Waite 100: Black tie gala celebrates Waite campus as century-long engine of innovation

The agriculture, food and wine community of South Australia will come together on Saturday 4 May 2024 at Waite 100, a black-tie gala. The event will celebrate a century of pioneering education and innovation at the University of Adelaide’s iconic Waite campus.

The gala commemorates 100 years since pastoralist Peter Waite and his wife Matilda gifted their homestead, Urrbrae House, and 300 acres of land to the University of Adelaide for the scientific study and teaching of agriculture, forestry and allied subjects.

Funds raised from the event – which takes place in the University of Adelaide’s milestone 150^th year – will go towards the Peter Waite Centenary Scholarship for Excellence in Agriculture, nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

"For the past 100 years, the research community at the Waite campus has been a powerhouse of innovation. We have driven advancements that continue to shape agriculture, food, and wine, not just in Australia but around the world."Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Adelaide

A powerhouse of innovation

Professor Jason Able, Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at the University of Adelaide, said the Waite campus is recognised as the largest concentration of agriculture and wine research and teaching expertise in the Southern Hemisphere

"Waite’s enduring strength lies in its ability to bridge the gap between research and industry," he said.

"The pioneering work undertaken during the past 100 years at the Waite campus has had a direct impact on the food and wine we all enjoy.

“From the grapes used to produce world-class wines to the ingredients that go into our favourite food products, Waite's fingerprints are on the very foundation of Australian agriculture.”

Over the years, scientists at Waite have partnered on research and development with industry-leading companies like Elders, San Remo, Dilmah, Coopers Brewery, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Yalumba, and Penfolds.

Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, emphasised that the Waite campus is where some of Australia’s most groundbreaking scientific developments over the last century have occurred and where exceptional individuals have been educated.

"We are pleased to celebrate this milestone in the University of Adelaide’s history with the Waite 100 gala – a night showcasing the very best of research and innovation here at the Waite campus,” he said.

"For the past 100 years, the research community at the Waite campus has been a powerhouse of innovation. We have driven advancements that continue to shape agriculture, food, and wine, not just in Australia but around the world.

"This anniversary is a chance to acknowledge the impact of Peter and Matilda Waite's legacy. The event will look to the future by raising funds to support the next generation of agricultural leaders through the Peter Waite Centenary Scholarship for Excellence in Agriculture.”

A night celebrating the Waite legacy and the future

Guests at the Waite 100 gala will have the opportunity to experience the essence of Waite firsthand.

“This culinary journey will be a delicious exploration of the Waite's contribution to the world of food and drink,” said Professor Able.

The evening will see renowned chef Matt Moran and sushi master Narito Ishii curate a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, with canapés and food stations featuring unique ingredients – like hempseed and faba beans – developed or improved through research by plant breeders and scientists from the Waite research community.

Guests will also be treated to a premium selection of wines from leading winemakers and University of Adelaide alumni from Yangarra Vineyard Estate, Murdoch Hill, Wynns Coonawarra Estate and more, showcasing the Waite's impact on oenology.

A highlight of the evening will be the launch of the Waite 100 Commemorative Whisky produced from the finest barley grown by SA barley growers and malted by Coopers Maltings. The gala will also feature live and silent auctions, with proceeds going to the Peter Waite Centenary Scholarship for Excellence in Agriculture.

Entertainment throughout the evening will feature iconic baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes, recently appointed to the University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music, and a program including some of South Australia’s top musical talent.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Waite 100 Gala page on the University of Adelaide’s website.