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© 2025 Barossa Leader

High school at every stage

The change in schooling which has seen Year 7 become part of high school, rather than the final year of primary school has meant that some families now have the opportunity for siblings wider apart in age to spend a year or two together at the one...

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Love, adventure and royalty over 70 years

Kapunda couple Bev and Paul Umlauf first encountered each other in 1953 when Bev was working as an usher at a picture theatre in Salisbury, and asked Paul if he was able to move seats so that a young couple would be able to sit together. Little did...

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Matthew Webster

The countdown begins

The 128th Annual Angaston Show is back and better than ever this year, showcasing the creativity and imagination of the local community. After winning the 2024 Innovation Award - beating 44 other country shows across South Australia - the Angaston...

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Barossa Settlers’ team baskets victory

Over the weekend Barossa Settlers had five teams compete in the Riverland Basketball Carnival, Under 12 Boys, Division 1; Under 12 Girls, Division 1; Under 14 Boys, Division 1; Under 14 Girls, Division 1 and Under 16 Boys, Division 1. There were 75...

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Port players visit Barossa schools

Excitement filled the air at Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Angaston on Tuesday as students welcomed players from Port Adelaide Football Club. Their visit coincided with Port Adelaide’s pre-season camp to the Barossa, with a number of other schools...

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Let’s have a chat fellas

By Matt WebsterIn an effort to create a space for men to open up and connect, Bob Hicks has launched a new initiative called, ‘Let’s Have a Chat Fellas’.Set in the relaxed and informal environment of the Coulthard Community Barn, Nuriootpa, the...

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Matthew Webster

Local MPs join the petition push

Two local Members of Parliament with shadow health portfolios have offered their collective support to The Leader’s petition for a new regional Barossa Hospital, which is ramping up in momentum. Member for Schubert, Mrs Ashton Hurn MP, Shadow...

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Swimming supernovas

Sixteen year old Nuriootpa local Matilda Lewcock is certainly no stranger to the Starlight Super Swim, an annual fundraiser where swimmers set dollar and distance goals to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Now undertaking the...

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Sour grapes: Disappointment over decision for iconic cellar door

The ripples from Treasury Wine Estates’ recent announcement it will close Penfolds’ Cellar Door at Nuriootpa are being felt in the Barossa, with one local business owner speaking out against what he sees as potential “detrimental” impacts of...

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Matthew Webster

Dr Ben Baker’s legacy continues to make dreams come true

Enrolled Nurse, Sarah Price, is the latest recipient of the Dr. Ben Baker Memorial Scholarship, utilising the funds to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing. Established in 2020 by the Angaston Medical Centre and Foundation Barossa, The Dr. Ben Baker...

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New facilities planned at Truro

Since the purchase of the Truro Hotel and bottleshop premises, Brad Perks of Perks Hospitality group has been working on a plan for the venture.“The features will include a Thirsty Camel Bottleshop, specialising in Barossa local wines, Front Bar...

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A diamond in Kapunda: Rae and Ray celebrate 60 years of love and partnership

For Rae and Ray Reichelt (sometimes known collectively as the Rayes), February 6 marked an astonishing milestone, as the couple celebrated their diamond anniversary of 60 years of marriage. Their relationship is built on love, mutual respect, and...

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Matthew Webster

Community News

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Love, adventure and royalty over 70 years

Kapunda couple Bev and Paul Umlauf first encountered each other in 1953 when Bev was working as an usher at a picture theatre in Salisbury, and asked Paul if he was able to move seats so that a young couple would be able to sit together. Little did...

Click here

Matthew Webster

Swimming supernovas

Sixteen year old Nuriootpa local Matilda Lewcock is certainly no stranger to the Starlight Super Swim, an annual fundraiser where swimmers set dollar and distance goals to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Now undertaking the...

Click here

Sour grapes: Disappointment over decision for iconic cellar door

The ripples from Treasury Wine Estates’ recent announcement it will close Penfolds’ Cellar Door at Nuriootpa are being felt in the Barossa, with one local business owner speaking out against what he sees as potential “detrimental” impacts of...

Click here

Matthew Webster

The countdown begins

The 128th Annual Angaston Show is back and better than ever this year, showcasing the creativity and imagination of the local community. After winning the 2024 Innovation Award - beating 44 other country shows across South Australia - the Angaston...

Click here

Barossa Vintage Festival

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Barossa Vintage Festival

Ringing in the vintage season

By Clem StanleyAs is tradition at the now 135 year old winery, Monday saw the ringing of the vintage bell at Chateau Tanunda, signalling the beginning of the grape harvest season for the team. Senior Winemaker, Jeremy Ottawa, told The Leader that the...

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Barossa Vintage Festival

Charlie rolls out the Barossa Vintage welcome mat

The Barossa Vintage Festival is filled with traditions and mainstay events which make it one of the most beloved celebrations. One familiar local face, who has made an appearance at every festival since 1993, is Nuriootpa volunteer...

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Barossa Vintage Festival

Prepare to Scare-crow

The Barossa Vintage Festival would not be the same without the much-loved regional scarecrow displays - whether they’re part of the formal competition or just to boost community spirit in the lead up to the event. Not surprisingly, constructing...

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Photo Galleries

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Photo Galleries

Up close and personal with Australia’s wildlife

Kapunda Library hosted two sessions with Animals Anonymous on Friday, allowing children to see and hold some of Australia’s iconic animals. There were snakes, goannas, possums and crocodiles that were showcased by Animals Anonymous, who educated...

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Eve celebrates her special birthday at A Night of Music

It’s not very often that 462 people sing Happy Birthday to you but that is exactly what happened for Eve Herring, of Greenock who celebrated her special 18th Birthday with friends and family together with a special cake and sparklers presented by...

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Mount Pleasant heats up with Caravan Park launch

The Barossa Council Mayor Bim Lange spoke at the official opening of Mount Pleasant Caravan Park last Saturday, after a $2.4 million investment from The Barossa Council and the State Government. Mayor Lange shared with attendees on the day, “Many...

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Rams Farewell Lyndoch in fine form

As the Barossa Rams Rugby Club reflected on their 18 years calling Lyndoch Oval home, in their final fixture at the ground before moving into shiny new facilities in Tanunda next year, the current Senior sides turned on two clinics, scoring...

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Sport

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Barossa Settlers’ team baskets victory

Over the weekend Barossa Settlers had five teams compete in the Riverland Basketball Carnival, Under 12 Boys, Division 1; Under 12 Girls, Division 1; Under 14 Boys, Division 1; Under 14 Girls, Division 1 and Under 16 Boys, Division 1. There were 75...

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Nuri netting goals with Vine Inn

The Vine Inn Barossa Community Hotel has again backed the local Nuriootpa Netball Club, committing to a two-year agreement to support the Tigers’ players. In a statement, the Vine Inn advised: “Strengthening a long-standing local partnership, Vine...

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SA Squashing it at Tanunda

On Saturday, Squash players from across the state descended on the Barossa Valley for the 2025 Barossa Open, which was held on Friday January 31 and Saturday February 1, at The Rex, Tanunda. The Rex is one of the biggest squash centres in South...

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Making waves for 2025 SA Country Swimming Championships

On January 4, 2025 a team of 36 Wavemakers from the Barossa Swimming Club travelled to Mt Gambier for the 2025 SA Country Swimming Championships. After an incredible lead up and ‘Countries Camp’ in the Barossa, the team settled on the hashtag...

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Tour Down Under Wrap-Up

You could be forgiven for thinking a new law had been passed, and it was now compulsory to wear lycra when walking through the main street of Tanunda last Wednesday morning. In reality, it was the thousands of cycling fans who had made their...

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Matthew Webster

A showcase of world class cycling in the Barossa

You could be forgiven for thinking a new law had been passed, and it was now compulsory to wear lycra when walking through the main street of Tanunda last Wednesday morning. In reality, it was the thousands of cycling fans who had made their...

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Matthew Webster

Mt Pleasant Pony Club hosts debut event for 2025

Mount Pleasant Pony Club hosted its first meet of the year at the end of last week. Starting on Friday, January 10, the event featured the annual Freshman’s Showjumping day that the Club hosts each January. The club hosts the event to encourage...

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Matthew Webster

Entertainment

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A spectacular night in the forest

The ‘Forest Frolic’ attendees will be treated to a spectacular dinner dance in the forest as Wirraminna Care prepares to host its 12th event on February 15. The amazing atmosphere will feature Acoustic Echo, which will perform live music to dance...

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Gawler gears up for its biggest metal night yet

Gawler gears up for its biggest metal night yetThe Prince Albert Hotel at Gawler is set to shake to its foundations on Friday, February 7, as Metal on Murray VII brings a powerhouse lineup of heavy acts. Headlined by one of Australia’s premier...

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Matthew Webster

Local Gig Guide - February

Who’s playing around the Barossa this month?

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Rural

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Drought impact raised in Parliament

The impact the current drought is having on the mental health of men in rural communities has been highlighted in State Parliament. In a speech last week, Mr Tony Piccolo MP spoke about the challenges facing rural communities because of the drought...

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Vigilance urged as H7 avian influenza detected in Victoria

South Australian backyard or commercial poultry owners are being urged to closely monitor their flocks and report any signs of disease following the confirmation of highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza at an egg farm in northern...

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Keeping the light shining in the grape and wine industry

In a fluctuating agricultural and viticultural climate, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Barossa grape growers and winemakers has become an important focus in the community. Foundation Barossa has tapped into this need, raising $8,475...

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Projections show SA grain harvest contributions down by more than $1bn

For many farmers, ‘harvest’ has been a misnomer this year, with unusually dry conditions in the region and widely across SA. So when the State Government announced an $18 million investment to assist farming communities affected by drought across...

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Nine years since Pinery Fire

Monday marked nine years since the devastating Pinery Fire tore through regions in and around Freeling, Wasleys and Roseworthy. It threatened Gawler, Hewett, Daveyston, Shea-oak Log, Kapunda, Eudunda, Nuriootpa, Greenock and others, and sent black...

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Slow recovery from early frosts

By Mavis Podokolo The severe frosts that hit wine grape growers in the Barossa early in the season have caused some damage, but recovery is slowly underway. An early bud burst occurred due to dry soil, lack of moisture, and other challenging...

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Don’t let your harvest spark a fire

With harvest underway, Grain Producers SA (GPSA) is again launching the ‘Don’t Be a Bright Spark’campaign — an important reminder to put preventative measures in place to reduce fire risk to ensure the safety of grain producers across South...

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Motoring

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Honda delivers with intelligent hybrid range

By Jennifer MinnsHonda is proving that it’s ahead of the game, with efficient hybrid systems now available across all models.“Honda has one of the best hybrid systems on the market,“ said Martin Ludwig, Barossa Honda New Vehicle Sales...

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The Mazda BT-50 beast brings its brawn to the Barossa

If you’re looking for comfort, luxury and a vehicle with grunt for your off-road adventures, then the 2024 Mazda BT-50 is ready and revving for you at the Barossa Mazda dealership. The Mazda BT-50 is a highly customisable vehicle, with an outrageous...

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Angela Hay: This is my ride

Name: Angela Hay Business: Client care representative, Barossa Veterinary Service Make and model: 2017 VF Commodore SSV Redline How long have you owned this car? Purchased new in 2017, so seven years now. What’s the purpose of this car? It’s my...

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Police News

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WAKE UP BAROSSA: SAPOL pleads with the community following another serious collision

The notorious Stockwell Road and Penrice Road intersection at Light Pass was in the spotlight again this week following a collision between a hatchback and a bus, carrying school children, last Tuesday afternoon. Seriously injuring the driver of the...

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Wake up Barossa

SAPOL pleads with the community following another serious collision The notorious Stockwell Road and Penrice Road intersection at Light Pass was in the spotlight again this week following a collision between a hatchback and a bus, carrying school...

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“Bicycle Bandit” pleads guilty to aggravated robbery

On Monday, South Australia’s “bicycle bandit”, Kym Allen Parsons, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of aggravated robbery. Accused of carrying out armed hold-ups in and around the Barossa over a decade-long period, the 73-year-old offender appeared...

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March SAPOL crime statistics

Theft and related offending has risen by 12 per cent in South Australia over the past year – largely driven by the increased reporting of shoplifting. While the number of shoplifting offences being reported to police has dropped to the lowest...

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Council News

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Grant funding program open

Light Regional Council (LRC) has opened Round Two of its 2024-25 Grant Funding Program. According to Council, applications are invited from organisations, clubs and groups across three categories: Community Development Grants Program; Event...

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Mid Murray to receive $1.5m for tourism hub

Mid Murray Council has been successful in receiving a $1.5 million Federal Government grant through its regional Precincts and Partnership program. The grant will go towards Mid Murray region’s plans to build a vibrant tourism hub. The project will...

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Light Regional Council wrap up, January 28

DeputationsTesseract Energy Pty Ltd and Tesseractess Pty Ltd were due to give a deputation, but it was withdrawn by the deputation representative for this meeting. The Light Regional Council Governance Advisory Panel (GAP) Chariperson, Mr Ted Byrt...

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GSM roundabout on track

Nearing the final stages of the project, construction of the roundabout at the intersection of Greenock Road with Samuel and Moppa Roads, Nuriootpa is on track for completion by the end of the year, Light Regional Council has reported. While the...

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Letters to the Editor

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Letters to the Editor

Keep watch on your backyard pool

Dear Sir, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia is asking all owners of backyard pools to check their pool fences and pool gates as a matter of urgency. Children under five are curious and fearless, and their love of water puts them at risk of...

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Letters to the Editor

Active citizenship

Dear Sir, We are custodians of a unique piece of Planet Earth. The current Barossa Council forged in 1996 from vibrant communities has a population of some 26,000 global citizens (2016 census) and a footprint of some 912 square kilometres. The...

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Letters to the Editor

Unwavering

Dear Sir, Thank you so much for the article you printed in the recent edition of The Leader regarding the BBB Poppy Project. Your unwavering support is so greatly appreciated. Kym MILNE, Gawler

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Letters to the Editor

Celebrating with pride

Dear Sir, Saturday, September 3 is Australian National Flag Day. A day to celebrate with pride the anniversary of the Australian National Flag and all that it represents. Proclaimed in 1996 as a national day, it celebrates the first time the flag...

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Property of the Week

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Modern family living in prime location

Welcome to 9 Isaacs Way, Evanston South - a beautifully designed home that offers the perfect blend of modern style, functionality, and convenience. Boasting an open-plan layout, this home is ideal for families and entertainers alike. Step inside to...

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Former Kapunda church for sale

Seven months after the last church service for parishioners was held, the historic former Uniting Church of Kapunda, along with its hall and manse, has come up for sale. According to the online market listing information from eXp Realty, the Church...

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When quality and style count

Step into a world of sophistication and modern comfort with this fully renovated, feature-packed home that delivers on every level. Perfectly tailored for discerning buyers, this property offers an exceptional blend of style, practicality, and...

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House & Garden

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October in the garden

What a fabulous start to spring we have had! September saw some stunning weather days - perfect for getting out in the garden. Let’s hope October brings more of the same before it warms up into what is forecast to be a hot summer. October is...

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November in the Garden

By Kristee SemmlerNovember is the perfect time to be outside in the garden enjoying some beautiful weather. This time of year can get quite hectic with the lead up to Christmas and can often feel like time is flying by. Getting out in the garden...

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July in the Garden...

It’s safe to say, winter has definitely hit. Last month saw some freezing cold days and a number of frosty mornings, so cold and icy that my birdbath completely froze over! June also finally saw some much-needed rain – a welcome relief for...

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Winter Home Ideas: Tips for a sustainable garden

In December 2023, horticulturist Michael Homan and husband Paul Amos starred in an episode of Channel Nine’s, The Garden Hustle makeover show, having renovated a section of their sizeable garden with a central fire pit zone. Michael, who works at...

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Winter Home Ideas: Restoration and renewal at Rawolle Homestead

Debbie and Anthony (Ants) Hibbert say they can finally start watching Grand Designs again, now that their own grand design is complete and their favourite TV show again feels like escapism. One thing is for certain - if Kevin McLeod ever decided to...

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Special Promotions

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Special Promotion

70 years of mateship

If walls and trucks could talk at the Greenock CFS station, 70 years of stories would be enough to fill many pages. But at the crux of it all is an ethos of service and mateship, where volunteers support one another through thick and thin. “Storms...

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Special Promotion

The Leader and the Co-op ‘Light the Night’ in the Barossa

The Leader has partnered with the Barossa Co-op for the ‘Barossa Light the Night Christmas Lights Competition’.The competition aims to celebrate the best Christmas lights around the Barossa and Light, while the map ensures they are easy to...

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Special Promotion

Legacy continues to bear fruit at Gully Gardens

Just over a month ago, new owners with familiar faces took on the much-loved Gully Gardens property at Angaston. Here, Jennifer Minns touches on the past, the present and exciting plans for the future. For the unenlightened, Gully Gardens Barossa is...

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The Barossa Mag

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The Barossa Mag

Pathways to empowerment

Barbara Lightburn is more than an advocate; she is a catalyst for change, empowering people who live with disability through her organisation, My Ability Pathway (MAP).

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The Barossa Mag

Heritage and Hard Work

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The Barossa Mag

The Musical Man

Despite the many personas he wears on stage, rising star Reo Gerhardy is a young man of singular character. In an industry that lauds fame and fortune, the 17-year-old aspires to leave a legacy as a mentor and male role model in musical theatre.

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The Barossa Mag

It all just rolled into place

Kate Argent-Bowden has been attending weekly lawn bowls for as long as she can remember.

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The Barossa Mag

The next re-generation

It’s early morning as Georgie Keynes makes her way along a familiar track towards the hills’ country of Keyneton Station. Spiderwebs, wet with dew, flank the path in beaded luminescence as golden sun breaks over this special, gum-studded land that has been in Georgie’s family for six generations.

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