With 2025 now upon us, it’s the perfect time to look forward to a year full of possibilities and opportunities. As always, South Australia stands at the heart of these, offering endless things to explore and celebrate.
Our first issue of the year is headlined by a special cover story: an exclusive interview with Douglas Gautier, reflecting on his extraordinary tenure as CEO of the Adelaide Festival Centre. As he prepares to bid farewell, Douglas takes us through the highlights of his remarkable career, the milestones achieved, and his vision for the future of South Australia’s incredible arts and culture scene. It’s an inspiring read and a fitting tribute to a man whose impact on our state has been significant.
We also chat with Adelaide’s Matt Bate, creator of ABC’s Eat the Invaders In this groundbreaking show, Matt, with host Tony Armstrong at the helm, introduces a surprising and thought-provoking approach to sustainable eating—highlighting the potential of edible invasive species. It’s a fresh perspective that encourages us to rethink not just the food on our plates but also our connection to the environment.
Keeping the theme of culinary exploration alive, we’ve also curated a guide to Adelaide’s hottest new bars and restaurants. From hidden gems to bold new ventures, this roundup celebrates our city’s ever-evolving dining scene, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination for food lovers.
As we head into 2025, we’re reminded of the incredible stories, talent, and experiences that make South Australia such a special place to call home. Thank you for joining us as we celebrate the richness and diversity of life for our over-50 community. Here’s to a year filled with new opportunities and shared adventures.
From all of us at FIFTY+SA, thank you for welcoming us into your homes and lives.
Tom Archontidis, Publisher
FOLLOW US: @fiftyplus.sa | fiftyplussa.com.au
PUBLISHERS
Tom Archontidis
Charlotte Chambers
EDITOR
Olivia Williams
DESIGNER
Nicole Jesenko
SALES MANAGER
Katie Brown
katie@fiftyplussa.com.au
DIGITAL
Lauren Ferrone
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Paul Kitching
Jacqui Lim
Nick Stock
Dave Bradley
Graham Goodings
Michael Heyne
Ansie Van Der Walt
Kosta Giannopoulos
Briag McRae
Linda Bastick
Martin Bastick
DISTRIBUTION templarsa.com.au
COVER
Douglas Gautier AM
PHOTOGRAPHER
Claudio Raschella
TC MEDIA PTY LTD
Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of the publisher. Whilst all care is taken, the publisher accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions.
Fifty+SA is a team effort and if you have any suggestions or questions we would love to hear from you.
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ADELAIDE FRINGE 2025 A Month-Long Celebration of Creativity
Adelaide Fringe is back in 2025, transforming South Australia into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection. Running from February 21 to March 23, the world’s second-largest openaccess arts festival boasts more than 1,300 shows across genres, including comedy, cabaret, music, theatre, circus, visual arts, and interactive experiences. With events spanning over 500 venues statewide, this year’s festival promises something for everyone.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The 2025 program features acclaimed performances and exciting newcomers, highlighting the diversity and bold spirit of the Fringe. Comedy lovers can enjoy sharp political satire and laugh-out-loud absurdity from big names and rising stars alike, while cabaret fans will be captivated by boundary-pushing acts that celebrate glamour, grit, and storytelling.
Among the standout experiences is the return of Sleeps Hill Tunnel, an immersive journey set in Adelaide’s historic railway tunnel in Panorama. This crowd favourite blends local history with mystery and creativity, offering a truly unforgettable underground adventure. The Dome also makes a comeback, this time at the Dom Polski Centre, featuring 11 full-dome experiences that promise to transport audiences to new dimensions.
Iconic Venues and Exciting Expansions
Festival hotspots like The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony continue to transform Adelaide’s eastern parklands into bustling hubs of entertainment, complete with food stalls, live music, and pop-up bars. The West Village will host nearly 200 events across over 30 venues, including ILA, Adelaide College of the Arts, Nexus, and The Mercury Cinema.
This year also sees exciting expansions. The Courtyard of Curiosities extends its programming into the State Library and Migration Museum, offering intimate and imaginative performances in Adelaide’s cherished cultural institutions. Meanwhile, Fool’s Paradise returns to Victoria Square with a dynamic lineup of shows that promise to make it a central attraction once again.
Regional Reach
Fringe 2025 extends its magic across South Australia, with over 100 events taking place in regions like Coober Pedy, Kimba, Kangaroo Island, and Coonawarra. This statewide approach ensures that Fringe’s creativity and inclusivity reach audiences far beyond our fair city.
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This year, we’re seeing some muchloved artists and venues return, alongside new talent and experiences that truly reflect the diversity and spirit of Fringe. I encourage everyone to check out nearby shows in their own suburb, venture out to regional performances, and if your visiting take the time to explore the program and uncover some of the hidden shows and gems throughout our city and state.
Heather Croall AM, Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO
Meet the Ambassadors
This year’s Fringe ambassadors include acclaimed First Nations singersongwriter Nancy Bates, comedian and television personality Rhys Nicholson, performer Michelle Brasier, and actress Teresa Palmer.
Nicholson shared their excitement, saying, “Fringe is such a perfect encapsulation of Australian performing arts. As long as you’ve got the gumption, creativity, and sunscreen, you can find your audience.” Palmer, a South Australian native, added, “Fringe celebrates bold and unique voices. I’m beyond excited to share its extraordinary magic with the world.”
For tickets, schedules, and more:
Photo: Jordan Gollan
Photo: Carl Vester
Inma
The Dictionary of Lost Words
3 - 17 APRIL DUNSTAN PLAYHOUSE
WOMADelai de 2025
A Celebration of Music, Culture, and Community
Adelaide’s much-loved WOMADelaide festival returns to the lush surrounds of Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla from March 7–10, 2025. Now in its 33rd year, this globally renowned event continues to celebrate the best in music, arts, and culture, offering something truly special for both first-timers and seasoned attendees.
The 2025 program promises to be unforgettable, with UK musical icon PJ Harvey headlining the opening night— her first Australian appearance in eight years. Equally thrilling is the addition of Irish music and style icon Róisín Murphy, whose electrifying performances combine avant-garde pop with irresistible grooves. Fans can look forward to her signature mix of theatricality and infectious beats, making her set one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights.
Joining them on the world-class lineup are Afropop powerhouse Yemi Alade from Nigeria, Grammy-winning reggae outfit Protoje & The Indiggnation, and American hip-hop legends Digable Planets. This rich diversity of talent ensures festival goers will be treated to an eclectic mix of sounds, perfect for rediscovering old favourites or finding something entirely new.
But WOMADelaide is about more than just the music. The festival’s immersive atmosphere is shaped by its extraordinary mix of dance, visual art installations, and thought-provoking workshops. The celebrated Planet Talks series provides an opportunity to engage with global and local thinkers on topics that matter, while the Global Village marketplace tempts visitors with international cuisines, artisan crafts, and unique keepsakes.
Tickets are on sale now, with options ranging from single-day passes to full weekend experiences.
Adelaide Festival Turns 40
The Adelaide Festival returns from February 28 to March 16, 2025, celebrating its 40th anniversary with an extraordinary line-up that cements its position as Australia’s premier international arts festival. This year’s program offers a diverse selection of performances across opera, theatre, dance, music, and literature, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
A standout feature of the festival is the Australian exclusive of Innocence, a contemporary opera by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, hailed as a masterpiece by The New York Times.
Directed by acclaimed Australian Simon Stone, this production explores themes
of memory and guilt, with a remarkable cast led by Teddy Tahu Rhodes and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Lovers of dance are in for a treat with Club Amour, a collaboration between Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch and French choreographer Boris Charmatz. This world premiere combines Bausch’s iconic dance theatre with Charmatz’s daring contemporary style, promising a performance that will challenge and inspire.
The festival also shines a light on large-scale community engagement with MASS MOVEMENT. This free public event in Elder Park features over 1,000 dancers aged 12 to 88,
For more details and the full lineup:
womadelaide.com.au
@womadelaide
What’s On in 2025
celebrating diversity in movement. Co-commissioned with The Australian Ballet, this 30-minute performance is set to be a joyful highlight.
For those who enjoy literary pursuits, the much-loved Adelaide Writers’ Week returns from March 1 to 6, offering insightful discussions with prominent authors.
Adding to the festival atmosphere is The Courtyard, a new hub on the Festival Plaza, offering nightly entertainment, food, and drinks. Open Wednesday to Sunday, this lively space promises to be the social heart of the festival.
With 65 events, including 11 world premieres and 9 Australian premieres, the 2025 Adelaide Festival exemplifies artistic excellence on a global scale.
For tickets and program details:
adelaidefestival.com.au
@adelaidefestival
Roisin Muphy
Photo: Tristram
Kenton
Innocence Caida del cielo
5 Must-See Shows at Adelaide Fringe 2025
Every year, Adelaide Fringe transforms the city into a hub of creativity, thought provoking performances and boundary-pushing art. With an extensive lineup of shows, installations, and experiences, it can be hard to know where to start. To help, we’ve selected five standout performances from the 2025 lineup—each offering something truly unique—from eerie tunnels to musical legends and even the hidden voices of plants.
Sleeps Hill Tunnel: A Journey into Darkness and History
VENUE: The Tunnels, Grandview Crescent, Panorama
Step into the mysterious world of Sleeps Hill Tunnel, a site steeped in history and shadowy intrigue. This immersive experience isn’t just a performance—it’s a sensory adventure. Guided through the atmospheric, dimly lit tunnels, audiences will uncover stories of Adelaide's past, where echoes of long-forgotten whispers come to life. Expect chills, surprises, and perhaps a newfound appreciation for the ghosts of history lurking beneath our feet.
Why You Should See It: It’s not every day you get to explore an abandoned railway tunnel under the glow of performance art. Prepare for a hauntingly beautiful experience.
Celestial Gardens: The Secret Sound of Plants
VENUE: Gardens at Carrick Hill, Carrick Hill, 46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield
Ever wondered what plants might sound like if they had a voice? Celestial Gardens: The Secret Sound of Plants is an otherworldly fusion of science, music, and art that brings nature’s hidden symphony to life. Using cutting-edge technology, the show transforms the electromagnetic signals from plants into ethereal music, creating a one-of-akind soundscape.
Why You Should See It: It’s a rare chance to eavesdrop on the secret conversations of the natural world. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a meditative escape.
BITE: A Circus Experience with Edge
VENUE: The Vagabond at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
If you’re craving adrenaline-pumping action, BITE delivers it in droves. This daring circus act blends acrobatics, contemporary dance, and jaw-dropping stunts into a show that’s equal parts exhilarating and emotional. With high stakes and raw vulnerability, the performers push the limits of physical storytelling.
Why You Should See It: Circus, but make it edgy. BITE isn’t just a spectacle—it’s an experience that bites into your soul.
The 27 Club: Rock 'n' Roll Immortals
Reimagined
VENUE: The Fantail (open-air) at Gluttony, Rymill Park
Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain—the legends of The 27 Club have transcended time, leaving behind music that shaped generations. This powerhouse show celebrates these iconic artists with raw energy, soaring vocals, and a rocking live band. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, the nostalgia and passion will hit hard.
Why You Should See It: It’s a tribute to music’s brightest stars who burned out too soon. Expect goosebumps and singalongs.
Shadows of Herself: A Dance Through Identity
VENUE: The Gallery at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum
Shadows of Herself is an intimate dancetheatre performance that dives deep into identity, memory, and self-reflection. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Migration Museum courtyard, this show blends movement, light, and shadow to explore the stories we tell ourselves and the ones we hide from others.
Why You Should See It: It’s a deeply personal yet universally relatable experience that will linger in your thoughts long after the final bow.
Adelaide Writers’ Week TURNS THE PAGE WITH PODFEST IN 2025
Adelaide Writers’ Week is set to break new ground in 2025 with the addition of Podfest, a fresh initiative bringing live recordings of some of Australia’s most celebrated podcasts to the stage. Covering topics from true crime to literature and politics, Podfest runs from March 1 to 6, 2025, at the Adelaide Town Hall and Torrens Parade Ground Drill Hall.
GATHER ROUND 2025
Footy Takes Over South Australia
April 10 - April 13
The lineup promises something for everyone, with podcasting heavyweights like Hedley Thomas and Rachael Brown diving into the complexities of true crime, and Yumi Stynes leading an inspiring conversation on living boldly. Meanwhile, Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez tackle the week’s news with their signature mix of sharp insights and light-hearted banter.
“Podfest is an exciting addition that reflects how people are engaging with storytelling in new ways,” says Monique Bowley, Podfest’s curator and one of Australia’s most respected podcast producers. “It’s a chance for audiences to connect with their favourite podcasters and explore thoughtprovoking ideas live.”
With ticket prices ranging from $29 to $39, Podfest offers an accessible entry point to Adelaide Writers’ Week, whether you’re a die-hard podcast fan or new to the genre.
The AFL has unveiled the highly anticipated fixture for the 2025 Gather Round, with nine actionpacked games set to take place across South Australia. The round will open with a thrilling Thursday night clash at Adelaide Oval, where the Adelaide Crows will take on the Geelong Cats at 7:10pm. This marks the first of nine games in the festival-like round, which runs from April 10–13.
The Adelaide-Geelong opener is sure to ignite excitement, with the Cats having edged out the Crows by just five points in a nail-biting match during Round 21 of the 2024 season.
A Sunday night blockbuster at Adelaide Oval will see Port Adelaide take on Hawthorn, reigniting the tension from their fiery 2024 Semi-Final showdown, which the Power won by just three points.
With all 18 AFL teams converging in South Australia, Gather Round is set to deliver an unforgettable showcase of footy, community, and culture. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action!
Adelaide Writers’ Week runs as part of the Adelaide Festival, from February 28 to March 16, 2025.
For tickets and details:
adelaidefestival.com.au
AFL Gather Round 2025 Comes to the Barossa
Gather Round heads to the picturesque Barossa Valley for the first time in 2025! Don’t miss the chance to watch your favourite AFL teams face off on the newly minted Barossa Park footy field.
Getting There
y Drive: Explore the scenic Barossa region and enjoy its world-famous wineries and local dining experiences.
y Public Transport: Free Adelaide Metro shuttles and trains will run from Adelaide to Barossa Park for hassle-free travel
Make the Most of Your Trip
Turn your Gather Round visit into a weekend getaway! Discover the Barossa’s finest wines, charming restaurants, and unique activities for the ultimate South Australian experience.
afl.com.au/gather-round
Photo: Roy VanDerVegt
Hedley Thomas
Yumi Stynes
Where Stories Live Reflections on Leadership, Legacy, and the Arts
Interview by Olivia Williams
Douglas Gautier's almost two-decade tenure at the helm of Adelaide Festival Centre has been marked by transformative growth and visionary leadership. Under his guidance, the Centre has become a vital creative hub within the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to Adelaide’s cultural landscape and earning global recognition.
From pioneering festivals like OzAsia Festival and Adelaide Guitar Festival to overseeing major renovations such as the revitalisation of Her Majesty’s Theatre, Gautier has played a pivotal role in shaping the Centre’s legacy. We sat down with Gautier to reflect on his achievements, the lasting impact of the Centre’s programming, and the future of Adelaide’s arts community.
After almost 19 years at the helm of Adelaide Festival Centre, what are you most proud of achieving during your tenure?
Well, I think Adelaide Festival Centre is now recognised as one of the most important creative hubs in the Asia Pacific region. We have that respect because of what we do – we have five festivals that are very much to do with contemporary Australia.
We have put together international intern programs and the Arts Leadership program, which have really made their mark across the region. I think our communities value what we do – they’re proud of Adelaide Festival Centre and Her Majesty’s Theatre.
The Maj has been a very important achievement, it took ten years to do but it is now probably one of the most loved and important theatres in the country. It just shows what we can do when our creative team puts its mind to it, we can create things that are world class. I’m really proud of the organisation for this success.
Celebrating 50 years of Adelaide Festival Centre was a milestone moment. What has been the economic and cultural impact of this landmark anniversary?
We were the first capital city arts centre in the country and that is a badge of honour. We might not be the biggest, but we can certainly be the most ambitious and the most innovative. A good example of that is OzAsia Festival, it attracted 220,000 people in 2024 and is regarded as the premier Asian Australian cultural engagement event in the country.
You can see in terms of number of attendances and the economic impact that the centre has. When you think about it from a precinct point of view, this facility here in the middle of the precinct (which attracts 5.5 million people a year), we are at the heart of that. Across in Chinatown, you can see the huge investment there, and the Maj is an anchor attraction right in the middle of that.
They’re the buildings, but it’s important always that you bring the buildings to life with great programming. That’s why our maxim, ‘program led’, has been central to our success.
Photo: Claudio Raschella
After years of involvement with Adelaide Festival Centre, what moment or achievement stands out as particularly meaningful to you?
I appeared in the opening of Festival Theatre back in 1973, and it was the second act of Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, and that was great, I loved it.
Now some of the most precious events we present are things like the Moon Lantern Trail, where families from right across the community feel that they are part of what we do and that they have recognition.
The way we connect with over 600 schools here, that is amazing and a huge investment in the future. I know when we’re asked to be an advisor for international arts marts or expos, on arts precincts or arts facilities, then I know there is a mark of respect for what Adelaide Festival Centre is and what it does.
If you could describe the legacy you hope to leave for the Centre and its festivals in one sentence, what would it be?
This is a great team right across the board, a creative team, and I hope it continues to be relevant to its community, and that it continues to hold the respect of the arts sector across Asia Pacific.
You’ve overseen the introduction and growth of major festivals such as OzAsia, DreamBIG, and First Nations programming. How do these festivals reflect the evolving identity of Adelaide’s arts community?
I think they represent the evolution of the community as a whole.
We’re all interested in our children’s welfare and broadening their experience and knowledge. The arts involvement is just so beneficial to children’s development and experience of the world, but those needs of children and young people are ever evolving, so you have to keep pace with it.
The sorts of things that might have been done even 20 years ago perhaps are not so relevant to kids today, and the great thing about that is that I think centrED, DreamBIG Children’s Festival, the winter and summer schools, and the guitar orchestras keep pace with the demands of young people. We should always be thinking about that. We should never stand still.
We all accept that arts and culture is a primary place, an opportunity, for reconciliation work and we as a community must take that very seriously. It’s a privilege to be able to work with First Nations curators here and we try
and make sure that all our festivals have some First Nations content.
We have a special opportunity in terms of being a platform for many voices in our community so that these voices feel that they are heard, that they have access and their stories are being told. That is a great contribution to good civic society, and I think Adelaide Festival Centre is right in the middle of all that.
OzAsia Festival has become a hub for Asian-Australian cultural engagement. How does the Festival strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between Australia and our Asian neighbours?
Our audiences see a lot of Asian work that comes to us, and equally, some of our best artists collaborate with companies from across Asia Pacific and bring that collaborative work here.
Then there are the Asian Australian writers. The insights about their backgrounds and relationship to modern day Australia.
This all comes together during OzAsia, so it gives everybody an opportunity to hear from others in this Asia Pacific community, of which we are part, so I can’t think of another festival or event across the country that really does that.
A centre like this, which is owned by the public, should be presenting a very wide range of attractions.
First Nations Programming including OUR MOB is such a significant addition to the festival lineup. How does it contribute to amplifying Indigenous voices and stories?
OUR MOB started off as a visual arts exercise almost 17 years ago. It’s an event of great joy and celebrationeveryone loves it, people buy great art and the artists appreciate it.
We’ve tried to push out with OUR WORDS and OUR STORIES, and I think that has been a great exercise. Celia Coulthard, our First Nations curator, and the team have done an outstanding job.
What role do you see festivals like DreamBIG Children’s Festival, Adelaide Guitar Festival and Adelaide Cabaret Festival playing in shaping future generations of artists and audiences?
There is a lot of value in Adelaide being regarded as the best festival city in the country, and it is, but it cannot just be mad March because if you take a look at other models and Edinburgh is a good example, these are festival cities “all year round.”
So that’s what this suite of festivals is planned to do, because from March onward, we’re running festivals yearround. Admittedly, they’re thematic. But as I said before, I think each of them is predicated pretty strongly on a recognition and a desire for relevance, and attraction to a modern Australian community mix and diversity.
Each of them has a component in terms of attracting young artists and encouraging their work and I do think that we’re growing audiences with that. If you look at the age of the audience for festivals, I think generally we can see that young people are participating and they are shaping the taste, and they are instructing us, after all, we’re nothing without audiences.
You can see with OzAsia for instance, 220,000 people, people vote with their feet. So you know that there is appetite for it. But we can never, ever take it for granted, and we can never stop evolving and thinking, okay, so what is relevant to our audience and what do they want?
Adelaide Festival Centre has a remarkable ability to host both large-scale productions and community-focused festivals. How do these events complement each other in shaping the Centre’s legacy?
We always need to have a balance. A centre like this which is owned by the public, should be presenting a very wide range of attractions. We’re very pleased to be able to present the Disney shows and the commercial producers shows which could attract anything up to about 150,000 attendees. So they’re important commercially to the operations of the centre.
But equally, we have responsibilities, to do work that is not for profit with independent artists from South Australia, which through our ‘inSpace’ series, we work very hard to support. It has to be a balance. Right across the board, it is the festivals, the community work, the free work, the exhibitions, and the work we do with home companies.
We also present a comprehensive mix of commercial work alongside the big musicals. So it’s a balance, and, always trying to think about what the audience wants and what else we can get them to explore.
We should never stand still... we have to keep pace with the evolving needs of young people and their connection to the arts.
Under your leadership, Adelaide became a UNESCO City of Music. Why was this recognition so important, and how has it benefited the city?
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network is a very strong international network. It’s not easy to win the designation, the city has to show that it recognises that arts and culture and respect for cultural diversity is central to the city’s planning and activity.
In the case of Adelaide, there is no question, if you look musically over the years, the track record is really quite remarkable.
At one stage, in Asia Pacific, there was only one creative city for music, which was Hamamatsu, the city in Japan that makes keyboards like Yamaha and Roland. UNESCO wanted some more cities of music and that year there were about 12 that applied and only three were successful. One was Tongyeong in Korea, which is a centre for traditional pansori opera, Korean opera, and also a very strong centre for Western classical music. Varanasi in India, which is a centre for Indian classical music and Adelaide.
So why did we want to be connected? Well, it’s a network that enables artist to artist and/or creative organisation to creative organisation cooperation and not just in the specific field of music. There are seven creative genre designations. We’ve had cooperations with Singapore in design and music, and Sydney in screen and music. We have set up under the auspices of UNESCO many bilateral cooperatives for Adelaide musicians, particularly across Asia Pacific.
Photo: Joey Jones
In 2019, we convened at Adelaide Festival Centre the first meeting of Asia Pacific creative cities – they’d never met before. And of course, as per the last UNESCO study, Asia Pacific is the biggest creative industries region in the world in terms of output, investment, jobs, etc. So we’re very lucky to be a part of it.
UNESCO status stamps Adelaide as worthy of being in that creative network, and there are some heavy hitters, Shanghai design, Busan film. So it’s one that we can leverage and within Asia Pacific particularly, the other creative cities respect Adelaide as a key leader.
The redevelopment of Adelaide Festival Centre next year marks a new chapter. What are your hopes for the Centre as it enters this next phase?
Well, it’s a massive reinvestment in the complex. We celebrated our 50 years in 2023, but the place is 50 years old and it requires some love and upgrades. So we welcome the investment from the government in terms of fire compliance and the work on the Western Plaza, and we’re adding in to that with our own investment into new seats, new stages, back and front of house facilities. These are really aimed at a better experience for patrons and for people backstage.
I think the Western Plaza work will connect the plaza more strongly with the riverbank, back into Elder Park. Particularly if we look at something like OzAsia and Lucky Dumpling Market, access up to the plaza is important to grow those people traffic flows. If there are activities on the plaza that can connect with what’s going on down in Elder Park or riverbank this adds to the attracting power of the precinct.
The other thing is that the plaza is without doubt the gateway to the precinct. So for us, we’ve got to think about how we are opening up onto that plaza so that we are welcoming, and we capitalise on that increased foot traffic and people in that space.
The potential for Adelaide Festival Centre really as an anchor attraction in the midst of all of these new buildings, Flinders University that’s bringing through 5000 people a day, hotels, casino, convention centre, the best natural amphitheatre in the city (Elder Park) and sports across the way. Click all that together – it’s very compelling.
We have a special opportunity in terms of being a platform for many voices in our community so that these voices feel that they are heard, that they have access and their stories are being told. That is a great contribution to good civic society, and I think Adelaide Festival Centre is right in the middle of all that.
With an international search underway for your successor, what qualities or vision do you believe are essential for leading the Centre into the future?
You’ve got to love this organisation and what it stands for, and really relish the privilege of leading one of the best creative organisations in the Asia Pacific region.
Photo: Chris Oaten
Photo: Chris Oaten
Dictionary of Lost Words Returns in 2025
“Scriptorium. It sounds as if it might have been a grand building, where the lightest footstep would echo between marble floor and gilded dome. But it was just a shed, in the back garden of a house in Oxford.
“Instead of storing shovels and rakes, the shed stored words.”
With those opening sentences, Adelaide writer Pip Williams enticed thousands of readers into The Dictionary of Lost Words and the world of Esme and her father’s “scrippy” where every word in the English language was written on a slip of paper to fill the Oxford English Dictionary.
Former Artistic Director Mitchell Butel saw the possibility of those words going from page to stage and commissioned Adelaide playwright Verity Laughton to adapt the acclaimed novel by Adelaide novelist Pip Williams, with the theatrical production exploring themes including friendship, love, heartbreak, grief, war, female empowerment, and the origins of a woman’s right to vote in both England and Australia.
“It turns out that one thing Esme, the protagonist, Pip Williams, the novelist, and I have in common is a complete obsession with words,” Verity said. “Like we are talking serious obsession here –it’s semi-tragic. So I knew what Pip was writing about, and I knew what Esme needed so desperately because I needed it too. I was wary, too, however, because I also knew that the book had been a huge sleeper hit, eventually selling well over half a million copies worldwide so it was understood that any audience would be a highly invested one. They would be seeking a version of the experience they remembered from reading the book and it would be my task to deliver that to them.”
Verity largely followed the chronology of the book, saying, “I was very conscious that you needed the charm and gutsy humour of the original to hold the audience’s attention. As I see it the play is ‘about’ people pursuing personal goals amidst great moments of social change and history with the added frisson around the making of that world through the making of its language. At the centre of it all is Esme Nicoll, the motherless daughter of one of the lexicographers working with Sir James Murray on the ground-breaking first edition of what became the Oxford English Dictionary. The key word for book and play is that first ‘lost’ word – the reality kernel within the fiction of the story – namely ‘bondmaid’ – with all the associations that that word contained in Esme’s time and still contains today. It’s been a joy to bring it to stage life.”
After delighting audiences and critics alike in sold out seasons in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, State Theatre Company South Australia’s highest and fastest selling show in the history of the Dunstan Playhouse returns to Adelaide as part of a wider national tour throughout 2025.
With a brand new cast starring Shannen Alyce Quan, Angela Nica Sullen, Jame Smith, Johnny Nasser, Ksenja Logos, Rachel Burke, Arkia Ashraf and Brian Meegan, The Dictionary of Lost Words is back for those who missed out, and for those who want relive the magic again.
In 1901, the word bondmaid was discovered missing from the Oxford English Dictionary. The Dictionary of Lost Words is the story of the girl who found it.
3 – 17 April
Dunstan Playhouse
A multi-award winner, the book has been praised by critics as an “absorbing, quietly revolutionary novel” (The Age) and “a captivating and slyly subversive fictional paean to the real women whose work on the Oxford English Dictionary went largely unheralded” (The New York Times).
Motherless and ever curious, Esme spends her childhood in the Scriptorium – the “Scrippy”, a garden shed in Oxford where her father and a team of lexicographers are gathering words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary. She hides beneath the table and catches discarded words as they fall – words the men find irrelevant and unimportant … female words. Here begins Esme’s collection of her own dictionary: the Dictionary of Lost Words.
As the years pass and Esme’s world expands and her circle of friends grows – actresses, suffragettes, market traders, workers, she realises the power in gathering their voices, and lending hers. And on the way, she comes to understand the many meanings of the word “love”.
Assistant Director Shannon Rush said if you loved the 2023 version, you’ll love this one too. And if you didn’t see it then, make sure you catch it in 2025!
“What a privilege to bring this muchloved, sold-out production back to the stage! Audiences absolutely loved it, and with many new faces in the cast and some script tweaks too, the show will have a fresh new energy,” she said.
The 2023 production of The Dictionary of Lost Words won the prestigious arts industry Ruby Award ‘Outstanding Work or Event Outside a Festival’ in 2024. Named after patron of the arts, the late Dame Ruby Litchfield, the Ruby Awards recognize excellence, creativity, and community involvement in South Australia's arts and cultural sector.
STEP INSIDE THE TV SERIES
What's On?
Fools Paradise | Victoria Square/ Tarntanyangga | Feb 20 - Mar 23
Located in the heart of Adelaide in Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga, Fool’s Paradise promises to be an epicentre of activity, offering a unique blend of circus, cabaret, comedy, music, and magic for Fringe 2025. The precinct will feature two unique venues, The Vault and The Lab, each with a stacked program of worldclass performances.
In addition to the great lineup of shows, Fool’s Paradise visitors can also enjoy FREE mini golf, a giant trapeze, and a free music program with a focus on multicultural friendly music. Think family friendly by day and a little bit naughty by night.
Explore what’s coming up in the Adelaide event calendar. To stay up to date, head to fiftyplussa.com.au
Gravity & Other Myths | The Peacock
at Gluttony | Feb 20 - March 23
Eight acrobats and one musician investigate physical skill; how we obtain it, how we perfect it, and how it can transform our lives. Through highlighting the nuance of high level acrobatics, audiences experience a heightened appreciation of the countless hours required to master the skills they are witnessing. Set to a driving, dynamic and intricate musical score using percussion/drums live on-stage, Ten Thousand Hours is a revelry of the distinct physical language that defines GOM and a celebration of the pursuit of mastery.
The Garden Feast | The Garden UD 24 Feb - 10 Mar
Iconic Australian chefs collaborate with our SA regional food heroes to create a series of unforgettable outdoor dinners right in the heart of The Garden! Chaos and unexpected encounters reign supreme at these indulgent Garden dining and performance experiences. A rollercoaster ride through uncharted gastronomic territories – a fusion of the bizarre and the exquisite. This is no ordinary dinner: It is a celebration of the best food and wine South Australia has to offer - a playground for the senses where the boundaries of taste are shattered. The hit of The Garden 2024, our Garden Feasts are a must for all Garden lovers. Invite the best people you know and book a table.
Kevin Quantum - Unbelievable Magic For Non-Believers
The Roundhouse | 14 Feb - 24 Mar
Sceptical? Good. We’re here to blow your mind right open. In the first ever magic show made for people that don’t believe in magic - Kevin dares you to see the impossible - transforming your scepticism to belief, using science to deceive you… in the way only a former Physics PhD could. Past “Best Magic” winner, Scottish Comedy Award nominee, trained by Penn & Teller.
Expect mind-blowing moments, big gasps, and raw, unfiltered magic from a world-class showman. Think you know what’s real? Think again.
| The Spiegeltent 14 Feb - 23 Mar (EXCL. MON)
After debuting at the Adelaide Fringe in 2013, LIMBO has toured around the world and been seen by hundreds of thousands of people. (Including Madonna, twice!)
Internationally touring sensation LIMBO rebooted in 2024 after a five-year hiatus and is coming in HOT, fresh from residencies in Sydney and Brisbane.
From Strut & Fret, creators of Blanc de Blanc and countless other headline shows, LIMBO is a genre defying spectacle that combines a fresh and intoxicating mix of cabaret, circus and acrobatics to the beat of New York composer Sxip Shirey’s ecstatic heart-pounding live music. Whether it’s your first time seeing LIMBO or your tenth, you will leave with the sounds of the live band and the sights of the world’s best acrobats playing in your head for weeks to come.
LIMBO
40 LOOKS GOOD ON YOU
Adelaide Chamber Singers Mark a Milestone Year
One of Australia’s foremost choral ensembles, Adelaide Chamber Singers (ACS) marks 40 years in 2025 and has dedicated their season to YOU, their audience.
“As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey of ACS, where the human voice is at the heart of everything we do. We have not only created stunning music but built meaningful connections, shared countless moments of joy, and encouraged each other to continually grow and evolve.” says Christie Anderson ACS Artistic Director and Conductor.
ACS will serve you with four eclectic and evocative concerts including the 2025 Adelaide Festival offering titled ‘Heal You’ The company will also appear off stage as choral collaborators conducted by Christie Anderson in Adelaide Festival’s groundbreaking opera ‘Innocence’
The second concert is one of deep emotions and celebrates the sacred and profane with passion, fire and madness. ‘Inflame You’ is for early music lovers in July.
‘Celebrate You’
The season closes with the next generation. Rising Voices is a high-level training ensemble introduced to underpin the future of the company and the art of choral singing. The ensemble will be led by guest conductor Carl Crossin in December with ‘Raise You’
And cementing their role as one of the leading vocal ensembles in demand, ACS will also be guest artists with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra as they ‘Remember’ Mozart’s Requiem in September.
Photo: Dave Pascoe Palms Brand Photography
The pinnacle is a huge celebration titled aptly, ‘Celebrate You,’. Both the ACS core and Rising Voices ensembles will come together to perform in October. ACS will present Thomas Tallis’ 40part motet Spem in Alium and have commissioned Carl Crossin to compose a 40 part motet, in a glorious exhibition of grandeur befitting the occasion. The artistry of the Renaissance will sit alongside Crossin’s luminous compositional voice.
Tickets for all concerts and events are on sale now via the ACS website:
HOUSEWORK Cleaning Up Canberra’s Dirty Secrets
Politics makes up so much of the news, but what really happens behind those doors in our nation’s capital?
In Housework, celebrated South Australian writer Emily Steel smashes through said doors to give us a whip smart, gaspingly funny and incisive deep dive into the corridors of power.
With shades of Veep, The Thick of It and The Hollowmen, Steel (Euphoria) unlocks some devilish and dangerous truths in this bold new black comedy about what goes on in Parliament House.
Kelly Sheppard, a naive but excited junior staffer in the Electorate Office of Ruth Mandour, a first-term Member of Parliament, unexpectedly gets the chance to travel to Canberra with the passionate MP she idolises and Ruth’s brilliant-but-exhausted Chief of Staff, Anna Cooper. Anna’s juggling Ruth’s new policy launch, a husband who can’t deal with their kid in her absence and the type of muffins the Member requires for a meeting while Kelly’s over the moon to get behind the scenes at Parliament and to watch her hero in action. But getting what you want in the nation’s capital requires some fancy footwork. What they all experience in that week makes them question their ambitions, their ideals and the value of democracy itself.
Two of Australia’s greatest comic actresses take to the stage in this thrilling world premiere – acclaimed
actress and comedian Susie Youssef, star of The Project, Deadloch and The Appleton Ladies Potato Race assumes the ministerial mantle while Emily Taheny, she of a thousand characters from Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell, is set to juggle a plethora of political hot potatoes as Anna, with direction from State Theatre Company South Australia Artistic Associate Shannon Rush (Cathedral, The Puzzle).
Artistic Associate with State Theatre Company South Australia Shannon Rush will again take up the Director’s role.
“At State Theatre Company South Australia, we’re huge advocates for new South Australian playwriting and I’m humbled that this will be the fourth new SA play I’ve directed for the Company. Working with playwrights is one of my favourite things to do - I’m always in awe of them - writing a play is extremely challenging.
“Emily Steel is one of the best. She’s developed this brave, whip-smart, comedic insight into the great corridors of power in Parliament House. She explores how women navigate and operate within a system originally designed for, and still dominated by, men. Her writing is incredibly intelligent and sharp, and the characters leap off the page. It’s very much a play for now, a story that captures the zeitgeist.”
Steel, originally from Wales and living in Adelaide since 2010, is an award-winning playwright who has worked in the UK
7 – 22 Feb
Dunstan Playhouse
and Australia. Her previous play for STCSA, Euphoria, garnered rave reviews in Adelaide and during its regional tour. She developed the concept and was one of the lead writers for STCSA/ActNow’s Decameron 2.0 project, which put 100 new monologues on YouTube during the 2020 lockdown.
Housework is supported by Dramatic Women - a vibrant community of women passionate about supporting outstanding female lead creatives – playwrights and directors – to present work with State Theatre Company South Australia.
Since 2002, Dramatic Women has stewarded the work of more than 100 female writers and directors to the stage, including veteran artists such as Robyn Archer and Sue Smith, through to (then) emerging artists such as Rita Kalnejais, Lally Katz, Nikki Bloom and Michelle Law. Last year Dramatic Women supported Justine Clarke in the sell-out success, Julia.
“I’m very grateful to Dramatic Women for supporting Housework. I just love what this collective does! They give an essential voice to women from all walks of life and boldly bring women’s stories to the stage. They are a delightful and passionate group who I always feel are supporting and backing me as a female director.”
Sex scandals, betrayals, culture wars, the price of power, motherhood and Machiavellian manipulation – it’s all in a day’s work inside the House...
Get ready to laugh, cringe, cheer and see what makes the wheels of power turn, and what doesn’t make it onto the nightly news.
Rush added, “I can’t wait to open the doors to the House and share this brilliant new work with Adelaide audiences.”
State Theatre Company South Australia in association with Adelaide Festival Centre present HOUSEWORK by Emily Steel.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF FAWLTY TOWERS
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
For fans of Fawlty Towers, there’s no better way to celebrate the iconic sitcom’s 50th anniversary than with a seat at Faulty Towers The Dining Experience. This immersive theatrical show has not only become the longest-running production at the Adelaide Fringe but also tours globally, bringing the chaos and hilarity of the Fawlty Towers universe to life.
While the original TV series aired only 12 episodes, its influence endures, proving that some comedy truly stands the test of time. Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has taken that legacy and transformed it into a dining adventure where audiences step into the world of Basil, Sybil, and Manuel—and become part of the punchlines.
The enduring appeal of Faulty Towers lies in its sharp writing, unforgettable characters, and hilarious exploration of the chaos behind a seaside hotel. The dynamics between the perpetually stressed Basil, the no-nonsense Sybil, and the hapless Manuel remain irresistibly funny.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience captures this magic, allowing audiences to relive—and participate in—the comedic mayhem. Whether it’s an argument breaking out across the room or a waiter dropping plates in spectacular style, the show places you at the heart of the action.
A UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
What sets Faulty Towers The Dining Experience apart is its fully immersive nature. The show blends theatre and dining, with actors seamlessly interacting
with the audience while embodying the beloved characters. From Sybil’s sharp retorts to Basil’s frantic antics, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the Fawlty Towers dining room—chaos and all.
GLOBAL ACCLAIM, LOCAL LEGACY
With roots at the Adelaide Fringe and a presence that spans from Australia to the West End, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has won praise for its nostalgic yet original take on the classic sitcom. Fans and critics alike have celebrated its ability to honour the series while delivering an unforgettable live experience.
As we mark 50 years since Fawlty Towers first aired, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience stands as a testament to the enduring power of great comedy. Here’s to five decades of laughs—and a future that keeps the spirit of Faulty Towers alive and thriving.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience Tickets: $90 to $113
Tickets include a three-course meal Fri, 21 Feb - Sun, 23 Mar adelaidefringe.com.au
Breathing Life Into Lost Words and Found Stories
By Olivia Williams
When The Dictionary of Lost Words debuted in 2020, it became a phenomenon. More than 500,000 copies sold globally, a New York Times bestseller tag, and the distinction of being the first Australian work featured in Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club. Now, Pip Williams’ evocative tale of language, power, and silenced voices is set to captivate audiences once more. The acclaimed stage adaptation by Verity Laughton, which premiered at Adelaide’s Dunstan Playhouse, will launch a national tour in 2025, with Adelaide audiences treated to a return season from April 3 to 17. As an Adelaide native, Williams’ connection to her story and her home state shines through in every aspect of her work.
For Williams, The Dictionary of Lost Words started with a question. After reading Simon Winchester’s The Surgeon of Crowthorne, she was struck by the maledominated process behind the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). “If everyone involved in defining the words were men, then how well did that first edition of the OED represent the way women used words?” Williams pondered. Her curiosity deepened when she discovered the story of bondmaid, a word mysteriously omitted from the dictionary’s first edition. “It was the perfect place to start a story about women’s words and why they matter,” she shared.
Language, for Williams, is not just a tool but a powerful force that shapes identity and history. “If we can’t define ourselves with words, then we can’t be properly understood or included,” Williams explained. The Oxford English Dictionary was shaped by educated men, using texts predominantly written by men, leaving the experiences and expressions of women and marginalised groups overlooked. Williams’ investigation raised questions about whether this inherent bias affected what words, and therefore stories, were remembered or forgotten. “I wanted to know if men and women
might sometimes use different words to express their unique experiences, and if they did, was it possible that some words and meanings that belonged to women were left out of the first edition of the Dictionary?”
Set in 1886, the novel follows Esme, a young girl growing up in the "Scriptorium," where male lexicographers curate the dictionary. Esme’s journey becomes a poignant exploration of whose voices are preserved and whose are erased. While rooted in history, Williams’ narrative remains strikingly relevant. “This is a story about language, inclusion, and representation—issues that continue to concern women today,” she noted. “The essence of the story— how language defines who we are—is relevant to other groups still not well represented, from First Nations people to immigrants and LGBTQI+ communities.”
If we can’t define ourselves with words, then we can’t be properly understood or included.
The power of language, both as a tool and a weapon, lies at the heart of the story. Her meticulous research into the biases of the OED raises broader questions about other revered texts shaped by dominant perspectives. As Williams put it, “I’m sure the same biases exist in encyclopedias, histories, laws, and constitutions.”
The support my book has received in South Australia feels extraordinary, and very humbling.
The leap from page to stage can be daunting for any author, but Williams described the experience as transformative. “I was lucky enough to read the script at various stages and sit in on a couple of rehearsals, so I knew it was going to be a treat,” she said. “The first time I went to rehearsals, I was genuinely humbled, almost into silence – the investment in it was extraordinary and I’m not just talking about the financial investment. I’m talking about the creativity, passion, skill, time and care. Everyone, from playwright, Verity Laughton, and director, Jess Arthur, to the actors, set designer, lighting designer, composer, costumer designer, and all the people who bring their visions to life. There wasn’t a person involved who wasn’t excited and committed.” Williams continued, “When I finally saw it on stage I was stunned. As a writer, I never watch someone reading my work. But there I was, sitting beside people who were wiping tears from their eyes
during scenes that had started out as scribbles in my notebook. These people had animated them in a way I could never have imagined. The collaborative magic of theatre is a beautiful thing.”
The upcoming national tour promises to expand the reach of this “fabulous adaptation” ( Australian Stage ). Starting in Sydney, it will visit Geelong, Brisbane, Canberra, Wollongong, and finally return to Adelaide. With Verity Laughton’s deft adaptation and Jess Arthur’s direction, the production captures the novel’s rich emotional depth. Each performance breathes life into Esme’s journey, from her formative years collecting discarded words to her realisation of their profound significance.
Beyond the stage, Esme’s story is also set for the screen. A TV adaptation is in development, offering yet another lens through which audiences can engage with Williams’ creation. “There is a lot that can be done on screen that can’t be done on the page or stage,” she remarked. “I hope that Esme’s story is enriched by what screen can do.”
Williams’ success with The Dictionary of Lost Words has been a milestone for South Australian literature. “The support my book has received in South Australia feels extraordinary, and very humbling,” she said. “It has been embraced around the world, but nowhere more than South Australia. Not only have readers picked it up in droves and shared it with family and friends (forever grateful by the way), but other South Australian creatives have connected with the story and imagined it anew. I am so proud to be part of this creative state. It feels exciting and supportive and enriching and I love
When I finally saw it on stage I was stunned. As a writer, I never watch someone reading my work. But there I was, sitting beside people who were wiping tears from their eyes during scenes that had started out as scribbles in my notebook.
what happens when we share our stories with each other and with South Australian audiences.”
As the stage adaptation prepares for its encore, Williams is already working on her next novel, which will revisit some familiar characters. “These fictional characters continue to live their lives in my imagination,” she revealed. “It is a joy to get to know them a little better.” While details remain under wraps, fans can rest assured that her storytelling will continue to probe the intersections of history, language, and identity.
The 2025 return of The Dictionary of Lost Words to the Dunstan Playhouse is more than just a homecoming. It’s a celebration of the enduring power of words and the voices they carry. As audiences prepare to experience Esme’s journey once again, Williams’ reflection resonates: “Language is not just about communication. It’s about belonging.”
of
The stage adaptation of The Dictionary of Lost Words will run at the Dunstan Playhouse in Adelaide from April 3 to 17, 2025. Tickets will be available through the State Theatre Company SA.
The Dictionary
Lost Words by Pip Williams
THE SONGS THAT SHAPED AUSTRALIA
A Celebration of Aussie Music
After a smash-hit Edinburgh Festival season, ‘Down Under: The Songs That Shaped Australia’ returns to the Adelaide Fringe!
Fresh from winning the 2024 category award for Music and Musicals at Fringe World, along with the House of Oz Purse Prize, this high-energy celebration of Australia’s music legends is back where it all started. Down Under: The Songs That Shaped Australia (formerly known as Mixtape Australia) will take centre stage for three performances at Plant 4 Bowden as part of the Adelaide Fringe's dynamic music and cabaret programme.
These songs are more than just entertainment— they reflect Australia’s resilience, diversity, and commitment to transformation. It’s an absolute privilege to perform these stories.
A JOURNEY THROUGH AUSTRALIA'S ICONIC HITS
From the opening chords of Midnight Oil to the heart-thumping anthems of Cold Chisel, this show is an unforgettable ride through the songs that defined Australia. This isn't just a concert—it's an immersive journey through the music that shaped our cultural landscape over the past 60 years.
Audiences will be treated to stories and historic facts woven through Australia's biggest hits, paying tribute to legendary artists like INXS, The Divinyls, Hunters and Collectors, Tina Arena, and The Easybeats—to name just a few. It’s a night filled with nostalgia, celebration, and a deep appreciation of the music that speaks to the soul of a nation.
The multi-award-winning Michelle Pearson, co-writer, producer, and performer, brings her stunning vocal talent and powerful stage presence to the show. Known for her breathtaking cabaret performances, Pearson is no stranger to the Australian music scene and brings an added layer of passion and heart to this tribute to Australia's iconic hit-makers.
Pearson reflects, “Down Under: The Songs That Shaped Australia pays homage to the artists who used their voices to challenge societal norms and push for change. These songs are more than just entertainment—they reflect Australia’s resilience, diversity, and commitment to transformation. It’s an absolute privilege to perform these stories."
CATCH THE SHOW AT ADELAIDE FRINGE
Don’t miss your chance to see Down Under: The Songs That Shaped Australia at Plant 4 Bowden, a unique venue that perfectly complements the energy of the show.
Performance Dates:
y Saturday, 1st and 15th March at 8:45 PM
y Sunday, 23rd March at 8:00 PM
For tickets:
Eastertide:
Passions and Sorrows II
music from Handel, Vivaldi, Purcell & Scarlatti
Kyle Stegall | tenor
We delve into the rich collection of music inspired by the Passion of Christ as a start to our Orchestral series. This time with the powerful artistry of U.S. Tenor Kyle Stegall and music by Handel, Vivaldi, Bach and Biber.
Saturday April 12th | 5.00pm & 7.30pm St John’s Halifax Street www.trybooking.com/CXVRS
Sunday April 13th | 3.00pm
The Top House at Coriole Winery www.trybooking.com/CXVSC
SEASON 2025
Celebrating 40 years
Heal You - Adelaide Festival
13 Mar - Adelaide Town Hall
Inflame You
4-6 July - Baroque Hall, Christ Church, Calvary Chapel
Celebrate You
25 Oct - St Peter’s Cathedral
Raise You
5 Dec - St Peter’s Cathedral
Book now adelaidechambersingers.com
Arentz Advises
Meet
Matthew
Arentz,
a
Partner
at
DBH Lawyers,
boasting over 20 years of legal expertise.
The Age Discrimination Act 2004 is intended to protect people from discrimination on the basis of age. It is designed to mirror international commitments against ageism which allows people to access work and to maintain meaningful engagement in the workforce.
Although there are not many cases available for consideration, there has been a big win for an older worker recently. Mr Alex Gutierrez won his case after a long legal battle. Mr Gutierrez’s employer sought to make him retire at 65 despite a long and successful employment relationship and no question as to the capacity for him to undertake his duties. He won his case on appeal and was awarded over $230,000.00 in compensation.
Employment and Age Discrimination
The most obvious examples of age discrimination in the workplace are:
1. Stereotyping based on age
2. Advertising for roles in a manner that is limited or restrictive based on age (“join our young and vibrant team”)
3. Non-recruitment based on age
4. Denying of promotional, transfer or training opportunities based on age
5. Forcing retirement or targeted redundancy
6. Termination based on age
The Age Discrimination Act 2004 allows individuals to enforce their rights by way of a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. The Commission will try to assist the parties to resolve the matter through conciliation in the first instance. If this cannot be achieved, the matter can proceed to Court.
The Fair Work Act 2009 is also a piece of Commonwealth legislation that seeks to protect employees by preventing agerelated discrimination. If you feel you have
been discriminated against, you can make a complaint to the Fair Work Ombudsman who may choose to investigate and initiate litigation against an employer for contraventions of the Fair Work Act 2009. Alternatively, you can make your own application to the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Act also allows older workers to seek reasonable modifications or flexible working arrangements.
There are also state-based laws that aim to prevent unlawful discrimination based on age.
If you think you have been the subject of age discrimination, you should seek advice from a lawyer or your union or employee association.
66 Wright St, Adelaide dbh.com.au
CONVERSATIONS WITH CORNESY
Sporting legend. Seasoned Broadcaster. SA icon. That’s Cornesy.
FIVEaa presents a special series called ‘Conversations with Cornesy’ with Graham Cornes. Discover the stories behind the biggest sporting identities, musicians and politicians. FIVEaa’s Conversations with Cornesy are unguarded, authentic and utterly captivating.
AUSTRALIAN TV AND RADIO PRESENTER GRANT DENYER ON MAKING IT IN THE BIG TIME.
“I knew I wasn’t the smartest or the prettiest, but I had a pretty good work ethic…my dad always said, ‘if you can’t be good be cheap’, and that was actually a great bit of advice because I was never going to be able to become a journalist through the traditional means.”
THREE-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST SHANE GOULD MBE ON THE PRESSURE OF COMPETING AT THE 1972 MUNICH OLYMPICS GAMES AS A 15-YEAR-OLD.
“It was a bit of a lonely time because I didn’t have my parents close by…so as a 15-year-old, it was a time where I had to grow up really quickly and had to rely on myself. I hate the term ‘dig deep’, but I had to find things within myself that I didn’t know I had.”
FORMER ADELAIDE CROWS STAR AND RENOWNED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON MATTHEW LIPTAK ON WHAT HE CONSIDERS THE BEST CROWS SIDE EVER.
“The 1996 era was a really interesting one for the Crows. If you go back and have a look at games played, medals won, All-Australians etc., it may be our best side ever.”
AUSTRALIAN MUSIC LEGEND PAUL KELLY ON HIS ORIGINAL HITS WHICH HAVE MEANT MORE TO HIM AS TIME GOES ON.
“The older I’ve got and the longer I’ve played, the old songs become more and more meaningful to me. I carry those old songs that are popular with me, like To Her Door and Before Too Long which have very distinctive guitar parts.”
SOUTH ADELAIDE FC AND SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FOOTY LEGEND PETER DARLEY ON MODERN-DAY FOOTY.
“I’m not the slightest bit interested in the AFL, I think it’s an absolute waste of money when I look at my club that’s struggling and all the other SANFL clubs…I think they’ve lost touch with reality that in 10 years time, where are they going to get their players from. They’ve got to nurture the SANFL.”
To listen to these episodes and more scan the QR code or listen ON AIR weekdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm.
Balancing Capital Preservation and Volatility in Retirement
FJoe Christie, Executive Director, Capital Property Funds
or many retirees, preserving capital is usually a primary focus as they transition from growth-oriented investments to those providing more predictable income. At the same time, they must consider factors such as volatility, liquidity, and potential returns. Understanding how these elements interact—especially the role liquidity plays in driving volatility—can be helpful when selecting suitable investments, including property debt funds (also referred to as real estate credit funds).
A property debt fund is an investment vehicle that pools capital from investors to provide loans. The loans are backed by tangible property, providing a layer of security for the lender (or property debt fund) because the property can be sold if the borrower defaults on the loan. Property debt funds generate returns through the interest paid on the loans by the borrower.
Volatility: A Key Concern for Retirees
Volatility refers to how much an investment’s value can fluctuate in a given period. In retirement, high volatility may be a concern because retirees may rely on steady returns to support their day-to-day needs. Sudden drops in asset value could undermine this stability, especially if there is not enough time for the market to recover before withdrawals are needed.
Listed investments, such as those traded on the stock exchange, are typically more volatile than unlisted investments. The primary reason for higher levels of volatility is liquidity. Liquidity refers to how quickly an investment can be converted into cash.
On the other hand, unlisted investments like property debt funds do not trade on the stock exchange and thus are not subject to the same degree of liquidityrelated volatility. Since investors cannot easily trade these assets, their value is less influenced by short-term market sentiment. This can result in more stable pricing and potentially lower volatility, when compared to listed investments, which may appeal to retirees seeking to preserve their capital.
Liquidity: A Double-Edged Sword
Liquidity refers to how quickly an asset can be converted into cash. With listed investments, investors can generally convert their investments into cash within
a few business days. This high level of liquidity is attractive to some investors, but it also makes listed investments more vulnerable to price movements.
Property debt funds, by contrast, tend to have lower liquidity. They are secured by property, which cannot be readily converted to cash. Investors often need to commit their capital for a defined period before they can redeem their investment. This reduced liquidity means these investments are not subject to daily price movements, which means they are more stable than assets traded on the stock market.
The Liquidity Premium
We have discussed liquidity and its impact on volatility, it is worth mentioning that unlisted investments may offer higher income returns than more liquid investments. This is often referred to as the "liquidity premium," where investors are rewarded for committing their funds for a longer period.
Retirees who are comfortable with having less frequent access to their capital could find this trade-off worthwhile. By accepting a longer investment term, they may potentially earn higher income than they would with more liquid, listed investments combined with lower volatility on their invested capital. Conversely, retirees who prefer more timely access to their funds might opt for listed investments, even though they could face higher volatility and potentially lower income returns.
Key Takeaways for Retirees
1.
2.
Volatility and Liquidity:
Listed investments can be more volatile than unlisted investments due to their liquidity. In contrast, property debt funds are not traded on an exchange, which tends to result in lower volatility and a more consistent capital value.
3.
Capital Preservation: Retirees often aim to reduce dramatic swings in their portfolio value. Property debt funds may offer a measure of stability by avoiding daily market fluctuations.
4.
Long-Term Commitment: Less-liquid investments might suit retirees who do not need immediate access to their funds.
By recognising how liquidity drives volatility in listed investments, retirees can better evaluate whether a higher or lower level of liquidity suits their financial goals and help build a retirement portfolio that aligns with their risk tolerance and need for steady, long-term income.
Balancing Needs:
Ultimately, the choice between listed and unlisted investments depends on a retiree’s priorities. If more timely access to cash is essential, listed assets might be preferable— even if volatility is higher. If preserving capital and higher income returns are important, property debt funds may be worth exploring.
Disclaimer: Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The distributions and investment returns depend on the performance of the underlying investments. Information contained within this article does not constitute financial advice, nor is it a personal recommendation. Capital Property Funds is not authorised or qualified to provide financial advice or to make an investment recommendation. Information contained within this article is general in nature and has been prepared without regard to the individual objectives, financial situation, or requirements of any person. Prospective investors should seek personal financial and legal advice before deciding to invest.
At Capital Property Funds, we specialise in offering Real Estate Credit Funds that provide our investors with access to stable, income-generating real estate loans. Our funds are designed with the needs of our investors in mind, focusing on capital preservation and delivering consistent income returns. By pooling resources from multiple investors, we’re able to offer larger loans to high-quality real estate projects, providing a level of diversification and risk management that individual investors may find difficult to achieve.
Our Real Estate Credit Funds are an excellent option for those looking to earn higher returns while maintaining a focus on capital preservation. We carefully select the projects we invest in, ensuring that each loan is secured by valuable real estate assets.
If you’re interested in learning more about how real estate credit funds can fit into your investment portfolio, talk to our team.
Navigating home care with a Helping Hand
Most of us want to remain living at home for as long as possible. But as we get older, sometimes we just need a little bit of help to live confidently and independently at home. Help with day-to-day tasks such as hanging out the washing, preparing meals, allied health therapies, general home and garden maintenance can make a big difference on our quality of life.
Helping Hand recently launched their Aged Care Connector service, offering personalised guidance to people looking to understand what services are available to them, and how to access them.
We sat down with Mel Bassham, Aged Care Connector with Helping Hand, to discuss some of the common challenges and misconceptions about aged care. Here Mel shares her expert advice and insights on how to navigate the system, debunks common myths, and highlights the key factors to consider when choosing home care services.
Q: Firstly, how does the Aged Care Connector service work?
A: Our Aged Care Connector service assists South Australians to access the right care and support to remain living independently and safely at home as they age. Everyone’s situation is different, so I’m here to help people work out the right care and support for their needs.
After an initial phone chat I will arrange a time to meet, either face to face or over the phone, to find out more about the person’s individual needs and goals. We then work on a plan for what is best for their situation – this could be contacting My Aged Care and assisting with registering to access government-funded support, or helping to set up services paid for privately through the Elevate program by Helping Hand.
Q: What are some common misconceptions people have about accessing home care services?
A: The most common misconception I hear is that people think they’re not eligible to access help at home. Depending on your circumstances or need, there are various options to access support at home whether it is Government funded, or privately funded services through an aged care provider such as Helping Hand.
Q; What about the barriers, do you find there are frequent concerns which prevent people from getting home services?
A: A lot of people think if they have an aged care assessment they’re going to be forced into services, or even sent to a residential care home. That’s just not the case, once you have had an assessment it’s completely up to you what services you would like to access, and when you would like them.
as physiotherapy. All of our staff are experienced, qualified and friendly and we find that our clients often build beautiful friendships with our staff, and look forward to their visits.
Q: If you could give people considering home care services one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: We often hear from people once they have reached out for help that they wish they had done it sooner. A lot of people feel like accessing services will lead to a loss of independence, whereas in reality having some help actually enables them to maintain their independence. You have nothing to lose by at least having a conversation, and finding out what support could be available to you.
Another piece of advice is to make sure you give the assessor a realistic picture of your day to day life, and share your ‘worst day’ so that they get a clear understanding of your support needs. It’s also a good idea to have a support person with you during your assessment, whether it’s a family member or someone like myself.
For more advice on all things aged care, tune into Age Old Problems: New Aged Care a podcast by Helping Hand. Authentic, relatable conversations about aged care from the people who work or receive services from Helping Hand.
Episode One: Navigating Home Care, includes some useful tips for those looking to get started.
Some people are also concerned about strangers coming into their home, whether it be for cleaning, personal care, or even to deliver nursing services or allied health support such helpinghand.org.au
To contact the Aged Care Connector service, call 1300 444 663 or email connect@helpinghand.org.au
Mel Bassham, Aged Care Connector, and Joan
ENTER THE WORLD OF DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Fear and anxiety are often synonymous with dentistry. This in part is symptomatic of archaic treatment and procedures previously associated with the profession as this is simply how dentistry needed to be completed. Curriculum changes within universities over the years have now focused on the psychology of not just pain but more importantly fear and this has allowed students to better understand that they will be treating a person when they graduate, not just their teeth.
Whilst improved practitioner patient management plays a large role in shifting the social norm of horror dentist narratives, an adjustment in the way practitioners also diagnose and treat cases has hands down changed the way patients see the dental cohort. Enter the world of digital dentistry.
We are all aware of how technology has changed and improved the way we operate in our day-to-day lives, but many people are still under the impression that dentistry hasn’t evolved. Smile Clinic’s start point is always to make a patient comfortable and
ensure they are heard in regard to their chief concern. But it also comes down to staying in touch with the ever-evolving digital world and technological advances of the industry. Our practices adopt a variety of modern techniques, such as the use of digital x-rays which reduces unnecessary radiation to patients and allows transfer of records effectively and efficiently to reduce repetition and reexposure if the patient needs to be seen elsewhere. Technologically advanced diagnostic aids allow accurate treatment planning for things such as endodontics (root canals) and the preparation of crowns and bridges and means that the treatments can be completed with better accuracy and increased predictability in a procedure that is very technique sensitive.
Something as simple as a nightguard, used to prevent tooth grinding and clenching, was often deemed as unachievable for patients with a strong gag reflex. Smile Clinic replaces this method with utilising a digital intraoral scanner, which eliminates the use of
messy materials, and ensures a more comfortable experience for the patient.
Smile Clinic is committed to shifting the paradigm toward higher engagement with our patients and their needs and moving the discussion regarding dental treatment to the positive, so that not just you but future generations can have reduced fear and anxiety around this ever-changing profession.
760 Grand Boulevard, Seaford Meadows Suite 4, 11 Torrens Street, Victor Harbor smileclinicdental.com.au
A JOURNEY OF TRUST
Walking with Horses in Nature
By Olivia Williams
Imagine standing in the tranquil expanse of Kuitpo Forest, the cool shade of towering pines above and the soft crunch of earth beneath your boots. Beside you walks a horse—not saddled or bridled, but free to move alongside you, step for step. A loose rope forms a gentle J-shape between you, a quiet symbol of shared independence and connection. In this moment, you are not the leader or the follower. You are equals, bound by trust and an unspoken understanding.
This isn’t your typical outdoor activity. Walking with Horses in Nature, a concept created by Adelaide Hills local Mel McLaren, offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with nature and yourself, alongside one of her majestic rehomed horses. Whether in the forest, along the beach, or with a cup of tea in hand at Mel’s tranquil farm, this experience is part wellness journey, part soulful retreat.
Each session begins with an introduction to your horse. Arabian mare, Kite, and I met over a grooming session, where I was encouraged to observe her responses and let trust build naturally. “It’s not about control,” Mel explains. “It’s about connection and moving in harmony.”
The horse you’re paired with isn’t chosen at random. Mel’s intuitive approach matches each participant with a horse whose energy aligns with their own. Kite, bred for endurance racing but retired due to her petite size, proved a perfect companion for me.
Walking together through the forest, I began to understand the delicate interplay between us. Kite trusted me to guide her path; I trusted her steady presence. This mutual reliance—footsteps to hoofbeats, heartbeat to heartbeat—became a meditative rhythm that left me feeling grounded and renewed.
The Magic of Connection
Mel’s own story of resilience and reinvention is woven into every walk.
After leaving a corporate career, she purchased a neglected farm in the Adelaide Hills and welcomed her first two horses, Koszi and Saxon. Each horse she’s since rehomed has its own journey of healing and adaptation, much like Mel’s own.
After enduring profound personal loss, she found solace in a life rooted in connection—to the land, to animals, and to her own sense of purpose. Her farm became a sanctuary for rehomed horses, each with their own story of resilience.
Mel sees her work as a way to share the profound lessons she’s learned. “The magic happens when you let go of expectations,” she says. “Horses teach us to be present, to trust, and to find strength in vulnerability.”
Whether you’re walking through a forest, along a shoreline, or savouring a quiet moment with tea, these experiences offer more than relaxation. They provide a way to reconnect—with nature, with others, and with yourself.
An Invitation to Walk
Walking with Horses in Nature offers an experience that is deeply restorative. It’s an opportunity to slow down, tune into your intuition, and rediscover a sense of balance alongside these extraordinary creatures.
If you’re seeking more than just a walk— if you’re looking for connection, trust, and a touch of magic—this is your chance to find it. In the quiet company of these gentle beings, you may discover not only the peace of the horses but also the resilience within yourself.
Tranquil Forest Walk
y WHERE: Adelaide Hills at Kuitpo Forest
y WHAT TO EXPECT: Begin your journey with a cup of tea alongside your guide, quietly observing and bonding with your horse during a gentle grooming session. Once you and your horse feel comfortable together, set out on peaceful loop trails at your own pace. Walks range from 1–8 km, with plenty of opportunities to rest and connect with nature.
y DURATION: 2-2.5 hours
Sublime Beach Walk
y WHERE: Fleurieu Peninsula –Normanville Beach (summer), Silver Sands (winter)
y WHAT TO EXPECT: Start by grooming your horse to establish trust, then stroll along the shoreline at your own pace. On warm days, you can even wade into the water with your horse by your side.
y DURATION: 2 hours
Tea & Chill with Horses
y WHERE: Mel’s private 80-acre farm near Meadows, Adelaide Hills
y WHAT TO EXPECT: A relaxed, hands-on session enjoying natural tea in the company of free-roaming horses. Accessible to all, including those with limited mobility.
y DURATION: 2–2.5 hours
Mel McLaren, Founder, Walk Sublime
Make it smarter
Pre-planning your funeral is a smarter, more colourful and meaningful way of managing your end-of-life affairs.
Discover how you can make this important decision with confidence and care.
Planning Your FINAL FAREWELL
Why Pre-Paid Funerals Are Smarter
By Verity McAvaney - Prepaid Funeral Specialist, Simplicity Funerals
It’s often said there are two things we can’t avoid in life: death and taxes. While taxes are a hassle, the great news is that when it comes to death, you can be in control. Pre-planning your funeral not only ensures you get the send-off you want but also offers your family emotional relief and financial freedom.
Make It Your Own
Who says funerals have to be serious and sombre? Funerals can be joyful celebrations of life, reflecting your personality in every detail. Pre-planning allows you to make your farewell as unique as you are.
Always dreamed of a beachside service? Or perhaps you’ve always worn cowboy boots or had a thing for pink? Why not request that your guests dress in your favourite colour or wear something that reminds them of you? It’s your farewell, so make it memorable.
The Ultimate Gift to Your Loved Ones
Pre-planning your funeral is one of the most thoughtful things you can do. It gives your family peace of mind, knowing your wishes are documented, and lifts the burden of making tough decisions while grieving.
Pre-paying means your loved ones won’t need to stress about costs or whether they’re making the right choices. It’s an act of love that eases both emotional and financial burdens.
Prevent Family Disagreements
Anyone who’s been involved in funeral planning knows it can sometimes lead to family disagreements. Documenting your wishes in advance ensures everyone is on the same page, preventing conflicts and keeping harmony intact during an emotional time.
The Guardian Funeral Plan
While funeral insurance and bonds are options, many find pre-paid plans to be simpler, more affordable, and more personalised. You don’t have to worry about missed payments or inflation. With a pre-paid plan, you’re in control from start to finish.
Many people choose pre-paid plans in their 50s or 60s, as they start thinking about retirement and long-term financial planning. It’s a smart way to ensure your loved ones don’t face extra stress when the time comes.
The Ultimate Last Word
How many times have you wished you could tell your story in your own words? With guidance, you can create a reflection of your life, your personality, and your wishes. Imagine your family reading your handwritten words, feeling your spirit in every sentence.
If writing a eulogy feels daunting, don’t worry—helpful worksheets make it easier to express your thoughts. Once completed, it can be safely stored until the time comes.
Locking in Today’s Prices
Unlike funeral insurance, which requires ongoing premiums and can lapse if you miss a payment, pre-paid funerals lock in today’s price, protecting your family from rising costs.
For example, if you plan your funeral in 2025 but don’t pass away until 2055, your costs are covered at today’s rate. This could save your family thousands, leaving them free to focus on living, not funeral expenses.
Payment is straightforward—typically one-third upfront, with the balance spread over 36 months. It’s a manageable plan that eliminates last-minute stress.
Leave a Lasting Legacy of Love
Pre-planning your funeral isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a loving legacy. By taking the time to plan, you give your family peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
So why not take control of your final journey? Plan ahead, lock in today’s prices, and give your family the gift of a beautiful, stress-free farewell. It might just be one of the most thoughtful decisions you ever make.
Contact us 24/7 on 1300 556 222
Drip Therapy and IV Hydration
Feeling run down or stressed? Drip therapy, also known as IV hydration, is a growing trend for those seeking a wellness boost. Here’s what you need to know about this increasingly popular treatment.
What Is IV Therapy?
IV therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly into your bloodstream. Unlike oral supplements, which can be poorly absorbed, IV therapy offers up to 100% absorption for maximum benefit.
Previously confined to hospitals, IV therapy is now available in wellness clinics like Dripclub, where a relaxed atmosphere makes this treatment more accessible.
Why Choose IV Therapy?
Modern living takes a toll on your body, but IV therapy can help:
y Recharge your body: Provides hydration and nutrients for energy and recovery.
y Boost immunity: Vitamin C and zinc drips help ward off illness.
y Enhance skin health: Antioxidant blends promote a radiant complexion.
y Aid recovery: Replenishes lost nutrients after workouts, flights, or late nights.
How Does It Work?
A medical consultation tailors the treatment to your needs. During a 30–60 minute session, a small needle delivers a customised nutrient blend into your bloodstream while you relax.
Key Benefits of IV Therapy
1. Maximum Absorption: Oral supplements often face absorption issues, but IV therapy bypasses the digestive system, ensuring you get the most out of your treatment.
2. Customisable Solutions: From immune support to energy boosts and even antiaging blends, IV therapy is designed to meet your unique needs.
3. Fast-Acting Relief: Feel the effects almost immediately, whether it’s rehydration, reduced fatigue, or enhanced focus.
4. A Modern Wellness Experience: Clinics like Dripclub in Unley create a welcoming, spa-like atmosphere, making IV therapy as relaxing as it is beneficial.
Is It Right for You?
Perfect for anyone recovering from illness, feeling sluggish, or preparing for an event, IV therapy offers a modern solution for health and vitality.
On the Road to Wellness
Did you know many IV drip therapy providers now offer mobile services? That’s right—health and hydration can come straight to your door. Whether you’re recovering from a big event, boosting your immune system, or simply seeking a wellness pick-me-up, mobile IV therapy brings convenience to the comfort of your own home. Perfect for those with a busy lifestyle or who simply want to skip the drive. Relax, recharge, and let the drip come to you!
Where to Find Your Perfect Drip
y Drip Club: Glenelg, Mawson Lakes, Norwood, Unley
y Hydralyfe: Hindmarsh
Start the new year in style! Explore our latest frame collections to elevate your look, stand out from the ordinary, and reflect your personality.
Book now to make the most of your health fund reset and find the perfect eyewear for the year ahead.
WHY IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP
Debunking Myths About Home Care
Caring for an older parent is an act of love - but it’s also a significant challenge. Many adult children feel a deep responsibility to become primary caregivers. While this instinct is natural, caregiving can quickly become overwhelming when combined with work, family, and personal well-being.
Despite the availability of professional home care services, misconceptions and stigma often stop families from seeking help. Melissa Lipson, Home Care Team Leader at HenderCare, debunks these myths and explains how in-home support can positively impact families.
MYTH 1: Asking for Help Means Failing as a Caregiver
A common fear is that seeking professional care signals failure or an inability to provide adequate support. In reality, asking for help is a powerful commitment to your parent’s well-being.
Home care professionals complement your care by managing tasks like personal care, medication administration, and mobility support. Their expertise ensures high-quality care while allowing you to focus on maintaining your relationship with your parent.
Sharing these duties also protects your own mental and physical health. Asking for help isn’t failing - it’s a responsible and thoughtful choice.
MYTH 2: Home Care Is Only for the Severely Ill or Frail
Some believe home care is reserved for those with advanced health conditions, delaying access to services that could significantly enhance quality of life. Home care is incredibly versatile. At HenderCare, services range from light domestic tasks to specialised clinical care. Whether it’s assistance with gardening, transportation, or daily routines, support can be tailored to meet individual needs.
Starting with minimal assistance early can help maintain independence and potentially prevent the need for more intensive care later.
MYTH 3: Home Care Is Too Expensive
Cost is a significant concern for many families, but home care is often more affordable than assumed. In Australia, the Home Care Packages program offers government subsidies that greatly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible families.
At HenderCare, we guide families through funding options, helping maximise subsidies and create care plans that fit their budgets. With flexible service options, home care becomes a valuable investment in both your parent’s wellbeing and your family’s peace of mind.
MYTH 4: Parents Will Resist Professional Care
Many adult children fear their parents will reject home care, viewing it as a loss of independence. Resistance often stems from misunderstandings about what home care involves.
Approach these conversations with empathy, focusing on how home care supports independence. Explain how services can simplify daily tasks and preserve routines.
Involving your parent in choosing a provider and gradually introducing care workers can ease resistance. At HenderCare, we prioritise matching clients with care workers who align with their personality and preferences, fostering trust and comfort.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HONEST CONVERSATIONS
Discussing home care with older parents can be emotionally challenging. The idea of needing help may stir fears of losing independence or admitting vulnerability.
Here are some tips for a productive, compassionate conversation:
y Choose the Right Moment: Find a calm, private setting.
y Listen Actively: Acknowledge your parent’s concerns.
y Focus on Benefits: Highlight how services can improve their quality of life.
y Start Small: Suggest trialling a few hours of weekly care.
Patience and understanding can help transform resistance into acceptance as your parent experiences the benefits firsthand.
WHY HOME CARE IS A STRENGTH
Seeking professional care isn’t stepping back - it’s stepping up. It ensures your parent receives the support they need to live safely and comfortably at home.
HenderCare offers a wide range of services, including personal care, domestic assistance, social engagement, and clinical support. Our goal is to enhance your parent’s quality of life while giving you peace of mind.
Far from being impersonal, home care often fosters meaningful connections. Many care workers become trusted companions, providing both practical support and genuine companionship.
At HenderCare, our compassionate team supports families every step of the way. Whether you need occasional help or comprehensive care, we’re here to ensure your loved one thrives.
It’s okay to ask for help - and doing so might be the best decision for your family.
For more information, call HenderCare on 1300 764 433 or email hello@hendercare.com.au
hendercare.com.au
EAT THE INVADERS
Turning the Tables on Australia’s Biodiversity Crisis
BY OLIVIA WILLIAMS
The devastating impact of invasive species on Australia’s unique biodiversity is no secret. From cane toads to camels, pests introduced by colonial settlers have pushed many native plants and animals to the brink of extinction. But what if there was a solution? What if Australians could turn this ecological crisis into an opportunity, using their dinner plates as a weapon against the invasive species threatening the environment?
That’s the premise of Eat The Invaders, a bold new documentary series directed by Award winning South Australian filmmaker Matthew Bate, which premiered this year on ABC TV and iview. Over six episodes, host Tony Armstrong, along with a team of scientists, land carers, and artist-chef Kirsha Kaechele, explores the possibility of eating invasive species like carp, rabbits, and cane toads as a way of managing the environmental mess left by colonialism.
The show aims to go beyond merely discussing environmental issues by focusing on actionable solutions and encouraging audiences to think differently about their role in addressing these challenges. Inspired by Kaechele’s Eat The Problem project—a book and series of feasts that explored the idea of tackling environmental issues by literally consuming invasive species— the production blends creativity and sustainability to provoke meaningful reflection and engagement.
“At its heart, I see the show being about the effects of colonialism through the lens of our animals.”
Bate is the first to admit the series is not your typical cooking show. It combines food, science, and environmental activism, all while highlighting a serious issue facing Australia's biodiversity. “It’s not about glorifying these species as food,” he explains. “It’s about saying, ‘These things are here, they’re damaging our ecosystems, and maybe we need to look at them in a new way.’”
Bate, who has spent years working in the film industry, was inspired by the concept’s potential to spark important conversations about colonialism, environmentalism, and food ethics. “At its heart, I see the show being about the effects of colonialism through the lens of our animals. Invasive mammals, plants, and fish are wreaking havoc on our native biodiversity, causing immense ecological and financial damage,” he says. “I wanted to make a show that could highlight this problem but sneak the eco-message inside the Trojan Horse of this coollooking 'cooking show.'”
While the premise might sound bold, it’s precisely this audacious approach that sets Eat The Invaders apart from conventional food programming. Rather than presenting these species as just pests, the show shifts the narrative, turning them into a food source and inviting viewers to reconsider how they might be part of the solution to this ecological crisis.
Bate had Tony Armstrong in mind from the very beginning of the project. “I just love him, and I love that Australia loves him,” says Bate. Armstrong brings his charm, wit, and intelligence to the series, making
Tony Armstrong and some pesky cane toads
“I feel really proud to be part of that ongoing history and to have contributed in a small way.”
complex topics accessible while keeping things fun. According to Bate, it was crucial for the show to have a First Nations person as the host. “It was important to give their perspective on the effects of invasion. I love the inference that white people (like me) might also be on the menu!”
While the show’s premise might seem shocking to some, it is precisely this bold approach that is generating buzz. As Matt Bate notes, “We did eat camel that had just been culled by a beef farmer in the Gibson Desert. Australia has the biggest feral camel population in the world, and this meat goes to waste because Australians don’t eat camels. We cooked it on the back of a spade, and it was delicious!”
The series also brings surprising culinary discoveries and challenging shoots. One of the most unforgettable moments of the show takes place in the remote community of Kiwirrkurra, in the Gibson Desert. Here, Bate and his team went hunting with Pintupi women who work tirelessly to protect the endangered bilby from the threat of feral cats. “It was one of the most incredible days of my life,” Bate recalls. “These women are not just environmental warriors; they’re also some of the greatest painters in Australia.” During their time there, Bate purchased a painting from renowned artist Yukultji Napangati, whose work had recently been featured in New York.
But perhaps one of the more provocative moments of the show is the question of whether or not the crew actually ate cat. Matt Bate teases, “Well, I won’t give it away—you’ll have to wait to see the show!”
The show never shies away from exploring the complexities surrounding these species and the practical implications of consuming them. “It’s not always possible, and it’s certainly not a silver bullet solution,” Bate acknowledges. “But it is a wonderful way to begin a much-needed conversation.”
These women are not just environmental warriors; they’re also some of the greatest painters in Australia.
As a proud Adelaide native, Bate is thrilled to see the local film industry gaining recognition. Filmed locally, the show highlights the incredible creative talent within South Australia’s screen industry. “South Australia has a lot of untapped creative potential, and projects like this showcase what we’re capable of,” Bate says. With the SA Film Corporation being the first state agency,
he notes the state’s long-standing history of exceptional cinema, citing classics like Sunday Too Far Away, Breaker Morant, and Shine. “I feel really proud to be part of that ongoing history and to have contributed in a small way.”
Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Bate observes a significant shift over the years. While early on there seemed to be stagnation in younger filmmakers breaking through, he believes the mid2000s marked a turning point. “Since then, there’s been a new generation of really interesting directors who have made work that has impacted the world stage,” he explains. He points to his business partner Sophie Hyde, who recently completed a film with Olivia Colman set to premiere at Sundance in 2025, and filmmaker Anthony Maras, currently editing a film starring Brendan Fraser from his home in Walkerville. “And now there’s an even newer generation who are killing it—the RackaRacka brothers who have taken over the world, and we just heard this week that the new SA animated feature Lesbian Space Princess will premiere at the Berlinale. South Australia continues to punch well above its weight in the film sector.”
This thriving creative landscape isn’t just confined to film sets and festival premieres—it also spills into the places where inspiration strikes. For Bate, South Australia isn’t just a backdrop for storytelling; it’s a source of it. Whether it’s the industry’s growing momentum or the quiet beauty of its hidden corners, the state continues to fuel his creative spark.
When it comes to hidden gems in South Australia, Bate doesn’t hesitate to share a favourite—though with a touch of caution. “Island Beach on Kangaroo Island. Just don’t tell anyone else,” he
Feral rabbit terrine with liver parfait and weeds, served with a hedgerow perfume.
Jesse Hunniford/ Mona
jokes. Known for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to see why this slice of paradise holds a special place in his heart.
Closer to home, Adelaide’s vibrant hospitality scene provides plenty of creative inspiration. For Bate, the charm lies in simple pleasures. “Sitting with a glass of wine at Hey Jupiter or a pint of stout in the front bar of the Exeter,” he says. These iconic spots in the city’s East End offer the perfect blend of atmosphere, character, and a touch of creative spark. And when it comes to unwinding after a long day, Bate keeps it refreshingly simple: “See above. Also my couch (with wine or stout).”
“It’s certainly not a silver bullet solution, but it is a wonderful way to begin a much-needed conversation.”
At its core, Eat The Invaders isn’t just a show about food—it’s a bold call to action. Through humour, creativity, and unflinching honesty, Matthew Bate and his team have crafted a series that challenges Australians to reconsider their relationship with the environment, colonial history, and even their dinner plates. Whether it’s through biting into a camel steak cooked on a spade or pondering the fate of feral cats, the series leaves viewers with one undeniable truth: in the face of an ecological crisis, sometimes the most unexpected solutions are also the most impactful. And if Eat The Invaders sparks even one conversation around the dinner table, it’s a mission well accomplished.
Eat The Invaders is available to stream on ABC iview.
Vince Tring, Kirsha Kaechele, Tony Armstrong
Director Matthew Bate and Geoffrey Roberston
Photo:
Join Jane Reilly AT THE RIVALS LONG LUNCH
This April, Osmond Terrace in Norwood will become the epicentre of gastronomic delight as the Rivals Long Lunch takes the main stage during the 2025 AFL Gather Round. Hosted by South Australia's beloved media personality and Food Secrets Ambassador Jane Reilly OAM, alongside her son, Head Chef Eddie Noble, this exclusive event promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience for foodies, locals and visitors alike.
This event and the Food Secrets initiative, are proudly presented by the City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters, showcasing a collection of award-winning breweries, one of Adelaide’s oldest coffee roasters, a cherished boutique sweet manufacturer, local delis offering the finest smallgoods and many other food and beverage manufacturers. The
Food Secrets initiative goes beyond events like the Rivals Long Lunch by providing valuable promotions, marketing opportunities and strong advocacy for local manufacturers throughout the Council area.
“The Rivals Long Lunch on Osmond Terrace is a great opportunity to be part of a unique pop-up dining experience during the AFL Gather Round, showcasing the best of our City’s food and beverage manufacturers,” says Mayor Robert Bria.
A familiar face in South Australia, Jane Reilly has been a key figure in the media landscape for decades. From weather presenting on Channel 10 to her longtime announcing role on FIVEaa, Jane's career has spanned various areas, including radio segments and presenting at local events. In 2015, her dedication to the South Australian community was recognised with an OAM. For over 20 years, Jane has been an ambassador for Variety – the Children’s Charity and her commitment to supporting local causes continues to thrive. Now, she brings her passion for South Australia’s
local produce to the Rivals Long Lunch, offering her expertise and love for local flavours to this exceptional event.
Joining Jane is her son Head Chef Eddie Noble who will curate a spectacular menu, focussing on the finest ingredients sourced from respected local manufacturers involved in the Food Secrets initiative and South Australia alike.
Eddie’s culinary journey began at the age of 11 when he started as a kitchen hand. At 15, he embarked on an apprenticeship at the prestigious Assaggio in Hyde Park, eventually qualifying as a chef. After honing his skills for 10 years in Melbourne, Eddie returned to Adelaide, driven by a desire to continue his culinary journey and collaborate with like-minded chefs and producers. Most recently, he has aligned with HNLY owners (Peter Loucas-Loucas Seafood & George Kasimatis-Georges on Waymouth), uniting their ethos of hospitality with produce driven food and minimal intervention, paired with exceptional wines.
Eddie’s passion for local produce and his dedication to the art of cooking will be on display at the Rivals Long Lunch. The thoughtfully crafted menu is designed to take guests on a culinary journey, with each dish highlighting the best of what our City has to offer. The intimate setting allows guests to connect with local manufacturers, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.
“This event is an exceptional opportunity to support local businesses while indulging in some of the best cuisine Adelaide has to offer.”
- Jane Reilly OAM
The Rivals Long Lunch wouldn’t be complete without South Australia’s favourite accompaniment to complete each course. Guests will enjoy exclusive tastings from local wine and beer producers from the Eastside Wine & Ale Trail, carefully selected to enhance the flavours of the dishes served.
By hosting events like this during the AFL Gather Round, the City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters is showcasing the City’s best features that are unique to the rest of Australia. It’s a celebration of South Australian culinary artistry, focusing on the incredible flavours and produce our City has to offer.
With Jane Reilly leading the way, the Rivals Long Lunch promises to be one of the year’s most anticipated events for anyone passionate about food, local produce and making lasting memories.
“This event is an exceptional opportunity to support local businesses while indulging in some of the best cuisine Adelaide has to offer,” says Jane Reilly OAM.
The Rivals Long Lunch offers an opportunity to experience something truly extraordinary—a celebration of culinary excellence that pays tribute to the heart and soul of Adelaide. Don’t miss out—book your seat today for a day that promises to be one to remember!
Saturday 12 April
Osmond Tce
Cost: $150 per ticket (four course and drinks package)
events@npsp.sa.gov.au
TASTING AUSTRALIA 2025
Tasting Australia returns from 2–11 May 2025, showcasing South Australia's finest food, wine, and hospitality with more than 150 events taking place across the state. This world-class festival celebrates the exceptional talents of celebrated chefs, beverage experts, and local producers, offering a diverse range of immersive experiences, from exclusive fine dining to hands-on workshops. Whether you're in the heart of Adelaide or venturing into regional areas, Tasting Australia promises new flavours, unforgettable moments, and a deep dive into South Australia’s rich culinary landscape.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Dining Galleries
At the heart of Tasting Australia are the Dining Galleries, offering exclusive dining experiences where renowned chefs craft locally inspired menus. These events provide a chance to not only savour exceptional dishes but also to immerse yourself in South Australia's food culture. Paired with a backdrop of local art, the Dining Galleries allow attendees to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and celebrate the state’s gastronomic diversity.
Drinks Academy
For beverage connoisseurs, the Drinks Academy is the ultimate destination to dive deep into the world of drinks. From wine cellar masterclasses to lively cocktail parties, this immersive experience is designed to expand your knowledge and appreciation of the diverse beverages South Australia has to offer. It’s a must-visit for those who love to explore the art of mixology and wine.
Town Square
The Town Square is the festival’s lively hub, offering a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can relax, mingle, and enjoy a wide range of food and drinks. Open daily, it’s the ideal spot to explore everything from casual bites to more sophisticated fare, creating the perfect environment for connection and celebration among food lovers. Don’t forget to stop by and take in the festival’s buzzing energy.
Town Square Canteen
Experience the diversity of South Australian dining at the Town Square Canteen , where six regional restaurants showcase their distinctive dishes. It’s an opportunity to taste the variety of flavours that make up the state's culinary fabric while meeting the talented chefs behind these delicious creations.
Journey Beyond
For those seeking an adventure that pairs nature with indulgence, Journey Beyond offers two exclusive travel experiences that bring the rugged beauty of South Australia to life. Guests can journey into the Flinders Ranges or explore the mighty Murray River aboard a houseboat, all while enjoying gourmet meals inspired by the region’s local produce and culinary traditions.
For more information and to book your tickets:
Make Sessions
For those looking to expand their culinary skills, the Make Sessions offer 90-minute hands-on workshops led by local food experts. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these interactive sessions provide a fun and educational way to hone new techniques and craft delicious, inspired dishes.
Regional Events
While Adelaide is the festival’s vibrant centre, the reach of Tasting Australia extends far beyond the city, with regional events across iconic areas like McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. Explore local vineyards, gourmet food experiences, and the distinct flavours that define South Australia’s regions. These events offer a perfect opportunity to discover the beauty of the state’s food and wine culture, from the heart of the city to the rolling hills of its famed regions.
Tasting Australia by train
Leconfield Coonawarra Celebrates a Golden Milestone
A 50th anniversary is a golden milestone, symbolising decades of dedication, vision, and achievement. For Leconfield Coonawarra, this landmark moment is captured perfectly in their special release: the Sparkling Blanc de Blancs. This sparkling wine, crafted exclusively from estate-grown Chardonnay, is the first Estatelabelled sparkling offering from the winery. To enhance the Chardonnay’s cool-climate crispness and structural finesse, Leconfield added Noble Riesling sourced from one of the original vineyards planted by the late founder, Sydney Hamilton, in 1975.
The Sparkling Blanc de Blancs is not just a celebratory wine; it embodies the rich history and dedication that have defined Leconfield since its inception. It is a testament to the passion needed to turn a dream into reality.
Sydney Hamilton’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and a deep passion for winemaking. A renowned oenologist and pioneer, he had spent a lifetime immersed in the world of wine. As he approached retirement in the 1970s, Sydney chose a path not of leisure but of vision. At 76, with decades of experience behind him, he dug a cellar, planted vines, and set out to create a classic Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. The land he selected was 30 hectares of prime Terra Rossa in the southern part of Coonawarra, celebrated for its exceptional terroir and ideal conditions for viticulture. He named the estate ‘Leconfield’ after his English ancestor, Lord Leconfield, underscoring his connection to both his heritage and his aspirations for the future.
Sydney’s commitment was legendary. As Mark Shield of The Melbourne Age noted in 1992, “I watched him [Sydney] for some time; a short, bent old man with a shovel in his hands, hardly puffing… he reluctantly dropped the shovel. ‘So, you are interested in wine, but are you interested in the soil?’ I said I could take it or leave it, and he nodded sadly. ‘That’s the trouble with you young people, you don’t understand the importance of the soil. I’d expect better from a bloke with your colour hair; it’s almost as good as this soil.'” This deep understanding of and respect for the land became a cornerstone of Leconfield’s identity.
His legacy has continued through the years, particularly with the stewardship of Dr Richard Hamilton. Taking over the estate in 1981 after 65 vintages, Richard has overseen the growth and evolution
of Leconfield Coonawarra into the distinguished winery it is today. Richard, the great-great-grandson of Richard Hamilton—who emigrated from the UK in 1837 and was a pioneer in South Australia’s wine industry—has carried forward Sydney’s legacy, maintaining a commitment to quality and innovation while honouring the past.
Celebrating 50 years, Leconfield Coonawarra reflects a legacy built on vision, hard work, and a love for winemaking that has been passed down through generations. This milestone is both a nod to its rich history and a promise of even greater things to come.
The Leconfield range can be tasted at the Coonawarra cellar door which is open seven days a week. They can also be experienced at sister winery’s Richard Hamilton Wines McLaren Vale cellar door.
Jacqui Lim is a passionate, active advocate of the food and wine industry. Besides eating and drinking a lot, she sees her role to be connecting people with, and through, good food whether it be organising food and wine events, sharing her experiences on Instagram @jacquisfoodfetish, recommending restaurants or simply bringing friends together to enjoy a meal.
Follow @jacquisfoodfetish for more insights into the dining plates of Australia’s best restaurant.
What do you get when you cross Japanese and Peruvian ingredients? You get Tunki (named after the national bird of Peru), serving Nikkei cuisine –an explosion of colour, freshness and vibrant flavours. The menu is designed for sharing and features a selection of ceviche, sashimi and skewers, plus larger seafood and meat dishes. Make sure you include the signature ‘Guacamole TunkiStyle’, and the Piscorita cocktail certainly packs a punch! It’s a fun way to dine and situated right on the lake.
One of my favourite places for a good Chinese chow down. Well priced and plenty of dishes to choose from. There’s everything from the old staple Beef with Black Bean Sauce through to the luxurious lobster with egg noodles. They have great siu mai (my fave), and the best Combination Crispy Noodles I’ve found in Adelaide thus far – my ultimate comfort dish that would definitely feature on my ’execution meal’ menu. The large space means you’re sure to get a seat.
There’s something to please all tastes at Botanic Lodge, situated in the Adelaide Botanic Garden where the old kiosk resided. The menu features more casual dishes like a garden greens pasty and a vegetable quiche, to the more sophisticated Barramundi with citrus and coastal greens, or Roast chicken with lemon thyme gravy. The food embraces native ingredients, seasonality, locality and, of course, the surrounding terroir. Enjoy the garden and main lake views complete with friendly birds and tortoises.
Adelaide Botanic Garden @thelodge_adl
Leigh Street Wine Room
Snacks and share plates $6 - $45, Chef’s Selection $85pp
This long narrow wine bar in the Adelaide bar hub is always abuzz with the sound of convivial chatter. The food is about sharing - tasty dishes that are perfect for either snacking while drinking, or enjoy a full meal. If there’s only a couple of you it’s always fun to sit up at the bar and have a chat with the friendly staff if you’re in the mood. It’s all about minimal intervention wines here, but they also make a mean martini.
9 Leigh Street, Adelaide @leighstreetwineroom
Station Road
Entrees $28 - $58, Mains $36 - $120
Station Road at Festival Plaza is an exciting world class culinary and wine destination offering an elevated casual dining experience. Here you can expect fine food and service excellence. It’s relaxed but with all the trimmings, including Champagne and cheese trolleys. It’s the perfect spot for that dinner date, a special occasion, or a business lunch or dinner. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the Game Farm quail ballotine, with pancetta, mushroom, and currants continues to feature on the menu.
1 Station Road, Adelaide @stationroadadelaide
Sips, Bites, and Vibes
Thelma Piccadilly
Located in the picturesque Piccadilly region, Thelma offers a European-style bistro experience with a focus on seasonal, market-driven menus. Each dish is simple yet thoughtfully crafted, such as their fermented vegetables paired with house-made sourdough. With a carefully curated wine list featuring both local and international selections, Thelma celebrates sustainability and is the perfect spot for an afternoon meal or evening out with friends.
176 Piccadilly Road, Piccadilly @thelmapiccadilly
La Lousiane
Adelaide CBD
Tucked beneath King William St, La Louisiane offers a French-inspired dining experience blending elegance and charm. Created by The Big Easy Group and Executive Chef Alexis Besseau (formerly of Restaurant Hubert, Sydney), this lively spot features classic French brasserie dishes with a modern twist. The menu highlights locally sourced produce and imported French ingredients. Live jazz sets the mood nightly from 5 PM, while the roaming caviar cart adds an interactive touch to your dining experience.
89 King William St, Adelaide @lalouisianeadl
ADELAIDE’S 2025 DINING SCENE
Adelaide’s culinary scene is experiencing a renaissance, with an exciting wave of new venues offering everything from Mediterranean-inspired feasts to artisanal cocktails. Here’s your guide to the must-visit hotspots of 2025.
Tin Shed Distilling Co. Nairne
For lovers of fine spirits and great food, Tin Shed Distilling Co. in Nairne promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Opening in December 2024, this distillery specialises in premium whiskies, vodka, and gin, complemented by a delicious smokehouse BBQ menu. With live music, a spacious outdoor area, and barrel room tours, it’s an unforgettable destination for both whisky connoisseurs and foodies alike.
121 Old Princes Hwy, Nairne @tinsheddistillingco
Two Suns
Adelaide CBD
Adelaide’s rooftop bar scene has been taken to new heights with the arrival of Two Suns, located above Lady Burra on Currie Street. Offering a relaxed resort vibe with stunning city views, Two Suns features an open-air bar and versatile indoor dining spaces, making it the perfect spot for after-work drinks, private parties, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. The tapas-style menu includes coastal-inspired dishes like prawn tacos, croquettes, and wood-fired pizzas, all served with a side of breathtaking views.
The Old Bush Inn in Willunga has undergone a stylish transformation, bringing a fresh twist to the classic Australian bistro. Known for its rustic charm, this pub now offers a menu featuring indulgent dishes like porcini and truffle arancini, eggplant parmigiana, and a soon-to-debut selection of handmade pastas. With approachable drinks like Coopers and West End on tap, it's an ideal spot for a hearty, laid-back meal in a welcoming setting.
51 High Street, Willunga @oldbushinnhotel
Bar 1854 Unley
A sophisticated speakeasy-style bar, Bar 1854 transports guests to a glamorous era with a nod to Parisian cocktail lounges and Tokyo’s late-night bar culture. Intimate and exclusive, this venue for just 30 guests offers expertly crafted cocktails, rare Japanese whiskies, and vintage Champagnes. For a touch of elegance, martinis are served tableside by host Grace Kelliher, while indulgent small plates like Coffin Bay oysters and brie and kimchi toasties complete the experience.
1/207 Unley Road, Adelaide @1854adl
Pompom Forestville
A bold new addition to Forestville, Pompom is a dining experience that blends creativity with big flavours. Partnering with Spero Chapley of Adelaide’s Finest Supermarkets, the team behind this restaurant has brought a unique concept to life. The signature pompoms, Sofia bread pockets filled with tantalising ingredients, are a standout, with variations like Cypriot sausage, tzatziki, and Greek salad; spicy salami, whipped ricotta, chili honey, and almonds; and indulgent fried chicken milanese with garlic butter and parmesan. For dessert, try the banana bread with salted caramel butter or the pompom acai for a sweet finish.
58 Maple Avenue, Forestville @pompom_avenue
Adelaide CBD
Latteria offers an elevated Italianinspired cocktail experience in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Known for its creative twists on classic Italian aperitifs, the venue is perfect for after-work drinks or a weekend gathering. The menu features delicious light bites, including charcuterie and cheese boards, so you can pair your drink with something delectable. With its cool, inviting vibe, Latteria is a hotspot for anyone seeking a lively night out with top-tier drinks and snacks.
185 Hutt Street, Adelaide @latteriabar
Oliveti Glenelg
Striking the perfect balance between casual and upscale, Oliveti in Glenelg is ideal for everything from post-beach bites to dinner out with friends. Brought to you by the team behind Bar Lune, Spread, and Dolly, this restaurant offers share plates that make every visit memorable. Must-try dishes include hash browns with blue swimmer crab and bottarga, gnocco fritto with mortadella, and chargrilled octopus with walnut tarator. The pasta selection alone will keep you coming back, while hearty mains like an 800g rib-eye and market fish with arrabbiata butter will satisfy any craving, especially when paired with Oliveti's perfectly executed sides.
43A Broadway, Glenelg South @oliveti_adl
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Located within the serene Adelaide Botanic Garden, The Lodge offers a peaceful retreat from the city buzz. Created by Chef Tom Tilbury, known for his sustainable approach, the restaurant presents a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes such as tommies in bread and butter and nannygai with asparagus offer a taste of the freshest produce. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely meal indoors or soaking up the garden views, this is the perfect place to relax and indulge.
Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide @thelodge_adl
COMING SOON
Restaurant Aptos Stirling
Justin James, the celebrated former executive chef of Restaurant Botanic, is bringing a bold new dining concept to Stirling in early 2025. Located in a beautifully restored 156-year-old converted church on Mount Barker Road, Restaurant Aptos promises an immersive degustation experience like no other. Guests will journey through multiple spaces during their meal, with each setting thoughtfully designed to complement the flavors on the plate.
147 Mount Barker Road, Stirling
Rooted in sustainability and community, Cottage Kitchen opened in late 2024, celebrating the best of South Australian produce. This Mediterranean-inspired eatery offers everything from early breakfasts to late-night dinners. Highlights include a grilled zucchini salad with burrata and a Moroccanspiced lamb rack with mint gremolata. Pair your meal with a glass from their carefully curated local wine list featuring Barossa, Eden Valley, and Adelaide Hills selections.
198 Tynte Street, North Adelaide @cottagekitchen.nthadl
Cottage Kitchen North Adelaide
The Lodge
Latteria
Halloumi Tacos with Mango Pico de Gallo and Charred Jalapeño Avocado Crema
20-Minute Meals with MasterChef’s Larissa Sewell for the Adelaide Central Market
INGREDIENTS
y 300g halloumi, sliced
y 6 small tortillas
(flour or corn / masa for GF)
y 1 small handful red cabbage, thinly shredded
For the Mango Pico de Gallo
y 1 ripe mango, diced
y 1 jalapeño, finely diced
y 1⁄2 red onion, finely diced
y Zest and juice of 1 lime
For the charred jalapeno and avocado crema
y 1 jalapeño, charred and skin removed (you can do this over a gas burner or with a blow torch - it adds so much more flavour - but in a pinch, you can skip the char altogether)
y 1 avocado
y Juice of 1 lime
y 1 garlic clove
y 1⁄2 tsp salt (or to taste)
y 1⁄4 cup fresh coriander leaves
Citrus Salad with Toasted Pistachios
METHOD
1. Make Mango Pico de Gallo: Combine mango, chili, onion, lime zest, and juice in a bowl. Season with salt - this is the only element of this dish that should be made just before serving.
2. Make Jalapeño Avocado Crema: Remove charred skin and seeds from jalapeño. Blend charred jalapeño, avocado, lime juice, garlic, salt, and coriander until smooth (I use a stick blender in a jar for super quick clean up).
3. Cook Halloumi: Pan-fry halloumi in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
4. Char the Tortillas: Heat tortillas until warm and lightly charred - these can be wrapped in a clean tea towel to keep warm.
5. Assemble Tacos: Top each tortilla with shredded cabbage, halloumi, mango Pico de Gallo, and avocado crema. Add pickled red onion if using and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Optional to serve: Pickled red onion (1 small red onion, 1⁄2 cup white vinegar, 1⁄2 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar - marinate for at least 30 mins or overnight in the fridge)
INGREDIENTS:
y 1 kg oranges
y 2-3 blood oranges
y 2 mandarins
y 1/2 onion thinly sliced into rings
y Fresh parsley springs
y Pistachios pan-toasted
METHOD:
Dressing:
y 1/4 cup olive oil
y 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
y 1 clove garlic microplaned or minced
y 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1. Prepare Citrus: Peel and slice the oranges, blood oranges and mandarins. Ideally, use a knife to peel so that you remove as much of the bitter pith as possible. Arrange the citrus on a platter, oranges on the bottom, layering with blood oranges for contrast. You truly could use any variety of citrus here - ruby red grapefruits are a delicious addition and the slight bitterness contrasts beautifully.
2. Add Onion Rings: Scatter thinly sliced red onion rings over the citrus for a pop of colour and a punch of flavour.
3. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, microplaned or crushed garlic, and either maple syrup or honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the citrus salad just before serving, ensuring you dress all of the citrus generously.
5. Sprinkle Parsley
Tip: Don’t waste the juice that you’ll collect while cutting up your citrus - whisk it into the dressing & pour that deliciousness on!
Easy Drinking
by Nick Stock
Nick Stock is one of Australia’s most well-known and highly-regarded wine critics. He co-owns McLaren Vale’s favourite beach front bar and restaurant the Silver Sands Beach Club and The Old Bush Inn Hotel, Willunga’s “top pub.”
Rosé season runs all year round but the peak rosé season for me is late summer and into autumn. It's a wine style that has such broad scope and can be pretty much anything that a winemaker wants it to be, just as long as it’s pink. Winemakers can really cut loose with rosé because the rules are pretty much anything goes and the best makers are truly masters of style and fashion.
It is the ultimate relaxation wine, a holiday wine and a wine that conjures up scenes of kicking back with lots of friends and not much in the way of shoes. It’s a beach wine, a shack wine, a barbecue wine and a wine for just about anytime you are doing not much. A good rosé is a session wine that wants for nothing more than a decent chill and a large glass.
The market in Australia is strong and the offering of good rosé is plentiful. The best and most popular styles we are making are more modern and more sophisticated than they've ever been and we have also seen a lot of importation of rosé by the supermarket liquor retailers.
Head into any of the big box booze shops and you’ll notice there’s a big spread of light pink rosé from the south of France
on offer, a place that really can lay claim to pioneering this lighter colour, less sweet and very fashionable style of rosé. These wines have been imported in such droves on the back of the trend towards this style and also because they are wines that importer-retailers can make a fat and easy margin on. On the Côte d’Azur they’re very cheap and fresh, less so on the retail shelves in Australia.
Our local wineries and winemakers have really tuned their rosé game to meet current tastes and trends and we are spoiled for choice when it comes to great local bottles. The rosé space is starting to be quite competitive and more brands have emerged that are focused first and foremost and sometimes exclusively on rosé.
Have
a glass of…
Grant Nash
Rosé 2024
This new project launched with a rosé in late 2023 and really hits the mark with a smoothness and pitch perfect sense of balance. It’s a clever thing to make a rosé as effortlessly delicious and drinkable as this.
Rosé 2024
One of the absolute stars of the category and a wine that has transitioned from richer red and sweet into paler pink and drier style seamlessly. A real barometer of fashion and an always delicious rosé that wins every time.
At Silver Sands Beach Club we sell a lot of rosé and we offer four or five by the glass in different styles. People are keen to explore and try new ones and often ask about the different styles and especially ask “which one is the driest?” Interestingly the perception that rosé from the south of France is drier than our local rosé is often incorrect. Cheap French rosé is almost always pretty sweet, much sweeter than good Australian rosé.
And there’s another thing. Why pay the same money for a cheap imported rosé as you will for a much higher quality local rosé? Lean into the quality of pink wines we are making in our own backyard and do so knowing they are made with better care, less miles around the globe and unequivocally better quality.
I’ve reviewed a selection of my favourites here and have also included a sparkling rosé from the Adelaide Hills which is one of many great Australian pink sparkling wines on offer. Locally in South Australia, McLaren Vale and the Barossa are both great sources of modern pale pink rosé wines that have tremendous freshness and vibrant flavours and truly drink in a category of their own.
Seriously delicious drinking!
Chalk Hill
Rosé 2024
Won the trophy for best rosé at the most recent McLaren Vale wine show, this showcases the ability of grenache rosé to win our hearts with sweet scented perfume and bright pink berry fruit flavours.
Rogers & Rufus Rosé 2024
A one wine project, just rosé, that is an expression of Barossa Valley roots and global horizons. It delivers fresh sliced berry aromas and a core of juicy red fruit flavour that really is one of the great allround rosé styles.
Deviation Road
Altair Rosé NV
One of the great sparkling wine-focused wineries making an elegant rosé
of old vines crafted into a scintillatingly fresh and subtly complex rosé that looks stunning in the glass. Treat yourself.
Nurturing Futures
How one foster carer makes a difference
Fostering a child is often described as a calling—a decision born from a deep desire to make a difference in a child’s life. For Deb, a longterm foster carer with Centacare, that calling became her purpose during one of the most challenging periods of her life. With a heart full of compassion and the unwavering support of her family and Centacare, she has turned grief into hope, offering love, stability, and a fresh start to children in need.
“Growing up, I was always drawn to wanting to help children,” Deb recalls. “From my early teens, I just knew that’s where I was heading.”
Her journey into foster care, however, wasn’t immediate. Life’s challenges delayed her plans, but she never let go of her dream. Eight years ago, after the heartbreaking loss of her son, she found herself at a crossroads.
“My foster care journey began nearly eight years ago, after my son passed away,” Deb shares. “I’d always wanted to foster a child, and rather than letting the grief of losing my son consume me, I decided to channel it into something positive. That desire to care for kids kept coming back to me, and it’s what ultimately inspired me to make the call and become a foster carer.”
What began as a way to honour her son’s memory has grown into a life-changing experience, not only for Deb but for the child who has become part of her family.
Fostering has brought joy, growth, and perspective to Deb’s family. “My grandchildren now understand there’s a different kind of life compared to what they’re used to,” she explains. “They’ve become really good friends with my foster child and have helped him feel part of the family and part of a family unit. We all benefit from having another member in the family!”
“As much as foster caring can be challenging, it is just as rewarding, and I wouldn’t change any of it!”
– Deb, Foster Carer with Centacare
While fostering is deeply rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. Deb acknowledges the importance of being prepared. “If you have an open mind and are prepared from the word go, and expect challenges, you can work through them. Centacare and my support practitioner have been there every step of the way, providing guidance and encouragement during tough times.”
Deb believes that successful foster carers share a few key traits: patience, resilience, and an unconditional love for children. “You need to understand it’s not going to be the same day every day. Obviously, you have to love children and be open to children. As much as it can be challenging, it is just as rewarding, and I wouldn’t change any of it!”
She also highlights the importance of continuous learning. “The training Centacare provides is invaluable. I thrive on it because there’s always something new to learn. The more you know, the better equipped you are to support the children in your care.”
Deb credits Centacare as an essential pillar of her fostering journey. “I’d be lost
without my Support Practitioner. Centacare has been my absolute support network in everything I’ve needed. When it comes to fostering children, I think the more help that’s offered, the more you should take.”
Her advice to anyone considering fostering is simple yet heartfelt. “Do it. Don’t hesitate. There are so many children out there waiting for you! And above all, enjoy the journey!”
Fostering is more than just opening your home to a child—it’s a commitment to building a brighter future for them. For Deb, the decision to foster has been transformative, allowing her to turn personal loss into a powerful act of love and hope.
For those considering fostering, Deb’s story is a testament to its profound impact—not only on the children but also on the carers themselves. With the right support, training, and a heart full of compassion, fostering can turn even the darkest moments into a source of light and possibility.
If you’re single, partnered, own a home, or rent – you can be a foster carer. Write a new chapter in a child’s life today and consider foster care. Visit Centacare Foster Care to learn more:
centacare.org.au/foster-care
The Death of Cash could be only 5 years away.
Are you ready?
By Graham Goodings, Mornings on 5AA
The Drivers of a Cashless Society
1.
Imagine a world without cash. It might be closer than you think, with Gloria Jean’s cafes taking a big step toward that reality. From September 11 this year, they no longer accept cash at the outlets they own. Their reasoning? A safer environment for staff and smoother, quicker service for customers. It sounds efficient, but for those who love the feel of coins and notes, this shift is unsettling—and it’s only the beginning.
In fact, cash is already banned at Adelaide Oval and many other retail outlets. According to Dr. Angel Zhong, a finance expert from RMIT, Australia is leading the global charge toward a cashless society. She predicts the country could be “functionally” cashless by 2030, driven by consumer demand and the overwhelming dominance of digital transactions.
Australia’s adoption of digital payments has outpaced the U.S. and Europe. Only 13% of transactions in 2022 used cash, a stark drop from 70% in 2007. While this shift might seem inevitable, it’s stirring up plenty of concern. Seven in 10 Australians worry about a cashless future, and nearly half say they’ll miss the tactile connection with physical money. Surprisingly, this sentiment spans generations—Baby Boomers, Millennials, and even Gen Z share some level of “cash nostalgia.”
The pandemic only accelerated this trend. But who’s really behind the push for a cashless world?
Governments see cashless payments as a way to reduce tax evasion, money laundering, and corruption.
Tech Companies and Payment Providers like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Visa thrive on transaction fees and aim to expand their digital ecosystems.
Banks benefit from reduced cash-handling costs and the ability to offer more digital services.
Businesses appreciate faster payments, simplified accounting, and lower theft risks.
Consumers—especially younger, tech-savvy ones—favour the convenience of tapping a card or phone over carrying cash.
The Downsides We Can’t Ignore
While the idea of a cashless society sounds modern and efficient, it comes with significant challenges:
Higher Costs for Small Businesses: Payment platforms charge transaction fees, which can eat into profits and even lead to higher prices for consumers. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Excluding Vulnerable Groups: Elderly people, low-income earners, and those without bank accounts or smartphones could struggle in a cashless world.
Privacy Concerns: Every digital payment leaves a trail, opening the door to surveillance, targeted ads, and potential government overreach.
Cybersecurity Risks: Unlike cash, digital systems can be hacked. A major data breach could jeopardise millions.
Economic Disruption During Outages: Imagine a power or internet failure— no cash means no way to buy essentials. A recent Microsoft outage caused chaos across Australia, The outage hit telco providers, media websites, banks, airlines. universities, law firms, many retailers, blood donation services and fuel outlets. All caused by a software update
The Bottom Line
While the convenience of going cashless is undeniable, the potential downsides— social exclusion, privacy issues, technological vulnerability, and increased costs— highlight the need for caution.
As we head toward a cashless future, finding a balanced approach will be key to ensuring no one is left behind.
Graham Goodings hosts mornings on FIVEaa, 9am–12pm weekdays
Adelaide Thread Connector
Iby Ansie van der Walt
always find it funny—and, let’s be honest, more than a little annoying—when people refer to needlework as “granny skills.”
As if women (and only women) magically acquire the ability to knit or sew once they reach a certain age.
If Fabrics Could Speak –Catherine Fitz-Gerald (On Tour)
This award-winning film explores the question: If your fabric could speak, what story would it tell? Through the stories of 18 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds—including First Nations and migrant communities— this film weaves a narrative of creative community memories. Catherine will also serve as the artist in residence at Ngutungka West Lakes from 5 to 29 March.
TALKING TEXTILES
By now, I hope you’ve had a chance to visit the Radical Textiles exhibition at AGSA. If not, don’t worry—it’s still open until 30 March, giving you plenty of time to see it for the first time or revisit it. What makes this exhibition so remarkable isn’t just its acknowledgment of textiles as a legitimate art medium or needlework as a valuable creative skill. It also confirms something many of us have always known: needlework is for everyone. People of all genders, ages, and abilities practice it. It’s not a “granny skill”—it’s a normal, vibrant part of life, like cooking or gardening.
Crafting with needle and thread is far from old-fashioned or twee. It’s a medium used to make political and fashion statements, to protest and celebrate, and to beautify our bodies, homes, and communities. It can be fine and delicate, bold and daring, demure and understated, or loud and proud. Needlework is not a granny skill—it’s a superpower.
STITCHING STORIES
A Fractured World – Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre
This exhibition celebrates the beauty of imperfection through stitching, felting, weaving, and visible mending. Inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, the artists emphasize flaws rather than hiding them, finding mindfulness and calm in fragility.
Hooked – FABRIK Art & Heritage, Lobethal
Crochet enthusiasts and artists Kristin Phillips and Lianne Gould showcase their extensive crochet collections, featuring over 100 yarn-made pieces. From vintage patterns to sample books and tools, this exhibition highlights a variety of styles and techniques.
Ansie van der Walt is a freelance textile writer and the founder of Adelaide Thread Connector.
CRAFTING COMMUNITY
Adelaide’s festival season is one of the best times of the year, and it’s no surprise SA is called the Festival State. We truly know how to put on a show. As you head out this month to enjoy Fringe or Adelaide Festival events, take a moment to think about how textiles and threads shape the experience. Without fabric, there would be no tents, no costumes, no stage décor, no flags, and no banners. It’s hard to imagine a celebration without textiles—they’re essential to the festivity.
Here are just a few events where textiles and needlecraft take centre stage. Many of these are interactive or communitybased, so get involved and become part of the fabric of South Australian society.
Fibre Feast SA
Adelaide’s premier fibre and yarn event brings together crafters and traders to showcase their skills and wares. Featuring indie dyers, yarn vendors, weavers, fibre producers, farmers, guilds, and charity groups, it’s a celebration of all things fibre. Held in conjunction with the Prospect Road Autumn Fair on the grounds of Blackfriars Priory School.
Calm – FABRIK Art & Heritage, Lobethal
Under the guidance of textile artist India Flint, this large-scale, community-based installation of crochet mandalas represents mindfulness and community connection on an impressive scale.
In the rugged landscape of Broken Hill, where red sands stretch beneath an unforgiving sun, Lissy Elliott found her muse not in art galleries or glossy magazines but in the textured reality of her street. Pro Hart, the town’s celebrated artist and one of the iconic Brushmen of the Bush, lived just down the road. For Elliott, he wasn’t merely a famous neighbour—he was living proof of possibility.
“We were all so proud of him,” she recalls, “a local who made it big on the international stage.” The Brushmen of the Bush, a collective formed in the 1970s and ’80s, featured Hart alongside fellow artists Eric Minchin, Jack Absalom, John Pickup, and Hugh Schulz. Together, they transformed the outback into a vibrant canvas, hosting over 50 exhibitions worldwide, raising more than $1.6 million for charity, and showcasing their work in cultural hubs like London, Rome, and New York.
Abstract art helps me translate my emotions more than if I were recreating a scene or object. It’s about capturing a mood rather than something recognisable.
“They made us proud,” Elliott says, “of them and our town.” Hart’s journey, a testament to self-taught determination, resonated deeply with her. It offered a quiet challenge, reminding her that becoming an artist was achievable— even through unconventional paths.
“I didn’t fully realise this until my 40s,” she reflects. “Knowing that Pro Hart was selftaught and achieved so much has been comforting when feelings of imposter syndrome arise, as I am also self-taught.”
By Olivia Williams
Elliott’s own artistic trajectory has been as dynamic as her work. The early 2000s saw her penning satirical cartoons that dissected Australia’s political climate. Her first solo exhibition, BusHoward at The Wheatsheaf Hotel in 2004, confronted the country’s asylum seeker crisis with raw, unflinching pieces. The work was bold, brash, and unafraid to tackle uncomfortable truths. But, like any creative path, change was inevitable. In 2018, a documentary on Jackson Pollock reignited her passion for painting, shifting her focus toward abstraction.
“When I started painting six years ago, I literally finger-painted for the first few years because I was too nervous about using a brush,” she admits. “As time went by, I gradually got the courage to use a paintbrush and now discover lots of things through happy accidents. Abstract art helps me translate my emotions more than if I were recreating a scene or object. It’s about capturing a mood rather than something recognisable.”
This evolution is evident in Radiance, her current exhibition at Bricks & Stones Café. The show, a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, is imbued with the same textured vibrancy that marks much of her work. “My art isn’t always about the connection to the LGBTQIA+ community, but when I create work especially for it, I’m standing on the shoulders of the people who have paved the way for my visibility and hopefully, my work will contribute to the next generation’s as well,” she says.
In her miniature collages, Elliott repurposes scraps of dried paint— material that would often be discarded— to represent the overlooked members of the LGBTQIA+ community. “My artwork for the 2024 Feast Festival program cover
featured one of these miniature dried paint collages. I likened the scraps of leftover, seemingly unimportant pieces that would be waste, to the feelings we sometimes have as individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, especially when we are rejected or overlooked because of our ‘otherness’.”
“When we’re all together for Feast, every individual makes up a spectacular, organically eclectic community, like the dried paint sculpture, that is beautiful for the sum of its parts.”
Her studio, shared with her family and Alfie, her dog, is where she finds the motivation to keep going. “That stage when you hate what you’re creating? That’s when I step away and come back later,” she shares. For Elliott, the studio is more than a workspace—it’s a place where doubts are confronted head-on and where, much like her neighbour Hart once did, she finds beauty in persistence.
lissyelliott.com.au @lissyelliottcreations
Lissy Elliott
OVER 50S’ GUIDE TO THE CINQUE TERRE
(to avoid the crowds)
BY BRIAG MCRAE
The iconic sea-level footpath (SVA 'Blue Trail') linking the picturesque towns of Italy’s Cinque Terre is renowned for its bustling crowds of tourists. What many don’t realise is that before the railway was built in 1870, the only way to travel between these towns was via an intricate network of trails. Today, this historic trail system offers a hiker’s paradise, though it can present challenges for mature walkers seeking a gentler, more comfortable experience.
Generally, it is easier to climb up steep gradients than to step down them, but in the Cinque Terre the paths 'less travelled' inevitably include steps. Stone stairways, that begin at sea-level, wind up between centuries-old multi-storey dwellings, step up through terraced gardens of vegetables and chickens and household lemon trees, and on up to the old farmers' tracks.
Don't let this put you off, the following Cinque Terre walks work well for active people with 'lived-in' bodies, but as with many things, preparation is key. If your doctor or physiotherapist declares you fit, and you're comfortable walking Adelaide’s Morialta Waterfall circuit, or from Greenhill Rd to Mt Lofty, you're in good shape for the Cinque Terre.
TRAIL 587: CORNIGLIA TO VOLASTRA
Start in the charming town of Corniglia, 100m above sea-level at the top of the zig-zagging red-brick Lardarina stairway. Unusually for the Cinque Terre, Trail 587 begins at an easily located T-junction behind the Church of San Pietro. Also unusual is the gentle gradient of the stone steps up to Trail 586, which follows the 330m contour into Volastra. This beaten-earth path, embedded with stepping stones and occasional flights of steps, winds through shady woodlands of evergreen oak and pine before emerging onto terraces full of Bosco, Alberola and Vermentino vines; source of the grapes they've been making into the Sciacchetra dessert wine since 4BCE. This delightful 'warm-up' walk affords sweeping views from Corniglia to Genoa and snowcapped Alpine peaks in the north, while to the south, Manarola looks like pastel cream topping on a rocky cup-cake.
TRAIL 506: VOLASTRA TO MANAROLA
You can taste local wines in one of Volastra's 'locanda' before continuing downhill on Trail 506. This mule-track meanders between the rosemaryhedged olive groves which gave rise to 'Vicus Oleaster', village of the olive, later shortened to Volastra. Shallow steps become more frequent as you descend to the T-junction with Trail 502 and the left turn towards the Strada Provinciale 51 (SP51) road. A short walk along the
TRAIL 531: MANAROLA TO RIOMAGGIORE
bitumen soon returns you to the shallow steps of Trail 506 and a gentle waterside wander into Manarola. Manarola's twisting medieval passageways are a sightseer's delight, but a more challenging walk begins uphill from the San Lorenzo church where the main road veers left and a Trail 531 sign points right. Next, find the left-pointing 531 sign on the side of a house, and head up the traditional stone steps. These are steep, with approximately 25cm high risers and 35cm wide treads. Climb on up between houses and walled gardens, step on stones worn smooth by centuries of passing feet.
Above the town, you'll pass abandoned terraces being revegetated by Mediterranean maquis. Modern agricultural production east of the Apennines, combined with the expensive, small-scale nature of terraced farming, have curtailed agriculture in the Cinque Terre. In the 1970's, tourism breathed life back into the region, and the massive influx of visitors after the UNESCO World Heritage listing in 1997 prompted formation of the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, to maintain the trails and protect the environment.
Sadly, the continued deterioration of terrace walls contributed to flood and landslide damage, and nine fatalities in 2011. This tragedy led to an EU-funded
Riomaggiore from the marina
'Stone Walls for Life' Climate Change
Adaptation project, described on a hilltop information board between Manarola and Riomaggiore.
On the other side of the hill, you'll glimpse Riomaggiore through the trees, and have a clear view down onto the via dell'Amore, originally built as a shortcut in 1920. Landslides forced its closure in 2012, and expensive reconstruction work delayed reopening until 2024. Now tourists have to book and pay to walk this path in a guide-led group. Back on the quieter Trail 531, the earthen path with inlaid rock steps gradually becomes a continuous stairway, often with a downhill banister. Eventually the path flattens and joins the switchback road down into Riomaggiore.
MONTEROSSO TO PUNTA MESCO
The walk to Sant'Antonio al Mesco begins on the modern steps behind Monterosso's concrete giant, then joins a single-lane road which switchbacks up a hillside of drowsing villas until a sign in one of the U-bends directs you to the trail. This initially alternates between uneven rock 'steps' and water-eroded slopes, but is wide enough to pick a zig-zag traverse that eases the steeper sections. There are no terraces, instead the trail rises to a sandy path through mature HolmOak and Corbezzolo (strawberry tree) woodlands. Cross over the Levanto path junction, stroll past the Sant'Antonio al Mesco and the old telegraph station to the Punta Mesco. This headland glories in a spectacular view of the entire Cinque Terre, all the way to Porto Venere's southernmost islands. The way the clouds lie on the Apennines and Ligurian horizon makes it difficult to tell where the sea ends and the heavens begin; beautiful white-sailed yachts appear to sail into the sky.
Active visitors soon become adept at planning routes that use traditional steep staircases to climb up out of the towns, higher level 'AVT' trails to walk along the coast, and gently descending roads to return. Riomaggiore, for example, has a sign to the 'Madonna di Montenero, 593v' at the end of the pedestrian tunnel. Follow red and white-painted stripes through the narrow passages and arches of the medieval town, climb the inevitable steps up past the cemetery, cross over the hairpinned SP32, twice, and find the main road with its 'Solera 180 Grade' snack bar, which boasts a terrace where you can sit, slow your pounding heart and enjoy theyou've guessed it - 180° view. From there it's only a short climb up to the Santuario. The ongoing circuit walk continues from its western corner on 'La Via Grande', a wide, well-maintained mule track used for the annual procession of a painting of the 'Assumption of Mary with the Apostles'. This trail has a calm serenity, perhaps because of the thirteen votive shrines to the Madonna along its way, or the burbling stream that accompanies the track from half-way down the hill.
The same principle of 'steep start but gentle descent' applies to a 12km route which begins on the stone steps alongside Porto Venere's Castello Doria, undulates along hillsides to Campiglia, continues through Sant' Antonio and Telegrafo, then finishes at Riomaggiore's Santuario di Montenero. A problem with this route is its proximity to the Piccoloblu Restaurant in Campiglia, where they serve wonderfully authentic Ligurian food in a setting so delightful that a long lunch becomes more appealing than the onward trail.
TIP: Make sure to plan your journey, stay hydrated, and wear sturdy footwear!
A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY IN PORTO VENERE
Another way to avoid the crowds is to travel in Spring or Autumn, with contingency plans for inclement weather. Porto Venere offers a host of options, one being the Church of St Peter. Archeologists discovered a polychrome marble mosaic in the part of the church by the Roman cloisters, and guessed it was the floor of a pagan temple dedicated to Venus Erycina, ancient sea goddess of fertility. Nobody knows when the church replaced the pagan temple. The stones, semi-circular apse and other architectural features are associated with the fifth century, perhaps Tino Island monks were involved in the change?
Today, the lowest stones of the little church blend into the bedrock of a promontory that reaches across the narrow sea inlet to Palmeria. The sea crashes and fumes against its confinement, and the sounds of waves and wind fill the church. It smells of marble and salt, sunlight and gloom. There are ghostly echoes, of the Genoese adding a striking black and white marble extension in 1256, of the Aragonese bombardment in 1494, and centuries later, Austro-Russian militia's bivouacking in the Church until they were defeated by Napoleons' forces, who promptly melted the bells and used the church rafters as firewood. Despite all the violence and destruction of the past, today there is an intense peace in the midst of the seas' ceaseless movement.
A visitor might sense the church walls whispering about the enduring strength of the terrace-building, trail-walking farmers of the Cinque Terre, and of their continuation of centuries-old traditions while the names of the powerful who sent men to war, have long since been lost in the mists of time.
Continued
Shallow steps to Manarola
Traditional Steep Stair in Manarola
Roman cloisters by the door into the 5th century Church of St Peter
Trail Information and Resources
TRAIL DISTANCES & HEIGHTS
(approximate times depend on fitness, weather, and terrain conditions)
TRAIL
CornigliaVolastra
VolastraManarola
ManarolaRiomaggiore
Monterosso al MareSant’Antonio al MescoPunta Mesco
Riomaggiore - Santuario di Madonna Montenero
Porto VenereCampiglia
Ending location Volastra: Manarol via de Gasperi road Sant’Antonio Santuario Campiglia
Trail notes Junction with Trail 586: 330m Road crossing: 170m Peak: 220m Trail begins at 125m Snack bar: 220m Peak: 250m
TRAIL INFORMATION & RESOURCES
TIP: If your doctor or physiotherapist declares you fit, and you’re comfortable walking Adelaide’s Morialta Waterfall circuit, or from Greenhill Rd to Mt Lofty, you’re in good shape for the Cinque Terre.
BUCKET LIST SA
Access up-to-date trail statuses and download a detailed PDF map from the official National Park website at:
parconazionale5terre.it
Troubridge Island - Your Own Slice of Paradise
If you've ever dreamed of escaping to a private island, Troubridge Island off South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula should be at the top of your bucket list. Accessible only by boat and with a permit, this serene retreat offers a unique chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle while immersing yourself in pristine natural beauty.
About eight kilometres southeast of Edithburgh, Troubridge Island feels like stepping into another world. Its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and modest lighthouse keeper's cottage provide the perfect backdrop for a quiet getaway. Once an active lighthouse site until 2002, this two-hectare gem now forms part of the Troubridge Island Conservation Park.
The lighthouse keeper's cottage has been repurposed to provide accommodation, offering a simple and rustic experience that complements the island’s isolated and natural charm. Staying in the cottage offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where life was all about the basics. Modest yet comfortable, the cottage serves as a cosy base for exploring the island’s many delights. Imagine waking up to uninterrupted ocean views and falling asleep to the sound of waves gently lapping the shore.
While on the island, your days can be as tranquil or active as you like. Fish from the shore, paddle in the shallows, or stroll along its quiet beaches to soak up the island's unspoiled beauty. Nature lovers will be delighted by its rich biodiversity—
Troubridge Island is a haven for seabirds, including fairy terns and Pacific gulls, and home to little penguins and marbled geckos.
Whether you’re craving solitude, adventure, or a mix of both, Troubridge Island offers an unforgettable experience of serenity and connection to nature. It’s not just a private island escape; it’s a step back in time and a reconnection with the simple joys of life.
Ready to rent your own island? Troubridge is calling. Just don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure!
Angela Travis Photography
with Fishing Sister
Autumn is nearly here and for us that means some very enjoyable fishing sessions are on the way! Although all seasons have their good aspects, Autumn is our favourite time to fish as the weather is more gentle: the sun is not so harsh and the wind not so gusty and unpredictable.
As we live in southern Adelaide, we spend a lot of time fishing from beaches in our ‘backyard’ - the Fleurieu Peninsula. There are so many excellent locations to choose from. Here are our top five Fleurieu Peninsula Autumn fishing locations.
KING BEACH
Accessibility: 3/5
King Beach is a hidden gem, and we have caught an interesting array of fish from this beach. It is a twenty minute walk from the car park to the beach, along the hills face. The track is moderately difficult so travel light and leave the bucket in the car. It is worth the walk though. The beach is small and sheltered, with some good rocky areas.
PARSONS BEACH
Accessibility: 3/5
Parsons is a beautiful, sweeping ocean beach. Not as turbulent as neighbouring Waitpinga Beach, Parsons Beach is perfect for surf fishing. There are steep steps down to the beach which can be a challenge however there is also a gently sloping track that runs behind the beach which is much easier to navigate. We have spent many blissful autumn sessions on this beach, usually bringing home Mullet or Salmon Trout for dinner. The roar of the waves and mist in the air fills the senses. So good for the soul!
Our Favourite Fleurieu Autumn Hotspots
CARRICKALINGA BEACH
Accessibility: 4/5
Carrickalinga Beach is a long, white sandy beach with several access points. The main car park is at the northern end of the beach, and there is a long ramp down to the sand. The other entrance points to the south are all easily accessible. This is a picturesque beach with an almost mediterranean feel when sailboats drop anchor there. During Autumn we have caught flathead, garfish, mullet and silver whiting along this beach. It has a very relaxed vibe with plenty of space for everyone. Good coffee and food can be purchased at Normanville which is less than ten minutes drive from here.
ALDINGA BEACH
Accessibility: 5/5
Aldinga Beach is a great location to fish during Autumn. Mullet can be caught in the surf on Aldinga Beach through Autumn, along with the odd flathead. This is one of the most accessible beaches to fish that we have come across. We enjoy nothing more than loading up the ute with deck chairs, the bbq and sun shelter, and spending the day on the beach. Fishing from the back of the ute is so easy, especially when mobility is an issue. You can drive on the beach with a 2WD. Note that Aldinga Beach is closed to cars from 1 May to 30 September each year, although the area north of the entrance ramp remains open for boat launching. During this time you can access the beach by stairs. If that is too difficult then neighbouring Silver Sands Beach and Sellicks Beach can be driven on all year round. These beaches are narrower than Aldinga Beach however so extra care must be taken with the tide times.
MORGANS BEACH
Accessibility: 4/5
Nestled below towering cliffs that are dotted with windmills, Morgans Beach is a spectacular place to fish. This beach is quite small, and is one of the few beaches you can drive onto if you have a 4WD. If you have a 2WD, there is a car park at the bottom of the hill and you can walk onto the beach from there. A variety of fish can be caught here both from the beach, and from the rocks at the far end of the beach. We particularly enjoy float fishing from the rocks for Garfish during Autumn. Wind conditions are critical to success however as the wind must be on your back to push the float rig out to sea. We tend to avoid holiday periods and weekends as this small beach can fill quite quickly.
So why not give fishing in Autumn a go?
The Fleurieu Peninsula offers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from surf fishing on high energy ocean beaches, to rock fishing and sheltered bays. Autumn really showcases the beauty of these locations and offers some excellent fishing opportunities. Always check the tides and wind direction, and burley up to attract the fish. Why not give one (or all) of our top five locations a try?
Scan the QR code to see fishing sister’s YouTube channel.
Our Fleurieu Peninsula video playlist shows you where we fished, what we caught at each location, and how we caught it. So have a look at our videos before heading out fishing!
Mullet at Carrickalinga
Mullet at Parsons Beach
ESCAPE TO THE GOOGS TRACK
A South Australian Outback Adventure
WORDS AND PHOTOS:
Kosta Giannopoulos @kostagsphoto
Embrace the Remote Beauty of the Googs Track
If escaping the everyday hustle and bustle appeals to you, and the allure of starry nights, unique wildlife, and endless horizons calls, then the Googs Track in South Australia is your next adventure.
This remarkable track has a quirky origin story, reminiscent of a classic Australian film like "The Castle." In the 1970s, local farmer John "Goog" Denton and his wife Jenny, gazed north from their property and, fueled by curiosity, decided to forge a path into the unknown. What began with a grader eventually required a bulldozer to conquer the challenging terrain. The government tried to stop them because it wasn't their land but the track's potential was quickly recognized by other locals, whose support - both moral and financial - contributed to its completion. Denton's efforts unveiled a breathtaking landscape of salt lakes and the impressive Mount Finke.
Tarcoola
Planning Your Journey
For those travelling from Adelaide, Lake Gilles offers a convenient overnight stop and a preview of the salt lakes that characterize the region. The Googs Track itself begins just north of Ceduna, renowned for its world-class oysters – a must-try for any visitor.
Before embarking on the track, ensure your vehicle is equipped for the journey. Lower your tyre pressure to approximately 20psi to navigate the sandy terrain. The track stretches over 170km, traversing approximately 370 sand dunes, often likened to a "mini Simpson Desert." While experienced 4WD enthusiasts may find the track relatively easy, it's crucial not to underestimate its challenges.
Highlights Along the Way
THE JOHN "GOOG" DENTON AND MARTIN "DINGER" DENTON MEMORIAL:
A poignant reminder of the track's origins, where travellers leave tokens of remembrance.
GOOGS LAKE CAMPGROUND:
A picturesque campsite with pristine red sand and a vast salt lake.
YELLABINNA WILDERNESS PROTECTION AREA:
Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the vibrant Pink Mulla Mulla and the majestic Wedgetail Eagle.
MOUNT FINKE:
A prominent peak offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Essential Considerations
Remember, the Googs Track is remote. There are no facilities for fuel, food, or water, and phone reception is limited to the top of Mt Finke. Thorough preparation is essential. Although the track is recommended to be travelled from south to north, some adventurers choose the opposite direction. A sand flag is highly recommended to alert oncoming vehicles when cresting dunes. Utilize CB channel 18 to communicate your location and direction of travel to others.
Completing Your Adventure
Rewards Beyond the Horizon
The rewards of venturing into this remote landscape are plentiful. The Ceduna Radio Astronomy Observatory, located near the track's starting point, hints at the exceptional stargazing opportunities that await. Far from city lights, the night skies are simply breathtaking.
Beyond the stunning natural beauty, the Googs Track offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the constant stimulation of modern life and reconnect with yourself. The vastness of the landscape and the unhurried pace create a unique sense of freedom and perspective.
As you leave the Googs Track, the journey continues through the mining outpost of Tarcoola and on to Kingoonya. Here, you can refuel and refresh at the caravan park, and perhaps enjoy a meal at the charmingly nostalgic pub. Consider a side trip to the Gawler Ranges for another unique outback experience. The Googs Track is a true outback adventure, offering a unique blend of challenge, natural beauty, and solitude. It's a journey that will stay with you long after you return to civilization.
Jenny Denton still likes to meet and chat to people about the track. You can look her up on the Googs Track Facebook group.
SO LONG, How to Prep Your Garden for the Cooler Months
By Michael Heyne, Heyne’s Garden Centre
Welcome to our last month of summer!
Hopefully your gardens have continued to be delightful and productive with the warmer weather and you have instilled some ‘good watering practices’ as outlined in our last article.
In this issue we will be focusing on seeking shade in the last rays of summer, change of season, and how to make the most out of your garden as we prepare for Autumn.
Summer’s Final Garden Checklist
February is classically defined in South Australia as the ‘hot month’ so it’s important to continue monitoring your garden closely and adjusting your watering regime accordingly.
y If mulches are starting to look a little sparse, it’s still worth applying a fresh layer for the final wave of heat, and continuing with those nice deep soakings prior to, and during extended hot spells.
y Vegetable gardens might be waning in terms of productivity but there’s still time during February to plant some ‘last minute’, fast cropping varieties like: Lebanese cucumber, cherry variety tomatoes, non-hearting lettuce and Pak Choi. Look for the most advanced seedlings available and make fruit (or vegetables!) while the sun shines!
y Roses will benefit from a good feed this month, especially after deadheading or coming back into flower. Treat any fungal issues with sulfur and dispose of any affected leaves- but not in the compost!
y It’s time to prune fruit trees to decrease vigour and maintain size for ease of harvesting. Remove any dead or damaged wood and prune out any inward growing branches to increase airflow and allow sunlight to reach the centre.
Turn Down the Heat
As garden temperatures soar this month, it’s a great excuse to seek out and become more acquainted with those species that thrive in sheltered positions.
If you’ve ever visited our fern house during summer, you will know just how much of a cooling effect shade loving plants can have!
A shaded nook in the garden is perfect for creating a tranquil, welcoming space both yourself and wildlife can use to escape the harsh heat of the day. Fern species are a popular choice for producing those jungle vibes with their dense, showy leaves. The Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltatacan offers beautifully graceful arching foliage, looking the part in hanging pots or spilling over the side of planters. The light airy leaves of maidenhair introduces a soft, graceful element and birds nest ferns offer an intricate foliar display with mesmerising, spiraling fronds. Baby’s tears Soleirolia works well in damp, shaded areas, forming a magical weed suppressing carpet.
If you’re after some colour, varieties like Bromeliads produce a spectacular display and look exceptional amongst the greenery of ferns. Canna lilies and clivias create a standout display with their sunny coloured blooms, whilst grasses like mondo, Liriope, dianella and lomandra create beautiful boundaries, adding texture and style to the shaded garden.
Water Harvesting Wonders
As well as using plants to lower garden temperatures and create that sense of ‘cool,’ it is also worth exploring those plants that can perform during times of extended heat, and really make use of the little water they may receive to their full ability.
Cacti and succulents are a perfect example of this, and a true marvel of nature’s ability to adapt to change. Living in some of the most inhospitable places on earth, they really allow you to appreciate all the intricate grooves and leaf formations, evolved for ultimate water harnessing capabilities.
We were lucky enough to host a Summer Cacti and Succulent show in December thanks to the Cacti & Succulent society of South Australia. It proved hugely popular and really reiterated just how much joy these unique plants can bring!
The fantastic thing about succulent and cacti growing is how much fun you can have with them. Nothing is out of the realm of possibility in terms of growing places due to their adaptability. Gorgeous succulent bowls make a stunning low maintenance outdoor table piece, varieties like Sedum morganianum (donkey's tail) look fantastic cascading down pots, perhaps an old childhood truck can be brought back to life and potted up with some varieties. We’ve even seen mature cacti from the Trichocereus and Cerus genus used as ‘living fence posts’ alongside homesnow that’s what we call security!
End of Season Harvest
As the heat of summer starts to wane, you might be inspired to get a head start removing spent crops, but before doing so, it’s worthwhile asking yourself- has this plant produced a standout yield? How productive has it been during the growing season? Any standout candidates, and only the healthiest plants from the crop should be considered for seed saving.
Saving your own seed is a fantastic way to cut costs, become a better gardener and grow stronger plants as a result of growing varieties that have adapted to the specific climate of your garden.
Open pollinated varieties of vegetables and herbs including: Peas, Beans, lettuce, non-hybrid tomatoes, Dill, Basil and coriander are great for beginners. Herb seed can be harvested by cutting off the seed head and allowing it to dry naturally. These can then be simply put into a bag and the seeds shaken (not stirred!) for collection. Cut and dry the remaining herbs for use in winter cooking.
Fleshy seeds such as tomatoes, benefit from being allowed to ferment in a jar of water overnight then allowed to dry out completely before storing for the next season.
As you improve and harness techniques, you may work your way up to rarer varieties, allowing family and friends to share and continue your seed’s legacy, which is so important in a world being increasingly driven towards Genetically modified and hybridised varieties.
Not Too Late to Propagate
As well as seed saving there are other ways to really make the most out of your garden as we enter Autumn- like propagation!
If you have top performing perennials you would love more of, now is a great time to propagate.
Late summer is a great time to take semi hardwood cuttings from your garden (or a friends!)
A semi- hardwood cutting is defined by the time the cutting is taken in the growing cycle, and characterised by the pliability and colour of the stem. Semi-hardwood cuttings have stems transitioning from the green fresh ‘tip’ growth of foliage, darkening to deep red or brown. A ‘snap test’ can be performed to gauge how flexible and suitable the potential cutting will be.
A stem bended back on itself should have the elasticity and pliability to break cleanly, if it breaks off without a clean cut its most likely past this stage and will do better as a ‘hardwood cutting’ over winter.
Here are some examples of Semihardwood cuttings candidates suitable to propagate now!
y Australian natives such as: Callistemon, Banksia and Grevillea
y Shade lovers like: Camellia, Fuchsias and Azalea
y Trees and shrubs including: Magnolia, Buddleja and viburnum
Take a cutting approximately 12 cm long that includes at least 2 to 3 nodes, with an angled cut just below the first lower node- this will be underground and where the root system develops!
Making sure there are at least two to three nodes on your cutting, remove the lower leaves and dip in a hormone gel (or honey!) then into a propagating mix. These specialty mixes allow adequate airflow and drainage for best results.
Place in a well-lit area out of direct sun until cuttings take root.
Propagating is a rewarding experience that you could find addictive, never forget to pack your secateurs when heading out, you never know what varieties you’ll come across!
Thinking Ahead
Moving into autumn is an exciting time, a change is on the breeze! Colours start to turn and we find ourselves envisioning those cool days and cozy nights as we leave the heat of summer behind. Planning your Autumn Garden is paramount, and encouraging healthy foundations for optimum growing conditions should be at the forefront. Heavy feeders like Corn and Tomatoes take a toll on garden soils over summer, leaving little goodness behind for the changeover, so it’s a great idea to plant a ‘cover crop’ to replenish lost nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, plus the positive effect these crops have on weeds, microorganisms and earthwormsit starts from the ground up!
Adding compost and manures to beds as you turn them over also aids in replacing lost nutrients and adding friability to soils, ready to make those beautiful new season varieties shine.
There's so much on offer as we enter the new season. Spring bulbs, brassicas, citrus, annuals and so much more. Make the most of the warm ground and get planting!
See you next time and happy gardening!
Michael Heyne
Heyne’s
Garden Centre
Michael Heyne spent much of his childhood following his grandfather around the family garden centre, a business destined to be passed along into his hands. After completing his education at Urrbrae Agricultural High School, he worked in the wholesale division for three years before returning to the garden centre in 1987. Over the past 40 years, Michael has seen many changes in gardening practices and new varieties of plants that have brought so much joy to so many gardeners.
Heyne’s Garden Centre 283-289 The Parade, Beulah Park
Lights, Camera, Action
The Mercury Shines Bright in 2025
Get ready for an exciting year at The Mercury! In 2025, Adelaide’s beloved cinema will once again bring audiences an exceptional lineup of films with SILVERSCREEN—a curated program featuring the best of contemporary cinema, festival favourites, and award-winning films from around the world.
With an expanded schedule of screenings every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, plus more evening sessions, there’s even more opportunity to enjoy extraordinary stories on the big screen. And to sweeten the deal, complimentary refreshments are served every Tuesday and Friday, with extra-special morning teas hosted by Retire Australia on 28 February, and 28 March.
For the film buffs, Mercury subscribers gain access to the exclusive CINEMATHEQUE program—a carefully curated selection of timeless classics, cult favourites, and contemporary masterpieces screened throughout the year.
Become a Mercury Subscriber Mercury subscription isn’t just about watching movies—it’s about being part of a thriving screen community. With an annual commitment of $25 a month ($300 a year), subscribers unlock incredible benefits:
Your Fringe Festival Hub in the West End
As the Adelaide Fringe Festival kicks off in February and March, The Mercury transforms into your ultimate festival hub in the heart of the West End. With nightly performances ranging from comedy and theatre to film, cabaret, and interactive shows, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the festival magic in air-conditioned theatres with raked seating, drink specials, and unbeatable Fringe vibes.
Get ready to experience a year of unforgettable cinema, live performances, and a vibrant community at The Mercury.
Head to the Adelaide Fringe 2025 website for show details and booking information.
y FREE unlimited tickets to over 300 unique films across 800+ screenings
y FREE entry to exclusive events, including Cinemechanica sessions, filmmaker Q&As, and Script Club
y DISCOUNTS and first access to special events, including the popular An Evening With series
y FREE professional development opportunities in the film industry
y FREE equipment hire for cameras, sound, and lighting
y FREE access to production facilities, including the Shane Brennan Writers’ Room, Sound Lab, Edit Suite, and more
y DISCOUNTS on partner offers, including Adelaide Film Festival tickets, food, beverages, parking, and more exciting perks to be announced soon
The Mercury Cinema 13 Morphett St, Adelaide themercury.org.au
NOW SHOWING
Join us for entertaining & extraordinary cinema from around the world with The Mercury’s SILVERSCREEN program
Enjoy complimentary refreshments with Tuesday and Friday screenings
Retire Australia special morning teas on 28 February and 28 March
BOOK: themercury org au or purchase tickets at the door
FREE for Mercury Subscribers
$10 for Seniors Card members
Consider becoming a subscriber for $25/month or $300/year for FREE access to 800+ screenings of 300+ unique films! That’s less than $1 a film!
Supported byt
The Magic of French Cinema Returns to South Australia in 2025
South Australia is set to embrace a touch of je ne sais quoi as the Alliance Française French Film Festival (AF FFF) returns for its 36th edition in 2025. Running from March 19 to April 23 in Adelaide and spreading its cinematic charm to Renmark, Victor Harbor, and Mount Gambier, this annual festival promises a cultural feast for film buffs across the state.
Celebrated as the largest French film festival outside of France, AF FFF showcases the very best of contemporary French cinema, spanning genres from
drama and comedy to the ever-present l’amour. With over 5,500 screenings across 18 Australian cities, the festival offers a unique opportunity to dive into the heart of French storytelling.
Anne-Lise Heynen-Giri, Executive Director of Alliance Française Adelaide, describes the festival as a vital part of
Catch the French Film Magic Near You
y ADELAIDE: Wednesday, March 19 to Wednesday April 23 (No Encore) Palace Nova Eastend, Nova Prospect Cinemas y RENMARK: Wednesday, March 26 to Tuesday, April 1, Chaffey Theatre
y VICTOR HARBOR: Wednesday, April 2 to Wednesday, April 9 Victa Cinema y MOUNT GAMBIER: Thursday, April 3 to Sunday, April 6, Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre
March 19April 23
South Australia’s cultural calendar. “It’s a celebration of the magic of French cinema—a chance to come together and immerse ourselves in its beauty, passion, and storytelling brilliance,” she shares.
The festival will also highlight the contributions of women in French cinema, featuring empowering narratives and showcasing female directors and characters. Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or simply looking to indulge in cinematic excellence, AF FFF 2025 is your passport to the wonders of French culture.
affrenchfilmfestival.org
Reviews
Book Review
THE NAME OF THIS BAND IS R.E.M.: A BIOGRAPHY
Peter Ames Carlin
HarperCollins Australia
RRP $36.99 (paperback)
Author Carlin has written books about Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, The Beach Boys and Bruce Springsteen, and yet his latest offering chronicles a band that, unlike those guys, shunned success for as long as they could. Until, of course, they spectacularly gave in.
Coming out of Athens, Georgia, but not as goofy as pals the B-52s, Carlin details the early lives of the key members of the quartet, and how they were all swirling around in the later 1970s. Singer Michael Stipe met guitarist Peter Buck, bonded over their love of Patti Smith’s album Horses, eventually fell in with Mike Mills (bass) and Bill Berry (drums), and were guided to their first public gig on April 5, 1980. And it went… okay.
The random selection of the band’s name (an acronym of ‘Rapid Eye Movement’ - look it up!) was explained in a fashion that set the standard for the deliberately obscure way they would handle things: according to Carlin, they would say that it didn’t mean what you thought it did, or maybe it did, or it meant whatever you wanted. And, after relentless touring, they finally started eking out some fame, with very ‘80s help from MTV and David Letterman. But if only they could have a proper hit.
Then came songs that threatened to be big, like the misinterpreted The One I Love and, yes, It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine), and finally they conquered the universe with albums like Green, Out Of Time, Automatic For The People, and Monster. And distinctive tunes that never lost a mysterious, melancholy edge, even with the silliest ditty they ever created: the earworm-y Shiny Happy People
Carlin also reveals how the foursome continued into the 2000s and arguably lost their edge (sorry!), and how they helped usher in a legion of bands from all over Americaand indeed the whole ‘90s ‘indie’ scene. Without them, for example, there would never have been another little group you may have heard of.
You know: Nirvana.
By Dave Bradley
Film Review - Sponsored by
WIDOW CLICQUOT (M)
This international production from director Thomas Napper (and prestige co-producer Joe Wright) is scripted by Erin Dignam and Christopher Monger, drawing from - and fiddling with - historian and wine expert Tilar J. Mazzeo’s biography of the titular subject. It should, of course, be called Veuve Clicquot, and most of the cast should be European (and mostly speaking French), but that’s just the way movies get financed these days.
Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot (American not-quite-star Haley Bennett) is introduced in terrible grief during the funeral of her winemaker husband François (Tom Sturridge in erratic flashbacks), a suicide. Her father-in-law Philippe (Ben Miles) is trying to sell the vineyards and estate out from under her and daughter Clementine (Cecily Cleeve), and the Moët family are circling like vultures as well, but Barbe insists upon running the place herself from now on. And that’s very much not the done thing back in 1805. Naturellement!
Setting Barbe up as a free-thinking, hard-working protofeminist who refuses to marry again means that she can therefore make lofty statements in her narration (she won’t play “the petulant games of powerful men”, for example), and she toils away for some indeterminate period to produce the famed champagne. There’s also a great deal going on around her as the plot trudges along, including the establishment of a secret sales network with assistance from dashing broker Louis Bohne (the English Sam Riley), and the looming threat of the approaching Napoleonic war.
Although it frequently looks fabulous, with location shooting in Chablis and Reims, and boasts some gorgeous candlelight cinematography, this still tends to feel forced and at times, a tiny bit flat. Bennett tries hard (and with her pale skin and dark hair has an almost Isabelle Adjani-like visage), but even she can’t quite keep it sparkling throughout.
Widow Clicquot starts at cinemas on Thursday February 6
MUST-READ BOOKS
Wild Dark Shore
by Charlotte McConaghy
Dominic Salt and his three children are caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island not far from Antarctica. Home to the world’s largest seed bank, Shearwater was once full of researchers. But with sea levels rising, the Salts are now its final inhabitants, packing up the seeds before they are transported to safer ground. Despite the wild beauty of life here, isolation has taken its toll on the Salts. Raff, 18 and suffering his first heartbreak, can only find relief at his punching bag; Fen, 17, has started spending her nights on the beach among the seals; 9-year-old Orly, obsessed with botany, fears the loss of his beloved natural world; and Dominic can’t stop turning back towards the past, and the loss that drove the family to Shearwater in the first place.
RRP $34.99, Penguin
The Tinpot Navy
by Anthony Delano
Fascinating stories from Australia's colonial navies and the early Royal Australian Navy, whose untried ships and the eager crew manning them performed feats of great courage in World War I.
Just months before the start of World War I, Winston Churchill withdrew the Royal Navy's most formidable ships from the Pacific. With powerful German cruisers in its northern waters, Australia's fledgling navy needed to step up. With little-known stories and a fresh look at familiar ones, The Tinpot Navy is a fascinating account of the origins of the Royal Australian Navy, and how it matured into an effective arm of defence in its first major conflict.
RRP $34.99, Allen & Unwin
Deficit
by Emma Holten
In 2020, Emma Holten read an article stating that women were a net ‘deficit’ to society. Women apparently took more than they gave: they took more parental leave, frequently worked part-time, and typically worked lower paying jobs in the public sector. They also ‘drained’ the public purse by doing expensive things like giving birth. Denmark would be richer if women’s lives looked more like men's, the experts concluded. It’s a similar story across the globe.
How did we get here? How are the contributions of half the population seen as a loss? In Deficit, Emma Holten traces how economic thinkers –from the Enlightenment onwards – created a value framework that left out ‘women’s work’ and acts of care. She reveals how the economic models that drive political decisions today are just as flawed. They shape our world with rhetoric that sounds objective but is really based on centuries of oversight and omission, with terrible consequences for us all.
RRP $36.99, Penguin
Alive: An Alternative Anatomy
by Gabriel Weston
For Gabriel Weston, there was always something missing from the anatomy she was taught at medical school. Medicine teaches us how a body functions, but it doesn't help us navigate the reality of living in one. As she became a surgeon, a mother, and ultimately a patient herself, Weston found herself grappling with the gap between scientific knowledge and unfathomable complexity of human experience.
In this captivating exploration of the body, Weston dissolves the boundaries that usually divide surgeon and patient, pushing beyond the limit of what science has to tell us about who we are.
RRP $36.99, Penguin
Nell by Robert Wainwright
The forgotten, unique and fascinating story of Australia's first and only duchess, from the bestselling author of Sheila and Enid.
When an unassuming young Melbourne woman bumped into a handsome naval lieutenant in a Colombo hotel swimming pool in 1926 she would never have dreamed of one day being the wife of an English duke with three castles.
Nell's story is pageturning. The only Australian woman to ever join the British aristocracy as a duchess, her life is a wild ride through England, America and Kenya as the House of Montagu crumbles through four generations.
RRP $34.99, Allen & Unwin
LET PK ENTERTAIN YOU!
Paul Kitching - aka PK - from Fuller Brand Communication has been out and about enough over his 50+ years to still have his finger on the pulse for the best things to see, do and enjoy in our excellent state. Whilst we all know life starts at 50, we also know what we like right?! And yes, we are choosy about how we dedicate our precious spare time. With lots on offer, PK reckons these gems are all worthy…
Sara Pascoe
Hindley Street Music Hall
Fri Mar 14
Have you ever been awake in the middle of the night and thought something so smart and astute that you couldn’t wait for the world to wake up so you could tell them? This show is said to be that exact thought! UK comedian Sara Pascoe proudly states that "Her children don’t sleep, her kitchen won’t clean itself and her husband 'doesn’t want to be in it'...”. As seen and loved on such shows as Taskmaster, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats… Sara Pascoe is gold.
And don’t miss...
Troy Hawke: The Greeters Guild Tour
Norwood Concert Hall
Thu Feb 13
When UK comedian Milo McCabe started complimenting shoppers to lift their post-pandemic stress little did he know his chipper ‘Troy Hawke’ character would go viral sending him on a stand-up tour around the world. The in demand dapper gent and his trademark purple smoking jacket with Insta-famous phrases like “You Sir are a master of hydration!” has perfected the knack to give others a boost and will deliver all and more with this show.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD)
Adelaide Entertainment Centre | Tue Feb 18
The wait is finally over. British electronic synth pioneers OMD make their triumphant return to Australia for the first time since 1987. Celebrating 45 years in music, OMD's Greatest Hits show will feature some of the most beloved songs of the ‘80s – including ‘If You Leave’ from the ‘Pretty in Pink’ soundtrack,’ ‘So in Love’, ‘(Forever) Live and Die’ and many more from their stellar 14 (!) studio albums including their latest release, ‘Bauhaus Staircase’. '80s fans rejoice!
Sarah Millican | Adelaide Entertainment Centre | Wed Mar 5
Roxette In Concert | Adelaide Entertainment Centre | Tue Mar 11
The Stranglers | The Gov | Sun Mar 23
Bad Manners 50th Anniversary Tour | The Gov | Sat Apr 5
Rhys Darby | Norwood Concert Hall | Tue Apr 15
Boom Crash Opera + The Models | The Gov | Thu Apr 24
ZZ Top + George Thorogood | Adelaide Entertainment Centre | Tue Apr 29 & The Destroyers
Ben Elton (AM)
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Tue Mar 18
Ben Elton (AM), the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up, is back on the road bringing his new show - Authentic Stupidity - to Australia. This British comedian, actor, author, playwright, lyricist, director and writer of such iconic TV shows as ‘The Young Ones’ and ‘Blackadder’ is someone you simply have to see live once in your life. Expect a gagfilled, taboo-busting, mind-expanding night of stellar stand-up.
The Dictionary Of Lost Words
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Thu Apr 3 – Thu Apr 17
After delighting audiences and critics alike in sold out seasons across Australia, the highest and fastest selling show in the history of the Dunstan Playhouse returns. In 1901, the word ‘bondmaid’ was discovered missing from the Oxford English Dictionary. The Dictionary of Lost Words is the story of the girl who found it. Lovingly adapted by South Australian playwright Verity Laughton, from local writer Pip Williams’ acclaimed bestselling book, this is must-see live theatre.
