The spring cleaning is done, you’ve decluttered your living spaces and the new deck looks schmick.

Now it’s time to focus on yourself with some much-needed TLC; and if you’re an RAA member, you can save some money in the process with RAA Rewards. Here are five ways to give yourself a spring wellness check.

1. Sounds like a good idea

Don’t you love the sounds of spring? Cackling kookaburras up in the old gum tree, chirping frogs in the rain-swelled wetlands and the soothing white-noise of waves splashing onto your favourite beach. But you’re not experiencing the full joy if you can’t hear them properly. 

If you find yourself saying “pardon” or “could you repeat that?” a bit more these days, it might be time to have your hearing tested. Can:Do Hearing, an SA audiology provider, offers a range of hearing services, including comprehensive testing and device options. Best of all, until 20 November 2026, RAA members who book online save 50 per cent on adult hearing assessments for new customers with Can:Do Hearing. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

2. Strength for life

You may not want biceps like tree trunks, but the mental and physical health benefits of increasing your muscle tone and strength are clear. Regular training has many advantages, such as stronger bones and joints, improved posture, reduced risk of chronic disease, better sleep and healthier ageing.

Why not try yoga or Pilates at Aleenta Health Club, start an eight-week transformation program at All Star Personal Training, or test your agility on an indoor rock wall at Beyond Bouldering?

3. Eat like a champion

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend a balanced diet high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, grains, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy. If you’re a sweet tooth, sorry… you won’t find vanilla slices or Kitchener buns high on the list unfortunately.

Luckily, healthy food is all around; it’s just a matter of choosing it and putting it in your shopping basket. And the good news is you’ll save on supermarket eGift cards for your local Coles, Woolworths, or IGA. Take it with you the next time you shop (healthy food, remember) and add up the savings.

4. Gear up and get moving

Modern life is ultra convenient, but with it comes bad habits we need to break. Our bodies are meant to move but most of us don’t do it enough. A rule of thumb is to aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activities, such as brisk walking and gardening, or 75 to 150 minutes of high-intensity activities, such as jogging or fast cycling (or a combination), each week. The time to start is right now.

Need new sneakers? Save on gift cards from Platypus, The Athlete’s Foot or Sportspower. Perhaps some flash new fitness wear from Rebel or New Balance is on your shopping list. Maybe you need to visit 99 Bikes for big savings on a new two-wheeler. Time to get moving.

5. Invest in your health

Forget houses, cars and jewellery; when you think about it, your health is your biggest asset. Yet it’s something we often neglect. We ignore the foot that’s getting sorer and harder to walk on. We ‘don’t have time’ for that blood pressure check or eye test. Make this the year you stop making excuses.

Save 10 per cent on eligible retail products at your nearest Star Discount Chemist until the end of October 2026 and 10 per cent on a Healthylife Telehealth doctor’s appointment. Visit OPSM or Laubman and Pank for great deals on optical services and products. Or take time out for luxurious me time with a discounted eGift card at Endota Spa.

The post 5 ways to stay well this spring appeared first on samove.com.au.

Polishing their classic cars to a shine worthy of 100,000 spectators, inspecting the tread on skinny tyres and practising the gestures required to signal left and right turns, historic car owners are preparing for this year’s RAA Bay to Birdwood.

From century-old vehicles to pristine 1996 models, every car and driver has a story.

Commemorating Australia’s first vehicle registration, plate ‘SA 1’ attached to Dr William Hargreaves’ Beeston-Humber in 1906, the RAA Bay to Birdwood has been a treasured institution since the first run on South Australian roads in 1980.

Now, thousands of spectators line the 67km route to cheer the passing parade, before following the procession to the National Motor Museum in Birdwood to meet the enthusiastic car owners at the Finish Festival. Among the owners set to delight spectators once again are Sarah, Sean and Allan.

Preserving history

Allan Bennett (pictured at top) has loved classic cars his whole life, buying a Model T Ford, as his very first registered car back in 1964. He’s been collecting cars ever since.

A founding member of the Model T Ford Club of Australia, he remained on the committee for many years and earned life membership for his efforts. Today his collection of seven veteran cars is crowned by his prized 1925 model, Henrietta. Allan bought Henrietta from the Webb family in 2017, becoming the second registered owner, or caretaker as he prefers to describe himself. Rather than restore the car, Allan chose to preserve Henrietta exactly as is, complete with a century-old history log.

“It’s an outstanding vehicle,” he enthuses.

“There’s no rust out or anything.

“The rats and mice had done a number on the upholstery and top, but the rest of it is largely as it came off the farm.”

“It’s an outstanding vehicle,” he enthuses. “There’s no rust out or anything. The rats and mice had done a number on the upholstery and top, but the rest of it is largely as it came off the farm.”

Dubbed Henrietta after the original owner’s wife, Allan set to work fixing the mechanics, electrics and suspension to make sure she’s roadworthy and safe to drive.

“I know just about everything about the car, except when they cut the back off,” Allan says. “I don’t know when they turned it into a buckboard.”

Many original Model T Fords had their back seats removed and replaced with a wooden tray making them far more practical for farm use – the evolutionary stepping stone towards today’s ute. It’s also the perfect perch for Henry, Allan’s chocolate labrador, who loves riding along in the tray. Last year, Allan was crowned the RAA Bay to Birdwood Pre-1950 Preservation winner, thanks to Henrietta’s meticulous record and Allan’s tireless efforts. Henry helped.

Allan has driven the Bay to Birdwood route seven times in a range of different cars from his collection. His advice for new drivers?

“It would depend on the vehicle they’re driving,” he says. “I mean, you can start with a 1912 Model T Ford and that’s completely different to driving a HQ Holden.”

“But I’d just tell them to give it a go. If you get a gaggle of cars behind you, pull off and let them pass.”

For a car that’s travelled as far north as Maryborough in Queensland, Henrietta has only one condition.

“This old girl, because she’s tired I’ve got to do it at her pace,” Allan says. “She’s never broken down and she’ll go wherever I want her to, but I just gotta let her go at her own pace.”

Restored to its former glory

Sarah Bowshall’s love for vintage cars, especially Model T Fords, is almost woven into her DNA.

“As a kid, I can remember Dad would start his 1922 Model T, jack up the back wheel to kick it over, and just the smell of it, the sound of it brings back really fond memories for me now,” Sarah reminisces.

Now a proud owner of her own 1916 tourer she’s dubbed Erin, Sarah is also president of the Model T Ford Club of Australia, and one of its youngest members. Erin is no ordinary Model T either. The body was built by Adelaide’s own turn-of-the-century coach makers, Duncan and Fraser, and still has an original-style brass radiator. It’s a feature that was phased out after 1916 when all available brass was directed to the World War I effort.

“Have you ever tried to drive a Model T?” Sarah asks.

“Basically a Model T doesn’t drive like any other car. You have to forget everything you know about driving, except for steering.

“I drive it every weekend because I enjoy it, but also just to practise as it’s a real skill.”

When Sarah bought Erin three years ago, the car was in disrepair, but with some help she worked to make the car road legal while learning to maintain it along the way. Sarah has participated in the Bay to Birdwood countless times, both as a passenger and at the wheel.

“I like the excitement at the start when everyone’s arriving and the sun is coming up, but overall, the best part of any Bay to Birdwood is the drive,” Sarah says. “There’s nothing better as a vintage, veteran or classic car owner than having people appreciate, admire and wave at you because they’re happy to see the car – and you get to toot your horn at them. And the Model T has a very unique sounding horn!”

As the club cohort ages alongside their cars, these vehicles are seen less often on the roads, making the RAA Bay to Birdwood a rare and precious chance to see all these classics out and about. Sarah makes the most of every opportunity.

“Sometimes if I take Erin out on a Sunday morning and there are people with young children looking at the car, I always ask if they’d like to sit in her and have a photo, which most of the time they do – I just want to build that excitement,” Sarah says.

“I love when younger people love these cars, because I love when people see what I see in them.”

Replicating the greats

“I’m a Celica guy,” says auto-electrician Sean Basford, who, when he’s not tinkering on his own collection, specialises in making wiring harnesses for classic cars.

“I’ve always been a Celica guy… I’ve got five, from the very early ’70s right up to 1981.”

Sean’s pride and joy is Willo, his 1980 Toyota Celica which rolled off the factory floor the same year as the first Bay to Birdwood. Painted deep red with realistic sponsorship branding logos, Willo is a faithful re-creation of racing legend Peter “Willo” Williamson’s iconic 1981 Bathurst race car. Sean has even re-created Williamson’s pioneering Racecam, which revolutionised motorsport broadcasting forever. The build is completed with a remarkable piece of Australian motorsport history: the authentic tyres and wheels salvaged from the wrecked original.

Despite Willo’s popularity on weekly drives, it was many years before Sean and his partner Julie got involved with the Bay to Birdwood.

“We’d been watching for about eight years,” Sean says. “We didn’t think our car was old enough or good enough to be in it.

“But a lot of people are really stoked that I’ve got credible stuff from that car – it’s the actual real racing wheels. People just love looking at it, and as I’m driving, there are cameras sticking out car windows looking at me. We’ve now driven [the Bay to Birdwood] three times – we should have done it long ago.”

Getting involved has opened up a whole new community to Sean and he takes every opportunity to have a laugh.

“We’ve made a whole lot of friends who we drive with, and friends who we just see at the Bay to Birdwood,” he says.

“We dress up and enter the fancy dress competitions in our blond mullet wigs. We’re the Bathurst Bogans.”

Wishing he’d been part of the Bay to Birdwood sooner, Sean urges other car lovers to not make the same mistake he did.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s got cracks in it – it’s what people want to see,” Sean says. “They want to see something they used to see back in the day.”

History in high gear

At the conclusion of the drive, each vehicle pulls into place on the lawns of the National Motor Museum, some relieved for having made it up the hill, and ready to show off at the Finish Festival.

Here, you’ll be enthralled by even more incredible stories from passionate enthusiasts, as you soak up the atmosphere surrounded by timeless examples of eras long gone.

The post The stories behind Bay to Birdwood appeared first on samove.com.au.

From discounts on your fuel and groceries to exclusive dining and cellar door experiences and so much more, RAA loves giving back to members. Here are three people who are among more than 840,000 South Australians reaping the rewards simply by being an RAA member.

Jodie Wiren

RAA member for 21 years
$676 saved in the past year

With home renovations on the horizon, RAA Rewards will come in handy more than ever for Jodie.

What are some of the rewards and discounts you’ve redeemed?

I’ve redeemed rewards from Woolworths, Big W, Dan Murphy’s and so many more. I’m excited to see more RAA Rewards have been added recently so I’ll be using Bunnings, Star Discount Chemist, Amazon, the HIM/HER/HOME gift cards and BCF. My favourite is Woolworths as I combine it with my monthly rewards discounts, so it helps save even more on groceries, which is one of our biggest bills as a family of six.

How often do you use RAA Rewards?

Three to four times a month, although with the Bunnings rewards it’s more regularly. We have a very old house, so it needs fixing often!

What do you love most about RAA Rewards?

Who doesn’t love to save money? Every dollar I save is a dollar I don’t have to earn!

Samantha Alberts

RAA member for 11 years
$442 saved in the past year

Thanks to RAA Rewards, Samantha (pictured left with partner) has saved on some amazing experiences around South Australia.

When did you start using RAA Rewards?

I started using RAA Rewards about two years ago when I discovered the discounts in the RAA app.

What are some favourite rewards and discounts you’ve redeemed?

I have redeemed quite a few rewards! My partner and I love visiting wineries and restaurants that host events like Cellar Door Fest and A Taste of the Hills Festival. It’s hard to choose a favourite but we loved the experience at Pike & Joyce Wines in the Adelaide Hills and Artisans of Barossa.

How often do you use RAA Rewards?

We’ll often scroll through the rewards in certain locations like the Barossa or Langhorne Creek when we plan on going out for the day to see what’s on offer in that region.

Which rewards do you take advantage of most?

Mostly dining or experiences like guided wine tastings. When we would normally go out for a simple lunch, we now sometimes treat ourselves with a three-course set menu or paired wine tasting. It’s a great experience with really good offers.

What do you love most about RAA Rewards?

The options. There’s a lot to choose from in so many different areas of South Australia. It’s also a nice opportunity to try something you wouldn’t normally think of doing or discover somewhere you haven’t been before.

Amy Lloyd

RAA member for 15 years
$668 saved in the past year

Family time is even more fun and affordable for Amy thanks to RAA Rewards.

When did you first start using RAA Rewards?

RAA Rewards came in handy when I started saving for a home loan. I was trying to save money anywhere I could.

What are some of the RAA Rewards you’ve redeemed?

HCF and UPark are automatically connected to RAA Rewards which helps. Woolworths gift cards are my favourite/biggest one as I use it for our weekly shop and save money along the way.

Which rewards do you use most?

I use Caltex rewards when I am near one of those fuel stations, Woolworths for shopping and, any time I want to do something fun with the family, I always check to see if RAA Rewards has a discount on something like Adelaide Zoo.

What do you love most about RAA Rewards?

I love that it helps me save money and I like to see how much I’ve saved.

What is RAA Rewards?

RAA’s exclusive rewards program gives members access to amazing discounts at more than 220 local suppliers. Think the movies, supermarkets, pharmacies, fuel outlets, cafes, restaurants and many more. Best of all, new and exciting discounts pop up all the time!

“Since March 2025, RAA members have saved more than $40 million through RAA Rewards and loyalty discounts,” says RAA Chief Marketing Officer Michael Healy. “We want to keep putting money back into the pockets of South Australians.”

The post Reap the rewards appeared first on samove.com.au.

The Adelaide Fringe program is just shy of 1600 shows. You’d need to see 42 shows every single day to catch them all and, without a time machine, that’s… well, impossible.

That’s where we come in. We’ve narrowed the lineup down to some of the standout shows, so you don’t have to.

Not only that, if you are an RAA member, you can enjoy each of them and get a discount.

So, what sparks your Fringe? Whether you love comedy, music, theatre, circus, or something completely unexpected, there’s a show waiting to become your new favourite.

Looking for a laugh

What: Danielle Walker: Bittersweet
Where: Le Cascadeur at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 9–15 March

The Adelaide Fringe is bursting at the seams with side-splitting comedy, including Danielle Walker’s Australian premiere of Bittersweet. Known for her appearances on Taskmaster, Gold Diggers and Thank God You’re Here, the award-winning comedian’s new show doesn’t “put lipstick on a pig”. A little bit country farmer and a little bit big-city charm, you’ll just have to see for yourself what makes this show bittersweet.

Music to your ears

What: Gigs @ Gluttony presented by Pirate Life
Where: The Fantail (Open-Air) at Gluttony
When: 19 February – 22 March

Turn up the volume on your Fringe soundtrack with Gluttony’s live music program. Presented by Pirate Life, Gigs @ Gluttony is a mixtape of local favourites, international stars, cult bands and seasoned DJs. Relive the iconic sounds of the ’90s at Anthems: Old School Edition, catch the long-awaited return of indie legends Faker, or be moved by the powerful vocals of First Nations singer-songwriter Adrian Eagle. With a lineup as diverse as the Fringe itself, there’s a gig to suit everyone.

Free entertainment

What: The RAA Garden Party
Where: The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: Every Sunday, 15 February – 22 March

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun in The Garden (pictured at top). Emceed by crowd favourites and showcasing the best Garden artists from across the globe, the RAA Garden Party will delight audiences of all ages. Best of all, it’s free. Come back each Sunday for a new lineup, because no two shows are ever the same.

Touring the regions

What: Ministry of Laughs: Fringe Comedy Roadshow
Where: Bordertown, Penola, Adelaide and Renmark
When: 13 February – 6 March

Some of the finest local and international comics hit the road to bring laughs from the city to the regions. Ministry of Laughs will tour the state, starting in Bordertown before heading to Penola and the Riverland via Adelaide. When the touring comedians arrive at Raidis Event Shed in Penola, the night will double as the kick-off to the Coonawarra Fringe suite of shows. RAA members can save on full-price tickets in Penola on Saturday 14 February, as well as a range of others, surrounded by the vineyards of SA’s oldest wine region.

Highbrow art and sculpture

What: Gluttony Sculpture Walk
Where: Gluttony parkland, Murlawirrapurka/Rymill Park
When: 19 February – 22 March

For the very first time – and completely free – you’re invited to stroll through the Adelaide Park Lands to discover the work of talented artists, from striking large-scale visual art installations to outdoor sculptures. The Gluttony Sculpture Walk is free to explore anytime that Gluttony is open, or grab a ticket for the free guided tour on 28 February. At the end of your stroll, cast your vote for your favourite to win the People’s Choice Award presented by Foodland – it’ll be a tough decision!

Something for the kids (and the young at heart)

What: The Alphabet of Awesome Science
Where: The Roundhouse at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 24 February – 22 March

Science is fun and it’s even cooler to see it in action. Kids and parents alike will be gobsmacked and entertained by the onstage shenanigans of The Alphabet of Awesome Science. Race through the alphabet of fast facts, wily words and scientific surprises – including 26 quirky onstage demonstrations. From the hilarious to the messy (with a few explosions thrown in), this is a show the whole family will be talking about long after it’s over.

Circus and acrobatics

What: Primal
Where: The Octagon at Gluttony
When: 20 February – 22 March

How can the human body even bend that way? Circus is a huge part of the Adelaide Fringe, and the creators of Rouge bring all the raw energy of the animal kingdom to the stage in Primal. With a splash of cabaret, a pinch of burlesque and simmering aerial artistry acts, this is a show that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Featuring flavours and food

What: THE FEAST – Decanted Delights and Fermented Fun
Where: Coonawarra Hall at Coonawarra Community Club
When: 21 February

Does award-winning Coonawarra wines paired with a decadent feast sound delicious? How about a generous helping of comedy on the side? Enjoy a long-lunch among the vines as local chefs and Coonawarra winemakers share their stories, and host Damian Callinan brings hilarity to the table. Get in quick because seats are limited.

Magic moments

What: Charlie Caper – The Future
Where: The Paragon at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 13 February – 22 March

He’s dazzled audiences in more than 70 countries, performing in seven different languages, and won Sweden’s Got Talent. But enough about the past – magic man Charlie Caper has his sights set on the future. Combining illusion, comedy and cutting-edge robotics, this family-friendly show will make every person in the audience believe in magic.

Theatre on stage

What: Casual Receptionist of the Quarter
Where: The Lark at Gluttony
When: 17–22 March

Have you ever worked in customer service? Even if you haven’t, nearly everyone has been (and routinely is) on the other side as a customer. This live workplace mockumentary will feel all too familiar.  Step behind the counter with this people-pleasing receptionist as she navigates the treadmill of customer service at a commercial gym. Warning: your laughter muscles are in for a serious workout.

The variety of cabaret

What: FLOP! The Best Songs from the Worst Musicals
Where: Spiegal Zelt at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
When: 13 February – 8 March

Returning to the Fringe for its second time, FLOP! proves that this show is anything but. Join The Voice finalist Arthur Hall as he showcases hidden gems from musicals that didn’t quite make it. From hidden gems in the failed Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, to songs that have outshone their shows (like My Funny Valentine from the unsuccessful Babe in Arms), Arthur pairs his impressive musicality (and occasional acrobatics) with charming insights into why these productions missed the mark.

The post Which 2026 Fringe show should you see? appeared first on samove.com.au.

At just 20 years old, South Australia’s very own Kai Allen is already making a name for himself in the Repco Supercars Championship.

The Mount Gambier-born rising star was the youngest Dunlop Super2 Series champion in 2023 and has already competed at Bathurst on several occasions.

In the lead up to the bp Adelaide Grand Final, we sat down to have a chat with the young Grove Racing driver.

sa move: What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Kai: Being the youngest ever Super2 Series champion. That was a really cool one, marking my name down in history and doing it in front of my home crowd at the Adelaide 500 in 2023.

Equally, getting five podiums in my rookie season and making the second round of finals in the Repco Supercars Championship.

sa move: What do you enjoy most about racing in Adelaide?

Kai: Probably the nature of the track – it’s very fast, grippy and a cool style. You have to be on your game the entire race because your mirrors are centimetres from the walls. Your car is at its very limit.

Seeing the crowd in the grandstand as you come down the main straight is spectacular. There’s always a good atmosphere and I also have a lot of friends and family that come along.

It’s very special for me as a South Australian, and it’s such an iconic track.

sa move: Who was your idol or mentor as you moved through the junior ranks of motorsport?

Kai: My biggest mentor growing up was actually my dad.  He’s the one that’s pushed me the whole way and been by my side teaching me what I need to know about racing, but also about business and setting myself up.

I’ve always admired Scott McLaughlin. I think his way he goes about his racing, the way that he approaches all the fans and all that stuff is really cool.

sa move: What’s your favourite thing to do in your hometown (Mount Gambier)?

Kai: For me, it’s catching up with family and friends. It’s always good. I love getting home. It grounds me a bit, and I can get away from the big city in Melbourne and catch up with my best mates down there, but also Mum and Dad and my sisters as well.

sa move: Where’s your favourite holiday spot?

Kai: Probably Robe. It’s not too far from Mount Gambier. We have a nice beach house we like to rent out over Christmas. I do a lot of travelling throughout the year, so I love to stay close to home over the festive season.

sa move: What are your goals for the future?

Kai: For me at the moment, it’s just doing the best I can in the Supercars and I obviously want to really win a championship – that’s my number one goal.

The bp Adelaide Grand Final hits Adelaide’s streets from 27–30 November.

The post Revving up for the bp Adelaide Grand Final appeared first on samove.com.au.

Whether you’re chasing the coast, cruising the countryside or day-tripping wherever the road leads, RAA members can fuel up and gear up without breaking the bank.

Pack your bag, grab your best driving Crocs, and check out RAA Rewards’ top five summer deals, so you can save when heading out your driveway.

1. Repco

Preparing for a road trip starts with the essentials. You pack the snacks, pick the right mood music and throw in plenty of sunscreen. But your car also needs a few essentials.

At Repco you can stock up on oil, wiper fluid, in-car tech and much more to make sure your ride is road ready.

Thanks to your RAA membership, you can cruise over to Repco in-store or online for great deals on vehicle parts, engine oils, car audio, and almost everything else. You’re packed. The car’s got everything it needs. Now ready, steady, drive – off into the sunset.

2. Apollo Motorhomes

Instead of kitting out your own car for a road trip, how about travelling at your own pace with comfortable, convenient and comprehensive lodgings right behind you instead?

Hit the open road in an Apollo campervan or motorhome this summer. With Apollo Motorhomes, you can explore Australia’s beaches, deserts and rainforests and take your hired home on wheels along for the ride with you.

Now that you’re revved up for the van life, use your RAA membership to save 10 per cent on daily rates and other special offers with Apollo, Cheapa Campa and Hippie Camper Australia-wide.

3. Fuel discounts

Fuel your wanderlust and ease cost-of-living pressures with this great deal exclusively for RAA members. You can now save a huge 10c per litre on fuel at 46 participating fuel stations across South Australia.

Plan your road trip route and follow the savings by checking out the list of current participating metro stations and participating regional stations.

Travel easy knowing you’ve got more fuel in your tank and money in your wallet thanks to your RAA membership.

4. Sunglass Hut

Long summer days on the open road are great, but it also means more hours spent squinting in the sun. The solution is glaringly obvious – treat yourself a pair (or three) of discounted shades with your RAA membership.

Sunglass Hut has you covered this summer with an eye-opening 15% off full-price sunglasses.

5. Chargefox EV charging stations

The time has come to recharge your batteries – your own and your EV’s – as you take the scenic route out of town this summer.

Download the Chargefox app and add your RAA membership number to your profile. On your next adventure you’ll be able to take advantage of 10 per cent off the cost per kWh when charging using the RAA Charge network.

With more than 140 charging stations from Mount Gambier to Marla, this is a summer road trip that won’t drain your battery.

T&Cs apply to all offers.

The post 5 deals to fuel your summer appeared first on samove.com.au.

Former MasterChef judge and 2025 CheeseFest Master of Fromage Matt Preston once penned an entire column about cheese.

He says, “Cheese is my Achilles heel. My weak spot, My precious. I struggle to find a cheese that I do not like.”

Matt isn’t alone in his love for cheese, with millions of people across the world loving the popular dairy product.

For the past 20 years cheese has been celebrated at South Australia’s very own CheeseFest, with this year’s event taking place on 18 and 19 October at Rundle Park/Kadlitpina.

MasterChef Australia champion and co-owner of Adelaide restaurants Fugazzi and Nido, Laura Sharrad will be teaching festival goers how to make ricotta gnocchi at the RAA Cooking Demonstration stage.

She says CheeseFest is a great opportunity to feature South Australian cheese as well as other local food and drink producers.

“It brings the South Australian food and wine community together to make one incredible showcase – it’s really exciting,” Laura says.

“The talent is really cool, and I think it’s just a really fun weekend celebrating what is so good about South Australia, and obviously cheese – everyone loves cheese.”

Quick questions with Laura

sa move: What’s your favourite cheese?
Laura: A triple cream brie that’s oozing all over the place.

sa move: What would you pair with the brie?
Laura: My favourite thing is chilli honey with brie. It gives this little kick but then also the sweetness of the honey and the creaminess of the brie.

sa move: Hard or soft cheese?
Laura: I’m going to say soft.

sa move: What’s your guilty pleasure cheese dish?
I’d say four-cheese gnocchi – something I’m going to regret eating because it’s so indulgent.

Image: Laura Sharrad.

For the curd nerds who like mozzarella, check out the main stage where the team from Vannella Cheese will compete in a live cheesemaking showdown.

They’ll stretch curds into silky mozzarella and handcraft cheeses from their classic Pugliese range, including burrata, nodini and treccine.

Vannella Cheese Creative Director Anthony Silvio says CheeseFest gives the Australian cheese industry its moment to shine.

“We can tell the unique stories of family owned and operated producers just like us,” he says.

“CheeseFest also lets us put the hard work of the farmers up on a pedestal and give foodies in South Australia the opportunity to show their appreciation.”

Quick questions with Anthony

sa move: What’s your favourite cheese?
Anthony: Stracciatella because it’s so versatile, and I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it.

sa move: What’s the most underrated cheese?
Anthony: Nodini. They’re just like a bocconcini, butthey have this wonderfully firmer texture, almost al dente to the bite.

sa move: What’s your guilty-pleasure cheese dish?
Anthony: The real deal OG eggplant parmigiana, laden with unctuous fried eggplant slices so carefully layered with oozing mozzarella and tomato sugo.

Image: Anthony’s colleague Giuseppe demonstrating the cheese stretching process. Vannella Cheese.

CheeseFest Director and cheesemaker Kris Lloyd AM says the event has grown so much since it started 20 years ago.

“CheeseFest 2025 marks 20 tasty years of celebrating the best in cheese, food and wine,” she says.

“We’ve grown to welcome cheesemakers from across the nation, and today we stand proudly as one of Australia’s favourite and most unique festivals – where Australia comes to meet its makers.”

The post CheeseFest celebrates 20 years appeared first on samove.com.au.

RAA Bay to Birdwood is about to hit the road, with historic RAA patrol vehicles leading the parade from the coast to the Hills.

Now in its 45th year, 1500 vehicles will drive from West Beach to Birdwood on Sunday, 19 October, with RAA coming on board to support the event for the next three years as a major partner.

This isn’t the first time RAA has backed the iconic Bay to Birdwood, with RAA previously serving as naming rights partner in the late 1990s.

RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade says the partnership is RAA’s way of supporting South Australia’s rich motoring heritage.

“As the state’s peak motoring body, RAA is thrilled to partner with an iconic motoring event that captures the hearts of so many South Australians,” Nick says.

“When it comes to motoring, we’ve been there from the beginning – founded in 1903 by motoring enthusiasts, passion for the motoring community is entrenched in our DNA.”

This year’s event includes the Concours d’Elegance, Preservation and EV Conversion awards, with judging based not only on the vehicles, but the authenticity of the entrant’s attire and accessories.

During the 67km parade, current RAA patrols will be on hand to provide road service for any cars that encounter mechanical problems on the day.

“While we’ve been supporting the Bay to Birdwood for several years, we thought putting our name to it as the RAA Bay to Birdwood was a fantastic way to honour the shared history of our organisation and motoring in South Australia,” Nick says.

“I encourage everyone to get involved with either the parade or the Finish Festival this year on 19 October – especially if you’re one of our 830,000 members.”

RAA members can save 20 per cent on entry to the RAA Bay to Birdwood Finish Festival, by entering their RAA member number and promocode.

RAA members can save 20 per cent on entry to the RAA Bay to Birdwood Finish Festival, by entering your RAA member number and promocode during ticket purchase.

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