Brand Victor Harbor

26/08/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐫

For Babara Vermeulen, Victor Harbor is much more than the place where she works – it's the community she proudly calls home.

Originally born in South Africa with Dutch heritage, Babara's journey has taken her through the United Kingdom and New Zealand before she and her husband chose Victor Harbor 12 years ago to raise their family. Drawn by the stunning coastline, family-friendly lifestyle and welcoming community, they quickly discovered they had found somewhere truly special.

"It's the people that make Victor Harbor," Babara says. "There's a genuine sense of community here where people support one another and local businesses. It's a wonderful place to raise a family while enjoying an incredible lifestyle."

As a Specsavers Australia Partner for the past decade, Babara has become a familiar face to many local families, providing comprehensive eye care while building relationships that extend far beyond the consulting room.

She loves that residents can access high-quality eye care close to home, but it's the connections she has made over the years that mean the most. When Babara first joined Specsavers Victor Harbor, she was pregnant with one of her own two children. Today, they're attending local schools, while many of the young patients she first met as toddlers are now teenagers.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see patients around town, at school events and local sporting activities," she says. "It reminds me that we're not just caring for people's vision – we're part of the fabric of this community."

Passionate about helping patients manage eye disease and protect their lifelong vision, Babara considers building a trusted practice that serves generations of local families one of her greatest professional achievements.

Away from work, family is at the heart of Babara's life. Much of her spare time is spent poolside supporting her children, who are keen swimmers, while she also enjoys keeping active with a close group of women who motivate one another to stay healthy and connected.

Babara's commitment to Victor Harbor extends well beyond her profession. She proudly serves on the boards of Business Victor Harbor and Investigator College, believing that giving back to the community is one of the most meaningful ways to make a lasting difference.

Looking ahead, Babara hopes to see Victor Harbor continue to grow while preserving the community spirit that first attracted her family more than a decade ago.

"Supporting local businesses, expanding healthcare and education, and creating opportunities for young families will ensure Victor Harbor continues to thrive for generations to come."

For Babara, helping people see clearly is about more than eyesight. It's about investing in a community she loves and playing a small part in helping Victor Harbor's future remain bright.

🔆Brand Victor Harbor is thrilled to showcase the people, businesses and community spirit that make our region special.

Join Brand Victor Harbor for free and let us help share your story with locals and visitors alike - visit brandvictorharbor.com/join-us/

31/07/2026

We'd love to have you join!

29/06/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 - 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲

For artist and long-time community advocate Wendy Jennings, Victor Harbor offered everything she and her husband were searching for when they returned to South Australia after more than three decades living and working in remote national parks across Australia.

"We wanted somewhere with a welcoming climate, good medical services and an active arts community," Wendy says. "Victor Harbor ticked every box."

More than 20 years later, she's still helping shape the region's thriving creative scene.

After settling on a property in Victor Harbor, Wendy established an art studio and gallery while immersing herself in the local arts community. She joined both the Victor Harbor Art Society and what is now the Victor Harbor Regional Gallery in 2004, taking on a variety of leadership roles and helping strengthen the organisations that continue to bring artists and visitors together.

Wendy was instrumental in renaming the Victor Harbor Regional Gallery, recognising the importance of giving the town a gallery that reflects its identity and is easy for visitors to discover. Today, the volunteer-run co-operative has been supporting local artists for more than 40 years and continues to be an important part of Victor Harbor's cultural landscape.

"Victor Harbor has long been recognised as an arts destination," Wendy says. "People visit for the Rotary Art Show and often discover there's a thriving creative community here all year round."

She's particularly encouraged by the growing number of Artisan Markets, which have brought fresh energy to Railway Terrace and introduced more locals and visitors to the gallery.

Beyond the gallery, Wendy continues to teach nature painting, mentor emerging artists and coordinate the Open Art Section at the Port Elliot Show. Her artwork has earned widespread recognition, including People's Choice honours at the Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize, but it's the connections art creates that matter most to her.

"I hope Victor Harbor continues to grow as a strong, connected community," she says. "As people move here, opportunities to meet and share experiences become even more important, and art is one of the ways we bring people together."

With membership of the Victor Harbor Art Society continuing to grow, Wendy believes the region's creative future is in good hands.

For Wendy, Victor Harbor isn't just a place to live - it's a community where creativity flourishes, people connect and the arts continue to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.

27/05/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 - 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐲𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞

David Welch has spent decades building a career across metropolitan, country and remote optometry practices; but it’s his time consulting in Victor Harbor that continues to stand out. Since beginning at Victor Eye Centre in 2017, David has become a familiar face to many locals, combining extensive experience with a down-to-earth approach and a genuine appreciation for the community he works with each week.

Living in Bridgewater in the Adelaide Hills for more than 20 years, David says the travel to Victor Harbor is an easy trade-off compared to his earlier career days as a locum, constantly flying in and out of different locations around Australia.

“I think some people are surprised by the travel,” he says. “But compared to the running around I used to do, it’s nothing. And compared to living in a big metro city like Sydney or Melbourne, the travel is easy.”

Originally from Adelaide, David hasn’t officially made the move south and after moving more than 20 times throughout his career, he jokes he’s become “pretty allergic” to relocating again.

What keeps drawing him back to Victor Harbor, however, is simple - the people.

“The big thing is the people, which makes for a pleasant day,” he says. “It’s easy to get to work, easy to get around, and you can actually enjoy your lunch break.”

David has worked extensively throughout regional South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia across both large practices and smaller private clinics. His career has also included roles with Optometry Australia, the Migraine Health Centre in Adelaide, See Differently’s Low Vision Clinic, and advisory positions with healthcare and government organisations.

It’s the people and the relaxed community feel that David values most about Victor Harbor.

“I’ve always preferred consulting in country and remote locations,” he says. “You generally get to know people better over the years, which is nice.”

Outside of work, David enjoys table tennis, target shooting, cooking and reluctantly helping in the garden but he is a bit more willing if power tools are involved.

Looking ahead, he hopes to see Victor Harbor continue to grow while maintaining a healthy, connected community and a thriving local economy.

29/04/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 - 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐤𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐢 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐬

For Benjamin Witkowski, creativity and storytelling have always been at the centre of what he does. Now calling Encounter Bay home, he and his fiancée Hannah made the move to Victor Harbor just over six months ago - drawn by a lifestyle that offers both inspiration and balance.

The Fleurieu Peninsula presented something that felt increasingly hard to find: a connected community, access to essential services, and a natural landscape that shapes everyday life. Positioned between Benjamin’s hometown of Melbourne and Hannah’s in Port Lincoln, Victor Harbor also offered a sense of alignment - personally and professionally.

For Benjamin, it’s the everyday moments that stand out. A regular walk with his dog up The Bluff is simply part of life here - yet something he doesn’t take for granted. After years of moving around Australia working in tourism and building his career in videography, Victor Harbor has offered something new: the chance to truly settle, connect and become part of a community.

That sense of connection flows directly into his work at Dreamer Studios. Since relocating, Benjamin has quickly built relationships with local business owners, collaborating with those who share a strong sense of purpose and creativity. His approach is hands-on and deeply considered - immersing himself in each business he works with, treating it as if it were his own.

With a background in tourism marketing and a Bachelor of International Tourism from Flinders University, Benjamin’s career has taken him from the east coast of Tasmania to Warrnambool along the Great Ocean Road, as well as to more remote regions including Alice Springs and the Pilbara. These experiences have shaped a broad perspective and a strong appreciation for storytelling, place and identity.

A standout career moment came recently with the production of his first documentary series filmed across Australia - an ambitious project years in the making, and one that marked a significant creative milestone.

Outside of work, Benjamin is a lifelong musician. Whether it’s sitting at the piano or exploring the outdoors through camping and travel, creativity and nature continue to play a central role in how he recharges.

Looking ahead, he sees a strong future for Victor Harbor - one built on thoughtful growth that respects the character of the place while embracing new ideas. With ambitions that match the name of his business, Benjamin envisions a destination that continues to attract young families, support innovative businesses, and evolve its tourism offering while staying grounded in what makes it special.

10/04/2026

Shared Visibility, Shared Success

Becoming a Brand Partner opens the door to shared opportunities - content features, signage, workshops, events and collaborations with fellow operators.

It’s practical marketing with purpose; Increased visibility, stronger networks, a unified voice that carries further than any single business can on its own.

When visitors see consistency across businesses, it builds trust. When locals see collaboration, it builds pride.

That’s the strength of a destination brand working well, and the strength partners get to share in.

Tag a local business you think represents the spirit of Victor Harbor. Let’s celebrate the people shaping our region.

08/04/2026

Help put the Fleurieu on the front foot - have your say in the latest tourism sentiment survey and ensure our region is strongly represented.

📣 Calling all Tourism Businesses on the Fleurieu

The Tourism Industry Council South Australia - TICSA Sentiment Survey for the Jan - March 2026 quarter is now open.

Your insight helps build a clear, data-driven picture of the industry which helps us to inform policy, strengthen our advocacy, and guide key decisions that impact tourism in South Australia.

📊 Responses are independently analysed and combined with data from other sources that produce a quarterly barometer report on tourism in South Australia
⏱ The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete
🔒 It is confidential and open to all (not just members)

Survey closes midnight Wednesday 15 April.

By completing the survey, you’ll have the chance to opt into the draw to receive a 2-day ticket to the 2026 South Australian Tourism Conference (valued at $805, non-member pricing).

Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NNTG8T8

20/03/2026

The Power of Alignment

The Victor Harbor brand is guided by values that reflect how our region operates: connection, innovation, culture, collaboration, creativity and sustainability.

When local businesses align with these values, it signals something important - that we care about how we grow, how we work together and how we look after the place we share.

Brand partnership isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about showing how your business contributes to the energy and future of Victor Harbor – and gaining tools that help you communicate that story with confidence.

If you’re curious about Brand Partnership, or already a partner and want to get more involved, send us a message anytime.

12/03/2026

More Than a Logo

Being a Victor Harbor Brand Partner isn’t about placing a logo on your website. It’s about standing alongside other local businesses to tell a powerful story.

Victor Harbor is a place people connect with emotionally - the coastline, the wildlife, the history, the warmth of the community. That connection is powerful, and when businesses align under one destination brand, it strengthens how our region is seen and experienced.

Your brand tells your story. The destination brand tells the story of our place. Together, they amplify both – and increase the visibility and credibility of every partner involved.

11/03/2026

We love celebrating the people and businesses that bring the Victor Harbor brand to life. And what a result at the Australian Tourism Awards 🏆

A huge congratulations to our Brand Victor Harbor partners and winners:

🚤 The Big Duck Boat Tours - Gold in the Ecotourism category (with sister business Spirit of the Coorong also winning Gold in the Tour & Transport Operators category)

🏡 Old Coach Road Estate - Silver in the Self-Contained Accommodation category

These awards recognise the outstanding experiences being created right here in Victor Harbor and the passion behind the businesses that welcome visitors to our coast every day.

We’re proud to see Victor Harbor represented on the national stage. 👏

The gaol house rocked in Fremantle last night as South Australia's best tourism businesses partied at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held at Fremantle Prison.

Congratulations to our 25 finalists making South Australia proud at this prestigious event.

Special congratulations to our 11 medallists ✨
🥇The Big Duck Boat Tours - Ecotourism
🥇Spirit of the Coorong - Tour & Transport Operators
🥇Woodhouse Adventure Park - Unique Accommodation
🥈Adelaide Fringe - Major Festivals & Events
🥈Woodhouse Adventure Park - Adventure Tourism
🥈Old Coach Road Estate - Self-Contained Accommodation
🥈Monarto Safari Resort - New Tourism Business
🥈Adelaide Fringe - Excellence in Accessible Tourism
🥉Streaky Sounds Music Festival 2025 - Festivals & Events
🥉Monkey Nut Cafe - Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
🥉Seppeltsfield Barossa - Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries

100% of South Australia's national medallists hold Quality & Sustainable Tourism Accreditation, demonstrating passionate commitment to business development and tourism excellence.

Explore the full list of national winners and medallists here: https://australiantourismawards.com.au/finalists-winners/


South Australian Tourism Commission
Australian Tourism Industry Council