South Australians in Europe

Great to welcome Leanne Saunders to London this week as she begins her European visit.

Leanne, Acting CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation, was visiting London as part of Screen Australia’s Partner with Australia (UK) program—an important opportunity to deepen international connections and showcase the strength of Australia’s screen sector.

Leanne has impressive track record—from leading production at the New Zealand Film Commission to produce globally successful titles such as Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

Leanne is focused on promoting the depth of talent in South Australia and the opportunities to bring projects to life within its well-connected screen ecosystem.

We look forward to building on this momentum and seeing continued collaboration between South Australia, the UK and international partners across the screen industry.

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.

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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