Amelia Costigan

Sep 25, 2024 | abc.net.au | Amelia Costigan

Native angasi oysters in their millions once filled the waters of Coffin Bay on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, filtering water, providing shelter for fish and preventing coastal erosion. But the arrival of European settlers on the shores of the Eyre Peninsula in the 1840s signalled the death knell for the angasi oysters, which were dredged to near extinction within a century. Now the community has banded together to revive the "ecological superheroes".

Sep 5, 2024 | abc.net.au | Emma Pedler |Amelia Costigan

It's been an exceptional whale season on the South Australian coast, where the return of southern rights — along with several rare white calves — after a mysterious absence last year is being celebrated by enthusiasts. Lower Eyre Peninsula whale watcher Marianne Stockham said she had seen 13 whales in Sleaford Bay on some days. And according to Ms Stockham, the behaviour of this year's group of migrating whales has been remarkable.

Aug 23, 2024 | abc.net.au | Emma Pedler |Amelia Costigan

In the seaside city of Port Lincoln, the bustling marina and prosperous agricultural port are a tribute to the success of the seafood industry and early pastoralism in one of the most arid areas of the country. But the prosperity and scenery belie a darker story of the settlement of the town. The Eyre Peninsula was the scene of some of the most violent encounters of the "frontier wars", which saw many men, women and children die from both local Aboriginal and settler communities.

Aug 6, 2024 | abc.net.au | Amelia Costigan |Arj Ganesan

The RSPCA has announced its Port Lincoln branch will cease operations on August 31 due to reduced numbers of stray animals in its care. Local animal rescue volunteers say the regional city is overrun with stray cats. Port Lincoln Council will now be solely responsible for managing and rehoming stray animals in its facility, which has capacity for 12 dogs and 12 cats.

Aug 2, 2024 | abc.net.au | Amelia Costigan

When it comes to reporting domestic violence in a regional area, the odds of knowing someone who works in a frontline service are far higher than in metropolitan areas. Service providers say the close-knit nature of geographically isolated communities can result in a perceived lack of anonymity and confidentiality which can discourage women from speaking up. And the stigma surrounding domestic violence can also be a powerful challenge to overcome.