Sports funding
Sporting clubs and community groups in the South East play a vital role in fostering social connections and promoting an active lifestyle ... Are government efforts sufficient enough to support these local clubs in towns such as Naracoorte, Penola, and Bordertown?
Future focused reshuffle
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia has announced a Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, saying it is future focused. Mr Tarzia said the reshuffle followed the retirement announcement of John Gardner (former shadow minister for education) and departure of Jing Lee (former Upper House MP).
Mining battle
Proposed mining for rare earths elements in the Limestone Coast is facing opposition from local producers and residents. Many sections of the community are concerned about how mining would impact production in one of the state's key agricultural regions.
Housing crises affects businesses
Businesses from all sectors in the Tatiara District—whether trades, diesel mechanics, car dealers, agricultural machinery and supplies, manufacturing, or engineering—with five or 500 staff are unable to grow, or in some cases operate at capacity, because there is no accommodation available to house the staff they need to attract. This is the situation facing the district, council chief executive officer Anne Champness has told The [Naracoorte] News.
Hard talk – Loss of essential services
Many essential service providers, including the government, are “abandoning” rural towns like Naracoorte in South Australia … We asked Naracoorte Lucindale Council mayor Patrick Ross, Minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven, Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia Nicola Centofanti, and Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin why our towns are losing essential service providers and what needs to be done to help our frustrated communities.
Farewell Shaz!
Twenty-seven years and 2.2 million boxes later, Sharon Drabsch has called it a day. Shaz, as her colleagues call her, ends her 27-year career as a box maker at the MiniJumbuk in Naracoorte at the end of this month. The 46-year-old with special abilities is not only a box maker but also a beacon of hope to those with special needs in the community.
Housing strategy
The Naracoorte Lucindale Council has developed a draft housing strategy with hopes to fix the district’s housing crisis. The draft strategy was presented to the council by chief executive officer Trevor Smart during the council’s November meeting. The draft housing strategy follows a resolution at the council’s May 2024 meeting to prepare position papers to assist the public to understand the council’s actions addressing the housing shortage in the council area and the assistance the council can provide.
Postcode discrimination
Country towns like Naracoorte are facing "postcode discrimination" when it comes to accessing mental health services and resources. That’s the view of SA Shadow Minister for Regional Health Services, Penny Pratt, who has attacked the State government for turning a blind eye to the Limestone Coast region and failing to understand the plight of families in need of mental health services.
In confidence
Is it necessary for our local councils to exclude the public from meetings under the confidentiality provisions, and what impact is this having on transparency? Recently, The [Naracoorte ] News has observed how councils interpret the confidentiality provisions of the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) (LG Act). On occasions, some councils have listed about three matters in their public agenda under a heading "Confidential Items" or “Matters the CEO Recommends be Considered in Confidence”.
“I am different”
“I will be doing things differently because I am different.” That’s the words of Cr Abigail Goodman, the Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s newly elected deputy mayor. Cr Goodman was elected to the position last week at the council’s November 26 meeting. She takes over the role from Cr Monique Crossling, who held the position for the last two years.
