The South Australian Country Fire Service is urging communities to remain vigilant after the end of the Fire Danger Season, as dry fuel loads and minimal rainfall continue to pose bushfire risks.The Season officially ended across all the state on 30 April, but the CFS warns bushfires can happen at any time, often when they’re least expected.While 55 fires occurred on the 23 listed Total Fire Ban days since September, the vast majority of fires occurred on days with only Moderate or High fire danger ratings.This includes last week’s blaze near Meningie that destroyed over 530 hectares and came within a few metres of a home. CFS crews were kept very busy throughout the Fire Danger Season, attending 1340 rural fire incidents, which equated to in excess of 100,000 hours helping their communities.Fires of note included the weekend’s bushfires in the lower and central Eyre Peninsula, the APY Lands 400,000-hectare fire, and recent fires in Naracoorte and Malinong.CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin says the fact that not a single house or structure was lost to a rural fire during the Fire Danger Season is a truly incredible result and one that the state’s largest volunteer agency should be proud of.“There are very few seasons in my 20 years of firefighting that I can recall achieving such a result.” Chief Officer Loughlin says the outcome wasn’t due to luck or calmer than expected conditions and instead the professional training of CFS volunteers, increased aviation resources, and support from partner agencies enabled firefighters to get the upper hand.“We actually had one of the driest springs in years and, despite the weather conditions, volunteers dealt with whatever was thrown at them.”CFS aerial resources were bolstered this season with five new aircraft - including Black Hawk helicopters, placed strategically at fire risk regions.Emergency Services Minister Dan Cregan has stressed the importance of remaining vigilant over the coming weeks due to the dry conditions and dry fuel loads across much of the state.“We urge anyone conducting burn offs to ensure all precautions are taken, and contingency plans are in place to manage the fire should it get out of control,” he says.“The message remains the same, plan and prepare for bushfires – especially if you live, work or travel through a regional or rural location.”

The 2024 SA Climate Leaders Awards offer an opportunity to celebrate local climate change innovators. The awards include a $10,000 prize for the overall winner and recognise achievements of individuals and organisations taking action to address climate change in South Australia. Nominations can be made under five categories: community, business and industry (small-to-medium enterprises), business and industry (large enterprises), research and education, and government. They can include initiatives that aim to: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Unlock economic opportunities.Better manage climate risk. Build climate resilience and adaption. Build knowledge and awareness of ways to increase sustainability. The SA Climate Leaders Awards are an initiative of the Premier’s Climate Change Council (PCCC) to recognise the important work happening across the state to build resilience and respond to a changing climate. PCCC Chairman Martin Haese says South Australia is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and achieving 100 per cent net-renewable energy generation by 2027.“Our communities and businesses are already showing innovation to respond and adapt to climate change, and these awards highlight those achievements,” Mr Haese says.“We are looking to showcase the state’s incredible leadership and innovation in climate action. “South Australian organisations and individuals are doing amazing work to adapt to the changing climate, and these awards are about acknowledging these efforts.” Nominations close 28 June and finalists will be announced in July. The winners will be celebrated at an event on 1 August at Adelaide Convention Centre. South Australian of the Year Tim Jarvis and Young South Australian of the Year Tiahni Adamson will be keynote speakers at this year’s event. Previous winners include University of Adelaide PhD student Bobbie Lewis Baida, who was awarded the overall prize in 2022 for her investigations into the effects of climate change on sheep production. Applications for this year’s awards can be made by email or on the Environment SA website. 

Avoid smokeAdvice - Bushfire smokeKUITPO BushfireIssued on03 May 2024 13:29Issued forKUITPO near the corner of Toops Hill Road and Knotts Hill Road in the Mount Lofty Ranges.Warning levelAdvice - Bushfire smoke - Avoid smokeActionBushfire smoke from KUITPO is in the Toops Hill Road, Knotts Hill Road area approximately 9 kilometers West of the Meadows area.Bushfire smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.Warning areaShapes on this map image indicate the Warning Area to which this message applies.YELLOW: Advice Message; ORANGE: Watch and Act Message; RED: Emergency WarningThis message will be updated as the situation changes or before: 03/05/2024 14:20Message ID 0007642What you should doStay indoors as much as possible.Close windows, doors, and air vents (this may only assist with reduced exposure for hours or a few days, as outside air will eventually enter the home).Use appropriate air conditioner settings in the home and vehicles to prevent outside air coming in.Spend time in air-conditioned venues, like cinemas, shopping centres and libraries.Reduce indoor sources of air pollution, such as smoking, cooking with gas, burning candles or vacuum cleaning.Avoid vigorous outdoor activities, especially if you have asthma or other chronic lung or heart conditions.People with existing heart or lung conditions, people over 65 years of age, children 14 years and younger (especially those with asthma), pregnant and breastfeeding people and people with diabetes are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke and should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor.Stay informedCFS website cfs.sa.gov.auInformation Hotline 1800 362 361For hearing or speech impaired users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1800 362 361For teletype service TTY 133 677 then ask for 1800 362 361CFS on Facebook or XAlert SA Mobile AppOn local ABC radio, FIVEaa, or one of our other Emergency Broadcast PartnersFor emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

Construction has started on the next stage of the upgrade of the Signal Point Experience Centre, at the Goolwa Wharf.The front entrance will be closed to the public and a temporary entrance and changed opening hours will operate while the building work is underway.Entry will be via the adjoining Wharf Barrel Shed and opening hours will be 12noon to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.The works include a canopy on the front deck and an undercover loading area at the back with solar panels.Full details of the Signal Point Experience Centre upgrade are on the Alexandrina Council website.

Whale watching season usually runs from June to October, but a sighting off Seal Island, near Victor Harbor, on 28 April has sparked hopes for a bumper winter.Big Duck boat tour passengers spotted the whale last Sunday morning; the species has not been identified.It is the first confirmed sighting since 19 October last year, when a Humpback was seen near Emu Bay and a Southern Right near Middleton.The SA Whale Centre has asked anyone who spots a whale to report the sighting, providing as much detail as possible, via the website.The centre also works with citizen scientists to collect images of whales to create a catalogue of visits to the Encounter Bay area.The catalogue currently features more than 60 Southern Right Whales that regularly visit the south coast and the centre welcomes submissions of photos or videos.Find information about whales and the south coast marine environment at the SA Whale Centre.

Pest plants and animals are bad for business, according to Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu.They cost the Hills and Fleurieu community millions of dollars each year through production losses, environmental impacts, social consequences and infrastructure damage. They’re invading backyards, farms and national parks at a rapid rate.Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu has recently unveiled a new regional pest strategy to assist land managers in tackling these issues. Susan Ivory, Stewardship Team Leader, says that the strategy identifies priority pest plants and animals for control and outlines clear responsibilities and objectives.“We’re pleased to introduce the Hills and Fleurieu Regional Pest Plant and Animal Strategy. “It’s a valuable resource that will help us all navigate the significant responsibility of safeguarding agriculture, the environment and public spaces from the detrimental impact of pest plants and animals.“We worked with stakeholders and the community to develop the strategy, which will guide pest management objectives for the next five years. “As well as identifying priority pest species, the strategy aims to enhance coordination and collaboration between stakeholders, and improve understanding of roles and responsibilities.”A particular focus in the strategy, and a great takeaway for private landholders, is the ‘Good Neighbour’ approach. “This encourages neighbouring land managers to work together for larger-scale control.“Pests don’t respect boundaries. Managing pests should consider neighbours, community, and the broader landscape.“The release of the strategy is a key milestone, and future programs, resources and engagement with the community will now bring it to life and deliver on the objectives,” she says.The plan can be read and downloaded from the website, or take a look at some of the management objectives and priority species below.The five management objectives of the strategy:Prevention - Prevent the entry and establishment of pests.Eradication - Manage new and emerging pests with the aim of eradication.Containment - Limit the spread and impact of pests outside containment areas.Asset Protection – Use an asset protection approach to limit the spread and impact of pests.Monitor/Limited action - Monitor to detect change in risk. Limited action focused on advice and awareness raising.Priority pest species outlined in the strategy:Pest animals:Feral deerFeral goatsFeral pigsFeral rabbitsPest plants:ArrowheadFlax-leaved BroomParrot FeatherChilean NeedlegrassMadeira VineWidespread Weeds of National SignificanceBoneseedEnglish BroomEuropean BlackberryAfrican BoxthornGorse

Alexandrina Council has proposed an average rate increase of 8.3 per cent in the 2024-25 financial year to help address a projected deficit of $4.266Million.The deficit is a $4Million increase over last financial year and the proposed rate rise is 3.5 per cent above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 4.8 per cent.This will result in an average annual rate increase of approximately $189, according to the council. It held a special meeting at its Goolwa chambers on Monday 29 April, which was open to the public.Some of the topics included:Council's Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/25.The Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre Authority Draft Budget 2024/25.The Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority Business Plan 2024-27.The Adelaide Hills Region Waste Management Authority Draft Annual Budget and Business Plan 2024/25.At the meeting the council endorsed the recommendation to retum its budget to surplus within the next five years.This includes raising rates by CPI plus 3.5 per cent in the 2024-25 financial year and by CPI plus 3 per cent in each of the following four years.Cr Peter Oliver and Cr Bill Coomans attempted to modify the proposed rates rises to allow for hardship provisions, but were unsuccessful.The council will now embark on a roadshow, with meetings in each ward to discuss the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/25 and Draft Long Term Financial Plan.Roadshow meetings provide the opportunity for the community to learn about the budget, ask questions in person and provide feedback to council.The kick off in South Ward on Monday 13 May from 3.30pm to 4.30pm at the Goolwa Council Chambers.North Ward will follow on Tuesday 21 May from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at the St Andrews Church Hall in Strathalbyn.Finally, West Ward will be on Monday 27 May from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at 5 Peters Terrace, Mount Compass.Any Alexandrina resident or ratepayer can attend any ward Roadshow.Community feedback can be given via the website, email or hard copy from today, Thursday 2 May until Monday 3 June at 5pm. 

With term two now underway the RAA is urging drivers to brush up on the often-misunderstood rules surrounding school zones and pedestrian crossings.Most may be familiar with Zebra crossings, but what about Emu, Wombat, and Koala crossings?The reminder aims to keep the number of pedestrian lives lost in South Australia this year to a minimum – so far this year one pedestrian has lost their life, compared to seven at this point in 2023.RAA Senior Manager Safety & Infrastructure Charles Mountain says road rules surrounding the different types of crossings are often misunderstood by drivers.“The different types of school crossings are designed to protect our most vulnerable road users,” he says.“The overarching rule at school zones is to stick to the 25km/hr speed limit whenever children are present, and otherwise drive at a speed that allows you to stop if required.“With school returning this week, South Aussies should brush up on each type of crossing and the relevant rules – such as when they are operational and when you need to give way to pedestrians.“Doing so will not only help you avoid a fine, but will keep our most vulnerable road users safe as they make their journeys to school.”School zonesSchool zones are signed and zigzag lines are marked on the road where practicable.25km/h speed limits apply within school zones, at children’s crossings when the lights are flashing and when passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children.Emu crossingsEmu crossings have red and white posts with white road markings, and display ‘children crossing’ flags.Operational whenever the flags are displayed.Drivers must stop for pedestrians using or about to use the crossings.Speed limit of 25km/hr applies whenever children are present.Koala crossingsKoala crossings have and white posts with white road markings, and two yellow alternating flashing lights on top.Operational whenever the lights are flashing.Drivers must stop for pedestrians using or about to use the crossings.Speed limit of 25km/hr applies between the signs on the approach to the crossings.Zebra crossings Zebra crossings have white parallel stripes on the road with pedestrian crossing signs. May include two yellow alternating flashing lights.Drivers must give way to pedestrians and cyclists.Drivers must drive at a speed that allows them to safely stop if required.Wombat crossingsWombat crossings have white parallel stripes on a raised section of road with pedestrian crossing signs.Usually accompanied by a 40km/hr speed limit.Drivers must give way to pedestrians and cyclists.Drivers must drive at a speed that allows them to safely stop if required.

May is South Australia’s history month and there are many events across the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island that celebrate local lived heritage.The theme for the 2024 history festival is power and the power of personal story will be celebrated around the state.Guided tours of Currency Creek and Goolwa cemeteries are on offer or explore the rich dairy heritage of the Lakes region at the Milang Butter Factory.Try grandma and grandpa’s schoolyard games in Yankalilla or take a slate heritage walk in Willunga.Find out What the Barmaid Knew in a theatrical-historical tour in Strathalbyn or discover the Forgotten Artists of Victor Harbor.The Parndarna Soldier Settlement Museum will host an exhibition and tell tales of the folk who left the mainland to farm Kangaroo Island.This is just a tiny sample of the free and low cost talks, walks, exhibitions and demonstrations to choose from throughout May.Find out about all SA history festival events and activities and book tickets on the website.

Interesting Facts that most Agents do not talk about, and vendors and Purchasers do not know. 1 If you are buying from an agent and the agent tells you that you have to sell with them to enable a contract to go through is just not true, in fact it is a conflict of interest for that agent to sell a purchasers property under the Act Section 24F. They can if the agent gets a Warning Notice for Purchasers, Form R6 signed which tells you it is a conflict of interest and that you understand this and under the act and you must sign the warning notice. This means that you do not have to sell with the agent selling the other property in fact it is considered an offence under the act.2 A contract is an agreement between Vendors and Purchasers on Price, Conditions and Timeframes. It locks in the vendor/s only, as vendors they do not have cooling off rights. The purchaser is not locked into the contract until they are served the Form 1 with all the information about the property through searches and a vendor statement. Cooling off finishes two clear business days after the Form 1 is served to the purchaser. Cooling off does not start from signing of the contract.3 Deposits on a contract are negotiable. They should normally be 10% but all deposit amounts can be negotiated with the vendors as part of the contract. It is the agent’s job to facilitate this.4 Under quoting is a common tactic used by agents to get lots of interest on the property to try to achieve the highest price. The issue will be when we the market slows down. In all Sales Agency Agreements, there is a single figure vendor price that should always be the price a vendor is prepared to accept. Telling vendors to put this figure lower to get activity at the beginning of a campaign is dishonest. An agent should verify their Agents Price with realistic comparative sales. Vendor Price is your price not the agents to manipulate the market.5 I have advised this before, but it is a good time to remind everyone. You as the vendor determine the length of an agency it can be from 1 day to 90 days maximum. If you have an agent, tell you they have a buyer, welcome them but give them a limited time agency, ie. Two weeks to get you a contract that is acceptable to you. Be aware competition on your property drives your price higher. A single offer prior to going to the full market may not achieve this. Any questions give me a call at anytime. Roger SmithOver 17 Years as an AgentExtensive knowledge of the Fleurieu PennisulaAvid GolferHusband to Deb, Father to Amy 10 & Charlie 9Monster Car Enthusiastic 

Regional Development Australia is offering a free cyber safety seminar to small business operators on Monday 6 May at the Victor Harbor golf club.The workshop addresses critical cybersecurity threats small business owners face at work and at home.Attendees will learn up-to-date strategies to safeguard their business, clients and family. It will cover everything from basic security measures, to threat detection and response protocols.The session offers essential insights to proactively manage the security of online data. The workshop will run from 10am to 12 noon; register to attend via the Adelaide Business Hub.

People who mistreat animals face tougher penalties, including fines of up to $250,000 or 10 years jail, as part of the state government’s commitment to strengthen the Animal Welfare Act. Penalties would significantly increase on the current $50,000 maximum fine or four years in jail for the aggravated ill-treatment of an animal. Corporations found guilty of mistreating animals would risk fines of up to $1 million as part of reforms to the Act, which was last updated in 2008. The proposed changes also include a new ‘duty of care’ provision that requires owners to provide animals with a minimum level of care, such as adequate food and water. This provision aims to create opportunities for authorities to address neglect prior to an animal being harmed. While recreational and commercial fishing remain unaffected by the changes, South Australia would recognise fish as animals under the Act, joining most other states. This is designed to stop deliberate cruelty like cutting the fins off live sharks. There are also changes to recognise interstate animal cruelty bans so offenders can’t just move to SA and, for example, set up a breeding kennel. Other proposed changes to the Act include:Recognising that animals experience pain and fear.Improving regulation, oversight and transparency of animal research.Updating the governance and role of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.More than 1000 people helped inform the proposed reforms via community consultation undertaken in 2023.  Marcus Gehrig is the CEO of RSPCA SA, the only organisation empowered to enforce the Animal Welfare Act.“RSPCA is encouraged by this important review and we look forward to reading the draft. “We understand that many of the recommendations RSPCA had in its submission have been incorporated. ‘We anticipate that under the new Act, our Inspectors will have authority to take early action. “We encourage all South Australians who share our passion for animal welfare to take the time to read this draft and have their say on these vital legal reforms.”People can now have their say on the proposed changes to the Act via YourSAy.  Submissions close Sunday 19 May; the final Bill will be tabled in parliament later this year.

Making a difference is as easy as one, two, tree. That’s the message behind a new campaign encouraging people of all ages to plant trees and shrubs on their properties.City of Onkaparinga has made 1400 free plants available to local residents and schools.Its 'One Tree Per Child Onkaparinga' campaign launched on Earth Day, 22 April.It aims to increase the region's tree canopy while also creating habitat for the vulnerable yellow-tailed black cockatoo.One Tree Per Child is a not-for-profit organisation, established by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee, which has seen hundreds-of-thousands of trees planted in 10 countries.The new campaign is a collaboration between the City of Onkaparinga, One Tree Per Child, Green Adelaide, Arborgreen, Trees For Life and Yates Australia.It’s the first time One Tree Per Child, which encourages every child to plant at least one tree before leaving school, has partnered with a South Australian council."For your kids or grandkids, this simple act of tree planting could be their very first act of volunteering or giving back to the community," says Jon Dee, who also founded National Tree Day, Planet Ark and National Recycling Week."By allowing them to experience the joy of tending and caring for the tree and watching it grow, you'll also be helping develop the next generation of green thumbs and conservationists."Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were emphasises that you don’t need to have kids to take part in the campaign, and that simply by planting a tree – or gifting them to loved ones – you’ll be leaving a legacy for the children of tomorrow.“Metropolitan Adelaide’s tree canopy is under threat, particularly on private land, and that’s why we’re offering the community the resources, inspiration – and trees – to help cool their properties and provide habitat for wildlife,” she says.One thousand trees will be available for the community to plant at home. A tree giveaway event will be held at Seaford Community Centre on Sunday 2 June (ahead of World Environment Day) and will include a range of fun family activities, information stalls and talks.One Tree Per Child Onkaparinga will also provide 400 trees to several local schools for students to plant on campus and at home as part of a Green Adelaide education program.Promoted plants for the inaugural campaign include the Silver Banksia and Drooping Sheoak – both habitat for the yellow-tailed black cockatoo.“I encourage everyone to access the fantastic resources available at our webpage to find out how you can plant a tree or shrub on your property, where you can source your tree, and what species are suitable this planting season, which runs from April to October,” Mayor Were says.“Once you've planted, drop a pin on our interactive map so the community can see our collective canopy grow. Let's bring the birds back to our yards!"Ready to get planting? Head to the council website for all the details.

Federal MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie is urging the federal government to honour its promise to 'fix the aged care crisis', by committing more funds to aged care at home in next month's federal budget.Ms Sharkie says her constituents are experiencing long delays in accessing supports to remain independent, and age at home. Graduated age care supports target older Australians who need assistance to stay in their homes, rather than moving into residential aged care. The two main forms of aged care at home are the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages.Ms Sharkie says the majority of support at home is provided via lower cost, basic CHSP services such as gardening, cleaning, home maintenance, equipment and aids. CHSP is often approved to provide supports while a person is waiting for their first Home Care Package, or as a top up while waiting to transition to a higher level Home Care Package. However, in many regional parts of Mayo, the delay experienced in finding a CHSP provider exceeds the wait for a Home Care Package, according to Ms Sharkie.After hearing from many distressed constituents over the last year, Ms Sharkie is calling on the government to fund 80,000 additional Home Care Packages over the next three financial years from, to meet the growing unmet care needs of older Australians. She is also calling for an increase in CHSP funding, as well as measures to address the lack of aged care services in regional, rural and remote areas. “I haven’t seen this volume of calls and emails from constituents waiting for home care since the announcing of the Royal Commission.“Labor campaigned in the last election to put ‘care’ back into aged care, yet waiting periods are worse now than two years ago when they came to Government.”“I expect the reason is lurking in the pages of the 2023-24 Federal Budget. “Last year's Budget contained funding for only an extra 9,500 Home Care Packages, whereas the former Government's previous two Budgets committed an extra 40,000 packages per year. We are seeing the legacy of that lack of funding now with people desperate for support and left wanting.“Waiting times are too long, causing stress amongst our most vulnerable in our community, and sadly in many cases the intended recipient passes away before the care is provided.”“My electorate of Mayo has the oldest demographic of any electorate in the state, with 42,398 residents aged over 65 years in 2021, up from 23,939 in 2011. “Aged Care at home matters, and it makes sense socially and economically. Most older Australians want to stay independent for as long as possible, and care at home is less costly for individuals and the taxpayer than residential care. “A lack of support at home can contribute to ill-health and falls, which impact other parts of the aged care system, as well as our health and hospital systems, if issues become acute “     

May the force be with you next weekend at Willunga Recreation Park’s annual Jigsaw Mania event.The two-day puzzle fest starts on Saturday 4 May with a Star Wars-themed day of cosplay, music raffle and merch.It runs from 2pm to 6pm, with individual, pairs and teams competitions tackling 500 and 1000 piece puzzles.Sunday 5 May sees a return to more traditional puzzling, with an individual  competition in the morning and pairs in the afternoon.Jigsaw Mania is one of four major fundraising events for the Willunga Recreation Park, a community facility on Main Road, Willunga.Find more information on the Facebook page and book tickets via Humanitix.

The CLLMM Research Centre in Goolwa, is set to redefine local environmental research. In its first year of operation the Centre has quickly become a hub for collaborative, community-driven research, shaping the future of the region. In a groundbreaking initiative, the Coorong, Lower Lakes, and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Research Centre is set to redefine the landscape of community-driven scientific research. Established in July 2023 by the Goyder Institute for Water Research, the Centre takes a unique approach, shifting away from traditional top-down research models to one that is entirely community-focused. Conceived in response to the advocacy of Rebekha Sharkie MP, Deputy Premier Susan Close and the local community, the CLLMM Research Centre was officially announced by the federal government in October 2022. Since then, it has been dedicated to fostering partnerships with First Nations peoples and the local community to ensure their perspectives are at the forefront of decision-making processes and research pathways. According to the Centre's Communication and Engagement Coordinator, Dr Tiffany Nay, CLLMM is unlike conventional research centres. "All of our research is actually being driven by community values. We're working to capture what's important to the community and use that to establish what research and engagement activities we have moving forward in the Centre. "This is such an exciting time for us and the community as we can work together to tackle future issues that will challenge the region," she says. CLLMM has the potential to cover a variety of research areas, ranging from environmental topics like biodiversity and specific species to economic impacts, particularly those associated with climate change. The goal is to align the research agenda with the community's concerns and interests. The Centre has already initiated a value capturing process, involving community workshops and a community survey. The survey played a crucial role in gathering local insights. As well as ongoing community engagement, the Centre is gearing up for the launch of a school’s education program. This initiative aims to involve students and schools in the region, fostering environmental awareness and education from an early age. The centre aptly is located at the Goolwa Aquatic Building and is a hub of community activity, with much more planned. "This open space is going to be where all of our community events and community functions happen. We will be hosting community events and the school programs in this space," Dr Tiffany Ney says. Aiming to bring science closer to the community, the Centre will feature innovative tools such as the Big Sandbox, an augmented reality experience that visualises landscape scenarios. It also plans to develop an app providing interactive information about the region, from sea-level rise projections to historical perspectives. One of the distinctive features of the Centre is its commitment to integrating First Nations collaboration and involvement. Nathan Hartman, First Nations Engagement Officer, plays a pivotal role in establishing connections and ensuring that First Nations knowledge is embedded in research projects. He emphasises the importance of incorporating this cultural perspective and runs workshops with First Nations communities. "First Nations culture and perspectives are extremely useful in improving our understanding of the local environment, and we're very excited to bring them into our Research Centre’s projects. This is an amazing opportunity to guide our projects using First Nation peoples’ intricate and ancient understandings of the environment, while also providing a space where First Nations priorities amidst coming climate change can be directly addressed for multi-beneficial outcomes for everyone involved. My role is critical for this. I act as the point of connection between the Research Centre and the First Nations communities. It is imperative that we tackle these climate change challenges through utilising the expertise and perspectives of First Nations people and research organisations alike. Providing a more holistic approach to a universal crisis." The CLLMM Research Centre positions itself as a vital player in the environmental and community stewardship of the region, and has already joined existing research on waterbirds and native fish of the Coorong, macroinvertebrates, and the overall health of the ecosystem. As the Centre continues to evolve, it stands as an example of community-driven science, embracing inclusivity and collaboration to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the region’s landscape. 

Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu and Trees For Life (SA) will host several free workshops on revegetation and how to care for native vegetation on local properties across the Fleurieu over the next month.The online and on-site workshops will cover caring for and managing native bushland; and recognising the impact of weeds and how to control them.There will also be an opportunity to create a property plan to guide activities.The online workshops on Caring for Native Vegetation will be held on Thursday 2 May and Tuesday 4 June, both at 7pm.The Hindmarsh Tiers session will be on Sunday 10 May at 10am and the Nangkita session will be on Friday 31 May at 1pm. Workshops on Revegetation - Planning for Success will be held as follows:Yankalilla - Friday 10 May at 1pm .Hindmarsh Valley - Saturday 11 May at 1pm.Strathalbyn - Sunday 26 May at 1pm.For more information and to book a place go to Eventbrite.

Victor Harbor Primary School has clocked up 150 years of local education and is planning a community celebration for September.It is calling for contribution of historic items, photos and stories that can be used for the event.A Facebook group has been set up for past and present staff, students and families to share tales from history, near and long ago.Anyone who has been involved with the school is invited to join up and help recreate and celebrate the history of the last 150 years.The school is especially keen to find its oldest living former student.As part of the September celebration the school will dig up its 50-year time capsule, with anyone who has an item buried in it welcome to join in.The contents of the time capsule will be put on display at the school, with times available for the local community to visit and view.Originally established in 1874, the school has recently been extensively upgraded.Located on The Parkway, in Victor Harbor, it currently educates 470 students.

Alexandrina Council will run a free energy efficiency workshop on Wednesday 1 May for residents of the areas around Milang and Clayton Bay.It will offer practical energy-saving tips for the home in preparation for winter.There will also be the opportunity to share tips and experiences of making homes more energy efficient.Learn how to navigate the Residential Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) and the rebate items and activities available for the home.The free workshop will be held at the Milan Institute and runs from 10am to 1130am. Book a place online. It is suitable for renters as well as homeowners, who want to make their homes more comfortable and more energy-efficient this winter.