Artists with a strong connection to key woolgrowing areas, Flinders Outback, the Limestone Coast and Eyre Peninsula are being encouraged to submit creative designs celebrating these regions.
The winning entries from each region will become part of unique homewear products made from Merino wool sourced from Australian Wool Network's Direct Network Advantage program from that area.
It follows the success last year of a limited edition range of blankets designed by Barossa abstract artist Marnie Gilder in the Only Merino Barossa Collection and made from Merino wool sourced from local growers.
AWN DNA manager Cynthia Jarratt says the DNA program, which tracks wool from bale to retail store, has been a great success.
The final product will be sold with a QR enabled swing tag which customers can scan to view informational videos that showcase the wool growing region, the wool growers and their sheep that contributed to the making of the product.
“We have some of the world’s most desirable Merino wool being grown here in SA in some of Australia’s most beautiful country and our DNA program provides a great opportunity to showcase this to not only our Australian customers, but to the many international tourists who purchase our wool products,” she said.
Flinders Ranges woolgrowers and tourist operators Tony and Julie Smith, Rawnsley Park Station, Hawker, have contributed $500 towards the DNA Design Series prize for the Flinders Outback.
They have been part of the Flinders Outback program for a number of years and see it as an important way to connect with the consumer.
"Hopefully some of our tourist visitors will buy some of the products as a souvenir," he said.
"We can't be certain that it is our wool but there is every chance it could be and if it isn't it is one of our neighbours' so there is a great story to share."
The winners will each receive $1000 and $500 of the final product featuring their design.
The Flinders Outback winner will receive an additional $1000 donated by Rawnsley Park and MF Jebsen Australia of Martins Well Rangeland Reserve.
The products will be available from selected retail outlets and on the Merino & Co website.
