Welcome to the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast—your go-to source for news and events from across the region! Join us as we discuss everything from Council updates and project announcements to community engagement sessions, local celebrations, and more. Whether it’s preserving our iconic jetties, advocating for local priorities at national conferences, or exploring innovative foreshore management schemes, we’ll keep you in the loop on all the latest developments.

In recent episodes, we’ve shone a spotlight on our “Restoring Coastal Harmony” project at Lipson Cove, made possible by more than $15,000 in grant funding. This exciting initiative tackles pest control, reintroduces native seedlings, and ensures educational opportunities for local schools. We also highlight enhancements to Soldiers Memorial Hall, dredging at the Tumby Bay Marina and Port Neill Boat Ramp, and upcoming chances for children to share their creative flair by designing artwork for a new community bus.

Looking ahead, we offer insights into a proposed realignment of the township’s foreshore seawall—complete with informative posters and surveys open to public feedback. Alongside vital visits by Services Australia’s mobile service centre, we cover an array of community activities: mobility challenges, screening events, the Little Bang Discovery Club, book clubs, Twilight Markets, and more. Plus, you’ll hear inspiring stories like Valmai Webb’s “Mystery Trip” tour and tips for fire safety at home.

From birdhouse building and LEGO robotics to nature play and metal embossing workshops, there’s truly something for everyone this month. Tune in to learn how your Council is supporting local initiatives, fostering connections, and celebrating district-wide creativity. Keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter—available in local shops, on our website and Facebook page, or by request from the main office—and don’t forget to share your good-news stories by emailing dctumby@tumbybay.sa.gov.au. We’re here to make Tumby Bay the best it can be, together!

Welcome to the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast—your go-to source for the latest news and events in the Tumby Bay District area. In this special episode, we reflect on a busy period for Council and the community. We begin by thanking outgoing Relieving CEO Mark McShane for his dedicated work on procedures and planning, and extend a warm welcome to new CEO Darren Keenan, who is eager to connect with staff and residents. Mayor Sam’s recent motion to strengthen collaboration on jetty management was nearly unanimously supported by other Councils, and we celebrate local resident Danica Gates for being named South Australia’s Volunteer of the Year.

In other Council news, dredging work at the Tumby Bay Marina has been successfully completed, improving navigation channels ahead of future work at the Port Neill Boat Ramp planned for May–June 2025. A rabbit control program at Lipson Cove also wrapped up, and the Parks and Gardens Team is looking forward to planting native tube stock to further enhance local campgrounds. We welcome newly elected Councillor Bruce Bayly to the team, as we gear up for upcoming projects—including budget preparations. Plus, mark your calendars for author Angie Casanova’s Story Time event, an important discussion on aged care services, and the Women’s Wellness and Wellbeing Expo happening in October.

For book lovers and library enthusiasts: a brand-new monthly Port Neill Book Club launches on June 26, 2024, at the Port Neill Hotel from 7:30pm to 8:30pm—just bring along your current read for a lively discussion facilitated by Enhance. The Tumby Bay School Community Library has also introduced a free doorstep book delivery service for residents within the township—call 8688 2471 to arrange. If you have local stories or photos to share, email them to dctumby@tumbybay.sa.gov.au by the second Thursday of the month. And don’t miss the Little Bang Discovery Club, a fun-filled science program for ages three to five, coming in Term 3. For more details, call 8688 2471.

Thank you for tuning in, and we hope these updates inspire you to get involved in our vibrant Tumby Bay community. Enjoy the episode, and we look forward to bringing you more Council news and stories next time!

Welcome to the Tumby Bay District Council Podcast! In this episode, we bring you all the essential news and events shaping our region, including insights from Mayor Geoff Churchett and Acting CEO Mark McShane, as well as community updates that celebrate our spirit, services, and natural amenities.

We begin by sharing the community’s deepest sympathies for Mitre 10 Tumby Bay following the devastating fire at their store. Mayor Churchett notes the challenge of losing a key local business but assures listeners that Council has extended assistance and the community is rallying around the store’s team as they plan to rebuild.

Acting CEO Mark McShane has joined the Council until incoming CEO Darren Keenan arrives on May 22nd. Both bring strong leadership backgrounds—Mark excelling in multiple local government roles, and Darren boasting extensive experience in business and finance. Together, they promise to guide our district toward continued growth and resilience.

Mayor Churchett also calls on residents to participate in the Councillor supplementary election closing in late April, ensuring a dedicated Council team for the remainder of this term. He extends thanks to everyone who took part in the Easter festivities and the moving Dawn Service on April 25th, demonstrating our district’s community spirit.

From the leadership lens, Acting CEO McShane highlights the balancing act rural councils face—maintaining services while stewarding finances. He commends Tumby Bay’s sense of unity, diverse local services, and stunning natural setting. As public consultation approaches for the 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget, he encourages residents to share their valuable feedback before final decisions are made.

On the projects front, dredging at Tumby Bay Marina and Port Neill Boat Ramp will soon commence under a federal grant, with a local contractor overseeing the work. Weather and tides may cause adjustments, but the aim is to begin in late April or May at Tumby Bay, then move on to Port Neill in late May through June. For safety, the relevant channel and ramp will be closed during this period.

Council will also launch a 1080 rabbit control program at Lipson Cove in late April to tackle ongoing pest issues, aligning with the planting of 500 new tube stock. The campground will close on April 29th–30th, and residents must keep dogs leashed due to the toxicity of the bait. Meanwhile, high-contrast signs will soon appear in local public conveniences—an initiative inspired by Bob Heath to better support people living with dementia.

Shifting to community happenings, St Margaret’s Anglican Church recently held a Champion Scone Cookoff, with Margie Odlum winning first prize. A savory scone contest is planned for June, so bakers beware! There is also an upcoming forum in late May regarding access to Commonwealth-funded aged care services, giving locals the chance to speak directly with Department of Health and Aged Care representatives.

Finally, get to know the friendly local cycling group in Tumby Bay! They meet every Saturday at 8.30am in the Lions Park for relaxed rides at a comfortable pace, often finishing at a local café for a social catch-up. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just dusting off your bike, you’ll find a warm welcome. Together, they explore different parts of the district—including recent trips to Port Neill—and even plan annual “away” rides for fun and discovery.

Stay tuned for more updates on news, events, and Council initiatives in our region. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow the Tumby Bay District Council on Facebook for the latest details!