Clare Valley Podcast - Electric vehicle rapid charging stations for Clare; Council rates in arrears; Who wants to be a councillor?; Spotlight on Watervale and Mintaro; Lifeline Connect, Clare

In Episode 10 of the Clare Valley Podcast:

We'll chat to Council's director of Development and Community,  Andrew Christiansen and Director of Corporate Services, Leanne Kunoth about the following topics.

Attention owners of electric cars - EV rapid charging stations planned for ClareNew toilets and baby change facilities for Melrose ParkRates in arrears - we'll take a look at the figuresWho wants to be a councillor? Two candidate briefing sessions are to be held in Clare on Monday 8/8 at the Barbara J Long Function Room at the Clare Town Hall at 7pm, and Tuesday 9/8 at 7pm at the Riverton Recreation Ground

Community Peak Bodies - Watervale and Mintaro. 

As you enter the town of Watervale from the north, you’d be hard pressed not to see the million-dollar development ‘The Vale’, a community building overlooking the tennis courts and t5he iconic Watervale Oval. 

This project was 12 years in the making and it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the ongoing commitment and perseverance of the Watervale Community Association.  This is just one example of what one peak body can achieve. You'll hear from Greg Bryksy, chair of the Watervale Community Association who tells  the story behind 'The Vale' and the blood sweat and tears that went into making it happen. You'll also get an insight from Yvonne Cloke from the Mintaro Progress Association about the investment into their local Institute but they're facing some challenges with an ageing demographic.

Another concern facing the Mintaro Progress Association is whether to take over the lease of Mortlock Park. Council is asking communities to take on ownership of council buildings and leasing council land in a move to free up funds for council. Yvonne says the financial responsibility is too great, but if they don't take over the lease they'll miss out on government funding for upgrades.
 
Lifeline Connect - Clare

In the heart of Clare, there is a place where people can go to who are experiencing social, financial or mental health challenges. This place is called Lifeline Connect.
They provide a free counselling service for anyone aged 12 and above.  Lorna Woodward, regional coordinator of Regional Connect Centres  is an experienced social worker and has had a lot of experience in child protection.  She says the Clare Centre began a 16 months ago and is the only one of its kind in regional South Australia, with another in Broken Hill.
Lifeline Connect is staffed with three counsellors ( Lorna is one of them), and nine volunteers. Volunteers are trained in 'Reach' which is a Suicide Intervention and Prevention Program as well as accidental counselling which gives them the skills to listen effectively and to respond to people who are distressed or in crisis. Lorna says they're always on the lookout for volunteers.

Dwayne Menzies volunteers twice a week and is the only male volunteer. He had a workplace accident 20 years ago deeming him unable to work in any capacity plus he’s  had  a lived experience. He wants to help others on their mental health journey particularly men. You will also hear from volunteer Hilary Adlam, who is a former social worker and worked in community health for many years in the mid north of South Australia.

You can contact staff at Lifeline Connect  Monday-Friday 9am-5pm on (08) 8842 2827 or call Lifeline 24 hour crisis service 131114.

This podcast is proudly supported by Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council 
Phone: 8842 6400
Website:  https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/