Sunrise musical hit
In a Galilee far, far away…. The Sunrise Christian School Naracoorte held its 2024 Christmas musical at the Town Hall last week. The musical, an interplanetary exploration to discover the Glory of God throughout the universe, and beyond, focused on showcasing the true meaning of Christmas. To access this post, you must purchase MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION, THE LAST ISSUE or ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION.
Postcode discrimination
By Nasik Swami: Country towns like Naracoorte are facing “postcode discrimination” when it comes to accessing mental health services and resources. That’s the view of SA Shadow Minister for Regional Health Services, Penny Pratt, who has attacked the State government for turning a blind eye to the Limestone Coast region and failing to understand the plight of families in need of mental health services. In an interview with The News, Ms Pratt referenced a damning report into rural mental health...
Farewell Shaz!
By Nasik Swami: Twenty-seven years and 2.2 million boxes later, Sharon Drabsch has called it a day. Shaz, as her colleagues call her, ends her 27-year career as a box maker at the MiniJumbuk in Naracoorte at the end of this month. The 46-year-old with special abilities is not only a box maker but also a beacon of hope to those with special needs in the community. “I did it. You can do it—just go for it,” she shared, smiling during an interview with The News. Shaz’s contribution to the wool...
In confidence
By Nasik Swami: Is it necessary for our local councils to exclude the public from meetings under the confidentiality provisions, and what impact is this having on transparency? Recently, The News has observed how councils interpret the confidentiality provisions of the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) (LG Act). On occasions, some councils have listed about three matters in their public agenda under a heading “Confidential Items” or “Matters the CEO Recommends be Considered in Confidence”. This...
“I am different”
By Nasik Swami: “I will be doing things differently because I am different.” That’s the words of Cr Abigail Goodman, the Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s newly elected deputy mayor. Cr Goodman was elected to the position last week at the council’s November 26 meeting. She takes over the role from Cr Monique Crossling, who held the position for the last two years. Cr Crossling was elected as presiding member of the council’s Strategic Assets and Planning (SAP) committee, taking over from Cr Damien Ross. Cr Goodman and Cr Crossling were both nominated for the role of deputy mayor, and Cr Goodman was elected 6 votes to 4 votes in a show of hands. She will serve in the role for the remainder of this council’s term—another two years. In an interview with The News, Cr Goodman acknowledged the work Cr Crossling had done during her term as deputy mayor. “I acknowledge […]
Memorial cricket match for Jason
By Nasik Swami: Lucindale hosted a Twenty20 cricket match at the Cricket Club in honour of police officer, Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig on November 17. Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig was killed in the line of duty at Senior, outside Bordertown last year. According to SAPOL, the club hosted the event, beginning with a brief ceremony acknowledging Jason’s service, sacrifice and his deep connection to the Lucindale community. This was followed by an address from Inspector William Humphris, on behalf of the Limestone Coast Local Service Area, and a presentation by Cops for Kids charity of the inaugural Jason Doig community scholarship grant, SAPOL said in a statement. Following the presentations, both sides competed in a Twenty20 format cricket match. The event was attended and well-supported by the local community, police and members of Jason’s family. The Lucindale Cricket Club came away with the win and were awarded the Memorial Shield, […]
Lobby for sheep eID funding
By Nasik Swami: The Naracoorte Lucindale Council says it continues to lobby the State Government (Minister and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions) for improved funding outcomes relating to the mandated implementation of sheep eID at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange. In a written report to the council—which was expected to be discussed during the council’s meeting last night, November 26—CEO Trevor Smart said he and the Director Infrastructure and Services would be meeting again with the CEO of PIRSA before the end of November to further present the council’s case. “Regardless of positive or negative funding outcomes from these ongoing discussions – the state government appears intent on an implementation date of 1 July 2025, and this date is now proving to be an impossible target,” Mr Smart said. He said the questions have been repeatedly asked of PIRSA and the minister of what would happen if the […]
Asbestos contamination
By Nasik Swami: There are no Naracoorte Lucindale Council sites under investigation for asbestos contamination, according to CEO Trevor Smart. In a written report to the council—which was expected to be discussed during the council’s meeting last night, November 26—Mr Smart said due to various discussions and/or questions across the community regarding “contamination of rubble with asbestos”, council administration had been in contact with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and had also met with EPA representatives. In his mayoral report, Mayor Patrick Ross also stated that he met with landholders and the Member for McKillop, Nick McBride, on October 28, last month, to discuss contamination of rubble with asbestos on agricultural land and the way forward for remediation. “From a council perspective, we are satisfied that EPA is undertaking their responsibilities as a regulatory body and that the matter is still ongoing and remains a work in progress,” Mr Smart […]
For their families: Lest we forget
By Nasik Swami: “I think of families that bore the brunt of war.” This was shared by Australian ex-service personnel Rian Hamilton during the Remembrance Day event at Naracoorte Town Square last week. Speaking at the event, Rian acknowledged and honored the families...
Seven hundred thousand
By Nasik Swami: Two salaried doctors in the region, employed by the Limestone Coast Local Health Network, are paid yearly salaries of around $700,000 each. But why, Independent Member for MacKillop Nick McBride questioned Health Minister Chris Picton in the House of...
Subdivision granted
By Chris Oldfield: A land division involving 12 new residential allotments, two roads and a residual space has been granted at Lot 1002 Premier Drive, Naracoorte. With a capacity to create around 55 new blocks, 644 metres of roads and a 450m2 reserve across 6.025 ha...
Hard Talk – Healthcare cost burden
By Nasik Swami: Payroll tax on GPs, increasing costs for GP visits, and a complicated Medicare scheme—is our health system failing our communities and the most vulnerable? Are the increasing healthcare costs becoming a deterrent for people in our district to visit a...
Skilled GPs delivering babies at Naracoorte
By Chris Oldfield: A highly skilled team of four specialist rural doctors with qualifications and experience in obstetrics are working together, continuing to deliver babies at the Naracoorte Hospital. They include Dr Kim Trueman, Dr Clare Garner, Dr David Mills and Dr Ron Wallingford. The good news for obstetrics was released in statements by the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) as well as the Naracoorte General Practice and Kincraig Medical Clinic. “Naracoorte Health Service’s maternity and obstetric services have had no interruption to service and is well staffed by obstetricians, gynaecologists, midwives, nurses and clinicians,” LCLHN director medical services Dr Abhary said. “All our midwives and GP obstetricians have training specifically designed to manage different types of births. “We had 150 babies safely born at the hospital in the 2023- 2024 financial year and look forward to continuing our care for all local mothers before, during and after childbirth.” […]
Structural failures
Council serves notice on the property for the Frances Hotel. By Nasik Swami: The Naracoorte Lucindale Council served a notice on the property for the Frances Hotel after their inspection found some structural failures that had the potential to cause the roof to collapse. Council chief executive officer, Trevor Smart, confirmed to The News that the notice was served in March 2024. Mr Smart said the structural failures posed a significant risk to the public and occupiers of the hotel. “Council served notice on the property (Frances Hotel) in March 2024 after being contacted by the lessee with some concerns about structural issues to the ceiling and roof space,” he confirmed. “We inspected the site, and it appears that there were some structural failures that have the potential to cause the roof to collapse and, accordingly, pose a significant risk to the public and occupiers of the hotel.” Mr Smart […]
Splash, splash!
An ever-popular drawcard for locals and visitors alike, the iconic Naracoorte Swimming Lake will open to the public for the summer season on Monday 25 November, 2024. According to the council, staff have cleaned the floor of the lake, painted the walls and were on track to paint part of the lake floor and walkway/concourse around the lake prior to the opening. Council said a review of the budget allocation would be undertaken to determine if additional parts of the lake floor could be painted at the end of the season, subject to suitable weather conditions.
15 new jobs
By Nasik Swami: A new local bakery set to open its doors to the public next month will bring about 15 new job opportunities in various roles to Naracoorte. Craig’s Bakehouse & Café located on Smith Street opens on December 11, 2024. Proprietor Craig McCallum bought the business from the owners of the former Morris Bakery after it went into administration last February and was subsequently put on the market. In an interview with this newspaper, Craig said the café was not just another business but a reflection of Naracoorte’s community spirit. “We’re thrilled to be adding around 15 new jobs to Naracoorte, from bakers and kitchen staff to customer service roles. It’s about providing steady employment while also contributing to the local economy and fostering skills that support the region’s unique food culture,” Craig said. He said the business venture was a new chapter of local employment, tourism growth, […]
Structural failures
Council serves notice on the property for the Frances Hotel. By Nasik Swami: The Naracoorte Lucindale Council served a notice on the property for the Frances Hotel after their inspection found some structural failures that had the potential to cause the roof to...
Splash, splash!
An ever-popular drawcard for locals and visitors alike, the iconic Naracoorte Swimming Lake will open to the public for the summer season on Monday 25 November, 2024. According to the council, staff have cleaned the floor of the lake, painted the walls and were on...
15 new jobs
By Nasik Swami: A new local bakery set to open its doors to the public next month will bring about 15 new job opportunities in various roles to Naracoorte. Craig’s Bakehouse & Café located on Smith Street opens on December 11, 2024. Proprietor Craig McCallum...
Will our schools benefit?
Shadow Minister: Our country students deserve a strong focus from the government on bringing their schools up to modern standards. By Nasik Swami: The state government has announced a record $42.7million funding for more than 80 public schools across the state to fix roofs, reseal bitumen, build fences, and upgrade ageing infrastructure. But how much of this funding would actually trickle down to assist our public schools with infrastructure upgrades? Actually, no public schools in Naracoorte, Lucindale, Penola, Padthaway, and Frances are beneficiaries of this record funding this time. The News asked the education minister to provide a breakdown of the funding and how much would be given to our public schools for infrastructure upgrades. In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Education said the targeted maintenance program does include a couple of projects in our area (mid-South East). “Bordertown High School is among eight sites having upgrades to […]
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