Plains Producer $1.40
Wednesday May 4, 2011
STAR OF THE NORTH
Residential plan for land Les Pearson reports:
WAKEFIELD Regional Council selected Summerfield Investments’ tender of $143,000 for its former works depot in Port Wakefield at last Wednesday night’s council meeting. Summerfield Investments is
Wakefield depot sells for $143,000 freehold owner of the Rising Sun Hotel in Port Wakefield. Southern Ward councillor, Rodney Reid, moved the land be sold after extensive debate surrounding council’s possible liability if the site is contaminated (see separate story, Page 4).
The final sale figure is believed to be significantly more than what the land was likely to bring during negotiations in 2009 and before the Ombudsman investigated the sale process. WRC went to tender over the land after the Ombudsman inter-
vened following a complaint by resident Richard Pain. Summerfield Investments director, John Erskine, said the land will be used for residential development. “We’re purchasing land from the council with the intention of making it residential,” he said.
The potential contamination issues did not faze Mr Erskine. “There have been some tests done that have shown some possible contamination issues,” he said. “They’re only possible and we’ll just have to do some further tests to find out what the problems are and remediate whatever we need to.” n Continued Page 4
Maitland steps in as LGA president
MIGHTY MUM
ELSIE Matters at home in Hamley Bridge with her daughter, Thelma Moldenhauer. – PICTURE: Lisa Redpath.
Elsie has 100 reasons to celebrate Elsie Matters is 100 years old today. When Elsie (nee Hewlett) was born in Gumeracha on May 4, 1911, the world was much different. Not only was May 4 – a Thursday – the beginning of a wonderful life for Elsie, there were matters of significance in Australia. Apart from the obvious global developments over 100 years, Elsie was born in the year when the Northern Territory was separated from South Australia and transferred to Commonwealth control – and the Australian Capital Territory was established. Dublin defeated Lower Light for the Adelaide Plains Football Association premiership and West Adelaide won the flag in the SANFL. Of course, much more happened that year –
Terry Williams reports:
Mawson was off to the Antarctic – but let’s get to our birthday gal. For Elsie, who still lives in her Hamley Bridge home, life’s journey was to take her from Gumeracha – where she would milk cows, plant potatoes and tomatoes and pick them for market – to Reeves Plains, Pinkerton Plains and Hamley Bridge. Not a great distance geographically, but an incredible odyssey of life, love and harmony for one sparkling lady we honour today. And she was right on the ball when the Plains Producer called.
“Are you related to Neil, from Reeves Plains,” she asked. Well, no, there’s lots of us about. “I always read the Producer,” Elsie said. “And my son Robert reads it from cover to cover. I give him a yearly subscription for his birthday.” Thanks for the accolade Elsie. It’s nice to be recognised by someone who matters. And Robert will have something to read this week! Elsie will celebrate her birthday with her family and friends on Sunday – appropriately, Mother’s Day – at Hamley Bridge Institute. MIGHTY MUM
n Continued Page 4
More of our Mighty Mums: pages 12 & 13
WAKEFIELD Regional Council mayor, James Maitland, was appointed acting president of the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA) on Friday. Previous president, Whyalla mayor Jim Pollock, resigned from the position citing family reasons. Mr Maitland was one of two country vice-presidents for the LGA, along with Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council mayor, Allan Aughey.
n Continued Page 3
FREE TICK ET S
MAY 14:
ADELAIDE V GOLD COAST
How to win? Find us on FACEBOOK
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER WITH…
GREAT DEALS ON WOOD FIRES Nectre WOOD FIRES
Come in & choose from the largest range in Gawler, Barossa & Mid North area
Masport® Heating
M
• Fire Tools • Flue Kits • Child safety Guards • Hearths • Wide Range of spare Parts
aster guard
16 Bernard Court Industrial Park, Gawler Belt
PHONE: 8523 2185
Hayfield Plains
An independent retirement village offering great
value, with a choice of brand new, spacious two-bedroom homes and a great community spirit.
All enquiries welcome, call Katherine Clark on 8239 9800 or visit lifecare.org.au