2009 Barossa Winners

Rod has been a painter, sculptor, designer and artistic advisor for 39 years. His paintings are in the collections of over 20 Barossa wineries and in other local, national and international collections. Rod’s images can be seen on numerous iconic Barossa wine labels such as Peter Lehmann, St Hallet, Charles Melton, The Willows, Rockford, Turkey Flat and Whistler Wines. As well as wine labels, Rod’s art has been featured on promotional material for the Barossa and contributed greatly to the Barossa’ destination image and culture.

For seven years, Waechter’s Dux have been striving to provide the general public with a free range, grain fed duck. The Waechter’s also keep their product truly local, from the processing, to the feed mix and the packaging which is sourced locally. Their products bring interest from tourists all over Australia with people visiting the local farmers markets just to purchase their products.

The Novotel Barossa Valley Resort is a four and a half star resort located 55 minutes north of Adelaide in the heart of the Barossa Valley. The resort is set in a natural amphitheatre overlooking the world famous Jacob’s Creek. In 2008, the resort completed a $2.3 million refurbishment, bringing a brand new look to welcome guests. The facilities also have a ‘green’ focus with all rooms fitted with energy efficient lighting, water saving showerheads and green certified absorption fridges.

Two Wells Melodrama Group is a local amateur theatre group, which raises money for other community organisations and causes in the Two Wells area. The group stages one theatre production each year with the proceeds of nearly $30,000 going to local churches, the CFS, Red Cross, Children’s Centre, Mallala Hospital and Rotary. In the past 27 years, the group has raised over $300,000.

Trudi is recognised for co-founding a pregnancy and infant loss support program after the loss of her own twin daughters. She has actively participated in all aspects of operating the program, expanding to be nationally operational. Her program, named Teddy Love Club Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, provides counselling, regular parent support meetings and a unique Pregnancy & Infant Loss Resource Pack. Trudi recently coordinated and organised the first TLC Memorial Walkathon, with over 300 family members attending.

Dragonfly and Alabaster retail stores promote a passion for sourcing select items from local, national and international designers and businesses that believe in sustainability, fair trade and cultural sensitivity. Dragonfly sources unique and individual antiques from North Asia as well as designing their own range of silk bedding and tableware made within a Vietnamese community. Alabaster focuses on championing local artisans, silversmiths, designers and tailors. Dragonfly and Alabaster shows innovation and generates tourism for the region by being registered on the ‘Retail Trail’ with the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Five generations and 160 years later, Yalumba is Australia's oldest family owned winery. It has grown in size and stature, embodying all that has made the Australian wine success story the envy of winemakers the world over. Yalumba has been at the forefront of introducing new wine styles to Australian drinkers over the past decade. The company also leads the industry in environmental performance reducing carbon emissions, increasing biodiversity and exploring organic viticulture.  Yalumba has recently been named by The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide, as their Winery of the Year in the 2010 edition.

The Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre encompasses a cellar door and restaurant along with an interpretive history and wine gallery. Opened in 2002, the centre shares a rich history with its guests, providing a unique and memorable experience for visitors who have enjoyed Jacob’s Creek products around Australia and the World. The Centre continues to maintain and restore the native vegetation and birdlife in its area to develop a quintessential Australian experience for visitors.

Parker is a competitive wakeboarder, competing on a State and national level for over three years. He is now competing at an international level as a result of his selection in the Australian team at the 2009/2010 World Wakeboarding Championships in South Korea. Parker’s many achievements include the 2009 State Titles Champion, selection as a member of the 2009 WWAA Junior Development Squad, first place at the 2009 State of Origin, third place in the 2009 Moomba Junior Wake and the Junior Pro Tour. Parker has raised the profile of wakeboarding within the Barossa community through his continued commitment and success.