Motorists are advised to take extra care on the roads this Monday, February 16, with mobile speed cameras scheduled to operate across South Australia, including key routes in both regional and metropolitan areas.As part of ongoing road safety efforts, police continue to monitor high-risk and high-traffic locations to reduce speeding and prevent avoidable incidents. With the week getting underway, it's a timely reminder for all drivers to stay alert, obey speed limits, and allow extra time for travel where needed.Whether you're commuting, travelling for work, or out on the road for daily errands, your attention to speed and safety helps protect everyone.A full list of mobile speed camera locations for Monday, February 16, is included below.ASCOT AVE, VALE PARKBALMORAL RD, DERNANCOURTBLACKS RD, GILLES PLAINSBRIAR RD, FELIXSTOWCOMMERCIAL RD, SEAFORDESPLANADE, ALDINGA BEACHGRAND BVD, SEAFORDGRAND BVD, SEAFORD RISEGRAND JUNCTION RD, GILLES PLAINSGRIFFITHS DR, MOANAGULF PDE, MASLIN BEACHGULF VIEW RD, SELLICKS BEACHHARRIS RD, VALE PARKMAGILL RD, MAGILLMAIN RD, MCLAREN VALEMAIN RD, WILLUNGAMASLIN BEACH RD, MASLIN BEACHOSMOND TCE, NORWOODPORT RD, PORT WILLUNGAPORT RD, ALDINGASIR LEWIS COHEN AVE, ADELAIDESOUTH TCE, ADELAIDEWAKEFIELD RD, ADELAIDEWAR MEMORIAL DR, NORTH ADELAIDECountry traffic camera locations until Sunday February 22, 2026:BIRDSEYE HWY, CLEVEBOETTCHER RD, MIDDLETONBRADFORD RD, GOOLWA BEACHBROADBENT TCE, WHYALLABROADBENT TCE, WHYALLA NORRIECADELL ST, GOOLWAFENCHURCH ST, GOOLWAFLAGSTAFF HILL RD, MIDDLETONFLINDERS HWY, WANGARYFORKTREE RD, CARRICKALINGAGOOLWA RD, MOUNT COMPASSGOOLWA RD, MIDDLETONGREENLY AVE, COFFIN BAYHUTCHINSON ST, GOOLWAINMAN VALLEY RD, YANKALILLALINCOLN HWY, TUMBY BAYLINCOLN HWY, CULTANALINCOLN HWY, NORTH SHIELDSLINCOLN HWY, PORT LINCOLNLIVERPOOL RD, GOOLWALONDON ST, PORT LINCOLNMAIN SOUTH RD, YANKALILLAMAIN SOUTH RD, NORMANVILLEMAIN SOUTH RD, WATTLE FLATMAIN SOUTH RD, MYPONGAMARINA DR, PORT LINCOLNMCDOUALL STUART AVE, WHYALLA NORRIEMCDOUALL STUART AVE, WHYALLA STUARTMONTPELIER TCE, PORT ELLIOTMORTLOCK TCE, PORT LINCOLNNANGKITA RD, MOUNT COMPASSNEW WEST RD, PORT LINCOLNNICOLSON AVE, WHYALLA STUARTNICOLSON AVE, WHYALLA NORRIENORRIE AVE, WHYALLA NORRIENORTH TCE, PORT ELLIOTOXFORD TCE, PORT LINCOLNPAGES FLAT RD, MYPONGAPLAYFORD AVE, WHYALLA PLAYFORDPORT ELLIOT RD, PORT ELLIOTPORT ELLIOT RD, GOOLWA BEACHRACECOURSE RD, WHYALLA NORRIESHEOAK RD, TULKATOD HWY, CUMMINSTOTTENHAM COURT RD, PORT ELLIOTVERRAN TCE, PORT LINCOLNVICTOR HARBOR RD, MOUNT COMPASSVICTOR HARBOR RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYWELCH RD, HINDMARSH VALLEYWESTERN APPROACH RD, PORT LINCOLN

A new Neighbourhood Watch campaign has been launched to encourage South Australian householders to improve their home security with the aim of reducing crime in communities statewide.The campaign provides practical home security tips and directs people to the Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) website, where they can access tools and information to help make their homes safer and more secure. https://www.police.sa.gov.au/nhw/homeA key feature of the campaign is a 10-question home security habits quiz, developed to help users identify free changes they can make to improve their home security and reduce the risk of having their home broken into.NHW state coordinator Kirsty Mudge says the campaign built upon the success of the NHW SA program, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, by providing home security messages throughout the state, not just in areas with existing NHW groups.“Nothing beats receiving face-to-face advice from a Neighbourhood Watch volunteer who knows your local community intimately, but there is a growing role for campaigns in ensuring everyone in the state can access reliable, quality crime prevention information that is easy to implement,” she says.“Home break-ins can seriously impact families and individuals – from the cost to replace damaged items to psychological effects. We need to prevent break-ins from occurring.”The objective of the campaign is to encourage householders to improve their home security to reduce crime and create safer, more connected communities.”The campaign includes some lesser-known tips for making homes less appealing to potential intruders. For example, planting roses under your windows creates a prickly barrier for anyone thinking about breaking in.“We know the cost of home security upgrades can put people off, so our quiz encourages householders to make small changes to their habits that can have a big impact on crime,” Kirsty says. “Simple actions such as locking doors and windows, securing valuables and being aware of your surroundings can help deter criminals.”The campaign includes digital advertising, venue posters and letterbox drops to ensure the messaging reaches as many South Australians as possible.

After more than 100 days in care, sweet-natured Bagel (Animal ID: 158565) is more than ready to find the patient, loving home he deserves.This large, soft-hearted boy (30kg) may take a little time to feel confident in new situations, but once he knows he’s safe, his playful and goofy personality truly shines. As highlighted on his Pet of the Week poster , Bagel loves making people smile with his personality and enjoys “stretching his legs and getting his sillies out.”Beneath his initial shyness is a loyal companion just waiting to blossom.🌿 What Bagel LovesRelaxed walks where he can explore at his own paceBackyard time to stretch his legsGentle sunshine napsSharing laughs once he feels comfortable🏡 The Home Bagel NeedsBagel is looking for:A patient human who is mostly home, to continue helping him build confidence (as noted on his poster)An adults and older teens only householdA calm, understanding environment where he can grow through positive reinforcement trainingHe can get along with some dogs, but he would prefer not to share his home with another dog. He will thrive best as your one-and-only furry companion.🎓 A Work in Progress – and Worth ItBagel is still learning that the world can be a safe place. With ongoing training, consistency, and encouragement, he will reward his family with loyalty, affection, and that beautifully goofy grin.💛 Adoption DetailsAdoption Fee: $95His adoption fee includes: ✔️ Desexing ✔️ Microchip ✔️ Vaccination ✔️ A harness to help him get started in his new homeNot quite ready to adopt? Bagel would also benefit from foster care while he waits for his forever family. Learn more at: www.rspcasa.org.au/foster-careBagel has been waiting patiently. Now he just needs someone to believe in him. If you’re ready to open your heart to a gentle giant who will grow into your most loyal friend, Bagel is ready to meet you.

A free EmergencyRediTM Workshop to help residents prepare for extreme weather will be held in Victor Harbor on Wednesday 25 February.It will provide participants with insights into local weather risks and practical support on how to prepare for an emergency.Research from NRMA Insurance shows a need for greater emergency preparedness as nearly 1 in 4 Australians (23 per cent) do not have a good understanding of extreme weather risks in their local area, and 1 in 3 are not aware of the steps they need to take to prepare for an extreme weather emergency. Additionally, 61 per cent of Australians do not have an emergency plan to help them respond to an extreme weather event.Workshop attendees build their own award-winning Australian Red Cross emergency RediPlan, which includes key contacts, meeting places, animal plans, key documents, special items, medical information and stress management strategies. The Victor Harbor workshop will be held from 10.30am to 11.30am at Victor Harbor civic centre. Register via email.

The man pictured at Victor Harbor about 11.15am on Monday 9 February may be able to assist a police investigation relating to a recent incident.Police urge anyone who knows the identity of the person in this image or has information that may lead to his identify or his whereabouts, to contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000 or report online.   You can remain anonymous. Please quote reference 38959

A Fleurieu Peninsula man has been charged after an investigation into child sex offences.On Friday 13 February, a 33-year-old Encounter Bay man was arrested and charged with making a child amenable to sexual activity and possessing Child Exploitation Material (CEM).Police refused bail and he will appear in Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday 16 February.Detective Acting Chief Inspector Rebecca Hughes, Officer in Charge of the Offender Management Section, said, “Our officers are dedicated to holding offenders accountable for any actions that threaten the safety and well-being of children in the community.”Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation online.If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on triple zero (000).

Got a watercourse that needs fencing or a revegetation project ready to grow in 2026? Are you an educator, a First Nations group, or a local volunteer team with an environmental idea waiting to happen?Applications are now open for the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board’s Grassroots Grants program - here to help you turn your idea into real grassroots action.Caring for land, water and nature starts at the community level, and the Grassroots Grants program aims to promote an upwelling of environmental action across the Hills and Fleurieu region.This year will be the seventh round of the program and will amount to a total of $270,000 being distributed across the community, with two tiers of grants available - small grants up to $5,000, and larger grants from $5,001-$20,000.Chair of the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board David Greenhough is looking forward to seeing new projects funded, as well as those that build on existing work.“Managing our region’s natural assets for long-term sustainability and resilience requires our attention and support more than ever. The Grassroots Grants program inspires genuine action across our landscapes.“We have many dedicated people in the region, some have built a solid foundation in their projects over a number of years, others have great ideas and need a kickstart to get things moving,” he says.This year, landholders are encouraged to consider larger-scale projects with their neighbours.“We would really like to see neighbouring properties coming together to apply for projects that span multiple properties. The board encourages projects that foster environmental stewardship at a community level and have impact at a landscape scale.“Almost $1.5M has been distributed to many environmental and primary production projects through the previous six rounds of the program, and the groundswell of environmental interest and stewardship is building,” Mr Greenhough says. Grassroots Grants applications are open until 2 April. For more information about the grants and eligibility visit the website.

Alexandrina Council has advised the community that the Goolwa Immunisation Clinic will be relocating to the Goolwa Children's Centre from next Wednesday 18 February.The council offers free childhood immunisations that align with the national and state immunisation schedules at both Goolwa and Strathalbyn.It also provides a fee-for-service immunisation program for adults, non-Medicare holders and non-scheduled vaccines.The Goolwa clinic will be held at Goolwa Children's Centre, 42 Brooking Street, monthly on Wednesdays from 10.30am to 12noon.The Strathalbyn clinic is held at the Alexandrina Council library, on Colman Terrace, monthly on Wednesdays from 2pm to 3.35pm.The council encourages the community to protect themselves and loved ones by booking immunisations at either the Goolwa or Strathalbyn immunisation clinics. For further information or to make a booking, visit the council website. 

A man has been arrested after police located a quantity of suspected stolen property at an Encounter Bay address.Victor Harbor police searched a property in Encounter Bay on Wednesday 11 February, where officers seized multiple items believed to be stolen.Among the items recovered was a Kawasaki motorcycle, identified as one of three bikes stolen during a break-in at Middleton on 12 January. Police also located a whipper snipper linked to a break-in at Back Valley in October.During the search, officers also seized a machete and a crossbow, along with three cannabis plants found in the backyard.A 32-year-old Encounter Bay man was arrested and charged with unlawful possession and possessing a prohibited weapon. He was refused police bail and appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court today.A 67-year-old Encounter Bay man was reported for cultivating cannabis and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.Police are continuing their investigation and are appealing for assistance to locate two green Kawasaki motorcycles — models X230 and X140 — as well as the owners of a large quantity of suspected stolen property, including motorcycle helmets, sunglasses, mobile phones and jewellery.Anyone with enquiries about recovered property can contact Victor Harbor Police Station between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online. Reports can be made anonymously. Reference number: CO2600006418

Incident UpdateThe Deep Creek National Park fire on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula has now been declared controlled, meaning the perimeter is secured and the fire is not expected to break out. It has burned 4,500 hectares and has a perimeter of 60 kilometres.Over the coming weeks, fire crews will continue to actively patrol and work within the fireground to ensure the area remains safe for the wider community.Most closed roads have now been reopened as hazardous tree assessments have been completed by the relevant authorities. There are still some road closures; it is unknown when the roads will be reopened. Visit traffic.sa.gov.au for more information on road closures.Anyone in or near the area is reminded to remain alert to ongoing hazards caused by the fire. These include reduced visibility from smoke, falling branches and trees, and risks associated with fire-affected infrastructure. Damaged fences may allow livestock to wander onto roads, and wildlife may seek refuge in unusual areas, creating additional road hazards.If you are travelling in or through the area, emergency services may be operating on or near the roads. Motorists are urged to take care and to drive according to the conditions.Talisker Conservation Park and Deep Creek National Park remain closed to the public. For further information, visit the closure and alerts page at parks.sa.gov.auWhile the fire is no longer spreading, it may still be burning freely and visibly within the perimeter. If the public sees any unattended fire, they are urged to call Triple Zero (000).CFS Community Engagement Officers will be in the local area, including Cape Jervis and Delamere, over the coming weeks. For further information on future programmed events or workshops, visit the CFS Events Page on the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.auThe Deep Creek fire is affecting local individuals, families and the wider community in many ways. If you have been impacted and would like support, you can register for a wellbeing call back from the Australian Red Cross by completing the wellbeing support registration form. This can be found on the dedicated webpage on the CFS website at cfs.sa.gov.au/deep-creek-fire, alongside ongoing updates and a link to The District Council of Yankalilla Community Resources and Support Services page..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.

A short film on local leafy sea dragons is among three Australian features on show in the 13th annual Ocean Film Festival World Tour.The Tour is set to make a splash across Australia from March, returning with a line-up of films that celebrate the ocean from every angle.From high-stakes adventure and record-breaking journeys to intimate portraits of marine life and environmental restoration, the 2026 program is packed with breathtaking cinematography, inspiring characters and a deep respect for the ocean and the communities shaped by it.The local film is A Dragon’s Dance, an underwater poetic tribute to the leafy sea dragon and the extraordinary biodiversity of Australia’s Great Southern Reef.Jemima Robinson, Founder and CEO of the Ocean Film Festival World Tour, says the 2026 season continues the festival’s mission to share ocean stories that move, inspire and connect audiences.“As we head into our 13th year, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour remains a celebration of the ocean in all its beauty, power and vulnerability,” she says.“Each film in the 2026 program offers something special — whether it’s extraordinary adventure, breathtaking marine life, the people dedicating their lives to protecting the sea or a call to action from our audience.”The 2026 festival program showcases a diverse mix of films that span science, conservation, surf culture and wildlife wonder.  The other Australian films are The Kelp Collector, a short following retired scientist Sandy Webb as she documents and preserves the algae species of Port Phillip Bay; and The Raftsmen, an epic story of courage and endurance following 12 unlikely adventurers from seven different countries.The international films are: Stone Biter: Saving The Arctic Sea Forests, from Norway; Antarctica: Domain One, from Argentina, narrated by surfing icon Kelly Slater; and Brazil’s TAINÁ, a portrait of professional surfer Tainá Hinckel.Jemima Robinson says what makes the Ocean Film Festival World Tour so special is the way it brings people together through a shared love of the sea.“It’s always incredible to see audiences come out year after year — not just to watch beautiful films, but to feel part of something bigger,” she says.“The ocean connects all of us, and this event is a chance to celebrate that connection on the big screen.”The family-friendly Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2026 kicks off across Australia in March.South Australian screening will be at The Capri Theatre, in Goodwood, on Saturday 14 March and Victa Cinema, in Victor Harbor, on Saturday 27 June. Tickets are available online.

Alexandrina Council has called out vandalism of trees along the main street of Goolwa.Nine trees along Cadell Street have been spray-painted with red crosses and the council says the action has been taken by vandals and not by the council or any other legitimate entity, according to its enquiries.“Vandalism of public assets, including trees, is an offence under the Local Government Act, and offenders can be prosecuted.“Council is removing the markings using a citrus and eucalyptus oil blend that will not harm the trees. We will also look into this matter further.”The council has called on anyone who has information that may help determine who carried out the vandalism to make contact by email or by calling 8555 7000.It says the future of the street trees along Cadell Street is being reviewed and community consultation will be conducted on in the coming months. “We will be asking for feedback regarding a progressive tree replacement program for the street.”

Investigations are continuing into a fatal light plane crash near Goolwa South earlier this month, as authorities ask the public to assist with the recovery of aircraft debris.Emergency services were called at about 4.20pm on Friday 6 February after reports a light aircraft had crashed into the ocean at Long Bay, near Goolwa South, close to the Murray Mouth.Police and emergency services responded immediately.Tragically, all three men on board the aircraft were later located deceased. They included the pilot, a 53-year-old man from Morphett Vale, along with an 18-year-old man from Freeling and a 20-year-old man from Pasadena.The aircraft wreckage has since been brought ashore.Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are attending the scene, and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.Police are asking members of the public who may find any aircraft fuselage or debris along the coastline to take the item to the Victor Harbor Police Station between 9am and 5pm, or contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 if they are unable to attend the station.Police have thanked supporting emergency services, including CFS, SES, Sea Rescue, and commercial operators, for their assistance during the search and recovery operation.

The federal government has deployed National Emergency Management Stockpile assets to support the South Australian bushfire effort. This includes a large emergency shelter camp capable of accommodating 256 emergency management personnel close to the Deep Creek bushfires. The Humanihut camp is made up of a series of modular huts that can be rapidly deployed to disaster and emergency sites and can house either emergency response personnel or displaced community members. Across 32 (including four that are accessible) huts and six ablutions blocks, each camp has off-grid capability with its own power, potable water and waste-water storage. Each hut has its own climate control system, lighting and power and can sleep up to eight people. By Friday night, less than 10 hours after a convoy carrying the camp left their depot, 128 emergency personnel moved into the base camp. The Humanihut camp will initially be deployed for seven days but may be extended based on operational need. The Humanihut deployment is part of a range of federal support for the current South Australian fires, including the use of the Australian Defence Force’s Keswick Barracks to house emergency personnel, and the deployment of specialist firefighting aircraft. The National Emergency Management Stockpile allows state and territory governments to access additional equipment and services during a crisis. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain says the federal government is making all options available to support the firefighting effort. “This Humanihut camp allows firefighters and other emergency management personnel to stay close to the fire ground, as well as enabling them to spend the end of a long shift somewhere that’s airconditioned, has flushing toilets and showers and is much better protected from the elements than a tent. “That can provide a significant boost to fatigue management and improve the time it takes to respond to these fires.”  The latest CFS incident update says firefighters are continuing to patrol the fireground, extinguishing hotspots throughout the rugged and undulating terrain of the Deep Creek Fire.South Australian firefighters and local Farm Fire Units continue to be supported by interstate crews on the fireground and within our Incident Management Team. Despite the fire being declared contained on Sunday, 8 February, considerable work remains for firefighters to ensure all active fire is put out.Smoke will continue to be seen in the area. While the spread of the fire has stopped, it may still be burning freely within the perimeter of the fire. If the public see any unattended fire they are asked to call Triple Zero (000).The fire has burned approximately 4,400 hectares and has a perimeter of 56 kilometres.SA Police rapid assessment teams have conducted further damage assessments across the Deep Creek Fire, which have identified one unoccupied residential dwelling as part of the impacted structures. It has been confirmed 22 structures have been damaged or destroyed and 12 vehicles have been destroyed.Bushfire investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of this fire, however, the fire is not being treated as suspicious.An increased number of emergency service vehicles are still operating in the area, and as such, the CFS requests any unnecessary travel into and around this area to continue to be avoided.Hazardous tree assessments are still in the process of being finalised. While several roads were recently opened, others still require assessment and work from arborists to be deemed safe to open. Please refer to traffic.sa.gov.au for the most current information. 

Two youths have been arrested following a series of thefts from vehicles in Hallett Cove during the early hours of Wednesday morning.Police were called to Burlington Road at about 2.40am on Wednesday 11 February after reports of two masked males attempting to break into cars, captured on CCTV.A search of the area led police to two 16-year-old boys from Christie Downs, who were found in possession of a balaclava and property believed to have been stolen from six different vehicles in the Hallett Cove area.Both youths were arrested and charged with carrying an article of disguise, unlawful possession, five counts of interfering with a motor vehicle, and three counts of theft.Police are working to return the recovered property to its owners.The boys were refused bail and are due to appear in the Christies Beach Youth Court today.Anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area at the time, or who has relevant CCTV or dash-cam footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online. Reports can be made anonymously.Reference numbers: 39461 / 39477

Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is inviting not-for-profit organisations to collaborate with local young people in remote, rural and regional communities to design and deliver local solutions that respond to the issues that matter most to Australia’s rural youth.Earlier this month, more than 30 young people from across rural Australia attended a week-long Summit in Canberra, where they shared their stories and discussed their most common areas of concern and discussed “How might we…”help young people learn about respectful relationships and consent?connect young people with development opportunities in their communities?help communities connect without alcohol or drugs?support regional communities before and after a disaster?remove barriers and bias in healthcare for regional young people?create safe spaces where young people can connect and grow?Through the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program, local groups and NFPs are now invited to put forward an idea for a grant of up to $10,000 to activate a locally designed initiative that addresses one of the six issues. The submissions will then be shortlisted by the young people who identified the issues, with a number of organisations invited to submit full applications. They will then be reviewed by a Youth Assessment Panel, who will recommend which projects should be funded.Deb Samuels, FRRR Head of Partnerships, says that the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program is a great opportunity for young people to step up as leaders and local changemakers. “Over the past 13 years, we’ve seen firsthand the catalytic impact that occurs when young people are given the opportunity to address issues that matter to them in ways that work for their own communities.“This year we are calling on rural councils, schools and community organisations to put this opportunity in front of young people, and to support them to imagine their own solutions and access the support to see those ideas brought to life.”  Justin Stevens, ABC Director News, says the program continues to empower young people to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities. “The ABC Heywire Regional Summit brings together young people from every corner of Australia, and the issues that they identify reflect the real challenges facing young people on the ground,” he says.“FRRR’s funding plays an important role in the Heywire program. It enables communities to create real impact, while reinforcing to young people that their voices matter and that they can be leaders in their communities.”This round has $100,000 in funding available nationally, thanks to the support of The Sally Foundation, David Mactaggart Foundation, Kellogg’s and private donors. Expressions of Interest close 5pm AEDT Wednesday 11 March, with those invited required to submit full applications by 30 April. Recipients will be announced in July.More information about the grants can be found on the FRRR website.    

Police are investigating the theft of two distinctive road bicycles from a residential property in Normanville.The bikes were stolen from a home on Norman Avenue sometime between 11pm on Wednesday 4 February and 5.30am on Thursday 5 February.The stolen bicycles are described as a black Wilier road bike and a yellow LaPierre road bike.Anyone who sees the bikes or has information that may assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online.Please quote reference number 033492.Police also encourage bike owners to take steps to protect their property, including registering details through bike identification programs.

South Australia’s sick and injured native wildlife will benefit from improved veterinary care under a $1 million state government program to support the volunteer rescue and rehabilitation sector.Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER), at Onkaparinga Hills, will receive $600,000 over four years to help the charity continue its work, including delivering vital care for koalas, echidnas and other native wildlife in need.The volunteer-led organisation has provided free treatment to more than 700 native animals across over 30 species through their on-site veterinary clinic since late 2024.This includes young koala, Axle, who was recently rescued after being struck by a car on Kangarilla Road and becoming wedged inside the vehicle’s grille. He has undergone a full health check and is set to return to the wild in the coming days.SKER’s 24-hour rescue service with a full-time wildlife veterinary clinic enables prompt assessment of rescued wildlife, including x-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests.Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic has been provided $100,000 over four years to support the island’s wildlife carers and deliver critical treatment to native wildlife.A further $300,000 over four years will boost opportunities for veterinarians across the state to undertake specialised training in wildlife treatment.About 20 veterinarians or veterinary nurses will be supported to gain knowledge and skills using established training courses in the program’s first year. Development of new training options will also be considered as part of the investment.SKER Founder and Operations Manager Mish Simpson says this funding will provide a vital lifeline to its Wildlife Veterinary Clinic at a time when demand for services has increased.“We are seeing a steep rise in rescues attended by our own team, alongside a growing number of requests for veterinary support from wildlife carers right across South Australia.“This funding will help us continue providing urgent, specialist veterinary care to sick and injured native animals when they need it most.”There are around 400 permitted wildlife carers in South Australia, each of whom contribute hundreds of hours in voluntary work every year.     

Three Fleurieu sporting organisations will share in $9.1 million in infrastructure grants aimed at empowering girls and women in sport.A total of 41 clubs have been funded through The Power of Her Infrastructure and Participation Program, marking the largest funding round in the program’s history.The funding will support the delivery of safe, accessible spaces, programs and equipment that encourage female participation and meet the current and future needs of South Australian girls and women.The Power of Her was originally launched to ensure the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continues, helping to grow a more inclusive sporting landscape for girls and women across the state.Other sports supported through the program include golf, surfing, tennis, netball, basketball and Australian Rules football.Reflecting the continued growth of girls’ and women’s football (soccer), this funding round will provide more than $6.1 million to support 18 football clubs across South Australia, including Port Elliot’s Southern Breakers.Alexandrina Council has been granted $1,070,000 to construct two new female changerooms and refurbish two existing changerooms at Port Elliot Oval. In other grants, Myponga Memorial Community Centre gets $332,700 to construct new female changerooms and amenities and the Adelaide Hills Dressage Club won $83,100 to construct three new Olympic-sized dressage arenas at Strathalbyn Polo & Recreation Grounds.Michael Carter, CEO of Football SA, says the Power of Her fund has demonstrated a great commitment to the growth of women and girls in sport and in particular Football. “The investment has unlocked millions of dollars in funding from Local Government, educational institutions and clubs.”The benefits will be felt statewide, with 65 per cent of infrastructure stream recipients located in greater metropolitan and regional areas.