Briefcase: Business Snippets from around South Australia
In this week’s Briefcase, SA companies rebrand, steel is secured for Osborne shipbuilding and exports to the US hit a new high. Plus, the latest business events.
- Adelaide plumbing service expands
- SynergyIQ rebrands
- Australian steel supply for anti-submarine warfare frigate
- City of Onkaparinga announces new event grant.
- New submarine portal
- SafeWork SA boosts its workforce
- New mine detection technology to be manufactured in SA
- Top SA scientist awarded at Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
- Golf course named venue of the year
- SA exports to the US hit all-time high
- HOYTS Arndale set for major revamp
- Rio Vista Olives Claims top honours at national awards
Adelaide plumbing service expands
Stepney plumbing service aba Plumbing and Gas has officially expanded and launched as aba TRADES.
The expansion looks to bolster its trade services to include plumbing and gas, air-conditioning, electrical, roofing and renovations.
The company – founded 11 years ago by Paul Chaina – has grown into a multimillion-dollar business that employs 29 tradespeople.
“Our expansion allows us to deliver a high-quality one-stop solution for Adelaide homes and businesses, something that our customers have been looking for, while also continuing to support local jobs and families right here in South Australia,” Chaina said.
SynergyIQ rebrands
Organisational change firm SynergyIQ, founded by 2023 40 Under 40 alumnus Daniel Franco in 2018, has rebranded to Reframe Change.
Reframe Change is the business’s education and training program, with the company noting its “purpose has evolved”.
“Claiming it as the name of our business is a natural step forward, and reflects how deeply our methodologies are woven into everything we do,” Reframe Change said.
Australian steel supply for anti-submarine warfare frigate
Defence technology manufacturer BAE Systems has signed a five-year Framework Agreement with NSW-based BlueScope Group’s Port Kembla Steelworks.
The agreement would see approximately 5,000 tonnes of Australian-made steel be delivered to the Osborne Naval Shipyard for the construction of anti-submarine warfare frigates.
It would lock in long-term use of Australian steel to be supplied for the construction of the first of three Hunter class frigates to be constructed at the Osborne Shipyard.
77 per cent of the total amount of steel required to manufacture the first frigate would be secured from BlueScope.
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The Hunter class frigates are made up of 78 units, with 41 of the 78 currently in production at the Osborne Shipyard for the first frigate.
“This agreement secures the future for Australian-made steel plate for the Hunter Class Frigate Program, providing the safety and sovereignty to ensure that the most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates are constructed to the highest quality standard,” BAE Systems Maritime Australia acquisition and delivery director Andy Coxall said.
City of Onkaparinga announces new event grant
The City of Onkaparinga has announced a new grant to attract major festivals and iconic events that showcase SA’s wine and coastal tourism region.
The Destination Activation grant would provide successful applicants up to $30,000 in funding for events that would enhance the night-time and off-peak economy across the City of Onkaparinga.
The events must take place in 2026, with priority given to events that encourage overnight stays and visitor spending in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, and winter or nighttime events that attract more than 1,000 attendees.
“We’re seeking to invest in iconic and major events that can attract both South Australian and interstate visitors; with the ability to generate state, and even national, media coverage,” City of Onkaparinga Senior Tourism Advisor Viv Collins said.
Event organisers would be required to contribute a minimum of 50 per cent towards total event costs.
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| South Australian Premier’s Food & Beverage Industry Awards Gala Dinner: The South Australian Premier’s Food & Beverage Industry Awards Gala Dinner returns on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Official bp Adelaide Grand Final Business Luncheon: The South Australian Business Chamber, in partnership with the South Australian Motor Sport Board, presents the Official bp Adelaide Grand Final Business Luncheon on November 25, 2025 at the Adelaide Marriott Hotel. Indigenous Workforce for the Future national conference: The Alliance will host its National Conference, Indigenous Workforce for the Future, on November 19, 2025 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. |
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New submarine portal
Australian submarine partners ASC and BAE Systems have announced a new Industry Capability Network (ICN) Portal for Australian businesses to participate as a part of the AUKUS Nuclear-powered Submarine Program (NPS).
Under the joint management of ASC and BAE Systems, the ICN Portal would provide a central hub for suppliers to register their interest, showcase capabilities, and open a pathway for small- to medium-sized enterprises to qualify for work packages.
ASC CEO and managing director Stuart Whiley said the portal would provide a “gateway for Australian industry” to play a role in the development of nuclear-powered submarines.
“By working with our partners at BAE Systems, we are ensuring suppliers have a clear, simple, and continuous pathway to engage with the program and be part of Australia’s sovereign submarine capability,” he said.
SafeWork SA boosts its workforce
SafeWork SA’s compliance and enforcement unit is set to be boosted with a recruitment drive for 32 full-time staff, bringing the total number of SafeWork SA compliance staff to 138.
The workforce would expand to include an extra 17 inspectors, three investigators, three technical advisers and nine staff to assist the inspectorate and investigation teams.
“These new staff will ensure SafeWork has the resources it needs to effectively monitor compliance with work health and safety laws and respond swiftly to unsafe behaviour,” Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher said.
New mine detection technology to be manufactured in SA
Electronic solutions company Codan has opened a new production line for MDS-20 Dual-Sensor Countermine Detectors at its Mawson Lakes headquarters.
The MDS-20, which would be designed and developed through Codan company Minelab, would integrate advanced metal detection and ground-penetrating radar technology for detection capabilities against low-metal landmines.
The mine detection technology would be used for both military and humanitarian operations around the world, with Codan exporting to more than 150 countries.
“Codan is a great example of South Australian innovation and its global impact, all made possible through local engineering, local high-tech experts, right here in Mawson Lakes,” Assistant Minister for Defence and Space Industries Michael Brown said.
Top SA scientist awarded at Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
One of SA’s top scientists has been recognised in the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science for his work in producing clean hydrogen from seawater.
University of Adelaide Professor Yao Zheng was announced as recipient of the Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year, which awards $50,000.
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Zheng was awarded for his efforts in the production of technology that produces ultrapure hydrogen from raw, untreated seawater via electrolysis, which would assist Australia’s green hydrogen industry in its net zero transition.
“Each year the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science highlight our country’s exceptional achievements. Australia is a powerhouse of science, innovation and research which has a global impact,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Golf course named venue of the year
The Pat GC has been named Club, Venue or Facility of the Year – On Course at the 14th annual South Australian Golf Industry Awards, held in Adelaide on November 1.
This latest accolade follows The Pat GC’s recognition for Most Outstanding Environmental Initiative at the inaugural 2025 Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence in September.
Situated in the West Beach Parks Precinct, The Pat GC (formerly West Beach Parks Golf) has been recognised for its inclusive on-course environment that welcomes golfers of all abilities.
Recent innovations by the club include TrackMan range technology programs that support participation across the community, including Blind Golf SA, ECH senior sessions, and an all-terrain powered wheelchair for players with mobility challenges.
“The Pat GC’s use of new technologies and inclusive programs — from Get Into Golf days, women’s events and junior pathways — helps grow and diversify participation to positively impact the game as a whole,” West Beach Parks CEO Kate Anderson said.
“From pros to first-timers, mates to multi-generational families, The Pat GC is proudly building a golf culture that’s inclusive, accessible and connected to community.”
SA exports to the US hit all-time high
South Australian exports to the US have hit a record high, according to the latest ABS data, with $2.49 billion in sales in the year to September 2025.
The US is SA’s second-largest export market behind China, with an increase of 16 per cent or $352 million from the previous year.
Exports to Canada have also risen by more than $58 million, which takes the annual sales to $528 million.
“This is not only proof that South Australian products are world-class and almost impossible to replace, but also proof of the fact that our state’s relationship and our nation’s relationship with the US remains strong,” Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs said.
HOYTS Arndale set for major revamp
HOYTS Arndale is set to receive a major makeover with the Kilkenny complex given the green light for a full-scale upgrade scheduled for completion in December.
The rejuvenated layout would feature new standard seating, D-BOX Motion Recliners, two-seater Daybeds, and HOYTS’ signature powered recliners and would also introduce single Daybeds for solo moviegoers.
It coincides with the school holidays as the cinema franchise prepares for upcoming blockbuster releases.
HOYTS said the redevelopment is part of its continued investment in South Australia, aiming to “bring moviegoers back to the cinema with an elevated big-screen experience.”
Rio Vista Olives Claims top honours at national awards
South Australia’s Rio Vista Olives has secured multiple top honours at the Australian International Olive Awards, including Best South Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Show.
Made in Mypolonga in the Murraylands and Mount Torrens in the Adelaide Hills, the family-owned producer also won Champion Italian Varietal for its Signore, Champion Greek Varietal for its Koroneiki, and Reserve Champion Greek Varietal for its Elisi Grove Kalamata.
Pitted against some tough competitors, both locally and globally, Rio Vista stood out for its quality and precision, outperforming groves in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Tunisia.
The Signore, a premium olive oil, was described by judges as complex and persistent, with aromas of tropical fruits, green banana, freshly cut grass, herbs, and spices.
Manager Leon Bettio said the recognition reflected the team’s dedication and the region’s reputation for world-class olive oil.
“To have our Single Variety Extra Virgin Olive Oils like the Signore, Koroneiki, and Kalamata achieve this level of success is very exciting. For the Signore to be named Best in Show is the culmination of work from soil to fruit,” he said.
Despite this year’s severe drought across South Australia’s esteemed olive‑growing regions, including the Adelaide Plains, Fleurieu and Yorke Peninsulas, Rio Vista maintained tree health and processed olives within hours of harvest to preserve flavour.
The family-operated producer also secured a mighty haul of awards, including Reserve Champion honours for their Agrumato Oil, one Platinum Award, six Gold Medals, and one Silver Medal at the national awards, as well as multiple accolades at the Royal Adelaide Olive Awards.
