Media Releases

This year, throughout the duration of SALA, there will be a total of 33 exhibitions and four open studios located throughout our City.

The exhibitions are in galleries, cafés and restaurants, pubs and breweries as well as schools and retail outlets.

Mayor Robert Bria, who will officially launching SALA tonight at The Gallery, has encouraged all community members to get involved.

“SALA is a fantastic experience for our artistic and creative community. It’s an opportunity to get to know some of some of the incredible artists we have in our City,” he said.

“We are a very creative City and celebrating SALA shines a light on the diversity of talent, which provides inspiration to those who come to see their work.”

For the duration of SALA, The Gallery will be host the Bittondi Printmakers and their exhibition ‘Extending the Line’. The Bittondi Printmakers are a long-standing printmaking group of 20 members.

The exhibition also features ‘Objects from the Heart’. For many years disability artist Janine Rosser and her mentor Cathy Brooks, have been meeting once a week to produce work, created by Janine with Cathy's guidance. This exhibition features the fruits of their collaboration.

The third exhibition ‘Making the Cut’ showcases the linocut print works of Rosalie Day. Rosalie’s recent linocut prints include landmark Adelaide buildings, some more modest buildings and some still life.

“SALA showcases the creativity and breadth of artistic talent in Adelaide’s East. There really is something for everyone, from art aficionados to those just interested in having a bit of a look around and experiencing our City’s art and culture.”

Media enquiries: Mayor Robert Bria on 0431 754 077 or Simonne Whitlock 0400 650 951

“The Council has many reasons why it wants to host the AFL Gather Round again in 2025,” Mayor Bria said.

“The nation’s spotlight was on our beautiful City as we hosted two nail biting AFL matches in April this year, the Norwood Food & Wine Festival that attracted over 70,000 people who enjoyed the produce from our local food and beverage producers and the weekend delivered significant local economic benefits. As well, of course, the fantastic community spirit and vibe!”

More than 18,000 fans packed Norwood Oval over the Gather Round weekend for the two AFL matches this year. The Brisbane Lions kicking off a convincing win over North Melbourne in front of more than 9,000 fans on Friday 5 April, while 9,425 footy fans enjoyed watching St Kilda defeat Richmond on Sunday 7 April.

Economic data for the month of April shows that the business sector in City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and in particular the suburb of Norwood, benefitted from a massive increase in spending this year compared to 2023.

Spendmapp data revealed the total spend for the entire City entire over the three days was $17.6 million compared to $14.2 million in 2023.

“City-wide expenditure in the Dining and Hospitality sector was $6.6 million this year compared to $4.45 million in 2023 - representing a 48% increase - which is a phenomenal result.”

“This massive increase in spending this year is testament to the momentum of the AFL Gather Round and of course, the popularity of The Parade, The Norwood Oval and The Norwood Food & Wine Festival.”

“The high percentage of spending coming from visitors, rather than locals, reinforces the success of the AFL Gather Round and how it attracts people from interstate to South Australia and the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.”

“In fact, almost one quarter ($890,000) of the spend in Norwood came from Victorian visitors, which is a great result and demonstrates the popularity of the Norwood Food & Wine Festival.”

Mayor Bria said the Council has resolved to express its interest with the AFL and the State Government for Norwood Oval to host matches for the 2025 AFL Gather Round and has allocated $200,000 in its 2024-2025 budget for activations and events. 

Media enquiries: Mayor Robert Bria on 0431 754 077 or Simonne Whitlock 0400 650 951

This year’s budget will result in an average residential rate increase of 7.01% or $149, bringing the residential (average) rate to $2,040.

The adopted budget will result in almost one third of residential properties only paying the Minimum Rate of $1,277.

More than three in five (63%) of residential property owners will pay no more than to $2,000, which is $40 below the average rate.

Mayor Robert Bria acknowledged that while this year’s rate increase is higher than those of recent years, the Council is delivering a significant infrastructure renewal and new capital works program.

This includes:
• road reseals ($4.177 million);
• footpath reconstruction ($951,000);
• kerb and water tables ($1.552 million);
• stormwater works including the Trinity Valley Drainage Upgrade ($11.642 million); and
• renewal of other infrastructure asset renewals ($1.972 million).

Other major projects funded in the budget are the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre
Redevelopment and the upgrade of George Street, Norwood, which is the first major instalment of the Parade Masterplan.

The Council is also funding an exciting events program, which includes efex Men’s Stage 3 for the 2025 Tour Down Under, Concerts in the Park series and Raising the Bar Adelaide.

$200,000 has been allocated towards next year’s AFL Gather Round, which the Council hopes to be a part of again following the success of the two games played at Norwood Oval last April.

“Our citizens work hard for their money which goes into the Council budget, so it is only fair the Council ensures the money in the budget works hard for them,” Mayor Bria said.

“As a Council, we are absolutely committed to delivering high quality services and infrastructure for our community.

“Over a number of years, the Council has been focused on delivering a number of projects, but we know there is still much more to be done,” said Mayor Bria.

Media enquiries: Mayor Robert Bria on 0431 754 077 or Simonne Whitlock 0400 650 951

Speakers at this year’s event will be discussing a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to - your rights at work; bowel cancer; suppression orders versus silence; intimate relationships, diet, body language, elevating your career and how history is recorded.

Mayor Robert Bria said Raising the Bar was one of the most anticipated events in the Council’s calendar with many of the free talks expected to be at capacity.

“This year’s speakers cover a range of intriguing and riveting topics that are sure to pique everyone’s interests,” he said.

“This year the calibre of speakers is exceptional and we also have a new venue - Ferg’s Stepney.”

Veteran Raising the Bar Adelaide speakers, The Advertiser’s Chief Court Reporter Sean Fewster and Change Management Consultant, Daniel Panozzo, who are the co-creators and co-hosts of the Just Lawful Podcast, will be speaking at Little Bang Brewery.  During their talk at 6:30pm talk they will be focussing on “suppression vs silence”.

“In the past, Sean and Daniel have always been fully booked so I recommend getting in early if legal issues and justice are of interest to you.”

“It is expected that Kellie Finlayson and Sophie Edwards, will also be very popular speakers. They are both Jodi Lee Foundation Ambassadors and both bowel cancer.

“Kellie, who is married to Port Adelaide Football Club key forward Jeremy Finlayson, and Sophie will speak about bowel cancer, how to prevent the disease and their work with the Jodi Lee Foundation. They will also share their bowel cancer stories in a real and raw yet humorous way."

“The best – and most challenging aspect -  of Raising the Bar is deciding who to see and in what venue. One of the drawcards of the initiative is the opportunity to “bar hop” and visit as many venues as you can.”

Raising the Bar originated in New York City when students from New York University and Columbia University combined to bring lectures into informal settings such as bars. Raising the Bar events are now held in a number of cities across the world including London, Hong Kong, Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne.

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters holds the exclusive license to host the event in South Australia.

Tickets to Raising the Bar talks are free and bookings are essential.

For more information  about speakers and venues, and to secure your seat, visit: Raising the Bar Adelaide

Media enquiries: Mayor Robert Bria on 0431 754 077 or Simonne Whitlock 0400 650 951