Briefcase: Business Snippets from around South Australia
In this week’s Briefcase, Spring Gully Foods unveils its new look and Jones Radiology returns to full ownership by doctors. Plus, the latest business events.
- Spring Gully Foods launches fresh new look
- Jones Radiology returns to 100 per cent SA doctor ownership
- Adelaide company’s industry first
- Australian Rare Earths gets government grant
- Papyrus project secures funding
- Sharing is caring when it comes to solar
- South Australian video game studios selected for global showcase
- Airbnb pumped $900m into SA economy
- State-of-the-Art BMW dealership opens in Glenelg
- Celebrating SA’s top volunteers
Spring Gully Foods launches fresh new look
South Australian food brand Spring Gully has unveiled a new look – injecting fresh energy into one of the supermarket’s most traditional categories.
The move is part of a growth strategy that will see the brand reach out to shoppers in new ways.
Managing Director of Spring Gully Russell Webb said the rebrand was all about showing their personality to the next generation while staying true to the brand’s legacy.
“We’re proving that heritage brands can lead with innovation, have a sense of fun, and keep the heart of what makes them special.”
The new look will be appearing on shelves across the nation this month.
Jones Radiology returns to 100 per cent SA doctor ownership
Medical radiology practice Jones Radiology has returned to 100 per cent ownership by South Australian doctors, in time for its 100th anniversary.
After 25 years as part of radiology network I-MED, the practice’s partner doctors, who had owned 51 per cent of the practice, have now acquired I-MED’s 49 per cent shareholding.
Jones Radiology Chair and Managing Partner Dr Mitchell Raeside called the change a proud new chapter for the practice.
Raeside also said it would lead to further innovation, with “more opportunities to develop and evolve the practice to better support our patients, our team and communities we serve”.
Adelaide company’s industry first
Adelaide point of sale (POS) company MyVenue has deployed its POS solution across concessions at Lumen Field, home of NFL team Seattle Seahawks.
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The roll-out includes two-way integration with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, which uses advanced AI and sensors to automatically detect selected items and create a virtual cart, and charge customers as they leave.
MyVenue has deployed 560 fixed and handheld POS devices to the stadium, which hosts more than 2 million guests annually across sports, trade shows, corporate events and full stadium concerts.
VP of Operations and General Manager at Lumen Field Zach Hensley said that the stadium chose MyVenue because of their innovative technologies.
“Their venue-wide solution, two-way integration with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, and a single-source-of-truth back office gives us a level of control and efficiency that’s unmatched in the market,” Hensley said.
Australian Rare Earths gets government grant
ASX-listed Australian Rare Earths has received a $1 million Australian Government International Partnerships in Critical Minerals grant instalment.
The funding allows the business to advance its Koppamurra rare earths project.
“It comes at a time when momentum in the rare earths sector is building rapidly, highlighted by the recently announced partnership between MP Materials and US Department of Defense, which underscores the strategic imperative of establishing secure, international supply chains,” managing director and CEO Travis Beinke said.
“The market is beginning to recognise projects like Koppamurra, which bring needed diversification to the global supply of light and heavy rare earths, are vital to many modern strategic sectors including energy transition, defence applications, and advanced manufacturing.”
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Blueprint to Delivery: Implementing SA’s Health Infrastructure: The Property Council is hosting a breakfast forum to explore the future of healthcare delivery in South Australia and the infrastructure it requires on 19 August. Australia-ASEAN Business Forum 2025: Adelaide is set to host the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum on August 26 and 27, 2025, welcoming over 750 senior delegates, including diplomatic officials, investors, and commercial leaders from the Southeast Asian region. EuroMix 2025: The French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with nine other European Chambers, is bringing together key European players in Australia for this unique event on 28 August. Gala Dinner – South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards: The South Australian Business Chamber and the Government of South Australia are hosting the gala dinner for the South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday, August 29. South Australian Zero Homelessness Summit 2025: This event on October 23 aims to unite key stakeholders from across the state to foster practical solutions for ending homelessness in South Australia. |
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Papyrus project secures funding
Papyrus Australia has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program to support the early-stage commercialisation of its banana fibre processing technology.
The grant will enable the listed company to build its R&D facility at the University of South Australia.
Papyrus said trials of the technology had already commenced, and equipment procurement was underway.
Sharing is caring when it comes to solar
Australian researchers have determined that households with solar panels could boost their returns by selling excess power directly to their neighbours, helping to stabilise the electricity grid and negotiating a better price than retailers currently offer.
In a joint study from the University of South Australia and Deakin University, four different energy models were compared to help households and energy policymakers design more efficient, community-based solar systems.
Of the four examined, peer-to-peer (P2P) energy sharing was found to be the practice that could deliver the highest return for solar owners over a 20 year period. Lead author and UniSA researcher Dr Kevin Wang said that the findings show that P2P energy sharing delivers significant benefits to buyers and sellers of solar energy.
“Selling surplus [solar] energy directly to neighbours at a mutually agreed price in between can be more profitable for solar households and still cheaper for buyers,” Wang said.
South Australian video game studios selected for global showcase
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Six South Australian video game studios have been selected for a showcase at the world’s largest digital games conference.
The showcase, organised by the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), will be at Gamescom 2025, held annually in Cologne, Germany, from 20-24 August.
The conference attracts more than 300,000 attendees and will give the studios the opportunity to rub shoulders with international publishers and attract development funding.
Selected studios include Towerpoint Games, Mental Jam, Royal Reign Studios, The RND Department, Bad Plan Studios and Two Lives Left.
SAFC CEO Kate Croser called the partnership an exciting opportunity to showcase South Australia’s talented developers.
“I congratulate all the selected teams and look forward to seeing their games enjoy an international platform at this global gaming event,” Croser said.
Airbnb pumped $900m into SA economy
A new study from Oxford Economics has determined that Airbnb generated a $900 million boost to the South Australian economy last year, supporting 4,700 jobs and $300 million in wages.
This comes as domestic and international tourism are continuing a strong recovery post-COVID.
Affected industries extended beyond accommodation providers, with guest spending flowing into hospitality, retail, transport, property services and other local industries.
Growth in domestic stays has contributed to sustained tourism recovery, with local guests making up 84 per cent of Airbnb bookings nationwide.
Airbnb Country Manager Australia and New Zealand Susan Wheeldon said it was “incredibly rewarding to see the ripple effect and know that Airbnb is helping local businesses thrive, creating jobs, and spreading economic benefits across every corner of Australia”.
State-of-the-Art BMW dealership opens in Glenelg
A $30 million redevelopment of dealership Glenelg BMW has recently been completed.
The dealership, which features BMW, MINI Garage and Motorrad, offers a five star concierge service, a boutique café, designer lounge zones and customer-first amenities.
It also features new Enhanced Vehicle Experience (EVE) technology, providing real-time, model-specific information at the touch of a button for a personalised showroom experience.
Dealer Principal at Glenelg BMW Mark Ross called the opening a thrilling new chapter for the team.
He said the new dealership would be offering “a level of service to BMW, MINI Garage and Motorrad enthusiasts that’s unparalleled in Adelaide”.
Celebrating SA’s top volunteers
13 of South Australia’s top young volunteers have been recognised by Volunteering SA&NT as part of the 2025 Student Volunteer Army Service Awards in an Adelaide ceremony earlier this month.
The SVA supports students to log their volunteering hours via an app, earn milestone badges and receive a resume-ready summary of service to support further study, employment or scholarship applications.
Volunteering SA&NT CEO Hamilton Calder said that the program was helping to renew SA’s volunteering base. He explained that many young people are “extremely passionate about volunteering, they just need a way to get started. Through SVA Service Awards, we’re providing that pathway.”
Meet South Australia’s Top Student Volunteers 2025:
- Alexander Klaebe, Banksia International High School – Logged an extraordinary 933 hours volunteering with Cubs, Cadets and Woodhouse, focusing on Quality Education, Responsible Consumption, and Peace and Justice.
- Annasia Dale, Berri Regional Secondary College – Donated 192 hours to Clean Up Berri, intergenerational work with Cottage Homes, SAPSASA Hockey and local events. Her impact spans Good Health and Well-Being, Zero Hunger, and Life on Land.
- Chelsea Taylor, Blackwood High School – Contributed 190 hours to school leadership activities, peer mentoring, and youth voice forums, championing Quality Education and Well-Being.
- Taleah Turner, Cummins Area School – Logged 35 hours volunteering at the National Trust Museum and coaching tennis for children, promoting Climate Action and Quality Education.
- Imogen Windsor, Kangaroo Island Community Education – Through the Sunflower Project and school volunteer groups, contributed 16 hours to raising awareness about hidden disabilities, advancing Good Health and Well-Being.
- Natalia Burgemeister, Loxton High School – Dedicated 174 hours to gymnastics coaching, church-based youth leadership and the SRC, supporting Sustainable Cities and Education.
- Amitty Beck, Mannum Community College – Donated an impressive 563 hours to Dragon Boating and health-related community initiatives, championing Well-Being.
- Ruby Forster, Mount Barker High School – Volunteered 158 hours caring for children and supporting early childhood education, contributing to Quality Education and Well-Being.
- Mikeila Anderson, Northern Adelaide Senior College – Contributed 508 hours through school-based volunteering and caring for her grandmother, highlighting Well-Being and Education.
- Janay Kneebone, SA Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy – With 255 hours, Janay supported flood recovery, school activities, and community advocacy, aligned to Life on Land, Justice, and Education.
- Kieran Skinner, Scotch College – With 243 hours, contributed to Foodbank, community fundraising and the One & All Ship program, driving outcomes in Zero Hunger, Infrastructure, and Climate Action.
- Oscar Zadow, Tintinara Area School – Contributed 385 hours supporting local sporting clubs, elderly residents, and the Lions Club, with strong outcomes in Life on Land and Well-Being.
- Ebony Henley, Wirreanda Secondary School – Donated 52 hours to school-based sustainability and inclusion activities, including Harmony Week and Op Shop volunteering.
