Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains

10/06/2026

Events play an important role in regional life. They bring people together, create opportunities for local businesses, strengthen the identity of our towns and give residents and visitors more reasons to experience the Barossa throughout the year.

That is why we welcome The Barossa Council’s new Event Sponsorship Program which brings event support, advice, approvals, logistics assistance and sponsorship into a clearer and more accessible process for organisers.

This support matters across many different types of events, from township celebrations, Christmas parades and community festivals through to food and wine experiences, arts and cultural events, markets, sporting events, heritage activities and new ideas that help bring people into our main streets, venues and shared public spaces.

For community groups, volunteers, local event organisers and those with fresh ideas, this kind of support can make a real difference. It helps turn good ideas into well-planned events and gives established events a pathway to grow, improve and contribute even more to the local economy and community life.

A strong, diverse events calendar supports local pride, seasonal visitation, business activity and the shared experiences that help keep regional communities connected.

Applications are now open and close on 30 June 2026.

Learn more and apply through The Barossa Council’s Event Support and Sponsorship page here:
https://www.barossa.sa.gov.au/development-business/economic-activation/events-and-activation/event-support-and-sponsorship -sponsorship-application-form

09/06/2026

We are delighted to join Regional Development South Australia and regional communities across the state in congratulating Hon Rob Kerin AO on being awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in The King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.

Rob’s contribution to South Australia has been felt across public life, primary industry, economic development and the ongoing strengthening of our regions. This is a richly deserved recognition of a lifetime of service and leadership.

Congratulations, Rob, from all of us at RDA Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains.

09/06/2026

There are so many businesses across our region doing exceptional work, creating jobs, building capability, opening new markets and contributing to the strength of South Australia’s economy and communities.

The SA Premier’s Business & Export Awards are an important opportunity to recognise that effort and celebrate the businesses helping shape our state’s future.

Nominations close Friday 12 June, so now is the time to finalise your submission.

If your business has a story worth sharing, or you know a business that deserves recognition, this is a great opportunity to be part of it.

Nominate in the link below.

Is your nomination in for the SA Premier's Business & Export Awards? ✍️

You have until Friday 12 June to finalise your nomination - don't miss your opportunity to be recognised and celebrated for your business excellence and contribution to our state's economy and communities 🏆

Nominate your business today 👉 https://ow.ly/qh4i50W3Qzk

08/06/2026

With just over a week to go, this is a great opportunity for local business owners to take some practical time out to strengthen how they show up online.

Gawler Business Community’s free workshop, 'Grow your sales through your digital online presence', will be held on Wednesday 17 June at the Gawler Civic Centre, with Priya-Marie Robert leading a strategy-centred session on online profiles, content, referral partnerships and smarter ways to support business growth.

For small business owners, consultants and entrepreneurs across the region, this is a valuable chance to pick up practical ideas, connect with others and make better use of the online activity you are already doing.

🤝 June Networking Event

Join us for an upcoming business workshop and networking session with award-winning referral marketer Priya-Marie Robert.

This practical 60-minute session will explore how businesses can better communicate their value, strengthen their online and business presence, attract the right customers and build meaningful referral partnerships.

Whether you run a retail store, service-based business, hospitality venue, trades business or operate online, this session will provide practical strategies to help you better promote your business in today’s increasingly digital world.

Following the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to connect and network with other local business owners and professionals.

📅 Wednesday 17 June 2026
🕠 5:30pm – 7:30pm
📍 Gawler Civic Centre

Register here:
https://events.humanitix.com/grow-your-sales-through-your-digital-online-presence-nd8vr86v

08/06/2026

Gawler’s town centre plays such an important role in the daily life, identity and future of the region, so this is a valuable opportunity for local people, businesses and community groups to help shape what comes next.

There are still opportunities to speak with the Town of Gawler team in person, including today at the Civic Centre from 4pm to 7pm, Thursday 18 June from 12pm to 4pm at the Civic Centre, and lastly Tuesday 23 June from 10am to 1pm at CIBO Courtyard.

We encourage the Gawler community to review the draft Town Centre Structure Plan and provide feedback through the official consultation channels before 5pm, Friday 26 June.

Have Your Say on the Draft Future of Gawler’s Town Centre!

The Town of Gawler is inviting the community to review and provide feedback on the draft Gawler Town Centre Structure Plan - a long-term vision to guide how our town centre grows, connects, and thrives over the next 10–20 years.

🗓️ Consultation now open: 1 – 26 June 2026

This draft has been shaped by earlier community input - now we want to know: have we got it right?

We’re seeking your feedback on:
✅ Land use, public spaces & infrastructure
✅ Housing and heritage-sensitive development
✅ Transport, parking & accessibility
✅ Economic growth, investment and activation
✅ Creating a more vibrant and welcoming town centre

📍 Pop-up sessions in the Town Centre:
• Thursday 4 June
CIBO Courtyard
10am – 1pm

• Tuesday 9 June
Civic Centre
4pm – 7pm

• Thursday 18 June
Civic Centre
12pm – 4pm

• Tuesday 23 June
CIBO Courtyard
10am – 1pm

💬 Have your say:
Complete the online survey or make a written submission by 5pm, Friday 26 June 2026.

🔗 Find the draft plan and have your say:
https://yourvoice.gawler.sa.gov.au/town-centre-structure-plan

*Comments made on this post will not be considered formal feedback. To ensure your input is captured, please submit your feedback through the official engagement channels. Visit Your Voice for more information on how to provide feedback.

29/05/2026

Local knowledge is critical when flood mapping is being reviewed.

Flood mapping can feel like something that sits in a planning document, but for communities it can connect to very real questions about land, homes, local roads, businesses, future development and how well we prepare for changing conditions.

State Planning Commission South Australia (Plan SA) has released the draft State-Wide Flood Hazard Code Amendment for public consultation, with proposed updates to flood hazard mapping and planning rules across South Australia.

We encourage people across our region to take a look at the draft mapping and consider whether they have local knowledge or experience to contribute. People who live and work in a place often understand how water moves through the landscape, where access can become difficult, how past flooding has affected properties or roads and what future development may need to take into account.

The proposed changes may affect some properties by introducing or clarifying flood-related planning considerations, while for many others they may remove requirements that are no longer considered necessary.

This consultation is an opportunity for local experience to be part of the conversation.

Consultation closes on Thursday, 13 August 2026, so we encourage landowners, businesses, developers, councils and community members to review the draft mapping and supporting information, consider what it may mean for their property, business, community or future plans and share feedback through YourSAy where they have local knowledge, observations, concerns or support to contribute - use the link below:

https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/state-wide-flood-hazard-code-amendment

Read more at PlanSA:
https://plan.sa.gov.au/news/article/2026/updated-flood-mapping-and-policies-to-better-protect-south-australians

28/05/2026

Gawler businesses - don’t miss out!

There are only 2 spots left for the boosted business coaching sessions available through our B2B program.

These sessions are a great opportunity to get tailored support, strengthen your business and work through your next steps with expert guidance.

If you miss one of the final boosted coaching places, you can still apply to take part in the broader B2B program and access support for your business.

Apply now via the link below.
https://barossa.org.au/assistance/b2b-support-program-application/

25/05/2026

Great initiative supporting our regional South Australian small and family businesses. These events are a valuable opportunity to connect, learn about available support and build local networks.

The series is running from Wednesday 27 May to Wednesday 22 July, from Loxton to Port Lincoln and plenty of towns in between. Find your nearest event and register via the link below.

Running a business can be challenging, but you don’t need to do it alone. 🤝

That’s why we’re bringing our Connect, Learn and Network events to regional SA.

At each event you can:

✅ Connect with your Business Support Officer
✅ Learn what government programs and support services are available
✅ Network with other business owners and support organisations in your region.

It’s all about helping you get on with business.

Find your nearest event and register: business.sa.gov.au/regional-events

21/05/2026

Adelaide Plains Council is hosting a Business Networking Lunch in Two Wells on Thursday 18 June.

This free local event is a great opportunity for business owners, sole operators and team members to learn practical, simple and repeatable ways to use AI with more confidence in everyday workflows.

The session will be led by AI expert Dante st james, who will share practical insights into how AI can support everyday business tasks.

Topics will include managing enquiries, drafting emails, quotes and proposals, creating content, supporting calendar and email management, AI scribing and identifying opportunities across markets, tenders, grants, ecommerce and more.

There will also be live demonstrations and access to a free online guide so attendees can start applying what they learn straight away.

When: Thursday 18 June | 12 - 1:30pm
Where: Two Wells Tavern Dining Room
Cost: Free, including a free meal. Drinks at own cost.

Bookings are essential, with limited spaces available - book your seat here:
https://events.humanitix.com/apc-business-networking-lunch

18/05/2026

In challenging markets, every guest and every sale matters.

Great sales are about reducing hesitation, building trust quickly and confidently guiding decisions. Done well, this can help increase conversion rates, average order value and Ccustomer confidence.

Barossa Circle is hosting 'Sales Psychology & Conversational Selling', a practical workshop led by Mat Lewis of Big Outcomes and Mel Hamilton of Infront Hospitality.

This valuable session is designed for cellar door, tourism and hospitality teams looking to strengthen sales confidence and maximise every guest opportunity. It will help teams convert more of the customers already walking through the door, without being pushy, scripted or transactional.

The workshop reframes sales as a practical, team-based skill: helping customers decide faster and more confidently, so fewer opportunities are lost.

By the end of the session, participants will learn how to:

- Understand why customers hesitate and how to move them forward
- Use simple questions to build trust and uncover buying intent
- Recognise identity and emotion as key drivers of purchase decisions
- Adapt quickly to different customer types
- Guide customers to a decision without feeling pushy
- Work more cohesively as a team during busy service

When: Thursday 11 June 2026 | 9 AM – 11 AM
Where: The Barossa Cellar, Vine Vale
Cost: $30 Barossa Australia Members / $50 Non-Members

Register via this link:
https://forms.barossa.com/barossaaustralia/form/BarossaCircleWorkshops/formperma/uLF157Va7MOyYCFi9AlI5bTMOhxAu0_o5AKAw2GICtc