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Your monthly round up of the latest updates, events, and news from the Karoonda East Murray District. From community highlights to exciting opportunities and helpful resources, we’re here to keep you in the loop and connected with what's happening in the region!
District Council of Karoonda East Murray
Key Highlights This Month:
- Representation Review – Open For Consultation: Have Your Say 🗳️
- 2026 Citizen of the Year – Nominations OPEN! 🥇
- We're Hiring – Multi-Skilled Plant Operator 🚜
- Deck the Streets – Pallet Christmas Trees Are Coming 🎄
- Sunflower Project – Join the Blooming Fun 🌻
- FREE Community Breakfast – Yummy Bacon & Egg Sandwiches 🥪
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Representation Review - Have Your Say!
Every relevant period, all South Australian councils are required to carry out a Representation Review. This helps ensure that the way councils are set up continues to reflect the needs and expectations of their communities.
The District Council of Karoonda East Murray is currently undertaking such a Review and we are seeking feedback from the community.
As part of this process, Council has prepared a Representation Review Report. This report looks at the advantages and disadvantages of different options for how our Council could be structured and presents the proposal Council believes should be implemented.
Click here to learn more about the Review process and to access a copy of the Representation Review Report. Feedback is now sought from interested persons as part of the Review process, which can be provided in the following ways:
✉️ Posting a written submission marked to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 58, Karoonda, SA 5307; or
📧 Email: council@dckem.sa.gov.au
All feedback must be received by 5pm on Thursday 16 October 2025.
👇 For more information click the button below.
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Upgrade to Reflection Shelter Karoonda Cemetery
Work is set to begin in October on upgrades to the Reflection Shelter at the Karoonda Cemetery. The existing shelter will be painted, followed by installation of a decking wall. This will allow for a brand-new cemetery noticeboard, which will feature a public directory to help visitors locate graves and navigate the site more easily.
Stay tuned for more updates to come!
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Opportunities in the District
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We're Hiring: Multi-Skilled Plant Operator
The District Council of Karoonda East Murray is looking for a Multi-Skilled Plant Operator to join our team! This hands-on role involves operating a variety of plant and machinery to support Council’s construction and maintenance projects across the region.
If you’re looking for a role where you can put your skills to work and contribute to your local community, we’d love to hear from you!
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Join the Lifeguard Team: Karoonda Swimming Pool
Council is seeking expressions of interest to be part of the lifeguard team for the upcoming season at the Karoonda Swimming Pool.
Lifeguard Training Dates:
- Full Course: Sat 25 & Sun 26 Oct, 9am–5pm
- Refresher: Sun 26 Oct, 9am–5pm
(for those who have already completed training within last 15 months)
All training will be held at the Karoonda Swimming Pool. Applicants must hold a current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate.
If you are interested, please contact Lexie at Council on:
📞 Phone: (08) 8578 1004
📧 Email: council@dckem.sa.gov.au
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Deck the Streets with Pallet Christmas Trees!
We’re inviting our community to help bring some festive cheer to Karoonda this Christmas!
Here’s how you can get involved:
1️⃣ Collect a pre-made pallet tree from the Council office
2️⃣ Decorate it however you like – paint, glitter, lights… get creative!
3️⃣ Label it with your name, school, group or business
4️⃣ Return it to Council by Friday, 31 October 2025
5️⃣ See it on show in the Main Street this Christmas season
Collect your tree today and let’s make this Christmas a magical one!
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Join Our Sunflower Project!
This October, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Council is inviting you to take part in a blooming initiative: our Sunflower Project!
We’re giving away FREE sunflower seeds to help brighten up our community!
Here’s how to get involved:
- Collect your FREE sunflower seeds from Council during October (limited numbers available).
- Plant them in your front yard or farm gate for everyone to enjoy.
- Share the sunshine by sending Council photos once your sunflowers are in full bloom!
Let’s bring the sunshine this October! 🌻
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***50% TICKETS SOLD*** Rural Women's Luncheon
Join us for an afternoon of connection, good food and celebration as we recognise the incredible contribution of rural women in our district.
📅 Friday 10 October 2025
🕛 12:00pm – 2:00pm
📍 Karoonda Town Oval – under a big marquee
🎟️ $20 per person (ages 12+)
Welcome bubbles, two-course lunch, pop-up bar, free mini massages & lucky door prize!
This Connecting Communities event is proudly supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions under the Family and Business Support Program, and brought to you by the District Council of Karoonda East Murray.
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Save the Date: Santa is Coming to Town!
Get ready to celebrate the festive season!
Join the community on Saturday, 6 December 2025 as the Mallee Business Association proudly presents the 2025 Karoonda Christmas Parade.
Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun, starting from 4pm in the Karoonda main street! Enjoy the magical Christmas parade, delicious food, fun for all ages and a special visit from Santa himself.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this wonderful community event!
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National Veteran Vehicle Rally - Coming to Karoonda
Exciting news... Karoonda will be one of the stopover towns for the 2025 National Veteran Vehicle Rally taking place in our region from October 5-10.
This national rally brings together over 100 rare and remarkable vehicles from across Australia. Celebrating the rich history of early motoring. The rally will travel through some of SA’s most scenic and historic regions, including Murray Bridge, Mannum, Milang, Strathalbyn, Langhorne Creek, and of course, Karoonda.
On Tuesday, October 7, rally participants will visit Karoonda for a lunch stop and a chance to experience the heart of our agricultural heritage. We’re looking forward to welcoming these stunning vehicles and their passionate owners to our district.
Mark the date in your diary and get ready for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness motoring history up close! 
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Farm Walk Karoonda - You're Invited!
Stock Containment: learnings from this season, eID update and the Stabilising Soil Project Karoonda
Join a farm walk and hear expert insights into stock containment areas, electronic ear tags and a soil stabilisation project.
- Wednesday, 15 October 2025
- 9:00am - 1:00pm Farm Walk
- 96 Nunkeri Road, Karoonda
Catering provided - finish with lunch!
BYO camping chair and your preferred beverage to enjoy post event lunch!
Register by Friday 10 October – spots are limited.
Click the below link to register!
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Australian Government – Support in Drought
The Australian Government has support programs to help manage the wellbeing impacts of drought. Programs are open all the time with no drought declarations needed to apply.
You may be eligible for more than you realise - know your options and apply early.
- Farm Household Allowance
- Call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 or visit Services Australia to see if you are eligible for up to four years of support.
- Rural Financial Counselling Service
- Call 1300 771 741 to access free, confidential and independent financial counselling if you’re an eligible primary producers or small businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
- Concessional loans
- Call 1800 875 675 to find out about a concessional RIC loan if you’re an eligible farmer or farm-related small businesses in financial need.
- Tax support
- Call 1800 806 218 to ask the ATO for more time to lodge and pay tax or talk to a registered tax professional about other concessions.
- Farm Management Deposits
- Talk to your accountant about drawing down on any farm management deposit account you may have.
- Social support and wellbeing
- Call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for immediate support or visit Head to Health for a list of other services that can help.
Click the link below see if these programs could work for you.
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What's Playing On The Silos?
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'Postcards from Dementia' by Niccy Pallant
This month, the Karoonda Silos light up every night with moving art by South Australian artist Niccy Pallant. Her series, Postcards from Dementia, is a heartfelt tribute to her mum, Suzanne. Through digital collages made from prints, drawings, and photos, Niccy shares the emotional journey of watching her mum face dementia - a sometimes heartbreaking, and sometimes freeing experience.
Both Niccy and Suzanne were born in Karoonda. Suzanne grew up on a farm in Yurgo, played local sports, worked at the hospital, and raised her family right here. Niccy’s art looks at how illness affects families and communities, while also celebrating her mum’s strength and grace through it all.
You can catch the show every night in September from sunset!
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Citizen of the Year (for Australian Citizens)
Click the below link to nominate someone in our community today! 
Wednesday, 8 October 2025
8:00am – 9:00am
In front of the Big Ram, Railway Terrace, Karoonda
