Welcome back to the first 2026 edition of Award-winning Onkaparinga – our bi-monthly column celebrating the latest Onkaparinga-based state, national and international award-winners.
This month’s instalment includes a local AFLW goalkicking machine, a show-stopping rosé and some of SA’s finest restaurants – let’s get stuck in!
Kicking goals
Aldinga resident and former South Adelaide Panther, Indy Tahau (pictured) collected 2 x major AFLW Awards in November.
The Port Adelaide player won the goalkicking award (25 goals in the home-and-away season – an AFLW record) and was also named in the All-Australian team – one of the first 2 Port players to be named All Australian since the team joined the league in 2022 (teammate Matilda Scholz was also named this year).
Port Adelaide’s website notes Indy made a strong return from a serious knee injury, producing a standout season highlighted by a 16-disposal performance against Hawthorn, where she booted 5 goals and laid 6 tackles.
“Tahau’s ability to impact games both inside 50 and around the ground, combined with her athleticism and aerial prowess, make the 23-year-old one of the competition’s most dynamic and influential utility players.”
parkrun pride
Richard Price, the co-event director of Christies Beach parkrun, was awarded an Australian Government Volunteer Award for 2025, having volunteered more than 380 times and somehow completed 112 parkruns himself across more than 9 years.
That represents nearly 500 Saturdays – rain, hail or shine – that Richard has contributed to the southern community.
Wonderful wine
Sellicks Hill vineyard Culley Road won 2 major awards at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards for its 2025 Culley Road Grenache Rosé – taking out Best Rosé and Best Organic or Biodynamic Wine.
Judges praised its bright, fresh red‑berry aromas, subtle floral notes and a crisp, invigorating finish.
“These trophies mean so much to us,” said owner and vigneron Mark Kenneally.
“Culley Road is our home, we’re a small producer with limited production, there is only 2 small blocks of Grenache in this wine, so to win at such a prestigious national show is huge.
“There were 100 wines in the Rose category so to take that out is unbelievable, but to then win top organic or biodynamic wine as well, in any category, is something I’m very proud of.”
Hats off to these famous foodies
SA’s top restaurants have been unveiled in the Australian Good Food Guide’s 2026 Chef Hat Awards, with multiple Onkaparinga establishments near the top of the list.
McLaren Vale’s Maxwell Restaurant was the equal highest rated restaurant in SA with 18 Hats, while Kangarilla’s Anvers Wines (17 Hats), Aldinga’s The Little Rickshaw (13 Hats); and Port Willunga’s Star of Greece and McLaren Vale’s Serafino Restaurant, d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant, and Ekhidna Wines and Kitchen (12 Hats) all doing Onkaparinga proud.
Golf course great
Onkaparinga’s own Willunga Golf Course was acknowledged at the South Australian Golf Industry Awards, with Willunga Golf Course’s Superintendent, Sam Smith, winning the Turf Management South Australia Excellence in Turf Management Award.
“Under his guidance, the course’s reputation has soared and has become home to the Webex SA Players Series event since 2023,” the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association said.
“He oversaw a complete irrigation system renewal, enhancing efficiency and sustainability, while restoring natural creek lines, planting native vegetation, and improving biodiversity, helping to elevate the course’s quality and appeal for members and visiting golfers alike.”
Have an award win to submit?
Eligibility
For inclusion in the column, all of the following criteria must be met:
- Businesses, organisations, groups or individuals located in the City of Onkaparinga
- Winners of state, national or international awards in their chosen field
- Award received up to two months before submission.
Submission
Email to onow@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Please include:
- Your name and contact details
- Name and (if known) contact details of the winner
- Name and details of the award
- If available, web links to the award
- If available, high-resolution images.