Briefcase: Business Snippets from around South Australia
In this week’s Briefcase, an architecture firm turns 20 and SA’s business of the year is announced. Plus, the latest business events.
- Architecture firm celebrates two decades
- SA business of the year and exporter of the year revealed
- ‘Cost pressures’ fail to hamper Kelsian results
- SA giant backs National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
- SA independent schools’ multibillion-dollar contribution
- North Adelaide Village listed for sale
- Let’s Play SA! named finalist in 2025 ALIBI Awards
- Duco announces partnership with Arctic Wolf
- SA space start-ups make their mark at International Space Congress
- Delayed rain puts brakes on SA farmer confidence
Architecture firm celebrates two decades
Architecture firm, Edge Architects, best known for education, commercial, and community architecture, is celebrating 20 years of business in 2025.
The firm was founded by business partners Peter Spain and Pino Dichiera in 2005 after years of working in larger firms.
But the two carved out a specialty in education through a mix of “great training, good timing and following our instincts”.
“I came across education when I was employed by my previous boss Geof Nairn. Geof had a niche in education architecture and worked on many independent schools across Adelaide and because of his expertise, he also was in demand on some large private schools in the eastern states,” Dichiera said.
“Having spent 10 years working for him it became both a passion and exposed me to a great range of different building types and aesthetics.
“People generally confuse education with classrooms but the range of facilities on the modern and contemporary school site can span the entire catalogue of architecture, from theatres to gymnasiums, multi-faceted learning spaces and technologically advanced training facilities that you might find in all current industries.”
On working in a small business, Spain said “architecture is a team sport” and that is what he’s most proud of over the course of his 20 years at Edge Architects.
“Twenty years is a milestone, but for us, it’s also a moment to look forward,” he said.
“We’ve built this business on relationships with clients, consultants, builders, and of course, our team. That’s the part I’m most proud of.
“We’ve been lucky to play alongside some great people.”
SA business of the year and exporter of the year revealed
Salisbury-based specialty pharmaceutical Mayne Pharma won Business of the Year and almond producer Almondco won Exporter of the Year at the 2025 South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards last week.
Nearly 600 people attended the awards ceremony, hosted by the South Australian Business Chamber in collaboration with the Government of South Australia, where 27 businesses were acknowledged in various categories.
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“The quality of submissions was incredibly strong once again,” CEO of the South Australian Business Chamber Andrew Kay said.
“Choosing a winning business from the finalists was challenging across all categories, highlighting the growing number of innovative and high-achieving businesses that call South Australia home.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas said this awards program “honours the hard work and resilience that each of these businesses has displayed”.
“The quality of nominations reflects the outstanding companies we have in South Australia,” he said.
The award winners are:
MAJOR AWARD WINNERS
- SA BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Mayne Pharma
- SA EXPORTER OF THE YEAR – Almondco Australia
BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS
- Beyond Borders Business of the Year Award – De Stefano & Co
- Emerging Business of the Year Award – VALAI
- ESG Business of the Year Award – Santos
- Family Business of the Year – CME Group
- Indigenous Business of the Year Award – KWY Aboriginal Corporation
- Innovative Business of the Year Award – Consunet
- Large Business of the Year – Mayne Pharma
- Medium Business of the Year – Barossa Veterinary Service
- Not-for-Profit Business of the Year Award – The Hospital Research Foundation Group
- Regional Business of the Year Award – Blue Lake Milling
- Small Business of the Year Award – Seonix Bio
- The Governor’s Award for Business Achievement in Gender Equity – The University of Adelaide (WPDN)
- Workplace Culture and Wellbeing – Pisani Group
EXPORT AWARD WINNERS
- Agribusiness, Food and Beverage Export Award – The Yoghurt Shop
- Creative Industries Export Award – Foxie Games
- e-Commerce Export Award – Foil Drive
- Emerging Exporter Award – Noora Lab Tech
- First Nations Exporter Award – Munda Wines
- International Health Export Award – Mayne Pharma
- Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Export Award – Novafast
- Professional Services Export Award – CMAX Clinical Research
- Regional Exporter Award – Almondco Australia
- Resources and Energy Export Awards – Wilco Technologies
- Small Business Export Awards – Pixelforce
- South Australian Wine Export Award – Château Tanunda
- Sustainability and Green Economy Export Award – Balco Australia
- Technologies Export Award – MyVenue
‘Cost pressures’ fail to hamper Kelsian results
Kelsian reported growth in revenue and earnings across all three divisions and geographies in FY25, the company said.
Revenue rose 9.5 per cent to $2.2 billion, while earnings was up 7.5 per cent to $285 million.
The company said its net profit after tax fell by 6.1 per cent to $54.5 million, however.
“The FY25 results were in line with expectations and were achieved despite ongoing cost pressures in an inflationary environment,” Kelsian CEO Grame Legh said.
Underlying earnings for FY26 are expected to be between $297 million and $310 million.
SA giant backs National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
Flinders Port Holdings will be one of the sponsors of this year’s National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, marking its largest community partnership to date as the company debuts a custom-built float inspired by their Pilot Boat.
“This iconic South Australian event allows us to celebrate the team and create lasting memories for FPH families who will get to participate in the pageant. It’s a money-can’t-buy experience that reflects who we are and what we value,” said CEO Stewart Lammin.
“We’re very excited to have another proud South Australian company become a part of one of the state’s most magical days,” National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Director Brian Gilbertson said
Flinders Port Holding, which employs over 650 people and indirectly support 24,000 jobs across the state, has an annual turnover exceeding $300 million and generates over $25 billion in global trade.
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Inspiring Women Impacting the World and Beyond – Women In Defence: The Australia Day Council of South Australia launches the next iteration of its Inspiring Women Series, titled “Inspiring Women Impacting the World and Beyond – Women In Defence” on September 4. Young Carer’s Voices and Hearts Luncheon: The 2025 Young Carer Voices & Hearts Luncheon will be an exclusive gathering at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 9, 2025. This event is dedicated to honouring the remarkable contributions of South Australia’s Young Carers and amplifying their voices. 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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SA independent schools’ multibillion-dollar contribution
A report commissioned by Independent Schools Australia found that in 2023-34, South Australia’s Independent schools contributed $3.2 billion annually to the state economy and employed 18,800 South Australians.
In comparison, across Australia, Independent schools deliver $45.7 billion to the national economy and 264,000 full-time jobs.
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Chief Executive of the Association of the Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA), Ann Dunstan said the report highlighted the value independent schools create in their communities, driving significant economic value.
“This report completely dismantles the dangerous myth that Independent schools are a drain on taxpayers,” ISA Chief Executive Graham Catt said.
“Independent schools are builders, employers, partners in regional development, and contributors to Australia’s long-term prosperity.”
North Adelaide Village listed for sale
North Adelaide Village shopping centre has been listed for sale by Qualitas Convenience Retail Fund No. 1 and Greenpool Capital.
Retail spending in the main trade area is projected to increase from $896.5 million to $1.86 billion by 2046, positioning the shopping centre to benefit from the growth.
Simon Rooney, James Douglas, and Hames Sherley from Commercial Real Estate Agency CBRE have been appointed to steer the Expressions of Interest campaign for the asset.
“North Adelaide is experiencing significant capital investment, including the near completion of the 88 O’Connell mixed-use residential development and redevelopment of the North Adelaide Golf Course, Adelaide Oval, Market Square, Keystone Tower and Festival Tower highlighting capital interest in the region and inflows into the state,” Sherley said.
Expressions of Interest close 25 September.
Let’s Play SA! named finalist in 2025 ALIBI Awards
Let’s Play SA! Therapeutic Services has been selected as Finalist in the Personal Service and Bright Spark Categories for the 2025 Australian Ladies in Business Initiative (ALIBI) awards.
Let’s Play SA! Therapeutic Services were chosen in each category for the unique service it provides that goes beyond supporting clients, and for growing the business in less than three years.
“This recognition by ALIBI means so much to me. It’s not just about the achievements, but about being part of a community of women in business that just get it,” said Let’s Play SA! Therapeutic Services Director Nicole Nightingale.
The ALIBI Awards highlight the women in business across Australia who make an impact amidst the struggles they face.
“Every finalist represents a story of strength and success worth celebrating, not just the successes but also the faceplants and messy middles,” said founder of the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative Kylie King.
Duco announces partnership with Arctic Wolf
Cybersecurity operations provider Arctic Wolf has partnered with Adelaide-based IT services provider Duco to provide customers with resources to combat advanced cyber-attacks.
Duco customers can now access Arctic Wolf’s security capabilities designed to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber-threats, while joint customers will also receive access to customisable and tailored resources to protect against dangers.
“We are committed to delivering outcome-based solutions to our customers, and our partnership with Arctic Wolf will enable our customers to fully maximise security operations at scale and defend against the rapidly evolving threat landscape,” Duco Limited CEO Jason Clark said.
Arctic Wolf director for APAC Channel Sales Michael Benn said the company was excited to have Duco Limited join its award-winning Partner Program.
“Arctic Wolf’s security operations expertise complements their suite of existing offerings to create a unified approach that will protect customers and advance their security journey,” Arctic Wolf director for APAC Channel Sales Michael Benn said.
SA space start-ups make their mark at International Space Congress
South Australian space startups AICRAFT, Blue Dawrf Space, HEX20, Paladin Space, Robinson Aerospace Systems (RAS), and Safety From Space will attend the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney.
A delegate from of the merged University of South Australia (UniSA) and University of Adelaide, and representatives from the UniSA’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre’s (ICC) Venture Catalyst Space program will also join the startups.
From next year, Venture Catalyst program will be run under the merged Adelaide University.
Paladin Space is in the process of raising $6-8 million to fund an in-orbit 2028 mission and international expansion, while RAS is planning to launch its second space launch with its RASCube-2 satellite.
“Exhibiting at the premier space congress with some of the world’s largest space companies, provides outstanding opportunities for startups to demonstrate their cutting-edge capabilities,” said UniSA Deputy Director of Business Incubation Craig Jones.
Delayed rain puts brakes on SA farmer confidence
The Q2 2025 Rabobank Rual Confidence Survey has found that confidence in South Australian farmers has dropped, as 32 per cent of SA farmers believe the agricultural economy will improve within the next 12 months compared to 38 per cent in the previous survey.
Drought is still a concerning factor for 60 per cent of the state’s farmers.
Rabobank state manager for South Australia Roger Matthews said that the fall in farmer confidence is aligned with recent seasonal and weather conditions, and that global tensions, tariffs and trade wars are weighing on farmers’ minds this quarter.
The latest survey found that amidst the fall in the confidence levels, the desire to invest has increased among SA farmers.
“Despite the uncertainty, there’s still strong investment intent, but we’re really seeing farmers direct their money into making existing operations more efficient and resilient with water, on-farm grain storage, fencing and machinery,” Matthews said.
