Briefcase: Business Snippets from around South Australia
In this week’s Briefcase, SA sweeps spirits awards and the Conservation Council’s new heritage home. Plus, the latest business events.
- South Australia sweeps Tasting Australia Spirit Awards
- New chapter for Conservation Council
- Pioneering North Terrace building up for sale
- New London landing pad for SA defence and space companies
- SA’s container deposit scheme is getting bigger
- 2025 Gather Round delivers record results
- Creative and corporate pursuits have a new Adelaide home
- Day Hospitals Australia National Award 2025 winner announced
South Australia sweeps Tasting Australia Spirit Awards
The winners of the eighth Tasting Australia Spirit Awards have been announced, with South Australia winning nine of the eleven categories at the event last Tuesday.
There were 175 entrants in this year’s competition, with 26 making their debut appearance in the competition.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said she was proud of the South Australian representation in the awards.
“Our state has earned a reputation as a destination where exceptional food and drink are consistently produced – and as a state where our local distillers continue to set new standards,” she said.
Highlights include Adelaide-based Imperial Measures Distilling, who secured two major awards: Best Distiller and the Innovation award; and Reform Distilling, which won the Best New Entrant award.
The 2025 Tasting Australia Spirit Award winners:
- Best Whisky: Country to Coast #6, Fleurieu Distillery & Black Gate Distillery (SA & NSW)
- Best Gin: Mr Wiggles Clare Valley Gin, Sawmill Gin (SA)
- Best Vodka: Moo’s Distillery Daisy Vodka, Moo’s Distillery (SA)
- Best Rum: Pure Single Rum ex Oloroso Cask, Mad Monkey Distillery (SA)
- Best Brandy: St Agnes Bartenders Cut, St Agnes Distillery (SA)
- Best Liqueur: Stache House Mulberry Liqueur, Stache House Beverage Co. (VIC)
- Best Vermouth / Bitters / Other: In The Weeds, Beechworth Bitters Company (VIC)
- Premier’s Spirit Award: Telemachus, Fleurieu Distillery (SA)
- Best Distiller: Imperial Measures Distilling (SA)
- Innovation Award: Scarlet Sweet Vermouth, Imperial Measures Distilling (SA)
- Best New Entrant: Bright Lights & Hills Harvest, Reform Distilling (SA)
New chapter for Conservation Council
Conservation Council SA has announced the location of its new home as the historic Adelaide Stock Exchange building, opening on October 1.
The new space at 55 Exchange Place, Adelaide SA 5000, will act as a hub for the Council, providing a place for community events and collaborative spaces.
The Council’s previous home, The Joinery, will close its doors at the end of September.
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Anyone interested in using the space is invited to reach out to the Conservation Council SA at [email protected]
Pioneering North Terrace building up for sale
Adelaide’s Gawler Chambers building, which played a pivotal role in South Australia’s early development, is up for sale for the first time since 1945.
The five-storey building, with its elegant façade and expansive frontages, is located at 188 North Terrace on one of the city’s most prestigious corners, right at the epicentre of Adelaide’s cultural boulevard.
The building is being taken to market with vacant possession by Knight Frank agents Max Frohlich and Ryan Mills on behalf of the owner, Adelaide Development Company.
The Expressions of Interest campaign is open now, and will close at 4pm on Thursday, October 9.
New London landing pad for SA defence and space companies
South Australian defence and space companies have a new home base in London, established by the state government in partnership with the Office of the Agent General.
Companies doing business in the UK will have access to workspace and boardroom facilities as part of a new strategy to support local companies to access the UK supply chain for defence and space opportunities, including those under the AUKUS agreement.
SA Defence and Space Industries Minister Stephen Mullighan said that the AUKUS agreement was opening doors for increased opportunities with Australia’s UK partners.
“The UK Defence and Space Landing Pad will alleviate the stress involved in securing office space in central London for SA companies looking to establish a base and secure business opportunities,” he said.
At least five South Australian defence and space enterprises have established a presence in the UK and access to these facilities will make it easier for others to follow suit.
It comes as Premier Peter Malinauskas headed to the UK to strengthen defence ties.
The state government, through Defence SA, will have a stand at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) conference.
More than 50 South Australian companies and research organisations showcasing their capabilities across defence, space and cyber will participate at the DSEI conference, along with 1600 exhibitors form over 90 countries.
“This mission is about opening doors for South Australian businesses, securing opportunities through AUKUS, and ensuring our State is firmly embedded in global defence supply chains” said Premier Peter Malinauskas.
“The defence industry is a critical part of the South Australian economy, and this trip aims to further strengthen AUKUS ties and unlock opportunities for South Australian businesses.”
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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’s container deposit scheme is getting bigger
South Australia and New South Wales have announced joint plans to expand their container deposit schemes to accept wine and spirit bottles and larger drink containers in a major boost to recycling efforts.
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The expansion is slated to occur in late 2027 and is expected to enable an additional half a billion beverage containers to be saved from landfill and sent for recycling each year.
The future deadline will allow the wine and spirits industry to adjust and give collection points and systems time to prepare for the increased reception of containers.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said the scheme already sees around 660 million drink containers returned for refund and recycling by South Australians each year.
“We expect that number to increase once these changes take effect – delivering further financial benefit to community groups, sporting clubs and charities,” he said.
2025 Gather Round delivers record results
The 2025 AFL Gather Round has delivered a record-breaking economic result for South Australia, with an independent report concluding that the event produced a Total Economic Contribution of $113.9 million.
This marks a 24 per cent increase on Gather Round 2024’s contribution ($91.6 million) and a 36 per cent increase on the inaugural 2023 event.
More than 54,000 visitors came to SA from out of state, with particularly notable growth in visitors from Western Australia and New South Wales.
Premier Peter Malinauskas called Gather Round a stunning economic success, and a chance for visitors to stay and experience all that South Australia has to offer.
“This growth trajectory is testament to the continued investment and innovation we have worked hard to deliver in partnership with the AFL. But it’s also due to the support of footy fans, South Australians and visitors who have embraced Gather Round unlike anything else.”
This year’s Gather Round also provided an opportunity for the new Barossa Park facility to make its AFL debut, generating $4.87 million in direct expenditure for the region.
Creative and corporate pursuits have a new Adelaide home
New multipurpose studio My Cloud Nine has opened its doors in Adelaide’s CBD, offering a first-of-its-kind space for creative and corporate pursuits.
The studio was created to be entirely transformable to suit a wide variety of uses, from corporate events and brand activations to rehearsals, shoots and exhibitions.
My Cloud Nine director Bianca Rugari said Adelaide was in need of a space balancing artistry with intention.
“It’s a place where creativity and professionalism intersect and where clients feel elevated and inspired,” she said.
My Cloud Nine is located at 263 Gilbert Street, Adelaide SA 5000 and is available by appointment only.
Day Hospitals Australia National Award 2025 winner announced
Dental facility Harley Day Surgery has received the 2025 national award for excellence in patient care and innovation at the Day Hospitals Australia National Conference.
The surgery is a state-of-the-art licensed facility that provides dental treatment under conscious intravenous sedation (IV Sedation).
The award recognises Harley Day Surgery’s groundbreaking Comprehensive Dental Anxiety Program, which provides patients with dental phobia a safe and comfortable experience that reduces the stresses of accessing complex dental treatment.
Operations and Clinical Manager of Harley Day Surgery Dr Seema Pearl Singh said the hospital was honoured to receive the award.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team. By combining advanced clinical standards with genuine patient care, we’ve created an environment where even the most anxious patients feel safe, supported and empowered throughout their dental journey,” she said.
