Author: Angela Pickett

Visit https://foundationbarossa.org.au/community-grants/  to learn more and download the application form.

On 1 May, at the Tanunda Recreation Park Clubrooms, over 120 guests gathered to celebrate the spirit of community and generosity at the 2024 Foundation Barossa Awards Night. This event brings together scholars, grant recipients, and supporters to highlight and honour the extraordinary contributions to the Barossa community. The evening opened with Tutti artist and scholarship and grant recipient, Johanna Roberts leading the Acknowledgment of Country.

Foundation Barossa, established in 2002, stands as a beacon of community support and philanthropy in the heart of the Barossa region. “The Foundation embodies our belief that generosity begins at home. By nurturing the potential within our community, we ensure a resilient future for all,” remarked Amy Heinicke, Chair of Foundation Barossa. She continued, “Tonight is not just about celebration but also about reflection on the impact of every scholarship and grant awarded. Each is a testament to the tenacity and ambition of our recipients and the incredible support of those who make our work possible.”

As a community foundation, Foundation Barossa is committed to the long-term enrichment of the region. The Foundation Barossa Awards Night not only acknowledges the achievements of its recipients but also serves as a heartfelt thank you to the donors and volunteers whose support fuels the Foundation’s enduring mission. It is a night that truly exemplifies the power of community and the impact of collective effort.

Angela Pickett, a Foundation Barossa board member, introduced the Youth Council Program, highlighting its role in empowering students as Youth Ambassadors—Kaylee Vardon, Shannon Key, Jada Rigney, Quinn Burgess, Jaxon Wylie, Hudson Lange, Charlotte Ewbank, Riylan O’Riley, Evie Leslie, Katie Graue, and Riley Swan—to tackle local issues and connect with their community. The 2023 mentors Amber Perry, Casey Miles, Kaitlyn Viergever, Jacob Judd, and Kayley Boehm provide essential guidance, sharing insights into Foundation Barossa, philanthropy, and the vital work of partner organisations.

Jenny O’Brien, a board member of Foundation Barossa, presented the Community Grants, highlighting the program’s role in bolstering community-based projects across the Barossa region. The 2022 recipients included Barossa Wildlife Rescue’s Re-wilding Program, Centacare for providing shelter, warmth, and cooking facilities for the homeless, the Sammy D Violence Prevention Presentation, and inclusive play equipment at Tanunda Disability Unit. The 2023 recipients included a new basketball court project at Nuriootpa High School Flexible Learning Centre, a defibrillator at Fathers Farm, and a Youth engagement program for Southern Barossa Alliance.

Blake Brennand and Molly Jones were awarded Kicking Goals scholarships by John Hughes. who is the Deputy Chair of Foundation Barossa and founder of the Kicking Goals Scholarship. The scholarship supports students with disabilities in their final years of high school and provides financial assistance as they transition to further education or employment.

The awards evening’s MC, Jane Ferrari, introduced Foundation Barossa’s Executive Officer, Annabelle Travaglione, alongside Margo, a recipient of the first homelessness prevention studio in the Barossa, and Guy Draper, Principal of Homburg Real Estate, to discuss the significance of the Homburg Youth Homelessness Prevention Fund. This vital fund supports the purchase of ‘Kids Under Cover’ youth homelessness prevention studios and helps create seed funding for a sustainable, long-term solution. The next three studios have now been approved for Barossa, with construction set to begin in May/June. Additionally, two more are currently under review. Guy Draper explained the reason for Homburg joining as named partner for the fund. “ The opportunity for the partnership with Foundation Barossa felt like it was a really great fit as our business sis all about putting a roof over people’s heads. When it was presented to us that youth homelessness is an issue in the Barossa, we wanted to help and make a positive contribution”.

Lisa Laycock, Board member of Foundation Barossa invited accomplished young musicians Thomas Jaeger and Bethany Lobegeiger to collect their Barossa Bands Scholarships.

Concordis scholarships were presented by representative partner Nigel van der Zande from Kaesler Wines on behalf of the Concordis partner, Seppeltsfield Wines, Kaesler, Torbreck Vintners and Two Hands Wines. The Concordis Scholarships have been designed to ensure social inclusion and remove barriers to study.

Fiona Donald from Worldplay Wines spoke passionately about their support of the Imagination Library, an early literacy program, that provides disadvantaged children with monthly book packs, enhancing reading skills and fostering a lifelong love for reading.

Fiona continued and presented the Thomas Scholarship which was established by David and Barbara Thomas in 1998 and designed to support students whose ambitions transcend barriers to study. The 2023 recipients were Tom Richardson who is studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Amber Perry, who is studying a Bachelor of Oenology & Viticulture. The 2024 recipients are Anika Marston, studying for a Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience), Olivia Schiller, Bachelor of Nursing, and Kobi Schulz a Bachelor in Civil Engineering.

MC, Jane then highlighted the significant impact of the Foundation Barossa’s Back to School program, which in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and local support from Harcourts Barossa Real Estate, has distributed $38,500 in vouchers to over 770 students in 2024, promoting educational engagement, social inclusion, and resilience among disadvantaged children.

Naomi Graetz presented the Dr. Ben Baker Memorial Scholarship, established by Foundation Barossa and Angaston Medical Centre, to Caitlin Rehn, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing, in honor of Dr. Baker’s legacy of fostering community connections and supporting aspiring health professionals.

Georgia Staker from Hill Smith Family Estate discussed the Yalumba Laptop Program, managed by Foundation Barossa, which donates on average fifty second-hand computers annually to students facing economic hardships in the region, ensuring equitable access to technology for educational advancement, including those in school disability units.

Amy Heinicke presented the Elderton Wine Making Excellence scholarship recipient to Zena Hudnott who is studying Bachelor of Oenology and will complete a vintage at Elderton as part of her scholarship.

Philip Lehmann presented the awards on behalf of the Peter Lehmann Arts and Education Trust which was launched in 2014 to enhance the Barossa’s artistic and cultural fabric by broadening access to a diverse array of arts and cultural education activities. The recipients included 100 Barossa Artists for a new microphone for the Speak podcasts, the Barossa Village Elders Oral History project and That’s My Jam! project, Joshua van Konkelenberg as the Artist in Residence for the Hill and Son Organ, the Nuriootpa High School Collaborative mural, the Rechner Cottage Conservation Association, Cultural History of Light Pass project, Tutti Arts for the Inside Out and Meeting Place projects, Ali Devitt Lanson, for the Fun in the Park project, the Marananga Brass Band, Digital access to 100 years of the Marananga Town Band initiative, and Tara Tauba Therapeutic Arts, Hands Immersed program.

Jane, the evening’s MC, spoke about the Barossa Australia Wellbeing Grants, a crucial collaboration with Foundation Barossa, providing Mental Health First Aid Training to those in the wine and visitor sectors, enhancing regional resilience and safeguarding the wellbeing of our community.

John Hughes highlighted the impact of PHIL & THROPE Wines, emphasising that each purchase not only supports local causes through Foundation Barossa but also showcases community art, with labels designed by Tutti Arts artists enhancing their mission to produce exceptional wines that contribute meaningfully to the community.

Jenny O’Brien then spoke about the importance of partnerships in enhancing community impact, saying “Tonight, many of our partners are here in this room. Your support and commitment are important to the Foundation’s success. Whether you are a long-standing ally or a new friend of the Foundation, please know that your contributions are valued and have made a significant impact.” Jenny highlighted the success of the Give A Little More Barossa soup kitchen initiative, which brought together local chefs, bakers, Barossa Co-op, and Northland Packaging to support the important work of the Foundation.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt recognition of the current volunteer board of Foundation Barossa and acknowledgments for outgoing board members, previous Chair Neil Retallick, and Board member, Abbey Underwood. Current Chair, Amy Heinicke, expressing gratitude to all attendees, shared an inspiring vision: ‘With $2 million in managed funds allowing annual grants and scholarships of $80,000 to $100,000, our goal to increase this to $20 million could enable us to give back $800,000 to $1 million each year to where it is needed most. This lofty yet attainable goal underscores the profound impact we can achieve together.'”

As the 2023 Thomas Scholarships open, we wanted to share our media release announcing last year’s scholars last September,

Amber Perry and Tom Richardson are the Thomas Scholars for 2023.

The scholarship will provide welcome support to the students, who will receive financial assistance to support their studies.

Amber impressed the panel with her dedication and determination to study a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology program at the Waite campus at Adelaide University beginning in 2023.

Amber’s passion for winemaking started a few years ago while working a vintage as a Vintage Cellar Hand at Barossa Valley Estate, after completing the vintage.  She was fortunate enough to work in a very team-based and educational Winery where she was given plenty of opportunities to grow her knowledge and learn about the wine industry. Amber was offered an opportunity to broaden her skills with a new role as a Vintage Lab Technician for the 2022 Vintage. This was a great opportunity and further cemented her commitment and love for the industry.

Amber is aiming to use the knowledge and experiences she will gain to give back to the Barossa community.  She aspires to one day be a head Winemaker at a Winery where she will be able to craft wines of the same quality that keeps the Barossa as a leader in the industry.

This scholarship has given Amber the opportunity to study that otherwise she does not feel would have been possible due to financial hardship and a work-intensive study load.

“I am extremely grateful to receive the Thomas Scholarship, it is such a privilege and will be invaluable in helping me through my university studies to achieve my dream of becoming a Winemaker. The financial assistance will allow me to buy the essential resources for the course and help with traveling costs to Uni which would be very hard to afford without this support from Foundation Barossa and the Thomas Scholar donors”, said Amber.

Tom Richardson plans to return to the Barossa after completing a degree in either mechanical or electrical engineering.   He will be enrolling at Adelaide University next near in the Engineering Flexible Entry course which will give him a good insight into both careers and from there, he can choose which he will continue to study for the rest of his degree.

“The generous support of this scholarship will allow me to set myself up for my studies at university. With this assistance, it will ease some of the financial pressures I will face with my tertiary education.”, said Tom

The Thomas Scholarship was Foundation Barossa’s first scholarship. It was set up thanks to a generous donation by David and Barbara Thomas in 1998.

Through the scholarship, Foundation Barossa helps young people contribute to Barossa’s future.

‘We’re excited to award these scholarships to Amber and Tom. We wish them the best with their studies. The Foundation would also like to thank Fiona Donald, Anne Maree Clementson, and Steve Clarkson for being part of the selection panel and bringing their industry experience, passion for the region and support for local students to the process,’ said Executive Officer, Annabelle Elton-Martin.

Blake Brennand has just been awarded the 2023 Kicking Goals Scholarship through Foundation Barossa.

Blake, a year 11 student from Nuriootpa High’s Inclusive Education Centre, aspires to gain employment when he finishes school as a tradesman, and in the future have his own business/self-employment. Blake is currently completing Certificate II in Construction to gain a better understanding of each trade area before he decides which one is the best. For Blake, an important part of the scholarship is the opportunity to be mentored by John Hughes.

John has slight Cerebral Palsy and has always wanted to put together a scholarship that enables a student with a disability to go further. The Kicking Goals Scholarship is designed to take a student in the Barossa region further into education, with the ultimate goal being employment. “I would value the mentoring and the chance to have someone to talk to with career advice and being a young adult beginning the next chapter of life after school,” said Blake.

Outside of school Blake’s determination to succeed is also clear and has impressively competed in The Special Olympics in bowling, soccer, and basketball.

“Blake is a very impressive young man”, said John Hughes, “Blake performs well at school, and has been acknowledged with both academic and personal development awards at school. I am very much looking forward to mentoring Blake, helping him create opportunities for an apprenticeship where he can be on-the-job learning, and seeing him further develop his interests in the construction industry.

Blake had put a lot of work into his interview and came ready to answer questions with a PowerPoint he had prepared.  “I think Blake may end up mentoring me!”, added John.

Barossa Village received a grant through Foundation Barossa’s Peter Lehmann Arts & Education Trust to document and record the histories of some of the Barossa Village Residents.

Each of the residents at Barossa Village has a unique story to tell and has shaped our region into what we know today. Barossa Village partnered with Christian Teusner from the Emu Tree to create a unique oral and visual history project focusing on 10 residents from the Barossa Village Aged Care Facility who grew up and lived their lives in the Barossa Valley. The Barossa Value Elders project objective was to capture, preserve and create awareness of the histories and stories of these individuals.

In addition to the oral history component, a graphic designer was engaged to collate images of the Resident’s lives and capture and present these in a way that visually represented who they are and their lived experiences.

“It is an absolute privilege to share in people’s stories”, said Matt Kowald, General Manager of Barossa Village. “It’s why a lot of us work in aged care. Barossa Village wants to preserve these stories for future generations so they can understand how people lived. Oral histories give us the chance to preserve a person’s voice which is often the first thing we forget when people are gone”.

One of the residents included in the Oral Histories is 87-year-old Glenda Schultz who talks about growing up in Keyneton with 12 siblings. Glenda remembers the first baby born in the Tanunda Hospital where she worked as 1 of 5 of the first trainee nurses. “It was a 14- bed hospital at that time, Matron Tscharke was a wonderful Matron”.

87-year old Elizabeth Mueller, a Seppeltsfield girl also reflects on her early memories as a Marananga Primary School student during WWII saying “I remember my first kiss, I know exactly where it was, under the pine tree at Marananga school”.

Foundation Barossa was thrilled to support these oral histories and preserve a diverse range of personal experiences that generally are not well documented in written sources or traditional history. Their personal nature makes them a great primary source for people wanting to discover more about a certain event or era, providing an insight into the impact events had on the people alive and involved. Sadly, since they were recorded two of the residents involved have passed away so these recordings also provide an important and heartwarming legacy for the families of the residents ensuring their voices and stories are preserved for future generations.

The artworks containing QR code links to the recordings now adorn the walls of the Barossa Village Residence. The moving audio stories are also available to download or listen to free at https://thewaywewere.podbean.com/.

The Peter Lehmann Arts and Education Trust (PLAET) fosters arts and cultural learning opportunities and access. It provides grants for arts, culture, and education projects in the Barossa. Foundation Barossa oversees the administration of the trust with an Advisory Committee, including members of the Lehmann family.

“One of the most enduring memories I have of traveling around the Barossa with Dad was the oral commentary that recounted the landmarks, events, and people who wove the tapestry of our region’s past. Looking back, I wish we’d had the foresight to record this oral history for my kids to know. So, capturing forever the small, all too easily overlooked pieces of local history as told by those who have lived it is incredibly important for both the families of those who tell their tales but also for future generations of our region too”, said David Lehmann.

12 August 2022

Samual Hayes and Felix Lobegeiger are the 2022 recipients of the Barossa Bands scholarships. The aim of the Scholarship is to enable and promote the tuition of young, talented musicians.  Foundation Barossa awards these annual scholarships in collaboration with the Nuriootpa and Marananga Town Bands.

The scholarships provide $750 for travel, tuition, uniforms, instrument purchase, or hire. More importantly, the recipients are mentored by a local community band.

Nuriootpa High School student, Felix is looking to buy some new drumsticks and an electronic drum kit with an amp for sound.

For Kapunda High Student Samual, the scholarship will allow him to buy his own French Horn and continue lessons in each of his instruments (trumpet, French horn and tenor drum)

Music is a creative outlet for Samual who has autism. When asked what the scholarship would mean Samual replied “ Music means I can blow out all my hot air with trumpet and practice control with French horn and bang out with tenor drum. It helps me feel calm. It’s fun and a challenge and I really enjoy it.”

The Barossa Bands Scholarship was launched in 2015 following the closure of the Barossa Junior Brass Band. Each year up to two scholarships are awarded to students in years 7 to 10. The Barossa Band Scholarship fund is open to receive further contributions through fundraising, donations or bequests.  Donations to this fund are tax-deductible.

23 September 2022

Foundation Barossa is excited to announce Thomas Geyer as the 2022 recipient of the Elderton Winemaking Scholarship.

Thomas is in the fourth year of a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide, having completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in 2017.

“I first entered the industry in the Barossa Valley in 2018 while working in a vineyard for Paul Georgiadis at Paulmara Estates in Marananga. I’ve worked in this vineyard consistently since starting, alongside working as a distiller at Seppeltsfield Road Distillers, assisting on and off during vintage at Hemera Estate, and I have also completed a vintage at First Drop Wines this year.

I believe the Barossa is a region that not only formed the bedrock of the Australian wine industry, but also has the potential to pioneer the next generation of wines and varieties as they come to prominence. This emergence of new styles and varieties is something I wish to be a part of, and I feel that the Barossa can be the place to do it

I’m very grateful to have received the Elderton Winemaking Excellence Scholarship, and am excited to begin my mentorship program and learn as much as I can from the whole team at Elderton, I’m truly thankful to be accepting this opportunity to extend my education.”

Elderton Wines established the scholarship in 2015 to support a student to pursue a career in winemaking.

‘Thomas was the standout applicant for this year’s scholarship.  He is proudly Barossan and extremely wine passionate.  We are very much looking forward to him working at Elderton for Vintage 22,’ said Cameron Ashmead, Co-Managing Director of Elderton Wines.