Multiple drivers have been caught drug driving during a police operation at Christie Downs yesterday afternoon.On Tuesday 29 July, officers from the Driver Drug Testing unit conducted a testing station on Flaxmill Road where eight drivers returned positive roadside drug tests. Four were positive to methamphetamine, three to cannabis and one to a combination of both.Checks on one of the drivers revealed that his licence was disqualified and his car was subsequently impounded for 28 days.Each motorist was issued with a 3-month instant loss of licence and will be summonsed to court in the coming months.SAPOL takes a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving and the outcome from this operation highlights that those who choose to ignore the law, will be held accountable.

Shortly after 9am, CFS firefighters were called to a house fire in McLaren Vale.Around 35 firefighters on seven trucks responded to the house fire, working alongside the Metropolitan Fire Service, SA Police, SA Power Networks, and SA Ambulance Service. Fortunately, no occupants were home at the time.Volunteer firefighters' quick response and defensive tactics stopped the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties, preventing further damage.Crewsl remained on site for some time to ensure any remaining smouldering areas are fully extinguished.The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in damages, and Fire Investigators have been called to the scene.

Regional Development Australia - Adelaide Hills Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island has partnered with Mainstreet SA and Mount Barker District Council to sponsor a one-day event about activating Main Streets.It will be held at Auchendarroch House, in Mount Barker, on Thursday 14 August.The event will explore how data, branding and AI transform the way thriving regional communities are built and revitalised.It aims is to bring together innovators, community leaders, and place-makers to look at how cutting-edge technology and strategic branding can breathe new life into local spaces.RDA will offer 10 free tickets to non-profit community and industry groups in the region with an interest in the main street of their township.Entries close at midnight on Sunday 3 August, with the ticket draw held the nest day. Enter online.The event runs from 9.30 to 5.30 and Includes morning tea, a walking tour, lunch and networking drinks.

Alexandrina Council is inviting the community to view the transformation of the Strathalbyn Town Hall during a walk-through event to be held on Saturday 16 August, during the Strathalbyn Antiques and Vintage Fair.Interested visitors can drop in any time between 10am and 2pm to the historic building on High Street, and there is no charge.The heritage-listed town hall has recently undergone a multi-million- dollar upgrade to make the facility a modern, accessible and compliant community venue. The upgrade was part of the council’s staged Strathalbyn Town Centre Revitalisation Project, part-funded with $3.85 million from the state government’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program.A further celebration of the reopening will take place on 15 September, when the council will hold its monthly meeting at the Town Hall, starting at 5.30pm.“The completion of works at the Town Hall is the final piece in a project to make the town centre of Strathalbyn a place to walk and sit and enjoy this beautiful destination,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“Through landscaping, streetscaping, lighting and wayfinding signage, we’ve sought to improve traffic management and pedestrian connectivity throughout the area.“A focal point of the historic High Street is the town hall, and we’ve aimed to transform this landmark building into a more modern, multi-functional venue that can cater to a diverse range of activities, events and user groups while staying authentic to its heritage.“It’s been a complex project. Like many heritage buildings, the hall has presented us with some unexpected construction challenges, and we’ve encountered contractor issues beyond our control.“However, the result is just spectacular. It will be a wonderful asset for our community, providing a home base for the Strathalbyn Town Band and a space that can be used for concerts, performances, weddings, exercise classes, dance rehearsals, meetings, and a wide range of activities.“The hall now meets modern standards, and everything has been done under consultation with a heritage adviser.“We did plan to mark History Month with a Council Meeting this year in the Strathalbyn Town Hall. However, delays have pushed that date out to 15 September.“I encourage our community to come down to the Walkthrough Event at the Antiques Fair in August, and to come to our 15 September Council Meeting.“If you’re interested in using the hall from mid-September onwards, I also encourage you or your club or group representative to contact Council through our Expression of Interest form on our website.” The Strathalbyn Town Hall offers the following features and amenities:• Auditorium• Raised inbuilt stage• Technical and stage lighting set-up• Supper Room with bar facilities• Fully functioning catering kitchen• Dressing rooms• Foyer and lounge space• Balcony floor seating• Furniture:150 lightweight portable chairs and 10 tables• Airconditioning• Central lighting control• Accessible male, female and gender-neutral toilets• Wheelchair platform lift to the stage.The council is currently taking interest from potential users and hirers in the community to secure short-term and long-term bookings ahead of the opening in mid-September.

Two Fleurieu distilleries have won top trophies at the 2025 Australian International Spirits Awards.McLaren Vale’s Never Never Distilling Co took out two awards, Best Fruit/Wine/Grape Gin and Best Design.Goolwa’s Fleurieu Distillery took out the award for Best Blended Malt Whisky in collaboration with NSW-based Black Gate Distillery.The winning spirit was was described as a collaborative triumph. “Country to Coast 6 is a beautifully integrated blend showcasing the diversity of South Australian terroir.”Never Never Distilling Co won the trophies and gold medals for its Ginache gin, described as an inspired blend of gin botanicals and rich grenache grapes and for its Triple Juniper gin.It also gained gold for its Banded South Australian Blended Malt Gold Whisky and seven silver medals in other gin categories.As well as winning gold for trophy-winning Country to Coast #6 whisky, Fleurieu Distillery won two further gold medals and one silver medal and were one of four distilleries recognised with the Melbourne Royal Consistency of Excellence Award.McLaren Vale’s Ginny Pig Distillery was also awarded several medals, while Adelaide-based Prohibition Liquor Co was named Champion Australian Distiller.Full details of the awards can be found online.Winning Goolwa distillers Gareth and Angela Andrew.

South Australian small businesses impacted by the algal bloom will be eligible for grants of up to $10,000, while hardest hit commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders can apply for up to $100,000 in support, as the state government unveils details of the industry support package.State Cabinet has travelled to the Yorke Peninsula yesterday, Monday 28 July, to speak with businesses and communities hit by the algal bloom there.As part of the $28 million support package, small businesses will be able to apply for $10,000 grants if they can demonstrate a 30 per cent decline in business turnover.Eligible businesses include:Marine or coastal tourism operators Charter boat and fishing charter operatorsMarine-based sport and/or schools (e.g. surf school)Commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holdersSeafood processorsMarine/fishing supply chain manufacturers/retailers (e.g. tackle shops, suppliers)Coastal caravan parks and camping grounds and accommodationBeachfront kiosks/cafés.In recognition some commercial fisheries have been forced to close or have suffered a significant reduction in available seafood to catch, grants of up to $100,000 will be made available for significantly impacted businesses.This will include the immediate payment of $25,000 for fisheries or aquaculture licence holders forced to close by authorities for more than one month or a 50 per cent reduction in catch/harvest for a three-month period since April.There will be an additional payment of up to $75,000 where a 50 per cent reduction in turnover can also be demonstrated. Payments will be tiered based on turnover.Businesses can apply for grants from 9am today, Tuesday 29 July, and the state government has committed to processing applications within 15 business days to ensure money gets out the door to those who need it.In addition to support grants, the state government will also waive fishing licensing fees for the September quarter, as well as for the June quarter. Fishing licensing fees will continue to be reviewed on a quarter-by-quarter basis, with fee relief extended if necessary.Mental health assistance will also be provided, including funding for the Stay Afloat industry mental health program to be rolled out across South Australia.Premier Peter Malinauskas says the industry support package has been deliberately calibrated to ensure support is being provided where it is needed most.“The state government is committed to supporting local businesses and communities impacted by the algal bloom and while we all hope this algal bloom will clear soon, I want to make it clear that we stand ready to deliver additional support if and when it is needed.”

Almost $8 million in grants are available to help farmers and other landholders in the Northern and Yorke, Hills and Fleurieu and Eyre Peninsula to restore and enhance native vegetation on their properties. This third round of the Restoration Grants program aims to help to protect and improve habitat for threatened species, boost biodiversity and restore ecosystems. Previous rounds have seen more than 26,000 hectares of native vegetation across the state protected and restored.Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says this latest funding shows how government and private landowners can work collaboratively to deliver positive results for the environment.  “These Restoration Grants will support healthy ecosystems by increasing the number of woodlands and mallee across our state, improving habitat for wildlife such as Malleefowl, red-tail black cockatoos and bandicoots, to name just a few.  “The Native Vegetation Heritage Agreements have ensured the long-term protection of more than a million hectares of the state’s native vegetation since the initiative was first introduced in 1980.” Applications for grants will open on 18 August and close on 8 November 2025. Funding will support long-term projects lasting up to 10 years. A second program ­- the Heritage Agreement Incentive Grants – are also available to encourage landholders to establish new Heritage Agreements to protect native vegetation on their land. Heritage Agreements are conservation areas on private land that contribute to restoring or protecting native vegetation and biodiversity. These grants will help fund short-term projects (1-5 years) and are available to all SA landholders. Applications can be submitted any time up to 30 June 2026, however, landholders are encouraged to apply early. For more information visit the Native Vegetation Council website. 

The future of the Port Noarlunga Golf Driving Range will be determined by the end of 2025, with the council looking to privatise its operations.Phu Nguyen, CEO of City of Onkaparinga, says the council has long recognised the Port Noarlunga Golf Driving Range as a valuable community asset with significant growth potential.“Following a thorough review of the facility in 2024, council invited expressions of interest (EOI) in April 2025 from third parties interested in investing in and operating the site to help realise that potential.“Council received several compelling proposals through this process, all indicating substantial investment and plans for long-term improvements that will enhance the driving range experience.“Due diligence is now underway to carefully assess the offers, with council expecting to announce the successful operator by the end of 2025.“This is an exciting opportunity that will ensure the driving range remains a vibrant recreational space for existing users, while also attracting new and aspiring golfers to enjoy improved facilities for years to come.”The small community driving range currently operates on grass tee-off areas and has been described as a no-frills set-up. Find out more on its Facebook page.

Fleurieu Unearthed: Winter Stories Worth Slowing Down ForThanks to Coast Lines magazineSome places don’t need to shout to be heard.The Fleurieu Peninsula in winter is one of them.There’s a hush that settles over the hills. Vineyards bare their branches like bones beneath woollen skies. The sea turns moodier, the days a little slower. And in that stillness, something deeper begins to stir. It’s not just beautiful — it’s revealing.This is where Fleurieu Unearthed begins.More than a seasonal campaign, it’s an invitation. To lean in closer. To listen. To discover the stories tucked between towns. To trade your to-do list for something richer — something only found by taking the long way, speaking to a local, or following a handwritten sign down a gravel road.Because here, winter isn’t about retreating. It’s about revealing.A Different Kind of TravelWe’re craving more from our travels now. Not just pretty views or perfect pictures — but real connection. Authenticity. The kind of moments that leave something behind.That’s what Fleurieu Unearthed is all about.It shines a light on the places and people often overlooked in the rush of summer. The cheesemaker who still stirs curd by hand. The fourth-generation grower who speaks in seasons. The tiny coastal gallery you never knew existed — until a painting inside stopped you mid-step.These are the stories that shape the Fleurieu. And in winter, they rise to the surface.The Art of Slowing DownThe Fleurieu isn’t a place to power through — especially not in the cooler months. It’s built for lingering. For slow lunches that stretch into afternoon wine tastings. For warm hands around coffee cups, and long drives where the destination doesn’t matter as much as the view along the way.You’ll feel it in the cellar doors that greet you like old friends. In the scent of sourdough drifting from a bakery hidden behind a farm gate. In the flicker of a fireplace glowing in a tiny country pub, where the bar staff know your taste before you do.There’s romance in this rhythm — not flashy or fussy, but deeply felt. It invites you to stop performing, and start being.Stories from the HeartThis winter, we’re sharing the Fleurieu in its most genuine form. Through videos, interviews, and curated guides, we’re peeling back the layers — not to market a destination, but to tell its truth.You’ll meet makers who shape their craft with their hands and hearts. Locals who’ve lived here for decades and still marvel at the morning sea spray. Visitors who came for a weekend and never left.It’s the kind of storytelling that doesn’t just inform — it connects.And when you’re connected to a place, you care for it. You support it. You return.Unearthing CelebrationAt the heart of Fleurieu Unearthed are three incredible events that anchor the season:  Fleurieu Food Festival, McLaren Vale’s Grenache & Gourmet, and Langhorne Creek’s Cellar Treasures Weekend.These festivals aren’t just date markers — they’re deeper invitations. To savour a seven-course mushroom degustation in a warm-lit room. To swirl a bold glass of Grenache while chatting with the winemaker who poured it. To duck into a rustic barrel shed for a one-off vertical tasting or forage for your own ingredients in a cooking class led by locals.Through them, the stories of winter are not just told — they’re tasted, shared, and lived.Less Perfect. More Real.There’s a quiet power in the unpolished. In the imperfect. In the real.Fleurieu Unearthed doesn’t just show you highlights — it shows you heart. The bits that don’t always make the brochures, but always make a lasting impression.Because winter doesn’t hide the Fleurieu — it reveals it.The colours might be softer, the roads a little quieter, but what you’ll find here — in the soil, the stories, and the salt air — is everything that makes this place unforgettable.Come See for YourselfSo, what’s waiting to be unearthed?That part’s up to you. Maybe it’s a fireside chat with a winemaker who pours straight from the barrel. Maybe it’s a gallery you didn’t plan to visit. Maybe it’s just a moment — standing still, feeling like you’ve found something rare.Whatever it is, the Fleurieu is ready to share it with you.All you have to do is show up — and slow down.

The annual Strathalbyn Antiques and Vintage Fair will be held on the weekend of 16 and 17 August at the Strathalbyn Oval.It will feature two large halls - Carruthers Hall and the Oval Function Centre - with quality antiques and collectables;  more than 60 market stalls outside; and a variety of food vans.This year the ticket price has been dropped to $5, with accompanied kids under 12 free.It includes entry to the Strathalbyn Oval for the 2-day Treasure Market and both the Fair Halls between 9.30am and 4pm..The Rotary Treasure Market at the Oval will also run from 9am to 4pm on the two days of the fair. 

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City of Onkaparinga is planning an upgrade to the playground and new tree planting at Symonds Reserve in Aldinga Beach. The council is calling for community involvement in the planning process and will hold a drop-in session to discuss the draft concept plan on Wednesday 30 July.Anyone interested can meet at the shelter in the reserve between 4pm and 5.30pm.The draft concept plan shows removal of the two existing playgrounds that have reached the end of their useful life, to be replaces with a larger, fenced playground on the eastern side of the reserve. The plan for the new playground includes:Shade sails and tree planting for future shade.Rope climbing structures and a platform with slides.Six swings, a see saw, spinner, carousel and springer.Hammocks, gumnut chairs and blossom seats, sitting logs and rocks.Interactive music play - song gongs and an interactive sound bridge and sensory path.A communication board.There will also be a drink fountain and dog bowl; a shelter with a barbecue and picnic table and an outdoor table tennis table.New landscaping will include tree planting and revegetation, irrigated grass and a passively irrigated rain garden.A Green Adelaide ‘Cooler, Greener, Wilder’ grant’ of $304,000 towards the project to improve greening, cooling and biodiversity outcomes at the reserve. The draft concept plan can be viewed on the council website. Community engagement will close Monday 11 August.Should the community drop-in session have to be cancelled due to weather conditions the council will post a notice on its Yoursay website on the day.

Local environmental groups, sporting clubs, community organisations, and businesses can apply for a share of $150,000 in grant funding now available through Alexandrina Council.The council’s 2025/26 Grants Program opens on Monday 28 July, offering four different funding categories for eligible applicants. The categories on offer are:Business Initiatives Grant (funding pool $20,000 with grants of up to $2,500 available)Community Environment Grant (funding pool $20,000 with grants of up to $4,000 available)Community Wellbeing Grant (funding pool of $70,000 over four different streams with grants of up to $5,000 available)Heritage Grant (funding pool of $20,000 with grants of up to $2,500 available).The council will offer two free information sessions for those responsible for writing grant applications to be held at the Strathalbyn Library on Monday 28 July, from 4pm to 5.30pm and Wednesday 30 July at Goolwa Library from 4pm to 5.30pm. Potential applicants will have six weeks to work on their project ideas with applications closing on 8 September 2025.“Whether you're kickstarting a new project, an environmental initiative or a heritage restoration idea, these grants empower your group to make a lasting impact and stronger community bonds,” says Mayor Keith Parkes.“Last year our Grants Program assisted 79 local businesses, clubs and organisations with a range of initiatives including the Coastal Warriors program, the Glenbarr Garden Gala and the Strathalbyn Kindergarten Ngartji Project.As well as the four categories offered in July, the council will also offer a Small Grants Program that opens in October. The Small Grants Program provides financial support for a wide range of project types and endeavours up to the value of $1,000.“Each of the grant categories offered aims to both support the community with their project ideas and assist in achieving Council’s strategic objectives,” Mayor Parks says.“Within the Community Wellbeing Grant, four different funding streams are offered to provide financial assistance with a range of community projects, including Active and Healthy, Connected and Inclusive, Vibrant and Artistic, and Places and Spaces.“This will enable us to support a wide variety of community endeavours, including sport and recreation projects, the arts, community facility improvements, and health and wellbeing events and activities. “At least $10,000 of the Community Wellbeing Grant pool will be allocated towards supporting community events.“I encourage all our community groups and organisations to explore our 2025-26 Grant Program and to reach out to our Grants Officer to discuss your project ideas.Details are on the council website, which has information on eligibility requirements and the full guidelines for each funding stream.

City of Onkaparinga adopted a revised Open Space Strategic Management Plan at its council meeting on Tuesday 15 July.The new plan reflects feedback from the community and a local member of parliament and the council says it ensures a smarter, more sustainable investment in parks, reserves and play spaces across the city.In response to feedback, the council changed the service level from a proposed 1 kilometre to 750 metres, so most households will have a play space within easy reach.The council also responded to strong support for greener, more climate-resilient spaces. As a result, sites where small play spaces are not renewed will not be lost but will be reimagined with trees, irrigated grass, biodiversity plantings or possibly community gardens.Other key updates based on feedback include:Aligning footpath and open space projects to improve access.Retaining irrigation to support greener reimagined sites.A clear commitment to ongoing community engagement as renewals and projects progress.Mayor Moira Were says the final plan supports active lifestyles, climate resilience, and a well-connected network of high-quality open spaces."This is not about cutting costs—our overall play space budget is not being reduced. We’re simply investing more wisely, putting more into bigger, better play spaces that serve more people, and reimagining smaller spaces to benefit the environment and neighbourhoods."The council says it will continue engaging residents as individual play spaces are identified for renewal. Visit the website for updates and upcoming opportunities to get involved.

With Libraries SA’s Firstival events drawing to a close, Goolwa and Strathalbyn Libraries will offer creative workshops where art meets spirit. They offer a chance to connect with spirit friends through art, express creativity and explore spiritual connections.Beginners and experienced artists can use assortment of paints and Posca markers to paint their own mi:wi wiraki – spirit friends.These free workshops will be held on Wednesday 30 July at 10am in Goolwa library and at 1.30pm in Strathalbyn library.Book online via Eventbrite for the Goolwa session or the Strathalbyn session.

The state government has pledged $2 million over two years to support the continuation and expansion of two critical domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) prevention and recovery hubs.This ongoing investment in the Northern and Southern Hubs builds on a  commitment to help ensure women have the crucial supports needed when experiencing DFSV, while continuing to work toward preventing violence before it starts. The Southern Hub, known as The Yellow Gate at Noarlunga Centre, has been providing free and confidential services to survivors since late 2023, with support from Community Justice Services SA and joint funding by the SA Office for Women and the Federal Department of Social Services. It has supported almost 300 women with its co-location with Yarrow Place and Cedar Health Services, enabling it to offer a range of services, such as crisis responses for recent sexual assaults, counselling and health checks. The Northern Multi-Agency Hub, led by Women’s Safety Services SA and co-located with South Australian Police, opened in May 2024 to support women and families in the Playford, Salisbury, Gawler, Barossa, Light and Mallala regions. Minister Katrine Hildyard says the hubs have been really successful in bridging the gap between early intervention and the need for crisis support resulting in fewer women slipping through the cracks.“Ending violence against women is of the utmost importance to this government. We are proud of the comprehensive policy, legislative and investment actions we have taken. “We look forward to taking further action following the findings of the Royal Commission which gives us an opportunity to drive generational change on the scourge of violence against women. Yellow Gate Acting CEO Katherine Davies says The Yellow Gate has been a wonderful addition to the supports available for women who have experienced or are experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence across Southern Adelaide.  “This additional funding will allow our team to provide greater outreach services, increased community engagement and education for prevention ensuring there is a safe, accessible and inclusive place for women to seek counselling, advocacy support, peer engagement and sense of community.”The Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence will release its findings in August.  

The Emergency Management Committee of state cabinet met yesterday, Tuesday 22 July, and signed off on a $28 million harmful algal bloom support package.The comprehensive package covers industry support, science and research, communications, community support and clean up.The state government will contribute $14 million, matching the Commonwealth’s contribution, announced on Monday, with elements of the package to start rolling out immediately.Key measures in the next stage of the harmful algal bloom support package include:Science and ResearchCoastal Monitoring Network - investing in expanded early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species through real time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling, with rapid detection of harmful algal blooms and early warning systems for industry. ($8.5m)New national testing laboratory in SA for harmful algal bloom and brevetoxin/biotoxin testing. Currently, samples are sent to New Zealand for analysis, resulting in delays of up to a week. ($2m)Rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries to quantify impact, including modelling ecological impacts on near shore marine ecosystems and all sanctuary zones utilising remote underwater video surveys and dive surveys. ($3m)Citizen Science - rapid meta-analysis of citizen science records and documented ecological impacts to provide a baseline understanding from which to assess recovery.Develop a dedicated harmful algal bloom response plan for future bloom events.CommunicationsHarmful Algal Bloom Taskforce to meet every Thursday, with a media conference to follow to keep the public informed on latest developments.Public forums for impacted coastal communities and a trusted single point of information and contact for timely, accurate, and clear communication to industry and the public including a single phone hotline, website, consistent physical signage and information.Public information campaigns focused on rebuilding confidence and driving visitation to our coastal regions and marine based tourism businesses and promoting the seafood industry and benefits of recreational fishing. ($2m)Community support and clean upCommunity Fund to support activities and small projects in affected communities. ($3m)Beach clean-up funding for local government to assist cleaning up dead fish and marine life. ($1m)Industry Support$10,000 Small Business Support Grants for eligible small businesses.Financial counselling, mental health support and workforce advice to assist small businesses impacted by the harmful algal bloom to develop recovery and continuity plans, understand the short and long-term implications, and help manage financial and mental wellbeing.These measures are in addition to the fee relief previously announced and the $1,500 direct support payments to impacted primary producers.The state government has also released new underwater footage captured by the patrol vessel Southern Ranger, which visited sites in the Gulf of St Vincent last week. The vision reveals the impact of the harmful algal bloom across several important marine sanctuaries, with suspected visual signs of the algal bloom and rough seas reducing visibility to less than two metres in places.The Southern Ranger visited the Zanoni shipwreck in the Upper Gulf St Vincent Marine Park. The footage shows many of the sponges, cold water corals and other filter-feeding organisms have been clearly impacted at the shipwreck site.Around the Aldinga Reef and the Rapid Head sanctuary zones many invertebrates, such as sponges and ascidians, still appeared to be healthy with colour retained in their structures. However, some of these were starting to show signs of stress with white patches appearing in places.Premier Peter Malinauskas says the state government has been developing a deliberately calibrated suite of measures for the next stage of its response to the unprecedented harmful algal bloom.“We have been engaging with key stakeholders, industry and communities to ensure our response is targeted to where it is needed most.“I want to thank the Commonwealth for their contribution of $14 million towards this effort.“As a government, this represents the next stage of our response to this developing natural disaster, and we stand ready to deliver additional support if and when it is needed.”

It’s almost a year away but City of Victor Harbor is calling for community input into planning for next year’s Winter Whalefest.The annual family-friendly festival spans the month of June to celebrate whales migrating to the south coast from late May to October..The 2025 events, activities and workshops were inspired by Kondoli, the whale from Ngarrindjeri Dreaming.They highlighted Victor Harbor’s coastline, culture, science, and creativity with more than 25 events featuring art, film, live music, cultural experiences, tours and science talks.A special feature was whale-inspired lantern workshops culminating in the Kondoli Lantern Parade, which unfortunately had to be moved indoors at the last minute due to hazardous weather.The council has created a survey for anyone who took part in the festival to give feedback on how it went and what could make it better. Find it online.

A year-on-year rise in volatile lithium-ion battery fires has prompted a new safety campaign by South Australia’s fire services aiming to reverse the concerning trend. Lithium-ion battery fires are a rapidly increasing fire threat to South Australians and are commonly found in household items such as mobile phones and rechargeable toys and tools. Over the past five years, MFS callouts to fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have increased nearly ten-fold – with the leading cause linked to mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters. In the first half of 2025, the MFS has already responded to more than half of last year’s total related cases – sparking fears of an unwanted new record. Many of these incidents involve the improper use of charging equipment or individuals attempting to build or modify battery packs to boost performance. Of the 39 incidents responded to by MFS and CFS across the state between January and June this year, around one-in-four were linked to mobility devices, including structure fires at Croydon Park, Adelaide CBD and Hackham. In response, both emergency services agencies have launched a joint two-month campaign to help households prevent blazes and highlight the deadly risk posed when using lithium-ion batteries incorrectly. The state’s consumer watchdog, Consumer and Business Services, supports the campaign and has issued multiple warnings to consumers about these batteries. A 92 per cent increase in reported lithium-ion incidents including swelling, overheating and fires nationally was reported by the ACCC in 2022.Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Andrea Michaels says with more electronic devices in homes than ever before, it is so important to be vigilant and understand how to safely use lithium-ion batteries.  “I know firsthand that these batteries can be dangerous after I had a fire sparked by an electric scooter charging in my home a few years ago.  “I urge South Australians to be careful when using these batteries and follow the safety advice.” The campaign asks South Australians to: Never build their own batteries or battery packs – including adding multiple batteries together.Use compatible, compliant chargers and avoid mixing and matches different brands. Charge larger devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, outside and away from combustible materials and not in hallways and room entry/exit points.Charge batteries on a hard non-flammable surface like tiles or concrete.Disconnect products as soon as they are fully charged.Purchase new lithium-ion batteries or devices from reputable suppliers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.Regularly check batteries for signs of damage including cracking, denting, swelling and leaking, as well as heating up or emitting smoke.Safely dispose of batteries at an approved recycling facility. CFS Executive Director Operations Brenton Hastie says CFS volunteers are increasingly responding to fires involving lithium-ion batteries, often caused by unsafe charging practices such as unattended charging, overcharging, or using non-approved chargers. “For their own safety, we urge the community to disconnect devices once fully charged, use only manufacturer-approved charging equipment and dispose of batteries correctly if they are cracked, dented, swollen, leaking, overheating or emitting smoke.“Damaged or used batteries can be correctly disposed of at battery recycling points or you can contact your local council for disposal advice.”Never touch, move or try to extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire. No matter how small the fire might seem, the risk of explosion and release of toxic vapours and gases is high. Evacuate immediately and call 000 (Triple Zero). For more information on the campaign visit the MFS website,  or for product safety tips the Consumer & Business Affairs website.