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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

By Paul Mitchell: Chantelle Weckert was born to be a mother—but being single and nearly 40 is an unconventional platform for such a life-changing leap. Fortunately, the popular Naracoorte preschool director was prepared for the possibility of becoming a sole parent if Mr Right failed to walk through the door. In January 2022, Chantelle decided […]

Local businessman calls for greater police presence. By Nasik Swami: After enduring nearly $15,000 in losses from multiple break-ins and spending around $30,000 on security upgrades, a local businessman is finally feeling a sense of relief. Police have arrested and charged a suspect believed to be responsible for the break-ins at a block of shops […]

By Nasik Swami: Despite the absence of a survey evaluating the effectiveness of livestreaming Naracoorte Lucindale Council meetings, CEO Trevor Smart describes the initiative as a “high level” of community engagement. The council conducted its first livestream of an ordinary meeting on June 27, 2023, followed by its inaugural livestream of the Strategic Asset and […]

. Consistent failures in housing strategy. By Nasik Swami: Bureaucratic hurdles, red tape, market failures, declining investor confidence, and ineffective policies have all been cited as key factors behind the district’s ongoing housing crisis. In this edition of Hard Talk, The News explores the severe housing shortage affecting regional towns like Naracoorte, Penola, and Bordertown. […]

By Nasik Swami: Future developments in the district must be thoughtfully planned with harmony, taste, and understanding, rather than solely focusing on “chasing rate dollars”. This was the key message from mayor Patrick Ross to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council as elected members began discussions on a crucial issue—the draft housing strategy—last week. The district’s draft […]

The 2025 MiniJumbuk Naracoorte Cup will be held on Sunday 16 February, 2025. Naracoorte Racing Club/Photo: Adrian Gale – The Chapel Studio. The picture was taken during the 2024 Naracoorte Cup.

By Chris Oldfield: THE Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s administration chooses whether or not briefing session items are confidential, it was revealed during council’s January 28 meeting. According to CEO Trevor Smart, the administration does not notify the public when public briefing sessions are being held, and just advises elected members. Including whether items are confidential. He […]

By Nasik Swami: An elected member of the Naracoorte Lucindale Council has criticised the council for disregarding public input gathered during consultation processes. Speaking exclusively to The News, Cr Craig McGuire claimed trust towards the elected body was “at an all-time low” with public consultation and feedback mostly ignored or dismissed if it did not […]

By Chris Oldfield: NARACOORTE’S Leicester Park will soon boast a new $361,550 playground. Equipment will include a double bay swing, seesaw, neo spinner, play hut, skateboard rocker, joey trampoline, slide, and even a pretend eco charger. This follows consultation with Naracoorte South Primary School’s Reception and Years 1-2 students by Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s administration. The […]

Longridge Aged Care has received an outstanding five-star rating from the National Aged Care Quality Standards, a significant achievement that reflects its commitment to providing exceptional care and support to its residents. The rating, updated in November 2024, measured the organisation’s performance against four sub categories – compliance, quality measures, residents experience and staffing. The […]

By Nasik Swami: Sporting clubs and community groups in the South East play a vital role in fostering social connections and promoting an active lifestyle. They serve as a cornerstone for bringing people together and strengthening local communities. Are government efforts sufficient to support these local clubs in towns such as Naracoorte, Penola, and Bordertown? […]