Explore every episode of the podcast Our State - South Australia

Brent Harris: Surrender & Catch, the first major monograph of the Aotearoa-born, Melbourne-based artist Brent Harris opens at AGSA.

Curated by Maria Zagala and co-presented with Tarra Warra Museum of Art, brings together over 100 paintings, drawings, studies and prints, traversing the artist’s practice and stylistic shifts over his career.

Brent Harris: Surrender & Catch maps the ways Harris’s art has developed over the past four decades, featuring a broad selection of works from 1987 to 2022. Harris’s distinctive style, which moves between figuration and abstraction, deploys both humour and the grotesque to examine psychological subject matter as he visualises his complex and contradictory feelings. Indeed, the exhibition title refers to Harris’s interest in sociologist Kurt H. Wolff’s notion of ‘surrender and catch’ as a process for self-analysis and as a method of working.

Exhibition dates: 6 July – 20 October 2024.

 In this segment, we hear from Maria Zagala, who has worked as Associate Curator of Prints, Drawings & Photographs at the Art Gallery of South Australia since 2006. From 1996 to 2006 she was Assistant Curator of Prints & Drawings at the National Gallery of Victoria. Maria completed her Master of Fine Arts at La Trobe University specializing in life drawing practice in the Italian Renaissance, with extended periods of research in Berlin, London and Florence. Brent Harris, who has been actively exhibiting since the mid-1980s. He is a painter and printmaker who has lived in Melbourne for over forty years. Harris’s works are known for their flat space, clean lines and graphic forms, which belie the underlying themes of his work, such as mortality, trauma, eroticism and childhood.

On Wednesday 19 June 2024, the Government of South Australia officially launched the first ever Autism Strategy –a five-year roadmap for South Australia to address the barriers faced by Autistic people across all life areas and support them to achieve their goals and aspirations. 

The launch of the Strategy marks a significant milestone in South Australia’s journey to being the nation’s leading autism inclusive state, and to build knowledge, understanding and sense of belonging for South Australia’s Autistic and autism communities.

Meaningful cultural change and greater inclusion in our community can only come about by consulting, listening, and creating open dialogue with the autistic and autism communities. 

The voices of South Australia’s Autistic and autism communities have been the driving force behind the development of this Strategy. Over 1,300 submissions were received during the first and second public consultation processes conducted by the Department of Human Services.

This process makes it one of the largest public consultation processes conducted on disability-related matters in South Australia and one of the most significant co-designed strategies to date.

The release of the SA Autism Strategy 2025-2029 will be followed by the development of 7 Action Plans to drive initiatives and improvements across each of the Strategy’s commitments.

The SA Autism Strategy 2024-2029 is now available to view online at the website autismstrategy.sa.gov.au

In this segment, we hear from Reece Turtur, Manager Strategy within the Department of Human Services’ Strategic Policy and Reform unit. Dasha Kolesik, Member of the State Autism Strategy Advisory Committee

The 2023 Outbound Knowledge Exchange bursary program gave 9 wine industry professionals the opportunity to travel to one or more Great Wine Capitals of the World to build their knowledge and skills.

Through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, each recipient received a bursary of $6,000 for travel between September 2023 and February 2024.

During their travels, bursary recipients met with key industry, regional and education stakeholders to share their experience, expertise, and energy as well as learn about practices and operations in their chosen field.

Participants shared their experience and learnings at regional and industry events, helping to build capability within their area of interest and maximising the benefit to SA’s wine industry.

Interested wine professionals are invited to apply for the next round of bursaries when they open on 1 July.

In this segment, we hear from Charles Matheson, Grower Engagement Officer for Riverland Wine. For his bursary, Charles travelled to Cape Town/Cape Winelands, South Africa, and San Francisco/Napa Valley, USA, to study sustainability in viticulture and the impact on market access. Yanina Giordano, a PHD candidate at the University of Adelaide and is undertaking research to develop innovative solutions for controlling Brettanomyces (“brett”) spoilage in wine, which has the potential to have a significant commercial impact on wine production. 

As has happened in the past, we are currently seeing another increase in COVID-19 cases in South Australia. In addition, we are beginning to see an expected increase in flu cases which is what we usually see in the cooler months.

These rising cases in the community, will likely result in an increase in presentations to our hospitals of people with respiratory illnesses in the coming weeks.

In this segment, we hear from Professor Nicola Spurrier, the Chief Public Health Officer for SA Health and has accountability for public health and communicable disease issues. Noel Lally, who is is the Acting Executive Director, Communicable Disease Control Branch and has been working in SA Health since 2009. His focus has largely been on immunisation, working across government, non-government and tertiary education sectors to coordinate and lead state-wide delivery of the Jurisdictional and National Immunisation Programs.

Palliative care is a holistic approach to supporting individuals with life-limiting illnesses – meaning an illness that’s active, progressive, or advanced, with little or no prospect of cure.

With the support of healthcare professionals – including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, palliative care aims to alleviate symptoms, enhance quality of life, and provide emotional, social, and spiritual support to both patients and their families. 

Palliative care can begin at diagnosis, offering support throughout the illness journey, and can even potentially prolong life.

Palliative care is about empowering people to live their lives as fully and comfortably as possible, even in the face of terminal illness.

For help with navigating palliative care and bereavement support in South Australia, Palliative Care Connect provides information and links for people with life-limiting illnesses and their family, friends, and carers, as well as health and aged care professionals. 

Palliative Care Navigators and Bereavement Navigators are available by phone to support South Australians with life-limiting illnesses and their family members, friends, and carers, as well as healthcare professionals.

To learn more, visit Palliative Care Connect or call the dedicated Palliative Care Connect Statewide Navigation Service on 1800 725 548 (PALLI8), available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4pm.

In this segment, we hear from Dr. Peter Allcroft, a Senior Staff Specialist at Southern Adelaide Palliative Services and is a highly respected physician who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients with life-limiting illnesses. Kate Swetenham, who is the Director of Nursing at the Department of Health’s End of Life Care Team, provides clinical support to programs of work in Advance Care Planning, Palliative Care, Voluntary Assisted Dying and Grief and Bereavement.

This week is National Volunteer Week – Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering (May 20-26). The theme for this year’s Volunteer Week celebration is “something for everyone” - a chance to celebrate the changes that our volunteers can make in children and young people’s lives, and also to assist families and foster and kinship carers.

Department of Child Protection volunteers help with various tasks, including driving children to access visits with family members, and to school or medical appointments. They also help with homework support, assisting children at special events such as those organised for National Reconciliation Week and Youth Week, and helping them with their Life Story (scrap book of memories) work.

There are about 180 people volunteering with the department. The youngest volunteers are in their 20s, and the oldest in their 80s, with the volunteer force collectively pitching in more than 31,000 hours a year.

In this segment, we hear from Anne Marie Scanlon, Department for Child Protection North Region Director and has worked at DCP for more than 20 years, having started at the department as a volunteer. Volunteer Judith Crawford who has been volunteering with the Department for Child Protection for about 12 months. She drives children to and from day care and school, and to appointments or visits with family members. Volunteer Bert Dirix who has been volunteering with the Department for Child Protection for more than nine years, helping children get to school, appointments, camps and family contact. He started volunteering with DCP after he retired and was looking for a way to give back. 

Stronger, more effective and transparent screening laws came into effect in South Australia on 1 July 2019, requiring people who work or volunteer with children to have a Working with Children Check (WWCC). A WWCC is valid for 5 years. Workers in child-related roles need to apply again and receive clearance before their current check expires. If your WWCC expires in the next 6 months, it’s time to apply again now. Apply online at www.sa.gov.au/wwcc.

Not sure when your check expires? The DHS Screening Unit will try to contact you by SMS and email when your check is close to expiry – but you don’t have to wait to hear from us. You can go online to www.sa.gov.au/wwcc to update your contact details and confirm the expiry date of your check.

When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

·       any previous names you've had, including maiden names, aliases or nicknames

·       your address details for the last five years

·       proof of ID

Please allow plenty of time for your application to be processed – we recommend at least 3 months. Complex applications can take longer to process.

Need help or have questions? You can phone the Screening Unit on 1300 321 592 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm). You can also learn more online at www.sa.gov.au/wwcc.

In this segment, we hear from Ruth Ambler and Belinda Haines. Ruth is the Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of Human Services. Her areas of responsibility include worker screenings, provision of State Government concessions, regulation of restrictive practices in disability services, inclusion policy and and the Office for Women.

Belinda is the People and Culture Manager at the SANFL. 

Opera house nets were banned from use in South Australia last July. 

Green Adelaide and RecFish SA are hosting a net exchange event on Saturday 11 May, 10am – 1.30pm, on the banks of the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari (Felixstow Reserve) to raise awareness about the ban, remove these dangerous nets from that system and look after our river for a proposed platypus reintroduction. 

The exchange event allows members of the community to swap up to x5 nets for a more wildlife-friendly pyramid style net. All collected opera house nets will be disposed of responsibly, and recycled through the GhostNets program. 

It is vital to ensure all opera house nets are removed from the system to protect air-breathing aquatic animals, such as rakali (native water rat) and turtles.

The removal of opera house nets also supports Green Adelaide’s rewilding project to reintroduce platypus to the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari. An independent scoping study, commissioned by Green Adelaide, last year found that the removal of these nets was a key requirement of preparing the system for a possible platypus return.

In this segment, we hear from Professor Chris Daniels, the Presiding Member of the Green Adelaide Landscape Board, an environmentalist, zoologist and science communicator.

Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel is Australia’s premier food and beverage festival and among the longest-running events of its kind in the nation. It’s a celebration of eating and drinking and a showcase of all things South Australian: produce, people and place. Each year we invite audiences to step beyond a standard food festival and discover deliciously different experiences that feed their curiosity.

Tasting Australia creates lasting memories through authentic eating and drinking experiences only South Australia can offer. 

The 17th edition of Tasting Australia will start this Friday 3 May and run for 10 days to Sunday 12 May – across Adelaide and regional South Australia. 

More than 150 events feature in this year's festival program, which was shaped by the Tasting Australia creative team: festival director Karena Armstrong, food curator Kane Pollard and drinks curators Meira Harel and Banjo Harris Plane.

In this segment, we hear from Banjo Harris Plane, one of Tasting Australia's Beverage Curators with a background spanning fine dining restaurants, international wine imports and sales. Born and bred in Adelaide, he worked across interstate and international restaurants before five years as manager of the globally acclaimed Attica in Melbourne – a stint that saw him twice named Australia’s best sommelier.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games presents an opportunity for the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) to conduct expanded testing sessions to discover potential world class athletes who could compete at these Games.

Typically, an athlete who represents Australia at an Olympic/Paralympic level will have spent between 7-10 years in a sport development pathway before emerging as a senior international athlete.

Given the Brisbane 2032 Olympics/ Paralympics are less than 10 years away, the process of identifying and developing talented athletes is crucial in ensuring that South Australia is able to produce medal winning athletes for the 2032 Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams.

Two Talent Search sessions will be held in the April school holidays with the first taking place today (15 April) and the second happening on Monday 22 April.

 The tests conducted range from generic fitness testing, to sport specific tests across sports that SASI works with - athletes could discover that they excel in a sport they have never tried before!

If athletes continue to develop and succeed in each talent development stage, they will eventually receive a SASI scholarship which gives them access to all of SASI’s high-performance services including movement science, athlete wellbeing, nutrition and strength and conditioning.

 In this segment, we hear from Simon Cain, who has more than 15 years’ experience managing high performance elite teams and programs. He has been with SASI for the past eight years and is the Manager for Sports and Programs. Max Liebeknecht is a sprint cyclist within the SASI cycling program. His potential to achieve cycling success was picked up through the SASI Talent Search Program. 

The EPA has released the State of the Environment Report for 2023, making a number of recommendations to help safeguard South Australia’s environment, with a strong focus on climate change and biodiversity losses.

This year, for the first time, the report has also incorporated the views of Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians in protecting and restoring Country, including an expert report and recommendations on how Aboriginal peoples’ cultural perspectives can be more effectively incorporated in approaches to environmental protection.

The State of the Environment Report 2023 provides information on key aspects of the environment, including: Climate, Air, Land, Water, River Murray, Sea and Liveability.

The report provides recommendations to State Government to address the most significant environmental issues, and provides data and analysis to assist government, industry, and the community to take action to improve environmental outcomes.

In this segment, we hear from Keith Baldry, Director of Science and Systems at the South Australian Environment Protection Authority, an independent government environment protection and radiation regulator. Dr Matthew Ward, Director of Science and Information at the Department for Environment and Water.

Pavely is a South Australian smartphone app that’s helping to foster more inclusive communities. 

Pavely acts as a directory of accessible venues and facilities across South Australia, so people can rate and review their experiences. 

It lets people search for venues and services based on accessibility ratings and inclusive features like a venue’s entrance, amenities, parking and options for assistance, and vision and sensory needs.

Pavely is about making it quick and easy for people with disability or accessibility needs (or those close to them) to find new places to go, or things to see and do.

Its incredible value is in its community-driven nature. Given people with disability or accessibility needs – or their carers, family and friends – are themselves pinning locations and sharing their knowledge and experiences, others using the app can rest assured that these spots are highly rated.

In this segment, we hear from Reece Turtur, Manager, Strategy within the Department of Human Services’ Strategic Policy and Reform unit. Evan Johnson,  a 3rd year member of the South Australian Government’s Disability Engagement Group and currently an allied health assistant working in the neurodiverse affirming space with Autistic individuals and ADHDers.

Winners of the 2023 Governor’s Multicultural Awards were announced at a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, 29 February 2024.

The awards were presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, on the advice of an independent judging panel. The judging panel includes Supreme Court judges, people in media, a university professional, and senior officials from multicultural community associations.

These important awards recognise and celebrate outstanding South Australians who promote multiculturalism and increase the understanding of the benefits of cultural diversity in our community.

South Australians nominate an individual, team or organisation that is passionate about making a positive contribution to multiculturalism and intercultural understanding and promoting our culturally diverse state.

The nine award categories are: Outstanding Individual Achievement; Arts and Culture; Community Sector; Media; Private Sector; Public Sector; Senior Volunteer; Volunteer; and Youth.

The awards program is administered by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet through Multicultural Affairs.

In this segment, we hear from Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia and Nader Ibrahim, a proud Egyptian immigrant who moved to Australia in 2009 and a  joint winner of the Community Sector Award at the 2023 Governor’s Multicultural Awards.

Abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) has been confirmed in wild abalone in waters south of Port Macdonnell, the first time the disease has been found in South Australia. Restrictions are now in place in the area.

On 21 February 2024, a commercial abalone fisher reported dead and dying abalone at Breaksea Reef off Port Macdonnell, and submitted samples to the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) for testing. PCR tests have confirmed AVG in the samples.

PIRSA has activated a response team and measures to contain the spread of disease have been put in place, and commercial and recreational industries have been notified, with a control area being declared in the Port Macdonnell area within the state's Southern Abalone Zone.

This control area has been put in place to stop the possible spread of the disease to abalone in other areas currently not affected. These measures will remain in place until surveillance activities inform next steps including a review of these restrictions.

In this segment, we hear from Dr Elise Spark, Chief Veterinary Officer of South Australia. She has worked with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) for more than 10 years, and has experience with both terrestrial agriculture and aquaculture as well as policy and governance. Professor Peter Appleford, PIRSA’s Executive Director, Major Programs and Regions, and is currently PIRSA’s Incident Controller of the AVG response. He manages the outbreak response and has also managed the AVG response in Victoria for four years in a previous role.

Opening on 29 February, the 18th Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art: Inner Sanctum, curated by José Da Silva, assembles 24 leading artists and poets for an exhibition that can be seen, heard, and felt at the Art Gallery of South Australia until 2 June.

As part of the 2024 Adelaide Festival, Inner Sanctum on Kaurna Yerta unfolds across free exhibitions of new and recent works, live performances, music and public programs, all highlighting our engagement with the world and each other.

Curator José Da Silva says, ‘The idea of an ‘inner sanctum’ evokes the private, protected, or sacred spaces we create in our homes and communities as a refuge and sanctuary, as well as the faculty of imagination, which allows us to see culture and society differently. Within the exhibition, this takes place in homes and gardens and on walking tracks, and in memories and stories of family and ancestors. It is also seen in locations of special knowledge, sacred activities, cultural environments, and, importantly, in the working spaces of artists and the art museum itself.’

In this segment, we hear from Adelaide Biennial Curator, Jose Da Silva who has over twenty years of curatorial experience in Australian art museums, George Cooley, a First Nations Artist and old time Opal miner and community leader from Coober Pedy and  Jess Loughlin, one of Australia’s most internationally acclaimed glass artists.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is recognised as Australia’s leading accolade acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses and communities.

Three finalists for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award in South Australia have been announced, with Wilmington’s Nikki Atkinson, Mantung’s Suzi Evans and Willunga’s Susie Williams now vying for the title of state winner.

The state winner will be announced at an event on Tuesday 26 March 2024. The winner will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to support their respective project, professional development opportunities and access to the esteemed Rural Women’s Award alumni network.

The state winner will then go on to represent South Australia at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner in Canberra later in the year. The national winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the national runner up will receive a $15,000 grant.

In this segment, we hear from Nikki Atkinson from Wilmington, who has a business called Horrocks Vale Collections, which combines her 25 years of experience as a wedding dress designer and her desire to champion Australian Merino wool as a new environmentally sustainable alternative to polyester.

Suzi Evans from Mantung who is a trusted mental health first aid trainer and the founder of resilience building program ‘Workbench for the Mind’, which aims to help participants understand how the brain works and develop tools to manage their emotions in positive ways.

Susie Williams from Willunga, who has combined her passion for fostering connections in rural communities with her technical prowess to develop the Fleurieu App – an online platform that provides local news for free, while also celebrates achievements, businesses, events and places that define the region. 

Every year, hundreds of Australians are celebrated through the Order of Australia – the nation’s highest honour for outstanding achievement and service. This includes people from all backgrounds from right across Australia who do all kinds of work or volunteering roles.

The Governor-General approves the final list of recipients which are publicly announced on Australia Day (26 January) and The King’s Birthday (the second Monday in June).

All South Australians are eligible to be nominated for the Australian Honour and Awards system, with nominations welcome year-round.

Nominating someone is a way of recognising and celebrating the contribution that they have made, their achievements and the impact they have had on South Australia.

Anyone can nominate someone for an Order of Australia (General Division) award. Nominating is easy and is done via an online portal, at any time of the year.

In this segment, we hear from Professor Brenda Wilson AM, who received an Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2019, for significant service to community health, and to the people of South Australia through a range of roles.

The first of five new technical colleges being built by the State Government – Findon Technical College – officially opened its doors to students and staff on Monday 29 January 2024 (day one of term one of the school year).

This brand new facility – co-located with Findon High School – is providing students from years 10 to 12 the opportunity to learn in state-of-the-art facilities as they complete their SACE and start a career in some of South Australia’s fastest growing industries including advanced manufacturing and engineering, early childhood and education and health and social support.

Employer partners, including BAE Systems and multinational equipment manufacturer, Liebherr, have helped design the content of the industry training programs and will support the delivery of the programs along with providing opportunities for students to work with them and develop the skills needed for the jobs in each industry.

More than 230 students have enrolled in the technical college for 2024, developing their skills for the jobs in these key industry sectors in South Australia. Students have the opportunity to attend full-time and complete all of their program in the technical college or on a part-time basis and remain at their home school for their general SACE subjects.

In this segment, we hear from Kathleen Hoare, an experienced educator who has been the Principal of Findon High School for four years. She also has overarching responsibility for the Findon Technical College. Clare Feszczak, Executive Director for Student Pathways and Careers at the Department for Education and has departmental responsibility for the roll out of the new technical colleges across South Australia. 

Nominations are now open for the 2024 South Australian Volunteer Awards with South Australians invited to nominate an outstanding individual or group. People can nominate themselves or another group or individual they know in the following categories: 

• The Joy Noble Medal - South Australia’s highest distinction for an individual volunteer.
• ‘The Andamooka’ Community Project Award - Recognising a community or group volunteer project of significant community benefit. 
• The Young Volunteer Award – Honouring an impressive young volunteer aged 12 to 25.
• The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award - Honouring a volunteer manager for their outstanding contribution to the profession.
• The Premier’s Award for Corporate Social Responsibility – Recognising the community contribution of a South Australian for-profit business.

The 2024 South Australian Volunteer Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 22 May, coinciding with National Volunteer Week.

In this segment, we hear from Liana France who leads the Inclusion Policy and Reform Directorate at the Department of Human Services. Stella Braund, the winner of the 2023 South Australian Volunteer Awards Joy Noble medal, South Australia’s highest distinction for an individual volunteer. Hamilton Calder, who is the CEO at Volunteering SA&NT -  a well-respected and highly motivated hands-on leader with proven experience in stakeholder relations, strategic communications, and membership and events management.

10 extraordinary never before seen works at the Art Gallery of South Australia highlight ‘Metamorphosis’, a new display which is now open to the public.

Metamorphosis’ on display in The Melrose Wingfeatures acquisitions from around the globe and Australia in mediums such as metal sculpture, glass art, enamel sculpture and paintings.

Metamorphosis’ incredible, diverse works, highlight AGSA’s continuing commitment to acquire groundbreaking contemporary works as well as showing our commitment to showcase important historical works in our collection.’

In this segment, we hear from Lisa Slade, AGSA Assistant Director and Leigh Robb, AGSA Curator, Contemporary Art.

The Santos Tour Down Under is Australia’s greatest cycling race, a 10 day event which is centred around a men’s and women’s UCI WorldTour and UCI Women’s WorldTour race. This is the highest level of elite cycling, and the stage race around Adelaide and its surrounding region opens the 2024 season. The event takes place from 12 – 21 January with a total of 36 teams, and 240 riders combined.

This edition of the Santos Tour Down Under is the second for Race Director Stuart O’Grady, who is a former winner of the race, and Assistant Race Directors Annette Edmondson and Carlee Taylor.

Women’s Race:

Last year the women’s race was held at UCI Women’s WorldTour status after being elevated by the UCI.

In 2024 the women’s race returned to being held across a weekend. Following record crowds at the Santos Tour Down Under women’s stages last year, fans had even more opportunities to get out and see elite riders in action. It also featured the longest women’s UCI WorldTour race at Santos Tour Down Under during Health Partners Women’s Stage 2.

The 2024 event featured the largest women’s peloton with 16 teams and nine UCI Women’s WorldTour teams, with three stages and approximately 311 kilometres of action. Racing concluded on the iconic Willunga Hill for the first time in the women’s race and crowned its latest champion on Sunday 14 January.

Economic Benefit:

The 2023 Santos Tour Down Under injected $66.5 million into our state’s economy, it reached 2.7 million Australians, and the broadcast was shown in 190 international territories. Since 2008 the TDU has injected more than $694 million into the South Australian economy.

In this segment, we hear from Hitaf Rasheed, who headed up Events South Australia, the events arm of the SATC since 2008. Events South Australia, under Hitaf’s leadership, is responsible for growing events in South Australia and attracting new events to the state, and her team directly manages the Santos Tour Down Under. Kate Veronneau, Director of Women’s Strategy, Zwift. Kate originally came onboard to run the Zwift Academy which has helped many amateur cyclist using Zwift to gain professional contracts, including last year’s Tour Down Under Champion, Jay Vine.

With the start of the summer season, water lovers and boaties are asked to brush up on safety precautions including servicing their lifejackets, safety equipment and understanding speed limits.

For those looking to head out on the river for the first time since flood restrictions lifted, Marine Safety Officers and South Australia Police have listed the top priorities for this boating season.

• Lifejackets
• Speeding
• Safety equipment

Our crews have been working around the clock for the past few months following the River Murray floods to survey the river, marking or removing hazards and debris but it’s an ongoing exercise so we are asking everyone on the river this summer to be mindful of hazards that may still emerge.

In this segment, we hear from Gordon Panton, Manager Marine Safety and Compliance and Simon Schwerdt, Unit Manager, Boating Safety and Compliance.

Adelaide Fringe have announced the program for the upcoming 2024 season.

Bursting at the seams with more than 1,300 shows, next year’s Adelaide Fringe is going to be a kaleidoscope of the talented, the wonderful, and the outright whimsical, set to transform Adelaide into a utopia of discovery and culture across February and March.

The 2024 program boasts 23% percentage of international shows, a 5% increase on the 2023 season, signalling the global reputation and pull of Adelaide Fringe. There are 703 South Australian shows making up more than half the program and illustrating once again, the strength of South Australian talent in the Adelaide Fringe.

In this segment, we hear from Heather Croall, Director and CEO of Australia’s biggest arts festival, Adelaide Fringe. Ben Francis,  a writer and artist. Ben is a seasoned Fringe Artist performing with his famed group ‘The 60 four” - a four-piece vocal group specialising in hits from the 60s. 

South Australians with disability, their families, carers and the disability sector are being asked to share how the state can be made more accessible and inclusive.  

A public consultation is now underway to shape the next State Disability Inclusion Plan, which will be used to inform a new strategy from 2024.  

Community members can share feedback via an online survey or make a submission via email, with a discussion paper available for further information. 

The new plan will build on the inaugural and soon-to-expire State Disability Inclusion Plan – Inclusive SA and will work alongside the State Autism Strategy. It will also be guided by the state’s commitments under Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS). 

 In this segment, we hear from Ksharmra Brandon,  Director Social Inclusion at the Department of Human Services. At present, Ksharmra is responsible for leading legislative and policy reform to drive social inclusion in the state, including disability, LGBTIQA+, carers, volunteers and youth reform, in addition to the development of the State’s first Autism Strategy. Krystal Matthews, is a dynamic Social Worker with over 13 years of experience in the housing sector. Krystal has developed programs to support and make service improvements to large-scale psychosocial community issues such as homelessness, family and domestic violence and disability. 

Acclaimed as Australia’s leading First Nations art festival, Tarnanthi this year comprises exhibitions at AGSA; a state-wide festival with exhibitions and accompanying events across 27 venues; and the Tarnanthi Art Fair, an in-person and online event in 2023.

Tarnanthi presents the dynamism of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from across the country and provides an energised platform for artists to share important stories. Since its inception in 2015, Tarnanthi has presented the work of more than 6000 First Nations artists while more than 1.6 million people have attended Tarnanthi exhibitions and events. 

Exhibition dates: 19 October 2023 – 21 January 2024

In this segment we hear from, Sam Yates, Tarnanthi's Producer and Lisa Slade, AGSA Assistant Director, Artistic Programs.

The ITC is a commercial government business unit under DHS, offering interpreting and translation services in over 100 languages for South Aussies with limited English. Most often, these services are needed in medical scenarios, the courts, or generally where life-altering decisions can be made. 

There are currently quite a big shortage of interpreters and translators in some surprising languages, including Greek, Italian and Spanish. 

While one might think it's easy to grab a neighbour or friend to help you during that specialist appointment or with legal negotiations, it's an unwise move when discussing personal matters you don't want others to know about, or where technical terminology might get 'lost in translation'. 

The ITC is hoping to recruit more interpreters - people who have a heart to help their communities, who speak both English and their native language fluently, who may have the time to consider casual employment, and would be willing to get an official qualification to do so.

In this segment, we hear from Olga Laparidis, Director of Concessions and Support Services within the Department of Human Services. The ITC is a commercial government business unit that falls under her directorate. Teo Spiniello who is a contracted interpreter and translator for the ITC. He is fluent in Italian and a NAATI qualified interpreter.  

The 2023 Multicultural Festival will be held from 11am to 5pm, on Sunday 12 November in Victoria Square/ Tarntanyangga in Adelaide.

South Australia has a rich and vibrant multicultural community – and the Festival is a chance for people to discover and meet over 75 multicultural community groups showcasing more than 55 cultures right in the heart of Adelaide. 

Entry is free, with 37 stalls, 29 performances and 13 activities – there’s something for everyone.

Sample delicious international cuisine, discover and watch cultural music and performances, and enjoy activities for all ages in this exciting, family-friendly, and vibrant one-day event.

Visit multicultural.sa.gov.au/festival to learn more and explore the full program and plan your day.

In this segment, we hear from Alison Lloydd-Wright, Deputy Chief Executive for Community, Culture and Place within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. In her role she is working towards a more integrated approach to supporting and promoting arts, culture, and creativity in South Australia.  Luis-Renato Arriola-Garcia from Mexican community (Stallholder at event) and Chairperson, Kilburn Peace And Welcome Community Garden Inc. Since arriving in Adelaide in 2010, he has been involved with many cultural and language diverse communities because of his work with migration support programs at the Australian Red Cross. 

South Australians looking for exciting lifelong career opportunities need look no further than the defence industry. The defence industry offers a broad range of jobs including engineers, scientists, technicians, project managers, ICT, administrators and tradespeople. With a range of high paying careers across naval shipbuilding, information warfare, cyber and space, the state will be looking to employ more than 10,000 people over the next two decades. Hot on the heels of the recent AUKUS announcement that a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines will be built in South Australia, it has never been a better time to start your career in the industry.

Whether you are in school, close to finishing school, in tertiary education or looking for a career change, there are a range of pathways to kick-start your career in South Australia’s defence industry and you don’t have to join the Defence Force or study at university to get involved.

Keen to find out more? Key South Australian education institutions and defence industry employers will be at the Navy and Shipbuilding Careers Expo on Sunday 5 November. Stop by to discuss career pathways and opportunities for students and skilled workers and join in on a range of hands on demonstrations to discover where a career in defence could lead you.

In this segment, we hear from Commander Jennifer Graham, Commanding Officer of HMAS Warramunga and Lieutenant Jess Mysko.

40,000 South Australians gamble at risky levels and for every one of those gamblers, between 3 and 6 other people are affected. Harms experienced by gamblers and their loved ones include financial harm, damage to relationships, emotional/psychological distress, poor health, cultural harm, issues with work/study, and criminal activity. People do not always recognise they are experiencing gambling harm until it’s too late and they are experiencing crisis. That’s why, for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2023, the Office for Problem Gambling has launched a digital media campaign called 'Gambling Harm Ahead'.  

Using insights from people with lived experience in gambling harm, four key messages were developed to highlight the early signs of gambling harm that people can sometimes miss. 

This campaign marks a change in direction in harm minimisation messaging that previously focused on individuals in gaming venues already experiencing a high level of harm. In contrast, the ‘Gambling Harm Ahead’ campaign takes a public health approach to gambling harm minimisation aiming to educate the community and prevent harm from escalating. The campaign has a strong presence on several digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube as well as metro and regional radio to deliver the message more broadly.

‘Gambling Harm Ahead’ launched on 15 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2023 and will conclude on 4 November 2023.

In this segment we hear from, Rory Spreckley, Manager, Office for Problem Gambling and has worked in the SA Government for several years and has a background in assisting disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. Andrew, a participant in the Lived Experience in Gambling Program run by Relationships Australia SA. Ramune/Tracey, the coordinator/manager of the LEIGH program and will be supporting Andrew to tell their story. 

Today (16 October) we celebrate the inaugural Australasian Youth Justice Acknowledgment Day, an official day of recognition of the incredible work and dedication of youth justice workers across Australia and New Zealand.

Youth justice is a challenging and demanding profession, but also an incredibly rewarding one, where staff go above and beyond to promote rehabilitation and positive outcomes for young people while helping to maintain safety in the community.

Under the theme of ‘Quality Connections: People, Practice and Purpose’, Australasian Youth Justice Acknowledgement Day focuses on the importance of strengthening the connections between our youth justice workforce, children and young people in contact with the youth justice system, and our partners and stakeholders.

In this segment, we hear from Mellanie Fernandez, Director - Communities & Justice | Youth Justice Services, Department of Human Services: Mellanie has extensive experience as a senior manager and executive involved in service delivery and reform within the UK and here in Australia. Josh Craig, Onboarding and Development Supervisor | Youth Justice Services, Department of Human Services. Josh has worked in Youth Justice for almost 15 years, having worked at the Magill Training Centre, Cavan Training Centre & currently working within Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre (previously known as the Adelaide Youth Training Centre). 

South Australians can have their say on shortlisted options for the future management of Adelaide’s metropolitan coastline to combat beach erosion.

The state government launched a comprehensive independent review of long-term sand management options in December last year.

The review’s Independent Advisory Panel has shortlisted three primary options: dredging, a sand pipeline, and maintaining the current arrangement of moving sand along the coast using trucks, as well as delivering quarry sand to beaches battling coastal erosion.

The 12-month scientific review has built upon previous investigations, data and analysis of Adelaide beach management, and explored relevant interstate and overseas examples of coastal management.

In this segment, we hear from Mark Searle, Chair of the Adelaide Beach Management Review Independent Advisory Panel. He is a former chief executive officer of Marion Council and has more than 20 years’ experience as a CEO and senior executive.

The South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) is holding its Talent Search program in the October school holidays, to identify young people with the potential to represent Australia at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sessions will be held at SASI’s Kidman Park headquarters, the Lights Community and Sports Centre, and Sacred Heart College. A testing session specific to Paralympic athletes will also be held during the October school holidays.

In this segment, we hear from manager of Sports and Programs at South Australian Sports Institute, Simon Cain and Commonwealth Games gold medalist and cycling graduate, Sophie Edwards.

Last month, Brand South Australia launched the new ‘Buy SA. For SA.’ state-wide initiative encouraging consumers to look for local products to support South Australian businesses and in turn, boost the state’s economy. 

South Australians spend around $10 billion in supermarkets and grocery stores each year, according to ABS data. Switching as little as five per cent of that figure towards local products would provide hundreds of millions of dollars in support for local South Australian producers.

The ‘Buy SA for SA’ campaign is running across across TV, cinema, radio, outdoor, digital and press, and will be amplified in South Australian supermarkets through point of sale that helps highlight the local products on shelf.

In this segment, we hear from Jessica Douglas, Manager of Brand South Australia and leads the team in celebrating all that is great in our state and helping strengthen SA’s reputation as a place to live, work, travel and invest. Franklin dos Santos, Chief Executive Officer of Foodland Supermarkets Australia and Brand South Australia Advisory Board Member. He has extensive knowledge in premium food and wine and domestic consumption of South Australian goods.

This week is Foster and Kinship Carer Week (10-16 September), which aims to celebrate the vital role that foster carers and kinship carers play in the child protection system.

The Department for Child Protection and the foster care agencies it partners with, will be hosting events across the state to thank our carers for the love and care they give to children and young people.

There are about 1720 kinship care families and 1010 foster care families with a placement throughout South Australia and there continues to be a need for more carers.

Listeners interested in learning more about foster care can call 1300 2 FOSTER (1300 2 367 837) or visit www.fostercare.sa.gov.au

In this segment, we hear from Simone Mather, State Director of Life Without Barriers, which runs services in foster care, disability support and other areas. She has extensive experience in family support and mental health support for children and adolescents.  Deb Bills, Life Without Barriers foster carer since 2014 and is also a carer ambassador, speaking publicly about her experience in the role, and works as a Home Hub provider in Life Without Barriers’ MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ program.

The Agricultural Town of the Year Award proudly presented by the Government of South Australia and Solstice Media, highlights the vital role that agriculture plays in the regional landscape – being the backbone of most regional communities.

Introduced as a new award in 2019, the Agricultural Town of the Year award recognises South Australian towns that are excelling in agricultural practices and the flow on effect they have on communities. The program endeavours to provide an avenue where communities can learn from one another which will play a role in building capacity and increasing growth in regional South Australia.

Three finalists for the 2023 Agricultural Town of the Year have been announced, with Eudunda, Wudinna and Bordertown now vying for the coveted title. All three towns are first-time finalists in the award.

In this segment, we hear from Liz Goossens, Mayor, Tatiara District Council (Bordertown), Debbie Hibbert, Deputy Mayor, Regional Council of Goyder (Eudunda) and Eleanor Scholz, Mayor, Wudinna District Council.

The Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund was established 20 years ago to provide assistance to children and young people who are or have been under the Guardianship of the Minister for Child Protection. It was named after our former South Australian Governor who had been instrumental in developing the original Child Protection legislation – she was committed to the safety and protection of vulnerable children and young people.

Those of us who are parents know how important our support is to the children in our family. We provide love and care, and physical and financial support as they are growing up and becoming independent. This goes on when we set them up in their own homes and we continue to provide support into grandparenthood and beyond.

In this segment, we hear from Nick Jenkins, who grew up in care and now sits on the board of the trust as a former recipient under 30. Bridgett Goepfert, a social worker of several-years’ experience who now sits on the board of the trust.

Oz Asia Festival is Australia’s leading contemporary arts festival engaging with Asia and is on at Adelaide Festival Centre October 19 to November 5. 

The 2023 Program for OzAsia Festival was launched on August 17 and tickets are now on sale with programs for people to start making plans to come along to the three-week festival, which includes both free and ticketed events.

In this segment, we hear from Joon-Yee Kwok, the Executive Producer of the OzAsia Festival and with Annette Shun Wah, she works to put the program of events and artists represented at the festival together.  Joon is a Creative Producer and Arts Manager with over 20 years’ experience working in the Arts and Creative Industries. Durkhanai Ayubi, one of the Curators for the Oz Asia program, 'In Other Words'. Durkhanai is an Afghan born writer and restaurateur (Parwana Restaurant). She is a lifelong fellow of the Oxford University based Atlantic Fellowship which seeks to rewrite global social inequities 

The cultural diversity of our community makes our state a unique, vibrant place to live. It’s time to celebrate the outstanding individuals who promote and support an inclusive, harmonious multicultural South Australia. Recognise the achievements of friends, colleagues and peers by nominating now and giving them the acknowledgement they deserve!

The awards are administered by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet through Multicultural Affairs.

In this segment, we hear from Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, was born and grew up in South Australia. Madeeha Usman, who won judges praise for her concerted efforts to transform disability support for migrant communities. Originally from Pakistan, Madeeha is an active member of several multicultural associations in Australia. 

There is a lot of information out there for new parents. The first 5 years of a child’s life are critical to their health, development, learning and wellbeing. However, they are also a major learning curve for parents too.

In this segment, we hear from Co-Founders and Creative Directors Department for Education, Assistant Director, Universal Service Commissioning, Office for the Early Years Division, Sonia Hilton  and Lockleys Children’s Centre Director Nadia Carruozzo  about how the newly launched 'The Early Years SA' app will provide parents and carers with the tools, information, activities and services to support their child’s health, learning, wellbeing and development. 

Less than 12 months on from the establishment of the Office for Small and Family Business (OSFB) the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS) has released South Australia’s Small Business Strategy 2023 – 2030. The Strategy’s activation is supported by an additional $6.5 million in funding over the next four years.

In this segment, we hear from Kathryn Calaby, Director, Office for Small and Family Business and Kelly Kuhn, Founder of Juggle House Experiences on how the strategy has been designed to address the challenges consistently raised by the small and family business community throughout last year’s engagement.

Sleepy Adelaide winters are truly a thing of the past with Illuminate Adelaide now it's in third consecutive year. The month-long festival wraps up this week on the 30th of July.

In this segment, we hear from Co-Founders and Creative Directors Rachel Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge on how they have curated a sensational program showcasing the very best in global and local art, light, music, and technology.

The Dog and Cat Management Board is a state government statutory body whose responsibilities include planning for, promoting and providing advice on dog and cat management practices, including responsible ownership. 

Each year the Board captures dog bite statistics from the state’s 69 councils and hospitals. 

These numbers are unfortunately on the rise. In the interest of public safety and to help people better understand dogs, the Board has developed an awareness and education campaign.

In this segment, we hear from David Parkin, who was Mayor of the City of Burnside from 2010 to 2018. During that time, he was elected to the board of the Local Government Association, the LGA Executive Committee and as an LGA Vice-President. Associate Professor Susan Hazel, who is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Ethics in the School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide. 

The Government of South Australia presents, The Power of Her, Creating Change for Gender Equality in Leadership. This one-day women in leadership symposium on 8 August 2023 (held at Adelaide Oval / Tarntanya Wama), is timed to coincide with this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, providing our State with a once in a generation opportunity to ensure an enduring legacy to advance gender equality.

In this segment, we hear from Kylie Taylor, who was appointed as the Chief Executive of the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing in July 2018, previously the General Manager from August 2016. Prior to this appointment Kylie was the Director of Sport and Recreation Development, holding this position since August 2009. Moya Dodd AO, who is a leading lawyer, sports administrator and former vice-captain of Australia’s women’s football team, the Matildas. Having played in FIFA’s first ever women’s tournament in 1988, twenty-five years later she joined the governing body as one of the first women in its 108-year history and quickly became a driving force for improved equality and ethics within its corridors.

Libraries SA launches Firstival, a new state-wide festival. The inaugural Firstival encourages South Australians to try something new, with over 300 experiences set to be rolled out across the State’s network of over 130 public libraries. 

Firstival kicks off on Saturday 1 July, with a month-long calendar of unique events hosted by individual public libraries across South Australia. 

The festival program includes experiences for those of all ages, and runs for the month of July, which includes the school holidays, providing a huge range of activities for families this winter.

In this segment, we hear from Jessica Paul, Chairperson of Libraries SA Marketing and Promotions Working Group Playford Library Service working in Libraries for 17 years. Mel Brandon, Libraries SA Marketing and Promotions Working Group Member. Charles Sturt Library working in Libraries for 16 years. 

The Australian-exclusive exhibition, Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution will open at the Art Gallery of South Australia on 24 June 2023. Featuring iconic works by two of the most influential and loved artists of the twentieth century – Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera – this exhibition will be the most comprehensive display of Mexican Modernism ever seen in Australia.

In this segment we hear from Tansy Curtin, AGSA’s Curator of International Art, Pre-1980 and curator of Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution. She has previously held positions including Curatorial Manager at Bendigo Art Gallery and positions at Adelaide Central Gallery, Flinders University Museum of Art and the Samstag Museum of Art.

Sports betting is growing in popularity in South Australia. In 2018, 7% of all South Australian adults (just under 96,000 people) reported having participated in sports betting in the previous 12 months, compared to 4% in 2005.  Between 2004-05 and 2018-19, the amount lost on sports betting in South Australia increased 317%, from $1.98 million to $8.25 million. Concerningly, in South Australia 32% of sports bettors gamble at risky levels compared to 27% of poker machine players and 12% of gamblers generally. 

In this segment, we hear from Rory Spreckley, Manager, Office for Problem Gambling, who has worked in the SA Government for a number of years and has a background in assisting disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. Professor Michael Baigent, Head of Flinders Psychological Therapy Services, which includes the Statewide Gambling Therapy Service, the Centre for Anxiety and Related Disorders and IAPT at Flinders Medical Centre. 

Influenza virus spreads easily and quickly between people through coughing, talking, sneezing and touching contaminated hands, tissues and other items. Flu is much more than a simple cold and vaccination every year provides the best protection and is highly recommended. 

Those who are pregnant and people with chronic health problems are also more at risk of complications. 

 Free vaccinations are available now at GPs and pharmacies for eligible groups.  You can find out more about how to Stop the Flu - https://bit.ly/STOPTHEFLU

In this segment we hear from Professor Nicola Spurrier is the Chief Public Health Officer for SA Health.

The South Australian Premier’s NAIDOC Awards recognise the achievements of extraordinary Aboriginal South Australians who have made a significant contribution to the lives of Aboriginal people in this state.

In this segment, we hear from Nerida Saunders, a proud Murri woman from the Kamilaroi  Nation. Tahlia Wanganeen, a proud Narungga, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri woman who has been an advocate for her communities working as a lawyer and then moving onto strategic policy. Jeffery Newchurch is a Narungga / Kaurna man who was born at Point Pearce. 

National Pallative Care week is held 21 May – 27 May 2023.

This year’s theme is “Matters of Life and Death" and shines a light on the people at the heart of quality palliative care – our workforce and volunteers. 

Palliative care is an approach to treatment that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-limiting illness through the prevention and relief of suffering. Pallative Care involves early identification, assessment and treatment of pain in a holistic, patient-centred way. 

The Statewide Palliative Care Clinical Network (https://ceih.sa.gov.au/palliative-care) is committed to improve the quality, availability and experience of palliative care for all South Australians.

In this segment, we hear from Dr Peter All­croft, a Senior Staff Specialist at Southern Adelaide Palliative Services and Kathryn Hourigan consumer advocate and community leader at the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network (BHFLHN).

The theme for this year’s Volunteer Week (May 15-21) is “the change makers”, and is a chance to celebrate the changes that our volunteers can make in child protection – and in children’s lives.

Department of Child Protection volunteers help with various tasks, including driving children to access visits with family members, and to school or medical appointments. They also help with homework support, assisting children at special events such as those organised for National Reconciliation Week and Youth Week, and helping them with their Life Story (scrap book of memories) work.

There are about 180 people volunteering with the department. The youngest volunteers are in their 20s, and the oldest in their 70s, with the volunteer force collectively pitching in more than 31,000 hours a year.

To become a volunteer, people must be aged 18 or over, have a driver’s licence, undergo a Working with Children Check and participate in induction and training sessions. 

People can register their interest in volunteering by calling 0492 000 743, or find out more information at childprotection.sa.gov.au/volunteers.

In this segment, we hear from Sue Macdonald, Executive Director Service Delivery and Practice, Department for Child Protection.