Summer Highlights, Australia Day, and Community Updates

Join us for the latest edition of the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast, where we bring you all the news and happenings from around the region! In this episode, the Mayor and CEO recap the successful wrap-up of summer activities—despite a quieter start to January, Vacswim brought families to our beautiful beaches, even if brief shark sightings at Port Neill moved lessons onto dry land! We also hear exciting highlights from the Australia Day celebrations, where two locals became Australian citizens, community champions received Citizen of the Year awards, and everyone enjoyed a hearty breakfast hosted by the Lions Club. Volunteer spirit is alive and well thanks to events like “Under the Pines” in Port Neill, which coincided with Tunarama in Port Lincoln, boosting visitor numbers across the whole district. Looking ahead, Council is discussing funding and policy support with state and federal representatives—vital for infrastructure, housing, mobile coverage, shark warning systems, and road and weather upgrades. These efforts come alongside Council staff changes, with farewells to longtime team members and a warm welcome to Rebecca, our new Community Partnerships Officer. Here are some quick updates on Council projects: Hall Asbestos Removal (Tumby Bay Soldiers Memorial Hall): Work finished on January 16, 2025, focusing on old window putty. Window replacements are planned for 2026. Rabbit Control Program at Lipson Cove: Free-feeding (plain oats) runs February 16–27, 2026, followed by 1080 baiting from February 28 to March 8, during which the campground will be closed. Future boxthorn control and re-vegetation with Tumby Bay Area School students is scheduled for winter 2026. Road Resealing: Trezise, Excel, Wibberley, Selwyn, Ibrox, and Nicol Court—plus parking areas on Bratten Road—are due for resealing in February or March 2026. Keep an eye out for traffic management. Scholarships: The Tumby Bay District Scholarship Program grants up to $5,000 for local students or mature learners. Applications open February 1, 2026, closing February 28. Free Boat Ramp Use: Enjoy fee-free use of Port Neill and Tumby Bay ramps until November 30, 2026, thanks to the State Government’s Algal Bloom Summer Plan.  Don’t miss the Lions Skin Cancer Screening Unit visiting the Travellers Rest on Tumby Terrace on February 14–15, 2026. These free checks are a vital service from the Lions Medical Research Foundation, and you can book from February 2 by calling 0486 319 843. We also revisit the Tumby Bay Interchurch Council’s successful community event, where around 400 attendees enjoyed food stalls, school performances, and a lively show by special guest Tim Raymond, raising funds for FOOD BANK. In other community news, the Tumby Bay RSL will reopen their kitchen on February 6, offering Friday night meals, and will hold committee and general meetings on February 17 (starting at 6pm and 7pm, respectively). Council’s January 20 meeting covered updates on jetty works and endorsed the 2026–2030 Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, with full details at tumbybay.sa.gov.au. Remember, Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm—stay tuned for more updates, and thanks for listening to the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast!