Kaleidoscope - December 2021

KALEIDOSCOPE

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

As we look back on 2021, we reflect on a year that has continued to challenge us and bring us together in different ways. We are proud of our achievements this year and look to 2022 with anticipation of a momentous year ahead for our City as we celebrate 25 years since Henley and Grange joined with Woodville and Hindmarsh to form Charles Sturt Council.

We continue to support our community through a range of facilities, services and programs, with many business and community grants still available to implement new ideas and places in 2022.

As we prepare for the future we are reducing our environmental impact through Net Zero, our plan to Net Zero Corporate Emissions by 2025. This is an ambitious target but one that is important and achievable and we are proud to say we are making good progress. While you read more about this on page 4, I ask you to think about your environmental impact and how you can make small changes within your household, business and community.

The Materials Recovery Facility that we’ve been building with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield is close to opening and will soon begin to take on board your yellow lid bin recycling for processing. We are really proud of this significant milestone, it gives us confidence for the future of recyclable material and supporting the circular economy locally, across our state and within Australia.

We will open our newest facility, Ngutungka West Lakes in February/March. Developed from your ideas, this new place of knowledge will be a centrepiece of excellence in literacy, learning and innovation for the local community.

As always, we continue to support our diverse community to feel safe and connected. While many of our facilities are taking a short break over the holiday period, we are still here to support you. You can find our end of year opening hours on the following page.

Our community spirit and diverse cultures makes our City an amazing place to live. I thank you all for your sense of community pride and hope that wherever you are from, you are home in Charles Sturt.

Have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

This publication is produced on 100% recycled, Australian made paper and manufactured 100% carbon neutral. FSC® is the highest and most trustworthy international certification for sustainable forestry.

MAYOR

Angela Evans (08) 8408 1103

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 Matt Mitchell 0415 350 740 mmitchell@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Findon Ward

Cr Helen Hibeljic 0431 072 073 hhibeljic@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Cr George Turelli (08) 8356 7169 | 0419 999 575 gturelli@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Grange Ward

Cr Sarah McGrath 0474 544 936 smcgrath@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Cr Tom Scheffler (08) 7225 2782 tscheffler@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Henley Ward

Cr Paul Sykes, JP 0414 499 394 psykes@charlessturt.sa.gov.au Cr Kenzie van den Nieuwelaar 0450 869 935 kvandennieuwelaar@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Hindmarsh Ward Cr Paul Alexandrides 0418 500 924 palexandrides@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Cr Alice Campbell 0425 351 177 acampbell@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Semaphore Park Ward

Cr Gerard Ferrao, JP 0411 775 391

gferrao@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Cr Stuart Ghent, JP (08) 8449 9430 | 0418 499 431 sghent@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

West Woodville Ward

Cr Kelly Thomas 0450 220 487

kellythomas@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Cr Tolley Wasylenko, JP (08) 8268 3249 | 0428 282 624 twasylenko@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Woodville Ward

Cr Oanh Nguyen 0413 333 189 onguyen@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Cr Charlotte Watson 0411 338 789 cwatson@charlessturt.sa.gov.au

Cover: Christie and Cooper at Doggy Day on the Beach, Henley Beach.

CHRISTMAS IN CHARLES STURT

Christmas is always a special time in our City.

END OF YEAR OPERATING HOURS

Our operating hours will change over the holiday season.

Civic Centre

The Civic Centre will be closed from 3pm, Friday 24 December 2021 and will reopen on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

All branches will be closed Saturday 1 January to Monday 3 January 2022.

All branches will re-open from Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Our Mobile Library Service will close from Saturday 17 December 2021 and resume on Wednesday 5 January 2022.

We are reminded to appreciate what is truly important, particularly given the changes and challenges we have all faced in the COVID-19 environment.

The continued generosity and kindness of our community never ceases to amaze at this time of the year.

Our annual Christmas Food Drive in support of Foodbank was once again a great success. Donations were collected across our entire Community Connections network to assist those in need. The charity recently opened a new ‘Food Hub’ facility in Woodville Park as they expand their amazing relief work.

Our ‘Give the Gift of Reading’ program helped spread the magic of reading to vulnerable children through UnitingSA, again thanks to your generous support.

These initiatives demonstrate how we can band together to make a real difference in our community.

The spirit of Christmas remains alive and well across our City wherever you look from our Woodville Town Hall glowing in Christmas lighting, our Civic Centre’s internal street adorned with festive decorations, or the many community lighting displays from residents and businesses spreading holiday cheer.

We wish our community a Merry Christmas.

Your donations are making a difference.

View our behind the scenes video at Foodbank’s new Food Hub on our website.

Our Customer Contact Centre will still be taking phone calls, emails and providing webchat support on non-public holidays, but no front counter services will be available during the office closure.

Beverley Recycling and Waste Centre

The Beverley Recycling and Waste Centre will close from 2pm, Friday 24 December 2021 and will reopen from Wednesday 29 December 2021 to 4pm, Friday 31 December 2021.

Usual operating hours will recommence on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Libraries

Our Libraries will operate with reduced staff during opening hours across the Christmas/New Year period.

All branches will close from 3pm, Friday 24 December 2021.

Our Civic, West Lakes and Findon branches will reopen Wednesday 29 December to Friday 31 December 2021. Henley Beach and Hindmarsh branches will remain closed.

Community Centres

All our Community Centres will close for the holiday season on Friday 17 December 2021.

The Brocas, 19 on Green, Bower Cottages, Cheltenham and Henley and Grange Community Centres will re-open on Monday 10 January 2022.

Findon and Seaton North Neighbourhood Centre will re-open on Monday 17 January 2022.

Regular groups and hirers will continue to have access to centres during the closure except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Immunisation Clinic

Closed from Monday, 20 December 2021 and re-opening Tuesday 4 January 2022.

NET ZERO: OUR MAP TO NET ZERO CORPORATE EMISSIONS 2020-25

The future has now become our reality with the climate already warming by over 1 degree celsius compared to over 100 years ago. It continues to warm, and our goal to stop further warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius may not be possible. We cannot continue as we are. Change is needed, and quickly.

The City of Charles Sturt (CCS) recognises its role in and risks of climate change and declared a Climate Emergency in December 2019. Net Zero: Our map to net zero corporate emissions 2020-2025 (Net Zero) was endorsed in late 2020 and is being implemented to reduce corporate greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Net Zero was born and established as our map to reach zero corporate emissions by 2025, an ambitious target which we believe is achievable and supports local,

national and global action. Net Zero emissions for us outlines the overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere.

To achieve this, we will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our services and operations, purchase 100% renewable electricity by 2023 and purchase carbon offsets where required.

We are already on our way to reaching Net Zero. Electricity usage has been reduced with an additional 13 buildings recently fitted with solar panels and 10,018 streetlights replaced with LED lighting. Additionally, we are moving away from our petrol passenger vehicles to new hybrid vehicles and we will be purchasing some electric vehicles in 2022.

We are also committed to reducing emissions in the design, development,

retrofit and maintenance of our facilities and construction of our infrastructure for example the use of recycled materials. Greenhouse gas emission (methane) can also be reduced by preventing organic waste going to landfill. We are working through this via our operations and in supporting the community to place organic (food) waste in the green lidded (organics) bin with the kitchen caddy roll out for residents.

As well as implementing Net Zero across our operations and the community, we are also supporting our employees to develop and action initiatives contributing to the emission reduction target. We look forward to further engaging with our community in 2022 to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emission. We can continue to make a difference together.

There was a time when climate change was viewed as something that would impact us in the future.

YOUR RECYCLING IS NOW IN OUR HANDS

KEEPING OUR CITY CLEAN

Just over two years ago, we set out to be bold and courageous with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, taking control of our communities’ recyclables. Today we have an operational Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) that is soon to do just that, and we are excited to take the leap to support the future of recyclable materials in our state.

The facility will soon begin processing recyclable materials from our residents’ yellow lid recycling bins which is a huge milestone. Materials are processed using a combination of advanced optical sorting technology and manual sorting methods to separate recyclables into commodity streams such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminium and steel.

The Central Adelaide Waste and Recycling Authority (CAWRA), the regional subsidiary established jointly by both Councils to manage the build and oversee operations, received support from the Government of South Australia and the Commonwealth Government, contributing a

total of $4.36 million towards the establishment of the new facility. The funding enabled the purchase of state of the art plant and equipment which will maximise operational efficiency. The design of the MRF includes a recirculation system for materials remaining at the end of the sorting process, to give them a second chance at being recovered and recycled. This feature will help to minimise any unnecessary landfill disposal of otherwise recyclable material to ensure we recycle as much as possible.

Visy Recycling was appointed as the operator of the MRF in August. Their knowledge and expertise in operating recycling facilities and their extensive network of Australian reprocessing facilities will enable Visy and CAWRA to work together to channel our recyclables back into the South Australian manufacturing economy.

Tours will be offered to residents and local schools in the coming year. Keep an eye out online for more information charlessturt. sa.gov.au/cawra

We’ve launched a new ‘City Clean’ team to improve our service and to help keep the community we all love clean and safe from hazards.

Our dedicated City Clean Team empties up to 300 bins a day, responds to customer requests of any overflowing public bins, and clears footpaths, parks and reserves of any hard rubbish or hazards while out on duty.

The initiative aims to provide value to our residents in a cost-effective and environmentally efficient way as an alternative to outsourcing the service to contractors.

City Clean Team clean up everything they come across

that’s causing a hazard or making a mess, up to and including furniture and trees – they don’t just pick up bins.

A modern, efficient and colourful compactor truck is a feature of the new service. Our community had the opportunity to vote to name the truck with ‘Bin Chicken’ attracting almost half of the total vote.

Keep an eye out for the City Clean Team on our streets and be sure to say hello to the crew.

ACCESSIBLE BEACH OUTINGS

Henley Beach provides a world of opportunity to enjoy a supported beach outing for the one in five people within our community living with a disability.

BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR HENLEY BEACH

Bookable Beach Wheelchairs

Available for free half-day hire over the summer period until mid-April. There are two types of wheelchairs, enabling the opportunity to access the beach and water safely.

Bookings are essential. Search ‘Beach Wheelchair Hire’ on our website for more information and to book.

An MLAK key is required to access the storage area or you can borrow a key in advance from our Henley Beach or Civic Libraries.

Beach Mat

In use seven days a week until April to access the water’s edge by wheelchair or for those who have difficulty walking through soft sand. Subject to tide times and weather conditions for the safety of accessibility.

Changing Places

An accessible toilet and adult change facilities for people with high support needs and their carers.

MLAK key is required to access the Changing Place or you can borrow a key in advance from our Henley Beach or Civic Libraries.

Vehicle Access

The northern carpark with an entrance off Seaview Road or Esplanade, offers accessible parking and a van/vehicle drop off zone adjacent the Changing Place facility and a short distance to the beach mat. Accessible parking can also be found in the southern carpark, access off of Seaview Road and South Street to Esplanade.

Find out more about our accessible beach, give us a call or search for ‘Accessibility’ on our website charlessturt.sa.gov.au

While we’re hard at work transforming Military Road and Main Street into safer places for all road users, it’s business as usual for your favourite beach with cafes, restaurants and retailers in the area.

You may notice there will be some detours and parking restrictions. The works are occurring in stages to ensure your safety in the area and ensure that we can undertake the works as quickly as possible, with minimal disruption. We do understand that road works can be quite inconvenient and that over the summer, Henley Beach is an extremely popular destination for visitors from all over Adelaide and beyond. There are some things to consider if you’re heading to the precinct during construction:

• Allow extra time to find a park or park and walk a short distance if suitable.

• Be mindful of timed parking restrictions -

see the parking map on our website.

• Consider alternative transport optionspublic transport, ride share or e-scooters.

We look forward to starting work on the new plaza in Main Street that will complement Henley Square. The State Government has contributed $2.6 million through an Open Space Places for People grant towards this project. This work will start in 2022 and be ready for next summer.

See what this project will look like once complete at charlessturt.sa.gov. au/militaryandmain

SMILEY STEPHEN

Stephen has struck a chord with our community through this simple gesture, spending hours by the roadside to spread smiles with those who pass by.

The 51-year-old grew up in Seaton and has overcome mental health issues and homelessness over the years to settle as a proud resident of Woodville.

He now loves spreading his messages of positivity through his homemade ‘smile’ signs.

“Every day I get smiles. I try to just try and make people feel a bit better about themselves. It makes me smile. Every time I get someone to smile, it makes my smile grow,” he said.

“Some people will wave. Some people will beep. Some

people beep, wave and smile. And some just smile.

“Once I get about 20 smiles it’s hard not to start cartwheeling and getting all excited. It gives me a buzz.”

We recently shared this story on our social media channels and the feedback was amazing, such is the impact he is clearly having on our community.

Stephen was humbled by the response.

“If I could, I would share my smile with everyone in the world today. Every day, if I possibly could,” he said.

“Thank you so much to everyone that’s given me a smile, a beep or a wave.

“This is for everybody. This has always been a gift for everybody.”

DARYL OUR DEDICATED STREET SWEEPER

It’s not often you’ll find somebody beaming and laughing after rising at 2:45am each morning for work.

With our dedicated sweeper operator Daryl, that’s exactly what you’ll get every day.

Starting with us 32 years ago mowing lawns, his journey has seen him take to our streets in a quest to keep the city clean of debris and other unwelcome matter.

Committed to keeping our streets spotless, a 4am start is all in a day’s work.

“I get up about quarter to 3 in the morning, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I love it,” he said.

“We do our morning run, go back and empty and fill up with water, then get ready for

another start at 7am when we’ll do other projects as well.

“There is an eerie sense to it in the morning, but I’m used to it, you just have to be really careful when working alone.”

Main roads start the early morning run with local streets from a modest 7am.

A new street sweeper machine allows him to move efficiently through the City and spray high-pressure water to clean paths, optimising the morning run.

If you’re up early enough for that morning run and see Daryl sweeping through, be sure to give him a smile and a wave.

Head to our website to watch this video and keep an eye out for Stephen along Port Road. Make sure you give him a smile, a beep and a wave!

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD NGUTUNGKA WEST LAKES

If you are looking for a cool new community program, a different space to hire or a book to inspire you, you’ll find it all in one new location at Ngutungka West Lakes.

HOW YOU CAN CONNECT WITH US

You’ll be able to book a space within Ngutungka West Lakes.

Keen to host a program or want to find out more? Give us a call on 8408 1144.

Located at 9 Charles Street, West Lakes, just off of Turner Drive, Ngutungka has been named from Kaurna language meaning ‘place of knowledge’, recognising the land of which this place is built, reflecting what we will join together to do at Ngutungka West Lakes.

What makes Ngutungka West Lakes different? The spaces, programs and events have been created by you. Through extensive consultation and our community conversations, we’ve spoken with many members of our local community to find out exactly what you want to see as part of the new facility.

Workshops

These flexible spaces can be tailored towards an activity or event and will soon be a home of learning and discovery.

Kitchen

Get your bake on in this fully functional kitchen. We can’t wait to see what delicious creations come out of this.

Digital Lab

Keep an eye out for our tech sessions with a difference.

Studio

An exciting new come ‘n’ try space that will provide a glimpse into the new, the quirky and a world of

imagination, with artists, innovators, collectors and curiosities.

Library

Whether you love fiction, non-fiction, magazines or large print, our shelves will be filled. Look out for our marketplace section, featuring the latest releases and recommendations as well as board games to enjoy with family and friends.

Changing Places

The building is all-accessible and features a Changing Places facility, supporting people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

For more information on opening hours, services and programs and details on our community celebration, visit charlessturt.sa.gov. au/Ngutungkawest-lakes

You can also follow us on Facebook at Ngutungka West Lakes.

Jack Buckskin performing a smoking

ceremony at Ngutungka West Lakes.

SUPPORTING OUR BUSINESSES

It’s been a challenging time for many of our businesses over the last few years and we’ve been continually inspired by their resilience and adaptability to change. We’ve loved seeing our businesses quick thinking to innovate with changing conditions and we want to support them to continue to thrive with grants still available from our Economic Support and Stimulus Package.

Launched in April 2020 as a response to the COVID pandemic, the Economic Stimulus Package provides economic support for businesses, organisations, local artists and musicians. Grants are available from $500 to $5,000 to those whose business model has been impacted by COVID.

Business Support Program

Helping businesses to adapt and innovate in response to changing conditions, the Business Support Program funds a range of projects such as a new website, YouTube advertising, market research or business financial health checks.

Alice Fitch, founder of “Whola” – a business-to-business fashion wholesaler, applied for funding through this program and used it for a high impact project to implement a sophisticated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system which resulted in an outstanding customer experience for her clients.

Live and Local

Earlier this year, four talented local artists joined together to provide Coastal Sounds - a live music festival that stretched from the Henley to Grange coastline. Funded by our Live and Local Grant, the festival received such a positive response from our community that it returned over two weekends in October and November along the coastline.

If you are a local musician or venue, you can access our Live and Local grants

and provide a live experience in our City. Visit our website and search for ‘Live and Local’ for more information.

#shoplocal

Dion from Crave Speciality Coffee in Elizabeth Street, Croydon wanted to give his shopfront a new look. Dion applied for Façade to Street funding through the #shoplocal program which supported a local artist to create a stunning mural on his shopfront and create an attractive and inviting space with planter boxes painted by local artist Brigitte Minuzzo.

This grant aims to help local businesses make changes or improvements to their building façade or implement activations such as seating and planter boxes that will attract new and existing customers into their business.

Find out more, search for #shoplocal on our website.

Creative Cities

‘I’m Fine’ the musical performed in The Arch at Holden Street Theatres, Hindmarsh in September, raising awareness for and showed helpful ways to combat teenage mental health. The grant supported theatre hire, marketing costs, actors and production team.

Two funding streams are available under our Creative Cities program to nurture artistic neighbourhood projects and add to the cultural richness of our City with an arts and cultural program.

Find out more about these grants at charlessturt.sa.gov.au/grants

We are also asking businesses how we can better support you. Your responses will be used to help shape the services, program and activities we deliver. Complete our survey at surveymonkey. com/r/businesssurvey21

2021 REFLECTIONS

Councillors

Beverley Ward

Edgar Agius

Christmas is a time to spend time with family and friends. The true spirit of Christmas is sharing with those less fortunate. Invite someone to share the Christmas spirit. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas.

Matt Mitchell

I look forward to us having more opportunities to come together with friends, families, neighbours, and community during 2022. Merry Christmas!

Findon Ward

Helen Hibeljic

I’m grateful to each resident for their support and input, it has been a privilege to represent the Findon Ward. Wishing your family a safe and happy festive season.

George Turelli

The pandemic lockdown has impacted our lives in ways we could not have imagined. My hope for 2022 is that our community will overcome this terrible situation forever.

Grange Ward

Sarah McGrath

We have been very lucky to be living in Charles Sturt with what has been happening around the world in the last year. I wish all our residents a safe and happy Christmas season, and may you be united with your loved ones, family and friends in the coming year.

Tom Scheffler

To our residents, staff, elected members their families and friends. I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas. I hope the New Year brings you all the best in health, luck and happiness.

Henley Ward

Paul Sykes

On behalf of my family I wish all a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and safe 2022 as we work together to make the City of Charles Sturt an even better place to live.

With so many new and exciting projects underway I look forward to working with you all throughout 2022 to keep our amazing community safe and vibrant. Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas break.

Kenzie van den Nieuwelaar

Hindmarsh Ward

Paul Alexandrides

Thank you to our community for their support. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe start to 2022.

Mayor

Angela Evans

Christmas is a time to express joy, love and gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for the work of our Elected Members, our staff, our volunteers and our community this year. Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you share joy, love and gratitude across our community in the coming weeks.

West Woodville Ward

Kelly Thomas

As we draw to the end of 2021, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year!

Alice Campbell

I wish everyone a safe and happy festive season. A special thank you to Hindmarsh Ward residents for contributing to our wonderful community.

Semaphore Park Ward

Gerard Ferrao

We all did it tough in 2021. I invite my community to partner with Council through community initiatives and neighbourhood grants. Together in 2022 lets re-build, grow and prosper!

Looking forward again to keeping in touch with our community during this pandemic, together we can make a difference. My family wish your family a safe, healthy and memorable Christmas and New Year.

Tolley Wasylenko

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you and your family. I hope your joys will be endless, your pleasures many and this Christmas season the happiest of any. Thank you for all the continued support, encouragement and friendship throughout the years.

Woodville Ward

Oanh Nguyen

Dear all, I am grateful for your continuing support. May peace, hope and joy be yours this Holidays and throughout the New Year 2022.

Charlotte Watson

Christmas is the time to receive and send blessings. Happy Holidays and a most joyful Christmas.

Stuart Ghent

THE FUTURE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF ALBERT PARK AND HENDON

Albert Park and Hendon were chosen because of:

High Summer temperatures

Evidence shows that parts of Albert Park and Hendon have high summer temperatures that could be reduced through an increase in green planting.

Community Connections

We want to enhance how residents use places in the neighbourhood – places like local reserves, train stations, schools and churches.

Living Streets Program

We are planning to upgrade several streets in Albert Park in the next few years including May, Glyde, Murray, Grace and Jervois Streets. Living Streets is about reimagining the design of your street and neighbourhood to prioritise people; whether it be as a walker, bike rider, driver or to socialise with family and neighbours.

Potential Rezoning of Land

We are investigating the rezoning and revitalisation of an area of Albert Park in the vicinity of Port Road, Glyde Street, Grace Street, Murray Street, May Street and West Lakes Boulevard.

We have worked with the community to develop this pilot project by auditing what is currently happening in these suburbs and how they’re currently being used. From this we identified short-term and long-term projects responding to the audit and have recently consulted with the local community on project priorities, to gain feedback on the ten projects identified.

We’re currently working towards two key projects responding to central liveability issues identified by the audit; one for a new local park and the other for a great neighbourhood centre worth walking to.

We’re really excited to bring this pilot project to life and to begin working on implementing some changes to improve the central liveability. We look forward to sharing Your Neighbourhood Plan with the residents within this neighbourhood in the coming months.

You can find out more about this pilot project and the projects identified on our dedicated community consultation website, Your Say Charles Sturt. Search for Your Neighbourhood Plan to find out more.

yoursaycharlessturt.com.au

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN”?

Your Neighbourhood Plan is about boosting the liveability of neighbourhoods by coordinating street improvements, recreation, greening, and resident health and safety.

Each neighbourhood plan celebrates the great things about the neighbourhood and looks at new opportunities. We want to encourage local streets to become “Living Streets” designed to prioritise people and we want to create great places in each neighbourhood to live, work and play.

WHAT IS “YOUR

We’re always looking towards the future needs of our City, continuing to build on and improve where we live. We’ve been working through the Your Neighbourhood Plan Pilot Project in Albert Park and Hendon to adapt and support these suburbs now and in years to come.

SHARING SOME PAW-SOME NEWS

UPCOMING PLAYGROUND UPGRADES

The PAW-some and suitably named ‘Semapaw Park’ opened in November to rousing reception from dogs and owners in Semaphore Park and across our City.

The highly anticipated park includes both a sensory space and an active area, combining to create the ultimate experience for dogs of all different characters.

Semapaw Park

An off-lead play area for confident, sociable dogs over 6 months of age.

Sniff Space

Designed to create a sensory off-lead adventure trail by encouraging dogs to sniff, explore and enjoy a relaxing, enriching stroll. The space is also perfect for the more timid or older dogs who may prefer some quieter scenery.

Sniffing is incredibly calming and tiring for dogs, therefore finishing off an exciting play session in the park with a more sedate stroll through the sniff space is the perfect way to help pooches settle for home time.

Like always, dogs in Sniff Space will still require active management. You may need to call your dog away from other dogs or encourage them to sniff by showing interest in the landscape.

Purposely built for an invigorating sniffing experience, sniff space is not a space for play.

To use both spaces for best effect, please start in Semapaw Park and then move into Sniff Space. We hope your canine companion has a simply SCENTsational time!

The launch of Semapaw Park has doubled with the timely introduction of a new set of wheels to patrol our beaches this summer. We are delighted to partner with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield again this year to deliver our beach education patrols.

These patrols will cover both coastal areas (nearly 20km) and play a key role in educating and reminding dog owners about safe and appropriate dog and owner behaviour on our beaches.

The patrols will occur across the day (including after hours) to ensure we can effectively cover our busiest times and help make the beach a safe place for everyone to enjoy together this summer.

Playgrounds are an integral part of our community, and they create everlasting memories and nostalgia for children and families. We are committed to upgrading spaces and reserves as part of an Asset Renewal Plan each year and will soon be consulting on new playgrounds for the 202223 financial year. Keep an eye out on our dedicated community engagement website Your Say Charles Sturt or sign up to be notified of consultations in your area at:

yoursaycharlessturt.com.au

MJ McInerney Reserve

Looking for something to do while the kids are on the playground? Why not try an active workout at MJ

McInerney Reserve. Fresh gym equipment has been installed to keep parents equally entertained in the heart of West Croydon, featuring a variety of exercises in weights, steppers, pull ups, dips and more. Spread out along the path and with instructional signage, you can safely complete a fitness session while keeping an eye on your children.

From the redevelopment of MJ McInerney Reserve consultation there was clear desire for fitness equipment, and we are proud to deliver on this to promote physical activity in our play spaces.

Visit our website to find out about playgrounds in our City charlessturt.sa.gov.au/parks

NEWS AND WHAT’S ON

WOODVILLE TOWN HALL ADELAIDE FRINGE PROGRAM

February and March 2022

The Necks

19 February

Seeing The Necks in concert is an experience like no other. “One of the greatest bands in the world.” - New York Times

Adelaide Chinese Orchestra Concert

20 February

Join us for a FREE night of live performance in collaboration with Woodville High School.

Story & Song – Weekend of Live Music at Woodville Town Hall 25-27 February

Four live music events across one weekend – there’s something for everyone.

Ignition Point

1-2 March

Join us for another fantastic show by No Strings Attached – Theatre of Disability.

Sounds of Sorcery

5 March

A night of magic with the Woodville Concert Band.

Fifty Shades of a showgirl

11, 12, 18 and 19 March 2022

The Choo La La girls are back for four fringe shows!

For more information, visit woodvilletownhall.com.au or go to the Adelaide Fringe Festival website for more information on events happening across our City.

DECEMBER 2021

Mother Greece

19 December

Woodville Town Hall

A fundraising concert including musical performances from musicians within the Greek community to celebrate 200 years since the establishment of the Greek state. All proceeds will go to The Hospital Research Foundation Group woodvilletownhall.com.au

West Lakes Events December until April 2022

West Lakes is a hub of exciting events like rowing, dragon boats, paddlesports and triathlon competitions. Check out the schedule to see what’s happening. Scan the QR code below to view the schedule online.

FEBRUARY 2022

Bulgarian Festival

13 February

Bulgarian Educational and Friendly Society – 443 Tapleys Hill Road Fulham Gardens

Join the day long festival and the event including authentic Bulgarian cuisine, watch a renowned Bulgarian Chef, try traditional Bulgarian folk dancing and hear the sounds of traditional and contemporary Bulgarian music being performed live on stage. bulgariansinsouthaustralia. com

Pink & Blue Swim

12 February

West Beach SLSC – Corner of Seaview Road and West Beach Road West Beach

Gather your family and friends and come along to this fabulous event supporting both Breast and Prostate cancers. westbeachslsc.com.au

DOGGY DAY AT THE BEACH

Meet Cooper, our Doggy Day portrait winner, with his family Liam and Christie.

SMOKING CEREMONY MILITARY ROAD AND MAIN STREET UPGRADE

Uncle Mickey performed a Smoking Ceremony on location as we began the redevelopment at Henley Beach with our contractor BMD.

SPRING GARDEN COMPETITION

→ Sophie Thomson and Mayor Evans with the 2021 School Garden winners, The PalmsFindon High School.

→ Dani and Heather at the awards night.

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

‘MY TREE PROJECT’

WESTERN ADELAIDE COASTAL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Students in Years 4 and 5 at three western suburbs primary schools are invited to grow a tree at their school or home, as well as create an artwork about what a tree means to them. Sponsored by SA Water and supported by WACRA (Western Adelaide Coastal Residents’ Association), its goal is to enable students to play an active role in dealing with the challenges of climate change.

Students will learn firsthand about connecting with nature, being waterwise and develop a greater understanding of biodiversity, indigenous plants and sustainability. A forum is planned with specialist groups for designated teachers and students from the participating schools (Kilkenny, Grange and West Beach).

Artworks will be exhibited at various locations, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of trees. This project will enable the students to add to tree canopy in the western suburbs, resulting in a cooler and healthier environment for everyone.

Contact Julie Whitehead on 0433 289 716 or Lara Lamnek on 0422 118 036.

Does your local community group or not-for-profit organisation have something to share with the City of Charles Sturt community?

ADULT

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION COURSES

AT THE WELCOMING CENTRE

The courses aim to enable community members to improve their digital literacy, english, work skills, and general literacy to prepare them for further study or look for work opportunities.

The free courses are available to anyone who lives in South Australia with a valid visa to work or study, or are 17 years or older and not enrolled in school.

Find out more on the available courses at the Welcoming Centre website at welcoming.org.au/communitylearning

WOODVILLE ACADEMY OF FLORAL DESIGN INC.

The Woodville Academy of Floral Design club was established in 1958 and has been teaching styles of floral design and flower arranging for over 60 years, and exhibiting handcrafts, potted plants and garden blooms. Meetings are held on alternate Wednesdays in the Kilkenny Community Centre, corner of Wilpena Terrace and Tarcowie Street, Kilkenny.

Visit the club’s Facebook page or website for more information.

facebook.com/woodvilleflowerclub sites.google.com/site/wafdinc

2022 ZDRAVEI BULGARIAN FESTIVAL

Zdravei!

Здравей! (Hello in Bulgarian)

The secret is out about Bulgaria, a nation at the crossroads of Greece, Turkey and Russia. Taste the best examples of our cuisine from our showcase of traditional food available, made with uniquely Bulgarian recipes including our not-so-secret herb chubritsa. Watch Bulgarian and Slavic performers; listen to traditional and contemporary Bulgarian music or join in and learn a traditional Bulgarian dance. For the curious view the inside of a Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Finally, take a piece of Bulgaria home with you, traditional pottery and crafts will also be available for purchase.

The festival will be held on Sunday 13 February 2022 from 10am - 6pm at 443 Tapleys Hill Road, Fulham Gardens. Free entry, with children’s entertainment to provide fun for the whole family.

FUN, FRIENDSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP IN RETIREMENT

Join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities. Henley Beach Probus Club meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 10.30am at Henley-Fulham Uniting Church (Cnr Durham and Military Road, Henley Beach). For more information contact Christine on 0402 278 685 or email rcfuss49@gmail.com

Let us know before 21 January and we could include it in the next edition of Kaleidoscope, landing in letterboxes in March. 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”

ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY 20/21

executive summary

In many ways 2021 was reminiscent of the challenging landscape of 2020 with our state continuing to experience COVID-19 uncertainty. Throughout 2021, our community within the City of Charles Sturt has continued to adapt and remain connected and committed to supporting residents, businesses, and visitors into our area.

We put in place several initiatives to support our community through COVID-19 including regular COVID-19 video updates with our Mayor Angela Evans, a ‘We’re Here’ campaign released across social media and physical Port Road banners. A ‘Help your Neighbour’ postcard drop to all residents highlighted how we can all assist our vulnerable and most at-risk members of our community.

With over 120,000 residents and over 105 cultures, the City of Charles Sturt remains a diverse and inclusive community. Ngutungka Community Centre in West Lakes is almost ready to welcome everybody, and will be a significant new way to experience the services and programs we offer. Ngutungka is the first of its kind named in Kaurna Language in our City. Ngutungka means ‘Place of Knowledge’, and will be a nextgeneration centre of excellence in literacy, learning and innovation.

Our Community Plan 2020 – 2027 offers a renewed focus on both community and customers at the heart of everything we do. Our Community Plan is a flexible, living document focusing on forming strong connections with our residents and businesses.Our 2020/21 Annual Report details the work achieved together over

the past financial year, and the services provided by Council during this time. It provides further insight into the key target areas of the Community Plan.

Over the last financial year, Council spent $33m on our Capital Works Projects; road and footpath works, sporting facility upgrades, playground renewals and stormwater upgrades.

A further $1.8m has been spent on additional Annual Operating Initiatives; stormwater management, greening our City, community grants, small business support and arts and cultural development.

The following projects have been funded and completed together with our partners:

• West Beach Rock WallCompleted in August 2021, the rebuilt West Beach Rock Wall ensures the barrier withstands significant storm events and projected sea level rise, protecting West Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Coast Path, road, car park and homes along Seaview Road. The project had a budget of $7.2 million ($5.95 from City of Charles Sturt and $1.25 from Coast Protection Board).

• Ngutungka West Lakes – due for completion early 2022, the $20 million Ngutungka West Lakes Community Hub will become an integral part of the community and a centre of excellence.

• South Road Underpass –Completed in March 2021, the $2m opening of the South Road underpass includes significant improvements from

balustrading to new lighting and sustainable decking.

• Frank Mitchell Park Dog Park – Completed in March 2021, the new $98K dog park at Woodville West Reserve/ Frank Mitchell Park is the first purpose-built Dog ‘Scent’sory Garden in our City.

Our overall average rate rise for the 20/21 financial year was .8%. In the COVID-19 context, with pressure on both residents and businesses, we are proud of the work we did to ensure a financially responsible budget. The budget focus was to continue to invest in our future, demonstrating the importance of well-maintained and modern infrastructure and service delivery for our community.

In this Annual Report, and throughout our strategic focus to improve our City, we share with you our pride in being a city for all people; wherever you are from, you are home. A city where people feel safe, included, and connected to others.

Paul Sutton Chief Executive Officer

Angela Evans Mayor

of

FAST FACTS ABOUT CHARLES STURT IN 2020/21

Staff 454.90 full time equivalent (FTE) staff as at 30 June 2021

Key Statistics

• Total Area – 5,557 hectares

• Length of coast – 11.5km

• Length of roadway (approx.) – 774km of sealed roads

• Open space (approx.) –431 parks and reserves contributing to a total of 501.33 hectares of open space

Mayor Angela Evans

Chief Executive Officer Paul Sutton

our council

The City of Charles Sturt is comprised of 17 members - Her Worship the Mayor and 16 Councillors, two for each of the eight wards. For the 20/21 financial year, our Elected Members were:

Mayor

Semaphore

Gerard

corporate indicators 2020/21

These themes are:

The City of Charles Sturt’s Corporate Plan is informed by our Community Plan 2016-2027 Charles Sturt – A Leading, Liveable City. The Community Plan sets out five community theme areas that were developed in consultation with our residents.

• Our Community – A strong and connected community

• Our Liveability – A liveable City of great places

• Our Environment – An environmentally responsible and sustainable City

• Our Economy – An economically thriving City

• Our Leadership – A leading and transformational Local Government Organisation

Indicators and measures are identified to enable monitoring of performance and key priorities within the themes. Significant projects have been identified that will be delivered over the 4 year period of the Corporate Plan.

OUR COMMUNITY A STRONG & CONNECTED COMMUNITY

KEY PRIORITY STATUS COMMENTS

West Lakes Ngutungka

Works commenced August 2020 and the new West Lakes library and Community Centre is nearing completion. A Kaurna cleansing ceremony was held in recognition of its new name.

The facility is on track to open to the public in early 2022.

Redeveloping the St Clair Recreation Centre and Precinct

Implementing place making initiatives –Facilitating Live and Local, Shop Local and Creative Cities Grants

Henley Library and Community Centre

Woodville Town Hall

Celebrating Citizenship at formal ceremonies

New Outdoor Recreation area for Youth including skate and half court facility.

6 outdoor joint use courts; Brocas carpark; paths; lighting and commemorative space to compliment the regional facilities.

In 2020/21 the place making funding stream was replaced with the Economic Support & Stimulus Package: Arts & Culture funding program to support the Arts & live music sector COVID-19 recovery. The funding was well received over the 20/21 financial year with 91 grants being provided. The program has been supported for a second year and will run through out 21/22 with similar funding levels.

The Henley Library area will proceed when the future of the site is determined.

Continuing to deliver an excellent program of events.

446 candidates, from 57 countries, conferred as Australia Citizens.

We surveyed our community to gain some insight into satisfaction with our social infrastructure including libraries, community centres, sporting clubs and halls. 81% (79% 2020) of our surveyed community rated libraries, community centres and sporting clubs as important and that we performed well with, 85% (83% 2020) for providing these services and facilities.

Connecting via our website and social media platforms

Our website remains a key medium for communicating with our residents. The chart shows website visits (619,818 web sessions) and users over the past 5 years and the growing upward trend of users and visits. The use of social media remains an important communication tool. There were also 1,510,561 impressions with a very low disengagement rate of 0.013%.

300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 700,000 800,000

Residents of our City born outside of Australia, make up 21% of our Council’s population, and their food, arts, and customs make our City a more vibrant and interesting place. This year, 446 citizens were conferred by the City of Charles Sturt.

We asked our community about how safe they felt in their neighbourhood. This is what our surveyed community told us: 95% of residents feel safe in their neighbourhood during the day and 78% feel safe in their neighbourhood at night.

our community members are participating in active citizenship.

our proactive and compliance activities support positive health and safety outcomes. 95% RESIDENTS

SAFE IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD DURING THE DAY

IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD

our social infrastructure and services are highly valued and engaging.

Our community positively rates the provision of services and facilities

our community feels connected and supported.

OUR LIVEABILITY A LIVEABLE CITY OF GREAT PLACES

KEY PRIORITY STATUS COMMENTS

Completing Coast Park

Upgrading Pt Malcolm Reserve and MJ McInerney Reserve

Woodville Road Revitalisation

Pedestrian and cyclist facility upgrades, including path widening and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) access

The SA Government has taken carriage of this project and work is expected to commence in February 2022.

Pt Malcolm Reserve completed. MJ McInerney completed.

Detailed designs, undergrounding of power and moving of water main completed. Construction to continue in 2022.

The following projects were completed in 2020/21:

• Improvements to Bicycle link at Belmore Tce and David Tce

• Pedestrian crossing at Marlborough Street/the Esplanade.

• Hawker Street DDA improvements (in conjunction with Road Reconstruction)

• New Emu School crossings at West Street Semaphore Park and Lawrie Street Henley Beach

• Butler Avenue Pennington Wombat Crossing

Implementation of 40km/hr zones City wide.

Upgrading River Torrens Linear Park (RTLP), Outer Harbor Greenway and Grange Lakes corridor.

Completion of review of recently installed 40km/h Area Speed Limits to understand impacts of the speed limit change and to inform future decision making. Awaiting State Government Road Safety Strategy.

• Grange Greenway - Shared use path (SUP) constructed on the West side of Tapleys Hill Road.

• RTLP – Commenced major upgrade from South Road Underpass up to River Street along Hindmarsh Cemetery.

• Grange Lakes Corridor Shared Use Path Stage 4A

• South Road Underpass Renewal & Hindmarsh Cemetery path Upgrade – due for completion 2021/22

• Renewal of RTLP path between CCS/WTCC boundary/Findon Rd

• Renewal of RTLP path/lighting at Breakout Creek (June 2022)

Supporting the completion of major developments, including WEST, St Clair, Bowden, Seaton and ROSAS (Renewing Our Streets and Suburbs)

The Technical Working Group provides technical advice to developers to assist in ensuring engineering, stormwater, landscaping and planning requirements are met.

West development is now well advanced with approximately 2 years to go. Brebner Drive has now been closed and Troubridge Avenue opened. The remaining stages of the development are being assessed.

The RSA Bowden team is currently tendering for interest in the old gasworks site. Other residential apartment buildings are now planned adjacent the railway station.

A pilot residential development is being undertaken by Housing SA at Seaton, with a master plan to be developed for the future.

Monitoring our City’s population growth

Our population has continued to grow over the past 12 months with the current estimated resident population being above 120,000. The chart shows the growth in our City’s population in the past 7 years, increasing in that time by 8,025 people.

% of assets actually renewed in line with AMP renewal schedule

Asset renewal remains a priority for Charles Sturt. This year we renewed 86% of the assets identified for renewal in asset management plans.

City of Charles Sturt Estimated Resident Population, ABS

40km/hr speed limit

We are making our local roads safer and working towards reducing crashes through reduced speeds. In 2020, a review of recently installed 40km/h Area Speed Limits was undertaken to understand impacts of the speed limit change and to inform future decision making. The total percentage of eligible local streets with 40km/h limits remains at 53%.

Open spaces are important as they provide areas for recreation, exercise, and socialising. Central to the use of open space is accessibility. As an indicator of accessibility, we have measured the proportion of residential properties that are within 300m of an open space. Accessibility as you would walk via the road network shows that the percentage of residential properties within 300m of an open space is 85%. 300m is a short distance for most people, being approximately a 5 minute walk.

Our City is meeting the needs of a changing community.

Our public and open spaces are well maintained and utilised.

OUR ENVIRONMENT

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE CITY

We set ourselves some key priorities that when delivered will further develop our resilience to the impacts of a changing climate and enhance our City’s natural environment and biodiversity. These priorities are 4 year goals and each project is at varying stages of development and completion. Here’s how we progressed in 2021.

KEY PRIORITY STATUS COMMENTS

Completing the Port Road Drainage project.

Implementation of AdaptWest.

Integration of climate change considerations into Asset Management Plans and projects.

Undertaking the i-Tree Canopy benchmark assessment.

Implementing the Biodiversity Action Plan.

Stages 3 and 4 of the Port Road Drainage and Landscaping project significantly completed in 2019/20 with only minor landscaping and ancillary works completed in 20/21.

A 3 year action plan named ‘AdaptWest in Action’ was adopted by all 3 participating Councils in August 2019 and implementation is ongoing.

Climate change considerations are incorporated into Asset Management Plans and projects where relevant as they are reviewed.

Tree Canopy Improvement Strategy developed.

The i-tree canopy study was first completed in 2016, and recently updated to measure the 2020 canopy.

Baseline biodiversity surveys and report completed in 2019. The report represents the first time that the City of Charles Sturt has sought to identify and score biodiversity across its council area and builds on the City’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).

Completing the Urban Island Heat project.

Management strategy for West Beach developed and implemented.

Redevelopment of the Beverley Recycling and Waste Centre.

Completed August 2019.

City of Charles Sturt commenced advocating to the Coast Protection Board in June 2016 to investigate options for sand management at West Beach. SA Government has committed $48.4m funding for sand management.

West Beach coastal process modelling – Assessment of Coastal Management Options report completed March 2019.

West Beach rock wall reconstruction commenced in 2019 and is now complete.

The Upgrade of the Beverley Recycling and Waste Centre to comply with EPA guidelines; improve facility safety and improve recycling opportunities has been completed.

We will know this by:

• Number of understorey plants planted in biodiversity sites.

• % of tree canopy cover

In 2021 8,917 understory plants were planted in biodiversity sites (including the coastal dunes).

Our i-tree canopy study measures trends in changes to tree canopy cover, plantable space cover and impervious surface cover across the City. The study was first completed in 2016 and recently updated to measure the 2020 canopy cover.

The study revealed that City-wide (public and private land combined) canopy coverage is 13.84% with public land (Council owned/managed) measuring 16.5% and private land measuring 12.79%.

We use the findings of these analyses to inform our planting programs, specifically planting programs for local parks and street tree planting.

These studies have been integral to the development of our Tree Canopy Improvement Strategy which is being used to drive an extended and intensive tree planting program to reach a City-wide canopy target of 25% by 2045.

16.5% TREE CANOPY COVERAGE

The City of Charles Sturt collected 64,685 tonnes of waste in 2021. 55% of this waste, namely compostable waste, recyclables and E-waste, was diverted from landfill. 51,599 tonnes of waste was collected from the kerbside collection, with an average of 0.92 tonnes produced/ collected per serviced rateable property.

our biodiversity and tree canopy cover statistics.

our environmental management & efficiency is improving.

OUR ECONOMY AN ECONOMICALLY THRIVING CITY

We set ourselves some key priorities that will continue to influence economic expansion and prosperity in western Adelaide. These priorities are 4 year goals and each project is at varying stages of development and completion. Here’s how we progressed in 2021:

KEY PRIORITY STATUS COMMENTS

Implement the Western Adelaide Tourism Destination Action Plan

Visitor Sector Roundtable facilitated at end of June 20 to identify how to best assist tourism businesses in the recovery from pandemic. Action plan has been developed and is currently being implemented.

Implement the Economic Development Strategy 2020-2022

Promote Charles Sturt as ‘Open for Business’

Strategy endorsed November 2020.

Implementation has commenced on the high priority recovery actions. A new round of Business Support Grants have been released for 2021/22.

The Economic Stimulus Package has proved highly successful in delivering value to business and demonstrating Council’s commitment to support our local business.

62 Small business grants were distributed during the 2020/21 financial year.

The chart shows our top 6 employment sectors and the percentage of employment in each sector in the last two Census periods, 2011 and 2016. This data is monitoring change, growth and diversification of our key industry sectors.

OUR LEADERSHIP

A LEADING & TRANSFORMATIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION

We set ourselves some

priorities

will build on our reputation as a forward thinking

organisation. These priorities are 4 year goals and each project is at varying stages of development and completion. Here’s how we progressed in 2021:

KEY PRIORITY STATUS COMMENTS

Developing the Smart Cities and e-commerce projects

Customer Experience Program

Work has commenced on establishing long term integrated precinct plans that will enable further consideration of deployment of smart tech to improve quality of life. Participation continues with the LGA’s smart cities forum.

The Customer Experience Program has evolved to “Our Customer Experience Strategy 2018-2020”. A range of actions, in accordance with the Strategy, have been implemented.

Work has commenced to develop a revised strategy beyond 2020.

Developing the organisation’s ability to innovate

Brand and Values - The external brand rollout continues across the city.

Utilities Management – work in this valuable area has continued with the LGA and considering the opportunities that this project may have for the broader Local Government sector. A utilities management system is being pursued.

MRF – The join Materials Recycling Facility between Charles Sturt and Port Adelaide Enfield via our regional subsidiary CAWRA is progressing well.

Strategic Procurement – continues to focus of local jobs and economic development at a time when many markets appear overheated.

Improving mobile device technology

The Digital Workplace initiative was established in 2018 and implemented in 2020, with the final year completing:

• New 2-in-1 mobile devices enabling seamless connectivity anywhere, anytime.

• Migration to Office 365 and Exchange Online, enabling staff to work anywhere, anytime.

Precinct Planning

Work is complete on identifying pilot areas, forming project technical working and steering groups aimed at integrating infrastructure and growth, Local and State Government agencies and Non-Government Organisations.

Customer Experience 2020/2021:

NPS – 10.1

Net Promoter Score (NPS), measures customer loyalty and is measured on scale of -100 to 100

CSAT – 56%

Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) is measured on scale of 0 – 100%

The Voice of the Customer (VOC) survey program is utilised to gauge the Net Promoter and the overall Customer Satisfactions scores. The VOC survey was implemented in May 2021 and therefore the results captured for the 2020/21 are only representative of a small number of areas of the organisation, including post customer request closure surveys, post telephone calls to the Contact Centre and transfer of calls to internal departments, post environmental health food premises inspections and post attendance to the St Clair Immunisation Clinic. Representation of VOC survey data will be expanded throughout 2021/22 to have broader representation across the organisation.

Grants and co-funding received

It is our desire to ensure that the City’s finances are well managed and that our ratepayers are receiving good value for their rates. We are vigorously pursuing grant and co-funding opportunities to help fund projects in our City. This year, we successfully obtained $17,526,775 in grants and co-funding.

Value for money

We asked our residents to indicate how satisfied they are that their rates provide value for money. 70.2% of residents indicated that they were satisfied that they received value for money in exchange for their rates. This is an increase from previous years.

70.2% RESIDENTS

WERE SATISFIED WITH VALUE FOR MONEY FOR RATES

our organisation is innovative and achieves business excellence.

our finances are sustainable.

key indicators

A number of key financial indicators are used to enable an assessment of Council’s performance over 2020/21 and alignment with its long term financial plan to ensure financial sustainability.

Operating Surplus ratio

Target >=0% and <10%

On track

An operating surplus indicates the extent to which operating revenue is sufficient to meet all operating expenses and whether current ratepayers are paying for their consumption of resources.

The Operating Surplus ratio expresses the operating surplus as a percentage of operating income.

Operating

Surplus ratio

The ratio indicates the cost of services provided to ratepayers is being met from operating revenues with surplus’s being used to fund infrastructure works and avoid borrowings.

Net Financial Liabilities ratio

Benchmark <100% On track

Net Financial Liabilities is an indicator of the Council’s total indebtedness and includes all of a council’s obligations including provisions for employee entitlements and creditors.

This ratio indicates the extent to which the net financial liabilities of the Council can be met by the Council’s total operating revenue.

Net Financial Liabilities ratio

This ratio demonstrates that council’s total indebtedness (including borrowings) can be met by our operating revenue with our position demonstrating we are well placed to fund all of our commitments with our ratio <60% of our total operating revenue in all years.

Asset Sustainability ratio

Target >80% On track

This ratio indicates whether the council is renewing or replacing existing infrastructure assets such as stormwater, roads, footpaths as per Council’s asset management plans.

This ratio indicates that council’s existing assets are over time being renewed to cost effectively maintain services as per Asset Management plans. However the timing of renewal infrastructure projects adopted annually as part of the budget process but which are incomplete as at the end of the year can have an impact on this ratio and

Asset Sustainability ratio

timing of forecast expenditure. It should be noted all proposed infrastructure works undergo a period of consultation to ensure they meet community demands and meet services required.