by Loine Sweeney

At APA’s recent Annual General Meeting, our newly elected President, Sarah Russo, affirmed her commitment to keeping your Park Lands “both protected and active for everyone to enjoy.”

But who is Sarah Russo? What has inspired her to step into this leadership role? APA tour guide and Managing Committee member, Loine Sweeney, sat down with Sarah to learn more about the path that led her here.

From Barossa Vines to Park Lands Passion

Sarah Russo harbours both grape vine leaf and Australian native bush in her heart.

Born in Victoria, she moved with her family to South Australia as a young child, growing up on a vineyard property in the Barossa Valley. Her family combined grape-growing with a love of visiting nearby parks including the Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park and Mount Crawford.

*Sarah Russo, aged 14, with her horse Neo, at her Barossa childhood home in the Stonewell Vineyard.*

“I found joy in helping on the land,” Sarah says. “But I also developed an affinity with the bush — we spent our recreation time immersed in native vegetation, and that connection has stayed with me.”

*As a child, with her sister Fiona. Sarah says “weekends working at the vineyard always involved music by the firepit.”*

When the family visited the bright lights of Adelaide, it was the Adelaide Botanic Garden that captured her imagination. “I absolutely fell in love with it. I tied every school assignment I could to the Garden and took every opportunity to visit - it became my haven.”

*Sarah Russo in the Rangeland Garden within the Adelaide Botanic Garden, in Park 11. Pic: Loine Sweeney*

That connection to the Botanic Garden — part of Park 11 — grew into a lasting appreciation for Adelaide’s unique Park Lands. “Having grown up in the regions, I expected Adelaide to be a concrete jungle. But it was like no other city I’d seen, being completely surrounded by all this greenery and nature with the Park Lands.”

A Career in Creativity, Policy and Stewardship

After early work running a lighting and sound business, Sarah moved into arts administration, where she commissioned the design of public art — including a series of artist-designed, site-specific bike racks that are both functional and beautiful. They remain across the city in public spaces including the parklands and city squares.

The “Onion Ring” outside Adelaide Central Market in Grote Street: commissioned by Sarah Russo; part of Adelaide’s **Bike Art Trail.**

Later, she transitioned to science and innovation roles in the State Government, working at the intersection of community engagement, policy and public investment.

She eventually returned to the Barossa to work in regional economic development, supporting agri-innovation and sustainability. Her family vineyard — home to 120-year-old vines — inspired her postgraduate studies in environmental management, and a strong focus on land stewardship.

“I’ve always seen us as custodians,” she reflects. “We’re just one chapter in the long story of that land.”

Bringing That Experience to APA

Sarah joined APA just over a year ago, keen to apply her governance and policy skills to a cause close to her heart.

“It felt like a perfect fit,” she says. “A way to contribute to community and reconnect with the green side of my life. I love APA’s values — Restore, Inspire, Protect, Explore — or ‘RIPE’ as I remember them.”

She now works in corporate governance and partnerships with NBN Co, and sees APA as a place where her professional and personal passions intersect.

Leadership With Clarity and Care

Sarah’s early focus as APA President is on transparency, cultural connection and sustainability.

“There’s a lot we still don’t know about some major proposals, like the LIV Golf event,” she notes. “We need information — and if something goes ahead, it must include full restoration, biodiversity safeguards, and public benefit.”

She strongly supports public use of the Park Lands — but with care.

“I don’t want them locked up,” she says. “Sport, events, families — all of that is wonderful. But we have to avoid turning green spaces into dust bowls. We should restore what’s worn, protect what’s precious, and keep it open and accessible for everyone.”

She’s also passionate about deepening cultural understanding.

“We haven’t done enough to honour the Kaurna story. I’d love to see APA work closely with Traditional Owners to tell that story more fully and meaningfully in the Park Lands.”

Looking Ahead

As Sarah chairs her first APA meetings and listens to members, she’s hopeful — and grounded.

“This community holds so much knowledge and care. I’m here to help guide that energy into positive outcomes — for people, for biodiversity, and for the future of these incredible Park Lands.”

Welcome, Sarah.