Regional awards night celebrates the best of South Australia

The Regional Showcase Awards, run by Solstice Media, the publisher of InDaily, SALIFE and CityMag, together with Presenting Partner Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), brought together the finalists from the 100 stories published in the last year across the publications about regional South Australia.

Hosted by Adelaide media identity Ali Clarke, around 120 guests came together for the awards, which included five individual awards culminating in the People’s Choice Award. The stories are written by a combination of Solstice Media reporters and regional freelance journalists.

The event’s guest speaker was Narelle Zanker, founder of Dairy Adventures, an award-winning agritourism venture run on her family’s working dairy farm near Mannum. Narelle, who has enjoyed an outstanding 12 months, taking out both the South Australian and national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards in 2026, following her recognition as South Australia’s Young Dairy Farmer of the Year in 2025, is passionate about improving understanding of regional Australia and bridging the gap between the country and the cities.

The Regional Resilience Award presented by Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) went to the Riverland community of Loxton for its support for farmers and businesses. The town launched “A Farmer’s Plate” campaign, a long-table outdoor brunch in the main shopping street to draw attention to the challenges facing the community.

The international success of Adelaide Hills winemaker Daniel Amadio, who picked up one Double Gold, one Gold and six Silver medals at the London International Wine Competition in April, was acknowledged with the Business Innovation Award. Amadio Wines is embracing new challenges by growing varieties like Pecorino, Sagrantino, Sangiovese and more.

A group of mates behind the Apex Outback Postie Bike Ride was recognised with the Meaningful Connections Award presented by Seniors Card. One of regional South Australia’s most enduring community fundraisers, the ride this year celebrated its 20^th anniversary while surpassing $2 million in donations, and continuing to support families impacted by cancer through the Apex Copper Coast Retreats at Wallaroo.

Nature Foundation, an SA not-for profit conservation organisation, took out the Lifelong Learning Award for its bid to save tiny birds and a rare, endangered butterfly relying on its unique relationship with ants to survive at an expansive new Riverland reserve.

InDaily journalist Helen Karakulak’s story on the expansion of the Whyalla Steelworks won the Community Empowerment Award. The article, published in February, detailed five top bidders for the Steelworks, while a $20m expansion project promised decades more production for the steel city’s manufacturing heart.

Rob Davies, whose Robbers Dog distillery opened for business at an old Bank SA building in Mount Pleasant, was a resounding winner for the People’s Choice Award. Little did Rob know that the site had been infamously robbed by the notorious Bicycle Bandit three times – until he was paid a visit by Major Crime detectives.

InDaily editor Belinda Willis, who commissions the stories, said the Regional Showcase Awards play a vital role in celebrating regional success stories that continue to inspire through the challenges faced by communities beyond the city.

“It has been uplifting to see higher rainfall lift spirits after the impacts of drought across much of the state,” she said. “But we know there are still challenges for those in regional communities with the rising cost of fuel, tough markets for the wine and grape industry and the ongoing impacts of the Whyalla Steelworks having its blast furnace shut down.

“While InDaily endeavours to cover these issues closely and to scrutinise responses from our leaders, our Regional Showcase Awards tell another story about the regions.

“Our team of regional freelance writers, journalists from our team at InDaily and SALIFE along with our university interns have managed to find a heartening range of stories that showcase the resilience and creativity of these communities.

“They are stories that not only connect with our regions but also our city readers.”

South Australia’s Agricultural Town of the Year was also announced on the night, with Riverland town Waikerie taking out the title for the first time. The 2022 finalist beat Burra and Cummins to claim the award.

Once known predominantly for its citrus, Waikerie’s agricultural sector is branching out, with growers cultivating an increasingly diverse range of crops, from mangoes, pomelos, feijoas, quinces and pomegranates to dates, mini tubers, almonds and olives. Local businesses are also finding innovative ways to process and market the region’s produce, helping to create new opportunities across the agricultural supply chain.

The town’s willingness to embrace new ideas, diversify production and adapt to changing opportunities has now earned it state-wide recognition as South Australia’s Agricultural Town of the Year.