Briefcase: Journey Beyond’s new tourism portfolio and video game fund returns
In this week’s Briefcase, an Adelaide-based software company expands into Asia and new luxury accommodation opens in McLaren Vale.
- First graduates complete Minda’s education program
- Early learning and family services expansion in Naracoorte
- Crackdown on Giant Pine Scale outbreak
- SA sports tech innovator expands into Southeast Asia
- Journey Beyond acquires tourism portfolio
- New luxury stay opens in McLaren Vale
- Local video games get funding boost
First graduates complete Minda’s education program
Disability support group Minda’s new pilot program has celebrated its first five clients to graduate, offering them a pathway into accredited vocational education.
The pilot was designed to provide participants living with an intellectual disability practical work-readiness skills, confidence and foundational capabilities that support future employment.
The graduates completed a Certificate I in Access to Vocational Pathways, delivered through Minda’s Forward Steps MyPath Day Options Program in partnership with the South Australian Learning Centre.
“This pilot program has demonstrated how nationally recognised vocational education can be delivered in an accessible and inclusive way, giving participants meaningful opportunities to build skills aligned with their individual goals,” Minda chief executive Dr David Panter said.
New early years hub in Naracoorte
The state and federal government have partnered to deliver a new integrated early years hub for families and children in South Australia’s South East.
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The joint $12.7 million Naracoorte Child Day Care Centre project will expand and move to a new location at the old Naracoorte TAFE site, with the new centre expected to open in early 2029.
It will have a range of services for families and support the universal rollout of Flying Start three-year-old preschool.
“A bigger, purpose-built childcare facility will create more opportunities for local children to learn, grow and thrive, while supporting Naracoorte families well into the future,” Education Minister Lucy Hood said.
Crackdown on Giant Pine Scale outbreak
The state government has announced it will crack down on new detections of Giant Pine Scale at Hope Valley Reservoir and the Highbury Aqueduct reserves.
Giant Pine Scale is a highly destructive pest that attacks pine trees by feeding on sap, leading to tree death.
Proactive surveillance will continue through spring and into 2027 to ensure the state’s valuable plantation forestry sector remains unthreatened and continues to provide habitat for native birds and wildlife.
Since 2023, $8 million has been invested in Giant Pine Scale response activities and associated revegetation since its initial detections.
“While these new detections are unwelcome and will require tree removals, we are pleased to confirm that revegetation works will occur involving a range of native species, ensuring the revitalisation of our suburban green spaces,” Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said.
SA sports tech innovator expands into Southeast Asia
Adelaide-based software company MyVenue has secured its first major deal in Southeast Asia, deploying its point-of-sale technology across Singapore’s National Stadium and the multi-venue entertainment precinct, The Kallang.
The agreement will see its cloud-based system power 191 fixed and handheld devices, 30 kiosks, and mobile ordering, catering and inventory management across the precinct, which has welcomed nine million visitors over the past three years.
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The deal came as Adelaide hosted the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum last week to draw together business and government leaders to strengthen trade and investment ties between Australia and Southeast Asia.
South Australian exports to the region have reached $3.7 billion, highlighting the region’s growing importance as a priority growth market for local businesses and technology innovators.
Journey Beyond acquires tourism portfolio
Journey Beyond has announced the completion of its acquisition of Kelsian’s national tourism portfolio.
The deal would see Journey Beyond expand its presence across some of Australia’s best destinations and well-known tourism businesses including cruises, accommodation, sightseeing, tours and marine operations.
The SA businesses in the new portfolio include the Murray Princess paddle-wheeler and Adelaide Sightseeing.
“These are established tourism businesses with strong connections to their destinations and their communities. We have a lot of respect for what they have built, and our focus now is on supporting our people and continuing to deliver amazing experiences for our guests,” Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent said.
Journey Beyond already operates The Ghan and the Overland train travels along with Monarto Safari Resort.
New luxury stay opens in McLaren Vale
A new boutique accommodation opened in one of SA’s top wine regions on September 30 with six private studios designed by Bennett Architects, the architects that also designed Myponga’s Fleurieu Milk Visitor’s Hub.
Called Orrizonte, from the Italian word “horizon”, its owners Jo Francis and Lee Finlay wanted the project to show their connection to the region.
“Travellers are increasingly prioritising experience-led journeys that foster deeper connections to destinations,” Francis said.
Local video games get funding boost
The state’s largest video game development funding has returned through the SA Film Corporation’s Digital Games Fund (DGF).
This year, it has $1 million in funding to assist local developers and studios grow their businesses and boost the number of SA video games in the global market.
The DGF was launched in October, 2025, and saw 11 local video game studios share in $500,000 to develop original and innovative video games.
Among them were an Australian Football League themed game Pro Jank Footy developed by Powerbomb Games and Tinkertown that released at number one on the Nintendo Switch earlier this year, while Bad Plan Studios’ End of Ember secured a deal with Thailand-based company Rising Tide Publishing.
“As the state government’s largest-ever single investment in game development funding, this groundbreaking grants program will enable more South Australian developers and studios than ever before to bring their creativity and entrepreneurship to the world,” Arts Minister Kyam Maher said.
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