This week we bring you the first group of finalists in the 2023 SALIFE Absolute Best Awards – nominated by you, the South Australian public.

It’s time to meet the finalists in the first two categories of the 2023 SALIFE Absolute Best Awards, presented by Brand South Australia.

With 14 categories in total, the winners will be announced on December 7 at a glittering awards ceremony at the Adelaide Festival Theatre.

Afterwards, the winners, VIPs, guests and SALIFE team will kick off the celebrations at a fantastic open air after-party on Festival Plaza. Everyone is invited – purchase your ticket here.

SALIFE Person of the Year finalists

Award-winning Adelaide Fringe CEO and Director Heather Croall has a long association with the creative arts, first as a documentary filmmaker and now as one of the most-respected arts administrators, not only in Australia, but globally. Celebrated for her vision and innovation, she has helmed the much-loved Adelaide Fringe since 2015.

Growing up on a farm in Michigan USA, Restaurant Botanic’s Justin James was set to be a civil engineer before his culinary passion took over. His first job after culinary school was at the two-Michelin-starred Blue Hill in New York, followed by Eleven. In search of adventure, he became executive chef at Melbourne’s three-hatted Vue De Monde and worked for a year at the legendary Noma in Copenhagen. He aims to ensure that every diner at Restaurant Botanic has a world-class experience, which evokes a sense of escapism.

Taryn Brumfitt has had a stellar year, being honoured with Australian of the Year in January. The body positivity advocate, director, writer and speaker is using her profile to end body loathing and body shaming. Her films Embrace and Embrace Kids have been seen by millions of people worldwide and this year she received bipartisan support federally for The Embrace Collective’s Million Kids campaign.

South Australian Brand of the Year finalists, presented by Brand South Australia

Etikette Candles is a fast-growing, female-owned and operated home fragrance company based in the Adelaide Hills, founded by sisters Ella and Georgia Walker. In its earliest iteration, the company created fragrances inspired by beloved micro-locations around South Australia: Innes, Middleton, Penneshaw and Seacliff. It has grown into a multifaceted and much-loved South Australian brand, manufacturing over 120,000 products each year, with their collections stocked in over 500 stores Australia-wide.

Fleurieu Milk Company is a family-owned milk processing factory, established by three farming families in 2006 to add value back into an industry where all stakeholders in the industry were losing money. The company is committed to the values of quality, customer service, passion and family & community. It is also working with industry bodies and government to add value to the industry, include bringing back refillable glass bottles for the circular economy, establishing block chain traceability, so consumers know where their milk is coming from.

Gluttony started as a small food and wine event during Adelaide Fringe, and became an official Adelaide Fringe venue in 2011, spanning three bespoke entertainment venues. It quickly expanded its reach into festivals with the Lucky Dumpling Market at OzAsia Festival, touring shows such as Borealis, New Year’s Eve fireworks with City of Adelaide, various music festivals and light shows. Gluttony’s aim is to create the most inclusive and inspiring South Australian owned and operated events company that brings joy and happiness to all.

Celebrate the 2023 SALIFE Absolute Best Awards and SALIFE’s 20^th year.

Join us for the Awards Ceremony at the iconic Adelaide Festival Theatre, followed by the open air after-party on Festival Plaza. Against the stunning backdrop of the CBD and riverbank, with music and dancing, it is sure to be an unforgettable celebration!

There’ll be wines flowing from Bird in Hand, craft beers from Vale Brewing and a gin bar courtesy of 23^rd Street Distillery. Enjoy fabulous finger food and design from Out In The Paddock, plus entertainment that will keep the party vibes going late into the night.

Tickets include entrance to the award ceremony and after party, including all food and drinks.

Tickets are limited, so book yours now.