By Kristin Murdock The Millicent Saleyards will close at the end of the month after declining sales over a number of years. Reports say competition from online and other nearby saleyards are behind the closure. Wattle Range Council voted at a recent meeting to end cattle sales at the facility by June 30 after a motion to recommence spending to improve safety standards at the facility, expected to cost about $1 million, was defeated. Public consultation surveys were considered and showed 52 per cent of 257 respondents wanted the saleyards to stay open. Earlier this year, only 73 cattle were auctioned at one sale at Millicent and in total, fewer than 4,500 head of cattle had gone through the saleyards in the past 12 months. The upgrading of larger saleyards such as Naracoorte and Mount Gambier, as well as increasing online sales were also a factor. Previously, council had received […]

By Chris Oldfield LAUGHTER rings out from a work shed behind various display buildings at the back of The Sheep’s Back museum in Naracoorte. The joyous sounds and banter belong to Naracoorte identities Graham Brammer and Lester Key. As a tractor roars closer to the workshop, soon they are joined by fellow volunteer Ellis Roberts. The popular trio help form part of a small and dedicated group who make up the Naracoorte National Trust. Together trust members have helped create Naracoorte’s most visited site within the town, boasting 7922 visitors during 2021-22. The personal rewards are huge for volunteers Graham, Lester and Ellis. Each can identify both his own input and the work of others, including highly respected Judy Murdoch, during a tour of museum buildings, exhibits and displays. But they need help. Showcasing Naracoorte’s history in one of the rooms of a former school building at the site is […]