Clare Valley Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

This is the final episode for 2024.

In this episode, Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council Interim CEO Andrew Aitken discusses:

• Delegation formed to focus on future road sealing
• Council to take over ongoing management and maintenance of Richardson Park Playspace, Sevenhill
• Council to apply for another grant to help refurbish Riverton Community Hall

Helping community people during the Xmas period
We’ve heard countless times this year about the housing and homelessness issue statewide, the Mid North is not immune to this. According to Uniting Country SA many people are experiencing homelessness for the first time or re-experiencing this due to housing stress, affordability, and the lack of private rental properties. Many people are couch surfing with family and friends, there are reports of people sleeping rough, in tents and in caravan parks. Uniting Country SA is trying to support people in these conditions but with limited housing options its proving to be extremely difficult.

You'll hear about some of the initiatives that are assisting people who are suffering socially, financially and mentally this Christmas including the Clare Valley Community Kitchen's Christmas lunch and the Clare Valley Christian Outreach Christmas Hampers.

Julie Grover, Coordinator of the Clare Valley Community Kitchen
Cathy Giersch, president, Clare Valley Christian Outreach Management Committee
Irene Connell, Clare resident

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council - December 11 Agenda
https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/1726731/11-December-2024-PUBLIC-Ordinary-Council-Agenda.pdf

Clare Valley Christian Outreach
https://www.facebook.com/groups/276364059198982/

This podcast is brought to you by the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.

This  podcast provides the most up-to-date news from the CGVC council meeting in November.

Points of interest: 

•    Sealed road update - Mystery road funding
•    Clare Town Hall update - more work on stage
•    Grant opportunity Update - Riverton Community Hall refurbishment
•    Community Project Grant opportunities - SA Youth Week and Age Friendly       grants
•   Successful applicants for  Community Asset Grants 
•    Deputy Mayor Appointment - Malcolm Bartholomeaus

Also in this episode we’ll find out about the Clare Valley’s unique sister city relationship with the Japanese city of Bizen; an exchange relationship that was formed 34 years ago. Most recently, there hasn’t been the interest from Clare Valley students to visit Japan as part of this delegation and the Bizen/Yoshinaga Friendship Group is also calling out for more home stay families to host Japanese students in 2025.

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council minutes:
https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/1718736/20-November-2024-PUBLIC-Ordinary-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf

Bizen and Clare & Gilbert Valleys Sister City relationship: 
https://www.jlgc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NL180.pdf

Welcome back to another year of the Clare Valley Podcast 2024

Coming up in this episode:

With several deferrals finally behind us, the budget review has been passed. We recap on the details surrounding  rising operating deficits and capital budget adjustments that affect us all. 

The Clare and Gilbert Valley community continues to grapple with the housing rental crunch. Councillor Bartholomeaus has received anecdotal information that 50 per cent of the region's tourism accomodation now caters for long term rentals.  The implication of this local issue has never been more significant, particularly as we stare down the potential impact on beloved events like the Clare Gourmet Week. 

Plus, Karen Pfitzner, Council Cemetery Administrator, joins us to provide a sensitive yet enlightening look into the evolving practices of cemetery management. From the shift towards cremation to the intricacies of interment rights, we're covering the solemn realities of honoring our departed loved ones.

Remember, our podcast is your shortcut to remaining in the loop without wading through council minutes or attending meetings in person. We value your input, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts and stay connected by following, rating, or reviewing the Clare Valley Podcast. Keep an ear out for our next episode, where we continue to bring the heartbeat of local news straight to you.

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council minutes:
https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/council-documents/clare-and-gilbert-valleys-council-agenda-and-minutes

This podcast is brought to you by the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.

In Episode 25 CEO Dr Helen Macdonald provides a rundown on all the latest news in Council's latest monthly meeting.

• Gleeson Wetlands carpark fumble
• Grant opportunity - Riverton  Community Hall
• SJM Road Purchase request - Buchanan St, Clare
• Watervale Tennis Courts peppercorn lease
• $80 thousand funding for Manoora Wellness Centre approved
• Budget review still not passed by Council
• Business and fee waivers
• Clare Valley Food and Wine Tourism Centre still running a loss.

Riverton Christmas Pageant

The community of Riverton converged on the streets of the town for the annual Christmas pageant. Traditionally Riverton celebrates this time of year with a Xmas carnival on the town’s oval, but COVID restrictions forced them to change direction and introduce a pageant that travelled through the back streets of Riverton so residents could sit in their front yards and not miss out on Christmas festivities. Such a great idea! Fast forward to 2023, this sill happens with the 20 odd floats finishing up at Sholz Park where the party continues.

There were clowns on bikes, elves handing out honey biscuits, superheroes on back of utes, a santa travelling in a vintage car, balloons were popping, water bombs were thrown, kids were squealing, music playing, sirens blaring – the streets of  Riverton sure did come alive!
This story featured children on the back of the Netball Club ute, Kerry Heinrich, Paige Rowett, Temika Heir, the boys from the Hawks Football Club, Santa and Santa's driver; Cindy Nolan, pageant organiser

Links:
Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council: Latest minutes
https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0040/1519879/13-December-2023-DRAFT-Ordinary-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf

Welcome to another episode of the Clare Valley Podcast brought to you by the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.

Dr Helen Macdonald, CEO, Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council  speaks about the major topics discussed at latest council meeting.

• No decision made over budget review
• Private landholder to rezone land for future subdivision along Horrocks Highway
• A call out for business or community groups to lease the upstairs space at The Valleys Lifestyle Centre
• A surplus $14 thousand available for community groups to access through the Community Asset Grant Scheme
• Rhynie Improvement Scheme gone into hiatus

Hallmark Funding for Clare Valley Gourmet Week 2024 - Belinda Heinrich, coordinator of Marketing and Events for the Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association

The Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association is offering businesses and and not-for- profit community groups an opportunity to host their own event at the 2024 Clare Gourmet Week as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.  This has been made possible through hallmark funding of $20 thousand issued by the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council. Listen to the Association's marketing and events coordinator Belinda Heinrich on what this means for the Clare Valley community and how you can host your own event.
Applications need to be received by January 16th 2024

Greater SA - Abbie Tiller and Melissa Smith

Have you seen all the social media around Greater SA.  It’s a modern media platform that been created by two local Balaklava lasses to keep regional people connected to local news and regional stories that matter.
With many regional local papers either closing or merging to make bigger regional publications, those local stories are harder to come by…but that’s where Greater SA steps in. 
While many media outlets have their own online presence, the difference with this one is, it features stories from right across the state; not just the Mid North, or the Southeast, or the Riverland and Mallee but from every corner of the state.

They are only three months into this new business venture and their website is overflowing with content. 

Abbie Tiller and Melissa Smith are the co-creators of Greater SA. They are super passionate about regional content, regional communities and covering those stories that don’t see the light of day on mainstream media.

Council Minutes:
https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/1506742/20-November-2023-Special-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf

Clare Gourmet - Host an Event: 
https://clarevalleygourmet.com.au/apply

Greater SA:
https://greatersa.com.au/

 CLARE VALLEY PODCAST

Council chat with CEO Dr Helen Macdonald

·      Manoora pitches for a Wellness Centre at Centenary Park

·      Council accepts Hallmark funding for Clare Gourmet 40th Anniversary

·      Riverton Community Hall Refurbishment Consultation Outcomes

·      Stanley Flat Code Amendment latest outcome

·      Tourism numbers down from the COVID highs

·      Rates in Arrears update

·      Australia Day Awards Selection Panel update

·      Housing shortage survey

Council Profile: Environmental Health Officer, Sam KC

The Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council  is a significant employer in the district.  Did you know there are over 68 people working for council with 57 of them being full time equivalent? Rates that fund council employee salaries nearly all go back into the Clare and Gilbert Valleys economy.

A few episodes ago you met Sara Zuromski,  this month you'll get to know Sam KC, the Council’s Environmental Health Officer. This bloke deals with a variety of areas such as waste water treatment, mosquito trapping to ward off Japanese Encephalitis  and health inspections at our local businesses.

Sam is originally from Nepal and has been living and working in the Clare Valley for a year. He’s been confronted with tasks he’s never done before but enjoys tackling the challenges the role brings. And though it’s far from Nepal, the Valley reminds him a lot of home.

Links:
Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council:https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/

Welcome to another episode of the Clare Valley Podcast bringing you the latest Council news, issues and events from the Clare and Gilbert Valley Council area. 

You'll hear the latest council news from CEO Dr Helen Macdonald:

• Concerned Gulf View Estate residents over the Stanley Flat Code Amendment
• Regional Development Australia YMN New Funding Proposal
• Will local Australia Day events be consolidated?
• Clare Bowling Club to receive a $250 000 loan to spread artificial turf
• YMCA to submit grant for sola panels at The Valleys Lifestyle Centre
• Four recipients of the Event Support Program
• No submissions for Community Land revocation of Lot 102 Phoenix Ave, Clare
• New online booking at Clare Town Hall and Ennis Park

Approximately 5000 people from around the region  and beyond  converged on Auburn’s Frenchfest this month. It’s the second time it’s been run, a biennial event bringing the beautiful village of Auburn to life to celebrate all things French.  

Auburn is an historic town, known as the gateway to the Clare Valley and the home to CJ Dennis… but why is there a Frenchfest in Auburn, as its origins are not French. 

Listen and you'll find out all about it!

You'll hear from: 

Kathy Adams, secretary, Frenchfest
Andrew and Karen,  production managers, Frenchfest
Pierre, French musician ( acoustic guitarist)
Alexandra Wardlaw, winemaker, Kirrihill - Champagne Masterclasses

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council - https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/

In this episode:

COUNCIL CHAT
Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council CEO, Helen Macdonald discusses the following topics:

• Riverton Community Hall Consultation Outcome
• Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program - what local projects are getting funding?
• Residential Land Redevelopment Incentive Scheme
• Saddleworth Institute Revocation of Community Land Report
• Auburn Library - what's next?
• Proposal to reopen part of Neagles Rock Road

TAYLORS WINES NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART CELLAR DOOR
Taylors Wines launched its new multi-million dollar cellar door this month after 5 years of planning and development.  What a sophisticated and beautiful development it is! Not only is it a proud moment for Taylors, but also a major boost for the entire Clare Valley wine and tourism industry. 

Every aspect of this cellar door reflects the true essence of Taylors Wines brand, from the iconic 3 seahorse emblem on arrival, the main tasting room adorned with a bronze -green tiled circular fireplace, the private Collectors Club room with 180-degree views over the expansive lawns and the courtyard with its stone fireplace. 

 This new cellar door represents the winery’s first major hospitality revamp, a space that Taylors is truly proud of. You'll hear from General Manager, Clinton Taylor about the history of the winery and importance significance behind every decision made, also Senior Project Architect with GP Architects, Kristina Soggee.

This project was a collaboration between GP Architects, Cook Building and Georgie Shepherd Interior Design.

Links:
Clare and Gilbert Valley Council: https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/1453752/16-August-2023-Ordinary-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf
Taylors Wines: https://www.taylorswines.com.au/
GP Architects: https://www.facebook.com/gparchitects/
Cook Building: https://cookbuild.com.au/
Georgie Shepherd Interior Design: https://www.georgieshepherd.com.au/

This podcast is brought to you by the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.

Council catchup with CEO, Dr Helen Macdonald

• Phoenix Avenue, Clare land reclassification
• Local government to determine where to rehome animals as animal welfare centres at capacity
• Riesling Trail Dedication
• Update on electric vehicle charging station, Clare
• Naidoc Dinner - Clare Town Hall August 5th
• Quarterly financial results as of July 11th
• Woman of Significance Award announcement - Shelly Nitschke

We All Need Space
The road toll has increased across every state and territory in the last 12 months. There were 196 lives lost in Australia as a result of road crashes involving trucks and cars and around 70% of these serious incidents the light vehicle driver was at fault. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has launched campaign to educate all road users on how to share the roads safely with trucks. It’s called 'We All Need Space' giving trucks the space they need to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely. 
In this story you'll hear from CGVC director of Works and Infrastructure, Amy Neubauer; campaign celebrity pop in's, Outback trucker, "Yogi" Kendall; Comedian Jimmy Rees and local transporters, Earles Transport.

CGVC Council minutes - 19th July
 https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/1440092/19-July-2023-Ordinary-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf

We All Need Space: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/weneedspace

This podcast is supported by the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.

In this episode:

Council chat with CEO Dr Helen Macdonald

• Future of the Saddleworth Institute
• Rivertown Town Hall structural repairs
• Naidoc celebrations for August
• Annual Business Plan and Long Term Financial Plan amendments

A special Council meeting  is scheduled  on Wednesday July 5th to consider the verbal and written submissions and another special meeting will be held on July 12th for Council to adopt  the Annual Business Plan and Long Term Financial Plan.

Meet the Council Employee

How much do you know about your local council? How many employees are there? Who does what behind the scenes? Over the next few episodes we’ll be stepping beyond the Council foyer to meet those people that keep the Council cogs in motion. This month you meet Sara Zuromski, Finance officer and IT support.

Clare Valley Model Engineers

What is it about miniature trains that draws crowds from near and far? Whatever it is, kudos goes to The Clare Valley Model Engineers and their miniature trains, as  they’ve turned their venture into a major tourist attraction over the last 26 years.

The club was formed in 1998 and they started doing public rides the following year. Last year they recorded over 11 thousand rides – a record year and this year is set to be even bigger. Club President Dean Manderson  and long time volunteer David Lloyd reveal all about the club's history and why it's so successful. 

If you’re interested in being part of the Clare Valley Model Engineers, they have working bees on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Links:
CGVC Council Minutes - June 21st
 https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/1424092/21-June-2023-Ordinary-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf
Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget and Draft Long Term Financial Plan:
https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/community-information/latest-news/draft-annual-business-plan-and-budget-for-202324-and-draft-long-term-financial-plan-202324-to-203233
Clare Valley Model Engineers
https://www.cvme.org.au/