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.

A driver has lost her licence after being caught drink driving in Goolwa yesterday, Thursday 25 April.Police had set up a driver testing station on Hutchinson Street at Goolwa when they attempted to stop a vehicle at 5pm. The driver ignored the direction to stop and drove around the site.The vehicle stopped a short distance away and the driver, a 37-year-old Port Elliott woman, submitted to a breath test where she provided a positive reading of 0.278 – more than five times over the legal limit.She was reported for drink driving and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.  She was also issued a 12-month immediate loss of licence and her car was impounded for 28 days.

After conducting an April blitz on weed control, City of Victor Harbor has called for local gardeners to look out for the Gazania.Council crews undertook weed control activities between the Inman River Estuary and Causeway as part of ongoing efforts to prevent weeds from dominating remnant dune vegetation and infesting open spaces. Gazania, also known as African Daisy, is a particular local problemIt is a declared weed, originally from South Africa, that quickly spreads rapidly in the mild coastal climate. When Gazanias are found in gardens or on the nature strip, they should be carefully removed and put in the green organics bin. They should not be dumped or transported anywhere and are best replaced with local native species.For more information on Gazania visit the council weeds webpage. 

Fleurieu and KI drivers heading to the city should be aware that testing is underway on the state’s first mobile phone detection cameras installed at key corridors in a bid to reduce dangerous distraction behind the wheel.  Overhead cameras at four busy locations across Adelaide have been set up, targeting drivers who use their mobile phones and put themselves and other road users at risk. Sites now testing include South Road, at Torrensville, with SA Police detecting one in 84 drivers using their mobile phones – at an average of 177 incidents per day – during a single-lane trial of the new technology last year.Dan Cregan MP is the newly appointed  Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. “If you swipe, tap or text behind the wheel, you are putting yourself, your passengers and the community at risk,” he says.  “Testing these cameras gives plenty of notice for every driver to consider their behaviour and, if required, to change it. “The trial conducted last year highlights just how many wrongly think it’s acceptable to use their phones, when the tragedies on our roads continue to show the devastating results.” Between 1 April and 28 April 2023, a total of 4,955 incidents were detected from 415,805 passing vehicles – equating to an offence rate of 1.19 per cent. The cameras, part of a $15.9 million state government investment to curb road trauma and improve safety, aim to change this behaviour, which increases a driver’s crash risk by at least four times. It says driver inattention, which includes phone use, is a contributing factor in around half of all lives lost and over a third of serious injuries.Mobile phone detection cameras have been fitted on existing digital signage at:South Road, Torrensville.Southern Expressway, Darlington.North-South Motorway, Regency Park.Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross.A fifth site, at Port Road in Hindmarsh, will go live for testing in coming weeks. Last year 117 lives were lost on South Australian roads, while 856 people suffered serious injuries. Of the 27 lives lost in 2024, seven have been linked to distraction along with 123 serious injuries.During the testing phase, vehicles will be photographed and validated by SA Police but no further action will be taken against drivers until 19 June, when a three-month grace period begins. During this grace period, vehicle owners will be issued with a warning letter advising them that the driver of their vehicle has been detected by the camera. From 19 September, SA Police will issue fines to vehicle owners or drivers, which are currently $540 (plus a $99 Victims of Crime levy) and three demerit points.  All funds raised from the fines will be returned to the Community Road Safety Fund, to deliver crucial initiatives across the state, including road safety improvements, education programs and hard-hitting public advertising. Camera locations were selected based on research by Adelaide University’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research, considering crash trends and targeting busy road corridors across metropolitan Adelaide. The cameras work by capturing high quality images from multiple angles through the driver’s windscreen, with artificial intelligence software identifying drivers on their mobile phones. Photographs of drivers are then validated by SA Police, with images of those following the law deleted. Officer in Charge Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Darren Fielke, says as one of the Fatal Five causes of deaths on roads, South Australia Police welcomes the introduction of measures to deter people from using their mobile phones while driving.  “Although distraction can be more than mobile phone use, so far this year it has been a suspected cause in 1511 collisions.  “Our message to drivers is simple; leave your phone alone while driving. “Taking your eyes of the road, even for a split second, to read or respond to a message, slows down your reaction time and increases the chances of having a crash.” Get Home Safe Foundation President Darren Davis says it can’t be simpler. “It's illegal to use your phone when driving because it's dangerous. What is it that people don't understand? I've met too many people whose lives have been devastated by inattentive drivers. All we want is for everyone to get home safe. Just do that one thing. The text can wait.” 

Police are investigating a suspicious vehicle fire at Christie Downs this morning.About 6.10am Thursday 25 April, police were called to Coe Court after reports of a vehicle on fire. The vehicle was fully engulfed however MFS were on scene and quickly extinguished the fire. ​Crime scene investigators have attended the scene to establish the cause of the blaze.The Nissan utility was completed burnt-out and has been extensively damaged.Anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity or has any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.​You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000

The Governor General of Australia His Excellency David Hurley and Mrs Hurley will visit Kangaroo Island this Sunday 28 April.They last visited in February 2022 to turn the sod for the Stokes Bay Community Hall, in support of the island community after the devastating fires of 2019-2020.KI Council says the Vice-Regal couple had planned to visit again earlier but were delayed by COVID.“The revitalisation and rebuilding of the Kangaroo Island community has been of particular interest to the Governor General and Mrs Hurley. “They are delighted to be returning to rekindle their connection to Island residents and see the revitalisation of the Stokes Bay community and Stokes Bay Hall.”The community is invited to Stokes Bay Hall at 2.30pm for an informal meet and greet with the Official party as they tour the Stokes Bay Community Hall Facility.

Federal MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has called on the Australian government to back food manufacturing, following the launch of the SA Dairy Action Plan.The launch was held at the opening of the Amdena Dairy's new state-of-the-art rotary milking system in Mount Compass on Tuesday 23 April.The dairy has been operated by the Brokenshire family for more than 40 years and the opening showcased the state-of-the-art rotary milking system that will boost productivity, improve environmental outcomes, and support the health of their 400 Jersey cows.Ms Sharkie says more than 100 people attended the event, with the youngest of the family arguably stealing the show.  Haydon, Henry, Mia and Arlo, pictured with the MP, dressed in their distinctive blue overalls, demonstrating that generational contribution to the industry starts at a very young age.However, this is in stark contrast to the average age in the industry, currently 56 in South Australia. Ms Sharkie says the dairy sector and government are working together to address workforce issues as part of their successive industry action plans. “The dairy sector has experienced its share of ups and downs; it’s now heartening to see the industry in such a mature phase of development. Increases in technology, and animal and pasture management has resulted in considerable improvements in milk production.“It is now possible, in the right environment, for individual cows to produce up to 13,000 litres of milk per year, compared to less than 4,000 litres of milk per year 40 years ago.“The Australian Government has earmarked $15 billion in its National Construction Fund. “The Government must ensure viable industries, such as the food manufacturing sector, be given appropriate access to grow the dairy opportunity, especially given the natural competitive advantages Australia has in the area.“As a nation we tend to view manufacturing in the lens of physical products that we build rather than products that are consumed.  “We need to change this mindset. Food manufacturing for a global market is an enormous opportunity and we have all the elements for success.”

The City of Victor Harbor and Business Victor Harbor have been working closely together to develop a pathway for successfully attracting investment needed to grow the local economy.The newly endorsed Investment Attraction Strategy aims to strengthen Victor Harbor’s position as the regional centre of the Fleurieu Peninsula. It focuses primarily on the attraction of private commercial investors.The strategy is closely intertwined with the council’s existing Economic Development Strategy and partnership with Business Victor Harbor.Ultimately, the vision is for investment to be rewarding, easy, well informed and supportive of Victor Harbor as a place of prosperity and sustainable growth.City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says the four-year strategy is the first of its kind in Victor Harbor.“We sought to be clear on Victor Harbor’s competitive strengths and how these could be leveraged to attract and grow commercial activity that will drive the economy and create jobs,” she says.“While developing the strategy, we were able to outline 25 actions that all work towards different priorities, such as growing key industry sectors or investing in talent and skills development.”“The development of this strategy is important because if we can attract investment to Victor Harbor, we can build an even more liveable town for our community and secure a sustainable future.”“There are many reasons for private commercial stakeholders to invest in Victor Harbor. Strong population growth, proximity to Adelaide, a supportive business environment and an excellent lifestyle are just the beginning.”Business Victor Harbor Chairperson Gavin Daniell says a significant amount of work went into developing the strategy, which will now guide the approach towards attracting investment.“The strategy provides greater clarity on the various roles that partners have in attracting investment to Victor Harbor,” he says.“In Business Victor Harbor’s case, we typically play a role as an information channel, advocate or service provider.”“The strategy also seeks to address impediments to local investments, both perceived and real. “Actions in this area focus on development pathways and supporting investments in growing local talent and skills, enabling local businesses to deliver on their aspirations.”“Now the strategy has been endorsed and adopted, representatives from Council and Business Victor Harbor will need to come together to map out some preliminary actions that we can progress.”The Victor Harbor Investment Attraction Strategy can be viewed in full on the council website. victor.sa.gov.au/economicstrategy

Inspiring South Australia, the Department for Environment and Water and the South Australian Chapter of the Australian Citizen Science Association have opened nominations for the Citizen Science Award. Groups on the Fleurieu and KI have a great track record in citizen science; the 2023 award went to Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch.The Citizen Science Award welcomes submissions that highlight the remarkable achievements of South Australian citizen science projects in advancing scientific knowledge and understanding.Organisers say citizen science is a powerful tool, with the ability to connect people of all ages and walks of life, across the state, with science and the world around them. It can help bridge gaps in research data, enhance science communication, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world, through educational initiatives and outreach programs. Sonia Dominelli is National Parks and Wildlife Service Acting Director, Regional Operations.“Citizen science contributes to our knowledge of flora and fauna across the state and captures important information which can help to inform conservation and management actions,” she says.“With the help of citizen scientists, we can better understand South Australian biodiversity and ecosystems.“The National Parks and Wildlife Service highly encourages South Australians to recognise any group or individuals undertaking citizen science projects with a nomination in this year’s awards.”Citizen science can also empower individuals to actively contribute to scientific endeavours in their own communities.It has grown into a global movement, enlisting the passion and dedication of people in the community. Their participation in meaningful research projects exemplifies the democratisation of science, demonstrating that scientific discoveries are within reach of anyone willing to engage with curiosity and enthusiasm.Dr Sylvia Clarke, Chair Australian Citizen Science Association – SA Chapter, says it is an exciting time for citizen science in South Australia with the number and real-world impact of projects increasing every year.“We welcome nominations from citizen science projects where the South Australian public are making contributions to any scientific field, from environmental sciences to health sciences to astronomy.“We look forward to seeing which project will join previous winners Insect Investigators, Echidna CSI and Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch, as the 2024 recipient of the award.The Citizen Science Award is open to South Australian groups and individuals currently engaged in citizen science activities that promote and increase community participation in projects that encompass quality science, engagement and education.Alison Kershaw, Program Manager Inspiring South Australia, says citizen science is often the first-time children and young people get to meet real scientists and get hands on with real science.“Inspiring SA is proud to be a supporter of the Citizen Science Award which showcases the fantastic citizen science projects happening in South Australia.”The Award offers two prizes, a first prize of $5,000 and a finalist prize of $2,500, it’s hoped the prize money will further support the project or to generate new projects.Nominations close at 10am Tuesday 11 June. For more information and to submit nominations visit the website.