“It’s time for the government to stand up for regional South Australia”
Barossa Park is complete ahead of schedule and gearing up for Gather Round.
An excited Premier, Peter Malinauskas said the jointly funded $45.7 million upgrade to the Lyndoch Oval came together in record time and has encouraged “locals and visitors alike to come and experience the magic of the Barossa region – during, before and after Gather Round 2025.”
This is a kind sentiment from the king of recreation and tourism, and I applaud the Premier’s commitment to attracting visitors to our great state. The economic benefits of events like Gather Round and Liv Golf are fabulous – but as a regional South Aussie, publishing today’s press release from the Premier, was too bitter a pill to swallow.
While I sincerely hope Gather Round brings an influx of cashed up interstaters to the Barossa Valley, there’ll be plenty of die-hard footy fans from our own state who won’t afford such a luxury.
It’s no secret that families and rural communities are grappling with severe drought conditions – but it sure feels like the issue is being swept under the carpet. Sure, rain will come. But unless it pours cold hard cash, it will take more than a good season to get regional SA back on its feet.
Is the lack of acknowledgement the result of generations of grit and determination? Country people are strong and resilient – they fight tooth and nail for their communities, they fight their own god-damn fires and save friends, families and strangers in emergencies. They fundraise to keep their schools and hospitals open, coach their kids to become the country’s best footballers and athletes – and they do it all while trying to put food on the tables of everyone else – at the mercy of Mother Nature.
It’s time for the government to stand up for regional South Australia. It’s time for the Premier to ditch his shiny shoes, pull on some boots and head to the country. Until then, developments like Barossa Park can’t be truly celebrated for what they’re worth – unless of course he turns Gather Round into a drought fundraiser!
