It's pretty hard not to get excited when you see a koala in a tree or walking across the road. But, who are the awesome people behind rescuing these guys when they come off second best with cars and other animals? Today we chat to Mish Simpson, one half of the founders of Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue. Tell us a little bit about your childhood, did you grow up here on the Fleurieu?I grew up in South Australia but actually grew up in the north and north-eastern suburbs. I moved to the Fleurieu region in 2010 and yes, I've never looked back. We have wines and beaches, everything is in one spot. The northern suburbs don't have as much choice in that kind of stuff. We have lived down this way for 11 years now.Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue - how did this start and why We started as just my hubby and I. Recognising there wasn't any southern based koala rescues and that somehow became our focus. We were in the area and part of another group. Realising we were the only rescuers down South, we just decided it was time to start up our own little thing here. The echidnas were the same kind of reason. There's only a handful of people in the whole state that have permits to look after echidnas. Someone asked us to do some rescues and then we realised there was a missing gap. We began in 2019 unofficially. We started as a Facebook page trying to build our profile so that people knew that they could call us. Then February 2020 we registered as a charity, and now we have DGR status which means we can do tax deductable donations which is an extra level. Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue started as Wade and I and a couple of volunteers initially. Those volunteers are still with us, but we have grown to about 25 volunteers now. They help us with all sorts of things – admin, rescue, transporting, picking up items from places when we need them, helping with the care side of things, and the veterinary side as well. You get a call on your hotline about an injured animal – then what happens?We've got our 24-hour hotline that we man. On a call we will ask some questions to assess the situation and try to work out who's the closest person with appropriate equipment to get to the animal. If the caller has an injured bird in a box, for example, then we try to provide them a vet clinic they can take it too, this helps the animal get vet treatment sooner rather than later. The majority of our work is for Koalas and Echidnas, but we will provide advice for all species.A day in the life of an animal rescuer……I know this is not your full-time job – so what happens when you are the one called out?If the injured Koala is on the ground, then we go and pick them up but if they are up a tree it's a little bit more complex. We have poles and big bags that we can put up. Generally, if it's within reach of our ten-metre pole we can get them to climb down and then grab them. We've now got a few volunteers including myself trained up to do tree climbing so we can go a little bit higher, depending on the situation. We have some really good arborists that we work with, so with bushfires for example, we would probably still stick to getting the professionals to do it.You are in the process an expansion. Could you please tell our readers a little about this? We moved to a 22-acre property in April 2020, which has opened up opportunities such as what we could do and how we could grow. We have a second building on site we are currently using as a temporary rehabilitation centre but we're building a new one. Currently we have the insulation and internal walls being done. This new rehabilitation centre will have indoor and outdoor enclosures so we can cater for all care situations. There will also be a clinic area with x-ray and ultrasound equipment which will mean less stress for the koalas as they won’t need to be transported for clinics for basic diagnostic imaging. We will have undercover enclosures for koalas that have bandages that can't get wet.  We are lucky to have our vet right next door and she'll be pretty much running this and taking it under her wing which is pretty awesome. We are hoping that the centre will be operational by Christmas. We are relying on a lot of very generous tradies to get it all up and running, which is amazing.Do you have a most memorable rescue and or animal?Itty Bitty is probably our most popular. We raised her from 380 grams and she was a bundle of attitude even at that size! Her and Harry were the two Koalas we had when we moved here. She was released at our property. We are still waiting for her to come back and visit – it’s been a year. No news is good news sometimes! She’s probably our greatest achievement because in terms of koala joeys raising from 380 grams is a lot of work. That involved four hourly feeds around the clock, for a few months. Then many months of bottles afterwards.Then there's also cases like Chandler who was hit by a car and had his leg broken. He was tagged and had actually been picked up on the same road two years prior. The x-rays showed he had actually broken his leg that time too, but it healed by itself in the wild. This time he needed surgery to pin his leg back together so we were lucky enough to have a specialist surgeon who did an amazing job. We have a pre-release enclosure at Gemtree Wetlands in McLaren Flat where we sent him for a couple of months so he could build up his muscles. We then decided to release him there, rather than back where he had already been hit twice. He was spotted about 5 months after his release and he was in amazing condition and looked very healthy.What’s the funniest thing you have done / seen (that you are willing to share)?One time I had my wrist in a splint for some reason and Wade had dislocated his knee so also had his leg in a splint. We had been called to rescue a koala in Myponga that had being hit by car and had climbed up a tree. She was in a branch overhanging a paddock. She came down onto our pole, as it got about a metre from the ground the pole snapped and she started running through the paddock. Wade chased after her with his leg in a splint and managed to get her. If anyone saw what we were doing with the two of us bandaged up, it would have been pretty funny!There’s been times I’ve been out for the night and I'm in heels and a dress and I'll be out getting a koala from a tree! We are not always necessarily prepared for a rescue, but it’s just what we do. We always get the koala, even if it’s in high heels!You rely on fund raising and volunteers and public help for information but also for helping you to build the things like your rehab centre. Is there anything on the horizon that you would like us to share with our readers that they may be interested in helping with?The Biodiversity Group is here on the 7th of November (today!). They are helping us get rid of some of the olive trees in the paddock that we want to turn into our food plantation for koala’s. Keep an eye on the Biodiversity McLaren Vale Facebook page for more information.DETAILS: Starting today, 9am at 102 Kimbley Road, Onkaparinga Hills in case you want to come and help.The Rotary club of McLaren Vale also run regular working bees (every second Wednesday) where they assist us with land maintenance and revegetation upkeep. They are always looking for more volunteers so contact them through Facebook if you are interested in helping with that vital work.I doubt this doesn’t happen often, but if you ever get any time out, what do you like to do?Yes, our spare time is essentially koalas, but we try to combine what we like. If we go out collecting food for the koalas around the McLaren Vale region during the weekend, we will often stop at a winery or two. We like our food and wine. Even when we are out for a nice meal I am usually answering our hotline, but as we grow hopefully that will be something I can have volunteers cover!We now have five acres of Grenache so we are making our own wine. Southern Koala Wines coming out soon! Itty Bitty’s Rose and Harry’s Grenache named after our two most popular koala joeys. So, we have a few exciting little projects. Now we have our space here in the hills we like spending time here making it nice and making it a great place for Koala and Echidna Rehabilitation.Follow Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue here:Fleurieu AppFacebookInstagramWeb

Relatively new to Victor Harbor, Rachel and her husband Ben are settling into their new way of life by the sea.  A little about you and any links to the Fleurieu and / or Kangaroo Island:My name is Rachel and I am 40 years old, married to Ben Wolfenden, we are both Mortgage Brokers and Directors of Mortgage First. I am linked to Adelaide with my great great grandfather paying for a ticket to Australia. You are one half of Mortgage First Brokers. Please tell us a little more about your business.We established in Mudgee, NSW and worked with self employed farmers, couples and financed trucks, cars, farm equipment, rural properties, residential and superfund properties.  Mortgage Brokers are fabulous because we represent so many banks, we also act in your best interests, showing you which bank can save you money over the life of your loan.  Sometimes clients come to us because their bank said “you need another $30,000 or $75,000” we can look at all of our lenders and give them options to apply for grants (first home buyers & single parents) and look at which bank or lender is suitable.  We love what we do, and help debt consolidate and see people invest or find a better rate/ product to increase their cashflow is rewarding.  Have you always been into Mortgage Broking? What inspired you to start?No, I have not always been a broker. For 17 years I have worked in national roles within neuromodulation, mostly in theatre, running a sales team. Previous to this I worked in big pharma. After a brain tumour when I was 32 (benign) I could not chance being in theatre, I studied to become a broker and I have not looked back, it is my calling. After purchasing my first house at 18 years of age, and investing in many properties, I also studied to obtain my Real Estate licence. Broking takes determination, attention to detail and the knowledge of bank policy to make sure your clients fit within a product and policies. I love to help people obtain finance for the house or their dreams, or their next investment, or to debt consolidate and help their cashflow.  On a more personal note, tell us a little about Rachel and what she loves to do out of work (OK if you prefer not too!!!):I love to ski at Thredbo and in France, however since Covid there hasn’t been too much skiing, I think January 2020 and October 2020 I skied. I love to travel the world, ride e-bikes, go to pilates reformer, play scrabble with my nan and I LOVE TO PLAY LAWN BOWLS.  You have moved from interstate to start your business here. What made you come to Victor to set up shop?Family, my parents and ageing grandparents where a huge draw. Ben had been working weekend nights running the mine and working 5 days a week in the brokerage. So when the prices started skyrocketing in NSW, he woke up and said “We should consider Adelaide”. We flew over, visited many properties and fell in love with the one in Victor Harbor – with the most amazing view. We found a shop, purchased that and have spent six months setting up our shop. We have been working from home and taking NSW referrals.  Where did you grow up? Please tells us a little more about your background.I was born in Fremantle, Western Australia. I left Perth and lived in Adelaide for 2 years, then moved to NSW to take a promotion, married, had my son when I was 24, took a year off on maternity leave. Returned to work and worked in a National Role in New Zealand (medical devices), returned to NSW, divorced, then I was a single mum for 6 years and bought a duplex and another property and renovated that. Remarried Ben in 2017 and happily ever after in beautiful Victor Harbor.  What is it that makes you proud to live and work in this special part of the world?The people have been so welcoming and we feel very at home here. It’s a beautiful part of the world.  RACHEL'S TOP TIPS : Best place to.... Grab a quick bite…Qahwa CoffeeHave a more serious feed…The Elliot or Nino’sGet a cuppa… Caffe PrimoHave a beer (or cold drink)…Hahndorf The German Arms or The Elliot after we ride our e bikes on the encounter bay bike trackTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)... We haven’t had a chance yet. We do love Shaw Family Wines. Go for a dip…Too scared of the huge sharks that are here in SA (maybe the aquatic centre)Explore nature…A Walk around granite island – the views are spectacular! When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… feel…relaxed always make sure I visit… a new café or restaurant to try something newstock up on… am I meant to say toilet paper? Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here: Nothing weird as yet Best memory of being here: learning to lawn bowl (it's addictive) and seeing my grandparents and parents.  Most colourful character I’ve run into: Bobby from Victor Harbor Bowling club, he has bright yellow bowls, at 93 you would think he is 65 the way he dresses and how he walks around. He loves a red wine and Guinness and is always happy. Inspiration.  My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: 1st hire an e bike, ride from Victor to Goolwa, stop take photos and try a local café/pub along the way. 2nd Walk granite island Find out more about Rachel & Mortgage First:Fleurieu AppWebFacebook

Colin O’Donnell has been President of the Southern Breakers Soccer Club at Port Elliot for the past five years and in that time he’s helped the club’s junior teams make the move to the Football South Australia leagues. He also managed to get the club to field its first ever girls team who will next year compete in the Football South Australia U15 league after a great season in the Under 13s this year. A native of Thornlie in Western Australia, Colin spent more then 20 years in the army before moving to the Fleurieu with wife Jodie, son Judd and daughter Kayte who are all also heavily involved with the Breakers. He’s now lived here for 12 years and says it’s a great place to bring up kids with many outdoor activities and particularly enjoys jet skiing on the River Murray when he can. He recommends the coffee made by Peter and Carly at Caffe De Carlo in the Goolwa Shopping Centre and the beautiful meals at Blues Restaurant in Middleton. Colin says he’d like to see more girls playing soccer for the Breakers in years to come. He coached the inaugural U13s team this year and they came runners up, beating most of the big clubs in Adelaide.  “I would also like to see our juniors coming through the age groups and playing for the seniors team,” Colin said. “Maybe the seniors team joining the Football SA State League as well.” He also wants to make the club as inclusive as possible, with soccer available to all at an affordable price. With 250 players currently and visiting teams from Adelaide (who usually stay overnight and support local businesses) the club will look to upgrade its current facilities in coming years. It currently shares the aging clubhouse and changerooms of the Port Elliot Football Club (which merged with Goolwa some years ago) with the Port Elliot Cricket Club. Colin’s philosophy is that you need to work hard to achieve in life and he’s certainly put some seriously hard work into the soccer club in the last five years. Come next winter he’ll be back at Breaker Park every Saturday and Sunday, coaching, cheering, organising, working in the canteen and doing all the other jobs that he finds time to do to keep to club growing and growing. The club is always on the lookout for senior and junior players. For more information see their website southernbreakers.com.au/contact  

Today 55 Australian’s will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The Fleurieu App, which went live in early August 2019, is the baby of McLaren Vale resident Susie Williams. Susie returned to the Fleurieu Peninsula with her husband and their three daughters in early 2019, after a 5 year stint living in New Zealand. There, she was part of the team that created the highly-successful Marlborough App, which links local people and visitors to the myriad of experiences and businesses available in the area. Upon returning to the Fleurieu, Susie could see massive potential and says she, “couldn’t wait to build an app for this fabulous region”. Today we chat to her about her personal experience with Breast Cancer. Why is October such a significant month on your family’s calendar?October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. The aim on the awareness month is to help those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services. This is important to me because my Grandmother passed away from Breast Cancer, my Aunty survived Breast Cancer, I have survived Breast Cancer and more recently a very close friend of mine is recovering from Breast Cancer.1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Think of your family and friends…this is huge!How old were you when diagnosed and how did you find out you had breast cancer?Turning 40 presented the chance to tick off a few medical checks - just because I could. Having a mammogram was one of them. It was a priority to me after my Grandmother and Aunty having had the disease (both being from opposites sides of the family). In Australia, Breast screening is advertised free mammogram testing from the age of 50, but I knew it was available from age 40. Tick - done and dusted! I was diagnosed 10 weeks after my 40th Birthday. I didn’t have a lump or anything, but my mammogram picked up the cancer in the earliest stages possible. For this early diagnosis my doctor described me as ‘having dodged a bullet’. My family, well, we are forever thankful and celebrate every year that passes since being officially BC free!  Later this month we celebrate 9 years. Next year is my 50th and 10 years since Breast Cancer – party year I think. I will share with you next October !Can you tell us a little about your experience of the extra screening that comes with a diagnosis after a screening comes back positive?I headed to screening on my own after dropping the kids at school, thinking nothing more than what to organise for tea once the testing was done. I remember clearly sitting in the waiting room with 10 other ladies, most with family or friends with them for support. I couldn’t help but look around the room and think naively to myself that I was the youngest by far, it is most common in older ladies, so all will be fine! Unfortunately I was the last one standing after a very long day. The day ending with my next appointment and told to bring my husband with me. The possibility was finally starting to settle in. Is there a ‘hardest’ bit in your breast cancer story?Our girls being young made reality pretty raw. Besides putting on my brave face, when your world all of a sudden felt very fragile, telling the girls all was going to be fine and nothing to worry about was a hard one to pull off. Some days I didn’t. Even harder was telling Mum and Dad and my two older brothers. It’s cruel to scare the hell out of your parents and siblings because of your health, I can still remember that day like it was yesterday. As anyone that has been through a cancer diagnosis knows, the worst part is the following weeks after diagnosis. Not only was it actually dealing with the big C, which once it is you, it’s an amazingly difficult word to say! Those weeks of tests and decisions which yours and your families lives depend on….totally traumatic. You have made your mark locally in regards to breast cancer support. Would you please share a little with us?The bit about driving my friends and family nuts about heading into Breast Screen SA and getting screened, not matter their age or family risk? Ha ha. I do drive that one home fairly hard at times. The year following my treatment I was determined to do what I could locally around the Fleurieu to make people realise this is not an ‘older woman’ disease. The more I learnt the more I realised this. Often the younger the person the more aggressive the cancer is. I also learnt that it’s not only women, men get breast cancer too. I got myself involved with the Breast Cancer Network Australia BCNA and became a community liaison. This gave me the support and confidence to set up a Breast Cancer Support Group locally as there wasn’t one. I am very proud to say it is still running from the Aldinga Medical Centre.  At the time I did some local fundraising and often visited work places and community groups sharing my story.With Raelene Boyle (Australian Olympic legend) at BCNA (Breast Cancer Network Australia) event pink ladies honouring our friends that have died from the disease Anything else you would like to share?9  years on I have learnt a lot about myself, about breast cancer and life. I was one of the lucky ones, but you do make your own luck. Don’t be scared of the ‘what if’s’…make your own health a priority, have your screenings and know your boobs. Breast Cancer is most treatable when detected early. You don’t have to have a family history, in fact you don’t even have to be a woman! The mobile Breast Screening Unit is coming to the Fleurieu in McLaren Vale. October 28 – November 26 – book yourself in now!Call BreastScreen SA on 13 20 50 to make a booking - head here. In 2021, over 3000 Australians passed away from breast cancer including 36 males and 3102 females. LOCAL BC SUPPORT CONTACTS & SERVICES: http://www.aldingamedicalcentre.com.au/news/breast-cancer-support-group/https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/https://www.cancersa.org.au/There are many ways you can support the cause - get online and find a way!www.bcna.org.auwww.nbcf.org.au www.mcgrathfoundation.com.auwww.canceraustralia.gov.au

With summer just around the corner and the surf life saving season officially kicking off next weekend - today we head to the South Port Surf Life Saving Club.Richard (Olly) Olesinski has lived on the Fleurieu Peninsula for almost 35 years and has been involved with surf life saving on the Mid Coast since 1974. You are the South Port Surf Life Saving Club’s president. Can you please tell us a little more about yourself and what inspired you to become a surf life saver.This is my 5th season as President of South Port. I have really enjoyed the challenges of being part of a big ‘community family’ of 600 members.Surf Life Saving is a very intergenerational organisation catering for members from 6 years old and upwards! South Port, in particular, has numerous third and even fourth generation members volunteering their time.Being over 70, I still have a competitive row with mates in a Master’s surf boat crew, and I’m not the eldest by any means!South Port is probably one of the most unique surf clubs in the nation being situated on a sand spit with surf beach on our front door and Onkaparinga River at our back door!We are different to other surf clubs where their members park their car close by and walk in. At South Port, members park hundreds of metres away, if you’re lucky, and then walk over the footbridge over the 'Onka’ and boardwalk to our clubrooms.As a result, this has engendered a unique culture in our members which builds resilience and makes us a very close knit community group.This has been a major attraction to my family where we all enjoy the natural position of the club, the surf beach and more importantly the great friendships developed since we joined in 1982.Continuing on from your love of the ocean, I know you also have a love for keeping the environment clean. Can you tell us a little more?South Port is the first surf club in Australia to have an Environmental Officer as part of the club’s management team.Because of where we’re situated in a natural sand dune environment, it is essential that we look after the coastal and marine environment as this is our collective playground.Highlight for the club was being a driving contributor, in partnership with City of Onkaparinga, to achieving Keep Australia Beautiful’s prestigious 2010 Australian Clean Beach Award which focused on the principles of sustainability.The environment continues to be a major focus for the club’s operations, particularly for our Nipper (Junior) members. On a more personal note, tell us a little about yourself and what you love to do in your spare time (presuming that your ‘spare time’ is spent at the surf club!):The surf club does take a lot of my time, however I still enjoy working with KESAB as an environmental consultant delivering environmental toolbox training to students involved in the Doorways2Construation program. Numerous schools are situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula, so hopefully the marine environment won’t get affected by the building industry in the future!My other interest is being a passionate supporter of the Port Adelaide Football Club! Doing what you do for surf life saving I know you are very passionate about South Port and surrounds. Have you always lived and worked here? What is it that has made you proud to call this region home?We have lived across the road from South Port for over 25 years so it’s an important part of our lives. From not only a community service perspective but importantly also socially. As with other surf clubs, the characters you meet are salt of the earth people who enjoy each other’s company and look to have a good time whilst volunteering their time to keep the beach safe for all.With the surf club being within the midst of the Mid Coast Surfing Reserve, I feel proud to be part of something that has now been recognised as a substantial contributor to the heathy and well being of thousands of people who directly relate to the region that sits within the Fleurieu Peninsula. Anything else you would like to share, like when the surf life saving season kicks off?South Port’s season kicks off at 2pm on Saturday 9 October 2021 with a Come and Try Day particularly focusing on junior members of the community and their families.For more information please refer to links below. YOUR TOP TIPS for our awesome region. Best place to....Grab a quick bite…Port Noarlunga HotelHave a more serious feed…Harvest of India in Port NoarlungaGet a cuppa… Beck’s at Port NoarlungaHave a beer (or cold drink)…South Port SLSC – Oasis in the Dunes!Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)... DogRidge WineryGo for a dip…South Port Beach!Explore nature…Urimbirra Wildlife Park When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…feel…relaxed and invigoratedalways make sure I visit… a winery in McLaren Valestock up on… Shiraz! Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here:Winning the Sea and Vines Festival lottery consisting of a pallet of wine from the McLaren Vale region! Best memory of being here:Attending Sea and Vines Festivals and surf carnivals at South Port Most colourful character I’ve run into:Paul ‘Howsey’ Howse – Life Member and gem of South Port SLSC! My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Book in to stay in a hotel, motel or B’nB as you’ll need to once you’ve undertaken a wine tour of the McLaren Vale region! Find out more about South Port SLSC:Fleurieu AppWebFacebook

Today we welcome Pat Hobson Owner/Manager of Classic Performance Servicing and Dyno to our Sunday Profile hot seat! Classic Performance Servicing and Dyno is located in Hackham, so technically just on the Fleurieu Peninsular. Many of her customers come from Victor Harbor, Goolwa, McLaren Vale and surrounding areas. Please tell us about Classic performance Servicing & Dyno and how the business came about.The business was started in 2008 by my late husband, Ashley. He was a talented mechanic and tuner (reprogramming a car’s computer for better performance and/or economy) and decided to go out on his own. We outfitted the workshop, put up a big sign and commenced trading in August 2008. Fast forward 10 years of successfully servicing, repairing and upgrading many Classic, Racing, 4WD & everyday vehicles and the unthinkable happened! Ashley became sick, then sicker, had surgery but never recovered and passed away 11th September 2018. Shortly after, I made the momentous decision to keep the business running. I had two loyal and experienced technicians, a workshop full of equipment and a strong desire to see all our hard work continue for as long as possible. Where did the passion for classic cars and cars in general come from?I had always been interested in cars; an interest I inherited from my Dad. But there is nothing quite like being married to a mechanic with a passion for classic cars AND high-performance modern vehicles to “supercharge” one’s interest. Have you always been in this line of work, or was there a previous work life?No & yes! I was a bank officer for nearly 40 years. I quit in 2015 to care for elderly parents and also undertook a Cert IV in Bookkeeping and Cert III in Workplace Health & Safety so I could be more valuable to our business. Those last 3 years were very happy, productive and profitable, working alongside my husband. You live on the skirts of the Fleurieu. Is this where you grew up? I live in Huntfield Heights which almost Fleurieu I think! But I was born in England and, like so many “POMs” during the ‘60s, we immigrated to Elizabeth. I lived there and Salisbury until 1992 when I moved to Victor Harbor for 8 years to work in a local bank branch. Victor Harbor became my “spiritual home” and I visit at every opportunity, including to visit my late husband’s mother. What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work?I love the community spirit in the far southern suburbs and Fleurieu. Neighbours and other business owners all seem to be very supportive of each other. It’s a very positive atmosphere in which to run a business. On a more personal note, tell us a little about Pat and what you love to do out of work …. (OK if you prefer not too!!!):Pat is 61 and confesses to being a crazy cat lady and looking forward to retirement! I love working, don’t get me wrong. I have loved the challenge of learning new skills, applying old ones to a new industry and the camaraderie & teamwork with “My Guys” (two of the best mechanics in town IMHO!) However, the idea of having time to myself to socialize with girlfriends, go shopping on a whim, spend time pottering in my garden, reading a good book and perhaps, when possible, to go travelling again, is VERY alluring! What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)I practice yoga and meditation whenever I can. Both have been profoundly useful in dealing with the stress of losing a loved one and running a business that’s a tiny bit outside my comfort zone! Anything else you would like to share?I just want people to know that we are here to take care of their every automotive need. Our mission is to be their “One-Stop-Mechanical-Workshop”. Our Code of Conduct states that we will always act with integrity, honesty and transparency. We like to form relationships with our customers so that they feel confident in referring us to their family and friends. YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island: Best place to....Grab a quick bite…Anywhere in Willunga or McLaren ValeHave a more serious feed…The Victory Hotel, Sellicks HillGet a cuppa…The Meeting Place, McLaren ValeHave a beer (or cold drink)…Hmmm….not sure, not a beer drinker!Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ...Coriole, McLaren ValeGo for a dip…Silver Sands because you can take your car onto the sand with you!Explore nature…Hindmarsh Falls – hidden beauty spot When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…feel…at home!always make sure I visit… My Mother-In-Law of course! Chiton Retirement Villagestock up on… Fresh fish from the mobile fish monger, Pt Elliot on Saturday mornings Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here:Lying on the beach, just around from Petrel Cove, totally alone except for one inquisitive Petrel! Best memory of being here:My brand-new house in Victor Harbor in 1992, minutes from beach, hills, friends, community, fresh air!…. (nearly) the best 8 years of my life. Most colourful character I’ve run into:My Mother-In-Law! The most colourful, alive, trendy 81-year-old I know (despite losing her eldest son, bless her) My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region:Take your time, enjoy the freshest air anywhere in SA, the best food & wine and mostly, the nicest people you could ever hope to meet.  Find out more about Pat and her business here:Fleurieu AppFacebookWeb Site

Anita Robin is the founder and sole-owner/operator of her cooking school business, foodbuilder, which is located in the beautiful township of Goolwa in the Fleurieu region, approximately a one-hour journey from Adelaide, either via the Adelaide Hills or the Southern Expressway. Her business is within a 10 minute walk to the main street of Goolwa and the town’s motel and caravan park. It also is only a 3 km stroll, to the main beach.Where I am from and what I have done I am a Swiss and Australian National who has trained and worked in both hospitality education and the hospitality business for all of my working life. My earliest memory was of my mother making her favourite dishes including Chrausimausi (a mix of mashed potato and apple) as well as and Spitzbuebe, which translates to “naughty boy” but is in fact a Christmas cookie filled with red currant jam. After twelve years of schooling, I took a gap year and went to live on a local farm, where I learned to prepare dishes with local and fresh foods. This experience tilted me towards my passion for cooking and education in particular. I have lived in Australia, Switzerland and Singapore. I have worked in high-end restaurants in South Australia like Magill Estate and Bridgewater Mill. I used to manage Haigh's Chocolate at Glenelg and the Visitor centre on Greenhill Road. How my business started Two years ago, when my husband and I started building our house, I finally had the opportunity to create my dream kitchen and from there my business grew. During the first lockdown in March 2020, I thought how I could help people who were stuck at home with not much to do. What could they produce with their leftover food without it going to waste? From there the idea of a small business began to take shape, with an initial concept to provide simple cooking advice. Without any knowledge of sole owner business operations, I began research into an appropriate name, obtaining an ABN, and website design. Business Development I love cooking and sharing my knowledge with other people. I love working with small groups, and I run different classes like bread making, unique starters, desserts, quick and easy meals, nutrition etc. However, I love to provide unique customised classes to meet peoples’ specific area of interest. Within the last four months I have made contact with some local retreats (OCRE: Old Coach Road Estate in Hindmarsh Valley and Naiko Retreat in Cape Jervis and I now feature on their websites). We have formed collaborations involving me running customised cooking schools for “foodies” staying at their establishments. What do I do outside of my business? I also have a lot of passions outside of my work. I love music and play the piano and cello. I am now playing in two local orchestras. I love running to the beach, where I always enjoy the fresh air of the sea. We have our own small swimming pool with a jet pump where I love to do my laps. I also love riding my Vespa “primavera picnic”, which I got for my birthday in August. What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)I used to teach snow skiing in Switzerland but there is not much call for it in Goolwa! You have a special class coming up. Can you please tell us a little about this?My next class will be another bread making class. It seems to be quite popular with my customers.It is a hands-on 3 ½ hour class, where they will learn how to make different types of bread using   various methods with diverse ingredients. They also learn about the different grains.It will be a group of 6 people and they will get individual tuition.Included is a light lunch and they are taking home: bread, a sourdough starter and a recipe booklet Anything else you would like to share?I will be releasing my first cook book very soon. Keep an eye on my website and on my social media accounts. YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island: Come and experience a cooking class with me! Best place to....Grab a quick bite – My kitchen!Have a more serious feed… Thai Days Restaurant in GoolwaGet a cuppa… Jack’s Place in GoolwaHave a beer (or cold drink)…Island Tavern on Hindmarsh IslandTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ...Goolwa Cellar DoorGo for a dip…In my swimming poolExplore nature… At the beach When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…feel…at homealways make sure I visit My friendsstock up on Fresh air! Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here:Moving into our house in December 2019 when the temperature was 45 degrees and there was smoke in the air Best memory of being here:Hosting my parents from Switzerland during the first lockdown in March 2021 Most colourful character I’ve run into:Chris the owner of Fleurieu Prime Alpaca My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Come for a cooking experience and stay the night at my Airbnb Find out more about Anita and Foodbuilder:Fleurieu AppWebFacebookInstagramLinkedInAirBNB

At the Fleurieu App we often meet people that holiday on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island, and then cannot resist the temptation to move here to live and work. Michelle is one of these people. The experience of setting up her own BNB on the Fleurieu helped Michelle realise her new business potential, and the lure of their holiday home made her and her husband Craig realise what a special part of the world this would be to live permanently. Today we welcome Michelle Noble to the Sunday profile hot seat.You are the Director of NobleBNB Pty Ltd. Please share with us what you and your business do. We manage short term rentals on Airbnb. We help owners set up their space to maximise the income potential of their home, we organise photography and create their online listing. We then manage everything, from check in’s to cleans and everything in-between.What is it that got your inspired to start your business?We bought our home at Aldinga Beach and decided to put it on Airbnb for a few years before we were ready to move in. The learning curve of how to manage an Airbnb was huge. We started checklists and manuals for ourselves and it occurred to us that others would probably have the same learning curves and not have the time to do it all themselves. We loved what we were doing and wanted to do this work full time.Have you always been in the accommodation industry?No, prior to NobleBNB I worked in Marketing. Craig still works in the corporate sector and handles the accounting for NobleBNB.Working in such an industry and location is pretty special. What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work? The people, hands down, people here are amazing, everyone is connected.Working in the accommodation industry must have its moments (good and bad!), what’s the most memorable?Coming up with NobleBNB experiences, not knowing if guests would love the concept. Our very first guest at one of our new properties, booked them all and loved them. That was very rewarding.On a more personal note, tell us a little about Michelle and what you love to do out of work …. (OK if you prefer not too!!!):I love walking my dog Archie along the Esplanade, no matter what time of year it is there is always a part of the day where it is close to perfect. In warmer weather we take deck chairs and sit on the beach.The local Aldinga Pub is a fav, what a great job they have done on the renovation! On weekends we like to find hidden gems, last weekend we went and had a drink at Kick Back Brewery and Taphouse.What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)I make awesome Gnocchi from scratch and my Sugo is TD4!Anything else you would like to share?If your are considering airbnb’ing your home, give me a call and we can have a chat, our consultations are free.YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island:Best place to....Grab a quick bite…Home Grain bakery or sushi from Noodle Bowl.Have a more serious feed…Aldinga Bay Café, Best Indian!Get a cuppa… BreezeHave a beer (or cold drink)…Aldinga HotelTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ...Agostino Winery, Fantastic PizzaGo for a dip…Aldinga Beach or Sellicks BeachExplore nature…As above!When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…feel…Relaxed and at homealways make sure I visit… Aldinga Bay Cafestock up on… Eggs from one of the localsWeirdest thing that’s happened to me here: The eye contact I made with a kangaroo in the scrub. I came across him on a walk and we were so close. We just stared at each other. The fear was real but it was also very cool.Best memory of being here: Australia Day on the beach every year.Most colourful character I’ve run into:I love seeing the seagull guy at the Aldinga beach carpark, always makes me smile.My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Do your homework and plan only one outing for each day, you will come across so many things to do when you get here! Local wineries are a must.Any links for further information/social media links for you & your business?Fleurieu AppWebFacebookInstagram

As the owner of the Fleurieu App I was kindly invited to visit Alex Fm for an interview with Barry Ganguly. I had never met Barry, but after over an hour of interviewing me, finding out every last detail of my childhood and work experiences, he dived into my passions and reasons why I started the Fleurieu App. Barry's personality made me feel as though I had found a life time friend, and his knack at interviewing people enabled me to reflect heavily at my life of 49 years. I cannot put in words the experience that day, but as strange as it may sound, I think I got to look at myself from afar and go 'wow - look at what I have achieved!' For this, I wish to thanks Barry G. For our readers, I hope you enjoy getting to know this inspiring man who is a real local treasure. Susie xI am Barry G, and I present a weekly Radio Programme on RadioGoolwa-AlexFM91.5, titled ‘Tuesday ReFresh’; 12-3pm on TUESDAY.This features good music from a variety of genre, and good conversation, including ‘The Lunchtime Conversation’ which features Interviews and Presentations.I have been coming to the Fleurieu Peninsula ever since my youth, at which time we lived in Metropolitan Adelaide. I have fond memories of my family’s car winding along the OLD Willunga Hill road, gridlocked with other holidaymakers heading to the lawned areas near Victor Harbor.About 25 years ago my wife and I purchased a block of land at Port Elliot, with dreams of building a holiday house whilst our children were young. Then we found, as most young families do, that life has more urgent priorities-such as Schooling and Sport and trips to Grandparents who lived interstate. Fortunately, we did not sell the Block. When we retired about 10 years ago, we had planned to ‘downsize’ in Adelaide.Luckily we came to the South Coast, temporarily, for 2 weeks; whilst finalising the sale of the house in Adelaide.For the first time we had the opportunity to ‘Live in the area’, rather than just being short-term tourists. And all the big, and the small, wonders of this beautiful region unfolded before us. And, having seen the light, we happily made the decision to settle here.I have always been interested in people, and the story of their lives, and what brings them to their passions; and hence the Interview section of my Program. I also have an eclectic interest in good music of all forms which I enjoy sharing with our Listeners.I found the delight of working with like-minded persons at Radio Goolwa, who serve the Fleurieu Community in a special way.Our wider community is filled with remarkable people whose generosity, passions and drive, through volunteerism, contribute to the character and quality of the the wondrous lifestyle that we all are privileged to have. Radio Goolwa is delighted to serve the community in a diverse and evolving manner.It is Radio of the Community, for the Community.Stream Alex FM through the Radio Button of the Fleurieu App HERE

If you have a preconceived idea of solicitors being bossy, abrupt kind of people, you haven't met Elise Thomson. Elise is the principal lawyer at Thomson & Associates in McLaren Vale, as well as being a mother of four and a keen scuba diver. We are thrilled to introduce you to a quiet, local water baby who set up office in McLaren Vale in 2019 to service the Fleurieu Peninsula. You are the owner of Thomson and Associates. Please tell us a little more about your business.Thomson & Associates specialises in Wills and Estate law, Family Law property matters and conveyancing.We offer appointments in our McLaren Vale office, as well as mobile appointments to service clients throughout the Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide, Southern Suburbs and Adelaide Hills.Up until now we have been a one-person operation, but we’re about to add to our team as the practice has undergone growth over the past 12 months. Have you always been a solicitor? Please tell us a little about your business life before Thomson & Associates.My background is in administration in the Commonwealth Government, the mining and resources sector, and even working for a greeting card company.My first business was a bookkeeping and PA service before I decided to study law.Thomson & Associates was founded in Kent Town in August 2018 and, after offering a visiting service in McLaren Vale, I decided to open a full-time office in 2019. What inspired you to set up an office in McLaren Vale?My family life has often taken me into the McLaren Vale area as my kids used to play t-ball at McLaren Flat. I love McLaren Vale, particularly the wine, and would love to eventually purchase an acreage and move to the area to live, as well as work.I enjoyed working with the clients I met when offering a visiting service, so it was a natural progression to have an office closer to home in the Southern region. On a more personal note, tell us a little about Elise and what she loves to do out of work.Wine, scuba diving, reading and gardening pretty much sums up life outside of work. I’m a sparkling red girl, and try, where possible, to choose South Australian wine.I love my diving, and there are so many great spots on the Fleurieu and south of Adelaide. I have a special love of the leafy sea dragon and have enjoyed some great dives at Rapid Bay, Port Noarlunga and the Bluff in Encounter Bay.At home, if I’m not out in the garden, I’m curled up with a good book, usually (surprise, surprise) a crime or forensic novel. My favourite authors are James Paterson, Patricia Cornwell and Jeffery Deaver (I even met him once). Did you grow up here in the Fleurieu? Please tells us a little more about your background.No. I grew up in Darlington in Adelaide, but have enjoyed raising my four kids in nearby Clarendon, and spending lots of time in the region for kids sport and, of course, diving. I know you are very passionate about the outdoors and adventure, please share a little about this.As I said, I love scuba diving, so when I get the chance I head to the coast. I’ve enjoyed some great dives, including night diving at Porties.I don’t mind a walk in the bush too, so have been known to head to Deep Creek or Kuitpo Forest to escape civilisation. What is it that makes you proud to live and work in this special part of the world?With the global pandemic especially it offers safety and security. SA has done an amazing job of managing COVID-19, so I’m proud to be a South Australian. What’s not to love, really? The climate, the people, the wine … South Australia’s the best. What is something your co-workers or clients may not know about you (that you are willing to share!)Most people know I’m the quiet, retiring type, so very few people know I own a set of bagpipes. I was planning to learn to play them before COVID hit. I bought them on a trip to Scotland. I figured it was worth a try as I used to play the saxophone when I was younger. ELISE'S TOP TIPS Best place to.... Grab a quick bite…Taste Banhmi, McLaren ValeTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)... D’ArenbergGo for a dip… Second ValleyExplore nature… Kuitpo Forest When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… feel… at homealways make sure I visit… the Yankalilla Bakerystock up on… gin from Kangaroo Island Best memory of being here: Seeing the leafy sea dragons at Rapid Bay. My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Stay at least a week!  Find out more about Thomson & Associates:Fleurieu AppFacebookInstagramLinkedInWebsite

If you haven’t been to Thunderbird in Port Elliot yet, it’s definitely one to put on your go-to list. Since nesting in The Strand in the heart of historic Port Elliot about three and a half years ago, Thunderbird has become a foodie destination.When you’re down south on holidays and you’re at the end of the tether with fish and chips, sausage rolls and the kids’ leftover chicken nuggets, there is nothing better than rinsing the salt and the sunscreen off and lounging into Thunderbird with a table booking (and a babysitter if you’re that lucky!) Please note – children are welcome at Thunderbird, and taking the kiddos along would definitely be doable, particularly for a casual brekky or brunch out the front on the deck in the morning sun, but personally, I recommend that you reserve Thunderbird for an adults only date night/afternoon, if you have the luxury. Take the kids to the bakery or one of the pubs.Thunderbird hasn’t just found favour with the visitors - there’s a very loyal local following also. You’ll find an eclectic mix of patrons from Port Elliot itself and elsewhere on the Fleurieu. Thunderbird definitely punches above its weight when it comes to the quality of the dining and the drinking, so when this restaurant popped up in Port Elliot, many people thought all their Christmases had come at once.It’s one more jewel in the crown of Port Elliot. Located just a bit over an hour from the Adelaide CBD, the town is charming, with its calm and sheltered Horseshoe Bay, historic train station, and some very tempting boutiques up and down The Strand and the Main Street, selling stunning homewares, women’s fashion and gifts (if you’re a sucker for earrings and scarves like me, you’ll be in heaven). Before or after your booking at Thunderbird, a visit to the stunning Strand Art Gallery next door is also a must.Thunderbird is just lovely and there are many reasons why it’s so popular.Menu-wise, it’s proudly parochial, using the produce bowl of the Fleurieu Peninsula as the inspiration to its fresh, seasonal dishes.Expect modern Australian cuisine with a strong seafood section. Which of course it should be, with the glorious Horseshoe Bay just a drop punt away. Well a drop punt and a bit of a downhill roll with the wind behind it, if it’s me doing the kicking. The wine list is regionally based, with a focus on McLaren Vale and our other South Australian wine regions, but for something a bit different you’ll find the only international wine collection south side of McLaren Vale. In terms of ambience, the stunning exposed brick interior and halo lights, relaxed jazz, and staff who know what they’re doing, all combine to make you feel like you’re in for a treat. It’s ‘finer’ dining, but with a relaxed atmosphere. Summer at Thunderbird is great, but I think the restaurant really comes into its own in the winter time. Think red wine, and something slow-cooked and scrumptious, like the lamb shoulder (which is delicious). I can’t think of anything nicer than trying to spot some Southern Right Whales on their annual migration to the South Coast, followed by some serious defrosting with a warming meal and coffee or local wine at Thunderbird. Pure bliss.Treat yourself and make a booking today. Thunderbird: 41 The Strand, Port Elliot(08) 8554 2491, https://www.thunderbirdpe.com/

Our cellar door of the month is the award-winning and family-owned Bremerton Wines, in the Langhorne Creek wine region. Bremerton’s new tasting room sits alongside their historic 1866 barn. The $1 million investment into Bremerton Wines, established by the Willson family over 35 years ago - was built and partially designed by another local family-owned Adelaide company Kennett Builders. Bremerton Wines is run by the second-generation, award-winning Winemaker Rebecca Willson and Lucy Willson and is the first sister-run winery in Australia. Only a 45 minute drive from Adelaide or 35 minutes from the South Coast, along with the tasting room, there is a beautiful outdoor area with more seating, which gives visitors a chance to enjoy a glass of wine or local produce platters on the verandah overlooking the lawn or sit on a picnic rug or bean bag The historic restored 1866 barn, which has been the cellar door and tasting area for over 26 years, continues to be used for indoor dining, serving their popular lunch menu, including pizza and shared platters, all using delicious local produce. The upstairs space will continue to showcase local artists with the exhibitions changing every six weeks. Visitors to the winery will enter over stairs, down the recycled timber arbour, through big, double timber doors, to find a large, spacious and interactive tasting room which will hero Bremerton wines through a number of tasting experiences. They chose materials for the new tasting room and extension that were sustainably sourced, recycled, and repurposed to maintain the integrity, character, and charm of the historic barn building, while also modernising the space for the future. Bremerton Wines plans to host ‘Lazy Weekend’ sessions in the new comfortable, relaxing space, with chilled live music, food trucks, and a range of beverages, so that visitors can make a day of it. They also have additional plans that they look forward to unveiling later in the year, which will include exciting developments to the winery and a distillery. There are a serious number of great wines showcased at Bremerton but the 2020 Grenache is a personal favourite. Grenache is often blended, although Bremerton couldn’t resist showing it as a single varietal.This wine shows red fruit, cherry, white pepper spice and is flinty with chamois tannins. It’s a juicy, modern example of the varietal – enjoy!For more information on booking your next tasting experience, please visit their website at www.bremerton.com.au. Bremerton WinesOpen daily 10am to 5pm14 Kent Town Road, Langhorne Creek 5255Fleurieu AppWebFacebookInstagram#bremertonwines #langhornecreekwineregionWIN 6 x ‘Mollie & Merle’ Verdelho and 6 x ‘Coulthard’ Cabernet plus a $100 dining voucher at Bremerton Wines here

Recently awarded the CEO Harcourts Award at the SA Annual Awards, today we get to know Sam Forde, Managing Director of Harcourts South Coast.Sam is the Managing Director of Harcourts South Coast. She became very passionate about real estate from an early age, starting in the industry at the age of 19, as a receptionist, then continuing in all aspects in the real estate industry following on into administration, property management and sales. Her true passion was always in administration, which is why she undertook and completed an MBA to understand what was required to successfully run her own business. In 2010 Sam and her husband Mark, purchased Harcourts South Coast. “I just love the high energy and there is always something new every day. My father was in the industry all of his life, being one of Adelaide’s best known Commercial Agents - I suppose you can say real estate is in my blood.” “I am people orientated, I love helping people see their dream come true, either through buying, selling or investing in property. It’s their biggest asset and dream, I feel it is an honour to assist them in this process”. “I have always had the motto if you are going to do something, do it well. I am very passionate about seeing people succeed and become the best version of themselves.” Sam, wouldn’t tell us but she was recently recognised for excellence, by being awarded the CEO Harcourts Award at the SA Annual Awards, together with being recognised as the No 1 Office in SA. “I love the area we live in and am very passionate to give back to the community, especially groups in our community who are doing it tough. Over the last 12 months in particular we have assisted in gathering food, toys & gifts for Junction Australia, Life in a Bag and Winter Warmer. We are strong supporters of Operation Flinders and in the last 5 years have assisted students from both Encounter Lutheran College and Victor Harbor High School to participate in the program. We sponsor the local Football & Netball Competition – sponsoring Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor and Goolwa/Port Elliot Clubs. We are also very strong supporters of various other sporting and community events.” I believe you have lived and worked around much of the state. Can you give us an idea of where and also what was your favourite region and why? (besides the Fleurieu of course!)“I have always love living in regional areas. I started my career in real estate in Adelaide and then moved to the Clare Valley.   The Clare Valley is one of my favourite regions, with its beautiful big gum trees and vineyards, love the lush countryside. But I also love what we have in our backyard - McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Currency Creek, fabulous for their amazing wineries and restaurants.” On a more personal note, tell us a little about Mark and yourself and what you love to do out of work…guessing you don’t get much of that time....Mark and I love what we do so it doesn’t feel like work, but in saying that Mark loves his coffee, and we really enjoy our breakfasts, so you will find us often on a weekend supporting one of our local eateries. We are so fortunate, that we have some great places in our backyard. On a beautiful day we like to pull out our MG TF and explore the region for a glass of wine or dinner, when we are not working. I know you are very passionate about the Fleurieu. What is it that makes you proud to call this region home?I grew up in Blackwood and we had a holiday home in Encounter Bay, coming down for 45 years before calling it home. I grew up visiting Yilki Store for a bag of lollies, and enjoying Horseshoe Bay. I love the Fleurieu as it is such a beautiful region with so many opportunities. There are so many different places to discover, amazing beaches, spectacular walking and running trails – not to mention Whale watching. Everyday has a different story to tell.  I love the Coastal Lifestyle and the people it attracts. The pristine coastline, with its beautiful climate. Fabulous bike track with great view of the coastline. Not to mention, it’s an easy commute to Adelaide if you need to go there! What is something many locals would not know about that (that you are willing to share!)I am a marathon runner. A marathon is a 42km run, I have participated in the Paris, New York, Auckland, Tokyo, London, Boston, Chicago, and the Great Ocean Road marathons. Sam's TOP TIPS for the region:We try to get around and frequent various eateries in the region. We like to support everybody.When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…Feel at home Best memory of being here:Driving in our 1954 Ivory MG on a beautiful day out to Langhorne Creek. With the roof off, you get to see everything and experience everything all around you. Amazing feeling of being part of nature.  Most colourful & admired character I’ve run into:Kathleen Fry she is very fun and full of energy and has so many stories to tell. She is very passionate about the Fleurieu, people and the real estate industry. My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Explore it, there are just so many hidden gems. Find out more about Harcourts South Coast:Fleurieu AppFacebookInstagramWeb Page 

It is with pleasure we introduce our newest Fleurieu App team member - Elyse. We know you as a reporter for the Fleurieu App. What is your work history prior to the Fleurieu App – how long have you been a journalist?I currently work two casual jobs in retail, as well as freelance for the App. I have worked at Mitre 10 in Port Elliot for six and a half years and have worked at Coles in Victor Harbor for almost three years. I completed year 12 and went straight into my first year at UniSA, which is where I spent three years in full time study. This year, I graduated from university with a Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing. The Fleurieu App is my first paid journalism job, but some readers may remember hearing about me from my internship with Power FM and 5MU last September. I got my first taste of proper journalism work during my three weeks at the radio station, and I was lucky enough to write multiple stories a day and build up my portfolio for my future endeavours. Why the Fleurieu App?I was looking for a way to enter the workforce as a journalist and I wasn’t getting anywhere with the job applications for full time work. The main reason for this was the need for experience, and even though I had just finished at university and was eager to join a newsroom, I was continuously knocked back.When I graduated in April, I posted the news to Facebook and a friend mentioned that the App had advertised for a journalist in March. This was a perfect opportunity, as I live in Goolwa and needed to gain some experience as a proper journalist. I emailed Susie and we met for a coffee to discuss what I could do for her and how writing for the App could help my career. So far, it has been great to have the opportunity to write for a local news source. It has been hard trying to juggle two jobs as well as being available for freelancing, but I know it will all be worth it in the future. I am extremely grateful for Susie and Julia, who have been so helpful and encouraging during this time.Why is the Fleurieu such a special place for you?I have lived in the region since I was 13, when I started high school at Victor Harbor. I moved around a lot as a kid, which was hard especially with changing schools and having to make new friends. I told myself, and my parents, that if I started high school at Victor Harbor I wasn’t going to leave unless I was graduating. I have grown up enjoying what the Fleurieu has to offer. I spent time exploring Second Valley with my friends, swimming at Sellicks Beach and (once I was old enough) enjoying the wineries in McLaren Vale. If life takes me somewhere else in Australia, or even overseas, I do hope that one day I’ll be able to come back to the Fleurieu and settle down. It truly is one of South Australia's greatest regions. On a more personal note, tell us a little about yourself and what you love to do in your spare time.It can be hard to find spare time between working, but I do enjoy giving myself some time to decompress and enjoy the little things in life. I love baking. My co-workers at Mitre 10 love when I have a baking day, because it often ends with me bringing in treats the next day for them to try. I love baking so much, for my 21st birthday I gifted myself something I had dreamed about since I was a pre-teen: a Kitchen Aid stand mixer in light blue. My favourite sweet things to make would have to be cupcakes, lemon tarts and cinnamon scrolls. I have two Golden Retrievers, Daisy and Wilson, who take up a lot of my time. We enjoy walking, enjoying the ocean breeze and the view as we take the trails along the coastline. I also enjoy being curled up on the lounge and reading books; however, my time and, sadly, my attention span has greatly decreased since I was a teenager. What is something that many people would not know about you?I met Niall Horan, from the boyband One Direction, in 2018. Major fangirl moment! By the end of the day, I had been awake for almost the whole day. We had early morning flights to Melbourne, had to wait for the usual 2pm hotel check-in, then waited in line for the concert soundcheck and meet and greet to start and the actual concert started at around 7pm. By the time I was in bed that night I had been awake for 22 hours! It might seem crazy, but it was so worth it.Your TOP TIPSBest place to....Have a serious feed… Cockles in Port Elliot – amazing burrito bowls!Get a cuppa… Café de Carlo in Goolwa.Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)... Down the Rabbit Hole in McLaren ValeGo for a dip… Sellicks Beach and Silver SandsExplore nature… Second ValleyWhen I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…feel… at homealways make sure I visit… the Bluff lookoutstock up on… fresh air and memoriesBest memory of being here:I have so many good memories here, but a lot of them probably come down to being a stupid teenager and laughing with friends. One I remember is going for a hike on one of my days off when I was in year 12. I was with my friend Taj, and we tried to walk through a muddy patch to make it to a good trail we had heard about. What we didn’t expect was for the muddy patch to be more like quicksand and suddenly had mud up to our calves. We were trying so hard to get out and  keep our shoes from coming off, but we were laughing so hard we kept almost falling over, face first into the mud we desperately wanted to leave. We were caked in mud by the time we got out and it smelled disgusting. We drove to Second Valley beach just so we could walk in the water and wash our pants and feet off. It was a chaotic day, but it was great. Most colourful character I’ve run into:Working in retail you meet a lot of fun, colourful characters on a daily basis. It would be extremely hard to put my finger on just one! But if I have to… my friend Tamra takes the cake. She works with me at Mitre 10 and makes going to work so much better. She’s crazy, hilarious and has the same humour as me.My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Don’t try to walk across mud. Just kidding! My advice: take it all in. The beauty of the land, the amazing views, the local people. Talk to anyone willing to talk to you, you might find they have some pretty great stories to tell. 

The Fleurieu App is soon to turn two. It is fitting to share with you one of the Fleurieu App's business clients that have been with us since the beginning.Margaret and Malcolm are the proud owners of Interior Views Curtains and Blinds since 2004. Margaret started in the Curtain Industry in 1992 with Kornblum's and then when the opportunity arose to purchase Interior Views, she and Malcolm jumped at the opportunity, and have a combined 46 years of experience. Interior Views was already established in Morphett Vale since approximately 1995.We have lived in the Southern Region since 1987, so having our business here as well makes as part of the local community. We regularly see our customers whilst we are out shopping or having a bite to eat in the area, which is lovely then to stop and chat.We have the knowledge and experience to assist our customers in their choices and decisions for their internal and external window treatments. We pride ourselves in listening to what our clients needs are and then put together a package of fabrics and products that would be suitable. We are often asked to assist with paint, carpet and other finishing touches to complete a room or entire home, which we are happy to do.95% of our business is referral and return clients, so that speaks for itself, as to our reputation.All of our curtains and tracks are made here in South Australia, keeping the money in our state, and 95% of our blinds are made here as well.Living and working in Morphett Vale makes us “True Locals” and helps us keep a finger on the pulse with the local community.Malcolm is a keen golfer and Margaret enjoys her time in the garden. We have two children and two grandchildren. Family is very important and their time is well spent with their families, including both sets of parents. Any spare time is spent with friends, enjoying all the aspects of the beautiful Fleurieu.Find out more about Interior Views

You and Larry are the owners of Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery on Kangaroo Island. Please tell us a little more about your business.Larry and I founded Emu Ridge in 1991 just over 30 years ago due to the down turn in wool prices. We manufacture Eucalyptus oil, a range of natural products, and support other local producers products in our shop and online. We are both passionate about our business and farming our natural resources in a sustainable way. Have you always been into Eucalyptus farming? What inspired you to start the distillery?We were 4th generation sheep farmers and it was the downturn in wool prices that sparked the idea, Larry loves building and fixing things. I know you also have another passion, of the furry kid. Please tell us more.Yes I've been a carer of orphaned wildlife birds and animals for over 30 years, I love watching them grow and eventually when they are ready leave home and go back into the wild. On a more personal note, tell us a little about Bev and what she loves to do out of work.Out side of work I love being with my gorgeous grandchildren, I do love our beautiful beaches and Emu Bay is one of our favourites to go for a paddle and swim in the summer. Did you grow up on Kangaroo Island? Please tells us a little more about your background.My Dad was Post Master so we moved around a bit. I was born in Burra, and have lived in Canberra, Wirrabara Kingscote where I lived from age 9 to 16. Then Kadina and then back to Kangaroo Island at the age of 23, so I guess by now I'm a local. When younger my passion was horses. I know you are very passionate about Macgillivray and surrounds, and involved in the community. Please give us some insight to other things you are involved in.I had brain surgery for a tumour 2 years ago so these days I’m not involved in much at all, we have a daughter who plays sport for Wisanger and some of our grandchildren play for Kingscote so these days just the community clubs. What is it that makes you proud to live and work in this special part of the world?I'm so proud that we have saved a large part of Kangaroo Islands history and heritage, and we certainly live in a place that is full of beautiful fresh air, nature and wildlife, a very beautiful and unique Island. Bev's TOP TIPS Best place to.... Grab a quick bite… Amandas takeaway and of course Emu Ridge Cafe Have a more serious feed… If your looking for a beautiful meal Wanderers Rest at American River have a restaurant called The Glossy Black Restaurant I highly recommend this gorgeous place.Get a cuppa… I don’t drink it but Emu Ridge of courseHave a beer (or cold drink)… Queenscliffe HotelTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)... False Cape WinesGo for a dip… Emu BayExplore nature… Hansons Bay and Western River cove are 2 of my favourite places When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I… feel… happyalways make sure I visit… too many great spots to mentionstock up on… Fleurieu milk it’s the best and all we use in our coffee at Emu Ridge to Weirdest thing that’s happened to me here:People ask the strangest questions like they think I’m a doctor! Just because we sell natural products and believe me there’s some weird ones! Best memory of being here:All the fun we had as kids at the local tidal pool in Kingscote. Most colourful character I’ve run into:That has to be my husband! My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Stay longer than two days! Find out more about Emu Ridge Eucalyptus here:Fleurieu AppFacebookInstagramPinterest

An eclectic mix of vessels will take to the water at Goolwa today (Sunday, May 16), for the second annual Vogalonga Down Unda.Participants in the Vogalonga Down Unda will set off from Goolwa Aquatic Club (GAC)  at 9am, and will have the choice of three courses of varying lengths.Each course will start with a ceremonial procession, incorporating the entire Vogalonga fleet from the GAC to the wharf precinct.The event is the brainchild of 62-year-old Michael Piovesan, who was inspired by his time living in the Veneto region of Italy, where he was a member of two Venetian rowing clubs.From September 2014 to October 2018, Michael lived in Treviso, just north of Venice, where his father’s side of the family originates from.It was while walking around the regional city of about 60,000 inhabitants to get his bearings shortly after arriving, that the dual Australian-Italian citizen came across a flyer advertising Venetian-style rowing.Intrigued, he knocked on a door and asked for more information, before promptly signing up.“I also joined a club in Venice very quickly and we would catch the train down to Venice,” Michael says.What followed sounds like a dream. Michael built up enough skill to row by himself, and was allowed to borrow boats from his clubs, enabling him to explore the region from the water. In Venice, he rowed to the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano, famous for their glass blowing and lace making, respectively. “Sometimes I’d row on the Grand Canal, and other times out to the Venetian Lagoon,” he says.At home in Treviso, Michael would row along the Sile River, the longest ‘resurgence river’ or spring-fed river in Europe.“It was pure and crystal clear and rowing along it was paradise.”During his time living in Italy, Michael also participated in three Vogalonga events in Venice in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.He says that, just like its Venetian namesake, Goolwa’s Australian version of the event is “a non-competitive rowing and paddling regatta for any human-powered craft”.“Canoes, kayaks, skiffs, sculls and SUPs, dragon boats and dinghies are all eligible…  virtually anything without a motor or sails powered only by hand or foot.”Now based at Port Noarlunga, Michael said it’s his dream to row Venetian-style boats along the Onkaparinga River.“I can’t live in (South Australia) without Venetian rowing. So I started a Venetian rowing club -- the Voga Alla Veneta Association of SA Inc.”The club has a handful of members, but is currently fundraising to build two Venetian-style boats, via the Australian Sports Foundation.A local South Australian boat builder will build the boats, estimated to cost between $10,000 to $12,000, using digital plans.Venetian rowing is different to other styles of rowing, so, until the boats are built, Michael said he is ‘suffering’ and dreaming of the day he can take one of the completed boats out on the water.“Venetian-style rowing is done standing up, facing forward, and you ‘push’ with your oar to propel the boat forward,” he says.“You keep the blade in the water to act as a rudder, to get proportion and steering.”He says Venetian-style rowing can be learnt in five hours, but takes a lifetime to master.The beauty of the sport is that it is open to people aged eight to 80 years.“There are lots of competitions in Venice, although the only prize is a pennant and a first, second or third place,” he says.“But more and more women are taking up Venetian-style rowing and there are many events on the Venetian calendar, including the Vogalonga in Venice, and also Carnevale and La Senza”.Michael said Venetians typically row in a pair, or in a group of four or six, and, perhaps surprisingly to some, gondolas aren’t the only boats in Venice -- there are many types of flat bottomed boats.He encourages people to check out today’s event, chat to him about Venetian-style rowing, join the club or donate to build the new boats -- especially as Venetian-style rowing is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and a great form of exercise.“It can be done calmly, relaxedly, for recreation, or competition,” Michael says.“It really is almost meditative”.Michael rows a gondola along the Torrens River, Adelaide 2016.Michael, pictured living his 'best life' in Venice.For more information about the Vogalonga Down Unda, people can visit HERETo find out more about the Voga Alla Veneta Association of South Australia Inc, people can visit vavasa.weebly.com, or to make a donation towards building Venetian-style boats, check out: https://asf.org.au/projects/voga-alla-veneta-association-of-south-australia/ or https://asf.org.au/projects/voga-alla-veneta-association-of-south-australia/a-classic-venetian-sandolo/

Welcome Caitlin Fry - owner of Jeff's Books in Strathalbyn.Please share a bit about you and any links to the Fleurieu and / or Kangaroo Island:I grew up in the Adelaide Hills (which Strath is NEARLY nudging towards…) – my family chose to live in South Australia in the 1970s so while my roots are elsewhere, and while we’re still a few generations off being “local” we’re pretty happy to be here!We all know you as the face of Jeff’s Books in Strathalbyn, can you please tell us a little more about Caitlin Fry and what inspired you to set up a book shop in Strathalbyn:I didn’t actually establish the bookshop – Jeff Kearvell had the same dream many people do; to open a secondhand bookshop when he retired. Thing is, the retirement “hobby” grew into a double shop premises and a full-time business, so he found himself needing to retire from his retirement! The business had been on the market for a few years by the time my partner Al and I found out about it, and it was to the point where the collection was going to be broken up and sold off – it was also a point in time when the library services in Strathalbyn were limited while the new(er) library was being built. Essentially, we bought a collection of books and had the choice to keep the business in Strathalbyn, and we decided to stay in Strath for six months to “see how it goes.” Thirteen years later…You are clever at all sorts of things besides books. Would you please share some of these other passions and things you do outside the bookshop?The main thing that’s hard to keep quiet (literally) is that I play the bagpipes and I’m involved in the rich Scottish community here in South Australia – book-lined walls are the perfect practice venue and soon I’ll be back to being the one playing loud music at the Steamranger visitors (and ensuring people can find their way back to the train station by being the pied piper.) I also do flamenco dancing, because it’s amazing and a great way to keep fit without having to wear spandex.On a more personal note, tell us a little about Caitlin and what she loves to do in her spare time (OK if you prefer not too!!!):This sounds crazy, but in my “off” time, I read. Contrary to popular opinion, running a bookshop is anything BUT sitting around reading all day, so I have to “get high on my own supply” after I’ve clocked off! I also love to bake (often with an audiobook running in the background) – and I won’t let being a coeliac or the collective family opinion of my cooking being so bad I could burn water get in the way of my enthusiasm…Anything else you would like to share about your Fleurieu region?Something that really surprised me was when I had our daughter Matilda (known on our Facebook site as “the Store Supervisor”) people were more than accepting of having a baby in the shop, and I suspect some people visited just to get some of her happy banter! My partner is a FIFO worker and it’s inevitable that when things go awry, it’s always during “away” weeks – and I’ve always been able to call on the people of Strath when the shop floods, or my car breaks down, or I lose control of a trolley-load of books, or I just need to be reminded I’m doing an okay job of everything. Caitlin’s TOP TIPSBest place to....Grab a quick bite… the Old Market Shed – I also grab my baking and cleaning supplies in bulk from thereHave a more serious feed… I’ve started working my way through the Hammer and Tongs menu, while trying to remember what it was like being in there when it was the bankGet a cuppa… really spoiled for choice being so close to Dawson street, so I try to cycle through and visit everyone in turnHave a beer (or cold drink)… the Victoria Hotel has great views of the park and every random dog I am obligated to make adoring remarks atTaste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)... I recently had a birthday and Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz was the only thing on my wishlist. Go for a dip… the Strath pool – I’m an incredibly novice swimmer so I need to graduate out of water wings before tackling anything with waves!Explore nature… much as I don’t like swimming in the sea, perching at Middleton to watch out for whales and every random seal I am obligated to make adoring remarks at When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…feel…so lucky to see all the great stuff on my doorstepalways make sure I visit… any museum that’s open – I’m a massive history buff/borestock up on… Fleurieu milk and iced coffee – I grew up on a dairy and milk you have to work through cream to get to is amazing, and the floor of my car is at least 15% Fleurieu iced coffee containers at any given time.Best memory of being here:Probably around this time last year when everyone really pulled together to help each other out in so many different ways – resources were so limited but people were so generous with time, spare fruit, checking in on neighbours, and very shortly after doing everything they could for bushfire-affected families.Most colourful character/s I’ve run into:Bookshops attract eccentricity – I’ve had everything from knife throwers from the traveling circus to seagulls wander through my door. So definitely the weirdest experience was holding a flapping seagull by the feet in the middle of a bookshop, wandering what to do next and what life choices brought me here. I love how the Fleureiu is full of fascinating people passionate about really fascinating things – anyone who asks for a book about philately/watercolour painting/photography/dry stone walls/painting religious icons/planting native stuff/restoring vintage caravans etc gets pieces of paper with the contact details of the perfect bunch of people they need to meet!(And yes, each of these is an example of an actual group)My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Get lost, literally! Ignore the GPS and take some time to seek out the non-main roads because the best businesses are hiding on side streets and back roads – and so many recommendations I hear from people begin with anecdotes like, “We were looking for x, but we got lost and found….”

Getting to know Elle Brown – owner of Gorgeous Soles in McLaren Vale.Please share a bit about you and your link to the Fleurieu I was born and grew up on a farm on the Yorke Peninsula, and I have lived in the Adelaide Hills, Alice Springs, but for the last 18 years McLaren Vale. We moved here with our young family in the early 2000’s and we fell in love with the area. My Husband, Drew and I also run a transport business Brown Bulk haul, and we have 2 Sons, who also live locally with their wives, and we have 2 gorgeous granddaughters. Has a passion for fashion always been your thing?I have a background in fashion, starting as a cutter with George Gross and Harry Who, in the late 80’s, and then managing footwear stores in the Northern Territory, and then in corporate retail back in Adelaide, for the Colorado Group. After long hours and a lot of travel during the week, coming home on the weekends (to McLaren Vale) always felt like a mini holiday to me, and being so close to the ocean, and the wineries, why would anyone leave.  You are the owner of Gorgeous Soles in McLaren Vale. Please tell us how Gorgeous Soles was born.How did my vision for a retail outlet in McLaren Vale (Gorgeous Soles) came about? I had been working in our family transport business in McLaren Vale, after leaving retail behind. I found that there were very few places to shop, and I would go to Burnside or Marion, or Pt Noarlunga, but there was not anything close by where I could get a retail fix. I thought if I need somewhere to shop in the Vale, then other women did too!After much discussion with my friends and peers, Gorgeous Soles was born.Initially I wanted it to be more footwear, however customers dictated they wanted more clothing, so it is now a clothing boutique, with a little footwear.I wanted to create a place where women of any age could shop or browse, but whatever their mission, to always leave feeling great about themselves. I wanted to create a space where if anyone was having a bad day, they had somewhere to go for some ‘retail therapy’. We have a beautiful team of local people, Sarah, Carolyn, Toni & Karen, and I know they have the same vision, and love to look after our wonderful customers, and I am so grateful to them and proud of them, for the work they do and for loving Gorgeous Soles as much as I do.On a more personal note, tell us a little about Elle and what you love to do out of work?I don’t have a lot of spare time, working in 2 business’, but I love spending time with family, especially our 3-year-old granddaughter, who is just amazing. I also love camping, it’s a caravan these days, but we have done our fair share of tenting! There are some amazing spots on the Fleurieu, especially the Coorong and around Point Sturt, Second Valley & WirrinaWhat is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)A few years ago, I did a few drawing classes with the lovely and incredibly talented Lesley Redgate in Willunga, and found my love for drawing, which I wasn’t too bad at (if it isn’t portraits haha)And if I can find some time sitting on the beach, or in the garden this is what I love to do. Elle’s tips for the Fleurieu….I love a coffee from Delamere on the weekend, and The Organic Shop and Meeting Place MV during the week, and I can’t wait to go to Valley of Yore…We have some seriously good bakeries on the Fleurieu, I think I have tried them all at some point, but these days I prefer a salad bowl from Jae’s Kitchen or Taste Banh Mi for a casual lunch.I’m not really a beer drinker, but I love a Christmas Ale from Goodiesons, and Jeff’s wheat beer is great too, then duck across the road to McCarthys Orchard for a wine, in fact I have many favourite wineries, but I would run out of room if I listed them all, but I have to mention Hugh Hamilton OMG… and Wirra, and Samson Tall…. That Rose…Yummm!Both our sons have been married in the last 3 years, and I must give the guys at Beach rd Wines, and Ivy Brook a huge mention, beautiful venues, and beautiful people!Our go to for a serious bite to eat is The Salopian just amazing! But have always loved Oscars for being there when I have not wanted to cook! And it is so good to see Ogre up and running in the beautiful space, it has a great vibe going on.My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region.We have so many extraordinary and talented people on the Fleurieu. My tip for visitors is to just get amongst it. Visit as many people, places, wineries, local shops as you can and talk to people.If I were a tourist for a day or a weekend, I would definitely go the Willunga Farmers market, and I always grab a tub of Guacamole, a pork pie (sometimes for breakfast haha) and some bacon.I would choose a few wineries, do dinner at the Salopian Inn, and go for a walk on the beach and head into Gorgeous Soles for some retail therapy.Find out more about Gorgeous Soles on the Fleurieu App HERE