December 8, 2023
SALIFE Awards

Night of nights with arts luminary named SA Person of the Year

The mood was positively vibrant at the afterparty celebrations for this year’s SALIFE Absolute Best Awards presented by Brand South Australia – with Adelaide Fringe CEO Heather Croall among the night’s winners.

Heather Croall, Vincent Namatjira and Craig Linke Bespoke Building were among the winners at the 2023 SALIFE Absolute Best Awards presented by Brand South Australia. (See the full list below.)

The night started with a glittering awards ceremony attended by more than 500 guests, award winners and nominees, members of the public, and SALIFE and Solstice Media staff.

Among the guests were Rebecca Morse, Paul Vasileff and Premier Peter Malinauskas, who spoke at the awards ceremony.

With the presentation of the awards complete, German boy wonder Hans took to the stage with his dancers.

The formalities over, guests made their way to the Festival Plaza for a suitably dazzling after-party under the stars.

The night was also an opportunity to celebrate SALIFE’s 20th birthday. Since 2003, the printed magazine and the digital platforms have provided a window to the people, places and products that define South Australia.

SALIFE editor Liz Walsh said the awards night acknowledged South Australians shared passion for, contribution to and love for the state.

“Under the stars at the after-party, you couldn’t help but feel the palpable energy and commitment that everyone has to South Australia,” Liz said.

“We saw it during the awards ceremony with great enthusiasm for all the finalists and the winners.

“But it hit home afterwards, when I had a chance to chat to guests one on one, that we have something special happening here – and it’s due to the countless amazing people from all industries and backgrounds who call SA home.”

The full list of winners at the SALIFE Absolute Best Awards presented by Brand South Australia:

Belltunga House.

South Australian Home of the Year, presented by South Pacific Aluminium Windows and Doors Craig Linke Bespoke Building – Belltunga House

Mandalay House and Garden. Photograph: Simon Griffiths.

South Australian Garden of the Year, presented by Adelaide Hills Sandstone Mandalay House and Garden

Black Rabbit Architecture + Interiors.

South Australian Designer: Home & Lifestyle, presented by Terrace Floors + Furnishings Black Rabbit Architecture + Interiors

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

Prohibition Liquor Co’s Field Blend Shiraz Gin.

South Australian Product of the Year, presented by Design Furniture Prohibition Gin – Field Blend Shiraz Gin

Vincent Namatjira’s Tarnanthi installation.

South Australian Artist of the Year, presented by InReview Vincent Namatjira

The Watervale Hotel offers an all-day casual and fine dining experience from 11am to 9pm every day in a beautifully renovated old hotel that has retained the friendly atmosphere associated with a country pub. Photograph: Adam-Bruzzone.

Absolute Best Sustainability Award, presented by Adelaide University Senior College Watervale Hotel – Regenerate Watervale

Restless Dance Theatre. Photograph: Roy Vandervegt.

Absolute Best Social Impact Award, presented by SAHMRI Restless Dance Theatre

Stowaway Kangaroo Island.

Absolute Best Luxury Experience, presented by Out In The Paddock Stowaway Kangaroo Island

Jake Kellie is the creative culinary mind behind arkhe. Photograph: Duy Huynh.

Absolute Best Restaurant of the Year, presented by Bird in Hand arkhé

Experience Coffin Bay.

Absolute Best Tourism Experience, presented by Flinders Foundation Experience Coffin Bay

Adelaide Fringe venue Garden of Unearthly Delights. Photograph: Andre Castellucci.

Absolute Best Event of the Year, presented by Village Gate Adelaide Fringe

SALIFE Person of the Year, presented by SALIFE/Solstice Media Heather Croall

Fleurieu Milk Company’s Barry Clarke.

South Australian Brand of the Year, presented by Brand South Australia Fleurieu Milk

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