The talents of young writers from across the Fleurieu Peninsula were celebrated during the 2025 Mayors’ Short Story Challenge.An initiative of Alexandrina Council, the District Council of Yankalilla and the City of Victor Harbor, the Challenge encourages school-aged children from Reception to Year 10 to let their imaginations run wild and share stories through creative writing.The challenge received 544 entries from Alexandrina Council, 245 entries from District Council of Yankalilla, and 398 entries from the City of Victor Harbor.The winners were announced at a celebration held at the Strathalbyn Library on Thursday 11 September. More than 200 people from across the Fleurieu attended to recognise the talented work of all the entrants.Individual category winners received a $50 book voucher, with the overall winner from each council area receiving an additional $50 book voucher. The school where the overall winner is enrolled also received $1,000 from their council. In the case where a Home School student wins, the student is invited to select up to $1,000 worth of books or library resources for their local council library.Special Option category entries were collated from across the region and were judged by members of City of Victor Harbor’s Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee with prizes provided to the category winners by the committee. The overall winner’s school receives a $300 voucher to purchase new library resources for their Special Options students.In presenting the awards, the Mayors from each council praised the children who took up the challenge and demonstrated their creative writing skills.They also thanked the three public libraries for their coordination of the challenge, along with the principals, teacher-librarians, teacher, and student service officers who played a key role in encouraging students to enter and showcase their talents.The prizes were provided by the respective councils and Friends of the Library groups and the Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee.2025 Mayors’ Short Story Challenge WinnersCategory Alexandrina Council City of Victor Harbor District Council of YankalillaReception to Year 2 Norah Higgins Libby Baggs Abigail NottleYear 1 Year 2 Year 2Port Elliot Primary School Encounter Lutheran College Yankalilla Area SchoolYear 3 to Year 4 Henry Green Greta Freeman Joshua McCallumYear 4 Year 4 Year 3Home School Victor Harbor Primary School Yankalilla Area SchoolYear 5 to Year 7 Isaac Lorenz Ruben Croft Addi McArdleYear 6 Year 7 Year 6Tyndale Christian School Strath Encounter Lutheran College Rapid Bay Primary SchoolYear 8 to Year 10 Mia Steed Layla Beaty No entriesYear 10 Year 10Tyndale Christian School Strath Victor Harbor High SchoolOverall Winner Isaac Lorenz & Mia Steed Layla Beaty Addi McArdleYear 6 Year 10 Year 10 Year 6Tyndale Christian School Strath Victor Harbor High School Rapid Bay Primary SchoolSpecial Options Luka Cox No entries Christopher Nemeth & Cruz StevensPrimary School Category Eastern Fleurieu School R-6 Year 5 Year 6Strathalbyn Myponga Primary SchoolSpecial Options No entries Heath Lloyd No entriesHigh School Category Victor Harbor High SchoolSpecial Options Overall Winner: Christopher Nemeth Year 5 & Cruz Stevens Year 6 Myponga Primary SchoolRapid Bay Primary Principal Jenna McArdle, winner of the Year 5 to 7 category and overall winner Addi McArdle, with Yankalilla Mayor Darryl Houston.Mayor Keith Parkes with some of the recipients of the Mayor’s Short Story Challenge from Alexandrina, Port Elliot Primary School teacher Laila BoscoWhite, left, on behalf of Norah Higgins, Henry Green and Isaac Lorenz.

 Registrations are now open for Australia’s largest citizen science project, the Aussie Bird Count, which will take place the week of 20 to 26 October.This national springtime event celebrates diverse birdlife, from magpies and fairy-wrens to cockatoos, curlews and honeyeaters and is taking flight for its 12th year.BirdLife Australia is inviting people of all ages to take just 20 minutes out of their day to spot, identify, and count the birds around them during one October week.Last year, more than 57,000 participants submitted nearly 130,000 checklists and logged more than 4.1 million birds across the country using the free Aussie Bird Count app. Bold, adaptable species - the Rainbow Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, and Australian Magpie - again topped the charts. Will they swoop in for the top three once more in 2025?How to take part:Pick a spot – anywhere you like, from your backyard to your favourite park or garden.Spend 20 minutes quietly observing the birds you see.Submit your count using the Aussie Bird Count app, which will help you identify the birds you see and hear.You can go out and count as many times as you like during Bird Week as long as each count lasts 20 minutes and is submitted separately.BirdLife Australia, the national bird conservation charity behind the Aussie Bird Count, says the event is an important step towards connection between people, place and purpose.“It’s not about being a bird expert,” says Sean Dooley, BirdLife Australia’s National Public Affairs Manager. “It’s about spending time outdoors and learning something new about your local environment.“The Aussie Bird Count shows how citizen science can bring families and communities together while contributing to our understanding of Australia’s unique wildlife. “A simple 20-minute activity can become an annual family tradition that teaches everyone about observation and nature.”With more than a decade of data, the Aussie Bird Count results can provide BirdLife Australia with insights into trends in urban bird populations, contributing to a dataset that helps to guide future awareness campaigns, conservation priorities, and community education. “Birds are indicators of environmental health. One in six Australian bird species is now under threat, so taking note of the birds around us has never been more important,” says Kate Millar, CEO of BirdLife Australia, whose mission is to save birds and the natural life systems on which they depend.“It’s also often a first step on a longer journey of curiosity, from noticing birds to caring about them, and from caring to protecting.” “Whether you’re a regular birder or someone who just enjoys the occasional kookaburra laugh or lorikeet fly-by, we’re inviting everyone across the country to pause, step outside, and count the birds that share their skies, gardens, and daily walks.”To find out more and register for the count, visit the Aussie Bird Count website. 

The annual Victor Harbor Rock ’N’ Roll Festival is on this weekend, with festivities starting Friday 19 September.It will bring together live music, classic cars, dancing, fashion, markets, food and family fun. Thousands of visitors and locals will enjoy three days of retro celebration, making it one of the biggest community gatherings of the year on the south coast.The action centres around Warland Reserve and the CBD of Victor Harbor, with two outdoor stages for live music and temporary road closures in place for the event.These will include Ocean Street, between Coral Street and Railway Terrace, from 2pm Friday to 10pm Sunday and Railway Terrace, between Albert Place and Coral Street, from 7am Saturday until 6pm Sunday.Closures will also affect Albert Place, The Esplanade and Flinders Parade on both Saturday and Sunday from 7am.Full details can be found on the City of Victor Harbor website.The Rock 'N' Roll Festival is an initiative of the City of Victor Harbor, managed by Fairy Pig Productions coordinated by the Historic Motor Vehicles Club.Find out more about the Rock 'N' Roll Festival full program, lineup and activities online. 

This week, 15 to 22 September is Dementia Action Week and Finniss MP David Basham is encouraging Fleurieu residents to get involved and attend local events supporting people living with dementia, their families and care partners. “Carers and families are the quiet heroes of our community. Dementia can be overwhelming when it first touches your life, and nobody can do it alone,” he says. This month we’re shining a light on the practical help that’s available and creating spaces for people to connect, share strategies and feel supported.“If you or someone you love is affected by dementia, please reach out to Dementia Australia’s National Helpline on 1800 100 500. It’s an evidence-based service staffed by trained professionals, and it makes a real difference.” Federal MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has welcomed the community focus.“Dementia touches so many local families. By coming together—carers, clinicians, service providers and elected representatives—we can improve navigation of services, reduce stigma and champion better support across our region,” she says. Local carer and advocate Deidre Henderson provides a community perspective on dementia care.“When my husband Warren was diagnosed in 2020, the Helpline was a lifeline. I learned I wasn’t alone and that practical guidance was right there when I needed it.” What’s onCommunity Meet & Greet - an informal cuppa & catch-up for Dementia Action Week.Tuesday 16 September, 10.30am–12noon.Victor Harbor Hospital – Southern Fleurieu Health Service (Private Room)Share lived experiences, coping ideas & strategies. Stay on for lunch.Contact: Deidre Henderson — 0433 543 568.Dementia Caring Conversations – Meet with other carers with a similar experience. Informal cuppa and chat with people who understand. Tuesday 23 September, 10.30am to 12noon.Bombora, 94 Barrage Rd, Goolwa. Contact: Deidre Henderson — 0433 543 568.               Community Seniors Forum: Dementia in Our CommunityFriday 31 October, Encounter Bay Football Club (time TBC)A community conversation with David Basham MP and Rebekha Sharkie MP on living well with dementia, navigating services, and strengthening support for carers. All welcome. Need support?Dementia Australia National Helpline: 1800 100 500 (free, confidential information and education for carers and families). 

Finniss MP David Basham will host a follow-up forum on public transport in the region at Middleton Pioneer Town Hall on Friday 19 September.He is inviting the community to attend to discuss local issues such as regional roads, infrastructure, better public transport connections and a Middleton bypass.Mr Basham says he has pulled together ideas for the future—projects that locals have told him matter most and the forum is an opportunity to ask questions and share views. “Help shape the next stage of infrastructure investment in Finniss. Together, we can make sure our region not only keeps up with growth, but thrives because of it.”The forum will run from 1.30pm to 2.30pm; register to attend via Trybooking. 

Words: Susie WilliamsThanks to Coast Lines magazineEvery September, the quiet seaside town of Victor Harbor transforms into a rollicking tribute to the 1950s. Streets pulse with the beat of rock 'n' roll, the rumble of classic engines and the whirl of petticoats as dancers take over the pavements. This isn’t a scene from a time capsule — it’s the Rock 'N' Roll Festival, a now-iconic event that has cemented its place in South Australia’s cultural calendar and the hearts of vintage lovers everywhere.The origins of this rhythmic revival date back to 2008, when the festival made its modest debut as a one-day celebration. The idea was simple, but spirited; inject some life and colour into the spring calendar by honouring the golden era of rock 'n' roll. There were a few bands, a couple of dozen classic cars and a growing number of dancers who just needed an excuse to slip into their saddle shoes and jive.No one expected that first event to spark such a groundswell of enthusiasm. But spark it did. By the following year, word had spread, the crowds had grown and the festival doubled in size — stretching into a full weekend and drawing a loyal following of rockabilly faithful. It quickly became more than just a nostalgic nod to jukebox culture. It is a celebration of identity, community and a timeless musical genre that refuses to fade away.The festival’s evolution has mirrored the spirit of the music it celebrates; dynamic, daring and driven by passion. More stages have been added to accommodate an ever-expanding lineup of performers — from seasoned cover bands faithfully recreating the sounds of Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley, to young local groups giving the classics a fresh spin. The car display has ballooned into a chrome-flecked wonderland, with every vehicle lovingly polished and proudly paraded. People began travelling from across the state, and eventually interstate, to be part of the spectacle. And like any true cultural event, it started influencing the town itself.Local businesses and shopfronts tend to dress up for the weekend, which has been embraced through a Best Dressed Business promotion - Paint the town pink! A new energy swept through Victor Harbor — one that mixed local pride with the warm buzz of tourist curiosity.In 2024, a significant shift occurred. The festival moved under new management with local events company Fairy Pig — a group that promised to preserve its roots while amplifying its reach. “We feel incredibly lucky at Fairy Pig to be managing a festival with so much history, heart, and horsepower,” said Jessica Foreman. “It's a real privilege, and one we don't take lightly.” It was named Victor Harbor’s Community Event of the Year, a title that validated everything the festival had come to represent. It wasn’t just an entertainment event anymore; it was a cultural cornerstone, a memory-maker and a model of how local events can grow organically and meaningfully.The 2025 festival, slated for the weekend of September 19 to 21, is set to be another rollicking affair. Visitors can expect two dedicated live music stages with a rolling lineup of acts that spans the best of '50s and '60s rock 'n' roll. The classic car showcase — arguably the festival’s visual soul — will once again line the main streets, featuring some of the most prized vintage vehicles in the country. Each car tells its own story, and their owners are more than happy to share them, usually with a twinkle in their eye and a soundtrack playing from a hidden cassette deck.Market stalls will spring up across the town centre, offering everything from vintage fashion and vinyl records to handmade crafts and memorabilia. Food trucks and pop-up diners will serve up retro-themed treats and themed dance floors will emerge like clockwork wherever the music takes hold. You’re as likely to find a group of teenagers learning to swing dance for the first time as you are a couple in their seventies showing the crowd how it’s really done.What makes the Rock 'N' Roll Festival truly special, though, is its spirit of inclusion. While the music and cars may evoke a specific era, the festival itself is built for everyone. Families with prams walk alongside greasers in leather jackets. Local elders mingle with holidaying uni students. There's no VIP zone, no velvet rope — just shared joy, a few vintage sunglasses and the odd inflatable guitar. “The Rock ‘N' Roll Festival is more than just a good time – though it is a very good time!” said Jessica. “It's about celebrating shared history, style, stories, and this wonderful region.”Importantly, the event also honours the deeper heritage of the land it celebrates on. The organisers pay respect to the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri people, the Traditional Custodians of the south coast region, recognising their enduring connection to country and community. It’s a thoughtful acknowledgement that ties the festival not only to a musical past but to a cultural continuum that stretches much further back.It’s rare for a festival to so perfectly capture the spirit of its host town, but Victor Harbor’s rock 'n' roll revival does just that. What started as a simple celebration of a bygone musical era has evolved into a richly woven cultural event — equal parts fun, memory, and movement. It celebrates the past without being stuck in it and brings people together with the kind of easy, infectious enthusiasm that only truly great festivals can achieve.And as long as there's someone willing to lace up their dancing shoes, tune a guitar to the old standards, or polish the chrome on a 1957 Chevy, this festival will keep rolling, keeping the rhythm alive by the sea.

McLaren Vale businesses have taken out two top awards at the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards.South Australia’s top wine tourism businesses were celebrated on Thursday 10 September at the SA Wine Industry Dinner at the National Wine Centre. The awards highlight innovation and excellence across seven categories, showcasing the diversity and quality of experiences on offer in South Australia’s world-renowned wine regions. The 2026 South Australian award winners are:Accommodation – Mount Lofty House and Estate, Adelaide HillsArchitecture and Landscape – Vinteloper, Adelaide HillsArt and Culture – Wonderground Barossa, BarossaCulinary Experiences – Maxwell Wines, McLaren ValeInnovative Wine Tourism Experiences – Bottle Shock, GumerachaWine Tourism Services – SA eBikes, McLaren ValeSustainable Wine Tourism Experiences – Bottle Shock, Gumeracha Maxwell Wines was one of the first wineries in the region with a purpose-built restaurant. It features fresh, seasonal produce sourced locally.SA eBikes offers customisable electric bike hire, tours and experiences in McLaren Vale, providing visitors the freedom to explore vineyards, cellar doors and trails at their own pace. The winners were selected from 19 outstanding wineries and wine tourism operators shortlisted earlier this month. They will now represent South Australia at the international Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in Bordeaux, France, in November, competing alongside some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, including Bordeaux and Napa Valley.Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says wine is one of South Australia’s most iconic tourism drawcards, attracting visitors from across Australia and the world.“The Best Of Wine Tourism Awards are an important platform to shine a spotlight on our state’s diversity and creativity – from accommodation and dining to sustainability and cultural experiences.“As part of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network, South Australia is benchmarked against the very best internationally, reinforcing our position as a must-visit destination for wine and food lovers.” The awards are presented as part of Adelaide, South Australia’s membership in the Great Wine Capitals Global – a partnership between the Government of South Australia, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, and the University of Adelaide.The network connects 11 internationally renowned wine regions across both hemispheres, including Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Mendoza, and Porto. Membership provides South Australia with a global platform to showcase its wine industry and attract international visitors and trade. The 2026 awards were presented by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, together with Department of Primary Industries and Regions Executive Director Jo Collins, who also serves as chair of the local Great Wine Capitals steering committee and Vice President of the Global Network.  

Animal ID: 195673 Breed: Large Mixed Breed Age: 10 years and 6 months Location: RSPCA South Australia – Adelaide Animal Care Campus Adoption Fee: $95 🔗 View Sox's adoption profileSox is a beautiful 10-year-old soul with a heart full of love and a serious snuggle game! This large lady (30kg) is a calm, cuddly companion who thrives in the company of people and would make the perfect Netflix-and-nap buddy.Despite her senior status, Sox still enjoys life’s simple pleasures — short walks filled with sniffing adventures, chill road trips with the window down, and lazy afternoons basking in the sun or snuggled under a blanket. When you’re out, she’s content to watch some TV or find a cozy sun puddle to nap in.Sox would love:A loving family to keep her companyA quiet life with no other dogsA comfy couch and some gentle adventuresShe’s best suited to a home without other canine companions but would make a wonderful addition to a family that can shower her with attention and affection.🧡 Not ready to adopt? Sox is also available for foster care while she waits for her forever home! Learn more at www.rspcasa.org.au/foster-care.Let’s help Sox find the peaceful retirement she deserves. Come meet her today!

City of Onkaparinga’s summer holiday beach ramp season runs from mid-December to late January and is now open for applications.Not-for-profit community groups and sporting clubs in the council area can apply to collect beach ramp fees from drivers who access the foreshore with vehicles.Vehicle access beach ramps are located at Aldinga, Moana, Silver Sands and Sellicks beaches, where vehicles have been permitted to drive on sections of the foreshore since 1975.The ramps will open from 9am to 5pm, weather permitting, on weekdays from Monday 15 December 2025 to Monday 26 January 2026 and on weekends from Saturday 13 December 2025 until Monday 9 March 2026.Interested groups should check the eligibility and operational guidelines on the council website and submit an application online.

The Royal Adelaide Show is done and dusted, which signals the start of the country show season.Showbags, animals, arts and crafts, food and the fun fair can all be enjoyed in our own backyard, starting this weekend.The Southern Agricultural Society will hold its 145th Port Elliot Show on Saturday and Sunday 11 and 12 September at the Cameron Street showgrounds.The show is open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday; entry costs $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children aged 6 to 16 years. Full program details on the show website. The Labour Day long weekend will, as usual, feature two local shows – in Yankalilla and Strathalbyn.Yankalilla, Rapid Bay and Myponga Agricultural and Horticultural Society hosts proceeding at the Yankalilla Showgrounds on Saturday 4 October from 9am to 4pm.Following the show will be a night event of live music, featuring The William Millard Band and Hamish & Grace, plus food and drink, from 6pm to 11pm. Tickets available online.Strathalbyn Show will be held on the public holiday, this year Monday 6 October, from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Coronation Road showgrounds. Details on the website.

Police are investigated a suspicious car fire in Noarlunga Downs overnight.About 11pm on Thursday 12 September, police and fire crews were called to River Road to reports of a Toyota minivan ablaze.Police and MFS were quickly in attendance and extinguished the fire,The fire is believed to be suspicious, and police ask anyone who may have been witness to the incident or who has CCTV or dash cam that may assist to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online - you can remain anonymous. Please reference 235958.

RAA is urging South Australian drivers to be cautious after a fake AI-generated article claimed there was an incoming curfew for older drivers.Its Road Rules Department has reported a noticeable spike in calls from concerned members following the fake social media posts – which claimed drivers aged over 60 would soon be banned from operating vehicles between 10pm and 5am. Senior Road Safety Manager Charles Mountain says legitimate changes to road rules are always communicated directly by the state government and published on the officia my licence website. “The misinformation serves as a reminder for drivers, particularly older motorists, to verify road rule changes through trusted sources. “South Australia has specific guidelines for older road users, including a medical self-assessment for car licence renewal after a certain age or medical assessments in cases where medical conditions might affect driving or for licences for classes of vehicles other than a car.“These programs are a great way to stay informed and safe, and they remind us all not to take every post online at face value – and it’s an easy way to brush up on driving skills, current road rules and get reassurance about what’s current in road safety requirements. “Even long-term drivers can benefit from keeping their knowledge up to date and RAA encourages everyone to check official channels rather than relying on viral posts or AI-generated content. “RAA urges all drivers to remain vigilant, consult official resources, and report suspicious or misleading articles to help reduce the spread of misinformation. If you’re not sure, call or email RAA and we can assist.  “By staying informed and proactive, South Australians can continue to enjoy safe and confident driving well into their later years.” 

Mount Compass will host Quest Fest – a free creative event for young people aged 12 to 25 - on Thursday 9 October.Organised by Headspace Victor Harbor, in partnership with Alexandrina Council, the event will feature an Artists Alley and a Cosplay Contest, with registrations of interest now open.Artists Alley offers the opportunity for creators to sell their work at a market stall, while the Cosplay Contest will put a spotlight on costume skills in three individual categories.Other activities at Quest Fest will include video game tournaments, an escape room, art workshops, board games and more, in a full day of fun and creativity.The event will be held from 11am to 4pm at Mount Compass War Memorial Hall; for more information and to register visit the Humanitix website. 

Two men have died in a crash on Kangaroo Island last night.About 11.30pm on Wednesday 10 September, police and emergency services responded to a single vehicle rollover on Cape Willoughby Road, Cuttlefish Bay.Sadly, a 55-year-old man from Woodcroft and a 26-year-old man from the UK died at the scene.The driver, a 42-year-old man from Hackham West, received minor injuries and was treated at hospital.Major Crash Investigators travelled to the scene early this morning and examined the circumstances surrounding the crash.The driver has since been arrested and charged with two counts of cause death by careless use of a motor vehicle. He has been bailed to appear in the Kingscote Magistrates Court on 17 November.Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or on 1800 333 000.The deaths are the 58th and 59th lives lost on SA roads this year.

Revelations at the Senate inquiry into algal blooms have exposed that SA Health has quietly admitted the bloom can impact people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, according to the state opposition.The first Senate hearing was held at Seacliff on Tuesday 9 September.The opposition says there has been little public communication about these serious health impacts – with the state government instead choosing to quietly update the official algal bloom website last week with new advice.The updated guidance warns that people with pre-existing respiratory conditions may be more vulnerable to brevetoxin-like substances, advising South Australians with asthma to:Carry their reliever medication when on beaches where there is visible foam or discoloured water.Take their preventive medication as prescribed.Ensure their asthma management plan is up to date.State Leader of the Opposition Vincent Tarzia says the government owes every South Australian with a respiratory condition, such as asthma emphysema, bronchitis and other chronic lung diseases an apology.“It’s shocking that the only way people found out they should be carrying their asthma medication at the beach was through evidence at a Senate inquiry.“Imagine if that question had never been asked – how much longer would it have taken for the Government to broadly publicise the updated health advice?”Shadow Environment Minister and Finniss MP David Basham says he has repeatedly sought answers from the government about the health impacts of the algal bloom, but even a letter from the Health Minister, Chris Picton a fortnight ago failed to mention the updated advice.“Time and time again, South Australians are being let down by the Government’s lack of clear communication,” he says.“It’s the bare minimum to alert the community when health advice changes, especially when so many people have already been impacted and left without guidance.”State Health Minister Chris Picton has told ABC radio that Chief Medical Officer Nicola Spurrier held a press conference on the topic and the latest health advice is available on the dedicated algal bloom website. He says asthma sufferers should regard the algal bloom similarly to pollen.The health advice page on the algal bloom website is accessed via the button ‘Can I enjoy the beach?’.The Fleurieu Senate hearing will be held tomorrow, Friday 12 September, at the Victor Harbor Bowling Club

Spring is in the air; the temperature is rising and bushfire season is just around the corner. The SA Country Fire Service will host a free information session to help south coast residents prepare for the upcoming Fire Danger Season on Saturday 20 September.This session is a great opportunity to learn more about how bushfires behave and what to do during an emergency. It will cover how warnings are issued; how to prepare properties to reduce risk; when to leave and where to go; and how to create and use a Bushfire Survival Plan.The workshop will be held at the Victor Harbor Harness Racing Club in Hindmarsh Valley at 2 pm and will include a free sausage sizzle and a visit from the CFS mascot Smokey.

The public consultation deadline for the draft McLaren Vale Regional Water Security Strategy has been extended to midnight on Friday 26 September.Coordinated by Department for Environment and Water (DEW), the consultation period was originally scheduled to close today, 10 September. The water security strategy aims to ensure the region has the water needed to support the local economy, communities, amenity, cultural values and healthy ecosystems now and into the future.DEW says developing the strategy will allow new and expanded water supplies to be considered in the context of increasing demand and a changing climate.Visit the state government YourSay website for full details of the draft strategy and to complete a survey.

Community groups and not-for-profit organisations looking for help to fund a local project within the Yankalilla region can apply for a council grant.The District Council Yankalilla 2025-26 Community Grants Program aims to support projects that strengthen the community, boost community well-being, increase participation in social and leisure activities and respond to local needs and issues. Applications are now open and will close on Tuesday 30 September. The council has allocated $7,500 for the financial year, with the maximum available for any individual project limited to $1,500.A grant assessment panel will consider all applications during October and will make recommendations for determination at the November council meeting.Successful and unsuccessful grant applicants are advised in December, with certificates presented at the Australia Day ceremony in January.To find out more about community grants and how to apply, visit the council website.

A further 30 hectares will be added to three prominent South Australian parks to provide more land for recreation, conservation and park infrastructure. Aldinga Conservation Park, Cape Willoughby Conservation Park and Cleland National Park will all have additional parcels of land added to them. Aldinga Conservation Park is home to diverse range of rare plants and is recognised as a significant for the conservation and protection of the area’s animals and plants. The addition means all of Aldinga Washpool and the culturally significant Blue Lagoon will be protected under legislation. The park will be co-named Wangkuntila-Aldinga Conservation Park to reflect its spiritual and cultural significance to the Kaurna people. The new co-name means ‘place of ring-tailed possum’. Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, on the eastern tip of Kangaroo Island, is a popular tourism attraction and is about to undergo significant works. Site development, including a new visitor centre/cafe and lookout over Devil’s Kitchen, aims to attract more visitors to the park and protect important coastal clifftop land. The addition to Cleland National Park, which is home to the internationally renowned Cleland Wildlife Park, includes significant infrastructure for the park’s operations and a portion of the popular Steub Trail. Environment Minister Susan Close says the state government is delivering on its commitment to enhance biodiversity by strengthening the national parks network. “We have listened to, and worked together with Traditional Owners to better protect Wangkuntila-Aldinga Conservation Park to ensure this sacred place is safeguarded for future generations. “Additions to these national and conservation parks will help better manage and protect land that is home to valuable biodiversity, and culturally significant and sensitive sites. Seven out of 10 South Australians visit our parks each year, saving $140 million in healthcare through improved physical and mental health.”The additions align with the state and federal governments’ 30 by 30 commitment, which aims to protect 30 per cent of Australia’s landmass and marine areas by 2030 in an effort to halt further biodiversity loss.