Local News

Even after a disappointing cancellation of the Fly-In event after uneasy weather conditions the South Australian-based Eyre to There Aviation, in partnership with platinum sponsor AvPlan EFB, has achieved a world endurance record for an electric aircraft, breaking the previous mark set in Germany last year. Flying a Pipistrel Alpha Electro plane, Eyre to There…

The Jamestown Show is well into the planning stages, with some great new things happening as part of our 2021 programme on October 3rd & 4th. Some of the locked in entertainment, that is set to impress young and old, are – The Austin’s – band, The Barossa Girls, Bubble Shows, Animals Anonymous and The…

With a combined effort from JAMESTOWN HEARTBEAT, LION’S AND APEX CLUBS and the Estate of the late Rod Doyle via NEIL GEORGE we have purchased a machine that will find the tiniest veins in any person, be it a child, teenager or adult for all sorts of medical purposes. The machine was demonstrated to our…

A spectacular autumn day made the perfect backdrop for the Caltowie Chilled Out and Fired Up Music Festival on Saturday March27th. 793 tickets were sold, and patrons came from across the region to enjoy the day’s festivities. Spectators were treated to 12 hours of live music, showcasing local talent as well as some bigger names…

As we all know, the past year has been a challenging one for fundraising events. After cancelling our Ball in 2020, the RFDS Jamestown & District Support Group needed to make a decision around the plans for this year’s Ball. With the restrictions that werein place at the time and the risk of a last…

There were 100 reasons to celebrate Pat Dowling’s birthday at Jamestown recently. As family and friends gathered and a big cake cut, the centenarian said she was overwhelmed by her 100th birthday celebration. With her four children – Kevin, Don, Neville and Marie – all there for the party, the grandmother of eight and great-grandmother…

The Back to Belalie Cricket Bash was held at Victoria Park on the 20th of March, kicking off the celebrations for Jamestown’s 150th year. Despite the number of finals for various sports being held over the weekend across South Australia, the J150 Committee were extremely pleased with the attendance of 400, rating it as a…

In December 2020 Max Prior received the Chevron Award for 45 years’ service to the Jamestown Lions Club and Lions International. He joined Lions in March 1974, being nominated by John Marsh and Maurie Brown (President). Max was very quickly given an insight into how the club operated and the requirements of Lions International; as…

2021 is the 150th year since Jamestown was founded in 1871 and the J150 committee is busy organising the first celebratory event for March 20th. This is the “Back to Belalie Cricket Bash” which aims to get former Belalie Cricket Association players and their families together for an afternoon of fun and entertainment, as well…

This music festival was created to help promote awareness for mental health in rural areas. It brings live music acts from regional SA, Adelaide and nation-wide headliners together in the one space, along with local SA gourmet food and craft beverages and wine to create a great day out for all. Also on site are…

On Sunday 6th December, Helen Pammenter’s family and friends, together with the Belalie Arts Committee, gathered at the Belalie Art Gallery to open and dedicate the Helen Pammenter Room; and to honour her by naming her Co-Patron of Belalie Arts Society. Helen did not know about these honours, and she was overwhelmed, but pleasantly surprised…

The Mid North Health Advisory Council recognised 20 years of service provided by Denis Clark of Jamestown, at a surprise plaque presentation on the evening of Friday 22nd December.. The former mayor and current Northern Areas Council councillor was also presented with a parliamentary medal by Member for Stuart Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP.  Mr…

Citizen of the Year for 2021 has been awarded to Mr Paul Thomas of Gulnare. Paul is a quiet achiever, willingly giving to his community. Paul’s volunteering began from his early teens and has continued throughout his life to provide essential emergency services to the community. He has contributed through various fundraising functions for improved…

Photos from Jamestown Community School, Jamestown Community School Library & St James School – Book Week 2020

Northern Areas Council is now conducting wider consultation throughout the community on the future shape of our Ayr St shopping and parking area. Between now and mid-December council will be providing opportunities for people to view and ask questions about the proposed preliminary design for the area between the Bridge and Dunure Terrace, on Ayr…

The Jamestown Lymphoedema Clinic would like to thank the Jamestown Cancer Council for their kind donation to purchase a new lymphoedema compression pump for the clinic. Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that causes swelling in body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms and legs. It develops…

As a result of a recent announcement by the Federal Government all military personnel who served during World War 2 are entitled to receive a medallion and certificate honouring their involvement. On 13/10/2020 a local, Mrs Pat Dowling, was presented with her medallion and certificate at a ceremony in Laura by the Rowan Ramsey MP…

The committee were overwhelmed by the response to our Silent Auction. Over 70 items were donated by local businesses and individuals from within our community, placed online via facebook and bidded on by an amazingly supportive group of online bidders to raise approx $10,400 in much needed funds. As you can appreciate, running a show…

JAMESTOWN MAGIC CAVE This year would mark 30 years of the Jamestown Magic Cave being open. Almost all my life…it’s weird to have a Christmas without the Jamestown Magic Cave but with heavy hearts we will have to postpone our celebrations until next year. Thank you for understanding and we can’t wait to show you…

SUCCESS WITH THE SHOW 2020 has brought about an interesting time, with the cancellation of the Royal Adelaide Show, however, the RAHS made the decision to continue with the school competition to encourage student learning and opportunities that come with the Show experience. JCS entered 2 pens of 3 Wethers and 2 steers in the…

Rick Kelly (RFDS Jamestown President) and Rochelle Leese from Miller Leese Financial Services Rochelle Leese from Miller Leese Financial Services recently applied for a grant to help the Jamestown Royal Flying Doctor Service Branch, through the Association of Financial Advisors (AFA) Foundation, and was successful in obtaining $2000 to help support the ongoing costs of…

It was almost like Christmas had landed 3 months earlier and in the wrong hemisphere. On Friday 25th September local residents woke to the magic of a Winter Wonderland  in the middle of Spring.  Snow balls and snow men were made, some tobogganed and others tried skiing. Overall the morning cold blast was an exciting…

Spring Working Bee & Bonfire at Bundaleer An open invitation is extended to all community members to help give the Bundaleer Forest Reserve picnic ground and walking trails a socially distanced Spring Clean on Sunday September 13, from 9 am. There will be jobs for all, big and small, and a hearty lunch with refreshments…

A proposal has been received by council from a community group – The Local Government Act 1999 Section 198 requires a level of public consultation on certain matters concerning Community Land and Community Land Management Plans. The parcel of land proposed for the installation of the Labyrinth is situated between Dunure Terrace, Cockburn Road, South…

Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he encourages farmers, fishers and foresters with clever, sustainable agriculture ideas to apply for grants of $5000 up to $50,000 under Round 4 of the Smart Farms Small Grants program. “Our farmers are highly adaptive and agriculture would not be the incredible industry it is today without them…

The Committee of the Jamestown Racing Club would like to advise that our annual race meeting which was to be held on Saturday 3rd October 2020 has been cancelled. This was a difficult decision to make but due to recent outbreaks of Covid-19 we have been forced to make a decision based on the nation-wide…

My name is Evan Wrobel and have recently commenced my role as Principal of St James School. I have moved to Jamestown with my wife, Rebekah and my two children, Sarah aged 11 and Penny aged 6. Rebekah and I were born and raised in Adelaide. I moved to Victoria in 2002 to begin my…

Asthma Australia is working to help people living in the Mid North of South Australia to reduce their risk of asthma attacks, identified as one of Australia’s asthma hotspots. The community-driven project was rolled out in the communities of Jamestown, Peterborough and Orroroo to understand why asthma hospitalisations are sitting 45 per cent higher than…

It is with great pleasure that the Jamestown & Districts RFDS Support Group informs you that we will be holding the annual Meal Drop Fundraising Event on Friday the 11th of September 2020. The Meal Drop is a much-loved event that we have held for the past several years. As a committee, it is our…

While many sports have been suspended over the winter due to Covid 19, the members of the Jamestown Table Tennis Club have been eager to show case the lighting upgrade to the table tennis hall thanks to the generous support of Table Tennis Australia and the Jamestown Lions Club. This bought the lighting up to…

Paul Christopher Redden, the second son of Matt and Pat was born in Terowie, on 9th August 1945 which was also his Grandma Catherine Redden’s birthday. Paul had a happy childhood, growing up at Pinevale with his 4 brothers, Robert, Tony, Phil and Mark and his sister Louise. Even at a young age, Paul was…

The Visit Jamestown Team have been working tirelessly in the last month bolstering our appeal to visitors, encouraging Jamestown as a destination to Stop, Stay and Graze via Facebook. We are now ready to go full steam ahead and create the 2020 edition of the Visit Jamestown Booklet with a print of 10,000 copies which…

We are very lucky to have Grant Lock, author of the books ‘Shoot me First’ and ‘I’d rather be blind’, and his wife, Janna speak at the library. When: Monday 18 August 2020 Time: 7:00pm – (approx)8:00pm plus question time. Where: Jamestown School Community Library Free event A brief introduction and some information on what…

The Jamestown A, H & F Show Society regrets to inform you the 2020 Jamestown Show is cancelled. Due to recent Covid-19 outbreaks interstate, we have been forced to make a decision based on the nation-wide situation at present. We would like to thank our members, sponsors, and loyal exhibitors for their ongoing support. The…

SAVE THE DATES The Jamestown Show Committee are still in the planning stages for the 2020 Show . The committee will continue working towards staging an event based on the COVID restrictions and recommendations closer to Show day. Please save the date , October 4th & 5th and plan to join us as we enjoy…

HOPE versus FEAR FOR YOUNG PEOPLE With so much negativity invading our lives through the mainstream media and various screen time activities that dominate many people’s leisure hours, it is quite easy to become fearful of the future during these uncertain times. Young people are particularly susceptible to this fear, as they navigate their development…

ENVIRONMENT GRANT FOR BUNDALEER During the past few months, a significant area of the Bundaleer Creek south of the event centre has been remediated as part of an Australian Government Communities Environment Program grant Invasive feral olive, ash and Aleppo pines have been removed and replaced with a range of native trees, shrubs and grasses.…

NATURE PLAY SPACE My Bundaleer volunteers have created a fun-filled nature play space in the picnic ground with support and guidance from Climbing Tree Creations. The tree fort with slides and fireman poles and climbing challenges was completed in time for the June long weekend and has been popular with local and visiting families. While…

BUNDALEER EVENT CENTRE PROGRESS REPORT The event centre, being constructed by Sanders Building Group, is versatile in its design, with capacity for 160 people but equally suited to a smaller gathering. Construction is on target, and all being well, the centre will be available to hire from December 2020. The Bundaleer event centre is the…

SHOW PLANS TO BOOST LOCAL BUSINESSES The Show committee understand the importance of continuing to run a local show in our region especially coming off the back of a drought and hardship caused by COVID-19 restrictions. Chairperson Matt Scharkie, Vice Chairperson James Moore and the show sponsorship team are looking forward to visiting local businesses…

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY Ralph Holmes was born in Port Pirie and enjoyed life living in Telowie Gorge, Beetaloo Valley, Gladstone, Loxton, Berri and Adelaide where, after a long career with the Electricity Trust, he and Dorothy retired and enjoyed travel within Australia and overseas. In later years they moved to Laura and discovered that their…

BIGGEST MORNING TEA COVID-19 VERSION Jamestown & District Cancer Council SA Branch held their 2020 Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser under COVID-19 conditions on Friday 29th May. Due to not being able to hold the usual Morning tea gathering, the Branch organized a take-away delivery of pre-ordered delicious food. Generous donations of food and amazing support…

Morgan & Spencer Quinn, from Spalding putting together craft packs Crafty Idea Mid North Suicide Prevention Network member Lynnie Wehrmann has created a great activity idea to build community engagement and provide some entertainment for the elderly, where many have been severely affected by lack of social contact during the Covid-19 lock down. Lynnie said…

The Mid North Suicide Prevention Network is proud to be sponsoring and contributing to this month’s Jamestown Journal. As a group, the network aims to raise awareness, increase compassionate conversations, and break down the stigma related to mental illness. Within this mission statement, we aim to help the community through difficult times, create opportunities to…

Staying Calm and Kind about COVID-19 Feeling worried during a stressful event such as the current global pandemic is normal, and healthy levels of stress actually help make helpful and healthy choices. We can take steps to recognise and manage our stress to refocus on the positive things in life and prevent escalating into more…

Left to Right: Sisters having tea; facetime call; picture from school children. NEWS & VIEWS from Helping Hand It has been a challenging time recently for everyone and we are incredibly proud of the team at Belalie Lodge who are keeping things cheerful for our residents and their families. Families are visiting at the window…

Rod Doyle A Tribute to Rod Doyle Rod Doyle was born at Hillston in NSW on the 22nd of March 1947. He was the second child of Cyril and Shiela Doyle and grew up with his three siblings Rita, Jo and Henry, on the family’s sheep and wheat farm. He completed primary school via correspondence…

State Netball Competition held at the Big Shed – June 3rd, 2017 – pictured Maggie Clark, Eliza Simpson, Ruby Sutter, Lucy Carkle & Hannah Clark – Photo by Mel Kitschke Big Boost for Big Shed Sport has received a major boost for Jamestown and the wider region, with the announcement of a grant allocation of…

International Women’s Day Breakfast On Friday 13th March Northern Highlands Soroptimists held their annual breakfast at the Bowling Club to celebrate International Women’s Day. Catering by The Friday Fillies assisted by members preceded an entertaining address and video presentation by The Fillies- Leanne Beyer and Margie Simpson.  They travelled in the “Shit Box”-a vehicle worth…

POSTPONED Celebrate Easter in the Bundaleer Forest. Bundaleer Forest Picnic Ground will be the place to be on April 12, with the return of the treasured Easter Sunday Bundaleer Bilby Hunt. There will be something for everyone, with treasure hunts for kids of all ages, Family food options, live acoustic music, performers on the walks,…

The annual International Women’s Day breakfast will be hosted once again by Soroptimist International of the Northern Highlands on Friday March 13th. It will be held at 7am at the Jamestown Bowling Club where Team Friday Fillies, Leanne Beyer and Margie Simpson will tell of their adventures in the Outback during the Shitbox Rally, a…

POSTPONED The extremely generous work of the many volunteers in our community was acknowledged at a service on December 1, during Volunteers’ Week. This service also coincided with the Pageant Day Service. Representations from many organisations/groups were involved but unfortunately due to the weather, the service had to be held in the Combined Services Club…

The Whyte Yarcowie Vaudeville Troupe is hard at work preparing their new show “It’s A Pleasure“ which is due to open in Mt Bryan on Saturday 9th May. Rehearsals are well underway and the troupe will present their usual mix of dance, great music, glamorous costumes and a barrel of laughs. In their 36 years…

The 150 year celebrations for Jamestown are fast approaching and the J150 committee is well into the planning stages for various community events and projects. One of the projects is to replace the plaque marking the site of the Belalie Mail Station, which actually pre-dates the settlement of Jamestown. The existing monument was unveiled during…

A BIG Thank you to the community of Jamestown area that supported the Jamestown Flying Group’s sausage sizzle on February 1st or donated in our donation tins around Jamestown. When a pilot that flew in our 2015 Air Spectacular – Dick Lang and his son died in the fire at Kangaroo Island the Jamestown Flying…

Jamestown’s Cate Pearce unfortunately knows too well the grief and pain that comes from Cancer. She lost her best friend to Bladder Cancer, her cousin passed away from Melanoma Cancer aged 41, her Dad and Brother (aged 59) both passed away from Prostate Cancer, her mother and sister have recovered from Breast Cancer and 12…

“The Diggers’ Walk” centenary celebration along the banks of Belalie Creek on New Year’s Eve was enjoyed by people of all age groups, from the local district and wider mid north area. Food and drink stalls kept people nourished, people gathered at the Apex bar and socialized; while chalk painting and bouncy castles kept the…

Malcolm and Margaret Sparks began a get together for mature aged people a few years ago, aiming particularly at those who have lost their partners. On Monday 25th November nearly 90 people came together at Jamestown Football Clubrooms for a day of friendship and entertainment. Food was supplied by the Parents and Friends of St…

Leanne Beyer and Margie Simpson recently returned from their 7 day Spring 2019 Shitbox Rally, a Cancer Council fundraiser. The girls drove more than 3600 kms over some of the roughest roads in Australia with 500 plus other participants from Melbourne to Townsville. According to Leanne and Margie making new friends and sharing fantastic experiences…