SA Today with Jennie Lenman

Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie says the Federal Government needs to do more than install 50,000 charging stations in Australian households if it wants to incentivise the take-up of electric vehicles. The Centre Alliance MP joins Jennie Lenman to share her thoughts on the issue and discuss some funding opportunities in the region, with tips on how to write the best grant applications. To watc...

Mannum Dragon Boat Club has been selected to host the Annual Regional Hat Regatta with Dragon Boat SA on Saturday 12 February. Joining Jennie Lenman for a chat about what is in store is Mannum Dragon Boat Club Assistant Secretary and Public Officer, Colleen Walker and Promotions Officer Sue French.

A positive community movement has expanded from the Fleurieu Peninsula to Australia and parts of the world since started 9 years ago. Grow Free (https://www.facebook.com/groups/growfree/) is a movement by Strathalbyn resident Andrew Barker who believes food should be free, organic and locally grown. Ahead of the first Grow Free Festival (https://www.facebook.com/events/632696277892294?acontex...

Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick says defecting members of parliament should pay back the Liberal party for election campaign money. The Liberal MP described Hills MP Dan Cregan's recent defection and move to the parliamentary speaker role as “ the biggest dog act" he'd ever seen. Mr Pederick joins Jennie Lenman to discuss his thoughts on the topic, discuss the Karoonda health crisis (news/...

President of Goolwa’s Surf Life Saving Club, Matt Burrage, has taken out a national award (news/local-news/40-local-news/113049-goolwa-club-president-wins-surf-life-saver-of-the-year) . The Middleton resident won the prestigious DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year award at virtual ceremony on Saturday 6 November. Matt joins Jennie Lenman in this podcast for a chat about it. Read more about Matt's...

Milang local Duncan Russell has written and published his first book, a collection of short stories called Laugh Out Loud (https://www.rockleighgroup.com.au/products/copy-of-laugh-out-loud-by-duncan-russell) . He joins Jennie Lenman in studio to share some anedotes from the book and to talk about his writing process.

CHOICE has awarded the 'Airline Customer Advocate' a Shonky Award for leaving Australians stranded. The airline-industry funded scheme that is meant to solve consumers problems has no teeth and no real value, according to the consumer group. CHOICE has named the worst services and products today in their annual Shonky Awards. Managing Editor Marg Rafferty joins Jennie Lenman in this podcast ...

The community is invited to make strides towards a cancer-free future at the Adelaide Hills Relay for Life this Saturday and Sunday at Johnston Memorial Oval in Balhannah. Samara and 15 of her friends will be participating as one of the teams at the 19 hour relay, and have so far raised more than 91% of their $6,500 goal (https://secure.fundraising.cancer.org.au/site/TR/RelayforLife/CCSA?team_...

A solid proposal has been put forward (news/local-news/40-local-news/112990-hills-railway-proposal-using-existing-freight-lines) for a rail link from Mount Barker to Adelaide, which would cost a fraction of the State Government’s own $6b to $12b estimate. Infrastructure SA is considering a $317m project utilising the existing freight line, proposed and costed by former Australian National Rail...

If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, you’re not the only one. The head of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Reece Kershaw has told Senate Estimates even his family has fallen victim to voice scams and that he has almost fallen victim to one too. He is now on a mission to tackle his 'pet peeve' by fighting scams through the controversial Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt)...

COTA SA says safe, affordable, accessible transport is fundamental for older residents who want to be active in their communities. The peak body for older South Australians is working with Adelaide Metro on designing an ageism awareness module for transport staff and designing a peer-to-peer training module to teach people who are not using transport how to get started. COTA SA Chief Executiv...

Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, has raised concerns about the mandating of Covid-19 vaccines “by stealth”, believing vaccinations should be up to the individual. The pro-vaxxer Liberal member has told Federal Parliamen (news/local-news/40-local-news/112966-tony-pasin-mp-against-broad-vaccine-mandates) t that outside of an aged care facility or quarantine setting, companies and governmen...

There's a lot to enjoy at the Callington Show this Sunday 31 October. The event between 10am and 4pm will be spread across both ovals, the brand new Recreation Community Centre and the Callington Hall. In this podcast Assistant Secretary of the Show, Mandy McPeake, joins Jennie Lenman for a chat about it. For details of all the competitions, a site map and entry forms, see Show book online i...

For several years long nosed fur seal numbers have been devastating the fishing industry in the Coorong region. While the species is an apex predator and not native to the region, it is protected by the Commonwealth. There is a renewed call to cull the species (news/local-news/40-local-news/112913-renewed-call-for-cull-of-coorong-seals) in Parliament this week. Joining Jennie Lenman to share...

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a type of support service available as part of the NDIS for people with disability who want to move out of home and be supported to live as independently as possible. This can involve helping them with personal care like showering and getting dressed, going shopping and preparing food, budgeting and paying bills, house maintenance and cleaning and to devel...

The brand new Victor Harbor Causeway has been connected to Granite Island. Minister David Basham is celebrating the milestone (news/local-news/40-local-news/112896-victor-harbor-causeway-project-reaches-milestone) almost six months after the $31 million project commenced. He joins Jennie Lenman to talk about the project and where it is up to.

A number of important issues have been discussed in Parliament this week, including the need for donation reform and truth in political advertising, a cap on aged care in-home care fees and for Australians to be able to opt out of unsolicited political text messages. Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie MP joins Jennie Lenman to discuss.

Media personality Gus Worland wants to improve the mental fitness of all Australians. The founder of Gotcha4Life (https://www.gotcha4life.org/) will be giving a talk at the free Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo at Murray Bridge Town Hall on Friday 5 November. He joins Jennie Lenman for a chat about his mission, along with one of the expo organisers, Tracey Wanganeen from StandBy - Support Aft...

Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins is aiming to raise $1,000 (https://www.gofundme.com/f/mayor-runs-heysen-trail-for-fcsf?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR0teOSOqPaTZJuGxyEd1YOsCykQPUxgyzOpGSX5roIHlNK8TdP1HJbs83w) for the Fleurieu Cancer Support Foundation by runing 28km along the Heysen Trail this Saturday 23 October.  The volunteer-run organisat...

People are encouraged to leave a light on (news/local-news/40-local-news/112802-leave-a-light-on-for-missing-loved-ones) at their home this evening in support of the thousands of Australians who have gone missing and have never returned. October 21 is Leave a Light On Day, which aims to raise awareness of missing person cold cases in Australia and raise awareness of the need for ongoing suppor...

There has been some community opposition to the multi-million dollar Goolwa Wharf draft Master Plan (mysay.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/gwp) . Friends of the Oscar W (https://sacommunity.org/org/200779-Friends_of_the_PS_Oscar_W) , a group dedicated to the restoration, maintenance and promotion of the historic 113-year-old Oscar W Paddle Steamer, generated more than 700 signatures on a petition agains...

Mental Health support has improved for young people in Murray Bridge and surrounds, with the relocation of headspace (https://headspace.org.au/) from a small office at the Station to a larger, multi-office space at Second Street. The clinic has been able to significantly reduce the wait list for clinical support and offers new programs that provide holistic wellbeing and mental health supports...

The Member for Kavel, Dan Cregan, has announced his additional income for his Speaker of Parliament role will go straight back into  community charities (https://www.5mu.com.au/news/local-news/40-local-news/112774-dan-cregan-to-donate-speaker-salary-to-charities) . The Hills-based MP recently defected from the Liberal party to become Independent, ahead of the next State Election. He joins Jen...

The iconic Goolwa Wharf Precinct is soon to undergo a major redevelopment, thanks to a significant investment from the Federal and State Governments. Alexandrina Council's draft Master Plan (mysay.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/gwp) is currently out for consultation and not everyone is happy about the proposed changes. The Friends of the Oscar W (https://sacommunity.org/org/200779-Friends_of_the_PS_Os...

Falling below the poverty line can happen to anyone in a matter of days. In Australia there are more than 3.24 million people living below the poverty line and while it is a reality many Australians believe they would never face, it can be a slippery slope anyone can fall down, including people  like 74-year-old, Leonard Lee. The award-winning writer and accomplished journalist had a series o...

Wildlife artist and photographer Deb Farrimond (https://www.debfarrimondart.com/) brings to light the issues of ecology and endangered species with her striking animal portraits, with all proceeds going to conservation initiatives. Her work is being featured in an exhibition called 'Pastels at Strathalbyn' this month at the Stationmasters Art Gallery (https://www.facebook.com/StationmastersArt...

Being mentally healthy is more than a lack of illness. In this podcast, Neuropsychologist Dr Hannah Korrel (https://hannahkorrel.com/about/) joins Jennie Lenman  to talk about some small things we can do to improve our well-being through diet and excerise, mindfulness, humor, social connection and sleep.   Dr Hannah Korrel is also the author of 'How To Break Up With Friends', a guide to ditc...

Murray Bridge Council is taking the lead in regional SA to map heat spots and tree coverage in the region. Council CEO Michael Sedgman joins Jennie Lenman in this podcast to talk about the initiative under the Climate Adaptation Strategy, give us an update on the budget and discuss how $1.5M in Federal funds will help the Sturt Reserve Master Plan.

SAYES (https://www.business-sa.com/sayes?_cldee=bG9jYWxuZXdzQDVtdS5jb20uYXU%3d&recipientid=contact-bd0bcfbc356eea11a811000d3a7972f5-ea5579c90ab74a34994ac39403c86958&utm_source=ClickDimensions&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Business%20SA%20Today%20Subscription%20Preference&esid=403f1501-7426-ec11-b6e6-002248180b01) , Business SA's Young Entrepreneurs Scheme, is now on the hunt for participants to...

The need for a clear plan for transport infrastructure (news/local-news/40-local-news/112674-hills-mayor-says-there-s-no-clear-plan-for-transport-in-hills) the growing Adelaide Hills region was discussed at a forum last night. The SA Transport Action Group hosted their second session on the topic this year at Wallis Cinema in a bid to offer consider and offer workable solutions for policy-make...

Going through a separation is one of the most stressful things a person can go through. Suddenly your greatest confidante can feel like a stranger as feelings of anger, anxiety and stress creep in. But according to family law specialist Kirsty Salvestro, separation doesn’t have to be anchored in hurt, fighting or costly legal fees. The author of 'What Are We Fighting For? (https://www.flouris...

The Murraylands can afford to get started on constructing a new regional sports stadium, thanks to a significant government investment. Under Round 5 of the Federal Building Better Regions Fund, the Rural City of Murray Bridge will receive $1,981,530 for stage 1 of a new multi-use sports facility at the current dilapitated basketball stadium in Murray Bridge East. The Rural City of Murray Bri...

The Murray Mallee General Practice Network (MMGPN) is promoting good mental health with a community Wellbeing Trail during Mental Health Month. Similar to the Yellow Brick Road showbag concept, from Monday 11 October until Friday 22 October, participants collect 10 wellbeing related items over the course of 10 days from a variety of community locations, starting at the MMGPN office. Clinical ...

The Rotary Victor Harbor team has been busy organising the December 11 Christmas Pageant and 43rd Annual Art Show (https://www.victorharborartshow.com.au) to be held January 15-22. Rotary Victor Harbor's 43rd Art Show (https://www.victorharborartshow.com.au) will be held at a marquee at Warland Reserve from 15-22 January 2022 with entries now open. Incoming President of the Club Mike May join...

While children can be resilient, they need tools to help them navigate through challenges and emergencies. Hills-based charity Bushfire Kids Connect (https://www.facebook.com/BushfireKidsConnect/) is piloting a new program at 10 metro and regional schools called 'Bushfire Brave', which empowers young people to learn to be mentally and physically prepared for bushfires. Samantha Roos from the ...

The Mount Barker District Council has endorsed (news/local-news/40-local-news/112595-mt-barker-council-endorses-town-square-design) community engagement for the $2 million Mount Barker Town Centre Catalyst Project. The first design images have been released by development company Burke Urban Investments, who were selected in November to activate the large vacant, and long underutilised site be...

An exhibition is on this month at the Stationmasters Art Gallery (https://www.facebook.com/StationmastersArtGallery/) called Pastels at Strathalbyn. Karan Hudsons, President of Pastel Artists of South Australia (https://pastelartistsofsouthaustralia.org/) , joins Jennie Lenman to have a chat about it.   Pastels at Strathalbyn is on at 20 South Terrace Strathalbyn until Wednesday 27 October. ...

Community members are being asked to stop using the emergency channels on Citizen Band radio. Acting Commissioner of Radio Rescue Emergency Communications, Lee Richards, says a lot of people have been chin-wagging on channels 5 and 35 on UHF radios, which are for emergencies only. He joins Jennie Lenman to discuss the growing issue.

Our scaly, slithery friends are often misunderstood. Nadia Couzner from Radicool Reptiles (https://radicoolreptiles.com/) joins Jennie Lenman in this podcast to share some intriuging information about reptiles ahead of some demonstrations at the Yankalilla Show on Saturday 2 October.

As we get older, stress levels and feelings of loneliness can increase as we try to come to terms with changes in our lives. An Emotional Wellbeing program is being delivered to Adelaide Hills residents in aged care facilities by Community Living Australia, in partnership Community Options Australia. Chief Executive at Community Living Australia (http://www.claust.com.au/) , Mark Kulinski, jo...

The Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge is hosting an open forum on October 7 about the need for sustainable domestic violence services in the Murray Mallee region. Organiser Annette Korzeba joins Jennie Lenman to discuss. For further information about the forum contact 0422 411 123 In an emergency contact 000. For advice and information relating to domestic violence or other safety concerns y...

The Yackandandah community in regional Victoria has collectively established energy security since 2014 by setting up microgrids, a solar network and battery and a community energy retailer. Rebekha Sharkie MP joins Jennie Lenman in this chat to discuss the inspiring movement, talk about an RDA report out today on traffic congestion in the Adelaide Hills and speak about her plans to tackle unf...

The Middleton Tavern has just had exciting development plans approved, including the construction of a beer garden and raised deck overlooking the beach. Following years of planning and a recent consultation with the community, the Fleurieu Regional Assessment panel has given owners the green light to commence redevelopment. Manager Nigel Mack joins Jennie Lenman in this podcast to discuss. L...

The Murray Bridge Basketball Stadium could be converted into a multi-purpose stadium in future. Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP is advocating for federal funding. He joins Jennie Lenman in studio to talk about the plan, discuss the latest with the Thomas Foods International rebuild and hear about new facilities at Tyndale Christian School.

Tom Waits is a prolific American singer, songwriter, composer, and actor with a unique voice. This Saturday from 7pm, Harry Van Venetie and his band pay tribute to the musical genius with their production 'The Fat Man Of Love Tips His Hat To Tom Waits (https://www.facebook.com/events/807411446591549/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D) ’. Harry join...

Some Strathalbyn residents have expressed concern with the quality of recent streetscape works as part of Alexandrina's eight-stage revitalisation. Mayor Keith Parkes joins Jennie Lenman in this podcast to discuss Council's plans to address the issue. Mayor Parkes and Jennie also discuss the draft Goolwa Wharf Precinct Master Plan (which is now out for consultation at https://mysay.alexandrin...

After a year off, the Murray Bridge Show (https://www.murraybridgeshow.com.au/) is back this Saturday. Joining Jennie Lenman to talk about the Agricultural & Horticultural event of the year is President Geoff Gale.

As communities across Australia still grapple with the aftermath of the devastating black summer bushfires, researchers are warning more needs to be done to support the long-term mental health and personal wellbeing of first responders and their families. A new study ‘After the Fires’ (https://www.uwa.edu.au/PROJECTS/AFTER-THE-FIRES)   suggests targeted mental health and wellbeing resources ne...

Big things are happening in the electorate of Hammond at the moment. The State Government has announced a Murray Bridge school will receive $5m for upgrades, a waterpark has been approved for the Rural City, the Sturt Reserve Masterplan plans have been released and Gifford Hill is undergoing major works. Local member Adrian Pederick MP joins Jennie Lenman to discuss the news, along with new v...

The Member for Mayo plans to reintroduce legislation (https://www.5mu.com.au/news/local-news/40-local-news/112377-legislation-for-right-to-opt-out-of-pollie-texts) in the next sitting of parliament to ban unsolicited text messages from politicians. More than 4,000 people have submitted complaints to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), about messages from former Liberal MP...