ABOUT US

My name is Diane Stratton, my partner Matt and I currently live with our 5 ridgebacks in Gawler a town on the southern borders of the famous Barossa Valley wine region.  We are both involved in the wine industry, I am a fully qualified winemaker, after graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) in 2006. I work in in the Barossa Valley specialising in Sparkling Winemaking and my partner Matt is involved in the growing industry of screw cap wine closures providing technical support for the industry. We have been working hard over the last 12 months to complete our new home which we are building as owner-builders on our 40 acre property in the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges to the North of Adelaide. Our spare time is devoted to showing, training and enjoying our ridgebacks.

 I first became involved with this wonderful breed in the United  Kingdom in the late 80's when a good friend of mine purchased a female from a kennel in Pangbourne.  I fell in love with their tremendous character and personality, their strong will and their sense of loyalty towards their pack and with that first encounter became truly hooked on this fantastic breed.  Many years later and after emigrating to Australia I was ready to purchase my first ridgeback.  I was very fortunate to acquire my foundation bitch, Roedey from Cyndy Burton of Starridge Rhodesian Ridgebacks in 1998.  Roedey, a true ambassador of the breed has brought to Kushika excellent bloodlines from Australia, Sweden and the UK and has been instrumental in our success.