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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, […]

By Chris Oldfield: BUTCHER Girl Alison, ABC gardening specialist Sophie Thomson, country music sensation Leah Briggs, the SA Police Band, and the SA Yard Dog championships are all set for this Friday and Saturday’s 45th South East Field Days at Lucindale. So is Randy’s Junk Yard Action Show – the freestyle event hailed as an all-weather, action packed motorcycle stunt show, “with a comical twist”. There will also be Rob’s Carriage Rides, Ultimate Helicopter Rides, Mundulla Mud, the Sanity Factory and Artist Bri Boyington. The Adelaide Balloon Man, a dedicated children’s centre activity tent and Blue Yakka Trail will feature again this year as well. So will free hearing tests hosted by the Lucindale Lions Club, while the National Centre for Farmer Health will be doing health checks and lifestyle assessments. South East Field Days committee chairman John Motteram said the Can Am Addicted to Mud was another display this […]

By Chris Oldfield: AN independent roadworks report, which found the Naracoorte Lucindale Council only met four of 15 key performance indicators, also found the ire of outgoing CEO Trevor Smart. After winning a $68,000 tender from five other applicants with higher and lower quotes, Wheaton Enterprises—a highly qualified construction and civil engineering firm—praised the participation of the council’s outdoor field and administration staff in its 89-page report. The report also praised eight improvements the council had made, but was critical that some data was made difficult to access and a report was withheld. Mr Smart hit back at the council’s February 28 meeting. “There’s some very unusual parts of this report, particularly the Wheaton’s report, including naming the specific consultant in a resolution,” Mr Smart claimed. “Probably the more critical one is the over-involvement in the authoring and directing of what should be in the tender specification. “I make that […]

By Nasik Swami: It’s uncommon to hear about someone reaching the incredible milestone of 100 years, let alone celebrating it. Naracoorte resident Mavis Evelyn, likely the oldest in the district, marked this remarkable occasion on February 22, last month, cherishing her century of life as a true “blessing.” Born in the Adelaide Hills on February 22, 1925, Ms Evelyn remains soft-spoken yet impressively quick on her feet. In a conversation with The News, she shared her insights on the secret to living a long and fulfilling life. “It’s my busy life and my time with my family and children. That’s kept me going,” she shared, smiling. “I have done it all. I have lived my life—an interesting one, to be honest. “I have picked strawberries and grapes, worked at the meatworks, in the kitchen, and even at the hospital as a ward maid during the years of the war.” Ms […]

Naracoorte business and home raided. By Nasik Swami: Is our usually quiet town turning into a hotspot for trading chop chop – illegal tobacco? Last week, South Australia Police (SAPOL) conducted searches at a home and business in Naracoorte, seizing around $1,000 worth of illicit tobacco. The home and business involved were not publicly identified. This police action was part of a broader crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade in the South East. Apart from Naracoorte, tobacconists, candy and gift shops, a commercial storage facility, and residential premises in Mount Gambier and Millicent were also searched. The Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Limestone Coast police, and Consumer and Business Affairs conducted searches on February 19 and 20, seizing nearly $800,000 worth of tobacco and $66,000 in cash. The raids, carried out across 10 properties, were part of Operation Eclipse. Is this just the beginning of the crackdown? That’s what this […]