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ANZAC Day across the Fleurieu and KI
ANZAC Day across the Fleurieu and KI

22 April 2025, 3:03 AM

ANZAC Day will be commemorated on Friday 25 April, with dawn and morning services held across the region.The annual public holiday observes the anniversary of the World War I Dardanelles Campaign Landing of Australian and New Zealand forces in 1915.State MP for Finniss David Basham says Anzac Day is a time to reflect on all those who have served and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in all conflicts involving Australians.“It is a day to be grateful for the courage and sacrifice made by all who died or were injured in their service to our nation. Like many, I have relatives who have served, and it is important to honour their memory.”Here is a list of many remembrance events on the day, where the community can attend to pay respect.Dawn ServiceAldinga War Memorial – 6.15am.Goolwa RSL, 1 Cutting Road – 5.45am.Hindmarsh Island Cemetery – 6.15am.Inman Valley Memorial Hall – 6.15am.McLaren Flat Memorial HallMcLaren Vale Memorial Park 5.45am.Mount Compass War Memorial Hall – 5.45am.Old Noarlunga Princess Diana Fountain Memorial.Port Elliot RSL War Memorial – 6am.Port Noarlunga Christies Beach RSL – 5.30am.Strathalbyn Soldiers Memorial Garden - 6amTooperang War Memorial Hall – 6am.Victor Harbor Soldiers Memorial Gardens - 5.15amWillunga RSL – 6.15am.Morning ServiceMiddleton Soldiers Memorial Gardens - 11am, with tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits provided following the service.Milang Soldiers Memorial Gardens – 10.30am.ANZAC Day Services on Kangaroo Island American River Remembrance Reserve – 6.15am, followed by Gunfire Breakfast at The Shed.Parndana War Memorial, Townhall Precinct – 8.30am, followed by breakfast and a sunset flag lowering service at 5.40pm.Penneshaw War Memorial – 9am, followed by morning tea at the Penneshaw Pub.Kingscote Dawn Service at Bernie Davies Memorial Park – 6.15am, followed by Gunfire Breakfast at the Lions Hall and the ANZAC Day March at 10.30am. A morning Commemoration Service will also be held at Bernie Davies Memorial Park – 10.45am, followed by morning tea at the Ozone Hotel.For more information about ANZAC day commemorations across the state, visit the RSL website.

Onkaparinga reinstates community grants
Onkaparinga reinstates community grants

21 April 2025, 9:17 PM

After a one-year pause for review and improvement, the Onkaparinga Grants program will return in July 2025 with full funding of $705,000 and a fresh new structure designed to better support local initiatives. The council says its comprehensive review focused on streamlining the application process, ensuring grants align with the Community Vision 2034, and making it easier for the community to access the support they need. McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic, usually held in the April school holidays, was one popular community event cancelled in 2025 due to the funding pause.Mayor Moira Were AM, says the return of the program was great news for local groups and organisations working to make a difference. “We know how important these grants are for our region, and this new structure ensures funding is targeted to where it’s needed most," she says.“The new approach also aligns directly with our Community Vision 2034, developed in partnership with more than 5000 residents."Whether you’re seeking to offer group activities, run a community festival, upgrade facilities, create an inspired arts project or introduce circular economy solutions in your small business, there’s a grant category for you. “With $705,000 in funding available, we’re excited to support projects that turn ideas into action to strengthen our region."The program has been structured around three key approaches: Quick Response Grants – Fast-tracked approval for small, low-risk community projects that fall outside the annual grant funding round. Open year-round until funds are fully allocated. Annual Grants – Support for the region’s creatives, not-for-profits and businesses delivering initiatives that contribute to a connected community, sustainable future.  Triennial Grants – Committed funding to established projects and iconic events that help make the region the great place that it is. “The introduction of Quick Response grants will allow community to access funding for smaller projects throughout the year, rather than waiting for set major funding rounds," Mayor Were says.“This flexibility will help groups take advantage of unexpected opportunities, address urgent community needs, or trial new initiatives.”  Applications for the first round of funding open in July 2025, and information sessions will be held to help prospective applicants navigate the new structure.

Federal election early voting starts
Federal election early voting starts

21 April 2025, 2:58 AM

For those unable to vote on the day of the federal election on Saturday 3 May, early voting centres will be open from tomorrow, Tuesday 22 April, up to and including Friday 2 May.The seat of Mayo covers most of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. There are seven candidates on the green ballot paper for the House of Representatives, as follows:Zane BASIC - Liberal Party of AustraliaRebekha SHARKIE - Centre AllianceGenevieve DAWSON-SCOTT - Australian GreensBen HACKETT - Family First Party AustraliaMarisa BELL - Australian Labor Party Rebecca HEWETT - Pauline Hanson's One NationSimeon Trump BIDWELL - Trumpet of PatriotsVoters must number each box next to the candidates' names from 1 to 7 for their vote to count.There are 40 candidates for the Senate and voters can choose to vote for parties – above the line, or for individuals – below the line.If voting above the line, at least 6 boxes must be numbered from 1 to 6 for the vote to count. If voting below the line, at least 12 boxes must be numbered from 1 to 12 for the vote to count.Early voting centres for Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island are located at:Aldinga Central Shopping Centre, Shop 41, Aldinga Beach Road.Christies Beach, 111 Beach Road. Entrance via McKay Avenue.Kangaroo Island, Kingscote Town Hall, Dauncey Street.Victor Harbor Recreation Centre, 5 George Main Road.Strathalbyn, corner of Sandergrove and Milnes Roads.All early voting centres will be closed on Anzac Day, Friday 25 April.  Check opening times for each centre and where to find a polling place to vote on election day, Saturday 3 May, on the Australian Electoral Commission website.

Wooden Boat Festival program shipshape and sailing
Wooden Boat Festival program shipshape and sailing

20 April 2025, 9:49 PM

The program for the 2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival (SAWBF) is shipshape and at full spinnaker with a huge line-up of events and attractions for boaties, families and anyone who loves heritage, tradition and anything maritime.Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission, this biennial event on the weekend of April 26 and 27 will feature more than 100 wooden boats – new and vintage, under sail, steam, motor and paddle.This 19th festival will be officially opened by Her Excellency the Hon Frances Adamson AC, the Governor of South Australia.Thousands of festivalgoers are expected to enjoy sailing races, paddle steamer cruises, steam train trips, maritime exhibits at the wharf and the Armfield Slip, the Rough ‘n’ Ready boat building competition and vintage bi-plane aerial displays.There will also be live music, featuring performances from the Royal Australian Navy Band, great food, markets, and family- friendly entertainment with the Little Pirates Tent and the Little Picassos art exhibition.An unmissable highlight of the festival will be a light display over the waters of the Goolwa channel on Saturday night.Wooden boats adorned with twinkling fairy lights will line the waterfront at the Goolwa Wharf Precinct. Then, as night falls, the sky will come alive with a spectacular fireworks display launched from the Hindmarsh Island Bridge. The festival will also be the backdrop of a celebration on 26 April to officially open the upgrade of the historic Goolwa Wharf Precinct.“This year’s SA Wooden Boat Festival brings together the nostalgia of our rich wooden boat history with a celebration of our major project to preserve and protect our heritage Goolwa Wharf Precinct,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“Goolwa Wharf is a special place, one of only two places in the world where you can step off a steam train and board a paddle steamer.“The festival opening will recognise this unique feature with the Steam Salute, a moment when the SteamRanger train and the Paddle Steamer PS Oscar W exchange whistles.“I’m a boatie myself so this festival is special to me because it showcases the craftsmanship of traditional boatbuilding and the heritage of Goolwa which is integral to the early history of South Australia and is now a world-class destination with a wonderful mix of tourism and cultural attractions.”State Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison says the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Goolwa is a wonderful celebration of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s rich maritime history and the vibrant local culture."It’s an exciting opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience firsthand the craftsmanship, history and natural beauty that the region has to offer,” she says. “I am proud to support this festival through the South Australian Tourism Commission's Regional Event Fund, as it attracts thousands of local and interstate visitors, providing an incredible opportunity to showcase our State, while supporting local businesses and regional communities.”

Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District extended
Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District extended

19 April 2025, 10:12 AM

Soil dryness, high forest and scrub fuel loads, combined with predictions of no meaningful rainfall for the coming months has prompted the extension of the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District by two weeks to 14 May.Several districts including the Mid North, Murraylands, Riverland, Lower South East, Upper South East, Yorke Peninsula, Adelaide Metropolitan and Kangaroo Island will end as scheduled on 30 April, with all other districts already out of season.Despite the season end in sight for most districts, the CFS has reminded South Australian communities not to become complacent, as dry conditions and minimal rainfall continues to pose a risk of bushfire in the landscape throughout autumn.Acting Deputy Chief Officer Brenton Hastie says current weather predictions indicate no meaningful rain for April, May and parts of June.“Fuel loads vary across the Mount Lofty Ranges, with high forest and scrub fuels in parts and somewhat low fuels in others, and the exceptionally dry conditions and lack of forecast rain in the near future poses a risk of fire,” Mr Hastie says.“Volunteers have worked incredibly hard to keep the South Australian community safe throughout this Fire Danger Season and will continue to respond to incidents across the state, but the community need to be aware that the risk of fire won’t abate until there is significant rainfall.“CFS volunteers in the Mount Lofty Ranges are still observing concerning fire behaviour when responding to incidents due to how dry it is across the district, which was evident during the weekend’s fire at Bull Creek.”Aerial resources have played a critical role in supporting firefighters to suppress fires across the South Australian landscape with a total of 1,344 individual aircraft dispatches attending 223 incidents across the state this Fire Danger Season, five fewer incidents than last season.The CFS has reminded the community that rules of the Fire Danger Season still apply for much of the state during these school holidays, which means there are restrictions around if a campfire can be lit, localised restrictions may also apply in National Parks and Forestry reserves.

Onk releases draft budget
Onk releases draft budget

18 April 2025, 2:49 AM

City of Onkaparinga has released its Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2025–26, which it says showcases a strong financial position, investment in community priorities, and a commitment to keeping rates affordable.The council says it has delivered an operating surplus for the second consecutive year, demonstrating its commitment to long-term financial sustainability and building resilience for the future.The $245.05 million draft budget proposes a general rate increase of 2.49 per cent – below the December 2024 CPI for Adelaide. This figure will be updated in line with the March 2025 CPI prior to budget adoption.There is no proposed increase this year to Community Wastewater Management System charges for customers of this service.“The tough decisions we made last year set us on a more sustainable path, and we’re now in a stronger position because of them,” says Mayor Moira Were.“This draft plan shows how we’re managing rates responsibly while continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure the community needs.“Every project and service in the plan aligns with the city’s Community Vision 2034, shaped by more than 5000 residents."Highlights of the Draft Budget and Annual Business Plan include:$8.4 million for six major road renewal projects.Continued refurbishment of the Hopgood Theatre and Noarlunga Aquatic Centre.Coastal protection works including upgrades to the Christies Beach seawall, sand groyne and Port Noarlunga jetty.Final stage of the Witton Bluff Base Trail.Return of the Onkaparinga Grants Program, with $705,000 in funding and a refreshed structure to better support local groups and initiatives.The budget includes $166.07 million for essential services, programs and asset maintenance, and $56.95 million for renewal, new and upgraded infrastructure and initiatives.Community engagement is now open and will continue to Sunday 11 May.The council encourages residents to read the plan and share their feedback online or drop into a council customer service centre by Friday 9 May.

Community forum on algal bloom
Community forum on algal bloom

17 April 2025, 9:31 PM

A community meeting to discuss the algal bloom affecting the south coast will be held on Thursday 24 April at the Middleton Pioneer Hall.Hosted by activist groups The Wild South and Rising Tide, the Toxic Surf forum aims to provide information and canvas solutions.Organisers say the algal bloom has killed thousands of beautiful sea creatures, made beachgoers sick and left the community wondering what to do.RecFish SA reports that PIRSA has closed the commercial harvesting of pipis between the Murray Mouth and 10km South of the mouth to ensure dead or dying Pipis are not sent for human consumption.The forum will offer an evening of food, film and guest speakers from 6pm to 8.30pm.Featured speakers will include estuarine ecologist Faith Coleman, local Ramindjeri cultural leader Cedric Varcoe and Aunty Angelena Harradine Buckskin.Local surfer and photographer Anthony Rowland, who first raised the alarm on the algal bloom in March, will also attend.Parsons and Waitpinga beaches at Victor Harbor were closed for several weeks and the horse tram service to Granite Island was suspended, due to effects of the microalgae Karenia Mikimotoi.This followed widespread reports of surfers and beachgoers suffering symptoms including coughing and breathing difficulties, itchy eyes and blurred vision and dead fish and marine creatures washing up on beaches across the south coast.SA Health has advised people to avoid swimming in affected areas and avoid discoloured water.Entry to the forum is free but event organisers are asking people to register to attend.Find out more about The Wild South and Rising Tide on Facebook.

Boost for Milang heritage protection
Boost for Milang heritage protection

17 April 2025, 2:37 AM

The state government has approved an Alexandrina Council-initiated Code Amendment that applies added protection to the heritage of the river port town of Milang.The Milang Local Heritage Code Amendment went to public consultation last year and was recently endorsed by the Minister for Planning, Nick Champion. Minister Champion granted approval to the council over a year ago to initiate the Code Amendment after comprehensive research revealed many of the residential and civic buildings constructed in Milang between the 1850s and 1900 – when the River Murray was a major trade route - remained intact.The town has a small number of State Heritage-listed buildings, but no Local Heritage buildings or places have ever been listed.The council’s Milang Local Heritage Code Amendment now lists several buildings, places and items, and establishes a Historic Area Overlay to protect the substantial heritage in this lakeside town.“Protecting and promoting Alexandrina’s history is a priority for our council, and Milang is one of our towns that still retains much of its early architecture and this heritage contributes invaluably to the character of the town,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“The early character of Milang is evident in its original subdivision pattern and surrounding parklands, and the historic buildings which remain from the 1850s to the early 1900s when Milang was a town for the district and a thriving port for the growing River Murray trade.“This main period of development in Milang has left a rich legacy of buildings, including prominent public buildings and churches and many private residences of varying degrees of scale and detail, which create the town’s heritage character."Minister Champion says Milang had a rich history and that can still be seen today, with a number of buildings a reminder of the original township.“Any future development should complement and celebrate these historic areas and buildings,” he says.“This Code Amendment will ensure Milang’s distinctive character can continue to be enjoyed into the future with the Historic Area Overlay to protect the substantial heritagein the lakeside town.”According to Alexandrina Council, Milang was first surveyed in 1853 and in the ensuing decade, two hotels, a jetty, a steam mill, a store, a chapel and a post office and many homes were built.With the advent of the railway, and the difficulties of safely navigating the Murray Mouth, the height of the River Murray trade had passed by the 1920s.From the early days, the town has been involved in tourism, including cruising and regattas on the lake and River Murray, and the development of a caravan park and, in the early 20th century, shacks on the foreshore.For further information about heritage in Alexandrina visit the council website.

State’s riskiest roads revealed
State’s riskiest roads revealed

16 April 2025, 8:30 PM

South Australia’s riskiest roads as voted by the community have been revealed by RAA – with Fleurieu roads featuring too often.Curtis Road between Munno Para and Angle Vale received the most nominations as part of RAA’s Risky Roads survey, with more than 100 locals dobbing it in for severe congestion and safety concerns.Risky Roads is the biggest state-wide survey aimed at identifying unsafe roads or intersections, with the results used by RAA to advocate for infrastructure improvements. The survey received more than 1,800 nominations.Curtis Road is also home to the state’s riskiest intersection – at the junction with Heaslip Road in Angle Vale – which was the most nominated intersection for the second survey in a row. In second place on the intersections list is also the corner of Curtis and Andrews Roads.In second place overall, Victor Harbor Road was dobbed in as the riskiest regional road in the state, for its lack of maintenance and poor layout south of the recent duplication to McLaren Vale.Victor Harbor Road makes up one of five Fleurieu Peninsula roads in the top ten regional roads list, with others including Main South Road, Main Road between McLaren Vale and Willunga, Goolwa Road and Inman Valley Road.Overall, the top 10 Risky Roads in South Australia as voted by the community were:On Curtis Road, there were 143 crashes where someone was injured or killed between 2019-2023 – with the crash rate getting worse as traffic volumes increase.RAA is also recommending Curtis Road be under the control of State Government – not the Playford Council – due to its significance to the northern suburbs road network as a direct link between Main North Road and the Northern Expressway.RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matt Vertudaches says the survey highlights the pressure on Adelaide’s road network, especially in the northern suburbs.“Clearly, drivers in the northern suburbs aren’t satisfied with the condition of many of their roads – seven of the top 10 metro roads were located north of Adelaide.Mr Vertudaches says road maintenance was the most common concern raised across the top 10 metro and regional roads.“Sections of Victor Harbor Road, Main North Road and Black Top Road were just a few examples where drivers feel the poor surface is posing a risk to safety.“We continue to call for more investment to address our road maintenance backlog to improve safety, before the problem gets even worse.”For the full Risky Roads Report and Fact Sheet, visit the RAA website.

Police urge drivers to ‘Keep it Sweet’ this Easter long weekend
Police urge drivers to ‘Keep it Sweet’ this Easter long weekend

16 April 2025, 6:30 AM

As the Easter long weekend approaches, South Australia Police is urging drivers to take extra care on the roads, particularly across the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.Operation Safe Holidays will run from Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April, with police targeting the Fatal Five contributors to road trauma: speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, seatbelt non-use, and dangerous road use.Hills Fleurieu Local Service Area Superintendent Joanne Howard said motorists can expect a strong police presence across the region to help ensure a safe weekend for all.“During last year’s Easter weekend, two people sustained serious injuries in a crash, and police detected 94 speeding offences, 26 instances of dangerous driving, and 14 drink driving offences,” Superintendent Howard says.“This year, we’re particularly focused on speeding and dangerous driving, including motorbikes hooning through the Hills. If you’re heading away with family or friends, please plan your journey with regular breaks and drive to the conditions.”Superintendent Howard also reminded drivers that the speed limit on country roads is 100km/h unless otherwise signed.In 2024, Easter road trauma across South Australia claimed three lives and resulted in 18 serious injuries. Police will again be highly visible on both metropolitan and regional roads to promote safer driving and reduce harm.“This Easter, keep it sweet—don’t take risks on the road,” she says.Anyone witnessing dangerous behaviour or needing to report a traffic incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Men’s Shed history celebrated
Men’s Shed history celebrated

16 April 2025, 3:03 AM

Current and past members of the Victor Harbor Men’s Shed downed tools just long enough to launch their official history at a ceremony in their headquarters last Friday 11 April.Men’s Shed representatives from around the southern region joined in the celebrations, along with leaders from supporting organisations including Adare Church, Victor Harbor Rotary Club and City of Victor Harbor.The history was compiled by Victor Harbor Men’s Shed member Peter Zanker, who spent the best part of two years interviewing people, chasing down maps and plans, compiling photographs and any other information he could find for this historical reference.Peter says that while the group has been around in its most current form since 2011, the concept took hold much earlier.“From humble beginnings in the early 1970s when a group of women from the Adare Uniting Church were meeting for handcrafting and noticed the growing number of men who had lost partners or found themselves in caring roles or feeling lost after retirement. “Some of these women suggested the men find a meeting place of their own to support each other, keep busy and pass on skills.“Adare Church approached the Victor Harbor Encounter Centre about using the workshop and machines no longer used by the local TAFE college. And the rest is history.”  Peter says sometimes there were gaps in the story, “I would wonder what was missing, but then a few more questions, a bit more research and some more talking to members and we always filled the gap. “Of course, history never ends and so we will need to continue to record what we do as time goes on.”    Victor Harbor Men’s Shed President Darryl Keane says that when he hears that health professionals are recommending patients spend time at the shed, he is reassured about how worthwhile all their efforts have been over the years.“It is not even about the machinery in the workshop because we are so much more than just a shed. Our members have made it so much more. We are a home. We are a place to talk. We offer a good wholesome feed.”Finniss MP David Basham MP was pleased to attend the launch and says the Victor Harbor Men’s Shed plays an essential role in the community.“You offer camaraderie, wellbeing support, teamwork, a sense of belonging and community and a place for learning, maintaining and refining hands-on skills.“Members have told me how important the Men’s Shed has been in their lives and the sense of family and belonging it provides them.”The Victor Harbor Men’s Shed is located in a purpose-built shed on Martha Close, off Crozier Road in Victor Harbor; a copy of the history is available in the Victor Harbor Library. 

Grassroots clubs gain grants
Grassroots clubs gain grants

15 April 2025, 8:44 PM

Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island sport and active recreation clubs are set to receive funding to help them grow through the Active Club Program (ACP). The current round will see more than $1.3 million distributed to 565 recipients, across the state, helping clubs to further develop the programs and services they provide within the community. Nearly half of all grant recipients in this round are clubs based in regional or greater metropolitan areas, highlighting the grassroots benefits of the program across SA. The next round – the Drought Relief Round announced as part of the state government’s additional comprehensive drought support package – includes $2 million in assistance for regional clubs impacted by drought to provide accessible and affordable ways for their community to stay active. Funding can be used to break down barriers to female participation – covering period products, menstrual health training and resources, and inclusive uniform options. Other eligible project costs include investing in sporting equipment, professional development for coaches and staff, medical training and club promotion. Through the current round of the ACP, clubs with 100 or more members will receive $3,000, while those with 20-99 members will receive $1,500. The full list of ACP grant recipients is available online.Regional sport and active recreation clubs can apply for the new Drought Relief Round when the initiative opens later this month. Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily Bourke says the grants recognise the work of grassroots clubs and the staff and volunteers who keep them going.  “Having access to better uniforms and equipment, providing further education and delivering an inclusive space for girls and women will help clubs meet local needs. “Expanding this support to drought affected areas is another vital measure to help the many South Australians doing it tough to stay active.”Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island Active Club Program grant recipients to assist with program and equipment funding include many sports clubs.$3,000 grants will go to:Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club Goolwa Cricket Club Goolwa Netball Club Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club Goolwa Surf Life Saving ClubKingscote Football ClubMcLaren Football Club Parndana Sports Club Port Elliot Bowling Club Incorporated Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club Port Elliot Tennis Club Port Noarlunga Soldiers' Memorial Bowling Green Port Noarlunga Surf Life Saving Club Strathalbyn Football ClubFleurieu Aquatic Centre Strathalbyn Community Swimming Pool  $1,500 grants will go to:Back Valley Tennis ClubEncounter Bay Cricket Club Girl Guides Strathalbyn, Victor Harbor ,Willunga  Goolwa Hockey Club Goolwa Croquet Club Goolwa Tennis Club Great Southern Swimming Club Kingscote Netball Club South Coast Cycling Strathalbyn and Districts Little Athletics Centre Victor Harbour Tennis Club 

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