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    • Episode 01- Anita Goode
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    • Episode 05- Simon Tolley
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GrowStrong 2025 Events

This program is supported by the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and the 
​Government of South Australia.

Simonit&Sirch 3-Day Pruning School

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Join the Simonit&Sirch 3-Day Pruning School and discover vine pruning techniques that promote longevity and productivity.
  • Access to online courses (Vine Pruner and Vine Pruner Advanced) on the Simonit&Sirch Academy platform, specific for Guyot/Cane or Spurred Cordon according to the training system chosen in each region. Participants are asked to view the online courses in advance to familiarise with the principles of the Simonit&Sirch method before the on-field training days.
  • 3 full days of expert training (Two consecutive days of Winter pruning training & One day of Spring Shoot Thinning Training)
  • Led by Andrea Bonfatti, global viticulture consultant
  • Cost: $165 (incl.GST & daily lunch) – normally over $1350!

Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best in the business. Limited spots available.
​

​PLEASE NOTE: Only 2 people per Business/ABN can apply for this training.
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APPLY NOW!


Barossa (Training is FULL)

Training Method: Guyot/Cane Pruning
​Date
Session
Venue
Time
Monday, 26th May
Winter Session
Meeting point: Table Cafe & Wine Bar (30 Barossa Valley Way, Lyndoch)
Torbreck Vintners
7:45am-4pm
Tuesday, 27th May
Winter Session
Meeting point: Table Cafe & Wine Bar (30 Barossa Valley Way, Lyndoch)
Torbreck Vintners​
7:45am-4pm
TBC*
Spring Session*
TBC
8am-4pm
*The spring date of the Pruning School will be communicated later on in the season, in accordance with the state of vegetative development of the vineyard. This will be determined in accordance with the climatic conditions over winter, the geographic location of the vineyard, the grape variety and the vineyard management practices".

Clare (Training is FULL)

Training Method: Spurred Cordon
Date
Session
Venue
Time
Wednesday, 28th May
Winter Session
The Vale- Watervale Community Centre
 7420 Horrocks Highway, Watervale 
8am-4pm
Thursday, 29th May
Winter Session
Kilikanoon's Morrison Vineyard
6962 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham SA 5452
8am-4pm
TBC*
Spring Session*
TBC
8am-4pm
*The spring date of the Pruning School will be communicated later on in the season, in accordance with the state of vegetative development of the vineyard. This will be determined in accordance with the climatic conditions over winter, the geographic location of the vineyard, the grape variety and the vineyard management practices".

Adelaide Hills ​(Training is FULL)

Training Method: Guyot/Cane Pruning
​Date
Session
Venue
Time
Tuesday, 17th June
Winter Session
Ngeringa
107 Williams  Road, Mount Barker Summit 5251
8am-4pm
Wednesday, 18th June
Winter Session
Ngeringa
​
107 Williams  Road, Mount Barker Summit 5251
8am-4pm
TBC
Spring Session*
Ngeringa
​
107 Williams  Road, Mount Barker Summit 5251
8am-4pm
*The spring date of the Pruning School will be communicated later on in the season, in accordance with the state of vegetative development of the vineyard. This will be determined in accordance with the climatic conditions over winter, the geographic location of the vineyard, the grape variety and the vineyard management practices".

McLaren Vale (Training is FULL)

Training Method: Spurred Cordon
​Date
Session
Venue
Time
Wednesday, 11th June
Winter Session
McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Information Centre (Theatre)
796 Main Road, McLaren Vale 5171
8am-4pm
Thursday, 12th June
Winter Session
Meeting Point: Hey Jui for coffee
​150 Main Road, McLaren Vale 5171
Car pool to travel to:
GT Vineyards
142 McLaren Flat Rd, McLaren Vale 5171
8am-4pm
TBC
Spring Session*
TBC
8am-4pm
*The spring date of the Pruning School will be communicated later on in the season, in accordance with the state of vegetative development of the vineyard. This will be determined in accordance with the climatic conditions over winter, the geographic location of the vineyard, the grape variety and the vineyard management practices".

Further Information

The pruning schools are immersive training programs that include an online learning path. The Vine Pruner and the Vine Pruner Advanced courses provide to the participants a step-by step itinerary, from the management of the nursery plants to the pruning of a fully established vineyard.

**Participants are asked to view the online courses in advance, to familiarise with the principles of the Simonit&Sirch method before the on-field training days.

​Moreover, by joining the on-field training (2 days in winter and 1 day in spring) the participants will have the chance to experience dedicated one-on-one time with a Simonit&Sirch tutor. The tutor will share his knowledge about grapevine pruning and will encourage the pruners in the use of the principles of the Simonit&Sirch method. In this context the pruners and the tutor will have the chance to face together different pruning situations and setups.
​
www.simonitesirch.com
https://simonitesirchacademy.com/en/

We kindly ask you to wear appropriate clothes and footwear for each day, as well as to bring your winter pruning secateurs, gloves and safety goggles. Having your rain gear in the car is also recommended as we will work even if it rains.

Andrea Bonfatti is the Australia and New Zealand representatve for Simonit&Sirch. After a bachelor degree in Gastronomic Sciences and a master degree in Viticulture and Winemaking, he started his career in the wine industry working as assistant winemaker in Italy. Since 2021 he collaborates with Simonit&Sirch and has been in charge of the consulting and training activity for growers and wineries located in the main wine districts of Spain, Portugal, South Africa, California, Oregon, Australia and New Zealand.

First Aid Training

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Accidents don't wait. be ready with the GrowStrong First Aid Course
  • Provider: St John Ambulance SA
  • Duration: 1 day (8 hours with breaks)
  • Cost: $33 (Incl. GST & Lunch)
  • Certification: 3 years (CPR refresh annually recommended)
Life- saving knowledge, one day of training. Secure your spot now!

Sign up by clicking on your region below this will take you to eventbrite for registration and payment.

​
PLEASE NOTE: Only 2 people per Business/ABN can apply for this training.

Date
Region
Venue
Time
Thursday, 12th June
Barossa (COMPLETED)
Barossa Cellar
9-5pm
Tuesday, 17th June
Clare (COMPLETED)
Clare Bowling Club
9-5pm
Monday, 2nd June
Adelaide Hills (COMPLETED)
Adelaide Hills Convention Centre
9-5pm
Wednesday, 9th April 
McLaren Vale (COMPLETED)
McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Information Centre
9-5pm
Wednesday, 18th June
Riverland (COMPLETED)
Berri Hotel
8:30-4:30pm
TBC
Limestone Coast & Coonawarra
TBC
9-5pm
TBC
Langhorne Creek
TBC
9-5pm

Wellbeing Event

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DETAILS & DATES COMING SOON...

Eligibility Criteria.

To qualify for this initiative, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Trade as a primary production business.
  • Undertake all aspects of the business wholly within Australia.
  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST.
  • Farm in one of the 4 agricultural regions in South Australia (Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Barossa)
  • Be established under the legal structure of a sole trader, trust, partnership or private company.
 
  • Be commercially viable, that is the business must be able to:
    • Generate sufficient net profit under normal seasonal and market conditions after fixed and variable expenses to service borrowings;
    • Provide an adequate standard of living for members of the business;
    • Allow investment on-farm to maintain the farm's productive assets, and;
    • Financially sustainable and productive in the long term OR can demonstrate genuine potential to become a viable business (as outlined above).

Requirements of participants. ​

Affordable Grower Contribution - Unbelievable Value!
Program is worth an estimated $10,000. With 95% of the program funded by state and federal grants, you'll get a huge return on investment.

Up to two (2) applicants per business (ABN) can apply to participate.
​
​Additional participants are welcome, subject to demand, and will need to pay for the full cost of the program.
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Contact.

All enquiries please contact Victoria.
Victoria Eichner
Project Coordinator
​[email protected]
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Background Information.

Future Drought Fund – Farm Business Resilience Program 

The Future Drought Fund (FDF) is a long-term Australian Government investment fund that provides a sustainable source of funding to help Australian farmers and communities become more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought. Funding will be invested from the FDF across Australia every year for projects to help strengthen drought resilience in Australian primary producers.
 
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is coordinating the delivery of two Future Drought Fund programs in South Australia, including the Farm Business Resilience Program.

Australian farmers manage uncertainty and complexity every day. However, the business of farming is becoming more challenging – as farmers face significant climate risk, including future droughts.
​

The Australian Government is working with state and territory governments to give farmers the tools to manage these risks.
Through this program farmers including farm managers and employees will have access to subsidised learning and development opportunities in strategic business management, farm risk management and decision-making, natural resource management, and personal and social resilience.
Learning and development.

​This program will provide practical help to farmers to:
  • upskill their strategic farm business management and planning approaches to best practice industry standards
  • use data to understand their farm business’s strategic risks and improve decision making processes
  • learn about innovation and diversification options, new farming practices, systems and markets
  • think about succession planning and learn new ways to manage people and time.

The Program will also offer farmers:
  • an assessment of their business’s performance, to identify opportunities to build resilience and help track progress
  • support to develop or update farm business plans, tailored to their farms
  • access to one-on-one professional advice on their plan
  • practical tools and resources to take back to the farm.

Further Information
Farm Business Resilience Program - PIRSA
Farm Business Resilience Program - DAFF
Media Release 2025
MEDIA RELEASE 2024
Media Release 2023
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Program Partners

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Disclaimer
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© Copyright 2020 Wine Grape Council of South Australia (WGCSA) ABN 15 358 317 535 
  • Home
  • About
    • Our People >
      • Adrian Hoffmann
      • Troy van Dulken
      • Nick Price
      • Ben Pridham
      • Lachlan Allen
      • Jenny Venus
      • Helen Strickland
    • Strategic Direction
    • Industry Organisations
  • REGIONS
  • Grower Resources
    • SA Assistance Guide
    • Guide For Vineyard Removal & Waste Management
    • Code of Conduct Forum
    • Legal Services Partnership
    • Broadacre Burn-off Smoke Management Guidelines
    • AGW Factsheet for Growers
    • Personal Property Security Register
    • Grape Purchase Agreements >
      • Guide to selling wine grapes
      • Wine Industry Code of Conduct
      • Tips to recover payments
    • Transport Legislation
    • Despatch Docket Books
    • Licensing and Compliance Guide
    • Grower Guide to the Label Integrity Program
    • AWRI Fact Sheets
    • Video Library >
      • FIT4WORK
      • Grower Interviews
      • 2017 Wine Grape Grower Summit
      • WGCSA Councillor Interviews
  • GrowStrong 2025
    • GrowStrong Business Fundamentals
    • GrowStrong Events
    • GrowStrong Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Options
    • GrowStrong Pilot Program
  • Reports & Analysis
    • SA Crush & Pricing Report
    • Grape profitability by region
    • Global Market Analysis
  • PODCAST- Series 1
    • Episode 01- Tom Keelan
    • Episode 02- Ashley Keegan
    • Episode 03- Dr Ian Zajac
    • Episode 04- Lachlan Allen
    • Episode 05- Trudie Stanley
    • Episode 06- Adrian Hoffmann
    • Episode 07- Brett Smith & Ashley Keegan
    • Episode 08- Brad Case & Nicole Clark
    • Episode 09- Mary O'Brien
    • Episode 10- Ashley Ratcliff
  • PODCAST- Series 2
    • Episode 01- Anita Goode
    • Episode 02- Richard Leask
    • Episode 03- Matt Dorman, Callen Bubner
    • Episode 04- Kerri Thompson, Marnie Roberts
    • Episode 05- Simon Tolley
    • Episode 06- Steve Schiller, Rebecca Weatherill
    • Episode 07- Sheridan Alm
    • Episode 08- Nigel Blieschke, Tom Bartholomaeus
    • Episode 09- Roger, Greg and Tim Follett
  • News & Events
  • SHOP
  • EcoVineyards