Meet the second group of finalists in the 2023 SALIFE Absolute Best Awards – nominated by you, the South Australian public.

Meet the finalists in the next six 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.

And – taking the awards night to new heights – every ticket will enter the draw to win an indulgent stay at Eos by SkyCity. The prize, valued at $580, includes a one-night stay for two guests in an Allure River View Room, complimentary parking and breakfast. Terms & conditions here, with winners notified by November 24.

South Australian Home of the Year finalists, presented by South Pacific Aluminium Windows and Doors

Archaea Architects is an award-winning practice led by Sally Wilson, crafting bespoke space for residential, commercial and interior projects across South Australia. They believe that architecture isn’t just about the outside container, it’s about life on the inside, where most time is spent by their clients and their families. Both should be considered equally, not one after the other as if often done.

Craig Linke Bespoke Building is a small volume builder crafting beautiful architectural new builds and custom renovations and additions with a focus on unparalleled customer service and quality. It was founded nine years ago when Craig returned to Australia from the UK with a big dream to create a building company where quality and service are paramount.

Guided by the leadership of Matt Beckwith and Alan Cooper, the Finesse Built team is steadfast in its attention to detail, with a primary focus on sustainability, longevity and innovation. They selectively undertake new builds and occasional renovations, specialising in crafting client-centred, design-driven homes and private estates.

South Australian Designer: Fashion & Beauty finalists, presented by Eos by SkyCity

Acler is helmed by talented creative duo Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto, and at its heart celebrates quality textiles and masterful draping techniques. Created in Australia and now coveted on a global scale, their pieces are crafted to transcend trends. Classic silhouettes are given the Acler treatment by way of modern updates that harness couture techniques and luxurious finishings.

Amplified Beauty Australia, founded by Shahna Smith, is one of the first indigenous owned cosmetic brands in the world. With a focus on female empowerment, CEO Shahna sits on panels and talks to local schools and workplaces, sharing business insights and teaching children to tap into resilience from a young age and to never give up in the pursuit of their dreams.

Lexi began as a sister brand to Adelaide couturier Alexis George, filling a need for sexy, edgy, well-fitting evening wear at an affordable price. Available in over 15 countries worldwide and inspired by global travel, urban life and the latest innovations in the fashion world, Lexi’s collections encompass a bold colour palette, with an emphasis on luxurious fabrics and attention to detail.

South Australian Product of the Year finalists, presented by Design Furniture

al.ive body is a personal care range that marries high-end product design and integrity with the demands of the conscious consumer. Renowned for its iconic interlocking bottles, bespoke trays and stations, elegant fragrances, and captivating colours, their offerings transcend mere products, infusing a touch of opulence into every facet of life.

The goal of Section 28 Artisan Cheeses has always been to create a unique ‘expression of place’ for the Adelaide Hills, using the old world techniques of the alpine villages in Italy and France together with purest, most high quality inputs. The pinnacle of this process and their refined art is represented in their signature cheese, the Monforte Grande Reserve.

Prohibition Liquor Co. started in an Adelaide inner-suburbs backyard in 2015. Almost 12,000 bottles later, the now city-based distiller has taken the title of Champion Australian Spirit for its Field Blend Shiraz Gin, inspired by the classic winemaking technique where grapes of different varietals are co-fermented. It’s the culmination of years of dedication to the finest quality gins and a great synergy with their new connection to McLaren Vale.

Absolute Best Sustainability Award finalists, presented by Adelaide University Senior College

Direct Collect is a collection service for 10c refundable bottles, cans and containers, with the refund deposited in a nominated bank account, charity or sporting club. It was born when SA recycling depots came together to develop a solution to the decreasing use of the state’s container deposit scheme as time poor, double income families turn to the convenience of the yellow bin.

Nature Conservation Society of South Australia is the state’s leading not-for-profit advocate for engagement with and protection of nature. A passionate, evidence-based advocate for the conservation of nature for over 60 years, its programs have influenced thinking about conservation, legislation and policy and led to the protection of large areas of South Australia in the National Parks reserve system and elsewhere.

Watervale Hotel – Regenerate Watervale is the project of Nicola Palmer and Warrick Duthy, who are parallel developing the organic and bio-dynamic Penobscot Farm and the Watervale Hotel as a farm fresh to plate restaurant. With plans also for the General Store, an Indigenous food forest and an echidna sanctuary, they’re looking to create an epicurean business as a hub for the local community, a destination for visitors to the region and a role model for ethical practices.

Absolute Best Social Impact Award finalists, presented by SAHMRI

For over 17 years, the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market has been South Australia’s largest and Adelaide’s only authentic farmers’ market. Located within the Adelaide Showground, it’s the ultimate showcase of the state’s finest produce, supporting local farmers and promoting quality SA goods. It’s also a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a culinary and cultural experience in one central location.

Restless Dance Theatre is an Adelaide-based, internationally recognised arts organisation with a 31-year history. Formerly a youth theatre company, Restless has been meticulously and strategically steered by Artistic Director Michelle Ryan, an award-winning artist with disability, together with Creative Producer and Dramaturg Roz Hervey and the Restless Board, to become Australia’s leading creator and collaborator of dance theatre by dancers with and without disability.

The Goodside Project was founded with a desire to do better. They started their journey working with recycled plastics after living overseas and seeing the destruction plastic was causing waterways. The first product was thongs made from recycled plastic; next came beach towels. Now, they’ve created a microplastic filter, called The Good Catch, and recently launched a children’s book.

Absolute Best Tourism Experience finalists, presented by Flinders Foundation

Experience Coffin Bay is unique in offering guests and opportunity to wade or swim through the pure and pristine waters of an oyster farm and discover and explore its beauty up-close. Its scenic boat cruises through oyster farms include an authentic farm to shucker experience. Guests can also visit Brothers Island, which is known for the herds of seals and sea lions lazing and playing on the island.

Southern Cultural Immersion is the leading Kaurna owned cultural tourism business in Adelaide and was started by Kaurna man Corey Turner and his mother, Kaurna Elder Aunty Buster Turner (now passed). Being Kaurna led and backed by the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation means it is fully authentic and has unquestionable cultural authority to run all its tours and experiences. A percentage of all SCI profits are donated to the Kaurna Meyunna Trust, to provide opportunities such as scholarships for young Kaurna people.

The Tailor Touring Co. has a vision to showcase the best of South Australia, with their tours going beyond the ordinary to give savvy travellers unrivalled insights into the state’s diverse elements of nature, culture, food, wine and discovery. Combining knowledge, personal connections and a love for Australian luxury travel, coupled with several exclusive experiences, the company delivers truly personalised and connective experiences in every tour they create.

Celebrate the 2023 SALIFE Absolute Best Awards and SALIFE’s 20th 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 23rd 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.