Milang Lakeside Butter Factory will host a Strathalbyn Superstar Showcase at its next Sunday afternoon music event, on 15 March.Stacey and Son, Dave Varacalli and Angie Starr will play at the venue from 1pm to 4pm.The kitchen will be open from 10am to 4pm for light lunches, cuppas and snacks, with drinks available from Kanoetree Wines.Milang & District Community Association owns the historic building and runs its venue for the benefit of the local district, with support from the state government and Alexandrina Council.The live music event is free to attend but donations are welcome to enable the association to feature more local musicians. Book by calling 0480 512 457.

In the lead-up to the 21 March state election MP for Finniss David Basham has announced $3.7million reinstated funding for visitor infrastructure at Hindmarsh Valley National Park.The Shadow Minister for Climate and Environment says the funding will ensure the park is properly protected while allowing the community to responsibly experience one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s most significant natural areas.The 423-hectare Hindmarsh Valley National Park was proclaimed in 2021 after land previously owned by SA Water was transferred to the Department for Environment and Water. The proclamation secured long-term protection for an ecologically significant landscape that includes native wildlife and the nationally endangered Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps.When the park was established, the former Liberal Government committed funding for visitor infrastructure including walking trails, lookouts and picnic areas. Mr Basham says reinstating that commitment and providing $3.7 million would help realise the original vision for the park.“Hindmarsh Valley National Park protects some of the rarest ecosystems in South Australia,” Mr Basham said.“When the park was created, the vision was clear – protect this unique environment while allowing people to experience and appreciate it.”“Good custodianship of our land means protecting it for generations to come, but also ensuring people can connect with it in a responsible way.”Mr Basham says properly planned infrastructure plays an important role in protecting fragile environments.“Leaving parks without infrastructure doesn’t protect them – it often leads to unmanaged access.“Thoughtfully designed trails, hygiene controls and clear zoning allow people to experience the park while protecting sensitive habitats from threats like weeds, disease and habitat disturbance.”Hindmarsh Valley National Park contains rare ecosystems including the critically endangered Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps and several plant species found only in this region. Mr Basham says responsible visitor access can also strengthen conservation outcomes and support the region’s tourism economy.“The creation of Hindmarsh Valley National Park was an important step. The next step is ensuring it has the infrastructure needed to protect its environmental values while allowing people to engage with it responsibly.“A national park should not just exist on a map — it should be protected, managed and experienced in a way that benefits both the environment and the community.”

Words: Susie Williams. Thanks to Coast Lines magazine.For nearly 20 years, the Sisters of Abundance have been doing far more than singing together — they’ve been building community, friendship and joy through music, movement and shared experience.The McLaren Vale–based women’s choir will mark this milestone with a celebratory concert, Don’t Stop Us Now, returning to the Hopgood Theatre with the colour, energy and heart they’ve become known for.The choir’s story began almost two decades ago at Tatachilla College, where the group originally formed as the chorus for a school production of The Sound of Music. When the curtain came down, the connections remained — and the Sisters decided to keep singing. Today, three original members are still part of the group, alongside many women who have joined along the way.Choir president Lyn Lawlor-Smith says the group has always been about connection as much as performance.“We’re more than a choir, forming close bonds and supporting each other through the many stages of our lives,” she says.The annual Hopgood Theatre concert has long been a highlight for both the choir and its audiences, and this year’s performance carries extra meaning as the Sisters celebrate 20 years, performing in the newly upgraded theatre.A hallmark of the Sisters of Abundance is their unmistakable flair for entertaining.“The real things that separate us from other choirs are our musical accompaniment, choreography and costumes. We are definitely here to entertain you,” Lyn says.Audiences can expect a feel-good program designed to bring smiles, featuring songs and medleys from ABBA, The Lion King, folk classics, 1960s hits, Sister Act, Queen and more.Under the direction of acclaimed musical director Rosemary Nairn OAM, the choir continues to evolve while staying true to the joyful, inclusive spirit that has defined it from the beginning.Sisters of Abundance will perform Don’t Stop Us Now on Saturday, March 14 at 2pm at the Hopgood Theatre. Tickets are available through Fringetix, and the choir can also be found on Facebook for news and updates.

As the 2025–26 pontoon season draws to a close, the District Council of Yankalilla is celebrating a successful summer on the water at the Normanville Foreshore and has thanked local businesses that sponsored it.The council says from family swims in the clear summer water and school holiday adventures to the lively buzz of Nippers on Saturday afternoons, the Normanville pontoon has once again become a gathering point on the foreshore. “The simple invitation on the new foreshore banner, ‘Meet me at the pontoon’ has captured the spirit of the season, with locals and visitors doing exactly that.It says these experiences have been possible thanks to the support of local businesses that stepped forward to sponsor the pontoon for the 2025–26 season. “Following last year’s community-led fundraising effort to fix and return the pontoon to the water, Council worked with local businesses to secure $10,000 in sponsorship to cover the annual costs of installation, maintenance and removal.“Council wants to shout from the rooftops to extend its sincere thanks to:• Belgravia Leisure – $5,000• Forktree Brewing Co – $2,000• Aqua Blue – $2,000• Chief Catering – $1,000“Belgravia Leisure, management licence holder of the Normanville Jetty Holiday Park, committed $5,000 per year for the term of its management agreement, providing strong ongoing support for this valued community asset.”Mayor Darryl Houston says the sponsorship model has helped secure the pontoon’s future while strengthening partnerships between the council and local businesses.“This summer has been a wonderful reminder of how much the pontoon means to our community,” he says.“We are incredibly grateful to Belgravia Leisure, Forktree Brewing Co, Aqua Blue and Chief Catering for backing this initiative. Their generosity and support has ensured families could once again gather, swim and enjoy our beautiful foreshore together.”After installation in October, the pontoon was briefly removed to address a flotation issue.Repairs and float upgrades were completed in November, and it returned to the water in December, just in time to coincide with the reopening of the Normanville Jetty.Despite that early setback, the council says the season has been a resounding success, with strong community use throughout the warmer months.Chief Executive Officer Nathan Cunningham says the summer highlighted the value of collaboration between Council, community and business.“The pontoon is more than infrastructure, it is a meeting place, a landmark and part of the Normanville summer experience,” he says.“We thank our sponsors for their support in helping make that possible.”The pontoon will remain in place until April, weather permitting.

Sustainable Onkaparinga will host a nature journaling workshop in McLaren Vale on Wednesday 18 March.Hannah from Habitat Connection Co will lead the workshop exploring native plants in a creative and interactive way.It will offer the chance to slow down and connect more deeply with the natural world, looking at how to observe and record the unique features of native plants using simple drawing techniques and prompts.The small group session is part of the Green Hub nature series and is for adults. It costs $10, which includes all materials and will be held at McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre from 10.30am to 12noon. Book via Eventbrite.

Alexandrina Council has reported the environmental vandalism of four old remnant Melaleuca trees by the river along Liverpool Road, in Goolwa. It says someone has deliberately poisoned the native trees, using bore holes in the trunks.“These trees provide shelter and amenity for the local community and, being remnant native vegetation, are an important part of the biodiversity of Goolwa Channel.”The damage was brought to the attention of the council last week and it says its Environment and Compliance Teams are continuing to investigate this vandalism of protected native council assets.“The damaging activities were not conducted or authorised by Council or any other legitimate agency.“Vandalism of public assets, including trees, is an offence under the Local Government Act, and offenders can be prosecuted.”The council is calling on the community to help find out who has perpetrated the environmental vandalism, asking anyone with information to make contact by calling 8555 7000 or via email.

Nominations for the South Australian election on Saturday 21 March have closed and a record number of candidates will contest the House of Assembly, or lower house.For voters unable to attend a polling place on election day, early voting is available from Saturday 14 March.The electorate of Finniss is fully within the Fleurieu Peninsula, stretching from Waitpinga to Mundoo Island and including Victor Harbor, Mount Compass and Goolwa.Mawson electorate stretches from Kangaroo Island to McLaren Vale and includes Cape Jervis, Yankalilla, Myponga and Willunga.Three other electorates cover parts of the Fleurieu: Hammond includes Langhorne Creek and Strathalbyn; Heysen includes Willunga Hill, Kuitpo and Ashbourne;  Kaurna includes Old Noarlunga, Moana and Port Noarlunga. All candidates are listed as they will appear on the ballot paper, as published by the South Australian Electoral Commission. Voters must number each box, in order of preference, to record a valid ballot paper.There are nine candidates for Finniss, where the sitting MP is Liberal David Basham.Finniss candidatesBartholomew Astill-Pearce – The GreensLou Nicholson – IndependentBronwyn Lewis – IndependentDavid Abram  - Australian Family PartyMichael Scott – Sarah Game Fair Go for All AustraliansDavid Basham – Liberal PartyPhoebe Redington – Australian Labor PartyTanya Hussey – Animal Justice PartyGreg Powell – Pauline Hanson’s One NationThe early voting centre for Finniss is at Victor Harbor Recreation Centre.There are seven candidates for Mawson, where sitting Labor MP Leon Bignell is retiring.Mawson candidatesLesley Grey – Legalise Cannabis South Australia PartyMike Holden – Liberal PartyTyler Green - Pauline Hanson’s One NationKelly Schumacher – Stephen Pallaras Real Change SAJenni Mitton – Australian Labor PartyPeter Ieraci - Australian Family PartyLawrence Johnson – The GreensThere are two early voting centres for Mawson: Kingscote Town Hall on Kangaroo Island and McLaren Vale Institute Hall.There are 12 candidates for Hammond, where the sitting MP is Liberal Adrian Pederick.Hammond candidatesJames Murphy - Legalise Cannabis South Australia PartyRobert Roylance - Pauline Hanson’s One NationRuby Eckermann – Animal Justice PartyCarmelo Graziano – United Voice AustraliaRobert North – Family FirstAdrian Pederick – Liberal PartyLucas Hope – IndependentNicole Palachicky – The GreensSimone Bailey - Australian Labor PartyTristan Iveson - Sarah Game Fair Go for All AustraliansBruce Hicks - Australian Family PartyAirlie Keen – IndependentThe Hammond early voting centre is at The Square Community Centre in Murray Bridge.There are nine candidates for Heysen, where the sitting MP is Liberal Josh Teague.Heysen candidatesAndrew Granger – IndependentTom Kovac - Pauline Hanson’s One NationTonya Scott - Sarah Game Fair Go for All AustraliansGenevieve Dawson-Scott – The GreensMarisa Bell - Australian Labor PartyChris Baker – Family FirstJosh Teague - Liberal PartyCraig Wilson - Australian Family PartyGregory Davis - Animal Justice PartyThe Heysen early voting centre is at Aldgate Village Well.There are eight candidates for Kaurna, where the sitting MP is Labor’s Chris Picton.Kaurna candidatesAmanda Brohier – Family FirstSean Weatherly – The GreensZoe Jones - Pauline Hanson’s One NationPatrick Amadio - Australian Family PartyGary Haddrell - Legalise Cannabis South Australia PartyShane Carter – Liberal PartyChris Picton - Australian Labor PartyAnastasios Manolakis - Stephen Pallaras Real Change SAThe early voting centre for Kaurna is at the Noarlunga Uniting Church in Christies Beach.There are 48 candidates for the 11 seats available in the Legislative Council, or Upper House. Voters can choose to vote above the line where at least one box must be numbered, or below the line, where at least 12 boxes must be numbered in order of preference.For more information on the South Australian state election, voting or to apply for a postal vote, visit the ECSA website.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) will catch up with local farmers and agribusinesses at the annual barbecue hosted by the City of Victor Harbor next week.RDA Adelaide Hills Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island Economic Development Officer David Ridley will attend the Farmer’s Catch Up event on Wednesday 11 March at the Hindmarsh Valley Hall.He will discuss how RDA can best support the ag sector and share updates on key regional issues including water security, pest plant and animal control.There will also be information on programs and services available to farming communities, with presentations from industry and government representatives including Byron Manning from PIRSA and David Stanton from Rural Business Support. This free event provides an opportunity to connect with other primary producers in the region and learn what assistance is available.It will run from 11.30am to 1.30pm and tomorrow, Friday 6 March is the deadline to RSVP via email or calling 8551 0500.

A man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to evade police during a patrol at Christie Downs early this morning.At about 12.30am on Thursday, March 5, patrol officers conducting mobile patrols observed a man riding a modified e-bike without a rear light while travelling north on Morton Road.Police allege the rider accelerated while turning a corner, before losing control and crashing. He then attempted to flee on foot.Officers caught the man a short distance away. During a search, police allegedly located a knife, knuckle dusters and a small quantity of drugs.The rider, a 30-year-old man from Noarlunga Downs, was arrested and charged with weapon offences and drug possession.He was granted police bail and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

The Victor Harbor foreshore is at risk of coastal erosion and flooding from projected sea level rise and increasing storm frequency, according to advice to the council.In response, City of Victor Harbor is working with a range of experts to explore technically effective ways to manage the coastline from the Hindmarsh to Inman River.It has drafted an outline of preliminary options and is now seeking community feedback before developing a Coastal Adaptation Master Plan. The Master Plan area has been divided into five sites with preliminary coastal adaptation options identified for each area. They are: Hindmarsh River Estuary / Bridge Point Croquet Club / Skate Park / Tennis Courts Flinders Parade / Heritage Cafe / Lawn Bowls / Soldiers Memorial Garden Esplanade Beach Dunes Inman River Estuary and Caravan Park Levee There are three categories of options for each site: do nothing; hold the line; or transform.The draft plan discusses the potential impacts, costs and benefits of all these options.A fact sheet on the issue can be downloaded from the council website. An information session will be held at the council chambers on Bay Road on Tuesday 17 March from 5.30pm to 7pm.The deadline for feedback is 5pm on Sunday 22 March; complete a survey online.

Spread your wings this March and fly to The Coorong National Park to discover more than 150km of protected lagoons as Park of the Month.Genki Kondo, Senior Ranger, National Parks and Wildlife Service says the Coorong National Park is internationally significant and the perfect spot to host a program of events.“Park of the Month will showcase the environment and appeal to all”“I enjoy seeing people explore the park and creating memories here. It doesn’t matter whether it’s bird spotting, hiking or taking to the water in a kayak – seeing people use the park is inspiring”.“Most of the park is accessible by 2WD so it makes a great detour if you’re on the road between Adelaide and Mount Gambier or even en-route to Melbourne,” Mr Kondo says.The Coorong National Park is of enormous cultural significance to the Ngarrindjeri and First Nations of the South East people, with ancient mounds of discarded shells revealing archaeological evidence of Aboriginal campsites over thousands of years.This national treasure is also the home of the movie Storm Boy featuring the pelican Mr Percival.Movie fans can visit many of the locations used in the film.Events as part of Park of the Month include:• Paddle with a park ranger, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March.An exclusive paddle with a local park ranger and Canoe the Coorong guide. Learn about bushtucker from the local experts, eat a delicious fish burger after exploring the sand dunes of the Coorong National Park. All at a special discounted rate.• Dupang Festival – Friday 20 – Sunday 22 MarchJoin Uncle Moogy and Tal-Kin-Jeri dance group at this three-day celebration on Ngarrindjeri Lands. Including waterfront Coorong bush camping, cultural workshops and arts marketplace, smoking ceremony with dancing and storytelling under the stars.• Botanical art class, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 MarchImmerse yourself in the stunning coastal environment of the Coorong National Park and learn key techniques for botanical illustration from Gilbert RM Dashorst. Gilbert was the Scientific, Botanical Illustrator at the State Herbarium for 30 years, illustrating plants for scientific publications, State, National and Overseas. One of his many Illustrated books was 'The Plants of the Adelaide Plains and Hills'.• Self-Led guide to the Coorong - throughout the year.A one-day itinerary to guide you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Coorong National Park. Allow 8 hours to complete this itinerary from start to finish.For more information about these and other events and to book tickets visit the website.

Regional Development Australia is looking into early childhood education and care across the region and wants to hear from the community.RDA is interested in the need for early childhood education and care to support young children and their families and, in turn, help employers to attract and retain staff. It says access to education and care services, including long daycare and preschool/kindergarten, improves educational outcomes for children and engagement in employment and study for families.“Early childhood education and care affects everyone, from how well our children thrive, to how families balance life, and even how local businesses grow.“Access to early learning isn’t just a family issue. It’s an economic one too, with impacts in the broader community.”Parents, employers and early childhood service providers are encouraged to complete an anonymous online survey about what is needed to support children, families and employers in the local region.It will take about 10 minutes to complete and will contribute to evidence-based advocacy to the government for better planning and investment in this critical area.Anyone who prefers to give feedback in person can drop in to a community information session next week.Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island sessions will be as follows:Yankalilla library – Tuesday 10 March 10.30am to 11.30am.Manna Studio, McLaren Vale - Tuesday 10 March 2pm to 3pm.Victor Harbor Library – Wednesday 11 March 3pm to 4pm.Goolwa Children’s Centre – Thursday 12 March 11am, to 12noon.YMCA Strathalbyn - Thursday 12 March 1pm to 2pm.Kangaroo Island Community Centre – Monday 16 March 12noon to 1pm.This survey is funded by the state government through the Office for Early Childhood Development.

Goolwa Community Association will host a full day of community events at Jaralde Park in Goolwa on Saturday 7 March.The Murray Sunrise Harmony Market will run from 10am to 2pm; a welcoming, inclusive market celebrating community, creativity and connection.It will be followed by the Murray Sunset Culinary Festival from 4pm to 8pm, with delicious food, live entertainment, a bar and a relaxed festival atmosphere as the sun sets.The day will finish with a community movie night under the stars from 8pm to 10pm, featuring the film Yesterday.Entry to all is by gold coin donation to help Goolwa Community Association continue to deliver accessible, volunteer-run events.Take along picnic rugs, chairs, family and friends and drop in for one event or all of them.

The City of Onkaparinga is reviewing the way it communicates with the community and is asking for input on how to do it better.It will run three separate public surveys on having a say, being informed and customer experience.The first survey, asking people how they want to provide feedback to the council, is currently open.A new Community Engagement Charter means that South Australian councils are required to adopt a Community Engagement Policy by 11 September 2026.It will cover how the council engages and communicates with the public; how community feedback is provided and shared; and ways the council can make engagement more inclusive and accessible.A community drop in session will be held at Aldinga Library on Thursday 12 March from 10am to 1pm.Find out more about the Community Engagement Policy and complete the survey on the City of Onkaparinga website. The deadline to complete the survey is 15 March.

Further sections of Deep Creek National Park – including campsites, several walking tracks and picnic tables – have reopened after a bushfire burnt more than 4500 hectares.National Parks and Wildlife Service Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Region Manager Tony Magor says hard work continues with on-ground assessments, clean-up and remediation.About 40 per cent of Deep Creek National Park and almost all of Talisker Conservation Park was burnt in the blaze, which destroyed large areas of native species habitat.“Some unburnt sections of Deep Creek National Park have already reopened, including Stringybark CG, Stringybark loop walk and Forest Circuit walk, Boat Harbor Beach 4WD trackand all but one Southern Ocean Retreat accommodations,” Mr Magor says.“I’m pleased to say that from today, Marrano Creek Hike, Blowhole Beach Hike, Deep Creek Circuit Hike, Deep Creek Cove Hike from Cobbler Hill Picnic Area, Spring Wildflower Walk,Pages Lookout, Tapanappa Lookout and the Cobbler Hill Picnic Area will reopen.”Campgrounds at Tapanappa, Cobbler Hill, Trig and Yapri Ngawanthi (Cliffs) and amenities will also reopen and are ready to welcome visitors.Goondooloo Ridge Walk, Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tapanappa Lookout, Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tent Rock Road, Deep Creek Circuit Hike, Aaron Creek Hike, and AaronCreek Circuit as well as the Blowhole Beach 4WD track remain closed until further notice.Talisker Conservation Park, including the Talisker Silver Lead Mine Hike, remains closed.All visitors are asked to check the website for the latest information about Deep Creek National Park.Deep Creek National Park is home to an array of native wildlife, including western grey kangaroos, short beaked echidnas and 100 species of birds.The Wildlife Recovery Fund – established in partnership with the Nature Foundation – is now open to raise funds to support the restoration of key habitats destroyed in the fire.To support Deep Creek’s recovery and contribute to the Wildlife Recovery Fund, visit the website.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) has installed a new time-based 40kmh speed limit at two schools in the Alexandrina Council area.They are Eastern Fleurieu School (7-12 Campus) on Callington Road, Strathalbyn and  Mount Compass Area School on Victor Harbor Road, Mount Compass.DIT says the change to a 40 km/h time-based school speed limit will bring South Australia in line with other states and will improve children’s safety when travelling to and from school. It started rolling out the change across the state in November 2025 on roads near schools that currently have speed limits of 50 km/h or higher.The 40kmh speed limits will only apply during the school drop-off and pick-up period on school days between 8am to 9.30am and 2pm to 4pm.The rollout will be completed late in 2026, with two schools in Victor Harbor among the last to be affected.They are Encounter Lutheran College, on Adelaide Road in Hayborough and Investigator College, on Inman Valley Road in Victor Harbor.For more information and to view where the speed limit zone applies visit the DIT website. 

The alternative event to Adelaide Writers Week will include free events on the south coast in the first week of March.The full program for Constellations: Not Writers’ Week has been announced, with over 100 authors participating across 50 events in 19 venues, including the Horseshoe Bay jetty, in Port Elliot and Victor Harbor library.“When we set out to fill the void left by the cancellation of Writers’ Week, we did not expect such an incredible response,” says author Jennifer Mills, one of the Constellations organisers.“It just goes to show how important books, writing and freedom of expression are to South Australians,” she says.The umbrella festival is decentralised and made up of events of every scale, from major programming at the Adelaide Town Hall to early morning swimmers meeting informally to share poetry. The program is spread around Adelaide CBD, suburbs and regional areas. Most events are free, with donations supporting the fair payment of participating authors.Wet Bathers at Port Elliot will be a daily event from Monday 2 March to Friday 5 March from 8am to 8.30am at Horseshoe Bay Jetty.This is an invitation to join an early morning swimming community to share poetry, story and song. No registration is required for this event; look out for the blue flag.Victor Harbor library will host two Constellations sessions on fantasy writing on Tuesday 3 March, in partnership with Squirrel and Sparrow Bookstore.The first is a panel session – Why Fantasy Matters When the World feels Too Real, in conversation with authors Sarah Neilson, Nadine Abrahams, Barb Rosie, Lorelei Johnson and Wendy Noble, from 2pm to 3pm.The second is a writing session – Micro-Stories: Writing Writing Fantasy for Uncertain Times, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.Both sessions are free to attend, but registration is required online. Constellations: Not Writers’ Week runs from today, Saturday 28 February to  Saturday 6 March. The full program is available on the website. 

The Zonta Club of the Fleurieu is inviting the community to attend the Fleurieu Women’s Expo on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Grosvenor Gardens, Victor Harbor.The Expo will celebrate and recognise the outstanding contributions of women across the Fleurieu region. The event aims to highlight local achievements, showcase the diverse talents within the community, and promote initiatives that support positive change for women and families.What to ExpectAttendees can enjoy a range of activities and opportunities, including:Informative exhibits highlighting local projects and community achievementsDisplays from local services that support women and familiesGuest speakers sharing insights and experiencesHands-on workshopsFamily-friendly activitiesA BBQ and coffee van available on siteThe event is open to all members of the community and offers a welcoming space to connect, learn and celebrate the role women play in shaping the region.Further InformationFor more details, contact:📞 0409 080 051📧 [email protected]

This week’s Pet of the Week is the beautiful-natured Marshmallow, a sweet and affectionate boy who is ready to find his forever home.True to his name, Marshmallow is soft-hearted and full of warmth. He absolutely adores cuddles, belly rubs, and spending quality time with his favourite humans. Whether it’s relaxing together at home or heading out for a gentle walk, Marshmallow is happiest when he’s by your side.He’s the kind of dog who will make you smile with his gentle nature and loyal companionship. With the right home, Marshmallow will flourish into a devoted best friend who brings comfort, love, and a little extra sweetness to every day.If you’re looking for a loyal companion who thrives on human connection, Marshmallow would love to meet you.👉 View Marshmallow’s full adoption profile here: https://www.adoptapet.com.au/pet/a4_185768Let’s help this gorgeous boy find the loving home he deserves.