Briefcase: Business Snippets from around South Australia
In this week’s briefcase, Seppeltsfield is announced as the Premier Wine Partner for Tasting Australia, R.M. Williams steps into women’s boots, and a plastic pedestrian bridge opens at Mount Barker. Plus the return of the InSync business event listing.
Seppeltsfield in the Barossa Valley has been announced as the Premier Wine Partner for Tasting Australia.
Barossa Valley winery Seppeltsfield announced as Premier Wine Partner for Tasting Australia
173-year-old South Australian winery Seppeltsfield has been announced as the Premier Wine Partner for Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel.
“[This is] a fantastic opportunity to showcase our collection of Barossa contemporary still and fortified wines,” said Seppeltsfield Chief Winemaker Fiona Donald.
The wines will be available by the glass and at masterclasses throughout the Tasting Australia festival.
Tasting Australia will take place in Adelaide’s Victoria Square from 3 to 12 May.
Tasting Australia drinks co-curator Banjo Harris Plane said: “With 173 years of history as one of South Australia’s most iconic wineries, this partnership reflects our state’s long and proud history as a source of premium wines.”
– Louise Jackson
SA government to review state’s building regulations
The Malinauskas Government has announced a review of the state’s building regulations, which will take place alongside a separate review of Building Indemnity Insurance.
Among the issues the review will look into include creating an easier dispute resolution process for consumers, introducing a permit system for owner-builders to stop imposters, and considering the introduction of mandatory Continuing Professional Development Schemes for builders, electricians and plumbers.
Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels said that public consultation on the reforms will begin soon and that legislative changes will likely be introduced to parliament next year.
“South Australians rely on builders and tradies, whether it be for minor installations or repairs through to significant renovations and major building projects like building a new home,” she said.
“It’s crucial that strong protections are in place to protect people when they are making these significant investments.”
– Charlie Gilchrist
William Buck CFO Summit returns for 2024
The William Buck 2024 CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Summit will return with a line-up of prominent industry figures.
This includes Peregrine Corporation’s Khalil (Charlie) Shahin AO, SA Treasurer Stephen Mullighan and REDARC’s Anthony Kittel.
This year’s summit will cover topics such as South Australia’s economy, navigating growth, mandatory climate-related disclosures and competitive advantage in a global context.
“This long-standing annual summit has become one of the most anticipated calendar events. While the tailored program caters to CFOs and finance leaders, business executives can also extract valuable insights from its content across a broad range of industries,” said the Audit and Assurance Director of William Buck, Matthew King.
This year’s event takes place on May 15 at Adelaide Oval with journalist Jess Adamson as host.
– Charlie Gilchrist
Business administrations on track for 10-year high
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) data indicates a surge in companies entering external administration, with new figures showing a 36.2 per cent increase for the nine months from 1 July 2023 to 31 March 2024.
The construction sector accounts for 27.7 per cent of the 7742 companies that faced administration during that timeframe, followed by accommodation and food services which accounts for 15.2 per cent of the total.
ASIC said with only one quarter remaining this financial year, it is expected that the number of companies entering external administration by 30 June will exceed 10,000 – a level not seen since the 2012-2013 financial year.
– David Simmons
William Buck Adelaide 2024 CFO Summit, at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, 15 May from 8:30am-5pm.
South Australian Festivals and Events Policy Forum at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, 7 May from 7:30-9:30am.
South Australia’s Economic Statement, an AmCham business lunch at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Tuesday, 7 May from 11:45am-2pm.
C-Suite Luncheon with the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry at Sofitel Adelaide on 9 May from 12-2.30pm.
Beyond Imagination – Bedford Gala Evening 2024 at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Saturday, 4 May from 6:30pm-Late.
Securing South Australia’s Water Future, a CEDA portfolio update with Deputy Premier Susan Close at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Thursday, 30 May from 12-2pm.
Australian Rare Earths moves to expand uranium footprint
Listed Adelaide miner Australian Rare Earths has applied for an exploration licence that would expand its prospective uranium mining site by 1000 km2.
Announced to shareholders, the company’s move would see the Overland Uranium Project cover a total of 3000 km2.
The company said the move complements its acquisition of Valrico Resources – the owner of the Overland Uranium Project.
“By quickly adding an additional 1000km2 of prospective tenure at the Overland Uranium Project, AR3 has secured a commanding position in a potential new uranium province,” Australian Rare Earths managing director and CEO Travis Beinke said.
“This strategic expansion builds on our recent addition of uranium into our exploration portfolio. This move provides AR3 with more opportunities for growth, flexibility and value creation for our shareholders.
“Given our strong cash position, we are excited about the prospect of assessing additional opportunities to further enhance our exploration portfolio of energy transition metals and generate value for our shareholders.”
– David Simmons
R.M. Williams has announced an expansion of its women’s boots line. Photo: supplied.
R.M. Williams steps into women’s boots
R.M. Williams has stepped up its women’s boot production line with an $8 million investment in new equipment and a 13,500 square metre expansion at its Salisbury workshop.
70 new manufacturing positions have been created as part of the expansion of the South Australian footwear company.
The new line of boots has seven women’s styles of Chelsea boots with a range of heel heights and styles.
R.M. Williams has also partnered TAFE SA to offer an Industrial Sewing certificate alongside their Leather Cert III for upcoming apprentices.
Tattarang Director and R.M. Williams Board Member Nicola Forrest AO said that “Today we are investing in the next chapter of this history together with talented women in leadership positions working on every step of the boot-making process, proudly making products for women by women.”
– Xenia Hackett
Deadline approaches to apply for Regional Housing Initiatives Program funding
Regional councils, developers and stakeholders have been encouraged by the Office for Regional Housing to apply for a share in the $10 million Regional Housing Initiatives Program before May 3.
Applicants must show how their project aligns with regional housing priorities, has a positive economic and social impact, will support local industry and supply chain, and is financially viable in the long term.
They must show evidence of council endorsement in the submission.
The funding will go towards residential development projects that “deliver the greatest strategic value for the state and could benefit from a partnership with the state government.”
Examples of where the funding could go include new infrastructure, creating larger residential developments, and building long-term worker housing.
“We’ve had fantastic engagement from councils across the state thus far, which demonstrates that there are dozens of potential projects that would benefit from this funding opportunity,” Office for Regional Housing Director Matt Hunt said.
“The ROI process provides a funding mechanism for our regions to unlock economic benefits by providing high quality, inexpensive housing for workers.”
– Charlie Gilchrist
The Schaefer Crossing pedestrian bridge has been launched at Mount Barker. Photo: supplied.
A new pedestrian bridge at Mount Barker
A new pedestrian bridge, Schaefer Crossing, has been launched at Mount Barker, with manufacturers saying it is made of nearly 500kg of recycled soft plastics.
The new bridge was installed in the Newenham community through a partnership between the Mount Barker District Council, Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (SIS) and developer Burke Urban
“Schaefer Crossing is a cutting-edge demonstration of the objectives of the Circular Procurement Pilot Project, to prioritise buying and using products made from recycled materials,” Mount Barker Mayor David Leach said.
– Charlie Gilchrist
