On the 4th of July, under a crisp, starry Strathalbyn sky, we lit up our second annual SpaceCraft Winter Bonfire—and it didn’t disappoint.
After a week of rain, the clouds cleared just in time for the perfect winter’s night: cool, clear, and still enough to let the fire do its thing. What began as a practical yard clear-out—burning off months of offcuts and old pallets—has quickly become a tradition. A night to press pause, share a drink, and catch up around the fire with our crew (plus a few extras from home).
Peta had everything sorted—kid-friendly games, a pre-event drinks tally, gourmet salads, and the essential snags and steaks from the local butcher shop, Maidments Meat.
Nathan manned the BBQ like a pro, tongs in hand, dishing out perfectly charred snags and steaks.
The highlights of the night? Mav (aka Andrew) casually tossing a glow stick quoit across the yard and landing a perfect bullseye—no one came close to matching it. Harley’s JBL speaker kept the tunes rolling, while Sam C helped capture the glow, the chaos, and the camaraderie (with the help his daughter).
The only one who managed to dodge Sam’s camera all night? Bruce. With fresh concrete poured at the Wundersitz’s residence, he found himself an honorary guest—and made the most of it. Never far from the action, Bruce spent the evening pacing the fire’s edge, loudly campaigning for someone—anyone—to throw him something. A stick. A rock. An anything. A few items made it into the flames (don’t worry, Bruce is fine—just mildly offended).
It was also the perfect chance to properly welcome our newest team members—Robert, Peta, and Buddhi—and to reconnect with partners, kids, and a well-dressed dog (Merlin).
The night wrapped up SpaceCraft-style—with a Tawny in hand, Metallica blaring, and some solid head banging by the fire. A few (no names mentioned) may have stumbled home closer to 3am… Safe to say, it was one for the books.
Same time next year? Absolutely. Maybe a new bonfire spot, fewer Johnny Walkers, and—if we’re lucky—another perfect mid-winter sky. And hey, did someone say espresso martini?