When arriving at Rojina’s home I was greeted by a very cute 2-year-old with a warm smile and a fist out ready for a fist bump. I knew I was in for a treat!

This inspiring woman has showcased the Fleurieu to the world through two amazing and beautifully presented hard cover books, but more on that later. We initially got together to chat about the Victor Harbor Artisan Market as Rojina took on the role in June as the market manager. After being a stay-at-home Mum and having made the move to the South Coast she was itching to get back into a full filling work role. The timing was right when the Victor Harbor Artisan Market was looking for a new manager.

” It’s the perfect job for me’ says Rojina, “It’s flexible, I can work from home, I manage something that is benefiting the community, and I am really loving it!”

Tell us a little about the market.

The market needed a lot of love when I first took it over, so getting regular stall holders and help, took a lot of work. We needed a fresh start, a strong vision and gain people’s trust. We have attracted a lot of new people from all over the Fleurieu and even throughout the state. In our first market, which was the June market, we had over 80 stall holders! It was very busy. Our regular markets have 50 – 60 stall holders. This is the maximum we can have without shutting the road. So, it’s pretty exciting.

What special events are coming up?

Victor Harbour Artisian Market / Street Party December 2 market is a twilight event aligned with the Victor Harbor Street Party. The City of Victor have spent a lot of time and money re-vamping the main street of Victor, which has recently been re-opened. The street will be closed off, the shops will bring themselves out to the street for twilight trading, there will be entertainment, and a street party. The market will be run down Railway Plaza, parallel to the main street. A great night for eating out, enjoying the atmosphere and shopping.

We also have our Victor Harbor Artisan Christmas Market, the last market of the year – December 18^th 12 – 6pm. This will include 70 - 80 artisan stalls, we have carols, the Lions club will be doing Christmas wrapping, there will be Christmas workshops, and a donations tree. The ADRA tree, this is where you can donate a present, which will go to children in the community that are needing extra love this Christmas.

Let’s find out a little more about Rojina. Please share your insight into Soul Publishing and your amazing career so far.

It’s a long story, I will try and keep it short!

I won a scholarship to study pastry in London. I did this for 3 months, the chefs over there were very interested in where I came from, and all want to come and work in Australia. I was very proud to share with them that I grew up in McLaren Vale and I wished there and then that I had a book or something with photography and recipes to show them. I came back home and realised there was no hard cover book that showcased the region as a whole, with recipe stories and photography. The idea organically grew.

I approached Maggie Beer, who invited me up to her farm in the Barossa. She gave me some advice with regards to doing a book, which helped me to get the ball rolling. I googled how to write a book! I found myself a team, a photographer, editor, writer, recipe testers, book designer and created a great team of people. We worked for a year to create Faces and Food of the Fleurieu. I called it Soul Publishing because I put my heart and soul into it. It is a book proudly owned and printed in South Australia!

After the success of that book we started on Wine, Beer and Spirits of the Fleurieu. This one also showcases history, artwork and accommodation from the region. Both books go hand in hand. The first one is fully sold out, but the second is still available. These books have been shipped all over the world for gifts for people, it’s even available in Dubai in a place called Pure South, which is all South Australian made products! It’s a great way to share the Fleurieu with family and friends all over the country and the world. It was even showcased on the SA Weekender show. 

The books have served their purpose and continue to do so. 

Have you always lived in this part of the Fleurieu?

I was actually adopted from Sri Lanka when I was a baby. I was 6 months old and grew up with my adopted brother and sister with our parents in McLaren Vale on an Olive Grove. We were lucky to grow up between McLaren Vale and Willunga. I have been blessed to watch McLaren Vale grow into what it is today. The beautiful wineries, restaurants and landscape.

So, my childhood was McLaren Vale, but I have also lived in Port Willunga, Sellicks Hill, Port Noarlunga and now Goolwa Beach. We have just bought ourselves a block and aim to build here. I am Fleurieu Peninsula through and through, and to now raise my children here.

Working in such an industry and location is pretty special. What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work?

I’m proud to live here because it is a Cittaslow Town. The only town in Australia that is a slow town. There will never be any traffic lights in our town, no fast-food outlets like McDonalds. Really adapting that slow town movement which I love. Being able to bring up our children here is very special; we feel like we are on holidays every day. The community spirit is lovely.

I am proud to work in Victor Harbor with the artisan market because Victor Harbor is a beautiful coastal town. It is the only town that has a horse drawn cart that can take you to an island. Walking along the foreshore with the beach, it is kept well, and it is improving. The main street re-vamp is a good example. Its feel fresh, new and inspiring. The market attracts people to the area. Walking amongst the stalls under two big Moreton Bay fig trees, with the ocean breeze. People catch the cockle train to the market. Its’ an amazing location.

I live and work here, and don’t have to leave to have that relaxing, beautiful lifestyle. People visit and are amazed by what we have down here. I am very proud that I live and work here and cannot imagine life anywhere else.

Working on a book showcasing the region must have been pretty amazing. Is there a most memorable part?

Meeting Maggie Beer was great and being mentored and supported by here was a highlight. She even wrote the foreward in that Food book!

Being able to show case Faces and Food of the Fleurieu on SA Weekender was an amazing experience, we were able to showcase McCarthy’s orchard, we went to Maxwell Wines and showed the mushrooms growing in the limestone cave. It was pretty special.

Wine, Beer and Spirits of the Fleurieu was awarded the Best New Wine Book in the 2021 Wine Communicator Awards!

On a more personal note, tell us a little about yourself and what you love to do out of work …. (OK if you prefer not too!!!):

I love to cook, explore the Fleurieu with my family, spend time with family and friends and enjoy all the little things in between.

Especially during Spring and Summer our family like to pack up and head to the beach. We drive our cars on the beach, take our stove and cook a BBQ while the boys play and run. Last night we watched the sun go down on our block of land. We really like to take the boys out. Friday nights are date night for my husband and I, we like to always choose a new place to eat.

Spending time with family and friends. Soaking up the small things.

What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)

I think most people know a lot about me!! Maybe some don’t know that I was adopted?

YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island:

Best place to....

• Grab a quick bite…

The Shack in Aldinga, Lot 28 Aldinga – my go to when we lived that way.

• Have a more serious feed…

The Little Rickshaw in Aldinga (always a favourite as we had our wedding there) and the Salopian Inn

• Get a cuppa… Tealicious in Willunga

• Have a beer or wine (or cold drink)…

Kick Back Brewery in Aldinga, The Distillery in Goolwa, Hither and Yon Cellar Door

• Go for a dip…

Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot, Port Noarlunga to snorkel along the reef and the rock pools at Carrickalinga

• Explore nature…

Walking through Kuitpo Forest, Spring Mount Conservation Park, Inman Valley and along any of the beaches

When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…

• feel…

Grateful, Grounded, Happy

• always make sure I visit… 

We have a soft spot for Kangaroo Island. It’s the first place my hubby and I went on a trip together as a couple, our youngest son was conceived over there, we went there for our baby moon, it’s our annual visit and full of wonderful memories.

• stock up on… 

A good bottle of wine, Port Willunga Fine Foods, Willunga Farmers Market Goodies, a good bottle of olive oil.

Most memorable thing that’s happened to me here:

Falling in love and having my two boys.

I feel like I was meant to be here and live in this area. Everything that has happened for me has happened naturally. I find it special. You can’t see it, but energetically you feel it happen. Things happen for a reason. I find it magical being here.

Most interesting person I’ve run into:

D’Arry Osborne, to hear his story of when he was little growing up in McLaren Vale and the changes he has seen over the years.

My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: 

Short or long stay, make sure you are present. Really soak up the experience. Take the time to listen to people’s stories and buy something locally made. One small purchase makes a big difference. Buy local, keep the economy going and support local families. 

Local products are made with a lot of love, a lot of hours, care, effort and time. It is so special to buy a bottle of wine from someone that made it down the road, or some produce that was grown locally by the regions farmers, or something from the artisan market that someone has made and put their heart into. It’s all personal here. 

Stop, enjoy, indulge and support the local people.