Hey Everyone 👋

I’ve had a few people ask about this, so I thought I’d clarify for the Adelaide Insider community.

You might notice a New York address at the bottom of this email. No, I don’t live there—though it’d be nice to visit someday! I’m born and bred in Adelaide. The New York address is there because I use a platform called “BeeHiive” to write and send these emails. They provide a business address for users who don’t have their own.

I’d love to get a South Australian business address eventually, but it’s not in my budget right now. Once the newsletter starts bringing in some revenue, I’ll sort it out.

Hope that clears things up!

Have a great week!

~Michael

In todays Adelaide Insider edition:

• Positive News 🎙️

• Did You Know 🤔

• Events - March 28-31 🎉

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Positive News 🎙️

🤖 AI to Slash Planning Approval Times

New AI tech trialled by the SA Government could cut planning approvals for detached homes from weeks to minutes. Targeting simpler cases in greenfield areas, the AI automatically checks CAD drawings against planning rules. It’s not about replacing humans, but freeing up planners to focus on complex cases. The pilot starts in March and, if successful, could transform housing approvals statewide.

🛒 Drakes Returns to Mount Gambier

Drakes Supermarkets will open a flagship store in Mount Gambier’s old Coles site—where Roger Drake once worked 50 years ago. The 10M+ investment will create 150+ jobs and feature a deli, fresh produce, and café wall. It’s a symbolic full-circle moment for SA’s leading independent grocer.

🚊 $870M Tram Grade Separation Begins

Major works are starting to eliminate three tram crossings at Plympton and Morphettville, as well as rebuild South Road Overpass. This will involve temporary tram line closures through late 2025 and support 1,115 jobs. The project promises faster, safer commutes across key intersections. [INFO]

🛠️ SA Trades Apprentices Surge

SA is seeing record enrolments and completions in construction-related apprenticeships. Electrician, plumbing, carpentry, and engineering trades are booming thanks to a 2.3BAUD national skills funding agreement. Completion rates now lead the nation, with 95% of grads employed. [INFO]

New Restaurant 🥞

 🌮 El Mexicano Heads to Hyde Park

El Mexicano Kitchen & Bar is opening a vibrant new location on King William Road. Expect their iconic Taco Tuesdays and 14AUD margaritas, plus a wine-focused twist just for Hyde Park. It’s the third venue from owners Amit Maan and his partner, with Semaphore next on their list. [INFO]

The malleefowl, a native of South Australia’s mallee woodlands, is a master of natural engineering. This medium-sized bird, about 55–60 cm long with mottled grey, brown, and white feathers, builds massive incubator mounds to raise its young. These mounds, constructed by the male, can reach up to 5 meters wide and 1 meter high, using sand and organic matter like leaves and twigs. As the material decomposes, it generates heat, which the male carefully regulates between 32°C and 34°C by adding or removing sand daily—sometimes moving hundreds of kilograms to keep conditions just right.

Found in the semi-arid mallee regions, the malleefowl blends seamlessly into its surroundings of eucalyptus shrubs and sandy soils. From September to February, the female lays 15–30 large eggs in the mound, then steps back as the male tends it alone. After 50–100 days, the chicks hatch underground and dig their way out, emerging fully independent within hours—able to run and forage without parental help. Feeding on seeds, fruits, and insects, the Malleefowl thrives in tough conditions, but habitat loss and predators threaten its vulnerable status. This bird’s remarkable mounds and self-reliant young make it a unique gem of South Australia’s wildlife.

Events: March 28-31

This section only includes events until the next edition on Thursday, so here’s what’s happening Friday Till Monday!

Henley Square Market
Sunday | 10-3pm | Henley Beach
A vibrant beachside market featuring 60 local stalls with arts, crafts, fashion, and more
[INFO]

Market In The Gardens
Saturday | 9-1pm | Gawler
A friendly fortnightly market with fresh produce, preserves, baked goods, handmade items, plants, dog treats, coffee, craft beer, and a sausage sizzle.
[INFO]

Kranker Market
Saturday | 12-4pm | Adelaide
Rock N Roll Marker
[INFO]

Cinema In The Park: Wicked
Friday | 7pm | Bowden
Bring your rugs, cushions or low chairs, enjoy a free gelato from ARC Bowden, and settle in for a magical movie night.
[INFO]

Adult Plaster Night BOOKING REQUIRED
Friday | 6:30-9:30pm | Wayville
Get nostalgic and a little cheeky at this BYO booze plaster painting night with optional R-rated moulds, glitter, and good vibes.
[INFO]

Luau Hawaiian Dance Party ZERO CHARGE
Saturday | 6pm-2am | Burnside
The Feathers Hotel turns into a tropical paradise for a luau-themed dance night with DJs, drink specials, giveaways for best dressed.
[INFO]

AFPVR Race Event 25AUD
Sunday | 10:30-5pm | Woodville North
Join AFPVR at their new home base at Woodville Hockey Club for fortnightly drone racing.
[INFO]

Gawler Relay For Life DONATION
Sat-Sun | 9am/2pm | Gawler
Join this powerful 19-hour overnight event to raise funds for Cancer Council SA. Form a team and relay for someone you love.
[INFO]

Carrick Hill Heritage ZERO CHARGE
Sunday | 12-4pm | Springfield
Celebrate SA’s orchard heritage at this free community event featuring garden walks, live music, kids’ activities, and talks.
[INFO]

Sweet Chilli Sauce Making 30-40AUD
Saturday | 10:30am | Queenstown
A hands-on sauce-making demo at the Port Adelaide Chilli Festival—learn, taste, take home a recipe, and explore
[INFO]

Sessions At Merrill’s BOOKING REQUIRED
Sunday | 12-4pm | Woodcroft
Enjoy live music and delicious food trucks at Geoff Merrill Wines.
[INFO]

Crab Fest
Saturday | 5am-5pm | Gepps Cross
Join the fun with a blue crab fishing comp (jetty, shore & boat fishers welcome) and a delicious crab lunch!
[INFO]

Mark Curtis & The Flannelettes
Sunday | 4pm | TheBarton
Catch award-winning Adelaide trio Mark Curtis & The Flannelettes as they deliver witty, heartfelt alt-country tunes soaked in harmony and humour.
[INFO]

Drum Circle Gathering ZERO CHARGE
Sunday | 5-7pm | Adelaide
A sunset drum circle at Veale Gardens to welcome the change of season with rhythm, connection, and nature.
[INFO]

Taxiride Feat. Jason Singh 52AUD
Saturday | 7:30pm | Hindmarsh
Relive the hits as Jason Singh—frontman of Aussie rock legends TAXIRIDE—returns with a high-energy show.
[INFO]

RnB Fest 45AUD
Saturday | 2pm | Adelaide
Dance under the sun to non-stop 90s & 00s R&B anthems! DJs, dancers, confetti, and pure nostalgia at Atlantis Lounge Bar.
[INFO]

Luke Combs vs Morgan Wallen 22AUD
Friday | 9pm | Adelaide
A full-throttle country music party celebrating the biggest hits from Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen—plus all your favourite country bangers!
[INFO]

Symphony In The Park
Saturday | 4-8pm | Norwood
Enjoy a magical evening of music with Fusion Pops at Richards Park and relax under the stars.
[INFO]

Life Without Me 22-27AUD
Fri/Sat/Sun | 3-9pm | Stirling
An eccentric, heartwarming comedy exploring the meaning of life through the lives of seven strangers in a rundown hotel.
[INFO]

AFL: Adelaide Crows v North Melbourne
Sunday | 2:50pm | Adelaide Oval
[INFO]

Urban Cocktail Trial 75-99AUD
Saturday 5th | 1-5pm | Adelaide
Explore Adelaide’s buzzing East End bar scene on a self-guided cocktail adventure!
[INFO]

Strings In The Square ZERO CHARGE
Saturday 5th | 3-6pm | North Adelaide
Enjoy an enchanting afternoon of classical and ‘Bridgerton-style’ pop string music in Wellington Square.
[INFO]

THANKS!

Thanks for reading The Adelaide Insider! Let’s chat again on Monday!