News Bites
Footy’s back!
Echunga vs Torrens Valley - Senior Colts. It was a miserably cold day, but not a bad country footy crowd, with cars lining the edge of the oval.
Free Emergency Redi Workshop
Bernie from Red Cross and Mike from NRMA Insurance presented a workshop on preparedness in case of emergency. It was a different type of workshop in that it drew on Bernie’s experiences with Housing SA and her work with the community after the Cudlee Creek bushfire. Extensive work has been done regarding the aftermath of major events, and the impact it has on communities, which will help governments of all persuasions better help us now that we experience these extreme weather events more often. Bernie said that the government has learned a lot in the aftermath of these extreme weather events, and help and assistance is provided for much longer than previously, as well as maintaining a stable crew of people instead of a rotating roster so that the stories don’t have to be repeated. You will be dealing with the same person who knows your story and is able to follow things up and help you navigate. Mike also gave some timely advice on information we need to use when insuring our homes. What to add and how to ensure that the process will run as smoothly as possible - especially when clients are at their most vulnerable. We were also presented with some freebies - including a great booklet with information you will need in order to be prepared, plus a great little waterproof bag that is very useful for carrying those important things like phones and documents.
You can find out a lot from the Red Cross Redi-app, which you can download on your phone, or you can access information via the website: https://www.redcross.org.au/prepare/
Saturday 19th July, 4 to 5.30pm in the Atrium at Talunga Park. saemergencyredi@redcross.org.au
This bloke…
Bumped into Kel Balnaves and his lovely Mum, Suzanne last night and we swapped recipes and had a great yarn. I reckon he could do his own tv show. He’s a crack up, and he’s local - check out his Facebook page cooking tips on a Commodore (Russell Coight eat your heart out!). He’s also been a guest of the amazing CFS Comedy Night for a few years - and don’t forget Granny Flaps’ Bingo Night coming up!
TOTT’s back for Halloween!
Grant’s Art on Display in the Library
Did you know that Assistance Dogs are permitted in the library?
Future of Public Transport
Amber’s Animals have a new playmate
Another whale has joined the Amber Animals - making a pod of two! Thank You, John Bowd!
From time to time we receive information regarding events that are not quite in our district, but that others may find interesting. If you click on the picture above, you will find a link to a file that lists the when and where’s for several upcoming Music Fairs.
Community Information
For those who care for, or people who are living with Dementia
Click on photo for contact information.
Gumeracha Nurse-Led Clinic update
Legal Services Info
Click for links to services.
All Welcome
Today we welcomed Jenny and her children, as well as Luke - who’s been here for a while but thought he’d drop in and say g’day! We live in a small town, but we don’t know everyone, and we’d like to welcome newcomers and pass on information they might find useful. We love hearing what people have done, some of their life experiences and finding out what they like about Mt Pleasant, and maybe how we can help. We always welcome feedback and today Luke had a couple of suggestions we will definitely be following up - so watch this space!
We welcome anyone who’d like to pop along and say g’day. If you haven’t been to any of our events before - please feel free to let us know you’ll be coming. It’s a just a quick chat and get together with other members of our community. Swap information. Maybe you have a few questions we may be able to answer for you. And here’ll be cake. Cake is good.
Amy Gillett delay
Although some headways has been made on the Adelaide Hills Council side of the Amy Gillett Bikeway, it appears there have been several hold ups with the top of the old Burford Hill Railway Bridge (L). Although it has been repainted, the overpass is proving problematic, and there is still some way to go before it is complete(R).
Bash Benefit Goes Off!
Well done to the Car4Bro Variety Team who put on another great show. I hear a fantastic amount was raised - well done! Click on the photos to go to their Facebook page.
Farewell Tracy
It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Tracy Spargo this week. Tracy was such a lovely person, bubbly and full of mischief, always something to say, and often with a sly wit. I put together some of the photos I have taken over the years when Tracy helped with the community dinners. She was sometimes a hard person to pin down, and occasionally would pull a face or poke her tongue out at me, so catching a photo of the lovely Tracy was a feat. I’ll miss her smiling face. Click on the photo for a lovely message from the Market mob, and I join with them in extending my condolences to Maxine, Glen and the family.
Farewell Les
The Uniting Church in Birdwood was filled to capacity on Monday to farewell Les Modra. Ot was a moving ceremony, with many family members and friends coming forward with tales of Les and his exploits. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Birdwood Pantry.
Farewell Colin
From the SA Variety bash - Car4Bro Facebook page: It is with a heavy heart that we let you all know that our fearless leader and founder Colin Fawcett passed away peacefully at home last night with family by his side. We are devastated, but grateful and overwhelmed by the offers of help and support. Colin was passionate about Variety and the Bash and he will be missed.
You will note that the next Quiz Night will be held on 21st June - think about contributing.
Bikeway trundles closer
The Amy Gillett Bikeway edges closer, with the surface being bitumenised of the Onkaprainga Valley Road, through to Bleeze Street in Birdwood.
C.F.S. Information
The Five Minute Bushfire plan
Older news bites
Last Old Talunga Apple Tree Cut down
We have often admired and appreciated the one remaining apple tree, that was growing near the tennis courts at Old Talunga Park, as it would have been a part of the orchard which once grew there. Sadly, thanks to Simon, who lives nearby, we were given the news that it has now been razed to the ground. On investigation, it appears that the inner core of the tree was crumbling, but it is still sad to see the tree has been chipped, so that there is no possibility of preserving a small portion of it for posterity... and so preserving a little of the history of the area. Paula Bartsch - Historian.
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Work begins on the Bikeway
November 2024 (photo The Courier)
Funding approved for Amy Gillett bikeway
From Adelaide Hills Council website:
Adelaide Hills Council has committed to build Stage Four of the Amy Gillett Bikeway from Mt Torrens to Birdwood with Federal and State Government funding of $2.6 million each and a Council contribution of $500,000. The total funding for the project is $5.7 Million.
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport has worked closely with the Council on a design solution that can be delivered within the agreed funding package to ensure work on this iconic bikeway can finally continue.
“This is an incredibly important and much-loved asset for our community with the added strategic outcome of attracting tourism and providing economic benefit to townships along the way.” Acting Mayor Nathan Daniell.
The project will extend the Amy Gillett Bikeway from its current end point in Mount Torrens at Oval Road, taking it through to the intersection with Onkaparinga Valley Road in Birdwood, adding around six kilometres to the overall length of the bikeway.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said, “I am pleased to see the State and Federal Governments’ funding offers taken up with the Adelaide Hills Council putting in the remainder of the funds required to see this important and long-awaited stage of the Amy Gillett Bikeway finally realised. It was the former Labor Government that began the Amy Gillett Bikeway to honour the legacy of a great young South Australian."
Adelaide Hills Council Acting Mayor Nathan Daniell said he was delighted to see Stage Four finally progressing after many years of Council and community advocacy. “The extension of the Amy Gillett bikeway will also ensure more young children are provided with a safe place to learn to ride without the safety concerns of riding on Adelaide Hills roads. Council have committed additional funds to cover the shortfall in government funding and will also undertake ongoing maintenance of the new stage so everyone, especially Birdwood residents, can enjoy the benefits.”
“I am so pleased the Adelaide Hills Council has voted to increase its funding contribution towards this valuable project. It is unfortunate that years of delays have resulted in an increased project budget. This project has endured several changes in Government at a State and Federal level, so I am relieved that despite these challenges it is pushing ahead. I look forward to traveling the Mount Torrens to Birdwood leg of the Bikeway once completed.” Rebekha Sharkie MP