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.

The Bureau of Meteorology has updated the Flood Watch for parts of South Australia, including Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula, with heavy rain forecast.That rain is expected to extend south on Friday and over the weekend, which could lead to rising river and creek levels and localised flooding.“A slow moving low pressure system over southern Northern Territory extending a trough into the northeast of Southern Australia is forecast to continue producing widespread moderate to heavy rainfall across the Flood Watch area over the next few days, with locally intense falls possible.”Local Catchments likely to be affected include:Kangaroo IslandAngas and Bremer RiversFleurieu PeninsulaOnkaparinga RiverTorrens and metropolitan rivers and creeks are also likely to be affected.For the latest flood and weather warnings visit the BOM alerts page. For the latest rainfall and river level information visit the BOM flood page.Safety adviceDon't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.For local emergency management warnings and advice visit the SES website.

National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia will offer free tours at an open day at Kangaroo Island’s Kelly Hill Caves on Sunday 1 March. The open day celebrates 100 years of tours at this iconic attraction and brings to a close Park of the Month events on the island.Activities and snacks will be available at ground level on return from the underground adventure. Visitors can also walk through the stunning native forest and enjoy the diversity of birds that make their home around the caves.The open day is free for all, the free tour must be booked to avoid missing out.Everyone can also enter the Park of the Month competition by snapping a photo of an iconic parks attraction for the chance to win yourself a Multiple Parks Pass.Visit the NWPS website for full details.

Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and Telstra are inviting remote, rural and regional community groups to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through round 4 of Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program.With $200,000 available, the program will support locally-led initiatives that strengthen digital inclusion, enhance community connection and resilience, and build sustainability and liveability of rural Australia.Now in its fourth year, FRRR says the program has already enabled almost 70 not‑for‑profit organisations nationwide to upgrade digital infrastructure, deliver digital skills training, support disaster readiness and improve service delivery. This has led to more resilient communities, greater digital equity, sustained social connection, more empowered volunteers and staff, as well as environmental and cultural benefits.Jill Karena, FRRR Head of Granting, says previous rounds show communities are not just wanting access to technology - they are seeking the capability, confidence and infrastructure to sustain and strengthen their community.“Digital access is fundamental to community wellbeing and opportunity - whether you’re running a local service, volunteering, learning, caring for Country or staying connected in times of crisis,” she says.“Rural communities are using digital tools in incredibly creative and practical ways: from First Nations organisations developing digital platforms to share language and culture, to volunteer groups strengthening emergency communication, through to Neighbourhood Centres delivering cyber safety workshops and digital mentoring.“Grants that support projects like these help bridge the digital divide by enabling community groups to embed technology into local solutions, build long-term capability and ensure no one is left behind.”Loretta Willaton, Telstra’s Regional Australia Executive, said Telstra is proud to back grassroots organisations that are using technology to strengthen the fabric of their communities.“The organisations applying to this program are tackling very real challenges - distance, limited connectivity, workforce pressures, ageing populations and more,” she says.“What stands out year after year is how communities are able to innovate when they have the right tools. They are improving emergency response systems, creating safe and inclusive digital learning spaces, preserving environmental and cultural knowledge, and ensuring people can stay connected, informed and supported - no matter where they live.“Telstra is proud to work with FRRR to support these local solutions and help build a more digitally capable and resilient rural Australia.”A free online information session will run from 12pm to 1pm AEDT on Tuesday 3 March, offering guidance on eligibility, project design and the application process. Register online. To learn more about eligibility criteria and what’s required in the application, go to the website.  Applications are now open and close at 5pm AEDT on Thursday 26 March. Applicants will be notified of outcomes by the end of June 2026.

Anyone who went to school in Victor Harbor, Port Elliot or Goolwa anytime since 2005 is asked to contribute to the City of Victor Harbor’s Future Ready Strategy.The council wants people to hear from who stayed on the Fleurieu after school, as well as those who moved away and those who left and later returned.The Future Ready Strategy aims to guide how the south coast plans for future jobs, housing and liveability.Everyone’s journey matters, wherever life has taken them and the council says the more voices it hears, the stronger the plan.Old scholars can complete a five-minute survey online and go into the draw to win a set of AirPods Max. The survey closes 15 March.

Alexandrina Council presented Local Government Service Awards to 21 employees last week, including its longest-serving employee, Allan Pomery, who has worked for the council for 45 years.Thelma Vivian was also recognised for 30 years of service with Alexandrina Libraries.Local Government Service Awards are long-service recognition awards that acknowledge individuals’ contributions to local government across South Australia, including council employees and elected councillors. They are part of the LGA SA’s broader Local Government Awards program.“In the case of Allan and Thelma, the long service has been accrued at Alexandrina or pre-amalgamation councils, which is an extraordinary feat,” says Alexandrina Chief Executive Officer Andrew MacDonald.“Allan has detailed knowledge of our area, which is invaluable to council and our community and his dedication to Council and community is unparalleled.“Thelma is a much-loved and respected member of the Library and wider Alexandrina Team, and she is a passionate advocate for the positive impact Libraries have on our community.“To all our employees who have received long service awards, I pass on my congratulations.“These awards celebrate dedication, knowledge and contribution to local communities through the local government sector.”Local Government Service Awards were also presented to:• Colin Shackleford and Kerry Abbott (25 years).• Stacey Bateson, James Horwood and Mark Hicks (20 years).• Lachlan Miller, Deb Gregory, Lianda Deans and Julie Payne (15 years).• Travis Griffen, Gary Lyons, Cheryl Ludgate, Doug Jones, Kylie Markow, Anna Schmidt, Andrew Rodda, David Heath, Shannon Hirniak and Braden Wray (10 years).Alexandrina Asset Inspector Allan Pomery, from Port Elliot, began working with the District Council of Port Elliot and Goolwa in 1980 as a garbage truck driver.Allan has held many roles with the council over the ensuing decades including signage,graffiti removal, machinery operator and undertaking corella control.Outside of his service to Alexandrina Council, Allan has been captain of the Port Elliot CFS Brigade and has volunteered his firefighting services both locally and interstate as required for many years.Thelma Vivian began working as a trainee at the District Council of Port Elliot and Goolwa in 1995.During her 30 years of service, she has dedicated her career to the important role libraries play in the community and to individuals, offering learning through imagination and information and positively impacting their lives.Thelma’s current role includes the maintenance of the Alexandrina Libraries collections, training library staff and volunteers as well as delivering the Little Rock ‘n’ Read program.

Goolwa Community Centre will host an information session on Understanding SA Elections on 28 February.This is not a ‘meet the candidate’ forum with political representatives, but a look at the South Australian electoral system in the lead up to the state election on 21 March.Derek Bowman will discuss and how voting works, covering historic and current perspectives on democracy and government, the ballot box and values.The session will run from 9.30am to11.30am and is free to attend, but bookings are essential via email.

There will be a new exhibition and prize as part of the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize in 2026. This year a Curator’s Choice show will be held in the Stump Hill Gallery at the Visitor Information Centre in McLaren Vale.It will be in the style of a ‘Salon des Refuses’,  or alternative to the officially judged awards, giving more artists the opportunity to exhibit their artwork. Once the finalists in the Fleurieu Art Prize have been selected, the Curator, Anna Small from the Fleurieu Arthouse, will select an additional 40+ works from the entries to be hung in the new exhibition. A prize of $2,000 will be offered to an artwork selected by the Curator. The exhibition will be held at the same time as the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize - 5 June-5 July 2026 - and all artworks will be for sale. There are three prizes awarded by judges in the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize: The Fleurieu Art Prize $20,000Emerging Artists Prize $5,000the People’s Choice award of $2,500Online entries open on 16 March for artworks created after 1 January 2025. Find out more about the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize, including the Terms and Conditions of entry, on the website.

The City of Onkaparinga has unanimously resolved to advocate for stronger state regulation of electric bikes and personal mobility devices (PMDs), following growing community concern about safety on the Esplanade and shared pathways across the region.At the 17 February council meeting, elected members supported a motion from Cr Gretel Wilkes acknowledging concerns raised by residents and shared-path users about safety risks associated with both compliant and non-compliant devices operating in pedestrian-focused environments.The council will now formally write to the state government, SAPOL and the Local Government Association of South Australia seeking stronger regulatory controls and clearer enforcement mechanisms.Mayor Moira Were says the council’s position is about improving safety while recognising the growing role of e-mobility in the transport mix.“We recognise that e-bikes and personal mobility devices are becoming more common and can play a positive role in active and sustainable transport,” she says.“However, we’re hearing increasing concerns from residents about excessive speeds, near misses and the presence of high-powered devices in areas heavily used by children, older people and people with disability.“Our advocacy is focused on ensuring the regulatory framework keeps pace with technology and prioritises community safety.”The council is asking for:Stronger regulatory controls for e-bikes, and PMDs capable of travelling above 10km/ in pedestrian environments.Enforceable speed management mechanisms.Consideration of device identification and/or registration requirementsclearer regulatory definitions and stronger importation controls to prevent illegal high-powered devices entering the market.Advice on current enforcement strategies and their practical limitations.Consideration of enhanced enforcement tools, including portable motor testing technology used in other jurisdictions.The council has expressed concern that the current framework permits PMD use in pedestrian-heavy environments while not requiring rider licensing, registration or mandatory device identification, which can limit effective enforcement.In addition to formal advocacy, the council will:Initiate a community conversation involving experts, relevant agencies and user groups.Consider installing signage on high-risk shared paths.Seek to contribute to any current or future state-wide review of PMD and e-bike regulations.Produce a further report outlining the legislative changes that permitted PMDs on footpaths and shared paths, enabling it to consider whether to oppose aspects of the framework in high-use and high-risk locations.Mayor Were says the motion reflects a balanced and proactive approach.“This is about starting a constructive conversation and working with the state government and enforcement agencies to ensure shared paths remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”

Native plants and animals impacted by the Deep Creek National Park bushfire are set to bounce back under a dedicated fund launched last week.The Wildlife Recovery Fund – established in partnership with the Nature Foundation – is now open, enabling South Australians to contribute and give endangered species like the southern emu-wren the best chance of recovery in the region.It comes as sections of the park have reopened, providing public access to Stringybark Campground and nearby walking tracks, Boat Harbour Beach and some accommodation sites. Other impacted areas will remain closed until further notice.The state government has worked closely with Yankalilla Council to establish a Local Recovery Committee to identify and manage local issues and provide updates. Action is also underway to support the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board and landholders to undertake vital recovery work on the ground.There will also be a benefit concert at Wirrina Holiday Park on Sunday 1 March. The family-friendly music and camping festival will run from 10am to 10pm and will feature markets and activities to raise funds for the community and wildlife affected by the Deep Creek fire. Tickets are $25 via Trybooking. The Wildlife Recovery Fund will help deliver projects that support the restoration of key habitats destroyed in the Fleurieu Peninsula fire, which saw more than 200 CFS volunteers, DEW personnel and interstate crews tackle the week-long blaze.Deep Creek National Park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna including short beaked echidnas, western grey kangaroos and 100 species of birds.Firefighters worked tirelessly to save native species’ habitat, conducting backburning in key areas and targeted aerial responses to mitigate the fire’s spread. These efforts limited the burnt area to 4,500 hectares, comprising about 40 per cent of Deep Creek National Park and nearly all of Talisker Conservation Park.Initial assessments of fire-affected biodiversity have found:About half of the endangered southern emu-wren and western beautiful firetail’s habitat impacted.Around 40 per cent of the southern brown bandicoot’s park habitat affected.Populations of bassian thrush, yellow-bellied water skinks, flame sedge-skipper butterflies and Kangaroo Island spider orchid affected.Funds raised will be used for immediate works – such as fence repair and weed control – along with monitoring and research to understand the long-term effects of the fire. Department for Environment and Water Conservation and Wildlife Director Lisien Loan says South Australians respond generously in the aftermath of bushfires and money raised through the Wildlife Recovery Fund is vital for restoration efforts.“The fund will be used to re-establish habitat for wildlife, particularly threatened and vulnerable species, and support scientific research to guide our future responses.”Nature Foundation Chair Jan Ferguson OAM says Deep Creek and the surrounding areas are of great importance for South Australian biodiversity, serving as a haven for native flora and fauna.“Deep Creek also holds a deep affinity for people, allowing them to experience and connect with nature.“All donations have a real impact on the recovery of fire-affected landscapes, ecosystems and species.”The Wildlife Recovery Fund raised more than $450,000 after the devastating 2019-20 fires across the Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula and South East.Grants between $1,000 and $50,000 were distributed to 20 recovery projects, including species relocation, monitoring programs and pest animal and plant control.To support Deep Creek’s recovery and contribute to the Wildlife Recovery Fund, visit the website. 

A Hayborough man was arrested, and police have seized a large haul of property, suspected of being stolen.It will be alleged on Saturday 21 February, police attended a Hayborough address and located numerous stolen bicycles.  A further search of the property uncovered additional items, including Ronix wakeboards and boots, pressure washers, bike and e-bikes, power tools and collectable figures. Some items had the serial numbers scratched off or removed.Police suspect these items have been stolen from the Fleurieu region, particularly in the Goolwa to Victor Harbor area and surrounds.Police would like to return the stolen goods to the rightful owners and ask anyone who recognises these items to contact Victor Harbor Police or provide their details via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online and quote reference 49593If you have had similar property stolen recently, please ensure it is reported to police so that when it is located police can match it with crime reports.Police also suggest engraving or marking property with an ultraviolet pen with your driver's licence, preceded by the letter S for South Australia.A 45-year-old Hayborough man was arrested and charged with theft, unlawful possession and breach of bail.  He was refused police bail and will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court today, Monday 23 February.

The City of Victor Harbor will roll out its rabbit control program this week, starting with distribution of untreated carrots on public reserves from Tuesday 24 February.The council will target 12 sites across six locations across Victor Harbor:Day Road ReserveTugwell Road ReserveThe Bluff ReserveOlivers ParadeGS Read ReserveAcacia Road ReserveCarrots treated with Calicivirus will be distributed in the same locations on Wednesday 4 March and then collected the following day, Thursday 5 March.The sites will be clearly signed and monitored by council officers.The council says Calicivirus RHDV K5 affects rabbits exclusively, posing no threat to dogs, possums, birds or humans. It strongly advises pet rabbit owners to vaccinate their pets.The rabbit control program is run with support from Landscape Hills and Fleurieu, which says rabbits are a serious threat to food production and biodiversity. “They can cause significant damage by eating native plants, out-competing native animals and digging warrens that cause erosion. “Rabbits can also destroy crops, pastures and native vegetation, creating millions of dollars’ worth of damage.For more information about rabbit control, visit the Landscape Hills and Fleurieu website.

Rising concerns about Little Corella flocks causing damage across the region has prompted Alexandrina Council to trial a new management tool in Strathalbyn.The ‘flock reflectors’ use movement and light to help deter birds from settling in specific locations.Over summer they have been installed in Strathalbyn as part of a seasonal trial and will be monitored over time.The council says its Field Services Team works proactively to reduce damage and nuisance while balancing responsible wildlife management.“Council officers are currently observing three separate flocks in Goolwa, including a ‘super flock’ estimated at approximately 15,000 birds. “In Strathalbyn, a flock of around 12,000 birds is present, with several smaller flocks across other townships.“Birds are also being recorded in areas where they have not typically congregated in previous years. “The scale of turf damage, tree impact and public space disruption this season is greater than our teams have experienced in recent years.”Some in the community have questioned the effectiveness of the flock reflectors, commenting on social media that the birds have been seen playing on them.The council says Corella management requires a combination of strategies, which may include drone dispersal, laser and revolving lights, and other deterrents. “No single method provides a complete solution, so Council uses a coordinated and responsive approach to minimise impacts across our townships.”“Council will continue to work with the Department for Environment and Water on other methods of localised abundant species management through the recently introduced Biodiversity Act 2025.“Council continues to advocate to the State Government for a coordinated, state-wide management plan to address the broader impacts of Little Corellas.”More details about Alexandrina Council’s approach to Corella management can be found on its website.