Media Releases

Chile Mojo inducted into Hall of Fame and four Local Legends honoured at 2024 Eastside Business Awards

24/04/2024

Winners of the 2024 Eastside Business Awards have been announced with 13 local businesses recognised for excellence and St Morris Mexican grocery store, Chile Mojo inducted into the esteemed Hall of Fame.

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters introduced a Legends Award to the Eastside Business Award for the first time this year and last night four local businesses received this honour. To receive a Legends Award a business must have won the same category at least three times.

The inaugural inductees of the 2024 Legends Award are:

• Little Bang Brewery - Best Pub/Bar;
• Shouz Boutique - Best Fashion Retailer;
• Mary MacKillop Museum - Best Arts & Culture/Entertainment Experience; and
• Cheeky Grin Coffee -  Best Coffee category.

All of the winners received their awards from Mayor Robert Bria and the Minister for Small and Family Business, Hon Andrea Michaels MP, at Norwood Concert Hall last night.

The event was also attended by City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters’ Elected Members, a diverse range of business owners, their family and friends as well as representatives from Solstice Media, who worked closely with the Council to deliver the successful Awards program.

“Jim Plouffe and David Simmons from Solstice Media have been fantastic to work with for this year’s Awards and the Council values the partnership we have formed with Solstice Media,” Mayor Bria said.

Mayor Bria said this year’s Eastside Business Awards honoured and recognised businesses and traders who have excelled in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.

“The Council is very proud of the local business community we have here in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and sees itself as a partner to promote and support the local economy.  

“The Awards are one of many of the Council’s ways is recognising the efforts made by our business community and their contributions to the economic, social and cultural life of our City.

“After holding these awards as a stand-up cocktail event for the past six years, the Council wanted to take the event to the next level with a dinner in the Norwood Concert Hall.

“The feedback from the local businesses owners who attended the new-look Eastside Business Awards was fantastic and they certainly appreciated the effort of the Council to elevate the prestige of the Awards.

“The Awards have played a huge role in boosting the confidence of many small businesses in our City,” said Mayor Bria.

This year a record number of 347 individual businesses were nominated, up from 312 in 2023 and eight businesses were nominated as finalists for the first time. The Awards received a total of 10,900 votes just short of last year’s record of 11,063 votes.

“To be an Eastside Business Award winner or finalist, shows that a business has had an exceptional impact on their clients or customers, but also the wider community, and that is something to be immensely proud of.”

“I encourage all business owners, traders, clients, customers and visitors to our City to get involved and shine a light on our business sector.”

To read more about the Awards visit: Eastside Business Awards

Eastside Business Award Finalists and Winners

Best Arts & Culture / Entertainment Experience

Dillons Bookshop
Mary MacKillop Museum - WINNER
Merlin Post Productions

Best Café / Restaurant

Cafetal Coffee Co
Pave Café - WINNER
Taste of Nepal
The Nourish’d Kitchen

Best Coffee

Cafetal Coffee Co.
Cheeky Grin Coffee - WINNER

Best Customer Experience

JAKS Hire & Event
Physio Smart - WINNER
Tito Pignetti – Training & Consulting

Best Fashion Retailer

Boutique Mon Ami - WINNER
Exurbia

Best Food / Beverage Manufacturer

Chile Mojo
Prove Patisserie  - WINNER
Reform Distilling

Best Hair / Beauty Salon

Cozy Hair Beauty Salon
Marros Hair & Beauty - WINNER
Untangled Hairstylists

Best Independent Small Business

Chile Mojo
JAKS Hire & Events
Tito Pignetti – Training & Consulting - WINNER

Best Professional Service

Bambrick Legal
Physio Smart - WINNER
Tito Pignetti – Training & Consulting

Best Pub / Bar

Reform Distilling
Rising Sun Inn - WINNER
The Colonist

To read Mayor Robert Bria's speech, visit: Mayor Speeches

AFL Gather Round set to provide a massive boost to Norwood economy for second year in a row

10/04/2024

The recent AFL Gather Round is set to deliver a huge economic windfall for the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters’ economy with local traders taking advantage of the huge swell of interstate visitors to Norwood and surrounding suburbs. 

Mayor Robert Bria said he is delighted so many businesses were able to be a part of the Gather Round, by either directly participating in the Norwood Food and Wine Festival or countless other events and activities.

“It’s still a few weeks before the Council receives Spendmapp data which reveals the level of expenditure in the hospitality sector, but we expect it will exceed the $2.2m spent in Norwood alone last year,” Mayor Bria said.

“I spoke to a number of traders during the Festival who were very pleased with the turnover for their businesses. Traders who’ve never participated in previous food and wine festivals were particularly pleased with the huge crowd on the day,” he said.

Founder of Cheeky Grin Coffee, Stefan Iannace, said participating in the Norwood Food and Wine Festival “was an incredible opportunity which provided a platform to showcase our products to a diverse audience”.

“The Festival's well-curated selection of vendors and its strategic marketing efforts attracted a large crowd, resulting in significant foot traffic and sales for our business,” Mr Iannace said.

“The Festival's success can be attributed to its meticulous planning and dedication to providing an exceptional experience for both vendors and attendees,” he added.

Danniel Amadio from Amadio Wines said the Festival enabled the opportunity “for us to pour our wines for guests hailing from every corner of Australia”.

“Representing the Adelaide Hills, we couldn't be prouder to showcase the beautiful region on such a grand stage. The Festival turned out to be a record-breaking day, and we're grateful for the chance to share our passion for winemaking with so many enthusiasts.”

Mayor Bria said Norwood Oval hosting two games was a key part of the success of the weekend, with the Richmond versus St Kilda game a particular highlight.

“The Sunday match between the Tigers and Saints was a ripper, with thousands of fans who couldn’t get tickets still coming along to attend the Activation Area in front of the Oval and festival.

He said the Council will conduct an in-house review of the Gather Round before participating in a formal debrief with the AFL and Norwood Football Club in the coming weeks.

“Our approach is one of continuous improvement to enhance the football and cultural experience for locals and visitors and that’s where we’ll focus our effort.

“The Council had developed a strong and professional working relationship with the AFL over the past two Gather Rounds and we hope this will stand us in good stead regarding any future negotiations in 2025 and 2026,” he said.

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

Sensory friendly cinema sessions to celebrate the AFL Gather Round in Norwood

03/04/2024

AFL fans who have additional sensory needs are encouraged to join in the fun of the 2024 Gather Round by watching the matches live on the big screen at Hoyts on The Parade, Norwood.

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters has joined forces with Hotys to ensure that children, adults and families who are autistic or have sensory sensitivities can still enjoy the excitement of the blockbuster matches, in a safe and inclusive environment.

Mayor Robert Bria said the Council is conscious of providing an enjoyable and affordable experience for everyone in the community.

“Footy fans who missed out on getting tickets to the two matches to be played at Norwood Oval during 2024 AFL Gather Round have the opportunity to watch the action on the big screen.

“Importantly, families of children with additional sensory needs, can also make sure they join in the fun and excitement too.”

Hoyts Norwood have allocated two cinemas with a total of 195 seats to show each match to be played at Norwood Oval - Brisbane vs North Melbourne this Friday 5 April and Richmond vs St Kilda on Sunday 7 April.

One of the two cinemas on each day will cater for patrons with sensory sensitivities and/or sensory needs. 

The State Government’s Assistant Minister for Autism Emily Bourke welcomed the initiative.

“I congratulate Hoyts and the Council for kicking gorals for their local community by bringing the footy to the big screen in an environment that is inclusive for all fans,” Assistant Minister Bourke said.

Patrons will be offered a choice of two candy-bar deals: pop corn and water ($10) and pop corn, water and chop-top ice-cream ($13.50).

Every patron also will receive a complimentary bag of Menz Fruchocs courtesy of the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.

Tickets for the matches are free and available now.  Online bookings are essential and will be limited to 4 people per booking. No tickets will be sold at Hoyts on match day.

To book your tickets, go to:

Friday 5 April - https://events.humanitix.com/brisbane-vs-north-melbourne

Sunday 7 April - https://events.humanitix.com/richmond-vs-st-kilda

For more information visit: www.npsp.sa.gov.au

Rivals and Champions come together for a feast for the senses during City of NPSP’s Festival of Footy

28/03/2024

There is just over a week until the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters erupts with the excitement, anticipation and energy of the AFL Gather Round and there is still the opportunity to secure tickets to two exclusive events as part of the Council’s Festival of Footy.

To kick off the weekend of activities, the Council has secured some of the biggest names in SANFL history for the Champions Lunch to be held in the Norwood Concert Hall on Thursday 4 April.

Mayor Robert Bria said the idea behind the Champions Lunch was the Norwood - Port Adelaide rivalry being one of the oldest and fiercest in Australian football.

“Now, as part of the 2024 Gather Round Festival of Football, you can relive some of the magic moments from two of the great grand finals of the 1980s.

“South Australian Football royalty and FIVEAA sports presenter, Tim Ginever will headline this special event with Michael Aish and Neville Roberts.

“With a theme meticulously curated to honour the victories of Norwood and Port Adelaide, every detail of the event is a nod to the indelible moments that shaped our football legacy.

“The Champions Lunch, is a step back in time, and a unique opportunity to pay homage to the football legends who left an indelible mark on SANFL history.

On Saturday 6 April, right in between the two blockbuster AFL matches which have already sold out at Norwood Oval, and in order to celebrate the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters hosting the highly anticipated St Kilda vs Richmond game, the Council is hosting a once-in-a-lifetime culinary event in an open air dining spectacular on Osmond Terrace.

The Rivals Long Lunch is co-hosted by the renowned MasterChef contestant Malissa Fedele and Sam Worrall-Thomson from restaurants BarLune and Dolly.

Mayor Bria said Chef Malissa Fedele has curated a menu that will showcase the finest local produce sourced from the Council’s local manufacturers.

“An exclusive paring with Amadio Wines and The Suburban Brew, an extraordinary outdoor setting and like-minded AFL fans seated around you, make sure you don't miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary event.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: AFL Gather Round

Finalists announced in Eastside Business Award – with new category acknowledging outstanding and continued success

27/03/2024

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peter’s Eastside Business Awards continue to gain significance and momentum and 2024 is proving to be another resounding success with a record number of local businesses nominated.

Today the finalists were announced with some familiar names such as Cheeky Grin Coffee, Mary MacKillop Museum, The Colonist and Reform Distilling making the short-list in their respective categories. While eight businesses have been named a finalist for the first time, including JAKS Hire & Events, Merlin Post Productions and Physio Smart.

Mayor Robert Bria said this year the Council wanted to recognise those businesses that had been identified as a winner three times in the same category by creating a Legends Category. Those businesses that have historically been successful in winning a category three times will be recognised as Legends at the Awards Night.

“To be an Eastside Business Award winner or finalist, shows that a business has had lasting impact not only on an individual, but also the wider community, and that is something to be immensely proud of,” Mayor Bria said.

“It’s exciting to be able to announce a new Hall of Fame recipient as well as a number of businesses who will be elevated to legendary status,” Mayor Bria said.
Last year’s Hall of Fame winner was family owned and operated, Gelato Bello, located in Glynde.

Since being honoured with the Hall of Fame crown, Gelato Bello has been a featured at many Council and community events.

“Owner Marcus Nardone and his family are examples of how hard work, customer loyalty and producing a quality product - in this case some of the finest Italian gelato in South Australia – is a tried and true recipe for success,” Mayor Bria said.

“The Council is constantly thinking outside the square when it comes to supporting our local food, wine and manufacturing industries and the Eastside Business Awards are the perfect way to help those businesses to be recognised as some of the best food and beverage manufacturers in South Australia.

To be crowned the Hall of Fame winner a business must have operated within the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters for more than 20 years.

The 2024 Hall of Fame winner will be announced at the Awards ceremony, which is being held at the Norwood Concert Hall on 23 April 2024.