Building a Bigger, Better South Australia - leaders spearhead Advertiser campaign

SA faces a historic opportunity for a hi-tech post-pandemic future, say the state’s future leaders, as they spearhead a new high-powered campaign.

Santos managing director Kevin Gallagher. Picture: Simon Cross

The state’s historic opportunity to seize a prosperous, hi-tech future in the Covid-19 pandemic’s aftermath is being spearheaded with a high-powered Advertiser campaign – Building a Bigger, Better South Australia.

Conventional thinking will be challenged on future jobs, population growth, planning, tax and the economy – directly confronting SA’s challenges and opportunities in a critical two-week period ahead of the March 19 state election.

Future leaders will produce their ideas to shape the state at a February 25 teen parliament for students from years 10-12, which will be live-streamed on Advertiser.com.au.

Agenda-setting news coverage from February 21 to March 5 will focus on innovative and creative plans to reshape the state to create more lucrative, rewarding jobs and attract people to drive a more vibrant economy and society.

The campaign will culminate with a March 4 Building a Bigger, Better SA lunch event at SkyCity, with the state’s most influential people across business, politics and other key sectors, placing economic and jobs growth at the heart of the election.

Panellists include Santos chief executive officer Kevin Gallagher, who heads the state’s only top 20 ASX-listed company, Elders chief Mark Allison, SkyCity Australia chief David Christian, Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor, Hickinbotham Group managing director Michael Hickinbotham and Committee for Adelaide chief Bruce Djite. Santos, Elders and SkyCity are partners in the campaign.

Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor.

Building a Bigger, Better South Australia will culminate with an event attended by the state’s most influential people on March 4.

A conversation with Premier Steven Marshall and Opposition Leader Peter Malin­auskas will open the event, which also will include young leaders from The Advertiser’s teen parliament.

Mr Gallagher said Santos was proud to partner with The Advertiser for the campaign and urged a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to equip youth for jobs of the future.

“This campaign is important for our state as it highlights the jobs of the future are right here, not only in Adelaide but in regional SA, too,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Focusing on STEM, encouraging our young people to innovate, think outside the square and to take risks is critical to building a bigger and better SA. I encourage more young people, particularly girls, to study STEM at school and university.

Ms Verschoor said the “timely and important” campaign would complement the Adelaide City Council’s efforts to reignite a CBD hit hard by the pandemic.

“To build a bigger and better SA, we need to seek out fresh opportunities, take bold steps to shake up the status quo and be brave in our decision-making,” she said.

Mr Hickinbotham said the Building a Bigger, Better SA campaign aligned “with our own commitment to the creation of jobs, high-quality homes and a world-class lifestyle for SA families”.

“This campaign will shine a light on what makes SA successful and provide opportunities to collaborate on new ideas and drive the state forward,” he said.

“This includes nurturing our future leaders, fostering entrepreneurship and growing our population in a sustainable way.

“Together we can build a prosperous future for SA.”

Mr Christian said SkyCity was “incredibly proud” to be part of the campaign, declaring SA had a “momentous opportunity to emerge post-pandemic as a business and tourism leader”. “SA’s easily accessible, safe and clean location, coupled with Adelaide’s vibrancy, make it an unparalleled location for travel, conferences and events,” he said.

“Adelaide offers all of the benefits of a city lifestyle, without cramped living and congestion.

“We need to promote our incredible state to the world, encourage workers back to the CBD and embrace new ideas to shape a bigger and better SA.”

Committee for Adelaide chief executive officer Bruce Djite

Hotel General Manager at Eos by SkyCity Jodi Brown and SkyCity Australia chief operating officer David Christian. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Mr Djite, a former Socceroos player and Adelaide United football director, said SA had a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set up for decades of success.

“The Building a Bigger Better SA campaign could not have been timelier, especially considering the upcoming state election. Building a more prosperous and vibrant city and state will require the right policy settings and government signalling, which will be the responsibility of whichever party forms government in March,” he said.

“Unlocking and attracting capital and talent is a key requirement for the city and state.”