Houseboat hooray: Renmark dry dock to support local houseboat community
The Riverland houseboat community will have access to critical maintenance services as part of a new partnership between Renmark Paringa Council and Smooth Flow Group. The Renmark dry dock, which had previously served large river vessels, will soon undergo preparatory works by Smooth Flow Group to allow the service and maintenance of smaller boats, delivering essential infrastructure to support the region's houseboat community.
Ann refusing new National Trust revenue fee
Hugh Schuitemaker. The chairman of Renmark's Olivewood museum says she is "fed up" with a lack of support and consultation from National Trust SA ... "It's almost as if they are trying to bleed the branches dry." Ann Ryan said volunteers had been directly responsible for raising money to purchase, and maintaining, many of Olivewood's major exhibits.
Lessons to learn from NZ visit
South Australia has much to learn from New Zealand's trade and export strategy, says Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone. Mr Whetstone, also opposition spokesperson for trade and investment, recently made the trip overseas to meet with his New Zealand counterpart, who has committed to doubling NZ's export value within the next decade.
She’s a dancing queen
Madison Eastmond. A Riverland dancer has been recently accepted into one of Australia's most prestigious youth ballet companies, marking the next step in her dream to become a prima ballerina. Seven-year-old Portia Woolston — of Winkie — received the news of her acceptance into the Brisbane City Youth Ballet Company (BCYB) last week...
Search is on for SA’s top country tradie champions
A well-known Riverland construction professional is encouraging young locals to be nominated for an industry initiative highlighting the state's best tradespeople. The hunt for the Riverland's top tradie is on, with $5500 up for grabs…
A new way for water?
Hugh Schuitemaker. An ongoing reduction in permanent entitlements being held in a Riverland irrigation trust's district has forced changes to its water accounting. Central Irrigation Trust (CIT) customers were informed in June that all water accounts would now need to be balanced at the end of each month.
‘Options’ on the table
Hugh Schuitemaker. Renmark Paringa elected members will consider new options in an effort to lower council's proposed 2025/26 rate rise. Renmark Paringa councillors at last week's general meeting passed a motion to lay the 2025/26 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget – including a proposed 11.25 per cent rate rise – on the table.
Local’s grim superannuation warning
Hugh Schuitemaker. A Riverlander who has potentially lost more than $290,000 in savings is urging fellow locals to monitor what is happening with their superannuation funds. A Renmark couple, who asked to be kept anonymous, were among approximately 7000 Australians who lost superannuation due to the collapse of the First Guardian Master Fund.
