Month / May 2018

by brandsa2018

Leading property developer Jamie McClurg on shaping Adelaide’s skyline

It’s a Monday afternoon and 46-year-old property developer Jamie McClurg is sitting in Commercial & General’s seventh floor boardroom, towering over some of Adelaide’s most prominent landmarks.

Admiring bird’s eye views of Adelaide Oval, Parliament House and Government House, the I Choose SA ambassador says people around the world look at our city with nothing but envy.

“South Australia is a place that will come of age in the next decade,” Jamie says.

“South Australians are smart people. They demand smart options that will enhance our community and job opportunities for our children and, as one of the best places to live in the world, our opportunities are endless.”

As executive chairman of one of Australia’s leading property developers, Commercial & General, Jamie has a solid grasp on the infrastructure that has helped shape our city.

Jamie McClurg is an I Choose SA ambassador for infrastructure.

His Adelaide-based property development and investment agency has developed and owned some of Adelaide’s big infrastructure projects from the SA Police headquarters to the sky high office tower at 50 Flinders Street.

The value of the projects Commercial & General has completed, as well as those currently underway, is $2.1 billion.

The company works across healthcare, industrial, office, residential and social infrastructure projects, and chances are if you’re an Adelaidean, you’ll recognise almost all of them.

Commercial & General is gearing up to build the last standout piece in North Terrace’s biomedical precinct.

Complementing the architecturally renowned South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) the second instalment, SAHMRI 2, will be home to the first proton therapy unit in the southern hemisphere.

Housed in a three-storey bunker in SAHMRI 2, the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research will allow doctors to directly treat cancerous tumours with minimal damage to healthy tissue.

The treatment will make a world of difference to people – particularly children – with tumours close to vital organs.

In 2017 Jamie travelled to Boston in the US, to see the effects of proton therapy at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

“It will change lives,” he says.

“While SAHMRI 2 is a piece of infrastructure, at the end of the day it’s an opportunity to cure cancer for kids … that’s something to be more excited about.”

An artist’s impression of SAHMRI 2.

Designed in collaboration with Adelaide-based architect Woods Bagot and other local and international agencies, Jamie says the $320m SAHMRI 2 building will complement, rather than compete, with the first.

“SAHMRI is iconic; we don’t want to repeat it because that won’t do it justice,” he says.

“It’s very important that we do it well to finish off the precinct because it’s the last missing tooth.”

Construction on SAHMRI 2 is expected to commence in 2019.

Another of Commercial & General’s current projects is the $300m Calvary Adelaide Hospital on the corner of Angas and Pulteney streets.

It is the largest single construction contract by the private sector to unfold in Adelaide’s CBD in the last 20 years.

However, Commercial & General’s impact on the city of Adelaide goes further than the large buildings that scrape its skies.

More than 3000 jobs have been, or will be, created in projects that are currently under construction.

“I try not to think about it like that because that’s a lot of families,” Jamie says.

“I started off this business just wanting to move some dirt, have some fun and earn a living like anyone else.”

Jamie’s rise to the top of SA’s property development scene started from humble beginnings.

Commercial & General executive chairman Jamie McClurg on site at the Calvary Adelaide Hospital.

Raised by Irish immigrant parents, he grew up in the northern suburbs, going on to obtain a construction degree at the University of South Australia.

With his father in the real estate industry, Jamie says a career in property was inevitable.

Working on construction projects across the country, he set the foundation for his own business in 1997 while still working for another company.

Alongside business partner and university classmate, Anthony Catinari, the pair created Commercial & General “from nothing”.

Now Commercial & General employs a team of 51 at its Adelaide office, with plans to expand its SA workforce by a dozen this year. It also has offices in Melbourne and Sydney.

The company recently partnered with ASX-listed property giant Dexus, creating the Healthcare Wholesale Property Fund. With seed assets of approximately $340m, it has an anticipated potential pipeline of about $445m.

Jamie says SA’s population and its “humble talent pool” make it the perfect place for investors to do business.

“In a state that is the size of ours, the opportunities are endless,” he says.

“South Australians have always been known as being unique people and world-beaters.

“If you learn to do it here you can apply it to anywhere around the planet.”

Visit I Choose SA for Industry to learn more stories about key industry leaders, why they’ve chosen SA as a base and how the state is enabling them to succeed.

by brandsa2018

Your Shop South Australia guide to Mother’s Day

Mums are amazing. But you already knew that.

What you might be a little less sure about is what you’ll be buying your mum this Mother’s Day, which is just around the corner.

As the breakfast in bed and handmade cards day approaches on May 13, we’ve searched through the Shop South Australia marketplace to find the perfect gift for all types of mums.

Shop South Australia is a one-stop shop featuring only South Australian artists, designers and makers.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Shop South Australia is running an Instagram competition giving you the chance to spoil mum with a gift valued at over $400! Head to the Shop South Australia Instagram page for details. Competition closes May 8.

So whether your mum is into fashion, likes a nice glass of red or is candle-obsessed – we’ve got Mother’s Day 2018 covered.

What to get for the mum who loves …

1. Fashion

Naomi Murrell – this Adelaide fashion and accessories designer is behind a range of delicate yet quirky pieces.

Featuring dangling star rings and colourful frill earrings, the jewellery collection complements the fashion range of cherry reds, classic tees and polka dots.

Shine bright my pretties. #starlight #finejewels #brassjewelry

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Julie White – If you want your mum to make a statement, then Adelaide fashion and print designer Julie White is your gal.

Knee-high socks printed with hand-drawn koalas or an Australian tropics inspired scarf are sure to uplift spirits.

Julie is offering free worldwide shipping this week in light of Mother’s Day!

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2. Wine

Temple Bruer Wines – as one of the best organic producers in the region, this winery is one not to miss this Mother’s Day.

The 2017 preservative free rosé is said to have hints of watermelon, lemon, strawberries and citrus tart.

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Wine Parcels – This box of goodies is perfect for the mum who appreciates a good drop of red (or white) and a few nibbles to go with it.

The Regional Tastes Parcel favours the Adelaide Hills, featuring selections of produce from vineyards, orchards, strawberry fields, olive groves and dairy farms.

Hard work done for you.

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3. Homewares

Etikette – candles with scents of summer fig, guava, mango and papaya.

This hand-poured soy candle range is named after different regions throughout SA.

Lobethal (yummy figgy pudding), Seacliff (all about coconut and lime) and Heysen (rich espresso), are just a few.

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Rub a dub shrub – these pots with a pun are the perfect long-living gift for mum.

Depending on her appreciation of a good play on words, she’ll love the endless list of sayings able to be printed on these cute potted succulents.

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4. Food

BoxSAlicious – these gift baskets and hampers are made with the best of SA gourmet food and wine.

The carefully selected goods in each pack are from a selection of regions including Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Limestone Coast, Clare Valley, and Riverland.

Plus, what is better than a present that you can “share” with mum.

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Nolans Road – English cooking queen Nigella Lawson is a fan of this extra virgin olive oil from the Limestone Coast.

Pair with some dukkah and fresh sourdough or drizzle over a garden salad at Mother’s Day lunch.

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5. Beauty

Gemma Vendetta Cosmetics – Gemma’s beauty essentials are 100% certified vegan and cruelty free.

Her SA-made products are high quality without a compromise. Gemma, who is an I Choose SA ambassador, also has an interesting background, as her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2016 inspired the mineral-based product launch.

www.gemmavendetta.com

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Yard Skincare – born from a desire to find a natural cure for teenage acne, this skincare brand features face masks, exfoliators, hand creams, cleansers and lip balms.

A lot of time and research has gone into this Adelaide Hills-based product range that is natural, organic and vegan friendly. Oh, and it smells delicious.

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Visit Shop South Australia to find a snippet of the best of SA’s unique artists and designers in one location.

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Visit I Choose SA to find out how you can support our state by choosing South Australian businesses, products and services.

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by brandsa2018

Major Disney stage production to dazzle Adelaide for the first time

Hit Broadway musical Aladdin is set to charm local audiences with half-a-million Swarovski crystals and 337 glittering costumes in 2019, when Disney hits the stage in Adelaide for the first time.

Disney Theatrical Production – which is behind hugely successful musicals The Lion King and Mary Poppins – will present 1994 classic at the Adelaide Festival Centre in April next year.

“Over the years, four of our Disney Theatrical shows have been received in Australia with incredible warmth and affection,” says Disney Theatrical Production president and producer Thomas Schumacher.

“But we know that South Australians have had to travel to those other cities to see those shows.

“So it’s fantastic that – through the Adelaide Festival Centre and the SA Government – South Australians and visitors to Adelaide will be able to experience Aladdin in your wonderful Festival Theatre.”

The arrival of Aladdin in April, 2019, will mark the first time a Disney stage production has been brought to Adelaide.

According to Disney Theatrical, the Australian production features a cast of 34 and 337 glittering costumes featuring 712 styles of beads and almost half-a-million Swarovski crystals.

Twenty six 40-ft trucks will transfer 40 tonnes of exotic flying scenery and 60 tonnes of automation and staging into Adelaide to recreate the colourful fantasy city of Agrabah across the nine-week season.

Aladdin was adapted from the original 1992 animated Disney film, which raked in more than $550m worldwide.

The tale centres around a poor boy, Aladdin, who discovers a Genie in a magic lamp and uses it to rescue a princess.

The Aladdin Broadway show made its world premiere in 2014, and has since expanded its global footprint to Tokyo, Hamburg, London and North America.

Aladdin and Jasmine, played by Ainsley Melham and Hiba Elchikhe.

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and artistic director Douglas Gautier says securing the smash hit for Adelaide is “tremendously exciting”.

“The investment in our new foyers, facilities and the beautiful new northern promenade and Walk of Fame have secured Adelaide Festival Centre’s place as an attractive venue,” he says.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to see a major musical at the Festival Theatre and we can’t wait to welcome Aladdin, Jasmine, the Genie and the whole show to Adelaide.”

The Festival Centre has recently undergone major transformations and redevelopments, including new northern foyers and the installation of the Walk of Fame.

SA Premier Steven Marshall says that securing the world renowned musical is a “tremendous result” for the state.

“This announcement is a vote of confidence in our arts and creative industries, and securing the world-renowned production on the local stage will not only add to Adelaide’s growing vibrancy, but also help drive economic activity in SA,” he says.

A wait list is now open for those wanting to be first in line when pre-sale tickets land in October. Click here for more information.

by brandsa2018

From corner café to brunch institution: the Argo story

It’s not hard to judge the success of Daniel Milky’s hugely popular Argo on the Parade by seeing the lineup of eager smashed avocado enthusiasts snaked out the door.

Same goes for Victoria Square’s Argo on the Square, a weekday hotspot crawling with diners wanting their quinoa or falafel fix.

Argo and Co owner Daniel says his family’s cafés may have served Hollywood royalty including Hilary Swank and Adelaide’s own Teresa Palmer, but it’s the everyday people of SA who really spark his interest when placing their coffee orders.

Argo and Co owner Daniel Milky is at home behind the coffee machine.

“People come into the shop and talk about all sorts of things, they might be having a problem or something that’s really working for them and I love being in that position, connecting with people,” he says.

“Once you get involved and start mingling, people genuinely care about you.”

Both Argo cafés fall under Daniel and his family’s business Argo and Co, which also includes Nev’s Supa Deli at St Agnes, specialty coffee roaster Monastery Coffee and Juice Bureau, also on The Parade.

Daniel is also a partner in barbershop The Fellow Barber, and is an online coach and co-founder of The Business Therapist of Evolve East End co-working venue.

Overall, Argo and Co employs about 130 South Australians.

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It’s a family affair, with the Milky clan – of Lebanese heritage – all involved in the business “in some way or another”.

Daniel grew up with six sisters and one brother and spent most of his childhood running around the family’s delis and snack bars.

“Anyone who is in business knows how incredibly difficult it is to run a business with family, they’re your biggest asset and your biggest liability at the same time,” he says.

“I can’t do what I do without my family because at the end of the day if something needs to be done I can trust that it’s going to happen and there’s no second guessing.”

The Argo phenomenon began in 2010 shortly after Argo on the Parade opened.

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Argo Delicatessen has existed in its place for decades, with the Milky family involved in the popular deli in years gone by.

Daniel had achieved a degree in health sciences and a Masters in accounting, but upon finding out the old Argo deli was up for sale once more, he made an offer and signed a deal within hours.

“It was one of those things that happened, it wasn’t a conscious thought that occurred,” he says.

“Going through all my university education was a lot of work and then saying I’m going to go back to hospitality, it was like five or six years of uni going down the drain.”

The career change paid off, as the Norwood café quickly built a loyal following of coffee lovers and health conscious diners, sparking the need for another Argo in Victoria Square.

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Now there’s rarely a time during the day when the coffee machine isn’t grinding or the smoothie blender not roaring.

Like most South Australians who are behind small to medium enterprises, Daniel has always had his finger on the political pulse.

Daniel describes the new Liberal Government’s proposed payroll tax cut for small businesses as a “boost of confidence”.

Under the plan, the payroll tax threshold would be lifted from $600,000 to $1.5m.

“I think we’re (currently) paying around $80,000–$90,000 a year in payroll tax,” Daniel says.

“It affects small business in a huge way, because that’s money that we cannot afford to go and invest in new equipment, new staff or expansions because you have to account for this deficit.”

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Further growth is on the horizon for Argo and Co, with aspirations for an Argo Wholefoods store to launch this year, a few doors up from Argo on the Parade.

The smaller café will aim to provide healthy and reasonably priced meals for families.

Daniel is also working on an Argo gym concept, allowing fitness gurus a chance to enjoy healthy fare before or after their workouts.

The concept will launch in September or October in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.

“We pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve in what’s offered in this space, especially this healthy eating, breakfast and brunch space, and not just offering the same old,” Daniel says.

“If you want to find something a bit different, you’re more likely to find it with us.”

I Choose SA for Small to Medium Enterprise stories are made possible by Bendigo Bank:

Visit I Choose SA for Industry to learn more stories about key industry leaders, why they’ve chosen SA as a base and how the state is enabling them to succeed.