International rural women local celebrations
Sheryl Lowe. International Rural Woman’s Day was celebrated on October 15th by women around the Limestone Coast. Rural and regional women and men from a variety of business backgrounds gathered in the Barrel Room of Hollick Estate to connect, share stories and collaborate in their businesses.
Bank access concerns build
Sheryl Lowe. Banking is challenging in Millicent and Districts for some members of the community since the ANZ Bank reduced their business hours last year. With this week’s announcement the Naracoorte ANZ will close in November, the future of the ‘big banks’ is being questioned by customers. The Millicent ANZ Bank now only opens on weekdays from 9.30 am to 12.30pm which leaves little opportunity for businesses to bank the days takings ... When Banks announce they are reducing their trading hours or closure they often encourage clients to use the local Post Office for their banking needs, but this can be problematic too.
Rail trail project divides farm and council
Sheryl Lowe. The $2.1m Penola-Coonawarra Rail Trail project is shovel-ready, but the public may not be aware the trail will now pass through the middle of a working agriculture farm via a service road, due to a recent change in the route. Peter and Elke Hocking bought the Glenroy property ‘Churinga Park’ 18 months ago. At the time of purchase, they were unaware of any plans for a change in the use of the road reserve.
Pony national championships overcome covid barriers
Sheryl Lowe. Representing South Australia in the Pony Club National Competitions 2021 was always going to be hard work, but frequent and unexpected border closures were an added challenge for organisers and the participants, this year. Not to be beaten, Pony Club Australia decided look ‘outside the square’ and hold the competition virtually, state by state.
Bordertown’s bioenergy breakthrough
Gabrielle Duykers. In a world first, a Limestone Coast food manufacturer will convert oat husks into electricity, enabling it to offset almost all its monthly energy costs. Cereal oat supplier Blue Lake Milling, located in Bordertown, completed construction of its $8.1 million biogas plant last week. Commercial projects manager Jeremy Neale said the plant would generate enough bioenergy to power both the plant and nearby homes.
Afghani locals in “limbo”
Gabrielle Duykers. Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Migrant Resource Centre (MRC), Eugenia Tsoulis spoke to Naracoorte Lucindale Council at its latest meeting, emphasising the need to continue support for Afghan residents ... Following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, many local Afghan migrants are trying to safely bring their family members to Australia. However, many are unable to do so due to being on temporary “bridging” visas or without citizenship.
Prior wins Tatiara Art Prize
Gabrielle Duykers. A “poignant” and “emotional” textile work has taken home the 2021 Tatiara Art Prize and is now on public display at Walkway Gallery. The winning work, ‘The Shortest Day of the Year', comes from artist Deborah Prior and tells the story of family connections as inspired by her grandmother. Made from vintage Australian woollen blankets, the beautifully crafted piece also represents the wool industry and its critical connection to regional and remote communities.
