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The latest Wattle Range Council NEWS delivered straight to your INBOX
Key outcomes from October's council meeting
Catch up on the outcomes from the latest Meeting of Council including major projects updates, community deputations and important decisions that affect you.
Wattle Range Welcomes New Citizens
Wattle Range Council celebrated Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September, warmly welcoming eight new Australian citizens from seven countries including the Philippines, Chile, Nepal, India, New Zealand and China.
The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Mayor Peter Dunnicliff at the Millicent Council Service Centre. We're proud to welcome these new Australians to our community and celebrate the diversity they bring to Wattle Range.
What our construction, maintenance and parks and gardens teams are up to this month
From pothole repairs and road grading to footpath works, road resealing and park maintenance, Council's Construction, Maintenance and Parks and Gardens teams have been busy delivering works across the area.
Recent and ongoing works include:
- Road grading and pothole repairs
- Roadside slashing and township mowing
- New playground and park improvements
- Footpath, kerbing and seawall maintenance projects
Recognising the Volunteers, Leaders and Helpers Who Make a Difference
Nominations open for the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards
Council is calling on the community to help shine a spotlight on our local heroes. The awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make Wattle Range a better place to live.
The awards include categories for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Active Citizenship and the Youth Recognition Awards of 5 categories.
BBQ and chat with Council — Glencoe
Come Along, Chat with Council and Elected Members, and enjoy a FREE BBQ.
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Glencoe Netball and Football Club
Free BBQ from 6pm
No RSVP required - just come along, enjoy a sausage sizzle and chat with Council's Staff and Elected Members on matters that affect you. Help shape the future of your community.
Council's Intention to Issue Permits to Conduct Business on a Public Road Open for Feedback
Wattle Range Council invites community feedback on its intention to issue its second round of 2026/27 permits to conduct a business on a public road.
Council has an extensive network of road reserves that are yet to be made, and permits may be granted for the use of these unmade roads for eligible business purposes such as grazing stock and hay cutting.
Under the Local Government Act 1999, Council must consult the community before issuing or renewing a permit that lasts longer than 48 hours, or where access to a road is impeded through fencing, enclosure or partitioning. This gives the community an opportunity to review the proposal and provide feedback before a decision is made.
Wattle Range Photo Competition Winners Announced
More than 500 photographs were entered in this year's Wattle Range Photographic Competition, showcasing the incredible beauty, people, wildlife and landscapes of our region.
Winners were announced by Mayor Des Noll at the official exhibition opening at the Millicent Gallery on 14 October, with entries spanning 11 categories and more than $3,500 in prize money. Selected photographs will also feature in the popular Wattle Range Council Community Calendar.
The 2026 category first prize winners are:
- Business and Industry: Owner of Weldz & Wood - Diana Vine
- People and Portrait: Farm Kid - Angela Winter
- Black and White: Night Shift on the Silage Wrapper - Mary Whitehead
- Sport and Leisure: Surf School Training - Don Sforcina
- Nature: Pretty Blue Bottle - Anne Sawyer
- Landscape: Evening in Pink - Anne Sawyer
- Panoramic: Coonawarra Harvest - Brenda Mahoney
- Lake McIntyre: What Can You See? - Diana Vine
- Drone: Broody - Madi Scheidl
- Transport and Vehicles: Helicopter - Ricky Knowles
- Youth (Primary): Little Sister - Lexi Johnson
- Youth (Secondary): Aspiring Photographer - Marcie Schaefer
Get Ready to Make a Splash
Wattle Range Council's swimming facilities are preparing to open for the summer season on Saturday, 31 October 2026, with free entry for all community members.
Penola Pool
Open when the forecast temperature is above 20°C
Weekdays: 3pm to 6pm
Weekends, school holidays and public holidays: 1pm to 6pm
Nangwarry Pool
Open when the forecast temperature is above 23°C
Weekdays: 3pm to 6pm
Weekends, school holidays and public holidays: 1pm to 6pm
Millicent Swimming Lake
Open for the summer swimming season from 31 October 2026
Beachport’s Jill Preston Named Wattle Range Senior of the Year
Beachport resident Jill Preston has been recognised as the Wattle Range Council Senior of the Year for 2026.
For more than 30 years, Jill has dedicated her time to the Beachport Bowling Club as a volunteer, leader, organiser and mentor. Beyond the bowling green, she has supported her community through Meals on Wheels and by helping local residents access essential services and medical appointments.
Jill's contribution is a reminder of the important role seniors play in keeping our communities connected, supported and thriving.
Congratulations, Jill, and thank you for your outstanding service to the Wattle Range community.
FREE Community Mulch Days
Council is offering FREE mulch for Wattle Range Council residents and community groups from 10 am to 2 pm on:
Penola Resource Centre on Sunday 25 October
Millicent Saleyards on Sunday 25 October
A disclaimer must be signed prior to collection.
Playground Upgrades Underway
We're investing in safer, more enjoyable play spaces for local families, with playground upgrades taking place in Penola and Millicent over the coming weeks.
Millicent Domain Playground will have a section fenced off from 19 October for approximately two weeks while new play equipment is installed.
Penola War Memorial Park Playground will be closed from 26 to 30 October while the rubber soft-fall surface is replaced.
These upgrades will improve safety, accessibility and play opportunities for local children and families. We thank the community for your patience while these works are completed.
Have your say on the future of Queen Street, Penola
Wattle Range Council is seeking community feedback on a proposed upgrade of Queen Street between Julian Street West and South Terrace.
While drainage improvements are already planned, there are several options for how the available street space could be used. We'd like to hear what matters most to you, including:
- Walking
- Parking
- Traffic movement
- Verge space
- Trees/ landscaping improvements
We particularly encourage feedback from Queen Street residents, property owners and businesses, but all members of the community are welcome to participate.
Clean Up Now for Fire Danger Season
Preparing your property for the fire danger season helps protect your family, home, neighbours and community.
Reducing fuel around your property is one of the most effective ways to reduce bushfire risk. Council undertakes property inspections each year, generally during October and November, depending on seasonal conditions.
Where excessive grass or vegetation is identified, property owners may be asked to undertake maintenance to reduce fire risk.
FREE Green Waste Disposal in October and November
To assist residents cleaning up their properties ahead of fire danger season, Council is offering free green waste disposal from 1 October to 30 November. During the period, residents will not require a waste voucher to dispose of approved loads of green waste only at the Millicent, Penola or Beachport Waste Transfer facilities.
Conditions apply such as the type of green waste and branch diameter restrictions. Please visit Waste Initiatives on Council's website or click on the link below for more information and conditions.
Bring public art to life in Wattle Range
Wattle Range Council is inviting applications for the Public Art on Private Assets Grants, supporting businesses, organisations and property owners to commission creative projects inspired by the theme of wind and water.
- Grants of up to $5,000 are available (dollar-for-dollar funding)
- Apply anytime, while funding lasts
- Be part of creating something meaningful in your community
Boost your business street appeal
Council’s Shop Facade Upgrade Program helps local businesses put their best foot forward. By supporting small improvements to shopfronts, the program aims to create more attractive streets, strengthen the character of our region, and deliver real economic benefits for our community.
The program has recently been expanded, it’s now open to all businesses across the Wattle Range Council area, not just those in townships.
- Grants of up to $4,000 available (dollar-for-dollar funding)
- Minimum project value of $1,000 applies
- Up to $20,000 allocated to the program each financial year
Full Throttle in Wattle Spring School Holiday Program Wraps Up
A total of 794 children enjoyed more than 40 school holiday activities and events across Wattle Range.
Families took part in magic shows in Beachport and Millicent, met native animals with Australian Bush Buddies in Penola, enjoyed arts and crafts at the Millicent Library, Wacky Wednesdays at the Beachport and Penola Visitor Information Centre. Outdoor adventures including golf sessions in Beachport and Penola were also popular.
A standout activity was the Free Range in Wattle Range Scavenger Hunt, with 193 children and their families exploring Beachport, Millicent and Penola while discovering local landmarks and attractions along the way.
Be Part of Wattle Range's Celebration of Art
Entries are now open for the 2026 Wattle Range Art Exhibition. Attracting artists from across South Australia and beyond, the exhibition showcases contemporary art and offers more than $12,000 in prizes, cementing its place as a regional arts highlight.
Entries close on 14 November, entry forms can be submitted via the link below.
Planning and development drop-in sessions in Beachport and Penola
Have a planning question? Come and see our Development Team in Penola or Beachport for a face‑to‑face chat. No bookings needed!
Beachport Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday, 28 October from 9am to 12 noon.
Penola Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday, 11 November from 9am to 12 noon.
What's on at the Millicent Library and Gallery
From the next exhibition, regular programs and events to new books on the shelf, there is always something on at the Millicent Library and Gallery.
What's on in Wattle Range
What’s On in Wattle Range is a monthly update that highlights and celebrates community events across Wattle Range.
You can sign up to receive the update direct to your inbox.
Southern Ports Highway Works Continue
Works on the Southern Ports Highway between the Southend and Robe turn-offs continue with the project now in its final stage.
The detour remains in place via Hatherleigh, and the highway is closed to the public from 7am–5pm, Monday to Friday during construction when crews are working. Those accessing the road with a permit should expect delays of approximately 10 to 15 minutes when travelling through the work zone. All road users are encouraged to use the detour where possible.
More than 10 km of road has already been upgraded from the Beachport Outlet, with the full project expected to be completed before Christmas, weather permitting.
