REDARC and National Wine Centre tie for 2026 StudyAdelaide employer of the year award

Local advanced manufacturer REDARC and the National Wine Centre have been named joint Employers of the Year at the 2026 StudyAdelaide International Student of the Year Awards. 

REDARC was nominated for the award by Shlok Shetty, an Adelaide University student from India who works at REDARC in the Procurement and Supply Chain team. 

The National Wine Centre was nominated by Adelaide University student Xinran Shi, who works as a Food and Beverage Attendant at Wined Bar. 

The International Student of the Year Awards were announced by Minister for State Development Chris Picton at a ceremony at Sky City on Friday, 9 October.  Judges declared a tie for the Employer of the Year category and awarded a joint award. 

In addition to the supportive environment provided to employees, REDARC has participated in StudyAdelaide’s Graduate Careers Expo for international students. 

The National Wine Centre has also been a strong advocate for international students and provides part-time and casual roles and pathways to careers in tourism, events and hospitality. 

This is the 16th year of StudyAdelaide’s International Student of the Year Awards, which showcase the extraordinary contribution of international students to South Australia. 

Quotes attributable to StudyAdelaide Chief Executive Jane Johnston: 

Employers play a crucial role in the international education sector, just as students do across the state’s workforce. 

They help provide valuable on-the-job training while students study and they enjoy the rewards of a skilled workforce when students graduate into careers in their industry. 

I’m delighted that REDARC and the National Wine Centre – very different organisations united in their advocacy for international student talent – have been awarded Employer of the Year.  

Hiring an international student is easy and I encourage employers to follow their lead and tap into the skills brought by bringing an international student into their business. 

Quotes attributable to National Wine Centre of Australia General Manager Simon Burgess: 

We are honoured to be named Study Adelaide Employer of the Year.

International students and graduates are a vital part of how the National Wine Centre delivers its events and services. 

They bring diversity, fresh perspectives and a genuine work ethic that enrich our team and we are proud to give students a place to build their skills, confidence and careers. 

It has been a pleasure working with Study Adelaide, international students make our city, and our industry, stronger. 

Quotes Attributable to REDARC Managing Director Anthony Kittel: 

REDARC is committed to creating real opportunities for students to build their skills, contribute to our team and forge a future in our industry here in South Australia. 

We’ve always believed that if you want to build world-class products, you need great people, and international students bring valuable skills and a global perspective. 

To be recognised by StudyAdelaide is a credit to the people across REDARC who make that happen every day.  

Quotes attributable to international student Shlok Shetty: 

My professional journey in Australia has given me the opportunity to connect what I study in the classroom with how businesses operate in the real world. 

Everyone at REDARC is friendly, approachable and supportive, which makes it easy for me to feel comfortable as an intern. 

I support the day-to-day procurement and supply chain activities of the business. It has allowed me to gain practical Australian industry experience while applying what I learn through my studies, making my academic and professional journey feel connected and purposeful. 

Quotes attributable to Xinran Shi: 

Working in hospitality allows us to interact with customers from diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.  Diversity is valued and celebrated within the organisation, which contributes to a positive workplace 
culture and enhances the experience of both employees and guests. 

The National Wine Centre has helped me grow professionally by providing both hands-on experience and ongoing support in a renowned hospitality environment. 

About StudyAdelaide 

StudyAdelaide is a partnership between industry and government working to increase awareness of Adelaide as an international study destination and to deliver programs to welcome and support international students in Adelaide.   

These include programs to enhance the employability of students and their connections to local employers across South Australia.   

StudyAdelaide’s Employment Connect resource enables employers to grow understanding of the ease and benefits of hiring international students and graduates and their importance in meeting the future skills needs of the State.