Business Chamber launches recruitment service

The South Australian Business Chamber has launched a new recruitment support service in partnership with Harrison McMillan.

Recruitment Solutions offers a screening or shortlist package, with the Chamber taking on everything from providing a recruiter to advising unsuccessful candidates.

The program will work across “all white and blue collar positions for permanent, contract and executive roles” in sectors such as finance, technology, defence, and construction.

“We have provided industrial relations support and advice for SA businesses for decades, assistance with human resources is a logical extension of that service,” the Chamber’s CEO Andrew Kay said.

“Most business owners are time poor, and the lower-end roles they are recruiting for don’t justify the cost of an executive search. Our solution enables them to receive a shortlist of worthy candidates without having to wade through dozens of CVs and spend hours on the phone.”

-Isabella Kelly 

SA company wins international sustainability award

CH4 Global was awarded AgTech Sustainability Solution of the Year at the international AgTech Breakthrough Awards, recognising the company’s Methane Tamer feed supplement, which reduces cattle methane emissions by up to 90 per cent.

CH4’s Methane Tamer is derived from Asparagopsis seaweed, in what AgTech Breakthrough managing director Bryan Vaughn called a “monumental breakthrough in the quest for sustainable livestock production”.

“By harnessing the power of a humble seaweed, we’re offering a win-win solution that allows farmers to significantly reduce their methane emissions while improving their financial resilience,” CH4 Global CEO Steve Meller said.

CH4 Global is building a commercial-scale facility on the Eyre Peninsula to grow Asparagopsis in large-scale ponds, with the facility to eventually expand CH4’s supply capacity to 100,000 cattle daily.

– Isabella Kelly 

Resthaven and Eldercare jointly acquire Aveo’s portfolio

Resthaven and Eldercare have announced the successful acquisition of 1033 units from Aveo’s South Australian retirement living portfolio, spread across 13 communities.

Resthaven will acquire 799 units across 11 villages, while Eldercare will gain the remaining 234 over two villages. The deal will settle in November.

“This acquisition gives certainty to Aveo residents and staff, who will be welcomed to Eldercare and Resthaven respectively,” said Eldercare CE Jane Pickering.

“This partnership demonstrates the respect and commitment from two values driven organisations that provide exceptional services to the South Australian community.”

– Isabella Kelly

Singapore Airlines announce new Adelaide flights

Singapore Airlines is increasing flight frequencies across its network in 2025, with 10 flights to Adelaide per week across the northern 2024 winter and 2025 summer.

From October 27 2024 to March 28 2025, the airline will offer three more flights between Singapore and Adelaide weekly.

The airline currently offers seven weekly flights to Adelaide.

– Isabella Kelly

National Apprentice of the Year Steve Walton. Photo: supplied

South Australian wins National Apprentice of the Year

Steven Walton has been awarded the National Apprentice of the Year by the Interior Fitout Association (IFA), recognising his work at The Winkle Group as a final-year carpentry and joinery apprentice.

Winkle Group director Harmony O’Cadin said he thought Walton’s “positive attitude” had helped him achieve the accolade.

“Not all young people have that ability to see past what comes after the apprenticeship, but Steve thinks about his long term career which sets him up for success,” O’Cadin said.

-Isabella Kelly 

Photo: supplied

Yalumba wine awarded sixth trophy

Australia’s oldest family-owned winery Yalumba received the The Dan Murphy’s Perennial Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show on August 15.

This was the Yalumba Sanctum Cabernet Sauvignon 2021’s sixth accolade.

“Sanctum is a modern take on classical regional and varietal stalwart that is fun, flavoursome, stylish and uninhibited. It showcases the modernity of Coonawarra and the outstanding quality of our Yalumba Menzies estate vineyard,” senior winemaker Heather Fraser said.

– Grace Tsimbiko

Heirloom Vineyards recognised nationally

Heirloom Vineyard’s McLaren Vale Touriga 2023 was awarded the Best Other Red Varietal at the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show, recognising wines that reflect both traditional and modern winemaking techniques.

Winemaker Elena Brooks said her extensive work with the Touriga variety in Europe played a crucial role in shaping the distinct style of the wine.

“Touriga has always been a variety close to my heart, and being able to bring my European experience with this grape to McLaren Vale has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.

– Grace Tsimbiko

Tech Harvest – Ingenuity in Agri-Business, an AmCham event on technology’s role in improving agricultural productivity with Elders managing director and CEO Mark Allison, at the Adelaide Convention Centre on August 29.

EuroMix, a French Australian Chamber of Commerce event celebrating food and wine and the partnerships between countries such as Austria, France, Germany, and Greece, with Minister for Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison at the Adelaide Convention Centre on August 29.

National Self-Employment Conference, a two-day event with industry experts and Andrew Leigh, at the Stamford Grand on September 9 – 10.

Transport and Infrastructure Panel, a French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry event with Keolis Downer looking at the renewable energy and zero emission bus industry, at The Village Well on September 19.

South Australian Business Index, an InDaily event presenting an independent ranking of South Australia’s top 100 companies, with Premier Peter Malinauskas and media personality David Koch, at the Adelaide Convention Centre on September 20.

Inspiring Women Impacting the World and Beyond – Women in Defence, an Australia Day Council event with Jessica Pisani from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Kate van Hilst from the Australian Submarine Agency, and Libby Day from the Defence Teaming Centre, at the Allan Scott Auditorium on September 20.

Pink Yellow Blue Disco, a Flinders Foundation event raising funds for cancer research and care, at the Adelaide Convention Centre on October 12.

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.

Nominations open for First Nations Professionals Program

The Property Council of Australia has opened nominations for its First Nations Professionals Program, inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples working across the property sector to apply.

Four people will have the chance to attend the council’s flagship Property Congress event through the program, with flights to and from Townsville, accommodation, and conference tickets all provided to those successful.

Nominations close September 6.

– Isabella Kelly

South Australian Training Award finalists revealed

The finalists for the South Australian Training Awards have been announced, recognising the achievements of schools, students, apprentices and trainees, training providers, employers, and trainers.

Awards include Apprentice of the Year, which has seen Amity Lobb of Adelaide Oval, Bianca Taylor of Taylor Made Heritage Restoration, Bradley Wilkins of ProBuild Australia, Callum Irlam of Loxton Community Hotel Motel, and Ella Stasinowsky of B.L. Shipway & Co. all nominated.

Other awards will recognise industry collaboration, large and small employers and training providers, vocational students, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students.

The winners will be announced at a gala on September 25, with eligible winners competing nationally on December 6.

– Isabella Kelly

Photo: supplied

CheeseFest dates announced

Australia’s biggest cheese festival will return to Rundle Park on October 19 and 20 this year with over 80 stalls, including a debut vegan cheese producer.

“We create the perfect platform for sharing and learning with so many of the makers themselves attending and a bunch of experts to guide us through carefully curated Masterclasses,” said director Kris Lloyd.

Matt Preston will headline the lineup of Foodland Cooking Demonstrations, with a partnership between Foodland and Great Wine Capitals of the World delivering expert-led wine and cheese pairing sessions.

– Isabella Kelly

Bickfords unveil brand update

Bickfords has announced a livery update across its portfolio, with new flavours and packaging to be introduced across the entire range over the next six months, adorned with a new, ribbon-less, logo.

“Removing the ribbon was a tough decision, but it reflects our commitment to moving forward and embracing modern design while still respecting our heritage,” said owner Angelo Kotses.

“We believe this update will significantly enhance our visibility and appeal in the market, while positioning us for future growth.”

– Isabella Kelly