🍂The results are in

Your puzzle verdict + Reconciliation reflections + a ride we’re still smiling about.

Good morning, Hills lovers!

A quick thank you for all the puzzle love last week - it's officially happening! And our May café ride? An absolute hoot. More on both inside.

But most importantly, this week marks the start of National Reconciliation Week from May 27 to June 3. A time to pause, reflect and honour the rich cultures, stories and resilience of First Nations peoples. This edition includes thoughtful ways to get involved, learn whose Country you’re on, and support Aboriginal-led businesses and events, like Nunga Screen at Aldgate Oval Hall.

It’s a week for connection. A week for listening. A week for showing up, with warmth, respect and open hearts.

Let’s get into it.

THE RESULTS ARE IN
It’s a YES PLEASE to the puzzle

Last week, I floated the idea of creating a limited-edition Adelaide Hills jigsaw puzzle, a beautiful 1,000-piece design featuring artwork by a local artist.

The response? A resounding yes!

Now I need to get to work and bring this to puzzle life! I expect it’ll take a few months to do it properly. I’ll keep you posted as things come together, and as always, if you have questions or ideas, reach out and say hi!

RECONCILIATION & REFLECTION
Honouring Peramangk Land and living Culture

There’s something about the Adelaide Hills that stays with you. It’s a landscape that invites reflection; a place where you can feel the past just under the surface, steady and strong.

This is Peramangk Country. It always has been. For tens of thousands of years, the Peramangk people have walked these ridgelines, cared for these forests, and shared stories shaped by seasons, stars, and deep relationship with the land. That knowledge hasn’t vanished. It’s still here; alive in language, in community, in Country itself. Every trail, every tree, every breath of wind carries a story that continues to this day.

National Reconciliation Week is this week from May 27 to June 3, and Australians everywhere are invited to pause, reflect, and celebrate the vibrant resilience and rich cultures of First Nations peoples. This year's theme, "Bridging Now to Next," beautifully highlights the importance of learning from our shared histories, appreciating our present connections, and moving together towards a unified and respectful future.

Anytime is a great time to connect with Aboriginal culture, but National Reconciliation Week presents a particularly special opportunity. Engaging with experiences offered by local Aboriginal businesses, such as Jade Brook Aboriginal Workshops, led by Jade Brook who is proudly Kaurna, Nurrunga, and Ngarrindjeri, who has passionately contributed to the community and lived on Peramangk Country for over 17 years, is a wonderful way to celebrate. These experiences highlight authentic Aboriginal strength, vibrant storytelling, and deep connections to Country.

Here are some meaningful ways Jade has shared with us to get involved in reconciliation:

  • Support local Blak businesses: Explore and support Indigenous-owned businesses through Supply Nation.

  • Know your Country: Learn whose ancestral lands you live, work, or travel on using the AIATSIS map and discover local Aboriginal languages via Gambay.

  • Join a RAP Group: Engage with local Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) initiatives through your workplace, school, council, or community groups.

  • Care for Country: Do your part by picking up litter and planting local Indigenous flora - check out The Garden Depot for locally grown Indigenous plants!

  • Celebrate with events: Visit the Reconciliation SA events page to find events celebrating First Nations voices and culture.

  • Learn from inspiring First Nations leaders: Be inspired by the extraordinary lives of Ruby Hunter, Vincent Lingiari, and David Unaipon, who embody strength, creativity, and significant historical impact.

Reconciliation is about caring for Country, honouring First Nations Communities, and fostering respect, understanding and the truth of our shared journey. Let’s come together to share the heart of reconciliation every day.

NUNGA SCREEN
First Nations’ Culture Told Through Film

Nunga Screen is coming to Aldgate Oval Hall, offering Hills locals a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn and connect through First Nations storytelling.

Held during National Reconciliation Week, Nunga Screen is a free annual event that showcases a curated selection of short films by both emerging and established First Nations filmmakers. It tours across South Australia. From major cinemas to small regional halls, bringing powerful stories to communities across the state.

This year, the Adelaide Hills has the privilege of hosting a session right here in Aldgate. The film program is suitable for adults only, and while the titles are yet to be announced, audiences can expect a thoughtful and moving collection that explores culture, Country, language and identity.

For more than ten years, Nunga Screen has played an important role in promoting understanding and respect. It offers a space to reflect on the past, acknowledge truth, and celebrate the strength and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices today. Book your tickets here - I’ll see you there!

Got a community update or special shoutout to share? Reach out and say hi!

Come & Try Spinning and Weaving!
Immerse yourself in the art of hand spinning and weaving in the picturesque setting of Littlehampton. Let your creativity flow and experience Hand Spinning, Weaving and Felting uniquely. Open to all, explore opportunities to purchase unique clothing, accessories, beautiful natural hand dyed fleece, fibre, hand painted roving yarns, quality bespoke handcrafted items, equipment sale, with raffle tickets for sale.

ON TODAY (29/05) Grace Place, set inside the warm and welcoming Grace House, is opening its doors for one special day. Join us for free barista-made coffee, tea, soup and bread in a cosy, homely atmosphere. You’ll also find a beautiful selection of good-quality second-hand clothes at great prices, along with cheerful potted plants to brighten your day. It’s a relaxed and friendly space. Come and see for yourself today (Thursday, 29th May)!

May Ride Report - a cheerful bunch of new and familiar faces rolled out from the Uraidla Republic Café on a crisp autumn morning. Mawson Road delivered the goods with rolling ridgelines, flowing descents, and pine-scented stretches above Fox Creek. At Woodside Providore, we refuelled with hot coffee and that legendary carrot cake. The icing ratio? Still unbeatable. A steady climb out of Oakbank tested the legs, but the views and vibes were worth it. These rides roll out on the last Sunday of every month. Join us!

Spread the word to over 9000 people who read the Adelaide Hills Pantry Newsletter weekly.

Jade Brook Aboriginal Workshops
Led by Jade Brook, a proud Kaurna, Nurrunga, and Ngarrindjeri woman, these hands-on workshops are a powerful way to connect with Aboriginal culture. With over 17 years living and contributing to the community on Peramangk Country, Jade shares stories, language and traditions through art, conversation and craft. Her workshops are rich in truth, strength, and connection to Country. Find out more here. 

Mark your calendars – the Hills Winter Lantern Festival returns to Echunga on Saturday, June 14, from 3pm to 8pm. Expect live music, food stalls, kids’ activities, a lantern parade at dusk, and a fiery finale to light up the winter night. Check it out.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

🍄 Adelaide Hills Fungi Festival
| FESTIVAL | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, May 31 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate the magic of mushrooms with expert talks, hands-on workshops, artisan markets, and more at the first-ever Adelaide Hills Fungi Festival. A must for nature lovers, curious minds, and fungi fans alike! INFO

🍓 A Taste Of Beerenberg
| FOOD & WINE | Hahndorf
📅 Wednesday, June 4
Savor a locally sourced grazing platter, sample Beerenberg’s delicious creations, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes taste of future products at this cozy farm café experience. INFO

🧺 Traditional Basket Weaving with Marra Dreaming
| WORKSHOP | Stirling
📅 Saturday, May 31 | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Join artists from Marra Dreaming for a hands-on basket weaving workshop in honour of National Reconciliation Week. Learn a traditional Aboriginal craft and create your own woven keepsake. INFO

🌸 Pressed Botanical Art Workshop at Karkoo Nursery
| WORKSHOP | Oakbank
📅 Saturday, May 31 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Create a framed floral artwork using pressed botanicals in this hands-on nature-inspired workshop at a charming nursery café. INFO

🎨 Mini Etchings on Fabric at Fabrik Arts + Heritage
| WORKSHOP | Lobethal
📅 Sunday, June 1 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Learn eco-aware etching techniques and create your own mini prints on fabric and paper in this hands-on workshop with artist Hanah Williams. INFO

🥗 Monthly Meals: Community Lunch at Gumeracha
| COMMUNITY | Gumeracha
📅 Wednesday, June 4 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Share a hearty lunch, good conversation, and community spirit at this monthly gathering in a warm and welcoming setting. INFO

🃏 Cribbage and Company: Social Card Play Sessions
| COMMUNITY | Gumeracha
📅 Thursday, June 5 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Join a friendly group of card players for an afternoon of cribbage, conversation, and relaxed fun, beginners welcome. INFO

🎬 Reconciliation Week Nunga Screening
| FILM | Aldgate Oval Hall
📅 Friday, May 30 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Celebrate First Nations culture, stories, and language through film at this special Reconciliation Week Nunga Screening, a free adults-only session highlights the work of emerging and established Aboriginal filmmakers across SA. INFO

🧶 Spinning Weaving Felting – Hills Spinners & Weavers Guild
| WORKSHOP & MARKET | Littlehampton
📅 Saturday, May 31 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Discover the craft of spinning, weaving, and felting while browsing handcrafted items, fiber supplies, and enjoying homemade treats. INFO

👩🏻 She Leads, She Grows
| BUSINESS & NETWORKING | Hahndorf
📅 Tuesday, June 3 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Connect, collaborate, and grow with fellow women entrepreneurs over brunch in this inspiring Adelaide Hills business event. INFO

🎨 First Nations Creative Business Event at Fabrik Arts + Heritage
| BUSINESS & CULTURE | Lobethal
📅 Thursday, June 5 | 7:30 AM
A powerful gathering for First Nations artists, makers, and creatives ready to grow, connect, and thrive. Hear from expert panelists, discover industry support, and network with fellow entrepreneurs across the creative sector. INFO

🎬 Movie Morning
| COMMUNITY | Stirling
📅 Friday, May 30 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Relax with fellow film lovers at this free pop-up cinema experience complete with tea, coffee, and biscuits. INFO

🧵 Knit 'n' Stitch at The Summit
| COMMUNITY | Norton Summit
📅 Monday, June 2 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bring your latest project and join a friendly community of crafters for a relaxed afternoon of knitting, stitching, and connection. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🍸 Gin Fest at Glen Ewin Estate
| FESTIVAL | Houghton
📅 Saturday, June 7 | All Day
Celebrate World Gin Day with tastings, masterclasses, live music, and party vibes at this gin lover’s paradise in the Pulpshed. INFO

🍷 Wine & Pilates at Tilbrook Estate
| WELLNESS | Lobethal
📅 Saturday, June 7 | 10:30 AM
Stretch, sip, and savour with a gentle Pilates class followed by wine and a grazing platter in the heart of vineyard country. INFO

 🥂 Vino & Korean Street Eats at Howard Vineyard Laneway
| WINE & FOOD | Nairne
📅 Saturday, June 7 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Kick off the long weekend with Korean street food, a glass of wine, and live music in a cozy laneway marquee at Howard Vineyard. INFO

🎉 Flourish 2025 – The Village Co.
| FUNDRAISER & DINING | Verdun
📅 Friday, June 20 | 7:00 PM – 11:55 PM
Experience a purpose-driven five-course dining event with premium wines, live entertainment, and auctions—all in support of vulnerable mothers across South Australia. INFO

🎶 Harp2Harp at Bridgewater Arts Centre
| LIVE MUSIC | Bridgewater
📅 Sunday, June 22 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Be transported by the ethereal sounds of two harps and two captivating voices as Harp2Harp blends classical elegance with folk and world music. Featuring Emma Horwood and Visnja, this spellbinding duo promises an unforgettable musical journey. INFO

🧵 Deborah Prior: Walking the Wheat and the Weeds at Hahndorf Academy
| EXHIBITION | Hahndorf
📅 July 26 – September 28 | Launch: Sunday, August 24 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Follow artist Deborah Prior’s thirty-day pilgrimage performance as she carries daily sculptures to the gallery—blending protest, ritual, and reflection. INFO

MARKETS

🧣 Annual SACWA Winter Warmer Market | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, May 31 | 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Warm up your weekend with a cosy community market featuring handcrafted knitwear, babywear, baked goods, preserves, and SACWA merchandise.

🪴 Mylor Market | Mylor Oval
 📅 Sunday, June 1 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wander through this vibrant community market featuring local produce, crafts, plants, preserves, and handmade treasures.

🧶 Uraidla Market | Uraidla Institute
📅 Sunday, May 4 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treasures at this vibrant market held twice a month in the heart of Uraidla. 

Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry. I hope it added a moment of enjoyment to your day.