Edithburgh Progress Association Inc

30/08/2026

How amazing!

28/08/2026

Who knows the legend of 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘆?
Is it true?

Long before Jaws, the fishermen of lower Yorke Peninsula had their own legendary shark. They called him Troubridge Tommy.

In November 1903, a newspaper reported that old residents still remembered an extraordinary encounter from “many years ago”. A party of Chinese fishermen was out in a rowing boat when Troubridge Tommy began following them.

The men rowed desperately for shore, throwing fish behind them at intervals in an attempt to distract the monster. It was not enough. Tommy struck the boat and made a hole in its bottom.

With water pouring in, the fishermen stuffed their clothing into the breach to keep the boat afloat while they bailed and continued pulling for shore. The newspaper reported that they “barely escaped with their lives”.

A later account added that the fishermen had a camp at Sultana Bay. After their terrifying encounter, they reportedly abandoned the venture and left for Port Adelaide on the next steamer.

Troubridge Tommy was no fleeting visitor. Ned Tuckey recalled that when he stayed with Stansbury blacksmith Harry Martin as a boy in 1891, Tommy was already well known. Local fishermen told him that whenever the shark appeared, they came ashore.

The 1903 newspaper story was prompted by another remarkable incident: the loss of the fishing cutter Iona, which was reported to have sunk after colliding with a shark. The article did not claim that Tommy sank the Iona, but the incident immediately reminded local residents of their notorious old adversary.

Was Troubridge Tommy one enormous shark that patrolled these waters for years, or did his name become attached to any particularly large and troublesome shark seen around the shoals?

Either way, by 1903 his name and the story of the fishermen’s desperate escape were already firmly embedded in local folklore.

Sources:
Port Pirie Recorder and North Western Mail, 7 November 1903, page 2
The Advertiser, 25 October 1951, page 4
The Advertiser, 29 October 1951, page 4

28/08/2026

Very last chance ... if you're quick!!

This will be such a fun night, get in quick to secure your seat - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1617641

28/08/2026

Is it yours?

This bracelet was located in Edithburgh in early July and handed to the Police. It had not been claimed, there is a slim chance it could have been lost when we were hosting Football and Netball.

There is a design on the other side of the padlock charm.

If you think it belongs to you and can describe the otherside of the charm, call the Edithburgh Police on 88526024

27/08/2026

Eeeek, it's tomorrow, if you want a fab night out, be quick!

This Friday night at the Edithburgh Institute
Get in quick as there are only a few tickets left
Bar available, bring some nibbles and your sense of humour

27/08/2026

Napisan your whites and get on board! 🏏

24/08/2026

Just another day fishing at Edithburgh Jetty...

What an absolute cracker of a photograph.

The Annie Watt is moored alongside Edithburgh Jetty, bags are stacked on the jetty truck, the Castle Salt works dominate the waterfront behind, and right in the middle of this busy working environment, a group of young boys are perched on the edge with their fishing lines in the water.

For these kids, ships, cargo, jetty trucks, salt works and men going about their day's work weren't historic curiosities. This was simply their playground.

This photograph also holds a mystery: the State Library dates it at around 1916, but take a good look at the road in front of Castle Salt. Motor cars are clearly visible, and they certainly appear to belong to a much later era!

Can our local detectives help narrow it down? Does anyone recognise the cars, remember the Annie Watt working from Edithburgh, or recognise any other little detail that might help us date the photograph? And perhaps, just perhaps, somebody might even recognise one of those young fishermen.

We know The Annie Watt was the longest-serving ketch in Port Adelaide’s Mosquito Fleet. Built in 1870, Annie shipped goods to the ports of South Australia for 100 years. She last sailed in 1970 and is now at the South Australian Maritime Museum

22/08/2026

'Thank you' seems completely inadequate! 👏🏼

More milestones worth celebrating in our Edithburgh CFS Brigade

This week we’re proud to recognise two significant achievements within our team — moments that highlight the dedication, commitment, and ongoing growth of our volunteers.

Jeremy “Jezza” Holland has been awarded his 5 Years Service Certificate. Five years of stepping up, answering the call, supporting his brigade, and serving our community with reliability and heart. Jezza’s contribution over the years has strengthened our team and reflects the spirit of what it means to be a CFS volunteer.

Captain Colin Virgin has also reached an important milestone, successfully completing his Truck Licence. This is a major achievement that expands our brigade’s capability and ensures even greater flexibility during future callouts. Don’t be surprised if you see Colin behind the wheel of the Edithburgh fire truck — leading from the front in more ways than one.

These accomplishments remind us that our brigade continues to grow, develop, and invest in the skills that keep our community safe. We’re proud of Jezza and Colin, and grateful for the dedication they bring to Edithburgh CFS

21/08/2026

Don't miss it!