Voters reward Pasin
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,...
Call your councillor
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...
Suffering in silence
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...
“Poppy Girls” heartfelt tribute
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...
Community healthcare concerns
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 […]
McBride to face court
By Nasik Swami: INDEPENDENT member for MacKillop, Nick McBride, will face the Naracoorte Magistrates Court on May 7, next month, facing three counts of alleged aggravated assault charges. Mr McBride has been charged by police with three counts of alleged aggravated assault by a person known to him—his estranged wife, Katherine McBride. A South Australia Police (SAPOL) spokesperson confirmed with The News that a 55-year-old man from the Limestone Coast was arrested on 10 April at Norwood, Adelaide. Mr McBride is on bail. “The matter is before the court, and no further detail will be supplied,” the police spokesperson said. This newspaper contacted Mr McBride for comments. Our efforts for a comment remained unsuccessful when this edition went to press. However, his electorate office in Naracoorte said: “Nick is not going to make any comments on this whatsoever, and the same is with his office”. This newspaper has also contacted […]
Changing of the Guard
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 […]
On a journey to the world
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 […]
Three submissions only
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...
SE Field Days success!
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...
Hard Talk: Top election issues
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,...
Toys find a new home
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...
Welcome to Yakka Park
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 […]
Fringe reviews 2025
The 27 Club: Thursday 6th March 2025 (Rymill Park, The Fantail). Presented By: Amplified House. The dreaded age of 27 in rock’n’roll. This show...
Report praises outdoor staff
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 […]
100 years of love
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 […]
Hard Talk: Top election issues
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,...
Toys find a new home
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...
Welcome to Yakka Park
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...
Fringe reviews 2025
The 27 Club: Thursday 6th March 2025 (Rymill Park, The Fantail). Presented By: Amplified House. The dreaded age of 27 in rock’n’roll. This show revitalises the legendary acts that synonymously passed away at the same age. Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Amy...
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