We wish to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of men and women who have served our country in all theatres of war.

This year we are highlighting Harry Katekar’s service in WWII. H.J (Harry) Katekar was on the RIT Board from 1957-1972. He was the son of Charles Katekar MBE who was the chairman of the Board from 1925-1945.

Harry was born in 1914 in Renmark, and graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1937. He enlisted in the SA 2/27 Infantry Battalion in May 1940 as a private, but due to his education was offered a commission and promoted to Lieutenant.

Harry fought in Syria and New Guinea. A pivotal battle for Harry and his battalion took place on the slopes of Mission Ridge in Central New Guinea, on the days after September 7, 1942. The Japanese had outflanked the Australians who were also outnumbered. Japanese snipers were effective and many Australians died or were wounded in the ensuing days. Harry went on to fight in the battle of Gona in New Guinea in December 1942.

After the war, Harry Katekar was Chairman of the Renmark Flood Emergency Committee, which had responsibility for defending and/or evacuating the town if the flood waters rose significantly in July-August 1956.

Harry conducted two interviews which are available on the Australian War Memorial website – Rob Linn in 1990 and Peter Brune in c.2009.

Rob Linn interview and transcript

Peter Brune interview

*Photo from the Kokoda Historical webpage which includes a detailed account of Harry Katekar’s war service

https://kokodahistorical.com.au/diggers-stories/captain-harry-katekar-m-i-d

The Government of South Australia in partnership with the Australian Government is providing a rebate of up to 25 per cent (to a maximum of $25,000 – GST exclusive) to primary producers for the costs associated with the purchase and installation of new on-farm water infrastructure, or to repair or replace damaged infrastructure for livestock and permanent horticulture that assists primary producers to be more resilient for future droughts by protecting high value horticultural assets.

You must have purchased and installed new eligible water infrastructure, or repaired or replaced damaged water infrastructure for existing permanent horticultural plantings on or after 1 July 2019.

Applications close 30 April 2024 or when funding for this round is exhausted, whichever occurs first. Click the link here to find out more.

We have farewelled two long serving RIT staff members in November and December this year.

Dion Heuzenroeder, Technical Services Manager, left in November after 14 years with the Trust. Dion was responsible for IT services and supported the IT needs of the Trust staff, Board members and the wider RIT community. Dion was a friendly face when computers did things we didn’t expect them to do!

We wish Dion all the best for the future.

Stella Reinertsen retired in December after 28 years with the Trust. Stella was the front face of the Trust, working in an administration role to support members and Trust staff. Stella emigrated from Europe as a child with her family after World War II and was a blockie’s daughter. She had a special bond with many of our immigrant members, and was always caring and respectful.

We wish Stella all the best for her well deserved retirement.

The Board, and Staff of the Renmark Irrigation Trust were saddened by the recent passing of Barry Knight. Barry was a highly valued employee at the Trust for 46 years starting work in June 1972 at 19 years of age.

Notice is hereby given that nominations will be received at the Trust Office until 4.00 pm on Friday 10 November 2023, to fill vacancies caused by expiry of the term of office of the following:

        DIRECTORS

                                BUTLER, James

                                KOR, Jasvidar

                                LOGOS, Andrea

                                LUDAS, David

Nomination forms in accordance with the Renmark Irrigation Trust Act 2009 are available at the Trust Office.  Should more nominations be received than there are vacancies to be filled, an election by ballot will be conducted at the Annual General Meeting of Members on Monday 4 December 2023.

A University research team interviewed RIT irrigators last year about their views on the water market, water security, viability of their crops and the long term outlook for horticulture production in the Renmark Irrigation District

The research revealed high levels of uncertainty amongst irrigators regarding their future viability, including unintended consequences from the water market, the role of water brokers, and the environmental viability of the river system.

The lead investigator Guy Robinson presented the findings at the International Geographical Union Congress in Paris last year at the Societe de Geographie building (see photo)

A free copy of the research article – Managing water for environmental provision and horticultural production in South Australia’s Riverland can be downloaded here

Have you lived in Renmark or Loxton for the last 15 years?

If so, your views on how environmental and water policy changes have affected you are needed by a research team from La Trobe University.

If you want to be involved please contact Dr Heather Downey, Chief Investigator – email: H.Downey@latrobe.edu.au

More information can be found here

Commissioner Joanne Chong is coming to Renmark on June 29 for a  public forum on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review. This forum is a chance for community members to share their thoughts and experiences, learn about the review, and contribute to shaping the future of the Basin Plan.

DATE: 29 June 10.30am -12pm

PLACE: Hotel Renmark

Register now to attend: https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/basin-plan-2023/public-forums

Renmark Irrigation Trust was the Council responsible for rebuilding the irrigation settlement in Renmark after the 1956 Flood. It was a momentous task. The costs involved in reconstructing roads, relocating flood levees, rebuilding and reconnecting irrigation channels and blocks were overwhelming.

A panel of Renmark residents spoke on 3 May 2023 at Renmark Paringa Library about their memories of RIT’s role in the reconstruction, and how families rebuilt their lives.  

Panel: Max Burr – Clack John – Ian Tolley

More information about the event can be found here

A video of the event can be found here

Work is being carried out over the Summer to install batteries in the area adjacent to the office at the Main Pump Station.

The batteries will improve the stability and reliability of the electricity supply grid in the local area, and provide an additional income stream to RIT.

RIT is working in partnership with Enel-X on the project.

Greenwood Solutions have been engaged to do the installation work.

Have a look at progress so far!

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7036918909085618176