Sunday 4 October 2026South Australia edition
South Australia Digest

Local stories, community first — Adelaide and beyond.

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Community
Colonisation's devastating impact on Indigenous population revealed in new research

New research reveals that Australia's Indigenous population was up to seven times larger before colonisation than previously estimated. The findings paint a more accurate picture of the devastating impact of colonisation on First Nations people.

20 days ago
Community
School faces criminal proceedings over hammer-throw incident

Criminal proceedings have been lodged against an Adelaide school after a student was seriously injured during an athletics training incident. The safety watchdog alleges students and workers were "exposed to risks to their health and safety" when the incident occurred in September 2024.

20 days ago
Community
Former Camera Operator Trevor Scroop Stands Trial for Child Abuse Offences

A 65-year-old man has appeared in court, charged with more than 40 offences against children. Trevor James Scroop, a former camera operator, has pleaded not guilty to charges including the sexual abuse of a child.

20 days ago
Community
Snowtown serial killer James Vlassakis granted parole and set for release

Snowtown serial killer James Spyridon Vlassakis will be released from prison after a review upheld the Parole Board's decision to grant him parole. The SA government had sought to block his release, but the Parole Administrative Review Commissioner found no grounds to overturn the decision.

20 days ago
Community
Riverland men find new purpose in disability support work

Riverland men are turning to disability support jobs, swapping careers in farming and trade work for roles that offer variety and fulfillment. A growing number of men in the region are finding a sense of purpose and happiness in disability support work.

20 days ago
Community
Whyalla Steelworks' Blast Furnace Closure Sparks Uncertainty for Locals

The closure of the blast furnace at Whyalla's steelworks has brought uncertainty to locals, despite union officials and the mayor describing the community as resilient. The steelworks' future remains uncertain, with two bidders vying to take over the plant.

20 days ago
Community
Bird flu detected in Australian pelican, another sea lion case suspected

A case of H5 bird flu has been confirmed in an Australian pelican, with another suspected case in a sea lion sent for testing. The developments come as South Australia deals with a growing number of bird flu cases in various animal species.

21 days ago
Community
Whyalla Steelworks Blast Furnace to Shut Down Permanently, Hundreds of Jobs Lost

The blast furnace at Whyalla's steelworks will be permanently shut down, resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs. The decision affects 500 workers and over 100 contractors, with the site's future uncertain amid ongoing sale negotiations.

21 days ago
Community
Drone Pilots Wanted to Help Monitor Coastal Erosion in SA Town

We're trying to get community members involved so we can cover more coastline, more area, and also a greater number of storm events,

21 days ago
Community
Bird Flu Hits South Australia's Sea Lion Population

South Australia has recorded its first confirmed case of H5 bird flu in an Australian sea lion, found at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island. The state's environment minister, Emily Bourke, has confirmed the detection, which comes after a similar case in a fur seal was reported last month.

22 days ago
Community
Road Toll Rises to 79 After Two Fatal Crashes in Adelaide

Two men died in separate crashes in Adelaide's southern suburbs on Saturday, bringing the state's road toll to 79. The incidents occurred in Coromandel Valley and Hackham, with investigations ongoing.

22 days ago
Community
Love Across Borders: Couple's Journey Amidst War and Immigration Struggles

Afghan refugee Mohammad 'Mo' Mohammadi fell in love with Iran-based artist Fereshteh Ahmadi after connecting on Instagram. Their love story has been shaped by distance, war, and immigration struggles, but they're hopeful about their future together.

22 days ago
Community
Fatal Helicopter Crash West of Broken Hill Claims Local Man's Life

A 51-year-old man died in a helicopter crash on a pastoral property west of Broken Hill on Saturday. Emergency services were called to the scene at 2:15pm, but the pilot and sole occupant was pronounced dead at the scene.

22 days ago
Community
Veterans demand greater transparency on royal commission recommendations

Veterans and advocates are calling for greater transparency and action on the 122 recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. A new campaign has been launched by the Open Door Initiative at Flinders University to push for accountability and progress on the recommendations.

22 days ago
Community
Riverland residents recall 1956 flood, a community's resilience tested

Residents of the Riverland are reflecting on the 1956 flood, the largest flood event in South Australia's history. The flood left a lasting impact on the community, with many residents still remembering the event like it was yesterday.

22 days ago
Community
Zionist Federation of Australia Drops Lawsuit Against Mary Kostakidis Over Social Media Posts

A racial discrimination case against former journalist Mary Kostakidis over her social media posts about the Israel-Gaza war has been discontinued. The lawsuit, launched by the Zionist Federation of Australia, claimed the posts were likely to offend, insult, humiliate and/or intimidate Australian Jews.

23 days ago
Community
Wet season brings bounty of medicinal plants to Far West NSW

A wet season in Far West New South Wales has brought new life to the region's flora, and with it, a renewed sense of connection to the land for the Barkindji people. The region's medicinal and edible plants, which have been used by the Barkindji for thousands of years, are thriving in numbers not seen for decades.

23 days ago
Community
Uncovering the Truth: Debi Marshall's Quest for Justice in Adelaide's Unsolved Murders

Renowned investigative journalist Debi Marshall is driven to solve the unsolved 'family' murders in Adelaide, despite the toll it takes on her life. Her determination to see justice served is fueled by her own experiences and a desire to bring closure to the victims' families.

23 days ago
Community
Royal Adelaide Show: How prices have changed over time

The Royal Adelaide Show has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1840. Admission once cost just sixpence for children, while adults paid a shilling.

24 days ago
Community
Man's Body Found at Coober Pedy Mine Deemed Non-Suspicious

The body of a 36-year-old man was found at an open-cut mine near Coober Pedy in South Australia's outback on Thursday. Police have deemed the death non-suspicious following a post-mortem examination.

24 days ago
Community
Varroa Mite Detection in Far North Queensland Sparks Biosecurity Concerns

A devastating honey bee parasite, the Varroa destructor mite, has been detected in Far North Queensland, marking the northernmost incursion in Australia. The detections, which are approximately 120 kilometres south of Cairns, are about 1,000km north of the previous northernmost incursion.

24 days ago
Community
Community Mourns: Local Man Speaks Out After Twin Brother's Tragic Death

Local resident Stuart Knox faced the media today, two days after the tragic loss of his twin brother in the devastating September 11 attacks. The emotional press conference came as the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster.

24 days ago
Community
Horses Hop on Historic Steam Train for Unique Ride through Flinders Ranges

Horses have hopped on board a historic steam train for a unique ride through the Flinders Ranges. The Pichi Richi Railway hosted the special event, which has become an every-two-year occurrence.

24 days ago
Community
Adelaide Man Accused of Sexually Abusing 29 Victims Over Two Decades

A 73-year-old man has been arrested and charged with 55 offences, including multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse of a child, after an investigation into abuse at a now-closed Adelaide youth detention centre. The man is accused of sexually abusing 29 victim-survivors over more than two decades.

25 days ago
Community
Dead whale on Victor Harbor beach to be tested for bird flu

A dead juvenile whale has washed up on a beach near Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula and will be tested for bird flu. Authorities have cordoned off the area as a precaution.

25 days ago
Community
Teacher-Librarian Petition Gains Momentum as Literacy Rates Decline

A petition to mandate teacher-librarian roles in schools has attracted over 13,000 signatures in less than a week, as authors push to stop the critical roles from being phased out by educators. The petition's launch comes as international studies find Australian reading performance continuing to decline among children.

25 days ago
Community
Broken Hill Childcare Centres Contaminated with Lead, EPA Faces Criticism

The New South Wales Environment Protection Agency is facing criticism for not directly informing parents after finding high lead contamination at 10 out of 13 childcare facilities in Broken Hill. The agency said it was the responsibility of the childcare centres to inform parents, sparking calls for an investigation.

25 days ago
Community
Greyhound trainer from Broken Hill handed lifetime ban for failing to disclose dog's injury

A greyhound trainer from Broken Hill has been given a lifetime ban and a $5,000 fine for failing to disclose an injured dog's condition to its new owner. The governing body found the trainer had acted dishonestly and was "entirely unfit" to participate in the industry.

25 days ago
Community
Still standing 25 years on from the attack that changed the world

Today marks 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks that changed the world, killing 2,977 people, including 10 Australians, and leaving a lasting impact on families and communities globally. For Paul and Stuart, twin brothers who lost their siblings in the tragedy, the memories of that day remain etched in their minds.

25 days ago
Community
Veterans headstone project fears federal funding shortfall

The South Australian branch of the Headstone Project fears that federal funding for the organisation falls short of a promise made in 2022. The project provides headstones to Australian soldiers who served in World War I, with volunteers saying it costs about $1,500 per grave.

26 days ago
Community
Nazi Salute During Traffic Stop Leads to Driver's Arrest in Adelaide's North

A driver in Adelaide's north has been arrested and charged after allegedly performing a Nazi salute during a traffic stop. The 18-year-old man is also facing possible drug driving charges.

26 days ago
Community
Victor Harbor Horse-Drawn Tram's Albert remembered as gentle giant

A beloved 18-year-old Clydesdale horse named Albert has died after a short illness, leaving a void in the Victor Harbor Horse-Drawn Tram team after 13 years of service. The community is mourning the loss of the gentle giant, who was known for his calm nature and unique personality.

26 days ago
Community
Former SA teacher Narelle Zanker crowned Rural Woman of the Year

South Australian dairy farmer Narelle Zanker has been crowned Australia's AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year. She was recognised for her work with Dairy Adventures, a fun and educational experience for families and school groups to learn about where their food comes from.

26 days ago
Community
Whyalla Football League apologises for 'insensitive' Sydney Swans scandal comments

A country football league has distanced itself from comments made at a recent awards event, where the master of ceremonies joked about the Sydney Swans scandal. The league has described the comments as "insensitive" and "unacceptable".

27 days ago
Community
Tougher penalties proposed for smokers buying illicit cigarettes

South Australia's police commissioner is calling for tougher penalties for those who buy illicit tobacco products, in an effort to crack down on the black market trade. The commissioner believes that penalising people caught buying illegal cigarettes could help to "kill off the market".

27 days ago
Community
Port Augusta Early Learning Centre Closed After Allergy Incident

A Port Augusta early learning centre has been closed for two weeks after a child with allergies was hospitalised due to being served food they shouldn't have been served. The Education Standards Board found the provider had contravened its responsibility to protect children from harm and hazards.

27 days ago
Community
Riverland growers turn to off-farm work as fruit fly restrictions persist

Growers in South Australia's Riverland are seeking off-farm work to cope with the financial strain of Queensland fruit fly restrictions. Jody Miltenoff, a jujube farmer, has taken on a contract as project manager on a hotel development in Port Adelaide to supplement his income.

27 days ago
Community
Bird Flu in Foxes Sparks Calls for Urban Pest Control Rethink

The spread of H5 bird flu into foxes on the mainland has prompted calls for a "major rethink" on how the nation deals with the pest, particularly in urban areas. Vertebrate pest controller Lisette Mill says city dwellers must take responsibility for preventing interaction between foxes and household animals.

27 days ago
Community
Former National Trust boss accused of plotting to 'destroy' rival group

A former CEO has alleged that the former head of a rival heritage conservation group promised to "destroy" the organisation. The claims were made during a parliamentary inquiry into the National Trust of South Australia.

27 days ago
Community
Demanding Truth: Families of 'The Family' Murder Victims Fight to Unmask Suppressed Suspects

Grieving relatives of the victims of Adelaide’s notorious 'The Family' murders have launched a petition to lift 80-year suppression orders shielding key suspects. With prospects of a courtroom trial fading, families are rallying the public to help unmask those allegedly involved in the historic serial killings.

about 1 month ago