SA Today with Jennie Lenman

Mount Pleasant is the backdrop for a free new monthly market of local artisans starting in the lead up to Christmas. Nicki Nolan Mount Pleasant Market Day Co-ordinator and Communications Officer joins Jennie to talk about 'Makers on Melrose' starting 17 December, and an upcoming Christmas Twilight Market on 22 December. Local artisan Jess Boyle from Rustic Wren also joins Jennie to talk about her craft, making products from locally sourced leather.

The beautiful town of Nairne is getting into the festive spirit. As well as taking part in a Christmas lights competition, community members are putting on a Twilight Market tomorrow (Friday 9 December) and the Nairne Community Carols for 2022 at the Nairne School Oval from 6pm Saturday December 17. Nairne & Districts Residents' Association Committee Chair and Safety Officer David Richardson joins Jennie Lenman to discuss. To comply with COVID-safe requirements, securing a ticket is essential. These are free and can be obtained from www.trybooking.com/CDSTO. 

This fire danger season, there are restrictions and rules in place for what people can and cannot do when it comes to sparking fires and using equipment. Sergeant Karen Newman and Senior Constable David Brown from the Murray Mallee Crime Prevention Section join Jennie Lenman in studio to discuss.

Glenn the Wine Guy has got a Top 11 Sparkling Wine recommendation list to help you celebrate with (or tolerate) your relatives on Christmas Day The vino lover from Wine Pro joins Jennie Lenman to discuss.

While Regional real estate across the country is starting to drop in price, SA is bucking the trend, particuarly on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Mark Forde Director Harcourts South Coast, joins Jennie Lenman to talk about the extraordinary rise in activity for the region and for his business, and discuss how he got into real estate in the first place.

Robin Smith loves his life in Goolwa looking after animals at the Alexandrina Wildlife Support Group Inc (AWSG). It's one of many interesting jobs he's had in his career, including being in the Sound Effects department at the ABC as a very young lad. Jennie Lenman asks him more about it while she's at the group's Charity Barn Op-Shop at Corio Terrace.

Adelaide Hills resident Colin Wagener has celebrated his 105th Birthday this month. The former World War Two Sergeant, real estate developer, classic car collector and great-great-grandfather was born in Adelaide on 2 December 1917. He joins Jennie Lenman on his birthday for a cuppa and slice of cake to reflect on his career and life.

Jaccie from Maccie joins Jennie in studio to talk about the incredible success of pop icon Beyoncé and her hip-hop famous partner Jay-Z. The two talk about one-upmanship in relationships.

For three years in a row, Carol Menadue from the small town of Wynarka has won Karoonda East Murray's Best Residential Christmas Display award. Carol Menadue has been creating her colourful novelty display for the past 17 years, and offering lucky dips to children for the past decade. Usually for a small fee of $5 each, Carol is offering our listeners a free lucky dip this year. She joins Jennie Lenman to have a chat about it. The novelty display with lucky dips at 24 Railway Terrace Wynarka are available 8.30pm to 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through to Christmas. They will also be available Thursday 22nd December 8.30-10pm and until midnight on Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

There's some spectacular christmas displays to check out this festive season. For more than 30 years, the Lights on Ridge and free Santa's Cave have caught the attention of locals and visitors to Murray Bridge. Maxine and Michael Swansson join Jennie Lenman to talk about it. Santa's Cave is open Friday & Saturday nights from 8pm to 10.30pm through to the last night on Christmas Eve.

Now that Summer has started, all districts are in Fire Danger Season through to April 2023. Brett Williamson from the CFS in Murray Bridge joins Jennie Lenman to discuss and share some advice about preparing a Bushfire Survival Plan.

Irrigators near Mypolonga are concerned about how River Murray flooding is affecting power in the region. Tracy Bawden, Woodlane Irrigation's Secretary Treasurer, says there is too much uncertainty surrounding electricity outages amid SA's Flood Emergency, to plan accordingly.  Representing dozens of farming businesses, Tracy joins Jennie Lenman to discuss her predicament. Then SA Power Networks' Head of Corporate Affairs Paul Roberts joins Jennie Lenman to respond.

The man who inspired Steven Spielberg's film The Terminal has recently died. Mehran Karimi Nasseri has an extraordinary story, arriving without papers at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris in 1988 and not leaving until 2006.  5MU's Jacqueline Irvine and Jennie Lenman talk in studio about the story and reflect on the times they've been stuck in airports (for not quite as long, let's be honest).

The community has raised more than $11,770 for a family who's butcher shop has been destroyed in a fire. Meadows Country Meats went up in flames, during the massive spring storm on Saturday November 12. Community member Michael Mahar created a MyCause Fundraiser to support his friend and community butcher, Gus Robertson. Michael and Gus join Jennie Lenman in this podcast to discuss.

Schools and families have had to pivot and adapt significantly to changes in recent years. Most notably, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions have changed the way educators and students approach learning and socialising. In a region not averse to future challenges like River Murray flooding, mosquito-borne diseases and bushfires, how can we learn and continue to adapt? Our Education Insider Erin Scammell, former educator and current Communications Manager at Unity College, joins the Head of the Junior School, Sally Blatchford, in the studio with Jennie.

Newly sworn-in Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey joins Jennie Lenman to talk about Council's response to the Flood Emergency and how she will work with community and government to ensure the region is as safe as possible.

South Australians are being encouraged to visit a great part of their own ‘backyard' in SA Murray River Lakes & Coorong region.  Diverse and vast, with so many experiences will still be available over the holiday period including good pub food with magnificent views and safely see the mighty Murray River during an amazing natural phenomenon of high water flows. Tourism Development Manager Bill Nehmy joins Jennie Lenman to share some inspiration.

Following his inspiring book 'Get Moving Keep Moving', psychologist and exercise scientist Dr Gordon Spence has released a new book. '26 Ways to Keep Moving' is a collaboration with his 15-year-old son Riley and a myriad of active community members who have found their passion and are on track for healthy ageing, including an extreme ironing aficionado.  The pair join Jennie Lenman to talk more about it.

Jennie has been in Goolwa, to find out about the great work of the Alexandrina Wildlife Support Group. Co-founder Deanne Smith has dedicated 30 years to rescuing turtles and other animals in need. She tells us more on this National Turtle Month. 

Jacqueline Irvine joins Jennie Lenman in studio to talk about an intruiging study she's come across that demonstrates female dogs cleverly seek out assistance from the most competent person in the house. The pair chat about the study and about curious animal behaviour. 

There is a ride and Christmas lunch on December 3 for the Limestone Coast and Murray Mallee Black Dog Riders at the Meningie RSL Club. Regional Coordinator Rosa Hillam joins Jennie Lenman to discuss what is planned and talk about the important work of the the Black Dog Ride in challenging mental health stigmas and reducing suicide in the community.

The SA State Emergency Service (SES) has been busy working with communities on high Murray River flows while also cleaning up from flash flooding in the Fleurieu Peninsula and widespread storms. SES Chief of Staff Robert Charlton joins Jennie Lenman to provide an update and discuss how river communities can be best prepared.

There's quite a few wine events and festivals featuring wine on SA's social calendar this silly season. Glenn the Wine Guy, aka, Glenn Malycha, Director of Wine Pro, joins Jennie Lenman to talk about what's on.

The Tailem Bend Christmas Parade is back this December 10. There'll be stalls, food, kid's entertainment and Tailem Bend Auto Club for all enthusiasts from 4.30 and a parade from 6pm. It coincides with the Tailem Bend Winter Wonderland, in which children can have a photo with Father Christmas. Organiser of the Winter Wonderland, and Grinch at the parade, Tim Minahan, joins Jennie Lenman to discuss. For those wanting to register a float or help out, get in touch ASAP with organisers with entries closing shortly. Find out more from the Tailem Bend Progress Association website. 

Local Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin joins State Liberal Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick in studio to talk about flooding in the River Murray and the controversial carp eradication plan. The pair also tell Jennie Lenman their thoughts on Federal Budget infrastructure spending and celebrate Mypolonga, 2022 SA AgTown of the Year.

This Remembrance Day, South Australian Vietnam veteran Ken Duthie joins Jennie Lenman to talk about war and sacrifice. He is being honoured today with a memorial and garden and plaque at Marryatville Primary School, one of the many schools he visits to teach children about war and to share historical artifacts and memorabilia. Ken and Jennie discuss the recognition, the meaning of remembrance and the challenges he and his mates faced when they returned from conflict.

A new symbolic memorial for Australian Defence Force members, past and present, has been unveiled on the South Coast. The Avenue of Honour was officially opened by the Victor Harbor Golf Club, Victor Harbor RSL and Council yesterday, Wednesday 9 November. Two dozen trees have been planted along both sides of the verge on Page Road, leading to the Victor Harbor Golf Club to recognise those who have served and the sacrifices they have made to protect the country. Victor Harbor RSL President Kent Johncock joins Jennie Lenman to talk about it and plans for a Remembrance Day service tomorrow, Friday 11 November at the Victor Harbor Soldiers Memorial Garden from 10.30am. 

Jacqueline Irvine joins Jennie in the studio to talk celebrity and family pranks.

It can be quite challenging for some parents and teachers to strike the right balance in communicating and having expectations met. For a chat about best practice, our education insider, Erin Scammell, Communications Manager at Unity College in Murray Bridge, joins Jennie Lenman, along with the school's Acting Principal, Christian Neumann.

Four brothers, originally from the Riverland, lost their mum Tammy to lung cancer in 2016 when youngest son Kylan was just 14 years of age. Tammy never smoked and had no symptoms, and the loss devastated the tight-knit family. Kylan, along with his brothers, decided to turn the heartbreak into action and in 2020 came up with the idea of “220 For Tammy” – riding 220kms from Adelaide to Barmera to raise funds for cancer research.  Upping the ante this year, the boys are on the last leg of a 2,200kms trek from the Gold Coast to Adelaide. Kylan joins Jennie Lenman en route to Adelaide to tell her about his experiences. Find out more and donate via https://www.facebook.com/220ForTammy

Best-selling rural author Fleur McDonald is on a tour around the SA and the East Coast of Australia, sharing her 20th novel Broad River Station. Drawing inspiration from living and working on a farm, her latest story in a series of strong women overcoming adversity, is a novel about a young constable facing prejudice, while attempting to solvie a missing child case. Fleur joins Jennie Lenman in studio for a chat about her work and to read a snippet from the book, following a session at the Murray Bridge Library.

After a couple of challenging COVID years, the Victor Harbor Pageant is back in full swing on Saturday December 10. Rotary Victor Harbor President Mike May joins Jennie Lenman to tell us what's in store.

Each year, the Ag Town of the Year award highlights the importance of developing and maintaining a strong and vibrant agriculture sector in South Australia, by recognising towns excelling in agricultural practices and the flow on effect this has on communities.  Rural City of Murray Bridge Mayor, Brenton Lewis, said he 'couldn't be prouder' of Mypolonga taking out the main prize this year just before he steps down as Mayor. He joins Jennie Lenman to discuss.

The Mypolonga community has won the 2022 AgTown of the Year Award, beating all other SA agtowns at an award ceremony on Friday, including finalists Waikerie, Crystal Brook, Kapunda and Orroroo.   Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven joins Jennie Lenman to talk about it and the Langhorne Creek initiative - ‘Grapes for Good' - which has won global recognition at the Best of Wine Tourism Awards in Argentina.

Mt Barker's 40th Anniversary Christmas Pageant will be returning after a 2-year COVID-19 enforced break on Saturday December 3. Pageant president Phil Barnett joins Jennie Lenman to discuss.

5MU's Jacqueline Irvine joins Jennie in their weekly chat, this time to discuss Cher's multi-million dollar mansion and all of its features. Cher has a whole room dedicated to her wigs! The pair ask, 'what room would you build in your house if you have the space and money?'

If you like country music you're gonna love Chris Hart presenting 'A tribute to Alan Jackson', one of the world's greatest country music superstars. The all-star band will perform a huge selection of favourite Jackson tracks with Chris on Saturday 5 November at Centenary Hall, Goolwa. Chris joins Jennie Lenman to tell her more about it. To book and find out more, go to: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/949534 

Did you know pinot means pinecone in French? What does it have to do with wine and what are the differences between the pinot varieties? Glenn the Wine Guy (aka Glen Malycha, Director of Wine Pro) joins Jennie Lenman to discuss.

There is a callout for citizen scientists at this Sunday's inaugural Bremer Waterbug BioBlitz. Dana Miles Community Engagement Coordinator for Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu joins Jennie Lenman to talk about it. To find out more and register, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bremer-waterbug-bioblitz-tickets-438814133887

Rachael Johns, Australia's leading writer of contemporary relationship stories around women's issues, is touring the Murraylands and Hills Fleurieu region to share her new novel 'The Work Wives' this coming Monday and Tuesday. She joins Jennie Lenman to talk about the book's themes of friendship and modern romance and discuss her creative process. Rachael will be giving a talk at the Victor Harbor Library on Monday 7 November at 5.30pm, at the Murray Bridge Library at 2.30pm on Tuesday 8 November and then later that evening at the Mount Barker Library 6.30pm. Register via https://www.rachaeljohns.com/ 

Home and holiday rentals are booming on the South Coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Joining Jennie Lenman to share some tips for prospective renters and landlords is Sam Forde, Co-Owner and Director Harcourts South Coast.

Middleton Jazz in the Park is on Saturday 5 November, put on by community group, the Middleton Town and Foreshore Association. Eight contemporary SA jazz bands will perform across the 8 hour day from 11am. Hear organiser Jen Watts tell Jennie Lenman more about it. (find out more and book via https://middletonsa.com.au) 

Independent Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie MP has given a B grade to the Federal Budget, saying "While I'm pleased the Federal budget shows a clear focus on climate, cost of living and affordable housing, it is concerningly light on detail and lacking in regional investment" The Federal Centre Alliance Member joins Jennie Lenman to discuss.

There's reportedly more frustrations from South Australian teachers these days about a shift in how behaviour management issues are dealt with from parents, compared to previous generations. Erin Scammell, who has a background as an educator, is the Communications Manager at Unity College in Murray Bridge.  She joins Jennie Lenman to share her thoughts on the topic.

In this podcast, Alexandrina Council CEO Nigel Morris talks to Jennie Lenman about the latest with the controversial Goolwa Wharf Masterplan, the results of the Sugars Beach Public Consultation and upgrade works for the Flying Fish Reserve playground at Port Elliot.

The annual Callington Show has transformed over the years since its inception in 1942. Ahead of the upcoming event this Sunday 30 October, Assistant Secretary, Wendy Grundy joins Jennie Lenman for a chat about the history and what's in store this weekend. Find out more and book via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/954095 

While it is perfectly acceptable to work a job that gives you the money you need to live a fulfilling life, finding a career that fits your ethos and passions can be immensely satisfying. South Australian career coach Ruth Morgan has just launched her first book "Career Awakening: How to Align Your Career with Your Soul Purpose". She joins Jennie Lenman to share some wisdom.

A mother from Bridgewater is working to set up a ‘pod school' in Stirling or nearby Adelaide Hills town, after seeing how successful the style of schooling has been during the pandemic overseas. Julie Marron, who is also a practising Buddhist and writer, joins Jennie Lenman to discuss how it would work. Read more via this link - https://podlearning.au/

Glenn the Wine Guy (aka Glenn Malycha) reckons riesling is in need of a rebrand. He joins Jennie Lenman to share his thoughts on the white grape variety in all its glory and versatility and even come up with a cocktail for us to try. The Director of Wine Pro joins Jennie Lenman for a chat about it.

Community Connection has really suffered during the pandemic.  This Friday 21 October, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo in Murray Bridge will aim to tackle the disconnect, and encourage attendees to find self-acceptance. Gabby McKenzie from the expo's lead agency, Genuine Support Services, joins Jennie Lenman in studio to discuss.

Many people in the autistic community say they go out of their way to try to communicate effectively with people who are not on the autism spectrum; including 'masking' to fit in and doing their best to understand nuance, tone, body language and allusion. But what if so-called 'neurotypical' thinkers took a moment to learn, to help understand and improve communication too? Neuropsychologist Dr Hannah Korell has some advice. She joins Jennie Lenman to discuss.