2021 Annual Report

A message from the Chair

In a year when the Covid pandemic rendered all our lives less predictable, the Foundation was able to make progress across a number of important social equity issues.

THESE INITIATIVES were made possible by the generosity of those amongst us who are more fortunate and want to support those amongst us who are less fortunate.

The Covid pandemic brought into sharp focus the issue of homelessness in the Barossa, particularly of children and young adults. The community has responded very positively. The generosity of many local organisations has been overwhelming, reflecting the community spirit that has been a hallmark of our region for decades. These efforts have been further leveraged with Homburg Real Estate committing to an ongoing and very generous contribution. A partnership has been established with Kids Under Cover that will see a homelessness prevention program commence in the near future.

The BGWA Wellbeing Fund was refocussed during the year to the provision of Mental Health training in the wine industry. A very successful wine auction has allowed this program to commence ahead of schedule in late 2021.

A Youth Council has been initiated. In this first year, four schools have each identified two Youth Ambassadors. These Ambassadors are to assess the applications for our Community Grants program in October 2021. This is a wonderful opportunity for these young people to give their perspective on the social needs of their community. Some of the schools also conducted fundraisers to assist with the (yet-to-be) chosen projects.

The Kicking Goals scholarships program continues to provide opportunities for young people with a disability.

The Elderton Winemaking Scholarship attracted a number of candidates that reflected the work ethic, desire for success, personal development and Barossa engagement that the scholarship criteria required.

The Thomas Scholarships were awarded and we welcomed four new Mentors to support these recipients going forward. All four Mentors are community members and leaders, so it is wonderful to see this generous commitment to our community.

There were 17 recipients of the Concordis scholarships, indicating how widespread the disadvantage is in our community.

The Peter Lehmann Arts and Education Trust provided funding to support a number of cultural initiatives across art and music.

The second award of the Dr Ben Baker Memorial Scholarship was made and two young musicians received the Barossa Bands scholarships.

The ArtLease program has been extended to include a series of art exhibitions by Tutti Arts at the Angaston Medical Centre. A part of the proceeds from each piece sold is directed to the Foundation.

This year, the Foundation was able to distribute $30,000 in Back to School vouchers, the most ever received. Again, this was made possible through the generosity of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and Barossa Real Estate.

The Annual Awards night held in late January was a celebration of the objectives of the Foundation. More than 100 people were allowed to attend (Covid restrictions applied) including Award recipients, sponsors and donors. We thank The Jam Factory once again for their hospitality.

Our subscriber database continues to increase. This is the best way to stay in touch with the activities of the Foundation.

I would like to express my thanks to our enthusiastic and very busy Executive Officer, Annabelle Elton-Martin, for her amazing contribution in the last twelve months. And to my fellow Board Members for their time and commitment to the purpose of the Foundation.

Finally, let me recognise the generosity of our sponsors, partners and donors, without whom nothing would or could be achieved.

Neil Retallick