South Australians in Europe

A special moment captured as we welcomed Hon. Leon Bignell as South Australia’s new Agent General, following Hon. David Ridgway’s dedicated service from 2021–2026.

Seeing them together — standing side by side and alongside the honour roll — is a reminder of the history, responsibility, and opportunity that comes with this role. It’s not just a change of name on the wall; it’s the continuation of South Australia’s story on the global stage.

Congratulations to Leon, and sincere thanks to David for his leadership and partnership over the past years.

The House of Oz 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme was launched at an event at Australia House, offering a preview of the season ahead.

Founder Georgie Black presented the programme, with House of Oz playing a critical role in supporting Australian artists to take their work to international audiences through her extraordinary commitment and advocacy. The arts continue to strengthen the Australia–UK connection, with Adelaide Fringe and Edinburgh Festival Fringe creating important pathways for Australian talent.

South Australian choreographer Lewis Major is among those contributing to this exchange, with work presented internationally, including at major venues across the UK and Europe. Lewis Major pictured with the Hon. David Ridgway, outgoing Agent General for South Australia.

Pleased to share this inspiring musical event—an evening of artistry not to be missed.

We were honoured to lead the 76th annual Christmas Cake and Ale Ceremony at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

What began in the dark days of post-WWII rationing has grown into a cherished tradition: presenting a Christmas Cake to the Chelsea Pensioners on behalf of South Australia’s veterans and serving personnel. This year’s cake design paid tribute to South Australia’s role in delivering the future SSN AUKUS submarines and our wider defence industry capability — a reminder of the deep past, present, and future ties between our State and the UK.

The ceremony had everything: Ashes banter, Waltzing Matilda, bagpipes, and the national anthems. But the most powerful moment came from our Defence and Space Director, veteran Anthony Heath, who reflected:

“Perhaps it’s the opportunity, in a simple gesture, to celebrate our long and genuine friendship and our rivalries, and the shared historical narratives of our countries, in both peace and war… when I read the battle honours on the wall behind me, I really start to realise the ties that bind us.”

A heartfelt thanks to for donating the beer, and to our South Australian winemakers for providing a superb selection of wines.

A special event, a special place, and a tradition we are proud to continue.

🌿 Do you know your Bilbies from your Bettongs?

Take the AWC UK Festive Wildlife Quiz and put your Aussie wildlife knowledge to the test! Score 75% or higher and you will be entered into a draw to win 2 tickets to the 2026 Koala Gala. This annual black-tie event, featured in Tatler for the last two years, will celebrate 35 years of AWC’s pioneering work protecting Australia’s wild landscapes. 🐨🎉

Play now by visiting: https://awcuk.fillout.com/quiz

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the South Australia Club Christmas event last week. We hope you had a wonderful evening.

A special thank you to Matthew Jukes for his entertaining and insightful guide through the South Australian wines we tasted. It was a fantastic way to start the festive season and so glad so many wine industry figures could attend.

We were honoured to welcome both the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner. It was a privilege to hear from the High Commissioner, celebrate his time here in London, and recognise the important connections he has helped foster during his tenure.

Our thanks go to R.M.Williams and the AFL Europe for their generous prize donations, which added great energy to the night.

Looking ahead to 2026, we remain committed to delivering events that showcase South Australia’s trade and investment opportunities, innovation, culture, and community. This year’s celebration reminded us of the strength of our network and the excitement that comes from bringing people together.

As you plan your festive celebrations, do not forget to include a South Australian wine or two on your Christmas table!

Wishing you and your families a wonderful festive season.

Yalumba Wynns Coonawarra Peter Lehmann Wines

A proud day for our Premier Malinauskas

'I am honoured to have had an audience with His Majesty King Charles III during my trip to the United Kingdom.

I met His Majesty at the King’s London residence, Clarence House, in Westminster, on Wednesday evening UK time.'

Proud moment for our team here in the UK working closely with Rolls-Royce plc and our colleagues in Adelaide.

The South Australian Tourism Commission have been working with Tourism Australia on Gary Barlow Food & Wine Tour: Australia. Episode three launches on ITV and ITVX tomorrow, 23rd May and follows Gary, and his celebrity friend Andi Peters, taking a wonderful road trip through South Australia including the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Kangaroo Island.

In the Barossa, they spend time learning the art of cooperage and have a wine tasting at Yalumba which immediately immerses viewers in South Australia’s incredible wine tourism experiences.

On Kangaroo Island Gary enjoys the simple pleasure of spotting his first kangaroo and taking a swim from Sea Dragon Lodge’s secluded beach. We also see Gary and Andi dining on delicious island produce at the Fig Tree restaurant and having a go at beekeeping at Kangaroo Island Living Honey.

Back on the mainland they have a go at blending their own wine at the iconic d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale, just south of Adelaide.

Catch the South Australia episode in the UK this Friday 23 May on ITV and ITVX and follow Gary’s social media Gary Barlow

We were honoured to organise an exclusive evening bringing together some key South Australian seafood producers and the leading UK seafood buyers, elite chefs, restauranteurs, journalists, influencers, and distributors at the South Australian Seafood Spectacular this week at Wright Brothers in London.

Guests enjoyed exceptional dishes featuring:
Clean Seas Sustainable Seafood Spencer Gulf Kingfish SAQUA Seafood
Goolwa Pipico Pipis
Ferguson Australia Lobster
Spencer gulf prawns SAQUA Seafood
Stehr Group Bluefin tuna
Yumbah Green Lipped Abalone

The seafood for the evening was paired with exceptional wines from:
Bird In Hand Winery Jim Barry Wines Kilikanoon Wines Mosquito Hill Wines Petaluma Wine Yalumba

The UK loves South Aussie seafood and wines!

🚢 Thank you for joining us aboard The Elizabethan luxury charters

Hosted by the South Australia Club, this exclusive event brought together leading industry professionals and members to celebrate South Australia’s finest seafood—right in the heart of London, cruising along the iconic River Thames.

Highlights of the evening included:

🦞 Passionate speeches from the very producers that sourced the evening's seafood
🍽️ A curated menu featuring premium and sustainably sourced products:
Stehr Group Tuna
Spencer Gulf King Prawns SAQUA Seafood
Cleanseas Kingfish SAQUA Seafood

Australia Lobster and Ocean Jackets
Abalone
🤝 Networking with key industry figures and influencers
🍷 Sponsored by

This unique event offered a memorable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and spotlight South Australia’s world-class seafood on an international stage.

👉 If you'd like more information about any of the featured producers or to continue the conversation, feel free to reach out to the team

Photos

Experienced police officers - imagine your future in sunny South Australia!

Get ready, United Kingdom—our team is heading to YOUR city to help turn your dream of moving to South Australia into a reality!

Whether you’re based in London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, or Glasgow, or are happy to travel to one of these cities on the dates listed below, we’ve got a session tailored just for you!

WHEN & WHERE:
- Friday 25 April: London
- Sunday 27 April: Cardiff
- Wednesday 30 April: Birmingham
- Friday 2 May: Manchester
- Sunday 4 May: Glasgow

Come meet our team to find out everything you need to know about joining South Australia Police, the application process, and what it’s like to live and work in a place known for its amazing lifestyle, warm climate, and unbeatable work-life balance.

This is your chance to get answers, meet our recruitment team, and take the first step towards a life-changing move.

Save the date and don’t miss out. Register for your ticket now:

London - https://sapol.info/LondonSeminar
Cardiff - https://sapol.info/CardiffSeminar
Birmingham - https://sapol.info/BirminghamSeminar
Manchester - https://sapol.info/ManchesterSeminar
Glasgow - https://sapol.info/GlasgowSeminar

Proudly presented by AFL Europe and the South Australia Club, hosted at the newly opened , we are delighted to invite you to join us for an informal morning of footy fun and networking at our Gather Round Breakfast!

Enjoy delicious breakfast bites, mingle with fellow footy enthusiasts, and soak up the excitement of the opening game of Gather Round as the Adelaide Crows take on the Geelong Cats which will be played live throughout the venue.

Tickets* can be purchased through Eventbrite, hurry as places are limited. Link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afl-europe-south-australia-club-gather-round-breakfast-registration-1279415198299?aff=oddtdtcreator

Date: Thursday April 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: The Boundary SW6, 541 King's Rd
*Ticket includes a breakfast roll, selection of pastries and tea/coffee with bar facilities available on a cash basis

AFL Europe & South Australia Club - Gather Round Breakfast As the footy world gathers in South Australia, join us for a casual breakfast gathering and watch the game at the newly opened Boundary!