Expansion of airlines to promote SA tourism
A major international airline is set to increase the number of direct flights to Adelaide, setting an international aviation record in South Africa.
Singapore Airlines will operate 12 non-stop weekly flights from October, the most weekly flights an international airline has served Adelaide in any year.
China Southern Airlines also announced that it will increase flights from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Adelaide Airport from three times a week to daily from December to March.
The additional flights are expected to increase the number of visitors per week from December to March by 1,328 from Singapore Airlines and 1,064 from China Southern Airlines.
Tourism Minister Emily Burke said: “This additional capacity demonstrates the state’s growing attractiveness as a tourist destination and the strong growth in Asian markets over the past year.”
Detpak opens first U.S. facility
Sustainable South Australian packaging manufacturer Detpak has officially opened its first US manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The new manufacturing facility will support Detpak’s global expansion by improving supply chain reliability, reducing lead times and increasing operational flexibility for U.S.-based customers.
Detpak is already one of the world’s largest packaging suppliers to both major food service and retail brands such as McDonald’s, KFC and Starbucks.
The multi-million dollar, over 16,000 square meter facility is currently undergoing equipment commissioning, with full production expected to begin in August.
“Opening our manufacturing facility in the United States is an important milestone for our business as we continue to expand our global footprint,” said CEO Sasha Detmold Cox.
SA partners with US space agency
The state government has partnered with the International Space Agency to enhance SA’s role in the global space launch market.
As announced at the Australian Space Forum in Adelaide last week, the SA Space Industry Center (SASIC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Space Florida to support increased international engagement in the space sector.
Under the agreement, SASIC and Space Florida will collaborate on spaceport development, space trade, economic opportunities, and workforce development.
Minister for Defense and Space Industry Chris Picton said: “Our partnership with Space Florida will connect South Australia with one of the world’s most established space ecosystems and strengthen Australia’s position in the global space sector.”
Multi-million dollar early learning hub opens in northern suburbs
The state and federal governments have partnered to build a new comprehensive child care center in Davoren Park worth $16.3 million.
The Northern Area Community Youth Services (NACYS) Child Care Center will be expanded to provide additional health, wellbeing and early education services in one location to support children who need it most.
When the new hub opens in early 2029, its capacity will increase to 100 early childhood education and care facilities.
The federal government will contribute $5.5 million, as well as $7.8 million from the SA government and $3 million from the Minderoo Foundation.
“Expanding this support in Adelaide’s north is another important step in improving learning and development outcomes to give all children the best start in life,” Education Minister Lucy Hood said.
Digital consultant leads parliament’s AI strategy
South East-based consultancy Bailey Abbott has been appointed as the strategic AI and data partner for Adelaide’s three largest metropolitan councils.
Bailey Abbott has been awarded a multi-million dollar, four-year contract to lead the responsible implementation of AI in SA local government, in partnership with the City of Charles Sturt, City of Marion and Port Adelaide-Enfield City Council.
The consultancy will be tasked with working with the council to deepen understanding of AI and improve services, while maintaining safeguards around data, governance and transparency.
“Local governments are unique as the level of government closest to our communities, and we are proud to partner with them to co-design AI solutions that are transparent, practical and grounded in public value,” said Tom Carleton, CEO of Bailey Abbott.
