A budding friendship: Harvey Norman becomes major sponsor of rose fest
Madison Eastmond. A Renmark business has become a major sponsor of the reinstated 2026 Riverland Rose and Garden Festival after pledging of upwards of $5000 in support for the event. Locally owned business, Harvey Norman Renmark, has become one of the first major sponsors of the upcoming Riverland Rose and Garden Festival.
New leadership ensuring a rose festival revival
Madison Eastmond. A Renmark local has stepped up to lead the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival Committee, with her decision and recent community volunteer efforts saving the regional event for 2026 ... “It’s such an important event to the community and local businesses, and I am just delighted to be working with the fantastic Riverland Rose and Garden Festival Committee to once again bring the festival to the Riverland”: Vicki Dunhill.
Hitting rock bottom: Riverland family forced to dump grapes on the ground
Madison Eastmond. The crushing economic pressure of the wine industry has forced a Riverland family to dump their grapes – and prompted a Chaffey election candidate to pledge advocating for locals outside "the top end of town" ... "Where are our (local politicians)?," Mr Koutouzis asked.
Berri Primary’s prayers answered
Madison Eastmond. A $15M funding boost to Berri Primary School was the highlight of a recent regional tour undertaken last week by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven. Minister Scriven’s announcement of the State Government capital works investment program funding last Thursday has answered long-term advocacy calls for the major redevelopment of Berri Primary School...
A last chance to save iconic Riverland festival – Bloom or doom
Madison Eastmond. Numerous new volunteer faces are needed at tonight's Riverland Rose and Garden Festival emergency meeting, in order to save the event from complete collapse. While the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival has been cancelled for 2026, organisers are encouraging locals to attend an emergency meeting ... "The facts still remain, if we don't get more members on the committee, particularly someone stepping into the role of chair, we won't be able to go ahead," former festival chair Michelle Dominic said.
Back to school scorcher
Madison Eastmond. Additional hot-weather measures are being adopted by Riverland schools, as students brave an intense heatwave – including yesterday's 49C scorcher – for the first week of the 2026 school year ... "This is definitely the hottest beginning of a school year we have had in a while," said Barmera Primary School principal Jayne Foulds.
