Chatting to Stacey about all things Fleurieu and all things Strathalbyn, it is no wonder that she was a finalist at this year’s SA Woman Awards for the Regional SA Woman Award. The Regional SA Award: ‘For a regional woman who has created a thriving business/career and is an advocate for her community.’Very deserving – congratulations Stacey!The owner of the Commercial Hotel Strathalbyn, and a champion for her town, today we welcome Stacey Phelan to our Sunday profile hot seat.You could say the pub life is in her blood. When Stacey was 16, she would head to Port Broughton when ever the opportunity arose to work at her uncle’s pub. He managed pubs in several regional areas, and that’s where she would head to help him out. She’s been pulling beers ever since.She has had a varied career, ranging from hairdressing to working in banks, but always in hospitality as a side hustle. Since her 20’s hospitality has been part of her working life, with her hand on her heart she tells me that there is not a day that she doesn’t want to come to work. Through good days and bad, she loves it. Between Glenelg and even the Northern Territory Stacey has worked in pubs, soaking up as much knowledge as possible in the industry, pulling beers, cooking, working in bottle shops, always learning the trade. Six years ago, she decided it was time to do it for herself, and here we were chatting under the veranda of her beloved, historic Commercial Hotel in Strathalbyn.Stacey grew up in the Southern Suburbs, but this is where she always wanted to be. She had a dream of owning a pub, but it couldn’t be just any pub. It had to have the right town, the right community. The town needed to be small enough to have that country community where everyone knows each other and looks out for each other, but it needed to be large enough that you have everything you need in the region. Luckily for this community, Strathalbyn was that place. She tells me that Strathalbyn has everything. The Fleurieu is the place where we have the beach, the river, the city, we have everything within easy reach, and all these things made the Fleurieu the right choice for Stacey to set up home for the long term.“I’m here for life now, I will be one of those old people telling you I’ve lived here forever, I love it”When asking Stacey what it is she loves about the place she works and lives, she explains that the solid, tight knit community makes her proud. “Everyone has got each other’s back”, she tells me. It has always been the way, and then when COVID hit, the community spirit hit another new level. She feels that ‘what ever goes around, comes around’, everyone helps out. If someone is in the pub and needs a hand with something, soon they will have a whole support crew with their hands up to help them the next day, even people they don’t know. “Everyone gives a stuff, it’s such a great community”.For leisure, although I am sure this is a luxury not often seen, Stacey likes to head out for some quality family time. This past year in particular more of an effort has been made to soak up this time and have a little more time away from the pub. “The pub will always be my baby, but my family life is the most important thing to me”Stacey got married this year and has taken the extra steps to make sure on weekends they get up and go for a bike ride as a family, head to a local café for a coffee, trying to soak up the simple things in life.Finally, I mentioned the SA Woman Awards. Stacey lights up and tells me how exciting it was to have been nominated, and ultimately a finalist. The spotlight has always been on her pub and her team, this one was extra special because it was recognising Stacey for what she does in both her business and her community. “I’m super proud and feel as though I won anyway!” Stacey’s top tops for the Fleurieu. Best place to…Grab a quick bite or a serious feed?The Commercial Hotel, Strathalbyn of course!Grab a cup of coffee?Strathalbyn, we are spoilt for choice, don’t make me choose!Taste some wine?I love spending an afternoon at Kimbolton wines in Langhorne Creek, I love feeling as though I’m relaxing in the middle of nowhere. Lake Breeze, Bremerton their atmospheres are beautiful. The history at Bleasdale is wonderful. I want them all, I can’t choose….we are so spoilt for choice here.Best place for a dip?I’m a river girl. Our family spends a bit of time at Wellington. A quick drive after a long day at the pub, I love to run up and jump off the jetty at Wellington. That’s my tune out place. The river all the way!Explore Nature?We love the beach, anywhere along the coastline. There’s lots to explore around Langhorne Creek, and Strathalbyn is the most picturesque town.  When I’m on the Fleurieu or Kangaroo Island…..I feel…..like I don’t have to be anywhere elseI always make sure I visit….another small independent pubI stock up on….wineBest or weirdest memory?Welcoming a horse into the pub! I hadn’t been here very long, a local bloke on his horse said his horse likes going in for a beer. I said come on in, not thinking that he would. Next thing I knew, I had a horse trotting through to the bar.Best advice for anyone visiting the region?Firstly, download the Fleurieu App (yes, thanks Stacey – good tip!)Secondly, don’t have too much of a plan, just wing it! Drive around, stop at all the little places. Oh, and don’t eat before you come, we have lots of fabulous food and drink in this region. Each time you come, visit something else, we have so much to offer, it’s almost over whelming. Try something new every time. Just support local.

Many of us have come and gone for work, and then returned to the area, that’s what the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island regions do to us. We cannot help but to call it home forever. For those that grew up here, no surprise they have an extra deep connection. Todays Sunday profile is a Fleurieu App Member that is well and truly engrained and in love with her home region and it’s people. Amy was born and bred in Normanville, surrounded by her family, friends and community. There has never been a desire to live anywhere else. Enticing her husband to move from Victoria to the region, she has married and raised her children here. Normanville & Yankalilla are definitely her home and where her soul belongs. A self confessed beach girl, she doesn’t believe she could live too far away from the soothing sea side. You are the owner of Sea to City Conveyancing. How long have you had the business, and what was your inspiration to take on the conveyancing industry?  When I was younger I worked in Real Estate property management and then sales. I was lucky enough to have an amazing person I worked for who was a like a mentor to me. The hours invested in Real Estate Sales is huge, and I was unsure I wanted to do that all my life. I went off and attended night courses in conveyancing and then got myself a job in Conveyancing. I was still working for others when I had my first child and sadly at the time we lost a close friend in a motorbike accident. This was a life changing moment for me as I decided I did not want to be on the road doing all this driving when I had a baby at home. I couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to me on the road and leaving my child behind without a mother. I needed to reduce my risk of that happening. With the support of the business I was working with, and local real estate friends, I started up Sea to City Conveyancing in Normanville. 18 years on and a now a family of three children, I have been able to work and be around my children with their special needs. Being able to be as flexible as possible for my family and work has been very important.  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 love the community. Having always lived in the same area we know everybody. Word of mouth drives my business. The satisfying part is being able to help through the generations of locals with their conveyancing needs. I help out the parents, then years later their children. I love being around people and meeting people. I have a connection with them and nothing is more satisfying being able to help arrange the purchase of someone’s home. The connection of our community is what makes me proud of where we work and live. The community support is something that not many places have, like we do here in Normanville. Oh, and did I mention the beach!? I love the beach. I couldn’t live anywhere that doesn’t have a beach nearby. On a more personal note, tell us a little about Amy and what you love to do out of work …. (OK if you prefer not too!!!)Any spare time is spent with my kids, I love being with my kids. They have special needs which takes up a lot of time, but I enjoy that special time with each of them. Chasing their sports and interests takes time as well. Anytime I can is also spent at the beach. As a family we try and go away camping when we can. The kids have always enjoyed that. Hopefully as they keep getting older they continue to enjoy going away with us camping.Between our gardening business and conveyancing business there is not a lot of spare time, but the family time is the favourite part. What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)I’m a sharer, is there anything they don’t know about me? We run Gums 'N' Roses gardening services as well, some people may not know that. YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island: Best place to.... Grab a quick bite or a cuppa…we are so lucky in Normanville, we have so many choices. One Little Sister, Caffe on Bungala and Arranging Matters.Have a more serious feed or a beer…Yankalilla pubGo for a dip…NormanvilleExplore nature…The forest and water falls at Second Valley have some great walking trails to explore. We love taking the dogs to Crab Beach. It’s actually Lady Bay…..but we call it Crab Beach because when we were kids that’s what we called it. Whenever you lift a rock you will always find little crabs. When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… feel…at home and at peace. If I’m having a stressful day I head to the beach, it’s so calming.always make sure I visit… Normanville and Carrickalinga Beaches and Cape Jervis. Kangaroo Island, the community spirit of KI is special.stock up on… KI Honey, Olive Oil and Lavender. Fleurieu; need to stock up on the Yankalilla Bakery and Normanville Bakery. Best memory of being here:When people buy their first house, its’ so exciting. My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Bring your bathers and come for a swim. Stop at any of the cafes – we have great coffee. Eat, drink and be merry.Find out more about Amy and Sea To City Conveyancing HERE

1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 600 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This year we expect over 3,200 Australians will pass away from breast cancer. When you sit around enjoying a Sunday drink with 6 of your mates, it’s a pretty confronting thought to know it’s likely one of you will end up dealing with breast cancer at some point in your life. You secretly hope it’s not you, and you pray that whoever gets the short straw will live. October is breast cancer awareness month, and as many of our app readers would know, this one is a personal one for me. If I tell my story and it saves just one life by making someone proactive about their breast checks, then it is worth my time sharing.As anyone that has had a cancer diagnosis knows, your world stops for a while, your head is in a fog, and your nights are filled with ‘what if’s’. It’s a feeling that is hard to describe, but if you have ever been told you have the big ‘C’ you will know exactly what I mean.Susie with Raelene Boyle (Australian Olympic legend) at BCNA (Breast Cancer Network Australia) event. Pink ladies honouring our friends that have died from the disease.Besides the ‘what if’ conversations in your own head, telling your loved ones that you have cancer is one of the toughest things you will ever have to do in your life. Is it because you are saying that you have cancer out loud and that makes it more real, or is it the reaction you get? Telling our 8-year-old daughter was tricky, she couldn’t help but presume it meant I was going to die. Our 6-year-old was too scared to touch me in case she caught it. Our 3-year-old didn’t understand why after surgery I could not pick her up for a cuddle. Then telling my Mum and Dad and older brothers was just awful. There is that unspoken rule that when your time is up, the oldest go first. Just writing about it floods the memories back and this year marks 10 years for me.Through testing and treatment, no matter how supportive your support crew are, it is a lonely road. There is a lot of time in your head, and a lot of time convincing your loved ones you are doing fine, and all will be ok, even when you doubt it yourself. It’s pretty hard to be honest, as doing so often upsets those around you. Less than a year after my diagnosis I trained as a BCNA Ambassador and set up Aldinga Breast Cancer support group. Partly for my own support and partly because until I was diagnosed, I ignorantly thought it was an ‘older’ woman’s disease. A safe place for breast cancer patients and supporters to be frank and honest, ask questions, cry, celebrate the wins, get support from others that really know…giving us the strength to move onto the next day and keep our brave face for our loved ones. I am one of the lucky ones. I made my own luck. I had an Aunty diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 50’s, which made me much more aware of the disease. I knew that it was possible to go to Breast Screen SA and be screened for breast cancer from the age of 40. I turned 40 and booked myself in, just because I could. My surgeon told me I dodged a bullet. I had breast cancer, but it was at the earliest possible stage to detect. This means there was no lump, no chance of the cancer cells having escaped into my system. I was lucky. My young family was lucky. 10 years on I am back on the 1 in 7 statistics band wagon, lets hope my luck continues.If this story encourages just one person to check their breasts or book into Breast Screen SA for a free mammogram, I have done my job.Raising awareness for the Pink Lady, who represents BCNAResources:Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer or supporting someone that has been, I cannot recommend the BCNA website for online support groups, researched information about breast cancer and all forms of. They were my lifeline.www.bcna.org.auRecently diagnosed? www.myjourney.org.auOnline support groups www.onlinenetwork.bcna.org.auAldinga Breast Cancer Support Groupwww.cancersa.org.auwww.nbcf.org.au www.mcgrathfoundation.com.auwww.canceraustralia.gov.au

Angela grew up in New Zealand, just out of Wellington at a place called Island Bay. She runs her business, Lumah Wellness Centre in Willunga from the old police station building. Today we get to know Angela and what brought her here. It doesn’t take long to realise how passionate she is about the place she now calls home and her dedication to her work, community and wellbeing in general. Arriving to the Fleurieu Peninsula, in what Angela describes as divine intervention. Once she was exposed to the area she was in love! She explains that you could be anywhere in the world, but here we have this amazing ocean and coastline; we’ve got beautiful forests; we are close to the hills, which are often lovely and green. Growing up in New Zealand, it is no wonder that green hills and ocean mean so much to her.   Once she became part of the community of Willunga, and learnt what community really was, there really was nowhere else she would rather be. You are the owner of Lumah Wellness centre in Willunga.  How long have you had the business, and what was your inspiration to take on the beauty & wellness industry?  I studied beauty therapy in my 30’s, which is the foundation of what I have always done. I had skin issues as a teenager, which was quite damaging to my self-esteem at the time. I wanted to have more control over that, so I studied three years part time. I didn’t do much with that qualification at the time as I was working in the building industry.  Having decided it was time for a change, and time to expand our family, my husband built me a little salon at the back of our house. I started my business from home. My passion has always been holistic skin care, looking at the skin as part of us, not separate from us. It’s crucial to keeping us feeling well in all parts of ourselves. I have never been that therapist that wants to make you look beautiful, it’s always been about how are you feeling. Are you feeling beautiful, are you feeling radiant, are you feeling wellness? Luminating the being is my focus. The business journey has been gradual. The business is now 13 years old. Over those 13 years I have made a gradual transformation into becoming a holistic wellness mentor. Touch is very important to be able to nurture a person, my knowledge is extensive, I have done extensive training around skin. I love holistic conversations, so people can understand and have the knowledge about what the skin is, and then they can go and make better decisions for their entire wellbeing. This is what drives me. Luminous beings! You live locally. Have you always lived in this part of the Fleurieu? I come from New Zealand from a little fishing village called Island Bay. I moved to Australia when I was 19, moving to the northern suburbs of Adelaide. I didn’t know any better :) At that time Australia was very attractive, more affordable lifestyle, more choices, freedom.  A business opportunity brought me to the Fleurieu. Once I came down south, the air was different, the energy was different, the ocean was close by, there were green rolling hills, the colours, and then once I had been here for a while – the people. It’s home. Working in such an industry and location is pretty special. What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work? Being a business owner in the township of Willunga is special because you are in everyone’s hearts, and they are in yours. We have become friends, we care for each other, we can have conversations about anything. There can be tears, hugs, happy moments, we have created a strong community. COVID has been very tricky for us, but the amount of people that have been in our front room over the past 3 years, just having conversations and healing. It has been heart filling. The door has been kept open more as a community service, almost as a not for profit over the time. It’s a community hub, have a treatment, have a crystal, just have a chat, trying to heal and support each other. It has been very special. Working in the beauty & wellness industry must have its moments (good and bad!), what’s the most memorable? Luckily we rarely have bad moments, we set the space to attract positive energy.  When people respond to treatment, how good they feel, how relaxed they feel, how peaceful they feel…those sorts of things fill our heart and make us love what we do. We get that reminder a lot and that keeps us going. On a more personal note, tell us a little about Angela and what you love to do out of work. I’m embracing my art of being a green witch! :) I love herbs, I’ve spent many years embracing herbs. If it’s a day off and the sun is shining, I am in my garden with my herbs. Making ceremony sticks, flower essences, making infused oils…I gift these to people. It is something I love to do, and it creates conversation around wellness. I love it! A day in my garden makes me fill radiant and full. Walking in nature is my other love, I am a walker (or tramper to the Kiwi’s reading). If I get space or time, I head off with my day pack. Hiking in nature is meditative for me. What is something many locals would not know about you? I’m a nanna. I have a 3-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter. It’s such a special, joyous, angelic space to be in. She has me wrapped around her little finger. Like her Nanna she loves her crystals “dwistles”. Anything else you would like to share? I’m just really passionate about holistic wellness, opening up conversations about that, and what it means to others. I am a Nada Yoga teacher - the yoga of sound. Out of Lumah I offer a lot of space holdings around self-connection and devotional self-connection, to really explore the deep peace and love within. It may sound a bit airy-fairy, but it is a really deep mindful self-connection that I think is really important.  YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island: Best place to.... Grab a quick bite…The Green RoomHave a more serious feed…Roadhouse 88Get a cuppa…Willunga General store Have a beer (or cold drink)…on my deck at homeGo for a dip…my local – Sellicks BeachExplore nature…The Willunga Basin Trail, Kuitpo, Mount Billy Conservation Park When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… feel…relaxation, peaceful, connectedalways make sure I visit… The beachstock up on… lots and lots of organic vegetables and fruit Best memory of being here: Walking in the very early moments of sunrise at Sellicks Beach. I have some phenomenal moments with the sunrise colours – it’s like having colour therapy, mediation and self-connection all in the same space.Find out more about Angela and Lumah Wellbeing Centre

Over time we aim to introduce you to the team at FPAG. Today we are proud to introduce you to the FPAG Mount Compass manager. Darren grew up a city kid but has grown a love for living in the country and working in the agricultural industry. He's been working in the agricultural world since 1993 and at Mount Compass for the past 7 years. He's extremely modest when he briefly mentions something that many would not know about him....read on so you know what I am talking about! Next time you drop by the Mount Compass store be sure to ask a little more and find out how talented this teenager really was. Along the way you might be reminded how tough it really is growing up and take home a few lessons for your own kids.What was it that helped you developed a passion for this industry?Over time I became very appreciative of the “gamble” that was involved in farming, both financially and personally. I'm extremely grateful to Myponga Football Club in 1993 for getting me a job in the Ag Industry. From then on I went to Langhorne Creek Football Club who were fantastic in support of me when I was at Strathalbyn working. The Ag industry is the best job I have ever had and the people in it are great. FPAG care about their staff and wellbeing and have been great to work for. They love to support their local communities.You live locally. Have you always lived in this part of the Fleurieu? We moved to the Aldinga area in 1991 from Adelaide. I have worked in Mt Compass now in 2 stints for a total of 11 years. Great town and great people.What is it that makes you proud of the place you work and live?I'm really proud that I've been successful in the Ag Industry since I had no background or knowledge when I first came in. I love the coastline and the remoteness, especially in the early years. The great sense of community in the towns I have worked and beautiful scenery. I have made some friends for life on the Fleurieu Peninsula.On a more personal note, tell us a little about Darren and what you love to do out of work …. (OK if you prefer not too!!!): We live on 5 acres and love where we live. I love to go surfing/camping/hunting and have a cold beer with mates.What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!) I was a successful gymnast in my teens Anything else you would like to share? My saying for the young aspiring kids ; ‘Everything u want in life is on the other side of fear’YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island:Best place to....Grab a quick bite… Jericho’sHave a more serious feed… Beach HotelGet a cuppa… The Caravan in the “trough” carpark at SeafordHave a beer (or cold drink)… Aldinga lifesaving ClubTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ... Don’t drink wineGo for a dip… Gull Rock Explore nature… Boat Harbor BeachWhen I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…feel… HOME always make sure I visit… Aldinga Bottle Shopstock up on… Jack DanielsWeirdest thing that’s happened to me here:My first 3 weeks working in the ag industry in 1993 after growing up in the city I had a client ask me for a bag of dog nuts !! Found out it was “country” for dog food, not dogs nuts !!!Best memory of being here:Plenty of great memories but its always been about the great people I have met and am still great friends with. Most colourful character I’ve run into:“Mushy”, the old president of Langhorne Creek Footy ClubTex Hutchy from Myponga FC2 great guys who were always up to something!My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Respect the environment and clean up after yourself. Take your time and soak it all in.

Andrew Laidler operates AJL Construction with his partner Carly Thompson. The company, which has Residential Homes, Property Services and Commercial Building arms, is located in Port Elliot but services all the Southern Fleurieu. It’s fairly new, having been formed in 2020. A lot of their work is new custom builds, clients come to them with designs and AJL takes it from there.The genesis of AJL can perhaps be best explained by that old proverb, “Necessity is the mother of all invention” as well as Churchill’s advice to “Never let a good crisis go to waste”. Just imagine - and we all can, I’m sure - as the pandemic hit hard being laid off in 2019 before Job Keeper was in place. On top of this, Carly was due to give birth to their second child. With Andrew’s experience as a carpenter in his earlier days and then project management at McMahon Services as well as Carly’s background in construction management at the same company, they decided to venture out on their own. A humble beginning it was. A trailer, some tools and a newly-acquired SA Builder’s licence. Business grew steadily in part due to the HomeBuilder Grant scheme. Next step to accommodate the growing business was to find a premises and a base in an area where the couple wanted to raise their young family. Plus, it had to be in an area where there was a sustainable growth potential for the business. Victor Harbor, Middleton, Goolwa and Port Elliot are growing faster than other areas according to Andrew. He sees the new work-from-home arrangements as the driver for this. The southern Fleurieu is not just holiday homes these days. Without the need to be in a CBD office or long commutes, people are flocking to the south coast for the lifestyle.Both Carly and Andrew love the southern coastline and the beaches. And something that really resonated with Andrew was the similarity of Victor Harbor to the town where he grew up as the youngest of four boys. Ocean Grove is a smallish beachside town just outside of Geelong. (Profiler’s note: Andrew was duly ragged for stealing OUR Grand Prix.)Business has been booming for AJL. Neither supply-chain issues nor labour shortages have hindered the business to date. Word is out, and they’re even getting jobs interstate. That said, Andrew is conscious that their expansion plans may make it difficult to find the qualified builders and supervisors they may need to complement their current staff of nine. But, all things considered, it’s a great place to find themselves in post-2019. Plus, as they both emphasise, there’s no better place to call home. Another thing that they love is the sense of community they have with those at other small construction companies in the area. They’re friends and they don’t really compete says Andrew. There’s plenty of work for all and it’s a mutually supportive community. AJL’s business grows through word-of-mouth.As usual, we conclude the interview with Andrew and Carly’s top tips.Best place to....•         Grab a quick bite … the Beach House Cafe at Encounter Bay•         Have a more serious feed … Mums Beard Cafe at Victor•         Get a cuppa … The Goods To Go Cafe and Catering close to their office. See my May 22 profile!•         Have a beer (or cold drink) … Hotel Crown at Victor. They also like to get to the Encounter Bay Football Club where they are club sponsors•         Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ... Down the Rabbit Hole Wines at McLaren Vale. For the views and atmosphere, you must go to Dudley Wines on Kangaroo Island•         Go for a dip … they both love the South Coast for the swimming and surfing opportunities. Children, Ruby and Billy, are being introduced to the water•         Explore nature … when they’re not at work, Andrew and Carly like riding around on their bikes with the littlies in tow along the Encounter Bay foreshoreWhen we’re on the Fleurieu and/or KI, we …•         feel … completely at home!•         always make sure we visit… Waitpinga for the swimming and surfingBest memory of being here: Andrew nominates a few days after last Christmas when he went to the beach, sat by the water and realised how happy he is with his lot in lifeMost colourful character Andrew has run into: Barry Dewson at CHOP IT Axe Throwing Alley at Victor HarborOur best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Stick to the water! The southern coastline is just wonderful To conclude, they say their motto is what AJL lives and thrives by “Our Family Building for Yours”. A true family affair.More information on AJL can be found on the Fleurieu App

Raymond Sawtell is the type of person that comes to mind when we think about small business owners. Entrepreneurial, enthusiastic, hard-working, a people-person connected to the community he serves.Originally from Perth, Raymond has been in South Australia for more than ten years. With a background in transport and logistics, and with management degrees in his toolkit, it was a natural move for Raymond to start the Fleurieu Chauffeur & Tour Service. He runs the business from Mt Barker with brother Damien.His business services the entire Fleurieu and the Adelaide Hills. FIFO workers and airport transfers are the mainstay of the business now that SA’s borders are open again. As with many other small businesses, the pandemic put Raymond’s operation through the wringer. The airport closures and lockdowns necessitated letting go of some of his seven drivers as well as a reduction of his car fleet from nine cars to four. Fortunately, the business is bouncing back strongly now with new cars, although Raymond says that getting well-qualified drivers is more of a challenge than it used to be. Raymond is extremely optimistic though and plans to open an Encounter Bay office in the near future.Raymond has just purchased a vehicle which seats fourteen. This will be integral to his “new” Wine Experience, a personalised service, he’s just launched. Not just a wine tour he hastens to add, but a leisurely and more in-depth visit to a few hand-picked wineries where folk can speak to the wine-maker and get immersed and gain an insight into that wonderful artistry of wine-making that makes South Australia so singularly wonderful. Nobody does it better! Well … with the exception of a few French “upstarts”, perhaps?! Just like their Buisness LOGO the drivers wear a signature cap to stand out from other chauffeurs, there Logo is shield and white cap and their drivers wear three piece suits. As for his non-work life, Raymond is a car enthusiast with a passion for driving luxury cars. He manages the BMW Driver's Club of South Australia page on Facebook. Raymond’s also an avid golfer and a member at Aston Hills Golf Club at Mount Barker. He aspires to play the courses at Mount Compass, Victor Harbor and McCracken in the near future.As is now customary, I ask Raymond for his top Fleurieu tips and suggestions, with the odd anecdote thrown in for good measure.Best place to....Grab a quick bite … the Port Elliot Bakery for the best piesHave a more serious feed … many of the numerous restaurants on the main drag at Goolwa such as Thai Days Restaurant and the newish Garden of Nang. He also recommends the Winehouse at Langhorne Creek if you’re with a slightly larger groupTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ... also in Langhorne Creek is the ever-popular Lake Breeze Wines. At Willunga, for Italian-style wines and good food, try Vigna Bottin Cellar Door & Osteria Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here:Driving a group of revellers back from Langhorne Creek at 3am one morning, his brand new six-seater van was totalled by the largest kangaroo he’d ever seen. Most colourful character I’ve run into:As one could well imagine for someone in his line of work, Raymond’s met quite a few personalities. He did a cooking course with Jamie Oliver, for instance. But meeting that larger-than-life character Costa Georgiadis, of Gardening Australia fame, was a real highlight.Photo supplied: Raymond with Greg RitchieFor more information and to book your chauffeur driver or tour HERE 

Following our news story about Nigel Morris’ appointment as CEO of Alexandrina Council, we thought we would check in on how things are going so far, and also to try to get a picture of what makes Nigel tick.Nigel left his position as CEO of the District Council of Yankalilla in March this year. It was the latest move in a succession of increasingly senior positions working at councils for him. Councils are often referred to as the third tier of government, although Nigel hurries to disabuse me of that notion. He would argue that local government is actually the first tier. After all, it’s the level of government that is the most connected to the community, and provides those everyday services and infrastructure many of us often take for granted. The CEO role is a non-political one, with primary responsibility for implementing the decisions taken by the elected Council.Nigel grew up on a rural property outside of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. His first full time job was at Wagga city council. He was inspired by his father, who went to university as a mature age student to study information technology (IT). Like his dad, Nigel went on to study IT as well. The discipline was in its infancy back in those days, but in many ways what he learned has been a cornerstone of Nigel’s success. For many years, he travelled extensively around Australia when he worked in the IT industry for software system suppliers. Nigel joined the Adelaide City Council in 2005. From there, he became information systems manager at the City of Burnside from 2008 to 2015. After a well-publicised period of turmoil at that council, Nigel was thrust into the position as Acting General Manager. He relished the challenge, as his years of travel and IT background had helped develop his ideas about what makes organisations better and how to run them more efficiently.In 2015, Nigel went to the District Council of Yankalilla for his first stint as CEO. It was a satisfying time for him. He enjoys the ‘building for the future’ aspect of managing regional councils. Nigel’s background also gave him an understanding of how new technologies can improve the everyday life of communities. A Smart City is one that uses information and communication technologies to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public and improve both the quality of government services and citizen welfare. Smart City jargon often populates the pages of council vision statements and future plans. While Nigel implemented some Smart City initiatives at Yankalilla, he cautions that the challenge is always prioritising community needs over being “cool”.The attraction of a larger budget, a larger area and population, as well as larger team to manage led Nigel to the Alexandrina Council. His vision is to build a team and a culture that better connects with the community. He also moved to Middleton, rather than commute from Adelaide, as he had in his previous position. That said, it was a tricky move to manoeuvre. He notes that Alexandrina covers such a large area that choosing to live in one location over another was always going to be somewhat contentious, particularly given the often-competing interests of coast and non-coast inhabitants. Nigel is determined to connect. Although he says he still cops it from locals for his interstate accent! The South Aussie long ’a’ may just be a step too far, he jokes.As for the present, apart from managing the new construction works at the Goolwa Wharf Precinct, Nigel has noted that the cost-of-living and inflation have overtaken health management as the primary issue causing most distress for the Council’s residents. Financial stress is increasingly evident he observes. It’s yet another factor that needs to be borne in mind for a hard-working CEO. His job involves a balancing act between the many competing needs at what is a very challenging time. To end our chat on a lighter note, I ask Nigel about his top Fleurieu-focused tips and suggestions.Best place to ...●     Grab a quick bite … Mother Duck for perfect eggs, next to the Council Office on Cadell Street, Goolwa.●     Have a more serious or celebratory feed … Lake Breeze at Langhorne Creek for great food and wine●     Get a cuppa … he gets his coffee from Jack’s Place, also on Cadell Street●     Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ... Nigel loves Italian-style reds. Maxwell’s at McLaren Vale is a favourite. For something a little different, he says that Samson Tall Wines, located in a renovated church on Strout Road at McLaren Vale, is well worth a visit●     Explore nature or exercising … To unwind, Nigel indulges in his passion for extreme (or Xtreme) gardening. He also just made a commitment to the team at the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre to get in shape! When on the Fleurieu or KI, he …feels … lucky to have everything on his doorstep. He loves the ocean views as he’s driving along Flagstaff Hill Road at Middleton Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here:Seeing a goat wearing a hat, while it was wandering around Yankalilla Most colourful character I’ve run into:Nigel’s not the first person to nominate Chester D'Arenberg of The Cube at McLaren Vale My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region:Get out and about! There’s more to Alexandrina and the Fleurieu than just the Coast, folks! 

This week I headed to Aldinga to meet my local State MP. Leon Bignell has represented the State seat of Mawson since 2006. It’s a diverse and large electorate that covers 6,000 square kilometres of the south-western Fleurieu Peninsula and also includes Kangaroo Island. In the election in March, Leon won what had previously been the State’s second most marginal seat comfortably with a huge 15 per cent swing.I’m at his office to try to get to know the man, rather than the politician. That’s easier said than done though. Electioneering done, is not job done. Ensuring that campaign commitments for Mawson are on track has consumed much of his time over the last two months. Keeping promises is one of the secrets of his success Leon suggests. He’s obviously on-board with that old adage that all politics are local. Leon also became popular for his role in the passage of the Character Preservation Act. The 2012 legislation recognises the special character of McLaren Vale and its surrounding districts and provides statutory protection from unfettered urban development and prevents valuable agricultural land being sub-divided.Descended from early Irish settlers, Leon spent his early years at Glencoe, a small town between Mount Gambier and Millicent. His family later moved to Adelaide, where he completed his schooling. One thing that struck me about Leon was the early certainty about what he wanted to do in life. Journalism and politics were his two abiding passions. He had work experience while still at school as a copy boy at the Adelaide News and the spark was lit. Leaving school before finishing year 12, it was the start of the journey for the Leon the public knows. He was a journalist for 20 years including two years working in Switzerland as a foreign correspondent. Leon the journalist may be best-known for his time as an ABC reporter. He became a media adviser for the ALP in 2001. And, the rest they say, is history.More revealing for me about Leon are his responses to our Fleurieu-focused top tips and suggestions.Best place to ...●     Grab a quick bite … any bakery. Leon won’t be pinned down on a favourite. ●     Have a more serious or celebratory feed … The Salopian Inn at McLaren Vale, just around the corner from where he lives.●     Get a cuppa … as part of his job really, he “shares the love”. Coffee shops are much better places than an Electorate Office to keep his office hours and meet his constituents.●     Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ... Leon strongly recommends trying the Grenache. It’s more complex than the Shiraz that make McLaren Vale and McLaren Flat famous, with the result that the wineries try to out do each other to produce the perfect drop.●     Explore nature or just going for a walk … As with his trusty companion, Dusty, exercising is not his thing. Dusty is a KI bushfire refugee adopted by Leon. Rather than sausage rolls, Dusty apparently prefers Monte Carlos. He sprang to fame for his visits to Parliament House. When on the Fleurieu or KI, he …Loves … the beautiful natural environment and the turn of the seasons. The premium food and wines, of course. Weirdest thing that’s happened to Leon here:His first-ever day door-knocking with his son. The first house he approached had a Gone Fishin’ sign on the front door. But the occupant was clearly visible inside with the telly on full-blast. After knocking on the door, the said occupant cries out “can’t you read?!”. Welcome to politics, son. Best memory of being here:And, likely the worst memory for others. The bushfires. Pitching in and being of service to others. The pinnacle of his career in his view. Most colourful character Leon has run into:Not a politician, but Philip White at McLaren Flat. Geologist, muso, journalist and noted wine writer. A mentor in many ways to Leon. My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region:Leon doesn’t burst into song but he recalls the lyrics from Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi… “you don't know what you've got, till it's gone”. Come, enjoy and appreciate our region, folks. More about Leon, and DustyLeon’s Facebook page Dusty  The final word …I break a promise to myself and return to politics. I’m wondering whether Leon despairs about the fractious nature of modern politics. The recent one-third/one-third/one-third vote count and the possible paralysis that might ensue. Leon brushes this aside and says there are 20 per cent rusted on voters for each major party and the other 60 per cent are undecided. It simply means that politicians need to work hard to engage with the community at the grassroots level. Perfect, he adds.

It’s been many years since I attended a football training, but I’m at Willunga Football Club to interview its dynamic new president, Julie Clifton. Julie’s election was pathbreaking for the club, and written about previously on Fleurieu App (here). I’m here to find out more about the person.Julie is obviously a multi-tasker, and after attending to strapping some wonky knees in the changeroom, we set off with older daughter, Lindsay, to walk her dogs around the perimeter of the football oval. Julie was brought up “down there” in Adelaide. We’re in Willunga and Adelaide is down the hill after all! Julie excelled at netball and softball, and represented the State in the latter. She also aspired to be a police officer, and duly joined the force out of high school.Fifteen years and postings from Coober Pedy to Yankalilla and numerous points between led to life lessons learned and what might be termed an enduring philosophy. Working in many different and diverse communities instilled in Julie what would become a lifelong interest in community policing. It’s an involvement that’s she has maintained, even after leaving the police force. Developing relationships with members of the community is common to much of what Julie does and has pursued in her life. It’s a guiding principle, even at the Football Club. Instilling community spirit, being welcoming and safe is part of the club’s culture that she wants to preserve and grow.After the police, Julie operated an Indoor Play Café at Christies Beach. Yes folks, that’s babyccinos for kids. But its purpose dovetailed into her involvement with local schools wanting someone like Julie to convey messages about real life and how to keep safe. Julie enjoyed being involved in this arena and became one of the first people in SA to educate young people about cyber safety. She completed a training course with the US Department of Justice that provided a platform for her advocacy. Her approach is about harm minimisation, rather than setting out never-to-be-trespassed laws. Young people experiment and push the boundaries. That’s part of growing up, of course. But Julie believes that a young person will tend to make better life choices if they are well-informed.Apart from what must seem like a full-time job as a sporting club President, Julie’s “day job” these days is as a social inclusion counsellor at a Hallett Cove school. Her focus and involvement are with troubled children. The approach she takes is to provide a toolkit for dealing with stressful environments. Mindfulness can be helpful she adds. Sadly, Julie notes that parents separating and divorcing is often very stressful for kids. And, more recently, some school children have struggled with the pandemic. The loss of that regular routine, the learning and missing friends from school. There’s a lot on Julie’s plate. But she copes with it all admirably. More importantly, she’s making a positive difference.As I start lagging behind the ladies and the dogs, to conclude the interview, I asked Julie for her top tips to help newcomers to Willunga and the southern Fleurieu.Best place to ...●     Grab a quick bite … she likes the pizza at Sabella’s at McLaren Vale●     Have a more serious or celebratory feed … it’s a toss-up! The Currant Shed at McLaren Flat or the Salopian Inn at McLaren Vale●     Get a cuppa … the Willunga Football Club●     Have a beer (or cold drink) … see above!●     Something to do on a Wednesday night … everyone’s welcome at schnitzel night at the Willunga Football Club●     Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ... Bondar Wines or Lino Ramble both at McLaren Vale●     Go for a dip … Port Willunga●     Explore nature or just going for a walk … Myponga Reservoir. When Julie’s in Willunga, she …feels … she’s at home. Julie adores Willunga. It’s the community spirit that she most loves. Unbeknownst to me is that Willunga was voted the second most family-friendly town in Australia. Julie and Lindsay are actually a bit miffed, as they said it must surely be number one! They want a recount! Most fun thing that’s happened to her here:·     The barrel rolls in a biplane at Aldinga. Best memory of being here:·     Too many to recount!!! But Julie and her daughters compiled a fun list of 50 things to do when Julie turned 50. That was an incredible experience for this devoted mum. It even overshadowed her recently being named as an AFL ambassador. Her best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region:·     Book for a long enough period to enjoy as many things as possible. A few days are simply not enough! The final word …What’s an interesting life Julie’s led! She’s a dynamo and makes a difference to people’s lives and the community she loves. On taking my leave, I joke that she should be our next South Australian of the Year. Hmmm … no joke.

Michael Schubert is beavering away at a computer as I enter his office. He’s obviously busy, but greets me enthusiastically. Michael is the Director of Shed Boss Fleurieu. The company constructs sheds, garages and patios. It services greater Adelaide and all of our great Fleurieu. A notable recent project was his construction project at Adelaide Oval for the SA Cricket Association. One distinctive feature of his company is that it’s a one-stop shop, taking care of the design and construction, and also squaring away the approval process. It’s a big operation with a staff of permanents and contractors of nineteen. They’re on Instagram and a Facebook page with details of some of their current projects. But, as Michael says, don’t worry about going online … “just come in and see me”!The origin of this incarnation of the company is that Michael’s dad, David, built a shed for Shed Boss in 2005. David was so impressed with the operation that he bought the company! The Victor Harbor lifestyle was another obvious part of appeal.Originally from Murray Bridge, Michael studied leadership and development, travelled widely and worked both overseas and interstate. With his thirst for travel more than quenched, he joined his dad’s company in 2010. More recently he became the Director at the height of the pandemic. Nothing like good timing, eh?! But a poisoned chalice it hasn’t been, as Michael has doubled the business and seen it go from strength to strength.Young, energetic and full of drive, that’s Michael. Given his knack for building community and business relationships, it’s hardly surprising that he was also tapped on the shoulder to become the new Chairman of Business Victor Harbor, the peak industry body representing Victor Harbor and surrounding businesses. The organisation has worked closely with Business SA and the local council to help overcome, pivot and adapt business to the uncertainties created by the pandemic. Opening the borders earlier this year helped some businesses, but hurt others. Regardless, it has been a difficult few years. A hard slog, says Michael.Something else that Michael is proud of is his involvement in the syndicate formed to help preserve the Aldinga washpool. The washpool is a rare coastal wetland and estuarine ecosystem, home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including more than a hundred species of bird and twenty plant species – some listed as vulnerable or endangered. His involvement stemmed from his participation in the Fleurieu Future Leaders Program. Michael helped form the coalition to galvanise stakeholder groups and the community to preserve this unique part of the Fleurieu. Mission accomplished!To conclude the interview, I asked Michael for his top tips to help newcomers to Victor and the southern Fleurieu.Best place to ...●      Grab a quick bite … the Yilki General Store at Encounter Bay●      Have a more serious feed … the Mount Compass Tavern●      Get a cuppa … the Planted Coffee House at Victor Harbor●      Have a beer (or cold drink) … the Hotel Victor●      Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ... Chalk Hill Wines in McLaren Vale●      Go for a dip … Horseshoe Bay●      Explore nature … when he’s not working, Michael loves to go camping. Deep Creek National Park is a favourite. On hot and dry SA summer days, driving his four-wheel drive on Goolwa Beach is a must do.●      When on KI … he’d recommend the Enchanted Fig Tree at Middle River. The final word …Michael lives at Encounter Bay. He loves the lifestyle that the Victor area affords. “It always feels new and fresh.” Michael has found that perfect balance between work and quality of lifestyle. A thriving business, community involvement and absolutely the best place to just relax.Find Shed Boss on the Fleurieu App: Fleurieu App - Shed Boss

Just off the Lincoln Road midway between Victor Harbor and Port Elliot you will find Goods To Go Cafe and Catering (Fleurieu App - Eat | Drink | Stay).It’s a small café run by local identity Anthony "Cookie" Lang. Cookie’s a well-known Victor Harbor denizen (character, more like it!) having run a variety of businesses locally. After working as a chef on the Murray River Queen, he’s operated driving schools, worked with the disabled, driven taxis and trucks, and just about a little of everything really. But his love of cooking and good eating brought him back to doing what he does best. And his obvious passion for all things southern Fleurieu sees him plying his trade in Hindmarsh Valley. He’s born and bred in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and well-travelled, but he wouldn’t live anywhere other than Victor Harbor.Those who love their food might remember Cookie from his cutting-edge Primal Bliss Café on the main street at Victor. For the uninitiated, like me, primal food is a diet that's high in protein and fat, low in carbs, and designed to closely resemble the diet of early humans, with an emphasis on no processed food. A bit closer to my own heart, Cookie also has a passion for slow-cooked meats and barbeque. His smoky beef burger is his signature dish.The attraction of moving to this non-Mainstreet establishment was the amazing commercial kitchen at Goods To Go. So, what may seem to be an odd combination of cuisines on offer actually makes a lot of sense. There’s a wide variety of choices to appeal to all tastes. Currently, Cookie’s place mainly caters to local schools, nearby gym buffs and passing tradies. But ramping up the café and expansion is currently afoot. He employs a staff of twelve, mostly part-timers and casuals. Cookie also goes to the local fairs, open-air and farmers’ markets with his trailer. The best way to see what he’s offering at these events, as well as when and where, is to check out his Facebook page.For up-to-date on the café itself see LINKAs for Cookie’s top regional tips (after you’ve lunched at his place, of course!):Best place to....Grab a quick bite … other than Goods To Go, you should try any of the small cafés that Victor has. Cookie says there’re some sumptuous things on offer, with surprising variety, excellent quality and so much to taste and explore!Have a more serious feed … for that date with your better half, try Birdy’s Bistro at the South Lakes Golf Club in Goolwa.Get a cuppa … Mums Beard Cafe on Hindmarsh Road, Victor Harbor.Have a beer (or cold drink) … when he’s not working, Cookie’s favourite drinking hole is the Hotel Elliot at Port Elliot.Go for a dip … Horseshoe Bay. Weirdest thing that’s happened to me:If you did a double take looking at Cookie’s photo, you wouldn’t be alone. His most memorable weird happening occurred after scoring a front row ticket for a Billy Connolly performance. Halfway through the performance, Billy does his own double take, pauses, points and tells Cookie “You b***** look like me!”. While he gets it all the time, he’s still working on cultivating a Scottish accent. Best thing about living here:One of the things about Cookie that really struck this profiler, was his absolute passion for all things Victor. He just can’t imagine living anywhere else. Life is – as it should be – relaxing. That’s probably a good thing for someone who works as hard as Cookie does. Most colourful character I’ve run into:Well, that’s an easy one, he declares. That’d be me!!

Our Fleurieu App founder, Susie, is a woman that doesn’t sit still for too long! She juggles her work and family and then somehow finds time for her sport. Recently representing South Australia at National Championships, we thoughts we would share what she’s been getting up too.As way of introduction for our readers that don’t know the history of the Fleurieu App, can you please give us a brief run down?Sure! I had the Fleurieu App created specifically for the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island in 2019. We launched August 5. I had spent 5 years living in New Zealand with my family, and in the final year helped launch a Marlborough App. The region had a local newspaper, a local magazine and the response to the App was incredible. The support was immediate for the local businesses, and a bonus for the visitors to the region. Upon returning home to the Fleurieu, and after a few too many times telling my husband “if I had a Marlborough App here, I’d know where to find my local….” the rest is history!The Fleurieu App is filling the gap of our declining newspapers and providing a directory to encourage and support our local businesses. Being an app provides the platform for cost effective, accountable and interactive advertising for our regional businesses and events.Staring from zero and launching a few months before our devastating bushfires on KI and then COVID -19, I am extremely proud of what myself and our local journalists have created in such a short and tough time.Your recently represented South Australia at the National level for your chosen sport. Please tell our readers what this sport is and how you got involved.Dragon Boat Racing is the sport. Yes, a little unusual, but unless you are involved in the sport, you wouldn’t believe how popular it is here, and all-around Australia!10 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer – yep, happy 40th birthday to me! I had created my own luck and found out I had breast cancer as early as is possible to be detected. My journey was life changing, but ultimately no where near as bad and as long as many breast cancer patients. I was of the generation that breast cancer was considered an older woman’s disease, so was totally shocked to find myself in this position and wanted to learn more and educate younger women. I volunteered to become a Community Liaison for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) to spread the word about their incredible service for all men and women (and their families) that have to go through their own breast cancer journey, and its many forms. I met a number of people in the Eastern States that had taken up paddling in Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Teams. It has been proven to be a fabulous rehab sport for breast cancer patients.I didn’t think much more about it until we moved to New Zealand. I found out the region we were moving to have a breast cancer dragon boat team. The very first day we arrived in Marlborough I was picked up and taken for my first paddle. I was hooked on that first day! A couple years later I was the team’s president, and then made the move to create a mixed men and women competitive team. Tell us a little about dragon boating. How many people are in a boat?Originating in China over 2500 years ago. Each boat has an ornately carved dragon's head at the bow and a tail in the stern. The boat is painted with scales. The paddles symbolically represent the dragon's claws, the drum represents the heart.A full boat has 20 paddlers, a sweep to steer the boat and a drummer to help keep the team in time. We tend to race 200m, 500m and 2k races. We often race the boat with only 10 paddlers too. Keen to come and give it a go?Susie ready to represent South AustraliaWhere do you paddle?I train with both the Goolwa River Dragons Club (GRDC) based on Hindmarsh Island, and also our racing team ACDC (Adelaide Combined Dragon Club) training on the Port River and at West Lakes.Recently competing for your club and also representing the state at the Australian Nationals. Please tell us a little about the experience and where to next.Yes, it was so much fun and a great opportunity being run in Adelaide this year. We raced for 5 days. One of those was a state vs state day. I can’t begin to tell you how proud I was representing my state!What’s next? Anyone that knows me knows I always have the next goal regarding my sport or fitness. After the state racing, I think I would love to try and make the Australian team and compete at world level. Not sure how realistic that is, but I will give it my best shot!Now that the dragon boat season has ended, training will continue, but it’s time for me to get back onto my surfboard – I have a lot to learn 😊

A Port Willunga local, having lived in the area since emigrating from Bristol, England with his family in 2006 - today we welcome Matt Evans to our Sunday Profile. Matt organises some pretty amazing running events in the region, with a new event running in two weeks. Matt is a man with a passion for running and everything local! Enjoy. You are the chief organiser at Great Southern Runs. Can you please tell us a little more about yourself and what inspired you to create such a community? Running around where I live and on the Fleurieu Peninsula in general is an absolute pleasure. There is such a variety of amazing places to run. I can step out of my front door and choose to run the cliffs towards Maslin Beach & Moana, along the paved esplanades, on the beach towards Sellicks, along the trails around Aldinga Scrub or inland through the vines towards Willunga. And if I take a short drive I can be on the Shiraz Trail at McLaren Vale, Moana esplanade, Myponga Reservoir trails or up in Kuitpo Forest. I think I could probably run somewhere different every day for a year – I certainly never get bored of it. It was taking in the scenery on my morning runs around Aldinga Bay and thought to myself that it would make a great location to organise a race and showcase this beautiful corner of the world. I held a test half marathon event in 2016 starting and finishing at Snapper Point with just 18 runners finishing on a wet and very windy Sunday morning in July. Everyone loved the course and the Great Southern Half Marathon grew over the years that followed by adding 10K, 5K and kids race options, relocating to the Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club, having to postpone the event twice in 2020 due to COVID restrictions. In 2021 we had almost 1500 people register to run at the Great Southern Half Marathon. I also launched the Leconfield Wines McLaren Vale Marathon in 2021 which we aim to build into a major destination race that will attract 5000 runners from across Australia and beyond.  As well as promoting health & wellbeing through my events, I feel a real connection to the place where I live and am proud to be able to showcase the region to visiting runners, partner with local tourism & hospitality businesses and also support fundraising efforts of local community groups and sports clubs who help us by providing manpower for the many jobs needed on race day. What is your official day job? I have worked in various operational and project management jobs in my career and this has given me plenty of skills & experience that transfer over to event management – logistics, budgeting, risk management & supplier management. I still work for BT Financial Group but hope to be able to transfer to full time event management over the next year or two as I add more events to my calendar. You obviously have a love for running. Is this something you do competitively? Can you tell us a little more? I absolutely love running, train every day and run at parkruns in the area most Saturday mornings. Having just turned 50 last year I’m no spring chicken but I’m still competitive in my age group when I race. As any masters athlete will tell you, it is all about training consistently and staying injury-free 😊 On a more personal note, tell us a little about yourself and what you love to do in your spare time (guessing the your ‘spare time’ is spent organising events!): I have 3 grown up kids so much of the void left having not having to chase or taxi them around anymore is filled with running or organising events. I’m the main cook in our house so I’m happy making a mess in the kitchen (and that way I get to choose what we eat!). We are also lucky to own property in Port Douglas (the second best place in the world) so try to escape up there a couple of times a year. We know you have an awesome scenic event coming up in May. Would you like to tell us a little about this? Yes, the Great Southern Bolt is coming up on Sunday 1 May. This is definitely the most spectacular course we have put on so far. There will be a half marathon and 12K run from Myponga to Aldinga Bay. The point-to-point course offers a unique chance to (safely) run Main South Road, giving you some incredible views out over Aldinga Bay and the plains towards McLaren Vale as runners speed past the Buddhist goddess at Sellicks Hill and down Country Road to the coast. With a net descent of 210 metres, some fast times are guaranteed. The 12K will finish at Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club and the half marathoners will enjoy an extra lap of Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park and wetlands. Our events are inclusive to everyone no matter how fast or slow or how far you want to run (or walk). The Great Southern Bolt also has a flat 5K route around Aldinga Scrub and a free 1500 metre Beach Bolt for the kids. There will be plenty to keep the spectators busy, with music, games and kids’ activities on the surf club lawns as they wait to watch their runners come in. The new Silver Sands Beach Club will be open for food and refreshments at the Pirate Life after-party and race presentations. For more information and to register please HERE  YOUR TOP TIPS for our awesome region. Best place to.... Grab a quick bite…Home Grain BakeryHave a more serious feed…Agostino WinesGet a cuppa… Fleurieu RoastHave a beer (or cold drink)… Kick Back or Goodieson BreweryTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)...Leconfield & Richard Hamilton WinesGo for a dip…Port Willunga beachExplore nature…(and go for a run) Aldinga Scrub or Kuitpo Forest When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… feel…at homealways make sure I visit…the beach – I never take seeing the sea everyday for grantedstock up on…fresh air Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here: Had a big old kangaroo rear up at me in Aldinga Scrub and I also had to hurdle a brown snake along the cliffs near Maslin Beach (both while I was out running would you believe?) Best memory of being here: Far too many to single one out – beach days with the family, watching Tour Down Under speed through, Day on the Greens at Leconfield Wines & this year’s Sky Song, how clear the Milky Way is on a clear night… Most colourful character I’ve run into: If you like a good yarn you should head along to Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club and ask for Rocky. We were also lucky to be neighbours with Geoff Howe (sadly no longer with us) from a local fishing dynasty, who’s Uncles you see on the many photographs of fisherman on Port Willunga Jetty in its heyday and Howe Road is named after his father, I believe. My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region:  Plan to come for a couple of days, then add on a couple more. Take everything in at a nice relaxing pace (apart from your running) and if you can’t fit everything in just come back again later 😊 Any links for further information/social media links for you & your business? Visit the Great Southern Runs website at https://greatsouthernruns.com/ and subscribe to our mailing list or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with our events.

Melanie has worked at Roach Corporate Law for 3 years now and only recently took over the firm as sole director.  She grew up in the south, went to school in the south and her family still lives in the southern area, so it has been a part of her life since she was born.  Having previously worked in the city in mid-size and large Adelaide firms, until she decided on a sea change. Melanie says growing up south has really helped her in my role as there is a real sense of community in the Fleurieu and many people she comes across are old school friends or teachers ! Melanie says "It was just like coming home for me". You are the Director of Roach Corporate Law. How did you get involved and what is the passion behind Roach Corporate Law? I was employed by Daniel Roach, the founder of the firm, 3 years ago and it is his passion and drive that continues within the team (Daniel sadly passed away in March 2021). One thing Daniel was very passionate about was the community and giving back to the community. That is also a passion of mine and of all of the RCL team. We strive to give the best legal advice we can but above all we care about our clients. That care and compassion we have for our clients is what I believe sets us apart from the others.  What does a day in the life of Corporate Law look like?  Hectic and chaotic ! It is very busy – I head up the commercial litigation side of the firm so I am often in Court whilst Alice our senior lawyer takes on the bulk of our commercial/transactional work.  We also spend a lot of our time networking, marketing and catching up with clients – this is also an important part of our role.  Has South Australia / Fleurieu always been home to you? If not, how did you end up here? As you have already mentioned, I grew up south so it is in my blood. I did live in Melbourne and then Brisbane in my twenties and was away from SA for around 5 years but South Australia is definitely home for me and we have the best State, we are so very lucky and I am proud to be a South Australian and live in this wonderful place. When I lived away in the other states, they never felt like home for me – Adelaide is where my heart is.  What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work? I am proud of where I work and live because not only is it just beautiful and picturesque but there is a real sense of community and comradeship in the Fleurieu. We are so lucky and I feel blessed to have so many wonderful places, cafes, wineries, restaurants, markets, beaches, right on our very door step. On a more personal note, tell us a little about Melanie and what you love to do out of work. I am a single mother of a 5 year old little boy. He is my life as well as my two dogs outside of work. That keeps me busy enough ! We like to go to the beach, go to parks and shows when we can and spend time with family and friends.  What is something many locals/work colleagues would not know about you (that you are willing to share!) I am a member of the Passenger Transport Standards Committee, which sits twice a week (I am rostered on each fortnight). I became a member last year and it has been a wonderful experience – dealing with many things such as new applications for small and large passenger transport vehicles, disciplining of current drivers of taxis, UBER etc pending the circumstances and various other cases involving drivers and operators of small and large passenger transport vehicles. I am also a member of the Animal Justice Party - having a real love and passion for animals and a desire to protect them. When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… I love my morning drives into work – the views, the nature and the beauty – perfect way to start and end the day. My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region:  There is just so much to see and do – so many beautiful and wonderful places to visit. Take your time – explore and enjoy !Find Roach Corporate Law on the Fleurieu App HERE

If you want to find a passionate local, today is your day! What a pleasure and learning experience it was having a chat to Mark. He's a little cheeky and controversial, loves a good Willunga Footy Club Burger, loves his footy and lives for history, story telling and passing on knowledge of our region.You are ‘Kool Tours'. Please tell us what you do and what Kool Tours is all about.We are an authentic tourism business that focuses on delivering an Aboriginal product from the traditional owners for the FleurieuI run private cross cultural awareness training and public cultural sessions on country. Also, a lot of school groups whereby they learn about country and what it was like prior to colonisation. I then go back into schools and teach what is it like now, by looking at truth telling about the trauma our of our people have faced and then seek what is the way forward for all of us in society? Is this something you have always done, or was there a business before Kool Tours?I've always been a part of it on different levels. I've been a school teacher and educator. I've worked in health and welfare. Education right across many fields and I suppose what I do now is more about putting it together as a tourism product. How long has Kool Tours been around?I’ve really been involved in advocating through learning and re-learning for the majority of my life. The business has been going for about two years. Is the Fleurieu home to you?Yes, definitely. It’s Ngarrindjeri Country. I’m a Ramindjeri and Warki traditional owner of the Fleurieu. I’m also connected to the other groups throughout the Ngarrindjeri nation. What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work?I think it's about sharing home. It's about sharing country. It's about bringing people together show that that the Fleurieu belongs to everybody and we get an understanding about the Fleurieu. We've got an amazing product within the Fleurieu and even Sunday just gone I was conducting a tour and some of the places that we visited, you could be anywhere in the world. Lots of people don't realise the beauty that we have within the Fleurieu. So, for me, sharing the past history of how we believe landscapes and waterways are Ngartji or totems were formed by Nurrunderi we are sharing understanding so that everyone gets an appreciation of why the Fleurieu is so special. On a more personal note, tell us a little about Mark and what you love to do out of work?Out of work I’m a Fremantle Dockers supporter and I'm a big, big supporter of the Meningie Football Club. I also call live streaming footy with Bruce at Murraylands Football and Netball Results. Bruce and I were once sparring partners on the footy oval, but then the product that Bruce has produced has brought us together. Once we stepped over the footy white line, we become really good mates. We bring footy to local country people who quite often can't get to the footy. You know, we love those really wet, cold days where we can bring the local footy into people’s lounge rooms while they are sitting next to the fire. That’s what makes what Bruce and I do so special. Being involved and sharing through the Fleurieu App Live Sport button has increased our viewers and enabled us to bring footy from the Great Southern Football League into our streaming services. What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)Within the River Murray football league I’m known as the King. I was given that by the previous Secretary of the RMFL, Peter Dalwood, because he thinks I'm very opinionated! I talk like I’m the king of the world.I have five children, two grandchildren.Most people that have listened in on the Murraylands or been on one of my tours, they know I'm passionate about what I do. Anything else you would like to share?I hope that people get an understanding that I’m out there. Lots of people are not even aware that there is an indigenous tourism business operating in the Fleurieu. We have an authentic tourism business that everybody could get something from. Including us, we learn from the maritime heritage and the built heritage and the rail heritage of our Fleurieu. It's very unique, places like Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Port Elliott. We Ngarrindjeri love learning about heritage in general. It's not just about our product. We live right across the Fleurieu and you know it's so unique. It's got all heritage all in one. You don't get that anywhere else. Certainly, one of the best things I've ever eaten at the footy is a burger from the Willunga Football Club. When streaming footy for Great Southern I’d get excited when we were calling from Willunga because I knew I could get a burger!Most defiantly ensuring all our people realise that within our Fleurieu we have lots of opportunities for us all to learn about the Fleurieu. We don't have to travel outside the region. The locals can get a fantastic experience by looking within. This is something that is very unique. We've got some great products that people know of, but we've got a huge amount of knowledge within the Fleurieu amongst us all, and we just need to keep promoting it. YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island: Best place to.... Go for a dip – Horseshoe Bay Port Elliot, and they have magnificent food there as well!Explore nature – I have a passion for re-wilding the Fleurieu. Bringing back a whole lot of species from plants, to birds to fish to animals. Making the Fleurieu a very special place, getting back to nature Thinking about the Flying Fish and Port Elliot….The young guy who eventually went out to save people from “The Flying Fish”. He learned to swim from Ramindjeri men, and one of them was my great uncle. Incredible thing is I've got a large painting in my house on the wall of the gentleman that taught the young man to swim. Without being taught to swim he would not have been able to save those people.For our readers: Today Horseshoe Bay has a popular foreshore restaurant named The Flying Fish, and the local surf lifesaving club has rescue boats also named Flying Fish. Both are namesakes of the two masted schooner lost in Port Elliot in December 1860.Again a vicious storm was responsible, turning the Flying Fish onto one side overnight, and pushing the schooner into the sand above the high water mark. Swimmers today can still feel the hull underfoot. Source: abc.net.au When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… I feel.... at home, I feel strengthened, I feel enlightened. It strengthens me being across the Fleurieu and KI. As a Ngarrindjeri that's the whole formation, the soul of us to know the stories and to feel comforted by Country. Always make sure I visit.... On KI I like to visit Snelling Beach. There's a large dreaming story that goes through there. And you know……. when I’m coming home from a tour some days if the footy is on I call into Willunga Football to grab a burger! Stock up on..... Bush food. Especially Muntries because you are able to freeze them. By stocking up on them and freezing them, I can create dishes throughout the year. Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here.I suppose one of the things that might be a bit weird is that just recently there was a film crew that followed me through the Fleurieu and every time we went to film it was absolutely perfect weather. The wind had died down. At Ratalang the water had gone out – and this is part of the Nurrunderi story is when he is throwing the grass trees into the water so that he could create pools of water so he can get fish to eat. Quite often that doesn't happen, but when we went to film there on Saturday, the water had gone right out, so I was able to tell that story and then the others on the tour group could actually physically see what I was talking about. Sunday, we went out on the Big Duck and the water was as calm as anything. I was just so very uncanny that wherever we went, the Fleurieu turned on the weather for us. That’s probably something for the weirdest thing that's happened. Saying that, as a traditional owner it really wasn't weird, it was just our ancestors turning it on for me, making sure that the film that we were producing was the best that we could share.The film was about what is caring for country? Quite often people use the phrase caring for country or looking after country, but they don’t look into it in depth. They don't think that we've got to care for the environment, the animals, the plants, the water, the cosmology. So that is definitely something weird that the weather was absolutely perfect to help tell our story. A few months ago, we booked these three or four days so who knew we would pull off perfect weather! Best memory on the Fleurieu?I think it's yet to come. That work the DEW is doing on Granite Island leading from the great work DIT and Ngarrindjeri artists done of The Causeway and the promotion of Ngarrinderi Leader in the late Uncle Henry Rankine welcoming people, we're going see the stone that many don’t know that’s he’s there because he's covered up in bushes. You know, his face was carved out of granite rock. So, probably the best thing is about to come. The Causeway will have the longest piece of Aboriginal artwork in Australia. I think that is very unique to promote Ngarrindjeri culture. So I think my best memories are yet to come. Most interesting character I’ve run into.Probably Michael Simmons from the Victor Times and local footy. I like having a conversation with him about footy and life. He's a very interesting guy, but he doesn’t give much away when I’m being controversial and I enjoy watching him squirm hahaha. My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the Fleurieu / KI region: The late C S Hayes said “The future belongs to those who plan for it” my favourite quote.If we all work together to plan for what we want to show on the Fleurieu and then people will see the best that the Fleurieu has to offer.Find out more about Kool Tours HERE

Our readers that follow our live sport coverage will know Murraylands Football and Netball sporting results. Over the past two years we have partnered together to share our local cricket and football around the district live. The man behind the scenes and a man with the same moto as myself - you only live once. Yes you do, and you will soon get the feeling that Bruce really does do that! Thanks for everything you do for the region Bruce Phillips!You are the brains trust behind the scenes at Murraylands Football and Netball sporting results. For those that do not follow our live sport streaming, please tell us what you do.We live-stream community sport eg: Football, Cricket and Lawnmower Racing.We also operate a Media Facebook Page covering Football and Netball around South Australia along with Cricket across the Fleurieu Districts. Where did the passion for Murraylands Football and Netball sporting results come from?I’m a sport tragic, have been involved in Cricket, Football and (Tennis as a youngster) Just wanted to give something back to the game. What inspired you to head into live streaming?Promote Sport at a Grass Roots level, so other matches in the competition could get access to another game. My Brother introduced me to previews and reviews of River Murray Football which I have been doing for 20 years. Have you always been in this line of work, or was there a previous work life?I’m a retired Dairy Farmer but now work in disability. You live on the outskirts of the Fleurieu. Have you always lived in the Murraylands? What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work?Played Junior football for Langhorne Creek, but moved to Murray Bridge to farm on the river till it went pear shaped in 2005. Love the river and the easy-going lifestyle. On a more personal note, tell us a little about Bruce and what you love to do out of work?My other interests are Old Cars, travel, swimming, and speedway (would like to livestream speedway) What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!).I’ve had both my hips replaced, even with a disability, I have an attitude of get out and have a go, follow your dreams. Give everything your best shot, you only get on chance. Anything else you would like to share?MFLTV Highlight – Live streaming from Flinders University Stadium, (SFL) doesn’t get better than this, huge achievement for our Team and I have a Number One Team behind me.If anyone would like to help us on a game day, whether commentate or move the camera, contact us [email protected] YOUR TOP TIPS: Best place to.... Grab a quick bite – Hound Hut Murray BridgeHave a more serious feed – Jedz Pizzeria Murray BridgeHave a beer (or cold drink)…Bridge Hotel Langhorne CreekTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) Margaret River WA.Go for a dip – Naracoorte swimming LakeExplore nature – Darwin NT (Mataranka) When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… Feel – Privilegedalways make sure I visit – Booma Beach stock up on – KI Honey Weirdest thing that’s happened to me since running the live sport streaming:Commentating then realising the Mic’s are off.Best memory of since streaming live sport:Flinders University Stadium Most respected character: Mark Koolmatrie My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the Fleurieu / KI region: Be safe and Enjoy, Be a responsible road user.

Meet Cheryl Buck, surf coach and creator of Surfer Girls. Read on, maybe you too maybe inspired to grab a board and learn to surf the waves! You are the owner and head coach of SA’s original surf school. How long have you been doing this, and what inspired you to head down this path? I started coaching with Surf Culture Australia in 2004 and bought the business in 2012. I’ve been working in sport, recreation and fitness for most of my working life and when I found there was a surf school, I knew I wanted to get involved. I love teaching and working with people of all ages, I’ve coached in many sports, but this is the absolute best! Today we wanted to chat to you about the SurferGirls Surf Club. Can you please tell us about the club, why it was started, who it is for?SurferGirls came about when I was doing some surf lessons and realised that once I’d taught women and girls to surf, they had nowhere really to go with that, no one to surf with and no support. One of the women I taught wanted to join me in setting up a club, so after many meetings and information gathering, plus a couple more helpers, we got SurferGirls up and running in 2009. It has been an amazing journey over the years. So much inspiration and fun from our members. We have all ages, from 6 years to over 60 years. The club is about being inclusive of all abilities, all just wanting to surf with other like-minded surf mad women! Being a surf coach, you must have seen it all. What’s been your most memorable (good or bad!) experience with beginners.It’s incredible the amount of joy being a surf coach brings me. I have seen so many variations of surfing! As long as there’s a smile, I’m feeling pretty good. When people get it, they are stoked. That’s the best feeling. A really great moment for me was having a dolphin jump out of a wave right next to one of the women, who had just caught the wave. Huge Stoke! Another highlight was teaching kids from Anglicare. We ran a program for them over summer a few years back, they were so excited, and without Anglicare would not have had the opportunity to surf. And I can’t not mention teaching kids from Royal Society for the Blind. This was truly the most amazing and heart-warming lesson ever.  We know you are passionate about the Fleurieu region. What is it that makes you proud to live and work here? The natural stunning beauty of the region and the feeling of community across various areas.  Looking back….Did you grow up on the Fleurieu? If not, how did you end up here?My parents were among the first 4 or 5 to build a beach house at Silver Sands back in about 1962. We spent every weekend and school holiday at the beach house with our cousins, and families. It was always so much fun. Heaps to do, running amok in the sandhills, building forts, hiking to Sellicks and snorkelling around the reef, big hikes to the scrub, going mushrooming, dragging the net at night, and so much more. So many great memories. I have my own shack at Aldinga, so apart from some time living in Mount Gambier, I never really left the area. Was there a career before surf coaching?My first jobs were around office work, accounting, receptionist etc. A timely move to Mount Gambier gave me an opportunity to work in recreation at the YMCA, running camps and recreational sports programs with both kids and adults. I also ran youth leaders programs and started my other passion, fitness. I returned to Adelaide in 1991 to work at Prince Alfred College as the OSHC director, where I stayed for 21 years! I also taught swimming and tennis and worked as an SSO with students with learning difficulties. On a more personal note, tell us a little about yourself and what you love to do outside of work.My main sport growing up was tennis. I wanted to play at Wimbledon! Didn’t we all! Tennis took up a lot of time and I played at comp level for about 20 or so years. When my dad died in 1992, I decided to play cricket, in his memory, as he taught me how to play. (He was an A grade player for Prospect Cricket Club). I also started up a new cricket club and was on the board of the SA Women’s Cricket Association at Adelaide Oval. Loved going there for meetings! Three years ago, I started playing tennis again, and I’m loving it. I love to go mountain biking, I play a bit of guitar, read, keep fit, and work at a gym. And I just love to head off in our caravan Wilma, a 1966 classic! She takes us to the Flinders Ranges every year, my other most favourite place in SA. What is something most people in the region would not know about you?I’m the state champion in short board and long board surfing! (over 60’s !!!) YOUR TOP TIPS For our awesome region: Best place to.... Grab a quick bite… Deep Blue Café, Moana.Have a more serious feed… Victory HotelGet a cuppa… Goodness Coffee Aldinga, Pearl, Zan’s Van Port WillungaHave a beer (or cold drink)… Victory Hotel or my front deckTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)... Angoves, Fox Creek, MaxwellsGo for a dip… Port Willunga, Silver SandsExplore nature… Aldinga Scrub When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… feel… at home, at peace, not rushed (unless chasing the tides)Stock up on… Goodness coffee beans Best memory of being here: Spending my childhood here, with my parents, cousins, aunties and uncles. Had the best times, long lasting memories, so many laughs and adventures. Most colourful character I’ve run into:The Barmy Army at Star of Greece Café about 10 years ago!  My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Give yourself time. There’s so much to do and see, you don’t want to rush it.  Find out more about Surfer Girls HEREGrab yourself a surf lesson with Surf Culture HERE

After six years advocating for our regional needs, Rebekha Sharkie still has a long wish list if she is re-elected in her role for Mayo. With a passion for rural communities and fishing, you are just as likely to come across Rebekha in her fishing gear as you are her parliament attire.You are the Mayo Centre Alliance candidate. Please tell us about your previous work life prior to politics. My role prior to being the Member for Mayo was working for a not for profit organisation in the youth sector. It prepared me well for this role as I really had to fight hard for funding for a worthy cause in that role, and that’s what I’m still doing today, really! What inspired you to run as a candidate in this year’s election? My team and I have achieved so much these past six years but there is still so much on my to do list as the Member for Mayo. It’s an honour to represent the people of Mayo in the Parliament and it’s something that I’d like to continue to do if I’m privileged enough to be re-elected. My wish list for Mayo is as long as my arm but we are getting through it. We know you are passionate about the region. What is one (or some) of the things you are most proud of and what is one (or some) of the things you wish to change / implement if you are elected? I’m definitely most proud of the people that make up the electorate of Mayo. We have so many wonderful community groups and volunteers and it’s a privilege to be able to help these groups achieve their goals. I love that we’re a regional electorate but what I don’t love is the inequity when it comes to services and infrastructure when you compare us to metro electorates. These past six years I’ve been working hard to obtain federal funding for everything from road upgrades to hospital emergency departments and everything in between. My priority if re-elected will be to continue to advocate for infrastructure upgrades to meet the needs of our growing population here in Mayo. On a more personal note, tell us a little about yourself and what you love to do outside of work. I think everyone knows by now how much I love to fish and of course the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island have some of the best fishing spots in the state. I’m also a bit of a history buff – I don’t have much time these days to read for pleasure but I do love a good podcast on history. During the special time that I get to be at home I love nothing more than to potter around the veggie garden (I’m well known for growing huge zucchinis!) or bake something for my family. What is it that makes you love the Fleurieu Peninsula and proud to call it home? The natural beauty of the Fleurieu and the wonderful people that live here. What is something most people in the region would not know about you (that you are willing to share!!) Ooooh I love jigsaw puzzles and board games. I’m hard to beat in trivial pursuit! YOUR TOP TIPS in the region Best place to.... Go for a dip…Silver SandsExplore nature…Deep Creek Conservation Park When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… feel…relaxedalways make sure I visit… Oh there’s just too many places to mention!!stock up on… I do love the KI garlic, honey and wine and the Fleurieu just has so many wonderful producers I couldn’t even begin to name just one or two! Produce aside, I do love to op shop on the Fleurieu. Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here: Being a politician you do see it all so it’s hard to define ‘weird’! That said I’m always amazed that people still manage to recognise me in my daggy fishing gear at the local boat ramp. Fleurieu locals love to strike up a conversation no matter where I am! Best memory of being here: Oh there are just too many to mention. Most colourful character I’ve run into: So many to choose from, I couldn’t pick just one. My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region:  Become a part of the community – join some groups and meet the wonderful locals. Be a tourist in your own backyard.