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Message from the CEO
“This Autumn newsletter shows the depth and breadth of what is happening across the region and I hope you find it interesting and informative, there is certainly a lot going on. Your feedback on what you like and dislike in the newsletter would be greatly appreciated, please join our mailing list to get future updates.” - David Beaton
Events in our District
River Fringe
Council has been thrilled to host the first ever Fringe Festival in the Riverland, River Fringe! With a range of exciting events, there's something for everyone in this 10-day mini festival full of art, culture, and affordable entertainment.
The launch event on Sunday 13th at Waikerie Riverfront saw a fantastic turnout. The crowd enjoyed Rotary markets, aerial acrobatics and Adelaide Fringe artists who brought a range of entertainment. The kids particularly loved the line dancing interactive performance, and the adults were in fits of laughter with comedian Ivan Aristeguieta's hilarious commentary on Australian culture.
See the events list for details on remaining events, and see below for some images from Sunday's event.
Tasting Australia - A Feast of the Riverland
Join world-renowned chefs Duncan Welgemoed and Mark Best for a riverside feast like no other.
Welgemoed – the star who leads Adelaide’s Africola – and the legendary Sydney-based Best will bring their unshackled spirits to South Australia’s heartland of fresh produce to celebrate local ingredients prepared on the riverbank with fun and fire.
30th April, 2022
SANFL Russell Ebert Tribute Match
Port Adelaide FC and West Adelaide FC will travel to Loxton for a match to honour the late Russell Ebert, the Riverland's very own AFL legend.
A curtain raiser game will be held between Loxton FC and Waikerie FC, the teams that Ebert grew up playing for. This will be the first match of its kind, with hopes for it to become a yearly tradition.
22nd May, 2022
Nippy's Loxton Gift Carnival
Nippy's Gift had a great turnout this year and the entrants left it all on the track! The carnival had the most entries in its 21-year history, with over 170 athletes in the competition.
To see the photos and videos from the event, click the link below to see the official Facebook page.
Australia Day Celebrations
Australia Day events across the District were a great success even with COVID-19 restrictions.
Citizen of the Year and Event of the Year awards were presented, and we welcomed new Citizens to our community with heart-warming Citizenship ceremonies.
Shine: Loxton Christmas Lights Spectacular
Although a while ago, it's worth mentioning how much the community loved this Little Town Productions event in December.
Locals embraced the animated light and musical display projected on St. Peter's Lutheran Church for 8 days leading up to Christmas. Truly magical!
Fruit Fly Restrictions Extended
Until 25 October 2022
Works in our District
Taplan Road Completion
Council is very pleased with the development to Taplan Road, as it has finally become a sealed road after fifty years in the making.
This development will provide significant convenience to its regular users, and a substantial recycling effort was made, repurposing approximately 6,700 truck tyres.
The road development has had very positive feedback from local road users on Council's Facebook page.
Read more on Council's website for further details about the project and the wonderful support received from Mr Tony Pasin MP.
Waikerie Riverfront Stage 3
Excellent work has been done for the Waikerie Riverfront upgrades.
The works included the construction of a new kerb and two metre wide paved footpath along Leonard Norman Drive from the ferry to the houseboat pump station.
Substantial upgrades have also been made to Peake Terrace as part of the Waikerie CBD Revitalisation Project, including new footpaths, landscaping, waste bins and planter boxes.
More information is to come, but for now see some before and after shots here:
Loxton Oval Lights
Loxton Oval had a significant upgrade to its lighting system which was completed late last year. It has been widely celebrated by the public, as it now assures peak visibility for players on the field and an excellent view for spectators on the sidelines.
The project has been joint funded by the District Council of Loxton Waikerie and Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.
Not only will the project allow for sports to be played at night, additional power around the oval installed as part of the build can now be used for events such as Loxton Show, Nippy’s Gift, Mardi Gras etc.
Precinct Signage
The Precinct Loxton had its sign installed in late January and the end result looks fantastic.
The Precinct has had wonderful feedback from the community and visitors since its completion. The community complex includes brand new basketball courts, board rooms and the mezzanine function room.
Council hosted an official opening of the mezzanine level of The Precinct Loxton in December last year. It will be home to Loxton Football and Netball Club, the Loxton Amateur Basketball Association, the Loxton Show, and will be a hireable function area.
For further information regarding Government grants and to see photos from the opening, view here:
Waikerie Bowling Club New Roof
The Waikerie Bowling Club has received its new dome roof, which is providing excellent shade and enjoyment for the bowlers.
In December 2019, Council voted in favour of providing the bowling club with $250,000 of funding, and the club received $608,000 from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions grants program.
The bowling club members should also be commended on their fantastic efforts to commit $170,000 to the project.
More information can be found here:
Community Centre Build
The District Council of Loxton Waikerie received $1.2 million of Federal Government Funding to build a community centre for the Loxton Retirement Village and wider community.
The new facility will have the capacity to service the residents and will include amenities such as a multi function room, meeting/consult room, office, semi commercial kitchen, toilets, cinema, storage rooms, gym and out door entertaining area.
The facility is currently under construction and approximately 60% complete.
The project is expected to be complete by June 2022.
Where to vote
on Election Day
Online News
Library Facebook Page
Loxton Waikerie Libraries now have their own Facebook page to allow for more engagement with their services.
This page will feature everything happening at the library including:
- Children’s Programs
- Adult Programs
- Book Group information
- Upcoming Events
- Resources
- Reading Suggestions
- Services
- General happenings
- One Card – SA Library information
Be sure to follow the Facebook page for regular updates.
New Riverland Branding and Website
Council have been working closely with Destination Riverland to ensure a smooth transition into the new Riverland branding elements.
Destination Riverland's focus is to showcase the natural beauty and wonder of the Riverland as a premium travel destination.
We have been working closely with them on our Loxton, Waikerie, and Kingston-On-Murray pages on their website, and also a page on our upcoming Tasting Australia Event.
See the website here:
Community Support Funding Applications open until 18 March
Other News
Sarah Snook signing autographs
Image credit: Sky TV
Run Rabbit Run - Horror/Thriller Filming in Waikerie
Council notified the community via Facebook about an exciting opportunity for Waikerie to be featured in an up-and-coming horror-thriller film, titled ‘Run Rabbit Run’, starring Sarah Snook (Succession), and directed by Daina Reid (The Handmaid’s Tale).
It required closing the Waikerie Swimming Pool to the public from 1st – 6th March, and we asked the public to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in a poll. The response to the poll was fantastic, with nearly 500 people casting a vote and having their say. The votes reflected 97% voted YES.
Once again a big thank you goes to everyone who took the time to vote and shared their positive feedback.
Allan Border and Crew
Image credit: https://ontourwithab.com.au/
On Tour with Allan Border - Destination Riverland Episode
Robert DiPierdomenico, affectionately known across the country as Dipper, has been in the Riverland filming for a TV show which will feature key Riverland Destinations.
In partnership with Destination Riverland, locations and businesses in various council districts across the region will feature in this episode including Waikerie and Loxton Locations.
The theme of this series is focused around caravanning and camping Australia-wide to showcase beautiful travel destinations and hidden gems in our own backyard.
The episode will air in September and should give the Riverland some valuable publicity.
Image credit: City of Playford
Corella Control Activities
Council have been undergoing Little Corella control activities in Loxton, Moorook, Kingston on Murray, Ramco, Waikerie and Paisley areas.
We would like the public to be aware that they may hear loud noises, or lights in trees at night, particularly around the Riverfront areas.
In addition to these activities, there may be aircraft along the river moving flocks of corellas, in conjunction with council staff who are working on ground.
If anyone is concerned about the impact of corellas to their own property, or have any concerns regarding the Little Corella control activities, feel free to contact the Loxton or Waikerie Council offices.
Waikerie Library/VIC New Customer Service Desk
Waikerie Council Office have made some new changes to operations and service within the building.
Going forward, all customer service enquiries will be taken in the Library by our Library/VIC staff, not the old Council front desk. This includes rate payments and any other council enquiries.
The change is a decision made to assist with Covid-19 implications under a temporary three month trial period to be reviewed during April's Council meeting.
Council appreciates and thanks the community for adjusting to the new arrangement.
Council Building Purchase
Loxton Waikerie District Council has finalised the purchase of the previously rented office building on
Bookpurnong Terrace for $870,000 from Unibid Pty. Ltd. after an independent valuation.
‘As the old East Terrace offices were no longer usable without a lot of expense, and it would take years
to complete, this is a good option to stop paying excessive rent.’ - Chief Executive Officer, David Beaton.
Council staff have worked in the building since early last year, and with interest rates at historical lows it makes sense to purchase rather than rent. The upgrades to the building will prevent any major cost in the short term and Council will not have to borrow money to fund the purchase.
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