Relive the year of social media hits with our top 10 favourite moments of 2017!
Social Feed appears in every Friday edition highlighting the week’s most talked about topics, quirky or comical moments and viral hits.
These are our most memorable Social Feed stories of the year, what was your favourite? Leave a response in the comments below.
1: August 4 – Seal on the loose
A FEMALE elephant seal caused an online media frenzy after the animal arrived on a Port MacDonnell resident’s door step.
The Border Watch journalist Amelia Pepe captured a 20 second video featuring community ranger Dale Millar directing the seal back to sea using a wheelie bin.
With 850 shares, 100,000 views and 1200 reactions, the video reached over 200,000 people.
Online news outlets from across the country and abroad re-posted the video after it began gaining traction from thousands of Facebook users.
Joel Van Eeten: “Is it wheelie a sea lion?”
2: September 28 – Tiger tears flow
Ahead of the AFL grand final clash between his beloved Tigers and the Adelaide Crows, Bugs gave The Border Watch an exclusive video message.
The video of Bugs was viewed over 13,000 times, clocked up 307 reactions and was shared by 57 Facebook users.
The Border Watch: “Did you see the tears flowing from a passionate Richmond FC fan on TV after the Preliminary Final on Saturday? Turns out he is a Mount Gambier local and we have tracked him down!”
3: September 1: Farewell Mr Fox
Mr Fox was a valued contributor to The Border Watch for over 40 years and will be missed by many throughout the South East community.
The Border Watch’s Facebook post about Mr Fox received over 1200 reactions, more than 300 comments and 300 shares.
Barry Thompson: “Rain, hail or shine Laurie would be there, a true gentleman and invaluable member of the motorcycle fraternity.”
Sophie Crauford: “I unfortunately never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Fox but I very much enjoyed his articles in The Border Watch, always a great read.”
Mr Fox’s granddaughter Xarnia Fox also commented on the post, overwhelmed by the heartwarming comments.
Xarnia Fox: “I always knew pa was a loved man, but to see all these kind words is so very touching.”
4: October 2 – Smashing grand final
As it turns out not everyone in Mount Gambier was stoked about the Tigers win.
A smashed television with the words “Richmond won, free TV” scribbled across the screen appeared on Penola Road and attracted plenty of attention online after The Border Watch posted it on Facebook.
Gaining over 75 shares, 550 reactions and hundreds of comments the post reached just over 100,000 Facebook users.
The Border Watch: “These Adelaide fans definitely had something to crow about listing this busted television free for the taking on Penola Road. #wecryasone”
5: December 15 – Killa case of mistaken identity
His iconic blonde dreadlocks were nowhere to be seen as the licence featured his correct information but the image was that of an Asian woman.
The Border Watch posted the story on Facebook where it attracted hundreds of reactions and comments reaching close to 10,000 users.
Charlie Lean: “Haha – that’s killa!”
6: May 19 – Nation’s leader visits
During the visit he popped into the new Headspace Mount Gambier site, stopped at The Border Watch office for an interview and tour and hosted a Politics in the Pub event at the Jens Town Hall Hotel.
The prime minister’s visit sparked plenty of online discussion on The Border Watch Facebook page.
Leonie O’Meara: “I get really suspicious when politicians sneak in to town.”
7: March 31 – AFLW Pride of SA
Two team members hail from the South East with Mount Gambier’s Jenna McCormick and Millicent star Sarah Allan basking in the glory.
Jenna McCormick: “Big thank you to everyone who took the time to congratulate us and write lovely messages, I have seen them all and can’t thank everyone enough for the support.”
Sarah Allan: “AFLW Premiers! Thank you to everyone for the support, all the kind words and messages meant a lot.”
It was an emotional display when the siren sounded and South East residents, businesses and organisations took to social media to congratulate the area’s successful athletes.
8: June 9 – Too Kewell for school
The former Socceroo turned coach hosted two clinics during his visit, appeared at County Grey Menswear for an exclusive event and featured on stage at Tenison Woods College for the A Night Of Inspiration gala dinner.
Fans snapped photographs with the soccer star following the Harry Kewell Academy clinic at Frew Park.
Harry Kewell Academy: “Thanks for having us Mount Gambier, we were so impressed with the way they operate, thank you to Tenison Woods College for the amazing welcome and hospitality.”
Jenifer Tiller: “Great to see the legend at our lake.”
9: May 12 – Aldi announcement
The developers of the Fidler and Webb building in Mount Gambier released a $35m dynamic and contemporary blueprint set to include Aldi, which will share a single-storey site with a new-look Target.
The Border Watch posted the breaking news on its Facebook page, which attracted more than 300 reactions and plenty of shares.
Barbara Thompson: “Awesome, I can’t wait, this will save us trips to Portland or Hamilton, which we have been doing for years.”
10: February 17 – Red hot gaol time
Popular performer and internet sensation Shannon Noll attracted plenty of attention online while visiting Mount Gambier due to his recent arrest outside an Adelaide strip club.
The 2003 Australian Idol runner-up fuelled the fire when he posed for a photo in a cell at the historical gaol in response to fellow former idol performer Guy Sebastian’s social media post.
The image went viral with the hilarious caption: “What the hell is going on? Every time I come to South Australia! I know, it has to be because it is Guy Sebastian’s home state!”
