Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre is a place of healing and inspiration. It’s a place where songs are recorded, films produced, native foods shared, culture embraced, and Aboriginality honoured. Elijah, as Neporendi’s community development officer and an Arabana man with a background in environment, film and cultural development, what is your vision for the centre?Neporendi means to come together and go together, so for me that means developing community and strengthening community for the greater good. You’re tasked with focusing on culture and community. What’s on the program?I’m looking at long term programs where communities and families can grow, learn and embrace their Aboriginality – in particular our youth. We see time and time again where young people go on to be pillars of community and you can’t help but think it’s worthwhile work if we could help shape one of these pillars. For example?NADOC’s 2019 theme was ‘Voice Treaty Truth’, so we thought what could we do at a local level to enhance people’s voice. We ended up getting some producers in, some well-known local Aboriginal artists, and encouraged young people to attend, and within a couple of days we ended up making a few tracks which went on to be released by Triple J Unearthed. We do have a voice, and we can exercise it in different ways. How old are these budding artists?Between 15 and 18, and we recently had a couple of them close a live-streaming Q&A that we did in collaboration with Joining Hands and Minds. We covered themes such as the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the film In My Blood it Runs and Reconciliation Week. They did a great job. By giving them more screen time, and more stage time, they’re becoming more confident. It’s really good.   You also raised awareness of Reconciliation Week through a series of Storytime videos…We received lots of positive feedback. Even kids at school, who might have been getting teased, were instilled with a sense of pride and connection to their old world. There’s great strength in that. You recently produced a film which was screened on SBS; what’s it about?It’s a 13 minute documentary called ‘The 50,000 Year Old Silk Road’. It’s about the Oodnadatta Track being a really old trade routee. Before the Ghan railway line, the Afghan cameleers and overland telegraph, it provided a much-needed trade route for First Nations peoples. Since coming to Fleurieu, has there been any surprises?The centre is actually located on the Kaurna people’s trade route. Old South Road is built on the track they walked for hundreds, if not thousands, of generations. The Karna people have the story of Tjilbruke; it’s at least a 6000 year old spiritual pilgrimage that travels along the Fleurieu Peninsula and up through the hills. There’s ancient pilgrimages around the world but this is by far one of the oldest. You’re a horticulturist with a degree in biodiversity and conservation; from that perspective what’s unique about the region?Down at the Washpool you’ll find some incredibly rare swap species. It’s a realm of biological jewels which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. And the coastal waters here are also unique. There are not many negative estuaries in the world. Probably three. We have two: Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf. Where do you go to recharge?Last weekend I was hiking through Onkaparinga (Ngangkiparringga) Gorge; the orchids are just starting to come out and you’ll see an array of different fungi, and we even saw a water rat doing freestyle through the river. And you think thank goodness there is still a refuge where these animals can go, and for people to go and have that experience with nature. You’ve travelled extensively; what’s your thoughts on Fleurieu dining?We punch well above our weight when it comes to food. You’ll have gastronomic delights that are so lovely, and people are starting to use native foods. I’ve had kangaroo tail out in the bush and then you can get it at some fancy restaurants, which is amazing and makes for a great meal in winter. Local wine?Straight Grenache is what McLaren Vale is famous for, which is now trending, and with Covid restrictions starting to ease we can get out to local wineries and eateries, enjoy a nice meal, sit back by a fire and be thankful. ELIJAH’S FLEURIEU TIPS·      Aldinga Washpool and Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park·      Onkaparinga River National Park – Gorge Hike·      Tjilbruke Trail·      McLaren Vale Grenache RECONCILIATION ON THE FLEURIEU  ·      Reconciliation Week Q&A presented by Joining Hands and Minds and Neporendi·      Recommended viewing: Reconciliation Week Storytime,  In My Blood it Runs and The 50,000 Year Old Silk Road·      Recommended listening: Triple J – Southern Deadly Sounds·      Elijah’s tips on how to throw a boomerang·      Visit Facebook.com/Neporendi for upcoming events and contact details.

Nikki, you’ve served on local business and tourism boards for eight years and an impressive 20 years in destination management. From that perspective how has the Covid crisis impacted the Fleurieu? On March 22 the tourism, hospitality and food industries vertically shut down. People think of restaurants, pubs and cafes but it’s all the businesses that are also affected like food and beverage producers, local growers and suppliers from our region. It’s devastating and many businesses won’t recover. As chair of Business SA what has been the greatest challenge? The challenges have changed over time. Initially businesses sought help around compliance with work, health and safety issues, such as ensuring their premises were safe for staff and customers; it then moved quickly into advice on workplace relations. And now? Business SA is inundated with phone calls seeking assistance. JobSeeker has been warmly welcomed and there are many different stimulus packages available to employers. We help make it easier for businesses to apply. From here? The Businesses SA board recently signed off on a three-year strategic plan and budget, which has a focus on developing new commercial opportunities. Like many businesses we have had to pivot our focus. What’s one thing you’d recommend to local business owners to help them move forward successfully? Diversify; don’t rely on one supply chain or market. Covid-19 has taught us that. Constantly review what you do and consider how you can do things differently. Encourage your team to dream and share your journey and goals with them. Your staff are your greatest asset. The Fleurieu’s greatest asset? I have never been so happy to live in this state and in this region. I have spent more time exploring some of our amazing assets and cooking local produce with local wines. Our greatest asset... we have it all: sea, vines, incredible produce and a wonderful community. You also head the Star of Greece. How are you navigating this iconic restaurant through the current challenges? We opened a few weeks ago for takeaway. I wasn’t sure that the Star of Greece was a takeaway brand so we have adapted our menu to suit. The community has responded really well and supported the restaurant as well as the Port Willy Kiosk. Away from myriad responsibilities, where do you go to recharge? I love to walk along Port Willunga beach, up the cliff tops and around Linear Park. So peaceful. Favourite cellar door; be it wine, brews, spirits or dairy? I cannot name one! I challenge everyone to create an itinerary that includes some new cellar doors, a gorgeous restaurant or cafe in historic settings, public art and a beach walk. You could do it once a month for a year and still have more to see. Place to explore? Rock art on Port Willunga beach followed by a drink on the Star of Greece deck.  Pantry item? Local olive oil. We go through bucket loads!Must-do experience? The old stables at d’Arenberg, a tour of the Cube, enjoy the magnificent Salvador Dali exhibition and finish with lunch on d’Arrys Verandah. Incredible.NIKKI’S FLEURIEU TIPS:Port Willunga BeachPort Willunga Linear Parkd’Arry’s Verandah RestaurantSalvador Dali exhibition at d’ArenbergFOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:Business SAStar of Greece and Port Willy KioskThe Fleurieu App strives to support local businesses; now and into the future. Find out how by contacting director Susie Williams [email protected]

The Fleurieu App, which went live in early August 2019, is the baby of McLaren Vale resident Susie Williams.Susie returned to the Fleurieu Peninsula with her husband and their three daughters in early 2019, after a 5 year stint living in New Zealand. There, she was part of the team that created and ran the highly-successful Marlborough App, which links local people and visitors to the myriad of experiences and businesses available in the area.Upon returning to the Fleurieu, Susie could see massive potential and says she, “couldn’t wait to build an app for this fabulous region”.We chat to her about the recent tough COVID times, the App, time in New Zealand and family life.Living in New Zealand must have been interesting. What were the highlights, maybe the top 3?Yes, it was an awesome experience. We lived in the Marlborough wine region. It was super cold, but just stunning. So much to explore in New Zealand. Once the travel bans lift and we go back to normal, put it on your 'must do' list! The people are super relaxed, we have made (and miss!) some amazing friends.Highlights...wow, there are many.No. 1: I joined two of our girls on a school camp - we did the Tongariro Crossing on the North Island. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4 km...we completed it in 7.5 hours with 60 school kids - years 5, 6 and 7 ! The trail is through (and up and over!) active volcanoes and crater lakes, it was as I imagine walking on the moon would be.No. 2: Two girl friends and I took our teenage daughters on the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough. We did the 72km track in 5 days / 3 nights. It was simply stunning scenery and a wonderful bonding experience with our girls. I was writing a story for our Marlborough magazine so instead of camping out we got to stay in nice accommodation - perfect!No. 3: New Zealand introduced me to dragon boat racing and waka ama racing. I hate being in the water, but LOVE being on it! I got totally hooked on the waka (outrigger canoe). We raced a 6 person boat and our training ground was the stunning Marlborough sounds, often with dolphins...other days simply freezing!! My longest race was 21km taking almost 2 hours, that's a long time to paddle in time with 5 other team mates.There are so many others, maybe I can share another time?COVID-19 has turned everyone's world upside down. How have you coped the past 2 months?Being a mother of three girls, we are still adjusting to this new way of life that we have been forced to embrace while finding a new kind of strength and resilience we have never known. Everyone's lives have been flipped, twisted and spiralled around as we adapt to new routine, new rules and a new way of existing within our communities. I for one have been blown away by our Fleurieu community, but to be honest, I have always known our region to be pretty bloody incredible! The people, the places and the sense of community has always inspired me. I’ve been lucky in the work I do to have seen this first hand. This makes moving forward each day much easier.As a family our exercise has still been a big part of our lives, and keeps us physically and mentally fit, and getting us outside. It's been a great time to slow our busy family life down and focus on one another, snuggling up on the couch watching movies and getting our craft mojo going. When I get the chance I hit the local beach or the Onkaparinga River National Park.The Fleurieu App is 9 months old. How's it all going and what have your team been up to during isolation?My dream of having a community platform for the Fleurieu Peninsula & Kangaroo Island came to fruition nine months ago. Where has the time gone!!?? The purpose of the app was to allow all the members of our community to connect and communicate. Behind the scenes, we have developed a team of incredible people, dedicated to this cause, and now more than ever through COVID times, we want you to be part of this online platform with us. During this time of uncertainty, our team aim is here to reassure, inform and comfort you during this time. Our local journalists are working remotely, because for them, being able to connect with you is a vital support they are desperate to offer. We all want to do our part to help each other, and although we are limited, we all can find outlets for ways to offer support. The Fleurieu App is how WE can do this for us as Fleurieu & KI locals. We are proud to have almost 4,000 active App users and have clocked up over 180,000 page views! These numbers grow daily - get on board and support our local journalists, our local businesses and our local people.You've hinted at what keeps you sane during times like these, what other things are your passion apart from the Fleurieu App?My family! My hubby, three girls and our dog Kiwi.Yes, I try and keep fit. Running early hours of the morning with the dog and eldest daughter. You may occasionally see a few sunrise photos on our social media pages...that's when I need a break!! I love hiking, especially after living in New Zealand. Onkaparinga River National Park and Deep Creek my favourite local hang outs. I can't wait for us to break into spring and then you will find me in my kayak :)Any plugs, comments, suggestions?If you know of friends and family that haven't downloaded the app, please share this with them. It’s FREE and 100% local. Also, LIKE our Facebook Page where you can get notifications with breaking news and the opportunity to share comments, thoughts and feedback. Ask us anything, share stories and information you feel is important for our community. As a media platform, we strive to offer you honest and transparent information, especially in times like this. We are all in this together and we are here as a voice for YOU and all locals.Stay safe and well, utilise your social distancing platforms and check in on loved ones, family and friends. Be kind and remember, we will get through this!Want to learn more about the Fleurieu App?Fleurieu App FACEBOOKFleurieu App INSTAGRAMFleurieu App WEBSITEEmail Susie & the Team HEREKeen to get your business listed? Apply HEREBecome a supporter of the App and keep our local news local HEREHave an event / workshop or exhibition (once we get out of COVID restrictions!) we will list for free, email us details HERE

The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to thousands of small business operators who make a major contribution to the region’s lifestyle, economy and community. That’s why the Fleurieu App has gathered the following resources in an effort to support these champions during unprecedented times.Top of the list is mental wellbeing. Beyond Blue has published a guide for home based businesses and practical tips, such giving yourself a lunch break; going for a walk, pruning the roses. And if you’re embarrassed by your breakfast dishes as a backdrop to Zoom meetings check out the virtual scenes available at australia.comBusiness SA also has your back. It provides weekly updates — including information on grants and tutorials — as well as a series of webinars on how to navigate your business through the pandemic and beyond. Register at business.sa.gov.auDepartment of Innovation and Skills also offers a series of webinars, including Innovating through COVID-19 on 12 May and Working from Home – What are your Obligations on 14 May. Another valuable webinar, Resilience and Rebound, is online now and presented by SA Tourism Commission, which has also announced state government support for small tourism operators experiencing financial loss due to COVID-19. Visit tourism.sa.gov for more information.Food SA’s virtual conference Fit for the Future will host a line-up of experts who’ll cover topics such restructuring the supply chain and operating securely on e-commerce platforms. The 17 June event is free for SA based attendees. More at foodsouthaustralia.com.auFood and beverage producers who offer pickup or delivery services could benefit from listing on platforms such as:Fleurieu App — takeaway providers; Toast the Locals — numerous categories, from baked goodies to gifts; andMcLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association — eateries, wineries and breweries. Fleurieu councils are also striving to cushion the pandemic’s impact on local businesses. The City of Victor Harbor’s Buy Local campaign is uniting businesses through collaborative branding, resources and an online directory. Alexandrina Council has launched a Business Support Package, which includes financial assistance, a directory of operating food related businesses and a hotline at 8555 7455. If you operate within the City of Onkaparinga you are eligible for free membership to the ON Business Partner Program and COVID-specific support. ON Business also co-manages Southern Business Mentoring Program, a subsidised service where members receive specialist advice in areas such as strategic marketing and finances. Meet one of the consultants, Martin Pike, in our Lifestyle section. These are just a few of the resources available to support the region’s small businesses and the communities that depend on them.Stay safe and stay in touch, for the Fleurieu App is here to support local businesses; now and into the future. Find out how by contacting director Susie Williams [email protected][Disclaimer: information current as at 7 May 2020]

Jock, since 2015 Homeless Grapes has donated over $250,000 to Hutt Street Centre. What makes this charity fundraiser successful? The community is so generous. Everyone along the production chain donates, and because the wine is pre-sold it’s not sitting around in a warehouse; it’s out the door and the money goes to the homeless straight away.Why Hutt Street Centre? It’s more than a soup kitchen. It gives people an address, gets them back to work, gives them a sense of purpose — and that’s key to them recovering. This year’s fundraiser kicked off in March. Who donated the fruit? We donated the grapes from our Pollux vineyard.How many helped harvest the Shiraz? We’d have had close to 100, which was great. And because the picking, winemaking, bottling and selling are all donated, we don’t have these expenses, so four tonne of fruit amplifies to become a $60,000 donation. Who’s put their hands up to sponsor this year’s fundraiser? Big bubbly Ben Riggs is making the wine, Vinpac is bottling and packaging, and Vinomofo [co-founder] is selling the wine, with every cent going to Hutt Street Centre. You’re also part of the Willunga Wanderers, another Hutt Street fundraiser. What motivates you to walk 50 kilometres every year as part of Walk a Mile in My Boots? It’s a gruelling day and we walk in shit weather, but we’ve always said it’s as much about raising money as it is about raising awareness.What’s its backstory? It started with two, doubled to four, then 20, and last year we had 600 students and parents supporting it. This community has a lot of compassion; we just try to create vehicles. Another vehicle is the McLaren Vale Biodiversity Project, which saw a propagating event raise the equivalent of $100,000 to help South Australian’s recover from January’s horrific bushfires. We created a planting day and people came in droves. They’re in tune with what needs to be done and because of that we’ve been able to deliver planting material to the Adelaide Hills, but it’s a little more complicated to get it to KI at this time.Locally, what is the Biodiversity Project’s goal? Our aim is to double biodiversity in the region. We have a few projects in the pipeline this year and still have 12,000 trees to plant around McLaren Vale, so if anyone’s interested, jump on our Facebook page. Secret to a good fundraiser? A good community.Earlier this year you opened Chalk Hill cellar door, but due to social distancing had to close. What impact has this had? As farmers we always have plenty to do, but in terms of the cellar door we’re making a few improvements; refining the offer. You’re Fleurieu born and bred, where’s your favourite place to relax? I put the tinny out and go squid fishing. To be out on the water with friends enjoying a couple of beers is a great way to relax. Favourite place to dine? That’s hard, but Star of Greece is up there. It’s where I like to take overseas visitors; sitting on that deck overlooking Port Willunga is sensational. It’s a gem of a place.Favourite cellar door? The generosity of Samuel’s Gorge is a lovely experience. Must-do Fleurieu experience? There’s so much to enjoy, but Onkaparinga Gorge is the most under-utilised asset on the entire Fleurieu Peninsula. One of the best walks is the Sundew track; you could be in Flinders Ranges, yet it’s 30 minutes from the city.JOCK’S FLEURIEU TIPS:Star of Greece Samuel’s GorgeOnkaparinga River National ParkFOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:Hutt Street CentreChalk HillVinomofo — pre-release offer $15/bottleMr Riggs Wine Company Willunga WanderersWalk a Mile in My BootsMcLaren Vale Biodiversity ProjectSee also: Grape expectations for a great cause on the Fleurieu App’s news page

Martin, for 25 years you’ve helped businesses overcome tough issues to become market leaders in their field. What advice would you give Fleurieu businesses at this uncertain time? Act quickly and seek advice, there is a plethora of resources available I’m finding Business SA is a great place for resources and up to date information, and for Onkaparinga SMEs the council’s ON Business Partner Program offers support, mentoring and grants. But importantly, businesses should be getting a lot of support from their accountant at the moment. Drawing on your strategic marketing expertise, how can businesses prepare for the future? I see it as three phases: business continuity – restructure to survive, recovery – acquire old and new customers and post COVID – be opportunity ready. Tips? Position your business to remain viable during these tough times. Then plan for when the markets start to open up. Be opportunity-ready, which means maintaining customer relationships, value adding, and looking at new ways to meet market needs and wants. Listen to your customers because COVID is rapidly changing consumer behaviour.Business housekeeping advice? Cashflow. That’s the big one. Make sure new business has a clear understanding of payment terms and confidence in those terms. Also, you should be reviewing all your overheads to minimise any outgoings that are not suited to your revised business model.Such as? Insurance, subscriptions, software registrations, phone plans. And then the real important thing about housekeeping is that you need to have up to date accurate financials; you have to be right on top of your weekly cashflows. Away from consulting, where do you go to recharge? At the moment I go from my home office to the lounge room. But outside of isolation rules, I’m a frequent visitor to the Goolwa, Middleton and Victor Harbor areas for boating and sailing and family holidays. And I like to support the farmers markets.You’ve invested in the Fleurieu business, Feather and Peck. We employ seven local people and supply a lot of businesses with our eggs. For me, the big thing was to be involved in a business that supports sustainable farming and ethical food production. I’m passionate about being involved in the food industry, which is a core strength of the Fleurieu. Must-have pantry items? Pastured eggs, of course? Definitely, but you’ll be disappointed to hear I’m not a very good cook – but I still love food and sourcing local fruit and vegetables. You’ll also find Wirra Wirra Church Block in the pantry. That’s a long term favourite of mine going back many years, and I also love boutique wineries like Noons. Must-do Fleurieu experience? A bottle of Wirra Wirra and a platter of local cheeses sitting on Aldinga Beach at sunset.Dining tips for the future? A meal and drink on the lawns of the Victory Hotel is one of our favourite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. What makes the Fleurieu a great place to be during this challenging time? We’re on Adelaide’s doorstep, but we have wide open spaces and diversity. I’m strongly expecting that post COVID there’ll be more interest in local production and local business relationships; and the Fleurieu is highly positioned to deliver that - and much more. MARTIN’S FLEURIEU TIPSWillunga Farmers MarketVictor Harbor Farmers MarketVictory HotelNoon wineryFeather & PeckWirra WirraSouthern Business Mentoring Program SPECIALISED BUSINESS ADVICEContact Martin at KSM Advisory 

All female entrepreneur’s on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island will know this week’s Sunday Profile – Moira Were.I was personally excited to have Moira agree to do our Q & A session this week. What an amazing role model! Moira is the founder of Chooks SA – a movement with a mission to increase equity for female founders in start-ups and social enterprises. Established in May 2017. Her achievement list is long. Being honoured by Australia with an AM on Australia Day 2019 for services to social welfare and other roles, gives you an insight to this amazing woman. Moira WereA bit about me and any link(s) to the Fleurieu and/or Kangaroo Island:I have lived on the Fleurieu Peninsula most of the last 25 years - Port Noarlunga South, Willunga and now Sellicks Beach. MY TOP TIPSBest place to....●     Grab a quick bite - I love to have something sweet and delicious at the Farmers Market from Soulfood & Co●     Have a more serious feed - can’t go past Little Rickshaw in Aldinga●     Get a cuppa - from Maxwell’s●     Have a beer (or cold drink) - at The Victory●     Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) - Red Poles●     Go for a dip - Silver Sands●     Explore nature - Aldinga ScrubWhen I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…●     feel…refreshed●     always make sure I visit… when in KI - KI Spirits●     stock up on… ginWeirdest thing that’s happened to me here: not the weirdest - but the most joyous - singing in the Gospel Groove Choir led by Quentin EyersBest memory of being here: the peace and reverence of Anzac morning around the Willunga War MemorialMost colourful character I’ve run into: That’s a hard one …. won’t name names!My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: take your time and plan to come back on what you missedTell us about anything you’d like to plug/promote? The Fleurieu Awesome Foundationhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/fleurieu Hot current climate topic – the Coronavirus…do you have any comments / suggestions you would like to share with our region? Come and visit us when this is all over and if you are living in the area don’t forget to wave, smile at people especially those who might be living alone.

Jenni, for 18 years the Willunga Farmers Market has offered culinary adventures and community connections. If the pioneers of South Australia’s first farmers market were in the same room, what would you say to them? Thank you! Thank you for creating a place for farmers, a place for producers, and a place that brings the community together. It’s that sense of connection – bumping into friends and neighbours – as well as bringing beautiful fresh food to the community, which has become really important to people, especially in these times. It’s part of their weekly routine; it’s part of their life. You’ve served as manager for three years. Highlights? There’s been lots. We’ve introduced a stall for community groups, which has been a great way for them to grow awareness and recruit volunteers. And last year we won the Delicious award for most outstanding farmers market in Australia. It was very exciting to be able to collect a national trophy on behalf of all the stall holders and the community that makes the market so great. And probably even though this is a trying time, a highlight has been to see how our stall holders and shoppers have adopted to change, rallying together to make something work under difficult circumstances. You’re also vice chair of the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association. What’s one of your goals? I’m passionate about seeing the Piazza della Valle filled with people (when the time’s right), that’s why I put my hand up to coordinate the McLaren Vale Christmas Parade. I enjoy bringing Christmas cheer to Main Road and seeing families and businesses congregate in that beautiful space.In this uncertain time, what are the benefits of being part of the association? The association provides opportunities for businesses to work together, and particularly now, it’s an important way for local businesses to stay connected and informed, whether it be government guidelines and industry specific support, or more general stuff like changes to trading.Where do you go to recharge? My favourite thing to do is walk up Kings Hill. This is where I get close to nature and I also love time at Moana Beach with my family. Other family destinations? McLaren Eagles is our team so we love the away games and spending the day at beautiful places across the Fleurieu with other Eagles families. We will miss these experiences this year but they're something we are looking forward to in the future.Dining tips for the future? Vaserelli in McLaren Vale and the Redwood Oven in Willunga – our family loves a beautiful pizza – and the newly renovated McLaren Vale Hotel are among our favourites. Cellar doors tips? Too many to choose from, but I do like places I can enjoy an easy catch up with friends and where the kids are happy to be in tow, such as Vale Cru at the Visitor Centre and Hardys Tintara for the climbing tree. We can’t wait for all these places to be open again! Pantry must-haves? Feather and Peck eggs – we can never have enough eggs in our house – Fleurieu milks and yoghurts, and strawberries grown by the East family; I can’t come home from the market without these. It’s sad when strawberry season comes to an end; but then there’s the winter fruits to look forward to. Jenni’s Fleurieu tips:Vale Cru Experience, Hardy’s Tintara, Redwood Oven, Vasarelli cellar door and restaurant, Feather and Peck, and Fleurieu MilkWatch:See why the Willunga Farmers Market is rated best in the nation:More information:Delicious names WFM as the Australia’s most outstanding farmers’ market, Willunga Farmers Market, McLaren Vale Business Association, Piazza della Valle.

Peter, from the viewpoint of 40 years’ experience with SA Tourism, what do you think is unique about the Fleurieu Peninsula? It’s a wonderful dynamic mix of coastline with a very sophisticated food, wine, arts, and heritage culture. It’s a place where you can do things as well. It offers strong activity based tourism, more than any other region in South Australia.Do you have a favourite place to wine and dine? I have fond memories of sitting with friends on the verandah of Red Poles and the ambience at Smiling Samoyed is great.Favourite memory? Carrickalinga is where our family has had lots of day trips and holidays over the years. It’s my favourite beach in South Australia.Our best produce? The Fleurieu isn’t the largest region in South Australia, but it’s the most diverse in terms of produce. We’ve got Coorong mullet and Angus beef, and the Willunga Farmers Market is a great institution that represents the whole region, not just Willunga. And food doesn’t have to travel far to get to the plate in this region, so that’s a great strength too.As a former CEO of History Trust SA, what’s a must-see in this region? People love history when they can dress up, and they love history when they can see it in motion and when it’s part of a story, such as a winery setting. But South Australia isn’t strong on activated history compared to some states; we certainly don’t have a Sovereign Hill where history is presented as a reenactment. But at the Goolwa Wharf you have two historical assets coming together at a high visitation point: the river activation and the railway activation. Some places might have one or the other, but it’s rare to have both so close together in such a picturesque setting. And, of course, Victor Harbor offers the heritage mix differently: Cockle Train meets horse drawn tram, meets Granite Island.Any surprises in your job? What strikes me as a former tourism manager of Flinders Ranges and Outback is that the Fleurieu offers a uniquely Australian experience for international visitors that’s within an hour’s drive of the Adelaide Airport. The Onkaparinga Gorge for instance gives a sense of rugged outback Australia and further south the Deep Creek Conservation Park is home to over 400 native plant species and sections of the Heysen Trail. For someone looking for a fusion of rugged and remote, pristine beaches, rolling hills, wine and food — at all levels — it’s pretty amazing to have all of this mixed in together in one region.Onkaparinga River National Park is one of the Fleurieu’s hidden secrets, says Peter Cahalan. Links to Peter’s tips for the Fleurieu: Deep Creek Conservation ParkGoolwa Wharf PrecinctHeysen TrailOnkaparinga River National ParkRed PolesSmiling Samoyed BreweryThe Cockle TrainWillunga Farmers MarketFor more information visit: Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism 

Congratulations. In February, Fleurieu Milk was recognised as one of the best dairy farmers in Australia*. How does that feel? We are very happy to be a finalist but also very happy for Hughes family who won it. These guys are struggling with the drought so the award would be very good for them. As well as a great product, the judges selected finalists who were ‘leading the way’. How did a collective of Myponga farmers change the status quo of the dairy industry?When we started in 2004, all you could buy from the supermarket was processed milk from commercial companies. But we wanted to go for a product that tasted as close to natural cow’s milk as possible so we pasteurised the milk at the lowest temperatures permitted and for the shortest time. That first bottle got us going.  How important are relationships to the success of Fleurieu Milk? It’s what we focused on from the beginning, where being local — and supporting local — is a massive part of our business.  Did you grow up on a dairy farm? No, but I grew up in Myponga and Louise and I have been on the dairy farm, where the factory is, for 32 years.  What was it like growing up in Myponga? Hutchinson name is fairly common, so it was great. A lot of what we did evolved around sport and the community. I have a photo taken in ’83 of my footy team and 15 of the 23 guys were dairy farmers. Now there’s not one, which reinforces how times have change from being a strong dairy community to being about eight dairies left in Myponga Basin.What’s your best memory of life on the Fleurieu? For me, it would be family and friends, and catching up with them fairly regularly. Away from dairy where do you relax? Not normally with milk in hand; but closer to beer. The local watering holes are all great around our area. Within a stone’s throw we have microbreweries like Smiling Samoyed, Forktree Brewing, to the Victory Hotel with restaurant quality feeds, and then there’s golf at the Links Lady Bay. For people visiting the Fleurieu, what’s your top tip for a swim? I’m not that aquatic, but along Sellicks and Aldinga beaches are as good as anywhere in Australia in terms of sandy beaches and being able to drive along the coastline. Winery?I can’t go past Lake Breeze at Langhorne Creek and their Bernoota is one of my favourite reds.Products to stock up on? Outside of dairy our micro-breweries and wineries take a lot to beat and the likes of Alexandrina Cheese are worth a visit and worth the purchase. They’re all top quality products. With national and international distribution, what do you miss about the Fleurieu when you’re away? I appreciate it more. I think the Fleurieu is one of the greatest areas in the world, yet from a tourism perspective it’s the most unexplored region in Australia. [*The Weekly Times Coles 2019 Dairy Farmer of the Year Awards, announced on 26 February 2020.]Horse riders start the day at Sellicks Beach — one of Geoff Hutchinson’s favourite beaches.FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:https://www.fleurieumilkco.com.au/https://www.lakebreeze.com.au/http://www.smilingsamoyed.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/forktreebrewing/https://www.alexandrinacheese.com.au/https://victoryhotel.com.au/https://linksladybay.com.au/golf

Today we celebrate International Women's Day 2020. What better way to start the Fleurieu App’s Sunday Profile sessions introducing Carolyn Jeffrey. Carolyn was the well deserved recipient of the Inspirational Woman in Business for the Fleurieu on Friday - congratulations Carolyn!Enjoy our Q & A session with this inspirational woman.Tell us a bit about yourself and your link to the Fleurieu and/or Kangaroo Island:I’m the founder and operator of CJ’s Business Solutions and the Women in Business Regional Network. I’ve been a resident of Victor Harbor for 24 years, moving to the area to run the local newspaper The Times which I did for 15 years. I’ve been involved in various community organisations in a volunteer capacity over the years including the South Coast Choral & Arts Society, Victor Harbor Hockey Club, Victor Harbor RSL and Business Victor Harbor (although it was Victor Harbor Business Association when I was formation secretary).I recently had the honour of being named the Inspirational Businesswoman at the Fleurieu Community Awards to mark International Women’s Day and was presented with the Community Award by SA Woman Australia.I’ve spent all but a handful of my years in regional Australia and have a passion for not only the regions, but to also help small business people – both men and women – to realise their potential and to cut their stress levels.CAROLYN’S TOP TIPSBest place to....Grab a quick bite… KFC if I’m running late between appointments and need to eat on the run (or the drive). Have a more serious feed…I love the Boulevard Café on the Lake at Encounter Bay for lunch and find the dinners at the Grosvenor Hotel in Victor Harbor good value and well prepared.Get a cuppa…Again, the Boulevard Café on the Lake. Have a beer (or cold drink)…The Grosvenor Hotel is good for this. The front bar has a friendly atmosphere. (Can you see I probably need to get out more?)Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)...Magpie Springs Winery & Gallery at Hope Forest has a rustic, relaxed garden feel and the artwork by the owner Avril Thomas gives you a whole new perspective on portraiture. It’s a challenge to decide – photo or painting?Go for a dip…Don’t swim a lot, more a fisher. Love Cape Jervis jetty or the Causeway at Victor for fishing. Don’t mind a walk and a flick at Kings Beach at Waitpinga too.Explore nature…The Heysen Trail offers such an amazing outlook that you don’t notice you’re walking. I’m a bit of an Urimbirra Wildlife Park fan as I’m fascinated by animals. And, for the longer nature treks, it’s Kangaroo Island for me as it has everything, so let’s hope it does recover.When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…feel…at home. I travel a lot with the network and nothing beats coming through the roundabout at the top of Kleinigs Hill to see the vista of Granite Island and the Bluff to remind me why I live here!always make sure I visit… Urimbirra Wildlife Park if I just need some time out for a wander with nature in a relaxed environment.stock up on… Alexandrina Cheese. You can never have enough cheese (says every part of me except my hips!)Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here: Deciding on a whim to run in the 2018 Mayoral election for the City of Victor Harbor … and ending up a relatively narrow runner-up in a field of five.Best memory of being here: Meeting my partner of 22 years and going on our first date squid fishing at The Bluff.Most colourful character I’ve run into: Ida Hanks of Encounter Bay. I had the chance to help Ida write and publish her memoirs of her first 100 years of life. An inspiring, talented and creative lady who continued to be a woman in business despite the fact that failing eyesight prevented her from carrying out her normal art and craft activities.My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: The best parts of the region aren’t always in bricks and mortar. Anyone who says there’s nothing to do here just isn’t looking in the right places.THE PLUG: Tell us about anything you’d like to plug/promote?If you’re a woman in business in any regional area of South Australia the Women in Business Regional Network would love to hear from you. We hold regular physical networking and learning events in McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor, Strathalbyn, the Adelaide Hills, Murray Bridge, Yorke Peninsula, Port Pirie, Clare and the Riverland, as well as online events for those unable to make it to a physical venue. We’re all about offering support, promotion, education and networking opportunities for business owners, managers, staff and those dreaming of owning their own business.Any links for further information/social media links for you?Women in Business Regional Network website – https://wibnetwork.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wibregionalnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wibregionalnetwork/Twitter: https://twitter.com/WomenRegionalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/19082601/admin/CJ’s Business Solutions website – https://cjsbusinesssolutions.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cjsbusinesssolutions/If you know of another inspirational / fascinating Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island identity please drop us a line [email protected]

At the peak of January’s widespread bushfires an army of volunteers gathered at the McLaren Vale Natives to plant 30,000 seedlings — valued at nearly $100,000 — for propagating and donating to affected communities in autumn. ‘Revegetation for a Cause – Bushfire Relief’ is a partnership between McLaren Vale Natives and McLaren Vale Biodiversity Project, which was launched to help heal devastated landscapes across Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula. For Tash — one of the 550 volunteers who came from the Fleurieu, greater Adelaide and interstate — the event was a practical way to express her support. “I’d been feeling a bit helpless about the state of the country and went through the motions of donating some money and clothes, but I wanted to do something a little more hands on and saw this pop up on my Facebook feed, so I came along. “It’s the least I can do, and it’s been nice to be gardening for a cause.” McLaren Vale Natives, Rob Laffer (pictured above), says the community response to the social media call out was “fantastic” with the event raising “in dollar terms about $100,000”.“The goal was to prepare 10,000 tubulars but we tripled that, which will help revegetate areas to bring them back to where they were,” he said. An important part of the project is that the donated plants are indigenous to specific regions, so if Eucalyptus leucoxylon was lost on Kangaroo Island, a Eucalyptus leucoxylon would replace it. “These are species taken from seed from regions before the fires,” says Jock Harvey, McLaren Vale Biodiversity Project. “Obviously, we all feel for those regions, and we hope these plants will help rebuild landscapes and communities, and of course habitat for the native fauna.” The working bee finished with a barbecue courtesy of the Rotary Club of McLaren Vale as well as Mish and Wade from Southern Koala Rescue introducing young buck Harry and orphaned Itty Bitty to the delighted volunteers.Revegetation for a Cause welcomes support. For more information visit facebook.com/mclarenvalebdp.

From the back garden to the beach and exploring reserves, Onkaparinga is a natural playground all year round. There’s one thing in abundance during this wonderfully wet season — mud! You can mould it, hear it squelch and let it slide through your fingers like silk, and then bake your mud-masterpiece in the sun and decorate it with stones and leaves foraged from your garden. This delightful childhood experience is one of many activities to make it onto the ‘50 things to do before you are 12’ list. Building a sand city and jumping over waves also made the list, and for adventure activities there are colourful maps with fascinating facts. These outdoor adventure-packed ideas are part of the ‘Our Big Backyard Christies’ kit. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE...

Guardians of Feather and Peck.The free range chickens at Feather and Peck Pastured Free Range farms at Willunga and Yundi are kept safe and happy under the watchful eye of their guardian  Maremma dogs Ollie and Bella.Maremma guardian dogs originate from central Italy where they have been long used as sheepdogs guarding off wolves for the shepherds. They have a natural protective instinct and will guard and protect whatever they have been bought up with as a puppy.The Australian movie ‘Oddball’ starred a Maremma dog who watched over an endangered penguin population on Middle Island in Victoria.Ollie 6 years old and Bella 10 years old were bought up with chickens, so being chicken guardians and caretakers is their full time focus.Ollie and Bella are with their chickens 24 hours and day, 7 days a week, they love their way of life and are at their happiest when their chickens are happy and safe.They are not keen on strangers or things out of the ordinary that may threaten their chickens.Ollie and Bella tend to relax more during the day, ready to be alert and on duty at night keeping foxes and predators away.  This chicken sitting duo are really extraordinary working dogs.Maremma dogs have a double coat which is weather resistant and water repellant, making these dogs very well equipped for living outside.The chickens at Feather and Peck’s farms are happy and free to roam amongst the pastures under the watchful guard of Ollie and Bella giving these chickens the opportunity to forage for bugs, scratch in the dirt, eat grass and lay deliciously healthy eggs.Ollie and Bella like to eat their dinner away from the chickens and are each given a couple of eggs a day as a tasty treat.You can find these tasty Feather and Peck Pastured  Free Range eggs at the Willunga, Victor Harbor and Adelaide Farmer Markets and in select SA supermarkets as well as local cafes and restaurants.Happy dogs with Happy chickens making Yummy eggs!If you know of a special animal that lives and works on the Fleurieu Peninsula, we would love to hear about it.  Please drop a line to [email protected]

Heather FreemanHeather Freeman covers the “Fleurieu Locals” section for the Fleurieu App.Heather has always had a passion for people and animals and loves it when the two connect and work together.“I feel very privileged to be part of the Fleurieu App team sharing special stories of the amazing animals that contribute to local businesses around the Fleurieu Peninsula, improving our lives and putting smiles on our faces,” Heather says. If you know of a special animal that lives and works around the Fleurieu, please drop a line to [email protected]

Amy MannersAmy grew up in Encounter Bay. For her, the region has always been nature’s playground — the setting of many action-packed days of snorkelling, hiking, surfing and boating with family and friends.Amy holds a BA in Creative Writing and Media, and works as a freelance photographer, videographer and writer. She has produced print and digital content for the Adelaide Central Market, McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association, City of Onkaparinga, and the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation. Her favourite place to work and play is the Fleurieu.Contact Amy - [email protected]

Spring is upon us and the worker bees around the area are becoming active, collecting pollen and nectar from the plants and trees that come into flower with the spring weather.Kylie and Michael Pitt from Berrima Apiaries have been keeping bees for 12 years.  Berrimah Apiaries is a local family run Beekeeping Business that manages 600 bee hives for pollination and honey production that work around the Fleurieu Peninsula and farther locations throughout the state.  All of the honey that Berrima Apiaries produces is sent in bulk to local South Australian honey packers.Each hive can hold from 20 to 50,000 bees and runs as a highly efficiently colony.  The Queen Bee is the mother figure of each hive, she can live up to 2 years and lay 2000 eggs a day.  She is extremely clever how she can also determine if the eggs she lays are going to be male or female. There are many roles that a female worker bee can carry out to ensure the smooth running of the hive. From nursing the babies, cleaning the hive, constructing the wax cells for the eggs to be laid in, to foraging and collecting pollen and nectar to bring back to the hive.  These little worker bees pack a lot of activity in to their very short lives of approximately 6 weeks .In one day a worker bee can travel up to 5 kilometres in search of food and it can take anything from 2 weeks to 6 months to fill a hive full of honey depending on weather and environmental  conditions.Bees are nature’s unsung heroes, they are essential to life and food production, naturally pollinating our flowers and crops. They thrive on a varied diet of flowers, even the local weed flowers help feed the  bees.We can help our busy allies by leaving water in a quiet corner of the garden with a landing pad so they can drink and take water back to the hive. Planting flowering plants and trees, especially ones that flower in the winter help the little honey bees in the cooler months when finding food can be challenging.As a beekeeper Kylie finds it very satisfying to open up a hive and watch these amazing creatures happily buzzing, going about their daily business.  Her favourite honey is Pink Gum honey from the Fleurieu. Mmmm, sweet and delicious! If you know of a special animal that lives and works on the Fleurieu Peninsula, we would love to hear about it.  Please drop a line to [email protected]

The herd of 300 beautiful Holstein cows at one of The Fleurieu Milk Company dairies in Myponga has been owned and carefully managed for the last 32 years by Dairy farmer Geoff Hutchinson.The Holstein milking cow breed is known as the world’s highest production dairy cow breeds.All of the 300 strong herd have hand picked names with inquisitive and individual personalities. But if one cow was to stand out, it would be 2 1/2 year old ‘Summer’.Summer originates from some of the best Holstein blood lines in the world.  She was imported from America as an embryo and artificially inseminated into a breeding cow in Victoria. Once born in Victoria, Australia, Geoff picked her up as a calf and bought her to back his Myponga Dairy Farm. She now is 2 1/2 years old and has been part of the milking herd for 6 months.Her day consists of two milkings a day with an early start for first milking at 4.30 am and the second in the afternoon from around 3 pm.  After morning milking Summer spends her days out to the beautiful green pastures at Myponga to graze, rest and chew her cud.Summer the milking cow is truly an amazing creature, she can produce an average of around 30 litres of the most delicious milk a day.  Can drink 80 to 160 litres of water a day, spend around 6 hours a day eating and another 8 hours chewing her cud.Cud is a form of regurgitated food that is chewed a second time to help with digestion.Summer has just returned home to the farm after an 8 day stay at the Adelaide Show Grounds.  She was spoilt even more than usual whilst staying in town and much time and energy was spent grooming and preparing Summer for her competitions.Summer and the Fleurieu Milk Team won the Reserve Intermediate Champion this year and last year she won All Breed Junior Champion.The Fleurieu Milk company is a local family run business that supports local  community groups and each year donates to The Little Heroes Foundation.When you are next buying your milk at the local supermarket spare a thought for Geoff, Summer and this special herd of Holstein milking cows getting up so early to provide milk for the local community.  If you know of a special animal that lives and works on the Fleurieu Peninsula, we would love to hear about it.  Drop a line to [email protected]

Brooke DuBoisBrooke is excited to be part of the Fleurieu App team as an editorial contributor.She has a longstanding love affair with the region, after getting her first 'real' job as a journalist at The Times and On the Coast newspapers, based in Victor Harbor, where she cut her teeth as a teller of the community's stories from 2006-2009. After a stint working in PR for the South Australian education department, sub editing a Welsh newspaper and editing a business magazine in Bristol, England, Brooke returned to Victor Harbor to serve as editor of The Times and On the Coast from 2012-2015.Now, Brooke runs a small communications business and is a part-time tutor and mentor for the University of South Australia's journalism students. She is enjoying telling the good news stories of the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula for the Fleurieu App.She lives in the Onkaparinga region with her husband Jeremy, their toddler Jack, and Boxer Eddie.