The year 2025 marked the successful completion of our major upgrade project at Pildappa Rock. Extensive work was undertaken as part of this initiative to enhance visitor’s experience. There are refurbished facilities including new toilet blocks, seating shelters and BBQs.
An almost one-and-a-half kilometre walking trail around the base of the Rock and other trails improved. Works were also carried out to restore depleted vegetation.
Wudinna Council joined with other Eyre Peninsula Councils focussing efforts on addressing the critical shortage of Childcare for Eyre Peninsula. Despite working with Family Day Care on recruitment and in partnership with SA Department of Education who had the Wudinna RSL Kindergarten offering dedicated space for an educator to operate a FDC Business, this approach was unable to attract a service. The lack of childcare in our district does affect families with young children returning to the workforce and the recruitment of workers to our district.
We were pleased to hear the announcement of Australia’s Family Day Carer of the Year was Annette Hutt of Wudinna (our only FDC Provider) who has been providing childcare for 30 years – congratulations Annette you provide such a valuable service to this community.
Council, with thanks to our rate payers continues to provide funding and accommodation to support Wudinna Medical Practice in recruiting and employment of a resident GP for our communities. We are thankful for Dr Scott’s ongoing interest in securing these services.
Road construction, resealing and footpaths continues to have a major focus each year across our district. Continued effort towards greening townships, maintaining our parks and splashpad provides locals and visitors with pleasant surrounds and welcome respite for those travelling.
Council also appreciates the work of Minnipa Progress Association and the work they put in for their community.
Wudinna Council hosted the record-breaking Hay Convoy of some 70 road trains who left Western Australia to deliver export-quality hay for drought affected farms across Eyre Peninsula and throughout the state on their journey eastwards. Wudinna Community Club hosted a dinner for the Volunteer Drivers, local Volunteers provided breakfast. Thanks to all who assisted in any way in making their stop, meals and overnight rest run so smoothly.
Council’s Annual Business Plan and Budget document is available for 2025-26 at wudinna.sa.au or hard copies are available on request at the council office.
Our council staff and councillors wish Andrew Buckham and wife Nola the very best as Andrew (Bucky) retires after 23 years of dedicated service to council and the community.
Andrew’s support during this time has been amazing, his knowledge and efforts both within council and community organisations has been outstanding!
On behalf of council I wish all readers a safe and enjoyable break over this holiday season. May the new year bring good health and kindness to all.
Eleanor Scholz
Mayor Wudinna District Council