SA has lifted into space
Sebastian Calderon. A new satellite built by South Australian-based companies will aim to deliver critical space data for use by government and research institutions, including data covering the Riverland, particularly in the areas of sustainability and climate impacts. The State Government-funded satellite Kanyini was successfully launched into orbit last week onboard a SpaceX rocket, being the first of its kind in Australia, built by SA-based companies – SmartSat, Inovor and Myriota.
Power price pain – Major local businesses struggling with rising electricity bills
Hugh Schuitemaker. The sustainability of Riverland horticulture is being pressured by "unavoidable" increases to electricity costs, according to numerous local business figures ... Nippy’s joint managing director Ben Knispel said costs had increased despite attempts to use less electricity ... Century Orchards’ annual bill is now well over $1m, which has increased from about $700,000 two years ago.
$100m for indigenous water entitlements while Riverland left… ‘Hung out to dry’?
Hugh Schuitemaker. An initiative to acquire water entitlements for indigenous communities – in order to "rectify historical and systemic inequities" – overlooks the financial struggles of Riverland grape growers, according to the region’s federal MP. The Federal Government has this week confirmed $100m in funding will be used to purchase water entitlements for indigenous communities in the Murray-Darling Basin, through the Aboriginal Entitlements Program.
Art project to boost cultural knowledge
Sebastian Calderon. An upcoming art project will share Aboriginal knowledge and culture with Riverland communities and beyond … The art project will involve the construction of seven 3m-high cylindrical sculptures, made of rustic steel representing the river red gum trees as providers and nurturers of the region.
Riverland trailblazer and talent awarded
Though only in the second year of her hairdressing apprenticeship, Riverland talent, Maiya Rice, has taken definitive steps in the Australian hair industry. Earlier this year Ms Rice, apprentice of Berri Salon Jarahs Hair, was named the Regional Cut and Colour Winner at the 2024 CURATE Awards.
Arts on Terrace: A winning event
Sebastian Calderon. Creativity was united with a great community environment for an iconic annual event held last Sunday at Loxton. Arts on Terrace beautified Loxton’s East Terrace … with more than 20 local shops exhibiting artwork … The Live Mural painting performed by Jarred Loxton and Scott Rathman gave attendees the opportunity to see the artists transform a blank canvas.
Brett’s burgers named SA’s best
Hugh Schuitemaker. Thinking outside the box with its offerings has seen a Riverland butcher distinguished with major state awards. Riverland Country Style Meats, based in Renmark, received two gold medals at the recent 2024 Regional and State Sausage King Awards.
Local faces at water resource conference
Hugh Schuitemaker. Local mayors and a senior irrigation industry figure participated in discussions of how to approach South Australia’s future water use at a major conference ... "A key announcement was that SA Water has committed to cap its reliance on the River Murray at the current level": Riverland Irrigation Trust CEO Rosalie Auricht.
