Don’t be fooled by recent wet weather: the current lush greenery of the Adelaide Hills is no indicator for the water crisis the State is currently facing. The Mount Lofty Ranges casts a dire rain shadow over the Murray plains. Areas like Sedan, Cambrai and Palmer have missed the recent wet weather the hills have enjoyed and there’s no subsoil moisture to rely on for crops. They’ve had two years of record low rainfall, and this year isn’t looking that great either. A University of South Australia study points to severe drought conditions in South Australia and across the country, with drought patterns spreading throughout the Murray Darling Basin*. Continue reading →
The pomegranate is an ancient fruit, popular for thousands of years as a medicinal food with important health properties. The pomegranate transcends culture, religion and geography — featuring in Greek mythology, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, ancient Egyptian medicinal texts, Art, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism and more. Originally grown in Iran, Turkey and Northern India, pomegranates now grace more of the world’s warmer climates in places like Israel, Spain, California, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia. Continue reading →
Over 100 years ago, a majestic gathering place — built of local stone by local hands and hearts — opened its doors to the region. The old Harrogate Hall is a place for the community and is one of the longest serving district halls, run by one of the longest serving district committees. Continue reading →
For the past 27 years, unwanted, strayed and neglected dogs and cats have been cared for at the Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter. And during this time, over 4200 animals have found new homes! Many features set this place apart, but the one that tugs at the heart strings is its ‘no kill’ policy. Re-homing is their goal. As the name suggests this is an interim shelter — a place where animals can be watered, fed, enjoy company, have medical treatment, vaccinations and a roof over their heads. Continue reading →
Autumn in the Adelaide Hills conveys a colourful array of changing seasons with crisp days, leaves turning and fruit ready to harvest. The Adelaide Hills supplies 93% of SA’s pears and 85% of SA’s apples according to Susie Green, CEO of the Apple & Pear Growers Association of SA. The sheer volume of fruit available in autumn is obvious on a short drive through the Hills, where you will see the vast range of reds, yellows and greens protected under their nets (the envy of birds, bats and flying foxes). Continue reading →
The Mount Pleasant Red Cross Branch celebrates its 80th birthday this year and what a way to rejoice with three national awards in the last 12 months. The Red Cross provides humanitarian and impartial support, without discrimination, to anyone in need. In one year the Red Cross delivers over 43,000 meals to people experiencing hardship* and during wartime the Red Cross is a sanctuary for those not taking part in the fighting. Continue reading →
Balhannah is home to an exquisite new boutique born of passion, talent and effort: welcome to Field Trip. On its shelves are small-batch, unique artisan creations of clothing, jewellery and homewares. Not only can you purchase something beautiful, you also become part of a worthwhile movement. This is “slow” craft, driven by deep ethical values and the desire to make a difference. So pack the car for a field trip to Balhannah and be prepared to explore and delight in local handcrafted fusion. Continue reading →
Three years ago Andrew Barker had an idea which began to germinate while camping on a farm in Meadows. It has since flourished and blossomed into the movement known as ‘Grow Free,’ uniting communities across Australia and even overseas.
Living in Middleton at the time, Andrew set up the first ‘Grow Free’ food-sharing cart bearing the sign ‘Take What You Need, Give What You Can’ in Goolwa after becoming disillusioned by the poor nutritional quality of food sold in supermarkets. At that stage the cart was only stocked with seedlings he had grown himself in the hope that people would take them home and plant them. Continue reading →
A smorgasbord of entertainment, activities, food and fun will be on offer at the Hills Christian Community School (HCCS) Fun Fair on Saturday, October 29th, 2016. The Fair will be held at the HCCS grounds on Onkaparinga Valley Road in Verdun from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
“A dedicated team of energetic volunteers has been working since March to ensure a truly memorable and enjoyable day”, said school Principal, Chris Riemann. Continue reading →
By Kate Willson – Sunday October 9th marks the day that the Love, Hope and Gratitude Foundation celebrates its inaugural “Butterfly Walk” raising awareness, support and funds for victims of domestic violence.
Founded in 2015 by Adelaide Hills resident Glyn Scott, the Foundation aims to provide shelter, comfort and support for people and their pets requiring a safe haven from abuse, abandonment or hardship. Glynís decision to establish the Foundation comes decades after enduring horrific abuse throughout her own marriage during the 1960’s. Continue reading →
