25 years of conservation at Mt Elgin swamp reserve
The Mt Elgin reserve is regionally important not only for its biodiversity, but for its cultural history. This Swamp was an important place for the Traditional Owners, the Wotjabuluck people, as well as providing a seasonal food source, such as waterfowl and their eggs, and freshwater mussels; it had a permanent spring, which, in dry years, was essential for their survival.
New Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider for Hindmarsh
Recipients of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) in Hindmarsh Shire will continue to be able to access their services from 1 July 2023 after the Commonwealth offered the contract to West Wimmera Health Service. The announcement comes after the decision from Hindmarsh Shire Council to cease providing the CHSP service after 30 June, and West Wimmera Health Service receiving a funding offer from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to take over the service delivery for the whole shire.
Pam van Kempen clocks off for the final time after 57 years of nursing
From the days when smoking in the hospital room was the norm, and becoming a nurse saw you trade in much of your freedom to live full time in nurses' quarters at the hospital, to advances in technology, a COVID pandemic and everything in between, Pam van Kempen has been through it all, and she’s here to share her tale ahead of her well-deserved retirement.
Aeradio facility open on Sunday
Take a trip down memory lane next Sunday June 3rd and visit Nhill’s historic Aeradio Building ... it is the only surviving one of its type in Australia. Nineteen Aeradio facilities were built across the nation in the late 1930s to help airline pilots plot their positions using radio signals, long before it became commonplace to use GPS.
Missing painted sheep
One of Kaniva’s beloved sheep was forcibly removed between Friday 12 noon and Saturday 12.30pm, 20th May 2023. The sheep was situated near the bird aviary at the Kaniva Wetlands and Fauna Park and is a part of the Sheep Art Trail that connects the park and the Silo Art to the main street.
Trainee pilots visit Nhill
Over the past month, eleven planes from ‘Flight Training Adelaide’ have flown into Nhill. The pilots are all trainees from Hong Kong, sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airlines. Flying Austrian-built Diamond Star aircraft, with their 180 hp Lycoming engines, the pilots have been doing flying navigation exercises, learning to use maps rather than GPS technology.
Across the district with local farmers
Cropping is in full swing across the district. Diapur farmer Tom Cook said, "Funny start to the season. I wouldn’t really say we’ve had the break, but I’ve got vetch and canola out of the ground. Still sowing into moisture at the moment as we move through our wheat program. Not sure the moisture will hang around for long though, unless we get more rain."
