This is a page for the Donovans Recreational Advisory Committee (DRAC) in Donovans, SA.
Donovans is a small riverside town on the border between SA and Vic. It is nestled on the west bank of the Glenelg River, where the river creates a distinctive loop. Across the river lies the Lower Glenelg River Conservation Park, a protected area that preserves native bushland at the state border with Victoria. The area features dramatic river cliffs rising sharply from the water, interspersed with lush trees and vegetation, and iconic river shacks.
DRAC is a group of local community members who work to provide community engagement and support activities within the township. Activities include:
- Management of the Community Hall on Atkin Street
- Facilitation of post office box shed
- Easter Sunday community markets
- Regular Friday night get-togethers in the community hall from 6pm
- Social activities for key events
- Art days
- Facilitating health and wellbeing activities for the local community
- Newsletters
History
Donovans lies on the traditional lands of the Boandik people, who lived throughout the South East of South Australia for tens of thousands of years, caring for Country and maintaining strong cultural connections to the land, rivers, and sea. Their presence continues to be felt today, and we acknowledge and respect their enduring connection to this place.
The modern history of the area began in the early 20th century, when it became known as Donovan’s Landing, named after Thomas John Donovan, a local figure known for his involvement in the shooting of the so-called “Tantanoola Tiger.” The locality was formally established in the mid-1900s and gazetted as “Donovans” in 1996.
Population
According to the 2021 Census, Donovans had a population of 111 residents. The predominant age group in the area is between 60–69 years.
