It was a far cry from traditional Scottish weather for the Mt Barker Highland Gathering held recently at the Mt Barker oval. It was hot, but spirits were not dampened, with entertainment including caber tossing and haggis tossing, medieval duelling, Highland dancing and Pipe band competition.

The caber and haggis tossing was open to the public with getting the balance on the heavy caber half the battle! The medieval swordsmen wore protective clothing weighing nearly 30kg!On a day in the mid 30’s Celcius that alone deserved a medal!

GPcare, the new after hours general practice for the Hills community based at Mt Barker Hospital, was officially launched by Hon Alexander Downer MP on Friday, August 18th.

Mr Downer was opening the service following its commencement on August 1st on behalf of the Commonwealth Government which is providing almost 3 years funding to enable the community initiative to be implemented.

Mount Barker is the location for a new legal aid office for the Hills region.

The Legal Services Commission now offers legal advice and family dispute resolution services from newly constructed offices in Walker Street.

In announcing the move, Hamish Gilmore, Director, said the new office was the first to be opened by the Legal Services Commission in more than 15 years and is ‘consistent with our strategic plan to increase services to regional areas and a recognition of the growing population in and around the Mount Barker area.’