Middleton has been named overall Gold winner of the Santos Best Dressed Town in the 2024 Tour Down Under.The town was the daily winner in the Hahn Men's Stage 4 event on 19 January, which raced through Langhorne Creek, Strathalbyn, Ashbourne, Currency Creek, Goolwa and Middleton, finishing at Port Elliot. The judges say Middleton went all out to get the community engaged to watch the race go by.“The town had a blue, orange and yellow theme that was visually effective and created an exciting atmosphere. “They organised a free community event, allowing locals to enjoy the race, with live music and sausage sizzle. “The town showcased creatively painted bikes shaped like surfboards with TDU signage, and lampposts were adorned with custom TDU signs. “Bunting was displayed throughout the streets, adding to the inclusive community effort.”The Middleton Town & Foreshore Association is thrilled with the win, posting its joy on Facebook.“It's the first win within the whole of Alexandrina and a credit to the fantastic volunteers of the Middleton Town & Foreshore Association and all those who came to enjoy the brilliant community day we put on. “Middleton will receive $5,500 worth of furniture from Spark, $3000 to be spent on an improvement project or resources of the nominee’s choice, and two metal signs along with the perpetual trophy.”Lobethal took out the silver award and Christies Beach bronze. McLaren Vale was also in the running, having taken out best dressed town in the Women’s tour event on Sunday 14 January.Full details of the best dressed awards can be found on the TDU website.

A fire believed to have been started in a bedroom, has completely engulfed a single story home at Stirling Crescent in Aldinga Beach.All occupants were quick to vacate the house and raise the alarm with emergency services just after 2.30 am this morning, Wednesday 14 Febraury. Five CFS trucks with approximately 25 firefighters have been on scene working to extinguish the blaze.At this stage the house looks to be a total loss with an estimated damage cost of between $300,000 and $400,000.SA Police are also on scene and SA Ambulance were requested. The cause is currently unknown and fire cause have been notified.

A monthly collection service for deposit bottles and cans is set to be extended to Middleton and Goolwa.South Coast Recycling & Scrap Metal Co has been offering the service successfully to homes and businesses in Victor Harbor, Hayborough, Encounter Bay, Chiton, Port Elliot, McCracken and parts of Hindmarsh Valley since August 2023.Managing director Grant Levy says the service has been popular and residents of Middleton and Goolwa have been calling for it to be extended to their towns too.“It’s a great initiative, especially for people who can’t get to our depots during business hours,” Grant says.“Clients can also choose to donate their funds directly to a charity, community or sporting group, or as a gift to a friend of family member.“For a once-off payment to lease one of our red bins, participants will be able to get funds for their bottles and cans deposited straight into their nominated bank account.“We are paying 6c per deposit item, as there are clearly costs involved in providing this service which is not government funded, and a purely private initiative.”Residents of Middleton and Goolwa can sign up now for the service by visiting the website.Bins will be delivered in these areas during March, with the first collection scheduled for Wednesday April 3.The deposit bottle and can collection service is believed to be a first for regional South Australia.

With Valentines Day approaching the state government is warning South Australians to be on high alert as more than $2 million was lost to romance scammers last year.According to data from the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch, last year Australians lost more than $30 million to dating and romance scammers, including more than $2 million in South Australia.Nationwide, more than $14 million was lost to romance scammers via social media. Romance scammers often profess love and affection very quickly to try to influence their targets, then coming up with elaborate stories about why they need money urgently.They may also convince people to take out money for a fake investment, often saying it’s in cryptocurrency.There are practical steps people can take to protect themselves in the world of online dating:Do a reverse-image search on Google or TinEye. This can help determine if a profile image is legitimate. Arrange to meet in person in a safe place, or ask to speak via video. If they can’t, it’s a warning sign.Watch out for any request to send them money through methods such as money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded cards, or electronic currency, like bitcoin. It is difficult to recover money sent through these methods.Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Andrea Michaels advises people who think they may have been scammed to contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible.“Looking for love online can make you vulnerable and unfortunately, this is what scammers look for as they seek to gain your trust before leaving you both broke and broken hearted.“Seeking love online is common, you’ve just got to exercise some caution to ensure you end up being romanced, not robbed.”For more information about romance scams visit the Consumer and Business website. To report a scam go to Scamwatch. 

A collaboration between the South Australian Country Fire Service, Australian Red Cross and Commissioner for Children and Young People is set to empower the youth of South Australia to be disaster ready. The Youth in Emergencies Development Program (YEDP) gives young people in Years 9-12 around the state the opportunity to work towards a Duke of Edinburgh International Bronze Award.The program will enhance their disaster preparedness education in the face of the escalating impact of emergencies and disasters. The internationally recognised award offers students the chance become a youth leader in emergency management, gaining essential skills, connecting with like-minded peers, and bolstering access to higher education and job opportunities. The team worked with young people from around South Australia to co-design the unique program, which imparts vital knowledge of emergency scenarios to its participants. Applications for the Youth in Emergencies Development Program are now open to all South Australians enrolled in years 9-12. For more information, or to apply for the program visit the website.  Minister for Emergency Services Joe Szakacs says the state government is proud to support and fund initiatives like YEDP that engage young people.“This program is a proactive step towards building a community that is disaster ready. “By investing in their education and empowerment, we are fostering a generation that not only understands the challenges posed by emergencies but is also equipped to face them head-on.”    

Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie has spoken out on modern slavery in Australian supply chains and operations, saying the proposed new national Anti-Slavery Commissioner must not be set up to fail.She first sought a ban on importation of goods produced by forced labour in 2021, when she introduced legislation to ban goods produced by forced labour and has now tabled amendments to the Government's Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023.Ms Sharkie says the Bill represents a vital step in combating modern slavery, establishing the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner to support victim-survivors and fight modern slavery in Australia and overseas.However, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), human rights experts and civil society groups say it should be improved and the Commissioner's role and independence bolstered."Of around 50 million people subjected to modern slavery worldwide, 28 million are in forced labour and 22 million forced marriages. “It is estimated that over 10 million of those in forced labour are children, robbed of their childhoods, education, health and safety."Ms Sharkie commends the Bill but agrees with the ACTU and human rights experts like Be Slavery Free that it must be improved.She says her amendments will strengthen the independence, functions and resourcing of the Commissioner, and impose a duty for entities to undertake due diligence to address modern slavery in their operations and supply chains."While slavery still flourishes in some industries and under some government and military regimes, we need to make sure our new Anti-Slavery Commissioner has the teeth to take the fight to modern slavery, whether on our shores or in the overseas supply chains of Australian entities or entities operating here. “We also need to make sure the Commissioner can properly support victim-survivors.”

A baiting program to control the wild rabbit population has begun in the Victor Harbor council area.The council says its rabbit control program aims to protect the natural environment and primary production.It will roll out over several weeks, supported by Landscape Hills and Fleurieu, which is also making baits available to landholders across the Fleurieu.The City of Victor Harbor will release Calicivirus RHDV K5 treated carrots on 16 February and collect them on Saturday 17 February.The locations affected will be Day Road Reserve; Finniss Road Reserve; The Bluff Reserve; Olivers Parade; and GS Read Reserve.The council says rabbits are a serious threat to production and biodiversity. “They can cause significant damage by eating native plants, out-competing native animals and digging warrens that cause erosion. “Rabbits can also destroy crops, pastures and native vegetation, creating millions of dollars’ worth of damage.”It says that Calicivirus RHDV K5 affects rabbits exclusively, posing no threat to dogs, possums, birds, or humans. “Pet rabbit owners are strongly advised to vaccinate their pets.”The council will monitor the sites regularly and signage will be in place around baiting areas.Landscape Hills and Fleurieu has been running a rabbit bait distribution program for landholders.While it has run out of Calicivirus baits, Pindone-laced carrots are still available; they can be used on properties of 1000 square metres or larger.Distribution sessions will be held in Strathalbyn tomorrow, Tuesday 13 February, at Second Nature Conservancy from 3pm to 5pm and at McLaren Flat on Friday 16 February at the Recreational Grounds from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.A second distribution round will be held in March, with sessions at Goolwa on 13 March, McLaren Flat on 15 March and Strathalbyn on 19 March.For more information about rabbit control, visit the Landscape Hills and Fleurieu website or call 8391 7500.

South coast writing group Sandwriters and StationMaster’s Gallery will launch their latest Speak Out anthology in Goolwa next Sunday 18 February.This tenth issue of Speak Out is on the theme Earth Water Air Fire. Local poet Jude Aquilina will be Master of Ceremonies at the event and guest speaker will be Dr Sheryn Pitman, project lead of National Park City.The launch will be at the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, Goolwa South, at 2pm.Books will be for sale and drinks and nibbles will be available.To assist with catering numbers, RSVP via email or call 0401 715 895.

Emergency services responded to Carrickalinga yesterday after a four-wheel-drive crashed through a house.Just before 1.30pm on Saturday 10 February, a brand-new Nissan Patrol was parked on a hill overlooking Carrickalinga.The unattended car rolled downhill through a reserve and collided with a house on Elizabeth Crescent, exiting out the other side, off the balcony and landing in the front yard.Luckily, there was no one inside the car or house at the time and there were no injuries reported. The house sustained significant damage.CFS and SES members attended to shore up the structure, which is reported to contain asbestos.

Hills Fleurieu Crime Prevention Section of SAPOL will offer a presentation on scams and what to look out for at Strathalbyn Library on Wednesday 14 February.It will delve into the prevalent issue of scams that persistently impact communities across the state. SAPOL says the alarming rise in various types of scams has become a significant concern, affecting individuals from all walks of life. The event aims to shed light on the diverse range of scams that cause people great distress and explore ways to protect against them and avoid falling victim to deceptive practices.The free workshop will run from 10am to 11am; reserve a place via Eventbrite.

Chilli Fest fires up next weekend - Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February - in the Willunga Recreation Park.Its reputation as the hottest event on the Fleurieu has spread and there will be even more in ’24, with extra traders on board making more than 20 chilli stalls with an ever-increasing range of products to spice up home cooking repertoires.Many of them will show how it’s done on the cooking demonstration stage.Buying chilli plants at Chilli Fest has become almost mandatory and this year will feature three chilli plant providers, who can give advice on how to get the best crop.Local horticulturist Kym Syrus will also host an information session at the demo stage on Saturday morning.Following the success of last year’s Chilli Sauce championships, the competition has been expanded to include chilli chutney, chilli jam, chilli paste and chilli oils under the category chilli condiments. Competition convenor Helen Brown says she has been kept busy receiving and registering entries since early December.“There are more than 40 sauces and condiments for our judges to sample, and even if I do say so myself – the competition will be HOT!”As well as chillies to eat and grow, local artisans have chilli-inspired products to suit every taste. Choose from clothing, jewellery, paper products, kitchenware and a range of Mexican Talavera Pottery – plenty of unique products and gifts for chilli lovers. The shady space of the ‘Chill Garden’ offers a great place to relax and enjoy live music, local wines and beers and food from an array of vendors.Entry to the event is $10 for adults with children under 16 free. Go to the website for more information and get tickets at the gate or via Trybooking.Chilli Fest Willunga is one of the four major fundraising events that supports the Willunga Recreation Park, a facility owned by the community for the community. 

The mastermind behind a ground-breaking community-focused app, the designer of luxury wedding gowns made from Merino wool and a devoted advocate for suicide prevention have been shortlisted as the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award South Australian finalists. Susie Williams from Willunga, Nikki Atkinson from the Flinders Ranges and Suzi Evans from Mantung are in the running to win a $15,000 Westpac grant to support an existing project, business, or program. The winner will also receive professional development opportunities and access to alumni networks. The South Australian winner will be announced on 26 March and will represent the state at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner in Canberra later in the year.  The national winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the national runner-up will receive a $15,000 grant. The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is recognised as Australia’s leading accolade acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses, and communities.Entrepreneur Susie Williams combined her passion for fostering connections in rural communities with her technical prowess to develop the Fleurieu App – an online platform that provides local news for free, while also celebrating achievements, businesses, events and places that define the region."If businesses across a region support each other we all thrive," Susie says."Keeping our region and communities connected inspires me - it makes life better for everyone." Nikki Atkinson designs sustainable wedding dresses and special occasion wear made from merino wool. Her business, Horrocks Vale Collections, combines her 25 years of experience as a wedding dress designer and her desire to champion Australian Merino wool as a new environmentally sustainable alternative to polyester. Suzi Evans dedicated herself to helping others following the tragic loss of her son Murray, known as Muzz, who took his own life in 2018. Suzi is a trusted mental health first aid trainer and the founder of resilience building program ‘Workbench for the Mind’, which aims to help participants understand how the brain works and develop tools to manage their emotions in positive ways. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven has congratulated the three finalists. “I thank them for their hard work and dedication to rural communities and devotion to making positive changes. “The Government of South Australia is proud to support initiatives that recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions women make in our regional areas supporting local communities, businesses, and industries. “The finalists’ devotion and drive to make positive change is inspirational and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements." Belinda Allitt is AgriFutures Australia General Manager, Workforce, Communication and Adoption. “I’m impressed by the variety of innovative projects being delivered in South Australia,” she says. “Suzi, Nikki, and Susie are fantastic role models and deserve the acknowledgment that comes with being a state finalist for this award.  “They are great examples of women who have taken a passion, interest and a tragedy and turned it into impactful, meaningful, and positive projects for the benefit of communities and rural industries.  “Their work takes grit and determination, and these are key values of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. 

Meet our lovable Pets of the Week. They are looking for their forever homes thanks to the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter.Scarlett and Kola 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 – KolaKola (AID 185409) is one of many dogs currently living at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter. The one-year-old Kola is a beautiful dog and has come such a long way since she arrived in September last year.Once a timid girl, with the right training and lots of TLC, Kola has bloomed. This smart and goofy girl has so much love to give and is ready to open her heart to a kind and caring person. Could it be you?Read more about Kola and learn how to adopt her.Smart and goofy Kola. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Cat of the Week – ScarlettThis lovely lady is Scarlett (AID 185432) and she’s been living at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter since she arrived as a stray in September last year.The two-year-old Scarlett is a kind and playful kitty who absolutely loves toys. She also enjoys a good pat but prefers to initiate these on her own terms.This gorgeous girl can be a little shy around new faces and requires a patient pawrent who can give her the time she needs to come out of her shell.Once Scarlett builds a bond with you, she'll be your best friend furever. Find out more about Scarlett and how to adopt her.Gorgeous Scarlett. 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.

A principal engineer from Tonkin Engineering will make a presentation on the '2022 Middleton Flood Study' to Alexandrina Council on Monday 12 February.The information session will cover the storm event that flooded the town in November 2022 and its aftermath.Both the caravan park and the medical practice went under water, while shops and homes were damaged when a severe storm struck the Fleurieu Peninsula on Saturday 12 November.More than 60mm of rain fell in two hours, causing widespread damage across the south coast, with Middleton bearing the brunt.The council says Middleton residents are welcome to attend the information session, but as it is a formal council briefing only elected members can ask questions.The information session will be held in the Goolwa council chambers at 5.30pm.

City of Victor Harbor is offering two traineeship opportunities to young people interested in a career in tourism or conservation.A business traineeship with a tourism focus is a full time role that will lead to a Certificate III in Business. The successful trainee will support the council’s marketing projects and daily operations of its Visitor Centre, located in the South Australian Whale Centre.Year 10 students with a genuine passion for the environment can apply for a conservation and ecosystem management traineeship.This will involve working with the council for one day a week while achieving a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management.The traineeships are offered through Statewide Apprenticeships, with applications closing Saturday 17 February. For more details go to the website. 

Plan SA wants community feedback on proposed changes to planning rules that will better reflect bushfire hazards across the state. As well as updating bushfire hazard mapping across the state, the draft Code Amendment aims to put policy in place to minimise bushfire risk on people, property, infrastructure, the environment and economy.It wants to introduce new rules to help save lives and build more climate-resilient communities.Plan SA is holding drop-in information sessions around the state, including one in Willunga on Tuesday 20 February.It will offer the opportunity to talk to staff and ask questions, share ideas or concerns and provide feedback.The drop-in session will be at The Willunga Hub from 4pm to 7pm; find out more and register to attend via Eventbrite. There will also be an online information session to learn more about updating South Australia’s bushfire hazard mapping and planning rules on Monday 19 February from 11am to 12noon.At the end of the session there will be an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback; find out more and register to take part via Eventbrite. The deadline for feedback is 5pm on Friday 8 March; for full details of the State-wide Bushfire Hazards Overlay Code Amendment and how to share feedback go to the YourSay website. 

SA Water will start work on upgrading the Myponga Reservoir’s dam spillway gates later in February.Access to Reservoir Road, between the Myponga Reservoir Lookout and Forktree Road, has been temporarily closed to safely accommodate work crews and heavy machinery.SA Water says it has put in place clearly marked detours for pedestrians and vehicles.The spillway gates operate to safely release water downstream. The upgrade is a major project that is expected to be completed by mid-2024.Myponga Reservoir was officially opened in 1962 after four years of construction.It was opened to the public for recreational access in 2019.

Vehicle registrations for the 2024 McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic signature street parade on Sunday, 14 April are now open — this year bringing a new touch of luxury with the addition of a fleet of Rolls Royce’s for the first time. More than 15 of the elegant and luxurious British cars will roll through the McLaren Vale Main Street among the car show’s annual grand parade of motoring history.The free community event will also include vintage fashion, local wines, gourmet food, and live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic Chairman, Nigel Williamson, is thrilled to have the car show return for its 18th year and with a new addition that celebrates the event’s range of vintage and classic motoring.“We’ve only really ever had one or two Rolls Royce’s in the past, so this year is expected to be quite special,” Nigel says.Over 600 vehicles entrants are expected to get involved after more than 20,000 spectators lined the streets of South Australia’s world-class wine region last year.“While the Rolls Royce fleet will definitely be a highlight, we encourage all South Australian car collectors to get behind this year’s parade and register their vehicle to join in on the festivities,” he says.The cut off for vehicle registrations is Saturday 23 March, allowing the name and vehicle of each entrant to be included in the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic magazine.All vehicles will begin their journey from the open lawns located at the front of Serafino McLaren Vale, where entrants will be able to have breakfast prepared by the Rotary Club of Morphett Vale and coffee by Bracegirdles while they mingle with fellow car lovers and see the range of period outfits from participants and browse the vehicles on show.The Grand Parade will officially commence at 11am with all vehicles rolling out of Serafino for the 2km drive along Main Road.All spectators and entrants are then encouraged to head down to any of the fourteen participating wineries where a range of vehicles will be on display for visitors to get up close and personal along with food stalls, wine and live entertainment making for the perfect Sunday day out with family and friends.The event’s annual charity dinner will be held the night before on Saturday, 13 April, with legendary two-time Supercars Championship race winner Cameron McConville as the special guest speaker.“At last year’s charity event we donated $10,000 to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House in Victor Harbor, helping families of children in palliative care or with complex care needs the chance to have a family holiday,” Nigel says.“We also donated $3,000 to the Southern Koala & Echidna Rescue for specialist equipment for their new Medical Service Centre. Our two local CFS units also received $500 each for ongoing equipment supplies.“This just shows how important our event truly is. It’s not just a great opportunity for locals to come together as well as to showcase our beautiful region, but it also gives back to the community with local restaurants, accommodation booked out and wineries operating at capacity which is a huge reason why we continue to run this event,” he concluded.Vehicle registrations are now open and can be completed by filling out the online form, with an entry fee of $40 per vehicle.Entries will close on Saturday, 23 March 2023. Vintage, classic, and motorcycle vehicles are all welcome.

Widespread ecological benefits have been observed along the River Murray system in the year since the 2022-23 flood, according to the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).DEW has revealed that monitoring in spring and early summer last year found the flood – and recent environmental water releases from upstream – has resulted in a range of benefits for the region’s waterbirds and plants.While the flood had a significant effect on many communities, it provided much-needed water to parts of the river and its floodplains and wetlands for the first time in more than 60 years.Flood waters greatly improved the health of mature black box woodland and lignum shrublands in the Riverland, which up until last summer had been in decline due to a lack of inundation.This provided high-value habitat, with spring woodland bird surveys detecting 75 native species – including rare species such as hooded robins, little friarbirds and Gilbert’s whistlers – revelling in the conditions at the Chowilla, Pike and Katarapko floodplains.During a spring aerial waterbird survey, large numbers of pelicans, swans and ducks were recorded in the Coorong, particularly in the areas closest to the barrages where freshwater flows from the Murray.In the Lower Lakes, cormorants, ibis and spoonbills formed large breeding concentrations in reed beds and on islands.Tony Herbert, Environmental Water Manager at DEW says that while the flood hit communities hard, it had a very positive effect on the River Murray’s natural environments.“Vegetation that has been struggling in recent years was boosted by the waters, which in turn provided improved habitat for our native species to flourish,” he says.“The River Murray flood and subsequent releases of water for the environment have had an overall very positive effect on the River Murray’s wetlands, floodplains and estuary.“Water managers will continue working to deliver water for the environment to prolong these positive conditions for as long as possible.”The recent water for the environment deliveries from upstream storages in the River Murray, Goulburn River, Murrumbidgee River and Darling/Baaka River were sourced from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and Murray-Darling Basin Authority (The Living Murray).The Living Murray is a joint initiative funded by the South Australian, New South Wales, Victorian and Commonwealth governments, coordinated by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.Monitoring at the Pike and Katarapko floodplains is funded by DEW as part of its ongoing responsibilities for effective use and management of water for the environment in South Australia.Coorong monitoring is also delivered as part of the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia.Katarapko