In December, the Swan Group team—including Swan Brothers, Swan Earthmovers, Swan Agri Business, Swan Heavy Mechanical, and Coorong Realty—came together for a training day focused on mental health awareness and fire safety.

The day kicked off with a BBQ lunch, offering a chance for everyone to relax, connect, and step away from their usual routines. Following lunch, Dr. Michael Kerrigan delivered an insightful session on mental health, emphasising the value of open communication and practical strategies to support one another. His session provided useful tools for fostering a positive and caring workplace environment.

The afternoon transitioned to fire safety training, held at the Swan Earthmovers Depot. Adam Hurle, a Lieutenant with the Meningie CFS, led the session, equipping the team with essential fire safety knowledge. Through hands-on demonstrations, participants learned how to assess fire risks, choose the right extinguisher, and confidently respond to emergency situations.

A big thank you to Dr. Kerrigan and Adam for sharing their expertise, and to the entire team for their active participation. 

As we step into 2025, a new chapter in real estate begins. After a few years of ups and downs, the property market is now entering a steady and promising period of stability and growth. Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, selling your current property, developing new projects, or investing for the future, now is the time to plan your next move.

This year isn’t just about properties – it’s about understanding the market and making the most of the opportunities available. From stable prices to thriving regional areas, here’s what’s shaping real estate in 2025 and how Coorong Realty can help you succeed.

Stability is back

The days of unpredictable price swings are behind us. With a stronger economy and lower inflation, property prices are expected to grow by a manageable 3% to 5% in 2025. This steady growth makes it easier for everyone to make informed decisions.

If you’re looking to buy, this is a great time to enter the market without worrying about overpaying. For sellers, steady demand means a good chance of achieving a strong return. Stability gives both buyers and sellers the confidence to act, and Coorong Realty is here to guide you every step of the way.

The Coorong region is on the rise

While cities bounced back in 2024, 2025 is shining a spotlight on regional areas like the Coorong region. More people are choosing to live in places that offer space, affordability, and a sense of community, while still being in reach of city conveniences.

The Coorong region stands out as an attractive choice thanks to its strong infrastructure, work-from-home options, and fantastic lifestyle opportunities. These factors make it a top pick for buyers, renters, and developers alike. At Coorong Realty, we see incredible potential in this region and are ready to help you tap into it.

Let Coorong Realty help you make your next move

2025 is all about understanding the market and making the right decisions at the right time. With stable prices and growing opportunities in the Coorong region, now is the time to act.

Coorong Realty is here to help you navigate this exciting time in real estate. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, we’re ready to guide you to success. Let’s make your next move together.

In December, the team brought the Wild West to the Tailem Bend Christmas Pageant, joining forces with the wider Swan Group for a memorable evening full of festive fun. Our float featured a saloon, jail, and a lively crew of kids armed with water guns, ready to cool down the crowd and spread holiday cheer.

The event was a fantastic celebration of community spirit, and we are incredibly grateful to the pageant committee for organising such a well-run occasion.

A huge shoutout to the Swan Group team—thanks for coming out and making the day so much fun! A big thank you as well to everyone who worked behind the scenes to bring our float to life and make it all possible.

A major highlight of the night was receiving the Les Scott Memorial Float Award. This recognition was a true honour, not only because it celebrated our efforts but also because it was presented in memory of such a great man. It made the evening even more special, reminding us of the incredible community we’re proud to be part of.

It was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate, enjoy the festivities, and share in the holiday spirit. We loved every moment of being part of the pageant and can’t wait to do it all again next year. Supporting and participating in these wonderful local traditions is something we cherish, and we’re already looking forward to what’s in store for next year. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s pageant so unforgettable!

Did you know the Coorong had its very own Bushranger—and he rode an ostrich?

John Francis Peggotty, born in Limerick in 1864, was a small man who used his size to deceive his victims. In his teens, Peggotty traveled to South Africa, where he learned to manage and ride ostriches. Upon returning to England, he turned to crime, using his small figure to sneak down chimneys and steal jewellery. However, his tendency to show off his stolen goods eventually caught up with him, and he was sent to prison.

After serving his sentence, Peggotty moved to Australia, initially staying with family in New South Wales. He couldn’t resist stealing jewellery again and soon made his way to Adelaide, where he joined a gang of thieves. When most of his accomplices were arrested, Peggotty disappeared into the Coorong, where his eccentric legend began.

Known as one of Australia's most unusual bushrangers, Peggotty was often seen stripped to the waist, adorned in stolen gold jewellery, ornamental pistols, and riding an ostrich. Wild ostriches once roamed the Coorong area, with several farms in the Lakes region breeding them for their prized feathers. Feral ostriches were still spotted on the Narrung Peninsula and throughout the Coorong as late as the 1970s, adding authenticity to Peggotty’s strange tale.

His criminal exploits included robberies and even alleged murders, but his time of crime ended in September 1899 when he attempted to rob fisherman Henry Carmichael. Armed with a long-range rifle, Carmichael shot Peggotty's ostrich and wounded him. Despite bleeding heavily, Peggotty managed to flee into the Coorong scrub. His body was never found, but it’s said that his remains—and a fortune in stolen gold—still lie somewhere in the sand dunes of the Coorong.

If you ever find yourself in Meningie, be sure to visit the ostrich statue commemorating this unique slice of local history. It's a perfect photo opportunity and a fun way to connect with the legend of Peggotty, the bushranger who rode an ostrich!

Mark your calendar for a fantastic free community event on Wednesday, 22nd January, from 5–9 PM at the Meningie Football Club rooms.

Hosted by Coorong Health Services HAC, this event offers a free BBQ dinner, exciting door prizes, and access to mental health and well-being resources.

The evening features special guest Marc Ryan—‘The Beautiful Bogan’, delivering his unique blend of raw, hilarious, and heartfelt comedy that explores mental health, spirituality, and the chaos of life. Adding to the night, Coorong Cats coach and mental health advocate Daniel Menzel will emcee the event, bringing his passion for community and well-being to the stage.

Whether you’re looking for a laugh, support, or a great night out, this event promises to be an inspiring and entertaining experience.