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 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 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...

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...

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 […]