Penola funding boost and awards
Sheryl Lowe. Penola PA & H Society celebrated the opening of their new pavilion in October 2021 after receiving a $79,540.00 boost in Federal Government funding to support the build at McCorquindale Park ... The $700,000 funding pool was shared between four show societies in the South East to renew showgrounds and pavilions ... Penola was considered the centre of the South East in the mid 1800’s and so, the first regional shows were held there in1864,1865 and 1866.
Fire tragedy: Obituary for Louise Hincks
A loved and respected member of the Happy Valley Brigade, Louise held the positions of Brigade Finance Officer and Senior Firefighter. A passionate volunteer firefighter, there was nothing that Louise would not do to help someone.
Fourth Lucindale fire in four years claims life
Chris Oldfield and Gabrielle Duykers. Lucindale's community has been savaged by fire for the fourth consecutive year, this time claiming the life of a fellow CFS volunteer and personal friend to many locals, Louise Hincks of the Happy Valley brigade.
Homestead in new hands/Dartmoor Homestead sold
Gabrielle Duykers. A 180-year-old homestead in the heart of Naracoorte will undergo repairs and a revamp before it begins its new life as a bed and breakfast. Dartmoor Homestead was built in four stages between 1842 and 1890. The three-acre property is home to Naracoorte’s first dwelling – a small cottage nestled behind the homestead – built by George Ormerod in 1840.
Rural doctor update – Government still paying locums, not locals
Chris Oldfield. The SA State Government is remaining tight lipped about how much it has spent on Locum GPs as its rural doctor crisis rolls into 2022. The Naracoorte News asked Health Minister Stephen Wade, via his media advisor, if he was working on the SA rural doctor crisis and, how much had been spent on locum doctors since contracts with the state’s rural GPs expired more than a year ago.
Community spirit ensures permanent fire water
Chris Oldfield. Lucindale will never run out of fire water again thanks to a group of local farmers, backed by Naracoorte businesses, Rotary and Lions Clubs. A tank of around 100,000 litres boasts a fully equipped bore, offering a permanent water supply to protect the area. It is just over a year since Lucindale ran out of water fighting the January 11, 2021, Blackford fire.
Vehicle fire wreaks havoc
Gabrielle Duykers. More than 7000 hectares of land has been burnt and about 6000 livestock lost in the aftermath of a car fire that lost control on New Year’s Eve. The inferno was sparked when a vehicle caught fire and set grass alight in Wrattonbully at around 1.30pm on Friday, December 31.

