City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were will travel to Brazil next month to attend the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro.C40 is a global network of mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis.The summit will be held from 3 to 5 November in the lead up to COP30, the 30th annual meeting of the 198 signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in Belem from 10 to 21 November.The Mayor was invited to join Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith’s delegation to the summit, which brings together mayors from nearly 100 cities to focus on climate change and urban sustainability.“It's a chance for Onkaparinga to be part of a global conversation and showcase the work of local government in South Australia,” she says.“The visit also supports Adelaide’s bid to host COP31 next year, which – if secured – is expected to generate over $500 million in economic benefits to our state, boost off-peak tourism demand and attract new investment in green technology. “These benefits would flow to Onkaparinga businesses and communities, and give us exposure on the world stage.”Mayor Were says all travel and accommodation costs are being covered by the Local Government Association (LGA) of South Australia. “As a board member of the LGA and Chair of the Greater Adelaide Regional Organisation of Councils, I’m attending in a broader leadership role.“The remaining costs are to be self-funded. The trip isn’t being funded by the City of Onkaparinga, and I don’t intend to claim reimbursements for incidentals, which I indicated to the CEO before the trip was approved by elected members at the 14 October Council meeting.”The Mayor has faced questions about whether it is appropriate for her to attend the summit, given the hardship faced by the local community with cost-of-living pressures and the effects of the algal bloom.“I agree that local governments must prioritise local issues, and addressing climate change impacts is one of the most challenging local issues we face, as evidenced by the current harmful algal bloom that’s seriously impacting our coastline,” she says.

A prescribed burn is planned at Talisker Conservation Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula on Friday, weather conditions permitting.The prescribed burn will start at 11am on Friday October 24 and is likely to be completed by 4pm on the same day.This is a 1.8-hectare edge burn to the north of Talisker Road in preparation for a larger burn. Talisker Road will be impacted by smoke and will remain open.National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) crews will remain on site until safe.NPWS conducts a statewide program of prescribed burns to reduce the spread and intensity of bushfires, protect communities and enhance biodiversity.Prescribed burning is just one tool used to reduce fuel loads across strategic areas of public and private land.Prescribed burns will only be carried out when it is deemed safe to do so and may be cancelled at short notice.For the most up-to-date information and to find a list of planned prescribed burns, visit the DEW website.

A Connecting Community Forum will be held at Encounter Bay Football Club on Friday 31 October for people experiencing dementia and their families and friends.MP for Finniss David Basham will host the free event, in conjunction with federal independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie and Dementia Australia.“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, Mr Basham 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.” Ms 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.” Local carer and advocate Deidre Henderson will be a guest speaker at the forum.“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.”Mrs Henderson says her husband was always a larger-than-life personality with a joyful disposition. “People were drawn to him. He was adored by everyone.”An Australian National Sailing Champion, Warren was an expert sailor, a successful business owner and a dedicated family man.In 2020, the couple retired to Victor Harbor, ready to settle into the next phase of their lives. Deidre had noticed Warren was struggling with his memory, but she put it down to his massive workload running a successful building company.“I thought his memory lapses were due to work stress and a busy social life and hoped it would improve once he gave up work.”Instead, Warren’s memory rapidly declined, and Deidre also noticed behavioural changes in her once cheerful partner. Within six months of their retirement to the Fleurieu region, Warren was diagnosed with dementia. Four years later, Deidre’s own major health issues forced her to make the heart wrenching decision to place Warren into full-time care.“I was devastated. It was the most heartbreaking experience to be separated from my soul mate.”Deidre credits staff at Dementia Australia and Carers SA among those who supported her through that difficult time.“I received fantastic support and feel blessed to have had local medical teams, helplines and fellow carers to show me a way forward.”David Basham says Deidre’s story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to talk about dementia in the community.“A dementia diagnosis is a daunting health issue to navigate. I am glad we have strong support structures in place and people like Deidre in the Finniss community advocating for more awareness because there is still so much to be done in this space.” The Connecting Community Forum will run from 1.30pm to 3.30pm; to attend RSVP via Trybooking. 

Alexandrina Council offices, libraries and depots will close for almost two weeks over the Christmas and New Year holidays.They will close from 12 noon Wednesday 24 December 2025 until 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.City of Victor Harbor offices and depots will close at the regular times on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen at 9am on Friday 2 January 2026. The library will be open on Monday and Tuesday 29 to 30 December from 9am to 5pm and Wednesday 31 December from 9am to 6pm.Visitor information services and arts centres in both council areas will only close on the public holidays for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, 25 and 26 December and 1 January.At the October meeting Alexandrina councillors endorsed the extended Christmas closure period as recommended by CEO Andrew McDonald.“In previous holiday periods, Council has closed its principal offices, libraries and depots during the Christmas and New Year period, where customer volume is anticipated to be low. “Such holiday closures have been considered successful in reducing Administration's leave, liability and budgeted goods and services expenditure. “Notwithstanding the closure, there will be a skeleton staffing level maintained with the ability to access additional resources if required. “Throughout the Christmas closure, Council's general contact number is 8555 7000 will be monitored by Council's out-of-hours service provider.”Victor Harbor councillors endorsed the holiday closures at the August council meeting following a report from Karen Rokicinski, Director Corporate and Customer Service. “It has been the practice of the City of Victor Harbor to close its principal office, library and depot between Christmas and New Year's Day. “In recent years, however, the library has trialled opening on selected days between the public holidays, with positive results. It is therefore recommended that the library remain open again this year during this period, except on the Saturday immediately following the Proclamation Day public holiday.”Ms Rokicinski said the office and depot closure period of eight days would give staff a much- needed break and was a way to manage and reduce Council's accumulated leave liability.All waste collection, cleaning and traffic management services will operate as usual.

The City of Victor Harbor will host a series of free sustainability workshops for the community to learn more about green living. Living sustainably can help to reduce the impact on the planet and preserve it for future generations by making healthier choices.Four workshops will be held over the next three months to help expand knowledge of sustainable practices.All aged over 13 are welcome to take part, with registrations essential via the City of Victor Harbor booking site.First up on Thursday 30 October is an information session on Natural Fermented Sodas: Kombucha, Jun and Ginger bugs. It will be held at the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Register online. Two workshops will be held at the Visitor Centre on Friday 28 November.They are on starting a Veggie Patch from Scratch from 10am to 12noon (register online); and Creating food forest and growing perennial foods from 2pm to 4pm; Register online.The final session, Beeswax Wrap workshop, will be held at the Coral Street Art Space on Friday 23 January from 2pm to 3pm. Register online.

New laws banning the use of robocalls and robopolls relating to state elections and deepfake political advertisements have come into effect ahead of the March 2026 state election.The new laws prohibit political parties, candidates, members of Parliament (MPs) and persons acting on their behalf from making robocalls consisting of unsolicited automated calls containing a pre-recorded message relating to a state election. They also prohibit political parties, candidates, MPs and persons acting on their behalf undertaking robopolling, where automated opinion polls are conducted using a computer script—rather than by an individual—relating to a state election or voting intentions. Anyone caught breaching these laws will face penalties of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for body corporates. Under the reforms, the use of AI-generated deepfakes to create electoral ads that depict acts that a person did not perform – without that person’s permission - will be banned, with penalties in place of up to $5,000 for people caught in breach.A person will be able to consent to their image being used in a deepfake advertisement, but those advertisements - and any others that use AI - will need to be clearly labelled as such.The laws prohibit using AI to generate electoral advertisements, or deepfakes, which have been designed to mislead voters, which has occurred in recent interstate and overseas elections. Deepfakes are images, video or audio of a real person that have been digitally altered to create an extremely realistic but false depiction of them doing something they did not actually do or say. The new laws also prohibit political involvement in the postal votes application process, and create new offences and give stronger powers to authorised officers to deal with disruptive behaviour at electoral events. Authorised Electoral Commission officers will be able to give directions to maintain order at an election. New penalties are $5000 for the new offences and failing to comply with directions.Deputy Premier and Special Minister of State Kyam Maher says the state government is committed to strengthening South Australia’s democracy, and ensuring South Australians can have confidence in the electoral process. “Our world-leading ban on political donations was just the beginning of this robust suite of reforms aimed to protect and strengthen our democracy.“One thing that is becoming more apparent by the day is that we need to be on our guard to protect against misinformation online, and our laws banning the use of misleading deepfakes in political advertising is an important step in keeping up with this technology.“We know that South Australians are sick and tired of political robocalls, which are becoming all too frequent. Our reforms mean that political robocalls and robopolls are now banned for state elections.”

Artist and storyteller Libby Tozer will offer a free workshop at Strathalbyn Library Community Room on Monday 27 October as part of the Wellness in Nature project."Bring a vase that holds a story—and take part in a gentle, nature-based flower arranging session focused on creativity, connection, and conversation,” Libby says.“Together, we’ll explore simple arranging techniques, the meanings behind common blooms, and which flowers are edible (or not). “This workshop is about more than creating something beautiful—it’s about rediscovering creativity, embracing imperfection, and connecting with nature and each other. “Nature is wild, uneven, and full of character—and your arrangement will be too. That’s the beauty of it."The ‘Flowers from Home to Home’ session will run from 10am to 12noon; reserve a place via Humanitix.This program is funded through an Age Friendly SA Grant from Office for Ageing Well as part of the Wellness in Nature Project run by Alexandrina Council.Find out more about the Wellness in Nature program, including Walking on Country at Port Elliot's Basham Beach on Thursday 23 October and a First Nations Weaving Workshopat Goolwa's Signal Point Experience Centre on Thursday 30 October, on the Alexandrina Council website.

Significant upgrades have been proposed for Port Noarlunga Driving Range and City of Onkaparinga is consulting the community on the changes.GreenSpace Management has been selected as the preferred party through the council’s expression of interest process to co-invest in and deliver a proposed transformation of the facility.The proposal outlines a long-term partnership that would see GreenSpace manage the site from 1 January 2026 for up to 20 years.Under the Local Government Act 1999 the council is legally required to seek community feedback on two key aspects of the proposal: the proposed lease of community land for more than five years and the proposed amendment to the Community Land Management Plan (CLMP) for this site.Subject to the outcomes of this engagement, Council will consider whether to proceed with the lease and CLMP amendment in late 2025. If endorsed, GreenSpace Management would then lodge a development application (DA) for the site.The DA process will include a separate public notification period, giving the community another opportunity to provide feedback – particularly on matters such as design, noise, lighting and opening hours.Feedback can be provided via the council YourSay page until Monday 10 November. City of Onkaparinga CEO Phu Nguyen says the proposal represents an exciting opportunity to deliver high quality, inclusive recreation that supports community wellbeing and the local economy.“This project aligns strongly with our vision for sustainable, community-focused development,” he says.“The proposal showcases how recreation and community spaces can evolve while respecting the natural coastal setting.”The proposal includes world-class driving range technology powered by Trackman, offering 24 undercover bays and six retained green grass range bays.It also features an URBN SHANX mini golf course – the second in Australia – and two padel courts with master planning for two additional courts.GreenSpace Managing Director Peter Vlahandreas says the company’s collaborative approach has delivered award-winning public golf and recreation transformations across Australia.“Our focus is on creating accessible, modern spaces that bring people together,” he says.“The proposed range at Port Noarlunga reflects a careful balance between site sensitivity, design excellence and community value.”Damien de Bohun, General Manager – Clubs, Facilities and Places to Play, Golf Australia says golf is thriving in Australia, with more than 4 million people now enjoying the game in one of its many formats.“We’re seeing record participation and membership growth, particularly among younger generations, driven by new ways to experience the game, from driving ranges and simulators to mini golf and entertainment venues that welcome everyone,” he says.“The Port Noarlunga Driving Range is a fantastic example of that evolution, combining technology and social play to create a vibrant community hub where people can connect, be active and have fun.”

It is shockingly simple to help save a life - this is the key message of Restart a Heart Day, celebrated last week as a reminder of the importance of early intervention in cardiac arrest.Over 32,000 people a year suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Australia, almost 4,000 of those occur in South Australia. Sadly, only 1 in 10 of them survive.According to The Heart Foundation, when an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is used in conjunction with CPR in the first 3 to 5 minutes of a cardiac arrest, the chance of surviving jumps to around 70 percent.Finniss MP David Basham has recently had an AED installed in his electorate office in Victor Harbor.He says he is pleased to be part of South Australia’s efforts to lead the nation in the saturation of AEDs in public places, with particular focus in regional areas.“Saving a life can be made easier, even without a great deal of training because AEDs are designed so that a person just needs to follow the verbal prompts to give someone in cardiac arrest a better chance of survival,” he says.“We have people visiting the office every day seeking information and assistance, some of them are coming for help because of health concerns. We also provide a regular meeting place for community groups and many of these people are seniors.“I hope the AED is never needed, but to have it close at hand just adds peace of mind for anyone inside or near the office.”Jennie Politis is a regularly user of the meeting room at the Finniss electorate office with the Victor Harbor VIEW Club.“We can get a bit passionate about things in our meetings, so it is reassuring to know there is the ability to intervene immediately with the prospect of saving lives in our community.” New AED laws were introduced in South Australia this year making access to the devices mandatory in certain buildings, facilities and vehicles, with the aim to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by increasing their public access.  The AED at the Finniss Electorate Office is located at 71 Victoria Street Victor Harbor and is available during office hours from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

A man is in hospital after an assault at Seaford.About 2.20am today (Monday 20 October), police and ambulance crews were called to a business on The Parade after reports that a man had attempted to force his way into the workshop.A fight occurred between the suspect and a 45-year-old man who was at the property.The suspect, a 46-year-old Aldinga Beach man was taken to hospital in a serious condition.The other man was not injured.Police believe that both men are known to each other.Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au270081

All local councils have now opened nominations for the 2026 Citizenship Awards, which close on Sunday 16 November.Mayor Michael Pengilly is encouraging Kangaroo Island residents to take part in two key community programs now open, the Citizen of the Year Awards and Council’s 2025–26 Community Grants Scheme.“These programs reflect the heart of who we are as a community,” Michael Pengilly says. “They give us the opportunity to celebrate the people and projects that make Kangaroo Island stronger, more connected and more vibrant.”The Citizen of the Year Awards are presented by the Australia Day Council of South Australia and administered by councils, honour those who make a difference every day, the volunteers, organisers and quiet achievers who give their time and energy to benefit others.The main award categories are:Citizen of the Year Community Event of the YearCommunity Project of the Year Award recipients will be announced at council Australia Day 2026 celebrations and may go on to be recognised at the state awards, presented by the Governor of South Australia.Other awards categories include Young Citizen of the Year and Active Citizenship. Full details of the awards and a nomination form can be found on the Citizen of the Year Awards website. Alexandrina Council presents two awards in each of the five categories, with Australia Day events held in Strathalbyn and Goolwa. The Kangaroo Island 2025–26 Community Grants Scheme is designed to help community groups and individuals bring ideas to life that deliver social, environmental or cultural benefits to the Island.The total funding pool of $22,500 provides grants of up to $4,000 per project, supporting local initiatives that enhance community wellbeing, inclusion and connection. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 31 October. For details, guidelines and online applications, visit the council website “Whether it’s recognising an inspiring individual or helping a local project take shape, these programs showcase the incredible spirit of Kangaroo Island,” Mayor Michael Pengilly says. “I encourage everyone to get involved, nominate someone, apply for a grant and help celebrate what makes our Island great.”

Words: Susie WilliamsThanks to Coast Lines magazineTucked behind the CFS and SES complex on Elliot Street, at the western edge of Port Elliot, a quiet transformation has been blooming. What was once a vacant patch of land is now a thriving, green hub of community, learning, and connection—the Port Elliot Community Garden.Officially established in 2022, this garden is more than raised beds and orchard trees. It’s a living symbol of what can happen when committed locals turn an idea into action. It began back in February 2020, when a small group, driven by curiosity and community spirit, gathered in the dog park on a cold, wet and windy day. “We put a call out on Facebook for a public meeting,” recalls Ian Nuberg, current treasurer. “Despite the weather, people turned up and said, ‘Yes, I’m interested.’”From that point on, things began to grow—literally and figuratively.Planting the seedAn early champion of the garden, Ian Nuberg is a retired Associate Professor of the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at Waite Campus, University of Adelaide. Alongside Elizabeth Ganguly, as first coordinator/chair, Gus Telfer, as secretary and a determined core team, Ian helped guide the project through the maze of site options, council negotiations, and funding applications.“We looked at six potential sites around Port Elliot,” he explains. “Alexandrina Council wouldn’t do it for us, but they were open to us leasing land. So we did community consultation, formed a monthly committee and started applying for grants.”Two years of persistent planning and paperwork paid off. By 2022, the group secured a lease for Reserve 60 on Elliot Street. With nearly $40,000 in grants and a lot of elbow grease, they fenced the property, laid paths, installed raised garden beds and planted over 30 orchard trees. Local designer Elizabeth Ganguly created the garden layout and was instrumental in liaising with council.Today, the garden boasts 122 square metres of productive garden beds, and 370 square metres under fruit trees, paved access throughout and a growing community of members and supporters.Community at the coreTrue to its name, the Port Elliot Community Garden welcomes people from all walks of life. Some come for the love of gardening, others for companionship, and many for the simple joy of being outdoors.“There’s no requirement to work,” Ian explains. “People contribute at different levels. Some are here every week, others pop in when they can. And that’s okay.”The garden is open to the public every Wednesday from 9am to 12noon and on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Members, who pay an annual fee of $40, can access the garden 24/7 via a gate code. Harvested produce is shared among those who help, on an honesty system.Beyond vegetables, the garden is growing connections—with schools, support organisations, and the wider community. Children from the local kindy visit regularly, planting in their dedicated garden bed with the help of volunteers. “They come down hand in hand in their little fluoro vests,” Ian says. “It’s a joy to see.”The garden also hosts visits from the Hills District Disability Support group, who travel from Mount Barker to engage with nature in a safe, inclusive environment.A place for possibilitiesWhile the garden is flourishing, Di , as coordinator/chair, and Ian with the whole team see even greater potential. “We’d love to see more community use,” Ian says. “If someone wanted to run a mosaic workshop, for example, we’d welcome that. There’s space, and it would be great to add some art around the garden.”The team has dreams for more: shade structures, a small garden shed and maybe even community events. But their focus remains on steady, inclusive growth.And they’re always looking for more people to join in.Come Along, Get InvolvedTo celebrate South Australia’s Community Gardens Day, the Port Elliot Community Garden will host an Open Day on Saturday 2 November. Check the details on Facebook nearer the time. It’s the perfect chance to explore the garden, chat with members and see if you’d like to get involved.“No experience necessary,” Di laughs. “Just curiosity and a bit of heart.”Membership forms, garden details, and contact information are available on the Port Elliot Town and Foreshore Improvement Association website at www.portelliot.org.au. to Di as Membership Secretary on [email protected] or phone Ian on 0421 144 671.So whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or someone simply looking to connect with community, the Port Elliot Community Garden is here—growing food, friendships and a better future for all.

Alexandrina Council is planning to build a BMX track at the Clayton Bay foreshore reserve and calling for the community to have input into the design.The proposed site is next to the playground and public toilets.The council says the term BMX track can mean different things to different people, so it wants to know what type of facility would be preferred.It says any new track needs to allow for entry-level and beginner riders and to progress to intermediate and potentially advanced riders.There are three options up for discussion: a pump track; a skills park; or dirt jumps.Details and examples of the three options can be viewed on the Alexandrina MySay website.Community consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 7 November. Construction of the new track is expected to happen in early to mid 2026.

Drivers are reminded to stay alert and drive responsibly on Sunday, October 19, with mobile speed cameras scheduled to operate throughout South Australia.As weekend traffic increases — especially across popular travel routes and regional townships — police will be actively monitoring a range of locations to promote safe driving and reduce speeding-related incidents. Whether you're heading out for a Sunday drive, returning from a getaway, or simply passing through, it's important to follow speed limits and remain vigilant behind the wheel.A full list of mobile speed camera locations for Sunday is included below. Let’s all do our part to make the roads safer for everyone.BAINS RD, WOODCROFTCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDDALKEITH RD, SEAFORD RISEDEQUETTEVILLE TCE, KENT TOWNFITZROY TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEGALLOWAY RD, O'SULLIVAN BEACHGLEN OSMOND RD, GLEN OSMONDGLYNBURN RD, BURNSIDEGLYNVILLE DR, HACKHAM WESTGREENHILL RD, BURNSIDELEFEVRE TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEMAGILL RD, MAGILLMAIN SOUTH RD, OLD NOARLUNGAMELBOURNE ST, NORTH ADELAIDEMOUNT BARKER RD, LEAWOOD GARDENSODESSA DR, WOODCROFTOSMOND TCE, NORWOODSEAFORD RD, SEAFORDSHEREBROOKE BVD, WOODCROFTSHERRIFFS RD, REYNELLASIR JAMES HARDY WAY, WOODCROFTWAKEFIELD RD, ADELAIDEWALKERVILLE TCE, GILBERTONWATTLE ST, FULLARTONWITTON RD, PORT NOARLUNGA

Meet Odin — a devoted and steadfast dog featured as RSPCA South Australia’s Pet of the Week. Odin is ready to find the loving home he’s been waiting for and bring years of companionship, loyalty, and joy to his new family.Some things we know about Odin:He enjoys being close to people and thrives on affection.Odin has the heart of a protector and would make a devoted friend and guardian.He looks forward to walks, cozy evenings in, and spending quality time with those who love him.Odin would likely shine best in a calm, patient home that will give him time to settle in and trust.If you’ve been searching for a loyal and loving companion, Odin might just be the dog for you. 🔗 Learn more: Odin – RSPCA South Australia

Investigator College students are partnering with a sniffer dog to find and protect hidden turtle nests, as part of a pioneering school-based conservation project.English springer spaniel Nessie will sniff her way around the College’s 10-hectare riverfront site at Currency Creek during October, showing students where to install fox deterrents, nest guards and surveillance cameras just before nesting season.Students will then assess the effectiveness of these measures, providing useful insights to landholders and conservationists who are joining the effort to save three ageing turtle populations: the Eastern long- necked turtle, Murray short-necked turtle, and the Broad-shelled turtle.Early trials using artificial nests with chicken eggs have already shown promising results.“Participating Year 11 and 12 students are thrilled to be taking part in ecologically significant conservation research as part of their Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management,” says Investigator College Teacher and Currency Creek Campus Manager Nat Gilbert.“I am not aware of anywhere else where students can work alongside conservationists and industry experts as part of a funded project with this sort of positive biodiversity impact.“We are fortunate to have such an amazing property, which makes this VET course and projects like this possible.To date, students have also installed basking platforms, while Conservation and Detection Dogs SA has been busy training up Nessie, whose acute sense of smell will finally level the playing field with foxes.The project is funded by Landscape Hills and Fleurieu and the College has thanked other participants, including Ngarrindjeri Thukabi Monitoring Program, the 1 Million Turtles Project, Nature Glenelg Trust, Aquasave, Adelaide University, Yarluwar-Ruwe Project, Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, Strathalbyn Field Naturalists and Barron Environmental.Nessy will be helping students find turtle nests and fox dens.

Willunga will host the annual Fleurieu Folk Festival, with a 12-hour musical extravaganza, next Friday 25 October.The festival has been reduced to a one-day event this year due to a pause in grant funding, but will still feature some of the state’s finest and most talented musicians.It covers a broad range of genres, focusing on traditional and contemporary folk and Celtic but also including Americana, bluegrass and more.There will be workshops, dancers, jam sessions and blackboard concerts, musical theatre, poetry, spoken word and children’s entertainment, local food and market stalls.Willunga oval is not available for camping this year, due to construction works.Full program details and ticket option can be found on the website.

It’s time to dig out the waders – the Waterbug Bioblitz spring round is fast approaching for Eastern Hills and Alexandrina Plains residents. A popular citizen-science opportunity, the Waterbug Bioblitz includes two separate events in both the Angas-Finniss and Bremer catchments and will see pools at over 25 sites tested for water quality and macroinvertebrate (waterbug) activity.Held in November, the events encourage the community to get involved in caring for their patch, joined by volunteer groups and Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu aquatic ecologists.Senior Stewardship Officer Dana Miles says the family-friendly events are open to all interested in getting their hands dirty in the name of conservation.“We’re really pleased to be working with Second Nature Conservancy once again to host these two events, on Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri Country,” she says.“The help of the volunteers makes the events efficient and exciting. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the health of the waterways and catchment and help inform decision making around water planning. Plus, you never know what we might find!”In recent years, the Waterbug Bioblitz has yielded some great insights into the two catchments. Several rare species have been located, which informs ecologists of where theirwork can make an impact.“We generally meet up at the base in the morning, have a quick training, then split up in groups to monitor different sites, before meeting back at the lab to get a close-up look at what we have found and take records,” Dana Miles says. “It’s a great learning experience and an opportunity to be a real scientist for the day. We supply all the equipment and lunch; all we need are keen volunteers with a love for nature.”Registrations are essential.Bremer Waterbug Bioblitz – Friday 7 November (Wistow).  Angas Finniss Waterbug Bioblitz - Friday 14 November (Strathalbyn).The Waterbug Bioblitz program is delivered in South Australia by the Hills and Fleurieu, Northern and Yorke and Murraylands and Riverland landscape boards, and partners.The Angas-Finniss and Bremer Waterbug Bioblitz events are delivered by Second Nature Conservancy, with support from Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu and the Department for Environment and Water’s Flows for the Future program. These events are funded by Landscape Levy and the state government’s Citizen Science Grants program.

Motorists are advised to drive with care tomorrow, Friday, October 17, as mobile speed detection units will be operating across South Australia — including regional areas, metropolitan roads, and key commuter routes.As part of SAPOL’s ongoing commitment to road safety, these mobile cameras are strategically placed to encourage speed compliance and reduce the risk of road incidents. Whether you're travelling through the Fleurieu, heading into the city, or exploring regional South Australia, take a moment to check your speed and stay alert behind the wheel.The full list of speed camera locations scheduled for Friday is provided below. Let’s all play our part in keeping our roads safe.ALDINGA BEACH RD, ALDINGA BEACHCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORD RISECROSS RD, MYRTLE BANKDEQUETTEVILLE TCE, KENT TOWNDEVEREUX RD, HAZELWOOD PARKDUTHY ST, UNLEYELIZABETH RD, MORPHETT VALEELIZABETH RD, CHRISTIE DOWNSESPLANADE, ALDINGA BEACHFULLARTON RD, ADELAIDEGRAND BVD, SEAFORDGRAND BVD, SEAFORD RISEGRANT AVE, ROSE PARKGREENHILL RD, BURNSIDEGRIFFITHS DR, MOANAHIGH ST, WILLUNGAMAGILL RD, MAGILLMAIN RD, WILLUNGAOLD COACH RD, MASLIN BEACHSEAVIEW RD, MCLAREN VALESHAKESPEARE AVE, MAGILLTHE PARADE, KENSINGTON GARDENSTUSMORE AVE, LEABROOKWATTLE ST, FULLARTON