SA

Peter Malinauskas’ experimental hydrogen plant could raid precious water resources from the River Murray to operate, it has been revealed, alongside confirmation SA households won’t see a cent of energy bill relief despite $600 million taxpayer investment ... “We are the driest state in the driest continent in the world, and Peter Malinauskas doesn’t know where he is sourcing the huge amounts of water needed to run this experimental hydrogen plant that does nothing to reduce the cost of SA electricity bills": Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero, Stephen Patterson.

It’s a sigh of relief for hundreds who have struggled for years to access quality health services at the “unsustainable” Keith and District Healthcare. The hospital will transition into a public health hub soon with seven-day urgent care, implement a community paramedic and nurse practitioner, and upgrade the aged care facility ... under the management of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN).

The decision by two major commercial banks to scrap the closure of several branches across small towns in regional South Australia has been dubbed "a win for the community”. Bank SA and Westpac branches will remain open indefinitely in regional South Australian towns, including Naracoorte and Kingston. The decision by the banks in February to terminate in-person banking in the regional communities angered customers...

The proposed immigration reforms recently announced by the government have the potential to hobble the economic growth of smaller South Australian towns in the future. That’s the view of Shadow Minister for State Migration and Regional Population Growth, Sam Telfer, who argues the reforms are “focused on the wrong levers”. Mr Telfer told The News that the reforms would impact regional South Australian businesses and won’t address their labour needs.

Guests at this year’s Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival will have the opportunity to learn about the early polar explorations of Penola’s John Riddoch Rymill. The Penola Cultural Association will host the event in conjunction with Rymill’s grandson, John, and as part of a plan to commemorate the life and achievements of the late, local polar explorer for its next major project.

A local disability advocate has called on some businesses in Naracoorte to fix access to their shops for people with mobility disabilities. Julie Brodie of the Naracoorte Counselling Association says the area of contention for people with mobility disabilities is by far the lack of access to certain shops in Naracoorte.

Kristin Murdock. The Australian Government has reached an agreement with China that creates a pathway towards resolving the dispute over Australian barley exports, which, since 2020 have been subject to an 80.5 per cent duty. This effectively blocked exports to that market, worth about $916 million in 2018-19 ... In return for Beijing’s cooperation, Senator Penny Wong said Canberra will temporarily suspend its appeal to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the trade restrictions.

The Hamilton and Alexandra College is pleased to welcome Mr Michael Horne as the 39th Principal in the school’s 151-year history. Mr Horne is an experienced educational leader and was most recently Associate Principal at Braemar College in Woodend, Victoria. Prior to this role, was Head of Senior School at Braemar College, and has held senior leadership positions including Deputy Principal at Salesian College and Ave Maria College.

The ripple effects of the pandemic continue to be felt by parents, carers and educators as children struggle with basic social skills like sharing and getting along with others. The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is now giving parents the support they need to bridge the gap left by Covid-19 and help their children thrive.