Australia’s biggest local news survey shows readers’ passion for print

The future of local newspapers will be a key issue for regional, rural and suburban voters at the next federal election, a newly released national study has found. The biggest national survey of local news audiences in Australia, conducted as part of the Media Innovation and Civic Future of Australia’s Country Press project, reveals the […]

Angst over Balaklava hospital’s future

A stall in doctor contract agreements at Wakefield Plains Medical Clinic has led to a locum doctor now slotted in to provide 24/7 emergency cover at Balaklava hospital. Last week SA Health told Plains Producer an “expiry of contract” has occurred between the doctors at the Wakefield Plains Medical Clinic and the Balaklava Soldiers’ Memorial […]

Pub owner’s dream to restore run-down site

The owner of the Brinkworth watering hole is on a mission to salvage the derelict and historic Sample Rooms next door. While it cannot be confirmed, several stories from locals say the now dilapidated rooms were once a space where travelling salespersons would set up stalls; others say farmers would bring their grain to show […]

Kellock leads Tigers to premiership

Burra export Ellie Kellock captained the Glenelg Football Club to its first SANFLW premiership at Thebarton Oval on Saturday, defeating West Adelaide 5.10 (40) – 2.5 (17). In the club’s centennial year, Ellie said the win had not quite “sunk in yet”. “It was just unreal from start to finish,” she said. “When we kicked […]

Sonia builds her way to third place in bodybuilding comp

In her very first competition, Clare’s Sonia Goss has taken out third place in the Australasian Natural Bodybuilding, South Australian over-35 bikini model category. Sonia entered both the novice and bikini model categories and was judged overall on “great shape presence, overall beauty and confidence”. “Competitors are judged on condition, symmetry, shape and presentation and […]

Leah’s long love affair with footy

As a kid growing up on her family farm at Long Plains, Leah Tynan fell in love with football. She just never thought she’d be allowed to play it. “I played tennis and netball,” she said. “I didn’t even think about playing football. It wasn’t an option for a girl. “But I loved it so […]

Premier’s gong for years of hard work

WIELDING scalding hot metal, helping build fences with antique agricultural wheels and setting up an extensive blacksmith tool display, Sarah Tiller’s volunteer efforts in preserving Balaklava’s agricultural history will be formally acknowledged this evening, (May 19). Sarah (pictured) is one of three recipients of the Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service which will […]

Protect your pets with ChipBlitz

ChipBlitz is coming to Balaklava on Saturday, May 29, offering $10 microchipping for dogs and cats. The service is available to all pet owners, including non-residents of Wakefield Regional Council. They DO chip dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets. They DON’T chip livestock, birds, or reptiles. WRC mayor, Rodney Reid, said council teamed up […]

Music festival return slated for 2022

The Burra Country Music Festival announced that they have postponed this year’s festival to 2022, citing COVID-19 restrictions and a drop in sponsorship as the contributing factors to the decision. “Most of the local businesses have been affected by COVID and our major sponsors AGL were cutting sponsorship down this year,” Burra Country Music Committee […]

Travel South Australia, darlings

There was glitz, there was glamour, there were sparkles and a giant pink Hummer when Hans – the Boy Wonder from Berlin – came to the Clare Valley last week. Most importantly, there was national attention, all in the name of the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Welcome Back SA promotion campaign. Hans rolled into the […]

Oh George, you’re a crack up

Four-year-old George Matters from Spalding loves his chooks. No one ever anticipated it would make him a global sensation, but that is exactly what he has become after his sister Polly, 11, filmed him talking about his pet chook ‘Mowvin”. Parents April and James posted the funny video to Facebook to share with a few […]

Dust off the boots – Marrabel bull ride is back!

Dust off the cowboy boots and akubras as the Marrabel Bull Ride is coming up again on Saturday, February 29. Held at the Marrabel showgrounds from 7pm, the Waterloo Wind Farm Marrabel Bull Ride will showcase some of the nation’s most accomplished bull riders matched against an all-star line up of super-fit bucking bulls. Thanks […]

Family fishing fun

News that Bundaleer Reservoir has been re-stocked with native fish fingerlings has been welcomed by the Thomas family of Gulnare. The family has embraced the opportunity to fish in their ‘own backyard’, with David Thomas and his sons Josh, 8, and Liam, 6, making it a regular family outing. “My kids hadn’t done much fishing […]

Taking businesses to the region

Wednesday marked the release of the Plains Producer’s inaugural annual Regional Business Directory, a 72-page publication listing most businesses across our large circulation area. It is a source of reliable information not only for locals, but newcomers to the area who may be unfamiliar with what the region has to offer. A copy will be […]

Protecting Country Press

Recent threats and disingenuous claims by global tech giants Google and Facebook, provide a stark and compelling reminder of why Government intervention is necessary to force these two global behemoths to the table to negotiate with news media businesses; the subject of their current posturing, Country Press Australia president, Bruce Ellen said. The negotiating framework […]