Clock Tower Artwork by Paul Herzich
A word from the Mayor
Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM
Welcome to the Summer/Autumn 2026 edition of Salisbury Aware. Our community magazine celebrates the events, services and, most importantly, the people who make the City of Salisbury such a special place to live, work and visit.
In this issue you’ll find stories from The Hive Community Resource Hub, reflections on the first year of the Salisbury Aquatic Centre and a look ahead to the activities we can all enjoy this summer.
We also share an update on the exciting redevelopment of our City Centre and outline our vision for a bright and prosperous future through the Economic Development and Growth Strategy.
As always, I’m proud to highlight the achievements of our community – from the winners of our Sport Awards to the recipients of the Phoebe Wanganeen Scholarship. Salisbury is filled with remarkable people, and it’s a privilege to celebrate them in these pages.
I hope you enjoy this issue, and I look forward to seeing you out and about in our community over the months ahead.
Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM at the Economic Development and Growth Strategy launch with Faisal Sayed, General Manager Crowne Plaza Mawson Lakes (left) and Deputy Premier Dr Susan Close (right)
Elected Members have their say
Central Ward North Ward
Deputy Mayor
Cr Chad Buchanan JP
I encourage you to make the most of the Salisbury Aquatic Centre. With upgrades on the way, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Hills Ward
Cr Peter Jensen JP
I’m looking forward to exploring our local green spaces, and enjoying the recent upgrades to Carisbrooke Park, getting out and about in our local sporting clubs and seeing everyone’s gardens thrive.
West Ward
Cr Beau Brug JP
I’m looking forward to the Salisbury Community Christmas Carols. I love seeing the community come together and the fireworks are always a highlight!
Cr David Hood JP
I’ll be visiting the Salisbury Aquatic Centre. It’s the perfect place to relax with the whole family.
Shiralee Reardon JP
My garden is slowly coming back to life, so I’m hoping for the same burst of life and colour throughout The Paddocks Reserve. There’s nothing better than exploring our parks within the Salisbury area.
Cr Sharon McKell
Walking my dog in the early evening around the Sir Douglas Mawson Lake, meeting other residents lakeside and enjoying the sunshine. I also look forward to the Salisbury Fringe Carnival in February!
Cr
Hear what your Ward Councillors are looking forward to this summer
Para Ward
Cr Kylie Grenfell
I’m looking forward to the Salisbury Community Christmas Carols. The entertainment will be fantastic and the atmosphere of the lead up to the holidays is always magical.
East Ward
Cr Johnny Chewparsad
I’m looking forward to seeing our community thrive, from families enjoying our reserves and playgrounds, to grassroots sports growing stronger, and neighbours coming together at cultural events and festivals.
South Ward
Cr
Lauren Brug
I love BBQs in the park or a walk around our suburbs in the cooler evenings. I’m looking forward to Salisbury Starlight Cinema at Kentish Green and joining other families for popcorn and a movie as the sun is setting.
Cr Sarah Ouk JP
I’m looking forward to seeing the Parafield Gardens street art wall come to life. The project encourages community engagement, creativity, and self-expression through public art, providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone to showcase their talents.
Cr Moni Mazzeo
For me, summer is all about family, friends and community – sharing meals outdoors, cooling off at the Salisbury Aquatic Centre, and enjoying Carisbrooke Park.
Cr Alan Graham
I’m looking forward to being out and about in our great city, catching up with locals and enjoying everything our community has to offer. From the Salisbury Aquatic Centre to the St Kilda Adventure Playground or grabbing a coffee at one of our wonderful cafes.
Shaping Salisbury’s future together
The City of Salisbury proudly launched its new Economic Development and Growth Strategy at the Salisbury Community Hub.
The event brought together more than 200 leaders from across government, business and industry, including Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Dr Susan Close, along with representatives from Bickford’s, R.M.Williams, UniSA and the Polaris Business Development Centre.
The strategy sets out a 25-year vision to ensure Salisbury continues to be one of South Australia’s most vibrant, connected and prosperous regions. With more than 150,000 residents, 66,000 local jobs and a growing population, Salisbury is already a thriving city – and this plan ensures we are well positioned for the future.
Aerial shot of City of Salisbury
Key focus areas include unlocking more than 1,000 hectares of industrial and commercial land to attract new business and investment, supporting the delivery of 1,600 new homes, and growing our award-winning Polaris Business Development Centre to help even more South Australian businesses in regional areas succeed. The strategy also highlights the importance of creating modern, liveable precincts where people can live, work and play.
Importantly, this strategy was created with our community in mind. It ensures that growth benefits everyone – from young people seeking career opportunities to families wanting affordable, sustainable housing, and local businesses looking to expand.
Together, we’re building a city that is not only prosperous, but also welcoming, resilient and full of opportunity for generations to come.
Read the strategy and find out more at
Economic Development and Growth Strategy
Economic Development and Growth Strategy launch
$53.6 million housing development for Salisbury City Centre
The City of Salisbury welcomes Thrive Salisbury, a $53.6 million development in the heart of the City Centre.
The City of Salisbury welcomes Thrive Salisbury, a $53.6 million development in the heart of the City Centre.
Buildtec and CatCorp, Council’s partners in the City Centre redevelopment, have joined forces with Junction to deliver the project, which will feature 37 one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom apartments alongside dedicated community space. The development is designed to provide residents with stable housing and strong connections to local services.
This announcement adds to the growing diversity of housing options within the City Centre renewal, including apartments, retirement living, build-to-rent and short-term accommodation. The wider redevelopment will also deliver new retail and office opportunities, bringing large-scale activation and economic growth to the heart of Salisbury.
Construction across the first City Centre sites is anticipated to begin from April 2026, with Thrive Salisbury expected to follow in May 2026.
Celebrate Christmas at Carisbrooke Park
Get ready to celebrate the magic of Christmas at Carisbrooke Park on Saturday 6 December as the Salisbury Community Christmas Carols return!
From 4.30pm to 9.15pm, this free, family-friendly event will bring our community together for an evening of live entertainment, delicious food, and festive fun.
Hosted by 7NEWS Presenter Casey Treloar, the program includes live performances from the Boomstars, African Soul, Royal Australian Navy Band, The Military Wives Choir, iCaspa and Pulse Band, plus plenty of fun for kids with a magician, Santa’s visit, and Christmas craft.
Food vendors will serve up everything from yiros and dumplings to ice cream and crepes – or bring along your own picnic.
Gather your family and friends and enjoy the spirit of Christmas close to home. The evening will finish with a bang as the skies light up in a spectacular fireworks finale at 9pm.
Santa at Salisbury Community Christmas Carols 2024
Live entertainment at Salisbury Community Christmas Carols 2024
Lights at Mawson
Record crowds descended on Mawson Lakes for our biggest, brightest and most spectacular Lights at Mawson yet. The on-lake flame show lit up the night sky, wowing audiences and creating a magical atmosphere for all ages.
City of Salisbury Sport Awards
The City of Salisbury honoured its outstanding athletes, coaches, volunteers, and clubs at the 2025 City of Salisbury Sport Awards. The awards celebrated excellence, leadership, and community impact across 10 categories.
Salisbury Science Fair
Salisbury Community Hub came alive for Salisbury Science Fair with The Science Collective! Over 1,700 children and families became scientists for the day, exploring space, getting up close to wildlife, learning about fossils, entering a virtual world, trying their hand at robotics and so much more.
Out and about
The City of Salisbury hold a range of awards and exciting events for the community to participate in and enjoy. Check out the highlights from earlier this year.
Salisbury Community Fun Day
There was something for everyone to enjoy at the Salisbury Community Fun Day. From lost trades’ demonstrations featuring blacksmithing and lace making, to walking footy, croquet, pinball, billy carts and much more.
Watershed Creative Prize
Finalists and invited guests attended the Watershed Creative Prize awards night where our 2025 winners were announced. A huge congratulations to all talented artists whose incredible works captured the spirit of Salisbury.
Stephen Pallaras True Crime Talk
Former Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Pallaras, presented a thrilling true crime talk to a sold-out crowd at Salisbury Community Hub, receiving rave reviews.
SA Women in Business Conference
Award-winning filmmaker, activist and 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, headlined the South Australian Women in Business Conference. Hosted by Adelady’s Lauren DeCesare, the conference focused on the theme Resilience for Women in Business.
From pools to pedals: Salisbury’s recreation hub is expanding
If you’ve been to the Salisbury Aquatic Centre, you’ll know it’s quickly become a favourite spot for families and the wider community.
With pools, waterslides, splash pads and learn-to-swim programs, it has something for everyone.
In its first year, the Salisbury Aquatic Centre welcomed more than 330,000 visits, memberships have doubled, and more than 1,400 children attend each week to learn to swim.
The summer season kicked off in September, with new additions on the way – including community BBQs, extra shade and new shelters.
Salisbury Aquatic Centre
Next door, Happy Home Reserve is being upgraded with a new Road Safety Park for children to safely learn bike and scooter skills, plus a halfcourt for basketball and futsal, new shaded seating, BBQs, gardens and more.
A new 130-space car park and improved access from Waterloo Corner Road will make visits easier on busy summer days. A new entrance to the reserve will also be constructed on Waterloo Corner Road to improve access and traffic flow
Works are expected to be completed by early 2026.
The Road Safety Park is jointly funded by the City of Salisbury and the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Render: Happy Home Reserve, Road Safety Park
Render: Happy Home Reserve halfcourt
City of Salisbury recognised as an Excelling Welcoming City
City of Salisbury has become the second Australian council to be recognised as an Excelling Welcoming City, one of the highest tiers attainable within the Welcoming Cities Framework.
While many local governments participate, very few advance through the accreditation stage, making City of Salisbury a national leader.
The Welcoming Cities Report commended the Council for its strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community for people of all cultural backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities.
This new status acknowledges the City’s leadership in promoting social, cultural and economic inclusion, and highlights Council’s role as a key contributor and influencer within the broader Welcoming Cities Network.
This recognition reflects the many ways Salisbury celebrates diversity - through cultural festivals, community programs and initiatives that welcome and support people from all backgrounds.
The assessment covered six key standards:
• leadership
• social and cultural inclusion
• economic development
• learning and skills
• civic participation
• places and spaces.
This significant achievement builds on City of Salisbury’s 2021 accreditation as an Intercultural City by the Council of Europe, further solidifying our status as a national leader in inclusion.
Harmony Week event 2025
Celebrating our local sporting champions
The City of Salisbury has honoured its outstanding athletes, coaches, volunteers, and clubs at the inaugural City of Salisbury Sport Awards 2025.
The awards celebrated excellence, leadership, and community impact across 10 categories, judged by a panel including former Brownlow Medallist and AFL great, Gavin Wanganeen.
Sport Awards 2025 Winners
• Coach of the Year
Loic Csizmadia (Little Para Golf Course)
• Official of the Year
Malcolm Bray (Northern Districts Athletics Club)
• Administrator of the Year
Aleisha Clayton-Roberts (Pooraka Netball Club)
• Club/Association of the Year
South Australia Badminton College, Parafield Gardens
• Sports Volunteer of the Year
Tara Symonds (Ingle Farm Junior Soccer Club)
• Active Inclusion Champion of the Year
Thomas Mattinson (Northern Districts Athletics Club)
The Northern Districts Athletics Club stood out, with three of the 10 winners affiliated with the club - a reflection of its grassroots strength and community impact.
• Senior Sporting Achievement of the Year
Peter Machin (Licensed Club Darts Association)
• Junior Sporting Achievement of the Year
Casey Taylor (Para Hills West - Walkerville Softball Club / Adelaide Softball Association)
• Recreation/Physical Activity Group/ Project of the Year
Salisbury.Run (Northern Districts Athletics Club)
• Lifelong Contribution to Sport
Simon Bramley (Para Hills Football Club)
Active Inclusion Champion of the Year winner, Thomas Mattinson with the Mayor
The Hive: Growing skills for a greener future
The Hive Community Resource Hub at Burton is making sustainability simple, practical, and fun.
From garden workshops that show you how to grow your own fruit, veggies and herbs, to hands-on sessions in pickling, sourdough baking, and homemade pasta, you’ll learn how to save money while reducing waste.
The monthly Repair Café is another highlight – bring along broken household items and volunteers will help give them new life, keeping them out of landfill and saving you money. The communal garden is open for all to enjoy, offering inspiration and tips to start growing at home.
The Hive helps our community build greener habits that last – whether it’s cutting food waste, repairing rather than replacing, or learning self-sufficient skills.
Drop in, join a workshop, and discover how small changes can make a big impact on both your wallet and the environment.
The Hive Community Garden
From
isolation to connection:
Denise’s Story
Denise is an active member of The Hive Community Resource Hub. She shares the profound impact The Hive has had on her confidence, wellbeing, and outlook on life.
Life looked very different for Denise at the beginning of 2025.
“I was very isolated. My kids work and they’ve got their own families. I wasn’t seeing as much of them and I wasn’t getting out. I would be home for weeks without leaving.”
That all changed in February when she heard about a meet and greet at The Hive. Although apprehensive, Denise built up the courage to step through the doors for the first time. It was there she met Community Development Coordinator, Jo.
“Jo was so welcoming and lovely. She gave me information and brochures of what was going on.”
Denise soon joined the Wednesday Friendship Group, followed by the Heart Foundation walking group, and later added the Mawson Lakes walking group to her weekly routine. To her surprise, she discovered a brand-new passion.
“It’s not too late to discover what you’re into – I used to be a couch potato – and now I love walking!”
The biggest shift for Denise has been in her confidence and mindset.
“The more you stay at home, the harder it feels to leave. You sit and think about the four walls closing in on you.”
Now, the contrast couldn’t be more striking.
“I feel very happy with my life now –I’m out all the time! The people I’ve met at the friendship group, the art group and the walking group are lovely, caring and extremely friendly.”
When asked what she would say to others who feel isolated, Denise’s message is clear:
“Just do it. Just pluck up the courage. Once you take the initial step you are met with so many lovely people who take you under their wing. It makes a huge difference to your life.”
The Hive is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm, and has extended hours fortnightly on Thursday evenings.
Find out more about the free programs at
The Hive community member, Denise
Growing a greener Salisbury
Trees make our City a healthier, cooler and more attractive place to live.
They supply shade, improve air quality, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and make our streets and reserves more inviting. That’s why the City of Salisbury and the community both play an important role in looking after them.
What we do
Each year, we plant around 3,000 advanced trees across streets and reserves. These new plantings are watered, mulched and fertilised to ensure they thrive. Our team also prunes, inspects and maintains trees, treats pests and disease, and responds after storms to keep our trees healthy and resilient.
What you can do
Council will water and maintain newly planted trees during their establishment phase however they may need a little extra care. You can help (where willing and able) by watering new trees on your street during hot, dry weather periods and by removing weeds from the base to reduce competition. These small actions make a big difference to how quickly trees establish.
Get involved
Native plants also play a big role in keeping our city green and thriving. Our Nurturing Nature - 10 plants for $10 native plant sale returns in autumn 2026, encouraging you to plant native species that are low-maintenance, water wise, and great for local wildlife.
Lower development application fees for local residents
• No fee for lodging applications in person with Council (previously $89.50).
Thinking about building a shed, carport, or extending your home? The City of Salisbury has introduced fee reductions and waivers to make the development application process more affordable for residents in 2025/26. These changes are designed to support you as a local homeowner and ease the cost of improving or maintaining your property.
• Reduced assessment fees for common projects, including:
· new home or extension
· carport, shed, veranda or similar
· tree removal (regulated/significant).
• No compliance fee for sheds, verandas and similar (saving $92.50).
• Lower notification fees for some projects.
• Concession and pension card holders receive a 25% discount on all other fees.
For full details and to lodge an application, contact Council’s Planning team on 8406 8222 or email city@salisbury.sa.gov.au.
Get active with Salisbury Fit Club
If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to move more, meet people and try something new, Salisbury Fit Club has you covered.
Salisbury Fit Club makes fitness more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, no matter your age, background or ability. With sessions held in parks, recreation centres and at the Salisbury Aquatic Centre, it’s all about building healthier habits while connecting with others.
Highlights include outdoor fitness classes at Happy Home Reserve, where personal trainers guided participants through tailored workouts and encouraged social interaction.
An intercultural water safety program helped people from diverse backgrounds gain confidence in the pool, while women-only sessions created a safe, supportive environment.
Youth skateboarding classes at Salisbury North Skate Park have been another hit, often booking out with young skaters eager to learn new tricks.
Beginner swim programs for youth, women and adults have seen great success, with many participants saying they not only improved their fitness but also made new friends, with some even continuing to meet up outside of sessions.
Salisbury Fit Club continually updates its programs to meet the needs of our community and keep residents healthy and connected.
Looking ahead, Salisbury Fit Club is looking for expressions of interest in self-defence classes planned for February 2026.
These sessions will focus on building confidence, strength and practical skills, and community members are encouraged to register their interest now.
Find out more and get involved at salisbury.sa.gov.au/fitclub
Meet Bella Hanson
2025 Phoebe Wanganeen Scholarship recipient
Since 2008, the Phoebe Wanganeen Scholarship has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents of the City of Salisbury to pursue higher education at universities, TAFEs and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) across Australia.
Named in honour of the late and highly respected Narungga, Ngarrindjeri and Bungala Elder, Phoebe Wanganeen, the scholarship continues her legacy of championing education and opportunity for First Nations people.
One of this year’s recipients, Bella Hanson, a proud Wirangu woman, is dedicated to giving back to her community through her studies in community services.
“I first heard about the scholarship while at TAFE SA and felt it reflected the values of community, resilience and leadership that I want to bring into my work,” Bella said.
After completing a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Bella is now studying a Diploma of Community Services. She is passionate about working with young people and families, particularly within First Nations communities, where she sees the importance of cultural identity, connection and strong support systems.
In the future, Bella plans to study a Bachelor of Social Work and contribute to improving school-based programs that reduce disengagement, ensuring First Nations voices are part of the solutions.
She says the scholarship has given her both financial stability and encouragement.
“It reminds me that my aspirations and contributions are valued. For me, this work is about giving back, empowering others and creating lasting change in my community.”
To apply for the 2026 Phoebe Wanganeen Scholarship, register your interest at salisbury.sa.gov.au/pwscholarship
Bella Hanson at the Salisbury Community Hub
The people behind our parks and places
When you visit a local park, drive along a freshly maintained road, or see City of Salisbury teams out improving community spaces, there’s an entire operation behind the scenes making it possible.
As a Diesel Mechanic with the City of Salisbury, James helps keep the fleet of vehicles and machinery that power this work in top condition. From maintaining trucks to fitting new toolboxes and lights, his role ensures the community continues to benefit from safe, efficient and reliable Council services.
By keeping Council’s equipment operating at its best, James plays a key part in helping Salisbury’s crews maintain the parks, roads and open spaces our community enjoys every day.
James says he joined the City of Salisbury for the job security, modern equipment, great colleagues and excellent benefits – and it’s exceeded his expectations.
Thanks to people like James, the City of Salisbury can continue delivering the essential services and community spaces that make Salisbury a great place to live.
“Alongside two fellow mechanics, every day brings opportunities to improve skills and keep our operations running smoothly,”
James at the Salisbury Operations Centre
City works
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a connected community, we’ve been working on upgrades to enhance our City.
Carisbrooke Park accessibility upgrades
Carisbrooke Park now offers a safe, welcoming and accessible space for all. A purpose-built Changing Places facility provides toilets with extra space, specialised equipment and a dignified environment for people with profound disabilities and their carers. Access is via a secure MLAK, ensuring availability for those who need it.
Happy Home Reserve upgrades
Happy Home Reserve is being transformed into a recreation hub complementing the Salisbury Aquatic Centre. Upgrades include a Road Safety Park, 130-space carpark, halfcourt basketball and futsal, new paths, fencing, shaded BBQs, drinking fountain, seating, landscaped gardens and lighting. Together these features create a connected, active and inclusive community space.
The Paddocks Dog Park renewal
The Paddocks Large Dog Park has undergone an exciting renewal, creating an even better space for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Upgrades included new fencing, refreshed lawn areas, upgraded dog agility equipment, and the addition of a new shelter with extra seating.
The Gums Golf Course tees off a new era
The Gums Golf Course has officially entered a new era. Formerly known as Penfield Golf Course, the club embraced a name and brand refresh in 2025 to better reflect its location, community, and future direction.
The change was unanimously supported by club members, who wanted a name that better represented their identity within the City of Salisbury, rather than referencing a suburb 13 kilometres away.
General Manager Brian Dutton said the response from members has been overwhelmingly positive.
Inclusivity has also become a driving force behind the club’s renewed focus. The Gums proudly employs two team members with disabilities, who play an integral role in day-to-day operations - from collecting and washing range balls to maintaining other areas of the course.
In partnership with the City of Salisbury’s Sports4All program, The Gums has also collaborated with Special Olympics SA to host golf clinics, creating more opportunities for participation and connection.
“It’s not just the participants who loved it - parents and carers did too. We want to do it more often and keep helping players reach new goals, including the Australian Special Olympics.”
Brian
Dutton, General Manager Find out more about The Gums Golf Course at thegumsgcsalisbury.com.au
The Gums Golf Course
What’s on in Salisbury
6 December –
Salisbury Christmas Carols
Carisbrooke Park
9 January –
Salisbury Starlight Cinema
Kentish Green
26 January –
Australia Day at Carisbrooke Park
Carisbrooke Park
20 to 21 February –
Salisbury Fringe Carnival
Carisbrooke Park
4 March –
International Women’s Day Event
Salisbury Community Hub
5 March –
Para Hills Community Hub Open Day
Para Hills Community Hub
13 March –
Salisbury Starlight Cinema
Little Para Golf Course
20 March –
Harmony Week Community Event
Salisbury Community Hub
(Salisbury Civic Plaza / Inparrinthi Kumangka)
28 March –
Youth Market
Salisbury Community Hub
18 April –
Salisbury Community Fun Day
Bridgestone Athletics Centre
22 April –
Jack Young Centre Open Day
Jack Young Centre
20 May –
National Volunteer Week Expo
Parabanks Shopping Centre
28 May –ROAR Youth Summit
Salisbury Community Hub (Salisbury Civic Plaza / Inparrinthi Kumangka)
