February 2013 Mitcham Community News

Mitcham residents celebrated Australia Day with an ‘Aussie BBQ’, citizenship and awards presentation at the beautiful grounds of Carrick Hill. inside february 2013

2 3

Have Your Say on How Council Consults with You Tribute to the Late Maggy Ragless

Above left: Official Australia Day Ambassador, Mr David Malinda with Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award recipients John Wilson and Peter Collins, and Mayor Michael Picton. Centre: Amy Park, Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year. Right (from top): Excellence in Environmental Achievement - Friends of Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. Excellence in Community Service - 'Keep Fit' Program.

Excellence in Community Service - Blackwood Action Group. Australia Day Community Event of the Year - Edwardstown Primary School.

4

Celebrate Youth Week

Mitcham Celebrates

Australia’s Day at Carrick Hill 6 8 11

Annual Report Your Elected Members Kerbside Waste Collection

Crowds enjoyed a citizenship and awards ceremony as well as live music from Sitara and the Mitcham City Brass Band.

This year, 80 people become Australian citizens during a citizenship ceremony officiated by Mayor, Michael Picton.

Council presented Australia Day Awards and Awards of Excellence to individuals who have made significant contributions to our local area.

Australia Day Citizen of the Year The Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award was presented jointly to Mr Peter Collins and Mr John Wilson for their contributions to the Brownhill and Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Project.

12

Parks and Reserves in Colonel Light Gardens

Peter and John, retired engineers, have as members of the community, evaluated reports prepared to address floodwater issues in the Brownhill and Keswick Creeks.

They have used their engineering experience and expertise to provide

For more information about the 2014 Australia Day Awards contact Chris Bartlett on 8372 8805 or email mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

information which has assisted the project to develop more accurate and detailed reports.

Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Amy Park was presented with the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award. Amy has recently completed Year 12 at Unley High School receiving a Governor of South Australia commendation.

Amy has received awards at her school for outstanding academic and sporting achievements. Amy demonstrated extensive leadership qualities in her contributions to programs such as the Gay-Straight Alliance, the Oaktree Foundation in support of poverty, The Red Cross Blood Service and National Reconciliation Week.

Australia Day Community Event of the Year The Edwardstown Primary School Strawberry Fair received the Australia Day Community Event of the Year Award. The fair has been running for 30 years and is a major fundraiser for school facilities and programs such as the Activity Hall.

The planning involved students, parents and staff from within Edwardstown Primary School along with former staff. The event features

the Strawberry Trail Bag, stalls, plants and food, entertainment, rides, a jumping castle and a petting zoo.

Excellence in Community Service The Excellence in Community Service Award was presented jointly to the Blackwood Action Group for their contributions to the Mitcham hills community and also to the ‘Keep Fit’ Program run by Deborah Harrison.

Blackwood Action Group The Blackwood Action Group has been actively involved in the Wittunga Botanic Gardens Master Plan, the Blackwood Road Management Review, upgrading of the Blackwood streetscapes, Blackwood and Coromandel railway station gardens, plans for Waite Street Reserve upgrade, Clean Up Australia Day and many other initiatives.

'Keep Fit' Program The ‘Keep Fit’ Program has been run by Deborah Harrison at the Westbourne Park Uniting Church for the last 24 years. A practicing physiotherapist and trained keep fit instructor Deb delivers a wide variety of aerobic, Pilates and other fitness activities as well as

information about women’s health and nutrition to meet the needs of all participants, varying in ages from 20 to 70 years. All money raised from the ‘Keep Fit’ classes is donated to charity - over $100,000 has been donated to local, national and international charities.

Excellence in Environmental Achievement The Excellence in Environmental Achievement Award was presented to the Friends of Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. The group, formed in August 1999, is comprised of dedicated volunteers working to advance the environmental rehabilitation of Shepherds Hill Recreation Park in particular the Grey Box grassy woodlands with monthly working bees held at the Park.

Australia Day Commendations Australia Day Commendations were presented to Mr Brian Langsford for his contribution to Scouts and the Red Cross Blood Service over the last 35 years and Mrs Mary Lindon for her work in establishing and coordinating the Seniors in Harmony Program, providing monthly music events for over 100 seniors and people with disabilities.

PAGE 2 Mitcham Community News February 2013

Supplementary Elections

CUMBERLAND PARK

CLARENCE GARDENS

TON

OVER

DAW PARK

MELROSE PARK

PASADENA

HAWTHORN

WESTBOURNE PARK

URRBRAE

KINGSWOOD NETHERBY

T GAULLOWER

COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS

MITCHAM

TORRENS PARK

CLAPHAM

B

BELAIR

PANORAMA LYNTON

AGE

Close of nominations

12 noon, Thursday 14 March

Candidate briefing session

6.30 pm Tuesday 5 March

Ballot material to electors

26 March to 1 April

Close of voting

12 noon, Monday 15 April

EDEN HILLS

BURN

CRAIG

BEDFORD PARK

Following the resignation of Cr Christopher Gellie, a supplementary election is underway in Babbage Ward.

If you have an interest in serving your community, then consider putting in a nomination. There will be a candidate briefing session held

HAWTHORNDENE

BLACKWOOD

BELLEVUE HEIGHTS

Babbage Ward

Should there be more than one nomination, ballot papers will be posted out to all eligible persons between 26 March and 1 April, with voting closing at 12 noon on 15 April. The successful candidate will be introduced to the Mitcham

CRAFERS WEST

GLENALTA

community in the June issue of the Mitcham Community News.

Nominations to fill the vacancy will commence on 28 February and close at 12 noon on 14 March.

ARK THE P

ST MARYS

Key Dates - Babbage Ward Supplementary Election Thursday 28 February

AN OORM

BROWNHILL CREEK

MITCHAM

BABB

Opening of nominations

LEAWOOD GARDENS

SPRINGFIELD

CRAIGBURN FARM

UPPER STURT

COROMANDEL VALLEY

Review of Representation Council is reviewing its system of representation to ensure the community continues to be represented fairly and democratically.

In 2012 the community were invited to consider the future composition and structure of the City of Mitcham including: whether the principal member should be popularly elected or voted in by fellow councillors,

at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 5 March in the Mayor’s Parlour, City of Mitcham, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park. Watch Council’s website and the Messenger Press for details concerning this session.

The Park Ward A supplementary election in The Park Ward has just been completed to fill the vacancy that arose following the passing of Cr Colin Campbell in 2012. The new Elected Member will be introduced to the community in the April issue of Mitcham Community News.

For more information or to obtain a nomination pack call 8372 8837.

whether the Council area should be divided up into wards, and if so how many wards there should be, and how many councillors are required to adequately represent the community.

Council, at the Full Council meeting in January, considered a preferred option with regard to the composition and structure of the next Council, taking into account the feedback received from the community.

The community will soon be invited to comment on Council’s preferred option to complete the final stage of the Representation Review. You will also be able to request, in your written submission, the opportunity to make a representation to Council to talk about your submission.

Once all the feedback has been received, a final report will be presented to Council for consideration.

Changes made to the system of representation will be promoted to the community and will take effect during the 2014 Local Government elections.

For more information visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or watch the Messenger Press for details of the proposal and the closing date for submissions.

If you have any questions about the Review of Representation process, please contact Meredith Nunan on 8372 8837 or email mnunan@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

Thoughts and Moments in Time at Centennial Park

Have your say on how Council consults with you!

Over 300 photographs mirroring thoughts and moments in time will be on show at Centennial Park’s annual photographic exhibition and competition.

The City of Mitcham is reviewing its Public Consultation Policy and invites you to provide feedback by 5 pm Tuesday 5 March.

The exhibition features works from the South Australian Photographic Federation and students from six local secondary schools from Monday 18 February to Thursday 28 March.

celebrants and associated industries, will be announced on 22 March.

Winners, judged by the South Australian funeral directors,

A variety of prizes including an iPad 2, iPod and iPod Nano will be on offer for the winning online entries.

From now until Thursday 28 March, people can submit their own photos via Centennial Park’s Facebook page.

To enter the online competition, and for full details and terms

and conditions, please visit Centennial Park’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ centennialparkcemetery The exhibition, held in the main foyer of Centennial Park’s Jubilee Chapels Complex, is open to the community from Monday 18 February to Thursday 28 March.

Centennial Park’s Jubilee Chapel’s complex is open Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm for public entry.

The draft Public Consultation Policy has been reviewed to ensure it: is underpinned by sound principles provides clear guidance to Elected Members and staff as to when public consultation must occur states the minimum length of time for the consultation period, and clearly articulates the consultation process to the community It is also proposed that the minimum consultation period change from 28 days to 21 days, in order to be consistent with the Local Government Act 1999.

Written submissions are invited until 5 pm Tuesday 5 March addressed to: Mr Matt Pears City of Mitcham PO Box 21 Mitcham Shopping Centre TORRENS PARK SA 5062 Or email: mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Submissions on the draft policy will inform the final version of the Policy which will go to Council for endorsement.

february 2013 Publication Details Mitcham Community News is published bi-monthly by and for the City of Mitcham.

Editorial Communications Department City of Mitcham Design + Production Sarah Bennett Design Reprographics + Printing Graphic Print Group

Paperstock Printed on paper made in Australia from elemental chlorine free pulp derived from sustainable plantation forests.

Distribution Salmat Mediaforce and Australia Post Delivered to 29,850 homes, PO boxes and businesses within the Mitcham Council area.

Advertising KRL Media Services Telephone: 8231 5433 PO Box 131 Unley, SA 5061

Contributing Articles Community groups and organisations submitting items for the April 2013 issue of this publication should ensure they reach Communications Officer Julie Lamond no later than Friday 1 March 2013.

Telephone: 8372 8871 or email jlamond@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Good quality colour/high resolution colour photographs/image files can be submitted although publication will depend on space availability.

Website http://www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Audio Tapes Mitcham Community News audio tapes are available at both Mitcham and Blackwood Libraries or by arrangement from the Community Information Service.

Telephone: 8372 8812.

Council Civic Centre Open weekdays 9 am to 5 pm.

131 Belair Road, Torrens Park or PO Box 21, Mitcham Shopping Centre, Torrens Park, South Australia 5062 Telephone: 8372 8888

Council Meetings The General Purpose Council Committee meeting is held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.30 pm and the Development Assessment Panel meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6.30 pm. Full Council meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 pm.

The views and opinions expressed in articles and advertisements submitted by contributors, other than the City of Mitcham, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council as a body, nor as individual members. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in published articles submitted by contributors other than Council, no responsibility is accepted for any errors that they may contain.

PAGE 3 Mitcham Community News February 2013

Tribute to the Late Maggy Ragless Join us in our commemoration of the late Maggy Ragless at the official unveiling of Maggy’s commemorative table and dedication of a room at the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre on Wednesday 27 March at 10.30 am.

Council is commemorating Maggy Ragless by naming a room at the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre the “Maggy Ragless Heritage Research Room”.

A commemorative table depicting Maggy’s life and work, prepared by the dedicated Heritage Research Support Team Volunteers, will be unveiled and the room opened at a commemorative event, to be held at the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre, Princes Road, Mitcham on Wednesday 27 March at 10.30 am coinciding with the first anniversary passing of Maggy Ragless in March 2012.

Members of the community are very welcome to attend this commemorative event. For more information please call 8372 8261.

Ebooks Arrive 14 February at the Library during Library Lovers Week In February library members across South Australia will be able to begin borrowing ebooks and e-audiobooks with 24/7 access.

The Libraries Board is working with OverDrive to give library customers access to ebooks and e-audiobooks.

OverDrive, with a network of more than 19,000 libraries and millions of readers, is a global leader in ebooks for libraries and offers support for all major computers and devices, including iPhone, iPad, Nook, Kobo, Sony ereader, android phones and tablets. Amazon Kindle is not compatible due to a digital rights management issue.

Mitcham Community Shed Continues to Support Charity The City of Mitcham’s Community Shed members continue to support projects for the community.

At the Community Shed’s Christmas celebration in December a set of Bocce balls, specially made from Finland, was presented to the representatives of Spastic Centres of South Australia Inc. This very special set of Bocce balls were purchased for $500 with funds raised from the sale of wooden toys and kitchen equipment made by shed members with the Mayor Michael Picton covering the cost of delivery from Finland. The toys and kitchen equipment, designed and constructed at the Mitcham

Community Shed, were sold at the Mitcham Village Markets, Voices of the Village Sustainability Fair and the City of Mitcham Civic Centre.

and moving materials, an easel for Council’s citizenship ceremonies and restored a very unique old table for the Mitcham Cultural Village.

The balls will complement the bocce ramp designed and constructed earlier in the year by shed members to assist the clients of the Spastic Centres of South Australia Inc in the game of bocce.

The Community Shed, located at the Mitcham Cultural Village, 103-105 Princes Road in Mitcham, welcomes new members and is open:

The Mitcham Community Shed members have also constructed 32 extra bird boxes to assist the Rotary Clubs of SA project for Monarto Zoo, made a trolley for storing

Mondays 1 pm to 4 pm Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm Thursdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm

For more information please contact Council’s Community Shed Facilitator, Terry Stead, on 8372 8265 or email tstead@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Council’s Community Development Grants Working in the Community City of Mitcham’s Community Development Grants program recently awarded $17,000 for 18 grants to assist local community groups to deliver projects, programs and activities for the local community.

Council’s Community Development Grants, offered bi-annually, enable community groups and organisations to apply for funding to implement and sustain a wide range of local recreational, cultural, social and community support initiatives that make a positive contribution to the Mitcham community.

Junior Field Naturalists SA - for the group to purchase a collection of equipment for educational field trips and club meetings

Some of these projects which received funding include:

The Community Development Grants program provides funding for community projects in six categories:

Friends of Brownhill Creek providing funding for a planting auger to assist with planting trees along Brownhill Creek

Mitcham Hills Inter-Church Council - to run a community bike ride and picnic event to raise awareness of the Beacon emergency relief project

Community Health Cultural Development Youth Development Recreation Environmental Improvement The next round of applications closes Tuesday 2 April. Copies of the guidelines and application forms can be obtained from www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au, the Mitcham or Blackwood Libraries or by calling 8372 8899.

Community Development

Visit the library website for more information as well as details of the Public Library Services’ Win an iPad promotion.

Fashion Swap Ladies Fashion Swap at the Mitcham Library on Wednesday 20 February from 6.30 pm to 8 pm.

Looking for a few new items for your wardrobe…but already have too many things you don’t wear? Don’t throw them away - come along to the Ladies Fashion Swap at Mitcham Library on Wednesday 20 February from 6.30 pm to 8 pm and revamp your wardrobe!

Bring along clean clothes in good condition that you no longer wear or need and swap them for a similar number of items. Clothing, accessories, shoes and costume jewellery welcome (no underwear). All styles and sizes of women’s clothing welcome.

Free event but numbers are limited and bookings essential. Call the Mitcham Library on 8372 8244 to book your spot!

Are you Registered with Telecross Redi?

If you live alone, have a disability, frail, aged or recovering from an illness Telecross Redi can help you cope with extreme weather events.

Once you are registered Red Cross volunteers call you up to three times a day to check on your wellbeing.

The service is free, to register call 1800 188 071 or 8100 4510 or visit telcrossredi@redcross.org.au

Enrich life! Volunteer!

Social connectedness is vital to wellbeing and ageing positively.

Share your time, enthusiasm and skills volunteering with Council’s Positive Ageing and Community Care and you will enrich life and help others.

Noleen, a volunteer with lunch clubs, says that she finds volunteering rewarding and when asked what she gets out of it she says, “It is a great pleasure to spend time with such wonderful and appreciative people, to see their smiles as they are out together laughing and sharing stories”.

One of the greatest reasons to volunteer can simply be to contribute. John, who regularly assists with transportation and lunch clubs, says “If we want a world of compassion and caring we have to make it that way.”

Volunteering can be as easy as: Transporting residents to essential medical and therapy appointments or grocery shopping Supporting older people to connect with community activities

Helping on the Community Bus Assisting with Lunch Clubs Each of these activities helps people to live independently at home, share time with others, contribute to their community and prevent isolation.

If you would like to try volunteering we can ‘buddy’ you with another volunteer so you can experience volunteering. You are welcome to volunteer doing one activity or a few.

For more information phone Melissa Jensen, Coordinator Volunteer Services on 8372 8860.

April

April

5

9

The Generator Unplugged – Acoustic Youth Music Event

April

April

12

Try the Rec Gym

April

10

10

Teen Girls Zumba

Hip Hop Dance Workshop

April

11

Themed Movie Night

April

14

Skate and Scooter Competition

April

14

Billy Cart Making Workshop

Celebrate Youth Week – Be Active. Be Happy. Be You. The City of Mitcham is inviting young people to come along and get involved in the exciting program of free activities on offer across the City to celebrate Youth Week in April.

A jam packed schedule of activities has been put together with funding assistance from the Office for Youth for young people of all ages.

The Generator Unplugged – Acoustic Youth Music Event Friday 5 April, workshops from 6 pm, performances 7 pm to 10 pm at the Blackwood Community Centre (formerly Blackwood Over 50's), Young Street, Blackwood.

Guitar Workshop and Performance Cal Williams Jnr This award winning artist will share his tricks to make the simple sound great, with some extra hints on slide guitar. Cal will share secrets that have helped him win SA songwriter of the year in South Australia three times. His valuable mentoring will be helpful and interesting for all that attend. This free workshop is for people who would like to start playing, have a general interest and for those who already play.

Q&A Hilltop Hoods Founding Manager and Vice Chairman of Music SA Aria Award nominated Music DVD Producer / Director, PJ Murton, will lead a Q & A session sharing his extensive knowledge and experience in the industry. Having been responsible for multiple Gold and Platinum albums, DVDs and ARIA awards, this session is an ideal opportunity to learn from a local who has achieved great success on the big stage.

Learn about Hip Hop and Life on the Road Crossing Red Lines The Indie Rock and Aussie Hip Hop fusion band Crossing Red Lines, who have played live all around Australia, will give insights and hints on Hip Hop and life on the road. They are keen to answer your questions and talk openly about touring and the influence on Aussie Hip Hop on their style of music.

This exciting band will also put on an exclusive free show. Don’t miss it!

Live Music Do you want to perform? We have five paid showcase spots up for grabs, with PA and engineer supplied on the night. This is a great opportunity for young people to perform in front of a live audience.

Get along on the night for a chance to win free Scorcher Fest tickets, along with $50 vouchers thanks to Blackwood Music School.

Food and drink will be available for purchase on the night at this drug and alcohol free event.

To register for a workshop or a performance spot email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call 8372 8869 by 4 pm Friday 29 March. Don’t miss out as spots are limited.

Try the Rec Gym Tuesday 9 and Friday 12 April, 3.30 pm to 5 pm at the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre, 1 Northcote Road, Eden Hills.

If you are aged between 15 and 18 years come along to ‘The Rec’ fitness studio and trial their extensive range of weight and cardio training gym equipment. This is a great chance to use the equipment, check out the facility and get the right advice from the professional fitness staff team.

To register call 8278 8833. Places are limited and you must book your place at least 24 hours prior to the session time.

Skate and Scooter Competition Sunday 14 April from 12 pm to 3 pm at Avenue Road Reserve Skate Park, Cumberland Park.

Join in the action and get along to see local skateboard and scooter riders put their skills to the test as they battle it out in the skate park.

With heaps of prizes up for grabs, multiple age categories, judging by pro riders, DJ Shep, stacks of give-a-ways, free air brush artist, this will be a great day out for the whole family.

Food and drink will be available for purchase on the day at this drug and alcohol free event.

To register visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au, call 8372 8869, email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au, or grab one on the day.

Hip Hop Dance Workshop Wednesday 10 April, 6 pm to 7 pm at the Blackwood Library, 215 Main Road, Blackwood.

Do you want to learn how to dance? Come along to this fun workshop and learn some new Hip Hop moves.

To book call 8372 8255.

Places are limited and bookings are essential.

Teen Girls Zumba Monday 10 April, 4 pm to 5 pm at the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre, 1 Northcote Road, Eden Hills.

Come and try the Latin inspired, high energy, dance fitness party that is Zumba. Feel the music and let loose, no matter what your skill level, qualified instructor Zoe Allum will help you learn the moves in this fun and uplifting session specifically designed for teenage girls (minimum age 14 years).

To register call 8278 8833 by 4 pm Friday 5 April. Places are limited so book early.

Billy Cart Making Workshop Themed Movie Night Thursday 11 April, 6 pm at the Mitcham Library, 154 Belair Road, Hawthorn.

To book or for more information call 8372 8244.

Places are limited so get in early.

Sunday 14 April, 11 am to 2.30 pm at the Mitcham Community Shed, Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham.

Children 8 years and over are encouraged to come along with a parent, grandparent or adult family member and work together to learn how to build an old fashioned timber Billy Cart. With the help of some knowledgeable volunteers, participants will be given all the materials and tools required to put their own cart together to take home at the end of the workshop.

Light refreshments will be supplied. To register call 8372 8262.

Bookings essential.

Full details of the City of Mitcham’s Youth Week Celebrations and registration information are available from www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au, email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call 8372 8869.

PAGE 5 Mitcham Community News February 2013

Voices of the Village: Sustainable Communities Over 1,500 people enjoyed the free family day with non stop entertainment, stalls and information, kids activities and fabulous food and coffee at the Voices of the Village: Sustainable Communities Fair held at the Mitcham Cultural Village in October.

The fair provided an opportunity for the community to learn about a range of cost effective and simple green initiatives and showcased many local businesses and community organisations with good environmental practices.

It also demonstrated the environmental initiatives

undertaken by the City of Mitcham throughout the area as well as the environmental features, social and cultural activities of the Mitcham Cultural Village.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this day a success, Council volunteers and staff, Sustainable

Communities SA, the Mitcham Uniting Church and the community.

Sustainable practices in home renovation seminars will commence in May. For more information please contact the Mitcham Cultural Village on 8372 8262.

What’s on at the Blackwood Recreation Centre?

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Fitness Studio

Fitness Studio

Fitness Studio

Fitness Studio

Fitness Studio

Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Junior Basketball

Junior Basketball

Junior Basketball

Junior Basketball

In-Line Hockey

Children’s Roller Skating Birthday Party

Children’s Roller Skating Birthday Party

Fitness Studio

Fitness Studio

Fun Gym Birthday Party

Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Senior In-Line Hockey

Ladies Netball

Kindergym

Kindergym

Kindergym

Junior Basketball

Senior Soccer

Netball

Pilates

Junior Gym

Trampolining

Mums and Bubs Fitness

Pilates

Zumba

Trampolining

Senior Basketball

Sportybots

Pilates Senior Soccer

Volleyball

Trampolining

Trampolining

Yoga

Women’s Basketball

Trampolining

Yoga

Junior In-Line Hockey

Mixed Netball

Roller Skating

Kindergym Pilates Roller Skating Trampolining

Zumba Join the Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, feel-it-to-thecore, dance fitness party every Monday from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Adults $12 per class or a 10 visit pass $100.

Children $10 per class or a 10 visit pass $80.

Teams Wanted Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and Soccer summer seasons are not far away so make a team and come and join in the fun.

Call 8278 8833, email contactus@blackwoodrec.com.au or visit www.blackwoodrec.com.au for more information.

Safe Parking around Schools Council continually monitors schools to enforce parking zones and restrictions to ensure the safety of students.

Council promotes a safe and happy community. By parking appropriately when you drop your children off to school, you can help to ensure there is no danger to students and avoid traffic congestion around schools.

Continuous White Centre Line

Parking restrictions at and near schools to provide a safer environment for children may include:

You can not stop within 20 m of the approach side or 10 m of the departure side of a school crossing.

No Stopping Zones

There is a speed limit of 25kph, designated by the signs and a zigzag line, any time when children are present or when the lights are flashing.

You must not stop your vehicle in a no stopping zone or on a solid yellow line.

No Parking Zones You must not leave your vehicle parked or unattended. You may stop in a No Parking zone to immediately pick up or set down your child and drive off as soon as possible and in any case within two minutes.

If a road has a continuous white centre line, there must be three metres between the vehicle and the white centre line.

School Crossing

YOU CANNOT STOP YOUR CAR IN A NO STOPPING ZONE OR ON A SOLID YELLOW LINE - NOT EVEN FOR A FEW SECONDS.

NO PARKING ZONES ENSURE RAPID TURNOVER OF VEHICLES AND SAFE DEPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN. You must not leave your vehicle parked or unattended.

Speed Limits

Council officers are patrolling local schools and issuing expiations for breaches to ensure the safety and well-being of all school students, particularly younger children.

You cannot stop within 20 m of the approach side or 10 m of the departure side of a school crossing.

For more information about safe parking, road rules and parking zones visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call the customer service centre on 8372 8888.

PAGE 6 Mitcham Community News February 2013

Tomorrow’s Mitcham Today Striving for Excellence

CITY OF

MITCHAM

annual report 2011-2012

Environmental Sustainability

Council has matched its activities against the key result areas of our Strategic Management Plan to form the 2011/2012 Annual Report.

The Draft Residential Development Plan Amendment was deferred until the Section 30 Strategic Directions Report and Strategic Management Plan is completed.

To ensure the natural and built environments are protected, enhanced and to conserve resources, prevent waste and support community and economic activities.

Work continued on a Heritage Development Plan Amendment to incorporate additional Local Heritage Places in Mitcham’s Development Plan and to investigate potential additional Historic Conservation Zones/Policy Areas.

The Watercourse Development Plan Amendment, to protect riparian character, property and life from flooding events associated with the Brown Hill Creek and Sturt River and their tributaries, was deferred.

Economic Sustainability

To ensure the provision and maintenance of assets and support for local business meets critical economic challenges and provides for a healthy community and environment.

200,500 m2 of road rehabilitation works, including asphalt resealing and bitumen rejuvenation was completed at a cost of $3.4 m.

5.3 km of kerb and watertable was constructed at a cost of $1.36 m.

18.3 km of new and replacement block paved footpaths were constructed at a cost of $2.7 m.

Council continued to consider options for the Blackwood Activity Centre and also commenced consideration of the Mitcham Activity Centre.

The provision of an activity centre in Mitcham West progressed with Council signing a conditional contract to purchase a property on Daws Road at St Marys.

New automatic doors were installed to the west entrance of the Mitcham Over 50s and the wet areas were upgraded.

New automatic doors were installed at the Mitcham RSL. The Westbourne Park Senior Citizens toilet areas were upgraded.

A disabled access ramp was provided to the ‘Meeting Place’ at the Price Memorial Oval complex.

The Inner Southern Business Enterprise Centre provided businesses with advice on maintaining or growing their business more effectively.

Council, in partnership with the Blackwood Action Group, improved landscaping areas throughout Blackwood.

The Cities of Mitcham, Adelaide, Burnside, Unley and West Torrens reached agreement on a strategy to undertake substantial works known as Part A of the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan.

The five Councils recognised the community opposition to a dam in the upper reaches of Brown Hill Creek and committed to a preference to pursue a feasible and whole of catchment, community supported, ‘no dam’ solution for the remainder of the required works within 12 months (known as Part B of the works).

Road Safety improvements were undertaken along Princes Road in Mitcham.

A pedestrian refuge was constructed at the Princes Road/Elphyn Road intersection.

Pedestrian access ramps were constructed in Princes Road near the aged cared facility.

Traffic control devices, to improve road safety, were constructed at the intersection of North Parade and Princes Road in Torrens Park.

An emu crossing was installed near the Mercedes College entrance on Delamere Avenue in Springfield.

Council began replacing the existing solar panels with new street lighting at the driveway links along Sheoak Road in Belair.

Over 1,000 trees were planted in local streets to replace trees lost to drought, age and other causes.

Council continued to explore alternative street tree species.

Landscaping around the Belair Triangle and surrounding areas were enhanced to improve the character of the area.

New playground swing sets were installed at Apex Park, Kingswood Oval, Mortlock Park, Crozier Reserve, AA Bailey and Blackwood Hill Oval.

Improvements to the Mitcham General Cemetery were undertaken.

Hawthorn and Olive control was undertaken at Brown Hill Reserve and work began to remove Aleppo Pine in the western gully.

Boneseed was removed in Grey Box Woodlands at Blackwood Hill Reserve and O’Dea’s Quarry Reserve.

Primary weed control was completed along Olave Hill Road and along Upper Sturt Road opposite Belair National Park. $38,850 in grants was approved for 17 landholders in the Mitcham hills to assist in the control of weeds and revegetation of land.

211 European Wasp nests were destroyed.

A report on various maintenance issues, sedimentation in basins and increasing storage volumes for water reuse at the Urrbrae Wetland was completed.

A proof of concept report is underway to investigate a possible water harvesting and reuse project using water from Urrbrae Wetland.

Four ‘TREENET Inlets’ were installed in Claremont Avenue, Netherby to recharge soil moisture to support improved tree health and downstream water quality.

A total of 12,375 tonnes of domestic waste was removed from 28,300 properties, 6,754 tonnes of recyclables were processed and 8,318 tonnes of greens were recovered for mulch and composting.

Council trialled a new Domestic ‘At Call’ Hard Waste Collection service which resulted in 534 tonnes of hard waste collected from residential properties.

Four additional landfill gas and one ground water monitoring wells were installed at the Eden Hills Landfill.

PAGE 7 Mitcham Community News February 2013

at a glance Population of the City of Mitcham

64,717

Council Size

75.7 m2

Properties

26,500

Parks, Gardens and Recreational Areas

252

Street Trees Planted

1,000

Immunisations Administered

6,664

European Wasp Nests Destroyed

211

Dogs Registered

9,125

Cats Registered

2,172

Mitcham Library Service Borrowers

38,417

Mitcham Library Service Loans

874,339

Toy Library Borrowers

1,995

Toy Library Loans

17,883

Community Bus Trips

16,131

Hours Contributed by Volunteers

26,373

Community Grants Allocated

$28,000

Road Rehabilitation

200,500 m2

Paved Footpaths Constructed

18.3 km

Kerb and Watertable Renewed

5.3 km

Domestic Waste to Landfill (tonnes)

12,375

Recyclable Collected (tonnes)

6,754

Green Recyclables Collected (tonnes)

8,318

Domestic Hard Refuse Collected (tonnes)

534

Community Sustainability

To improve well-being and create a strong sense of community that supports learning, participation, inclusiveness and healthy lifestyles.

The Library Service received 424,420 visits with 38,417 members borrowing 874,339 items. 23,305 people participated in library activities.

The Mitcham Library Service introduced ‘One Card’ a new state-wide computer system.

7,434 children and carers attended preschool storytelling sessions.

2,265 children and their carers attended baby story-time, 120 people attended night time story-time and 80 people attended two toddler times.

The Toy Libraries had 1,995 registered borrowers. 17,883 educational toys and games were borrowed and 28,159 visits made.

The Mitcham Heritage Research Centre volunteers received a 2012 ‘SA Heritage Heroes’ Certificate of Recognition Award for their services to the community over the past 20 years. $28,000 of Community Development Grants was allocated to 21 organisations.

301 volunteers contributed 26,373 hours of volunteer service to the community across 24 programs.

Over 600 people participated in activities at the Mitcham Cultural Village.

Planning began to create two significant trail links in Blackwood Hill Reserve and consultants began assessing Randell Park to determine what type of trail network the park can sustain.

Mitcham’s ‘Clean Site’ development, at Craigburn Farm - stage two, continued.

A 3.2 km strategic fire break along Sheoak Road was completed.

Council conducted 35 community immunisation clinics with a total of 1,824 vaccines administered. 28 visits for the school based immunisation program administered 4,840 vaccines in nine secondary schools.

A total of 11 influenza clinics were undertaken administering 465 Influenza vaccines.

Council undertook community consultation to review animal management in the City to produce a program of action to be undertaken over the next five years.

9,125 dogs were registered with 361 expiations issued for breaches of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

Discounted microchipping was offered during the month of May. 162 inspections were undertaken as part of the public health inspection program and 82 inspections were undertaken in response to complaints.

339 inspections and follow-up inspections were carried out on food premises to ensure compliance with the Food Safety Standards and the Food Act 2001.

25 complaints relating to unsafe food, unclean premises, alleged food poisoning, poor personal hygiene and poor food handling practices were investigated.

Council also conducted 26 mandatory food safety audits.

5,065 expiation notices were issued and emphasis continued to be placed on education and enforcement around areas of high safety risk.

1,642 people received 50,854 hours of assistance on 33,615 occasions for basic home maintenance and modification, gardening, domestic assistance, social support, shopping, personal transport and community bus services.

5,007 hours were provided to eligible residents for domestic assistance, either short term, a longer fixed term or for a much needed spring clean.

909 residents received assistance for home maintenance.

Lunch Clubs provided 6,354 hours and 1,631 meals to residents along with transport, entertainment and interesting speakers.

318 residents received 12,006 hours of social support and transport.

The Mitcham Community Bus service transported 303 residents on 16,131 trips.

850 local students attended seminars and workshops for emotional health and wellbeing, alcohol awareness and safety at schoolies.

National Youth Week was celebrated with African Drumming workshops and an Anime movie screening with over 50 young people attending.

Live music events, ‘The Generator’, provided an opportunity for local bands to play live in front of an audience of over 230 people.

Organisational Excellence

To ensure responsible governance that improves performance, values staff and promotes the equitable and sustainable distribution of resources now and into the future.

Council began preparation to undertake its Strategic Directions Report simultaneously with the Strategic Management Plan as required by and in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999.

Council’s standard contract documents were updated in line with changes to legislation regarding payment of contractors’ scheme. Additional panel contracts have been established in the areas of engineering consultancies and kerb and water table contractors.

15 Freedom of Information applications were received last financial year with one being brought forward from the previous year. Of these, three were granted full release, 10 were granted partial release, one was refused, one was withdrawn and one was carried forward to the following year for completion.

A total of 30 confidential items were tabled at meetings of Council.

The City of Mitcham moved from a hard copy to an Electronic Document and Records Management System.

Council registered 141,175 items.

The Centre handled an average of 6,420 calls per month, processed an average of 2,600 transactions and 732 customer requests each month and managed 9,125 dog renewals and new dog registrations and 2,025 cat renewals and new cat registrations.

Council employed a total of 313 people; 221 full-time employees, 51 part-time employees and 41 people were employed on a casual basis.

The risk management review placed Mitcham above the metropolitan Council average in five of the eight categories.

22 workers compensation claims were lodged with a total of 97 working days lost for 2011/2012.

In the past year Council received two applications for the review of a decision, citing section 270 of the Local Government Act 1999.

To inspect a full copy of the 2011/2012 Annual Report, visit the City of Mitcham Civic Centre, Blackwood or Mitcham Library or www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au. Copies can be purchased from the Customer Service Centre at 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park for $10.

PAGE 8 Mitcham Community News February 2013

From your Elected Members I would like to wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous new year. 2013 will be another busy year at Council as we consult widely with residents and ensure the services and facilities we need are maintained while managing the budget.

New Citizens and Australia Day Awards On Australia Day 80 residents become Australian Citizens and the winners of Mitcham’s 2013 Australia Day Awards were announced. It was fantastic to be part of this great celebration held in the grounds of the beautiful Carrick Hill.

Mayor Michael Picton • New Citizens and Australia Day Awards • Council Consultation Colonel Light Gardens • Council Consultation W A Norman Reserve • Elections in The Park and Babbage Wards • Bushfire Warning

Telephone: 0417 812 546 mpicton@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

In Mitcham we are fortunate to have people in the community committed to helping and assisting others. In many cases they go quietly about their work, not asking for praise or recognition. This year the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award was jointly presented to Peter Collins and John Wilson. They were both recognised for their contributions to the Brown Hill and Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Project.

Their critique of the original dam proposals has identified a number of alternative solutions which enabled the project to deliver significantly greater flood protection.

Council also presented commendations to Mary Lindon and Brian Langsford for their work in the community. Mary for her contributions to the extremely popular Seniors in Harmony program run with the assistance of

Boorman Ward Cr Leeanne Moriarty • Watering Street Trees • Voices of the Village– Sustainable Communities • W A Norman Reserve Consultation

Telephone: 8379 3797 lmoriarty@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas time with family and friends and that the New Year has brought much relaxation and happiness – as well as the summer weather!

With this warmer weather, my mind turns to my garden and using recycled water to keep it alive until the regular rain comes. One thing I try to do is to water my street tree – whenever I have to rinse

people from St Michael’s Church at Mitcham and Brian for his long time commitment to Scouts, the Red Cross Blood Service and the ‘Youth Vigil’ for the Blackwood Anzac Day Commemorations.

The Award for Excellence in Community Service was presented to two worthy groups this year.

Deborah Harrison’s Keep Fit program held at Westbourne Park that has raised over $100,000 for charity over the past 24 years and the Blackwood Action Group that has been committed to a number of projects aimed at improving the amenity of the area for people living in the Mitcham Hills.

The Excellence in Environmental Achievement Award was presented to the Friends of Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. This group, made up of dedicated volunteers, has been working since 1999 to enhance the environmental rehabilitation of the Shepherds Hill Recreation Park.

The National Australia Day Council Award for the Australia Day Event of the Year went to the Edwardstown Primary School for their Strawberry Fair – a fair that has been operating for 30 years.

Council Consultation Colonel Light Gardens Council will be inviting 15,000 residents living in and around Colonel Light Gardens to participate in assisting Council shape the future of five parks and reserves in the State Heritage Area of Colonel Light Gardens. We are hoping to receive your feedback and ideas on any issue that you consider important regarding the long term use and management of Mortlock Park, Reade Park, Hillview Reserve, Rochester Avenue Reserve and Pembroke Place Reserve.

Elections in The Park and Babbage Wards

A leaflet titled ‘Have your say!’, explaining the consultation process will be sent to people living in and around Colonel Light Gardens.

Your comments will help Council determine how to fully utilise these important reserves for the benefit of residents. Further information will be available through Council’s website via the ‘Community Land in Colonel Light Garden’s link or you can contact Council’s Senior Planner, Ben Hignett, on 8372 8158.

The Babbage Ward election, due to the sudden resignation of Cr Gellie, will commence with ballot slips being posted out between the 26 March and the 1 April. If you are interested in representing people in the Babbage Ward, nominations close at 12 noon on Thursday 14 March.

Council Consultation W A Norman Reserve

The Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year recipient this year was Amy Park from Unley High School. Amy had shown exceptional leadership within the school and contributed to many charities and events outside the school environment.

As a result of the process for the renewal of the Sturt Baseball Club lease on W A Norman Reserve, essentially on whether senior Baseball should be played there, Council is consulting with residents to hear their views on whether the grounds and facilities are ‘fit for purpose’. A risk audit conducted by the Club and Council has indicated

out a milk container, I pour that water onto the street tree. Recently, in Boorman Ward, we have had many new, young trees planted to make our streetscapes look more picturesque, to provide housing for birds and animals, as well as much needed shade. These small saplings will grow into lovely towering trees with expansive canopies, if they are given some tender loving care in their early years. If you have a new, young tree outside your house, maybe give it a drink every once in a while during these hotter months.

You will be rewarded in years to come!

design, and ideas on how to reduce your energy and water usage – not to mention the wonderful scones!

As a member of the Mitcham Cultural Village Committee, it was rewarding to see so many Mitcham residents enjoying themselves and my sincerest thanks go to Lindy Taeuber who works so hard for the Cultural Village. Recently, we were lucky enough to recruit a new member to the committee and we look forward to fresh new ideas for the events to be held in 2013.

Late last year, the Mitcham Cultural Village held its ‘Voices of the Village–Sustainable Communities’’ Open Day. What a wonderful event that was! The feeling of community was most evident as residents enjoyed a range of activities about sustainable living practices, initiatives in sustainable house

that extensive modifications to the fencing will be required to ensure the safety of passersby.

Recently, public consultation occurred in areas of Boorman Ward for ‘The Future Use of W A Norman Reserve’. The deadline for giving feedback is Friday 22 February. I hope you take up the opportunity to complete the Survey Feedback form and have your say. For those who did not receive one in their letter box, an on line version is available on the Mitcham Council website: www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

We would appreciate your feedback on this important issue. Details are available on our website or you can contact Robert Pride, Council’s Property Planner, on 8372 8802.

By the time this edition of the Community News is published we will have a new Council representative for The Park Ward to fill the vacancy due to the sad passing of Councillor Colin Campbell.

Bushfire Warning If you are a resident in the Mitcham hills and foothills, please be ever mindful of the risk of bushfires for the remainder of the fire season.

We have experienced some very hot weather and a number of declared Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Danger Days since Christmas. It is paramount that your plan of what to do on these declared days, whether you stay and defend your home or leave early is well established and understood. Plan to Survive!

As the new year continues, I look forward to seeing continued work in many of the parks in our Ward, such as Netherby Reserve and Sutton Gardens. I know your Council will continue to work together to try and limit rate increases, but at the same time, find the necessary funds to eliminate our deficit. That is one good aspect of being a local politician – the rate increases directly affect us too, as do the services we receive from our Council, such as hard waste removal, the library, footpaths and other council services. Therefore any decisions we make, we understand the full impact of the consequences.

On behalf of my Co-Councillor, Judith Weaver, I wish you all good health, much happiness and success in 2013. I am sure it will be a wonderful year for us all.

Contacting Council Mayor Mayor Michael Picton 0417 812 546

Babbage Ward Cr. David Munro 0403 161 462

Boorman Ward Cr. Leanne Moriarty 8379 3797 Cr. Judith Weaver 8357 7522

Craigburn Ward Cr. Nick Greer 7420 9808 Cr. Elaine Grimm 8370 0025 Cr. Jane Silbereisen 0477 209 782

Gault Ward Cr. Chris Adcock 0428 724 315 Cr. Stephen Fisher 8272 6116

Overton Ward Cr. Yvonne Poland 0416 773 973 Cr. John Sanderson 0402 517 945

The Park Ward Cr. Mark Ward 0458 112 358

Save the Balyana Pool Show your support at the ‘Save the Balyana Pool’ rally on Saturday 23 February at 10.45 am at Balyana (Strathcona Avenue, Clapham).

The Balyana Pool, located in Clapham, is a popular facility used by thousands of residents for the past 40 years.

Each week over 1,500 people use Balyana Pool for lap swimming, hydrotherapy, aquarobics, rehabilitation, squad training and learn-to-swim classes. Around 1520% are people with disabilities.

We need your help to keep it open beyond its scheduled close in April this year. Come along to the ‘Save the Balyana Pool’ rally and show your support.

For further details contact: savebalyanapool@yahoo.com.au or visit: facebook.com/savebalyana.pool

PAGE 9 Mitcham Community News February 2013

Gault Ward Cr Chris Adcock • Finances • Community Consultation • Elector Representation Review • Telephone: 0428 724 315 cadcock@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Happy New Year to all and to your families. I trust that this year brings you health and peace.

Finances Council has been attempting to resolve the deficit problem which has occurred without financially leaning on the community by imposing higher than necessary rate increases. This is being made more difficult by the State Government’s talk of reducing grants to sporting clubs by up to $3.5 million over the next three years. These groups would then come to Council to try to make up the shortfall. This is yet another cynical move by State Government to pass on costs to Local Government.

The Park Ward Cr Mark Ward • Train and Road Debacle • Soldiers Memorial Relocation

Telephone: 0458 112 358 mward@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au 2013 will be an exciting year for Mitcham Council. We will have two new Councillors following the sad passing of Colin Campbell from The Park Ward and the retirement of Chris Gellie from Babbage Ward.

Council is on track to reduce its deficit through tighter spending decisions and some service efficiencies. Removing the deficit will allow us to consider some longer term larger projects of benefit for current and future residents of Mitcham. We have increased our youth services officer to full time, allowing for the provision of better services for youth in our Council area.

Community Consultation Council recently discussed the amending of community consultation. This occurs where issues are of concern to the public and, I believe, is one of the cornerstones of our Local Government democracy. Issues include such things as use of community sporting facilities and, while there are some individuals who provide feedback, the main bodies are the community groups who have contact with many of the residents who are likely to be affected by any changes which are proposed. The Local Government Act indicates that the minimum period for feedback is 21 days. Council, in its wisdom, had previously chosen to have 28 days as the community groups indicated that this gave them time to give notice, have a meeting if required, and respond to Council, stating the community’s point of view, concerns etc about the issue.

At a recent Council meeting, this subject came up for discussion.

Administration recommended that the time for consultation should be changed to 21 days. I contacted

Train and Road Debacle Have you been affected by the closure of the train line? Long bus rides to the city? Caught yet again by increased traffic on the already over congested roads in the area? The closing of the Belair passenger train line is because of the freight trains. A grade separation (separating the freight line from the passenger line) is being built at Goodwood which will allow the passenger train to pass underneath the freight train, avoiding any conflict and therefore train delays.

Let us not forget that if a Northern Bypass route was built for the freight trains, running North from Murray Bridge into somewhere between Two Wells and Mallala (http://www.bagi.org.au/Rail/ Documents/RFTF%20Bypass%20 Map.pdf), then this expenditure of over $100 million on the grade separation plus other costs such as the bypass loop at Verdun would not been needed. Most of the freight trains running through our city do

several community groups and they agreed that the original time of 28 days was necessary. There was still a need for this time to allow for their groups to meet, discuss and respond. Nothing had changed and yet the Chamber decided to recommend the amendment to align with the Local Government Act. The most vocal of the councillors about the change to 21 days, was one who often speaks at length of the need to consult with the community and yet he ignored his own previously stated view.

There is an ongoing need to keep the community informed and respond to their needs, not ignore them in this way.

Elector Representation Review Section 12(4) of the Local Government Act requires each council to undertake a review of all aspects of its composition and the division of the Council area into wards, at least once in every period prescribed by the Minister for Local Government. This period is usually eight years.

not need to stop in Adelaide, and the current freight line will reach capacity in about 12 years’ time.

What then? A bypass train line could also have an associated road next to it, removing significant amounts of truck traffic from the already congested freeway, from Portrush Road and other city roads.

The Adelaide to Melbourne freight train line is the weakest link in the national rail network. Freight trains are going to double in frequency (~200 per week) and increase in length (1.8km long). Should such long heavy freight trains be passing through highly populated, heavily vegetated domestic areas crossing over many, many congested roads, travelling through tight curves and steep inclines that were designed for a small passenger steam train? 2013 is a Federal election year and 2014 is a State election year. I encourage you to contact your State and Federal candidates during election periods about removing the freight line to a more Northern route.

Unfortunately, there were only four responses received, three of which were from community groups and the fourth from a local MP. There were several issues which were promoted including Council name, the reduction of numbers of councillors, the retention or otherwise of the position of Mayor and the reduction of the number of wards or elimination of the ward structure completely.

It is interesting to note that in comparison of other metropolitan councils, Mitcham is about average in terms of the ratio of councillors to electors (1:3,546). This compares with the largest, which is Tea Tree Gully (1:5,838) and the smallest which is Walkerville (1:654).

Interestingly, the population of each ward in Mitcham is about the same as the entire population of Walkerville.

It all makes one wonder if the Government is serious about elector representation at all. Perhaps it would be better to rule a line through the middle of the list and require all those above the line to change or amalgamate.

Soldiers Memorial Relocation I support the relocation of the Soldiers’ Memorial from the roundabout to Waite Street Reserve.

The Federal Government are offering grants to support projects for the 2015 Centenary of Anzac commemoration which could assist the funding of this. The Waite Street Reserve could also benefit from an upgrade, making it more attractive and useable for families. A public toilet and improved surroundings would greatly assist families to use this wonderful piece of open land in Blackwood. The Blackwood Action Group has produced a concept plan showing the potential of such an upgrade http://www.bagi.org.au/ Waite%20Street%20Reserve/Waite. html Happy new year to you and please contact me with any ideas, concerns or comments.

Community Ward Forums Community Ward Forums provide an opportunity for residents to meet with Elected Members, find out more about your ward, ask questions and talk about local issues Residents are invited to attend their local forum on: Community Forum for Gault Ward (Clapham, Colonel Light Gardens [part], Hawthorn, Lower Mitcham and Westbourne Park) 7 pm, Monday 11 February City of Mitcham, Mayor’s Parlour, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park.

Community Forum for Boorman Ward (Kingswood, Torrens Park, Lynton, Mitcham, Netherby, Brown Hill Creek, Springfield, Urrbrae, Leawood Gardens) 7 pm, Monday 25 February City of Mitcham, Mayor’s Parlour, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park.

Community Forum for Overton Ward (Clarence Gardens, Melrose Park, Cumberland Park, Daw Park, Colonel Light Gardens [part]) 7 pm, Thursday 28 February City of Mitcham Mayor’s Parlour, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park.

Community Forum for Craigburn/ The Park Ward (Blackwood, Belair, Bellevue Heights, Coromandel Valley, Craigburn Farm, Eden Hills, Glenalta, Hawthorndene and Upper Sturt) 7 pm, Thursday 11 April Blackwood Community Centre (formerly the Blackwood Over 50’s Club), 4 Young Street, Blackwood.

Residents are invited to submit questions prior to a forum to ensure that the topic can be addressed on the night. Questions should be made in writing and: State the ward forum at which the matter will be raised.

Be sent to Council at least one week prior to the relevant forum.

Include the resident’s contact details should any clarification of the question need to be sought.

Community Forum for Babbage Ward (Bedford Park, Panorama, Pasadena and St Marys) May – Date and time to be confirmed due to Babbage Ward Election City of Mitcham Mayor’s Parlour, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park.

For more information about the Community Ward Forums contact call 8372 8888.

Be addressed to: Governance Officer, Virginia Fisher PO Box 21 Mitcham Shopping Centre Torrens Park SA 5062 or by email: mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Above: From left is Meals on Wheels Volunteer Judy Stone, Lorna and Tom Blight, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Kerrilee Lock and Mayor Michael Picton.

Mitcham Meals on Wheels Delivers 1.6 million meals Last October the Mitcham branch of Meals on Wheels delivered its 1.6 millionth meal!

The occasion was marked by a special delivery to recipients Lorna and Tom Blight of Daw Park. Their meals were hand delivered by the Mayor Michael Picton. Lorna was a volunteer at the branch for an amazing 42 years! She recently ‘retired’ from her voluntary work and is now on the receiving end of the service, with her husband Tom. The Mitcham branch began in 1963 and has 180 volunteers who cook and deliver meals to over 150 clients.

Volunteers are always required; if you are interested please ring Meals on Wheels central office on 8271 8700.

PAGE 10 Mitcham Community News February 2013

Mitcham Community Calendar community groups Hills Choral Society The Hills Choral Society needs more tenors and basses and male singers. For more information please call 8227 2239.

Mitcham Kiwanis Meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Marion Sports Centre, Sturt Road, Marion. Call 8374 3694.

Westbourne Park Community Club Join the fun at the Westbourne Park Community Club at 390 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park. Enjoy social indoor bowls every Saturday and social bingo each Monday with all activities starting at 1 pm. All welcome call 8271 3290.

Blackwood Action Group Meet on the third Monday of each month at the Blackwood Community RSL Club, 1 Brighton Parade commencing at 7.30 pm. Call 8370 3006.

Mitcham Prostate Cancer Support Group Come along to discuss health issues on Thursday 28 February at 7 pm at the Colonel Light Gardens RSL Club, 4 Prince George Parade, Colonel Light Gardens. Visit www.psamitcham.org or call 8277 2138.

get fit/social activities Clarence Gardens Bowling Club

community events

Night Owls is a good start for players of all ages who would like to try lawn bowls in a fun and friendly environment.

Just turn up in casual clothing and flat soled shoes – all equipment provided.

If you are interested in playing in the pennant competition on Wednesday (men) Thursday (ladies) or Saturday (open gender) or social lawn bowls on either Wednesday or Saturday visit www.clarencegardensbc.com.au or call 0424 483 170.

Come along and enjoy a continental breakfast and meet guest speaker Senator Nick Xenophon on Saturday 23 February at 7.30 am at the Blackwood Hills Baptist Church, 72 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood. $8 or $5 concession.

RSVP by Wednesday 20 February by email to jodiemick@adam.com.au or call 0403 656 537.

St Michael’s Art Exhibition

Tai Chi at Mitcham Cultural Village If you are looking for a gentle slow form of exercise to improve your health, wellbeing, balance and coordination join Tai Chi. First class obligation free.

Call 8272 2562.

St Francis Community Centre Come and enjoy a range of courses including Pilates, Quilting, Line Dancing or Aikido Ka. Seniors Friendship lunch caters for the aged, those housebound, or needing company with a light meal with games and friendship every Tuesday from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.

The centre at South Road, Clarence Gardens (cnr Dinwoodie Avenue) is also available for hire for meetings and functions. Call 8293 2203 or email ganddpalmer@bigpond.com.

Mitcham City Brass in Cabaret

Featuring a selection of paintings by acclaimed artists, handmade glass and pottery and fine arts on Saturday 9 March from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 10 March 12 noon to 4 pm at the Anglican Parish of Mitcham, 18 Church Road, Mitcham. Gold coin donation. Opening Cocktail Party Friday 8 March 7.30 pm. Tickets $25.

Call 0407 714 482.

Trinity Baptist Church Celebrating 40 years of community involvement Join the celebration on Saturday 23 March 11 am to 4 pm at the Trinity Fair, Bedford Square, Colonel Light Gardens. Family entertainment, food stalls, silent auction. Opening of hall refurbishments and children’s playground at 1 pm. 3-on-3 basketball 5 pm to 8 pm. Back to Trinity on Sunday 24 March 10 am to 2 pm. 10 am Worship, 12 pm to 2 pm open house, BBQ lunch.

Collecting photos and stories for our history book. Visit www.trinityclg.org.au or call 8276 1144.

Magical Movie Spectacular Saturday 9 March at 7.30 pm and Sunday 10 March at 2.30 pm at the Hungarian Club, 82 Osmond Terrace, Norwood.

Dress in your finest movie star attire and walk the red carpet for a night filled with music from your all-time favourite movies. BYO nibbles/basket supper, bar facilities available. Tickets $20 / Concession $15. To book visit www.adelaidefringe.com.au

The Probus Club of Blackwood (Mens) Celebrates 30 Years

Christmas Celebrated in Mitcham Celebrations were held throughout Mitcham in December starting with the Blackwood Christmas Parade and finishing with the Blackwood Hills Church Christmas Eve Carols.

The Blackwood Christmas Parade, held on the first Friday of December, featured over 70 floats from local businesses, schools and clubs.

Children, parents and grandparents excitedly watched the floats waiting for its special guest Father Christmas.

The Mitcham Library Service was again part of the parade with a “Christmas with Alice in Wonderland” float featuring a giant teapot from the Mad Hatter’s tea party - complete with a sleepy doormouse inside, blowing bubbles at the crowd.

The colourful costumed characters included Alice, the White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts, The Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and other characters from the beloved children’s book.

Men’s Breakfast

The Probus Club of Blackwood (Mens) celebrated 30 years in October at a picnic at Belair National Park.

The Club, first formed in 1982, provides retired men with a regular opportunity to meet with similar people for social fellowship, a cuppa/ chat and listen to guest speakers. Outings, lunches and a monthly social game of golf are also part of the annual program.

Visitors are always welcome to come along on the first Thursday of each month in the Masonic Hall at the rear of the shops at 229 Main Road Blackwood, from 9.30 am to 11.30 am.

The parade finished with the Coromandel Rotary Club Fair at the Waite Reserve, with many stalls providing a festive atmosphere and a chance for a little Christmas shopping.

The City of Mitcham is proud to sponsor the Parade, organised by the Blackwood Lions Club in conjunction with other local Service Clubs, with cash grants and in-kind support totalling around $9,500 to assist with portable toilets, traffic control

and delivery and collection of additional bins.

The Blackwood Hills Church Christmas Eve Carols, held on Christmas Eve at the Hewett Oval, is a popular event with the local community. This event, also supported by the City of Mitcham, features free camel rides, a live Nativity scene, a sausage sizzle and bouncy castle for the children as well as carols with a choir and a special children’s puppet show.

Rotary Club of Brown Hill Creek Helps the Environment The Rotary Cub of Brown Hill Creek continues to undertake projects to help the environment and the community.

The Brown Hill Rotary Club, with the support of other Rotary Clubs, assisted Monarto Zoo to install 14.5 kms of vermin proofing to help prevent feral cats and foxes gaining entry.

The Club also undertook a project to eradicate Bone seed in McLaren Vale with the aim to return the area to its natural bush state.

New members are always welcome to find out how to get involved in the Rotary Club of Brown Hill Creek contact 8373 3625 or visit www.brownhillcreek.rotaryaust.org

For more information call 8178 1142.

Wittunga Under the Stars Enjoy a musical evening at Wittunga Under the Stars on Friday 1 March at the Wittunga Botanical Gardens, Shepherds Hill Road, Eden Hills.

The Lions Club of Blackwood invites you to the beautiful surrounds of Wittunga Botanical Gardens to enjoy performances from St Johns Grammar School Band, The Bearded Gypsy Band, Zen Knights, Studio Flamenco Dancers and BEC JM with Shoo Shoo Mamma’s and Ellington’s Heirs.

Get together with a group of friends and enjoy a great night’s entertainment on the lawn in the natural amphitheatre over looking the lake. Don’t forget to bring a rug or cushion to sit on, your own picnic or purchase food on the night - the Lions BBQ, pancakes and desserts as well as drinks, ice cream, tea and coffee.

Tickers are $18, concession $15, $5 per child or $40 per family (two adults, two children) and are available at the gate, by phoning 8278 2655 or 8278 1230 or from the offices of Iain Evans or Blackwood Pharmacy.

PAGE 11 Mitcham Community News February 2013

Waste and Recycling Collected from your Kerbside Council provides a three bin kerbside waste collection service to residents. The yellow recycling bin and green organics bin are collected on alternate weeks and the blue general bin is collected weekly.

BLUE LID General Household Waste

This bin is used for disposing general household waste that can’t be put in the recycling or green organics bins.

YELLOW LID

GREEN LID

Recycling

Organic Material

Help the recycling process by cleaning all leftover product from containers and removing the lids.

IN Soft plastics (plastic wrap, cling film and plastic bags) Nappies Kitty litter (in a plastic bag) Rags and clothing Broken glass Polystyrene Bubble wrap

OUT Recyclables Green organics

The green bin is used for the disposal of organic material from your garden.

IN Paper and cardboard (newspapers, magazines, junk mail, envelopes, egg cartons and cardboard boxes loose, not bundled) Hard plastics and cartons (juice, milk, custard and long-life products)

IN Vegetable and fruit scraps, cake, takeaway foods and bread

Soft stems of plants Old newspapers

Sawdust and small amounts of wood ash or lime Compostable corn starch bags

Plastic bags (cling film/bubble wrap)

Meat scraps, bones (cooked and raw), eggshells, oyster shells and seafood

Polystyrene and foam (packing materials/furniture filling)

Pizza boxes, shredded paper, tissues and paper towels

Building waste (concrete, bricks, timber and nails)

Cheese and yoghurt Hair

Hoses and trays

OUT

Carpet and hessian Nappies and tissues

Fabrics and clothing (carpet, rags, dusters and towels) Electronic appliances and light globes

Dirt and rocks (sand, gravel and asphalt)

Dead flowers

Lawn clippings, prunings, small branches, twigs and weeds

Ceramics, crockery (ovenproof glass/mirrors and glasses)

Large quantities of building waste (concrete, bricks, timber and nails)

Coffee grounds

Aluminium and steel cans including empty aerosol cans

Medical waste syringes

No dirt/rocks (including sand, gravel, asphalt), hazardous medical waste, electronic appliances, building materials.

Tea leaves and tea bags

Egg shells

OUT

OF THESE GO IN ANY BIN

Fallen leaves and fruit

Glass bottles and jars (not ovenproof glass)

Plastic pots

NONE

Plastic bags and bin liners (don’t put garden waste in bags) Gardening tools and waste (wire fencing and ropes)

To ensure your bins are emptied on your scheduled day you need to:

Place bins out for collection before 6 am Place bins within one metre of your kerb Ensure bins are not obstructed by trees, poles and parked vehicles Place your bins approximately one metre apart from each other Have the wheels of your bin facing towards your property Limit the load of the green organics bins to less than 65 kg Ensure your waste is not packed too tightly Place the right material in the right bin Ensure the bin lids are closed to prevent bin damage and avoid material spilling onto the street Remove bins from the kerbside as soon as possible after servicing

Hoses, seedling trays and plastic pots Building waste (concrete, bricks, timber and nails) Dirt and rocks (sand, gravel and asphalt)

For further information on waste and recycling please contact Council’s Waste Management Officer on 8372 8888 or visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Will you cool your home efficiently this summer?

Have more than one cooling option and use them efficiently to help reduce your energy bill.

Fans which are best suited to moderate hot weather, are the cheapest type of cooling appliance to buy and have low running costs of two to seven cents per hour. Fans create air movement which helps to evaporate moisture from the skin, carrying heat away.

If your home is energy efficient, with good insulation and summer shading consider installing a small air conditioning system as they cost less to buy and run. Never risk your health – in extreme heat an air conditioner is the best option to keep you cool.

Household Chemical Disposal Day a Success The City of Mitcham’s household chemical disposal day, held in partnership with Cities of Adelaide and Unley at the Wayville Showgrounds in November, received over 34,562 kg of household chemicals.

This free event was a great success allowing the community to responsibly dispose of household chemicals such as batteries, fertilisers, swimming pool chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Over 800 vehicles disposed of 34,562 kg of household chemicals with 400 vehicles coming from the

Mitcham Council area.

Batteries, paint and oil were the top three items collected on the day!

Remember paint tins with a small amount of hardened paint can go into your blue lidded waste bin with the lid removed. If the tin is cleaned and free of paint, it can be recycled through most scrap metal dealers, or

Remember recycle right, take lids off, rinse and no plastic bags.

placed into your yellow recycling bin (lid removed).

If you have oil, batteries and paint to recycle visit www.zerowaste.sa.gov. au/at-home/recycle-right to find the closest centre to you.

Thank you to our residents for supporting this event and acting responsibly for our environment.

For more information about waste and recycling visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

To use your air conditioner efficiently: Set the thermostat of your air conditioner as high as you feel comfortable with, try between 24 and 27 degrees. Every 1°C lower can add 10% to the running costs of your appliance Make a cool zone by closing doors to rooms you are not using

Clean the filters of your air conditioner Ensure you have appropriate insulation in your ceiling, and, if possible, walls During summer, shade your windows on the northern, western and eastern sides of your home If you are thinking of purchasing a new air conditioner, get an energy efficient system that is properly sized, correctly installed and for ducted systems, uses energy efficient ducting.

No matter what you are cooling this summer, remember to check the energy rating of the cooler and think about calculating the running costs for each of your cooling options.

This way you can be confident that you are using the most energy efficient cooler in your home.

The tips in this article are courtesy of the South Australian Government’s Energy Advisory Service.

For more tips on energy efficient cooling, including ways to keep your home cool for free and how to calculate an appliance’s running costs, visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call Council’s Environmental Sustainability Officer on 8372 8888, visit www.sa.gov.au/energysmart or phone the Energy Advisory Service on 8204 1888.

PAGE 12 Mitcham Community News February 2013

Council Consults on Parks and Reserves in Colonel Light Gardens Hillview Reserve Mortlock Park Pembroke Place Reserve Reade Park Rochester Avenue Reserve The first step in this review is to seek the community’s comments on the current Community Land

Leaflets and feedback forms have recently been distributed to approximately 15,000 homes and businesses within a 2 km radius of these parks and reserves. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 5 pm on Wednesday 13 March.

2

GRANGE ROAD

EDWARD STREET

Salisbury Cres

ROAD

NORTH

5

Hillview Reserve Reade Park Rochester Avenue Reserve Pembroke Place Reserve Mortlock Park Potential location of cricket nets Location of the existing BMX track Colonel Light Gardens area boundary

c Lan

er ast

Av

e

Lincoln Ave

4

The Grove

4 West Parkway

5 1 2 3 4 5

3

3

Pembroke Place

Clyde Ave

Rozells Ave

2

GOODWOOD

WINSTON AVENUE

1

West Parkway

Rochester Ave Penang Ave

Any amendments to the Community Land Management Plans, the Conservation Management Plan for Colonel Light Gardens and the Master Concept Plan for Mortlock Park as a consequence of this public consultation do not require further consultation when the changes are made to those Plans.

2

East Parkway

1

Consultation with the community will furnish Council with a better understanding of the community’s needs and wants in relation to these parks and reserves. It is a key step in the review of the Community Land Management Plans and will ultimately guide any subsequent amendments to the Conservation Management Plan for Colonel Light Gardens and the Master Concept Plan for Mortlock Park.

Management Plans and issues relating to the future use and management of these parks and reserves.

Flinders Ave

1

Council has commenced a review of Community Land Management Plans for:

5

Freeling Cres

The suburb of Colonel Light Gardens is home to a number of council-owned parks and reserves, each of which is subject to a ‘Community Land Management Plan’ to guide future use and development.

Sturt Ave

SPRINGBANK ROAD

DAWS ROAD

5

5

How can I provide my comments to Council?

Visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au and complete an online survey by 5 pm Wednesday 13 March.

A range of other ways to provide comments, including a scheduled public hearing, has been listed in the consultation leaflet available online.

Where can I find further information?

Further information including the consultation leaflet, a list of issues affecting all parks and reserves, current Community Land Management Plans, useful reference documents and past Council reports, can be viewed at: www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au City of Mitcham Civic Centre, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park Blackwood Library, 215 Main Road, Blackwood Mitcham Library, 154 Belair Road, Hawthorn

Further enquiries can be directed to Ben Hignett, Council’s Senior Planner on 8372 8158 or email mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au