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Fin
Dunford

Rail, health and living costs on the agenda

MP Rebekha Sharkie says her key priorities for the new Federal term include bringing rail back to the Hills and securing a new urgent care clinic at Mt Barker, as she looks set to retain the seat of Mayo. As of 3pm on Tuesday, May 6, Ms Sharkie led...

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Fin Dunford

19 hours ago

News

Drought, disease threats loom for apiarists

A Lenswood honey producer says the industry is “incredibly vulnerable” after being severely impacted by drought and the looming threat of varroa mite. Buzz Honey owner Annette Ferris said that a lack of rain was preventing native plants from...

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Fin Dunford

19 hours ago

News

Gather Round backtrack

The Mt Barker Council has backtracked on a statement made by its Mayor that it would not seek another Gather Round game at the Summit Sport and Recreation Park (SSRP) for at least three years. Speaking with The Courier in both February and earlier...

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Fin Dunford

30 Apr 2025

News

Plea for rain: farmers dry seed as drought continues

Local croppers are being forced to seed without rain, as the State’s drought continues. Despite some parts of the Hills recording more than 20mm of rain last week, Strathalbyn agronomist Riley Oborn said his local area received less than 2mm in...

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Fin Dunford

30 Apr 2025

News

Early flu warning

With flu season set to start early this year, a Mt Barker GP is encouraging Hills residents to get vaccinated. Mt Barker Balhannah Medical Clinics GP Brent Prior said receiving a flu shot benefited the individual, but also protected others. Dr Prior...

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Fin Dunford

23 Apr 2025

News

Gather game handballed

Mt Barker Mayor David Leach has ruled out bidding to host a Gather Round game at the Summit Sport and Recreation Park for at least three years following the weekend’s fixtures in the Barossa. Speaking to The Courier this week, Mr Leach said he...

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Fin Dunford

16 Apr 2025

News

Coalition raises Labor’s bypass pledge

A Coalition Federal Government would fund 80% of a freight bypass around the Hills – upping Labor’s 50% funding promise – also vowing that works would begin this year. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton this week promised $840m for the project, if...

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Fin Dunford

09 Apr 2025

News

More drought funding released

The State Government has announced $55m of new funding for drought-affected farmers, after State Opposition calls for a formal State Emergency were rejected. The new funding was announced on Tuesday, informed by roundtable discussions with producers...

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Fin Dunford

09 Apr 2025

News

‘Deep Sea’ to help foster greater ocean connections

A former Cornerstone College student has been recognised as one of the best artists among her Year 12 cohort, winning one of seven awards at the 2025 SACE Art Show. Balhannah resident Karina van Pelt graduated at the end of last year. For her final...

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Fin Dunford

02 Apr 2025

News

Advocates still pushing for uni hub

The local regional development board will continue to advocate for a university study hub at Mt Barker, with the Federal Government announcing further funding for regional and suburban hubs in the Federal Budget. The program aims to create tertiary...

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Fin Dunford

02 Apr 2025

News

Rain arrives, but more needed

Scattered showers were a welcome sight for farmers in the Hills last week, but they say more is needed to provide relief after a drought across the region. Between Thursday and Sunday, Mt Torrens, Strathalbyn and Mt Barker recorded 10.4mm, 4.8mm and...

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Fin Dunford

26 Mar 2025

Council and Politics

Rooster ban ruffles feathers

Local residents have criticised a Mt Barker Council decision to ban roosters from properties within townships. Roosters older than two months of age can no longer be kept on a property within a town, or kept within 100 metres of a neighboring...

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Fin Dunford

26 Mar 2025

The Mount Barker Courier

Rental properties still pricey in the Hills

A local property expert says that some renters are being priced out of the Hills, with rental prices continuing to increase despite “slightly” steadying in the past six months. According to realestate. com. au, median rental prices at Mt Barker...

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Fin Dunford

19 Mar 2025