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Welcome to our 'Your Council Update' monthly newsletter. Keeping you informed about the Council’s key activities and initiatives that may matter to you.
December 'Council Meeting in Summary'
Your 'Council Meeting in Summary' is aimed at keeping residents informed of Council’s key projects and strategic decisions made at the recent meeting that may affect our local communities. The update includes a summary of community deputations or petitions, key projects and key decisions that were made.
Summer Full Throttle in Wattle School Holiday Program
Get ready Wattle Range, our Summer School Holiday Program is returning from 20 Dec 2025 to 26 Jan 2026 with a HUGE lineup of free, fun-filled activities for kids across the region!
Beachport and Southend Tourist Waste Service
In Southend and Beachport, Council is again providing free waste-disposal bins for visitors from 12 December to 27 January 2026.
- Beachport: Near the Pool of Siloam, McCourt Street
- Southend: Leake Street, near the bush camp entrance.
Beachport Dry Areas
Residents and Visitors to Beachport are reminded that the Christmas and New Year's Dry Zones will be in place from 26 December 2025 to 2 January 2026.
FREE Beachport Boat Ramp Access
From 1 December 2025, there will be free access to the Beachport Boat Ramp and no permits will be required. This 12-month free access is an initiative under the State and Federal Government’s Algal Bloom Summer Plan. See Council’s website for more information.
2026 Community Calendar now available
Council’s 2026 Community Calendar is now available from the Millicent Council Service Centre, Millicent Library, Beachport, Penola and Millicent Visitor Information Centres and postal outlets in Mt Burr, Kalangadoo, Tantanoola, Glencoe, Coonawarra and Southend.
Free inflatable obstacle course at Wattle Range swimming facilities
During the swim season, Council’s Inflatable Obstacle Course will be available free of charge at the Nangwarry and Penola swimming pools and the Millicent Swimming Lake.
Subject to weather, the Inflatables will operate between 1pm – 4pm. Upcoming dates are available on Council's website.
Millicent Shop Trading Hours - Get the facts and inform your vote
In November 2026, Wattle Range Council electors will vote on whether to abolish Millicent’s Proclaimed Shopping District — also known as deregulating shop trading hours.
Southern Ports Highway to REOPEN
The Southern Ports Highway between the Robe turn-off and the Southend turn-off will be reopened to the public from Saturday, 20 December 2025 as the roadworks pause for the Summer holiday period.
Temporary Road Closures
- Church Street, Penola (between Arthur and Riddoch Street) will be closed from 5:30pm to 8:30pm on Friday, 19 December 2025 for the RBCA Penola Christmas Street Party.
- Railway Terrace, Beachport (between Foster Street and Beach Road) will be closed from 7.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday, 3 January 2026 for the Beachport Market Day.
- Princes Highway and Calcoolat Terrace, Hatherleigh will have reduced speed limits from 7.30am on Saturday, 3rd January to 1pm on Sunday, 4th January 2026 for the Hatherleigh Rodeo.
Community grants OPEN for applications
Applications for Round 2 of Council’s Community and Sport & Recreation Financial Assistance Grants Programs will close at 9am on 12 January 2025. Grants of up to $2,000 are available.
Have a need but don't know where to start? Council offers a wide range of grants and scholarships for our community. Visit or call us on 08 8733 0900.
Council Holiday Closures and Waste Services
Council wishes to advise of closures and waste services over the festive break.
For urgent enquiries or emergencies, call Council’s After Hours Contact Centre on 08 8733 0900.
Let's talk development in Beachport or Penola
Council's Development Team is offering you the opportunity to speak with us face-to-face to ask any planning related questions you may have. Simply drop in - No appointments are necessary.
- Beachport Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday 17 December from 9am to 12 noon.
- Penola Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday 14 January from 9am to 12 noon.
January Council Meeting
The January Ordinary Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 in the Council Chamber at the new Millicent Service Centre. The public are welcome to attend and view the proceedings of all Council meetings.
What's on in Wattle Range
What’s On in Wattle Range is a monthly update that highlights and celebrates over 400 diverse community events held each year across 13 townships and the surrounding areas in Wattle Range.
These events play a vital role in strengthening community connections, supporting local organisations, and enhancing the cultural and social fabric of the region. You can sign up to receive the update direct to your inbox.
Community Conversations in Millicent
Enjoy a BBQ & Chat with Council and Elected Members in Millicent.
- Tuesday, 27 January 2025
- Millicent Football & Netball Clubrooms
- Free BBQ from 6pm • Event starts 6.30pm
No RSVP needed - just come along, grab a free sausage, and have a chat with Council staff and your Elected Members about the issues that matter most to you.
This event is part of Council’s monthly Community BBQ & Chat series.
