Narungga August Update

I was pleased to spend the day in Snowtown on 14 August and meet with community-minded locals who care about their town and district.

Thank you to Tom and Rhiannon Michael and Kelly Freebairn who met us at the newsagency, and to EO/DON of Snowtown Hospital (and Burra Hospital) Andrew Daulby for hosting a hospital tour and discussions with local Health Advisory Council members Bill Freebairn and Terry Williams (Wakefield Regional Council rep). From there we enjoyed a tour of Tilt Renewables Snowtown windfarm which was a great end to a productive day – thank you to all for your time spent and the warm welcome provided.

Issues discussed included potential civic pride schemes, facility upgrades, barriers for population growth, tourism signage, grant programs, health and childcare services, and with Tilt, their plans to incorporate battery storage.

I have been pleased this month to continue to be kept busy meeting with locals and attending events, highlights including the NAIDOC celebrations at Point Pearce (where I was privileged to speak about the achievements of local indigenous women); the official opening of the Copper Coast Sport & Leisure Centre with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack; the Wakefield Region Tourism Forum at Balaklava; the centenary of Wallaroo RSL branch; and the ceremony for 98-year-old Mr Ed Ebsary at Bute to receive RSL’s highest honour, the Meritorious Service Medal (an achievement I was also honoured to highlight in a recent speech to Parliament).

There was some good news this week with eight local sporting groups in our electorate sharing approximately $120,000 in facility and equipment funding from the State Government’s Sport and Recreation Active Club grant program (Round 45). Projects include court resurfacing, lighting and irrigation systems for ovals and new equipment and program support. This is a very competitive program, and I am pleased to advise applications for Round 46 have opened already so please re-submit if you were unlucky this time around (closing date 26 September; info at http://ors.sa.gov.au.)

Community organisations can also now apply for grants of up to $50,000 through the State Government’s Grants SA program, aimed to assist not-for-profit organisations deliver community projects - be they upgrading a facility, holding an event, purchasing equipment or funding volunteer training. Visit www.dhs.sa.gov.au/grantsSA for more information.

Coming weeks will be just as hectic and will include the handing down of the first budget by the Marshall Liberal Government; and hosting separate visits to Yorke Peninsula by Tourism Minister the Hon. David Ridgway MLC (22 Aug) and the Minister for Regional Development & Primary Industries the Hon. Tim Whetstone MP (21 Aug). For assistance with State issues, don’t hesitate to contact the Narungga electorate office at Maitland on 88322 455; email [email protected]