In this latest episode of the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast, we bring you a comprehensive roundup of news and events shaping our community. First, the Mayor shares exciting progress on the Council’s search for a new CEO: after receiving 56 applications, a preferred candidate was unanimously endorsed, with Mark McShane stepping in as Acting CEO until everything is finalized. We also look back on the success of the recent Colour Tumby, which filled our town with vibrant street art and events over the long weekend, and remind everyone about the upcoming by-election for a vacant Councillor position—so keep an eye on your mailbox for voting materials!

For our local boaters, please note that marina dredging conducted by Southern Ocean Dive and Marine is scheduled to start on March 25, 2025. During this time, the marina channel and boat ramp will be closed until dredging wraps up, with Port Neill as a nearby alternative. Residents can expect some noise and environmental impacts during daylight hours, but rest assured that strict EPA guidelines are being followed. In brighter news, a stunning new tile mural now adorns the Foreshore’s public convenience building shower wall, celebrating Tumby Bay’s rich heritage.

We then turn our attention to the community’s events, starting with Tumby Bay Weight Watchers, which has just marked its third year. Despite transportation challenges, members continue to foster a supportive environment through talks by local professionals and charitable Christmas donations, and they are hopeful a new community bus will arrive by June. Meanwhile, Council is gearing up for more infrastructure projects, working hard to secure grants that will benefit the entire district. Don’t forget that voting in local elections is postal, so read up on the two candidates—Bruce Bayly and Robert Randall—running in the forthcoming supplementary election this April.

The Colour Tumby Festival once again put our creative spirit on display during the March long weekend, bringing thousands of visitors into town for murals, music, food stalls, and workshops. With five new artworks added around Tumby Bay, it’s a spectacular showcase of local talent and volunteer dedication. We wrap up with highlights from the recent visit by Preventative Health SA and the Suicide Prevention Council of South Australia, who connected with the Beacon of Hope Suicide Prevention Network to discuss community-led mental health initiatives. This important collaborative work is supported by the Fay Fuller Foundation and focuses on tailoring resources for our rural setting. Also, be sure to check out the new monthly book club launching on June 26, 2024, at the Port Neill Hotel—just one more way to connect with friends and neighbors in our welcoming district.