversity refers to all the different kinds of life on Earth and how they work together, including the variety of animals, plants, fungi and bacteria that make up our natural world. Australia is recognised as having the highest mammal extinction rate in the world, and more than 1,100 South Australian native plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. The major causes of biodiversity loss are human-led activities, such as habitat loss, land-use practices, pollution, invasive species and climate change. The proposed Biodiversity Act, which is supported by Environmental Scientist and South Australia’s 2024 Australian of the Year, Tim Jarvis, aims to secure, restore and grow biodiversity by:Ensuring South Australia can adapt to climate change.Working with First Nations Peoples to integrate their knowledge into biodiversity management.Establishing a governance framework for data collection and management, as well as biodiversity assessment, monitoring and reporting.ncentivising actions to protect or regenerate SA’s biodiversity.Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says protecting biodiversity helps improve people’s quality of life. “We need functioning biodiversity for clean air, healthy soil, modern medicine, food on our plates, and to help communities respond to the threat of climate change. She says a new Biodiversity Act will boost biodiversity conservation in South Australia, while integrating the goals of the Native Vegetation Act, the National Parks and Wildlife Act and the Landscape South Australia Act.Tim Jarvis, Environmental Scientist and South Australia's 2024 Australian of the Year, says human-led activities are the leading cause of biodiversity loss.“Which makes it our moral responsibility to do everything we can to halt that trend and protect and conserve our precious ecosystems. “Restoring biodiversity across the state will also deliver more economic prosperity, as well as boosting the physical and psychological benefits we get from being in nature.  “No matter how technologically advanced we become, humans rely on the Earth’s biodiversity and we must work together to protect it before the damage is irreversible.” The deadline for feedback on the opportunities for the new Biodiversity Act is Wednesday 14 February. Visit the state Yoursay website for more information.   

Approaching the second anniversary of the new Granite Island Causeway, many people remain in the dark about distribution of the timber from the old facility, raising questions on social media.The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) had assessed its condition and determined that retaining the old structure was not viable.The $43 million project opened to pedestrians on Wednesday 22 December 2021, with the horse drawn tram resuming service early in 2022. Sections of the old Causeway were retained and reconstructed as viewing platforms, which were opened to the public in late 2022.Local groups were invited to submit expressions of interest to repurpose the remaining timber, which closed on 9 December 2022.DIT has stored some of the remaining timber to use on jetties in the future and has given some to Alexandrina and Victor Harbor councils for use on local projects.These include reconstruction of the Currency Creek bridge and fencing for the Horse Tram Authority.DIT issued a ‘timbers update’ statement in November, saying the community has previously been notified that testing of the timber has identified elements, including bitumen and lead paint, which were historically used to treat timber to prolong its life. “While there are no safety concerns associated with public use of the former Causeway or the new viewing platforms, the remaining timber removed from the old Causeway is currently unsuitable for distribution to individuals. “The two councils were deemed suitable candidates for allocation as they are familiar with the safe use of timber and as required, depending on the intended use, would arrange and fund professional blast cleaning and resizing at a commercial facility and subsequent waste disposal.”The City of Victor Harbor has since issued its own statement on the timber to clarify the issue for locals, saying it continues to liaise closely with DIT to determine the best use of it for the benefit of the community.

The City of Onkaparinga offers a large range of subsidies and rebates to help residents with sustainability around the home.In the second year the rebates have been offered, the council has extended the categories available following community feedback.It will assess applications on a first come first served basis until the funding pool for each category is exhausted. There is a Frequently Asked Questions page on the council page to explain how the scheme works.Available rebates and subsidies include the following:Cloth nappies – 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $100.Sanitary products, including includes reusable pads, sanitary cups, leak-proof underwear and wet bags. – 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $100.Rainwater tank – 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $150.  Indigenous plants, from a native plant nursery - 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $50.EV charging station – 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $200.Housing insulation - 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $150.Dark to light roof, to keep homes cooler and reduce energy costs.- 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $150.Switching gas appliances to electric or solar powered - 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $200. Energy monitoring system - 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $100.Home energy assessments – 50 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of $100.Bin latches to prevent litter - Up to three latches at the discounted rate of $7.50 each. Further latches are available at the RRP of $15 each.Composting at home – 50 per cent off a selection of composting systems purchased through council, including compost bins, worm farms and bokashi buckets.The 2023-24 sustainability rebates are now open for applications. Terms and conditions do apply; for details go to the council website.

A lack of on-call anaesthetists at the South Coast District Hospital will force expectant mothers to travel to Mount Barker for birthing services over the Christmas period.Finniss MP David Basham told ABC Radio that expectant mothers were only told of the situation, which applies from today, Monday 11 December, on Friday.He says it is disappointing that women about to give birth will have to make arrangements to get to Mount Barker’s Soldiers Memorial Hospital at such short notice.“The Mount Barker Road, between Mount Barker and Victor Harbor, is not fabulous.”The Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Networks manages the South Coast District Hospital and Soldiers Memorial Hospital for SA Health.Interim CEO Bronwyn Masters says a short term unexpected shortage of rostered anaesthetists will affect the hospital from 11 to 18 December and 23 December to 3 January.

Alexandrina Council has wrapped up the face-to-face stage of its 2023 Village Conversations consultation program, but there is still time to have a say online.It will use community ideas and feedback to shape the place-based Village Innovation Plans, annual budgets, strategies and action plans.Council staff hosted eight chat sessions across the region, starting in Goolwa on 18 October and finishing up in Clayton Bay on 7 December.The eight village township areas are:Goolwa/ Hindmarsh Island/Currency CreekMiddletonPort ElliotStrathalbyn/ Finniss/ AshbourneMount CompassLanghorne Creek/ Woodchester/ HartleyMilangClayton BayTo have a look at the ideas put forward so far and contribute feedback on them or add new ideas, go to the council website and click on the relevant township.The reports and outcome of the previous Village Conversations in 2021 are also available to read.

Police are investigating a fatal crash at Second Valley last night.About 5.15pm on Sunday 10 December, emergency services were called to Main South Road after Toyota Hilux that had been travelling north lost control and rolled.Sadly, one of the passengers in the car, a 16 -year-old Blackwood boy, died at the scene.The driver, a 17-year-old Dover Gardens boy, and three other passengers, 16-year-old Maslin Beach boy, 15-year-old St Morris girl, and 15-year-old Crafers girl, were all taken to Flinders Medical Centre for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.Major Crash officers attended and examined the scene to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.Main South Road was closed between Forest Road and Roper Lane for several hours but has since reopened.The teen’s death is the 106th life lost on South Australian roads compared to 66 at the same time last year.

Tourism in Kangaroo Island is marking a major milestone with the rebuilt $55 million Southern Ocean Lodge opening to guests on Wednesday 8 December.. After almost four years in the planning, design and construction since it was razed in the 2020 bushfires, the new-look luxury accommodation on the south coast of Kangaroo Island will once again draw visitors from around the world. The flagship property of Baillie Lodges, the new iteration of the globally acclaimed Southern Ocean Lodge holds almost the same footprint as the original. It features 23 guest suites, each with a private deck and reoriented to open towards the south-east, taking in views of the Southern Ocean. The re-creation of Southern Ocean Lodge has been led by the property’s original architect, South Australian Max Pritchard and his team. It includes all the features once loved by guests, combined with some new additions, “designed for a new generation of travel to Kangaroo Island,” with a greater focus on sustainability. More than 40 per cent of Kangaroo Island was impacted by the bushfires in January 2020, which happened just months before COVID restrictions took hold. Tourism on Kangaroo Island has since made a remarkable recovery, with the region’s visitor expenditure hitting a record-high $294 million in the year to June 2023. Kangaroo Island is a key drawcard for international visitors, with the region attracting the highest international visitor spend outside of Adelaide. In the 12 months to June 2023, $38 million was spent by international visitors in Kangaroo Island – making real inroads on its pre-COVID value of $53 million.Tourism is a major employer on Kangaroo Island, with 35 per cent of jobs directly related to tourism.Mawson MP Leon Bignell says the impact of the lodge on Kangaroo Island’s visitor economy goes far beyond attracting high-end travellers from around the globe.  “From the moment the original Southern Ocean Lodge opened its massive door, hospitality workers from around the world and across Australia came to the island, provided premium service and, in many cases, went on to open their own businesses on the island offering food, drinks and accommodation to visitors and locals alike.  “Early January 2020 was a devastating time for the island and for SOL owners James and Hayley Baillie and managers John Herd and Alison Heath whose dreams were reduced to ash and rubble.  “Staff and guests had made it out without injury and almost immediately James and Hayley were talking about coming back with an offering even better than the internationally top-ranked SOL.He says the reopening this week is a celebration of their vision and determination. James and Hayley Baillie, founders of Baillie Lodges, say they feel fortunate to be able to present the new-look Southern Ocean Lodge to the world. “Hayley and I had lived and breathed the original lodge from the concept and planning stages to its award-winning reality, celebrated for its timeless design,” Mr Baillie says.  “It’s a ‘full-circle moment’ for us and one that brings some closure to the past, as well as an optimistic look towards the future.” “It has been wonderful to work with the original lodge’s local suppliers as well as discovering new entrants to the region, including food and beverage producers, artists and designers”. Hayley Baillie says. “We’ve been buoyed by the unwavering support of so many of our guests and the broader tourism industry for which we’re very grateful, and we’re thrilled to be bringing Southern Ocean Lodge back.” 

Victor Harbor’s Newland Uniting Church will host this year’s Christmas Tree Festival and a performance of the choir of St Peter’s Cathedral on Thursday 14 December.Led by Cathedral director of music Anthony Hunt and organist David Heah, the free performance is a gift to the community from the combined churches of Victor Harbor.It starts at 7pm, with entry from 6.30pm and will include candles, carols and readings celebrating the story of Christmas.The annual Christmas Tree Festival will be open to the public from 14 to 17 December 12noon to 4pm on Thursday; 10am to 8pm on Friday; 10am to 5pm on Saturday; and 12noon to 4pm on Sunday.Entry is by donation to the Fleurieu Cancer Support Foundation and prizes will be awarded for best under 12 tree, most popular tree and best traditional tree.

To help plan summer adventures, the Department for Environment and Water has compiled a list of parks where everyone can experience the best of the beach and the bush in a single trip.It says South Australia is blessed with pristine beaches and beautiful bushland, and numerous parks showcase them side-by-side.Encounter Marine Park on the Fleurieu and Lashmar Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island are two of the parks highlighted.Encounter Marine ParkStretching around the entire Fleurieu Peninsula – from Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary Zone to just past the Murray Mouth in the Coorong – and across to the north-east coast of Kangaroo Island, Encounter Marine Park showcases an enormous variety of coastal and marine environments for total immersion. Lashmar Conservation ParkAntechamber Bay in Lashmar Conservation Park is a picturesque location complete with turquoise waters, a 4km long beach with soft, white sand and a beautiful view across Backstairs Passage to the mainland.The Park is a protected area located on the north coast of Dudley Peninsula about 40 kilometres south-east of Penneshaw.Hallett Cove Conservation ParkJust 40 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, the beach at Hallett Cove Conservation Park is a lovely spot to cool off on a hot day. The park is home to a popular walking trail leading up to the top of the cliffs, which is also accessible for prams and assisted wheelchairs.Beachport Conservation ParkThe south east park’s seemingly endless white sandy beaches and coastal flora are home to an array of birds, making it a brilliant spot to take a dip and enjoy the birdlife. A walking trail around Woolley Lake offers panoramic views of the ocean and neighbouring Lake George or sail in the waters at Five Mile Drift.Lincoln National ParkLocated on Eyre Peninsula, this is a great place for fishing, beach lounging, walking, and camping. The Spalding Cove campground at the northern end of the park is a sheltered, shallow bay that provides a million-dollar view and a perfect spot to swim.National Parks and Wildlife Service Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Manager Tony Magor says the parks have something for everyone.“We are incredibly lucky to have such a diverse range of environments in South Australia,” he says.“Whether you want to take a dip in the ocean, wander through bushland, or do both, our parks and reserves are the best places in the state to do just that.“But if you are hopping in the water to cool off, make sure to be careful as there could be hidden dangers that you may not be able to see, including submerged objects such as tree branches or rocks.“Visitors to parks should also be mindful of their swimming abilities and local currents and swells if they choose to swim.”While encouraging people to take the time to explore the state’s wonderful parks and reserves, Mr Magor urges visitors to be safe while doing so:Be aware that entire parks or parts of parks can close because of the weather, particularly on days with catastrophic or extreme bushfire danger ratings.Find out if the park or campground you want to visit is open by checking the list of parks closures and alerts and the desert parks bulletin.Wear lifejackets when boating, kayaking or paddling.Always supervise children.Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology for weather forecasts and warnings.For emergency information, download the Alert SA mobile app for the latest from SA’s emergency services. For fire updates, tune to your local emergency broadcast radio station.Encounter Marine Park - Noarlunga reef.

The City of Victor Harbor and Business Victor Harbor (BVH) have asked local businesses to complete an online survey to help them tailor services, programs and investments that support the local economy.The Annual Business Survey aims to provide the council and BVH with greater insight into the challenges and opportunities that exist for businesses.The first survey was conducted in 2016, with results reviewed and analysed each year to understand changing trends in the local business environment.As part of the survey, a standard set of questions are asked of businesses in addition to a series of topical questions. This year they are keen to hear from businesses on issues related to the theme of ‘access’. This specifically relates to access to skilled staff, freight services and government services.City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says the survey provides valuable data to the council and the business community each year.“Our small businesses are facing a range of challenges in these unusual economic times. “There is an increasing need for all layers of government to put in place policies and programs that support our business community,” she says. “The intelligence that we gain from this survey will be critical for assisting Council to make informed decisions. It will also help us to design meaningful business support initiatives.”“We know the success of local businesses has a flow on effect to the Victor Harbor economy overall. Businesses create jobs and economic opportunities for our community.”“It only takes five minutes to complete the survey, so we ask that businesses please get involved!”The results from the survey will also be used by the council and BVH to advocate for the Fleurieu Peninsula when liaising with government and non-government organisations.BVH chair Michael Schubert says the survey is an important research activity.“It’s critical that key decision-makers are informed about the challenges and opportunities that face our businesses so that resources can be appropriately allocated,” he says.“Business Victor Harbor reviews the survey responses carefully each year. In 2022 we used the survey responses as the basis of our business support events, seminars and experts in residence program.”The survey can be completely anonymously with no mandatory requirements for businesses to identify themselves.To encourage local business leaders to participate, Business Victor Harbor is providing a brand new iPad (9th Gen WIFI), worth over $550 as a random prize for one lucky business person who completes the survey.Local businesses should keep an eye on their email inboxes for a link to complete the survey. Alternatively, the survey can be accessed on the council website. Surveys must be completed prior to 5pm on Friday 9 February 2024.

Meet the lovable Pets of the Week looking for forever homes at the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter.Zeus and Faith are this week’s friendly Pets of the Week. These loving animals are waiting to find their perfect family. If you think that could be you, read more about them below.Dog of the Week – ZeusThis handsome boy is Zeus (AID 186580) and he’s currently in care at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter.Zeus is the sweetest man who is looking for a special family to call his own. He is a sucker for affection and often spends his days lapping up pats from his shelter pawrents.Zeus can be a little shy around new faces, but with a little patience, a lot of love and some treats (Zeus loves food), he’ll be your cuddle buddie in no time.He is open to sharing the spotlight with other dog residents in his furever home, but please bring your dog in to meet him first. Read more about Zeus and learn how to adopt him.Affectionate Zeus. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Cat of the Week – FaithMeet Faith (AID 185628), she’s a gorgeous girl with three legs.At only ten months old, Faith has been through a lot having survived on the streets as a stray. She’s been living at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter since she was rescued by RSPCA from a frightening incident.Unfortunately, one of Faith’s legs got stuck in a fence and surgical repair was not possible, so her leg had to be amputated. Thankfully, she is very resilient!Her injury hasn’t stopped her from thriving and it shouldn’t stop you from welcoming her into your heart and home.Faith is playful, lovable, a little shy at times and a foodie at a heart. She would make a wonderful companion and is open to sharing her home with other fur-residents.As always, RSPCA’s cat-care team will be on hand to help Faith settle into her furever home.  Playful Faith. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Find out more about Faith and how to adopt her.Visit the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter and add a new companion to your life – you won’t regret it.The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) South Australia is the state’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity.