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By Chris Oldfield: THE member for Barker, Tony Pasin, is one of the few SA Liberals to have a seat in Canberra following last Saturday’s federal election. Mr Pasin campaigned throughout his 65,206sq km electorate by personally attending numerous local events and gatherings as well as via local newspapers and social media. The only other SA coalition member in Canberra’s House of Representatives is Liberal Tom Venning, representing the seat of Grey which is 908,595sq km. At the time of press, the Liberals appeared to be losing one of their three senators up for election. SA elects six senators every three years. The Liberals have usually secured three positions, Labor two and Greens one. But at the time of press, a 21-year-old Labor woman, Charlotte Walker from the factional Left, seemed likely to become a third senator for the Labor Party. Naracoorte’s Monique Crossling was unable to get close to […]

By Chris Oldfield: CR Crash Downward has queried the impact of a 5 per cent rate rise on the district’s farmers already paying thousands of dollars each week to feed their livestock. Naracoorte Lucindale Council relies on the district’s farming families to fund around 60 per cent of its proposed $12.726m rate revenue. An average 5 per cent rate rise is projected by the council’s administration as part of a draft 2025-26 budget and business plan. All up, the budget seeks a total income of $22.676 million. In addition to rate revenue, it has budgeted for other income:  * Service charges – $2.248m. * Statutory charges – $263,000. * User charges -$2.52m. * Grants, subsidies and contributions – $4.301m. * Investment income – $359,000. * Reimbursements – $154,000. * “Other income” – $106,000. The council’s proposed capital works program prepared by its administration includes significant projects in and around Naracoorte. […]

Farmers call for a hand up, not handouts By Nasik Swami: Pushed to their limits by an unrelenting drought that is taking the heaviest toll on their mental well-being, farmers across the district are expressing deep frustration. Many farmers have dismissed the government’s $55 million relief package as woefully inadequate, labelling it “a drop in the ocean.” In the 2022–23 fiscal year, the state’s primary industries—comprising grains, livestock, horticulture, wine, seafood, forestry, and dairy—generated $18.5 billion in revenue, marking a seven percent rise from the previous year. According to the government, this sector was responsible for 51 percent of the state’s total merchandise exports and directly employed more than 76,000 people. Local farmers say the ongoing dry conditions are not only affecting their livelihoods but also having a huge impact on their mental health—with many now suffering in silence. Burdened by the soaring costs of livestock feed, high-interest loans, dwindling […]

By Nasik Swami: If you haven’t had the chance to visit the poppy installation at Naracoorte Town Square, you’re truly missing a stunning display of craftsmanship. This powerful tribute, featuring around 1,500 hand-knitted poppies arranged on a five-by-five-metre net, was created by Naracoorte’s heartfelt group known as the “Poppy Girls” in honour of the courageous ANZAC soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom. Though their name might sound whimsical, the “Poppy Girls”—a close-knit group of anonymous friends—have poured genuine emotion and respect into this meaningful project. Sharing the story behind the project, the group’s Lesley Cook told this publication that the installation was a tribute to all the brave ANZACs who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, to those who returned with injuries, both visible and invisible, and to the amazing animals who served alongside them. Ms Cook said the inspiration behind the Naracoorte ANZAC poppy installation came […]

By Nasik Swami: The community has called for better access to specialist healthcare services and further development of local health infrastructure within the district. This was strongly voiced during the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) public consultation for the development of the clinical services plan, which wrapped up on February 28, 2025. The goal of the consultation was to engage the community in identifying what matters most in advancing local healthcare services. This publication reached out to the health minister for an update on the consultation process and the community feedback gathered. In response to our inquiry, the LCLHN provided answers via a South Australia Health (SA Health) media advisor. We asked: Could you share how the consultation process unfolded? Did it align with LCLHN’s goals and expectations? Can you provide the number of both in-person and online (“Your Say”) submissions received specifically from the Naracoorte Lucindale District? What […]

By Chris Oldfield: From a little Ford truck to a multi-million-dollar fleet of Kenworths and high-tech earthwork equipment, Naracoorte’s Bull Bros Pty Ltd this year celebrates 75 years in business. Driving further enthusiasm and longevity into the esteemed company which employs around 30 people, a fourth generation is stepping up. As now part owners, Bull brothers Louis and Josh, supported by their wives and families, will help operate the company – under the guiding eye of father, David Bull. This follows Robert Bull selling his shares and stepping aside after more than three successful decades of diligent, skilled and distinguished service. “At the end of last year, Robert sold his shares,” David said. “Initially he will be having a very well earned and deserved break. “Robert is my brother. We purchased (the company) from mum and dad in 2006.   “Robert’s been still working (with Bull Bros). He’s finishing up at […]

By Charlie Legoe, Helloworld Travel: Yes, after over 40 years, we are still here!  Having moved from Smith Street to our much larger Ormerod Street office over a year ago, we have settled into our new environment.  Our aim as a travel business, in a world full of technology, is to provide a client experience that is appreciated by all.  We welcome all clients in a relaxed, friendly manner, allowing you to explore or dream of the holiday you’ve always wanted to do.  Our interaction with clients is very transparent as we discuss every aspect of travel available. It is amazing to see some of the value that exists out there in a world of rising prices.  Our friendly professional consultants are busy planning and preparing itineraries right around the world. At the moment there is nowhere we haven’t touched on in the past 12 months, with short break-aways to […]

By Nasik Swami: Is the community truly engaged in council matters? It is a tough question, but one might assume so. The Naracoorte Lucindale Council initiated its legislated review of the representation structure in October 2024. By November, it had given in-principle support to maintaining the existing setup of a mayor, 10 councillors, and no wards. To formalise this stance, consultants CL Rowe & Associates prepared a draft representation report, which the council endorsed for public consultation in January 2025. Residents were invited to provide feedback between February 10 and March 3, 2025. However, the response was underwhelming—only three submissions were received, all submitted online via the council’s Your Say platform. Just three submissions from a district of nearly 8,000 people. Is that what real engagement with council looks like? In his written report to council, acting CEO Paul McRostie said the public promotion of the review included the following: […]

By Chris Oldfield: A city of tents with more than 500 exhibitors attracted swarms of people to the region’s largest annual event, the South East Field Days on March 21 and 22. After this, its 45th year, the action packed event has now pumped more than $3m into the local community and various public services. South East Field Days committee chairman John Motteram said the weather was perfect and the committee received some great feedback from businesses.  “There were a lot of inquiries and a lot of happy exhibitors, which is what you want,” Mr Motteran said. “Once it rains, a lot of those inquiries will turn into sales. “So it was a highly successful event once again.”

By Nasik Swami: Healthcare, infrastructure, the rising cost of living and government waste are among the key concerns impacting voters in regional towns like Naracoorte in the South East. Some political leaders believe that addressing these issues with strong, practical policies could significantly sway voters in the area. As the prime minister considers a date for the upcoming federal election and candidates shift into campaign mode, voters are asking critical questions. In this edition of Hard Talk, The News spoke with several political leaders to gain insight into the major election topics that could determine the outcome. We reached out to key political figures, including prime minister and Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese, opposition leader and Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton, South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas, state opposition and Liberal Party leader Vincent Tarzia, independent member for MacKillop Nick McBride, and Naracoorte Lucindale Council (NLC) mayor Patrick Ross. Mr Ross, […]

By Nasik Swami: The Naracoorte Toy Library’s relentless quest for a new home has finally come to an end. This beloved community hub for local children has secured a fresh spot at Naracoorte North Primary School. The move became necessary after the non-profit organisation’s current venue on Sandstone Avenue was sold, requiring them to vacate by April. Library manager Karen Sebek expressed her relief, thrilled that children now have a new place to borrow toys and enjoy the library’s offerings. “We have a new home—we will be moving to the Naracoorte North Primary School. They have graciously offered us one of their portable classrooms,” Ms Sebek said “The library reopens its doors later this month, offering toys, games, and books for children from birth to age 18 to borrow.” Ms Sebek called on people in the community to support the library by becoming members. “We currently have 36 active members, […]