KALEIDOSCOPE
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
With spring finally here, we’re enjoying warmer days and are looking ahead to the final part of the year. This edition of Kaleidoscope is packed with exciting news and updates on what’s happening across our City.
I’m proud to announce the launch of our new online Customer Portal. Whether you’re reporting an issue or updates on the progress of a request, the portal is available 24/7 and designed to make your interactions with us quicker, easier, and more transparent, with features like realtime customer request tracking, easy navigation, and progress notifications. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to deliver transparent and effective service to our community.
It’s also a great time as the weather warms up to reconnect with your neighbours. Why not consider hosting a gathering through our Street Meets program? It’s a fantastic way to strengthen bonds and build new relationships within your community.
Check out page 9 for more information on how to get involved.
With daylight saving just around the corner, there are a few changes to keep in mind. We adjust our dog leash laws along the foreshore, roll out beach mats at Henley Beach and Semaphore Park, and bring back the popular Henley Beach umbrellas. These initiatives ensure our community can access and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces safely and responsibly.
Our Tree Canopy Improvement Strategy is also taking root, and I’m delighted to share that we’ve planted nearly 1,000 trees across streets and reserves so far this financial year. With dedicated resources in place, our commitment to greening our City has never been stronger.
Finally, I encourage you to share your stories and ideas with us through our new online Community Vision portal. We’re eager to hear what makes our community special to you. Turn to page 13 to learn how you can contribute your own stories and experiences.
I hope this season brings you the opportunity to enjoy all that our wonderful City has to offer.
MAYOR
Angela Evans (08) 8408 1397 angelaevans@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
COUNCILLORS
Beverley Ward
Cr Edgar Agius, OAM, JP (08) 8445 7643 | 0424 451 154 eagius@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Cr Michael McEwen 0423 635 266 mmcewen@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Findon Ward
Cr Peter Ppiros 0408 865 004 pppiros@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Cr George Turelli (08) 8356 7169 | 0419 999 575 gturelli@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Grange Ward
Cr Rachele Tullio 0422 969 273 rtullio@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Cr Tom Scheffler (08) 7225 2782 tscheffler@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Henley Ward
Cr Kenzie van den Nieuwelaar 0450 869 935
kvandennieuwelaar@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Cr Merlindie Fardone 0411 688 291 mfardone@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Hindmarsh Ward
Cr Katriona Kinsella 0426 377 946 kkinsella@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Cr Alice Campbell 0425 351 177 acampbell@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Semaphore Park Ward
Cr Stuart Ghent, JP 0418 499 431
sghent@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Cr Nicholas LeLacheur 0433 188 963 nlelacheur@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
West Woodville Ward
Cr Kelly Thomas 0450 220 487 kellythomas@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Cr Nicole Mazeika 0402 456 896
Cover: Resident Marion enjoys a composting session at Bower Cottages Community Centre.
nmazeika@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Woodville Ward
Cr Khuyen (Quin) Tran 0451 216 153 quin.tran@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Cr Senthil Chidambaranathan 0415 728 638
schidambaranathan@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Mayor Angela Evans
WHAT’S ON
SEPTEMBER
28 September - 13 October Nature Festival naturefestival.org.au
OCTOBER
6 October – 10 November ‘Post Organic’ by Miles Dunne Art exhibition – Staff Only Gallery 1 Rosetta Street, Croydon Opening hours: Thursday – Saturday 11am - 5pm
12 October
Doggy Day at the Beach Henley Square
12 October WestFest
Bowden Brewing, Plant 3 Bowden bowdenbrewing.com
27 October
Spring Fair 19 Green St Brompton
29 October
Women in the West - Productivity & Building your Business from Home - Healthy Living Precinct 16-20 Hindmarsh Avenue Welland charlessturt.sa.gov.au/business/ networking-and-events
NOVEMBER
2 November
Telugu Association Deepavali Woodville Town Hall facebook.com/tasaadelaide
22 November Monty Franklin – Yeah Nah Tour Woodville Town Hall woodvilletownhall.com.au/montyfranklin-22nd-november/
24 November
Puccini in Concert - a concert in celebration of Giacomo Puccini Woodville Town Hall trybooking.com/events/landing/1252491
JOIN THE FUN THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!
Get the kids involved in a variety of exciting activities happening at our libraries, community centres, and other local venues.
Our popular School Holiday Sports Program is back with a range of free sports activities suitable for all skill levels.
Don’t miss out—secure your spot today before spaces fill up! charlessturt.sa.gov.au/schoolholidays
GROWING OUR GREEN CITY
REDUCE EMISSIONS TOGETHER
Trees Planted
Streets Completed
Strategy Actions Completed/Ongoing
‘Trees planted’ and ‘Streets completed’ figures are for this financial year only.
We continue to make progress in delivering our Tree Canopy Improvement Strategy, which outlines our plan to grow a healthy, diverse and sustainable urban forest to reach a City-wide tree canopy target of 25% by 2045.
We now have dedicated resources in place to oversee the planning, planting and protection of our trees. At the time we went to print, almost
TREEBATE – TREE REBATE SCHEME
Who said money doesn’t grow on trees?
Buy and plant a tree on your property and we’ll ‘treebate’ 50% of the purchase price.
1,000 trees have been planted across our streets and reserves this financial year.
Head to our website to learn more about our Tree Canopy Improvement Strategy and what it means for our City’s future.
charlessturt.sa.gov. au/trees
We are committed to supporting our community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our City.
Emission reduction initiatives are most effective when we all work together cohesively to achieve bigger and better outcomes.
A Community Emissions Reduction Group was independently established early last year to help inspire action. They have set an ambitious target to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 and net zero by 2040.
‘Mission Possible: Action to Net Zero & Beyond’ which received unanimous support. It is a plan made by the community, for the community, and focuses on 5 key components:
• Buildings and energy
• Transport
• Waste and circular economy
• Greening and growing
• Adaptation and sustainable living
You can apply for a rebate for up to 3 trees per residential property or up to 10 trees for schools, strata groups and businesses.
Conditions apply.
charlessturt.sa.gov. au/treebate
The group includes people with a wide range of skills and experiences in areas such as engineering, architecture, and education and who all have a passion for the environment.
They presented to our Council in August to unveil a community-led plan titled
We are excited to work alongside such a passionate group who align with our own commitment to a greener and cleaner future for us all.
Scan the QR Code below for more information.
SUPPORTING SA’S SOFT PLASTICS BAN ARE YOU REED-Y TO LEARN ABOUT OUR WETLANDS?
Our wetlands are beautiful spots to wander through and a haven for native birds and animals but did you know just how important they are?
We use the wetland catchments, located at St Clair, Old Port Road and Cooke Reserve, Royal Park to help capture and store water for reuse in the community. There are over 11 hectares of wetlands in our City.
The wetlands were constructed to treat urban stormwater and store it in the aquifer located 100 m below
the surface. Aquifers can hold a lot of water through the Managed Aquifer Recharge process (MAR). During winter, you’ll see the wetlands filled with water but in dry months, it is natural for the wetlands to dry out. At this time the stored MAR water and native groundwater is pumped through the purple pipe network for irrigation of our green spaces, as well as residential and commercial purposes.
Find out more charlessturt. sa.gov.au/wetlands
The State Government has introduced further bans on single-use plastic items, including plastic bags, coffee cups and expanded polystyrene containers effective from 1 September.
South Australia has taken a phased approach to banning single-use plastics, enabling all South Australians to ‘replace the waste’ for a cleaner, greener environment. By reducing single-use plastic waste, we are helping to protect our local waterways, parks, and beaches, ensuring our City’s natural beauty thrives for future generations.
So, what will change?
For our residents, this transition will involve switching to compostable alternatives. For example,
the free dog poo bags we provide along our local walking trails will gradually shift to compostable options. While it may seem like a small change, it reflects a broader commitment to protecting our environment and fostering a healthy relationship with nature. A comprehensive database of these alternatives is available to guide you through the changes, simply scan the QR code.
As a council, we fully support this state-led initiative by ensuring our services adapt to these changes, continuing to prioritise sustainability.
HERE COMES THE SUN
With daylight saving around the corner and brighter mornings and longer evenings ahead, we wanted to share all things spring and summer.
DID YOU KNOW?
From Sunday 6 October 2024 until 6 April 2025, changes to on/off-leash dog laws take effect on our foreshores. During this period, all dogs must be kept on a leash (2 metres or less) on the foreshore between 10am and 8pm. Outside these hours, dogs may be off-leash on the foreshore, provided they remain under effective control. These measures are in place to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant experience at our beaches.
For more information, visit our website charlessturt.sa.gov.au/ dogsonthebeach
UNDER OUR UMBRELLA, ELLA, ELLA, EH, EH, EH
Come sit under our umbrellas. From the October long weekend, our fantastic beach team will be setting up the Henley Square umbrellas daily (weather permitting).
THEY SEE ME ROLLING…. OUT THE BEACH MATS
The blue beach mats will be rolled out along the beach at Henley and Semaphore Park from October through to March, providing more accessibility to the beach. In addition, beach wheelchairs are available (Henley Beach via charlessturt.sa.gov.au/accessibility, Semaphore Park via Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club. To book, email seabirds@semaphoreslsc.com.au).
Mat roll out is subject to tide times, weather conditions and resources.
NEW OPEN SPACE IN ALBERT PARK
What was once housing has now been transformed into a fantastic place of play, nature and connection.
It was great to see the community come together as we officially opened Spad Street Reserve in August, with Mayor Angela Evans, Senator Karen Brogan, Uncle Moogy, City of Charles Sturt staff and our VIPs, Albert Park locals.
With additional funding from both the State and Federal Government, the project is a great example of all levels of government working with local residents to ensure the neighbourhood reserve met their needs.
Living just around the corner, Jackie and Graham love the new park and their grandchildren have enjoyed discovering new elements each time they visit and building their confidence on the flow bars.
MAKE YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT WITH A GRANT
“Most Saturdays we visit the park with the grandkids. It’s great to get them off their iPads and enjoying being outside. They love different parts of the park too – the youngest ones love scooting, Logan enjoys bringing his ball and playing on the grass, Rabiya plays on the bars and Violet thinks the swing is the best.”
Along with a grassed area and play equipment, the park also includes a communication and Auslan board, to encourage conversation through symbols and sign language.
Spad Street Reserve is located on the corner of Spad Street and Farman Ave, Albert Park. The project was part of our Your Neighbourhood Plan. Other projects included improving the streetscape along Tapleys Hill Road, widening verges and improving footpaths along May Street, greening more streets to help cool the area.
We all know first impressions count and a great shop front can help your business stand out. For businesses looking to improve the appearance of their shop front or to make changes to make the building more accessible, Council has a façade improvement grant. The grant offers 50% match funding up to $5,000 for a range of improvements including painting, awnings, greening, public art and changes to shop front windows.
Also did you know we also offer up to $2,000 for businesses wanting to run activities that bring new customers into their store? The Customer Experience grant can fund a range of activities including workshops, demonstrations or temporary pop up activities out the front of your store.
Visit our website for full grant details charlessturt.sa.gov. au/grants
BRING PLAY BACK TO THE STREETS
SOUND INNOVATION FOR OUR CITY
Street Meets are a wonderful way to bring your local neighbourhood together.
Host a long table lunch, a cricket match, Halloween, Christmas or cultural celebration on your street with our Street Meets program.
We’ve removed the red tape and developed an easy way for you to reclaim your street to meet and connect with your neighbours. There are no costs to Council to host.
“A good neighbour is a true treasure. It’s absolutely wonderful to have everyone come together. Young and old, different cultures, which is just lovely”, said Connie, from Croydon.
How to get involved:
1. Check out the Street Meets kit
2. Get your neighbours on board
3. Submit your application
4. Run through our online video (we’ll help to show you how to safely close your street)
5. Send out the invitations
For more information and to apply visit charlessturt. sa.gov.au/street-meets
Our progressive Field Services team is constantly uncovering ways to enhance works in our community with minimal impact on residents and the environment.
Earlier in the year, electric blowers and pole saws were trialled and implemented to replace the previous two stroke versions which were loud and emit smoke into our atmosphere. The new electrical equipment is half as noisy and supports our ongoing commitment to reduce emissions. They are also far easier to operate, safer, and don’t emit fumes or as much noise pollution as the previous equipment.
We have already had numerous residents approach our friendly Field Services team to comment
on the vast difference and reduction of noise, and we love hearing your feedback.
Due to the success of the new tools, a battery saw with a silent blade is also being trialled for concrete cutting, bringing another significant reduction in noise pollution for residents.
Other upgrades to look forward to soon are a makeover of the Beverley Recycling and Waste Centre to enhance safety for our customers and workers, and efficiencies in how we address your requests on streets, roads and reserves. Our passionate Field crew are constantly transforming the way we operate to create the safest, cleanest, and greenest City possible for our residents.
OUR NEW ONLINE CUSTOMER PORTAL IS HERE
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’re excited to launch our new online Customer Portal. Accessible 24/7, the portal is designed to make your interactions with us quicker, easier, and more transparent.
Have an issue to report or a service request? With just a few clicks, you can submit and monitor your requests online whenever it suits you. Whether it ’s a simple request or a more complex concern, our portal allows you to track progress in real-time, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Some awesome features include:
• Easy Navigation: A user-friendly design means you can quickly find what you’re looking for and track your interaction history with us.
• Map View: Zoom into your neighbourhood and see requests made in the last 30 days. You can view details and check if an issue has already been reported, so you’ll know we’re aware of it and working on a resolution.
• Notifications: Receive updates on the progress of your requests, including estimated completion times.
• Fewer Steps: The portal streamlines your experience, cutting down the back-and-forth, ensuring faster responses and better service.
Our motto is simple: Report. Monitor. Resolve. It’s three easy steps to make things simpler for you.
But don’t worry – we’re still just a phone call away and happy to help you navigate the new portal. We’re committed to putting our community’s needs first, and the portal is a step in that direction.
TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR OUR COMMUNITY
The Ageing Well team is thrilled to announce the launch of our Medical Transport program, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Currently operating on Fridays, with the intent to grow to Monday to Friday, this service provides door-to-door transport for non-emergency medical appointments, ensuring you have reliable options to meet your healthcare needs.
Our program operates through a mixed model, utilising both dedicated volunteer drivers and taxi services to offer flexible and dependable transport solutions. To be eligible
A NEW COOKING PROGRAM FOR MEN
for this service, you must qualify for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) funding.
Contact Ageing Well, 8408 1529 for more information.
Would you like to be a part of this program and become a volunteer to support people to get to their appointments safely?
Your support can make a significant difference in our community. Contact Jayne, Volunteer Development Officer on 8408 1828, for more information or apply today via our website charlessturt. sa.gov.au/volunteering
Ngutungka West Lakes is hosting a new program called Cook & Connect for men over 65 who are interested in building up their cooking skills with a friendly, supportive social group.
Join this group to learn quick and easy recipes and build your confidence in the kitchen. Each session will be interactive and practical – you’ll plan and prepare a delicious meal together - then eat together.
The program, a partnership with Meals on Wheels SA, will kick off with a free ‘come and try’ session on 2 October, 10.30am at Ngutungka
West Lakes – and then run fortnightly 10.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesdays from 16 October. Sessions are $10 for those with Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) funding, or $25 for those without.
For more information and bookings, call Meals on Wheels on 1800 854 453 and ask for Kirsten (W.I.S.E. team) or email wise@ mealsonwheelssa.org.au. As the program is funded under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), an ‘Other Food Services’ referral code from My Aged Care is required to access the CHSP price.
Photo credit: Meals on Wheels
SUSTAINABILITY IN YOUR COMMUNITY UNLOCK CULINARY CREATIVITY
Gardening groups and activities are a wonderful way to meet others, learn about gardening and share your knowledge. Did you know our Community Centres are also home to some wonderful community gardens?
CHELTENHAM
Cheltenham’s new community garden is ideal for picking fruits, vegetables and herbs while meeting new people. There is a pergola, playground and barbeque with a native bee hotel installed in partnership with Green Adelaide and Guardian Child Care Centre in 2023.
BOWER COTTAGES
Join Bower Cottages’ Fruit & Veg Swap held on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10.30am. The event brings neighbours together to share surplus fruit and veg from their gardens, while sharing ideas, knowledge, skills and good company. The children at Goodstart Early Learning Semaphore Park visit regularly to learn about composting, pick flowers, water seeds and collect bugs while squealing with delight.
FINDON
The Herb Society of South Australia meets on the first Monday of each month from 7pm–10.30pm. In April and September, the group holds a free workshop to learn about propagating herbs and salvias. Findon also hosts the ‘Seed Savers’ each quarter to share and swap seeds.
19 ON GREEN
Sustainable West is a community-led initiative focused on expanding and improving recycling practices in our area. The group helps people recycle and reuse items like glasses, x-rays and polystyrene. Be sure to check out the innovative recycling station at 19 on Green and Hindmarsh Library.
BROMPTON COMMUNITY GARDEN
Located next to 19 on Green, this garden is nurtured by an active group of community members who share a passion for gardening and socialising. The garden features 46 plots in total with seasonal fruit, veggies and flowers. There are more exciting things to come in this vibrant space including gardening and seasonal food workshops in the new year.
Have you tried our Make, Bake, Decorate Collection yet?
It’s the perfect way to spark some culinary creativity, and best of all, it’s completely free with your library membership. From specialty kitchen gadgets to fun party essentials, we’ve got everything you need to whip up something special without cluttering your cupboards or spending a cent. Why buy when you can borrow?
Our collection features cake tins, pasta machines, cookie cutters, and so much more. This initiative not only helps reduce landfill waste but also frees up valuable space in your kitchen, letting you ‘try before you buy.’
Borrow and Win
To celebrate the Make, Bake, Decorate collection, we’re running an exciting
competition. Simply borrow an item, create your culinary masterpiece, snap a photo, and send it in for your chance to win a prize that will take your kitchen game to the next level.
One creative winner will receive:
• A copy of RecipeTin Eats: Tonight by Nagi Maehashi
• Peppa Pig and George Pig cookie cutters
• A Unicorn cookie cutter
The competition runs from 1 October to 31 October, 2024, and the winning entry will be showcased on our Charles Sturt Libraries Facebook page. Ready to enter? Scan the QR code and show us your baking brilliance!
THE CITY OF CHARLES STURTA PLACE TO CALL HOME, A PLACE WHERE WE BELONG
Have a story? We’d love to hear it.
LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOODS
OUR TRANSFORMING CITY CONNECTING AND BELONGING VIBRANT PLACES VALUING NATURE
Our Community Vision is about building a clear and collective understanding for the future of our CIty. By working together and sharing our experiences, we can bring this vision to life.
We want to connect with you and learn what makes our community special to you. Whether our City is your home, workplace, or simply a special destination close to your heart, your stories matter to us.
Head to our online Community Vision Portal to read stories from around our community and to share your own stories and experiences with us.
CROSSWORD
Across
2. The grass between the road and footpath
5. An animal which we cross on the road
7. The garden celebration falls within this season
9. A place where knowledge and words are stored
11. Mounds between the sea and land
Down
1. A royal street in Croydon
3. An amphibious mammal found in the River Torrens
4. Known as the lungs of the earth
6. A person who donates their time to the community
8. A long road in our City, also a nautical direction
10. A colour associated with recycling
Answers: 1. Queen, 2. Verge, 3. Rakali, 4. Trees, 5. Zebra, 6. Volunteer, 7. Spring, 8. Port, 9. Library, 10. Yellow, 11. Dunes
AROUND OUR CITY
SALA FESTIVAL IN OUR CITY
In August, our City came alive as we celebrated the festival of visual arts, the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival. It was a wonderful month filled with talent and new cafes to find.
WOMEN IN THE WEST
We hosted a workshop series aimed at increasing the confidence, capabilities, and visibility of local multicultural women in business.
NAIDOC WEEK
We welcomed students from Woodville High School to our Council Chambers as part of National NAIDOC Week. The students marched from school to our Civic Centre to meet with Mayor Angela Evans and discuss its significance.
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
WONDERING WHAT TO DO?
Come visit the Henley and Grange Historical Society. Check out our website or come down in person. Discover historic gems and order our annual Journal, coming soon. A wonderful present or gift for local or new residents.
216-218 Military Road Henley Beach www.henleyandgrangehistory.org.au
FANCY SOME TENNIS?
The Delfin Island Tennis Group welcomes new players to join us for social tennis on Wednesdays from 9:00 am until approx. 10:30 am year-round (weather permitting). We enjoy playing tennis with no game scores recorded, there’s no membership required and no weekly commitments as we are flexible with attendance. You are most welcome to join us at the Samoa Court Reserve, West Lakes, for a bit of fun! Phone or message 0414 660 167 for any enquiries.
LEARN TO DANCE THE EZIWAY
Learn to dance the Cha Cha, Samba, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Argentine Tango and a selection of New Vouge Sequences.
Every Tuesday evening at Seaton Park RSL Hall, 257 Tapleys Hill Road Seaton
Beginners: 7:30pm Advanced: 8:30pm
For more information, please call or text: Michael on 0401 011 909
KIDS TENNIS COACHING
Register now for Kids Tennis Coaching at Flinders Park Tennis Club! Our popular coaches Ethan, Lara, Lola, and Billy are back on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Signing up is easy—just visit our website to find all the details.
We’re also looking for senior and junior players, so feel free to join us at our Social Night on Wednesdays from 7–9pm for a chat.
For more information, contact Matt Wilson at flindersparktc@outlook. com. Don’t forget to check out our website at https://play.tennis.com.au/ flindersparktennisclub/TennisLessons and follow us on our brand new social media page: https://www.facebook.com/ FlindersParkTennisClb.
WARA WAYINGGA TENNYSON DUNES OPEN DAY
Sunday 20 October 2024 10am – 3pm
The Wara Wayingga Tennyson Dunes volunteers invite you to our open day. Bring the family and enjoy free guided walking tours through the dunes to learn about the native flora and fauna and see all the work being done to protect, rebuild and conserve the dunes for future generations.
We will have our perennial favourites, Animals Anonymous and Bugs ‘n’ Slugs and of course special children’s activities, along with stalls selling locally made, environmentally friendly gifts, native coastal plants and plenty of food and beverages.
Local coastal conservation groups will join us for the day to provide fun and fact filled information about their organisations. Access via the Southern carpark, Military Road, Warra Wayingga Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve.
Between Bus Stops 32A and 32B.
For further information and to book the guided tours, visit www.tennyson.org.au
Does your local community group or not-for-profit organisation have something to share with the City of Charles Sturt community?
Let us know before 13 October and we could include it in the next edition of Kaleidoscope, landing in letterboxes in November 2024. Your community group, event or not-for-profit organisation must be located in the City of Charles Sturt. Please email us at publications@charlessturt.sa.gov.au with the subject “Kaleidoscope Community Noticeboard”.