Briefcase: Business Snippets from around South Australia
In this week’s briefcase: South Australian winery wins international award, ACCC waves through major merger and acquisition for Koonenberry Gold.
SA winery awarded internationally
Wine merger gets ACCC approval
Heavy Rare Earths makes acquisition
Grain award nominations open
Randall Wine Group recognised
SmartSat CRC sign partnership
InSync – business events & happenings
Koonenberry Gold gain projects
Canadian rocket to launch from SA
MoU for Government and Hyundai
Park of the Year in Campbelltown
Partnership for aged care training
Allied health centre reopens
SA winery awarded in Italy
Dandelion Vineyards, based in McLaren Vale, was awarded the international Best of Wine Tourism Award for Architecture and Landscape at the 2025 Global Best of Wine Tourism Awards held in Verona, Italy.
The vineyards’ cellar door saw the footprint of an old tractor shed repurposed, with panoramic views of the wine region on show.
Dandelion co-owner Elena Brooks said she and fellow owner Zar Brooks were “absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award”.
“Our vision was to create a space that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of McLaren Vale and the architecture, with its respectful and modern design, plays a big part in that,” she said.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison congratulated the pair.
“We know our wine offerings are an important motivator for our international market to commit to a trip to South Australia, which is why these awards are so important in promoting our state as a must-visit destination, not just for a top drop, but for unforgettable experiences,” she said.
– Isabella Kelly
The proposed merger will see a number of Pernod Ricard and Accolade brands, including Hardys, under the same umbrella. Photo: Hardy’s.Watchdog waves through wine merger
A tie-up of wine titans Accolade and Pernod Ricard Winemakers will not be opposed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The pair announced their merger in July, which will bring Pernod Ricard brands Jacob’s Creek and St Hugo under the same umbrella as Accolade’s Hardys, Grant Burge, Banrock Station and Petaluma.
“Based on our investigation, we consider the proposed acquisition is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in wine processing and packaging services, and similarly is unlikely to substantially impact competition in the wholesale supply of wine,” ACCC commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.
“We considered that if the acquisition went ahead, a number of other businesses will continue to offer competing processing services and also wine.”
Accolade owner Australian Wine Holdco welcomed the decision, with spokesperson Joshua Hartz saying: “We have worked closely with all stakeholders to progress this combination and today’s milestone takes us a step closer. Importantly, management are focused on preparations for a smooth integration of the businesses once the deal completes.”
The transaction remains subject to other customary closing conditions, which need to complete before the businesses can be combined.
– David Simmons
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Listed firm picks up three uranium projects
Heavy Rare Earths will acquire a portfolio of uranium exploration assets in eastern South Australia from Havilah Resources for $3 million.
The projects include the Radium Hill Project (defunct since 1961), the Lake Namba-Billeroo Project (defunct since 2012) and the Prospect Hill Project (an untested site 30km north of Heathgate Resource’s prolific Beverly-Four Mile uranium camp).
“HRE is thrilled to announce the acquisition of three highly prospective uranium projects from Havilah Resources, who we thank for its collaborative approach in this transaction,” Heavy Rare Earths executive director Richard Brescianini said.
“It is very exciting to have the opportunity to explore such quality projects, and in a region with significant resource endowment and host to several active low-cost, long-life uranium operations.
“We look forward to updating investors on the progress of the acquisition and pending its completion our focus will be to commence exploration as soon as practicable.”
– David Simmons
Nominations open for grain industry awards
An initiative from Grain Producers SA (GPSA), the inaugural South Australian Grain Industry Awards has opened for nominations.
Award categories include Grain Producer of the Year, Young Grain Producer of the Year, Innovation, Sustainability, Women in Grain and Industry Impact.
Winners will receive $4000, a $7000 scholarship, or $3000, category dependant.
Nominations close December 9, with finalists to be announced December 16, and winners February 4.
– Isabella Kelly
Warren Randall’s Randall Group has received an international accolade. Photo: Seppeltsfield Wines.Randall Wine Group wins in Canada
The Randall Wine Group was awarded Best New Product Launch in Wines and Vintages at the 2024 Liquor Control Board of Ontario awards, with the group’s One Pound Per Acre brand recognised.
Executive chairman Warren Randall said the Canadian market was the group’s fifth largest export market.
“The province of Ontario sells approximately 40 per cent of Canada’s total retail wine sales and is a significant influencer on other provinces like British Columbia and Alberta, so word of the ELSIE award will spread from east to west,” he said.
– Isabella Kelly
SmartSat CRC signs Greek partnership
SmartSat CRC and the Hellenic Space Centre (HSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at joint research, scientific and technical information, and the exploration of synergies between Australia’s Kanyini mission and HSC’s National Microsatellite Program.
The partnership will first focus on microsatellite technology, death observation and its applications in agriculture, natural disaster monitoring and more, space science and academic collaborations, and commercial networking.
SmartSat CRC CEO Andy Koronios said the collaboration “offers exciting new opportunities for our two nations to leverage the significant potential of space technologies to improve life here on Earth”.
“Australia and Greece have had a long and positive relationship, and this agreement creates an opportunity to build a strong relationship in advanced technologies.”
– Isabella Kelly
Australia’s Space Future Conference, a French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry event with REDARC Defence & Space and Neumann Space, at REDARC Electronics on October 29.
Trump vs Harris, an AmCham panel event on predictions for the US election, with Christopher Pyne, Adelaide Football Club chairman John Olsen and more, at the Playford Hotel on October 31.
Newday Leadership Summit, a conference with a variety of speakers and other activities with AFL Max, at AFL Max on October 31.
Best of Human Insights, a conference from The Research Society with expert insights on the future of research, including health outcomes, AI, and advertising effectiveness, at the Adelaide Zoo on November 6.
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Design Futures, a forum event with local, interstate, and international architects sharing their experiences, with Dan Hill of Melbourne School of Design and Deputy Premier Susan Close, at Adelaide Town Hall on November 6.
Wake up to Change, an Adelaide White Ribbon event with criminologist and former senior police officer Vincent Hurley on the prevention of violence against women and children, at the Adelaide Convention Centre on November 7.
Demystifying Australia’s defence industry and defence careers, a French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Women Series event, with a panel of defence professionals, at Eos by SkyCity on November 7.
Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards, a gala dinner by Food South Australia celebrating the food and beverage manufacturing industry, at the Adelaide Convention Centre on November 22.
Koonenberry Gold makes acquisition
Koonenberry Gold have entered binding agreements to acquire the Enmore Gold Project from Global Uranium & Enrichment and the Lachlan Project from Gilmore Metals, both located in NSW.
Managing director Dan Power the company was “extremely excited to add these highly prospective assets to our gold and copper exploration portfolio”.
“We believe this portfolio of 100 per cent owned and free carried projects are extremely valuable accretive for shareholders and have outstanding potential to yield a significant discovery,” he said.
– Isabella Kelly
Reaction Dynamics CEO Bachar Elzein with Southern Launch COO Rebecca Darcey after signing the contract in Montreal. Photo: suppliedCanadian rocket manufacturer to launch from SA
Reaction Dynamics, based in Canada, has signed a contract with Southern Launch for the inaugural launch of its RE-102 hybrid rocket engine and Aurora vehicle from the Koonibba Test Range next year.
The mission will see Reaction Dynamics’ rocket reach 125km above Earth in a flight qualification test, making it one of the first demonstrations of a hybrid rocket engine in space.
Reaction Dynamics CEO Bachar Elzein said they “believe that the RE-102 hybrid rocket engine will be the most efficient hybrid rocket engine in the world”.
“We are eager to put this technology to the test in the vacuum of space during our upcoming suborbital mission from the Koonibba Test Range,” he said.
– Isabella Kelly
Government signs partnership with Hyundai
The state government and Hyundai Engineering and Construction have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration around renewables, hydrogen, housing and infrastructure.
A spokesperson from Hyundai E&C’s New Energy Division said the collaboration with South Australia would “serve as a catalyst for innovation in Australia’s energy infrastructure”.
“We hope that this partnership will contribute to the revitalisation of South Australia’s economy and create strong synergies in global public-private partnerships for mutual growth,” they said.
– Isabella Kelly
Paradise Recreation Plaza. Photo: Parks & Leisure AustraliaCampbelltown plaza wins park of the year
Paradise Recreation Plaza has been awarded the National Parks and Leisure SA/NT Park of the Year at the Regional Awards of Excellence, recognising the $3.89 million project, which saw a $1.52 million contribution from the state government Planning and Development Fund Open Space Grant.
Judges assessed entries based on factors including the measures taken to enhance biodiversity and habitat co-location, value to the community, and features in the park that responded to a specific issue.
– Isabela Kelly
Aged care training partnership
Helping Hand and Port Augusta Technical College are partnering to provide work experience for up to 20 students per term at residential aged care homes, as well as placements for up to 60 year 11 students a year.
Opening next year, the technical college will support students from year 10 to year 12 to complete SACE while undertaking VET courses.
“Working with Port Augusta Technical College allows us to create a pathway for students by encouraging them to consider a career with an aged care provider, which they can walk into immediately after completing their studies,” Helping Hand chief executive Chris Stewart said.
– Isabella Kelly
Allied health and aquatic centre open
The Minda Allied Health and Aquatic Centre has opened following its first major renovation in 43 years.
New purpose-built consulting rooms, a gym and physiotherapy space, reception and collaborative working space are all part of the renovations.
Chief executive David Panter said the facility “has been revamped really to improve the user experience and give them the best opportunity to reach and maintain their health and wellbeing goals”.
– Isabella Kelly
