The winners of the inaugural SALIFE Absolute Best Awards were announced at a gala event at SkyCity Adelaide on Thursday, December 2.

Following hundreds of public nominations, three finalists in each of the 10 categories were put to a public vote. The winners were announced in front of 250 guests at a gala evening at SkyCity Adelaide.

And the winners are…

Absolute Best Family Day Out

Winner: Woodhouse Activity Centre

Proudly owned and operated by Scouts SA, Woodhouse has evolved from a basic training ground to an activity destination. Woodhouse ignites passion for adventure and personal challenge through an authentic nature experience for all ages, hosting up to 40,000 school children each year.

 

Absolute Best Food and Beverage Experience

Winner: Big Shed Brewing

A love affair with brewing beer that began in a Barossa shed back in 2002, today presents itself as a brewery, bar and kitchen located in Royal Park. The Big Shed Brewing taproom offers the experience of drinking a beer straight from the source, also hosting events and functions.

 

Absolute Best Garden Design

Winner: Landscape Techniques

Landscape Techniques offer the ultimate in high-end landscape design and construction. The Landscape Techniques team is passionate about creating the highest quality landscapes, pools and outdoor rooms. Nominated for their one-of-a-kind Millswood Residence garden.

 

Absolute Best South Australian Home

Winner: Finesse Built

A residential home design and construction company, Finesse Built are known for their considered home design and high-quality construction. Utilising rammed earth walls in an innovative design, their Victoria Avenue home exceeded the clients’ expectations at every step of the build.

 

Absolute Best Regional Experience

Winner: Monarto Safari Park

As the world’s largest safari park outside of Africa, Monarto is home to more than 50 species of exotic and native animals. Monarto is a non-government charity that connects members and visitors with nature but also supports conservation projects locally, nationally, and internationally.

 

Absolute Best South Australian Designer

Winner: Fotini Giamarelos

Joining the family business, Genworth Group, in 2007, Fotini curates exquisite interior design for high end residential properties. Known for her inspiration and outstanding service, Fotini says working so closely with her clients is what sets the Genworth service apart from their counterparts.

 

Absolute Best South Australian Artist

Winner: Sarah McDonald

A professional artist for 20 years Sarah produces heavily textured and evocative oil paintings of native florals and iconic Australian landscapes. Sarah says her work connects with people in many ways; her colour palette and tactile use of paint can tell a story and provoke an emotive response from the viewer.

 

Absolute Best Product Innovation

Winner: Chefs on Wheels

Established in March 2020 in response to COVID’s impact on SA’s hospitality industry, Chefs on Wheels is a ready-made meal delivery service. The chef-made, restaurant-quality meals encompassing a wide range of cuisines, are delivered to homes across South Australia.

 

Absolute Best Community Individuals

Winner: Marty & Michelle Roberts

Marty and Michelle Roberts founded a charity with the major fundraising initiative Cycle 4 Sam in memory of their four-year-old son Sam, who passed away at the age of four in 2005. Cycle 4 Sam has raised more than $920,000 to assist SA families who have children with rare, life-limiting illnesses since 2006.

 

Absolute Best Luxury Experience

Winner: The River Vista

Boutique cliffside accommodation located in Spring Cart Gully in the Riverland is a unique home-away-from-home experience. Situated on the sandstone cliffs high above the River Murray, this secluded destination allows guests to be completely immersed in the curated experience of each stay.

 

More information about the inaugural SALIFE Absolute Best Award winners and finalists will be published in the new January issue of SALIFE magazine, on sale Thursday, January 6.