lifestyle
McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic.
McLaren Vale classic returns
Are you the proud owner of an old Holden, breathed new life into a Daytona Dodge or do you roll around in a Rolls-Royce?
Motoring enthusiasts can now register their cars to join hundreds of other vintage and classic vehicles as they cruise in the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic on Sunday, 12 April.
After putting the brakes on in 2025, the much-loved car parade returns to celebrate 20 years of motoring and community spirit.
New this year is the Vintage & Classic Charity Party at Chalk Hill winery. For $10 entry (proceeds go to local charities), you can admire vintage beauties up close on the winery’s lawn the night before the parade.
McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic Chairman Nigel Williamson says the milestone year marks the start of a new era for one of SA’s most iconic regional events.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic, ensuring that we are safeguarding this amazing event for generations to come,” Nigel says.
Register your car in the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic by visiting vintageandclassic.com.au
Head to vintageandclassic.com.au for more information.
No solar? No worries for RAA members
RAA members who rent or live in households without solar may soon pay less on their energy bills, thanks to a new initiative launched by RAA Energy.
RAA Energy's new Member Smart plan offers electricity prices 14 per cent lower than the default market offer, saving the average household about $321 a year.
The savings come from removing the costs linked to solar feed-in tariffs, which are payments energy companies make to customers for excess solar power sent back to the grid.
In December, RAA raised concerns about the Federal Government's Solar Sharer program, soon to give households three hours of free power during the day. RAA Principal Advisor Energy and Future Mobility, Peter Nattrass, says on the surface, three hours of free electricity is a fantastic deal.
"But we also need to look closely at who might be left behind by this initiative, because many households will have limited or no means to take advantage of it," he says.
Peter says there may be disadvantages for those who live in older, less energy-efficient homes with old appliances, or those who don't understand how to program their appliances to operate during the free window.
That's where RAA Energy's Member Smart plan aims to reduce the sting of higher energy bills.
"If you haven't shopped around for energy recently, and you're an RAA member, we'd encourage you to look at the rates on our website and compare them to what you're paying currently," Peter says. "The savings could be significant."
The Federal Government's Solar Sharer program launches in South Australia, New South Wales and south-east Queensland from July 2026 – but only for homes with a smart electricity meter.
For more on RAA Energy's trusted and transparent electricity plans, visit raa.com.au/energy or call 8202 8118. For the full terms and conditions, visit raa.com.au
Adelaide Fringe favourites
Adelaide Fringe is back for another season, running from 20 February to 22 March, turning streets, parklands and pop-up venues into a month-long celebration of creativity.
From big-name comedians to emerging local artists and overseas acts, the festival brings together thousands of performances across all genres, including comedy, theatre, music, circus and everything in between, so there's something for everyone – especially if you're an RAA member.
Kick off festivities at the RAA Garden Party in The Garden of Unearthly Delights, indulge in a gig or two at Gluttony, or you can venture beyond the city to one of South Australia's oldest wine regions for Coonawarra Fringe, from 14 to 21 February.
RAA members get discounted tickets to select shows at The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Gluttony and Coonawarra Fringe.
Go to raa.com.au/rewards for the full show list, plus exclusive giveaways for RAA members.
Trade Assist 24/7 available Easter long weekend
Is your hot water running cold? Or maybe your roof is leaking. Unfortunately, house emergencies don't stop for a break during the holidays.
This Easter, neither will RAA's Trade Assist 24/7 electrical, roofing and hot water service.
Just as RAA is there for you on the road, RAA members can contact Trade Assist for help at home this Easter long weekend (3–6 April).
Whether it's smaller tasks like fixing a broken light switch or bigger jobs such as repairing leaking roofs and gutters, RAA Trade Assist's licensed tradies will hop on it this Easter when you need them, whether it's day or night.
For more information, visit raa.com.au/trade-assist or call 8202 4988.
IMAGES: Getty, Gluttony - Adelaide Aerial, RAA.
