News

Farmer a finalist

A sheep farmer, high school agriculture teacher and community volunteer from Mt Pleasant has been named a National Rural Ambassador Award finalist. Kayla Starkey will represent SA in the award finals in September. Contenders are aged 20–30 from...

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Ethan Long

Rifleman shot an award contender

A photo of a rifleman – the smallest bird in NZ – by a Mt Barker photographer has been named a finalist for the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Award. Bernie Shore took the photo, which is a finalist in the Animals in...

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Louis Mayfield

Public invited to comment on hospital design

The community can have its say about aspects of the new Mt Barker hospital’s design. Staff and community members are invited to provide feedback about the hospital floor plan, to “further test the designs”. The consultation, which will run...

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Ethan Long

Ground-breaking work

A Crafers West woman has been nominated for a national soil health award for her significant contributions to viticulture and agroecology. Mary Retallack has spent 30 years of her career restoring agricultural landscapes and promoting soil health...

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Cyclists set to return

The Hills will once again play a leading role in the Tour Down Under (TDU), after a local council back-flipped over its decision to pull funding from the event. Spectators will have the chance to witness the world’s best cyclists battle for the...

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Hills cider and beer named among the best

Two Hills producers have walked away with major prizes at this year’s Royal Adelaide Beer and Cider Awards. Totness’ Prancing Pony was named this year’s champion small brewery, while Hay Valley’s Hills Cider won the trophy for best perry in...

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Scott Murphy

Car parks lost under hotel and entertainment plan

Developing a 100-room, four-star hotel and entertainment complex proposed by Wallis Entertainment would result in the net loss of 37 car parks, according to a development application submitted to the Mt Barker Council. A section of the existing...

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Louis Mayfield

Residents slam Government plan

Woodside business owners say the State Government’s plan for the town’s main street will create more problems than it solves. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) released its proposed design for the Onkaparinga Valley, Tiers...

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Green light for controversial golf development

The $86m redevelopment of the Stirling Golf Club has taken a significant step forward, with Planning Minister Nick Champion granting provisional development approval. The redevelopment includes construction of a hotel and upgrades of the golf...

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Funding to help two Hills football clubs

Two local football clubs have secured a combined $500,000 of funding for new projects, with both set to upgrade their game-day facilities. Nairne Bremer United Football Club (NBUFC), which plays in the Hills Football League, recently secured...

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09 Jul 2025

Smokehouse tree an award finalist

A Littlehampton river red gum that was used to smoke meat during the early settlement of the Hills has been listed as a finalist in the SA Tree of the Year competition. The Tree of the Year competition is an initiative of Adelaide organisation 20...

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09 Jul 2025