Fleurieu Living Magazine Winter 2024

The intuitive collector on The Range

The thalassophile’s hideaway at Middleton Foreshore: Showcasing the Fleurieu coastline A creek runs through it at Goolwa Nature lover’s guide to the Fleurieu with pull-out map

CURTAINS & BLINDS

‘Hello Sunshine ’

Sarah Homes are number one for holiday homes and homes that make you feel like you’re on holiday. It’s easy to see why!

They’re designed to include generous living areas and expansive decking. A brilliant space for entertaining or just relaxing. Wide opening sliding doors and full-length windows deliver wonderful views and let you retreat to sunlit comfort.

We have a great selection of one and two storey home designs. One is ready to be a special part of your life, year after year. Visit us today, a laid-back Fleurieu lifestyle is waiting.

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

Key Personnel Publisher Information

Other

Petra de Mooy

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

Jason Porter

Jason has worked as a graphic designer, creative director and more recently photographer for thirty-five plus years. When not in the office, he can usually be found tweaking the crossover filters on his ridiculously over-the-top audio system.

Heather Millar

Heather Millar is an editor and life story writer. She has also recently become a farmer. Kind of. She and husband Adam Rickard are the proud new owners of Tanamera Christmas Tree Farm in McLaren Flat. Ho ho ho.

Kate O’Donoghue

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

contributing writers, photographers and stylists:

Cathryn Charnock, Hollie Connery, Debbie Culpin, Janey Fowler, Sam Healy, Mark Laurie, Kate Le Gallez, Sam Marchetti, Alana Pahor, Myriah Smith, Nick Stock and Esther Thorn.

PUBLISHER

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

PUBLISHING EDITOR AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

Petra de Mooy petra@fleurieuliving.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jason Porter jason@fleurieuliving.com.au

EDITOR

Heather Millar

ADVERTISING SALES

Debbie Culpin debbie@fleurieuliving.com.au

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

PRINTER

Newstyle Print DISTRIBUTION

Wrapaway

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

ALL ENQUIRIES

Petra de Mooy petra@fleurieuliving.com.au

POSTAL ADDRESS

PO Box 111, Aldinga, South Australia 5173.

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

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

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

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

South Coast South Coast

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

Silent Disco 4 Kids Party Community Centre on 27 April

at Centenary Hall, Goolwa on 5 May

Mob 2015, Aboriginal arts at Signal Point Gallery, Goolwa from 5 May to 11 June Good Things Small Packages, at South Coast Regional Art Centre, Goolwa from 5 May to 18 June Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - The Elton John at Centenary Hall, Goolwa on 20 May

From the publishing editor

Well hello winter. After one epic weather day after another at the end of May, we are actually so looking forward to some rain.

Any avid gardener would be well-tired of continuing the need to water. But don’t get us wrong … we do love the fair weather, and I am sure any May weddings around the place were brilliant.

If you’ve ever spent time in the Northern Hemisphere, you would appreciate seasons coming in and out with a bang. The long, slow descent of summer is lovely in many ways … but change is as good as a rest, so bring on the puffer jacket and the chilly mornings.

This issue, we were super lucky in so many ways. Because of the businesses old and new that we represent, it was a bit indulgent at times (check out our ‘Elevate your expectations’ feature on page 28 and ‘Stacked’ on page 64). Some pretty epic food is available out there and we love it … probably a little bit too much.

And to all of the tried and true retailers – we loved visiting each and everyone of your shops for our Buyer’s Guide. SO many lovely things.

Our cover story was just meant to be. Every once in a while you meet someone who is as into art, design, crafternoons and gardening as you, and those are special moments. Cathy Charnock, we love your home and collector’s eye.

It was also lovely to meet Liz Hill at her family’s holiday home. So grand and well appointed. Whiling away an afternoon on the lounge in front of the fire just watching the waves roll-in ... dreams are made of this.

Also, a major shout-out to Billy Goat Brick & Stone. We celebrate food and wine so much, but what about these uber-talented artisans like Rohan Grantham – there are no awards for stonemasonry, but if there was one, he deserves it. See his work in our Local Selections feature on page 102.

We also loved our collaboration with Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism to create a map depicting all of the national parks, bike trails and beachfronts, jetties and reserves – expertly illustrated by long-time collaborator Chris Edser. We have not been to the Tolderol Game Reserve, but we love birds, so we are definitely looking forward to going there this winter. Deep Creek and Kuitpo are also on our list for a walk in the forest.

On a personal note, we’d like to thank Hollie Connery for her contributions to FLM as she steps down from her role as advertising manager. Over the past two years, Hollie has brought her love of the region to life with thoughtfulness and humour. Her storytelling skills are top-notch, and you may still see her name grace our pages through her excellent writing. We wish her all the best with her future endeavours.

This winter we’ll be at the Farmers Market buying up some locally grown veggies and flowers, and making the most of all the beaches, cafés, restaurants, cellar doors and retailers we are spoilt for choice with here on the Fleurieu … hope to see you there.

Take your time pouring over this issue for some inspiration. Enjoy. Team FLM.

Below: A cute pair of Superb Fairywrens.

HOME FEATURE The intuitive collector on The Range Front cover photo by Jason Porter HOME FEATURE The thalassophile’s hideaway at Middleton

FOOD, WINE & SPIRITS

86 W illunga Farmers Market: The best things in life are slow

58 D rinkability: Wine reviews by Nick Stock

28 Elevate your expectations (with food)

64 Stacked – mile high food from some of our favorite cafés

82 V ineyard Kitchen: a synergy of food a nd wine

PENINSULA PEOPLE

10 Take One: Nick Stock

78 W ho we are: Nurtured through education: A ndrew Banks

88 Boutique & Unique: Daniel Deck and Hayley Webber from Clear Colours Collective

MAKE A DATE

12 Events, Art, Workshops, Places to be

62 Event Feature: Echoes of Tarnanthi

68 Yuntulun Ku:Li War at Signal Point, Goolwa

BOOKS

Take one

Nick Stock: wine critic and restaurateur

Who is Nick Stock?

I am co-owner of the Silver Sands Beach Club and a wine critic who lives locally and loves the beach. I moved to the Fleurieu in 2020 after re-configuring my work life, from travelling the world’s major wine regions tasting wine (dream job) and only spending a couple of months a year in Australia, to now living locally year-round. I’d long wanted to spend more time along this beautiful stretch of coastline and now I barely leave the place. I work on a lot of events and in the festival scene, and I’ve been beverage director of Tasting Australia for the last few years.

When did you first become interested in wine and how did it evolve?

In my early 20s, I was working as an actor in Sydney, and I went to Melbourne for a six-month theatre season. I was blown away by Melbourne’s great dining scene and I really became obsessed with food and restaurant culture. I decided I needed to learn more about this, so I landed a job back in Sydney with Peter Sulllivan and Matt Moran at Sydney’s Paddington Inn Bistro. It was there I decided I’d branch out into wine. The lightbulb moment was when I tasted this beautifully aged 1979 Leo Buring Riesling. Mind blown. Never looked back. Still chasing great bottles!

What are some of your career highlights?

I’ve been lucky to visit many of the greatest wine producers in places like Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Piedmont – all the great regions of the world – and I really take so much inspiration from the people I have met who make those wines. These are often multigeneration family owned estates that take a long-term outlook, really contributing to the culture of their region and community as well as making great wine. This is what drives me today at the Beach Club. I value community highly and really draw on the personal encounters

and inspiring friendships I have been lucky to make. Great wine doesn’t happen without great people – neither do great restaurants.

What are some of your achievements that you are most proud of?

I was twice awarded Australia’s Best Sommelier and this really changed my career and opened-up opportunities in the wine media. Education and learning drive me, and I’ve always sought to learn and pass on knowledge. I was also awarded World’s Best Drinks Writer by my media peers which meant a lot. I love the work I’ve been able to do in the festival space and am now working with big music festivals like Harvest Rock to bring great drinks and food and wine experiences to those events. That is so rewarding – seeing people just having the absolute best time.

Why are you excited about the Fleurieu as a winemaking region?

This is the most exciting time for wine in this region since the pioneering era, with an influx of new talented people and the next generation of families that have long been in the area coming to the fore. Again, it comes back to the people who are making it happen and there are too many to name here. These are the people I feature in my Drinkability column each issue. People like Peter Fraser (Yangarra), Julian Forward and Bernice Ong (Ministry of Clouds) and Duncan Kennedy (Kay Brothers) who I’ve featured in this issue. All leaders and all shifting the needle and elevating the wine offering of the whole region.

The nature of this place is so bountiful and so naturally beautiful, it attracts a lot of intelligent, creative and generous people. There’s such a strong connectivity in the community here, even among very different people. That’s the power of this place.

Make a date

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

June

Winter Whale Fest

1-30 June

A month-long festival of fun and thought-provoking events, celebrating the annual migration of whales to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Granite Island Run

Victor Harbor

23 June

Come for the run, stay for the coastal charm with the Granite Island Run at Victor Harbor. The event challenges runners of all levels, with a 5.3km short course, 10km long course and 1.2km kids’ dash on offer. All runs take participants across the new causeway to Granite Island, where they’ll be rewarded with stunning coastal views. You can make a day of it with lunch at the Causeway Cafe and a longer stroll along the Granite Island Kaiki Walk. Visit www.graniteisland. run to secure your race entry.

Willunga Almond Blossom Festival

Willunga Recreation Park, Willunga 27 July, 11am–9pm and 28 July, 10am–4pm

Experience a weekend of food, fun and fireworks at the Willunga Almond Blossom Festival. Indulge the family in camel and pony rides, games and show rides before treating yourself to food, beverage and market stalls. Settle under the stars at 7pm on Saturday for the Fleurieu’s oldest fireworks display. There are almond-inspired activities on offer too, with an almond-cracking competition at 1pm on Sunday and an almond-inspired cookery competition. For more information, visit willungarecpark.com.au/ almond-blossom-festival

Strathalbyn Antiques and Vintage Fair

Strathalbyn Oval

17 August, 10am–4pm and 18 August, 9:30am–4pm

After your next vintage treasure? You’re sure to find something fabulous at the annual Strathalbyn Antiques and Vintage Fair. Dealers from South Australia and interstate will bring treasures to discerning collectors, who will make the pilgrimage into picturesque Strathalbyn for the weekend. There’s something for everyone, from stunning vintage bling to quirky collectibles for the home, office, garden and man cave. For more information, visit strathalbyntourismassoc.org.au

Myponga Loop

Myponga Reservoir  18 August, 8am

Challenge yourself to the Long Loop – a 19 km circumnavigation of Myponga Reservoir with the unique opportunity to run large sections of trails that are not normally accessible to the public. The roads will be closed to traffic to allow runners to cross the dam wall as part of the race. This is an outstanding course – tough but picturesque! Short Course and Kids Dash also now open for entries at mypongaloop.com.au

July

Truffle Hunts

Myponga

July 6th, 12th, 20th, 26th and August 3rd, 9th, 17th, 23rd

Discover the enchanting world of truffles with Lovely Valley Truffle Hunt Tours! Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes as you embark on an exciting journey through the truffle-rich forests. Led by knowledgeable guides Warren and Dean, and their amazing dogs Gus and Ruby from Detection Dogs SA, uncover the secrets of these elusive culinary treasures while enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty. Whether you’re a truffle enthusiast or a nature lover seeking adventure, join us for an unforgettable experience in Lovely Valley. Book your tour date now at lovelyvalleytruffles.com.au

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

Fleurieu Food Festival

Various locations across the Fleurieu Peninsula 1–31 August

The Fleurieu Food Festival is a celebration of the best of our region with a month-long line-up of culinary events in various venues across the Peninsula throughout August. The broad program includes truffle hunts, degustation dinners, distillery masterclasses, seafood feasts and bread making workshops. Plan your journey for the senses across the Fleurieu by visiting fleurieufoodfestival.com for all event details.

Coastrek

Fleurieu Peninsula

6 September, 7am or 12 noon

Take a walk on the wild side this September with Coastrek, Australia’s most iconic hiking challenge. Join a team of four and trek along the stunning Fleurieu coastline, where you’ll explore beautiful beaches and national parks while raising money for the Heart Foundation. You can start bright and early at Parsons Beach at 7am for the ‘thrilling’ 35 km trek, or make your way to Kings Beach at 12 noon for the ‘twilight’ 20 km walk. Register at coastrek.com.au

PLACES TO GO

Angove

McLaren Vale

Check out their Prix Fixe lunch every Thursday & Friday in winter or check out their Brightlands shiraz long table lunch on 7 July.

ART EXHIBITIONS

Coral Street Art Space

Victor Harbor

Water People 2024 (part of the City of Victor Harbor’s Annual Winter Whale Fest events)

Exhibition dates: 7 June – 31 July

Opening event: Friday 14 June

Focus: The future of water

Or join in the conversation on 29 June, 7-9pm

A panel of speakers who are water and environment sustainability professionals at Victa Cinema and after for drinks at The Coral Street Art Space. $25 coralstreetartspace.com

Fleurieu Biennale

Fleurieu Arthouse, McLaren Vale

8 June – 14 July

The Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize exhibition at the Fleurieu Arthouse will showcase exceptional contemporary art. Featuring a diverse range of mediums, the exhibition celebrates creativity and innovation, offering visitors an immersive experience in the vibrant and dynamic world of contemporary visual arts.

Island Welcome

Signal Point Experience Centre at The Goolwa Wharf 4 May to 30 June

A contemporary jewellery exhibition exploring gestures of welcome as a response to Australian immigration policy. The artists position adornment as a vehicle for political discourse, empathy and shared humanity. The regional South Australian tour of Island Welcome is presented by Country Arts SA and curated by Belinda Newick.

SALA (South Australian Living Artists Festival)

Venue – various  1–31 August

SALA is a state-wide showcase and celebration of South Australia’s living visual artists. It is Australia’s largest and most inclusive visual arts festival, which takes place in galleries and non-traditional arts spaces across South Australia annually, during the entire month of August. Find an event or exhibition in a shed, café, office or retail space, winery, school, public space, gallery or major arts institution near you and engage with a South Australian artist. www.salafestival.com >

SALA Slide Night Ages 18+

Victa Cinema

Join SALA for wine and nibbles while hearing from nine local artists sharing the behind-the-scenes story to their practice. Booking details available via websites and SALA catalogue.

Echoes of Taranthi

Tatachilla Lutheran College’s Eco Classroom

With over 300 student works to discover featuring ceramics, selfportraits, felt animals and much more.

Thursday 29 August 2024, 5:30pm-7:30pm (opening night)

Saturday 31 August 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm FREE ENTRY

SALA 2024 – Young Creatives Show

Coral Street Art Space

Celebrating the young creative geniuses on the Fleurieu, aged 12–25. A collaboration between the City of Victor Harbor and Alexandrina Council, the show is curated by Zoe Crichton and Mia Stocks. Workshops and mentoring opportunities available. www.coralstreetartspace.com

Did you know?

The Goolwa Wharf Precinct is being reimagined, and Alexandrina Council is offering businesses a rare opportunity to be part of the revitalisation of this iconic South Australian tourism hub. The Council is welcoming expressions of interest for a range of ventures, such as retail spaces, accommodation, hospitality, ecotourism, Indigenous businesses, and more, all within this historic precinct.

Above: An artist’s render of the reimagined Wharf Barrel Shed.

Book a tour

Tour of the junior years (Reception - Year 6)

Thursday 27 June, 9:30am

Tour of the senior years (Year 7 - Year 12)

Friday 13 September, 9:30am

Book your place on our website: tatachilla.sa.edu.au

The thalassophile’s hideaway

Story by Esther Thorn. Photography by Jason Porter.

‘Thalassophile: a person who loves the sea and ocean’ is printed on the delicate piece of tissue paper Elizabeth Hill is carefully unwrapping. ‘That’s our family,’ she tells me with a smile as she reads the text. ‘We are people who love the sea.’

Beneath the tissue paper is an old glass and metal light, salvaged from a ship, that Liz has bought online and had delivered to her beach house at Middleton. She lifts the object, and we admire the ripples in the handblown glass and the tarnish on the metal. Liz rests the light against the outside wall, where she intends to hang it. In that moment, old ship’s light seamlessly melds into the wall of the newly built beach house, like the two were somehow made for each other.

And so it is with Liz and her family’s beach house, overlooking the popular surfing beach – old and new fit harmoniously together to create a calm and an ease. Silver-hued foliage in the garden blends

with a colour scheme of muted greys, blues and whites inside the home, with large windows and glass bi-fold doors, giving the ocean centre-stage. ‘It changes all the time and throughout the seasons,’ Liz says, as we look out of the loungeroom window at the steelgrey sea, tipped with frothy white caps. ‘Winter is almost the nicest season. There are always surfers and we can watch the whales –this is where they have their calves, and we see their tails splashing and the spray from their blowholes.’

The two-storey Hamptons-style beach house is nestled just above the dunes, with nothing but soft shrubbery and sand between it and the ocean. ‘It’s the blue and white house,’ Liz tells me in a text message before my arrival. ‘You won’t miss it.’ I still manage to because of the secluded location of the property; it’s down a private laneway that opens out into a hidden cluster of properties, all with absolute beach frontage.

It is indeed blue and white, but a deep nautical navy that reminds me of ink pots and starched uniforms. ‘It took us three coats of dark blue to get the depth of colour and because we didn’t want it to >

Page left and above: The entryway at the back of the property is framed by the lovely garden designed by Matt Lenzi Landscapes, while the front takes full advantage of the absolute beachfront location with wall to wall windows.

fade too quickly,’ says Liz. ‘I just love that classic Hamptons style and our previous home was painted grey with white trimming, so I wanted something different.’

Liz and her husband David bought the block four years ago, when their three children started to outgrow the Port Elliot beach house they’d had for a decade. There was an existing asbestos shack on the property, which needed to be knocked down before the build could begin. Liz rescued treasures from the old building, including two oars with peeling patina, an antique fishing rod and a tiny old door, possibly off a ship’s cabin. These items, artfully displayed around the home, provide a sense of place and history. ‘We tried to keep whatever we could from the old shack,’ Liz explains. ‘It’s helped us to create something that’s unique and not a cookiecutter house.’

Liz’s father was a builder and she and David had built several homes themselves before they purchased the Middleton property, which meant they had a clear vision for their newest project. They engaged Victor Harbor-based South Coast Constructions because they wanted a builder with local knowledge and experience that could deliver a high-end product within budget. ‘South Coast’s designer Matt Parker was amazing,’ says Liz. ‘He understood the brief from day one and was just such a pleasure to work with.’

From the shared laneway, access to the home is through a sandstone-walled Mediterranean-style garden. Weeping rosemary and Silver Falls Dichondra soften the roughly hewn stone and a rusted fire-pit tucked into the corner of the garden offers conviviality and warmth.

Above: High ceilings in the large open-plan living area with beautiful wide-plank flooring, all expertly crafted by local builder – South Coast Constructions.

The garden is full of practicalities; a sink and bench space provide a sensible space to clean fish. An outdoor shower and exterior access to the toilet offer a clever solution to sandy footprints on the floorboards.

But it’s on the inside that the true beauty of this home comes to the fore. The front door opens into a cathedral-like foyer that takes up the full height of the building. A nautical round window, almost at the roof line, is a tip-of-the-hat to the coastal location. ‘This house is our little oasis, our little hideaway,’ says Liz. ‘We love it and use it whenever we possibly can.’

Liz and David’s careful planning, and South Coast Constructions’ experience, is evident in every room. On the ground floor, the children’s bedrooms exude warmth and individuality, reflecting the

unique passions of their occupants; extra hanging space for the keen surfer’s wetsuits and a box window seat to snuggle into for the avid reader.

Anchoring the bedrooms is a family room with a pool table, lounge area and indoor and outdoor limestone chimneys that span the two storeys. ‘We wanted fireplaces that were reminiscent of the early colonial buildings in the area,’ says Liz. ‘We knew South Coast were able to create exactly what we were after because we’d seen similar projects they’d done in the area using local stone.’

Upstairs is the master bedroom, David’s office, the shaker-style kitchen and living space, and Liz’s favourite room – the alfresco dining area. ‘I love waking up before everyone and making myself a coffee and just sitting in one of the swinging chairs in this area >

Above: The well-appointed kitchen with walk-in pantry opens onto a covered outdoor kitchen / dining area all expertly crafted by local company Innovative Kitchens. Hanging chairs are perfectly positioned to enjoy watching the sunset.

Top left and right: The front door opens into a cathedral-like foyer that takes up the full height of the building. A nautical round window almost at the roof line is a tip-of-the-hat to the coastal location. Bottom: The master bathroom with cabinetry by Innovative kitchens made to match the kitchen for design continuity, is offset by gloss white tiles in a herringbone pattern.

looking out over the ocean,’ says Liz. ‘It was Matt (the designer’s) idea to fully enclose this space and it was genius because it means we can use it even when it’s cold and windy outside. We get the fire going and it’s just this really cosy space, where you still feel connected to the elements.’

Other features include herringbone tiling in the bathroom, Easycraft wall lining in the ensuite and timber balustrades. Linear cladding mimics a traditional weatherboard style and reduces maintenance. Windows and doors inside and out are finished with extra wide architraves in keeping with the Hamptons style.

The kitchen, meticulously crafted by local company Innovative Kitchens, is an entertainer’s dream, gleaming in a pristine white

palette accentuated by luxurious marble-look benchtops. Ample wood and wicker seating provides a relaxed vibe where breakfasts can be shared or a pre-dinner drink can be served. Complementing this haven is a spacious walk-in pantry, adorned with coordinating finishes, expanding storage capabilities to fulfill every culinary need.

Liz and David have travelled widely and have picked up beautiful trinkets along the way, like a stripey throw from Greece, which rests on the arm of the couch. It’s these items, along with personal touches like a painting by Liz’s mother in the study, that imbue the home with personality and love.

Wherever possible, Liz and Dave have chosen the simplest, most practical, and environmentally sustainable options like the low >

Above: The master bedroom and children’s bedrooms in soft blues and pinks with pops of darker hues invite relaxation and slumber. Window treatments by local company BQ Curtains & Blinds.

maintenance, eco decking at the rear of the property. ‘South Coast were very clear that we were building in a harsh environment and so we needed to make choices that were practical,’ says Liz. ‘Having that local knowledge certainly paid off because they knew things we would never have thought about.’

The build took just over 12 months and went incredibly smoothly, with no challenges or delays. Liz and Dave were committed to using

local suppliers, which has helped cement the home into the hearts of locals. ‘We often get people walking or riding along the bike track who stop and talk to us about the home and tell us how much they love it,’ says Liz. ‘It’s an honour to be able to create a beautiful home in such a special place and have that recognised by the community.’

Top left: The guest bathroom carries through the design and style of the other wet areas. Top right: A door from the original shack pays homage to the property’s history. Bottom: Silver and green foliage in the garden blends with beautiful natural stone in the garden design by Matt Lenzi Landscapes.

A life of colour and form

Story by Kate Le Gallez.

Inevitably, with the passage of time comes change. Often it’s hard to notice, only revealing itself with distance. For painter and printmaker Margie Sheppard, over 30 years of change is mapped across her canvases and prints.

They chart a course from the otherworldly figuration of her early prints, to the pure abstraction of her more recent works, which explore the relationship between colour, form and texture. Always there remains a pervading sense of wonder at the rich detail Margie creates whether through intricate etching or the precise strength of colour combined with geometry.

Margie grew up in Mount Gambier before leaving home for boarding school and then on to art school in Adelaide. Through those early years and into her life as a young mother of three, it was always

about painting. Together with her husband and a small cohort of friends they managed to buy a sizeable property on Kangarilla Hill where they still live today, owning much of the land in common and sharing the infrastructure and livestock, including the two donkeys wandering down the steep and narrow road that leads to Margie’s home and studio.

In 1990, with a toddler still under her feet, Margie took a printmaking course and ‘I really took to it,’ she says, so much so that it dominated her practice for many years. She enjoyed the upside-down process of thinking backwards, and planning the colours and forms which would pass back and forward through the press to produce the final image.

Her early works are figurative, with human forms floating on the page in muted colours, sometimes accompanied by fish or sea creatures, adrift in nature. ‘It’s unworldly, it’s not our world. It’s kind of a dreamscape,’ explains Margie. ‘There’s some sort of intimacy. >

Page left: Balancing Act, 2022, etching, 80 x 60cm, Edition 1 of 25. Top: Earth Signs, etching. Bottom left: Turning Point, 2017, etching, 78 x 72cm, Edition 19 of 40. Bottom right: Heart of Gold, 2016, etching, 60 x 58cm, Edition 25 of 40.

It’s a place, a psychological place maybe, that you might have a longing to be.’ They speak with a visual lyricism about the interior life as it bumps up against the real, often domestic, world.

She continued in this vein through to 2015 when, almost abruptly, her work changed. The figures disappeared from her work, replaced by more abstract forms, softly at first but growing increasingly bold in the use of colour and intersecting shapes and angles, while at the same time becoming simpler in design. Margie ties the shift to the upheaval in her own family life at that time. ‘I guess, in a way, it was a toughening up,’ she says, though even now it’s hard for Margie to express the nature of the personal and artistic reckoning that surrounded the transition. ‘I was just not going to do it anymore. It just stopped. And I was much more interested in shape and colour,’ she says.

For the better part of three decades, Margie created these prints through a process of etching on metal plates and the intricate work of masking and unmasking sections of the plates using acid and bitumen and resin to eventually coax out the desired image. The process (‘grotty and messy and horrible’) is at odds with the ethereal results.

In the past few years Margie has started using woodcuts to create her prints. Once she has settled on the combination of shapes,

she works with a graphic designer to laser cut the pieces from timber. The challenge and the joy then comes from finding the ‘right’ colours to marry the disparate forms together, enhanced by the depth and texture Margie creates with a light ink wash under the print. She’s started working with Willunga-local Sarah Stemberger on the consuming process of colouring the woodcuts. ‘It can take hours and hours and hours. And then we’ve got to scurry and print it,’ Margie says, because even the artistic process is subject to real life, including Sarah’s school pick-up schedule. ‘The inked-up pieces before you get it printed look just as good as the print, if not better. It’s just all shiny and luxurious. And finally, finally, it’s right,’ she continues. ‘And that actually is the exciting part. That’s like a real high. It’s scary, but it’s exciting because actually, something happens. You get the buzz. The reason why you bother doing it in the first place.’

Both her printmaking and paintings are in dialogue with each other. It’s about zeroing in on the good bit, and borrowing shapes and colour compositions from here or there to make it sing and feel right. It’s an intricate balance of colour and refinement of shape and a desire to continually explore.

And so, after more than 30 years, the impetus to create still remains. ‘It’s like mining for gold,’ says Margie. ‘You might find some. You might do something really good.’

Above left: Balancing Act, 2022, oil on canvas,120 x 180cm. Top right: Japanese Dream, 2024, woodblock print, 53 x 66cm. Bottom right: Margie Sheppard in her studio.

Elevate your expectations

Looking for a place to eat with views and a seasonal locally sourced menu? Something a bit casual but elevated at the same time? This is just a scratch on the surface of what’s on offer on the growing list of excellent menus across the region.

Pearl Aldinga

Ideally located on the pristine shores of Aldinga Beach, Pearl beckons with its modern style and culinary excellence. Embracing the ethos of sustainability and community, this foodies’ haven showcases a menu brimming with locally sourced ingredients, celebrating the rich bounty of the sea. From succulent seafood delicacies to warm salads and delicious dips, each dish is crafted with meticulous care and attention to flavour, texture and freshness.

Complementing their delectable fare is an extensive wine list featuring boutique wine labels from South Australia, promising a perfect pairing for every palate. With warm hospitality, panoramic ocean views, and delicious and generous offerings, diners will savour this experience. Whether indulging in a leisurely lunch or savoring an intimate dinner, guests will visit again and again once they discover Pearl, Aldinga

Above: Blue swimmer crab, whole king prawns, mussels, garlic, chilli, coriander, lemongrass and lime.

4ORE Victor Harbor

4ORE is a new restaurant and function space nestled within the scenic expanse of Victor Harbor Golf Course, with picturesque views of the Encounter coastline. The team at 4ORE are dedicated to excellence in cuisine and service, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere – perfect for any occasion.

The menu offers a tantalising array of choices. Whether you crave the exotic flavours of an Asian-inspired sticky pork belly salad, the classic comfort of a schnitty, the succulence of a beef fillet or prefer vegan options, each dish is crafted with creativity, generosity and a whole lot of love. Also, be sure to check out the ever-changing specials board for local and seasonal delights. 4ORE is also available for functions. >

Above: Piled high a potato galette, rainbow chard, beef fillet, topped with prawns and accompanied by pan jus and tarragon butter

Flying Fish Port Elliot

Flying Fish offers a premium dining experience with its prized location overlooking the serenity of Horseshoe Bay. The restaurant’s allure lies not only in its scenic views but also in its carefully crafted menu, celebrating the abundance of fresh seafood and local produce available in South Australia.

Diners can indulge in a variety of culinary delights, from succulent steak and locally sourced catches to mouthwatering dishes highlighting regional provenance. Whether it’s crispy skin barramundi or a slow-roasted pork belly, each dish is expertly prepared to showcase the chef’s passion for all things local.

Above: Crispy skin barramundi on a bed of Vietnamese salad with bean sprouts, a touch of mint, seasoned with garlic and chilli soy consommé. Japanese oysters – (Coffin bay oysters) topped with pickled ginger, soy sauce, a touch of wasabi sprinkled with spring onion and toasted sesame seeds.

Led by chef Karena Armstrong and sommelier and innkeeper Alex Marchetti, the Salopian Inn has long been a beacon of culinary excellence, renowned for its exceptional food and one of the best drinks lists in the region. As you step into the charming interior of the inn, you’re greeted by warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience rooted in teamwork and excellent service. Sustainability and local sourcing are evident in every dish, each telling the story of the region’s finest ingredients. Head to the Salopian where unparalleled hospitality, food and drink converge to create a harmonious blend of flavours and ambiance. >

Salopian Inn McLaren Vale

Above: Small and substantial delights showcasing the garden, paddock and sea. Ethically sourced and lovingly made.

Silver Sands Beach Club Aldinga

On the picturesque coastline of Aldinga, Silver Sands Beach Club blends laid-back vibes with coastal charm. Its prime location offers stunning views of shimmering waters and sandy shores, creating an ideal beachside retreat.

The menu is a delightful mix of casual classics and Italian-inspired bistro fare. Featuring fresh local seafood, house-made sourdough, fresh pasta, and gelato, it caters to every palate. Highlights include

modern snacks, sophisticated salads, seasonal pasta dishes, and a mouth-watering char-grilled grass-fed porterhouse topped with porcini butter.Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the selection of over 500 wines, showcasing local favorites and international greats from Chablis, Burgundy, Champagne, and Italy. Owned by passionate local hospitality experts, the club exudes a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying exceptional food and award-winning drinks with friends and family. See you at the club.

Above: House made squid ink taglierini pasta, Cape Jervis squid and bottarga with garden salad.

www.kairosdesignstudio.com.au admin@kairosdesignstudio.com.au

photo by: Niyousha Khalili (Photon Studio)

Luxe accommodation

Indulge in these accommodations and retreats of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Luxe accommodations that blend seamlessly with nature, offering panoramic views of rolling hills and pristine beaches. Experience unparalleled comfort and tranquility.

Old Coach Road Estate

Located on 201 secluded acres between Mt Compass and Victor Harbor, the gorgeous villa at Old Coach Road Estate (OCRE) offers panoramic views over Hindmarsh Valley to Encounter Bay. Featuring 3 king bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and local treats including wines, cheese and a Fleurieu hamper, guests are welcomed into luxury. Your exclusive stay offers contentment and serenity amidst OCRE’s stunning natural beauty.   oldcoachroadestate.com.au

Bungala House

Nestled in a 4.5-acre botanical haven, this grand country estate marries timeless charm with modern luxury and accommodates up to ten guests. A picturesque drive through majestic Moreton Bay figs leads to this oasis, where pathways wind through ponds and arbors, offering a unique escape. With a vine-covered alfresco dining area, outdoor indulgence awaits year-round. Take in the Western Fleurieu’s breathtaking coastline just an hour from Adelaide’s CBD, Bungala House offers an idyllic retreat, harmonising country living with accessibility. bungalahouse.com.au

Maridaallah Retreat

Nestled in Inman Valley, an hour south of Adelaide, Maridaallah Retreat offers a luxurious escape within a heritage-listed conservation park. Designed by Mark and Rita Horne, the retreat features a stunning main house with four bedrooms, each boasting breathtaking views. Completely off-grid and eco-friendly, the retreat has been specifically orientated to take full advantage of the beautiful sunsets. Guests can indulge in wellness activities and enjoy locally sourced delights, all while immersing themselves in the serene beauty of this spectacular setting. maridaallah.au

A rare opportunity to holiday at St Helens, one of the most exclusive homes on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Situated at the top end of The Strand in the historic conservation precinct of the charming coastal town of Port Elliot on a commanding position high above Rocky Bay and the ever changing Southern Ocean, this beautifully restored sandstone villa (circa 1890’s) offers the most stunning 180 degree ocean views imaginable. harcourtsbeachhouse.guestybookings.com

Black Shed Retreat

Nestled in McLaren Flat, Black Shed Retreat sprawls over 6.5 acres, boasting panoramic views of vineyards. Encounter local wildlife, including frequent kangaroo visits. Luxuriate in the outdoor bath with premium oils under starlit skies. Custom-designed by “In Property Design,” it prioritizes stunning sunset views and privacy. Nearby, explore world-class wineries and savor local cuisine. Book via @black_shed_retreat on Instagram or blackshedretreat.com.au (launching soon).

Pelican Retreats

Pelican Retreats offer unique havens for rest, relaxation and re-connection. Mr Percival is a secluded gem in Goolwa’s historic Little Scotland area, blending indoor-outdoor living with a nod to local history. Just 50m from the waterfront, it offers a cozy escape with easy access tothe beach. Pelicans Rest, on Hindmarsh Island, offers guests a luxurious waterfront experience overlooking Coorong National Park. This tranquil setting offers water activities & birdwatching with Sugars Beach & the Murray Mouth on your doorstep.

pelicanretreats.com.au

Harcourts Beachhouse

Page left: The expansive windows invite the outside in at Maridaallah Retreat. Above left: The bathroom at Black Shed Retreat, a luxury vineyard cabin escape. Bottom left: Old Coach Road Estate is nestled in the rolling hills with views over Hindmarsh Valley. Above right: A serene view from Pelicans Rest across Mundoo Channel overlooking the Coorong National Park.

Navigating our virtual reality

Words by Sam Healy.

It’s 2024. Every facet of our lives is ensnared by the tendrils of technology, and artificial intelligence is leading the march of the next revolution. Within this modern chaos, a new industry has unfurled its banners – the dawn of the era of health and wellness, rising boldly on the horizon of online platforms.

Not so long ago, if we wanted to seek out the fundamentals of health and wellness, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the most remote parts of the world had to be made. A trek to find the appropriate guru and years of dedicated training and learning were the only options. Whether it be breathwork, meditation, yoga – the core practices were under lock and key by those who embodied the very essence of the knowledge. From the ’50s, we’ve seen the West become enamored with these Eastern teachings and, by the ’80s, the new era had begun to whisper. Ancient knowledge that housed lifechanging practices were now available at your nearest bookstore for $12.99. Yoga studios began to spring up in every town and city. Fast forward to today, and gone are the times when the pursuits of health and wellness were confined to temples tucked away in distant mountains. Instead, with just a few clicks, the mountains come to us.

The mindfulness space has well and truly been incorporated into this digital world, with platforms like Headspace and Calm leading the charge, their guided meditation sessions and relaxation techniques garnering millions of followers worldwide. The global yoga market has exploded with online courses and memberships, becoming the industry’s centrepiece. Sleep, nutrition and fitness also help build this virtual space. In fact, the health and wellness market is estimated to be worth a boggling 1.8 trillion dollars as it utilises the online world to access a society that now considers their health to be a priority.

Casting our minds back to those remote mountain tops and whispered teachings, we should feel nothing but gratitude to have the plethora of knowledge that 2024 offers us.

But this convenience and accessibility does offer challenges and paradoxes.

The term ‘evolutionary mismatch’ is becoming more and more prevalent with each passing day in the virtual world. Simply, when an environment changes rapidly, creatures within that environment will not have the evolved the abilities to thrive. In other words, take your beloved house plant outside, and if the sun doesn’t burn it, the nightly frosts surely will.

For us, it’s almost as if our brains have been abruptly picked up and put outside into an environment that doesn’t require humanto-human interaction to engage or learn from one another. This is a dramatic change and one that cannot be overstated. We have evolved abilities to thrive in small communities, with language, expression and interaction being vital and rich parts of our dayto-day experience. Take that away and we begin to wilt like the exposed house plant.

This may be why, despite the cheap and convenient online options, you still feel the urge to attend yoga classes in person. It may be why a self-directed online course doesn’t fill you with excitement. It may be why the virtual space can feel empty and lonely despite users flooding through its doors. Perhaps you are experiencing the echoes of your evolution, the mismatch of your brain and your digital environment, the very seed of what makes you a human.

It’s 2024. In our quest for health and wellness, we must not lose sight of the present moment and human connection. True wellness is not found in the glow of a screen, but in the stillness of our own being, in the connection to our bodies and in the growth of our relationships. With a 1.8 trillion dollar business quite literally at our fingertips, we have access to more knowledge than ever before in human history. Let’s help each other use that knowledge in a way that honours our humanity.

Above: Kristin Nelson making a minor adjustment for a student. Photo by Allison Croft.

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A creek runs through it

Story by Petra de Mooy. Photography by Renée Fitton.

Entering Tony and Andrea List’s home through a large breezeway, we are treated to expansive views through floor-to-ceiling windows to the north. The space is warm and inviting. A natural stone fireplace in the main living room doubles as a feature wall in the alfresco dining area. The lofty ceilings to the right are highlighted by a ‘concrete look’ feature wall. The proportion and scale of everything feels right and in unison with the setting.

Architect Andrew Leaney describes the location and design rationale: ‘The house is located on the banks of Currency Creek, Goolwa North. It’s a rather visually discreet house from the road, and it’s not until you take the long gravel track through farmland that the architectural dwelling is revealed. The long rectangular form is positioned in an east/west direction and is sited to take advantage of the northerly aspect for passive solar heat gain.’

Architectural design details on the outside, like the window detailing and the Shou Sugi Ban (black) cladding, are beautifully executed and complement the pared-back interior design. ‘We set it up so that we live down there and the guests are down here,’ Tony says, waving left and right from the centrally located living area. ‘The guests get a bathroom that is way too nice for them,’ he jokes.

Total ease of use and functionality have been carefully considered. The undercover car park leads to the mudroom, and the polished concrete creates an uninterrupted and seamless transition along the entire length of the two wings while wool carpeting in the bedrooms makes the spaces warm and inviting. Under-floor heating throughout has been installed, but the couple are happy to report they don’t feel the need to use it much at all.

When it comes to the custom-built kitchen by Goolwa company Intime Kitchens, Tony and Andrea admit they are both loving it. The blonde-wood colour of the cabinetry is complemented by quartz stone benchtops – understated and elegant. Andrea likes the picture window where one can watch kangaroos hopping around while doing the dishes. ‘The best thing, though …’ Tony says, ‘is the walkin pantry – it’s just the best.’  >

Page left and above: The large open-plan living area features a stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows capturing views of the creek and an entertainer’s kitchen by local company Intime Kitchens, Goolwa.

‘The other thing that has worked out really well is the fireplace – it’s an absolute ripper,’ he continues. Sitting at the dining table with the large floor-to-ceiling windows, it really is a great place to simply enjoy the view. ‘You can just sit there and watch the world go by and drink a red,’ Tony says. The bird life, beautiful sunsets, and seeing more of the sky, has significantly enhanced daily life for the couple.

The large alfresco area adjacent to the central entryway features a large drop-down screen that is rated for 120 kilometres per hour, Tony tells me, marvelling at the fact that it actually works, as they have already experienced the strong northerly and southeasterly winds that whip through now and then. A large electric shade system adds to the versatility of this space for year-round entertainment and is cleverly integrated to take into account site considerations for allseason use. Tony puts it simply, saying, ‘It’s a really good spot.’

In the master and ensuite end of the home there is a cosy second seating room with a view, along with a large office where Tony and Andrea work, which is a hive of activity. Andrea had long wanted a large laundry room, and she now has a room with a view that extends four metres along the south wall. Tony illustrates how the home opens up to let cool air in at night when the hot summer days arrive.

The bed in the master bedroom is set against a warm green, scalloped feature wall, adding to the splendour of waking up next to the creek and being awoken by birds. ‘The best thing is sitting in bed and watching a thunderstorm. It’s magnificent,’ says Andrea, adding, ‘who needs TV?’

‘It’s like a David Attenborough show out there and it’s all happening at eye level,’ agrees Tony.  >

Top: The alfresco dining area takes maximum advantage of the creekside location. Bottom left and right: Built-in cabinets throughout by Intime Kitchens. We love the walk-in robe with a view. Page right: Could it get any better?

Birds include cormorants, egrets, pelicans, black swans and spoonbills, as well as land lovers like kestrels, honeyeaters, goldfinch, willie wagtails and miner birds.

John and Andrea’s connection to the region began when they started walking the Heysen Trail a number of years ago. ‘We really liked it and discussed living down here one day.’ They bought the property from a friend whose family had owned it for years, starting with a relatively blank slate apart from some old sheds and a train carriage which has since been removed. It was a real start-fromscratch project. Initially, the Lists set about finding an architect. They chose Contech because they seemed to understand the potential and also the occasional harsh weather conditions.

Hiring 4Life Constructions was easy. They were recommended by Contech and they looked no further. ‘We didn’t have any dramas

with them at all. Their crew is great and they’re all local guys. They did a really good job,’ says Tony.

4Life owner Matt Cates really loved working on this home and is pleased with the result. ‘To be able to work in an idyllic location with the water being so close, there were moments to sit back and take in the surroundings and appreciate the project as it progressed,’ he says. ‘As a finished product, the home has a great feel to it and flows naturally with its functional design and spaces. It showcases the amazing work by all of our trades to execute the details as per the design intent by the team at Contech.’

As Tony and Andrea settle into their new locale they reflect on the changes they appreciate relative to their previous home in Adelaide. ‘It’s lovely and quiet – I love that,’ says Andrea, to which Tony agrees, adding: ‘The neighbours are good, the community is good, and everyone is super friendly. It’s just really great.’

Top left: It’s all in the details in the guest bathroom. Top right: The concrete- look wall gives texture and style. Bottom: The home sits long and low in the landscape and features Shou Sui Ban cladding.

Nature, nurture, play

Alongside our exquisitely illustrated map showcasing the diverse natural wonders of the Fleurieu, including its lush national parks, scenic bike trails, and inviting beachfronts, we’ve curated a selection of eat, play and stay options to complement and enhance

Play

The Backyard Universe specialise in intimate group excursions across the region. Co-owners Fraser – your nighttime tour guide and Lorraine – daytime tour guide – offer explorations of rich history and landscapes during the day, alongside captivating multicultural stargazing tours at night. Their Southern Fleurieu minibus service caters to travellers along the Wild South Coast Way and southern portion of the Heysen Trail.

Their commitment to inclusivity and local knowledge is evident in ‘Fleurieu Stars’, an astronomy tour featuring diverse night sky interpretations, including Indigenous perspectives. Customisable night sky tours for private groups are also available. The company has been acknowledged for excellence by the SA Tourism Awards. Guests praise their tours for uncovering hidden gems with their insightful local guides, while the minibus service ensures seamless coastal travel. Testimonials speak to the immersive experiences

under the vast southern skies, often expressing their delight and highlighting Fraser’s storytelling and knowledge.

Surf Culture Australia is SA’s original surf school. They’ve been sharing the stoke of surfing in a safe and fun environment since 1991. Cheryl and her team of coaches teach participants surf skills and ocean awareness and are always attentive to individual abilities. Surf Culture’s offerings are suitable for kids or adults with special women’s programs, beginners and advanced coaching available. They offer gift vouchers for the person who has everything and host surf parties for a fun and unique celebration. The team at Surf Culture want to share their love of surfing, and the mental and physical wellbeing and freedom the ocean and surfing provides.

SA eBikes are pioneers of eBiking in the McLaren Vale Wine Region, inviting guests to explore, taste and embrace the beauty of the area while riding electric bikes. Founded in 2019 by owner

Top: Head out to look at the stars with the Backyard Universe. Bottom left: Never too young to take a surfing lesson with the friendly and skilled team at Surf Culture Australia. Bottom right: Daytime tours with Backyard Universe’s knowledgeable guides.

your outdoor escapades. Discover businesses offering unique experiences to elevate your adventure amidst nature.

/ operator Shayne O’Brien, SA eBikes provides flexible services, offering eBike rentals at various wineries and accommodation locations. With a background spanning mechanics, IT and culinary arts, Shayne brings a wealth of expertise to the business, ensuring well-maintained bikes and insider knowledge of the region’s destinations. SA eBikes stands out for its personalised service, delivering eBikes directly to accommodations and providing comprehensive support throughout the ride. Over 40 five-star Google reviews attest to the exceptional experiences guests enjoy, with praise for the seamless service and the opportunity to explore the region without the need for a car. McLaren Vale’s bike-friendly trails offer a scenic backdrop for eBiking adventures, with easy access to coastal routes and vineyard trails. Booking is available through their website, with a stress-free cancellation policy ensuring peace of mind for all riders.

Winter on the Fleurieu Peninsula offers prime whale-watching opportunities as majestic Southern Right Whales migrate to the

region’s coastal waters. From June to September, these gentle giants can be spotted breaching and playing in the Southern Ocean, providing awe-inspiring displays for onlookers. Encounter these magnificent creatures as they frolic just off the coastline, with prime viewing locations including Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor and Basham Beach. Experience the thrill of witnessing these marine marvels up close against the backdrop of the rugged Fleurieu landscape, creating unforgettable memories of nature’s grandeur in winter. Check in at the SA Whale Centre to get the latest on sightings.

Eat & Drink

Discover Woodstock Wine Estate – a family-owned establishment spanning three generations since 1973 and encapsulating the essence of McLaren Vale. Guests can indulge in wine tastings at the Stocks Tasting Room, either guided or at their own pace amidst century-old gum trees in the courtyard, offering wines by the glass >

Top: Rent a bike from SA eBikes and enjoy the many bike paths running past some of the best cellar doors in the region. Bottom left: Whale spotting on the Southern Fleurieu is a drawcard for the winter months. Below right: Head to Woodstock Wine Estate for a full experience including a restaurant, cellar door and the Wildlife Sanctuary where kangaroos and emus come to say hello.

or bottle, alongside light meal options. The Coterie Restaurant boasts a menu inspired by seasonal produce, emphasising sharing.  The estate’s commitment to conservation is evident in the Woodstock Wildlife Sanctuary, where native Australian animals thrive across three hectares of natural scrub. Supervised feeding sessions, including encounters with Dusty the Western Grey Kangaroo and Maverick the Emu, offer a unique experience. For those seeking immersion in the vineyard’s ambiance, the rustic Log Cabin overlooks both the vineyards and the sanctuary, providing a serene retreat.

Stock up on organic, spray-free, and activated nuts and dried fruits at RAW Bulk Wholefoods for your trail-walking adventures. With a wide selection available, including pre-mixed options or the freedom to create your own blends, RAW offers a personalised snacking experience. Celebrating one year with new owners Adrian and Sonja, and three years in Victor Harbor, RAW has recently rebranded to reflect their commitment to quality and community. With strong

ties to local suppliers and involvement in events like the Fleurieu Food Festival, RAW prioritises sustainability by reducing plastic packaging and ensuring an excellent customer experience.

Stay

So many places to choose from catering to all desired styles and budgets.

Named after the iconic Heysen’s Trail, Heysen’s Rest Cabins at Myponga offers a unique blend of comfort and authenticity nestled amongst ten acres of breathtaking natural Australian bush. The two cabins and single walker’s dwelling offer modern amenities, ensuring a serene escape for every guest. Experience the friendliness and hospitality of your hosts Jayne and Greg as you enjoy the beauty of nature at Heysen’s Rest.

Southern Ocean Retreats has been providing holiday accommodation right in the heart of beautiful Deep Creek National

Above left: Lots to shop for at RAW Bulk Wholefoods. Top right: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings at Heysen’s Rest Cabins. Bottom right: Ridgetop Retreats are nestled in the heart of the Deep Creek Conservation Park close to trails and beaches – a truly exclusive location.

Park since 1994. Barry Duykers and Jane Formato are the founders and owners of the business and this year marks 30 years of them providing wonderful nature stays in the gem that is Deep Creek National Park.

From the rustic Australiana Goondooloo Cottage to the awardwinning architecturally designed Ridgetop Retreats, each provide an accommodation style to suit your needs all within range of the numerous activities in the park or nearby townships.

In 2019 Jane and Barry also launched The Southern Ocean Walk – a fully guided four-day walk from Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor that showcases the flora, fauna and history of the area, as well as local foods and wines.

Introducing Blue Door Farm, where guests can unwind in an off-grid straw bale cottage, offering a tranquil escape from daily life. Husband and wife team Shane and Jess, along with their enthusiastic kelpie, Eden, serve as owners and hosts, residing

onsite and embodying a passion for off-grid living. The cottage’s unique construction stands out as a rare experience on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Off-grid and sustainable living practices allow guests to harmonise with nature while indulging in seasonal offerings from the property, including fresh produce and eggs. With a track record of being ‘superhosts’ on AirBnB, Blue Door Farm boasts only fivestar reviews, with guests praising the peaceful ambiance, thoughtful touches and the warmth of their stay. From cosy evenings by the crackling fire to waking up to the chirping of birds, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience.

Pelican Retreats goes beyond mere holiday accommodation, providing spaces for rest, relaxation and reconnection with loved ones. From the moment guests step through the door at Mr Percival or Pelicans Rest, they feel at home, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of their stay. Pelican Retreats aims to eliminate the guesswork from vacations, allowing guests to simply >

Top: Embark on the fully guided Southern Ocean Walk. Bottom left: Blue Door Farm – enjoy staying in this off-grid straw bale home owned by ‘superhosts’ Shane and Jess. Bottom right: Pelican’s Rest boasts a private jetty, outdoor fireplace and panoramic views.

pack their bags and arrive. From personalised touches like the Etiquette candle to generously stocked kitchens and bathrooms, including an ‘Emergency Kit’, guests are made to feel comfortable and cared for. The retreats offer an array of activities for all ages, from games and puzzles to historical books and beach toys. Detailed guest information guides and historical artworks immerse visitors in the area’s rich heritage. With indoor wood fires and outdoor firepits, Pelican Retreats ensures a cozy experience yearround, inviting guests to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Goolwa / Hindmarsh Island / Fleurieu Peninsula region.

Pelicans Rest is situated where both Storm Boy movies were filmed and provides a nature-immersed guest experience on the waterfront of Mundoo Channel, boasting stunning views of Mundoo Island and

Coorong National Park. Surrounded by birdlife, including pelicans and black swans, and with the distant sound of the ocean from nearby Murray Mouth, tranquility reigns. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic vistas, inducing a sense of peace and calmness upon entry. The property features a 60m jetty for boating and fishing, with complimentary kayak usage. For those seeking historic charm, Mr Percival offers a secluded retreat in Goolwa’s Little Scotland area, blending indoor-outdoor living with a nod to local history. Located just 50m from the waterfront, guests enjoy easy access to restaurants, cafes and Goolwa Beach, and Mr Percival also serves as a gateway for exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Fleurieu has everything you need to make your stay cosy, adventurous, tasty. Come for a day or a week.

Top left and right: Mr Percival, an original 1952 fisherman’s shack has been upgraded with all of the mod-cons while retaining its charm. Bottom. When visiting the Southern Fleurieu, a guided tour with Canoe the Coorong is a must.

Photograph by Brad Griffin

What to buy, where to buy it

As rains rejuvenate the land, it’s time to embrace the cozy charm of winter once again. Whether it’s basking in the gentle flicker of candlelight or nestling by a crackling fire, the season calls for warmth and comfort. Wrap yourself in the softest knits, sip on your favourite beverage, and venture out with friends adorned in the snuggest beanies and boots. From indulgent reads to home essentials and heartfelt gifts, our fantastic independently owned Fleurieu retailers have everything your heart, mind and taste-buds require.

Above: Vintage rug cushion, artisan cups, tadelakt candleholders, Tuareg necklace, baby moccasins and leather bag. All handmade and handpicked – available at Morocco by Mish, Aldinga and Glenelg. Round maroon pillow, checkered wool scarf, wool hat, necklaces, handmade felted wool bag, small quilted clutches – available at Elliot & Me, Port Elliot.

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

Selections sourced from: Angove Cellar & Distillery Door, McLaren Vale; Elliot & Me, Port Elliot; Fossick Made and Found, Goolwa; Free Range Books, McLaren Vale; Gorgeous Soles, McLaren Vale; Gypsy Life, Moana; Mist, Port Elliot; Miss Gladys on Sea, Aldinga; Morocco by Mish,

Above: Handmade cuddly creatures, ceramic cups, the softest fingerless gloves and wooden characters with the ‘Do It’ ring holders (bottom) holding a handcrafted silver ring – available at Fossick Made and Found, Goolwa. Handmade wool slippers, heat bags, smart casual jean shirt, leather handbags and scarf – available at Mist, Port Elliot.

Aldinga; Surf Esteem, Aldinga.

What to buy, where to buy it

Above: Multi-colour pullover, jeans, soft fur scrunchies, leather clutch and boots – available at Gorgeous Soles, McLaren Vale. Felt hats, wool scarf, and men’s leather boots – available at Miss Gladys on Sea, Aldinga. Award-winning 40-year-old and 20-year-old St Agnes Brandy – available at Angove Cellar and Distillery Door, McLaren Vale.

Above: Baseball caps, jumper, men’s sunglasses, runners, sheepskin look boot, surf wax and zinc products – available at Surf Esteem, Aldinga Central.

Textile bag, caramel pant suit, boho top, sunglasses and boots – available at Gypsy Life, Moana.

All books from Free Range Books at the Fleurieu Arthouse, McLaren Vale.

Kairos Design Studio (KDS)

Based in McLaren Vale, Kairos Design Studio (KDS) is an architectural practice that collaborates with diverse clients across Adelaide and South Australia.

In ancient Greek philosophy, time was not merely a linear progression but a nuanced concept embodied by two distinct ideas: Krónos and Kairos. Krónos represents the quantitative measurement of time, while Kairos embodies its qualitative essence – the opportune moments that enrich our existence. Our daily lives are enriched by honouring Kairos.

This modest extension perches atop the hill above Carrickalinga, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean to the west and the dramatic convergence of mountain ranges with golden coastal plains to the east. Here, it’s all about context and a desire to seamlessly integrate into the stunning landscape of the area. This is where the owners can fully immerse themselves in nature.

The brief was clear: complement the existing structure and blend harmoniously into the surroundings. Timber cladding was carefully chosen for the exterior to resonate with the tonal palette of the

environment, ensuring that, unlike other new builds in the area and it would seamlessly meld with the landscape, becoming virtually indistinguishable from the main road.

This project serves as an extension to an existing farmhouse, constructed primarily of natural materials. The objective of the addition was to accentuate the elevation, providing ample opportunities to revel in the spectacular views while expanding the living space for family gatherings. Expansive glass panels adorn three elevations, extending the living space outward into the landscape. Frameless corners ensure an uninterrupted vista of the panorama, enhancing the connection to the surrounding environment.

Shingles of Western Red Cedar were specifically selected for their textured appearance, which will gracefully weather over time, further harmonising with the natural surroundings. In line with the client’s preference for all-natural materials, a hardwood skirting of Spotted Gum has been applied at the base, meeting the stringent requirements for bushfire resistance appropriate to the rural location.

We talked to Daneile Hatji and Kiyana Khalili from KDS about their work and ethos.  >

Page left and top left and right: This modest extension perches atop the hill above Carrickalinga, offers breathtaking views of the ocean to the west. Timber cladding was carefully chosen for the exterior to resonate with the tonal palette of the environment. Bottom left: Architects Daneile Hatji and Kiyana Khalili from Kairos Design. Bottom right: It is all in the thoughtful attention to design and planning at KDS.

Who are your clients and what are your favourite types of projects to work on?

Our clients are a wonderfully diverse mix of lovely, down-to-earth people. They value good design, and understand how it can really enhance our experiences of spaces, and trust in our ability to visualise what they sometimes can’t.

We work on a real variety of projects. A lot of residential, new homes as well as alterations and additions. We have worked on small commercial buildings, cellar doors and function centres. We are currently working on some amazing high-end residential homes, as well as bespoke off-grid accommodation that we are really excited about.

We love working on projects with clients whose values align with our own. Who value the context and history of the place and wish to balance that with current needs and lifestyle, when they are considering building something new or want to renovate.

What and who are your go to brands / suppliers?

We have established relationships with the best local builders who we find are great to collaborate with. The best project results come from a real collaboration between the architects, the builders and the clients.

We prefer to work with sustainable, natural materials where the natural beauty and texture can sing. Reclaimed timbers, brick and stone, and the stunning Shou Sugi Ban charred timber cladding.

How do you describe your personal style? Design style?

Nature knows architecture and art better; we design in harmony with nature.

We value ecological and passive design. We are concerned about the future of our planet and the future of the next generations. We believe in community, quality and equality. In our view, we all as humans deserve to live in a healthy environment that offers diversity and affordability.

What do you like creating from an aesthetic point of view? It’s all about context. So many things contribute to what we design for a space long before aesthetics come into it. We analyse the site, its orientation, the fall of the land, views, weather conditions, how sunlight will access the site through different times of the year, prevailing winds, neighbouring structures as well as access and noise considerations. Then we work with the client to establish their brief.

Why is architecture important?

Architecture is about people, space and time, it creates social connections and changes the means of community and relationships. Architecture is a powerful tool that can enable you to walk into the past, create a balanced present while looking into the future. We like simple designs that endure. An eclectic collection of things that form part of a life’s story.

Above: Working drawings.

Drinkability

Wine reviews by Nick Stock.

This month I’ve delved into the cellars of three excellent winemakers who are all making very distinctive wines in unique styles. We talk about the characters of place so much in wine, as well as the style of each vintage, but the style and approach of each producer also plays such a big part in how every wine tastes.

Whether a winemaker is crafting wine in a winery steeped in tradition and heritage, crushing grapes in a new and modern cellar for the first time, or somewhere in between, that in itself will make a very discernible difference to wine styles.

There’s also the significant influence of vine age; winemakers unanimously prefer to work with grapes grown on vines that have some real age. In short, older vines have adapted to their surrounds and develop larger root systems and produce grapes with more consistent characters year-on-year with more intensity. This means the winemaker is working with fruit of real integrity and knows just how to craft each parcel and deliver evermore compelling and highquality wines.

The three producers featured in this month’s column are working with some of the region’s finest old vine parcels, yet they’ve all started their winemaking journeys at very different times. Stylistically, their wines are quite different, yet they are all making some of the finest and most sought-after wines in the region.

Ministry of Clouds

Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood are partners in wine and in life and they have just completed their first crush in a brand new winery up past Chapel Hill. It’s a stunning location with views right across the region and they were clearly thrilled to be working in their dream winery this vintage when I caught up with them. They’re pushing hard to make wines that rival the best in the Vale and have just debuted an exciting pair of single site grenache wines.

Yangarra

Peter Fraser (winemaker) and Michael Lane (viticulturalist) are one very impressive duo, and they have forged ahead to now be setting the tone for McLaren Vale’s best quality wines. Their affinity with grenache is underpinned by some of the most highly regarded old vine plantings in the region and their deft handling of shiraz is taking that variety to stellar new heights in their Kings Wood bottling.

Kay Brothers

Winemaker Duncan Kennedy must have one of the best winemaker offices in the country, perched high up on the ridge that looks over a stretch of the region’s most historically important vineyards. The first harvest wine off the Kay Brothers Amery vineyard was made in 1895; Kennedy joined the team in 2015 and has cleverly adapted to the authenticity and tradition of the Kay’s wine style.

Ministry of Clouds Grenache McLaren Vale 2023

This is a vibrant and expressive young style that is red fruit focused with neatly defined tannins, plenty of raspberry and blood-orange flavours and fleshy fruit weight to support bright flavours. Drink now.

Ministry of Clouds Grenache McLaren Vale Silk & Stone 2023

This is a single vineyard parcel from Clarendon that has fresh aromatics and finer red fruits as well as fresh-cut herbs. The palate has such a vibrant mid-section of bright and crunchy raspberry fruit with fine, elegant style. Quite chiseled, long and elegant. Drink or hold.

Ministry of Clouds Spice Garden Grenache McLaren Vale 2023

Fruits sit in the red and blue berry spectrum and there are more savoury and spicy elements, some white peppery nuances too. There’s good depth to the palate which sweeps in smoothly with a bold yet supple feel. Try from 2026.

Yangarra Grenache McLaren Vale Old Vine 2022

This is an impressively structured and powerful grenache with pomegranate and Campari-like aromas as well as dark berries, cocoa, violets and a swathe of dried brown spices. Essence-like raspberry and mulberry fruit flavours run long and have a deliciously tart, juicy edge. Top value. Drink or hold.

Yangarra Grenache McLaren Vale Ovitelli 2022

This is an impressively powerful and yet layered and complex grenache and looks super fragrant this vintage. Raspberry and tart red cherry fruit aromas and flavours abound; there’s real depth on the palate with a granular, persistent drive. Impressive. Try from 2027.

Yangarra Shiraz McLaren Vale Kingswood 2022

This is special and one of the emerging modern classics in its category. A very impressive array of blueberry and red berry fruits have a dark spicy edge and plenty of fragrance. So expressive and textural, this has a sleek, gloss and polish to the palate. Impressive drinking window, two decades at least.

Kay Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale Cuthbert 2021

Wow, such rich and deep black currant and blueberry fruits as well as black tea and dark tobacco, olive tapenade and violet. The palate has a bold and deep-set feel with intense plum and some deeper toasty oak spice. Smooth deep finish. Drink or hold.

Kay Brothers Shiraz McLaren Vale Basket Pressed 2021

Ripe black currant and red plum as well as dried leafy bushland and background oak spice too. Sanguine and intense, there’s rich, ripe and juicy intensity on the palate with a succulent finish. Bold and punchy. Try from 2026.

Kay Brothers Shiraz McLaren Vale Hillside 2021

This sits in a more blue-toned and elegantly spicy zone with dark plum fruit and liquorice. The palate has such fluidity and sweeping depth, it weaves effortlessly together with long blueberry and plum fruit flavours. Polished. Drink over the next decade.

Kay Brothers Shiraz McLaren Vale Block 6 2021

This really has so much to offer, richly complex and ripe McLaren Vale shiraz with essence-like concentration courtesy of 129-yearold vines. Abundant red plum and dark berry fruit flavours here, the depth and intensity is striking. So many layers. I’d give this a rest for five years, try from 2029.

Warm winter wineries

Winter in McLaren Vale beckons with serene vineyard scenes set against a verdant green landscape in stylish cellar doors. Indulge in award-winning wines amidst the peaceful ambiance.

Vigna Bottin

Discover a taste of Italy without leaving the Fleurieu; let Vigna Bottin welcome you to the family and take you on a journey through Italy. In the true Italian way, food and wine go hand in hand. After all, what’s quality wine without food to enjoy it with? Pair their wines with traditional Italian dishes from the Osteria while you immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings of this humble and welcoming cellar door. The renovated Italian-style shed awaits you, with a cosy combustion fire to relax by after a tasting or enjoying time in the garden. vignabottin.com.au

Serafino Wines

Explore the Serafino Cellar Door, showcasing award-winning McLaren Vale classics and exquisite Italian grape varieties in a celebration of the winery’s rich heritage. Indulge in wine tasting experiences alongside platters or hot snacks on the inviting deck overlooking the lake or indoors in the stunning cellar door. Come and visit and experience the essence of Serafino, open 7 days a week. serafinowines.com.au

Varney Wines

The Varney Wines Tasting Room is situated in a stunning 1870s heritage-listed barn with picturesque views of the Onkaparinga Gorge. Immerse yourself in a tasting experience or sit back with a glass of wine and shared snacks. With a pup-friendly, cosy outdoor veranda and a roaring fire inside, this is a must-visit wine destination for any occasion. varneywines.com.au

McCarthy’s Orchard

The McCarthy family tends their small farm on Kaurna land with their four daughters and cherished animals amid an old vineyard and orchard. They craft wines and cider in small batches from their fruit, selling it at their cellar door and Willunga Farmers Market. The new cellar door, open Fridays and weekends, offers wood-fired pizzas, farm platters and tastings of their handcrafted wares. Hand-picked grapes and additivefree wines reflect their dedication. Visit to support local farmers and savour homegrown goodness. mccarthysorchard.com.au

Chalk Hill Wines

Crowned Bushing Monarchs twice and the Most Successful Exhibitor at the 2023 McLaren Vale Wine Show, Chalk Hill Wines embodies excellence. In McLaren Vale’s heart, their cellar door boasts panoramic views and immersive tastings. Book a visit to explore why they’re the region’s wine culture heartbeat, ensuring each visit is a memorable wine journey. Enjoy a complimentary tasting for two by booking in advance with code FLMCHALKHILL at chalkhillwines.com.au/visit-us.

Samson Tall

The venture of Paul Wilson and Heather Budich, Samson Tall wines are handcrafted from locally sourced grapes and made in a small winery onsite. The cellar door is a small pug church built in 1854. The winery and church are surrounded by gardens and vineyard, with a historic local cemetery. When you visit for a wine tasting, you’ll likely be welcomed by friendly labradors. Inside the cellar door, enjoy the art adorning the walls and the cozy warmth of a crackling combustion fire. samsontall.com.au

Page left: The cosy Italian-style shed at Vigna Bottin. Top left: Visit McCarthy’s Orchard to enjoy the newly extended and renovated cellar door. Bottom left: Unwind at Chalk Hill with captivating views and warm hospitality. Above right: The charming pug church that is home to the cellar door of Samson Tall.

Echoes of Tarnanthi

SALA exhibition at Tatachilla’s Eco Classroom

Emerging talents from Tatachilla Lutheran College are set to make a remarkable debut at this year’s South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival, showcasing an ambitious collection of over 300 original artworks. This inaugural exhibition, titled Echoes of Tarnanthi, is inspired by Adelaide’s recent Tarnanthi Festival and will feature the work of 160 students from years 7 to 11.

The students have spent an entire semester delving into the use of symbolism in art to convey profound messages about life, culture and personal meaning. They have drawn inspiration from contemporary First Nations artists, including Vincent Namatjira, Tiger Yaltangki, Nyangulya Katie Nalgood and Elizabeth Close, who utilise cultural iconography to narrate their personal stories. Through this exploration, the students have found ways to find meaning in their own lived experiences and express their unique personal narrative into their art.

The result is a vibrant and reflective exhibition that spans various mediums such as ceramics, textiles, painting, drawing and moving images, demonstrating an impressive array of artistic techniques. Tatachilla Lutheran College art teacher Coral Winterbourn expresses her enthusiasm: ‘Visitors will be surprised by the depth and volume of work on display, and the vibrant and moving way that the students have captured their own personalities and life experiences through art.’

The exhibition will feature a diverse array of artworks, including painted clay pots inspired by Judith Pungarta Inkamala, mixedmedia collages celebrating students’ favourite musicians influenced by Tiger Yaltangki, and stop-motion animations exploring personal

stories reminiscent of Sally M. Nangala Mulda and Marlene Rubuntja. Clay busts reflecting elements of the students’ identities draw on Elizabeth Close and Djakanu Yunupinu, while handmade felt animals inspired by Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and impasto bird paintings, modelled after Nyangulya Katie Nalgood, showcase intricate techniques. Additionally, sgraffito clay vessels and life-size self-portraits influenced by Vincent Namatjira complete this vibrant collection.

‘Through this unique artistic project, students have not only gained an insight into themselves, but also an understanding of the processes involved in constructing artworks and producing a large body of work for a real exhibition,’ Coral adds. The students have refined their technical skills, learned about curation, and explored various ways to present concepts and ideas. This experience is part of Tatachilla’s commitment to bringing the arts curriculum to life, preparing students for professional artistic careers, and exposing them to real-world artistic settings.

In a touching gesture, each student-artist has written a thank-you letter to the First Nations artists who inspired them, expressing gratitude for the role these mentors played in their creative journeys.

Echoes of Tarnanthi will be displayed in the college’s Eco Classroom Sanctuary, with artworks both inside the Eco Classroom and outdoors within Tatachilla’s native wilderness. This immersive exhibition is designed to be both fun and thought-provoking. Additionally, visitors can join guided walks led by the college’s environmental team to learn about Tatachilla’s rewilding initiatives, breeding programs and Kaurna landscapes.

The upcoming exhibition not only promises to be a significant event for the student-artists but also a compelling experience for the community, celebrating young talent and the power of art to convey meaningful stories.

Thursday 29 August 2024, 5:30pm-7:30pm (opening night) Saturday 31 August 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm. Free entry.

Above: Tatachilla student artists and their work.

Stacked

Please be advised that the food depicted on these pages was styled for the photo shoot and achieving such impressive heights would require at least a double, triple order or even more.

– the bustling café

locals love – is known for its inviting atmosphere and quality brews. From rich espressos to creamy lattes, each cup is crafted with care. Patrons range from professionals grabbing a morning pick-me-up to friends meeting for a quick lunch. The café’s popularity stems from its commitment to excellence in both coffee and service. Then there’s the modest yet satisfying menu of light bites and pastries, perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. It’s Kicco’s commitment to quality and genuine hospitality that keeps customers coming back.

Kicco, McLaren Vale  Kicco

Vale

Above: Fresh baked cookies, big enough to share but you won’t want to.

This delightful showcase offers but a glimpse of the diverse offerings of the region’s cafés, bakeries and restaurants. From meticulously crafted barista-made coffees to artisanal baked delights, and from wholesome, health-conscious options to decadent treats, there’s something to satiate every craving.

Ceramics by Lesa Farrant. Photography by Jason Porter.

4ORE Victor Harbor

Check out the newly established 4ORE restaurant with tradition meeting innovation in every dish – from timeless pub classics like hearty beef burgers, crispy fish and chips, and succulent chicken schnitzel, to inventive culinary creations that push the boundaries of taste and presentation. Whether you’re seeking comfort in familiar favourites or craving something bold and new, the menu promises a delightful journey for every palate. All to be enjoyed amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the golf club’s scenic surroundings.

The Green Room Willunga

Step into the Green Room Willunga. This charming eatery embraces a casual yet vibrant vibe, inviting patrons to unwind and savour the simple pleasures of good healthy food and great company. With a renewed focus on quality and flavour, The Green Room’s menu showcases a delightful array of dishes, from hearty breakfasts to delectable lunches. Locally sourced ingredients take centre stage, transforming each plate into a celebration of seasonal abundance. Whether you’re catching up with friends over coffee or enjoying a leisurely meal with loved ones, The Green Room promises a relaxed experience that nourishes both body and soul. >

Above left: Cheeseburgers piled high. A classic combo – beef patty, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, aioli and sauce. Above right: Green Envy – lofty layers of avocado, spinach, poached eggs, and goats curd.

Home Grain Aldinga

Home Grain, in the heart of the historic township of Aldinga, has long been a meeting point for the local community, with fresh-fromthe-oven goodness. Now under new management, this beloved establishment not only crafts exceptional bread but also curates a delectable array of sweet and savoury treats and serves barista coffee to delight the senses. Pop in and say hello to new owner Katie and her team, who have infused a fresh ethos into the bakery’s renowned offerings. Having always been committed to quality, Home Grain continues to source local ingredients and foster connections within the local community. From crusty sourdough loaves to flaky croissants and decadent pastries, each creation reflects a dedication to quality. It’s a gathering place where the aroma of freshly baked goods beckons and every visitor is welcome.

Tealicious Cakes Willunga

Indulge in the delectable delights of Tealicious Cakes, where every visit is like stepping onto a whimsical cloud of sugary dreams. Delighting in a palette of sweet pastels and soft pink accents, Tealicious specialises in exquisitely adorned confections, ranging from delightful cupcakes to heavenly scones, cookies and macarons, which can be savoured alongside a specialty tea or coffee. For those seeking an extra touch of elegance, indulge in one of their renowned high teas, a perfect accompaniment to any special occasion. And don’t miss out on the mouthwatering sandwiches and toasties. Immerse yourself in a world of sweet sophistication and culinary bliss.

Above left: Fresh pillowy soft donuts – airy, delectable sweetness. Above right: Custom, bespoke cupcakes made in house and to order – what sugary dreams are made of.

PLACES AVAILABLE FOR PREP 2024

Designed to provide children with a head-start for their transition into Primary School, our 2024 mid-year intake (Prep) is ideal for ELC-aged children who are ready to embark on the next stage of their learning journey.

Investigator College invites parents, children and families interested in enrolling for our 2024 mid-year intake to join us for an upcoming tour of our beautiful Victor Harbor Campus.

WWW.INVESTIGATOR.SA.EDU.AU/TOURS ENROLMENTS@INVESTIGATOR.SA.EDU.AU (08) 8551 0900 #YOURBESTSELF

Yuntulun Ku:li-war at the Goolwa Wharf Precinct

‘Yuntulun Ku:li-war’ – which translates as ‘coming together on the headland’ in Ngarrindjeri – tells the stories of the First Nations people of this area as well as the early settlement story of Goolwa as a major river port and the everchanging ecology of the Murray–Darling River system.

This newly created and permanent exhibition weaves an important story for visitors and forms a cornerstone to the plans for the current redevelopment happening across the whole of the historic Goolwa Wharf Precinct.

Mindful of the past, present and future, this redevelopment is set to breathe new life into the region and to shine a light on its varied past. And Yuntulun Ku:li-war is just the beginning of the reimagined destination. The interactive exhibition has been designed to be the centre of the planned enhancements around the precinct.

Built in 1852, the Goolwa wharf is a living tribute to the era of steam power. The Wharf is rich in history and home to the iconic Paddle Steamer (PS) Oscar W. It is also the rail terminus for the SteamRanger and Cockle Train and forms the backdrop to the biennial South Australian Wooden Boat Festival – a rich and colourful celebration of the region’s rich maritime history.

Yuntulun Ku:li-war sits proudly in the downstairs foyer of the newlook Signal Point Experience Centre and weaves a significant story of First Nations people and their connection to place with key facts about early colonisation and the value of Goolwa as a river port. As this brings visitors and businesses to this rich and diverse meeting point, the local mayor and council are poised to present the many changes that are coming to the area.

The large walk-in surround has both experiential and educational components. Realised over years, the project was brought to life in collaboration with Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, Ngarrindjeri and Narangga artist Cedric Varcoe and Ngarrindjeri artist and language consultant Kyla McHughes. Locals in council and the community also worked with the Department of Environment and Water, local historians Frank Tuckwell and Roly Bartlett, Exhibition Studios, Urban Mind Studios and Procure PM.

As Alexandrina Council’s Mayor Keith Parkes says: ‘Visitors can enjoy artwork, video, images, information panels and interactive activities including games and even some “push and smell” buttons to immerse themselves in the river experience.’

The plan for the Goolwa Wharf Precinct is to see the wharf as a tourism hub and further enhance Goolwa as the gateway to the Fleurieu, River Murray, Coorong and Southern Ocean.

With construction well underway, new tenants are already snapping up available spots on the wharf. Attractions will include a new Riverboat Centre, Goolwa Visual Arts, Hector’s Modern Australian Kitchen, the multi-award winning Fleurieu Distillery, Spirit of the Coorong Cruises, and the Cittaslow and Goolwa wharf markets. Nine remaining tenancies are available, including two premium opportunities: the historic Harbour Master’s Residence, perched high on the hill, and the Wharf Shed, which sits in prime position on the absolute waterfront. Also available are vacant land, charming buildings and public spaces, offering standout opportunities for hospitality and accommodation, tourism operators, retail, art galleries, unique experiences and more.

The $17.4 million Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project has been made possible thanks to $3.75 million in funding from the Australian Government and an additional $1.25 million from the Government of South Australia.

Above: The Yuntulun Ku:li War acts as an acknowledgement and celebration of both First Nations people and the colonial history of the Goolwa river port.

South Seas Trading offers a selection of vintage art and design pieces

clothing · jewellery

giftware and books in an evolving Arcadian haven.

North Terrace, Port Elliot P: 8554

Foreshore

Exploring the mesmerising intersection of nature and art, the artists featured here seek to capture the serene beauty of South Australia’s coastlines. With palettes in hand and easels anchored on sandy shores, they embrace the raw beauty of their surroundings.

Josh Baldwin

Josh began hiking the Heysen Trail in 2016 and was blown away by all the incredible South Australian landscapes that, up until that point, he had not experienced.

‘We walked along the sand, up around the headland and were confronted by a series of cliffs towering above the Southern Ocean,’ Josh explains. ‘I was transfixed by the wildness of the environment,

the scale of the soaring rock formations, the deep blues and greens of the landscape (it was mid-winter) and was immediately motivated to capture this on canvas.’

Josh’s painting of the Waitpinga Cliffs was exhibited at Signal Point Gallery in April of this year as part of a debut solo exhibition entitled ‘The Trail’ – a series of paintings of Heysen Trail locations from the southern Fleurieu Peninsula to the Flinders Ranges.

Top: Waitpinga Cliffs, oil on linen, 85 x 50cm. Bottom: Boat Harbour Beach, Deep Creek, oil on linen, 60 x 40cm.

From the rhythmic, cascading waves to the ever-changing hues of the horizon, each brushstroke beautifully captures the region’s rugged charm – translating its coastal allure into breathtaking works of art. We think you’ll love this Foreshore feature, for sure.

John Lacey

As a landscape artist residing in the Fleurieu region, John finds endless inspiration in the ever-changing coastal vistas of South Australia. With a deep appreciation for the beauty of Kangaroo Island and the surrounding coastline, John’s artwork reflects his intimate connection to these landscapes.

Through plein-air studies and careful observation he captures the spirit of the place, infusing his paintings with a sense of tranquility and wonder. Guided by memory and imagination, John’s paintings evoke the spirit of the natural world, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its beauty. >

Above: Pennington Bay Reflections, oil on canvas, 91 x 91cm.

Christine Lawrence

Christine’s artistic journey is rooted in a passion for capturing the vastness and intricacies of the landscapes she paints. Inspired by the coastal vistas of the Fleurieu Peninsula, she seeks to convey the interplay of light, texture, and atmosphere in her paintings.

Through meticulous observation and photography, Christine gathers inspiration from her surroundings, translating fleeting moments into

timeless works of art. Her process involves layering paint to create depth and richness, resulting in evocative landscapes that resonate with viewers on a profound level.

‘I really enjoy the whole process as the image begins to magically take form,’ Christine says. ‘It’s very engrossing and one loses track of time.’

Top: Early Light Victor Harbor, oil on Belgian linen, 190 x 88cm. Above: Fleurieu Revisited, oil on Belgian linen, 153 x 77cm.

Tom O’Callaghan

Tom’s artistic vision is shaped by his coastal surroundings, where he finds inspiration in the interplay of light and atmosphere. Through aerial perspectives and keen observation, he seeks to capture the varied nature of a chosen coastline, balancing fidelity to reality with artistic interpretation.

Tom’s process involves meticulous planning and experimentation, from pencil sketches to small oil studies, culminating in large-scale paintings that transport viewers to the heart of the landscape. Creating his compositions using a palette knife and brushes, Tom invites us to see the familiar through a new lens, inviting contemplation and discovery. >

Above: Lay of the land, oil on canvas, 90 x 100cm.

Brian O’Malley

Brian’s vibrant paintings celebrate the beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula, capturing the essence of its landscapes with a unique perspective. Through his innovative approach, Brian blends representational and interpretational elements, creating dynamic compositions that engage the viewer’s imagination.

‘The Fleurieu is a topographical haven with a variety of interesting physical features,’ Brian says. ‘The beaches, ocean, roaming hills,

cliffs, vines and the scrub, combined with the intense light, inspires me to paint. Once I have a focus or a feature, I then draft the painting to achieve space and my eye moves from one focus to another then back again.’

Brian summons us to experience the magic of the Fleurieu through his eyes, offering a fresh perspective on our landscapes.

Above: Evening Port Willunga, acrylic on canvas, 90 x 70cm.

Suzie Riley

Drawn to its untamed allure, Suzie’s connection to wilderness runs deep, influencing her artistic expression. Utilising a blend of acrylic and oil paints, she employs a layered approach to evoke a raw, organic abstraction of the landscapes she paints. Each brushstroke reflects Suzie’s lifelong affinity and cherished connection to nature, which appears as a joyful tribute to a moment in time. Working outdoors and creating plein-air studies using pastel and gouache, she begins her paintings in a layered fashion, building up a pattern of shapes and calligraphic marks using a variety of media, before finishing with thick impasto brush marks.

‘I like the brushwork to describe as much of the landscape as I can, strengthening light and shape with thicker impasto oil with both brush and palette knife,’ Suzie says. ‘It’s a push and pull process of layering paint, inscribing, removing and layering again, but always trying to keep some of the initial looseness.’

On a recent artist residency, Suzie captured the serene beauty of the Coorong, known for its pristine landscapes and vital role as a sanctuary for migratory birds. Suzie’s colour palette is a celebration of the serenity and subtle beauty of this important nature reserve. >

Above: Sanctuary, oil on board, 103 x 103cm.

Judith Sweetman

Inspired by the coastal areas surrounding her Normanville home, Judith Sweetman’s artistic journey unfolds amidst her appreciation for how light plays on water and creates a moving image of reflections. For over a decade, her works have captured the everchanging and enchanting hues of the Fleurieu’s seasons.

Judith is particularly drawn to the unique landscapes of Second Valley finding solace and inspiration, and joining a lineage of artists drawn to its rugged beauty. While her art had long been fueled by photographs from her many solitary nature walks, recent ventures

into plein-air painting with friend and fellow artist, Jane Smeets, have opened new avenues of expression.

Despite the challenges of nature’s whims, from rain showers to gusts of wind, Sweetman finds the process invigorating, yielding works infused with vitality and spontaneity. As she delves deeper into this practice, she discovers a profound connection to her surroundings, nourishing both her art and her soul. ‘There is a special experience gained by painting outside; one feels far more connected and nourished,’ Judith says.

Top: Waters Edge, Normanville, oil on linen, 60 x 91cm. Above left: Bungala Estuary, oil on canvas, 60 x 91cm. Above right: Second Valley, oil on canvas, 45 x 61cm.

Nurtured through education

Story by Petra de Mooy. Photograph by Jason Porter.

Willunga Waldorf teacher Andrew Banks has an enthusiasm for learning and healthy empathy for his fellow human beings, reflecting Steiner’s holistic approach to personal development and growth. Andrew is also a strong community member, amateur musician, gardener, and dad – the kind of guy willing to give anything a go.

I am meeting with him at the warm and welcoming Willunga home he shares with his wife Kathryn, and their children, Viktor and Stella.  As both a student and educator Andrew has had the benefit of experiencing a variety of educational pathways. As a boy, he attended Montessori School and mainstream schools before eventually finding solace and room to grow at the Mt Barker Waldorf School.

‘I was a pretty sensitive kid and to be honest, I think I still am,’ he confides. ‘So when I went to the Steiner school, it was a little bit of shelter which was quite helpful for me; it really nurtured me in so many ways.’

Andrew knew he wanted to be a teacher from a young age. He received his teaching degree in Adelaide and began his career at a public school in Melbourne. Though he found it promising initially, he soon became disillusioned, prompting a transformative leap into Steiner training, followed by a teaching placement at a Waldorf School in Abbotsford, Victoria.

‘I love being involved with Waldorf education because of the connection and possibilities available both for teachers and young people’s creativity, which is naturally encouraged and fostered. It is a very hands-on approach and it’s about giving everything a go,’ he says.

For Andrew and his partner Kathryn, the decision to enroll their own children in Waldorf education was and is a testament to their shared belief in the transformative power of the Steiner educational philosophy. Their journey back to South Australia in 2011 was a deliberate choice rooted in familial ties, community and a shared vision for their children’s future.

Andrew happily found employment at the  Willunga Waldorf School, conveniently located close to their new home, and with their children now attending there as well, the couple have found a work–life balance that really suits them and their family’s needs. Over the last decade, Andrew has seen the school go through

some structural changes, not least of which is dual streaming, where the aim is to have two full classes from reception through high school by 2036.

Growth has been a cornerstone of Andrew’s personal and professional journey, and in 2019, after a recommendation from his sister in-law, he applied for the Fleurieu Future Leaders program.

Participating with an open mind and no view to a particular outcome, it transpired that, soon after, he had the opportunity to take up a new role as the primary school faculty leader.

‘I kind of feel like it was nudged towards me and it was an organic process,’ says Andrew, who is quick to point out his many good mentors, particularly two former heads of the school, Katrina Kytka and Libbi Turner.

‘They both had a wonderful ability to bring people together and listen to everyone and to hear all of the viewpoints. It’s so much more powerful than that top-down picture. We’ve got so much to learn from one another,’ he says.

In the same vein of shared learning, Andrew also runs a men’s group called Building Blokes. In his 30s, he noticed how maintaining a balance in terms of mental health did not go so well for many men as they navigate family and work–life balance. The group started out building a wellbeing space on the Waldorf school property, working towards a common goal and developing relationships in the process. The project was sidelined by Covid but the group has continued as a more metaphorical group that builds relationships and community.  Andrew is immersed in the community in many other ways too. He plays the bass in local band Dust Bowl Chic, who play at a variety of community events, plus he and Kathryn have run a couple’s retreat.

A well-rounded individual, he knits and crochets (something all Waldorf students learn), and as we gaze at the colourful paintings by Kathryn adorning the walls of their home, he tells me about the various books he has read on a wide range of topics from selfdiscovery to psychology. He also talks about loving seeing his kids growing up and riding bikes to school with them and hanging out in the garden, with its large veggie patch, chickens and resident possum who has a cubby in one of their trees. Andrew’s mother and brothers also live close-by so extended family is part of their daily life.

In his ten plus years at the school, Andrew has helped guide many students from preschool to young adults and was moved by the feedback from a couple of graduates last year who let him know how he had affected them in such a meaningful way and that they really valued his place in their school journey … it really can’t get much better than that for a teacher.

Above: Andrew Banks in his Willunga garden.

Wild at heart

Stonemasons, native growers, landscape architects, permaculture enthusiasts, horticulturalists, floral artisans, and apiarists collaborating harmoniously with nature, utilising its resources to nourish our spirits and enrich our surroundings.

Earthy Botanica

Imbued with a passion for all things botanical, Bel’s journey from nurturing her garden to studying horticulture and floral design has led to the creation of her enchanting studio in Willunga. At the heart of her business is a commitment to cultivating wild beauty, offering botanical creations, flowers, plants, events and immersive workshops. Within this space, Earthy Botanica will host workshops, joined by other industry professionals, to ignite creativity, cultivate new skills, and reconnect you with nature. Visit the space – side entrance of 4 High Street, Willunga. earthybotanica.com.au

Fleurieu Honey

Fleurieu Honey is a family owned and operated business born in the heart of Mclaren Vale. Owned and operated by Nick and Samantha Hinchcliff, they provide pollination services across the state and are suppliers of raw natural honey. The honey is extracted from the apiary at low temperature and cold filtered to retain full health benefits and antioxidants, as well as the natural flavour profiles our region has to offer. Available across the Fleurieu Peninsula and online. fleurieuhoney.com.au

Billy Goat Brick & Stone

Billy Goat Brick & Stone stands as a cornerstone of quality craftsmanship in South Australia. Specialising in bespoke brick and stone masonry, the team at Billy Goat brings architectural dreams to life with precision and passion. From timeless brick facades to elegant stone feature walls or accents, to restoration, these skilled artisans deliver unparalleled beauty and durability. Elevate your home with the enduring beauty of natural stone.  @billygoatbrickstone

Harvest Studio

Harvest Studio’s mission revolves around ‘rewilding the world,’ as is evident from its McLaren Vale State Heritage listed site. The studio housed in an 1844 church, specialises in botanical art and installations. Artist-led projects propel environmental and cultural regeneration, notably through the Culture Garden and Botanical Cemetery. Visitors are invited to partake in tours, workshops, and festivals, while delving into ‘The Vale’s’ history; fostering connections between people, place, and the landscape. Welcome to a sanctuary of transformation and community interaction. harveststudio.com.au

McMillan & Drew Collective

Rachel McMillan and Sarah Drew are growers of herbs, flowers and native produce – supplying some of the best restaurants in SA. With a strong focus on permaculture, Rachel and Sarah also cultivate gardens for a discerning clientele who want a beautiful yet sustainable garden featuring native plants and edibles. The team offers a full package service from design to landscaping and planting to maintenance.  mcmillananddrew.com.au

Yarruks Farm

In 2019, Ryan and Allora bought their 60acre property with its shed frame, rundown fences and overgrown flower field. They’ve regenerated the land, welcoming native birds, bees and other wildlife. Specialising in unique native best-in-season arrangements for weddings and events, their blooms are also available for direct purchase, through custom orders, or via local businesses. Contracting from over 40 farms across SA, they also sell nationwide and offer public stays in their Banksia Tent.

Page left: Bees at work for Fleurieu Honey. Above left: Bridal bloom by Earthy Botanica captured by Shana Louise Photography (also image far bottom left). Bottom left: Serpentine dry stone wall from above by Billy Goat Brick & Stone. Right: Fresh cut mixed native flowers from Yarruks Farm at Currency Creek.

Vineyard kitchen – a synergy of food and wine

Story by Sam Marchetti. Photography by Jason Porter.

On what can only be described as a glorious autumnal day, guests are welcomed into Angove McLaren Vale Cellar Door by venue manager Brett Lanthois, and with a glass of wine or spirits in hand they are directed to select one of the coveted spots on the sundrenched deck.

The changing colours in the adjacent vineyard are spectacular. An eye-catching dish makes its way from the kitchen to the relaxed dining area: two plump morsels resting on a bed of grape leaves, skewered by their stalks. This is the intriguing and exciting scene that chef Georgie Rogers is creating with the Vineyard Kitchen as they cater to a new kind of wine tourist in McLaren Vale.

Angove Family Winemakers opened their cellar door in McLaren Vale in 2011, when visitors to the region would typically drop into cellar doors for standalone wine tastings, devoid of culinary accompaniments. Last year, the space at Angove’s cellar door started to be reconfigured with the addition of the Spirits Bar, enabling visitors to taste the elixirs created by the family at their winery / distillery in Renmark. Richard Angove, joint managing director with his sister Victoria, reflects that their grandfather was more passionate about distillation than winemaking when the family expanded their operation from Tea Tree Gully, where the first vines were planted by Dr Angove in 1886, to Renmark in 1910. ‘His driving aim was to make a world class brandy,’ shares Richard and the St Agnes Distillery continues to produce diverse ranges of awardwinning brandy, whisky and gin.

Richard is thrilled with the latest addition to Angove’s home in McLaren Vale – head chef Georgie Rogers who is heading up the

Above: Taro and shiitake dumplings, chili grape condiment, and house-made celery salt.

newly coined Vineyard Kitchen. ‘Since Georgie has come on board our tourism product has completely changed. The food Georgie is creating is just stunning, beauty on a plate with remarkable flavours. Back when we opened in McLaren Vale, wine tasting involved walking up to the bar and starting at the top of the list and working your way down. An evolution has occurred, and a wine tourist now desires a holistic experience. This has really pushed us down the pathway to include a food component to compliment our diverse range of wines and spirits.’

The dish spied on arrival is taro and shiitake dumplings. Grapevine skewers aside, they are surely the most unusual and beautiful dumplings ever seen. Garnished with edible flowers and dots of a merlot and chilli reduction, these delicious mouthfuls sit on grape leaves and are accompanied by a powder created by Georgie, who dehydrated and ground the leftover fennel and celery after straining the stock made in her kitchen. Versatility and creativity in the kitchen

and a passion for sustainability is what drives Georgie, and her culinary creations certainly reflect that.

Knowing where her ingredients come from is paramount to Georgie. ‘Provenance is very important to me, as is selecting carefully grown produce from local Fleurieu farmers,’ explains Georgie. ‘The ability to go and chat with the region’s farmers or meet producers at the local farmers’ market means I can select premium, sustainably grown produce, organic wherever possible, and understand what sustainable principles are used on each farm. It’s important to support small producers that keep up the fight to maintain diversity of plant species and heritage breed animals. I also enjoy a good stroll and a forage nearby, collecting foods such as wild saffron milk caps from Kuitpo Forest, wild rocket leaves and flowers from amongst our vines, roadside fennel flowers and dock weed, apples, blackberries, plums and quinces.’ >

Top: The deck stretches out with vineyard views as far as the eye can see: Bottom left: Koji marinated heritage pork, celeriac, fennel, preserved lemon. Bottom right: Just a small selection of the distilled spirits available.

Produce from Braeburn Farm Ducks, Choice Mushrooms, Nomad Farms, Gumshire Pork and Parky’s Produce feature regularly on Georgie’s menus. ‘We have used some beautiful pink oyster mushrooms from local growers, Choice Mushrooms, in our sesame miso, oyster mushroom dish with walnut and saltbush gremolata. And our fish is sourced from the daily catch of South Australian community fishers, Fair Fish. Beautiful Tommy Ruff has been my favourite since going fishing with Dad when I was young, sitting along a jetty with my legs dangling over the edge,’ smiles Georgie. ‘The aroma of them sizzling away in a frying pan with butter … it’s still the only way I cook them today.’

Angove’s values of organic growing, biodynamic farming and supporting local producers are also reflected in their wine.

‘This Warboys Vineyard here is certified organic and biodynamic,’ indicates Richard, ‘and our vineyard up in the Riverland is certified organic too. We also have long-term partnerships with around ten growers in McLaren Vale, buying fruit such as lovely old vine shiraz and a grenache with its beautiful perfume from a nearby vineyard

in Blewitt Springs.’ Given the care taken with creating their wines and spirits, it’s no surprise that they have found their way into Georgie’s kitchen.

‘I’m really enjoying cooking at Angove’s with so many wines and spirits at my fingertips. I use the Blind Tiger Gin in many dishes such as the Southern Bluefin Tuna with fermented green chilli and Mandarin Gin ponzu.’ And with the AMV-X wines (Angove McLaren Vale X Factor) about to be relaunched, their vibrant, medium-bodied, balanced and food-friendly attributes are sure to find themselves being featured on a plate as well as in a glass. Just ask Richard, as he can be often found in the Vineyard Kitchen dining room accompanied by his father-in-law, since they have both declared that Georgie bakes the best focaccia in Australia. ‘And the whipped butter is sprinkled with our shiraz salt. It’s so simple and just melts in your mouth,’ delights Richard. ‘It really is one of my favourite things in life.’

The best of McLaren Vale is just getting better and better.

Top left: Venue manager, Brett Lanthois – tells us he loves his job. Top right: Chef Georgie Rogers creating food of provenance with passion. Bottom: This winter, find a spot close to the fire and enjoy, the food, the wine, the service or imbibe in one of Angove’s award-winning distilled spirits.

www.organicconstructions.com.au

The best things in life are slow

Words

and photographs by

Myriah Smith.

In our fast-paced, modern world, the Willunga Farmers Market pushes back: swapping slowness for busy-ness, connection for isolation, old-school market nostalgia for modern convenience, all in an environment that nurtures both our minds and bodies and celebrates the bounty of our region. What’s not to love?

It’s an unseasonably cool autumn morning, yet a long queue of local folk bearing trolleys and eco-friendly canvas bags lines the perimeter of the local school. One trolley actually wields a small child who has given up on standing in line by herself. This line-up is far longer than any I have ever seen out front of the local Coles; it’s full of dedicated, loyal market shoppers who are waiting willingly to get the best and freshest produce in the region and listening keenly for the silencesplitting, ear-piercing clang of the old market bell that formally opens the market each Saturday.

There are no signs telling people to wait, no market personnel needing to remind them, and any newcomers quickly fall into place. It is 7.57 am on a Saturday morning, and for the last 22 years, the Willunga Farmers Market has opened in precisely 3 minutes’ time, just as it will today.

Finally, the bell is sounded by a local stallholder’s daughter and the shoppers are in. In some ways, it’s like a hundred-metre sprint, as shoppers race towards their favourite producers, who are loaded with seasonal fruit and vegetables, regeneratively farmed meat, pasteurised eggs and glass-bottled milk. It certainly is the place to be on a Saturday morning in Willunga.

Loyal shoppers greet local producers like old friends, grumbling about the unseasonably cold weather, or congratulating them on personal achievements. Stallholders gently rib each other if someone is ready later than usual.

Market manager, Richard, in an ode to his acting days, fondly describes the Farmers Market as one spectacular pop-up performance. He romanticises how the lonely grey school asphalt lying abandoned on the weekend has become a source of connection assaulting the senses. And he’s right. Because when I

Above: All the good things at the Willunga Farmers Market.

pause a moment to look around, I see all the cast members playing their role. It’s a community ensemble.

As the morning wears on, the 8 am shoppers have been and gone and, in their place, the ‘social shoppers’ have arrived. There’s the families here after early morning sports; the 9-to-5 weekday workers who have enjoyed a weekend lie-in; and the laid-back individuals who prefer meandering through the space at their leisure. The markets transform into a slightly more social setting, where friends gather over coffee, and families choose produce together, while being serenaded by the soulful melodies of a busking accordion player. The sound of community rings out. The markets are alive. In the midst of unprecedented inflation, shoppers are still handing over hard-earned dollars to their local farmers. In a post-covid world of isolation and social distancing, shoppers are greeting each other affectionately with a hug or a kiss on the cheek beneath the ‘6-feet apart’ slogan that was once demanded a few years before. In a world pushing busy-ness and instantaneousness, here at the farmers market ‘immediate’ is non-existent. Shoppers chat to producers as they take the time to fill milk bottles and fresh juice from large urns.

‘Stop and smell the roses’ might sound like a saying from a bygone era, but here shoppers really are smelling the lisianthus and sunflowers that line one flower grower’s stall. In a fast-paced and modern world, time seems to have slowed down. As a shopper I feel like it is okay, maybe favourable, that I take the time to peruse and to savour the experience. Another common byproduct of the modern world – excess and waste – is not welcome here. Everything is measured to the person needing it, a handful of spinach, a wedge of cheese, a small bottle of quality oil, all stored in glass jars or wrapped in eco-friendly paper wrap.

It makes you think: what is really so modern about the modern world, after all?

As I stand here, a feast on all of my senses, and more importantly on my emotions, I’m reminded of the importance of doing things well. And the Willunga Farmers Market is the embodiment of this –swapping quantity for quality in every sense.

And while I won’t be becoming a 7.57am market shopper anytime soon, I might just sign up to become a member. After all, when talking to the locals, the biggest gripe I’ve heard is how dogs are no longer allowed at the premises. But let’s not open that contentious debate.

Boutique & unique

Daniel Deck and Hayley Webber from Clear Colours Collective curate captivating soundscape meditations in historic halls throughout the region. As you recline and get grounded, immerse yourself in a guided meditation, accompanied by an array of instruments masterfully played by Daniel and Hayley. Their diverse selection includes a handpan drum, a large brass gong, chimes, Tibetan bowls and an Aboriginal rainstick. The ultimate goal is to effortlessly slip into a parasympathetic state, allowing relaxation to flow naturally leaving you rejuvenated. Harness the power of sound as meditation and feel the profound effects as your mind stills.

The intuitive collector

Story by Kate Le Gallez.

Photography by Jason Porter.

Cathryn Charnock speaks in stories. How she set sail for Canada as a child, her grandmother holding one end of a white ribbon on land and she grasping the other from the deck. Of threatening to quit her new job at The Advertiser because she’d managed to score tickets to Bruce Springsteen in Melbourne and she was going, job or no job. About how her mum made beautiful ceramics and, as she was claimed by dementia, she forgot about that piece of her life. And how Cathryn took up the practice to connect to this part of her mother that she’d never really known, and didn’t want to risk losing forever.

‘My father had an incredible ability to tell stories about everything,’ she says. ‘I think I’m probably like that. I’ve always got a story about something.’ Whether as a technical writer and editor for her

corporate clients, or as a weaver, potter, reader and collector, stories shape all facets of Cathryn’s life. Most especially the home she shares with her husband Peter and their two sons as well as her latest venture – Free Range Books at the Fleurieu Arthouse.

Cathryn and Peter bought their property on The Range some 20 years ago and have lived in the late 1800s ‘tin house’ full time for the last 11. On the day I visit, the fire is going inside, warding off the chill of the turning season. In many homes, a fire is a shortcut to creating cosiness, but there’s no need for any such atmospheric sleight-ofhand here. This is a house rich with the personal and shared history of its inhabitants. The walls are lined with art. Surfaces are home to a vast array of vases, glassware, ceramics and a myriad other curios. In the dining area, there’s a glass-fronted sideboard filled with all manner of glasses, ramekins and plates. It’s hard to imagine there’s a dinner party or celebration that couldn’t be serviced by the treasures within.

‘It makes me seem like a big magpie,’ Cathryn laughs. However these aren’t the scavenged collections of someone trying to impress others with their shiny bits and bobs. Set against the clean lines of the couple’s mid-century furniture and lighting, the effect is very much of a cohesive whole, rather than the apocryphal magpie’s nest. >

Page left and above: There’s an eclectic mix of old and new / modern / handmade in every space of the home.

‘I honestly think it’s both of us,’ says Cathryn of the impetus to collect. She recalls buying her first artwork with Peter – a Sidney Nolan lithograph – before they even owned a bed. ‘We were in sleeping bags on the floor in our apartment,’ she says. ‘We had it at the end of the bed on the floor and we just felt like we were so rich.’ The piece – print 15 in Nolan’s floral images series – now hangs in the entrance hall. Nearby sits a Cambodian dinner gong which was somehow carried home from a backpacking trip. Other heavy items carried home in backpacks include plates from Vietnam and ‘two beautiful and VERY heavy glass vases from Glasgow.’

While many of their pieces are singular, others have multiplied over the years. A jumble of picnic baskets perches on top of a cupboard – just some of the 47 Cathryn has collected to carry the food she prepares for her annual picnic with friends. A large demijohn contains shells she and her mother have collected over some 60

years. Among her many ceramics – including her own works and her mother’s – are pieces by English ceramicists Susie Cooper and Clarice Cliff, ‘Each one with a story behind it.’ Peter’s eye tends more towards striking glassware and art, which he has often gifted to Cathryn for birthdays, including a small Charles Blackman.

One benefit of a large, many-roomed house is that you aren’t hemmed in by the basic living-dining-sleeping-bathing format. And so, in this house there’s a basket-making room. In the early years it was a bunk room used by Cathryn and Peter’s two boys and their friends. But in more recent years it’s become the warm winter room where Cathryn settles into the meditative process of coiling, wrapping and creating. She only started making baskets a few years ago, but the impulse was seeded much earlier when she did her first weaving class aged 23. ‘Peter said to me, he’d never seen me so happy. I just loved it. But then, you know, life happened,’ she says. >

Page left and above: Art and textural craft are balanced with classic modern furnishings and lighting. And books ... lots and lots of books.

Now she does it almost every night and there are sheafs of iris and cherry wood drying in the bathroom and raffia stewing on the stove.

‘I love how ancient the tradition is,’ Cathryn says later by email. ‘How traditional basket weaving is across cultures and time. It has been done (and I think predominantly) by women. Women weaving and working together; I think of the baskets as part of what binds them to each other as well, weaving their stories, sharing their losses, and their laughter. And this also drew me into wanting to make baskets –to feel a tiny part of that very long story.’

Books have also been carefully collected over the years, a process which any keen reader will know is fraught with the need to find forever-expanding shelf space. Cathryn and Peter’s books are stored all over the house, in their individual offices as well as in common spaces. Peter’s lean more towards the political, while Cathryn’s

range far and wide, though she has a soft spot for Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf, including a first edition copy of A Room of One’s Own.

She now has another outlet for her love of books – her micro bookshop Free Range Books, housed within the Fleurieu Arthouse. The idea of owning a bookshop had been simmering for some 20 years, but the practicalities were always a stumbling block. Still, the fact there was nowhere nearby to go and buy a good book remained like a prickle lodged in a sock. ‘I don’t know if it’s the beginning of something bigger or whether it just is what it is,’ says Cathryn. ‘But I love that it’s there and I love that it’s a very lovingly curated selection of books.’ Occasionally she adds some of her own books to the shelves, offering them up to whoever might want to add them to their own collection, continuing their story.

Top left: A find from one of Cathy and Peter’s trips. Right: The bathroom doubles as a place to dry reeds for Cathy’s weaving. Bottom: The warm glow of home.

www.intimekitchens.com.au

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Dogs connect

Story by Alana Pahor.

As Rachel Bishop leads me into the LaValla Centre, Cardijn College Galilee’s student wellbeing area, a furry face greets us. Bending down to pat Rachel’s caramel-coloured dog, Milo, I’m calmed by his sweet, easygoing demeanour. This is no coincidence; Rachel is training Milo to be Galilee’s wellbeing dog.

The LaValla Centre is a colourful tapestry of student and Milo-related objects; beanbags and games co-exist with dog bedding and toys. This wasn’t always the case, though – when Rachel became the first LaValla Centre coordinator three years ago, Milo hadn’t even been born. As we sit at her desk, Rachel tells me that Galilee created her position to support the growing body of students with learning challenges, disabilities and daily struggles.

‘By compassionately meeting the needs of individual students who may be challenged by difficulties, we’re also supporting the classroom as a whole,’ she explains.‘My role is to assess what regulation strategies work in the classroom and to provide support to students in accessing their learning.’

If a student is struggling, one of their protocols is to refer the student to Rachel in the LaValla Centre. There, Rachel works with them to recognise their emotions and ‘create their own calm’.

‘I’ll help the child figure out what they need,’ she says. ‘This can be a need to sit quietly, engage in some physical activity or play a game. It’s a really important life skill to recognise when your emotions are coming and what you can do to help yourself.’

Galilee takes a holistic, non-judgemental approach to wellbeing.

‘We have conversations with students about how people are born differently – some have red hair and some have brown, just as some have ADHD and some have autism,’ Rachel says. What it comes down to is all people have different ways of seeing, thinking and experiencing the world.

As Milo brushes against my leg, looking for pats, it’s clear that bringing him in was a natural next step for the school. What better way to make children feel at ease than with a dog’s unconditional love?

‘When a dog is present in the classroom, there’s measurable differences in students’ heart rates, blood pressure and cortisol levels,’ Rachel says. ‘When you’re more relaxed, you’re more likely to take on board the lessons being presented, so learning increases.’  With encouragement from Galilee head of campus Kerri Gould, and Cardijn College principal Steve Byrne, Rachel found Milo through the Dogs Connect Program. ‘He’s a cobbler dog – they’re a hypoallergenic breed that’s bred specifically for this purpose.’ Milo came to Rachel from Brisbane when he was just eight weeks old.

For the past eight months, Rachel has been training Milo through the nationally accredited Dogs Connect program. ‘The program provides a structure to work safely with an animal in school,’ she says. ‘We introduced him to the campus late last year; he’s been getting used to the space and staff. Soon we will get him into some of the classes.’

The aim is to have Milo sit on a mat in classrooms, where handlers can do small group work or have children struggling with literacy read to Milo one-on-one. ‘Because they’re reading to a dog who’s not going to be judgemental, children aren’t going to be as anxious, so their literacy increases,’ Rachel says.

While he’s not in the classroom yet, Milo’s already having a significant impact on the Galilee community. ‘When children visit me here, Milo comes up to them and puts his head on their knee, which helps them regulate their emotions,’ she says. ‘It also helps children who struggle with attending school. Once they’re connected to Milo, they’re more comfortable making that transition.’

It’s not just students who love Milo; already, Rachel regularly has staff asking when Milo is coming in and whether they can pat him. ‘It’s lovely to see the staff and students relaxing around him,’ Rachel says, looking fondly at Milo in his dog bed. ‘We plan for Milo to be with us at Galilee for many years to come.’

Above: Rachel Bishop and well being dog, Milo, in the Secret Garden at Cardijn’s Galilee campus.

Winter book reviews

by Mark Laurie of South Seas Books, Port Elliot.

The Wren, The Wren

by Anne Enright

Published by Jonathan Cape

ISBN 9781787334618

$22.99

Irish novelist Anne Enright’s latest book is a clear-eyed exploration of familial relationships and legacy as a dead poet’s daughter and granddaughter wrestle with the vastness of his public and private shadow. The legacy of a man who ‘was bigger than the world and a lot less wonderful’, whose lapses into violence mirrored his upbringing but whose words drew women like moths to light, is no easy thing. Even after his death, his daughter hears the ‘burr of his voice inside her body, humming along the bone’.

Enright roves effortlessly between three generations of narratives and time, between domesticity and high art, a virtuosic effort ‘so fierce and light I did not feel the push’ to quote her titular poem. Passages of extraordinary frankness make the moments of lyric beauty shine all the more brightly. Despite its premise, the presence and influence of such a ‘bastard for all time’, and some unsettling scenes, there is considerable wry humour in the riffing and reflections of Nell and Carmel as they seek to maintain a loving relationship beyond his reach and the confines of the past. To do so, as the author would counter-intuitively have it, involves transcendence from language and the way it imposes the author upon their subject. The echo in the book’s title calls to the reverberations felt by those who follow, to the necessities of loosening themselves from the language and actions of their forebears, to seize lives of their own.’

I’d Rather Not

by Robert Skinner

Published by Black Inc.

ISBN 9781760640354

$27.99

This droll, self-effacing memoir, written in series rather than sequence, is as amusing as it is thought-provoking. The author, now living in Melbourne, is an escapee from Adelaide’s northern plains, unaccountably under rapid housing development. He is a cog within what he describes as the ‘literary industrial complex’, working as a bookseller, editor and publisher of a short-story periodical, and essayist.  All of this activity lands him, as of course it must if he refuses to join the professions or become some sort of financial specialist, at the economic margins, experiencing life in the raw at the coalface of robodebt, COVID lockdowns and housing insecurity. From this vantage point he provides lessons on subjects as varied as how difficult it is to try to actively form part of the five per cent unemployment rate the economy apparently relies on, or how to construct a party which fuels hopes of meeting a soulmate, even when populated entirely by real estate agents.

We are constantly inundated with books promoting methods to success, wealth and happiness, by cultish ‘ínfluencers’ whose only pedigree appears to be an appearance on reality television or having gathered a large collection of ‘followers’ through banal observations or images. This work is an antithesis of such offerings, delighting in a very different, more meandering pathway of the ‘false starts, failures and endless dabbling’ which result from the ‘persistent dreams of dilettantes’.  From this account, it is a pathway gilded with glittering observational and experiential rewards.

The River We Remember

by William Kent Krueger

Published by Atria Books

(Simon & Schuster)

ISBN 9781668060681

$32.99

This crime mystery is set in a small river town in southern Minnesota in 1958, with the body of an unloved victim washing up in a state to challenge the most able mortician. In the way of such places, lacking sufficient population to foster anonymity and indifference, aftershocks from the death and the difficult facts it reveals spread quickly and challenge the social fabric of the community. Such fabric is already stretched thin, menaced by the unhealed wounds of war and a great readiness to seek explanation in the gutter politics of

race – that resolute combination of ‘long memories and deep antipathies’.

The author has honed his storytelling with more than 20 mystery novels, all set in his home state, and attracts a devoted readership with crafted storylines, nuanced characters and tightly constructed action sequences which keep the reader turning pages at a brisk rate.

Under its skin, though, is a novel which explores history and memory, in all of their subjectivity and selection, and the hold they have on individual lives – a hold that is all too readily washed away in the mob. As the author wrote in an earlier work, ‘conscience was a devil that plagued the individual. Collectively, a people squashed it as easily as stepping on a daisy’.

We are a river, at times threatening to become a flood, but the river we each remember and seek to understand, never bears the same story.

The Black Lizard

by Edogawa Rampo

Published by Penguin Random House

ISBN 9780241645826

$22.99

Penguin has recently begun republishing crime and espionage classics by the likes of Deighton, Ambler, Chandler and Simenon, a class of publication in their distinctive green covers much loved by my father and no doubt many others. Included in this small but growing list are two works by the less broadly remembered Edogawa Rampo (a pseudonym, naturally, for someone whose world and work was filled with disguises and doppelgangers). Rampo was a prolific and revered Japanese suspense and mystery writer, active in the 1920s to 1950s and much influenced by Edgar Allen Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Black Lizard was written in 1935, at a time when Rampo’s writing had turned to ‘ero guro nansensu’, involving tales of eroticism, grotesquerie and the nonsensical. This time, his famed detective protagonist, Akechi Kogoro, is confronted by a beautiful, resourceful and depraved criminal, marked by a distinctive tattoo. That she is something of an exhibitionist, well aware of the power her body holds, makes her challenge more daunting and interesting for detective and reader alike, as she ‘risks her life, racks her wits and dares all kinds of peril’ to take all that is most dear to a renowned jewel collector and trader.

Aside from the beguiling, fast-changing mystery it narrates, perhaps the greatest joy in this short novel lies in the nostalgia it evokes, liberated by its recognisable devices and formal language. For what are we but a collection of memories and feelings, fuelled by the hope that the most pleasurable of those will return.

Fleurieu weddings

Kaitlin and Brendan Day were happily married at White Hill Estate on 9 March 2024. Photography by T&G Studio.

Kaitlin and Brendan chose White Hill Estate after falling in love with the rustic charm and homestead feel of the property. ‘The venue provided us with the chance to create our special day, with the flexibility of bringing in caterers such as Wood Oven Express pizza and Sunny and Co ice cream. Ben, Roxy and the White Hill staff were

outstanding, taking extra care of us, even when the weather hit 41 degrees,’ they said. The beautiful homestead was the highlight of their wedding weekend where they made cherished memories with their families and bridal party. The Days extend a big thank you to everyone who contributed to make it a great day!

Above: Kaitlin and Brendan Day celebrated their nuptials in the beautiful surrounds of White Hill Estate on a warm March day.

Local selections

More from the best in custom-made and off-the-shelf products and services from our local manufacturers and retailers. If your interiors or exteriors are needing a lift … here’s a bit of what’s in store.

01. Timberwolf Design, Adelaide

Timberwolf Design in Adelaide stands out as a premier destination for bespoke furniture crafted with precision and style. Renowned for their commitment to quality craftsmanship, Timberwolf offers a select range of modern, handmade furniture pieces both made to order and off the shelf. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to using quality materials, each piece reflects the brand’s ethos of blending functionality with beauty.

The Birdcage Round Table designed with inset arched legs to allow for maximum seating – made to order with Australia-wide delivery. Available from 1200–2000mmD

Pictured: 6-8 Seater, 1600mmD in American Oak Natural.

02. BQ Curtains & Blinds, Victor Harbor

Wave sheers in a soft pink for a beautiful diffused lighting option are doubled up with a block-out curtain, for when all you want to do is

04

sleep in. The built-in window seat is upholstered in a soft, striped cotton – all expertly made and installed by BQ Curtains & Blinds, Victor Harbor.

03 /04. Innovative Kitchens, Victor Harbor

These simple, sleek and timeless new kitchen designs were made at Victor Harbor’s Innovative Kitchens.

The indoor kitchen has the cooktop and downdraft unit located on the island bench, to invite engagement amongst guests while cooking a beautiful meal.

The adjacent outdoor kitchen and dining area creates an ideal space for entertaining friends and family. The interior design is by Little Road Studio and built by the expert cabinet makers at Innovative Kitchens. >

05 / 06. Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens (AOK), Seaford

With its clean lines, the Huge Chef Billy Smoker is designed to enhance any space, providing a versatile wood cooking experience. From cooking pizzas in three minutes to nursing delicate pavlovas, to low and slow smoking and grilling over coals, this product inspires the chef within. Shown here with custom-made concrete surround –made to order by Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens. Check out the full Billy Smoker range in-house at AOK.

07. Billy Goat Brick & Stone, Fleurieu Peninsula

‘The art of structure’ accurately describes the work by highly sought after Billy Goat Brick & Stone – a local company specialising in bespoke masonry.

This beautiful serpentine wall, made from hand-picked Basket Range sandstone and laid dry with some hidden mortar, was expertly crafted at this Chapel Hill property and will eventually feature long shallow steps – completing the look.

an amazing photo on the

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

@the_stat_

Taken

Fleurieu

A beautiful day at the Normanville Jetty. Photo courtesy of Callan Forgan –The Stat Photograph:

Forever Furniture, Designed & Handcrafted in Adelaide

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

Fleurieu Peninsula Grown - Myponga

FLEURIEU PENINSULA GROWN · MYPONGA

FLM Autumn Launch at Yeo Haus, Port Elliot.

On 14 March, guests at FLM’s Autumn launch were treated to a gathering at the new home of  established independent brand Yeo Haus at their new digs in Port Elliot. The warehouse style interior houses a bar, cafe, shop and acts as a gallery for local artists. Cool? Yes.

Photography by Janey Fowler.

01. Hollie Connery and Mia Stock. 02. Nick and Mikayla McKenzie. 03. Tu and Karen Clarke with Diana Brandt. 04. Kristen Cowell , Ben Shaw and Grace McDonald. 05. Andrew Banks and Todd Steele. 06. Craig Loukes and daughter. 07. Jane Clayton and Sally Moran. 08. Jenni, Ben and Bridget Hewett with Baby Babs.

01. Bev Luvv and Dionita Briggs

Bev loves walking near her home at Maslin Beach. Dionita loves the Onkaparinga Gorge.

02. Teesh Downes

Teesh loves her Sellick’s Beach walk to Shark’s Bay saying, it is so peaceful and secluded and a ‘magic land.’

03. Lauren Milo

Lauren doesn’t know what she loves yet as she is new to the region and visiting her grandmother from Bristol in the UK but so far loves the wide open spaces.

04. Siblings Cooper, Jasmine and Georgie Aquilinna don’t live here either but Cooper reckons he just kind of loves Aldinga, while Georgie’s local friend tells her Deep Creek is the place to go. 08 06 07 01 02 04 03 05 Out & About: We asked locals where they go for a nature fix in the winter months.

05. Alyssa Harris

Alyssa loves the beach ... a common theme when we ask this question. She also loves going to Kuitpo.

06. Leonie Hick

Leonie loves the ocean and the beach and often does the cliff walk from Port WIllunga to Maslin Beach with her dog.

07. Evenni Weaver

Loves Cactus Canyon and Sharks Bay. Says we made her day by taking her photo. Love that.

08. Tom Anthoney just completed the Leconfield marathon and loves running on the many trails in the region.