BPS going into the future
A Riverland school has become the first in the region to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) education into the classroom, allowing students to now completely immerse themselves in their learning – whether that includes being launched into space, walking through ancient civilizations, or exploring a world of their own digital creation.
Radio saved the Easter Carnival
Madison Eastmond. Radio station 5RM has performed an Easter miracle, with the broadcaster coming to the rescue of Berri’s iconic long weekend carnival.
Preference irony as Labor helps Tim over the line
Hugh Schuitemaker. Tim Whetstone's election eve claim that One Nation was "preferencing Labor" in Chaffey came just hours before Labor preferences delivered him a fifth term as MP. On Friday, Mr Whetstone said One Nation candidate Jenny Troeth was preferencing Labor in Chaffey, following the discovery of an undisclosed number of pre-poll voters with One Nation how-to-vote cards preferencing Labor ahead of Liberal.
Tim still on top
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland's returned State MP says the weekend's election result, which saw a 19 per cent swing away from his party, was a "humbling experience" for him. Tim Whetstone was able to secure his fifth term as Chaffey MP with victory in last Saturday's State Election, where as of late yesterday he had received 6543, or 35.5 per cent, of first preference votes.
Coalition reunion shelved in Chaffey
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Coalition’s recent reunion has failed to reach Chaffey. In this weekend’s SA Election, The Nationals are again running a candidate against Liberal MP Tim Whetstone. The sitting member has returned the favour by preferencing Nationals contender Imelda Adamson Agars fifth in the nine-candidate field.
Heat and rain hampering vintage
Christine Webster. Heatwave conditions at the start of the 2026 Riverland vintage, followed by recent heavy rainfall in some parts of the region, are causing headaches for many wine grape growers. The Oxford Landing Winery’s regional viticulturist Glynn Muster said the long spell of hot weather in late January and February had initially caused heat stress to some vineyards.
