Fleurieu Living Magazine Summer 2024-25

A new look for a New Year

Explore the newest home on the Fleurieu this summer!

A new year deserves a fresh new look, which is why our Victor Harbor display village is being transformed.

Experience our brand-new Lindsay 162, designed for effortless, relaxed coastal living and get a taste of what could be your dream holiday home. Plus, keep an eye out for another upcoming NEW design that’s also underway—thoughtfully designed to make every day feel like a holiday.

Start your journey at our display village, open 7 days, and discover how a Sarah Home could be the perfect new look for your Fleurieu holiday escapes.

Our display homes are open 7 days a week and are located at Victor Harbor, Old Noarlunga, Mile End, Pooraka and Murray Bridge*. Visit our website for details.

LINDSAY 162 NOW OPEN AT VICTOR HARBOR

Key Personnel Publisher Information

Other

Petra de Mooy

Petra started her career as a furniture designer/maker, but always had aspirations to write so … why not start a magazine? Making the connections we’ve made and getting to know this region in-depth has been a gift.

Jason Porter

Jason has worked as a graphic designer, creative director and more recently photographer for thirty-five plus years. When not in the office, he can often be found in the garage working on his 1963 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport.

Kate O’Donoghue

When not engaged in presenting the world with Play Pouch, the innovative toy storage bag and mat she co-designed, Kate enthusiastically embraces the vibrant culture of the Fleurieu. She is without a doubt a valued addition to our team.

contributing writers, photographers and stylists:

Diana Brandt, Dr Jessie Byrne, Hollie Connery, Poppy Fitzpatrick, Sam Healy, Zöe Kassiotis, Mark Laurie, Kate Le Gallez, Photon Studio, Sarina Persaud, Myriah Smith, Nick Stock, Teri van Aalst and Harry Vick.

PUBLISHER

Fleurieu Living Magazine is published four times a year by Fleurieu Living Pty Ltd. ISSN 2200-4033

PUBLISHING EDITOR AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

Petra de Mooy petra@fleurieuliving.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jason Porter jason@fleurieuliving.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES

Kate O’Donoghue kate.o@feurieuliving.com.au

EDITOR

Dr Jessie Byrne

PRINTER

Newstyle Print

DISTRIBUTION

Wrapaway

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Print: isubscribe.com.au

Digital: zinio.com

ALL ENQUIRIES

Petra de Mooy petra@fleurieuliving.com.au

POSTAL ADDRESS

PO Box 111, Aldinga, South Australia 5173.

ONLINE fleurieuliving.com.au facebook.com/FleurieuLivingMagazine instagram.com/fleurieulivingmagazine/

COPYRIGHT

All content is the copyright of Fleurieu Living Magazine Pty Ltd unless otherwise stated.

While Fleurieu Living Magazine takes every care to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication, the publisher accepts no liability for errors in editorial or advertising copy. The views of the contributors are not necessarily endorsed by Fleurieu Living Magazine.

Printed on paper from well-managed forests and controlled sources using environmentally friendly vegetable-based inks.

An SA icon has come to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

We are excited to announce that we have officially become Harris South Coast.

Harris South Coast is made up of the same faces you’ve always known in sales, property management and holiday letting.

We are still here, still ready to serve you, and still ready to help our local community.

We couldn’t be prouder to bring this SA icon to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Real estate sales

Commercial sales and leasing

Property management

Holiday accommodation

Encounter BayVictor HarborHayboroughPort Elliot

Hindmarsh Island Middleton Goolwa

Head Office: 244 Port Elliot Road, Hayborough | Goolwa Office: 18a Cadell Street, Goolwa Hindmarsh Island Office: Tolarno Drive, Hindmarsh Island

A special thanks to the advertising partners that have made a long-term commitment to FLM.

Silent Disco 4 Kids Party Community Centre on 27 April , at Centenary Hall, Goolwa on 5 May

Our Mob 2015, Aboriginal arts at Signal Point Gallery, Goolwa from 5 May to 11 June

Good Things Small Packages, at South Coast Regional Art Centre, Goolwa from 5 May to 18 June

*Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - The Elton John at Centenary Hall, Goolwa on 20 May * tickets/ booking required

Visitor Information Centre on 1300 466 592 . Alexandrina Council more events in the region, www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au

From the publishing editor

This year has been one of transformation, particularly in the McLaren Vale region with the ongoing South Road duplication project. While the roadworks have undoubtedly caused some disruption, the longterm benefits for commuters, businesses and tourists are becoming more evident each day.

Among the roadworks, however, there’s something much more exciting taking shape: our expanding network of bike paths. From Willunga to Aldinga, Flat to Vale, and the South Road Trail, these new paths are a game changer. They’re giving us safer and more scenic ways to get around. They’re helping us to connect to our community while preserving our environment. And they’re ideal for a relaxing weekend activity or a quick sprint to work. Choosing cycling over driving has never been easier or more enjoyable.

As we head into 2025, it’s clear that our region is becoming more focused on sustainability and active transport. These bike paths are just the beginning, and we’re excited to see how they’ll continue to grow and help shape a healthier, more connected future for us all. On behalf of the Fleurieu Living team, I wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the New Year. Here’s to a more bike-friendly 2025!

Petra de Mooy

Since purchasing an ebike in 2024, I am determined to make it across all areas of Onkaparinga to experience the new bike path infrastructure. Weekends are for a ride to the Kiosk at Pearl, Aldinga for a morning coffee and their outstanding breakfast roll. Day to day it is all about getting down to the beach and going for a refreshing dip.

We plan to ride to the Salopian for lunch and to check out their new vegetable garden. We may also revisit our ride to Harry’s Deli at Wirrra Wirra for a sandwich (last time we tried that my partner, Jason, went head over heels on the ebike and broke his wrist).

Kate O’Donoghue

There’s no better way to spend sunny summer mornings than being outdoors, picking, purchasing and enjoying the freshest food the region has to offer. You’ll find me at Harvest the Fleurieu selecting sun-ripened strawberries straight from the plant. Whether they’re eaten fresh (and still warm from the sun), added to a cheese platter, or transformed into a batch of homemade jam, strawberries from the Fleurieu always taste sweeter. I also like visiting the Willunga Farmers Market for fresh, locally grown produce. Supporting local growers and producers is a meaningful way to connect with the community and celebrate the abundance of the season. This year, I’m planning on trying new recipes using the market’s offerings, starting with the Vietnamese salad shared on page 40.

Teri van Aalst

This summer, Max (my dog) and I can’t wait for our morning walks and ocean dips at Aldinga Beach – just a minute’s walk from home! We often make a quick stop at Zan’s coffee van for a takeaway flat white and a puppuccino – they’re perfectly parked on the cliff at one of the carparks near the stairs. My partner, Marcel, is a dedicated surfer, while I prefer paddleboarding. On warm summer evenings, we’re looking forward to taking the car onto Silver Sands Beach, picking up a pizza from the Pizzateca van, and lounging in the back of the ute, sandy, salty and refreshed, watching the sunset and hoping to spot dolphins. Maybe even topping it off with a cheeky drink from the fantastic beverage selection at Silver Sands Beach Club.

Below left to right: On the Flat to Vale Trail amongst the vines. A sure sign of summer ... freshly picked strawberries. Teri and Marcel’s dog, Max loves his beach walks.

an amazing photo on the

lately? Tag us on Instagram and you could see your handiwork in print. Each issue we’ll choose an image to publish right here in the pages of FLM. @fleurieulivingmagazine

Taken

Fleurieu

This photo taken at sunset at Second Valley is by Nathan Godwin: @nathangodwin

FOOD, WINE & SPIRITS

40 W illunga Farmers Market Producer Profile: with recipe May Yung of O riental Green

50 D rinkability: Wine reviews by Nick Stock

86 Food for the soul: The Aldinga Soup Kitchen

38 Places we love: Port Burger gets shifty

28 A lways always cocktails at Never Never Distilling Co.

PENINSULA PEOPLE

10 Take one: Teri van Aalst

MAKE A DATE

12 Events, Art, Workshops, Places to be

64 G et amongst it on the Southern Fleurieu

110 D og days: Dog friendly locales

CYCLING

44 R ide & Roam: Bike trails of the O nkaparinga Region with pull-out map.

42 Neutral Spares

Take One

Teri van Aalst

Wine enthusiast and writer

Teri van Aalst is a freelance writer. With years in the wine industry, she brings to life the stories of wine brands and the people behind them. ‘I love digging into the details that make each wine unique – whether it’s the winemaking process, vineyard history or the subtleties that change between vintages,’ she says.

Alongside storytelling, Teri has a strong interest in the technical side of the wine industry. Some of her articles on innovations in winemaking have been published in Wine Industry Network and Decanter.

Connections to the Fleurieu

I grew up in the lovely coastal suburb of Hallett Cove. My connection to the wine industry has been rooted in McLaren Vale where I’ve spent most of my career working across various cellar doors. McLaren Vale’s wine community and vineyards have shaped my passion for the industry and given me a deep understanding of the business and craft of great wine.

After some years away, I now call Aldinga Beach home and I can honestly say it’s one of the best places to live. Sandwiched between the stunning coastline and rolling vineyards, it’s the perfect balance of natural beauty and the wine culture I love.

I have a double degree in Travel and Tourism and Business Management from TAFE SA which has given me a solid foundation in strategy and operations. I have also completed Levels 2 and 3 Awards in Wines with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)

and I am nearing completion of WSET’s Diploma in Wines. These qualifications have added to my broad knowledge of the wine and tourism sectors.

My career highlight came recently when I won the 2024 Wine Media Cadetship with Wine Communicators of Australia. This six-to-eightmonth program will allow me to work alongside industry experts, learning about wine communication and media. A highlight of the cadetship was travelling to Verona, Italy for the Great Wine Capitals Conference where I represented South Australia in discussions about wine tourism. It was not only educational but also inspiring, meeting global wine people and reconfirming my love for the industry. It’s been the best thing I’ve done so far and I’m looking forward to using the knowledge and connections I’ve gained.

Post-COVID my Dutch partner and I moved to the Netherlands for a couple of years and, in need of work, I started my own business, Wine Not by Teri.

Living there I quickly realised wine wasn’t as big in the market and my skills didn’t quite align – especially since I wasn’t fluent in Dutch. So I pivoted and started offering contract services to wine bars and urban cellar doors, curating cellar door experiences, training staff and teaching WSET courses to wine schools as a freelancer around the Netherlands but mainly in Amsterdam.

I also wrote for a Dutch wine publication during that time, highlighting Australian wine and giving it the recognition it deserves. This was the beginning of my wine writing career and it’s been growing ever since.

Make a date

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

December

Frothing Fridays

Victa Cinema, Ocean St, Victor Harbor

Third Friday of every month

Encounter Coast Surf Reserve and Victa Cinema present Frothing Fridays, proudly supported by the legends at Yeo Haus. On the third Friday of each month, see surf culture on the big screen to celebrate one hundred years since surfing was first recorded along our coastlines in 1924 and 1925. For film details and to book tickets visit the website at ww.victacinemas.com.au.

Twilight Markets

Rotary Park, Christies Beach

Fortnightly Friday 6 December – 28 March, 5pm - 9pm

Located at the bustling end of Beach Road on the Esplanade at Christies Beach, Rotary Park is the perfect place to enjoy market stalls, live music and food vendors.

Friday Twilights at Chalk Hill

56 Field Street, Mclaren Vale

Every Friday from 1 December, 5pm - 9pm

Positioned perfectly for a spectacular Fleurieu sunset, this is a sure way to reel in the weekend with Chalk Hill Wines, Never Never Distilling and Cucina di Strada. Walk-ins and bookings welcome.

Saltbush Country

Signal Point Experience Centre, Goolwa Wharf Precinct Wednesdays to Sundays, 14 December – 26 January, 10am - 4pm Saltbush Country provides a rare opportunity to experience the works and worldviews of First Nations artists working independently across regional SA. In this exhibition, seven artists tell stories of their culture, community and connection to Country.

Goolwa Christmas Pageant and Christmas Concert

Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct

15 December, 5pm

A delightful evening with a charming pageant, live music, tasty food vendors and a cosy twilight market. The kids can enjoy free rides and entertainment, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.

Carols in the Park, Port Elliot

Port Elliot Town Square 17 December, 6pm

Join the community for a night of festive Christmas carolling. All welcome, free entry. Bring a rug or chair to sit on.

The New Year’s Eve Train

31 December, 7:30pm

Experience the Steam Ranger’s 1950s Redhen Railcar fleet like never before, decked inside and out with Christmas lights and decorations. The New Year’s Eve Train will depart Goolwa for Victor Harbor, arriving in town with ample time for the family fireworks at 8pm. The train will depart Victor Harbor at 11pm for Goolwa, arriving in time for passengers to see in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display off the Hindmarsh Island bridge! Book online at steamrangerheritagerailway.org.

Dandelion Vineyards New Year’s Eve Lunch

191 Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale 31 December, 11am or 2pm sittings

Grab some wine-loving friends and join Dandelion Vineyards and their Wonder Room staff to see out 2024 with gusto among the breathtaking views of Firehawk Farm and the Fleurieu. Tickets are $145 per person. To book go to dandelionvineyards.com.au.

January

Chilli Fest Willunga

Willunga Recreation Park

22 – 23 February

All things hot ’n’ spicy in Willunga. Chilli plants and produce, chilli foods and cooking demonstrations, plus chilli-related merchandise. ‘Chill Out’ with live music, local beer, wine and sangria, plus enjoy a little local colour with the artisan market. Chilli Fest Willunga is hosted by the Willunga Recreation Park as a fundraiser for this community owned and managed facility.

NOTE: For long-time or even sometime readers of FLM, you may notice our ‘Markets’ listing has been omitted. In an effort to create more space to focus on what’s happening seasonally in the region, we’ve opted to move the listing to our website (fleurieuliving.com.au/markets).

SummerVines Festival

McLaren Vale

17 – 27 January

A festival to celebrate the very best of summer in the Vale! Enjoy a glass in the sun and experience how the gorgeous natural landscape influences everything – from the bright contemporary wines we craft and our vibrant foodie culture, to our creative artisans and our laid-back coastal lifestyle. Visit summervines.com.au for more information.

Summer Series of Science – Caring for our Water Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre, Goolwa 24 January 5:30pm - 7pm

Join researchers from the Goyder Institute for Water Research, community guests and First Nations contributors for their perspectives on how, why and who is acting for our water in the Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region. Discussions will focus on sustainable practices, long-term plans and actions. Register now at cllmmresearchcentre.org and find out about the free and family-friendly Community Science Showcase event on Friday 7 February, 4pm - 7pm.

Tour Down Under – Men’s Stage 5

McLaren Vale to Willunga 25 January

Vineyards. Coastline. Bushland. The 145.7 km Stage 5 explores it all. The action begins in McLaren Vale and will see riders travel north on a loop through McLaren Flat. They’ll tackle Wickham Hill while en route to the top of Willunga Hill, then race down its slopes for the first time in Santos Tour Down Under history before heading to the Aldinga coast for two Snapper Point sprints. The final third of this stage will include two ascents of Willunga Hill and the chance for a champion to emerge.

February

Indigenous Fringe Festival

Red Poles, 190 McMurtrie Rd, McLaren Vale 15 February – 31 March

The festival opens on Saturday 15 February with a smoking ceremony, welcome to Country and live Indigenous music. The mixed media art exhibition ‘Land, Sea and Community’ features artists from the remote regions of Ceduna, Koonibba, Scotdesco, Yalata and Oak Valley. Pictured below is artwork by artist Sherrie Jones. Don’t miss the cabaret on Saturday 22 February with First Nations performers Glenn Skuthorpe and band Telegraph Road. The festival is a window into the oldest living culture on earth and delivers an intimate showcase for art, music, and cultural and contemporary performances. It is a platform for collaboration, conversation and a showcase for work from remote communities. >

Beachside Food and Wine Festival

Rotary Park, Beach Road, Christies Beach 15 February, 4pm - 9pm

This popular beachside festival is returning in 2025 with live tunes, cooking demonstrations to inspire your summer entertaining menu, and a selection of local wine, beer and spirits sure to complement ocean views – we’ve certainly got it good.

Sealink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival

Kangaroo Island Cygnet River Racecourse 20 – 22 February

The Cygnet River Racecourse comes alive with great country racing. Thursday is a casual race day, but Saturday is when race-goers like to dress up in true racing style and enjoy the trackside entertainment, colourful marquees, fashion on the field competition, and the abundance of local Kangaroo Island food and wine. More information at kiraces.com. >

March

Powerful Women International Women’s Day Event

Victor Harbor Town Hall

1 March, 5pm

The second annual Powerful Women International Women’s Day event returns. For 2025, we go even deeper with our panel event exploring women’s power followed by an after-party with dinner and dancing at the Victor Town Hall. Tickets $65.

ART EXHIBITIONS

Into the Slipstream: Painting, Fibre, Clay Red Poles, 190 McMurtrie Rd, McLaren Vale Open daily, 1 December – 9 February, 9am - 4pm Art exhibition ‘Into the Slipstream: Painting, Fibre, Clay’ opens at Red Poles gallery on 23 November. This mixed media exhibition showcases the works of Wendy Redden, Jan Brown, Skye Brown and Charles Southwood and will be featured throughout the summer months.

Surf Art Christmas Market

Arts Centre, Port Noarlunga 15 December, 10am - 4pm

Surf’s up at the Porties Surf Art Christmas Market where local artists will display their ocean-inspired works in a range of mediums including paintings, prints, jewellery and homewares –the perfect place to come do your gift shopping.

Rotary Art Show

Warland Reserve, Victor Harbor

11 January, open daily 9:30am - 8:30pm

Australia’s largest outdoor art exhibition is set to break records with its 46th art show held this summer. Whatever your taste in art, this is a show to browse, enjoy and buy.

Powerful Women 2025 Exhibition Opening

10 Coral St, Victor Harbor

7 February, 5:30pm - 8pm

Featuring emerging artist Stella Wright with Crystal Falzon, Emma Falt and Lauren Knowles, each producing ingenious works nudging and challenging our view on the power within. The event is free but bookings are required for catering purposes. Light nibbles and a glass of wine provided. Book via https://www. coralstreetartspace.com/events.

WORKSHOPS

Regenerate with Wildhand Flower-bunching Workshop

Wildhand Farm, 19 Bishop Road, Willunga Hill

Every Saturday, 4 January – 29 March, 2pm - 4pm

Wildhand Farm, a regenerative flower farm in the hills, invites you to reconnect with nature through a creative flower-bunching workshop led by Alice. Enjoy a farm tour, immerse yourself in the vibrant flowers, and meet the farm’s charming Highland cows.

Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventure – School

Holiday Programs

Various locations

16 December – 23 January

Say goodbye to boredom and hello to thrilling adventures this school holidays with an exciting line-up of activities like kayaking, surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking and more. Make unforgettable memories in the great outdoors, gaining new skills in these fully supervised half-day and full-day activities. With transport included and knowledgeable outdoor educators guiding the way, get ready to embark on an epic journey of discovery and endless fun. Visit wildernessescape.com.au.

Rolling at Red Poles – Linocut Printmaking Workshop

Red Poles, 190 McMurtrie Rd, McLaren Vale

8–9 February, 10am - 3:30pm

This two-day workshop with artist Gail Kellett caters to new and experienced printmakers alike, offering the opportunity to take home a series of your very own hand-painted prints. The workshop is $250 per person, including all materials, bubbles, and morning tea and a light lunch each day.

Email redpoles@redpoles.com.au to book.

Moments in time

Story by Kate Le Gallez. Photography by

Photon Studio.

So often when we think about time it’s about not having enough of it. Of it going too quickly or, more rarely, of it passing too slowly. Mostly we’re thinking about time as a measure, as a defined period or a way of explaining the space between then and now. The ancient Greeks called this conception of time ‘chronos.’

But the Greeks also had another word for time – ‘kairos’.

According to Daneile Hatji, architect and co-founder of Kairos Design Studio, kairos is not just any period of time, it’s a specific moment that represents great significance or opportunity.

‘It’s seizing those moments in time that are just right,’ she says. ‘We chose it for the business because those are the things that we want

to impart within our work.explains. Architecture is about moments, isn’t it? It’s about creating spaces, experiences, and moments for people to spend their lives and creating the opportunity to think about each moment.’

There’s no getting around the fact that Daneile and her co-founder Kiyana Khalili formed Kairos in the wake of difficult circumstances. The two had met working for McLaren Vale architect Anatoly Patrick, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022. Recognising their complementary skills and working styles, Kiyana and Daneile decided to build a new business together while also respectfully continuing on with some of the unfinished projects they had worked on with Anatoly.

One such project was a new build at an historic property just outside of Yankalilla known as The Olives, owned by Wendy and Mark Day. Settlers first built on the property in the 1850s, enveloping the fouracre home block within 200 olive trees. The property passed through various hands over its lifetime and by the time Wendy and Mark >

Page left and above: The new home designed by Kairos Design and built by J Turner Constructions sits unobtrusively in the landscape and gardens at The Olives.

bought it in 2005, the historic home sat on a one-and-a-half-acre block. Two years later, they were able to acquire the adjacent paddock, returning the property to its original four acres.

With the extra space Mark and Wendy created a lush European-style garden bridging the space between the old home at the eastern end of the property and the eventual site for their holiday home at the western end. The brief for the new build was that it should not be conspicuous. Seeing themselves as curators of a piece of South Australian history, it was important that the new house should bow to the old, and not the other way round.

‘My greatest desire was to not have the new house be in your face,’ explains Mark. ‘It’s designed to be unobtrusive, which sounds odd when you’ve got six-metre ceilings.’

Daneile and Kiyana’s design, built by J Turner Constructions, achieves this feat through the careful selection of materials and a muted

exterior colour palette. Approaching from the driveway alongside the gardens, the house sits humbly alongside the wizened boughs of a nearby olive. Clad in timber preserved via the Japanese method of charring and oiling the wood known as shou sugi ban, the matte black exterior fades into its setting. Even as the roofline rises dramatically, the decision to paint the soffit black minimises its impact on the landscape while the extensive glazing, facing east towards the old house, reflects back images of the garden, completing the camouflage.

It’s clear immediately that this house wears its many hats with effortless grace.The entryway into the house makes the most of the ceiling height, moving from the muted exterior into the bright, generous entry hall that looks straight onto a water fountain in a small courtyard. The smooth thresholds and wide passageways create an abundant feeling of space while also making mobility easy. The timber-batten wall introduces the first of many pieces of art in the >

Page left: A stylish portico gives way to a lofty foyer. Above: The dining room with views to the established gardens includes some of the couple’s art collection.

owners’ collection, while also secreting a self-contained studio tucked in behind the garage and looking onto the courtyard.

From the expanse of the entry, the dropped ceiling height of the passage draws the eye through to the main living area. While there’s a temptation to move straight through the corridor, the gallery lighting and more compressed space draws attention to the collection of photos and memorabilia celebrating Wendy and Mark’s long media careers lining the walls.

‘It gave us the opportunity to control the light for the art and bring a bit of a different feeling of going from the dark to light, from closed to exposed, and to create different experiences,’ says Kiyana.

In addition to the studio, three further bedrooms and a utility room branch off from the corridor before arriving in the kitchen and living area. The floor-to-ceiling windows, shielded and framed by the extended roofline, mean the garden isn’t experienced as something distant and external, but as an extension of the interior living space.

‘Here it’s really all about that view, looking down through the garden to the old house. The clients wanted to be able to sit in the dining room and look out at the vista,’ says Daneile.

It’s one of those moments that Daneile and Kiyana envisaged creating when they named their business – a moment of perfect opportunity to experience the harmony of new and old, inside and out. None of >

Page left: The kitchen with a dreamy feature wall tile and gorgeous stone countertop by Innovative Kitchens. Page left bottom and this page above: The couple’s eclectic collection of furniture, art and memorobilia both from their travels and long careers in the media.

which happens by accident, but instead requires meticulous planning and calculation to align sustainability and energy considerations with the aesthetic and historical context of the site. It’s not just about drawing a plan, but making something sit well in context.

Daneile explains: ‘It’s all about working with the orientation as well because that overhang allows the outdoor area to be shaded and you get this beautiful morning sun underneath the olive tree and this beautiful shady spot in the afternoon.’

The juxtaposition of the old and the new in this property speaks to the value that architecture can bring into our lives. ‘It’s amazing to walk

through the old building, which is more than one-hundred years old, and walk through the history. That’s what architecture offers,’ says Kiyana.

At the other end of the block, Daneile and Kiyana have created an entirely different, yet sympathetic experience. One that honours their friend and mentor Anatoly, while also allowing them to establish their new studio and, most importantly, create an experience that the owners can cherish for many years to come.

Top: Transitioning from the more intimate space of the hallway to the main living area with grand views of the garden. Bottom: The large beloved and ancient olive tree frames the home.

Publishing editor’s note: In October 2024 I saw a post on Instagram by Ngarrindjeri artist Amanda Westley. I have long followed Amanda’s work and we have featured her paintings in the pages of FLM. Her dot paintings are meticulously detailed and her compositions and use of colour are inspiring. Amanda’s weaving is equally intricate.

Ngarrindjeri culture and Country

Amanda’s story about weaving and her people and their stories:

When I weave, I think about all the stories the old people have told me about ruwi (Country). Those stories and knowledge are then woven into every stitch and while I am weaving I pass those stories to my children while they weave... Our stories are woven into the headpieces… The Ngarrindjeri nation is surrounded by  water... the headpieces are decorated with shells found in yarluwar (ocean)... the emu, owl and cockatoo feathers are from birds around Ngarrindjeri ruwi that are apart of our creation stories.

I wanted to shed some light on Ngarrindjeri people within community who are achieving amazing things, paving incredible pathways for younger future generations, keeping culture alive, and healing ruwi. By sharing their stories, achievements, struggles and visions, I hope to inspire self-determination in other Ngarrindjeri so they continue the journey of looking after Country, enjoying our culture and maintaining language.

The people I have selected are people who I look up to, people who have created safe spaces for other Ngarrindjeri people on the hard journey of self identity, who are encouraging and supportive, who

have incredible amounts of passion for their culture and people, and who have withstood struggles and used those struggles to forge pathways and opportunities for the generations to come.

Here is what we are creating:

Amanda Westley

I am the curator of Water People 2025 for the Coral Street Art Space and I am making it 100 per cent First Nations. I am working with mob all over Australia, including the Tiwi Islands, for the exhibition with the vision of showing the importance of water to mob.

I have a deep connection to Country, it is a part of my identity. I have a responsibility to care for Country and in return Country cares for me. Country is more than just land ... Country is family.

My vision is to make Country healthy. If we have healthy Country then we have healthy people. By caring for Country we are preserving our culture and community. Caring for Country is more than just physical care, it is also looking after our stories and songs that are embedded in Country and help us connect to parts of Country. I look to my ancestors, family, community and Elders. Our Elders are a library of knowledge and have worked so hard to pave an easier path for my generation and the next; they have created a safe space to ask for help and guidance.

The Instagram post was of Amanda wearing a woven headdress with emu feathers. I contacted her with an idea. Could we approach some of her peers in the Ngarrindjeri community and would she make them headdresses for a series of portraits and stories?

Kyla McHughes

I work at the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre as the First Nations Engagement Officer. We are working on projects such as freshwater soaks, lokeri (freshwater mussels), and water birds and iconic species. I teach Ngarrindjeri language and as an artist create community art projects.

I’m deeply connected to all living things: lands, waters, animals, birds and fish. I pay respect to my ancestors and Elders past and present and try to do what they would be proud of. I express my mi:wi (soul) through my painting.

My vision for ruwi (Country) stems from the deep connection we share with the lands and waters. Country needs healing through cultural burning that revitalises ecosystems and biodiversity. I envision a future where our traditional knowledge and practices are embraced, allowing us to nurture our lands and waters for generations to come.

I look to my Elders and my family for guidance. I also look to my Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Peramangk brothers and sisters who are doing deadly and inspirational things. If we look after ruwi and our nga:tjar (totems), in return they guide us and protect us.

Uncle Clyde Rigney

I am Ngarrindjeri born in Raukkan in the 1950s. My traditional Ngarrindjeri group is Tanganekald Laklinjeri from the Coorong. I am the Chairperson of the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation and have been for the last four years. I take my role seriously and encourage all Ngarrindjeri people to get involved and contribute to their communities on Ngarrindjeri Ruwe.

All of my work projects concern the Ngarrindjeri nation and are community focussed. These include land, water, culture and heritage projects that cover all Ngarrindjeri lands which include the Ramindjeri, Yaraldi and Tangane regions, recognised as Ngarrindjeri groups that make up the Ngarrindjeri Native Title areas.

My vision is for all Ngarrindjeri to connect to their lands and cultural heritage, to have the ability and opportunities to have good health, employment and education that allow them to prosper in their own land. The Ngarrindjeri community needs a unified approach from all Ngarrindjeri people to achieve success.

I have particular Elders who I speak with, which is important. Listening to our next generation is essential to have a broader understanding of community and voices that are speaking out about the challenges facing our Ngarrindjeri people. >

Page left: Artist Amanda Westley, who made all of the headdresses – hers feature emu feathers. Above left: Kyla McHughes’ headdress incorporates owl feathers. Right: Uncle Clyde opted for no headdress and was photographed by Glenn Power near his home at Raukkan.

Uncle Mark Koolmatrie

Ruwi (land, waters and cosmology) is everything. I continue to improve ruwi in collaboration with the Yundi Nature Conservancy and swamp holders. This project is about sharing ruwi, improving relationships and most importantly the environment of the Fleurieu swamps.

To understand the importance of connection and to understand ruwi in its entirety is crucial to understanding the past, present and future. Within our mi:wi (inner guidance) is the ability to honour our ancestors and to carry forward the messages of those ancestors.

My vision is to be involved in nature repair by firstly understanding ruwi and its needs, doing this by putting the nga:tjar system first and foremost (totems of ruwi, families and our mi:wi). I want people to find their own connection to significant sites and be part of micro, macro and major repairs.

My guidance comes from my family, other Elders and researchers like Philip Clarke. Guidance for me comes from John Fargher of Nature Conservancy and listening to the voices of landholders, farmers and other nature repair enthusiasts.

Above: Uncle Mark Koolmatrie recently entered the Hall of Fame for the Tourism Industry Council of SA for his company ‘Kool Tours’. Mark’s headdress incorporates the tail feathers of a Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo.

By Kaija Saariaho Directed by Simon Stone

Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch + Terrain Boris Charmatz

Always always cocktails at

Get ready to shake things up with these spirited creations from Never Never Distilling Co. This award-winning distillery has mastered the art of blending bold flavours with a touch of magic. We visited Never Never’s luxe distillery door, perched atop a hill in

Triple Juniper & Coastal Tonic

The very first gin they ever made is still their most popular, and it’s not hard to see why.

Bursting with botanical flavour, Triple Juniper makes the perfect gin and tonic for any occasion.

30ml Triple Juniper Gin

120ml StrangeLove Coastal Tonic

Build over loads of ice in a highball glass

Add a lemon and lemon thyme garnish.

Ginache ‘Grenache’ Gin is a celebration of the annual McLaren Vale Grenache harvest. Freshly picked grapes are steeped in Triple Juniper Gin to create a delicious cocktail that is a real crowd pleaser.

60ml Ginache

40ml lemon juice

20ml sugar syrup

Preferred foaming agent (egg white, aquafaba or Wonder Foam)

Add all ingredients into a shaker, without ice, and shake hard for five seconds! Then add ice into the shaker and shake again for another ten seconds.

Made with beeswax and honey from Kangaroo Island and Kalamata olive brine from Lloyd Brothers, this smooth and creamy gin makes a deliciously bright martini. Serve with a side of Kalamata olives for an extra-special treat.

60ml of Beeswax and Olive Gin

5ml Regal Rogue Lively White Vermouth

Add ice into a mixing glass and stir down for thirty seconds.

Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an orange peel.

Ginache Sour

Beeswax Martini

Never Never Distilling Co.

McLaren Vale, offering breathtaking views and a sprawling deck and lawn. There we savoured their most creative cocktails, perfect for sipping while soaking in the summer. Raise a glass to local flavour and unforgettable style.

Pink Pepper Negroni

Australian pink peppercorn and Sichuan pepper lend a warm pepper spice to the classic Negroni cocktail. With added pink grapefruit and mandarin for brightness, and poppy seed for textural complexity, this is a staff favourite.

30ml Pink Pepper Gin

30ml Campari

30ml Regal Rogue Bold Red Vermouth

Add ice into mixing glass and stir down for thirty seconds

Strain and pour into an old fashioned glass and garnish with a grapefruit peel

Gin and Ginger

We can’t believe more people aren’t talking about this drink. Bright, refreshing and full of fragrant spice – we love this when we want a mix-up from the G&Ts on a Saturday arvo.

30ml Southern Strength Gin

120ml StrangeLove Hot Ginger Beer

Build over loads of ice in a highball glass Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.

Oyster Shell Gimlet

This version of the classic gimlet cocktail was so popular at Never Never’s annual OysterPalooza event that it gained a permanent place on their menu. It’s like a boozy, grown-up Zooper Dooper. Delicious.

50ml Oyster Shell Gin

20ml lime leaf-infused sugar syrup

15ml lime juice

Add ice into a shaker and shake for ten seconds

Double strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lime leaf.

Adelaide Festival brings the best of the arts to South Australia

In 2025, Adelaide Festival hosts its fortieth program, staging the best of the best of the arts from around the world.

From 28 February to 16 March, the festival will host sixty-five events, among them eleven world premieres, nine Australian debuts and fifteen exclusive performances of opera, dance, theatre, music and literature.

The 2025 program is a rich tapestry of love, loss and hope, featuring works such as the stage adaptation of Trent Dalton’s beloved novel Love stories and Dorcy Rugamba’s Hewa Rwanda –letter to the absent, a moving tribute to families separated during the Rwandan genocide.

The festival kicks off with a bang-on opening weekend, courtesy of the world premiere of MASS MOVEMENT, a game-changing collaboration between the Stephanie Lake Company and The Australian Ballet. This once-only event will transform Elder Park into a dynamic backdrop as more than one thousand dancers aged twelve to eighty-eight take to the stage, each bringing their own flavour to the celebration of movement and creativity.

One of the festival’s gems is the Australian premiere of the gripping opera Innocence, which wowed audiences at London’s Royal Opera Covent Garden. Directed by the acclaimed Simon Stone, this contemporary thriller explores the human condition and our mortality, set to the lush music of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra will accompany a stellar cast,

featuring Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Sean Panikkar, in this not-to-bemissed production.

First Nations stories shine a light with Rhoda Roberts’ My cousin Frank, the uplifting true story of Australia’s first Aboriginal Olympian, and the beautiful nyilamum – song cycles by Lou Bennett and Paul Stanhope. The immersive The walking track in Port Adelaide weaves a story through place and culture.

Other performance highlights include Adelaide debuts from acclaimed actor Stephen Rea, flamenco dancer Rocío Molina and pianist Hania Rani, as well as returning favourites Goran Bregović and Lucy Guerin. The visual arts program features three world-premiere exhibitions: Radical textiles at the Art Gallery of South Australia (see page 88), Shared skin at ACE Gallery, and The taken path at Carrick Hill, each addressing important issues from social change to climate impact.

Adelaide Writers’ Week (1 to 6 March) presents a stellar lineup, featuring Geraldine Brooks, Tim Winton and Andrew Knight among others, for lively conversations, debates and a literary trivia night.

Director Louise Adler notes the festival’s focus on exploring the most pressing political and social issues of our time.

The 2025 Adelaide Festival is again led by Artistic Director Brett Sheehy and has received additional funding from the South Australian Government.

The festival is committed to accessibility, with options including Tix for Next to Nix and Festival Connect. All are welcome.

Adelaide Festival: 28 February – 16 March 2025.

Adelaide Writers’ Week: 1 March – 6 March 2025.

Above left: My Cousin Frank. Photo by Kate Holme. Top right: Innocence. Photo by Jean-Louis Fernandez. Bottom right: Colossus, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2018.. Photo by Mark Gambino.

Garden of earthly delights

Story by Kate Le Gallez.

Photography by Nick Dunn.

Just the other week, Amelia Whyte took her two small daughters on a butterfly hunt along their driveway. Scores of butterflies were drawn to the clusters of tiny purple pea-shaped blooms adorning the Hardenbergia that climbs along the Whytes’ fenceline.

‘That was one of those moments for me,’ says Amelia. ‘I was like, “this is it”.’

The Whytes’ garden is full of these small, meaningful moments. And while they feel entirely unstudied and spontaneous, they’re no accident. Amelia’s husband, Josiah, is the landscape designer behind Viridia Design. His ethos – very much on show in his own backyard – is all about creating gardens that connect their owners with nature. His sustainable designs encourage biodiversity and use native plants to create gardens that live and breathe with life, both human and wild.

Josiah started Viridia Design four years ago. The business was born at about the same time as the Whyte’s first daughter Lola. It’s been a time of living and learning in all facets of life, with their second daughter Noa joining the family, as well as Amelia teaching part-time and supporting Josiah in the business.

‘The whole thing’s just been such a blessing with having young kids and having Josiah work at home. It’s been incredibly special,’ says Amelia. ‘I think we’ll always be so grateful for this time and being able to make it work, especially considering the business is only in its earliest stages.’

Starting his own business has been a chance for Josiah to focus more on design, which was his first love.

‘Straight out of high school I did a design course and I knew I wanted to head that way. But I also wanted to be outside and get hands-on experience,’ says Josiah.  >

Page left: Materials united in a beautiful sandbox setting include reclaimed timber, Adelaide Hills quarry stone, functional crushed Yankalilla quarry stone pathways and Australian natives. Above: Again – materials unified to create a stylish and earthy entryway include organically shaped bluestone complemented by Myoporum – a hardy native ground cover, trailing to frame the pathway.

The detour into hands-on experience ended up lasting some twenty years, but it’s been invaluable in not only learning the practical skills of landscaping but also in seeing how other businesses work. Alongside his practical experience and his passion for native plants, Josiah has taught himself the skills necessary to plan and communicate his designs.

After creating a design brief with clients, Josiah creates 3D renders and animated ‘flythroughs’ of his designs alongside the standard 2D plan. The flythrough takes clients through the garden as it will look and feel from sunrise to sunset, showing how the movement of the

sun affects the experience and how integrated lighting can reveal new aspects of the garden that remain hidden in the bright light of day. To complete the transition from concept to realisation, Josiah has also nurtured relationships with like-minded landscaping businesses on the Fleurieu who share his commitment to conscious and sustainable building.

‘It’s always really inspiring to make connections with those types of builders and then work together to create a really special end product,’ says Josiah.

Top: Useful design features make for an outdoor entertaining area of dreams. Bottom: Fun and functional 3D design render – grass mounds are a feature and great for kids’ play. Framing the pathway with organic lines and hardy perennials makes maintenance low.

The Whytes’ own garden has been a chance to experiment and play with different plants and materials. Even on a relatively small block, Josiah has managed to create spaces for both the big and small members of the family. The curve of the decking, sheltered by a rough-hewn timber pergola, is spacious enough for the outdoor table and barbecue before giving way to the garden and play zones. While for sustainability reasons Josiah prefers not to have too much lawn (for its copious water and fertilising requirements), he’s maximised both the fun and aesthetic value of their small patch by including mounds for the girls to race up and down and launch themselves onto the trampoline.

A backyard mainstay for many young families, but never a thing of great beauty, the trampoline fades into the background surrounded by its own small copse of native trees. A slender-limbed Silver Princess drapes her lovely limbs over the fence to one side, while an endemic Eucalyptus leucoxylon provides shade behind. Alongside grows a green wall of tuckeroos, with eremophilas and native grasses filling in the mid and lower understorey. Josiah reveals the breadth and depth of plant knowledge as he discusses the plant selections, pointing out how the leucoxylon is positioned to drop its leaves over the driveway rather than the main garden, while he’s created a shady little microclimate in another area to experiment with a native daisy that likes the partial shade.  >

Above: It’s all in the designer details and plant selections.

Another feature of the family backyard – the sandpit – is similarly integrated into the garden’s design scheme set against a stunning backdrop of hibbertia (or snake vine) which on this spring day is laden with yellow flowers and hums with the sound of native blue-banded bees.

Josiah’s use of materials is also guided by his Fleurieu location. He’s selected crushed Yankalilla stone for a garden bed that’s hit by the morning sun not only for its warm creamy-yellow colour and contrasting texture, but also for its ability to smother weeds and hold moisture at the roots of the cushion bush, tufts of acacia and poa grasses. The garden bed is edged by a charcoal-coloured recycledplastic edging as another more sustainable choice. Westringias,

banksias, grevilleas and agonis each add further texture and colour variability alongside a few selected aloes and succulents for their sculptural forms, hardiness and drought resistance.

It’s a space where work and play come together seamlessly. Where little girls can marvel at butterflies and skinks before expending toddler-loads of energy on the trampoline, while adults can recapture some of their own child-like wonder at the delicate whimsy of the natives that have adapted so well to our often harsh climate.

‘I love just every morning coming out and looking at the plants and hearing birds,’ says Josiah. ‘It’s good for mental health and just life in general. It’s how we should be living I think.’

Top left: Josiah and Amelia Whyte with Luna (lab x retriever). Top right: Playing with curved and straight lines and combining raw organic materials with excellent plant selections is what Viridia really do best. Bottom: Design concepts.

Port Burger gets shifty

Words by Petra de Mooy.

In 2018, Lee Stone opened Shifty Lizard on the High Street of Willunga. Over those initial years he and his then business partner worked hard on building up the brand – selling into a very competitive market and figuring it out as they went along.

When COVID hit, it knocked them a bit but Lee took the reins and cleverly pivoted and began to focus more on local business, honing his skills as an entrepreneur.

Shifty Lizard has continued to grow its following as a great place to hang out. Especially popular are the nights they get local band Dust Bowl Chic to play. The live music and good honest food complements their hand-crafted brews and spirits. Lee is in a great phase of his business.

So when in 2024 he heard that Port Burger at Port Noarlunga was selling, Lee saw great synergies with his brand. For Lee, Port Burger was very appealing as a place with an established reputation for what is both great beer and great food. It’s also what he’s been working on with Shifty Lizard.

‘We both opened around the same time and, you know, they quickly grew into amazing spots due to the quirkiness of the venues (the

main kitchen and seating are in a converted shipping container) and they developed such a great reputation,’ says Lee.

‘It is so busy in Port Noarlunga in summer and we can promote and sell our own products, so Port Burger represents a great business opportunity. It also pairs beautifully with Shifty Lizard. We are focusing on keeping our noses clean, refining our offering and getting it right.’

In the brewery, Lee works with Craig Gordon. Recently they have enlisted the services of a consultant in the brewery to keep refining, reinvesting and improving. The new brews called ‘The Hype Train’ will be on tap at Port Burger – only available in small, limited runs.

Port Burger will now also expand on its food offering and build on the reputation the venue already has for a wide range of burgers in all taste combinations with a crispy serve of hot chips with aioli. Lee is busy with his new chef and management team to add some nice extras for kids and adults alike, including loaded shakes, a cocktail bar and a well-fleshed-out vegan menu. There will also be local wines, ciders and non-alcoholic thirst quenchers.

I think we will be heading to Port Noarlunga for Port Burger’s beer garden and cocktail bar followed by a sunset stroll on the jetty this summer.

Above: Lee Stone at Port Burger, Port Noarlunga. Top right: All the yum available 7 days a week. Bottom right: The beer garden at Port Burger ... perfect for a summer night’s feast.

Meet May Yung of

Oriental Green

Story by Myriah Smith.

In the quiet early morning, before the Willunga Farmers Market stirs to life, May Yung is the first there, unpacking the herbs and vegetables she’s grown for more than two decades.

As the owner and heart behind Oriental Green, May is a familiar face at the market, known for her fresh produce, friendly disposition and the care she pours into the produce in front of her. Upon meeting May, I notice a steadfast dedication that speaks to the value of hard work and working for the community.

Arriving in Australia as refugees from Vietnam in 1978, May and her family wasted no time in finding their footing, first managing Ming’s Court Chinese Restaurant in Morphett Vale and later running Redgum Restaurant in McLaren Vale. They then shifted focus to food production, motivated by a desire to provide the freshest ingredients to the community. What started small has since blossomed into a sprawling farm, known for its quality produce.

Stepping onto the Oriental Green property, you are immediately greeted by rows of greenhouses stretching across the farm. Inside, a sea of thriving herbs and vegetables offers us a glimpse of the dedication and nurture poured into the business.

As May walks through the rows with us, she shares what parts need to be tended to and the specific tasks she will be completing that day.

Despite the demands of the farm, May is never without a smile and in this visit shares with us a laugh about the trials of keeping the ever energetic and persistent sheep out of the greenhouses.

When asked about her routine, I quickly realise I have underestimated the work that goes into running a property like this. May’s days begin at 7am and often don’t end before midnight, with every moment filled. From planting seedlings and ensuring the hydroponics system is running smoothly to bundling herbs and delivering produce across South Australia, May does it all. Saturday afternoons offer her one rare luxury: a quick nap after the market, a tradition that keeps her refreshed enough to tackle the upcoming week.

Every Saturday, May’s van is the first to pull up at the Willunga Farmers Market – rain, hail or shine. She shares her mornings with her neighbour, Ian from Gina’s Kitchen & Field Berries, where she chuckles about his caffeine intake compared to her own – a single cup of coffee that she sips throughout the entire day.

If you’ve visited the market, you’ve likely seen her stall, which stands out for its simplicity. There are no frills, no banners – just a single trestle table covered with bundled herbs and vegetables. Loyal customers know that the freshness of her produce speaks for itself.  May’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of her work.

Known for her meticulous bundling process, she tells me she is ‘slow at making the vegetable bundles’ (only able to produce 60 an hour) due to cleaning each vegetable thoroughly, ensuring that it will stay fresh longer.

Above: May Yung is at the Willunga Farmers Market selling her healthy Asian greens every Saturday.

‘It’s slow, but it’s quality,’ she says, a sentiment that resonates with her loyal customers and reflects a value that’s increasingly rare. When asked her favourite part of the market, though, she quickly answers that it’s the customers. May’s stall is not just a place of business but a meeting point for community, where she often slips extra coriander or mint to loyal customers.

Oriental Green has grown into a respected name in the community, built on quality produce and hard work – and shows no signs of slowing down. May’s part is one of quiet perseverance and a lifetime of knowledge gained through years of dedication in her greenhouses.

Vietnamese salad

Thi Kim Hoan Nguyen and Andy Clappis

Selected ingredients

Salad

100g fresh lettuce mix

100g thinly sliced red cabbage

200g thinly sliced white cabbage

1 green mango thinly julienned

Approx. 20 leaves Vietnamese mint

Dressing

2 tbsp lemon juice

1.5 tbsp fish sauce

2 tbsp local raw honey

2 tbsp Fleurieu Peninsula virgin olive oil

Quick pickle

4.5 tbsp local raw honey

100ml apple cider vinegar

100ml water

1 large carrot thinly julienned

1 tbsp salt

Garnish

Roasted coarsely crushed peanuts

Fried onion or shallot til crispy

Fried, crispy garlic

Sliced fresh red chilli

Assembly

Toss julienned carrot well in salt and leave to rest for a minimum of 20 minutes. While the carrot is resting, in a small pot bring vinegar, water and honey (pickle ingredients) to a gentle simmer to dissolve, then leave to cool to about 50 degrees celsius.

While pickling liquid is cooling, rinse salted carrot well in water and squeeze out the excess liquid. Add pickling liquid to the washed carrot. For best pickling results – let rest for a minimum of 30 minutes. Prepare all salad ingredients in a serving bowl and toss lightly. Squeeze excess liquid from the pickled carrot and add to salad, then lightly toss.

Prepare dressing – melt honey to a runny consistency and add in all the dressing ingredients to a jar, shaking well to combine. Dress salad to taste. Garnish with ingredients to taste and enjoy this salad with family and friends.

Above: A deliciously fresh Vietnamese salad using May’s fresh vegetables. Served in ceramics by local artist Lesa Farrant.

Neutral Spares

Neutral Spares is not just any bicycle workshop – it’s a labour of love for Will Dickeson, a seasoned veteran of the international cycling world.

Will’s journey began at the age of seventeen when he took his first job in a bike shop. Since then, he has pedalled his way through a professional racing career across Australia, Asia and the US, riding with esteemed teams like the Savings & Loans and Jelly Belly Cycling Teams. With Jelly Belly, he won the men’s elite Oceania Time Trial event in 2011. After retiring from professional cycling he applied his skills and knowledge by working as a mechanic for the Australian Cycling Team, travelling around the world with them for a decade. The move to McLaren Vale in 2022 was a pivotal moment for Will and his family. With their eldest daughter starting at the Willunga Waldorf School, Will felt the pull to prioritise family life after years of travel. Initially he transformed the family’s double garage into a workshop, servicing bikes from home. As demand grew, it became clear that a larger space was required. In May 2024, Neutral Spares found its new home on Main Road, McLaren Vale (opposite the Kangarilla Road turnoff).

Neutral Spares is a vibrant hub for cyclists across the community, catering for everyone from recreational cyclists to schools, charities

and food-delivery services. Naturally, Nick continues to cater for professional athletes.

While Neutral Spares primarily focuses on expert repairs and servicing, it also offers an excellent range of parts for general maintenance. Mobile servicing is available for customers who prefer to avoid the hassle of transporting their bikes.

It also caters for all types of bikes, with Will’s expertise shining particularly brightly for road, gravel and mountain bikes. As an authorised Bosch e-bike service provider, Will brings extensive knowledge of SRAM and Shimano systems to the table. Excitingly, he has also established a partnership with Dutch Cargo Bike, a Melbourne-based company specialising in electric cargo bikes. Customers can test-ride various models at Neutral Spares. Will handles assembly, delivery and ongoing servicing, ensuring a seamless experience.

In a world where convenience is key, Neutral Spares stands out with a commitment to customer service. Repairs typically take two to three days, but same-day service is also available for those in a hurry.

At Neutral Spares, cycling is more than a business – it’s a community. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, Will’s passion and expertise make every ride a little smoother. If you find yourself in McLaren Vale, stop by to discover how Neutral Spares can elevate your cycling experience – because every bike deserves a little TLC.

Photography by Olivia Dickeson. Above: Recently opened Neutral Spares on the Main Road of McLaren Vale for all of your bike fix needs – including a selection of Dutch Cargo Bikes. Bottom right: After years on the pro tour we are very lucky to have the skills of Will Dickeson in the Vale.

Ride and roam

Words by Poppy Fitzpatrick.

The simple joy of a bicycle ride needn’t be suffocated by shiny lycra and steep hills. From the hills to the coast – and with the optional (or arguably essential) help of a power-assisted bike – a day spent riding through the region has something for everyone.

Shiraz Trail

The most well-trodden path in the region has to be the Shiraz Trail, which takes you to – or at least very near – McLaren Vale’s most popular wine and food institutions.

Kickstart your day a short distance from the trail at Red Poles to hire a Bike About e-bike, where you can select one of two self-guided tours over a complimentary breakfast after a good night’s sleep in their light, airy lodge accommodation.

Before you make your way up the McMurtrie Mile towards the Shiraz Trail, pop in just next door to Samson Tall, where you’ll be welcomed by friendly labradors. Stop and catch your breath over a tasting of their handcrafted wines on the surrounding lawns, or get some shade inside the small pug church built in 1854.

Cross the main road to take in the ironstone cellars of Wirra Wirra Savour a glass inside the rustic building or grab a snack from Harry’s Deli to enjoy al fresco in the garden. After a short sprint up the road,

cool down at Sherrah Wines with an ice cold pét-nat under a brolly on the lawn or work through a guided tasting of their unique smallbatch wines.

No ride through McLaren Vale would be complete without a lunch stop at the Salopian Inn – which won ‘Australia’s Best Restaurant Wine List – Country’, ‘Best Wine List South Australia’ and ‘Best Listing of a Region’s Wines’ at the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards in 2024. So you’d better have a glass or two over lunch.

Then officially begin your journey on the Shiraz Trail right after a wine tasting at Primo Estate, paired with crusty bread, Italian cheese and extra virgin JOSEPH olive oil. Once you’re on the trail, follow it through to its Willunga end, with a stop off at Battle of Bosworth to enjoy an organic wine in their heritage cellar door.

If you’d prefer to start your day off right in the beating heart of the Vale,  immerse yourself in a journey through 170 years of winemaking history in the original 1878 Hardys Tintara Winery with unique

experiences like the Hardys Hidden Secrets tour or challenge your senses in the Tasting in the Dark sensory journey. Here, you can hire a vintage inspired Vallkree e-bike for the day through Deluxe Ebike Hire & Tours to cruise in style and comfort around the region. Make sure there’s room in your backpack when you pop next door to the Fleurieu Arthouse to peruse the works of talented local artists and makers.

Weave your way around to Serafino, overlooking the glistening lake, while you settle in for an indulgent lunch in their award-winning restaurant. For something a little more casual, graze on a seasonal platter paired with bold reds or elegant whites in this modern, airy cellar door space. After you’ve ticked off your itinerary, settle in at Hey Juj for golden hour, when this cafe-turned-bar brings the main road to life. With wine and cocktails flowing, and the music turned up a notch, this is the perfect spot to park your wheels and reward a hard day’s cycle.

SA eBikes are also available for hire at multiple convenient locations along the way, including the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre, Oxenberry Farm and Ortus Wines near the Shiraz Trail. Take a guided tour departing from the Visitor Centre, as well as self-guided options, departing from Beresford Estate and branching off from the Flat to Vale Trail.

If you’re a little further out, you can hire bikes from DogRidge. And if you’re sick of pedalling altogether, why not jump in an eTukTuk Tour for Two starting from Shirvington Wines? If your wheels go awry, new bicycle repair shop Neutral Spares, located on the Main Road, will help you get back on track.

Flat to Vale Trail

Venture a little deeper into the region on the Flat to Vale Trail, which takes you through luscious commercial vineyards, bordered by the picturesque Pedler Creek.  >

Page left: Above: Fun in the sun. eBikes from SA eBikes are available at six locations on or near one of the bike trails. This page top: Nestled amongst the vineyards of Mclaren Vale – visit award-winning Sherrah Wines. Our pick ... the Chenin Blanc. Bottom left: Always a fantastic food and beverage experience at Salopian Inn. Right: Serafino Wines, where you will find their high-style restaurant overlooking Lake McLaren, as well as their cellar door and on-site accommodation. Photo courtesy of the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC). All three – a stone’s throw from the Shiraz Trail.

Check out Haselgrove Wines’ new rooftop cellar door, where you can enjoy hand-crafted wines, artisanal pizzas and gourmet platters, all while taking in stunning 360-degree views of McLaren Vale.

Head a little further up Foggo Road to Somos Wines to explore their range, currently featuring a motley crew of climate-appropriate, yet often obscure, varieties from McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills –including avant-garde winemaking styles like skin contact (orange) whites and pét-nats. While you’re enjoying a glass, reflect on the Fleurieu’s sense of community through the label name Somos, which means ‘we are’ in Spanish.

South Road Bike Path

If you’d prefer to feel the sea breeze in your hair atop two wheels, start your tour overlooking the shimmering sandy coastline of Aldinga Beach at Pearl while you work your way through a dynamic, sustainably sourced seafood menu inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. For something more casual, soak up the sun on the green lawn at the kiosk outside with great coffee and inviting takeaway fare.

Time your ride along the esplanade to land for happy hour at SOURC’D Wine Collective & Bar, offering cocktails, wine tastings, and whisky and gin flights. Snack on tapas style food and enjoy some live music Saturday nights while you bask in the salty air.

If you want to get even closer to the coast, check out the impressive wine list and restaurant at Silver Sands Beach Club. If you need to break up the day with some retail therapy – or air conditioning –browse the local businesses at Aldinga Central

Willunga to Aldinga Bike Trail

This shared-use walking and cycling path connects the Aldinga township to historic Willunga along Aldinga Road. As you make your way into Willunga, pop in for a specialty tea or coffee at Tealicious Cakes and stay for the indulgent selection of handmade, edible works of art. If you’ve got some time on your hands, sink into a luxurious high tea experience.

Top left: Haselgrove Wines at McLaren Flat. Enjoy their wines and the views from the upper deck. Top right: Pearl Aldinga – delicious seafood with beachfront views! Photo courtesy of the SATC. Bottom left: Cupcakes and more at Tealicious Cakes. Mmmmm. Bottom right: Coffee, great food and service at Willa Cafe, Willunga.

If you’re passing through on a Saturday morning, experience Willunga like a true Fleurieu local at the iconic Willunga Farmers Market, where you can purchase a vibrant range of fresh and artisanal produce direct from the source. Chat with growers and producers from the region and enjoy the lively community atmosphere.

Head back into the main township of Willunga to Moongarden for lunch. Tucked at the bottom of the hill, this cosy space serves up rustic pizzas featuring local and ethically raised proteins, alongside delicious vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you’re after a sweet treat, grab a slice of homemade cake at Willa Coffee Shop, an eco-conscious and community-focused cafe where you can enjoy a seasonal menu, local goods, and good coffee. Take your keep cup for a cuppa to go as you power through the town’s heritage streets.

Tread softly as you pop next door to Hither & Yon who craft artisan wines with a lighter footprint, healthier for you and better for the earth – pairing perfectly with a day spent on your bike. With your calves

burning at the top of the High Street, it’s time to reward yourself at Shifty Lizard Brewing Co. Sip your way through a fresh, ice cold flight of expertly brewed craft beers – or if that’s not to your taste, a refreshing gin or seltzer by Soul Bird Distilling.

Finish your Willunga adventure with a browse inside Willunga Gallery, showcasing the work of Australian artists, designers, makers and creatives, before you roll into a lush bed inside one of their Willunga Gallery Cabins

South Road Bike Path

The recent Main South Road duplication is bordered by a shared-use path connecting Sellicks Beach through to Seaford. If departing from Aldinga, first let the delicious aromas of freshly baked bread pull you into Home Grain Bakery. Taste some of the region’s flakiest pastries and heartiest pies, and grab a quick caffeine hit before you continue on your way. If there’s room in your backpack, make sure to take home a crusty loaf of sourdough. >

Top: Hither & Yon, Willunga. We love their wines – driven by soul and purpose. Photo courtesy of the SATC by Josie Withers. Bottom left: The most excellent food at Moongarden, Willunga. Ride-up for a take-away or stay and have a sunset drink on the deck. Bottom right: Shifty Lizard, Willunga – a refreshing cold one after your ride up to the top of the High Street – well deserved. Photo courtesy of the SATC

wine and fine times. Check their socials for live

Before you take off, make sure to get a hit of retail therapy at the Temperance Precinct. Step inside Morocco by Mish to enjoy Mish’s carefully curated space filled with Moroccan trinkets, homewares and accessories – each with their own unique story and maker. Find your frock of the season at Miss Gladys On Sea and let the friendly staff match it with an eclectic range of shoes and accessories to really make a statement. All that shopping is thirsty work, so be sure to grab a cold pressed juice at Maxwell’s Grocery to fuel the journey ahead.

As you glide down the pleasant dip on South Road, take a quick detour to visit Ivybrook Farm’s converted 1898 limestone barn. Grab a shady spot on the sprawling lawns while friendly owners Peter and Ruth serve up gourmet Sunday pizzas or you can assemble your own platter with local products.

Coast to Vines Rail Trail

Crossing over Pedler Creek, the South Road Bike Path connects with the Coast to Vines Rail trail. Here, you can follow the path back to the

Vale to land at McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre where friendly local specialists will happily assist you to plan your next move and share the stories of the region while you sip on a wine, browse the gift shop and gallery or graze on snacks from the cafe.

This trail extends all the way to Hallett Cove, so if you’re coming from the north, you can hire from Easy Ride Bikes Moana – a friendly local business offering electric bike sales and hire as well as all bicycle servicing and repairs. Owner Gary offers a free coffee at the Moana Surf Life Saving Club’s Dukes Cafe or Cantina61 in Seaford Rise.

Coast Park Trail

Head to the Moana esplanade to catch the cool breeze as you follow the Coast Park Trail through to Port Noarlunga. Among the many great offerings in the area, you can’t go wrong with a feed and a refreshing local beer, juicy burger or serve of crispy chips at Port Burger. Enjoy the summer air under the festoon lights outside their shipping container bar, before you wash off the day’s adventure with a dip under the jetty.

Top: All the eBikes available for hire from Easy Ride Bikes Moana. Bottom left: Fresh produce, coffee and great healthy food at Maxwell’s Grocery, Aldinga. Right: Just off the newly finished South Road Trail – the historic Ivybrook Farm, where you will find excellent

music offerings on the weekends.

Explore

McLaren Vale your way with SA eBikes

Book a guided tour or hire an SAeBike for a self-paced adventure. Choose from convenient pick-up/drop-off at our tourism partner locations:

McLaren Vale Visitor Information Centre • Oxenberry Farm, McLaren Vale • Ortus Wines, Willunga • Beresford Estate, McLaren Flat • DogRidge Wines, McLaren Flat • eTukTuk tours from Shirvington Wines, McLaren Vale

Or, enjoy hassle-free SAeBike delivery straight to your accommodation! Visit www.sa-ebikes.com.au to book your ride today. Just like riding a bike … only more fun!

Drinkability

Wine reviews by Nick Stock.

The McLaren Vale Wine Show is one of Australia’s premier regional wine events, attracting a crowd unmatched by any other wine region. Each year, the region’s top producers present their finest wines for judging, culminating in the McLaren Vale Bushing Lunch, where the best wines are celebrated and the Bushing Monarch, maker of the Best Wine of the Show, is crowned.

McLaren Vale is now recognised as one of Australia’s most reliable sources of wines made from Mediterranean grape varieties, particularly those from Italy and Spain.

The region’s best winemakers have also introduced an effortlessly innovative edge to more traditional grapes.

McLaren Vale winemakers are known for their inventive approach, blending experience with creativity to break from convention. They adapt their winemaking to suit the local climate, food and lifestyle, taking full advantage of the distinctive character of each vineyard parcel. This flexibility and courage give the region a contemporary edge.

Consumers are increasingly drawn to wines for their taste and story, rather than their history. The future is all about wines that are approachable, relatable and accessible in style and flavour. Explore my selection of top wines from the 2024 show, representing producers who have carved out their own contemporary path in winemaking. These exceptional wines highlight the diversity and consistent quality McLaren Vale delivers, with great value for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Aphelion Chenin Blanc PIR McLaren Vale 2024

Such a piercingly powerful chenin blanc that has been subtly honed and gently tamed, this is impressive for the sheer intensity in the glass. Lemon citrus fruit aromas arise on the nose and drive piercingly fresh and long on the palate. Thrillingly fresh. Drink or hold.

Oliver’s Taranga Fiano McLaren Vale 2024

A benchmark that has such an impressive track record, this 2024 lands right in the zone of appealing stone fruit with tropical accents. There’s a willingly fleshy feel on the palate, carving deep peach and green mango flavour with a tangy citrus kick off for the finish. Drink now.

Larnook Grenache Gris McLaren Vale 2024

A popular result for this lesser known derivation of grenache, making a rare appearance in bottle and on stage at the McLaren Vale Wine Show. Aromas of sliced fresh pear are framed in freshpicked spring flowers and are like biting into a juicy, fresh pear on the palate. So drinkable.

Chalk Hill Diana Mary Rosé McLaren Vale 2024

Grenache makes good on the rosé style once again, bringing sweetly perfumed appeal to the nose with strawberry and melon

This year’s awards highlight wines that showcase the region’s talent for creating wines with freshness, intensity and drinkability. Traditional varieties like shiraz and cabernet sauvignon shine alongside the cutting-edge excitement of grenache, while a range of smooth reds and juicy whites cater to popular tastes.

fruit aromas. Supple and deliciously fresh stone fruit flavours hold a fleshy feel on the palate. Chill and drink now.

Wirra Wirra Original Grenache Shiraz McLaren Vale 2023

A blend that really defines the classic appeal of the region’s reds, bright expressive red and dark fruits are the key here. A smoothly measured tannin structure supports a well-struck balance of a bright berry fruit core folding into soft darker fruit tones. Drink over the next decade.

Penny’s Hill Single Vineyard Grenache McLaren Vale 2023

This wine claimed multiple trophies, including the top wine of the 2024 show, and is a stellar example of grenache that has vibrancy, intensity and a keenly focused structural edge. Pomegranate, blood orange, wild raspberry and more on the nose and palate, this has mouth-wateringly fresh flavours with impressive poise and intensity. Due to its excellence this wine has sold out but look out for the 2024 release.

Battle of Bosworth Puritan Shiraz McLaren Vale 2024

This shiraz excels purely on the basis of great-quality grapes, which are the bounty of the right approach in the vineyard. It is wonderful to taste the red and dark berry fruits, the subtly savoury elements, and the vividly fresh finish. So very drinkable now.

Chalk Hill Alpha Crucis Syrah Clarendon 2022

The higher altitude of Clarendon and the cooler growing conditions deliver a wine with unique character and inherent complexity. Spicy, gently peppery red and dark berry fruits are so fresh on the nose. There’s a silky fine edge to the palate with handy structural definition wrapped in concentrated flavours. Drink or hold.

Reynella Basket Pressed Cabernet Sauvignon

McLaren Vale 2021

One of the most classically styled trophy-winning wines of the 2024 wine show and one that shines a light on the prowess of the great cabernet grape. With dark cherry, black currant, leafy and earthy tones, it adds some chocolatey notes on the palate. Regal, glossy feel. Drink or hold.

S.C. Pannell Old McDonald Grenache McLaren Vale 2022

Great to see this unique single site grenache being singled out for its exceptionally complex, rich and symphonic style. There’s a darker, more savoury style here with plum and blackberry, beef stock and earthy tones. Memorably combines finesse, density and a deeply powerful finish. Drink or hold.

Find Sanctuary

Words by Petra de Mooy.

In our hectic daily lives, we often overlook the importance of disconnecting and prioritising our wellbeing yet no one ever regrets indulging in some relaxing and rejuvenating pamper therapy.

Born from a love of body systems and her own need for taking charge of her health, Alicia Summer began Sanctuary Day Spa in 2022 and has recently moved into a new purpose-built home for the business in the quiet of McLaren Lane in Victor Harbor.

Alicia’s career is impressive. Prior to opening a spa, Alicia was a committed educator working in high levels of academia. A pinnacle experience of that time was living in Japan for five years. Teaching work was complemented by modelling and photography and it was through the Japanese fashion industry that she began to learn about skincare.

After returning to Australia to start a family she continued to work in Cairns and Adelaide universities teaching paramedics, doctors, nurses and spinal surgeons. It was here that her interest in body systems really took off. A car accident in 2014 inspired a change and

she furthered her education by delving into the best ways to help people with pain management.

Alicia now uses her compassion and knowledge with a good dose of luxury at Sanctuary Day Spa where clients feel truly nurtured and cared for. The spa is a place for locals to go for specialist treatment, without the need to drive to Adelaide, and for tourists to visit so they can indulge while visiting the region.

The reception area includes a large range of thoughtfully curated skincare products and luxury giftware in a relaxing space. From there, you are escorted to the retreat rooms for a range of pretty sumptuous treatments: massage, facials or specialty treatments such as permanent hair reduction, body contouring, advanced facials and skin treatments.

There’s also the option of a decadent massage with one of four therapists specialising in remedial, deep tissue, relaxation, hot stone, sports recovery and lymphatic drainage. And if you really want to chill, the spa offers the sought-after Japanese scalp spa or flotation therapy.

Envelop yourself in the serene ambience.

Above: Find Sanctuary at Sanctuary Day Spa & Skin Clinic and shop local with their curated selection of skincare products and giftware in their front-of-house waiting area.

Kink Hair

Kink Hair at Victor Harbor has always been a great place to visit. Owner Leonie Giles has a positivity and energy that any entrepreneur would envy. After seventeen years in one location, Leonie and her partner, builder Matt Harry, set about finding a new home for the growing business.

‘When we stumbled upon this heritage-listed, stone building on Ocean Street in Victor, we were instantly captivated by its history and character, albeit through some rose-tinted lenses. Our desire to make the salon a truly relaxing and luxurious experience for our clients – in combination with our passion for creative projects – made this the perfect endeavour for us,’ they say.

The building’s rich history became the cornerstone of their vision and breathing new life into it has been a labour of love. The design brief from the beginning was for the space to be fluid and adaptable. Repurposed materials were used wherever practical, an integral part of the design ethos. The redesign was an organic journey, with the building guiding them every step of the way.

‘As we progressed, we uncovered stone and mortar walls, original Oregon ceiling beams and Baltic Pine floor boards, along with a hidden cellar we never even knew existed,’ says Matt.

The new, muted interiors at Kink are serenely beautiful and reflect the owners’ respect for quality in their crafts. The attention to detail has been imbued in everything from ergonomic basins and the excellence of the products they use to the quality of the refreshments they offer clients. It’s spa-like but the focus is firmly on hair, according to Kink Hair manager Chris Stevenson.

‘We are a hair and colour salon. We delight in our ability to break down our clients’ cut and style requirements, which is a rarely seen skill that we are proud of being able to achieve,’ Chris says.

From curly hair, high fashion directional colour and pixie cuts to luxurious blow waves – their expert stylists focus on precision cutting and detailed colour work as well as the final styling and the finishing touches.

Kink’s new locale is the perfect space for Kink’s stylists to deliver excellent customer service in what feels like a tranquil retreat.

‘We created a space that is comfortable and inviting,’ says Leonie. ‘It has felt like home for the whole team since day one, driven by the energy of passion and purpose.’

Visit Kink Hair for beautiful, seemingly effortless styling.

Above: Kink Hair stands proudly in its new location on Ocean Street – the interiors, photographed by Janey Fowler ... sublime.

DRIVE IN, RELAX – WE’LL HANDLE THE REST

Enjoy the best coffee on the Fleurieu Peninsula while we service your vehicle. Need to stay on the go? Take advantage of our loan vehicles or easy pick-up and drop-off services.

Hempmade haven

Story by Zoë Kassiotis. Photography by Jason Porter.

If the walls of your home could talk, they would ask to breathe. Homes are a haven, a safe space to retire after a day out in the world, so it makes perfect sense that they are as healthy as we want their inhabitants to be.

That’s why earth-loving Chiton locals Craig and Rhiannon Loukes built a naturally intelligent hemp home that breathes with their family and enriches their wellbeing.

‘The unique feel of the house is difficult to describe, but the walls are soft and the space wraps you in a calm and peaceful energy,’ Rhiannon says.

Stepping into the home certainly feels like a warm hug. Everything feels open and airy, so I am surprised to look around and see the doors and windows are closed. The carbon-sequestering power of hemcrete ultimately lies in its ability to create a healthy internal

environment – both inside the home and within its residents.

Construction manager of Organic Construction and with thirty years’ carpentry experience, owner Craig knows a thing or two about environmentally conscious builds. Previously a partner in a commercial carpentry firm, Craig felt called to move to more sustainable practices. Within the first months of following his new path, Craig discovered hempcrete’s environmental credentials: highly insulative, vapour permeable, and resistant to fire, mould and vermin. He knew it was what he wanted to build with.

When it comes to sustainable building products, hempcrete is worlds ahead of other eco-friendly materials like rammed earth or cob. From waste to wonder, the woody internal part of the hemp stem gets separated from an outer fibrous layer (which is used for textiles).

‘As far as how it performs, you can’t beat it. The internal air quality is second to none. People are really wanting their houses to be healthy now, but between mould and the off-gassing of formaldehyde, many of us live in plastic-wrapped, passive homes that are slowly poisoning us,’ says Craig.  >

Page left and above: The newly-built hempcrete home at the Beyond Development at Chiton features beautiful raw materials expertly crafted by Organic Constructions.

Top left and right: Welcome home. The exposed hempcrete in the entryway and living room are an ode to what makes this home special – this fantastic building material – hemp. Bottom: The kitchen with a feature lintel made from reclaimed jarrrah.

Since heading over to Victoria to train in building with hempcrete in 2019, Craig has been promoting the product in South Australia, taking on a few small projects while returning to Victoria to upskill. When trips across the border came to a halt in 2020, Craig decided it was time for his first big shot with hempcrete: the family home. So with fifty cubic metres of hemp bales and seventeen tonnes of lime binder delivered, Craig got to work mixing up what he describes as an ‘unparalleled’ building material.

After living on the Fleurieu for three years and building a number of high-performance homes in Chiton’s Beyond Today development, the environmental estate was a natural choice for Craig, Rhiannon and their now eight-year-old daughter Ella. With a love for surfing, environmental sustainability, community and the Fleurieu’s south coast, Beyond Today made perfect sense.

To satisfy the development’s sustainability requirements, new builds must include environmental standards such as north-facing

construction and double-glazed windows. But even without these elements, Craig is confident his hempcrete home would sit at a comfortable temperature year round without any mechanical ventilation. That’s because hempcrete has a thermal resistance rating (R-value) of 3.5 (the minimum Australian standard is 1.0 for walls) and 73-minute fire resistance.

The breathing walls improve internal air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide, proven by Craig’s nifty reader that shows the air inside is about the same quality as outside. Overnight, when all doors and windows are closed in the bedrooms, the carbon dioxide levels only rise to about five-hundred parts per million. In an ordinary passive house, the level would be between one and two thousand.

‘Your standard passive house sweats because you’re essentially wrapping it in plastic multiple times, which is why mould and condensation often become an issue,’ Craig says. >

Top left and right: The guest and master bathrooms feature travertine-look porcelain tiles laid in a French pattern and Moroccan-inspired clay glass tiles in rich jade and deep blue all from Beaumont Tiles, Hayborough. Bottom left and right: The couple’s art objects from their extensive travels.

The house has a lime render, completed by Luke Perovic and his team from Adelaide Plastering Solutions in four layers, the final layer being a skim coat using a product from France – the same used to bind the hempcrete mix. T he final result – an unpainted and naturally scratched effect with a beautiful eggshell colour that changes in different light – ended up being one of Craig and Rhiannon’s favourite elements of the home, one well worth the time and financial outlay.

‘We’re loving the render so much that we’re hesitant to put art anywhere,’ Rhiannon says.

In addition to putting sustainability at the centre of the home’s design, Craig and Rhiannon have put considerable thought into the aesthetic and design elements. Between the lime render, timber finishes, exposed hemp walls and the striking feature stone wall, it’s difficult to choose what to sit back and admire. The curved bulkhead with a jarrah lintel, recycled from an old wine vat at Geoff Merrill

Wines, catches the eye. But the aesthetic hero of the house might be the tree inside the house. The exposed trunk serves as a daily reminder of the home’s natural powers.

‘You don’t have to be a hippy to have a house that performs sustainably,’ says Craig. This high-performing house finished to a high quality is, he hopes, an incentive for others to use hempcrete for both its environmental and aesthetic properties.

Walking back out through the airlock, I appreciate the lingering of hempcrete’s earthy, organic smell. I rest my hands for a moment on the exposed wall and feel an undeniable living, breathing warmth exuding from the fibres. It may seem left of field to hug the walls in a home, but it makes perfect sense here.

If these walls could talk they would say, ‘I care about you’.

Hempcrete display home – open by appointment: craig@organicconstructions.com.au

Top left: Rhiannon’s tranquil home studio offering Remedial Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, Reflexology and Bush Flower Essence Remedies. Top right: Ella’s room showcases the beautiful eggshell texture and warmth of the expertly applied lime render by Adelaide Plastering Solutions. Bottom left: The master bedroom with linen bedding from Her name was Nola, Old Noarlunga and artwork Time Shift by Gaynor Hartvigsen from the Fleurieu Arthouse. Right: Craig, Rhiannon and Ella Loukes with their dog, Gypsy. Woven rattan table from Living by Design.

Books for cooks

South Seas Trading in Port Elliot is home to an inspiring collection of curated art, craft, design books and unique objects. For summer entertaining and gift giving, there’s nothing quite like the joy of a great cook book.

We’ve handpicked a selection of titles filled with mouth-watering recipes and stunning photography – perfect for delighting both the eyes and the tastebuds.

Get amongst it

The open road, beautiful seaside locations and inland wonders await you on the Fleurieu Peninsula – so get amongst it. Strike out on coastal hikes along pristine beaches, boot up for epic bush walks or soak in the many moods of the sea.

Our advertising partner Fleurieu Motor Group has you covered for the most up-to-date vehicles and local servicing, featuring hybrid technology and luxury features.

Elle Brown – owner of Gorgeous Soles in McLaren Vale – loves the coast. In 2024, she participated with a team of friends and colleagues in Coastrek to raise funds for the Heart Foundation. Elle loves an early morning beach walk and a quick dip: ‘It’s a great way to start the day,’ she says. Photographed on location at Parsons Beach, here Elle is wearing a beautiful dress and sandals from her shop.

Hyundai Tucson Elite Hybrid in Titan Grey – powerful hybrid engine with 1900kg tow capacity packed with leather seats, luxury finish and the latest in vehicle technology.

Jeremiah Hill – known as Jerra – is the site supervisor at award-winning building company 4Life Constructions. Jerra likes nothing better than downing tools after a good day’s work and heading to any of the surf beaches on the south coast. Photographed on location at Waitpinga Beach.

Mitsubishi MV Triton GSR in White Diamond – bi-turbo engine with leather, heated seats. Luxury comfort with the power and capacity for work.

Hyundai Tucson Calligraphy 8 Seater in Shimmering Silver – powerful hybrid engine, dual sunroof, 8-seater vehicle built for families and everything that comes with it. Photographed on location at Parsons Beach Road. Special thanks to Jordan Clarke for helping us get amongst it with the FMG vehicles.

Summer nights

on location

Long warm nights ahead have us thinking about outdoor entertaining. Celebrating the year that was with the people we love. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to an abundance of local producers, artisans, foodies, distillers and winemakers to help us make the summer nights’ magic happen.

Photographed

at Mt Beare Station by Jason Porter. Styling by Team FLM and Sarina Persaud. Glassware from Kookery, Willunga. Florals by Buds & Blooms, Reynella. Handmade vases, plates and bowls from Fossick Made and Found, Goolwa.

Above: Platters have never been so good with 100% locally-sourced products for Port Willunga Fine Foods, Alexandrina Cheese, Samson Tall Wines and florals from Buds and Blooms beautifully placed in handmade vases sourced from Fossick Made and Found.

We gathered a stellar bunch for this dreamy collaboration, a tribute to the hardworking talent that endlessly strives to create community and build a culture that buys local. Every artisan involved in this shoot has a world-class offering to bring to the table. We invite you to think about how local you can make your next dinner party to celebrate our region’s choice produce and the people who bring it to you. >

Mt Beare Station

Award-winning Mt Beare Station at Mt Compass offers a stunning, rustic wedding venue surrounded by five-hundred acres of rolling hills and lush farmland. Known for its breathtaking views and impeccable service, the venue provides a picturesque setting for both intimate and grand celebrations. With versatile outdoor and indoor spaces, including a gin bar, dance floor and beer garden in the charming newand-old woolshed, up to 150 guests can be seated for an event. Mt Beare Station delivers a unique, unforgettable experience for couples seeking a beautiful and tranquil location for that special day. mtbeare.com.au

Port Willunga Fine Foods

With the warmth of summer comes an abundance of ripe, juicy fruits and earthy nuts, beautifully blended to celebrate the best of South Australian produce. Port Willunga Fine Foods brings these summer treasures to your table, sustainably sourced from pristine local orchards and farms. Discover unique flavour profiles and style your platters with bold ingredients like Merlot conserve and strawberry guava, or add depth with dried pears and crunchy almonds on your next cheese board. From golden toffees and luxurious chocolates to zesty pickles and grape wine conserves, each product adds a touch of South Australian magic to your summer spread.

Order online at portwillungafinefoods.com.au and experience the bright, fresh flavours of the season.

Top left: Trish White – owner of Port Willunga Fine Foods. Top right: Melissa Murray from Buds and Blooms Florist. Melissa is proud to be the current Australia Interflora Florist of the Year, reflecting the exceptional quality and creativity of Buds and Blooms. Bottom: How good is summer entertaining with these local gems: Port Willunga Fine Foods, Alexandrina Cheese, Samson Tall Wines, Buds and Blooms and Fossick Made and Found.

Alexandrina Cheese

Alexandrina Cheese, located in Mt Jagged along the Fleurieu Peninsula, is a third-generation, family-owned dairy farm crafting traditional Jersey milk cheeses. Founded in 2001 by Dan and Krystyna McCaul, Alexandrina preserves old-world techniques in products like their award-winning, 12-month-aged Cheddar and unique red-waxed Edam, reflecting the region’s flavours and the McCaul legacy. You can purchase from selected speciality stores around South Australia.

To see where to buy, check out their website at alexandrinacheese.com.au

Ginny Pig

Bec and Craig, former nurses turned distillers, founded Ginny Pig Distillery out of a passion for crafting distinctive gins. Their journey began with a hot cross bun-inspired gin in their garage and has grown into a thriving distillery in Mt Compass. Using traditional copper stills, they produce award-winning gins, including their Botanical Gin, named Best in Class at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirit Awards. Experience Ginny Pig at local markets or visit their temporary cellar door at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre, soon relocating to their new distillery door in Mt Compass. ginnypigdistillery.com.au >

Top left: Award-winning Chalk Hill Wines. Top right: Craig and Bec from another local award-winner, Ginny Pig Distillery – soon opening at Mt Compass! Bottom: The gin bar at Mt Beare hosting Ginny Pig gins and Kookery glassware.

Sorelle Food Co.

Sorelle Food Co., founded by sisters Noni Johannsen and Heidi Greaves, is a Willunga-based catering company dedicated to creating food that speaks to the soul. The name ‘sorelle’ means ‘sisters’ in Italian and reflects the close bond between the founders, whose passion for food and event styling is at the heart of their business. With a focus on exceptional flavours and stunning presentations, Sorelle specialises in everything from beautifully styled grazing tables to exquisite full-service, sit-down meals and show-stopping desserts. Whether you’re planning a wedding, special event or intimate gathering, Noni and Heidi’s creative approach will elevate your celebration with delicious, memorable food and impeccable attention to detail. facebook.com/SorelleFoodCo

Buds and Blooms

Family-owned and operated, Buds and Blooms Florist has been a beloved part of the local community since 1989. Led by sisters Melissa Murray and Renae Ledgard, who took over the business in 2005, the shop offers a wide range of floral services, from bespoke bouquets to stunning arrangements for corporate events and weddings. Buds and Blooms provides same-day delivery to ensure your flowers arrive fresh and on time. The vibrant, experienced team is dedicated to sourcing locally grown, seasonal flowers to create unique, high-quality designs year round.

With more than forty years of combined expertise, the sisters bring their passion and skill to every arrangement, including our summer nights table feature.

Above: Local catering by Sorelle Food Co. make your important events aspirational. Here their delicious food is paired with bespoke ceramics by Clay by Khoa from Fossick Made and Found, glassware from Kookery, gorgeous florals from Buds And Blooms paired with Samson Tall Wines.

Chalk Hill Wines

Chalk Hill Wines is a multi-award-winning, family-owned McLaren Vale winery with a six-generation legacy producing small-batch wines that capture the essence of the region. Established in 1964, Chalk Hill has been crowned Bushing Monarchs twice in just four years at the McLaren Vale Wine Show – a title bestowed to the winemakers who are chosen as producing the ‘best wine in show.’

With stunning views of the Mt Lofty Ranges and the South Australian coast, they’re the region’s most visited cellar door. You can purchase their wines, including Australia’s best Grenache, directly from their cellar door or online at chalkhillwines.com.au

Fossick Made and Found

In the heart of Goolwa, Fossick Made and Found is a charming treasure trove curated by design duo Farley Wright and Katrina Weber. With years of experience showcasing their own creations at Australian design markets, Farley and Katrina have handpicked a collection of the finest pieces for their shop, which acts as both a creative studio and a retail space. It’s here, amidst the carefully curated selection of homewares and art, that they also craft their signature Kitty Came Home designs and Katrina Weber Jewellery.

For our Summer nights feature, we’ve spotlighted two of their favourite ceramics artists: Arcadia Scott’s textural vases and Clay by Khoa’s exquisitely-made tableware. >

Top left: Sisters Heidi and Noni from Sorelle Food Co. Top right: Tom Harvey from Chalk Hill Wines. Bottom left: The mains were divine. Bottom right: Katrina Weber from Fossick Made and Found.

Samson Tall

Samson Tall, founded by Paul Wilson and Heather Budich, sources grapes from local McLaren Vale growers to craft wines at their McLaren Vale cellar door and winery. The cellar door, a charming 1854 pug church, is surrounded by gardens, vineyards and a historic cemetery, offering a unique setting that reflects the region’s rich heritage. Their wines are as beautiful as the experience. Taste the wines on site or purchase from samsontall.com.au

Home Grain Bakery

Nothing is more typically local to this region than picking up a loaf of ciabatta or a treat from Home Grain Bakery on your way home, on your way to work, or on a Sunday morning. Not only do they keep us coming back for their baked goods, made from only the finest local ingredients, but they are a hub of activity and a central meeting place for the community. With an ever-evolving menu and some incredibly high-class pastries, everyone loves Home Grain Bakery, and we do too. facebook.com/HomeGrainBakery

And last but very much not least ... our amazing dessert table with cake stands by local ceramic artist Lesa Farrant, incredible sweets by Home Grain Bakery and wine from Samson Tall. Bottom right: Renae Ledgard of Buds and Blooms Florist.

“Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen.” Alan Keith

Whether your business has 10 staff or 1000 staff, effective leadership is essential for growth and success. At Face The World, we have been developing and supporting high-performance leaders, teams, and organizations for over 25 years. We offer bespoke training programs to meet the unique needs of each team we work with and impactful, systems-based executive coaching to achieve meaningful change. We support leaders at every level to not only communicate their vision, but illuminate the pathway to get there. Leadership is providing a vision of what’s possible in the challenge and what’s necessary in the opportunity. www.facetheworld.com.au

The Power Within

In February and March 2025, the Coral Street Art Space, Victa Cinema and Victor Harbor Town Hall will host the second annual Powerful Women art exhibition and panel discussion – The Power Within – to mark International Women’s Day.

Last year the inaugural Powerful Women event was a sold-out success with women gathering at the Victa Cinema to hear the stories and insights of five local women from diverse backgrounds –artist and activist Libby Tozer, artist Mariana Mezic, de Groots Coffee entrepreneur Bernadette Stack, local councillor Lou Nicholson and environmental scientist Anjali Nelson.

This year’s event will bring together an equally interesting panel, again moderated by Mia Stocks, Arts and Cultural Facilitator for City of Victor Harbor and curator of the Powerful Women program.

‘The diversity of the panellists was a real highlight for our inaugural event,’ says Mia.

‘We’ll continue in that tradition for our second year, but we’re also improving the program, based on the feedback we received. We realised that after the panel discussion last year people were keen to socialise and have a bit of fun and to network. We’ve introduced this element for 2025.’

The panel will be held on Saturday 1 March 2025 at Victa Cinema and then the crowd will make their way to the Victor Harbor Town Hall for an evening of networking, food, drinks and dance, with music by DJ Julia Rose. The art exhibition will open on Friday 7 February 2025, with other events – still in the planning stages – that may include live music and storytelling.

Powerful Women – The Power Within exhibition will feature work by artists Emma Fält, Crystal Falzon, StellaRubi and Lauren Knowles. The four women share a similar drive in their work, exploring power and femininity through depictions of multiculturalism and symbolism. While their vision is united by richness in meaning, each creates with the heart and a strong sense of individuality.

StellaRubi

Stella aims to communicate a realness and rawness from these women. Women who have seen and felt the harsh realities of existence but who have not let it shrink them into the shadows. Instead, despite what they have endured, they stand proud and strong with ferocious passion and love for life burning in their eyes. The works of StellaRubi depict stern, strong women. Using predominantly watercolour, mixed with various other mediums, Stella allows these women to emerge onto the page without expectation. She knows each one will be different to the next and none will be perfect, just like you and me. >

Page left: Power reclaimed by StellaRubi. Top left: Artist StellaRubi. Top right: Artist Emma Fält. Bottom left: Artist Crystal Falzon. Bottom right: Artist Lauren Knowles.

Emma Fält

‘The power within me is the defiance of a wildflower, the depth of a forest, and the eyes of she who inspires.’

Emma, a local artist with a diverse cultural background, finds inspiration in the intertwined themes of nature’s resilience and human fortitude. Her artwork delves into the strength of wildflowers and forests, mirroring our shared journey of connections, self-discovery and resilience. In Powerful Women, Emma captures the essence of these natural metaphors through her focus on the eyes of influential women in her life, each honouring gaze telling a story of strength, resilience, growth and the profound impact of female empowerment.

Crystal Falzon

Crystal Falzon is an artist based in Willunga whose work is inspired by travel, nature and diverse cultures. Passionate about depicting the strength and beauty of women, her art focuses on celebrating cultural heritage through expressive use of colour. Crystal’s pieces explore the rich depth of feminine identity, creating a powerful connection between the viewer and the subjects she portrays. Her work invites reflection on the shared experiences that unite us all, transcending borders and embracing diversity.

Lauren Knowles

Lauren is a self-taught ceremonial stick-and-poke tattoo artist with a deep passion for expressing herself through various forms of art, including painting and mixed media. For her, art is not just a creative outlet, but an extension of her soul – a sacred alchemical practice that fosters deep connection with herself, others and Mother Nature. She aims to create pieces that resonate authentically with both

herself and her audience, opening a unique dialogue that transcends words. In doing so, she transforms personal experiences into universal narratives, inviting others to find their own stories within her work. Lauren’s power is rooted in her intuition and a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, particularly the cyclical nature of being a woman.

Key event information:

Powerful Women 2025 exhibition opening Friday 7 February 5:30 to 8:00pm

Featuring emerging artist StellaRubi with Crystal Falzon, Emma Fält and Lauren Knowles, each producing ingenious works to nudge and challenge our view of the power within.

Light nibbles and glass of wine provided Free event – bookings required for catering purposes: www.coralstreetartspace.com/events

Powerful Women International Women’s Day event

Saturday 1 March 5:00pm – late

Location: Victor Harbor Town Hall

The second annual Powerful Women International Women’s Day event returns. For 2025, we go even deeper with our panel, exploring our power within, followed by an after-party with dinner and dancing.

Tickets $65

(includes gift pack, drinks and nibbles on arrival, panel discussion, plus drinks, dinner and DJ Julia Rose at the after-party)

The event is sponsored by the City of Victor Harbor through an Arts and Culture Grant.

Above left: Life grown, by Crystal Falzon in mixed media. Top right: Stick and poke tattoo by Lauren Knowles. Bottom right: Greta by Emma Fält, graphite pencil, mixed media on Arches paper 13 x 13cm.

The mind power shift

How beliefs shape health, wellbeing and longevity

Words by Sam Healy

Take a bunch of older men and, for a week, place them in an environment where every cultural cue around them – from music to technology – is wound back twenty years. What do you get?

You get men who show immediate improvement in vision, strength and cognitive function. They don’t just feel younger – they become healthier. This is the outcome of the landmark ‘counterclockwise’ experimental study by Dr Ellen Langer, professor of psychology at Harvard University.

In another experiment, divide a group of hotel housekeepers into two groups. Make each group continue their daily work with no change, vacuuming carpets, cleaning bathrooms and making beds. But with the second group do one thing different – tell them that their day-today cleaning tasks meet the recommended guidelines for exercise. At the end of the experiment, what’s the difference between the two groups, if any?

When Dr Alia Crum, a psychologist at Stanford, undertook just such an experiment she found that something extraordinary took place. The second group, the one that believed their tasks counted as exercise, lost weight, lowered their blood pressure and improved their body fat percentage – all without extra gym sessions. By contrast, their fellow workers showed no improvement in their health.

Both Langer’s and Crum’s experiments serve as important reminders of how powerful our minds can be when it comes to our health, of how deeply our beliefs can mould our physical reality.  It’s not about tricking ourselves into denying reality. It’s about a genuine connection between mindset and biology. Langer’s work suggests that ageing doesn’t just happen to us, but that we have a say in how we experience it and how our future unfolds. Crum’s work tells us the same thing about health and wellbeing.

In some ways, this is not a new idea to any of us. We’re all familiar with the phrase, ‘Laughter is the best medicine’. Think about the last time you had a good laugh, the kind that leaves you gasping for air, maybe even crying a little. Laughter doesn’t just make you feel good in the moment, it’s also a powerful health tool. Research shows that laughter lowers stress-inducing cortisol and humour triggers the release of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that ease pain and promote wellbeing.

Humour’s magic doesn’t just stop there. A study in Psychosomatic Medicine reveals that people who use humour to cope with stress have stronger immune systems and lower levels of inflammation.  Annie Harvey is a South Australian expert in using laughter as an alternative therapy with people aged four to ninety-four years. She calls laughter ‘the universal language’. In her 2018 TEDx Adelaide Talk at the Adelaide Town Hall, she encourages the packed crowd to laugh with her because, she says, intentional laughter helps process and regulate emotions and manage stress. ‘It’s impossible to have a negative thought while laughing,’ she says. ‘When we laugh intentionally and on purpose, the body doesn’t really know the difference. So we might as well have a go anyway just to reap the benefits.’

What does this all tell us? Whether it’s the belief that our daily work is benefiting our bodies, the perception that ageing is a journey of growth, or the conviction that humour can heal, our minds hold tremendous power over our health. Our minds are not just passive observers of life – they are active participants in shaping it. Our beliefs are more than abstract thoughts. They are tools we can use to improve our health, our wellbeing and even our longevity. We all understand the benefits of harnessing solar power, abundantly available but not always utilised. It’s the same with our minds. Harnessing ‘mind power’ can be life-changing.

So the next time you find yourself just ‘getting through the day,’  consider activating your mindset and reframing your thoughts to: ‘I’m actually pretty good at life’. And have a good laugh while you’re at it.

Sarah Phillip – stay close to what you love

Story by Hollie Connery

There is a vast and expansive world that belongs to the keen observer, to those who devote their senses to the search of subtle curiosities.

Time spent in this wonderment trains the eye and asks the world to unfurl its magic. For the patient and sensitive, there are breathtaking rewards: ethereal touches of light that bring a landscape to life; a breeze alighting the world with grace; enchantment in everyday moments.

Such is the experience of artist Sarah Philip who grasps these precious moments in her daily life and reflects them in her abstract and expressionist paintings and prints.

Living oceanside in Port Noarlunga South and coming from a family of ocean lovers, Sarah is attuned to the daily movements and seasonality of the ever-changing coastline and the people who follow in worship. She shares this devotion with her family as they spend whatever time they can combing the coastline in search of inspiration in and around the water, Sarah looking on as her husband Josh and children Koby and Sienna surf. A second property in Marion Bay on the Yorke Peninsula is where the Philips enjoy an emptier coastline

and purer environment. The absence of people and light pollution offer the perfect environment for artistic inspiration.

‘The beaches are amazing, you feel like you are the only person there,’ says Sarah.

Now the Philips children are reaching adulthood, the family is taking the opportunity for more travel abroad in search of adventure and memory-making. This love of travel is what keeps the grown family close. It’s also where Sarah feeds her inspiration by recreating what she encounters in transit, drawing from images in her mind’s eye and pouring over photos to translate onto canvas.

‘When I’m travelling I’m sketching and taking lots of photos. I’m always writing down ideas, more than anything,’ she says. ‘You see something, you capture a moment and think: okay, I really want to remember what I’m thinking right now. So I tend to take photos and do a lot of note-taking on the road.’

Sarah’s paintings are vibrant and celebratory. Along with capturing the way light hits water or a surfer hits the waves, there is also a tendency to capture the female form, expressed through her many portraits. Sarah explains that, rather than this being a purpose-driven pursuit, it is more intuitive. In her travels abroad and on long road trips across Australia, Sarah finds the women who inspire >

Page left: Get out there. Above left: Sun kissed. Above right: Commission for Alicia. All work – oil or acrylic on canvas.

her portraits. Her collection serves as a celebration that honours a diversity of beautiful female forms.

‘It isn’t a conscious decision. It’s something I just gravitate towards, I just enjoy painting women. It’s the physical aspect of it for me. Women are softer and curvier, and often the fabric, the clothes and the hair have so much detail and interest,’ she says.

While diversity of practice is important to Sarah, who works in abstract and expressionist styles and returns to printmaking when she can, acrylics have become the focal point of her art. She explains: ‘I’m drawn to acrylics because I like to work quickly with lots of energy and texture – that’s my go to. It dries fast so you can get to it quite quickly.’

Recently, Sarah’s creative pursuits have taken a different route, developing a shared passion with her husband for renovations and interior design. A recent feature of her artwork on the popular TV series ‘The Block’ was the moment Sarah’s two loves came together and started the direction of her latest journey. She is currently

studying interior design and sees scope for combining her art experience with interior design.

Since majoring in printmaking at the Adelaide Central School of Art in North Adelaide straight out of high school, Sarah’s art practice has taken many forms over the years, sometimes at the centre, when she’s run a studio and taught art classes, to the confines of the dining room table when she was raising children. With her work currently on show at the Arts Centre in Port Noarlunga and Grounded in Lonsdale, her studies in full swing while working in interior design, and in the middle of renovating her home, this multifaceted woman shows the perseverance and flexibility required to stay connected to the things you love.

Through all of life’s seasons, art practice has been Sarah’s loyal and consistent companion. And regardless of where life takes her next, Sarah promises: ‘There is always art and there will always be in the years to come.’

Follow Sarah’s journey @sarahphilipart

Top left: Paddle out. Top right: Warm nights. Bottom left: Hold your breath. Bottom right: Artist Sarah Philip. All work – oil or acrylic on canvas.

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Food for the soul

Story by Zoë Kassiotis. Photography by Diana Brandt.

Affectionately known as a ‘soupy’, the humble soup kitchen embodies community spirit. It brings together people from all walks of life, fostering connection and compassion through the simple act of sharing a meal.

This is exactly what inspired love-fuelled local, Haidee Swalue, to start to cook for the flourishing Aldinga community and create the monthly Aldinga Soup Kitchen.

Though only in its first year, the idea for the Aldinga Soup Kitchen began some twelve years ago when Haidee was volunteering at the iconic Margaret River soupy in Western Australia. There, the twiceweekly gathering brought together a rich tapestry of characters and, after nearly thirty years in operation, has become an establishment for locals and passersby.

Haidee hopes the Aldinga project will similarly plant the seed for people to spread community connection, forging togetherness through the ritual of exchanging stories and ideas over a nourishing bowl.

‘All of us in this community are using our energy and resources to prepare meals for our families, so there’s a lot in simply not having to cook for a night a month and instead enjoying a wholesome meal in community. Everybody needs connection and a nutritious meal!’ Haidee says.

During winter, Haidee found herself experiencing feelings of bewilderment and anger around being uncared for by the systems that were supposed to look after people. So, rather than festering in anger, Haidee decided to invest in two fifty-litre pots to bring the soupy concept to Aldinga.

‘I pushed for love activism and that’s the force behind the soup kitchen,’ she says.

Above: The heartily delicious and heathy bowls at the Aldinga Soup Kitchen.

Driven by the power of love, no amount of red tape was going to stop her from bringing the idea to life. People from near, far and wide have rallied to support the kitchen.

A call to the public saw the cost of the public liability insurance covered in just two hours.

Recent council budget cuts saw grants for community projects scrapped, but Matt Adams, Community Connections officer at the City of Onkaparinga, managed to get the cost for the Aldinga Institute Hall, where the soupy is held, waived for the rest of the financial year.

Local farmer Declan Brown from Village Greens of Willunga Creek saw the power of connection in the first gathering and has since been donating organic, seasonal vegetables to the menu.

A hearty cook, Haidee’s vegan curry recipes are equal parts ‘that looks about right’, a lot of love and the veggies she has on hand. Curry served with rice, papadums – a hit with the kids – chilli oil, pickled cauliflower and a garden salad nourishes bellies over a long

table meal, while elated children run around on the grass in between mouthfuls of lentil dahl or chickpea curry (much to their parents’ astonishment).

Along with outside summer sessions featuring a book library, clothes, produce and seed swaps, and an open mic stage, Haidee now plans to welcome budding volunteers to jump on board.

With lashings of love ladled into every bowl, the Aldinga Soup Kitchen dishes up so much more than a portion of tasty curry, each event serving to empower the community by providing deep care and a sense of belonging.

The ‘soupy’ warmly welcomes everyone to Aldinga Institute Hall from 4.30pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Bring your bowl and your own community spirit for a free or by-donation meal: a downright good-for-the-soul evening.

Above left and right: The ‘soupy’ brings together community in the most delightful way – by sharing a meal cooked with love. The by-donation or free meal for those in need is already self-sustaining due to the generosity of our fantastic local community. Bottom left: Feeding her soul with ‘love activism’ Haidee Swalue. Bottom right: Volunteers and friends keep the soupy afloat.

Radical textiles

Words by Jessie Byrne.

A world-exclusive exhibition of textiles at the Art Gallery of South Australia redefines textiles from a genteel craft to an art of radical politics.

Radical Textiles, open until 30 March, features the work of more than 150 artists, designers and activists, with exhibits ranging from tapestry and embroidery to quilting and tailoring. It celebrates how the humble thread, needle and loom become instruments of social change when re-imagined by artists through non-normative, feminist, queer and black lenses.

The starting point of the exhibition is the work of British artist and designer Willian Morris who, in the late 1800s, countered industrialisation and mass production by weaving tapestries on a manual loom with hand-dyed thread.

It then traverses contested history across 150 years of resistance, rebellion, remembrance and reconciliation – all through textiles.

‘This exhibition poses the question, “What is radical about textiles?”,’ according to the exhibition curators, Rebecca Evans and Leight Robb. ‘Radical is wearing pink shorts to Parliament in 1972 as did former South Australian Premier, Don Dunstan. Radical is picking up a needle and thread to agitate for the right to vote, equal pay and climate justice. Radical is First Nations artists and fashion designers using textiles to unpick colonisation.’

The 150 exhibits – from public and private collections as well as those specially commissioned – prove the point. They include suffragette banners and drag queen extravaganzas.

The Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt Project was launched by Ita Buttrose on World AIDS Day in December 1988. The South

Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt, from the early 1990s, has multiple contributors. Each panel acts as a memorial to a person who died during the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren’s voluminous tulle gown from the Dutch duo’s 2019 spring collection features Get mean on a pale pink heart, a spoof of social media and contemporary culture.

Fashion designer, weaver and artist Grace Lillian Lee interprets the Torres Strait Islander palm-leaf weaving practice, commonly used for basketry, to create contemporary adornments. Future Woven Floral Forms (black) 3, created in 2020, is a woven, wearable sculpture that draws inspiration from her grandmother’s white wedding.

Radical Textiles also honours ‘slow making’ over mechanistic production and discardable goods.

Embroidery artist Paul Yore says his 2018 tapestry Let us not die from habit pits the ‘slow thoughtfulness’ of textiles against the ‘distracted immediacy’ of the digital age. He describes the piece as ‘a web that has been cast across the wasteland of culture, catching all kinds of flotsam and jetsam upon its surface’.

The collaborative quilt, Nell Anne Quilt, took four years to make, starting in 2020. Initiated by artist Nell in collaboration with the McCahon House in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is hand-stitched by participants from across the globe and will premiere at the exhibition.

Radical Textiles is accompanied by a range of dynamic and engaging public programs, events and retail experiences, including a dedicated publication. The exhibition is open at the Art Gallery of South Australia until 30 March. For information and tickets, see the gallery website: agsa.sa.gov.au.

NOTE: Paul Yore, Let us not die from habit, gift of Stephanie & Julian Grose, Andrew Henderson, Diana & Phillip Jacquillard, Brigitte & Stephen Lane, Rob Lyons, Janie Michell, Thelma Taliangis, Judith & Jono Tolley through the Art Gallery of

South Australia Contemporary Collectors 2020.

Above left: Kate Just, I Can’t Believe I Still Have to Protest this Shit 2021; gift of Shane Le Plastrier through the Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation 2022, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, © Kate Just, courtesy Hugo Michell Gallery. Top right: Pink shorts worn by South Australian Premier Don Dunstan; History Trust of South Australia; Photo: Mark Eckermann. Bottom right: Paul Yore, Let us not die from habit, © Paul Yore, courtesy Hugo Michell Gallery, and STATION.

Rare Earth Retreats

Story by Petra de Mooy. Photography by Harry Vick.

If you ‘ve had the opportunity to drive around the back roads of the McLaren Vale region recently you may have noticed three new buildings perched atop one of Mollydooker Wines’ vineyards, just off of Seaview Road. The three retreats are the vision of Holly Marquis and a dream team of designers and makers.

Concept is at the pinnacle of the creation of these off-grid accommodations, each designed around a unique palette of clay, slate and stone. These earthy materials create a serene atmosphere but more deeply celebrate the geology of the rare earth they sit on and indeed Holly’s affinity with McLaren Vale as home.

As with any custom build, it begins with a concept and a design. Holly imagined, dreamed and planned for years – working through the floor plans and the concepts and grappling with key design aspects like orientation and the repeated floor plan for each retreat, all in the context of a profound philosophical respect for the land and a commitment to sustainability.

Eventually she worked with architects at Arc Two to bring the plans to life. The build itself became a labour of love and an exploration of the bespoke and handmade, much of it sourced from Adelaide’s JamFactory craft and design studios.

‘I went into the JamFactory ceramics studio to talk to them about making the basins and then looked around and realised – I could get them to do everything,’ says Holly. Holly eventually collaborated with the JamFactory’s furniture studio and metal studio to create a fully immersive style and experience. ‘The only studio we didn’t work with was the glass studio!’  >

Page left and above: The retreats sit atop one of Mollydooker’s Vineyards – the arched windows and doorway creating a welcoming mood.

The experience of the retreats begins with the door handle, each one individually made from hand-hammered brass by metal artist Tom Golin. The delicate texture gives a tactile experience. As we enter the Slate Retreat, the view to the north encompasses the rolling vineyards of the Vale. A large stone bathtub on a wooden deck is exquisitely placed to watch the sunset.

The earthiness of the interior finishes feel at one with the surroundings. The slate floors stretch out into an open-plan living, dining and bedroom area. Textural changes between floor and wall tiles add layers while the timber-and-beam roof makes the spaces feel intimate as well as adding style. Reclaimed timber throughout adds to the warmth. Arched window frames give a touch of Tuscany and earthy wall finishes complete the aesthetic.

Luxury combines with design at every step. The built-in kitchen bench, seating area and bedhead act as strong room-defining elements.

Custom woodwork by furniture designer and makers Stuart Colwill and Jessica Miller take inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape and architecture. The three retreats use a different wood colour to complement the unique materials in each. The brass footrest on the stools ties in with the metal door handles. Holly also worked with ceramic artist Jordan Gower for the tableware, lamps and basins, all with customised glazes to reflect each of the three interiors. The soft furnishings and bedding have been selected for both beauty and comfort.

Rare Earth Retreats finds balance between having a minimal impact on the environment and basking in unashamed comfort, luxury and quality.

‘Part of the communication we have with the customer is that you are staying in an off-grid accommodation experience – everything you need is there but take this time to learn how you can live with a >

Page left and above. The built-in kitchen, shelving, bench and bedhead create strong room defining feature and the arched windows with views to-die-for soften the overall look. Designer made wooden furniture and handmade ceramics all made especially for the Retreats.

lower impact,’ says Holly. ‘Open a window for airflow or appreciate the heat that comes from the fireplace.’

With the retreats completed and ready just in time for the busy holiday season, Holly is now focused on perfecting every detail of the guest experience. From wine style preferences to breakfast choices – whether a cooked breakfast or continental s– no aspect has been overlooked. Even the essentials, like bread, olive oil and milk, have been thoughtfully sourced from local producers.

As passionate lovers of the region, Holly and her team are also available to help curate bespoke experience packages. These could include a deep dive into nature, with guided hikes through the nearby

Onkaparinga River National Park, or an indulgent five-star wine and dine experience in the renowned McLaren Vale region. Guests can also enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride over the vineyards and coastline, or explore the underwater beauty of Rapid Bay on the Fleurieu’s western shore with a snorkelling adventure.

And, of course, when you think of a retreat you can’t help but think of pampering. What would a retreat be without massage and yoga? This too can be arranged.

Rare Earth sees itself as a celebration of people, place and stories. Holly and her team have thought of everything. In this stunning location, be the people to create your own story.

Above and bottom left: The exterior deck facing north with a large stone bathtub overlooking the Vale. Right: Rare Earth Retreats creator – Holly Marquis.

What to buy, where to buy it

Fill your home with handmade and curated objects from some of our fantastic local retailers and step out in style by shopping local for your summer sandals, frocks, shorts and hats. Our

Left: Original prints, tea-light holders, stuffed toys, Do-It wooden characters, designer earrings, wallet, vase and gift cards available at Fossick Made and Found, Goolwa. Bottom: Lauren Weir’s ‘Blue Geese Series’ limited edition bottles filled with Peninsula Providore’s premium extra virgin olive oil. Available at Lauren Weir Gallery, Goolwa. Right: Make-up, scented candles, jewellery, sunnies, dress, bag and shoes available at Mist , Port Elliot.

recommendations are a mere scratch on the surface of what is on offer at these retailers. We love perusing their shops, so thoughtfully created and supporting both local talent and great Australian brands.

Left top: T-shirt, singlet, sunnies, shoes, leather bag, shorts, nail polish, jewellery and lipstick available at Gorgeous Soles, McLaren Vale. Bottom left: Artwork, textile bag, necklace and earring set, clutch, textile earrings, wallets and decorative objects available at Morocco by Mish, Aldinga.  RIght: Dress, sunnies, jewellery, hat, shoes and Fleurieu Imagined posters available at Gypsy Life, Moana.

For him, for her, for them and for you. We are pretty stoked with all of the shop local content in this issue. With this buyer’s guide we aim to take some of the decision-making out of your gift buying this season.

Left: Hat, shoes, silk shirt, colourful jewellery and pants available at Miss Gladys on Sea, Aldinga. Bottom middle: Plants and plant pots, candles, skincare products, gift cards and handmade ceramics available at Charlie & Jack, Victor Harbor. RIght: Shirt, shorts, towel, sun protection, sneakers and socks available at Surf Esteem, Aldinga Central.

Or treat yourself and buy a gift for yourself because, after all, you deserve it!

Top and middle: The best of kitchenware including frying pans, knives, cutting boards and food-themed gift cards available at Kookery, Willunga. Middle bottom: Bespoke ceramics, linen napkins, baubles, decorations, jewellery and children’s gifts available at Her name was Nola, Old Noarlunga.

Top and middle right: Handmade ceramics, jewellery, silk scarves and gift cards available at the Fleurieu Arthouse, McLaren Vale.

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Showroom located at 60-62 Mitton Ave, Henley Beach. 10 minutes from Adelaide Airport. Available by appointment only. To view the complete furniture range go to: www.timberwolfdesignsa.com. All enquiries via website.

We are pleased to present FLM’s fourth

Student portraiture series

We asked students from a selection of Fleurieu schools to submit a story via photographic portraits that capture an emotion or create a document of a place and time.

Madness

Shaye Tame

17 years old, Tatachilla Lutheran College

The black and white photo was taken for my photography exhibition. I chose the theme of solitude with six different sub-themes for each photo: negative – madness, anxiety and trapped; positive – reflection, growth and peace.

This photo represents madness. I chose to shoot it in harsh lighting to create strong shadows to make it look more dramatic. I made it black and white to amplify the contrast between light and dark, creating the intense and gritty feel I wanted and also symbolising the duality of my theme, positive and negative emotions and mental states. This choice helped in making viewers focus more on the texture, shadows and pained facial expression, adding to the chaotic feel of the photo.

Their interpretations never cease to inspire us. Through their choice of subject, style, backdrop, composition and lighting, the images give us some insight into the minds and creative vision of our younger locals.

Micaela Radue

17 years old, Tatachilla Lutheran College

I tried to create almost an eerie feel to it by making the lighting come from directly above the subject and create unusual shadows within the model’s face. I was aiming to communicate the feeling of the subject being in a different world or state of mind, almost isolated and closed off, which may be perceived as dark or unusual by others, hence the unusual lighting. >

State of mind

Nature

Sakura Motonaga

13 years old, Cardijn College

Framed by nature. Relaxing and calming. This photo was taken from above, a bird’s eye view, in order to capture the moment of the student taking a break from school, the noise of their surroundings and the busyness of life. She looks at peace.

Reflection

Alysha Humphreys

12 years old, Cardijn College

The warm soft yellow lighting in the background emphasises the calm and relaxed emotion shown in both the expression and pose of the model who looks intently at the camera. The main subject leans over onto the balcony taking in the views.

Elegance Blooms in Nature

Mikayla Mustac

15 years old, Cardijn College

The photo is inspired by the album cover Blond by Frank Ocean. The pose of the model and the dark lighting shows an emotion of sadness. She looks alone and it appears that she does not want to be seen by anyone because her hand is over her face.

Lila Croser

15 years old, Cardijn College

I wanted to portray the idea of a ballerina being a flower in bloom, surrounded by nature. The photograph represents this theme by having a pancake tutu represent the petals and the girl as the flower stem to create a smooth elegant feel. >

Sadness

Focussed

Hartley Smith

12 years old, Investigator College

A close-up portrait partially framed by green ivy. The textured bricks in the background contrast with the main subject. The model stares into the camera lens. Natural light from the sun shines on half of the face, creating interesting shadows. The model’s expression conveys a sense of focus and concentration.

Coral Marsden portrait

Carmen Marsden

16 years old, Investigator College

Many young and older women struggle in the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia. This is because it is a predominantly male-based work environment. Coral Marsden, Senior Ranger of Deep Creek Conservation Park, has worked 20 years in this environment to get to her Senior Ranger position. Using the technique of off centering Coral in the photo, is to create a sense of empowerment and determination. With the environment being part of her work it is the ideal setting for displaying the job. Natural lighting at golden hour was used to create a sense of fearlessness.

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Summer book reviews

by Mark Laurie of South Seas Books, Port Elliot.

The Wolf Tree

by Laura McCluskey

Published by HarperCollins Australia

ISBN 9781460765579

$34.99

A crime thriller from a new Australian author, set on a fictional small island in the inhospitable reaches of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, this book packs plenty of punch(es)! Recovering from a violent brush with Glasgow’s meaner streets, Detective Inspector Georgina Lennox and her partner are sent to investigate a routine teen suicide with its attendant paperwork and process. Naturally enough, all is not as it seems. Brimming with recognisable genre markers, including a sleuth anchored deep in modern mores, the writer’s success lies in the claustrophobic atmosphere of the small island, its violent weather and the insular community that inhabits it. The detectives are left in no doubt as to their outsider status, their otherness, with the islanders’ relentless assertions of selfsufficiency and tales of mainlanders’

failures and unreliability.

The tension builds palpably as the investigation strays from the sadness of suicide onto other paths, away from the islanders’ teachings of faith. Following in the footsteps of the cult 1970s film, The Wicker Man, the book considers paganism and religion, and how modernity confronts anachronism. Its primary appeal, though, rests with those looking for the frisson of fright contained within recognisable bounds. A promising debut.

Orbital

by Samantha Harvey

Published by Jonathan Cape (an imprint of Penguin Random House)

ISBN 9781787334342

$35.00

Six astronauts orbit earth in the international space station, tending to their research tasks and making climate and weather observations two hundred and fifty miles above the earth. They are only ‘four inches

of titanium away from obliterated non-existence’.

In this heavily researched work of fiction, the author provides glimpses of what it is to be an astronaut or cosmonaut, the motives and characteristics which take them to space, the physical and emotional demands. Coming from a range of nations, we see that space may be a place for them to connect and comprehend far from the ‘babbling pantomime of politics’ on earth even as new imperialists emerge.

Mostly though, this book is an ode or love song to earth, the ‘wild and lilting world’ filled with ‘stories, rapture and longing’ from the rarefied perspective of those circling above it. There are concerns of course, for the damage wrought by human want, humanity’s ‘neurotic assault on the planet’. Mostly, however, there is bedazzlement at the precarious beauty of earth.

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize, this short work fills its own plotless void with lyric beauty, with resonant contemplation of humanity and home, probing both its future and its past. Humankind’s survival perhaps lies in being enraptured by earth, in awe of its majesty.

The Idealist

by Nicholas Jose

Published by Giramondo Publishing Company

ISBN 9781922725783

$32.95

This seventh novel by Adelaide’s literary professor and sometime diplomat is centred around East Timor’s independence movement and the lead-up to the 1999 referendum which would ultimately secure its independence.

East Timor’s rough, determined passage to nationhood is portrayed through the eyes and ears of Jake Treweek, an Australian defence analyst reporting directly to the Australian Foreign Minister with whom he has boyhood history in Adelaide’s hills. His role and their relationship pits his professional life against the latent idealism which lies within him and the sympathies for the Timorese it sparks.

Deftly melding the personal and political, switching between past and present, Jose has employed a fictional overlay to sketch the role of the Australian government in East Timor’s quest for independence. It is a deeply unsettling, if unsurprising, portrait of the government’s machinations. Australia is portrayed as the lead spoiler. Deeply infected with white saviour syndrome, treating Timor as its plaything, the Australian government allows domestic politics – rather than moral concern –to become the hallmark of its actions, impacting on the struggle for independence and the violent conflict surrounding it. There are hints of what plays out in the Australian-Timor-Leste relationship after the setting of the book. Thanks to the courage and moral strength of Witness K and Bernard Collaery in revealing Australia’s spying efforts against its small northern neighbour, there is now an insoluble stain on our national record which defines the government leaders of the day. Lest we forget.

The Last of Its Kind: The Search for the Great Auk and the Discovery of Extinction

by Gisli Palsson

Published by Princeton University Press

ISBN 9780691230986

$49 .99

This scholarly but immensely readable book recounts the mid-1800s’ extinction of the Great Auk, a large flightless bird related to the puffin, and its central role in the scientific concept of ‘unnatural’ humaninduced extinction. Combining history, anthropology, biology and ornithology, the author traces the 1858 expedition to Iceland of British ornithologists, John Wolley and Alfred Newton, in search of the remnants of the Great Auk population. They find only extinction.

Through detailed interviews with hunters and others in the local industry arising around the bird, they find themselves

recording the capture and killing of the last of the species a decade before. Their research indicates that the birds’ demise commenced with the age of exploration and the geopolitical contest between European nations and was fast-tracked by a demand for their feathers for fashion and bedding and the Victorian era’s mania for collecting natural curiosities.

Building on Wolley’s ‘biography of endlings’, Newton would subsequently help establish human-driven species extinction as a field of scientific enquiry. He also pushed back against the fatalism which permeated Darwin’s work, arguing for a ‘less perishable inheritance’ and a commitment to averting extinctions. He would go on to help found the conservation movement.  In the intense tragedy of the last pair of Great Auks, the hope remains that humankind has learned something about nurturing the world rather than destroying it.

Dog days

Words by Poppy Fitzpatrick.

The dog days of summer are here, but don’t let the heat stop you and your pooch from venturing out to explore the Fleurieu. Eat, play, stay and run wild at these dogfriendly destinations.

Smiling Samoyed Brewery lives conveniently up to its title, named after the owners’ own dogs who have become much-loved mascots at the brewery. The original ‘12 Paws’ of the brewery – after which their refreshing pale ale is named – were Mia, Cooper and Poppet. Their current ‘Ambassa-dogs’ are Hoppy and Kent, two very fluffy, smiley Samoyeds. Friendly dogs on leads are invited in as part of the family, with treats and puppaccinos available on request. This venue warmly welcomes hounds and humans in equal measure, with a quality selection of craft beers, delicious food and a great atmosphere to enjoy on a day out or for your next function.

When the pups need to blow off some serious steam, let them loose at the Unicorn Horse and Dog Playground. Originally a horse agility park, the owners saw a demand for big open spaces for pet

lovers to let their fur babies run free, off-leash with no other dogs around. The space features an automatic gate to drive straight into the fully fenced 2.5-acre paddock, where dogs can take advantage of the horse-agility equipment, along with some dog-specific equipment and toys. Private sessions are available for up to three of your dogs at a time, running for 45 minutes – or the space can be booked by arrangement for groups and events such as birthday parties, puppy playdates or training days. Humans can too enjoy the serenity of the wide open space, and stop off for Belgian waffles on their way home at dog-friendly cafe Belicious, just five minutes up the road.

If you’re after a weekend getaway, but can’t find a dog sitter, book in for a couple of nights at Bill’s Boathouse on the Murray River. This floating eco tiny house is moored permanently in the Riverglen Marina

Reserve southeast of Adelaide. Take in the serenity of life on the river from the deck, where you can sit with your doggo and watch nature float by. The house is well equipped for couples or solo travellers, along with a water bowl, eating bowl and complimentary treat for your four-legged extra. Murray Bridge is close by, with the beautiful Sturt Reserve perfect for riverside walks, and Langhorne Creek only a short drive away with plenty of pet-friendly eateries and wineries.

Angove Family Winemakers is open for the enjoyment of two and four-legged visitors alike. This fifth generation family-run winery offers water bowls for canine companions to sip from, while their humans can sip on a range of premium organic wines. Take in the sweeping views of the McLaren Vale landscape while enjoying a casual platter in the sunshine on the scenic deck or come with an appetite to work

your way through an a la carte experience of their Vineyard Kitchen lunch menu. Guests can enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere while immersing themselves in the flourishing Angove vineyards and take their furry friends to sit on the luscious green lawns with a glass of wine in hand.

Nestled among the rolling hills between Maslin Beach and Port Willunga on 12 acres of land is Casa Feliz, offering two accommodation options – a dual-loft tiny home and a quaint twobedroom cottage. Both options can sleep four people and both welcome friendly dogs to stay inside on their own bedding. Guests can watch over their pets from relaxing Nicaraguan hammocks or the outdoor bath if they’re staying in the tiny home. Dog bowls and poop bags are also provided, so during your visit you are able to enjoy the >

Page left, top left: Book into Unicorn Horse and Dog Playground – set up for some serious fun for your dog. Right: At Smiling Samoyed they welcome hounds and humans in equal measure. Bottom: A stay on the river at Bill’s Boathouse with your furry friend – sounds good to us!

This page top left: At Casa Feliz guests can watch over their pets from relaxing Nicaraguan hammocks or the outdoor bath if they’re staying in the tiny home. Bottom left: Pups can roll around on the lawn while you luxuriate on the deck with a beverage in hand at Angove, McLaren Vale. Bottom right: Looking for some pet care options or some premium dog treats? Check out Waggy Trails.

region’s wide open spaces, along with its dog-friendly beaches and hospitality locations.

According to DogRidge, life is pretty simple… ‘Everything will be just fine, as long as there are dogs and wine.’ Friendly dogs are welcomed on leashes to enjoy an afternoon underneath the gum trees by Pedler Creek where they will be greeted by the cellar door’s own resident pups Ralphy and Ringo. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnics to share with friends and family or order a delicious cheese board featuring a range of local cheeses, seasonal fruits and preserves. Adjacent to the tasting room is The Gallery, showcasing the beautiful works of resident artist Jen Wright. There is plenty to see, drink and nibble here, along with the company of your best friend.

If you’re off on a human-only adventure, Waggy Trails offers a range of pet care options so you don’t have to feel guilty about leaving

your beloved doggo behind. Whether it’s a day of adventure, group walks or individual attention, owners Dawn and Frazer ensure your pet receives the companionship and exercise they crave. Their many pet care services include home visits, overnight stays, daycare and pet taxis in the southern suburbs. Waggy Trails also crafts their own premium dog treats and meals using locally sourced ingredients to ensure the highest quality for your pup, while supporting the local community. If that weren’t enough to draw you in, with every dog food purchase you make, Waggy Trails donates a portion of their profits to local animal shelters and rescue organisations.

Some other dog-friendly destinations include the beautiful lawns at Samson Tall In McLaren Vale, Oxenberry Farm Café located directly off the Shiraz Trail for a convenient caffeine hit while walking your pooch, and SOURC’D Wine Collective & Bar for a happy-hour stop along the Aldinga Esplanade.

Above: Miller – the resident dog at Samson Tall awaits some furry friends to frolic with. Bottom left: At DogRidge life is pretty straight-forward – ‘Everything will be just fine, as long as there are dogs and wine.’ Right: Head to SOURC’D Wine Bar & Collective with your dog for ocean views and great wine.

Local selections

We love putting these pages together. Seeking great design and inspiration in books is one of our great loves. And we are quietly manifesting delivering FLM via a Dutch Cargo Bike.

01. SpaceCraft Joinery, Strathalbyn

Nastassia and Shawn’s kitchen design blends mid-century style with a bold, personalised touch. Inspired by the client’s art and extensive vinyl record collection, SpaceCraft designer Sarah used vibrant colour blocks, terrazzo and tile accents to create a lively, functional space. Thoughtful design details ensure visual interest from every angle, reflecting the client’s unique style and lively aesthetic. Photography by Jonathan VDK, styling by Maz Mis.

02. Neutral Spares, McLaren Vale

The Urban Arrow Electric Cargo Bike has arrived on the Fleurieu just in time for the expansion of bike trails and shared-use paths in the region. Grocery shopping and the commute to school drop-off just got a whole lot better. Find a range of Dutch Cargo bikes at Neutral Spares in McLaren Vale.

03. Free Range Books at the Fleurieu Arthouse, McLaren Vale

Free Range Books, an independent bookstore at the Fleurieu Arthouse in McLaren Vale, offers books on design, architecture,

craft and art, as well as a selection of children’s books, novels, cookbooks and more. Stay awhile and peruse the selection, sipping a brew from the coffee bar and relaxing in the adjacent lounge seating. It’s a great place to buy a gift or to simply enjoy a bit of ‘me’ time.

04. Timberwolf Design, Adelaide

Timberwolf Design in Adelaide seamlessly blends sustainable luxury with exceptional craftsmanship. Known for its bespoke furniture, the brand uses locally sourced, responsibly harvested timber to create timeless, high-quality designs. A leader in the sustainable design movement, Timberwolf is redefining luxury living, one beautifully crafted, eco-conscious piece at a time.

Pictured: The Oliveti Console designed for the new Glenelg South restaurant Oliveti Adelaide. The team at Timberwolf loved it so much they added it to their range and it is now available in a variety of sizes and a selection of timber options.

FLM celebrates 50 issues at Angove, McLaren Vale

In June 2024, FLM celebrated issue 50 of the publication! Our heads spin to think that we have created this, now 51 times. We marked the occasion at Angove in McLaren Vale with live music by Mike Bevan, delicious food from Angove’s Vineyard Kitchen chef, Georgie Rogers, and our favourite front-of-house guy, Brett Lanthois. Thanks to all who make this region so endlessly inspiring to write about. And a big thanks to those who have contributed to the magazine over its lifetime. You’ve made it something we can all be proud of. Thanks to Halo Booth for the photos!

01. Pip Kruger and Graham Holmberg. 02. Chris Stevenson and India Giles. 03. James Brown, Diana Brandt, Zöe Kassiotis and Poppy Fitzpatrick. 04. Kate O’Donaghue, Jules Ball, Lisa McCarthy and Tess Syme. 05. Sarina Persaud and Trish White. 06. Hannah Paul, Michael Hillman, Mia Stocks and Alissa Clark. 07. Judith Sweetman and Gilbert Dashorst. 08. Daneile Hatji and Kiyana Khalili. 09. Jane Clayton and Sally Moran. 10. James Brown, Diana Brandt, Zöe Kassiotis, Petra De Mooy and Poppy Fitzpatrick. 11. Crystal and Paul Wilson with Amy and Steven Albrechtsen. 12. Jack and Irina Deslandes with Pip Kruger, Graham Holmberg and Libby Tozer.

Out & About

We travelled across the Fleurieu to ask people what they are reflecting on from 2024, what they are looking forward to for 2025, and if they are cyclists… how they like the new bike path infrastructure around the Onkaparinga region.

01: Emily Reed Manager at Her name was Nola, Old Noarlunga ‘We’ve celebrated being in business in Old Noarlunga for over a year now! Highlights include workshops with local and interstate artists, seasonal backyard market days, and a clothing pop-up collaboration with Fleurieu artist Pia Kuykhoven whose artwork has been printed on size-inclusive fashion brand Made590 from Sydney.’

02: Jo Gaskin Co-owner at Gypsy Life, Moana In 2024 Jo and her business partner Mich hosted a fashion show at Lloyd Brothers in McLaren Vale. The event was fantastic and has built some strong community around Gypsy Life’s beautiful beachside shop. Jo loves the summer buzz of Moana and in 2025 looks forward to more business growth and community engagement via fashion shows and meeting people at their lovely shop.

03: Kristy Robertshaw Owner at Charlie & Jack, Victor Harbor ‘2024 has been a tough year! But as I set my sights on 2025, I plan to take some time to recharge and rejuvenate. With hope and determination, I plan to roll out some new strategies and focus on collaborations and connections in the community! I’m excited about the opportunity to bring even more joy, fun and success in the coming year!’ 01 04 07 02 05 03 06 08

04: Holly Lawrence Star employee at South Seas Trading, Port Elliot

Holly clearly loves the South Coast and has lived in and around Middleton her whole life. Recently she and her partner bought a home in the town and she feels very lucky that she gets to raise her children in the same place she grew up. In 2025, she’s looking forward to spending time in her new garden.

05: Charlie Rhodes

Charlie likes all of the new trails linking the different suburbs and areas together and making everything more accessible. ‘I commute by bike everyday using a mix of road, trail and the Coast to Vines Rail Trail bike path.’

06: Elisha Quill

Elisha is reflecting on being grateful for family and friendships, finding joy in each day and being in nature. As a mother, she sees herself at the end of an era, with her fourth child now in her teen years.

07: Jason and River McGrice

Jason and River commute to school from Sellicks to Willunga three times a week. It is around three kilometres each way. The two are loving the bike paths as they can ride to school and feel safe.

08: Elise Taylor at The Slow Food Kitchen, Aldinga ‘2024 was our first year in this new business, so I’m reflecting on finding my feet and groove. Learning and growing,’ Elise says. In 2025, Elise wants to form an even bigger community with The Slow Food Kitchen and showcase all of the amazing local Fleurieu producers and growers.

We believe in being yourself. We celebrate your differences. We embrace change. We, like you, are one of a kind.

Let us design and make your space. South Australian HIA Award winners, year after year. spacecraftjoinery.com.au