User Profile

Fin
Dunford

‘Deep Sea’ to help foster greater ocean connections

A former Cornerstone College student has been recognised as one of the best artists among her Year 12 cohort, winning one of seven awards at the 2025 SACE Art Show. Balhannah resident Karina van Pelt graduated at the end of last year. For her final...

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Fin Dunford

02 Apr 2025

News

Advocates still pushing for uni hub

The local regional development board will continue to advocate for a university study hub at Mt Barker, with the Federal Government announcing further funding for regional and suburban hubs in the Federal Budget. The program aims to create tertiary...

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Fin Dunford

02 Apr 2025

News

Rain arrives, but more needed

Scattered showers were a welcome sight for farmers in the Hills last week, but they say more is needed to provide relief after a drought across the region. Between Thursday and Sunday, Mt Torrens, Strathalbyn and Mt Barker recorded 10.4mm, 4.8mm and...

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Fin Dunford

26 Mar 2025

Council and Politics

Rooster ban ruffles feathers

Local residents have criticised a Mt Barker Council decision to ban roosters from properties within townships. Roosters older than two months of age can no longer be kept on a property within a town, or kept within 100 metres of a neighboring...

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Fin Dunford

26 Mar 2025

The Mount Barker Courier

Rental properties still pricey in the Hills

A local property expert says that some renters are being priced out of the Hills, with rental prices continuing to increase despite “slightly” steadying in the past six months. According to realestate. com. au, median rental prices at Mt Barker...

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Fin Dunford

19 Mar 2025

Community

Don steps away after nearly four decades of service

After more than 37 years of dedication to the Lobethal Centennial Hall, Don Herrmann will be stepping away from his role as committee president. Mr Herrmann first joined the committee 37 years ago as a local CFS representative, eventually becoming...

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Fin Dunford

19 Mar 2025

News

RSL cries for help amid volunteer shortage

The Blackwood Community RSL is calling for more volunteers, as it struggles with significant debt and faces potential closure. The club’s financial struggles and accumulating debt have been exacerbated by Covid-19, a lack of volunteers, ageing...

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Fin Dunford

19 Feb 2025

Community

Growing community leaders

A Meadows Ambulance Station volunteer and Mt Barker woman has described her time with the SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) as an opportunity to grow her leadership abilities and help the community. Tracey Bellamy, pictured, is a volunteer team leader...

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Fin Dunford

12 Feb 2025

Council and Politics

Four-storey development approved for Blackwood

A four-storey residential and commercial building in the heart of Blackwood has been given the green light by the Mitcham Council. At a meeting last month, the Mitcham Council Assessment Panel granted planning consent to a proposed building at...

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Fin Dunford

12 Feb 2025

News

Local vet welcomes industry inquiry

A Blackwood vet has welcomed a Parliamentary committee that will inquire into mental health and wellbeing within the veterinarian profession. The Joint Committee on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians in SA will aim to improve...

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Fin Dunford

05 Feb 2025

Community

Lessons for the future from digging in the past

Claire Smith’s archaeological career has spanned decades and taken her around the world, but her favorite memories are from her time spent working with Aboriginal communities in the NT. Professor Smith has authored eight books, been president of...

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Fin Dunford

29 Jan 2025

News

History brought to life at Mt Barker

The Mt Barker branch of National Trust SA has placed about 40 signs bearing QR codes around Gawler Street and the Mt Barker General Cemetery, linked to informative summaries about Mt Barker’s past. Signs have been placed on a number of buildings...

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Fin Dunford

29 Jan 2025

News

Local producers welcome organic reforms

Hills biodynamic producers have welcomed a Bill to Federal Parliament that seeks to increase regulation and introduce a national standard for organic products in Australia. The National Organic Standard Bill was tabled by Nationals Senator Bridget...

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Fin Dunford

29 Jan 2025