News

Nomad returns: warning as fire danger season starts

SA Police has launched a Statewide operation targeting known and suspected fire bugs, as parts of SA prepare for heightened bushfire risk. Working alongside other agencies such as the CFS, SA Police officially launched Operation Nomad last week...

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Jumbo jets into SA

An Asian elephant named Burma made a trans-Tasman journey to Monarto Safari Park last week, becoming SA’s first resident elephant in three decades. The 42-year-old animal left Auckland Zoo with two of the zoo’s senior elephant keepers and its...

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Essential service to re-open at Strathalbyn

The YMCA will re-open an early learning and childcare centre at Strathalbyn next year, confident it can successfully operate the failed facility and provide a much-needed service to the community. Last February, parents were blindsided by the sudden...

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Freeway frustrations - residents ‘fed up’ with freeway speed limits

Hills residents are “fed up” with ongoing works along the freeway, saying inconsistent and prolonged speed restrictions are leaving motorists frustrated and could reduce compliance. Work to upgrade and refit the Heysen Tunnels began in March...

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Elisa Rose

Soccer fees ‘make life difficult’

The increasing cost of using the soccer pitches and clubrooms at the $23m Summit Sport and Recreation Park (SSRP) has “made life difficult” at times for the Mt Barker United Soccer Club, according to a former president. Ex-president and current...

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Louis Mayfield

Sitting vacant - football oval vacant most of the time

The football oval and changerooms at the $23m Summit Sport and Recreation Park (SSRP) sat vacant for more than half of their available hours between April and June this year, with regular, casual and Mt Barker Council bookings taking up only 10% of...

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Louis Mayfield

Battery recycling event could help prevent fires

Hills residents have the chance to safely dispose of items with embedded batteries during a trial event later this month. Batteries are embedded in a lot of different products, such as electric shavers and toothbrushes, and aren’t always easy to...

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Residents concerned about habitat loss as trees face the axe

The developer behind a new childcare centre at Stirling will clear multiple gum trees to establish a fire access track, but local residents are concerned about the environmental impact. Development Holdings received planning approval from the...

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Hills attractions win big

Monarto Safari and Woodhouse Adventure parks were among the big winners at this year’s SA Tourism Awards. Hosted by the Tourism Industry Council of SA (TICSA), the awards recognise business excellence and outstanding achievement in the State’s...

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Innovative use found for smoke tainted grapes

A local winemaker is celebrating the success of a research project that produced alcoholic spirits from smoke-tainted wine grapes, offering new opportunities for bushfire-impacted grape growers. A one-off, small-batch brandy has been made using...

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Mt Barker farewells Gather Round

Mt Barker won’t host a Gather Round game in 2025 after the State Government confirmed that the Summit Sport and Recreation Park (SSRP) had been dropped as a host venue in favor of the newly-redeveloped Barossa Park. The SSRP has hosted three games...

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Louis Mayfield

24/7 security for Mt Barker hospital amid safety concerns

The Mt Barker hospital now has a security guard on-site 24/7, following safety concerns raised by staff. At least one guard, trained in restraint, has been present on the grounds at all times as of earlier this week, provided by security contractor...

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