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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.
November '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.
Community Conversations in Tantanoola
Enjoy a BBQ & Chat with Council and Elected Members in Tantanoola.
- Tuesday, 25 November 2025
- Tantanoola 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.
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.
Wattle Range Swimming Facilities Open for the Summer Season
The Millicent Swimming Lake, Penola Pool and Nangwarry Pool are now all open for the summer season. The opening times and minimum temperature requirements for the Nangwarry and Penola pools are available on Council's website.
Get involved in Re-A-Range in 2026
Planning is already underway for the 2026 Re-A-Range Sustainability Festival, including the much-loved Millicent MET Gala - and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Council is seeking community members to get involved in the group, whether as a presenter, participant, stallholder, or working group volunteer.
Wattle Range Council Auction
The community is invited to the Wattle Range Council Auction of surplus items.
- Thursday, 20 November 2025
- Millicent Saleyards, Saleyards Road
- Gates open and bid registration from 12 noon
- Auction starts at 1pm
Scenic Range - Bale Trail
The Beachport community has turned the Southern Ports Highway detour into a vibrant art trail!
The 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 – 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 is an initiative of the Beachport Tourism Working Group and Council and has brought together local schools, volunteers, and Council staff to create a vibrant journey from Millicent to Beachport (via Hatherleigh). The trail features colourful hay bale sculptures and displays.
This is just one of many fun projects happening in Beachport to push tourism, including the Sandcastle & Sand Art competition and the popular “South Aussie with Cosi” filming!
The trail will be up until roadworks wrap up, so take the scenic route and enjoy the art along the way!
Fire Danger Season
The Fire Danger Season for the Lower South East including Wattle Range Council area commenced on 1 November 2025.
During this period, a Schedule 9 Permit is required for certain activities, or when general exemption conditions cannot be met. These activities include (but are not limited to):
- Lighting a fire
- Burning off on your property
- Using equipment or machinery that may create sparks
Permits are free and can be requested by visiting us at Council, calling us on 08 8733 0900 or by emailing council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au.
Temporary Office Closures
Council wishes to advise that to facilitate a staff development session, the Millicent Council Service Centre will be temporarily closed to the public for the morning of Wednesday, 26 November 2025 between 9.45 am and 12.45 pm.
The Visitor Information Centres will also be closed for the following times;
- Millicent Visitor Information Centre, Mt Gambier Road, Millicent from 9.45 am to 12.45 pm.
- Penola Visitor Information Centre, Arthur Street, Penola from 9 am to 1.30 pm.
- Beachport Visitor Information Centre, Millicent Road, Beachport from 9 am to 1.30 pm.
In case of an emergency or urgent customer enquiry please contact 8733 0900.
Free Green Waste Disposal Program Ends Soon
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.
Time is running out for residents to drop off approved green waste loads without needing a waste voucher at the Millicent, Penola, and Beachport Waste Transfer Stations.
Let's talk development in Beachport or Penola
The Development team are offering you the opportunity to speak with them face-to-face to ask any planning related questions you may have. Simply drop in - No appointments are necessary.
- Penola Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday 3 December from 9 am to 12 noon.
- Beachport Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday 17 December from 9 am to 12 noon.
Community grants opening soon
Applications for Round 2 of Council’s Community and Sport & Recreation Financial Assistance Grants Programs open on 24 November 2025. Grants of up to $2,000 are available.
Have a need but 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.
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 both swimming pools and the Millicent Swimming Lake.
The Inflatable will operate between 1pm – 4pm on selected dates.
- Nangwarry Pool, 6 and 7 December
- Penola Pool, 13 and 14 December
- Millicent Swimming Lake, 20 and 21 December
Clean up now for fire danger season
Council will soon be inspecting properties for flammable undergrowth ensuring compliance with the Fire & Emergency Services Act. Properties with long grass may receive a notice requiring them to tidy up.
For more information or to report a property with long grass, contact Council on 8733 0900.
What's on at the Millicent Library & Art Gallery
The Millicent Library and Gallery is brimming with programs for families, offering a fun and engaging way to connect with your child, meet other families, and explore the joy of learning through play.
Temporary Road Closures
Southern Ports Highway Roadworks
The Southern Ports Highway between the Southend turn-off and Robe turn-off is closed for roadworks with a detour in place via Hatherleigh.
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.
