CEO Westell “a spectacular choice”
After six months in the role, Kelly Westell has made a big impact as the new CEO of Naracoorte Lucindale Council, bringing in a new way of communicating with the community. Her probation period has ended “and it’s all good news” with strong support from both the council and the community.
Radiotherapy group tours new cancer care centre
A new Cancer Care Centre under construction at Mount Gambier Hospital has been inspected by the region’s radiotherapy working group ... Although still many weeks from completion, and it lacked radiotherapy, Naracoorte's Lachlan Haynes was pleased that improved cancer care would soon be available for South Easterners.
$250,000 health plan endorsed
The South East is set for its most ambitious health overhaul in a generation, with the Limestone Coast Local Health Network endorsing a 10-year, $250 million clinical services plan designed to transform care across the region. The 65-page Draft Clinical Services Plan 2025 2035 charts a course for hospitals and community health across eight locations ...
From Naracoorte to the world
Rising from his first task as a livestock buyer on the walkway of the Naracoorte saleyards with Ian Perryman, Darren Thomas has piloted Thomas Foods International (TFI) into a global company with a $3 billion turnover. For 15 years he drove to work throughout the South East, but now Mr Thomas flies to work around the globe where he has customers in 85 countries and offices in nine.
Mobile tower confusion
Of 27 mobile phone towers planned for the South East, Telstra only ever earmarked two for the Naracoorte Lucindale Council area, with parts of districts like Callendale, Spence and others remaining without services. As Telstra, since 2011, is a private company with service obligations to rural and regional people, the council opted following a 6-4 vote - not to put $140,185 of ratepayer funds into the telco giant’s project.
Roadside tree hazard
After surviving a head-on collision on the Riddoch Hwy, Maaoupe farmer Neil Engler wants to know why the Transport Department plants its trees so close to our main roads and highways. “It’s dangerous for everyone, not just me,” he said after arriving home from hospital 24 hours after the accident.
Ronald Marks convicted
Horsham man Ronald Marks, who worked in kindergartens and child playgroups less than an hour from Naracoorte, has been convicted in the Horsham Magistrate’s Court of accessing child abuse material ... A Wergaia elder whose face was painted on a silo as part of the iconic Sheep Hills silo art, Mr Marks, 74, pleaded guilty to seven charges against him on July 2.
Rate rise endorsed – but NLC will help those in drought or having tough times
An average 5 per cent rate rise for the 2025-26 financial year was cemented at Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s June 24 meeting following a unanimous vote. As a result of community consultation, the council endorsed three major changes to its draft budget. It decided not to spend $361,550 on the Leicester St playground.
$240m battery
A $240m Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is proposed for a site 3.5km west of Naracoorte by renewable company ACE Power. The project will be known as the Kincraig Battery and 60 people are expected to be employed during its construction phase, with two to four people required long term to maintain it.
Voters reward Pasin
The member for Barker, Tony Pasin, is one of the few SA Liberals to have a seat in Canberra following last Saturday’s federal election. Mr Pasin campaigned throughout his 65,206sq km electorate by personally attending numerous local events and gatherings as well as via local newspapers and social media.