Women’s almond networking event in Loxton
Sebastian Calderon. Almost 40 women gathered within almond orchards in Loxton ... to welcome industry newcomers, compare notes and learn more about Riverland production. Believed to be the first time a gathering exclusively for women working in the industry had taken place ... the event was ... deemed a total success.
Berri to Bute
Hugh Schuitemaker. An unused train previously sitting on a Riverland property has been relocated to its historical home on the Yorke Peninsula. The 406 Red Hen train that had previously been located near the Big Orange, between Berri and Renmark was on Monday re-located to Bute, as part of the ‘Get the 406 to Bute’ community project.
Action Gerard’s ‘key to prosperity’?
Hugh Schuitemaker. The current Gerard Council will again appear before the Berri Court, in January, with a "reset" in its management needed to help the community, according to a wellknown local figure ... In response to last week's article, a State Government spokesperson said "the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs (Kyam Maher) has been made aware of the concerns that have been raised by Mr Lindsay".
Gerard wants accountability
Hugh Schuitemaker. A senior member of the Gerard community says accountability for ongoing poor management of the area is needed to improve living conditions for its residents. Berri man Tyson Lindsay has raised concerns surrounding continued mismanagement of the Gerard Community Council and the resulting impact on community members.
Dr Rosenthal’s guernsey for distinguished service
Hugh Schuitemaker. A desire to see sustainable medical care provided for Riverlanders has seen a former local doctor receive a major national award. Renmark-based retired GP David Rosenthal recently received the 2024 Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Distinguished Service Award for five decades of dedication to rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare.
Community gathers for Remembrance Day
Christine Webster. More than 300 people of all ages took part in a Remembrance Day Service at the Waikerie War Memorial Gardens ... Among the participants were 250 students from the Waikerie High School. The Waikerie Army Cadets provided the catafalque party.
State government commits $2.5m to wine industry recovery program: Woefully inadequate?
Hugh Schuitemaker. State government politicians have been invited to witness ongoing impacts of frost and industry challenges on the Riverland wine industry, following the announcement of a support program that has left senior local MPs "frustrated" … Tim Whetstone said direct state government consultation with Riverland growers impacted by recent frost, and other industry challenges, had been lacking.
Growers met to seek frost damage solutions
Sebastian Calderon. Riverland grape growers gathered last week to tour some of the frost-damaged vineyards at Loxton, aiming to discuss new approaches to manage the weather events, while also voicing opinions with Riverland Wine representatives regarding unknown grape prices. The meeting started at Peter and Michelle Hill’s Loxton North property...

