Briefcase: Business Snippets from around South Australia
In this week’s briefcase: Inovor Technologies leaders graduate, authorisation granted for commercial space launches and a builder has been contracted for the long-awaited Heysen Gallery.
Inovor Technologies’ international graduation
Square Holes’ AI partnership
Varda Space Industries gets launch approval
Playford housing release
Cyber security firm recognised
Green iron consortium
Heysen Gallery gets builder
Kelsian awarded contracts
InSync – Business events and happenings
First Nations business in SA
Reillys Wines wins big
Amadio Wines’ recognised internationally
Advertising awards
Fearless Innovator Grant finalists
New assets for Green Triangle
Mariott Hotel partners with Motorsport Festival
Inovor Technologies graduates from international program
Inovor Technologies has become the third Australian company to graduate from the Lockheed Martin Mentor Protégé program, founded in the United States.
The company’s leadership undertook a tailored 12-month intensive program in Australia and the US, covering core capabilities such as human resource processes, business ethics, contracting, product management, export controls, quality management systems, supply chain risk management, competitive intelligence and cyber security readiness.
“By accelerating the development of core SME capabilities, the Mentor Protégé Program delivers an immediate strategic impact for participants with their existing customers, while creating the potential for new export opportunities to the United States and beyond,” Lockheed Martin Australia’s regional director for Space David Ball said.
“By accessing Lockheed Martin’s world-class subject matter experts, we have taken a major step forward in the capacity and competency of our leadership team that will significantly accelerate our ability to innovate and grow,” Inovor founder and CEO Matt Tetlow said.
– Isabella Kelly
Square Holes partners to unlock AI potential
Research agency Square Holes has partnered with StratAigeist and Regional Business Advisors to turn businesses’ customer, sales and operational data into actionable insights using Private AI and large language models, creating secure custom AI solutions.
“The best use of AI is human + AI,” Square Holes managing director Jason Dunstone said.
“Through our work, we’ve seen AI systems like ChatGPT eagerly fill in gaps – sometimes fabricating statistics, inventing reports, or merging quotes from different sources to please the user. AI is excellent for efficiency and pattern recognition, but it’s critical to balance machine-generated insights with real human primary data and analysis.”
– Isabella Kelly
Southern Launch approved to launch
Southern Launch has received the final state government approval for its Eyre Peninsula Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex after it received environmental approval last week.
The first launches are scheduled for late 2025, with final plans to be completed shortly.
It comes as American company Varda Space Industries received authorisation from the federal government for a series of returns to Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range.
Three pharmaceutical manufacturing capsules from Varda will re-enter the atmosphere to land at the Koonibba range, making it the first company to have authorisation for re-entry in two countries.
The first mission is scheduled for early next year.
– Isabella Kelly
Playford housing offerings
Playford will see several new homes and land allotments delivered under Playford Alive’s newest precinct, with 282 land allotments to be created in the Newton Boulevard estate at Munno Para, 175 of which are priced at or below the affordable land price point of $222,750.
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Playford Alive is a collaboration between Renewal SA, the South Australian Housing Trust and the City of Playford, being one of the country’s biggest urban renewal projects.
Since its April launch, 190 allotments have been released, around 178 of which have been sold, 121 of which were affordable allotments. Another 45 went on sale in October, sized from 269m2 to 520m2, starting at $209,000.
“The rapid sale of blocks for affordable homes in the Newton Boulevard estate shows, in the midst of a housing crisis, just how high the demand is for people to be able to own their own homes,” Renewal SA executive director of Residential Project Delivery and Assets Peter Gatsiosis said.
Renewal SA has also announced it is finalising the choice of three builders which will accelerate the construction of 25 rental homes in the area, selected from Renewal SA Residential Builders Panel.
– Isabella Kelly
Cyber security firm recognised as international finalists
Cyber security advisory and IT consulting firm Hannan & Partners has been selected as a finalist in the AmChan Alliance Awards Digital Economy category, the only South Australian finalist in the area.
The AmCham Alliance Awards began in 2021 and recognise leaders in the industries shaping economic collaboration between the United States and Australia, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy.
The winners will be announced at a gala on November 11, hosted in Sydney.
– Isabella Kelly
Green iron consortium formed
Magnetite Mines, Aurizon Holdings, Flinders Port Holdings and GHD have formed a consortium called ‘Green Iron SA’ to “kick start green iron production and export capability in South Australia”.
The consortium aims to harness the Braemar Iron region alongside renewable energy to position SA as a leader in the low-carbon steel supply chain.
The first project for the consortium is the development of Magnetite Mines’ Razorback Iron Ore Project, which will secure a supply of high-purity magnetite.
Then, direct reduction grade pellets will be made for manufacturing direct reduced iron at Port Pirie by the early 2030s.
“By using natural gas and green hydrogen when available, Green Iron SA is seeking to address the urgent need to make significant reductions in carbon emissions in global steel production, and in doing so deliver substantial economic benefits to the Upper Spencer Gulf region, including long-term job creation and community revitalisation,” the consortium said.
– David Simmons
The revised plans for the Heysen Gallery, which received council planning approval on Wednesday May 15. Image: Beyond Ink
Builder engaged for Heysen Gallery project
South Australian building company Marshall & Brougham has been engaged to construct the long-awaited Heysen Gallery, with Beyond Ink providing the final designs for the $6.5 million construction.
The overall $9 million project is expected to begin construction in mid-November and be completed by July 2025.
The project has seen multiple previous designs, with plans initially approved in May 2023.
“After a lengthy design process working through several versions, we are very happy with the revised Beyond Ink design and it’s very satisfying to know it is finally going to be built,” Hans Heysen Foundation chair James Sexton said.
– Isabella Kelly
Kelsian wins contracts
Kelsian has renewed its contract for bus services on the island of Jersey, a Channel island between England and France, with the 10-year contract to secure an estimated $260 million of revenue.
The contract covers the operation and maintenance of around 80 buses at one depot, staffed by 175 people, through Kelsian’s wholly-owned subsidiary LibertyBus.
LibertyBus has operated the service for the Government of Jersey since 2013 and was acquired in 2022 by Kelsian.
Kelsian was also awarded a five-year extension of an existing ferry service agreement from Darwin to Mandorah and Darwin to Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory, having operated the services since 2013.
The extension will secure around $25.7 million of services funding over the five years.
– Isabella Kelly
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.
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.
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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.
Hydrogen Summit, a French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry event with a panel discussion including Mike Rann, Deloitte’s Maxence Cateau and SMART ENERGY COUNCIL’s Joanna Kay, at Festival Tower on November 26.
First Nations Business Showcase in South Australia
South Australia hosted the First Nations Business Showcase on October 24, with over 100 Aboriginal businesses attending the Entertainment Centre at the event which was hosted by The Circle – First Nations Entrepreneur Hub.
Since its 2021 launch at Lot Fourteen, The Circle has received $5.5 million in funding and has a membership of over 370 businesses.
– Isabella Kelly
Reillys Wines wins big at Small Winemakers Show
Clare Valley winery Reillys Wines won 11 awards at the 2024 Australian Small Winemakers Show, including the title of Australia’s best small winery.
“We are incredibly humbled to be recognised as the best small winery in Australia and have our 2024 Watervale Riesling voted by the team of judges as not only the best South Australian white wine, but to receive the trophy for the Champion White Wine in the nation,” owner and winemaker Justin Ardill said.
“It’s a tribute to our winegrowing and winemaking philosophy of producing premium wines, in low-yielding vineyards and with minimum intervention, that allows the quality of the fruit to truly shine – and just reward for our viticulturist behind this great Riesling, our great friend Robert Smyth, to be honoured with the Champion Viticulturist of Show trophy.
“And given the ASWS’ high standing, with more than 700 wines from over 130 wineries across the length and breadth of Australia judged by wine industry icons before medals and trophies are awarded, it is another significant feather in the cap of the Clare Valley, further cementing our status as the premium Riesling-producing region in Australia.”
Australian Small Winemakers Show 2024 – Reillys Wines Awards:
- Champion Small Winery of Show Trophy – Reillys Wines
- Champion Viticulturist of Show Trophy – Robert Smyth for Reillys 2024 Watervale Riesling
- Champion White Wine of Show Trophy – 2024 Reillys Watervale Riesling
- Best SA White Wine of Show Trophy – 2024 Reillys Watervale Riesling
- Gold Medal – 2024 Reillys Watervale Riesling
- Gold Medal – 2017 Reillys Museum Release Riesling
- Gold Medal – 2023 Dry Land Tempranillo
- Silver Medal – 2018 Moonvine Cabernet Shiraz
- Silver Medal – 2021 Dry Land Sagrantino Sangiovese Shiraz
- Bronze Medal – 2018 Dry Land Sangiovese
- Bronze Medal – 2019 RCV ‘Epitaph’ Shiraz
- Bronze Medal – 2020 Moonvine Sagrantino Sangiovese Shiraz
– David Simmons
Amadio Wines managing director Danniel Amadio. Photo: supplied
Amadio Wines’ international recognition
Amadio Wines received 11 gold medals over October at global competitions in Vienna and China, including the world’s largest wine competition the AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge, where its’ Sebastien’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 claimed Best Cabernet Sauvignon in the World.
The brand also won gold for its Single Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. At the China Wine Spirits Awards 2024, the brand received double gold medals for its Single Vineyard Selection Shiraz 2021 and Heritage Selection Sagrantino 2018, with four gold medals for its Block 2A Reserve Shiraz 2017, Sebastien’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Single Vineyard Selection Cabernet 2021 and Singel Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2022.
Managing director Danniel Amadio said the achievements “underscore the exceptional quality of Adelaide Hills wines on the world stage”.
– Isabella Kelly
Advertising industry award winners announced
The Adelaide Advertising and Design Club (AADC)’s 47th AADC Awards were hosted on October 24, with over 300 people in attendance.
Awards went to Showpony Adelaide, Simple, kwpx, Fuller, Studio Landmark, Scott Illingworth of Seeing Sounds, KOJO Studios, Angela Heesom of Heesom Casting, Proetic, Black Sheep Advertising, Detour Design Studio, Jonathan van der Knapp of Jonathan VDK, Maxx Corkindale, NATION, Parallax, The Sideways Theory, Toolbox Graphic Design, and Visualizm.
– Isabella Kelly
Fearless Innovator Grant finalists
The top 10 finalists of Women in Innovation and the Fearless Female Network’s Fearless Innovator Grant Program have been revealed, with six grants on offer, including two worth $30,000 and four worth $10,000.
The finalists are: Violet Coleman (Georgie Paws), Natalie Michels (Coiltek Manufacturing), Marie Ellul (ART Lab Solutions), Kirsty Parkin (Supaglu), Kate Campbell and Kate O’Donoghue (Play Pouch), Jessica Tilbrook (Glow Group Health and Wellbeing), Emma Wiltshire (Fullhouse), Debbie Faehrmann (Healthy Heads), Claire Osterstock (Olive & Bee), Amelia Parker and Fiona Goodsite (Tutbob).
Winners will be announced at the Women in Innovation Awards Night on November 22 at the National Wine Centre.
– Isabella Kelly
New firefighting assets for Green Triangle
A new 144kl water tank and dual diesel/electric water pump are being installed at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport to protect the 334,000-hectare Green Triangle forestry area from bushfires.
The assets are co-funded by over $415,000 of federal funding, with federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister saying the investment was “core to protecting the pine and blue gum plantations across South Australia’s Limestone Coast and Western Districts of Victoria”.
“Modernising and increasing water access for aerial firefighting means the region is better equipped to combat bushfires, not only protecting the forestry plantations but also protecting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Forestry workers across the Region,” she said.
– Isabella Kelly
Mariott Hotel named official partner of Motorsport Festival
The newly opened Adelaide Marriott Hotel is the official accommodation partner of the 2025 Repco Adelaide Motorsport Festival and naming-rights sponsor of the Adelaide Marriott Grand Marquee.
The hotel will offer rooms at an exclusive rate for festival attendees from March 5 to March 11, with the hotel’s marquee to see interview and autograph opportunities with drivers.
– Isabella Kelly
