Country Press SA Executive Committee. Dennis Jackson, Vice-President; Ben Taylor; Darren Robinson, President; His Excellency the Governor Hieu Van Le; Michael Ellis; Ian Osterman and Trevor McAuliffe, Administration Officer.
The Barossa was on show when The Leader hosted the 2018 Country Press SA Conference and Awards on February 21 and 22.
In an exciting two days, newspaper professionals from across the state were immersed in the region before being joined by His Excellency the Governor, Hieu Van Le for lunch.
To top off the excitement, it was announced that The Leader’s own Director of Advertising Sales and Marketing, Mr Darren Robinson, is the new Country Press SA President.
He takes over from Mr Ian Osterman, Editor of Mt. Barker Courier.
“I look forward to serving my two year term as President and continuing to drive our association forward,” said Darren.
On Thursday guests were welcomed by host, Darren Robinson and special guest, Jess Greatwich, to “live like a Barossan’.
Departing from Nuriootpa, guests were treated to a 50 minute bus journey around the Barossa viewing some of the iconic sights, before finishing with light food and drinks at The Clubhouse, Tanunda.
On Friday, over 30 industry professionals attended the conference at the Vine Inn Barossa Community Hotel, Nuriootpa.
Host newspaper: Representing The Leader were Peter, Angela, Tony and Darren Robinson.
Barossa identities, Mr Chris Linden, CEO of the Vine Inn and Mr Josh Helbig, Beam Internet, Kodo Tech and Hypatech, provided strong insight to their businesses and the region in their speeches.
They were amongst four others who spoke on the day, including His Excellency the Governor, Hieu Van Le.
Following on from the conference was the Country Press Association AGM, before the all important annual awards night.
The Hon. Vickie Chapman MP representing the Premier and Mr Peter Malinauskas, Leader of the Opposition along with many other special guests, sponsors, publishers and staff enjoyed the highly successful awards dinner.
The Hon Vickie Chapman MP with special guest, Mr Greg Watson, Country Press Queensland.
Editor of the Murray Pioneer, Mr Paul Mitchell with Leader of the Opposition, Mr Peter Malinauskas.
Newly appointed President, Darren said, “It was an absolute honour for us (The Leader) to host the annual conference and awards in our home town of the Barossa Valley.
“It was a terrific opportunity and a number of local businesses have benefitted from the influx of people visiting our region during the event.”
