A search and rescue training exercise is happening at the Bluff Boat Ramp tomorrow, Saturday 6 December. Multiple organisations will be involved in the exercise, with a large number of emergency service vehicles and vessels in the area.The training exercise is expected to conclude by 1pm and while it is underway there will be limited trailer parking available and there may be delays accessing the boat ramp. Check live boat ramp conditions via the City of Victor Harbor webcam online. Boat ramp fees across the Fleurieu and on Kangaroo Island have been waived for the summer under the state and federal government algal bloom summer plan.

Onkaparinga Council is inviting community feedback on a proposal to install permanent bollards along the existing no-vehicle zone at Sellicks Beach. This engagement is about the bollard proposal only – vehicle access rules are not changing.The proposed bollards aim to:Maintain car-free beach areas for safe, uninterrupted pedestrian access.Improve safety for beachgoers.Protect the coastal environment.Prevent vehicles from entering restricted areas.It follows a deputation presented at the council meeting on 14 October and builds on previous council discussions and community feedback about bollards and signage at Sellicks Beach, Aldinga and Silver Sands, dating back to 2018. Community input will help determine whether bollards are installed and, if supported, what their design and function should be.Engagement is open until 1 February 2025 and all feedback will be considered by councillors in March next year before any decisions are made.To find out more about the proposal and to complete a short survey visit the council website.

Alexandrina Council has recognised the contribution of 152 volunteers who have contributed 7,329 hours of service to council programs and activities over the past year.Their efforts were highlighted at a recent Volunteer Recognition Event, held at Centenary Hall in Goolwa, and attended by Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes, Councillors Michael Scott, Margaret Gardner and Peter Oliver, Acting Chief Executive Officer Tash Hunt, General Manager Infrastructure Alan Harvey, and General Manager Community Stacey Bateson.The theme for the 2025 event was Sustainability in Action, with natural, fully compostable materials selected to reduce waste and educational materials on recycling and resource recovery provided on guest tables.Certificates of Appreciation were presented to more than 20 volunteers who had contributed 10 years of service (or more) to Council, including Libby Wall, Michael Cordell, Lyn Kearvell and Penny Bell who were recognised for 15 years of service.Council volunteer programs include the Visitor Information Centres at Strathalbyn and Goolwa, the Libraries at Goolwa and Strathalbyn, Centenary Hall and Art Galleries, Open Space and Cemeteries, and the Advance Care Directive support service.“I would like to thank each of the 152 volunteers across our programs who continue to give so generously their time and talents,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“Our community relies heavily on the work of our volunteers in our programs and services, and we are incredibly thankful for their continued commitment.“Our volunteers restore native habitat and improve biodiversity, they help make our community gardens and our parks and reserves places that foster community pride, they assist visitors to our region, promote local businesses and local artists, repair books, research history, act as tour guides and assist residents with information so they can ensure their future care needs are officially documented.“Their efforts have a huge impact on the positive interactions and experiences that residents and visitors have with Council, and Council thanks them sincerely for their valuable service.”To learn more about volunteer in the community through Alexandrina Council, visit the website.

RAA has released its state election platform, outlining a vision to support South Australia’s population and housing growth through investment in infrastructure and services that improve the state’s liveability. With South Australia’s population set to eclipse two million within the next five years, RAA has put forward a suite of over 30 projects and recommendations to support growth by improving infrastructure and services.Top 10 recommendations include:Housing Growth Transport Infrastructure Package to deliver:​​​​A blueprint to expand rail to the north and south of Adelaide – extending the Gawler and Seaford lines.A third lane on Main South Road between the Southern Expressway and Onkaparinga River.A third lane on Main North Road between Montague Road and Kesters Road.Duplicating Curtis Road.An overpass at the intersection of Port Wakefield Highway and Riverlea Boulevard.Expand on-demand bus services in outer suburbs and regional centres.A third lane on the South Eastern Freeway from Crafers to Verdun.Secure full funding to progress the Adelaide Hills Freight Bypass to get more trucks out of metropolitan Adelaide,Plan and commit funding to duplicate key sections of the Augusta Highway, Sturt Highway and Dukes Highway, and,Address the road maintenance backlog through a $1 billion fund over four years. ​​​Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade says the RAA state election platform is a blueprint for South Australia to achieve growth without gridlock and drive a state that is safe, sustainable and liveable.“South Australia’s population is climbing towards two million people and we’re seeing an explosion of new housing to support that,” he says.“That growth is great for our economy, great for jobs and great for our state – but it has to be supported by investment in infrastructure and services.“If we don’t make that investment simultaneously, we run the risk of ending up with gridlock and compromising our state’s liveability which has always been one of best things about South Australia.“We believe we can have growth without gridlock – that’s the blueprint we’ve set out in our election platform.“We’ve outlined a plan to expand rail services and future-proof our road network to support the high growth areas – particularly north and south of Adelaide, as well as the Adelaide Hills.”Mr Reade says RAA acknowledges the state government is undertaking a record infrastructure program, centred around the completion of the North-South Corridor and level crossing removals. “While we fully support the Torrens to Darlington project and understand it’s absorbing a large portion of the infrastructure funding at the moment – there are many other projects we desperately need to support growth around the state,” he says.“We need to think beyond today and create a pipeline of projects ready to roll, positioning our state not just for tomorrow, but for the decades ahead.”

Drivers are urged to stay alert and drive responsibly this Thursday, December 4, as mobile speed cameras will be operating across South Australia, including regional centres and metro areas.With the festive season approaching and road traffic increasing, police continue their efforts to reduce speeding and improve safety for all road users. These mobile cameras are placed in areas known for high traffic volumes or past incidents, helping to prevent crashes and encourage safe driving behaviour.The full list of mobile speed camera locations for Thursday is available below. Let’s all do our part to make our roads safer as we head into the holiday season.BRIAR RD, FELIXSTOWCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDFITZROY TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEGALLOWAY RD, O'SULLIVAN BEACHGLEN OSMOND RD, GLEN OSMONDGORGE RD, ATHELSTONEGRANT RD, REYNELLAGRAVES ST, NEWTONKOONGA AVE, ROSTREVORLANGMAN GR, FELIXSTOWLEFEVRE TCE, NORTH ADELAIDEMAGILL RD, MAGILLMAIN SOUTH RD, OLD NOARLUNGAMAIN SOUTH RD, MORPHETT VALEMEYER RD, LONSDALEODESSA DR, WOODCROFTOLD SOUTH RD, OLD REYNELLAOSMOND TCE, NORWOODPERRY BARR RD, HALLETT COVEPIMPALA RD, OLD REYNELLAROY TCE, CHRISTIES BEACHSHERRIFFS RD, REYNELLASTATES RD, ONKAPARINGA HILLSSTRADBROKE RD, ATHELSTONEWALKERVILLE TCE, GILBERTON

A sunset screening of surf film Ceibo will be held at Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday 13 December.It follows two surfing legends, Pacha Light and Lucy Small, as they journey across Ecuador to learn from women how to better coexist with the planet. Along the way, Pacha untangles her own evolving identity as she reconnects with her Ecuadorian roots and embraces what it means to be Ecuadorian.  A bonus local surf film will also be shown.The event is hosted by the Surfrider Foundation and Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club as a fundraiser for a citizen science project with diving Adelaide.Go along for food, drinks, a beach bar and bean bags for a chill Aussie beach party from 6pm to 10pm. Tickets are $12 and include popcorn; book via Humanitix. Find out more about the local Surfrider Foundation on Instagram @reefrangers.

The McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association is encouraging local photographers to capture the magic Christmas at its two festive events this week.This evening, 3 December, the Mix and Jingle replaces the Association's usual monthly members Mix and Mingle, with everyone invited to year-end celebration that honours McLaren Vale’s community and traditions. At the event each year the latest Bushing Monarchs are celebrated, by paving their names into history along the Main Road.  Main Road has had a paver for every Bushing Monarch since the tradition began in 1973, to honours the winemaker of the ‘Best Wine of Show’ at the McLaren Vale Wine Show. Giles Cooke MW and Patrick Gilhooly of Thistledown Wines have been crowned the 2025 McLaren Vale Bushing Monarchs, an accolade recognising their contribution to the McLaren Vale wine industryThe evening starts at 5.30pm and will feature wine, food and an opportunity for the community to reflect on the year while enjoying the festive atmosphere.The Association will follow up this special celebration with the annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday 7 December, starting at 6pm.Main Road will come alive with creative floats, music and festive cheer, all organised by local volunteers. Celebrations will continue in the Piazza following the pPageant with food, wine, beer, market stalls and family entertainment. 

Best-selling Fleurieu author Darry Fraser will speak about her work at two local libraries this month, with appearances at Goolwa and Yankalilla.Known for her captivating stories about ordinary people living in nineteenth-century Australia,  Darry will discuss her writing journey, inspirations and her latest book, The Adventuress of Albany.She will be at Goolwa Library on Thursday 4 December, from 4pm to 5pm and at Yankalilla Library on Friday 12 December at 10.30am.There will be book sales and signings after the talks.Both events are free to attend, but booking is essential for catering purposes - online for the Goolwa session and by calling 8558 2043 for Yankalilla.

District Council of Yankalilla is reviewing its current rating structure and has developed a proposal that rebalances how rates are distributed across different property types.The council says its review is not about increasing overall revenue but about determining whether the current rating structure still reflects community expectations, is fair and supports long-term financial sustainability. It will consider:Rating distribution and trends in property value across the District.Land use and ownership patterns.Capacity to pay across different property types.The District’s socio-economic diversity, business diversity and community values.The council is asking the community to take some time to become familiar with the rating system – learn how it works and how rates are calculated. There will then be an opportunity to provide direct feedback to councillors before they decide on any changes.Anyone interested in finding out more and register for project updates can visit the council website and read the consultation paper. There will also be an information drop-In session at the Yankalilla Library on Wednesday 17 December, from 3pm to 6.30pm.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Seaford and are asking members of the public for assistance.About 9.15am Friday 28 November, police and fire crews responded to reports of a waste compactor fire outside Seaford Shopping Centre. Clothing inside the centre was damaged by smoke and the compactor was subsequently destroyed.Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the fire and ask anyone in the vicinity of the shops on Friday morning, who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour, to come forward.If you have any CCTV or dashcam footage of the centre’s car park from 8.30am to 9.30am, please contact Crime Stoppers online www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000 – you can remain anonymous.306918

State Traffic Enforcement Officers have today seized two bikes being illegally ridden in Seaford.At 3.30pm on Monday 1 December police spoke with the riders of a modified mountain bike and an electric pit bike on Grand Boulevard Seaford.The bikes which should not be ridden on a road were seized and the rider of the mountain bike, 14- year-old boy from O’Sullivan Beach and the rider of the pit bike a 17-year -old boy from Port Noarlunga South have been reported for ride unlicenced, unregistered, uninsured and fail to wear a motorcycle helmet.Both bikes were impounded and towed from the scene.310007 /309994

Kangaroo Island Council has launched its 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal in partnership with the Kangaroo Island Community Centre (Junction). This annual initiative invites the community to donate gifts that will bring joy to local families who may be doing it tough this Christmas.For more than twenty years, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal has been a source of hope and kindness for many Kangaroo Island families. Mayor Michael Pengilly says the generosity shown by Islanders each year reflects the strong community spirit that defines the Island.“Every Christmas, our community rallies together to support one another. It is always touching to see how people come forward to help make the festive season brighter for families who may be facing challenges,” he says. “Whether you choose a toy, a book, a gift voucher or something practical for an older child, every donation makes a difference.”Chief Executive Officer Daryl Buckingham encourages residents to take part and help share the joy of the season.“The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal is an opportunity for all of us to contribute to a brighter Christmas for local families,” he says. “No matter the size of the gift, each donation helps create a stronger and more caring community. We invite everyone to get involved.”Gift donations can be delivered to the Council Office at 43 Dauncey Street in Kingscote, or to the Penneshaw Business Centre, until 5pm on Wednesday 17 December. Donors are asked to label gifts with the intended age and gender, from babies through to young people aged eighteen. Tags can be collected from the Kingscote Office.To ensure gifts are safe and suitable for distribution, preloved toys and food items cannot be accepted.Suggested gift ideas include:Toys and gamesClothing and accessoriesBooksSporting itemsBeauty productsGift vouchersAll donated gifts will be collected at Kangaroo Island Community Centre for distribution to families before Christmas.The community is invited to join the appeal and help share the goodwill and spirit of Christmas across the Island.

South Australians are encouraged to vote in the Global Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism People’s Choice Award, with two McLaren Vale businesses in the running to be crowned the world’s favourite.South Australian winners in the prestigious 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards announced at the SA Wine Industry Dinner in September are now eligible for the People’s Choice Award.The awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism across the world’s greatest wine regions.The South Australian wine tourism businesses in the running are:Mount Lofty House and Estate, Adelaide Hills - South Australian Winner, Accommodation.Vinteloper, Adelaide Hills - South Australian Winner, Architecture and Landscape.Wonderground Barossa, Barossa - South Australian Winner, Art and Culture.Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale - Global Winner, Culinary Experiences.Bottle Shock, Gumeracha - South Australian Winner, Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences; Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices.SA eBikes, McLaren Vale – South Australian Winner, Wine Tourism Services. Maxwell Wines received international recognition earlier this month, when it was named a Global Winner in the prestigious 2026 awards night in France during the Great Wine Capitals (GWC) Gala Dinner. The top international honour celebrates their exceptional food and wine offerings and their elevated cellar door experience.Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says the diversity and innovation represented amongst South Australia’s Best Of Wine Tourism finalists highlight why it is one of only 12 Global Great Wine Capitals.“From established to up and coming wine tourism offerings, these experiences cement our global reputation as a leader of good food and wine and give visitors a reason to stay longer and explore more of South Australia.“Congratulations and good luck to all the nominees – South Australia, it’s time to cast your vote!”The awards are an initiative of the GWC Global Network, an exclusive group of 11 internationally renowned wine regions. Member regions include Adelaide (South Australia), Bordeaux (France), Bilbao–Rioja (Spain), Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand), Lausanne (Switzerland), Mainz–Rheinhessen (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal), San Francisco–Napa Valley (USA), Valparaíso–Casablanca Valley (Chile), and Verona (Italy).Membership of the network is a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), the South Australian Tourism Commission, the South Australian Wine Industry Association, and the University of Adelaide.Voting for the People’s Choice Award closes on 8 December 2025. For more information visit the website. 

The Victor Harbor Visitor Centre is compiling a map of Christmas lights across the area.It will provide a guide for light-seers and share the magic of festive decorations with families around the town.Anyone putting on a Christmas display who would like to be included on the map can submit the address and be added to the list.They should write a short description of the festive light feature and send to the Visitor Centre, along with a few photos, via email.The maps will be both printed and digital and be made available to people to take delight in the seasonal show.

Alexandrina Council’s Wellness in Nature project will offer a free Sunset Kayak Experience for people interested in active and healthy ageing on Friday 5 December.It is a chance to unwind, connect and enjoy natural beauty on the water in the early evening at Bristow Smith Reserve, in Goolwa.This initiative supports community wellbeing by increasing opportunities to engage with nature through accessible, low-impact activities across the Alexandrina region.Participants will take to the water in beginner-friendly sit-on-top kayaks, guided by qualified Reclink Australia facilitators. The session is designed to be calm, social, and suitable for people looking to stay active, meet others and try something new in a supportive environment.This program is funded through the Age Friendly SA Grant from the Office for Ageing Well and delivered in partnership with Reclink. Bookings are essential online.

A Reynella man has been arrested following an investigation into break-ins in the southern suburbs in the past few months.On Friday 21 November, police located a stolen Volkswagen with stolen plates attached, and containing stolen property at South Plympton.  The vehicle had been reported stolen from a Richmond business at the end of August.  The stolen car was also linked to a several business break-ins in recent months.The stolen VW was forensically examined and further investigation led to the search of a Reynella man’s home on Wednesday 26 November.  It will be alleged that police located further stolen property at the address, however the suspect was not at home.He was located and arrested by police at a Taperoo address later that day.  At Taperoo, Police also found a stolen truck and more stolen property linked to various business break-ins.The 40-year-old Reynella man was charged with serious criminal trespass, theft of a motor vehicle, three counts of illegal interference and eight counts of theft and unlawful possession.Investigations are ongoing.He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 21 January.Anyone with information on the whereabouts of stolen property is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au223345

The City of Victor Harbor has assumed management of the historic Victa Cinema from Country Arts SA.The council says this marks the next step in its long-term vision to establish a vibrant Arts and Culture Centre in the town centre.It purchased the art deco building for $1.6 million in 2020, when the previous owners retired, to secure its future as a community-owned cultural landmark. Since then, Country Arts SA has managed day-to-day operations of the cinema on the council’s behalf.Chief Executive Officer Victoria MacKirdy says the transition in management will strengthen the council’s capacity to deliver a cultural precinct that links Victa Cinema, Victor Harbor Town Hall and Coral Street Art Space.“Country Arts SA has played a vital role in stabilising and strengthening the Victa Cinema over the past four years,” she says.“As Council prepares for the next stage of the Arts and Culture Centre project, it makes sense to bring the cinema’s operations in-house so we can fully align our venues, staff and systems.”“Victa Cinema is one of few remaining heritage cinemas still operating in South Australia. This step is part of our long-term strategy to ensure it remains a living part of our community – supporting local jobs, creative partnerships and year-round cultural activity.”The change in management will not impact Victa Cinema’s regular programming or community events. All current staff have been invited to continue employment under the council, ensuring continuity for patrons and a smooth handover.Country Arts SA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Peluso has acknowledged the successful partnership between the two organisations.“We are proud to have worked with the City of Victor Harbor to sustain and grow Victa Cinema over recent years. We look forward to continuing to collaborate through regional programs and arts development initiatives across the Fleurieu.” The Arts and Culture Centre project has been on hold, along with the Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade Stage 5 (Grosvenor Gardens and Coral Street), following public consultation on a proposed design in 2021.

Speaker of the House of Assembly and MP for Mawson Leon Bignell has announced he will retire from politics at the March election. Leon Bignell has served as the Member for Mawson since 2006, an electorate covering the McLaren Vale wine region, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. From 2013 to 2018 Me Bignell was Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Forests, Tourism, Sport, Recreation and Racing. He was elected Speaker of the House of Assembly in April 2024. Prior to entering Parliament, Mr Bignell worked for two decades as a journalist including stints with the ABC, Channel 7, Channel 10, News Ltd and two years working in Switzerland as a foreign correspondent. Mr Bignell says he loves the people of the local area and every inch of this beautiful part of the world that he calls home.  “From McLaren Vale to the western end of Kangaroo Island we have a series of communities. Some large like Aldinga, some small like Second Valley.  “They all have their own personality. And they're all full of wonderful personalities.  “It's been my absolute pleasure to work hard for each and every one of them during the past 20 years.  “Together we came up with the toughest protection laws in Australia to save the McLaren Vale food and wine region from urban sprawl and gutter to gutter housing.  “That Act of Parliament locks in a billion dollar a year food, wine and tourism sector and has helped support thousands of local jobs and hundreds of small, medium and large businesses.  “Politics is not that complicated. Democracy is about people. So if you put your hand up to serve you have to be out and about with the people you represent.  “To the school students, the sporting clubs and community groups across the electorate thank you for inspiring me, for energising me and for giving me your time.  “To the people of Mawson. Thanks so much for your trust and for backing me in at five successive elections since 2006. I’m still here until March 21. And I’ll be working hard for our area right up to election day.”Premier Peter Malinauskas describes the MP as a phenomenon. “There are few MPs with such a powerful ability to connect with their communities and with people from all walks of life. “This power of connection has made him a highly effective leader. The people of Mawson have always known that Leon would fight for them. That was especially true during the KI bushfires. “As an MP and a Minister, Leon was focused on delivery. He leaves a visible legacy of significant infrastructure, and legislation that protects our precious winegrowing regions from being swamped by suburbs. “As Speaker, he’s served the Parliament well, ensuring fair debate and finding common ground across party lines across the chamber. “I wish Leon well in the next phase of his career."

CFS Advice Message - Avoid SmokeIssued on27 Nov 2025 16:33Warning areaClarendon and Grants Gully Road, 2km west of the Clarendon township.Warning levelAdvice - Avoid SmokeActionSmoke from Clarendon structure fire is in the area of Chalk Hill Road, Grants Gully Road, Angel Gully Road and Clarendon Road area.Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.Click on map to enlargeShapes on this map image indicate the Warning Area to which this message applies - YELLOW: Advice MessageWhat you should doStay indoors as much as possible.Close windows, doors, and air vents (this may only assist with reduced exposure for hours or a few days, as outside air will eventually enter the home).Use appropriate air conditioner settings in the home and vehicles to prevent outside air coming in.Spend time in air-conditioned venues, like cinemas, shopping centres and libraries.Reduce indoor sources of air pollution, such as smoking, cooking with gas, burning candles or vacuum cleaning.Avoid vigorous outdoor activities, especially if you have asthma or other chronic lung or heart conditions.People with existing heart or lung conditions, people over 65 years of age, children 14 years and younger (especially those with asthma), pregnant and breastfeeding people and people with diabetes are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke and should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor.Stay informedCFS website cfs.sa.gov.auInformation Hotline 1800 362 361For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361For teletype service TTY 133 677 then ask for 1800 362 361CFS on Facebook or XAlert SA Mobile AppOn local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast PartnersEmergency call 000