Bartel Boulevard footpath upgrade 

The Bartel Boulevard footpath (from Bay Road to Ketch Place) will soon undergo an upgrade to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for the community.

Works to replace and widen the footpath are scheduled to commence on Monday, 15 September 2025, with completion expected by the end of October 2025 (subject to weather and other unforeseen delays).

This project is part of a broader program of path upgrades planned for 2025/26, aimed at:

• Supporting active lifestyles
• Enhancing local amenity
• Creating a more walkable and inclusive community

We thank you for your patience while works are underway and look forward to delivering a safer, more accessible footpath for everyone. 

This work is an important step in improving everyday connections across our community.

Chicks on the beach

The Hooded Plover is South Australia’s most threatened beach-nesting bird, and right now they need our help.

These small shorebirds rely entirely on our ocean beaches to nest and raise their chicks. For the first 35 days of life, Hooded Plover chicks cannot fly, which makes them especially vulnerable.

In Victor Harbor, Council is working with BirdLife Australia throughout the breeding season (August–March) to protect these fragile families. A nest has been identified in Hayborough, and another pair is preparing to nest at Yilki.

How you can help

• Follow all signage along beaches
• Leash your dog near nesting sites 
• Give space around nesting areas
• Share this message with others

Your support could mean the survival of a Hooded Plover chick this season.           

Arts and Culture Grant Program Open

The City of Victor Harbor is now inviting applications for the Art and Culture Grant Program.

The City of Victor Harbor is committed to the cultivation of a vibrant community culture.

One way in which the Council supports and facilitates arts and cultural activities is through the Art and Culture Grant Program.

A total funding pool of $10,000 is allocated annually to support the Arts and Culture grant program.

Through this program, the City of Victor Harbor seeks to support and showcase arts and cultural initiatives that foster creativity, strengthen Victor Harbor’s identity, activate public spaces, and encourage community participation.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 3 October 2025. Guidelines and the preferred online application form are available on Council’s website.  

Hard copy forms can also be collected from the Civic Centre, 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor.

Please note - if you are seeking funding for professional development or minor/ongoing arts and culture initiatives, please apply through the Community Grants Program, which remains open until funding is fully allocated. 

Sport and Recreation Strategic Infrastructure Grant Program Open

Bring your club or organisation’s project to life!

The City of Victor Harbor is now accepting applications for the Sport and Recreation - Strategic Infrastructure Grant Program. This program supports the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and accessible facilities that promote active lifestyles and strengthen our community.

The program aims to create safe, welcoming, and sustainable spaces where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy sport and recreation. By investing in improved facilities, we can boost participation, reduce barriers, foster vibrant community hubs, and generate positive local economic outcomes.

Grants of up to $20,000 per application are available to support the development of fit-for-purpose sport and recreation infrastructure. Applicants are required to contribute at least 50% of the project cost, either in cash or in-kind.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 3 October 2025. Guidelines and the preferred online application form are available on Council’s website.

Hard copy forms can also be collected from the Civic Centre, 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor.

Free, fun digital skill sessions

Victor Harbor Library is proud to announce the launch of the Being Digital program - an initiative delivered in partnership with Telstra and LibrariesSA, aimed at boosting digital literacy across South Australia. 

The Being Digital program offers free, engaging training workshops and one-on-one sessions designed to help adults confidently navigate the digital world.

Topics range from basic device use and email setup to online safety, social media privacy and secure online shopping.

The program also explores emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

During 2025-2026, the Being Digital program, funded by Telstra and supported by the Libraries Board of South Australia through Public Library Services, will support over 4,000 adults to get online and enjoy the benefits of staying connected with family, friends and their communities.  

Bookings are essential, and can be made from 15 September 2025 online at www.victor.sa.gov.au/libraryevents or 08 8551 0730.
 

Advocating for Victor Harbor businesses

Mayor and CEO meet with the Minister for Tourism to support local businesses and address the algal bloom impact.

This week, the Mayor and CEO met with Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison MP, to discuss key issues impacting our local economy. Supported by Business Victor Harbor, the meeting was an important opportunity to advocate for the region and its businesses.

The discussion focused on the impact of the recent algal bloom on small businesses in Victor Harbor, including South Australia’s iconic Horse Drawn Tram. Reduced visitor numbers and the loss of operating days for some businesses have highlighted how vital tourism is, not only for our state, but for regional economies and small coastal towns like ours.

The Minister welcomed the City’s tourism initiatives, which aim to strengthen the regional economy and showcase the natural beauty that makes Victor Harbor a special destination.

Further to this, the CEO will appear as a witness at the Federal Government’s Senate Inquiry into Algal Blooms in South Australia in Victor Harbor this Friday.