Fleurieu Living Magazine Spring 2020

FLEURIEU LIVING T H E B E S T O F S O U T H A U S T R A L I A’ S F L E U R I E U P E N I N S U L A A N D K A N G A R O O I S L A N D

FLEURIEU LIVING MAGAZINE www.fleurieuliving.com.au

We design and build award winning homes

MBA (Master Builders Association) Awards 2019 · Excellence in a Contract Home $350,000-$500,000

SPRING 2020

HIA (Housing Industry Association) Awards 2019: · Renovation/Addition Project $400,001-$550,000 · Custom Built Home $550,001-$800,000 · Winner South Australian Lightweight Construction Housing using sheet or board materials · Winner 2019 HIA-CSR South Australian Housing Award Residential Building Designer

southcoastconstructions.com.au 37 Victoria Street, Victor Harbor, South Australia 5211 Telephone: 08 8552 4444 Email: admin@scconstruct.com.au

AU $9.95 SPRING 2020 02 >

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New Locales The Almond Door at Papershell Farm An alternate reality Road to recovery: Kangaroo Island The Wait SA: Waitpinga Change is cool Art · Design · Food · Wine · Fashion · Photography · People · Destinations

Join Kangaroo Island Odysseys on the NEW

ROAD TO RECOVERY 1 day / 1 night tour

Arrive, unpack and relax.

Be our guest on this personalised, small group tour and witness Mother Nature’s amazing regeneration following the devastating Kangaroo Island bushfires.

Visit Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and the North Coast for incredible sights and amazing photo opportunities.

Call 13 13 01 or visit www.kiodysseys.com.au See website for details and pricing.

Extensions of stay are available.

Mention FLM when booking on our website to receive 10% off your accomodation. (2 night minimum.)

Experience our quality holiday homes, personalised service and attention to detail.

Encounter Bay · Victor Harbor · Chiton · Port Elliot · Middleton · Goolwa · Hindmarsh Island · Clayton Bay

info@takeabreakholidayrentals.com · www.takeabreakholiday.rentals

Take A Break

You can see clearly now the rain has gone.

Explore our display homes with new virtual tours

Sarah Homes: built with vision

Spring. At last there’s less rain and more glorious sunshine to paint a smile on the Fleurieu’s coasts and countryside.

Sarah Homes are in their element! Designed with expansive windows, they’ll always give you a clear view of South Australia’s wonderful panorama while open plan living areas including generous decking, provide the perfect space for entertaining, relaxing and a future filled with many... bright, bright, bright sunny days.

Our display homes are located at Mile End, Old Noarlunga, Victor Harbor and Pooraka. Please see our website for more details.

Images for illustrative purposes only. BLD 175837 SH0529

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Key Personnel Petra de Mooy Petra has always loved, art, design, photography and words. Combining all of these into a career has been the fulfillment of these interests. She loves working with all of the creatives on the Fleurieu to showcase the best the region has to offer.

Jason Porter Jason has worked as a graphic designer and creative director both locally and overseas for over thirty years.

When not in the office, he can usually be found tweaking the crossover filters on his high-end audio system.

Kate Le Gallez Kate started her working life as a lawyer and consultant, before turning to a lifelong love of writing. She confesses to suffering a mild podcast addiction, which results in her overuse of the phrase ‘I was listening to a podcast … ’ as a conversation starter.

Holly Wyatt A self-described ‘city-escapee,’ Holly moved to the Fleurieu chasing wide-open spaces and the spoils of semi-rural life. Those spoils include a good coffee in the morning, a glass of wine in the evening and a bountiful supply of inspiration for her art, music and work.

Kirsty Gannon Setting up home on the Fleurieu only two years ago, Kirsty feels like she has found her place in the world. With a background in film and television production in Sydney, Kirsty now thrives on the ease and pace of semirural living.

Lulu Our company mascot Lulu started appearing in way too many of our Instagram posts – so now she has her own profile (sad, we know) where you can follow her charmed life. Search ‘@miss_majestica’ if you’re so inclined.

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Featured Contributors Gavin Malone Gavin, a visual artist and cultural geographer, has worked biculturally for over twenty years and has collaborated with Karl Telfer, senior custodian, for over fifteen years. Together, they’ve undertaken numerous public art, cultural research and teaching projects. In 2015 Gavin initiated the Lot 50-Kanyanyapilla bicultural ecological and cultural regeneration project on forty acres of land near McLaren Vale.

He spends his days there now, regenerating the land, speaking with visitors and just absorbing the wonderful cultural landscape of the Willunga Basin. Gavin also continues his research and writing about the bi-cultural history of the region.

Sally Watson Storytelling is one of Sally’s biggest passions. Her articles have been published internationally by companies such as Intrepid Travel, News Limited’s digital travel site and National Geographic’s Open Explorers. She’s recently returned to her home state of South Australia after two years travelling in Latin America, documenting her adventures on her solo female travel blog Wing Woman Adventures and teaching English as a volunteer. An avid beach and dog lover, she’s embracing the serenity of life here. Recently, she’s made a foray into art, creating mixed media, beach-inspired pieces and awaiting the arrival of her Mexican street dog rescue.

Publisher Information Karl Telfer Karl is an award winning artist, designer and creative cultural producer. His ancestral tribal bloodline links him to Mullawirraburka Yerta – his grandfather’s country, the Mullawirra Meyunna (dry forest people) of the Adelaide region.

He began walking the story of his Parngkarra Yerta traditional country from a young age and has a deep spiritual, cultural and ecological connectedness with his land, sea and sky country.

He was the first Aboriginal Associate Director for the Adelaide Festival of Arts in 2002, is co-director of Yellaka, which aims to to keep young people strong in culture and identity and collaboratively created YABBARA for the 2019 and 2020 Adelaide Fringes.

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 EDITOR Kate Le Gallez ADVERTISING SALES Holly Wyatt holly@fleurieuliving.com.au Kirsty Gannon kirsty@fleurieuliving.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason Porter jason@fleurieuliving.com.au

Other contributing writers, photographers and stylists:

PRINTER Graphic Print Group

Mel Amos, Annabel Bowles, Jake Dean, Poppy Fitzpatrick, Robert Geh, Gill GordonSmith, Livi Gosling, Lori-Ellen Grant, Mark Laurie, Nina Keath, Heidi Lewis, Heather Millar, Liza Reynolds, Deb Saunders, Marcus Syvertsen, Hayley Taylor and Corrina Wright.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Print: isubscribe.com.au Digital: zinio.com

DISTRIBUTION Integrated Publication Solutions

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 copyright 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.

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Harcourts South Coast RLA 228117

Rather be ere?

South Coast

South Coast Real estate sales Property management Holiday accommodation

Encounter Bay

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Victor Harbor

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Hayborough

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Port Elliot

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Middleton

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Goolwa

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Hindmarsh Island

Head office: 244 Port Elliot Road, Hayborough | Goolwa Client Lounge: 18a Cadell Street | Project office: Coorong Quays, Hindmarsh Island | 8552 5744 | www.southcoast.harcourts.com.au

THIS ISSUE

Contents

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FEATURED VENUE New Locales – The Almond Door at Papershell Farm.

FEATURE Adaptation through the ages.

FRONT COVER PHOTO

by Robert Geh. Styled by Liza Reynolds.

FOOD, WINE & SPIRITS

PENINSULA PEOPLE

78 Something to celebrate: Lime and

coconut cloud cake

82 Trailblazer: Chris Chapman

48 Tractor trove: Richard Wright

68 A vintage thread: Natchalée

Papon-Kelly, Tess Twigden and

Rachael Will

28 An alternate reality 84 Behind the label 96 That’s the Spirit: Three local labels with

a recommended mix

88 Trailblazer: Steve Bell

40 WFM: Adapting to change

FESTIVALS & EVENTS 12 Diary Dates to keep you cultured

this Spring

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FEATURED HOME The Wait SA.

ARTIST FEATURE Richard Maurovic.

SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE Change is cool.

BOOKS & WORDS

BEST OF THE REGION

WEDDINGS

56 Great Spring reads by Mark Laurie of

South Seas Books at Port Elliot

09 Brand Culture

16 New Locales

64 Go South Go Local

32 KI Road to Recovery Tour

100 Nicholas and Lisa-Marie Atkinson

married on 29 February 2020

ART & DESIGN 24 Richard Maurovic 60 Eileen Lubiana: Art Wine 2021

38 Tall Bike Stan 58 Mifufu: Art in colour

HEALTH & WELLBEING

BEING SOCIAL 103 FLM sees who was out and about ...

Sort of.

50 Live well, live long

22 Faces and places: Hope

Lovelock Deane

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ACKNOWLEDGES

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

Take A Break Holiday Rentals

SILVER PARTNERS

BRONZE PARTNERS

l (Bookings 03 9005 7750) d, Goolwa on 8 and 9 April ographic Exhibition at wa from 9 to 23 April ike - Kids Magic Hall, Goolwa on 17 April en Boat Festival at the 22 and 23 April el Griffiths at Centenary

Silent Disco 4 Kids Party at Strathalbyn Library Community Centre on 27 April *Sista Girl, 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 Tribute Show at Centenary Hall, Goolwa on 20 May * tickets/ booking required

l Council’s Visitor Information Centre on 1300 466 592. Alexandrina Council copy online for more events in the region, www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au

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Brand culture As a thank you to our advertising partners, we would like to showcase these amazing enterprises via a short introduction to their respective businesses. Each issue will offer some insight into three of our partners.

Donlan Lawyers Donlan Lawyers describe their practice as ‘expertise expressed simply,’ where clients and friends are treated as one and the same.

Tim and Carolyn Donlan, along with their small team of lawyers and support staff, strive to provide quality legal services from both their Victor Harbor and Adelaide offices.

They provide each client with the practical advice needed to make informed choices, communicating legal complexities in a straightforward manner. Even if their services are only required for a short period, Donlan Lawyers prioritises client relationships and mutual understanding above all else. It’s a law firm with pragmatism at the core of its practice.

This unwavering commitment to the community leaves Tim with little free time, but he manages to relax by surfing and walking around his Port Elliot home, as well as watching his kids play sport.

Having recently relocated to the region, Tim now finds that many of his clients have become trusted friends who continue to come back for advice on anything from family law to estate planning and retirement living.

Encounter Lutheran College By prioritising three simple values – thrive, connect and belong – Encounter Lutheran College ‘looks like school, (but) feels like home.’

Families, students and staff alike feel a strong sense of kinship in their collegial environment at Victor Harbor, where the family unit and a healthy work-life balance come first.

These core foundations allow each and every student to look beyond their world and seek opportunities to make a difference in

the wider region. They’re encouraged to connect with their south coast community, often through practical projects on their beautiful surrounding environment, including the College’s recent 69-acre land acquisition on its northern boundary.

Encounter Lutheran College also understands that staff are a school’s greatest asset, allowing its team ample time to form enduring friendships and strong partnerships with both families and local businesses. As an authorised International Baccalaureate School, young people are holistically supported to achieve the best results for themselves and their local and global community.

Take A Break Holiday Rentals Like many within these pages, Barry and Kim Steele appreciate the simple things in life: family, friends, nature, and a slow-paced holiday to soak up these blessings. Each of their thirty holiday homes offers the chance to do exactly that and more.

Dotted along the southern coast of the peninsula, Take A Break Holiday Rentals are surrounded by glorious coastal scenery, as well as quirky cafes, world-class wineries and local heritage attractions.

Whether you’re drawn to Goolwa’s rich history, the seaside playground of Middleton, or a romantic escape in Port Elliot, there’s a holiday home waiting for you to settle in and enjoy some time out from everyday life.

With years of property management experience, Kim and Barry know that a good holiday house should feel like a home. Their rental properties are a place to invigorate the mind and soul, form enduring memories with loved ones, and savour the magnificence of the Fleurieu.

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At Bailey Homes our focus is you.

We pride ourselves on excellence in workmanship and outstanding personal service.

It is our passion to bring your vision to life, and we are confident that we can assist you with your building project, whether it be a custom designed home, extension or renovation.

Being established for more than 30 years, and having built hundreds of quality homes on the Fleurieu Peninsula and beyond, our quality is reflected by our multi award winning homes and our many satisfied clients. You can have peace of mind, knowing that your project is in safe hands and proud of your decision to build with Bailey Homes.

Family owned and operated since 1991

8552 3055 Find us at baileyhomes.com.au or like us on Facebook

C U S T O M D E S I G N E D H O M E S | E X T E N S I O N S | R E N O VAT I O N S | C O M M E R C I A L

Welcome to FLM From the FLM team

From our readers

Well, the last month of winter has been excessively chilly. But as we sit here completing the spring issue, the weekend forecast is for a very spring-esque 22 degrees. Bloody beautiful! Coupled with the recent late rains, we should see an explosion of new growth and spring colour as our environment – and our psyches – shakes off the winter gloom.

We very much appreciate all the hard work that goes into publishing such a beautiful magazine that showcases our gorgeous region and talented producers! ... very fortunate, thank you.

Kind Regards, Fiona Watson Business Development Manager Matchett’s / Big Sissy Foods

No matter the weather, life on the Fleurieu is good. I don’t think we’ve come across one person who lives locally who is not acutely aware of how fortunate we are by both Australian and global standards.

But regardless of where we live, the pandemic continues to pervade our news and our language. A quick search revealed these gems: WFH (working from home), Blursday (a stand in for any day of the week, because every day’s the same when you’re in lockdown) and bubble babies (more time at home may prompt a population boom, with these lucky kids currently dubbed ‘coronennials’).

With borders remaining closed, many South Australians are viewing their state with fresh eyes, as we’re encouraged to buy local, shop local and support local. This ethos has always been at the heart of FLM and in this regard this issue is no different.

Just wanted to say a big thank you for having me in your magazine, I’m very happy to be part of it and it looks great :) Llewelyn Ash Glass Artist Hi Petra, Just letting you know that we love the cover shot! Very clean and modern. I have ordered copies from our local newsagent today. Thanks again for including us in the winter issue, it was a great experience.

Gerry Cousins

We visit new locales of the Fleurieu and find business optimism remains strong. We delve into the alternate reality being lived by winemakers who would normally be jetting around the globe selling wine or making a much needed winter getaway to warmer climes.

Food experiments are also rife, and so we challenge our readers to have a go at The Fleurieu Kitchen’s four layer cake on page 78.

Tag us and we’ll share your efforts on social media.

Thanks again to our valued contributors, new and old. And, as always, it’s our honour to have the ongoing support of such a great community.

Team FLM

Below: We saw plenty of images of the mushrooms growing in Kuitpo Forest on Instagram over winter, but here’s a view you don’t see often – from just above the tree canopy. Photo by @lowpoke.

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Spring Diary Dates While our diaries are looking a little busier this issue compared with last, life is not quite back to ‘normal’. Dare we say we’re entering a ‘new normal’ or a ‘next normal’? Whatever it is, we’re still seeing most large community events unfortunately cancelled following Victoria’s second wave.

So while large events like the Southern Fleurieu Jazz Festival have been cancelled, smaller, socially distanced community gatherings are returning. And of course there are the numerous open-air markets around our region that continue to draw locals and visitors alike, week after week.

All the market details can now be found on our website www.fleurieuliving.com.au.

So enjoy these festivals and events responsibly, and give your COVID marshal an air high-five on your way past, as thanks for keeping us safe.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS:

NOVEMBER

SEPTEMBER

Yoga Yoga at Wirra Wirra Wirra Wirra Winery November 22, 9.30am – 12.30pm Join Wirra Wirra Wines and Roaming Zen for a relaxing morning of yoga coupled with wine and goodies – the perfect combination to kickstart a well-deserved indulgent Sunday.

Cost: $55. For tickets and more information visit: facebook.com/pg/wirrawirrawines/events

Kids Community Market Yankalilla Visitor Information Centre September 13, 10am – 1pm With a variety of youth-run market stalls, this market is a celebration of school-aged children’s skills, creativity and imagination. It’s a unique opportunity for kids to learn practical business and finance skills in a fun and interactive environment.

For more information phone 0407 315 030 or visit: www.facebook.com/kidscommunitymarket Festival of Nature Yankalilla September 17 – 20 Celebrate sustainability and the unique natural wonders of the Fleurieu coast through four days of activities. The vibrant program includes guided bushwalks, snorkelling and twilight cruises, as well as pop-up workshops and local food, craft beer and wine.

For more information visit: www.visitfleurieucoast.com.au Willunga Farmers Market on High Street September 19 and 26 Enjoy a different setting and atmosphere at the Willunga Farmers market when it opens on the High Street for these dates in September. The street will be closed to traffic and High Street traders will join in the festivities with sidewalk sales and street food.

OCTOBER Almond Blossom Festival Willunga Recreation Park October 17 – 18 Usually held on the last weekend of July, the Almond Blossom Festival attracts locals and visitors from far and wide. It’s an eclectic mix of local food, fun and entertainment, with market stalls and petting zoos, live music and carnival rides. $5 – $10 entry.

For more information visit: almondblossomfestival.com.au 12

ONGOING School of Cheese classes SloWhey Saturdays, 9am – 1pm Whether you fancy a slab of golden haloumi, some cultured butter or a gooey wedge of camembert (or let’s be honest, any kind of cheese), SloWhey is here to teach you how to craft these dairy delights. Through a variety of intimate workshops, visitors learn about the captivating world of curds and whey, and leave with full hearts and bellies. Bookings essential. For more information visit: slowhey.com/classes Studio Vino Art Classes Coral Street Art Space, Victor Harbor Various dates and times The Studio Vino paint and sip experience makes for a unique way to uncork your inner artist. Enjoy a nice wine among other curious creatives as you replicate Starry Night or paint your partner’s portrait. Experienced instructors and all equipment included. BYO drinks. Classes start at $55/person. For more information visit: studiovino.com.au

Club YAM Yankalilla Showgrounds Third Saturday of every month, from 7pm Club YAM (Yankalilla Acoustic Music) is a regular get together of folk, blues, roots, country and more. It’s a celebration of any kind of acoustic jam, where free camping and BYO drinks are encouraged.

Gold coin donation on entry.

For more information call 0439 861 001 Ach-min Exhibition Coral Street Art Space, Victor Harbor August 15 – October 5 Featuring paintings created by elders in Aurukun Far North Queensland, Ach-min (beautiful) shares stories, knowledge and language with younger generations.

Free entry. For more information visit: coralstreetartspace.com Ghostnet and Marine Debris Creations Coral Street Art Space, Victor Harbor August 15 – October 5 South Australian artist Gina Allain features a thought-provoking collection of transformed Ghostnets and other marine debris. The exhibition draws attention to the devastation brought by these materials to marine life. Watch Gina actively create from 11am to 2pm on selected dates.

For more information visit: coralstreetartspace.com Southern Deadly Yarns September 1, October 9, October 26 Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc. in conjunction with Onkaparinga Libraries presents a series of virtual author events. Join First Nations authors Anita Heiss, Tyson Yunkaporta and Marlee Silva as they unpack topics including truth telling, recognition, and the makings of a good yarn. Free online seminars. For more information visit: onkaparingacity.com

Shimmer Festival of Photography Various locations September 11 – October 11 The biennial photography event lights up galleries, cellar doors and restaurants across the City of Onkaparinga. Elevating and celebrating the best contemporary photography, the festival showcases Tony Kearney and Hayden (Rich) Richards, among other prominent artists.

For more information visit: onkaparingacity.com/shimmer Jam Factory Icon Angela Valamanesh: About Being Here South Coast Regional Art Centre, Goolwa September 11 – November 1 The connections between science, poetry and art inspire Angela Valamanesh’s biomorphic ceramic sculptures. One of the state’s most influential craft-based artists, Angela exhibits an eclectic collection of evocative drawings, watercolours and mixed media works. For more information visit: visitalexandrina.com From The Inside Tokuremour Signal Point Gallery, Goolwa Wharf Precinct October 30 – December 6 Photographer Richard Hodges explores an ancient remnant tea-tree reserve, Tokuremour, in the southern Fleurieu region. In collaboration with contemporary dancer Tammy Arjona, the two artists present the reserve in a richly layered combination of photography and movement. For more information visit: visitalexandrina.com

Top of page: The connections between science, poetry and art inspire Angela Valamanesh’s biomorphic ceramic sculptures. See her work at the South Coast Regional Art Centre, Goolwa from September 11 to November 1.

Below left: Image by Hayden (Rich) Richards. See his work and more at this years Shimmer Festival from September 11 to October 11.

Below right: Take the family on a guided bushwalk during the Festival of Nature in Yankalilla from 17 to 20 September.

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Residents - choose local whenever you can!

Businesses owners - get involved and make this campaign your own!

Together we help our region grow and prosper.

#GoSouthGoLocal

270 Sand Road McLaren Vale | info@vineshedvenue.com.au | vineshedvenue.com.au | 14

VineShedVenue

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.

SA’s Kitchen Designer of the year. spacecraftjoinery.com.au

New Locales

Spring’s the perfect time to find new favourites on the Fleurieu.

Story by Poppy Fitzpatrick.

Above left: The old cracking shed is now the Almond Door at Papershell Farm where during their opening hours, you will find sustainably grown produce for purchase. Right: At Manna McLaren Vale you will be greeted with a friendly welcome, a great coffee and a wholesome brunch – with a lunch menu catering to a variety of dietary requirements.

The Almond Door, Papershell Farm 203 Almond Grove Road, Willunga When throwing back a fistful of almonds between afternoon errands, one doesn’t usually consider the journey of each individual nut from tree to hand. At The Almond Door in Willunga, you can be sure every single almond is nurtured from blossom to belly in fertile soils without a drop of spray, then hand harvested, and roasted before you experience its delightful crunch.

Swapping out busy New York lifestyles for a property in Goolwa, before landing at their nine-acre Willunga home in 2017, Jessica and Surahn Sidhu have since focused their lives on cultivating harmony and happiness on Papershell Farm through their almonds and wellbeing experiences. In a region that’s become so widely loved for its sprawling vineyards, it’s easy to forget Willunga’s recent history as one of the most substantial almond plantings in the southern hemisphere during the 1900s.

As the property has evolved, the couple have begun to see their role as natural farmers through a historic lens, preserving the

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precious soils and trees of the Willunga Basin’s agricultural legacy.

Adopting management and harvest practices that are chemical and machinery-free, they have returned the focus of their orchard and surrounding crops to more sustainable, small-scale farming.

Now, among the range of experiences to be enjoyed in their fruitful sanctuary, the Sidhu family are offering their lovingly and sustainably grown produce for purchase at their farm store. Located inside the old cracking shed, The Almond Door is sure to contain some of the lowest-impact produce you could possibly get your hands on. It’s Jessica and Surahn’s way of expressing and sharing their gratitude for the privilege of living in such a beautiful part of the world.

Manna McLaren Vale 211 Main Road, McLaren Vale The idea of heaven can seem far stretched at times like this, but husband and wife duo Scotty and Beth have opened a brand new hub to bring their own little slice to us. ‘Manna’, coming from a biblical story where food fell from heaven to people in need, seems a fitting title for this new oasis. Offering a wholesome lunch and brunch menu that caters to a variety of dietary requirements,

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that life is anything but predictable. Embarking on a new business venture is a gamble at the best of times, even without the addition of a global crisis. But no matter what the universe throws at us, it seems we can always rely on the unrelenting support and optimism of the Fleurieu community and business scene. Behind the chaos, a number of brave local folk have been chipping away to deliver us new little pockets of joy across the region.

Above left: The Little Cheese Room at Yankalilla owner Jane Arnold is scaling up her Second Valley Cheese business, offering a range of quality soft cheeses as well as a curated selection of products from a range of Fleurieu producers. Right: Sicily Mare offers a truly authentic Sicilian experience – with delicious snacks like arancini and a super delicious pizza menu made from the freshest produce – all complemented by a view to soothe. Photo by Heidi Lewis.

the couple hope to welcome tourists and locals alike to eat, drink, and indulge in the experiences of the wider region. With a delayed opening date thanks to the pandemic, Scotty and Beth took it on board as a blessing in disguise and used the time to get the place exactly how they wanted: bright, peaceful, bohemian and inviting.

Little Cheese Room 98C Main South Road, Yankalilla After nearly four years making delicious Second Valley Cheese Company products from a shipping container, Jane Arnold decided it was time she found some room to grow. Jane had the keys to a quaint Yankalilla shopfront in her hand on the first of February, but then March happened. What she expected to be a quick refit took slightly longer while border closures held up equipment deliveries.

Despite the unforeseen hitches, Little Cheese Room opened in late April to offer a select range of build-your-own-platter ingredients.

Alongside her own cheese range and a few carefully selected cheeses from further afield, Jane is also stocking products from a range of other Fleurieu producers.

Sicily Mare 106 Esplanade, Aldinga Beach While our feet remain stuck on home turf, one may find their mind wandering to warmer places. Perhaps your imagination has landed you in the centre of a romantic Sicilian summer, swimming in Nero d’Avola while gorging on arancini. Since we can’t currently embark on a steamy European escape, Sicily Mare has delivered us the next best thing, right here in Aldinga Beach. Although born in Australia, owner Cono Gorgone is a Sicilian at heart. From the menu itself, written in the local Sicilian dialect he grew up speaking, to the home-style dishes made with love from recipes passed down from his mother, Sicily Mare offers a truly end-to-end Sicilian experience – with our beloved Fleurieu coastline as the backdrop. >

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NEW LOCALES

Above left: Sand Road’s latest wedding and events venue The Vine Shed at Conte Estate will be offering a range of experiences including BBQ, platters and rides in their vintage tractor. Right: Kookery at Willunga. Here you will find an abundance of carefully considered everyday items and gifts. Photo by Sally Badnall (SweetShute).

The Vine Shed 270 Sand Rd, McLaren Vale With visions of a high-end, rustic cellar door and venue to replace their lonely skeleton of a vineyard machinery storage shed, the Conte family got to work on Sand Road’s newest addition: The Vine Shed.

Set to open in the very near future, the new business has begun accepting bookings for cellar door experiences and venue viewings.

In addition to venue hire, The Vine Shed is offering picnic and BBQ hampers to enjoy on their lawns, Italian pastries, espresso coffee and tastings of their Conte Estate wine range. If that weren’t enough, guests will be able to enjoy an open-air grazing experience from the comfort of a secured trailer, while they are pulled around the picturesque vineyards by vintage tractor.

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Kookery 18c High Street, Willunga With some extra time to enjoy inside our own four walls, many of those spent tinkering in the kitchen, it seems now is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a few homely comforts. Whether you seek the finest bread knife for sneaking slivers off your home-baked sourdough, a smooth new wooden cheese board for a stay-athome gourmet experience, or even a punny tea towel to bring a little laughter to the washing up, Kookery has it all. Amy PalmerMillin began the Kookery concept when her daughter was born, growing the brand and her personally crafted designs online. Eleven years later, and the brand – alongside an abundance of carefully considered everyday items and gifts – now calls Willunga home.

Above left: The de Rose Kitchen wants every customer to feel part of the de Rose family, as though they’re popping in for a cuppa or brunch (a delicious cuppa and brunch at that). Photo by Lewis Potter Photography. Right: The new cellar door at False Cape Kangaroo Island offers a rustic beauty complemented by delicious food and wine.

de Rose Kitchen 17a High Street, Willunga After a year and a half getting settled into their space at what was formerly known as 3 Monkeys Fine Foods, Dan and Mandy de Rose have emerged with their own new take on the business. The new name is all about the couple’s philosophy: they want every customer to feel part of the de Rose family, as though they’re popping in for a cuppa or brunch. Offering products that connect their guests with the growers, the region, the roasters and the people, the space is more than just a good spot to drop in for a cuppa and brunch.

Having both worked for several years at the Willunga Farmers Market, their relationship with local farmers and small producers makes de Rose Kitchen the perfect bridge between customer and producer.

False Cape Wines 1054 Willson River Road, Kangaroo Island Named after the nearby Kangaroo Island landmark, False Cape Wines established their off-grid, sustainability-focused vineyard in 1999. Their minimal intervention wines are best enjoyed from their new cellar door, built from recycled wood, jetty timbers and limestone sourced on the property. Opening late last year, the cellar door opening had a rocky start. Bouncing back from the KI bushfires, before a second knock from COVID-19, the business is now back in full swing to offer a rustic escape from the mainland.

This handbuilt labour of love offers a cosy indoor wood heater for the cooler months, and a rustic stone deck for summertime gatherings. Guests can take in the picturesque surrounds while enjoying homemade pies and deluxe platters, while the impressive wooden playground and kids menu means the little ones can join in the fun too. >

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NEW LOCALES

Above left: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee, or even a local gin on a sunny afternoon at Millie Mae’s Pantry. Photo courtesy of South Australian Tourist Commission. Right: The farm house at Eleanor Downs offers a quiet reprieve – on a working farm with a central location and great hosts. Photo by Heidi Lewis.

Millie Mae’s Pantry 1 Nat Thomas Street, Kangaroo Island Raised by passionately self-sufficient parents and grandparents, Jan Ordway’s childhood was flavoured with fresh backyard produce, chutneys, jams and preserves. Waitressing as a young girl at her parents’ Penneshaw restaurant, The Old Post Office, Jan developed a deep love for the Kangaroo Island community, lifestyle and quality produce. Inspired and named after her beloved grandmothers, Millie Mae’s Pantry was born. Stocking honey, preserves, candles and pottery – most of which are made in-house or sourced on KI – Jan wants the business to focus on low food miles, sustainability and supporting local producers, while sharing her family’s wholesome island story. Despite this year’s setbacks, Jan’s symbiotic relationship with her Penneshaw community sees the cafe soldiering on, now with a new outdoor pergola area to enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee, or even a local gin on a sunny afternoon.

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Eleanor Downs Parndana, Kangaroo Island With big plans to host the second Adelaide Fringe Bush Festival in March this year, Nathan Tretheway and Olivia Baker of Eleanor Downs were thrown some unexpected curveballs. Despite coming out of the KI bushfires with plans intact, pandemic restrictions stopped the festival in its tracks. In lieu of a big party, the couple are instead welcoming guests to their farm – whether by ferry or their private air strip – for a sufficiently isolated and tranquil country escape in their 1952 Soldier Settler cottage.

Above left: Pizza at Nino’s to Go – same great pizza but now in it’s own dedicated space. Right: At the Pickle Pot you will find a delicious array of curated Fleurieu providore items as well as chef/owner Carolyn’s own homemade goodies. Photo by Tommy Woods Photos.

Nino’s To Go 1A Ocean Street, Victor Harbor For over 45 years, Nino’s Cafe has been a Victor Harbor life force in the form of casual Italian dining. With business bursting at the seams, the restaurant is spilling a few steps over the road to give their takeaway menu a home of its own. ‘Big Nino’s’ will be reserved for the same dine-in experience Victor Harbor locals know and love, while their takeaway service will have its own streamlined space to grow. Nino’s To Go will continue to focus on great local produce made from scratch – think casual Italian pizza, pasta and fresh breads – but with double the ovens, hungry bellies will get their fill in half the time.

The Pickle Pot 33 Commercial Road, Strathalbyn After almost thirty years sourcing the highest quality local produce for restaurant diners, chef Carolyn Woods decided to bring together her experienced insight and favourite South Australian ingredients in one place. The Pickle Pot in Strathalbyn, sitting at the junction of multiple renowned food and wine regions, is inspired by the region’s abundant farmers’ markets. Offering a delicious selection of local and international cheeses, Small World Bakery breads and flours, smallgoods from San Jose and Little Acre, and Newman’s condiments, you can become your own in-house gourmet chef. If all the choice is overwhelming, she has also designed hand-selected food boxes to take away. Ensuring her cooking skills remain sharp, Carolyn also has her own homemade goodies on offer, including oldschool pork sausage rolls and Portugese custard tarts.

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Faces and places Hope Lovelock Deane Harvest Studio, McLaren Vale

Artist / Botanical Wrangler / Ambience Curator Step inside Hope’s studio – a botanical wonderland where she sculpts, weaves and crafts locally foraged and grown bounty, creating experiences of awe and moments of connection with the beauty of the natural world. Photo by Jason Porter.

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Richard Maurovic ARTIST PROFILE:

Story by Petra de Mooy.

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Page left: ‘Murray Bridge SA’, 45 x 30cm. Top: ‘Cattle Crates’. Above: ‘Afternoon Shadows, O’Halloran Hill’.

Artist Richard Maurovic doesn’t like the term ‘self-taught’. ‘It seems to lack credibility,’ he says. He’s adopted its synonym ‘autodidact’ as shorthand for his particular mode of study, which has seen hard work and an unwavering commitment level maintained over thirty years build into a solid career.

‘I work a long day but I don’t see it as being a job because I really enjoy it,’ he says. It’s not always luck that allows us to pursue what we love. In Richard’s case, it has been determination and a strong will.

Richard enjoyed drawing and painting as a young child but left it behind for other pursuits. ‘I always wanted to be a cowboy,’ he says, and in his late teens he left school for a career as a drover. However, a life-changing accident, resulting in paralysis, in his early twenties led to a period of convalescence during which Richard began to draw again. With help, he invented an apparatus that would allow him to steady his hand over the paper (a device he still uses today).

At first, drawing was a way to pass the time but he rediscovered > 25

Above: ‘McLaren Vale Turn-Off.’

his love for the art and eventually submitted work to a few group exhibitions. After some practise he added painting to his skillset and began to exhibit that work as well.

Richard taught himself how to paint by reading, going to galleries and looking at the works of other artists. And by practising.

Practising and practising and practising. ‘I don’t know whether what I was doing was right but it is what worked for me,’ he says.

‘I was very fortunate to win some art awards which gave me great encouragement and gave me validation to feel that what I was doing was worthwhile.’

Richard bought an old home in Hyde Park close to Adelaide. They say you should never buy the first home you look at, but that’s precisely what he did and thirty years on he’s still there, these days with his partner, Toni Radway. The front room, which used to be a grocery store, became Richard’s studio. It has lovely light thanks to the large windows facing the street. That proximity to the street allows Richard a close connection to the community, while still maintaining some distance. ‘I enjoy my work and tend to work a lot,’ he says. The windows offer an opportunity to say hello, know his neighbours but still work in relative solitude. It also provides an informal gallery space for him to show some of his work.

Richard’s first solo painting exhibition in 1996 at Barry Newton Gallery in Adelaide sold out. ‘It was the most successful opening night the gallery had ever had,’ Richard says proudly. The constructed environments of Richard’s painting have an everyday feeling but the spare geometry has an order and matter-of-factness that has great appeal. Everyday scenes pared back to their strongest elements with the light just right and the absence of daily clutter.

Richard’s subject matter is mainly rooted in constructed environments but he’s also well versed in painting landscapes, animals and portraits. He likes to paint things that are part of his life, studiously documenting them. Working from photographs and observation, he begins first with small studies before moving to larger canvases. ‘The studies are very important because that is where your first thoughts are put down. It’s a creative state that has the enthusiasm of your initial idea,’ he says.

Australian painter Jeffrey Smart was an early hero. The two corresponded and Richard had him over to lunch one day – a date that remains a career highlight. He also spent considerable time with artist Tom Gleghorn. ‘He taught me a lot about materials and how different materials respond to canvas,’ he says. In Richard and

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Above: Artist Richard Maurovic in his studio. Photograph by Jason Porter.

Toni’s living area hangs a large portrait of Richard submitted for the Archibald prize for portraiture by Robert Hannaford. Richard learned a lot from him just through conversation and observation while sitting for the portrait.

Now an established artist, these experiences have helped to form the painter he is today and he now spends time with younger artists giving back in the same way. He’s very grounded in his practise and looks very closely at what he does, choosing only to put out his best work. ‘As a more established painter,’ he tells me, ‘you don’t lose the enthusiasm, but you’re much freer to pick and choose, which comes with maturity, development and age.’

Richard will be exhibiting new work at the Strand Gallery at Port Elliot opening on January 14th. Gallery owner Sonya Hender says, ‘We are very proud to have widely recognised and awarded artist, Richard Maurovic exhibiting with us. He is an artist of immense technical skill and his perception of his subject matter is unique. I appreciate his natural warmth, intellect, humour and determination.

An alternate reality Story by Corrina Wright.

Above: Mark McCarthy takes a bath with Charlotte Dalton and Ben Cooke during one of Mark’s @bathtimebevvieswithmacca sessions. Photo by Miah McCarthy.

‘Well that’s going to be a bit boring,’ comes the quick reply from a local wine executive when I ask how his work has changed during COVID. ‘What would I be doing if COVID didn’t happen? Going to work. What am I doing now we are living with COVID? Going to work!’

Smartie pants! (Note to self: get better at framing interview questions.) Technically, what he’s saying is true: there’s still plenty of work to do in our ‘essential’ industry. The vines don’t stop growing, the wines still need to be cared for, our cellar doors are mostly back open and we still need to get our wine out to people all over the world. But for our local wine community, the form of that work in 2020 is in some cases vastly different than it would usually be.

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Vintage time, when all the grapes are being harvested and wines made, is relentlessly hectic. It’s all-hands-on-deck to make the best wine possible from the grapegrowers’ yearly toils. Once the last fruit’s been picked and the year’s income tallied, grapegrowers and contractors can enjoy a few moments of semi-relaxation. All the harvest machinery is cleaned and stripped down, cover crops are sown in the mid-rows, sheep are redeployed on mowing duty, trellis maintenance jobs are ticked off and the irrigation gets shut down.

Then pruning starts in earnest and the seasons roll on.

Winemakers look back at their vintage creations, allocating wine and blends, making sure the reds are safely tucked away and perhaps bottling whites or previous vintages. Everything is cleaned and then cleaned again, and staff take a few days in lieu to reacquaint themselves with their loved ones. The bean counters take stock and prepare the budgets.

Above: Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood Of Ministry of Clouds winery have been working on completing their new winery and tasting room.

As a comparative quiet falls over the wine community locally, in a normal world, this is when the job of storytelling really kicks into gear. Work shirts are shelved in favour of branded dress shirts and we all board planes. We sell our wares from deepest China to the restaurant next door. Hosting dinners. Running tastings. Attending events. And pouring, pouring, pouring.

But not this year. This year things are very different. We’re all living an alternate reality.

D’Arenberg’s flamboyant winemaker Chester Osborn has a bag of tricks he’s been dragging around the world for years. It’s stuffed to the brim with props that represent his myriad of wine labels. Think a fake dead arm, a lucky lizard stuffed toy, some rose-tinted glasses and a small pixie. This year the suitcase is gathering dust under his desk, only to be pulled out for the odd Zoom tasting.

By now Mark McCarthy from McCarthy Orchards is usually grafting vines in the eastern states. This year his creative new social media project @bathtimebevvieswithmacca has taken off, so he’ll be packing up the camper trailer (including two baths!) and heading west to graft in Margaret River instead.

‘We are cleaning!’ exclaims Hotel California and Inkwell Wines proprietors Irina and Dudley Brown. With more local guests staying for shorter periods, and the new cellar door restrictions, the cleaning of glasses, surfaces and linen has grown exponentially. Fortuitously, stranded international workers were able to be deployed to handweed thirty acres of vines, ‘…did we mention cleaning?!’

Artisan wine producer James Hamilton from Golden Child Wines would have snuck in a family holiday to somewhere warm with surf, in and around the many interstate sales trips. Instead, he’s spending time building online sales for his small business and upping the trips to local surf breaks. >

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Left: Selina Kelly and Andre Bondar (from Bondar Wines) have been focusing on building a small winery on their Chalk Hill Road vineyard. Top right: The new seated wine experience in the original Coriole homestead – a space with phenomenal views overlooking the vineyards and Willunga Hills. Bottom right: Aaron from Oliver’s Taranga vineyard feels nothing much has changed for him. Although he’s stilll a little annoyed there was no end-of-vintage party.

Jeremy Maxwell is ‘not flying around the country and world like a blue-arsed fly.’ (Note to self: where does this most excellent saying come from?) Rather, he and the Maxwell Wines team have used the restrictions to refine their restaurant tasting menu and develop high-end tasting experiences in cellar door. Velvet Oakes has done likewise at Coriole, developing a new seated wine experience in the original Coriole homestead, a space with phenomenal views overlooking the vineyards and Willunga Hills.

Wirra Wirra’s chief winemaker Paul Smith was supposed to be at a friend’s wedding in Puglia, Italy and was using that as an excuse to explore some of Italy’s great wine regions while celebrating a significant birthday. ‘Travel restrictions saw that revert to a miniFleurieu escape instead,’ he says. ‘We still managed to get a taste of Italy through some of the wines we drank – mixed in among our favourite local drops – without the challenges of airports, jet lag and language barriers.’

For many, the travel moratorium and restrictions on gatherings has created space to focus on building projects at home. Dynamic duo Selina Kelly and Andre Bondar from Bondar wines would normally be prepping for their massive annual open day over the June long 30

weekend. Instead, they’re focusing on their next very exciting project – building a small winery on their Chalk Hill Road vineyard.

Langhorne Creek’s energetic winemaking sisters Rebecca and Lucy Willson from Bremerton Wines have found it quite calming to look at their wall calendar and see all the crossed-out entries, redirecting their energy into cellar door building developments. Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood of Ministry of Clouds wines are putting the finishing touches on their new winery and tasting room, as well as getting in touch with their ‘super patient and slightly neglected’ direct customers.

My colleagues in the Oliver’s Taranga vineyard – Don, Tom, Aaron and Dan – don’t reckon much has changed for them. They each have their own designated tractor, and they’re still cross they didn’t get an end-of-vintage party.

The smartie pants wine executive is right, of course. Many of us in the wine community are still at work, and lucky to be so. But it’s a different type of work this year and one can’t help but wonder whether parts of this alternate reality will stay for good.

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Road to recovery Story by Petra de Mooy.

Photography by Jason Porter.

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Page left: Each and every one of the many thousands of yaccas on the island are sporting yellow flowered spikes towering 3 to 5m high. This page left: New growth sprouts the entire length of the trunk on many gums across the island. Top right: While Remarkable Rocks remains relatively unscathed, the surrounding area still shows some devastation. Bottom right: The residents of Seal Bay never fail to grace visitors with their presence.

In early February this year, Kangaroo Island tour guide Nikki Redman took her mum to have a look at some of the fireaffected areas on the Island. Both are long time nature lovers and locals. They were amazed and fascinated by the regrowth that was already emerging in the ravaged landscape. ‘It was interesting to see that mum was so interested,’ Nikki shares.

And she wondered – wouldn’t others be interested too?

This moment of curiosity led to the Road to Recovery Tour, designed

by Nikki to take guests into the fireground to experience and appreciate the amazing resilience and regeneration of nature as it’s happening. Nikki was convinced of the importance of this tour, staying up late to prepare a presentation for the leadership team at the tour company she guides for, Kangaroo Island Odysseys.

‘I created a PDF and it was my first ever!’ she enthuses, declaring

herself ‘not a computer person.’ Her passion for the Island won them over and we were lucky to be one of the first groups to see her vision realised.

The tour starts early, so we ferried over the night before. We stayed overnight at American River’s Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, enjoying an incredible three-course, five-star dinner. ‘We didn’t just put that on for you,’ GM Ian Solomon tells me, ‘it’s like that every night.’ (We will be back!)

After a comfortable sleep and buffet breakfast, we are joined by Nikki as well as Gaylene Ingram, Kangaroo Island local, tour guide and CFS volunteer. They share with us not only their wealth of nature and wildlife knowledge, but also the destructive reality and lived experience of the firefighters, volunteers and locals during those late December and early January days as KI suddenly headlined local and international news. They take us through an itinerary that covers parts of the south and north coasts including the three main tourist drawcards – Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. It’s truly a nature lover and photographer’s paradise.

The vivid green of the regrowth contrasted with the blackened branches is breathtaking. > 33

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Page left: The phenomenal regrowth in Flinders Chase National Park is clearly evident in this particular spot. This page top from left: Sean Martlew and JulieAnne Briscoe from SeaLink, with Nikki Redman, Sarina Davis and Gaylene Ingram from Kangaroo Island Odysseys . Photo by Petra de Mooy. Bottom left: An eastern spinebill amid charred branches. Photo by Nikki Redman. Bottom right: A few months ago this photograph would have shown no greenery at all.

Photo by Heidi Lewis.

This was our second trip to KI after the bushfires, having visited in March on a self-guided tour. Then, the regeneration was only just beginning and now seven months on from the fires, all sorts of incredible transformations have taken place. This time around, we’re treated to some of Nikki’s favourite spots. These include a number of roadside areas that have shown the most regrowth and now display spectacular plant specimens – only nature has the creativity to make things of such striking beauty. The prolific and prehistoric xanthorrhoea (yacca or grass tree) has benefited greatly from the fires. Flower spikes soar up to five metres in height from every last one of these amazing specimens, providing a unique and almost whimsical landscape beside the regeneration of the bush, mallee, casuarina and gum trees. It also means these shoots will begin to seed and spread more yaccas while also providing an important food source for honeyeaters and pygmy possums.

Nikki is careful not to underplay the devastation to the Island’s human population and wildlife, but she also sees the fires as a ‘giant restart button’ for nature. Fires are important for regeneration and have happened for hundreds of millions of years. ‘We really want this to be a message about recovery. We could sit here and cry – and in our private moments we do – but I just want to get back to work and share the journey,’ she says, ever practical.

A self-described ‘naturalist’, Nikki has an encyclopedic knowledge of plants and animals. Now, that encyclopedia also extends to the effects of the bushfires. Alongside the number of hectares and animals lost to the fires, she also shares some amazing stories of resilience. Take the dunnart, which burrowed its way to survival. These small, rare marsupials were already monitored by a conservationist group. When the group were able to check on the population again after the fires, they were (happily) surprised > 35

Above: Spectacular Admiral’s Arch at Cape Du Couedic. Photo by Drea Chong.

‘We really want this to be a message about recovery. We could sit here and cry – and in our private moments we do – but I just want to get back to work and share the journey’ by how many had survived. They’ve since stepped in where mother nature couldn’t to protect the vulnerable population by providing aboveground caged tunnels and trapping predacious feral cats.

Snakes and other reptiles also sought refuge underground, as did echidnas which also pulled another party trick – lowering their core temperature to 24.5 degrees.

It goes without saying that the human population has also suffered unthinkable losses and the Island’s rebirth is an emotional one. And it’s only just begun. The human and property losses took a huge toll on the Island community and the effect on farmers was and is unfathomable. It’s hard to absorb the numbers of stock losses and the impact on infrastructure. But these losses stand against stories of community resilience.

For visitors, it’s a time to respectfully and gently observe and enjoy the landscape and all the community has to offer.

The park rangers and tour guides can’t stress enough how important it is to respect the fragile recovering environment. They say too many

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people are doing the wrong thing. The inland regrowth has been swift, but the delicate and fragile dunes and coastal areas take a lot longer to regenerate. The harsh, windy and dry conditions make survival of the fittest a hard-earned truth. ‘We see footprints in the dunes and it is just people wanting to get the best angle on the photo,’ Nikki laments. ‘There are so many great spots to take photos from the well worn paths,’ she assures us.

It does make one pause for thought. After all of the destruction and devastation, these small acts of thoughtlessness are like stepping on the hearts of those who have lost so much. The KI economy needs visitors, but Nikki emphasises that nature needs to be given its best chance at recovery at the same time.

It’s clear Nikki feels a quiet pride in the Road to Recovery Tour. And why wouldn’t she? It may be a two-day experience for us, but for Nikki it’s another two days in her ongoing commitment as part of the KI community, helping the recovery along: supporting it, protecting it and sharing it with others.

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Tall Bike Stan Story by Hayley Taylor. Photography by Heidi Lewis.

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Page left: ‘Tall Bike Stan’ Lowe can be seen regularly on the roads (and beaches) in the area, sporting one of his custom bike builds. Above: Lowrider style.

Somewhere between a penny-farthing and a BMX, the tall bike is not unlike a jungle gym on wheels. It’s a sight seldom forgotten, and on the Fleurieu there’s one man known for riding high on these metal giants. ‘Tall Bike Stan’ Lowe’s custom bikes – some tall, others stretched long – appear to defy bike-building logic. But the twenty-three year old has become wellversed in the mechanics of bicycles, and the frames he fabricates are comparable to artistic metal sculptures.

While his designs are contemporary and unique, ‘tall bikes have been around since the 19th century,’ Stan says, ‘for lighting gas lanterns, because people were fed up with taking step ladders.’ Stan prefers to travel on them, embarking on long trips. The furthest so far was a twelve-hour ride from Sellicks Beach to Tailem Bend, with his luggage stored within the custom frame. While it seems, to the untrained eye, impossible to safely take one of these tall bikes up hills and across the country, Stan claims it’s a piece of cake. He says the added height allows for longer chains and, therefore, as many gears as you can fit.

‘When I build these, I get extremely attached to them, because it’s just like this piece of art that you’ve made, and you just don’t wanna get rid of it,’ Stan says as we sit in his shed, surrounded by bike parts and tools. From vintage school chairs wrapped in leather and edged in spiked metal studs, to bike frames fashioned from old trampolines, the workshop walls are a shrine for bike-lovers and recyclers alike.

But it’s not just all tall bikes. Stan’s magnum opus is the electricpowered ‘Night Crawler’. Covered in hand-welded webs of steel, it looks more like a motorcycle than a treadly. He plans on taking it to the Old Skool N New Age Auto Show later this year. ‘I haven’t won it yet, but when I bring that thing to it I’m gonna!’ Stan says with sure determination.

‘The kind of stuff I’m doing now, most of my mates didn’t believe I’d even get this far,’ Stan says proudly. He points to a shiny, red tall bike, ‘it’s been three different forms now, in its evolution from the first bike I ever welded.’ This particular iteration sports a built-in ladder the rider climbs to reach the seat perched an anxiety-inducing twometres above the ground.

Stan, who struggled within the conventions of the education system, eventually discovered his passion in a metalwork class. It wasn’t until years later that a teacher finally asked what it was he wanted to make. Stan recalls thinking, ‘I don’t know! You’re the first teacher to ever ask me what I want to do.’ It was a question that allowed Stan to realise his dream, and his first pushbike was welded soon after, right there at school. ‘I only learnt a fraction of what I know now at school. The rest is all self-taught. I’m a cabinet-maker by day, pushbike fabricator by night,’ Stan says. ‘But literally, if this starts firing up enough, I’m dropping the cabinet-making and doing full-time fabricating for anyone, anytime.’

He now has his sights set on establishing his business, and a weeklong tall bike trip up the Great Ocean Road.

If you’re looking to take your own trip or explore the Fleurieu Peninsula’s stunning trails on a custom creation or newly restored bike, Stan’s your man.

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Above: The Willunga Farmers Market has adapted to the COVID restrictions and is going strong – providing both delicious regional produce, supporting local business and offering a welcoming community spirit.

Farmers Market: adapting to change Story by Kate Le Gallez. Photograph by Heidi Lewis.

On 21 March 2020, uncertainty was in the air. We were six days into a declared public health emergency in South Australia. Toilet paper was now a precious resource, our conversations were newly littered with the phrase ‘social distancing’ and I was wondering whether to make my weekly trip to the Willunga Farmers Market (WFM). Habit – and the ability to shop in the fresh air – won out, with two concessions. First, I was alone, because two young children will touch everything, pandemic or not. Secondly, I was armed with hand sanitiser, readily accessible for frequent dousings.

For six days, Jenni Mitton, General Manager of WFM, and her management team wondered how many people would make the same decision I did. Would people still come? ‘It was a bit of a scary time,’ Jenni recalls. But she believed in the importance of continuing to offer access to the fresh, local produce the market is renowned for – for the benefit of both the traders, whose livelihoods were at stake, and shoppers. Government directives aside, the market was and is an essential service. And that meant change needed to happen, and quickly.

But not too much change: ‘neither our customers or our stallholders are fans of change,’ laughs Jenni. The existing site was a major problem, however. ‘We couldn’t social distance in the space we were in,’ she explains. The solution was to split the market, with all fresh 40

fruit and vegetable stalls relocating across the road to the Willunga Recreation Park grounds. The WFM board signed it off mid-week and the news went out via newsletter and social media: the market is on.

Same, same but different.

Somehow I missed all of that, so when I made my way into the market via my usual route down the side of the Fleurieu Milk truck, the change hit me like the sting of hand sanitiser in a paper cut.

In Town Square where stalls once stood awning to awning, space had appeared. Slightly discombobulated, I was lining up to buy my milk (three of the dark blue, thanks) when a man in a fluoro vest approached me. Fresh fruit and veg are over the road, he said.

This man – a newly-recruited volunteer – and others like him, would become a new fixture of the market experience. Their fluro-clad presence at the entry points to the market wielding hand sanitiser and friendly but firm reminders to stand two arm lengths apart help reinforce the new norms. After the re-siting, the volunteers are the reason people continue to feel safe shopping at the market, says Jenni. Another new fixture is the availability of cashless payment.

‘While everyone else was out hoarding toilet paper, I was at Officeworks, hoarding Square Readers and driving to producers’ farms and setting them up, showing them how to use it,’ says Jenni.

The more spaced-out market, volunteers and cashless payment are here to stay while social distancing guidelines remain in place. So too the WFM members-only online order service, which is picked and packed by volunteers. For creatures of habit like me, it’s been a lot of change but it’s also shown the adaptability and resilience of the market community. ‘I’m really proud of the community for accepting that we had to make huge changes, the biggest changes that we’ve ever had to make in 18 years,’ says Jenni. And she’s especially grateful to the volunteers who ‘just keep showing up. They just keep helping.’ 2020 has asked a lot of us so far and may well continue to do so. But so long as the Saturday mornings keep coming, so too will the Willunga Farmers Market.

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Home among the gum trees Story by Kate Le Gallez. Photography by Heidi Lewis. Styling by Marcus Syvertsen.

Page left: The freshly landscaped exterior entryway draws guests in towards the front door and deposits them quickly into the heart of the home. Above: The sleek profile of The Wait framed by mature gum trees.

Jill Dowd still gets a funny feeling when she turns onto the dirt road that leads to the new home she has built with husband Brendan. ‘It sounds a bit odd, but I just get this really warm and fuzzy feeling,’ she smiles. ‘And that was what it was like as we drove up the first time and we saw it.’

It was March when they first turned inland off Waitpinga Road to view the 120-acre block. ‘We saw it at the worst time of the year,’ she says. ‘It was so dry around, but we loved it.’

It’s mid-winter when I visit, and the landscape is at its verdant peak.

Driving towards the house, the wizened branches of eucalypts tangle overhead as the road dips down, crossing a creek line before rising again. As the vegetation opens up, the sleek profile of The Wait framed by mature gum trees is revealed. It’s only taken me fifteen minutes to get here from Victor Harbor but, as Jill says, it feels as though we’re a world away.

Native South Australians, Jill and Brendan spent twenty years in Darwin where Brendan worked as the chief executive of the City of Darwin and Jill worked in the not-for-profit sector. ‘We went on an adventure and neither of us had ever been,’ says Jill. ‘It’s been a wonderful experience, but it was time to come home.’ Before Darwin they’d lived on acreage near Gawler and knew they wanted to do so again after twenty years in the city.

They initially thought about moving to the Adelaide Hills, before their attentions turned south. Jill had made the traditional summer holiday pilgrimages to Victor Harbor as a child and so the area held a nostalgic familiarity. ‘When we started to look in this area, we just felt really comfortable with it,’ says Jill. And then when the warm and fuzzies set in, they knew they’d found their spot.

The only problem was, Jill and Brendan had always said they’d never build. That is, until they found this land. Choice of builder is always important, but for these somewhat reluctant first-time builders, it was critical. They wanted to find a builder who could share their vision and who would listen to their needs. They found exactly that in South Coast Constructions and designer Matt Parker. >

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Page left: The heart of the home – an entertainer’s kitchen incorporates a bank of black cabinetry along the far wall that is both understated and bold.

Designed in collaboration with Innovative Kitchens.

The first question was where to put the house. ‘We dragged him up here several times to have a look,’ says Jill. They initially chose a spot at a lower point on the property, but a last minute change of heart saw them shift the site higher up to optimise the views to the sea. ‘Evercalm’ Matt took it on the chin. This ability to listen and take on their suggestions was exactly what Jill and Brendan were looking for and it paid dividends when it came to the design. ‘We got his email and we couldn’t bring ourselves to open it,’ laughs Jill. ‘We opened it and we just went ‘wow’.’ While they eventually flipped the arrangement of rooms, the final house is essentially as per that first design. ‘He’s done a beautiful job,’ says Jill.

Their brief to Matt was to design a modern house with warmth. They wanted to maximise their views to the landscape and out to the sea 44

within a flexible floor plan that could expand to welcome their three adult children when they visit, while also functioning as a cosy home for two the rest of the time.

One of Jill’s specific requests was a statement entry, and it’s here that she welcomes me into her home. The freshly landscaped exterior entryway draws guests in towards the front door and deposits them quickly into the heart of the home – the open-plan kitchen, dining and living zone. Warmth is immediately evident in the generous modern fireplace, rammed earth feature walls and Jill’s friendly smile. Perhaps it’s the smell of the chocolate and banana loaf that Jill has just pulled from the oven, but it’s not hard to imagine settling in for a long afternoon drinking tea and gazing out through the expansive windows to the views beyond.

Top: The open-plan kitchen, dining and living zone. Bottom left: The calm, minimalist dining area beneath the sweeping black curves of a feature pendant, augmented by an adjacent outdoor entertaining space. Right: A cosy reading-cum-family room.

The space seems to gather energy and personality as you move from one end to the other across the blackbutt flooring. From the calm, minimalist seating area the room flows through to the statement dining table beneath the sweeping black curves of a feature pendant, augmented by an adjacent outdoor entertaining space, ready for when the warm weather returns. The room then builds to a striking entertainer’s kitchen, created by Innovative Kitchens.

The inspiration for the kitchen came early, based on a photo Jill found.

She then worked with Innovative Kitchens to customise the design for their space and requirements. The bank of black cabinetry along the far wall is at once understated and bold, grounding the room. And Jill loves it. ‘With the blackbutt flooring – and I knew we had a lot of natural light – I thought we could play with the black a bit,’ she says.

A wide bench offers both practical workspace and a place for friends and family to gather. ‘This is how we love to live,’ says Jill. ‘It’s all about having an amazing feast around the table with a few glasses of wine. So this really speaks to us, to what we are.’

Beyond the kitchen there’s a surprise packet – a cosy reading-cumfamily room. In considering the design, Jill and Brendan paid little attention to it, assuming it may be a handy additional living space for when their kids stayed. But it’s become a symbol of the creativity and consideration that Matt put into the design. ‘As the build went ahead, it started to show itself in that beautiful view up the valley. And I said to Brendan, ‘Wow, we’ve really underestimated this room,’ says Jill. >

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Top left: The ensuite perhaps makes the best use of the view, with a freestanding bath perfectly positioned to take it all in. Top right: Jill’s interior styling skills were put to good use. Bottom right: Rammed earth feature walls are offset by blackbutt wood floors. Bottom: A new home among the gum trees.

This end of the house is completed by three guest bedrooms serviced by a central bathroom. The practical design allows this whole area to effectively be closed off when not in use. While Jill clearly enjoys interior styling, she handed over creative control to her three adult children in determining the direction of the guestrooms. Jill asked daughters Sarah and Kate and son Jack to each select an artwork, using their choices as inspiration for the colour scheme and decor choices for each room. The result is three completely individual rooms, united by familial connection.

The master suite sits at the opposite end of the house. Along the way, Jill points out Indigenous artworks collected during their years in Darwin, as well as a sentimental nod to the build – a heavily annotated copy of the plan is framed and hung above a kitchen nook. We pass 46

by a generously sized office, before reaching the master bedroom which boasts floor to ceiling windows overlooking a magnificent gumtree, its branches twisted with age. The ensuite perhaps makes the best use of the view, with a freestanding bath perfectly positioned to take it all in.

On my way out, I notice a small gold sign by the front door. It came back with Jill and Brendan from Darwin and reads in Irish ‘céad míle fáilte’, translating as one hundred thousand welcomes. It’s a reminder of Brendan’s Irish heritage, but it’s also a symbol of all the personal touches that Jill and Brendan have brought to their new, modern home. Through their partnership with South Coast Constructions, they’ve created a home that reflects their way of life: warm, distinctive and most certainly welcoming.

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The tractor trove Story by Annabel Bowles. Photography by Jason Porter.

Above: The densely populated yard of aging metal creates an interesting juxtaposition with the vivid green foliage of the adjacent vineyard.

Richard Wright greets me with a fingercrunching handshake and a warm grin at the tall gates to Wright’s Tractor Sales, Service and Wrecking. Sometime past five o’clock, he waves to a just-knockedoff employee rattling down Chalk Hill Road as I follow him through a labyrinth of colourful metal. I’ve heard a rumour that this sizeable acreage is home to one of the largest privately owned collections of tractor parts in the southern hemisphere, but Richard doesn’t indulge in such frivolities; he’s just here to do business.

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In fact, Richard’s always known how to make money work. An entrepreneur from the get-go, he used to catch and sell rabbits to school teachers at just six years old, and he’d collect bottles, eggs and anything else that might be worth a coin. Like many in the region, his family had almonds and vines on a small block in Bethany, just out of McLaren Vale. It was here that Richard first perched on the mudguard of a mower, before stepping up to the driver’s seat of his father’s Little Fergie tractor. ‘I said to Pop one day: “I can drive the tractor through the gate” and he said “no you can’t, you’ll hit the side post” and what did I do? Smack it fair and square on the middle of the bloody bonnet – he was furious.’

Shortly after this mishap, Richard told his parents he wanted to leave school and become a tractor dealer. They laughed and said it would never happen, so he just went and did it. He tells me, ‘I left school at 15, the day I turned 15 I was out of there … and three years later I’d bought my own 2.5 acres next to my parents’ place.’

Top and bottom left: Seen from the air, the sheer volume of machinery and labyrinth of pathways becomes more apparent. Bottom right: At seventy-two years young, Richard shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it was almost difficult to keep him in one spot long enough to take this portrait.

Richard actually bought ‘heaps and heaps’ of properties in his late teens and early twenties, including some housing blocks in Aldinga that he re-sold before even paying for them – with a decent markup of course. After momentarily pausing to check on a front-end loader he’s been bidding for online throughout our conversation, Richard tells me he bought the property we’re sitting on when he was in his late twenties. It was originally close to thirty acres, covered in artichokes and surrounded by almonds. Today he’s kept just five acres, and utilised every inch to build a tractor empire from the dirt up.

His tractor trove includes everything from filters to batteries, spanners to tyres, as well as all sorts of new and used machinery attachments. And he knows exactly where each item is stored. The only rules are that everything is either sold, serviced, or wrecked (eventually), and that he doesn’t sell new tractors – I’m told there’s no money in that. I’m also told he doesn’t have a trade, nor is his business a tractor dealership. He simply asks people what their application is and what they want to do with the machinery, and gives them a straight answer.

Richard’s children tell him it’s all junk, but he thinks it’s pure gold.

He does admit that ‘until you sell something, it’s scrap metal ... and at the moment, there’s bloody thousands of tonnes of it here.’

For that reason he won’t acquire anything that doesn’t wreck well, unless it’s something to add to his collection of vintage vehicles.

As it turns out, Richard loves sports cars as much as slow movers, and houses an impressive number of both on his cattle farm on the southern Fleurieu.

At seventy-two, Richard has no intention of retiring any time soon, or at all. There’s not much you can put past his razor sharp memory and relentless drive to keep expanding. Although his children probably won’t take on the business, he’s quite happy to have six ‘absolute ripper’ employees. Richard’s grateful they’re here day in, day out, as he says the only way he’ll go is in a wheelbarrow – leaving behind a legacy of trading and tending to tractors, and a treasury of golden junk.

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Live well, live long Story by Lori-Ellen Grant.

Being healthy is not an event. It lies in the many insignificant actions that we choose day to day. Some of these actions are easy to do, and some not. The small things, like moving each day and eating well, may seem challenging, yet what is comfortable now – like the couch – may become uncomfortable later when it’s challenging to get off it.

These daily choices are described by one author as ‘the slight edge’: actions you repeat over and over that seemingly make no difference, yet they’re quietly compounding and paying wellness dividends over time.

When I talk to people who move, most people like what they’re doing while they’re doing it. The enjoyment might come from socialising at the gym and being seen lifting heavy things, or the competitive challenge of a long-distance run or team sport. They aren’t moving away from something – from goals like ‘losing weight’.

Instead, it’s about enjoying what they’re doing now: ‘I love swimming and getting in the water first thing in the morning.’ Or maybe ‘I like the challenge of extending how far I can run and love the feeling afterwards.’

We all have a different idea of what living well and being at our best looks like, and often this changes as we age. Our unique blend of genetics, behaviour, environmental and physical influences, medical care and socioeconomic factors all influence our health. Health means ‘being whole’ which the World Health Organisation describes as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease…’

All people have inherent strengths and weaknesses related to their health, the skill is knowing what they are so you can make the

best health decisions for yourself. Looking back at the lives of our parents, their parents and our siblings can give us an idea of how genetics may influence our health. Back pain has run through the last three generations of my maternal line. It’s been exacerbated by jobs requiring manual labour, exercise, car accidents, poor diet and excess weight and has resulted in significant periods of pain, and for many of my family, surgery. It’s an inherent weakness which stems from a structural variance – we tend to have long torsos. With this knowledge, learning how to create more core stability is essential to take the load off the back and some activities like kayaking, gymnastics or snowboarding are never going to be a good idea.

And when we know what we can control with respect to our health, the obvious next step is to align our choices. Except, we don’t seem to be so good at this. In self-reported data from the 2017-18 National Health Survey, more than half of adults (55%) didn’t do enough physical activity and around two in three (67%) of Australian adults were overweight or obese. Not surprisingly, the second and third leading risk factors of disease are diet and weight.

Australia’s greatest health concern is coronary heart disease and almost half of all Australians have one or more chronic conditions (like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and mental and behavioural conditions). In our own practice these statistics about exercise and diet ring true – many people aren’t moving enough and aren’t honest about their diet or the effect it’s having on their health.

In saying that, life has a way of offering us reminders. Pain, loss of freedom, and most of all, loss of life are huge motivators and sometimes come as a wake-up call reminding us what’s truly important. The guiding principles that inform our behaviour and our attitudes isn’t usually something we talk about, yet each day unfolds through the choices we make.

So those small steps that seem like they aren’t making any difference? They are, so keep it up!

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Page left: Map showing the change in shoreline over the past 17,000 years. Illustration by Livi Gosling. Above: The dunes at Normanville.

Adaptation through the ages Story by Gavin Malone and Karl Telfer.

About 10,000 years ago, you could walk between the towns we now call Port Willunga on the Fleurieu and Edithburgh on Yorke Peninsula, although you’d have wanted to be well rugged up. Back then, Gulf St Vincent did not exist. You could do the seventy kilometre walk in two days, making camp on the banks of a river, now known as the River Vincent, running down the centre of that now submerged great alluvial plain.

When the last ice age ended, the sea level rose and the waters flooded that low lying plain over a period of about three thousand years, stabilising about seven thousand years ago. Over the next millennia the coast line we are now familiar with formed. Hills were eroded by the waves to form cliffs, sandy beaches and dunal systems shaped by the push and pull of tidal motions.

The rate of flooding was not even, at times the waters rose by up to a metre a year. Large areas of land disappearing literally overnight. It was a time of great upheaval as vast tracts of land slipped beneath sea level in just two hundred years, about the same time as the European occupation of South Australia.

Imagine what this would have been like for the human cultures who occupied the region. They couldn’t know when this great flooding by the sea would stop, when the temperature would stop rising. All they could see was their lands being drowned by the sea.

Over the past 60,000 years, all over Australia, the many Aboriginal tribal groupings have had to endure and adapt to the cyclic changes in the climate. They modified their behaviour to survive and live through major environmental, cultural and climatic shifts. The last ice age era about 20,000 years ago would have been very harsh, the peoples adversely affected by the frozen ground, freezing winds, and a shortage of fresh water and hunting grounds. >

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Above: Coast Scene Fishing at Second Valley. Below: A photograph showing the same landscape today.

Adaptation to challenges is key to the survival of all cultures and Aboriginal peoples successfully met the challenges that climate change confronted them with. After the great flooding, they learned to live with less land, utilising the new coast and its resources, forming new cultural groupings or realigning the existing ones to prosper under the new climate paradigm. And it was this paradigm that also enabled the evolution of agriculture as we now know it.

Western culture and science explain climate change one way; Aboriginal peoples have their way of understanding and incorporating the changes into their law and lores. Karl Telfer, senior custodian, explains ‘My ancestors have been here since the first sunrise. Archaeology says 10,000 years here, 20,000 there and 47,000 years up that way. There’s always been a sea to the south and one to the west, Wogatta Yerlo (the westerly sea), but a long way away. The ancestors lived and walked along its edge but that coastline has disappeared along with our special places, gone, under the sea. Westerners call that old land Sahul. At one time we didn’t have the gulf (Gulf St Vincent), we had the continuation of the great fertile plains, which Adelaide is now part of, and Tarnda Parri Red Kangaroo River (River Torrens) with its many connecting creeks. Tarnda Parri flowed into what is now called the River Vincent and down through what is now Backstairs Passage. It then joined another mighty river (the Murray) and flowed into the ocean.’

Karl continues, ‘When my mother tells the story of Tjirbruki and the Tjirbruki Dreaming Track, it’s fascinating geologically as it actually picks up where the freshwater springs are. One of the natural springs Wirruwarrungga is at Port Willunga. There we can go onto the beach and the fresh water is seeping out the sands from the exact spot Tjirbruki shed his tears from deep sadness at the loss of Kulultuwi, his nephew, in the story. The spring can also be explained geologically and we can get an idea of how old this story is from the

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oral tradition and the scientific geological story. So the Tjirbruki story must be between 6-7,000 years old.’

‘There are two fresh water springs there, one bubbling up under the sea, but my ancestors knew where it was. Much of our history and many special places were lost to the rising sea waters, our sites and hunting places drowned. Maybe one day what is called underwater archaeology will find some of them.’

We all enjoy the coast and its seas, from balmy summer’s days to watching the tempests lash the shores. Our way of life along the Fleurieu Peninsula and in the Willunga Basin is heavily influenced by the sea, the very landform of the peninsula and the stabilising influence of the sea and its breezes. But the actions of the sea may not be so benign in the future. We all have to learn from each other and act together, the two cultures, for our children’s future.

Karl concludes ‘There’s more story to tell about those times, but we have to sit down together to do that.’

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BOOKS & WORDS

Winter book reviews

by Mark Laurie of South Seas Books, Port Elliot.

Discovering Malcolm Knox’s novels A prolific journalist, essayist and sportswriter, Sydney-based Malcolm Knox is well known for his Walkley Awardwinning exposure of Norma Khouri’s false memoir and highly regarded for his writing on cricket. He has authored non-fiction books on subjects as diverse as Australia’s supermarket duopoly, the methamphetamine industry, and the jury system. He’s also a regular contributor to The Monthly magazine. On cricket, he has

covered Australia’s captains, wicket keepers and greatest players. He has also been literary editor for the Sydney Morning Herald and authored six highly regarded novels, the latest of which is to be released this September.

Knox’s novels, the most recent of which are reviewed below, generally explore ‘subterranean lives’, aspects of character and existence obscured beneath the aggregating dynamic of peers, team

The Wonder Lover

between generations. Bluebird is all Gordon Grimes knows and his struggle to conserve it against the indifference and capriciousness of progress, against the new money ‘freshly laundered and itching to renovate,’ is as instinctive as it is futile.

(2015)

by Malcolm Knox Published by Allen & Unwin ISBN 9781760112509 $22.99 John Wonder authenticates world records for that which is highest, oldest, most or best. Swimming in trivia, he measures the dubious achievements of others, uncompromisingly rigorous in rooting out false claims in his professional life. However, this ‘man of hidden shallows’ maintains three geographically distant families, each concealed and compartmentalised from the other by a rigid behavioural framework and complex network of lies. These relationships, and the firewalls he has built within his mind, heart and conscience, face the sternest of tests in his late 50s as he falls in love for the fourth time. The First Love, the Soul Mate and the Redeemer are to be supplemented with a woman he has verified to be the World’s Most Beautiful.

Narrated by a Greek chorus of his children, this modern-day fable explores the nature of love from the tragi-comic perspective of one of its outsiders, his emotional constitution stunted by his past as an unloved only child and his life constructed around a neverending supply of valueless facts. Highly imaginative and beautifully written, the novel bears witness to the shimmering ineffability of human relationships. It would have us reflect on what family, fidelity and friendship really mean when domestic reality collides with abstracted invention.

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or club, masked by lies, or clouded by self-deception. Sharply witty and with a penetrating eye for hypocrisy, they present contemporary stories of secrecy, of masks and projections, of men behaving badly, and their fragility under stress. Often in settings which are uniquely and recognisably Australian, these books measure the distances between how we are and what we might aspire to be, distances often as vast as the country these characters inhabit.

For all that our identity has drawn from the sunburnt country of its vast outback interior, there is a quintessential Australianness about towns perched at the coastal edge, where sand and waves collide, and the stories taking place upon their small stage. Amid the ‘strident ordinariness’ we are said to revere, Malcolm Knox has delivered a novel drawn from sources as diverse as Don Quixote, Baudrillard and Point Break. It will entertain, amuse and fascinate all who have made, considered or disparaged a sea change.

Bluebird: A Novel (September 2020)

by Malcolm Knox Published by Allen & Unwin ISBN 9781760877422 $32.99 A small seaside town, Bluebird will be instantly recognisable to anyone who has spent time at the Australian beach and deeply identifiable to those who have chosen to live there. So too, the frictions between its characters as, ‘battered by their history ... weakened by their flaws,’ they wrestle with both an inevitable future and mythical past. All the traditional battlelines are present: surfers and clubbies, council and community, conservation and change, a matrix enriched by the internecine war

between humanity and nature. Cursed with sensitivity, her journey becomes a nightmare of remembering the disappearance of her only friend, the early loss of her mother and the petty brutality of a man’s world where awareness or empathy is crowded out by survival and self. In searching for acceptance and belonging, as well as the ordinary human warmth she has largely been denied, Cassandra ‘goes past the wounds and scars into the hollows’ of her ancestry. In doing so, she not only finds herself but a history of violence, oppression, collusion and denial in a ‘country afraid of the sound of our footsteps.’

Best read episodically, these ‘vesper flights’ are sources both of liberation and connection. They reflect us back at ourselves, teaching us how to live even as we know the creatures they describe have meaning all of their own, formed without reference to human reach. The magical, ‘flickering silhouettes’ of nature the author describes, and the people observing and interacting with them, provide us with joy, faith and hope. They may also grant us ways of seeing, and of knowing, so that by valuing animals as we do ourselves, we may be ‘stilled ... before the storm of history’ and understand how our ways must alter so as to no longer prey upon the world.

A New Name for the Colour Blue

by Annette Marner Published by Wakefield Press ISBN 9781743057018 $24.95 Debut South Australian author, Annette Marner, won her doctorate in creative writing and a State literary award with this book. At its most immediate level, this is a story which will appeal to readers in South Australia for its myriad local references and high levels of recognition of our geography, habitat, history and lives. Its aims, however, are more ambitious: to draw forth a revised vision and recognition of these things from a perspective at odds with settler triumphalism and the notion that time salves all wounds. A new name for our colour blue derived with a distinct feminine, painterly eye.

After enduring an abusive relationship and indifferent employment in Adelaide, Cassandra returns to her family settlement in the Southern Flinders Ranges to nurse her father in his dying days. In doing so, she returns to a past she has wanted to escape in a place where hardship has spiralled

series of beautifully written observations, often personal – sometimes deeply so – ranging between the intensely local and sweepingly global, its avian characters flying effortlessly over boundaries they neither need nor know. Included among many are stories of the menagerie maintained by M of M15 and the parallels between spy craft and naturalism, of mystical swifts whose lives barely touch down on earth, and the macabre diet of female glow worms. These are mingled with swan upping in the shadow of Brexit and an achingly beautiful moment between the author’s pet parrot and a young autistic boy.

Vesper Flights

by Helen Macdonald Published by Jonathan Cape ISBN 9780224097017 $35.00 In her latest work, science historian and author of the acclaimed H is for Hawk, Helen Macdonald, sets out to incite our capacity for wonder in the animal world.

Her express hope is that more of us might recognise their worth and fight harder to save them. In doing so, she treats us to a 57

Comfort in colour Story by Hayley Taylor.

The bold patterns and bright colours that characterise the unique aesthetic of emerging fashion label mifufu! are more than a melange of nostalgia and sustainability. For designer Aggie Semets, finding comfort in colour first meant finding comfort in her own person.

Aggie spent years honing her craft in both Melbourne and South Australia, but it was only upon her return to Adelaide that she embraced her signature tonality, and mifufu! (pronounced mefoo-foo) found its vibrant niche. Now based in Maslin Beach and happily married with a baby on the way, her sense of comfort and confidence is palpable. But this strong sense of self is newly won.

‘I felt that for a really long time I’d been trying to stop myself from using bright colours, and stop myself from using bold patterns because I associated it with me being mentally unstable,’ Aggie says.

‘I just felt like there was a time in my life when I used to dress really loud and have bright hair, and it was also a period in my life when I was mentally unwell.’

‘I felt like I had to cut myself off from that and be really black and white, I literally started designing neutrals and dark tones, because I felt like it was more normal,’ she continues. On returning home, Aggie met with a revelation that changed the way she designed. ‘I realised there’s nothing wrong with me, I’m a normal person and I’m allowed to express myself how I want.’

Her newest collection of wool coats, bomber jackets and bags breathes life into fabrics that hark back to the quintessential Australian childhood. ‘I’ve been hoarding wool blankets,’ she laughs.

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‘I’ve been collecting for a really long time and I’ve always wanted to do something with wool blankets because they’re iconic, and every family had one.’

As we chat, I can’t help but feel myself soften beside a jacket made from a blanket like the one my grandmother used to tuck me in with at night. ‘It gives people a sense of familiarity,’ Aggie says, ‘there’s a piece of history in every blanket.’ The beauty of these pieces is not only expressed in the cut and colour – Aggie has been refining the shapes for years – but in this ability to send us time travelling through shared memory.

Vintage materials, like those used in Aggie’s latest collection, are just one aspect of the ethic of sustainability that’s intrinsic to mifufu!

Aggie’s work has been plastic-fibre free for nearly a year now (she makes exceptions for recycled materials) and she’s also worked intensively with natural dyes.

‘It’s a must, I don’t know how anyone could open a business and not be sustainable about it, it’s just irresponsible not to,’ Aggie asserts. ‘But, I don’t do it because I have to do it, I do it because it’s a passion of mine.’

Rather than inhibit her designs, Aggie says a sustainable approach allows her to become even more innovative. ‘It forces you to be creative, you have to think on your feet more, you have to adapt and change, and I think that’s what every business needs to be doing.

There’s no excuse for it anymore.’

With plans to unveil new releases to her collection before her family of two becomes three, Aggie’s ‘self-sanctioned maternity leave’ will give her some well-deserved nesting time, before she fires up again for SA Fashion Focus Weekend 2021.

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Eileen Lubiana ART WINE 2021

Page left: Samuel’s Gorge – this boutique winery sits on the edge of the stunning Onkaparinga Gorge. Above: Kay Brothers – the oldest winery in McLaren Vale and still in the family.

In 2018, Eileen Lubiana embarked on an ambitious project – twelve oil paintings depicting McLaren Vale cellar doors. Far from the expected views, the images are entirely Eileen’s own vision. Each one captures the scene – whether grand or diminutive – that most appealed to her on the day she visited each location.

The result tells an intimate story of both front-of-house and behind the scenes: a barrel hall, a fermentation tank, a quiet corner of a cellar door. Some are quiet, some bold. Eileen’s personal connection to winemaking through six generations of her family brings a tender quality to the paintings. Each rendered with care over many months, the resulting paintings have been made into the 2021 Art Wine

Calendar. It’s a culmination of this effort and a testament to her commitment and vision.

Eileen’s story begins five generations ago, in a fertile valley in Croatia.

‘Back then it was Italy and that is the language and culture I have lived. My ancestors grew vines and made wine,’ she says. After the second world war, Eileen’s father, Mario, emigrated to Australia with his parents, Andrea and Emilia. Their new antipodean life began in the Bonegilla migrant camp but their move to the fabulous ‘little Italy’ of Melbourne’s Brunswick was the beginning of the family wine business in Australia, with Andrea selling wine door to door. When the funds allowed, the family, which now included Mario’s new wife, Dolores and their three young children, moved to the Riverland to establish Lubiana Winery. ‘That’s where I come in,’ explains Eileen.

‘A four year old who was always curious about and loved the winery.

The humming pumps, the beckoning open mouths of tanks at ground level, the wet concrete reflections and the smells. Oh, I loved it!’ > 61

Top: Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards has a glass cabinet in the tasting room filled with vintage bottles collected on site. Above left: Bottles discovered in the museum at Hardys Tintara. Above right: Stainless steel tanks at Fox Creek Winery.

Eileen was a shy child, but at fourteen she had a bit of an epiphany when she drew her grandfather ‘quite well – it looked like him and everything.’ Much praise ensued and though it was not yet the catalyst that would determine her future direction, art became part of her life. She dabbled in this and that technique, taking courses in among getting married and raising her three girls. Eileen eventually eked out enough time to enroll as a mature student at the Adelaide Central School of Art and spent years completing the program, majoring in sculpture. Though firmly ensconced in painting now, Eileen works comfortably between three-dimensional and two-dimensional mediums, describing herself as ‘eclectic.’

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Eileen eventually made her way back to the countryside, settling in the McLaren Vale wine region in 2011. It’s here she feels most at home, with this beautiful mediterranean climate as her backdrop, a view to the ocean from her front verandah and a beautiful garden full of fruit trees. ‘It is a wonderful natural environment that supports vineyards and wineries, a vibrant food and arts community, all a breath away from a stunning coastline. I feel very lucky,’ she says.

Making art is now at the centre of everything she does: ‘It colours my whole life. It means everything to me.’ The calendar is Eileen’s way of giving back; it’s a beautiful reflection of her roots and an homage to her home here on the Fleurieu. artwinecalendar.com

You will always have someone to talk to Adam is now back in the office and also available via email and phone, for safety and convenience.

No matter where life takes you, Elders Insurance will be right there with you.

We might not know what the future holds, but when you’re covered with us, you can feel safe knowing that you’re in good hands in those times of trouble.

With Agents that live and work in their local communities, you’ll always speak to someone who truly understands your unique circumstances. Whether you just want to chat or you need to make a claim, we’ll always be there to help and provide a cover that’s just right for you.

Whether it’s business insurance, farm insurance, personal insurance or even fleet and commercial motor insurance, we’ve got you covered.

11-13 Victoria St Victor Harbor SA 5211 e: insurancesouthernfleurieu@elders.com.au www.eldersinsurance.com.au/elders-insurance-southern-fleurieu

Call Adam Bowden on 0436 412 695 Underwritten by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited ABN 78003191035 AFSL 239545. Call us for a Product Disclosure Statement to decide if a product is right for you.

Early Learning to Year 12

encounter.sa.edu.au ELC11_Fleurieu Living Magazine Advert 2.indd 1

23/7/20 10:08 am

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Above: The indoor seating area at the Flower Cellar Door is in one of their growing tunnels, and includes an ever-changing array of flowers – along with a cool vibe for a cappuccino or tasty fresh food offerings.

Go south go local Story by Jake Dean.

When the pandemic intensified, Flower Cellar Door owners Kyra Kahan and Colin Carpenter had no idea when they’d reopen. In late March, before the first wave of COVID-19 restrictions hit, they’d made the difficult decision to close the doors of their Whites Valley flower shop/ café after serving just a single customer on a usually busy Friday.

‘People come here to sit down, relax, spend time with their kids and let their dogs play,’ explains Kyra of their decision not to pivot to takeaway-only. ‘We lost all our staff except for family.’

Fast-forward to late-August, and people are flocking to the business again in droves, and Kyra and Colin are retraining new staff after reopening in late June. While Kyra knows restrictions could change at any time, she says this early recovery was possible thanks to ‘overwhelming community support’.

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‘To go from having one customer, to a huge queue of people waiting to order… we’re just so appreciative of everyone,’ she says.

This community support is at the heart of a new City of Onkaparinga campaign to help local businesses recover and prosper.

Mayor Erin Thompson says the key messages of Go South Go Local are simple and will remain relevant long after the pandemic ends.

‘You can make a difference simply by buying local,’ she explains.

‘Look for local producers, suppliers and makers for everything you need, whenever you can, because every dollar spent here supports local businesses to survive and thrive.

‘Thriving businesses means jobs, economic growth, and more choice for residents and visitors. It also means our businesses continue to support local surf clubs, sports teams and schools, and contribute to the unique identities of our suburbs and townships.’

Mayor Thompson says you can also get involved without spending, such as leaving a review for your favourite local businesses, sharing the #GoSouthGoLocal hashtag on social media, and encouraging friends and family to shop local.

Above: Lynley Slater is director, designer and maker at YellowBird Handmade. She can be seen here with her collection of colourful clutches.

For businesses, a suite of resources is available, including digital marketing assets, in-store displays, and a free listing in council’s ON Business Partner Program business directory, which counts more than a thousand local businesses as members (including Flower Cellar Door).

Another member is Seaford Heights-based handmade clutch purse and bag label, YellowBird, which similarly faced unprecedented challenges at the start of the pandemic.

Director, designer and maker Lynley Slater says not only were some of her supplies delayed – she sources parts from a small business in China – she grappled with the cancellation of lucrative state and national design markets.

‘Online shopping doesn’t compare to a market where I can sell a hundred clutches, so to lose those was massive,’ she says.

Thankfully, Lynley’s decision to start producing designer face masks has added another revenue stream, highlighting the adaptability and creativity of Onkaparinga’s business owners.

She says Go South Go Local can further help businesses like hers to thrive because it represents power in numbers, which she’s seen work at McLaren Vale’s Fleurieu Arthouse.

‘By being there [alongside other local designers and artists], it helps build the profile of the entire community,’ she says.

‘Let’s face it, we’re competing with so many other regions in terms of tourism, so these [collective] things really help.’

Kyra from Flower Cellar Door agrees now’s the perfect time to support local businesses because we can’t travel interstate or overseas.

‘Many people would’ve usually been going somewhere overseas or interstate right now to avoid the winter – I’m one of them,’ she says.

‘So, it’s a really great time to explore your own backyard, check out all these new and amazing places that have opened up, and support all those people trying to make it work in this difficult time.’

To learn more about the Go South Go Local campaign visit onbusinesspartnerprogram.com/go-south-go-local

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Taken an amazing photo on the Fleurieu lately? Tag us on Instagram you could see your handiwork in print.

Each issue we’ll choose an image to publish right here in the pages of FLM. @fleurieulivingmagazine This photo, taken at the Seaford railway station, was submitted by Loki Hall. @lokihall

For 25 years, Bennett Architecture has been creating beautifully tailored, sustainable, award winning solutions.

By drawing inspiration from nature, we pride ourselves on designs and material selections which coexist harmoniously with the surrounding land. Using this method, we work closely with our public and private clients to produce designs for a range of applications including wineries, homes and everything in between.

Bennett Architecture Pty Ltd · 107 Main Road McLaren Vale SA 5171 · (08) 8323 7737 · contact@bennettarchitecture.com.au

South Seas Books

South Seas Trading

53 North Terrace, Port Elliot P: 8554 2301 www.southseasbooks.com.au

56 North Terrace, Port Elliot P: 8554 3540

is an independent bookshop on the Fleurieu’s south coast.

South Seas will ignite your imagination.

offers a selection of vintage art and design pieces · clothing · jewellery · giftware and books in an evolving Arcadian haven.

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A vintage thread Photography by Deb Saunders. Shot on location at Papershell Farm.

Natchalée Papon-Kelly Frenchwoman Natchalée met her Aussie husband Rupert in Nice on the French Riviera, where they lived for ten years before relocating to Goolwa with their young son Joshua in 2017. Natchalée founded her online shop Oh Lucette in 2018, selling vintage and preloved clothing for women and children. She aims to offer a sustainable alternative to fast fashion and encourage more mindful consumption. Follow Natchalée @ohlucette and @ohlucette_mini Natchalee’s Alessandra blue gingham dress styled by South Seas Trading, Port Elliot. Joshua wears clothing from Oh Lucette Mini. Koala sourced from Sage House, Aldinga.

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This page: All of the beautiful baskets in this feature were sourced from Sage House, Aldinga.

Tess Twigden Tess lives with her husband Tom and two children, Marlowe and Mae, on their hobby farm in Ashbourne, Twigden Farm. A freelance photographer, Tess has recently started an online business @bowerbirdsvintage together with her mum, Linda, specialising in selling rustic farmhouse collectables.

Tess and Tom are also currently renovating a B&B cottage on their property. Follow Tess’ journey on Instagram @twigsandvines.

Tess’s MA Dainty Sea Foam cotton / linen dress styled by Gorgeous Soles, McLaren Vale. Marlowe and Mae wear hand made pieces from small Australian labels, Humble Cloth and Kinderfolk.

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Rachael Will Rachel is the owner and curator of vintage homewares and furniture shop Vintage Carousel. Known for her affordable, ever-changing vignettes, Rachael hand-picks every piece showcased in store. Alongside Vintage Carousel, Rachael also curates monthly collections for four other shops (including Little Road Studio), and regularly sources props for television, photo shoots and interstate businesses. Rachael spends most weekends at her Aldinga Beach holiday house, chipping away at the never-ending renovation list.

Find inspiration @vintagecarouselsa Rachael’s clothing sourced from Miss Gladys On Sea.

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Saturdays 8am –12.00pm Willunga Town Square ross the road Now offering takeaway ac r. from Nino’s Victor Harbo

Meet the grower, TASTE THE REGION

We welcome you to our community.

High quality relaxed dining.

Become a member for the day and receive 10% discount (available until 31st December 2020) off all purchases when you present this voucher to the Information Stall.

Serving visitors and locals alike for more than 40 years.

Coffee, quality cakes, gelati and full al a carte lunch, dinner and pizza menu.

17 Albert Place Victor Harbor (opposite Crown Hotel) Ph 8552 3501 • Open 7 days 9.00am till late.

www.ninoscafe.com.au

Shop1/165 Main Rd McLaren Vale 08 83237405 · gorgeoussoles.com.au

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www.willungafarmersmarket.com.au

www.hitherandyon.com.au

Early Learning – Year 12 investigator.sa.edu.au · Enrol now on 8555 7511

Providing the opportunity to be

YOUR BEST SELF

Donlan Lawyers are pleased to be expanding our services to the beautiful Fleurieu region.

Our service is all about people. Our expertise is relationships. We focus on families.

· Wills and Estate Planning · Trusts · Deceased Estates · Business Succession · Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directives · Family Law · Conveyancing Home visits available. Contact (08) 8344 6422 · www.donlanlawyers.com Level 2/ 60 Hindmarsh Square Adelaide SA · 39 Victoria Street, Victor Harbor SA

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Special interest classes

SLO WHEY

ASTLEY WRIGHT KNIVES

CLAIRE KENNETT

Cheesemaking Spend a day slowing down, learning, laughing and celebrating the making and sharing of delicious cheese! Workshops will cover the fundamentals of fermenting milk and cheesemaking, while also exploring the history, science and art of this ancient craft. Prepare yourself for a fun, informative and hands-on day making your own beautiful cheeses to share with the people you love. You’ll head home with all of the cheese you’ve made, whey, recipes, and full hearts and bellies. Bookings essential. slowhey.com

Knife-making course Hand forge your own Japanese-style chef’s knife in either a one- or two-day course led by Phil Astley and Andrina Wright. In their Port Elliot workshop, Phil and Andrina will teach you how to make a fantastic knife from start to finish, guiding you along the way in using various tools and techniques to create your own work of cutlery art. You can design your shape and select your handle materials to make a knife that you’ll love using and which will last for generations. astleywright.com.au

Children’s art classes Ready, set, create! Art classes for children are a fantastic way to support your child’s artistic skills, relationships with others and self-expression. Held in the inspiring Fleurieu Arthouse, children’s art classes operate yearround during term time with an exhibition each holiday period. Children from ages 4-14+ of diverse backgrounds learn a wide range of art skills tailored to their age, interests and abilities with qualified teacher and artist Claire Kennett.

Topics include drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media and clay. artisticclaire29@gmail.com

INDIGO CLAY

ALEXANDRINA COUNCIL

FALL FROM GRACE

Clay play and day spa In collaboration with Wild Indigo in Port Noarlunga, Indigo Clay are now offering clay play and day spa workshops to nourish and nurture the soul. Working with clay is a meditative act in itself, and these workshops will expand this idea further by inviting participants to shape their own experience.

You may paint a mandala bowl, combine sessions with a massage or facial, explore your expression with clay or just throw some pots on the wheel. Workshops suit small groups and special occasions. indigoclay.com.au

Youth theatre workshops Budding young performers, directors and allround-creatives have a fantastic opportunity to learn from theatre professionals across the areas of drama, speech, acting to camera, devising, writing and clowning, thanks to a Federal Government Regional Arts Australia Community grant won by Alexandrina Council.

Local youth aged 12-18 years can try out these specialised offerings, alongside the foundation theatre workshops at Centenary Hall. Come and try workshops will be offered, with the opportunity for longer term enrolment. jaw@alexandrina.sa.gov.au

Wine education Owner Gill Gordon-Smith is an international wine educator and Italian wine expert, offering amazing small producer tastings, workshops and her signature ‘talking Italian’ wine and language classes. Head back to Sunday school with Gill at her Sunday afternoon workshops where you can learn about wine from basic to specialist levels. Wine should be for everyone and we can always learn something new. Gill aims to empower you to make good choices about the wines YOU like. fallfromgracewine.com

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www.littleroad.com.au @littleroadstudio Interior Design & Styling Building Selections Furniture Specification Concept Retail Store

206 Port Road, Aldinga

Open from 5 to 9pm Fridays • 11 to 3pm Sat-Sun. Other times by appointment.

Tasting Classes • WSET and other wine courses available.

Online wine sales: www.fallfromgrace.com.au T: 08 8556 2590 E: gill@fallfromgrace.com.au

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO & CONCEPT RETAIL STORE The Temperance Precinct, 206 Port Road, Aldinga Marcus Syvertsen / 0419 158 784

TOURISM AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY commissions · stock photos · workshops t. 0402 716 406 e. heidi@heidiwho.com w. heidiwho.com facebook / instagram / heidiwhophotos

ck New stoite photo s cial

so for your eeds! media n m/buy

.co heidiwho

ESTD. 2005

BLD 248623

OLD | NEW | ECO 0409 286 135

billygoatbrickstone@hotmail.com 77

FOOD & WINE

Something to celebrate Story by Mel Amos. Photograph by Jason Porter.

Delicate but delightfully citrus-y, this cake is perfect for celebrating birthdays, new babies or just because! I’ve used limes here, but feel free to use whichever citrus takes your fancy. We all need something to celebrate at the moment, so why not celebrate the flavours of spring citrus with this beautiful cake.

Lime and coconut cloud cake serves 12

Ingredients Lime curd 5 eggs 120g caster sugar 120g lime juice (approx 4 limes) Finely grated zest of 2 limes 140g unsalted butter, softened and diced Lime and coconut sponge 6 eggs 170g caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla paste Finely grated zest of 2 limes 100g plain flour 55g cornflour 50g desiccated coconut Pinch salt 90g unsalted butter, melted and cooled Meringue 180g egg whites (approx 5 eggs) 1/4 tsp cream of tartar 300g caster sugar To assemble 200ml pouring cream Pure icing sugar, for dusting

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Method Lime curd Whisk eggs and sugar together in a bowl. Add lime juice and zest, whisk together well. Place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.

Give it a whisk every few minutes and scrape down the sides of the bowl as it thickens to the consistency of thick cream – around 20-25 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Add the butter and using a stick blender, blend until the butter is fully incorporated and the curd is smooth. Cover with cling wrap placed directly onto the curd to prevent a skin forming.

Refrigerate until completely cooled.

Sponge Preheat the oven to 170C. Grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin with baking paper.

Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix eggs, sugar, vanilla paste and zest on high speed for at least five minutes until pale, very thick and increased in volume.

Sift flour and cornflour together, then add the coconut. Using a metal spoon or spatula, fold half of the flour mixture through the beaten egg mixture. Add the remaining flour mixture and again fold through quickly – don’t overmix, or you’ll knock out the air.

Pour melted butter into a large bowl. Add a small amount of the egg mixture and gently fold through. Add the remaining egg mixture, again taking care not to overmix. Spoon batter into the prepared cake tin.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake springs back when pressed gently in the centre. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before removing and cooling on a wire rack.

Meringue Preheat the oven to 150C. Grease and line two 23cm springform cake tins. If you don’t have two tins, trace two 23cm circles onto your baking paper to use as a template.

Place egg whites and cream of tartar into a clean mixer bowl.

Using a clean whisk attachment, mix on medium speed until soft ribbons form. Add sugar in a thin, steady stream over a minute or two. Continue whisking until mixture is thick, stiff and glossy. Divide meringue equally between the two tins (or your two templates) then smooth over the surface to create an even layer while creating some decorative peaks.

Place meringues into the oven for 35 minutes. Leaving meringues in the oven, turn off the heat and leave the door ajar, until they’ve cooled. Once completely cool, remove meringues from their tins. Set aside until required.

Assembly Whip cream to soft peaks, set aside.

Using a bread knife, cut the sponge in half horizontally through the middle. Take one of the halves and place it cut side up on your serving plate or cake stand. Take a couple of tablespoonfuls of lime curd and spread over the sponge. Place one meringue layer on top. Spread the majority of the lime curd onto this meringue layer,

reserving a couple of tablespoonfuls. Now top the curd with dollops of whipped cream (don’t worry if the curd and cream start spilling out the sides a little – this adds to the cake’s beauty). Place the second sponge half on top, spread the remaining spoonfuls of curd onto the sponge and top with the second meringue layer. Dust with icing sugar. Refrigerate until serving. Best eaten within a day or two.

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Renovation inspiration If you’re looking to tranform your home over the spring months, look no further than these six local businesses that could have just what you’re looking for.

Above: Outdoor dining in style – designed by Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens.

GOOLWA KITCHENS

BETTA QUALITY CURTAINS & BLINDS

COASTAL HABITAT FURNITURE STORE

While kitchen trends may come and go, Goolwa Kitchens are all about finding the design that’s right for you. Creating custom-designed kitchens and cabinetry since 2001, our knowledgeable staff will guide you through every step of the process in bringing your kitchen dreams into reality. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility right here on the Fleurieu, your kitchen will be made with precision from the best quality materials. Contact our team to start creating a kitchen you’ll love. goolwakitchens.com.au

Don’t let your window furnishings be an afterthought – choose your curtains, blinds, shutters and awnings early to allow for seamless integration in your build or renovation. Including window furnishings early in your home renovation planning can make all the difference to the final look and feel of your home, helping to finish off your style theme and tie the overall look together. Visit our official LUXAFLEX® gallery showroom and we’ll work with you and your budget to find the perfect solution for your home renovation project. bettaquality.luxaflex.com.au

Coastal Habitat is a family-owned business in Victor Harbor and proudly supports SA and Australian furniture manufacturers along with IMG Comfort, Lazboy and many others. Our enthusiastic team is happy to help homeowners choose the right design and colour for your home. Pop into the store and be inspired to create your new space with our exciting range of furniture for the lounge, dining and bedroom along with everchanging homewares including art, rugs, lighting and more. coastalhabitatfurniture.com.au

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BEV’S REMNANT HOUSE

ENHANCE POLISHED CONCRETE

ADELAIDE OUTDOOR KITCHENS

A newcomer to Willunga’s High Street, Bev’s Remnant House offers unique and inspiring fabrics and homewares to transform any space into a warm and homely environment. Visit our new home in the Spock Sisters building and browse the extensive range of remnant fabrics from European fabric houses, local brands and designers, as well as our large range of Indian hand woodblock fabrics. We can make cushions and lampshades, or arrange upholstery, curtains and blinds for your new renovations. Open Wednesday to Saturday. bevsremnanthouse.com.au

On your next renovation project, consider transforming your existing concrete floors into something truly unique and beautiful. Seamless and hygienic with visual appeal and character, each polished concrete floor is individual. With the right machinery and knowledge, each vintage concrete floor will harness thermal mass properties, be hard wearing, smooth and easy to clean. The cost can be comparative to tiles or timber floors and there’s no mess thanks to our top notch dust extraction practices. Contact us for more information. enhancepolishedconcrete.com.au

With over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial design and building, Justin and the team at Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens know how to turn your dream home into a reality. Known for bringing the ultimate outdoor lifestyle to their clients with custom outdoor kitchens, they also specialise in concrete benchtops, custom furniture, concrete basins and gorgeous bathroom vanities.

The showroom is open and welcoming visitors by appointment. adelaideoutdoorkitchens.com.au

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TRAILBLAZERS

Run your own race Story by Kate Le Gallez. Photograph by Jason Porter.

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There’s no way you could take Chris Chapman for anything other than a runner.

He has the unmistakable leanness of the distance runner. But it’s not only that.

He has a lightness of foot and a gently bubbling energy that reveals itself in his speech patterns which are littered with adjectives like ‘awesome!’ and ‘amazing!’

This is a man who could take off at pace any minute.

There’s one other fact that gives the game away – Chris is the founder of specialist running footwear retailer, The Running Company. Since opening his first store in Bondi in 2009, Chris has overseen the opening of another nine stores, while his latest retail child is ready to open her doors in Melbourne’s Albert Park as soon as restrictions allow. Chris returned to his home state of South Australia almost seven years ago, settling in Port Noarlunga. He now personally owns two stores in Adelaide and maintains oversight over the rest of his growing fleet. And just as strong training, respect for the discipline and sharp focus make for a good runner, so too in Chris’ case, do they make for a successful entrepreneur.

The training started early for Chris. He worked his way through a marketing degree at present and former stalwarts of Adelaide’s sports retail scene, before taking off to London and landing a job at Niketown London. His year working at the flagship store on Oxford Circus gave Chris a new lens through which to view business. ‘I absolutely loved it,’ he enthuses. ‘It gave me a sense of perspective but also the opportunity to see how big things can go and how many people you could reach.’ He also started to run. ‘It was an amazing part of my life,’ he says. ‘Really inspiring.’

Chris spent another eight years working at Nike, running all the time on the side. Returning to Australia, he joined the footwear marketing team in Melbourne, before heading to Sydney to take up a role as an EKIN (hint: read it backwards). Evangelists of all things Nike, the role immersed him in the ‘very technical’ Australian sports retail market, working closely with physiotherapists, podiatrists, athletes and retail staff. His final role at Nike was as the National Account Executive for a footwear chain. It was a real eye-opener. ‘A lot of stuff was being sold based off of commission. That’s just not taking care of the runner. That’s not being honest,’ says Chris. He also studied the market dynamics and – in the classic entrepreneurial parlance – spotted a gap in the market: a running specialty shop that served

the runner, backed by the retail and wholesale experience to create a sustainable business for the shop owner.

As Chris started looking at his next career move in Nike, one that would likely take him to the US, an alternative path was tugging at him, one where he controlled his career, rather than standing in line on the corporate ladder. Clarity came following a trip to Tamworth to visit the new owners of the local franchise Chris looked after. The couple, who had neither running nor retail experience, fired question after question at Chris – what shoes should they stock? How many staff did they need? In a way, this meeting was the job interview Chris needed. As he answered each question, he realised he had the knowledge to pursue his own business. ‘I just knew there and then that I was going to do it,’ he says.

He refined his business plan over twelve months and then bootstrapped his way to his first store. ‘I had just enough money to buy half of my stock [and] to get a lease. I had the mortgage paid on my apartment for three months. And that was it,’ he says.

But it worked and within twelve months, his longtime friend and colleague from Nike, Scott Nicholas, was on board opening the second store in Geelong. New stores followed over the next decade when the conditions were right, each one owned by someone who Chris trusted with his people-first business philosophy: ‘Every single person who walks in these doors, you treat them with the ultimate level of respect and trust and honesty and give them the options that will help keep them injury free and achieve their goal.’

The importance of this approach has only sharpened through the pandemic. ‘People needed to get out, people needed to move,’ Chris says. ‘So we need to make sure we get it right every single time for every single person that walks in our store.’

While we’re chatting, Chris’ wife Megan and their two young sons wander up from the park. Megan and Chris met just six months before Chris decided to move back to Adelaide, but ‘we knew we were right,’ says Chris. The move was about creating a steadier, less hectic way of life and that’s now flowing through to the business as well. Chris recently handed over business development responsibilities to his mate Scott Nicholas. ‘I started the business so I could be the master of my own destiny and it was just getting out of control,’ he says. ‘It’s very easy to just get thrown into a business and be so heavily invested in it because I did start it and it is my baby. But I have two other babies and I have a family now! So I need to make sure I achieve that balance.’ It’s clear Chris trusts in balance, that it’s at the heart of his business model: taking care of the customer and the business owner. ‘You do make money and it’s great, but you can do it ethically as well,’ he says. ‘Just be honest and help people and it all seems to work out alright.’

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FOOD & WINE

Behind the label Wine reviews by Gill Gordon-Smith IWE

There has long been a debate about wine, art and science. Many wine marketers would insist that wine, being a creative pursuit, is an art form. Some bottles provoke a visceral emotion, others are just a product. Some wines express the maker’s vision, while others express the provenance of site. A good label can represent all of this.

Truth is, label design can make or break the sale of a wine and its positioning on a bottle-shop shelf or wine list. Many consumers will try a wine or reject one simply due to the label. It can’t change what’s in the bottle but a well-designed label can tell the story of the producer, showcase their philosophy, create an emotional connection and add value and meaning.

Oliver’s Taranga 2020 Vermentino Fresh – textural – saline – citrus – delicious This label tells the story of a grape-growing and winemaking family with deep connections to the region. These are real people, still growing and working as they have for over 180 years through six generations. Voices from the past and present are represented: ‘vermentino’ is printed in a font pulled from the family archives, the story of the vintage is recorded in winemaker Corrina’s own hand, and Don Oliver’s (fifth generation viticulturist) signature appears on each label. The label adopts a minimal but premium approach to paper, colour and texture, in much the way their wines showcase the fruit, not the artifice.

Spring Seed Wine Co 2019 Poppy Pinot Grigio Crisp – citrus – pear – floral – pass another A visually pretty, lush and honest label with a vintage feel that expresses the distinct personality of Spring Seed Wine Co wines compared to those of sibling winery, Battle of Bosworth. Inspired by flower seed packets created at the turn of last century, the labels have an appealing design that evokes a sense of timeless heirlooms.

The cream-and-brown raised lettering on the cap together with the

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font and matt texture add to a feeling of value and quality without being pretentious.

d’Arenberg 2020 Stephanie the Gnome with Rose Coloured Glasses Mourvèdre Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Cinsault Bright – fresh – cherry – dry – shared table long lunch The iconic slash of red across the label tells you instantly which McLaren Vale winery we’re dealing with here. The sheep and kangaroos found in the vineyards put a twist on the traditional crest and provide a visual connection to the new organic and biodynamic range that this wine is part of. It’s just what you expect from the imaginative, quirky and always authentic d’Arenberg. It’s fun, classic and timeless, tipping its hat to Europe, but always Australian at heart.

Heath & Co 2020 Tempranillo Rosé – Finniss River Lively – balanced – dry – red fruits and berries – picnic Life and work are intertwined for this family-run single estate winery.

The label captures this world – the winemakers’ home – through the peaceful and nature-driven design which references the plants and animals found on the certified organic property. The matte parchment-style paper adds to elements of nature, beauty and balance while also reflecting the ethos behind this working farm and idyllic family vineyard. The label, drawn with intricate detail, invites the viewer to look more closely, drawing them into the wonder and elegance of nature and its representation within the bottle.

Dandelion Vineyards 2018 Pride of the Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon Structured – classic – black fruited – fresh herbs – classy The eponymous flower is the obvious choice for this winery’s labels, but the icon is elevated through beautiful design. Against a

clean, white background the stylised whimsy of the dandelion seeds seemingly float from the label in 3D effect with puffs of the ‘wishing clock’ flying up to the cap. It’s deceptively simple, yet detailed, and reflects the plant that flowers throughout the owners’ vineyards that are ‘spread like a dandelion’ through different regions from Lake Alexandrina to Eden Valley. The Pride of the Fleurieu Cabernet is named after the family’s pride and joy – their vineyard on the Finniss River.

Hither & Yon 2019 McLaren Vale Carignan Tart cherry – spiced plum – fleshy – smashable – joyous Hither and Yon’s beautiful and unique labels feature the ampersand – a ligature that represents the family heritage, the flow of the land, the wine and the journey. The symbol reflects the connections that come from nature, friends, family, food and the shared experiences that evolve from these. The owners work closely with their design partner and every label is the result of a process of tasting and exploring the feelings the wine evokes, before choosing an artist to interpret each one.

Mollydooker 2018 The Boxer Shiraz Generous – heady – rich – black fruity – spicy – smooth A philosophy of creating vibrant and memorable images that tell a story is behind the Mollydooker Labels.

Each Mollydooker label tells the wine’s story through a vibrant, memorable image, allowing for some fun and unique expressions.

The Boxer label design came from the first tasting, which the winemaker described as a ‘knockout’. The label has an old school, cartoon-like feel with inspiration drawn from 1930s Popeye comics.

It’s fun, engaging and reflects what’s in the bottle, bringing together art and winemaking in a combination with a broad appeal.

Paxton NOW 2019 McLaren Vale Shiraz Preservative free – red fruits – black cherry – lively – vibrant The label of this preservative-free shiraz has such a warm and welcoming feeling. Flowers, cow horns and bees in blue and orange dance around the typography and express the wine’s bio/organic origins. It’s folky, hipster edge without the cliché. Biodynamics is something the Paxtons hold close to their hearts, being one of the original biodynamic family wineries, and they worked closely with their label designers to translate this philosophy to the bottle. Its joyous and inviting design perfectly reflects the values and totally nails the brief.

Wirra Wirra Amator 2018 Tempranillo Touriga Generous – spice – red fruits – black fruits – dynamic – delicious Steampunk, The Great Gatsby, 1920s, secret societies. You are being watched. A clever and appealing design in simple off-white and grey-black tones. Amator comes from the Latin to ‘do something out of love or passion’ rather than reward. The eye and heart symbol reflects the observation element of biodynamic farming: you need to be in the vineyard, eyes on the prize, watching and observing. The heart encasing the eye acknowledges the philosophy of biodynamic viticulture and their commitment to the cause.

Alpha Box and Dice The Mistress 2018 Tempranillo Carignan Berry compote – dark choc cherry ripe – dried herb – juicy It’s vintage: the days are long and the grapes won’t wait. The wines become the mistress, dictating and engulfing everything. It also starts with the letter M and at AB & D every grape and style is represented by a letter, with each wine arising from an individual project, story or inspiration expressed through great, contemporary design that is always timely and current. Every label’s artwork is individual and stylistically different, but they share an appealingly unique and artistic approach to design that perfectly encapsulates the brand.

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The view from the top Story by Sally Watson.

Page left: Steve climbing Cornish granite. Above: Everest, Rongbuk Glacier. Photos courtesy of Steve Bell.

Passing Mount Jagged on the way to meeting the owner of international mountaineering company, Jagged Globe, was an irony not lost on me. For British mountaineer Steve Bell, Mount Jagged would be nothing more than a geographical bump in comparison to the elevations he has ascended.

But today, scaling high peaks is in Steve’s past and he’s embracing a new life on the more demure terrain of the Fleurieu and sharing his extraordinary experiences by writing his memoirs.

As an adventurer and expedition guide, Steve has achieved the mountaineer’s dream bucket list. He’s climbed the highest mountains on seven continents – referred to as the Seven Summits – including three expeditions to Everest. His 1993 Everest trip made global headlines as he became the first Brit to take a commercial expedition to Everest. His team included a sixty-year-old man, who at the time was the oldest man to have reached the summit. And, nearly three decades on, no one has again reached the same elevation on Everest’s west ridge as Steve did in 1992.

These days, however, life is a lot less death defying. In his early sixties and dealing with an autoimmune disease which affects his back, his climbing is now limited. ‘My passion now is writing about my experiences,’ says Steve. Together with his South Australian wife, Rossy Reeves, Steve recently moved to the Fleurieu. He remarks how familiar the landscape feels, the rolling hills, cattle and granite reminding him of where he grew up in Devon, England.

Recounting his mountain experiences, Steve’s face lights up.

He’s a passionate storyteller and has a way with words. The title for his coming-of-age book Virgin On Insanity published in 2016, juxtaposes his first sexual encounters with his early career, including climbing the north face of the Matterhorn at eighteen and the Eiger at twenty. As a young man he was drawn to the rush of mountaineering: ‘Doing things which were physically hard and feeling the tough elements ... after the suffering, the buzz just felt so good.’

Fear and danger also propelled the ‘high.’ ‘There’s a fascination to it, like our fascination with sharks, snakes and guns. Anything which threatens our safety has this strange appeal. In mountaineering the stakes are really high so there’s a real buzz,’ he says. He explores these feelings further in his current manuscript, writing ‘He doesn’t wish for death; it just happens to be a possible consequence > 89

Above: Early morning on the Balcony, 8400 metres on Everest. Below: Steve at Port Elliot.

of the need to prove himself, and he daren’t take the risk of avoiding it.’ He understands the stakes and their consequences intimately, having lost friends on Everest in the seventies and eighties. ‘It was like going to war,’ he says. ‘Young, strong men full of testosterone wanting to fight a war, to conquer and win. They don’t want to die but are prepared to put themselves on the line.’

The twinning of war and climbing has been significant in Steve’s career. After a harrowing experience climbing Annapurna III aged twenty-two, he reevaluated the dangers of climbing and took time out, taking up a post with the British Antarctic Survey for nine months. He then joined the Royal Marines for four years where he trained in mountain ranges under conditions designed to replicate warfare, involving logistical planning, a clear objective, teamwork and a real risk of dying. He gained more skills and began to ease back into climbing. In 1993, after military expeditions to India and Everest, he led his first commercial expedition to Everest.

Now, with a more mature perspective on his adventures, he is writing about his relationship to Everest and how it has changed over the last forty years. He’s reckoning with the recent growth of the ‘package tour’ approach to Everest while acknowledging his own role as an architect of that change. He explains that with the improvements in equipment and trip style, Everest is a ‘mountain getting lower.’ An expedition that used to take at least ten weeks, can now be done in four. Some people, at great expense, achieve pre-acclimatisation by sleeping in hyperbaric chambers before leaving home and then fly, rather than trek, into base camp. He believes this detracts from the authentic experience and undermines those who climb it by ‘fair means.’ ‘I sometimes feel quite resentful about people who just want the ego trip and the Everest tag,’ he says. ‘It becomes a process of getting to the summit by whatever means possible. That’s a pity.’

When Steve climbed Everest thirty years ago, it was an entirely different achievement to climbing Everest today – one which was much harder won. For Steve, it meant managing his ego and taking calculated risks in order to survive. ‘When you are on the mountain and you feel your fragility – how easy it would be to fall, sit down and 90

fall asleep and never wake up again ... that’s the great leveller,’ he says. ‘Ego can’t stand up against that. Sometimes ego will stand up and then it’s too late. You don’t have the energy to get down or you’ve got frostbite and that’s where it’s gone wrong in the past for people. I’m more inclined to turn back than I am to push on, which is probably why I’m still alive. We are taught that risk is a bad thing, but we should take risks and learn which risks to take, or not.’

It goes without saying that lessons learned on the side of a mountain are just as life changing when employed back at sea-level. And while most decisions we make are not matters of life and death, they do provide opportunities – big and small – to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others, even where frostbite is not in play. ‘In life when faced with an easy or hard choice, the harder choice is always the one to follow,’ says Steve, ‘because that’s what leads us to progression.’

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Change is cool Story by Nina Keath.

This is the second in a series of features profiling climate leaders from across the Fleurieu Peninsula. In this issue, we meet the people working to cool and green our towns and suburbs.

Above: Jenni McGlennon heads up the City of Onkaparinga’s sustainability team. Photo by Jason Porter.

Heatwaves are one of climate change’s most ferocious calling cards. While the black summer of 2019-2020 showed the scale of destruction heatwaves can cause, what many do not know is that they also act quietly and perniciously on our towns, streets and right inside our homes.

Heatwaves are a ‘silent killer’, responsible for more deaths than any other natural disaster. The work of responding to this threat also largely happens quietly, away from the headlines and political struggles. Local councils are on the front line and these are just some of the quiet achievements of my colleagues at City of Onkaparinga as they work to build the resilience of our region.

Jenni McGlennon heads up Onkaparinga’s sustainability team. In 2016, she commissioned heat-mapping for Onkaparinga’s urban

areas. The project revealed some obvious things – trees, vegetation, water and lighter colours all have a cooling effect – and some surprising things – dry, bare earth can be hotter than bitumen and the hottest of all materials is fake turf, which can be up to a staggering thirteen degrees hotter than real grass. Jenni’s work inspired every metropolitan council in Adelaide to do the same, resulting in an interactive online Adelaide Urban Heat Map, that allows residents to check their home’s vulnerability to heat.

This map showed where it was hot, but Jenni also wanted to know where it was cool, so she also mapped vegetation. Research tells us we should aim for thirty percent vegetation cover in urban areas to achieve optimal wellbeing. In Onkaparinga’s urban areas, the mapping revealed we’re averaging 12.5 percent. This gap led council to adopt an ambitious urban greening target and stimulated a host of collaborative strategies and on-ground action right across metropolitan Adelaide. >

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Above left: David Gregory, urban planner for the City of Onkaparinga. Photo by Jason Porter. Right: Ian Seccafien heads up the planting work being done in hotter zones in the council. Since council’s greening target was initiated in late 2017, Ian’s tireless work ethic, and passion for trees of all kinds, has resulted in 35,000 new urban trees. Photo by Heidi Lewis.

Dry, bare earth can be hotter than bitumen and the hottest of all materials is fake turf, which can be up to a staggering thirteen degrees hotter than real grass.

Jenni reflects, ‘When I started this work in the early 1990s I had to explain over and over why the environment mattered… It was hard going and threatening for some people. Now I have to argue the why less and can focus on the how. This is still very challenging, but it means we have shifted… My patience is constantly challenged but there are committed people around the council and across the state who follow through every day. We all play our part.’

Dave Gregory is one of the many people following through on Jenni’s strategic work. As council’s urban designer, he’s taken the heat and vegetation mapping and assessed it against data on social and ecological disadvantage to create a sophisticated numerical scoring system that prioritises plantings in our hottest, most disadvantaged suburbs. His work built the case for significant state government Greener Neighbourhoods funding, resulting in thousands of additional trees being planted and real-world cooling and liveability benefits for our most vulnerable residents.

A humble man of rigour and empathy, Dave says, ‘I’m motivated to do this work because we have a responsibility to counter the effects of climate change and worrying patterns of development in outer Adelaide – single storied, eave-to-eave homes with no space for trees or gardens. Trees simply aren’t being planted on private land and we will be living with that legacy for decades.’ Climate change resilience is one thing, as Dave explains ‘there are so many 94

social and economic benefits that spin off from tree-lined streets and gardens – health, safety, kids and the elderly getting out more, higher property values, amenity and wellbeing.’

While Dave secures the funding, it’s Ian Seccafien who’s responsible for the planting. If you thought the council chamber was political, you should try taking a call from the community about street trees.

Ian uses goodwill and humour to diffuse tension and build shared ownership around the need to green our spaces. Since council’s greening target was initiated in late 2017, Ian’s tireless work ethic, and passion for trees of all kinds, has resulted in 35,000 new urban trees. Ian echoes Dave’s concerns about the loss of trees on private land, cautioning, ‘It’s too easy to remove a big tree from private land… there is a simplistic mindset that these can be easily replaced by planting more trees. The reality is… a new tree will take thirty plus years to get back to that size and we’ll never achieve the canopy cover we need if we’re only planting on public land.’

Phil Boulden and Paul Harding are council’s landscape architects.

They’re the dream team who make sure Ian’s trees get the water they need. Phil says, ‘I started out with an engineering background building roads and hard surfaces, but I’m a bit of an environmentalist at heart. It used to be that the road design came first, then you’d try to fit trees around that. But then I learned about softer engineering like rain gardens, swales and biofilters that reduce flooding and improve water quality and also increase the vegetation, cooling and

Above left: Phil Boulden inspects ’stormwater inlets’ which passively irrigate the roots of the street plantings. Photo courtesy of Onkaparinga Council.

Right: Scott Murray is part of a team using technology to optimise water use in local parks. Photo by Heidi Lewis.

‘It’s too easy to remove a big tree from private land… there is a simplistic mindset that these can be easily replaced by planting more trees. The reality is… a new tree will take thirty plus years to get back to that size.’ beauty of an area. Now we’re getting better at thinking about the streetscape as a whole and making sure we consider the human and environmental aspects up front.’

This was the approach he and Paul used for the Aldinga township upgrade in 2018. Paul explains, ‘The design provides tree canopy and shade to cool and mitigate the heat generated by the road and other sealed surfaces. Large, deciduous trees were selected to provide winter sun and summer shade. And by doing away with traditional kerbs and gutters, stormwater flows directly towards the tree roots.’ A similar outcome is achieved in McLaren Flat, via small TREENET Inlets in the kerb, providing a free, passive source of irrigation every time it rains.

Greg Ingleton, SA Water’s Manager of Environmental Opportunities, is helping us to find even more water savings. With disarming enthusiasm, he’s taking all we’ve learnt about the power of water and vegetation for cooling to trial innovative approaches to getting water into the landscape.

In partnership with Greg, the cheerful and unflappable Scott Murray has installed soil-moisture and air-temperature sensors in some of our local parks. Linking to the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and sophisticated software, Greg and Scott have optimised council’s watering regimes, providing both water efficiency and cooling benefits. Greg says homeowners can achieve the same effect by

watering their garden a few days prior to a heatwave rather than during it.

An interactive Cooling the Community map on the SA Water and council websites now allows residents to check the temperature of irrigated parks across Adelaide, with the option to shelter from heat waves in natural outdoor heat-refuges, rather than being forced to shelter indoors.

Greg’s next plan is to promote the benefits of misting systems around people’s outdoor entertainment areas, with a focus on low-income households. He enthuses, ‘A $40 misting kit, using a tiny amount of water, can reduce outdoor temperatures by up to 10°C and indoor temperatures by 3°C, reducing the need for expensive, carbonintensive air-conditioning.’ I tested Greg’s theory when I gifted my parents a misting system last Christmas and we’re all converts.

The work of my colleagues is yielding benefits but it’s incremental.

And, just like the growth of a tree, it’s often invisible to the casual observer. However, it isn’t overstating it to say that vulnerable people will be less likely to be injured or die in heatwaves because of their steady perseverance, and our suburbs will be cooler, greener, more liveable, attractive and biodiverse. I think that’s pretty cool.

Next issue, I’ll share the stories of homeowners, builders and developers who’ve created climate resilient homes and gardens across the Fleurieu.

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That’s the spirit We locals take our food and drink seriously. And we are now punching well above our weight in beer, wine and spirits categories! Whether botanical, aromatic, fermented, sweet or spicy, we have a growing selection of offerings for a stirred, shaken or on-therocks drink. Here is some mixer inspo to try.

Maxwell Wines Mead Maxwell Mead is a family treasure, the result of ten years of tinkering by Mark Maxwell’s father Ken. Their first commercial mead release in 1961 introduced Australia to the ancient craft of fermenting honey and set the benchmark for modern mead-making around the world. This margarita uses Maxwell’s Spiced Mead and it makes the perfect pre-lunch cocktail at the acclaimed Maxwell Restaurant, or at home.

Maxwell Mead margarita 30ml good tequila 50ml Maxwell Spiced Mead 30ml lime juice, plus lime wedges Salt – we use Himalayan pink salt Rub a wedge of fresh lime generously around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim in salt.

Fill the glass with ice and set aside to chill. Use crushed ice if you prefer a frozen margarita, or remove the ice from the chilled glass before serving if you prefer your margaritas straight.

Add tequila, Maxwell Spiced Mead and lime juice to a cocktail mixer filled with ice and shake for around ten seconds.

Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Salopian Inn Summer Gin The Salopian Inn has long been known for their extensive gin list. In 2018, the owners collaborated with KI Spirits to create their own gin – Happy is the New Rich – as an expression of their menu.

Summer Gin is their latest collaboration with KI Spirits and invokes refreshing summer breezes and our lucky locale near the sea. Fresh botanicals and spices like szechuan white pepper and mint are complemented by Australian natives like saltbush, quandong, and lemon myrtle.

Salopian spritz 45ml Salopian Summer Gin 15ml Salopian garden passionfruit marigold shrub* 75ml sparkling wine (we like Vox Pop Sparkling Pinot Noir) Soda water Mix gin, shrub and sparkling wine in a fancy wine glass and stir. Top up with soda water.

Garnish with a pink grapefruit slice and passionfruit marigold flower.

Drink with good friends in a sunny place. *Okay, we know not many will have passionfruit marigold shrub on hand, but trust us, the spritz is also good without. If you want to whip up a batch, here’s the recipe.

Salopian garden passionfruit marigold shrub ½ full 1 litre container of passionfruit marigolds 1 litre warm sugar syrup 200ml apple cider vinegar 5g salt Soak the flowers in the sugar syrup for one week.

Once the syrup has a strong flavour of the flowers, strain them off.

Add the vinegar and salt to the sugar syrup gradually – add in half of each first and taste, keep adding and tasting until you’re happy.

Store in the fridge.

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Skew Wine Co Banksia Blend Vermouth Vermouth was dreamed up in Italy in the late 18th century and gets its name from ‘vermut’, the German word for wormwood and also the drink’s defining botanical. The SKEW Banksia Blend showcases native Australian ingredients alongside wormwood to create a timeless drink. Skew infused twenty-seven native Australian botanicals including native violet, rosella, lemon myrtle, and Geraldton wax in a tempranillo base wine made from grapes sourced from Middleton. The resulting liquid is something like a mix between wine and gin. This vermouth spritz is as easy as it sounds and makes the perfect quickie after work or as the afternoon winds down into evening.

Skew Vermouth spritz 60ml of SKEW Banksia Blend Vermouth Soda water Fill a highball or large wine glass with ice.

Add vermouth and top up with chilled soda water Garnish, if desired, with a wedge of orange or an olive or two.

Need something stronger? Just add a slug of gin!

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Fly the Fleurieu

A rare ‘top down’ view over Remarkable Rocks in the Flinders Chase National Park.

Fleurieu Living Magazine was given a rare opportunity to fly a drone in this location whilst gathering intel on the KI Road to Recovery Tour.

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Fleurieu weddings Nicholas and Lisa-Marie Atkinson married on 29 February 2020 at Brooklyn Farm.

Photography by Acacia Rachel.

Nick and Lisa-Marie first met at church at the end of 2017, after their pastor encouraged the congregation to ‘turn around and say hi to someone new.’

When their first date – a casual coffee catch-up – stretched to nine hours of non-stop chatter, it was clear they had something special.

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Led by faith and love, Nick and Lisa-Marie worked through some testing times early on in their relationship, persevering through it all to grow stronger as a couple. Almost two years later in November 2019, Nick proposed to Lisa-Marie at Brooklyn Farm, near Myponga Beach. Unbeknownst to them, this was to become the venue for their wedding after Nick’s family became the new owners of the farm soon after. The young couple wanted to get married sooner rather than later and organised the wedding in just three months – just one month after the Atkinson family took over the property. As a family, they have big dreams for the farm, envisioning a place for people to come, stay and experience this slice of heaven, including as a wedding venue.

The whole family worked hard to get the farm ready not only for the wedding, but for their growing family of farm animals. It was a busy start to the year, but Lisa-Marie remembers the whole process of preparation as a ‘pure joy.’

Brooklyn Farm has hosted many weddings over the years, but it was extra special for Lisa-Marie and Nick to be the first wedding celebrated there with Nick’s family as the new owners. They now know first-hand how incredible the experience is. ‘Getting married under a majestic 600-year-old tree, with birds singing and butterflies dancing around us, was indescribable,’ says Lisa-Marie. The warmth, love and peace the couple felt was tangible as they helped establish this new chapter for the farm and the family.

Blessed with the most perfect, sunny weather, the reception was celebrated with long tables set up beside the beautifully restored rustic barn, which housed the band, dance floor and bar. As the sun set, twinkling fairy lights and hand-picked local native flowers enhanced the setting. Nick and Lisa-Marie both love live music, so they made sure to find a great band and the Baker Boys Band didn’t disappoint.

‘Our whole experience went beyond anything we’d imagined,’ says Nick. Together, the couple and their family are now so excited to have the opportunity to host others who choose to get married at this beautiful place.

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SOCIAL PAGES

Being Social: Sort of There’s no conventional story for pandemic life. Some businesses have thrived, while others braced for hardship. Some relationships have borne the brunt, while others have prospered.

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01: David de Vries, Fleurieu Food Gardening: ‘It’s been very good for my business, putting in food gardens, because everyone wants to get out and grow their own food.’ 02: Elise Chenda: ’I work in hospitality, so straight up with the restrictions my shifts dropped and I lost a job.

Luckily, I had moved out of my parents’ home at the time, so I was with my friends and it was fun.’ 03: Caitlin Mohr, Student: ‘Everything went online, and you aren’t interacting with people, everything is digital, and you get so much screen time. It’s super hard to stay motivated, that’s the biggest thing that would have changed for me.’ 04: Brooke Player, Home Grain Bakery: Brooke is grateful she has a job, and every difficulty has been matched by an act of kindness, whether it’s strangers offering to cover purchases for others or customers’ patience with the restrictions in place. 05: Trini and Mike Richards, The Little Rickshaw: Early restrictions allowed some time to get perspective for this very popular but relatively new business. ‘The good thing that has come out of COVID is that we have been able to assess what works and what doesn’t work as a business ... it gives you distance.’ 06: Janet Freeman, The Secret Garden: ‘It gave me time to establish a bit more of a plan about what we want to do for future weddings. I’ve done a lot of work and have had the time to do it.’ 07: Sheldon, cat: ‘I can’t think of much that’s changed.’ 08: Melissa Ardern, Founder of digital wedding venue platform, Venyu: For Melissa, there were immediate cancellations and a decrease in bookings, especially given restrictions on alcohol and dancing, but she’s also seen couples become more creative with their wedding requests.

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SOCIAL PAGES

Being Social: Sort of When speaking to the people of the Fleurieu, there was one common thread: enduring tones of absolute positivity.

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01: Ali Quinton, Physiotherapist: ‘We are feeling like the lucky ones. We’ve had a lot of overseas and interstate family move to the Fleurieu due to COVID so suddenly I am surrounded by family.’ 02: Zara Lovering, Yeo Haus: ‘We’ve actually been busier since COVID. We’ve got the perfect set up with the takeaway coffee place – people can just come and go and it’s really simple.’ 03: Winnie, bulldog: ‘Are you finished with that sandwich?’ 04: Joss Stephens, de Groot Coffee: It’s been busier than ever at de Groot and as a result Joss has picked up full time work. But she’s also had time to reflect and think about her life and what she really wants, and sees others doing the same.

05: Lea Sellinger recently moved from Switzerland: ‘I am grateful that my family in Europe is okay and that we are in a good place here.

It could be so much worse.’ 06: Emma Pinyon and Anna Jenkins with Peanut, ‘We were living in Mexico in March – not planning on leaving – but as the government advised we came home.’ Now back in Australia the couple have been between their families in Adelaide and Melbourne with no current secure jobs but plenty of family support. 07: Mikki Jane, Qahwa Coffee: ‘I think people have been happy to just come out. It’s being mindful of how far apart people are sitting and making sure everything is extra clean.’

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SPRING 2020

HIA (Housing Industry Association) Awards 2019: · Renovation/Addition Project $400,001-$550,000 · Custom Built Home $550,001-$800,000 · Winner South Australian Lightweight Construction Housing using sheet or board materials · Winner 2019 HIA-CSR South Australian Housing Award Residential Building Designer

southcoastconstructions.com.au 37 Victoria Street, Victor Harbor, South Australia 5211 Telephone: 08 8552 4444 Email: admin@scconstruct.com.au

AU $9.95 SPRING 2020 02 >

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