Stay at home mothers will be thousands of dollars worse off than mothers in the paid workforce under both Labor’s and the Liberals’ new paid parental leave schemes. Under Labor, mothers who are in the paid workforce receive the minimum wage for six months (approximately $16,000). Under the Liberals, new mothers receive the equivalent of their current salary up to $75,000. Mothers who are not in the workforce however receive nothing under the Liberals – they are scrapping the baby bonus, and a means-tested $2,000 for their first child and $1,000 for subsequent births under Labor. Continue reading Raw deal for stay-at-home mums →

Pastor Tom Playford has an affinity with the Mount Torrens community; so it is no surprise he will soon become minister of the Mount Torrens Community Uniting Church.
Tom’s mother, Lorna Clark, was born in Mount Torrens and spent the first twelve years of her life living above the general store her father owned.

“My grandparents ran the local general store which is now the post office and my mother went to the local Methodist Church which is now the Uniting Church, and she also attended the old school which is now a residence”, Tom says of his family connection to the hills town. Continue reading Commissioning of Pastor Tom Playford →

In addition to their support of Christian Pastoral Support Worker Alicia Pollard, the members of the Kersbrook Church of Christ were pleased to make a donation of $1000 to the Kersbrook Primary School recently.

The school has used the donation to replace the sand in their sandpit and to purchase ten buckets of sand pit friendly toys.
The children are enjoying putting them to great use during their lunch periods!

Kerbrook School Principle, Mike Walsh, receiving the $1000 cheque from Kersbrook Church of Christ member, Helen Munro.

The Pear Tree and Partridge – Café, Gallery & Patisserie

Photo & story by Rebekkah Sparrow

With a history close to the heart of us here at Along the Grapevine, the building at 21 Main Street, Lobethal has no doubt many stories to tell. The newest story is one of transformation. With Along the Grapevine on to new premises, The Pear Tree and Partridge Café & Gallery brought a new vibe to the main street of Lobethal. Continue reading A café gallery with a community vibe! →

Adelaide Hills girl, Colleen Boyle, has stunned the judges at the South Australian heat of the prestigious Miss Galaxy beauty Pageant.

Colleen will compete for the title of Miss Galaxy Australia next month in Sydney with the 3 other successful state finalists.

“This beauty pageant is one which focuses not only on outer beauty, and the contestants are encouraged to fundraise for Make-A-Wish Foundation”, says Colleen. Continue reading Local sets her sights on the Galaxy →

Story and photo by Kendrea Rhodes

The Kuiper family, with produce from their fresh fruit and vegetable delivery business, called Just the Freshest, which has been servicing the Hills for 10 years.

Shane and Lara Kuiper are hills born and bred. They live in Oakbank with their four children and are deeply involved with their various communities: school, church, sporting, neighbourhood, family and friends. It’s this commitment to community that has seen them make massive changes in their lives; changes which have provided them with a lifestyle and the time to appreciate it. Continue reading Delivering just the freshest in the Hills →

Story and photo by Kendrea Rhodes.

Jason and Michelle Ritcher with some local boys enjoying a party at the Adelaide Hills Slot Car Raceway in Lobethal.

For slot cars, the word Scalextric is as generic as Kleenex is for tissues. It’s quite often associated with youth, as toys for kids – but those who make that assumption obviously haven’t been to the Adelaide Hills Slot Raceway in Lobethal. Continue reading Adelaide Hills Slot Raceway →