Cleopatra was the queen of which country?

Easy Mexican bake

1 tbsp olive oil 500g beef mince 1 brown onion, finely chopped 450g sweet potato, peeled, cut into 2.5cm pieces 30g packet taco seasoning 1 tsp dried oregano leaves 800g can diced tomatoes 400g can black beans, rinsed, drained 100g (1 cup) pre-grated Mexican cheese blend 1/3 cup chopped fresh coriander sprigs 2 green shallots, thinly slice

Method

Heat the oil in a large flameproof baking dish over medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion. Cook, using a wooden spoon to break up any lumps, for 8 minutes or until the beef is browned and onion softens. Meanwhile, place the sweet potato in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, covered, on High for 5 minutes or until just tender. Drain. Scatter the taco seasoning and oregano over the beef mixture. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the tomatoes, black beans and sweet potato. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes or until the beans are heated through and the liquid reduces slightly. Preheat grill on high. Scatter the cheese over the beef mixture and grill for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. Season and sprinkle with the coriander and shallot to serve.

Hallmont Estate hosted a Cancer Council SA fundraiser with a twist last month. Moving their traditional Biggest Morning Tea to the Blue Lake Bar & Bistro for an evening function, as part of the centre’s community fundraising dinners, and with $5 from every meal, as well as raffle proceeds, filling the fundraising coffers the Hallmont hosts were able to raise more than $2500. The Hallmont Estate Embers Choir also performed on the night, accompanied by Lily Mawson on keyboard with the initial tally of $2670 still seeing donations added before Hallmont will hand the windfall over to the Cancer Council SA for research and provision of amenities for cancer sufferers.

Hallmont Estate event raises critical funds for Cancer Council More public access to January fireground areas

Mount Gambier City Council reopened Haig Drive and Brownes Lake/Kroweratwari to the public last Tuesday for the first time following the Crater Lakes fire in late January this year.

The area is now accessible following significant risk assessments undertaken by consultant engineers since the fire recovery began.

City of Mount Gambier CEO Sarah Philpott said daily inspections have been undertaken around the area to ensure it is safe to access again.

“To date there has not been any erosion or significant rock debris that has fallen from above the sloped face along the flagged area, even with the recent rainfall,” she said.

Temporary fencing has been relocated closer to the embankment to mitigate the risk of potential landslides causing injury to people in the area, and signage has been installed to indicate the possible hazard of falling rock and other debris.

The signage and fencing is in place to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from stopping and lingering at the embankment and we ask the public to ensure their own safety by obeying all signage and avoiding these areas that can still pose a risk,”Ms Philpott said.

In recent months following the fire council has progressively undertaken inspections and assessments, enabling a staged reopening of areas where the risk to the public has reduced. The Blue Gum Trail and crater rim from the stairs to Centenary Tower, and back section of Carinya Gardens Cemetery are the only remaining zones closed to the public.

“Council has now received a detailed report into the ongoing management of the fire affected trees in these areas and will be assessing the options in the near future,” Ms Philpott said.

Council officers recently undertook a controlled vegetation burn of pest plants along the northern side of Grant Avenue as part of the Blue Gum Trail clean up and it is anticipated the trail will be reopened in the coming weeks. CRATER LAKES UPDATE: (Above top)Haig Drive and Brownes Lake/ Kroweratwari reopened last week with temporary fencing and signage installed to mitigate the risk of potential landslides; (above centre) updated Crater Lakes access map; & (above bottom) the recovery continues.

Author backs up seaside event with Mount Gambier Library book launch

Author Nina Campbell is heading to Mount Gambier Library to launch her debut murder mystery novel Daughters of Eve this Tuesday 7pm, having held a similar event at the Port MacDonnell Library on Monday.

Team leader library programs Kristi Brooks said Daughters of Eve, an unputdownable feminist revenge thriller, ws receiving rave reviews from best-selling Australian authors.

“This thought-provoking novel is filled with twists and will have you questioning notions of justice and retribution and just how far you would go to protect the ones you love,” Ms Brooks said.

When a high-profile murder lands literally at her feet, Detective Emilia Hart sees a chance to expand her caseload beyond the endless succession of domestic violence matters she is forced to investigate. But this is no simple investigation. Another body turns up, then another. Then more - a lot more. All men, all shot, with a similar MO. Nina studied theatre and literature at university before making a career as a professional writer across the community and public sectors. Describing her change in career as a midlife crisis, she now says she is living the dream. “I took a leap to follow my dream.You’ve got one life. Live it to the full,” This is a free event with refreshments provided and books available for sale. Bookings are required and can be made by contacting Mount Gambier Library on (08)8721 2540 or book online at www.mountgambier. sa.gov.au/library under ‘Programs and Events’.