The wellness rituals of SA’s top performers
From the Premier to an elite sportsperson, these high-performing South Australians share the health and wellness rituals that help them to be their best at the top of their fields.
Georgie Horjus
Adelaide Thunderbirds and Australian Diamonds player
My wellness ritual is …
I am grateful that my job allows me to exercise daily, as this is something that is very important to me and makes me feel great. Outside of training, I try to go for a daily walk while listening to a podcast, which gives me time to switch off, be present and enjoy moving my body. I have also recently started doing some breathwork. As I find it difficult to sit and relax, even five minutes of breathing or a few deep breaths – either sitting down or during my daily walk – has been very helpful.
This year I plan to …
I want to continue my daily walks while maintaining a strong routine with my meal preparation and weekly planning. Having healthy, balanced meals ready when I get home after training helps me feel more recovered and organised. It also ensures I’m getting the nutrients I need, rather than relying on quick or less nutritious options.
To me, wellness means …
To me, wellness is about having balance in all areas of life, including netball, my social life, nutrition and making time to relax. When I stay organised with my meal preparation and recovery, I feel calmer, more in control, and ready to take on the week ahead.
Ashton Hurn
South Australian Liberal Leader
My wellness ritual is …
Spending quality time with Rupert, our 20-month-old son, is incredibly important. Whether it’s reading him a book, practising new animal sounds, or chasing him through the sprinkler after a hot day, those moments help me slow down for a moment and stay present. We also love visiting a farmers’ market most Saturday mornings – whether at Barossa or Mount Pleasant. It’s a lovely way to start the weekend, catch up with people, and pick up some great local produce.
This year I plan to …
The next few months will be fast-paced, and it’s easy to reach for something sweet between meetings and events. I plan to be more organised to keep it healthy. Beyond that, getting out into the fresh air for an early morning walk or run is something I know really helps lift my mood and sets me up for the day.
To me, wellness means …
Wellness is about feeling supported. It’s family, community, and a sense of fulfilment in life. There’s always plenty of work to do, but knowing you have the love and support of family and friends makes all the difference.
Sally Cameron
Toop + Toop sales partner
My wellness ritual is …
As my mother suffered from Alzheimer’s, I am very conscious of brain health and ways to reduce the risk of developing it. Every morning before work I make myself a smoothie with supplements that include creatine, lion’s mane, MCT oil and NMN. I wish I’d made these changes earlier, but now I’m feeling great!
This year I plan to …
I have been doing pilates now for about four years. I started at a studio but now I have a reformer at home. I usually get up at about 5am and work out for 25 minutes to an hour with Your Reformer, which is an app-based class, and finish up with 10 minutes of hand weights.
To me, wellness means …
I’ve changed my view on wellness over the past five years. I used to focus primarily on my weight but now, I realise it is more about making sure I am in great shape both mentally and physically as I get older.
Heather Croall
Carrick Hill Director
My wellness ritual is …
One ritual that’s central to my wellbeing is walking my dog in the morning. I used to walk on the beach every day, but because of the algal bloom, I head to the park or along the river instead. Being among trees is incredibly grounding for me. The big gum trees lining the river are especially calming. They have a quiet, steady presence that helps me start the day feeling settled and connected. I also deeply value heat and water as part of my wellness. I love spending time in a hot tub followed by a cold plunge. I regularly visit an Onsen, which feels like a true sanctuary and an important part of how I recharge. During Fringe I try to get regular walks in, occasional massage and time at the Onsen.
This year I plan to …
In 2026, I’m genuinely excited to be stepping into the director role at Carrick Hill. Carrick Hill’s gardens are breathtaking and the house itself is extraordinary. Walking in the gardens is so healing and just being among greenery is so good for you. I’m looking forward to exploring all the areas of the amazing grounds, including the woods. I’m also looking forward to working closely with the team to create experiences that invite more people to discover, connect with, and feel the magic of this remarkable place.
To me, wellness means …
Wellness, to me, is about feeling grounded, connected, and restored. Those simple, consistent rituals become essential moments of reset, helping me to pause, breathe, and recalibrate. Wellness isn’t just about physical health; it’s about creating space to find clarity and return to everything else feeling balanced and energised.
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Peter Malinauskas
South Australian Premier
My wellness ritual is …
My alarm goes off early and, after reading the paper over a cup of coffee, I’m at the gym with a mate or going for a run. I find exercising with a mate who is largely disinterested in politics quite therapeutic.
This year I plan to …
I want to get back into the routine of keeping Sunday nights free for dinner with the family.
To me, wellness means …
Focusing on what I’m grateful for.
Kate Suthers
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster
My wellness ritual is …
The word wellness always makes me think of an excellent novel of the same name, that I read last year, by Nathan Hill. I prefer the word wellbeing. To me that word encompasses and summarises your physical, emotional and mental states. I find that tending to my wellbeing requires different things each day but often includes elements of all three areas.
This year I plan to …
For the physical, I always feel more ready for things after a walk. I try and start my day with one. I’ve also come back to yoga in 2026 which is great for the body and the mind. For the emotional, I need human connection. Whether it’s meeting for a coffee, FaceTime or a phone call, speaking to people you love and trust has a way of resetting perspectives.
For the mental, I need to be disciplined. In 2026 I’ve set the intention of trying to be deliberate about everything I do. Setting specific tasks, or time limits for jobs helps mitigate feeling overwhelmed. I also find setting aside time without my phone incredibly restorative.
To me, wellness means …
I like making little things in my day romantic, like lighting candles around the house or last weekend I found a broken branch of native gum blossoms on a walk that I now have in a vase. I’m also a huge fan of the old-fashioned post and sending unexpected little parcels to friends.
Craig Caldicott
Criminal Defence Lawyer
My wellness ritual is …
I exercise as often as I can, either swimming 1.5 to two kilometres
at my beloved Brighton Beach or in the cooler months at our local swimming pool. In addition, I like to row about four kilometres per session and thoroughly enjoy my regular walks to and from court every day. And not forgetting the fun walks with my dog Billie (my favourite).
This year i plan to …
At 71, I try to look after myself and my wife Jill very much helps in this department by being my diet buddy and exercise partner. I focus on a well-balanced diet and include a couple of days per week of intermittent fasting. I also abstain from alcohol during the week but have been known to enjoy a glass of red on the weekends. I try to only drink the good stuff!
To me, wellness means …
To unwind after a busy work day, I rely heavily on my love of reading fiction, with the occasional non-fiction book. I read about four to five books per month in addition to my reading for work. My love of travel also contributes enormously to my ongoing wellbeing. I love to explore many cultures and countries around the world. I like to travel four to six weeks each year. My favourite destination is Africa. Nothing compares to coming face to face with wild animals or sleeping in tents under the stars.
This article first appeared in the February 2026 issue of SALIFE magazine.
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