A man was arrested after being seen loitering at the back of a Christies Beach business yesterday morning.Police were called to a business on Beach Road, Christies Beach about 4.30am on Monday 15 April by reports of a man acting suspiciously around the back of the store.A patrol attended and located the man.  No offences had occurred, but police checks revealed the 49-year-old was wanted for questioning about a break-in at a local charity last month.He was arrested and charged with serious criminal trespass and theft.  He was refused police bail and appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court yesterday.Police encourage the public to report suspicious behaviour at the time on the police assistance line on 131 444 or Triple Zero in an emergency.CO2400013658

Finniss MP David Basham has highlighted the childcare shortfall on the Fleurieu and offered some hope to those affected.In a Facebook post the state Opposition MP says a critical shortage of childcare is consistently raised with him across his electorate.“Childcare providers informed me there is an up to 2-year waitlist for children to attend. “With cost-of-living pressures facing families and local businesses needing workers, this is a severe pain point affecting many in our community.”Mr Basham gave details of four prospective childcare centres, three in Goolwa and one in Chiton.He says construction has started on one in Goolwa, an 80-child capacity facility on Hutchinson Street.Another in Goolwa and the Chiton facility have been granted planning approval, while the third Goolwa centre is under planning assessment.Mr Basham says that this won’t provide an immediate solution for families currently on a waitlist needing childcare but he is pleased there is some hope.“Unfortunately, this complex problem is not unique to our community but is felt in regional areas nationwide… particularly in children within the 0-2 age group. “Many factors contribute to a childcare service shortage, such as staff, location, infrastructure and regulations.”Mr Basham says his office will continue investigating opportunities to improve the situation and urges anyone with concerns to share their stories to help inform decisions. Contact the office by email or phone 8552 2152.

The federal government has committed $17 million for a new project to improve shorebird and wetland habitat across South Australia's Coorong, Lower Lakes, Murray Mouth and South East landscape.Located at the base of the Murray River, the region is home to internationally recognised wetland that supports a diverse range of plants and animals including the endangered Australasian bittern and the vulnerable sharp-tailed sandpiper.The federal and state governments will work together to deliver the project, building on habitat restoration activities already underway in the region.The funding will:Deliver a range of localised infrastructure on wetland and floodplain flats to increase the area and duration of quality shorebird and wetland habitat.Maintain food webs and improve critical breeding habitat for foraging waterbirds and other threatened species.Improve outcomes for waterbirds and strengthen Australia’s commitment to international obligations including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.The South Australian Department for Environment and Water will work closely with relevant community groups, landholders and Landscape Boards to develop a regional approach to habitat restoration targeting smaller wetlands that cumulatively have a large impact and create a connected mosaic of habitats across the region.The integrated project will also work with First Nations groups to connect to Country and meet cultural obligations while ensuring the survival of healthy shorebird populations and vital wetland habitat.Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek says restoring the Murray Mouth, Lower Lakes and Coorong is a critical investment in the health of the whole system.“The Murray-Darling Basin is a vital for our communities, farmers and First Nations groups, and we must also work together to protect and restore wetlands within the Basin.“This new project will ensure the survival of our internationally significant wetlands and the plants and animals who call them home.”

Emergency services attended a crash at Angas Plains on Friday 12 April.A ute and tractor collided at the intersection of Davidson Road and Leslies Road, Angas Plains just after 11am.The ute driver, a 58-year-old Milang man, was airlifted to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.The tractor driver, a 46-year-old Meadows man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to the local hospital for treatment.Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

A drink-driver has been caught with a high blood alcohol reading at Hindmarsh Valley.It will be alleged that about 11.45pm on Sunday 14 April, police stopped a black Porsche sedan on Adelaide Road for a random driver test.The driver, a 24-year-old Encounter Bay man underwent a breath test and returned a positive reading of 0.221.He was reported for drink-driving, issued a 12-month immediate loss of licence notice and his car was impounded for 28 days.He will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

The top 10 regional sites for drivers caught speeding by both fixed and mobile speed cameras has been revealed by RAA – with half of them located in the Adelaide Hills and a third on the Fleurieu Peninsula.According to 2023 SAPOL data, the worst location in regional SA for drivers caught speeding was the fixed camera at Crafers on the South Eastern Freeway, which nabbed 7,012 motorists and cost drivers $3,985,553.In fact, the top four regional fixed cameras were all located on the South Eastern Freeway in the Adelaide Hills – three of them point-to-point cameras.Victor Harbor Road, from Whites Valley to Tatachilla, was the only Fleurieu location in the top ten for fixed cameras, at number seven, recording 344 offences at accost of $187,880.Of the worst mobile camera spots in regional SA, Ironbank Road in Ironbank clocked 772 speeding drivers at a total cost of $407,036. On the Fleurieu Battunga Road, Meadows, came in at seven; Paris Creek Road, Paris Creek, at nine; and North Terrace, Port Elliot at 10.Again, five of the top 10 regional mobile locations were located in the Adelaide Hills, with three on the Fleurieu, prompting an RAA plea for drivers to stick to the speed limit as school holidays begin.Charles Mountain is RAA Senior Manager Safety & Infrastructure. He says exceeding the speed limit by even a small amount increases the risk of a serious crash.“Excessive speed is one of the fatal five causes of road trauma – and contributes to 30 per cent of fatal crashes on our roads,” he says.“The list of regional fixed and mobile speed cameras shows thousands of drivers are either deliberately or inadvertently driving faster than the speed limit in our regions.“Other roads in the Hills may have lower traffic volumes and it may be tempting to creep over the limit – but doing so puts other road users at risk.“Drivers need to be aware that even small increases in speed mean you will travel a longer distance before you can react and bring your vehicle to a stop if something unexpected occurs on the road.”Mr Mountain says approximately 70 per cent of lives lost on SA roads occurred in the state’s regions.“We must remember to drive to the conditions and at a speed that allows us to safely respond to unexpected situations or come to a safe stop if required.“It’s also still important to be vigilant near schools even during the holiday period as some will be offering holiday programs so children may be present, particularly during drop off and pick up times.”Top 10 regional SA fixed speeding cameras – 2023 Location Type Offences Fines (incl. VOC Levy)South Eastern Fwy, Crafers Mid Block 7,012   $3,985,553South Eastern Fwy, Nairne to Callington Point to Point 1,239 $729,008South Eastern Fwy, Callington to Mt Barker Summit Point to Point 799 $462,301South Eastern Fwy, Nairne Point to Point 724   $414,315Port Wakefield Rd, Port Wakefield to Two Wells Point to Point 698 $417,773Port Wakefield Rd, Two Wells to Port Wakefield Point to Point 620   $363,833Victor Harbor Rd, Whites Valley to Tatachilla Point to Point 344   $187,880Dukes Hwy, Coonalpyn to Ki Ki Point to Point 319   $183,714South Eastern Fwy, Callington (west) Mid Block 252   $150,222Dukes Hwy, Ki Ki to Coonalpyn Point to Point 244 $141,316Top 10 regional SA mobile speeding camera locations – 2023 Location Speed Limit Offences Fines (incl. VOC Levy)Ironbank Rd, Ironbank 60 772 $407,036Kersbrook Rd, Kersbrook 80 678 $371,628Onkaparinga Valley Rd, Verdun 50 602   $267,373Sutton Ave, Mount Gambier 50 588 $230,321Alexandrina Rd, Mount Barker 50 496 $208,287Haylock Rd, North Moonta 50 428   $228,912Battunga Rd, Meadows 50 426   $207,083Murray St, Nuriootpa 50 410   $176,151Paris Creek Rd, Paris Creek 80 363 $205,045North Tce, Port Elliot 50 308   $118,569

Encounter Centre will hold a family fun day charity event on Saturday 20 April at its Victor Harbor base.Dubbed Close Encounters of the Artistic Kind, the day will feature exhibitions of local artists’ work; art and craft demonstrations; and art sales.Entertainment includes live music and performers from Circus Elements.Victor Harbor Goolwa Sea Rescue will attend with their new boat, as will Inman Valley CFS and the SES.Shop for Mother’s Day at the market stalls and enjoy sweets and treats from the food trucks and ice cream cart.The Encounter Community Centre is on Armstrong Road and will be open for the family fun day from 9am to 4pm.

The Rotary Club of Goolwa will hold a gargantuan garage sale next Sunday 21 April at Barrage Road in Goolwa South.Bric-a-brac, books, plants, clothes and household goods will be on sale from 9am to 3pm, weather permitting, opposite Bombora Cafe.The club has recently installed a collection box for old usable mobile phones at Goolwa Shopping Centre, secured next to the Rotary Notice Board.A company called DV Safe Phone in Qld reinvents the phones to be safe to donate to women, men and children in domestic violence situations.At the garage sale, EFTPOS will be available and all proceeds raised will go to the Wheelchair Foundation.

Boogie on down while raising funds for homeless people at a dance at Victor Harbor’s Lutheran Church Hall on Saturday 20 April.Mike and the Musos will  provide tunes of the 50s, 60s and beyond from 7pm to 10.30pm.It’s BYO supper and drinks. Tickets are $25; book via Trybooking.Part proceeds will go to Whalers Community Association, which is also holding a quiz fundraiser under the stars at the Coorong café on Hindmarsh Island on Saturday 27 April. Book via Eventbrite.

Thousands of drivers and riders are being caught without appropriate lights, prompting an RAA reminder about road safety as daylight savings ends.Last year SA Police caught 6,078 drivers in the dark without effective headlights – the highest number recorded in the past decade and a 38 per cent increase on the year prior. In 2023 police also caught 4,513 cyclists riding without appropriate lights at night or a rear reflector, sparking an RAA reminder to light up when visibility is low. Failure to do so risks a fine of $382 for drivers and $165 for cyclists. Crash data also shows vulnerable road users can be at higher risk of a crash when days are shorter, with pedestrian casualty crashes jumping by 24 per cent in autumn and winter between 2018-2022.RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says shorter daylight hours make now a great time to have a conversation about road safety with loved ones.“Drivers need to ensure their headlights are in working order and book their car in for a service if they have any concerns.   “A clean windscreen both inside and out can greatly improve vision, as can new windscreen wiper blades.“Motorists should also be extra alert for cyclists and pedestrians using the road, as they may be harder to see from a distance in the darker months. “As always, it’s important to drive at a speed that allows you to stop if required. When there is lower visibility such as at night or during wet conditions, the appropriate speed may be slower than the speed limit.  “Cyclists need to ensure their bike has a red rear reflector on it at all times, and when riding in low visibility such as at night or heavy rain, a working white light on the front of their bike and red light on the back. “Pedestrians should also pay attention whenever they’re crossing the road – use designated crossings when available and don’t assume drivers have seen you.” For more on RAA road safety initiatives visit the website. 

Meet our lovable Pets of the Week. They are looking for their forever homes thanks to the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter. RSPCA are currently running at 50% OFF adoption drive at their Lonsdale shelter until Sunday!Alfie and Paisley are this week’s friendly Pets of the Week. These loving animals are waiting to find their perfect family. If you think that could be you, read more about them below.Dog of the Week – AlfieThis amazing boy is Alfie (AID 187255) and he’s one of many dogs patiently waiting at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter to find a happy home.Alfie is a favourite at the shelter, and for good reason. He’s the sweetest gentleman and a cuddle bug at heart.This young lad loves to nap in the sun and soak up attention from his favourite people.An active boy indeed, Alfie enjoys playing with enrichment toys, running around, and splashing in the water (no wonder he needs a good recharge nap after). This handsome boy does enjoy socialising with other dogs, but he loves attention more, so he’s not keen on sharing his furever home with another fur-resident. Alfie would make the pawfect addition to a loving family. Read more about Alfie and learn how to adopt him.Alfie the gentleman. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Cat of the Week – PaisleyThis gorgeous girl with captivating eyes is Paisley (AID 186425) and she’s currently living at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter while she waits to find her happily ever after.Paisley is a beautiful kitty with a big heart. A young lady, she can be a bit shy around new faces, but with a little patience and a lot of love, she’ll be your furever friend in no time.Paisley is a foodie, so Dine treats are a good way to speed up the ‘getting to know you’ process. She would love to live in a quiet home where she can relax and live her best life.This darling girl is open to sharing her home with another fur-resident, but a slow introduction is required to ensure a smooth transition.  Find out more about Paisley and how to adopt her.Beautiful Paisley. Photo: RSPCA Lonsdale.Visit the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter and add a new companion to your life – you won’t regret it.The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) South Australia is the state’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity.

The April school holidays are here and there are plenty of free and low cost activities on offer for kids of all ages over the next two weeks.Alexandrina, Yankalilla and Victor Harbor councils have again joined together to provide their Fleurieu School Holiday Program.Largely based in the libraries at Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Victor and Yank, the activities offered include laser tag, art and crafts, Dungeons & Dragons, rhymes and stories, theatre shows and pickleball.The full program can be downloaded from the Alexandrina website. City of Onkaparinga also has a library-based school holiday program. For details and bookings visit the council website.There are indoor and outdoor options for families to enjoy across the Fleurieu; here are just a few:GoolwaCastle and Village construction paper craft inn the library for ages 5+; book via Eventbrite. McLaren ValeArt workshops at Red Poles, including jewellery making, mosaics and collage; details and bookings on the website. NormanvilleArchery Attack present a combo of archery and dodgeball at Apex Park on Tuesday 16 April in sessions for ages 9-13, 12-16 and 15+; book via Trybooking.Victor HarborInflatable fun at Muwerang Kent Reserve On Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 April. Free sessions for ages 10-17, accompanied by an adult, from 10am to 4pm. Book online. School holiday Craft - ANZAC Scrunch Art Poppies on Tuesday 24 April at Victor library; book online.

Two Fleurieu live music venues are among 20 to receive grants through the state government See It LIVE Music Activation Fund. A total of $850,000 in grants will be provided to live music venues to support costs associated with the presentation of live music. Goolwa’s Murray Delta Juke Joint and Big Easy Radio in Aldinga Beach were two of the three regional venues to score a boost, along with 13 based in the CBD and four in Adelaide suburbs.Through a new collaboration between the Music Development Office and the Office for Small and Family Business, recipients of the fund will also receive free business advisory services to support the sector’s long-term sustainability. Arts Minister Andrea Michaels says the state government recognises the importance of dedicated live music venues in South Australia.“Our live music venues play a vital role in supporting the careers of emerging artists and contribute significantly to the cultural life of our state - reflected through our designation as a UNESCO City of Music. “The See It LIVE Music Activation Fund brings together two areas of my portfolio, the Music Development Office and the Office of Small and Family Business, to provide targeted funding and business support to ensure a more sustainable future for our venues in the longer term.”The full list of venues to receive grants is as follows:Wheatsheaf Hotel (CBD)  Lion Arts Factory (CBD)Ancient World (CBD)   Unibar ADL (CBD)Grace Emily Hotel (CBD)   Broadcast Bar (CBD)Jive (CBD)   The Gov (Hindmarsh) Semaphore Workers Club (Semaphore)   Arthur (CBD)Rhino Room and Lowlife Bar (CBD)   Woodshed (Royal Park)Murray Delta Juke Joint (Goolwa)   Nexus Arts (CBD)The Three Brothers Arms (Macclesfield)   My Lover Cindi (CBD)Exeter Hotel (CBD)  Confession (Port Adelaide)Big Easy Radio (Aldinga Beach)   Prompt Creative Centre (CBD)For more information on support available for South Australia’s live music industry visit the website. 

The annual Goolwa AquaFest classic speedboat event will be on this weekend, 13 and 14 April.The event features vintage wooden hydroplanes, skiffs, classic old wooden race, and ski boats, as well as fibreglass classic race and ski boats.When not in the water the boats will be on display in the pit area and accessible to the public who want a closer look.There will also be a vintage aeroplane flyover and if the weather is kind a Hot Rod and classic car display. It all happens at the Goolwa Aquatic Club, where entry is free to spectators; food and drink will be available for purchase.Local traffic restrictions will apply, with a temporary 20km/h speed limit from 7.30am Saturday to 6pm Sunday at the following locations:​​Barrage Road, Goolwa between from 50 metres south of Billabong Road to 50 metres north of Yates Avenue.Yates Avenue, Goolwa between from Barrage Road for 50 metres west.Billabong Road, Goolwa between from Barrage Road for 50 metres west.The Goolwa Aquatic car park on Barrage Road will be temporarily closed at the same time. For more information visit the Alexandrina Council website. 

Waiting lists for shingles vaccinations in the southern Fleurieu region have reached more than 1000 patients, according to Federal MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.The MP says she was shocked to discover the numbers and she is calling on the federal government to urgently address apparent lack of supply.Reportedly most Australians aged 50 years and older are carrying the shingles virus due to previous chickenpox infection. Up to one third of them may develop shingles. Possible symptoms can include painful rashes, hearing problems, pneumonia, blindness, and long-term nerve damage and pain.The federal government announced that from 1 November 2023 two doses of the Shingrix shingles vaccine would be made available free of charge to all Australians over 65 years of age, as well as to other vulnerable groups. Despite a televised campaign to encourage vaccination, Ms Sharkie's constituents on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula report difficulty accessing the shingles vaccine.“With an older average age than the rest of the state, Mayo's Southern Fleurieu residents are at higher risk of developing shingles, and experiencing serious and painful symptoms,” she says.“One patient tells me their local medical clinic added them to a 700 strong waiting list for the shingles vaccine, in January 2024. Three months later they have been told this has ballooned to over 1,000 patients.“Medical practices in the region advise that despite this huge demand even large practices are only allowed to apply for 50 doses of the free shingles vaccine per fortnight. “Based on the current supply, one clinic says it could take two to three years to administer dose one alone (of a two dose program) to their thousands of existing patients who are eligible.”Ms Sharkie says she has asked the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, to take urgent steps to ensure eligible members of our community can be vaccinated in a timely manner.“I am informed that the South Australian government has been distributing all available stock to vaccination providers as soon as it is received.“If the benefits of shingles vaccination are advertised, and vaccination is encouraged, we need to address supply issues so those who are vulnerable can choose to be protected, without having to wait for months or even years.“Earlier this year assurances were given that there were sufficient supplies on order. “I want to make sure the federal government is working with the state government and the vaccine supplier urgently to ensure those who are eligible can access this life-changing vaccine as swiftly as possible.”

McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic signature street parade returns this Sunday, 14 April — bringing a new touch of luxury with the addition of a fleet of Rolls Royces for the first time.More than 15 of the elegant and luxurious British cars will roll through the McLaren Vale Main Street among the car show’s annual grand parade of motoring history.The free community event will also include vintage fashion, local wines, gourmet food, and live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic Chairman Nigel Williamson is thrilled to have the car show return for its 18th year and with a new addition that celebrates the event’s range of vintage and classic motoring.“We are encouraging locals and Adelaideans to come up to McLaren Vale and line the street to see this amazing cavalcade of motoring history and then head to a winery after to enjoy a great afternoon out,” Nigel says.“We’ve only really ever had one or two Rolls Royces in the past, so this year is expected to be quite special,” he says.Over 600 vehicles entrants are expected to get involved after more than 20,000 spectators lined the streets of South Australia’s world-class wine region last year.“While the Rolls Royce fleet will definitely be a highlight, there will be a whole range of vehicles for spectators to see and enjoy, everything from vintage cop cars, to motorcycles, and classics like Mustangs and Jags,” Nigel says.All vehicles will begin their journey from the open lawns located at the front of Serafino McLaren Vale, where entrants will be able to have breakfast prepared by the Rotary Club of Morphett Vale and coffee by Bracegirdles while they mingle with fellow car lovers and see the range of period outfits from participants and browse the vehicles on show.The Grand Parade will officially start at 11am with all vehicles rolling out of Serafino for the 2km drive along Main Road.All spectators and entrants are then encouraged to head down to any of the fourteen participating wineries where a range of vehicles will be on display for visitors to get up close and personal along with food stalls, wine and live entertainment making for the perfect Sunday day out with family and friends.“This just shows how important our event truly is. It’s not just a great opportunity for locals to come together as well as to showcase our beautiful region, but it also gives back to the community withlocal restaurants, accommodation booked out and wineries operating at capacity which is a huge reason why we continue to run this event,” Nigel says.McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic 2024When: Sunday, 14 April 2024Time: 11am – 5pmWhere: Main Rd, McLaren Vale, 5171WebsiteFacebookParticipating Wineries:- Lloyd Brothers- Paxton Wines- Hardy’s Tintara- Kay Brothers- Shingleback Wines- Hastwell & Lightfoot Wines- Bec Hardy Wines- The Vine Shed- Chalk Hill- Richard Hamilton- Shirvington Wines- Foxcreek- McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre- Serafino McLaren Vale

In recent days there have been several reports of a man acting strangely in the Aldinga, Willunga and McLaren Vale areas.In response to these reports, police increased patrols of those suburbs today and located the man in McLaren Vale this morning.He has been detained under the Mental Health Act and is now receiving appropriate care and services.Police wish to thank the public for their assistance in this matter and encourage the reporting of suspicious behaviour on the police assistance line on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

As the weather cools and the cost of living continues to bite, those who can are asked to contribute to the annual Life in a Bag collection for local people who are doing it tough.Families, groups, or individuals can collect items in a new non-plastic bag over the weeks before winter.LifeInABagSA Southern Area bag drop off will be from 4 to 13 May this year.Community volunteers collect the bags, label, and distribute them through agencies, including women’s safety shelters, who work with people in need in the local community.Some suggestions for filling the bags include: toiletries and sanitary products; socks, beanies and gloves; and non-perishable foodstuff.Check out the Life in a Bag Facebook page for full details. Fleurieu drop off points include:Aldinga - Sweet life GelateriaGoolwa - Goolwa Pharmacy & the Goolwa GymMcLaren Vale - ColesNormanville - A Little Spice and All Things NicePort Elliot - Port Elliot PhysioStrathalbyn - Strath Sewing and QuiltingVictor Harbor Fleurieu Crash Repairs & Harcourts South CoastWillunga - Tribe FMYankalilla - Post Office

Alexandrina Council has announced speed limit changes for Strathalbyn and Willyaroo.It's application to reduce speed limits down to 70km/h along sections of Dry Plains Road and Nine Mile Road has been approved by the state government. This will also include an extension of the 50km/h speed limit zone along Dry Plains Road past the Strathalbyn SA Ambulance Service.The council applied to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport for the changes in 2021, following community consultation and an independent review of speed limits.It has advised drivers to keep an eye out for changed to signage, which should happen over the next few weeks.A  map of the changes can be viewed on the Alexandrina Council website.