KALEIDOSCOPE
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Welcome to our first edition of Kaleidoscope for 2025.
We have already achieved so much together as a community over the last few months.
A highlight was attending the official opening of Ngutungka Henley — our newest integrated library and community hub. It was fantastic to see so many people of all ages and backgrounds exploring this amazing space. It was a fitting reflection of how our neighbourhoods continue to connect and thrive. Whether you are discovering a new book, attending a workshop or simply catching up with friends, you will find a welcoming place to meet, learn and engage.
Focusing on connection, we recently celebrated our Citizen of the Year Awards to recognise those who go above and beyond to support our community. Through volunteering,
advocacy or bringing people together, it is the dedication of these people that makes our City such a special place. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who was nominated and all of this year’s winners. You can read more about our inspiring recipients on page 8.
Looking ahead, we want to hear from you. The Draft Annual Business Plan Consultation 2025/26 is your opportunity to help shape the future of our City. From upgrading public spaces to improving local services, your voice helps guide our priorities. I encourage you to get involved and share your thoughts on the projects that matter to you. Find out how you can have your say on page 10.
There are plenty of opportunities to come together and be part of something special in the weeks and months ahead. Whether it’s attending an ANZAC Day service, joining us for Doggy Day in May or experiencing the delights of Tasting Australia, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
I hope to see you out and about, making the most of everything happening across our vibrant City.
Cover: The team at Ngutungka Henley on opening day.
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
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
EXCITING PROJECTS SHAPING OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS
Across our City, key projects are taking shape to enhance community spaces, improve accessibility, and support local clubs and businesses.
CYRIL BAXTER HALL REDEVELOPMENT
Exciting progress is underway at Grange Recreation Reserve, with the redevelopment of Cyril Baxter Hall set to deliver a modern, multipurpose facility for the community. Home to the SA Amateur Soccer League and Grange Cricket Club, the upgraded two-storey facility is expected to be completed by 30 October 2025. Key features include:
• Striking curved brickwork design
• Purpose-built change rooms, canteens, and office spaces to support local sporting clubs
• Tiered seating, balconies, and function areas
Designed in close consultation with local clubs, the facility will be accessible and functional for all. Proudly funded by the State Government (ORSR) and the City of Charles Sturt, with design by Stallard Meek Flightpath Architects and construction by Mykra Pty Ltd.
HAWKER STREET TRANSFORMATION
Major upgrades are well underway along Hawker Street, creating a more accessible pedestrian-friendly space. With stage two progressing smoothly, fresh asphalt has already been laid between Blight Street and Coglin Street, bringing us one step closer to a fully revitalised streetscape.
Once complete, this transformation will deliver:
• A reconstructed roadway from Blight Street to Chief Street
• Brand-new footpaths on both sides for a safer and smoother walk
• Upgraded intersections with street print treatments for a fresh new look
• A new wombat crossing to improve pedestrian safety
• Improved stormwater infrastructure for flood mitigation
• Greener streetscapes with additional landscaping and planted kerb build-outs
With completion set for the end of the year, Hawker Street will soon be an even more inviting and enjoyable place for the community.
Cyril Baxter Hall artist impression
Hawker Street
A PLACE FOR OUR COMMUNITY
It was a wonderful celebration as we opened the doors to Ngutungka Henley, our second integrated library and community centre.
With nearly 2,000 visitors on opening day, the energy was incredible as the community embraced everything Ngutungka Henley has to offer, expanding the ways we connect, learn and grow together. From children’s activities and community stalls to art workshops, Zumba and an exciting scavenger hunt, the day was filled with engagement and excitement. We loved hearing your feedback, including local resident Jaz, who shared:
It’s great to have a space where you can come together for just reading or for community groups. It is exciting how close it is, how accessible it is and it’s just a really welcoming space.
The name Ngutungka—Kaurna for ‘place of knowledge’—acknowledges our First Nations history and sets the scene for learning, discovery and connection.
The $12.1 million build, designed by JPE Design Studio, seamlessly integrates the heritage listed Henley Town Hall to preserve the site’s historical significance.
There are also modern day and sustainable features including on-site rainwater storage, solar panels and drought tolerant plants with the design to support generations to come. Built by Mossop Construction, the project was made possible with support from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
MORE THAN JUST A LIBRARY
With two integrated library and community centres—Ngutungka Henley and Ngutungka West Lakes—plus our mobile library and other library branches, we are making it easier than ever to access books, resources and community programs. Whether you are visiting to borrow from our extensive library collection, attend an event, book a meeting room or explore an exhibition, there is something for everyone.
Ngutungka Henley features:
• An extensive library collection
• Programming and events, including Babytime, art and fitness classes
• A bookable community kitchen
• Exhibition spaces for artists
• Meeting rooms and spaces to hire
• Printing, copying, and scanning facilities
• Fully accessible restrooms
378 Seaview Road
Henley Beach
charlessturt.sa.gov.au/ Ngutungka-Henley
WHAT’S ON
MARCH
29 March
Author talk - Michael Trant ‘In Conversation’ with Michelle Prak
Ngutungka Henley
See Eventbrite
Upcoming Events
DRAG RACE DOWN UNDER
27 March 2025
Live on stage! Featuring the full cast of Season 4 and Rhys Nicholson.
It’s time to turn up and turn out as we bring the glam, the sass, and the fierceness home to our Aussie and NZ queens!
Join all ten dazzling queens of the brand new season, plus our fabulous judge Rhys Nicholson as your fierce host for the night.
CHRIS CONNOR - ELVIS 30 March 2025
Known for his uncanny resemblance and electrifying performances, Chris Connor brings Elvis Presley back to life on stage like never before.
KASEY CHAMBERS ‘BACKBONE’ TOUR 2 May 2025
Australian country music royalty, Kasey Chambers, is hitting the road on a national album tour celebrating her newest record Backbone and a journey down through the years of her career and life.
Sign up to the Woodville Town Hall newsletter and stay in the loop.
APRIL
4 April
Meet the Author – Nicole Alexander Ngutungka Henley
See Eventbrite
24 April
ANZAC Eve Service – St Clair War Memorial Park Woodville Road & Glynis Nunn Drive, St Clair
The service will be held on 24 April at 5.30 PM to pay tribute to those who served our country.
25 April
ANZAC Dawn Service – Henley & Grange RSL
Soldiers Memorial on Seaview Road, Henley Beach Start time 6.30am
Veterans and current serving personnel are invited to meet on the corner of North Street and the Esplanade, Henley Beach, at 6.15am. There will be a short march to the Soldiers’ Memorial to start the ceremony.
12-27 April
School Holiday Program
Across our libraries and community centres
See Eventbrite
30 April
Women in the West – Scaling up within and from South Australia
Healthy Living Precinct, Welland
See Eventbrite
MAY
1 - 31 May
Doggy Day in May
See Eventbrite
1 - 31 May
South Australia’s History Festival
See Eventbrite
2 May
City of Charles Sturt Sports Awards 2025
The annual event will be held on 22 May 2025. Nominations close 16 April. charlessturt.sa.gov.au/SportsAwards
YOUR KITCHEN NEEDS A CADDY
We’ve always provided free kitchen caddies to make food waste recycling easier, and now, we’re launching a fresh campaign with a catchy new song to help spread the word!
Food waste makes up 38% of your blue-lid waste bin, but it should be going in your green organics bin instead. When food scraps are composted, they help reduce landfill waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and enrich our gardens with nutrient-rich compost.
Using your ventilated kitchen caddy makes food waste disposal effortless. Plus, it helps food scraps dry out, losing up to 17% of their weight in just three days.
Don’t waste — replace! Scan the QR code below for more information.
Connecting and Belonging
PREVENT FRAILTY
As we age, maintaining strength, mobility, and independence becomes increasingly important. But did you know that frailty isn’t an inevitable part of growing older? With the right approach, it can be prevented.
The City of Charles Sturt is proud to support the AVOID Frailty program, which helps older residents stay healthy and active. This easy-to-use online program offers personalised advice and connects you to local community programs that promote healthy ageing and wellbeing.
By joining the study, you can reduce your risk of frailty by learning more about your individual risk factors and discovering simple, effective ways to prevent it. Additionally, as a token of appreciation for completing the study, you’ll receive a $50 gift card.
If you are aged 60 years or older, live independently and have regular access to a computer/tablet with internet access or can receive assistance from someone who does, you may be eligible to participate.
For more information or to express your interest, contact: Dr Joanne Dollard Phone: (08) 8222 7349
Email: avoidfrailty@ adelaide.edu.au
The study has been funded by The Hospital Research Foundation in partnership with the City of Charles Sturt, Adelaide Primary Health Network, and the Canadian Frailty Network. This project has been approved by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee.
Connecting and Belonging
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
We recently celebrated local community members doing extraordinary things at the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards.
Mayor Angela Evans presented the awards at the ceremony held at Woodville Town Hall. Congratulations to all our deserving recipients. This year we had joint winners of the Citizen of the Year Award.
LINDSAY HOLMES – 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Lindsay has driven positive change in Bowden, Brompton, and Hindmarsh for over 45 years, founding the Bowden Brompton Repair Café, leading community programs at 19 On Green, and advocating for sustainability and Aboriginal autonomy. His dedication and generosity continue to inspire.
MARION KILSBY – 2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Marion has championed greener spaces, safer streets, and community pride, leading beautification projects and sustainability efforts in Henley Beach. With her husband Trevor, she inspires others to care for the environment through hands-on action.
GIUSEPPE GERACITANO – SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Giuseppe has enriched South Australia’s Italian and multicultural communities, championing language inclusion, immigrant support, and cultural preservation. A driving force behind the Italian Carnevale Festival and a recipient of the SA Governor’s Multicultural Award, his leadership and kindness leave a lasting impact.
WEST BEACH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB – COMMUNITY EVENT/GROUP OF THE YEAR
Since 2013, the West Beach Surf Club has grown the Pink and Blue Swim/Run/ Walk into a vibrant community event, raising over $735,000 for breast and prostate cancer research. Over 1,500 participants (including four-legged friends) took part in 2025, with all proceeds funding life-saving research and care.
CAROLINE KEARNEY – YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
As Club Captain of Grange Surf Life Saving Club, Caroline has mentored future lifesavers and ensured beach safety. A dedicated patroller and paramedic, she leads community programs, beach clean-ups, and safety workshops, inspiring youths to get involved in their community and make a difference.
Read more about the recipients and their achievements charlessturt.sa.gov.au/citizenoftheyearawards
in May
A fresh take on our beloved dog-friendly community event.
Free educational dog training
Expert-led seminars
Discounted microchipping Puppy playgroups
Community dog walk
An event to connect our community and promote responsible dog ownership through education, engagement, and fun.
Bookings essential. Follow Pets of Charles Sturt for updates.
DRAFT ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN CONSULTATION 2025/26
Help shape our City’s future
Our Draft Annual Business Plan outlines the priorities for the next financial year, ensuring our City continues to thrive. It guides how we invest in services, facilities, programs and projects that support our community, enhance public spaces, and prepare for the future.
We link our decisions to the Community Vision themes of Local Neighbourhoods, Valuing Nature, Vibrant Places, Our Transforming City, and Connecting and Belonging. Whether it’s about maintaining parks and open spaces, enhancing public places, or improving
local services, your feedback helps shape our services, projects and initiatives for the year ahead.
Community consultation starts on Tuesday 15 April 2025. You can share your thoughts in several ways:
• Online feedback: Share your thoughts at Your Say Charles Sturt from 15 April to 8 May 2025.
• Speak to council: Provide a verbal submission at our Council meeting on Monday 28 April 2025, 7.15pm - 8.15pm.
• Community drop-in session: Join us on Tuesday 6 May 2025, between 4.00pm - 5.30pm, at the Civic Centre, Woodville.
Thank you for being part of our community and helping us create a shared future.
SHARE. CONNECT. ENGAGE.
Join Your Say Charles Sturt
We value your ideas and feedback. That’s why we have Your Say Charles Sturt, our dedicated online community engagement hub. Our hub displays important projects and initiatives open for community comment, and lets you know all the ways you can provide your input, online and face to face.
Through Your Say Charles Sturt, you can share your thoughts, ask questions, and follow projects that impact your local neighbourhood. Whether it’s upgrades to your local park or street, or broader City planning, this hub is the best place to share your ideas on projects, and engage in topics that interest you.
BE PART OF A RENEWABLES FUTURE
Join our 2025 Community Renewables Program Solar Bulk Buy and power your home and life more sustainably.
You can provide feedback, view other people’s contributions, participate in discussions, and follow projects to receive updates as they progress.
Help us understand your insights and what you value to guide our forward planning and decisions.
By joining our online community, you’ll receive notifications when new projects align with your interests. Already a member? Be sure to log in and update your user profile and interests.
yoursaycharlessturt.com.au
We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions, having invested in solar for our facilities and declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019. We also want to support our community in making the switch to renewables— helping households reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuel generated grid energy while lowering costs and easing financial pressure.
Following the success last year, we’re again partnering with ShineHub to offer Charles Sturt residents the chance to access discounted solar, battery, and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) solutions through our bulk buy program. With over 180 households already
participating and over 90% joining the ShineHub VPP, we’re making great progress toward establishing a local renewable energy network.
By joining the 2025 bulk buy, you’ll reduce your energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable community. Signing up is free, with no upfront costs or commitments— just stay informed and explore your options.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Watch our info session video and request a quote at shinehub.com. au/charles-sturt/
Join us in building a cleaner, more affordable energy future.
Connecting and Belonging
WHAT’S ON AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
THE MAYORAL MAKE-A-BOOK CHALLENGE IS BACK FOR 2025
The Mayoral Make-A-Book Literacy Challenge is a fun program for young writers and illustrators, running from February to May.
Kids create their own books for the chance to win a $30 QBD Books voucher.
This challenge is open to preschool and primary school children in the City of Charles Sturt. Top entries will be awarded vouchers for their creativity.
Book entries can be:
• A story, graphic novel, informational text, or poetry on any topic
• In English or multilingual
• A physical book, eBook, or audiobook
• Created individually, with friends, or even your whole class
• Up to 1,000 words in length
The deadline for submissions is 31 May 2025.
charlessturt.sa.gov.au/ mayoralmakeabook
EXPANDED TECH HELP DROP-INS
Need quick tech support? Our free Tech Help Drop-Ins are now available weekly at four library branches. Get help with internet, email, smartphones/tablets, social media, and Microsoft Office. Sessions are limited to 5-10 minutes per person.
No bookings are required — simply drop in. Free sessions are held weekly at:
• Ngutungka Henley on Mondays from 2pm to 3pm
• Findon Library on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 10.30am
• Ngutungka West Lakes on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 10.30am
• Hindmarsh Library on Fridays from 9.30am to 10.30am.
charlessturt.sa.gov.au/being-digital
MEDIA CONVERSION STATION AT HINDMARSH LIBRARY
Digitise your memories at the Media Conversion Station in Hindmarsh Library. You can convert:
• Film negatives (35mm, medium format, 4x5”)
• Historical documents
• Photographic prints (up to A4)
• Slides
• VHS tapes
Intermediate skills on Windows computers are needed to operate the
Media Conversion Station. Not confident on computers? We recommend bringing someone to help you – or, you can attend a group training session.
charlessturt.sa.gov.au/ mediaconversionstation
Keep an eye out for:
South Australia’s History Festival: On 1- 31 May 2025. This year’s theme is ‘Decisions’. Charles Sturt Libraries hosts 10 events. Our program is out from early April.
charlessturt.sa.gov.au/ SAHistoryFestival
Premier’s Reading Challenge – With the new school year comes a new Premier’s Reading Challenge. This Challenge fosters a love of reading and improves literacy levels. Students have until early September 2025 to read 12 books.
charlessturt.sa.gov.au/ premiers-reading-challenge
GARDENS CONNECT US
Gardens connect us to more than what you might think.
Gardening provides an opportunity for people to share skills and knowledge, grow food and other plants, meet and connect with new people, contribute positively to their local community and neighbourhood, and helps to safeguard our environment for future generations – plus so much more.
We’ve teamed up with gardening expert Sophie Thomson in a new five-part video series to help explore these varied benefits of gardening at home and in the community.
KEEPING IT SUSTAINABLE
Ngutungka West Lakes is hosting Sustainable Saturdays and you’re all invited.
We’re bringing the experts in on the fourth Saturday of each month to create a community sustainability hub with workshops, activities, and talks.
You’ll learn about a variety of different topics including retro heatproofing your home, growing native plants, pickling your own food and more.
Plus each month you can trade in your threads for something fresh at our Clothing Swap, exchange
tips and learn new skills at the local gardener’s meetup, or book in for one-on-one advice from the home energy experts at Mission Possible’s Community Energy Advisory service. Here you’ll receive tailored and personal advice to reduce your power bill and make your home more comfortable and energy efficient, whether you rent or own. How could you be more sustainable and save money too?
To find out more search ‘Sustainable Saturdays’ on our website.
These videos are all based in our City and reveal how gardens connect us to nature, health, community, a cooler climate and food security.
We’re proud to support community gardening and greening projects through various initiatives including our Spring Garden Celebration, Fruit and Vege Swaps, Tree ‘BnBs’ and Native Bee ‘n’ Bug Hotels, and our new Treebate Scheme.
Visit our website to watch the video series and explore all these great programs available to you.
charlessturt.sa.gov.au/ GardensConnectUs
DID YOU KNOW?
Careers in Council
We employ more than 550 people in a wide range of roles including gardeners, mechanics and IT professionals – plus so much more. Search ‘careers’ on our website to discover our latest opportunities.
Protect your Family
Flu vaccination clinics will be held throughout April and May at our St Clair Immunisation Clinic. Bookings are essential and can be made online via our website.
Easter Kerbside Collection
All Council locations will be closed on the Good Friday (18 April), Easter Monday, (21 April) and ANZAC Day (25 April) public holidays. Kerbside bin collections scheduled for Good Friday will occur the following day (Saturday, 19 April) while collections will continue as normal on Easter Monday and ANZAC Day.
WORD SEARCH
L T Q W T C S P W I W H L S I
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B K C H K S B H H U N N R A J
P G E E X B K C G R W D I S O
H E N L E Y B E A C H M D E F
K J H T T C R Y Q D F A Q A H
G K E
N W N
AROUND OUR CITY
TET FESTIVAL
Vietnamese New Year was a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and community spirit as we welcomed the Year of the Snake.
CYPRUS FESTIVAL
The Cyprus Festival transformed Welland into a lively celebration of culture, food, music, and performances over two incredible days. We’re proud to support this event through our Arts & Festivals Grant.
NGUTUNGKA HENLEY
We opened the doors to Ngutungka Henley, our newest integrated library and community centre. It was fantastic to see such a great turnout from the community, celebrating this exciting new space together.
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
ANZAC EVE SERVICE – ST CLAIR WAR MEMORIAL PARK
The Anzac Eve Service, hosted by Seaton Park RSL Sub-Branch Inc., is a time for reflection and remembrance as the community gathers to honour those who served and sacrificed.
The service will be held on Thursday 24 April at 5.30pm at St Clair War Memorial Park to pay tribute to those who fell in service to our country.
Location: Woodville Road & Glynis Nunn Drive, St Clair (on the lawns adjacent to the railway station). Please bring a folding chair.
VINNIES VOLUNTEER CALL-OUT
Vinnies Kidman Park and Croydon are looking for dedicated volunteers to join their teams.
Whether you prefer working behind the scenes or interacting with customers, there is a role for you:
• Be part of a great team
• Gain valuable retail experience
• Make a difference in your community
To express your interest, please email volunteering@svdpsa.org.au
WEST LAKES COMBINED MALE & FEMALE PROBUS CLUB INC. ACH PARKRUN
Are you retired or semi-retired and looking for fun, friendship, and fellowship? Join Probus at West Lakes and meet fellow retirees. Enjoy guest speakers, social activities, and new friendships in a welcoming community.
Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month Venue: Club West Lakes, Edwin Street, West Lakes Shore
Time: 9.45am – 12.00pm
Membership is open to all, you don’t have to live in West Lakes to join.
For more information, please contact Stella at 0412 992 404 or email wlcprobus@gmail.org
ANZAC DAWN SERVICE –HENLEY & GRANGE RSL
Soldiers Memorial on Seaview Road Henley Beach
Start time 6.30am
Veterans and current serving personnel are invited to meet on the corner of North Street and the Esplanade Henley Beach at 6.15am for a short march to the Soldiers Memorial to start the ceremony.
WOMEN WHO WOODWORK
Every Wednesday from 1pm – 4pm. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, these workshops are perfect for connecting with others, learning new skills, and unleashing your inner craftsperson. These workshops will help you gain an understanding of how to work with wood using a variety of tools available within the 19 on Green Community Shed. Offering a variety of simple projects that will help you build fundamental woodworking skills using both hand operated tools and power tools.
Or tell us what you would like to make! Walk away with a completed project and the confidence and knowledge to further build on your own ideas and skills.
$5.00 per person.
Please call staff on 8408 1860 at 19 on Green Community Centre to book.
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 30 May and we could include it in the next edition of Kaleidoscope, landing in letterboxes in July 2025. Your community group, event or not-for-profit organisation must be located in the City of Charles Sturt.
Please email us at marketing@charlessturt.sa.gov.au with the subject “Kaleidoscope Community Noticeboard”.