Submarines, Swing, and Summer Heat: Your Tuesday Morning Briefing

Morning Buzz: A City in Full Swing

Good morning, Adelaide. As we wake up this Tuesday, February 17, the city is basking in the afterglow of a record-breaking sporting weekend while gearing up for the upcoming festival season. The weather today remains classic South Australian summer: expect a top of 32°C with plenty of sunshine, though a stray late-afternoon shower or thunderstorm is possible as the humidity shifts.

Key Talking Point: The AUKUS Jobs Blitz

The state's economic future is the major talking point today following the government's announcement of a $27 million training package. Aimed at securing South Australia’s role in the AUKUS submarine project, the initiative is designed to create over 1,000 new training places. This massive investment in "jobs for life" at the Osborne naval shipyard is expected to be a central pillar of the political landscape as the state election approaches on March 21. Key components of the package include:

• $17 million to support 550 trade apprenticeships in critical defence sectors.
• 300 university scholarships worth up to $10,000 each for students in engineering and nuclear-related fields.
• New STEM pathways for Year 8 and 9 students to build a long-term talent pipeline.

The Feel-Good Story: Adelaide Cements 'Major Events Capital' Status

Adelaide has officially set a new benchmark for global golf. Final figures from the LIV Golf tournament at The Grange Golf Club show a staggering 115,000 fans attended over the weekend—eclipsing previous records and outperforming the 2025 Australian Open. The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as Anthony Kim clinched the title, but the real win is for the local economy. With hotel occupancy hitting 85% and an estimated economic injection surpassing last year’s $81 million, the event has solidified our reputation as a world-class destination for major spectacles.

What to Watch Today

• The Search for Gus

  The city continues to follow the investigation into the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont. Police have identified a suspect and are continuing a major forensic search for evidence at Oak Park Station today.

• Commuter Alert

  Be aware of significant detours in the CBD. Infrastructure upgrades on King William Street have diverted several major bus routes, including the G10 and 202. Additionally, lane closures continue on South Road near Black Forest as part of the T2D project preparations.

• Fringe Fever

  We are just three days away from the official start of the Adelaide Fringe. Expect to see final preparations and pop-up venues appearing across the Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony as the city prepares for its busiest month of the year.