Tumby Bay District Council Podcast: Leadership Updates, Grants, and Community Events

“Tumby Bay District Council Podcast: Youth Week, Jetties, and Community Highlights”

TUMBY BAY DISTRICT COUNCIL PODCAST: NEWS & EVENTS   Are you ready for a snapshot of the latest happenings in Tumby Bay? In this episode, we dive into initiatives keeping our district vibrant, from local school visits to upcoming celebrations and community programs.   First up, we chat about Youth Week workshops, where creative minds from our local schools tackled event planning and budgets with flair. Their efforts paid off in a fantastic Youth Week event featuring fishing, kite-flying, arts, and crafts—truly showing off our coastal community’s spirit.   We also cover important administrative updates, including Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan, which remains open for feedback until May 14th. Meanwhile, the Local Government Association’s “Going Missing” campaign highlights the need for State Government funding to preserve coastal jetties—like those in Tumby Bay and Port Neill—so they stay safe and accessible for everyone.   In environmental news, Second Creek Campground is set for a boundary fencing upgrade to protect its natural beauty and deter unauthorized tracks. A temporary closure from May 11th to May 29th, 2026, will ensure the work is done effectively. Plus, Council reminds residents of permit requirements for burning off vegetation, and that roadside wood collection is prohibited.   We also shine a light on National Volunteer Week on May 18th—an excellent time to thank the many hands that make a difference, from CFS and Meals on Wheels to community sports. Tumby Bay Medical continues collaborating on rural health initiatives, while nominations for the Agricultural Town of the Year Award remain open until May 6th.   Don’t miss upcoming grief and loss support groups starting May 7th, along with job opportunities in the 2026 Census. Community events like the Zonta handover dinner, the Yallunda Flat Show, and library programs promise a lively schedule. Finally, big kudos go to the Country Women’s Association for their successful Table Day event. Tune in and discover why it’s such an exciting time to be part of the Tumby Bay district!

Tumby Bay District Council Podcast: New CEO, Easter Events, and Community Updates

Welcome to the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast, your go-to source for the latest news and events in our vibrant community. In this episode, our Mayor provides an update on how Council is navigating unprecedented fuel prices without reducing services, thanks to collaboration with local government associations. With Easter on the horizon, listeners are encouraged to enjoy local beaches with family and friends. We also extend our gratitude to Council staff for their ongoing dedication, including a special shout-out to Malcolm for his newsletter cover photo—and an open invitation for residents to share their own photography skills.   Our new Interim Chief Executive Officer, Bridget (formerly of the Coorong District Council), introduces herself and shares her commitment to supporting both the community and elected members. You’ll hear about exciting coastal projects such as the Tumby Bay Foreshore Coastal Protection Project, the Second Creek Wetland Clean Up, and improved beach access in Tumby Bay and Port Neill. Additionally, residents can look forward to free boat ramp usage in Tumby Bay and Port Neill from December 2025 through November 2026.   Looking ahead, the new AusAlert emergency warning system will be tested locally in Port Lincoln on June 20th, followed by a national test on July 27th. Council is also inviting tenders for surplus equipment—like brushcutters, chainsaws, and even playground pieces—so be sure to check inspection dates on March 20th and April 2nd, with tender submissions due by April 14th. Meanwhile, grading crews stand ready to maintain our roads as soon as there’s sufficient rainfall.   As for community events, please dispose of outdated flares at the Tumby Bay Police Station and recycle lithium batteries at designated points in Port Lincoln. Don’t miss our pop-up cinema at the Memorial Hall on April 15th, the community barbecue on April 17th, and the Adelaide Guitar Festival’s “On the Road” performance on April 19th. Throughout April, we commemorate ANZAC Day with a Dawn Service on April 25th at the foreshore Cenotaph and a Gunfire Breakfast at the RSL Club.   There’s also a free grief support group starting on May 7th at MGA House, plus Easter services (including a sunrise gathering on April 5th at the Uniting Church). Listen in for details on how to register for these events and more. The Australian Bureau of Statistics is recruiting for the 2026 Census, offering positions around the district. Meanwhile, the Tumby Bay Hospital & Uringa Auxiliary is fundraising for an upgrade to Palliative Care facilities, and the Tumby Bay School Community Library continues to host enriching programs—like Storytime, Baby Bounce, and two monthly book clubs—while offering home deliveries and Advance Care Directive kits.   Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive roundup of what’s happening across the Tumby Bay District. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, learn new skills, or simply stay informed, we’ve got you covered. Visit our Council website or contact us directly to find out more, and enjoy a safe, fun-filled Easter holiday with friends and family!

Tumby Bay District Council Podcast: Leadership Updates, Grants, and Community Events

Welcome to the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast, where we share the latest news and updates from around our vibrant community. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, from recent leadership changes and significant grant funding wins, to crucial community events and Council initiatives aimed at improving our district.   Following the recent departure of our CEO, the Council swiftly appointed Interim CEO, Bridget Mather—an experienced local government professional who previously served as CEO of the Coorong District Council. In addition, the Council is seeking local talent for a Governance and Records Management role. Keep an eye out for upcoming consultations on Asset Management Plans and the Long-Term Financial Plan, and don’t forget our Ordinary Council Meeting on March 17. Your voice and participation matter!   Several major projects are now underway thanks to generous grant funding. A $339,500 grant is dedicated to cleaning up the wetlands and restoring the Second Creek corridor, while $50,000 supports essential beach access upgrades in Port Neill and Tumby Bay. Further boosts come in the form of a $25,000 FRRR grant to build a new timber beach access ramp and $75,000 from the PIRSA Enabling Infrastructure Program to enhance open spaces and land use. These efforts ensure our community continues to thrive and offer residents and visitors the best possible experience.   Community events and workshops are a focal point of this month’s news. Local advocate Sarah Prime will lead a half-day workshop for committee members and volunteers, strengthening governance, administration, and leadership skills. Meanwhile, ChemClear’s agricultural and veterinary chemical collection is around the corner—be sure to register by 31 March 2026. Starting 1 December 2025, Port Neill and Tumby Bay boat ramps will be free to use for a year, with pro-rata refunds for current annual permit holders. If you’re a CWA enthusiast, mark your calendar for Table Day on 31 March at the Ungarra Hall and a delightful Mystery Bus Tour later in the year.   We also celebrate our ongoing community spirit through local healthcare improvements and special commemorations. The Tumby Bay Hospital’s Stage Two bathroom upgrades are nearly finished, and further fundraising efforts aim to enhance the Palliative Care (Revesby) Room and adjacent Family/Visitor’s Room. In a heartfelt tribute, the family of the late Sonia Dorward invites you to join a morning swim on Easter Saturday (April 4th) at Tumby Bay Beach, followed by a light breakfast. Finally, the Australian Bureau of Statistics is hiring over 30,000 people for the 2026 Census, with roles ranging from fieldwork to household support. Tune in and stay informed—together, we’ll continue to make the Tumby Bay District a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.

Summer Highlights, Australia Day, and Community Updates

Join us for the latest edition of the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast, where we bring you all the news and happenings from around the region! In this episode, the Mayor and CEO recap the successful wrap-up of summer activities—despite a quieter start to January, Vacswim brought families to our beautiful beaches, even if brief shark sightings at Port Neill moved lessons onto dry land! We also hear exciting highlights from the Australia Day celebrations, where two locals became Australian citizens, community champions received Citizen of the Year awards, and everyone enjoyed a hearty breakfast hosted by the Lions Club.   Volunteer spirit is alive and well thanks to events like “Under the Pines” in Port Neill, which coincided with Tunarama in Port Lincoln, boosting visitor numbers across the whole district. Looking ahead, Council is discussing funding and policy support with state and federal representatives—vital for infrastructure, housing, mobile coverage, shark warning systems, and road and weather upgrades. These efforts come alongside Council staff changes, with farewells to longtime team members and a warm welcome to Rebecca, our new Community Partnerships Officer.   Here are some quick updates on Council projects: * Hall Asbestos Removal (Tumby Bay Soldiers Memorial Hall): Work finished on January 16, 2025, focusing on old window putty. Window replacements are planned for 2026. * Rabbit Control Program at Lipson Cove: Free-feeding (plain oats) runs February 16–27, 2026, followed by 1080 baiting from February 28 to March 8, during which the campground will be closed. Future boxthorn control and re-vegetation with Tumby Bay Area School students is scheduled for winter 2026. * Road Resealing: Trezise, Excel, Wibberley, Selwyn, Ibrox, and Nicol Court—plus parking areas on Bratten Road—are due for resealing in February or March 2026. Keep an eye out for traffic management. * Scholarships: The Tumby Bay District Scholarship Program grants up to $5,000 for local students or mature learners. Applications open February 1, 2026, closing February 28. * Free Boat Ramp Use: Enjoy fee-free use of Port Neill and Tumby Bay ramps until November 30, 2026, thanks to the State Government’s Algal Bloom Summer Plan.   Don’t miss the Lions Skin Cancer Screening Unit visiting the Travellers Rest on Tumby Terrace on February 14–15, 2026. These free checks are a vital service from the Lions Medical Research Foundation, and you can book from February 2 by calling 0486 319 843. We also revisit the Tumby Bay Interchurch Council’s successful community event, where around 400 attendees enjoyed food stalls, school performances, and a lively show by special guest Tim Raymond, raising funds for FOOD BANK.   In other community news, the Tumby Bay RSL will reopen their kitchen on February 6, offering Friday night meals, and will hold committee and general meetings on February 17 (starting at 6pm and 7pm, respectively). Council’s January 20 meeting covered updates on jetty works and endorsed the 2026–2030 Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, with full details at tumbybay.sa.gov.au. Remember, Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm—stay tuned for more updates, and thanks for listening to the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast!

Community Updates: New Bus, Australia Day Awards, and More

In this episode of the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast, we bring you the latest news and events shaping our vibrant community.   Mayor Geoff Churchett proudly unveils the newly decorated Community Bus, featuring artwork by local school students and equipped with convenient wheelchair access at the rear. The mayor also reflects on the festive Ungarra Primary School end-of-year Christmas concert, commends Channel 7’s Ron Kandelaars for highlighting Port Neill’s response to the Algal Bloom, and congratulates the recipients of this year’s Australia Day awards. Be sure to head to the Tumby Bay foreshore lawns on January 26 for the official presentations and a Lions Club breakfast.   CEO Darren Keenan welcomes 2026 and previews an exciting year ahead, with State and Local Government elections and numerous Council projects on the horizon. He introduces the new Community Partnerships Officer, Rebecca Nowikow, who will be spearheading long-term community initiatives. Local residents are also encouraged to attend Council meetings to follow and participate in the decision-making process.   Practical updates include free use of Council-owned boat ramps at Tumby Bay and Port Neill until November, thanks to State Government Algal Bloom funding. Annual permit holders may be eligible for a partial refund. Meanwhile, SA Water’s rebate program continues to support water conservation efforts, and the ChemClear initiative offers a responsible way for farmers to dispose of agricultural chemicals.   If you're passionate about local heritage, the National Trust’s regional museum welcomes volunteers to help preserve Tumby Bay’s rich history. And in the spirit of supporting future generations, the Tumby Bay Kindergarten is now registered with the National Growers Register, making it easier to donate and invest in early childhood education.   Stay engaged, get behind upcoming events, and travel safely around the district. Tune in to our latest episode for a deep dive into these updates, as we celebrate the people and progress that make the Tumby Bay District such a wonderful place to call home.