Two teenagers were reported for riding unlicensed after they were caught riding e-bikes at Seaford last night.Police received numerous calls from the public reporting kids riding electric bikes on the roadway and in front of cars in the Seaford area around 7pm on Sunday 8 February.PolAir was overhead and located the group on Grand Boulevard, Seaford.  They were tracked to a home address and visited by Road Policing South officers.Two 13-year-old boys were reported for riding unlicensed and one for riding in a manner dangerous to the public after PolAir detected him riding at speeds of up to 80 km/h on the wrong side of the road.His bike was impounded for 28 days.Staying safe on the road is important for all road users. With the increased popularity and use of e-bikes, it is important to know what is legal and prioritise using them responsibly.For more information South Australian e-bikes, go to SA.GOV.AU - Riding a power-assisted bicycle37062

Two Fleurieu councils are updating their Disability Access and Inclusion Plans for 2026–30 and are inviting the community to provide feedback.The District Council of Yankalilla and Alexandrina Council want input from the community, particularly people who live with disability, care for someone with disability, work as a support worker, or are part of an organisation that supports people with disability to live well.The plans guide how councils work to remove barriers and improve the way all people of all abilities engage with services, facilities, programs and decision-making. They say community input is essential to ensure the plans reflect local experiences and support inclusion across the region.The South Australian Disability Inclusion Plan 2025- 2029 has identified priority areas and measures that all plans will need to include.They include inclusive environments and communities; education and employment; personal and community support; and safety, rights and justice.Alexandrina Council’s plan can be viewed on its website. It will hold drop-in information sessions at the Goolwa library on Wednesday 11 February and at Strathalbyn library on Friday 13 February, both from 9.30am to 12noon.District Council of Yankalilla’s plan can be viewed online; it will hold an information drop-in session at the Yankalilla library on Tuesday 24 February from 10am to 12noon.Consultation for both council plans close on Friday 27 February and the final draft of the plans will be presented to the councils by April.

The McLaren Vale wine region community came together at Wirra Wirra Vineyards on Saturday 6 February to mark the beginning of Vintage 2026, recognising the efforts throughout the season so far and the work that lies ahead through harvest.Joining in this celebration was state Premier Peter Malinauskas, Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs, Mawson MP Leon Bignell and Mayor of the City of Onkaparinga Moira Were AM.Speaking at the event, Premier Malinauskas affirmed McLaren Vale’s place as one of South Australia’s most significant regional assets.“McLaren Vale is home to something very special, which is embodied by this community. The region should be proud of what it continues to do for South Australia as a whole.”That recognition was reinforced by the Premier’s announcement of a $250,000 commitment to Labor’s new A Stronger Future for McLaren Vale: Agriculture, Tourism and Trade Strategy, aimed at strengthening the region’s long-term prosperity through agricultural diversification, expanded market access for local producers, and high-quality tourism investment.The McLaren Vale wine community welcomed the commitment, particularly the Premier’s pledge to work with growers, winemakers, tourism operators and the local community to enhance the region’s competitiveness and resilience in a changing global economy.Erin Leggat, CEO of McLaren Vale Wine Region says the announcement was a timely and welcome vote of confidence in the region. “McLaren Vale is operating in an exceptionally challenging global environment, and the Premier’s commitment recognises both the scale of the pressures facing our growers, winemakers and tourism operators, and the strategic importance of this region to South Australia’s economy, identity and global reputation,” she says.“The $250,000 commitment to a Stronger Future for McLaren Vale strategy provides an opportunity for our region to work collaboratively with government on the priorities that matter most right now. “Just as importantly, it acknowledges the strength of this community and its readiness to adapt, innovate and partner for the long term.”Held annually, the Bell Ringing Ceremony is testament to the close-knit fabric of the McLaren Vale community and the innovative and collaborative spirit of the wine region, and honours the traditions that have shaped the region since its first vintage 185 years ago.The ringing of Wirra Wirra’s 3⁄4 tonne Angelus Bell to symbolically welcome in the new vintage is a custom that began over 35 years ago with the late Greg Trott, modern founder of Wirra Wirra and a vocal champion of McLaren Vale Wine Region.This year’s vintage was hailed in by reigning McLaren Vale Bushing Monarch Paddy Gilhooly of Thistledown Wines, who rang the bell with Premier Malinauskas while the community raised a glass and sang the traditional ‘Bushing Wassail’. The McLaren Vale Bushing Monarch title has been bestowed on the producer of the ‘Best Wine of Show’ from the preceding year’s McLaren Vale Wine Show for over 50 years.Speaking at the event, Bushing Monarch Paddy Gilhooly cited the raft of national and global accolades awarded to McLaren Vale Grenache wines throughout 2025 as further endorsement of McLaren Vale’s world-class fine wine reputation.

As the new week begins, drivers are reminded to stay vigilant on the roads this Monday, February 9, with mobile speed cameras scheduled to operate across South Australia, including both regional and metropolitan areas.Police continue their statewide speed enforcement efforts to reduce road trauma and encourage safer driving behaviours. With school back in session and commuter traffic building, it's an important time to stay focused, drive to the conditions, and respect speed limits.Whether you’re heading to work, dropping the kids off, or running errands, make safety your priority on the road.The full list of mobile speed camera locations for Monday, February 9, is provided below.ADDISON RD, PENNINGTONALDGATE-STRATHALBYN RD, ECHUNGABATTUNGA RD, MEADOWSDAYS RD, REGENCY PARKDAYS RD, FERRYDEN PARKDAYS RD, CROYDON PARKECHUNGA RD, ECHUNGAFLAXLEY RD, FLAXLEYGOOLWA RD, MOUNT COMPASSHANSON RD, WOODVILLE GARDENSMAIN NORTH RD, ENFIELDNANGKITA RD, MOUNT COMPASSPARIS CREEK RD, PARIS CREEKPORT RD, QUEENSTOWNPORT RD, ALBERTONPORT RIVER EXP, GILLMANPORT RIVER EXP, WINGFIELDPORT WAKEFIELD RD, GEPPS CROSSTRIMMER PDE, SEATONVENABLES ST, MACCLESFIELDVICTOR HARBOR RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT JAGGEDVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT COMPASSWELCH RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYCountry traffic camera locations until February 15, 2026:AUGUSTA HWY, WARNERTOWNAUGUSTA HWY, REDHILLAUGUSTA HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKAUGUSTA HWY, PORT WAKEFIELDAUGUSTA HWY, LOCHIELAUGUSTA HWY, SNOWTOWNBARRIER HWY, HANSONBARRIER HWY, BURRABARUNGA GAP RD, SNOWTOWNBIRDSEYE HWY, CLEVEBROADBENT TCE, WHYALLA NORRIEBROADBENT TCE, WHYALLACHARLES TCE, WALLAROOCHATFIELD TCE, WALLAROOCOPPER COAST HWY, PORT WAKEFIELDFLINDERS HWY, WANGARYGOYDER HWY, CRYSTAL BROOKGREENLY AVE, COFFIN BAYGREY TCE, PORT PIRIEHORROCKS HWY, TARLEEHORROCKS HWY, AUBURNHORROCKS HWY, RHYNIEHUGHES ST, WALLAROOKADINA RD, WALLAROOLINCOLN HWY, NORTH SHIELDSLINCOLN HWY, TUMBY BAYLINCOLN HWY, PORT LINCOLNLINCOLN HWY, CULTANALONDON ST, PORT LINCOLNMAIN NORTH RD, CLAREMAIN RD, PORT PIRIEMARINA DR, PORT LINCOLNMARY ELIE ST, PORT PIRIEMCDOUALL STUART AVE, WHYALLA STUARTMCDOUALL STUART AVE, WHYALLA NORRIEMORTLOCK TCE, PORT LINCOLNNEAGLES ROCK RD, CLARENEW WEST RD, PORT LINCOLNNICOLSON AVE, WHYALLA NORRIENICOLSON AVE, WHYALLA STUARTNORRIE AVE, WHYALLA NORRIEOXFORD TCE, PORT LINCOLNPLAYFORD AVE, WHYALLA PLAYFORDRACECOURSE RD, WHYALLA NORRIESENATE RD, PORT PIRIE WESTSHEOAK RD, TULKATOD HWY, CUMMINSVERRAN TCE, PORT LINCOLNWANDEARAH RD, PORT PIRIE SOUTHWESTERN APPROACH RD, PORT LINCOLN

Favourable conditions throughout the past 24 hours have assisted crews to secure the fireground to the coastline, with the approximately 100 firefighters on the fireground patrolling for hotspots and extinguishing any flare ups.South Australian personnel are being supported by Farm Fire Units and crews from the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), Forestry SA, New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and Victorian Country Fire Authority, who continue to work on the fire.Several external agencies are continuing to support in other capacities including the SA State Emergency Service with the management of basecamps and accommodation.Yesterday, SA Power Networks successfully restored power to 42 properties, and today they are working on fixing damaged infrastructure to restore power to the remaining 6 properties whose connections were affected by the fire.Aviation retardant lines have been established adjacent the substation that delivers power to Kangaroo Island.A portion of the fireground has now been deemed safe for authorised wildlife personnel to conduct their vital work.Currently there is no uncontrolled fire within the containment lines. At this time there is no foreseeable threat to the community, however, the predicted weather for Wednesday will be the first test of our containment.There will be continued presence at this fire and planning includes our ability to provide additional resources if required.At this time, it has been confirmed that nineteen structures have been damaged or destroyed and nine vehicles have been destroyed. SA Police rapid assessment teams are continuing to conduct assessments of any potential additional impacts when conditions allow.The Deep Creek National Park, Talisker Conservation Park and Second Valley Forest are closed.Hazardous tree assessments are being finalised, which has enabled the opening of several roads in the area. Please refer to traffic.sa.gov.au for the most current information. If you must travel in the area, please drive to conditions and follow directions from emergency services.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 PartnersFor emergencies call Triple Zero (000).End of message.

Content proudly provided by Coast Lines magazineBy any measure, Christopher Battams is a remarkable poet. For Coast Lines readers, his is a familiar voice whose poems pulse with the rhythms of the land, the weight of memory and the ache of justice. But beyond the lines is a man whose journey from flood-swept Riverland beginnings to international acclaim has been far from ordinary.Born in Barmera in 1956, Chris’s early life was shaped by water—too much of it. The Riverland region suffered a catastrophic flood the year he was born, and that deluge marked not just the town, but the mind of a child who developed a life-long distaste for deep water. Growing up in rough country housing without electricity or plumbing, Chris moved often, attending many schools. What remained constant was his love of English and his growing connection to storytelling.As a boy, he was drawn to the ballads of Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson—poetry that sang of dusty stock routes and the rawness of the Australian bush. He also fell for the gentle cadences of country music, its “soft lullaby” staying with him into adulthood. Later, he would chase these stories firsthand, working on vast sheep and cattle stations. But it wasn’t until tragedy called him back home that his poetic voice began to develop.Returning to support his mother and younger siblings, Chris settled back in the Adelaide and joined the Glenelg Council. In the early 70s, a motorbike accident left him with severe head injuries and loss of speech. Recovery was slow and brutal. But during this time, a friend gave him a book of poetry by Roland Robinson—an act that would redirect his life.Robinson, a member of the Jindyworobak movement, wrote of Indigenous life, birds and the Australian landscape. Chris connected deeply with these themes and began to write again, finding in poetry a therapeutic path to reclaim his language and identity. His first political poem, Talking Tree, emerged from this period—a response to a Bulletin  magazine article about the destruction of an Aboriginal sacred site. Written from the perspective of a tree mourning its loss, the poem struck a chord. It has since been published in ten anthologies across five countries.Today, Chris lives just outside Back Valley, on a patch of rural land surrounded by birdsong, kangaroos and gum trees. “It’s good for my psyche,” he says. “It’s where I come from. It’s my heritage.” From this tranquil base, he writes longhand in his study, inspired by the land, Aboriginal culture, mythology and the solitude of country life.But Chris is not a recluse. He’s an active member of the vibrant Fleurieu artistic community. “There’s a strong sense of connection here,” he says. “We share work, give feedback and lift each other up.” For those looking to share their creative work, his advice is simple: “Join a group. You need feedback. It gives you confidence. It makes you better.”After four decades of writing, Chris’s resume is staggering. He’s been published over 40 times, aired on radio and television, featured in Australian and international journals, and even invited to lecture at the Sorbonne in Paris on the intersection of Indigenous culture and poetry.Still, he remains grounded. “It took me 45 years to become an overnight success,” he says, with a grin.Chris has also taught science and Aboriginal education professionally and believes deeply in the power of knowledge. “I like the idea of learning and passing it on,” he says. Whether it’s explaining the concept of air pressure to school kids with a plastic bag or breaking down the complexities of archaeological evolution in his poetry, Chris sees education and writing as intertwined tools for understanding the world.His poetry collections—A Book of Poetry—are stocked in local libraries, and his work appears frequently in Coast Lines. He continues to write every day, often drawing from deep within: memories of working in London, homesickness turned into epic verse, the resilience it took to find his voice again after injury.Even now, with a friend in Sydney helping refine a new compilation of his life’s work, Chris is chasing perfection. “It has to be right,” he says. “If it’s not, I’ll pull it.”When asked what readers should know about him, Chris doesn’t talk about fame or awards. He talks about kindness. “Don’t be cruel to animals. Don’t litter. Look after the environment,” he says. “We live in the best part of the world. We need to care for it.”With every line he pens, Chris Battams reminds us that poetry is not just a craft—it’s a calling, a mirror and a map. And through his words, our community has come to see itself more clearly.

Excitement is building for the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize 2026, with announcement of the three judges ahead of entries opening next month.The three judges are Tansy Curtin, Assistant Director, Artistic Programs at Art Gallery of South Australia; Lee-Anne Hall, Curatorial Director at the Jam Factory; and Andrew Purvis, Director of Adelaide Central Gallery at Central School of Art.Tansy Curtin has held senior positions at the Art Gallery of South Australia as Curator of International Art pre-1980 and Bendigo Art Gallery as Curatorial Manager. She has curated major exhibitions including Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution (AGSA), Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits (Bendigo Art Gallery) and Marilyn Monroe (Bendigo Art Gallery). Dr Lee-Anne Hall is newly appointed to her role at the Jam Factory. She has a long career in both academic and arts organisations and was most recently Director of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and the National Art Glass Gallery and Collection.An accomplished curator and artist, Andrew Purvis has curated a series of ambitious exhibitions in Western Australia, most notably at the Fremantle Arts Centre and the Lawrence Wilson Gallery. He has written widely about contemporary art and is a practising visual artist, an award-winning arts writer and an educator.Entries open for the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize 2026 on Monday 16 March and close at midnight on Sunday 13 April.Finalists will be announced in the week starting 4 May, with the winners announced on the opening day of the month-long exhibition on Friday 5 June at Fleurieu Arthouse.

This week’s official RSPCA Pet of the Week is the fabulous Orion – a curious, energetic, and loving young cat who’s bursting with personality and ready to shine in his forever home.🐱 Meet OrionAdoption Fee: Only $45 – this week only! Orion is a lively, affectionate boy who’s always up for a play session. He’s a fan of toys, tunnels, and feather wands, and his playful spirit will brighten your home in no time. After some good fun, Orion also enjoys quiet moments and sweet snuggles – but like many spirited cats, he’ll let you know when it’s time for a break.Ideal for a household with adults or older childrenLoves interactive toys and exploring new thingsMay enjoy the company of another cat, given his social natureNeeds a home that can read his cues and give him time to settleWhether he’s chasing a toy or curling up after a busy day, Orion is a joy to be around – and now he’s available for a super special adoption fee of just $45, which includes:✔️ Desexing ✔️ Microchip ✔️ Vaccinations ✔️ A FREE bag of Royal Canin dry foodIf you're ready to welcome home a playful new best friend, Orion is waiting to meet you!

Three men died in a fatal light plane crash in Long Bay near Goolwa South yesterday afternoon.About 4.20pm on Friday 6 February, police received reports of a light plane crashing into the ocean at Long Bay, near Goolwa South.Police and emergency services responded immediately.Sadly, all three men on board, including the pilot, a 53-year-old Morphett Vale man, and an 18-year-old Freeling man and a 20-year-old Pasadena man, were subsequently located deceased.The wreckage of the plane has been brought into shore.Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigators are attending the scene today and investigations into the crash are continuing.Police will be preparing a report for the Coroner.Police wish to thank other emergency services, including CFS, SES, Sea Rescue and commercial operators for their efforts and assistance in the search and retrieval operations.

This week at RSPCA Lonsdale, we're celebrating two lovable medium-sized pups with giant personalities – Marshmellow and Roxy. These sweethearts are ready to find calm, adult-only homes where they can share their joy, affection, and a whole lot of goofy charm.🐶 Marshmellow – The Gentle CuddlebugMedium (20kg) | Adoption Fee: $395 Marshmellow is as sweet as his name suggests! With a soft personality and a gentle heart, he thrives on love, belly rubs, and quiet companionship. He can be shy with new people or places, but once he trusts you, he’ll be your loyal shadow and snuggle partner.Adores cuddles and calm walksBest suited to a home with adults or older childrenMust be the only pet at homeWould benefit greatly from foster care if you're not ready to adopt yetIf you're after a loyal, gentle soul who will warm your heart, Marshmellow is waiting to meet you.🐾 Roxy – The Goofy Queen of ZoomiesMedium (20kg) | Adoption Fee: $395 Roxy is an energetic, playful girl with a hilarious, heartwarming personality. She’s a toy enthusiast and zoomie champion, guaranteed to keep you smiling. After she’s done making you laugh, Roxy loves to settle into a cozy spot for a well-earned rest.Energetic and toy-obsessed with a lovable goofy sideNeeds a home with adults or older kids onlyPrefers to be the only pet in the homeAlso available for foster care if you'd like to give her a temporary loving environmentRoxy is the perfect mix of silly and sweet – all she needs now is her forever person.💛 Fostering is a great way to help if you're not quite ready to adopt! Learn more at: rspcasa.org.au/foster-care

Duplication of Main South Road between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach opens to traffic today, Saturday 7 February. This completes the entire Main South Road duplication project, which includes a new interchange at Aldinga, featuring a new underpass and improved crossings to Aldinga and Willunga, as well as the dual carriageway between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach.Stage 2 of the Main South Road duplication from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach has been delivered as part of the $810.4 million Fleurieu Connections Project, with funding contributions of $221.6 million from the federal government and $588.8 million from the state government.Main South Road is a critical link between Adelaide and the Fleurieu region and carries around 19,000 vehicles a day, with traffic volumes expected to grow to 26,000 vehicles a day by 2036.Along with the duplication, installation of wide centre medians and wire rope safety barriers to separate northbound and southbound traffic aims to improve safety and help prevent head-on crashes.Other features include two U-turn bays to facilitate local access, intersection upgrades at Hart and Colville Roads, Norman and Rogers Roads, and Hahn and Cox Roads, as well as upgrades at Perth Street and a realigned Sellicks Beach Road that improves sight lines and safety.The project also includes the construction of a shared use path along the western side of Main South Road.This new path finishes a continuous, dedicated pedestrian and cyclist link from Seaford to Sellicks Beach, encouraging active transport and better connecting local communities.The state government says approximately 95 per cent of project contracts were awarded to South Australian businesses. “More than 9,000 tonnes of glass – the equivalent of 43 million recycled glass bottles including wine bottles from the region – was repurposed in the construction of the roadway from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach. This demonstrates how sustainable construction materials can be used on a major infrastructure project.“The focus on sustainability has also extended to the natural environment, with close to 100,000 native trees, shrubs and understory planted along the corridor.Retiring Mawson MP Leon Bignell says: “This is an important and historic moment for the people of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island who now have one of the best and safest roads in South Australia.“We built this road to honour those who died and were seriously injured on the old, unsafe South Rd and it would not have happened without a tremendous community campaign led by the Main South Road Action Group.”Speed restrictions will remain in place on the newly opened duplication and the underpass over the coming months as finishing works are completed. Drivers are asked to take care and observe signage.

Police are investigating a house break-in which occurred in January.About 12.10am on Sunday 4 January, three masked men damaged a door to gain entry into a house on Acacia Road. The men were confronted by the occupants and ran from the scene.There were no reports of injuries.CCTV from the area shows two cars leaving the direction of the house shortly after.Anyone who may know the drivers or occupants of the cars, or has any information that will assist the investigation, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online. Please quote #03238 – you can remain anonymous.

Police and emergency services have responded to reports of a light plane crash in the Long Bay area.Just before 4.30pm on Friday 6 February, police received reports of a light plane crash in the Long Bay area near Goolwa South.Marine search and rescue and volunteer vessels are involved in recovery efforts.There is as yet no information about casualties.

The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) will hold a community information session at 12.30pm today, Friday 6 February, to share the latest updates on the Deep Creek fire and answer community questions.This session will be held at the Yankalilla Football Club and will be led by Incident Controller Cameron Leary, with partner agencies in attendance. It will also be streamed online on the CFS website. In its latest incident update the CFS issues a stay informed warning for Deep Creek, Silverton, Blowhole Beach Road and Delamere.“Monitor local conditions and stay informed if you are in this area as conditions are likely to change at short notice.“Fireground conditions remain dynamic due to coastal influence and steep terrain. At risk areas could change at short notice and those in surrounding communities are reminded to stay informed.“Back burning efforts, along with heavy machinery and aircraft, are working to create containment lines along Black Bullock Road, Tapanappa Road and Tapanappa Ridge Road. “Asset protection is being maintained for the park headquarters, workshop and Stringybark campground during these backburning efforts. “The fire behaviour remains dynamic with influence from the steep terrain and coastal winds causing the fire to change at short notice.“This work along with the ongoing fire will continue to push smoke over the area into the end of the week and over the weekend.“If the containment lines are not effective, the predicted spread of this fire has the potential to reach surrounding communities including Rapid Bay, Second Valley and Yankalilla. “Firefighting efforts are taking every precaution to limit the risk of this fire spreading however, communities in these areas are urged to be ready to enact their bushfire survival plan and stay informed for if the situation changes.”Main South Road has now reopened to all motorists however, speed restrictions may apply. Talisker Road, Rarkang Road, Three Bridges Road, Blowhole Beach Road, Tent Rock Road and Range Road West and Tapanappa Road remain closed. The Deep Creek National Park, Talisker Conservation Park and Second Valley Forrest are fully closed. A CFS staging area is operating at the Yankalilla Showgrounds, and Yankalilla Oval is being used for aviation operations. The public is asked to stay clear of these areas.People are also reminded this is an active fireground where the situations is constantly changing. Anyone is the area is reminded to stay away where possible and follow directions from emergency service personnel. This includes the use of drones which pose a serious risk to firefighting aircraft and must be kept well away from firegrounds.Ongoing updates and community information on this fire can be found on the CFS website. For road closure information visit DIT.Shapes on this map image indicate the Warning Area to which this message applies.YELLOW: Advice Message; ORANGE: Watch and Act Message; RED: Emergency Warning

Nominations for the region’s premiere heritage event, the Alexandrina Council Heritage Awards, are now open.The 2026 Awards highlight best practice in heritage projects across six categories:• Heritage tourism• Conservation Practice• Adaptive Reuse• Heritage Gardens and Fencing• Historic Research• Lorraine Pomery Service to Heritage AwardNominations must be lodged on online and will be accepted until 5pm on Friday 3 April.Nominations can be made by those responsible for the project, or by people who have noticed and appreciated their endeavours. Past nominations have come from property owners, tradespeople, historic societies and businesses.Alexandrina Council has hosted the Heritage Awards since the late 1990s, through its Heritage Advisory Group.It says the awards recognise excellence in heritage conservation, research and works undertaken within the district. “They also offer an opportunity to educate the wider community about the importance of conserving and activating local heritage that contribute to a Liveable, Green and Connected Alexandrina.”The 2026 Awards will be conferred at an event that to be held in May as part of South Australia’s History Festival and will include a special guest speaker. “The Heritage Awards are an opportunity for the community to recognise their local heritage projects. Last year’s Awards was an excellent example of celebrating our rich heritage and history. It’s important to treasure these heritage places as it keeps them preserved for the generations to come,” says Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes.“I encourage community members to get involved in this year’s Heritage Awards and nominate a project that represents best-practice and commitment to preservation practices.”Nominations across all categories are eligible to be considered for the Mayoral Award, which is selected by the Mayor and acknowledges celebration of the heritage of the Alexandrina region and long-lasting benefit to the community.For further information about the awards, the Heritage Awards Guidelines and how to nominate, visit the council website.

Marine Safety SA will run two free clinics on the Fleurieu this weekend, providing advice about lifejackets and answering all questions on boating safety. They will be held on Saturday 7 February from 2pm to 4pm at the Bluff Boat Ramp in Encounter Bay and on Sunday 8 February from 9am to 12noon at the O’Sullivans Beach boat ramp.The clinics will cover how to wear and maintain a lifejacket; necessary safety gear; and understanding emergency communications.They will also go into: the different types of lifejackets and how to clean, size and fit them.No bookings are required and everyone who attends the clinic will have the opportunity to go into the draw to win a new lifejacket.Find out more about Marine Safety SA and the clinics by visiting the website.  

City of Victor Harbor ratepayers will get an extra month to pay the next quarterly rates, due to a technology glitch.This has delayed issue of the council’s third quarter rates notices, resulting in an extension of their due date for payment.The third rates’ instalment for this financial year was due to be paid by 1 March but has been extended to 31 March.Legally, councils must issue rates notices at least 30 days and no more than 60 days before the due date.The council says the delay occurred due to challenges with data migration during its transition to a new corporate system. “These issues require resolution by the software provider and cannot be rectified within the usual notice release timeframe.“Extending the due date allows sufficient time for the identified issues to be resolved and for the printing and delivery of notices.”Fourth quarter rates notices are expected to be issued on the usual schedule, with the usual due date for payment of 1 June.

Main South Road between Delamere and Cape Jervis remains closed to the general public, restricting non-essential travel to Kangaroo Island.A roadblock is in place at Delamere, however Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island residents, essential freight, emergency services and essential workers servicing the ferry operation are allowed to pass.Tourists and non-residents leaving the island, departing from Penneshaw to Cape Jervis, are now allowed to travel but should not stop or remain in Cape Jervis.The ferry service has been limited due to the road closure and SeaLink has temporarily suspended all Kangaroo Island tours departing Adelaide.As conditions are continually changing SeaLink is advising prospective travellers to visit its website, SeaLink Kangaroo Island Facebook page, Traffic SA and the SA CFS website for more information before departing for the Ferry Terminal.The Country Fire Service (CFS) warning advice has been downgraded to Watch and Act. It reports the fire has burnt more than 2,500 hectares with crews focusing on halting the blaze spreading along Main South Road. “Due to strong winds being experienced on the fireground and the steep terrain, this fire has taken a run towards Delamere and Jones Forest.”“Crews have put in a great effort to hold up the fire allowing Main South Road to reopen for that local community including Kangaroo Island residents. However, this remains a dynamic situation and the road may close again at any time.“At this time we understand that at least one structure has been lost, with the possibility of additional structures being impacted. Our crews will conduct assessments of any further losses when conditions allow. Deep Creek National Park is now completely closed, and Talisker Conservation Park remains fully closed.“A CFS staging area is operating at the Yankalilla Showgrounds, and Yankalilla Oval is being used for aviation operations. The public is asked to stay clear of these areas.”The Salvation Army has set up there to provide food and refreshments to fire crews. The CFS says that while support and donations from the public is appreciated, at this stage firefighters do not require additional food. Anyone who would like to donate could consider the CFS Foundation, which helps volunteers and their families in need.  

A re-elected state Labor Government will introduce a nation-leading new teaching pathway to better prepare teachers for the classroom. Teaching students would start working in government schools from day one – giving them the chance to earn while they learn and equipping them with the skills to manage and lead in the classroom. Under the policy, in the first two years, teaching students will take up the job of a Student Support Officer (part-time) while undertaking their studies. In this role, students will provide support to individual students and learning on the job from qualified teachers – while completing a university degree. This is designed to allow them to develop practical skills and gain a strong understanding of the classroom, so by the end of the two year they are well-prepared to teach alongside their studies from the third year.From year three, they will start as a teacher – supported by their colleagues, including with a teacher mentor. They will continue their studies while on the job.Across their entire studies they will have access to professional learning offered by the Department for Education.Successful graduates will be prioritised for full-time employment in government schools at the end of their studies. It is anticipated 40 per cent of teaching graduates in SA will go through the pathway throughout the next decade. This new pathway will be designed with universities, the Teachers Registration Board, and stakeholders such as associations and the union.Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer says too often teachers leave the profession within the first five years because they feel they were not well prepared for the classroom from their uni degree. “We want the very best trained, highly skilled teachers in our public schools. A new teaching pathway that gets them straight into the classroom to gain hands-on experience – and earning while they learn – will result in better prepared teachers who stay in the profession. “Teacher workforce pressures are being felt across Australia and around the world, so it’s appropriate that governments are looking at bold, new ways to respond.“Tobias O’Connor is South Australian Primary Principals Association President. He says this is a bold reform that responds directly to long-standing concerns from the profession about graduate readiness. “If implemented carefully — with strong mentoring, appropriate safeguards, and realistic expectations for schools — it has the potential to strengthen the teacher pipeline while better preparing graduates for the realities of classroom teaching.“The real challenge for education systems isn’t just attracting people into teaching — it’s keeping them there. Pathways that build confidence, capability and a strong sense of professional identity before graduates take on a classroom alone are far more likely to improve retention and reduce early-career burnout.“From a principal’s perspective, this pathway creates real opportunity for both schools and future teachers. But its success will depend on the right conditions — time for mentoring, clear safeguards, and resourcing that recognises the additional responsibility placed on schools to support and develop these emerging professionals.”