February 2015 Mitcham Community News

February 2015

Celebrate being young with the City of Mitcham during National Youth Week in April.

For all the details on our events, clinics and workshops.

FULL STORY ON Page 12

MITCHAM COMMUNITY NEWS February 2015 Also in this issue 2

Community Development Grants

3

Fire Breaks in Reserves

10 Community Calendar 11 Upcoming Work in Your Street

Meet your new Councillors recently elected in November 2014 for a four year term.

Page 4

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

Page 5

The City of Mitcham 2013 2014 Annual Report details highlights and achievements for our community matched against our Strategic Management Plan.

Page 6

14 Card Mornings 15 Would you like to get out and about 16 Continue to be Bushfire Ready

02

mitcham community news

February 2015

February 2015 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 2015 issue of this publication should ensure they reach Business Partner Communication and Marketing Julie Lamond no later than Friday 6 March 2015.

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 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 Meetings The Development Assessment Panel meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6.30 pm.

Relax Refresh Revive Learn new ways to relax and de-stress with ECH, supported by the City of Mitcham, in March at a Relax Refresh Revive course.

Come along and take some time out and experience a range of relaxation techniques including muscle relaxation, guided imagery and meditation with ECH who provide a wide range of programs that support older people with exercise and activity to promote better health and quality of life.

Over the three week course you will feel more in control of your health, find out about ways to manage an ongoing health condition or pain as well as have the opportunity to meet new people.

The group runs once a week for 1.5 hours for three weeks and costs $10 per session.

The next course starts on Monday 16 March from 11 am to 12.30 pm at Cumberland Park Community Centre, 388-390 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park.

Bookings are essential. If transport is a concern, please contact us to explore your options.

Please call 8361 5350 or visit www.ech.asn.au for more information. This course is run in partnership with the City of Mitcham.

Community Development Grants Local not-for-profit community groups are encouraged to apply for funding from Council through the Community Development Grants program.

Council’s Community Development Grants program provides amounts of up to $1,500 for community groups and organisations to support projects that provide benefits to the local Mitcham community.

Types of projects considered for funding include the following categories: Community Projects Community Events

Facilities Upgrades and Equipment Purchases Priority is given to projects that can demonstrate a high level of community need or for vital upgrades or equipment to continue a project.

A Special Community Projects and Events grant category is available where Council considers one-off requests for funding assistance for special community events or projects. This funding is limited and as it is a decision of Council, is available for application throughout the year.

Applications can now be submitted for the next funding round which closes at 5 pm on Monday 30 March. Guidelines and application forms are available from www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or by calling 8372 8899.

Full Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 pm.

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 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.

Arthritis Workshops Arthritis SA is offering residents in the City of Mitcham an opportunity to attend a free ‘Take Charge of Pain’ course during 2015.

One in four South Australians experience arthritis or a related musculoskeletal condition, and one in five Australians have chronic pain.

A free ‘Take Charge of Pain’ course will help to allow individuals to explore, discuss and learn about strategies to support pain management along with their medication.

The course extends beyond Arthritis and related conditions, as it can be applied to any type of chronic pain.

Arthritis Workshops Location: Blackwood Community Centre Date: Tuesday 3 and 10 February Time: 10 am to 12.30 pm Location: Mitcham Community Centre Date: Wednesday 1 and 8 April Time: 10 am to 12.30 pm Location: Blackwood Community Centre Date: Thursday 7 and 14 May Time: 10 am to 12.30 pm Location: Blackwood Community Centre Date: Tuesday 16 and 23 June Time: 10 am to 12.30 pm

To register please call Arthritis SA on 8379 5711. Maximum 15 people per workshop.

This course is run with funding support from the City of Mitcham.

mitcham community news

Fire Breaks in Reserves The Mitcham hills are a high bushfire risk area, where many homes surround woodland reserves.

Every year the City of Mitcham creates and maintains over 50 hectares of fire breaks in steep, vegetated areas.

An example of one fire break in the Mitcham hills recently completed is in Willora Road at Eden Hills.

February 2015

03

Controlling Weeds in Blackwood Hill Reserve and Randell Park Mitcham Council, with funding from the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, removed weeds from Grey Box Grassy Woodlands.

Weeds including Bridal Creeper, Boneseed and European Olive were recently controlled in 6.5 hectares of Grey Box Grassy Woodlands in Blackwood Hill Reserve and Randell Park.

Council will continue to control secondary weeds and regrowth, remove dead Olives below the fire track in Randell Park and revegetate areas.

Before... European Olives thriving beneath Grey Box trees

Randell Park Above top left: Dominant weeds in Randell Park include Aleppo Pine and European Olive. Above top right: Aleppo Pines have been removed and European Olives have been poisoned in Randell Park. Above bottom left: European Olives are choking this gully in Randell Park which leads up to a fire track below houses. Above bottom right: European Olives in Randell Park have dropped their leaves after poisoning. They will be removed in winter to further reduce fuel loads.

After... Grey Box trees now have a better chance to survive and fuel loads have been reduced for neighboring properties

Blackwood Hill Reserve Above left: Grey Box Grassy Woodland at Blackwood Hill after minimal disturbance weed control. Above right: Dense infestations of Italian Buckthorn and European Olive in Blackwood Hill are gradually being controlled.

04

mitcham community news

February 2015

Introducing Your New Elected Members The Council was elected in November 2014 for a four-year term.

The City of Mitcham comprises the Mayor, who is elected by the community and 13 Elected Members with two Elected Members representing five wards including Boorman, Babbage, Overton, Gault, The Park and three members representing Craigburn Ward.

If you have a question or concern about something in your area, and would like to discuss it with your local Elected Member, their contact details are below:

CUMBERLAND PARK

CLARENCE GARDENS

Mayor Glenn Spear Telephone: 0438 221 762

CUMBERLAND PARK

TON

OVER

GAULT LOWER

SPRINGFIELD TORRENS PARK

MITCHAM

CLAPHAM

PASADENA

MITCHAM

TON

BELAIR

PANORAMA LYNTON

CUMBERLAND PARK

BURN

CRAIG

RK

THE PA

HAWTHORN

WESTBOURNE PARK

URRBRAE

KINGSWOOD NETHERBY

GAULT LOWER

TORRENS PARK

CRAIGBURN FARM

Craigburn Ward covers the suburbs of Craigburn Farm, Eden Hills, Bellevue Heights and parts of Blackwood, Coromandel Valley and Belair.

BELAIR

PANORAMA LYNTON

AGE

BABB

CRAFERS WEST

RK

ST MARYS

THE PA

CRAFERS WEST

GLENALTA

EDEN HILLS

EDEN HILLS

BURN

CRAIG

CRAIGBURN FARM

BURN

CRAIG

BEDFORD PARK

HAWTHORNDENE

BLACKWOOD

BELLEVUE HEIGHTS

Babbage Ward

MAN

BOOR

UPPER STURT

CRAIGBURN FARM

Boorman Ward

COROMANDEL VALLEY

HAWTHORNDENE

BLACKWOOD

BELLEVUE HEIGHTS

UPPER STURT

COROMANDEL VALLEY

Councillor Nick Greer Telephone: 7420 9808

Babbage Ward covers the suburbs of Bedford Park, St Marys, Pasadena, Panorama and part of Clapham.

Boorman Ward covers the suburbs of Brown Hill Creek, Kingswood, Lynton, Mitcham, Netherby, Springfield, Torrens Park, Urrbrae and part of Leawood Gardens.

Councillor David Munro Telephone: 0403 161 462

Councillor Adriana Christopoulos Telephone: 0433 999 121

Councillor Karen Hockley Telephone: 0423 919 080

dmunro@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

achristopoulos@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

khockley@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Councillor Yvonne Todd Telephone: 0418 891 097

Councillor Andrew Tilley Telephone: 0411 158 882

Councillor Lindy Taeuber Telephone: 0420 372 566

ytodd@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

atilley@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

ltaeuber@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

CLARENCE GARDENS

CUMBERLAND PARK

N

TO OVER

DAW PARK

MELROSE PARK

PASADENA

HAWTHORN

WESTBOURNE PARK

URRBRAE

KINGSWOOD NETHERBY

GAULT LOWER

COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS

TORRENS PARK

MITCHAM

CLAPHAM

CLARENCE GARDENS

LEAWOOD GARDENS

SPRINGFIELD

N

MAN

BELAIR

PASADENA

BAB

RK

ST MARYS

DAW PARK

MELROSE PARK

BROWNHILL CREEK

MITCHAM

PANORAMA LYNTON

CUMBERLAND PARK

TO OVER

BOOR

BAGE

THE PA

HAWTHORN

WESTBOURNE PARK

NETHERBY

COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS

MITCHAM

TORRENS PARK

DAW PARK

MELROSE PARK

BELAIR

PASADENA

BAB

RK

ST MARYS

THE PA

CRAIGBURN FARM

COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS

MITCHAM

TORRENS PARK

CLAPHAM

UPPER STURT

COROMANDEL VALLEY

Overton Ward

CRAIGBURN FARM

BELAIR

GLENALTA

BURN

CRAIG

BEDFORD PARK UPPER STURT

COROMANDEL VALLEY

BROWNHILL CREEK

MITCHAM

PANORAMA LYNTON

ST MARYS

HAWTHORNDENE

BLACKWOOD

BELLEVUE HEIGHTS

The Park Ward

CRAIGBURN FARM

ARK THE P

CRAFERS WEST

HAWTHORNDENE

BLACKWOOD

BELLEVUE HEIGHTS

MAN

BOOR

BAB

CRAFERS WEST

LEAWOOD GARDENS

SPRINGFIELD

EDEN HILLS

BURN

CRAIG

BEDFORD PARK

HAWTHORNDENE

BLACKWOOD

NETHERBY

BAGE

EDEN HILLS

BURN

CRAIG

URRBRAE

KINGSWOOD

GAULT LOWER

GLENALTA

EDEN HILLS

BELLEVUE HEIGHTS

Gault Ward

MAN

HAWTHORN

WESTBOURNE PARK

N

BROWNHILL CREEK

MITCHAM

PANORAMA LYNTON

CUMBERLAND PARK

TO OVER

BOOR

BAGE

CRAFERS WEST

CLARENCE GARDENS

LEAWOOD GARDENS

SPRINGFIELD

CLAPHAM

ngreer@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

URRBRAE

KINGSWOOD

GAULT LOWER

GLENALTA

BEDFORD PARK

UPPER STURT

COROMANDEL VALLEY

BROWNHILL CREEK

MITCHAM

GLENALTA

BEDFORD PARK

LEAWOOD GARDENS

SPRINGFIELD

MITCHAM

CLAPHAM

PASADENA

AGE

CRAFERS WEST

HAWTHORNDENE

BLACKWOOD

BELLEVUE HEIGHTS

COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS

DAW PARK

MELROSE PARK

BABB

ST MARYS

RK

THE PA GLENALTA

OVER

MAN

BOOR

BELAIR

EDEN HILLS

CLARENCE GARDENS

BROWNHILL CREEK

BROWNHILL CREEK

MITCHAM

PANORAMA LYNTON

B

BEDFORD PARK

LEAWOOD GARDENS

MAN

BOOR

ST MARYS

gspear@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

URRBRAE

KINGSWOOD NETHERBY

COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS

DAW PARK

MELROSE PARK

HAWTHORN

WESTBOURNE PARK

LEAWOOD GARDENS

SPRINGFIELD

GE ABBA

Craigburn Ward CLARENCE GARDENS

NETHERBY

TORRENS MITCHAM PARK

CLAPHAM

PASADENA

URRBRAE

KINGSWOOD

GAULT LOWER

COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS

DAW PARK

MELROSE PARK

HAWTHORN

WESTBOURNE PARK

TON

OVER

UPPER STURT

COROMANDEL VALLEY

Gault Ward covers the suburbs of Westbourne Park, Hawthorn, Lower Mitcham and parts of Clapham and Colonel Light Gardens.

Overton Ward covers the suburbs of Cumberland Park, Clarence Gardens, Daw Park, Melrose Park and part of Colonel Light Gardens.

The Park Ward covers the suburbs of Glenalta, Hawthorndene and parts of Belair, Blackwood, Upper Sturt, Crafers West and Coromandel Valley.

Councillor Stephen Fisher Telephone: 0407 973 321

Councillor Nicholas Economos Telephone: 0411 659 669

Councillor Tim Hein Telephone: 0403 080 080

sfisher@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

neconomos@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

thein@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Councillor Adrian Rosevear Telephone: 0456 027 296

Councillor John Sanderson Telephone: 0402 517 945

Councillor Mark Ward Telephone: 0458 112 358

arosevear@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

jsanderson@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

mward@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

mitcham community news

February 2015

05

Mr Andrew Tidswell was presented the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award by Mayor Glenn Spear (left) and the Australia Day Ambassador Professor Don Bursill (right).

The Mitcham Brass Band entertained the crowd at Carrick Hill for Australia Day celebrations.

Mitcham Celebrates Australia’s Day at Carrick Hill

Cath and Scott Spencer received the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award on behalf of their son Daniel Spencer from the Australia Day Ambassador Professor Don Bursill and Mayor Glenn Spear.

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

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

On Australia Day, 96 people become Australian citizens during a citizenship ceremony officiated by Mayor, Glenn Spear.

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

The Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Mr Andrew Tidswell for his contributions to the local community over the last 40 years in various voluntary capacities.

Andrew is the current President of the Blackwood Action Group in which he leads and participates in activities that aim to make positive contributions to the hills community through horticulture projects and other streetscape beautification initiatives. He is also the founder and convener of the Blackwood Hills Sustainable Communities Group and a member of the Friends of Adelaide Botanic Gardens volunteering in projects at Wittunga Botanic Gardens. Andrew is an inaugural member of the Blackwood Reconciliation group and also contributes to a program for disadvantaged children at Hawthorndene Primary School.

Andrew is also recognised for his expertise through being awarded Life Membership of Urban Ecology Australia and current Board Member. As a retired Architect, Andrew has focused his efforts on environmental sustainability.

Daniel Spencer of Craigburn Farm was presented with the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Winning this award also made Daniel eligible for the State Young Citizen of the Year which he was awarded at a ceremony at SA Parliament House on 23 January.

Daniel became involved in the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) in 2010 whilst studying and quickly became more and more passionate in

leading youth environmental sustainability initiates.

Dan became the State Coordinator for the AYCC and joined with other community members in 2011 to replace coal fired power stations with solar thermal power plant storage in Port Augusta. This saw Daniel relocate to Port Augusta to champion the cause which saw several community awareness activities such as a 300+km walk from Port Augusta to Adelaide, a community vote of over 4,000 people.

Daniel has been recognised for his commitment to the environment though awards such as the Jill Hudson Award and the inaugural Bob Brown Young Environmentalist of the year award in 2012, Channel 9 Young Environmentalist of the Year 2013.

Dan is an inspirational role model for young people having travelled around Australia meeting them, providing training, workshops, planning sessions and conferences that motivate them to take action against climate change.

The Excellence in Community Service Award was presented to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls Friendship – Dilkara Assembly. The group started in the Mitcham area at the Hawthorn Masonic Centre 40 years ago for girls aged 7 to 21 years and aims to develop skills in leadership and encourage support of those less fortunate in the community. The current group of 10 girls is working on raising $500 each to donate to Sids & Kids cause.

The Excellence in Sport Award was presented to Belinda White of Pasadena for her service to the Sturt Softball Club as a player, coach, umpire and volunteer.

Belinda has been a great leader and role model as a coach, player, Captain, umpire and volunteer. She has represented both her state and country in soft ball and is considered the best softball catcher in the world.

For more information about the 2016 Australia Day Awards contact Chris Bartlett on 8372 8805 or email mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Belinda White was presented the Excellence in Sport Award

by Mayor Glenn Spear.

Mayor Glenn Spear presented the Excellence in Community Service Award to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls Friendship – Dilkara Assembly.

06

mitcham community news

February 2015

CITY OF MITCHAM

annual report 2013 2014

Council has matched its activities against the key result areas of our Strategic Management Plan to form the 2013/2014 Annual Report.

Accessible City Streets, open spaces, community buildings and facilities will be accessible, connected and people friendly.

Road safety improvements were undertaken along Barretts Road around Clapham Primary School and at the Newark Avenue/Ayr Avenue intersection.

The Memorial Arch at Mitcham Reserve was restored and the decking on the Mitcham Reserve footbridge was replaced.

An Emu crossing was installed outside St James Kindergarten in Strathcona Avenue, Clapham.

Lighting and fencing have been updated at the Windy Point Look out.

Traffic and parking studies were undertaken in Clapham/Panorama, Blackwood South, St Marys, Torrens Park and precincts around the Mitcham Shopping Centre, Unley High School and Repatriation Hospital.

Two tennis courts were upgraded at Balham Reserve and one dilapidated court was removed and returned to open space.

Council reviewed its cycling plan to provide an overall integrated cycleway strategy.

156,035 square metres of road rehabilitation works were completed at a cost of $3.1 million.

Edward Street in Melrose Park was resurfaced between South Road and Winston Avenue at a cost of $980,000.

Corunna Avenue in Melrose Park car park and Bailey Reserve car park were resealed.

A total of 16.5 kilometres of new and replacement block paved footpaths were constructed at a cost of $2.64 million.

Bridge maintenance was undertaken on stone bridges in Springfield, a major road culvert in Grand Boulevard Craigburn Farm and on the arched footbridge in Mitcham Reserve.

Council commenced a review to consider relocating the Blackwood Toy Library.

Planning and scoping of the works required at the Blackwood Library was undertaken.

Council began preparing an Access and Inclusion Plan.

A review of the usage of community and sporting facilities was undertaken.

Property management processes have been developed and introduced to deal with unauthorised use of council land.

Sports lighting at Price Memorial Oval was replaced.

Turf rejuvenation was completed at Bailey Soccer and Rugby ground, Price Memorial oval, Karinya Reserve and Blackwood Hill oval during the year.

Playgrounds were renewed at Balham Reserve, Mortlock Park and a new playground was built at Meadowbank Reserve.

Park furniture was renewed at Avenue Road Reserve, Naomi Reserve, Strathcona Reserve, Riverside Drive Reserve and Davies Thomas Reserve.

New drinking fountains were installed at Apex Park, Hawthorndene.

Volunteers contributed 3,052 hours to maintain and preserve garden and open space areas.

4,448 volunteer hours assisted in the management and preservation of Council’s woodland reserves.

An audit was undertaken of all trees in Council reserves.

Installation of a new gazebo, seating, tree planting and landscaping was completed at Netherby Reserve.

Sutton Gardens was upgraded.

A review was undertaken in relation to documents and controls affecting Mortlock Park in Colonel Light Gardens.

The planning and implementation of shared use trails throughout Council’s bushland reserves continued.

mitcham community news

February 2015

At a Glance 65,720

Population of the City of Mitcham

75.7 km2 Council Size

26,000 Properties

252

Parks, Gardens and Recreational areas

1,100

Street Trees Planted

9,431

Immunisations Administered

9,625

Dogs Registered

2,444

Cats Registered

30,712

Liveable City

Mitcham Library Service Borrowers

A well-designed and safe City responsive to lifestyle, heritage, environment and landscape.

1,138 development plan consent decisions were issued.

136 development applications were referred to the Development Assessment Panel.

1,210 building rules consent applications decisions were issued.

Council continued to redevelop and improve the older section of the Mitcham Cemetery.

A total of 1,100 new trees were planted to replace trees removed as a result of tree audits and to fill gaps in street tree planting across these areas.

Council continued to maintain street trees through pruning to maintain health, amenity and safety as well as planting a mix of indigenous, native and exotic trees.

Trees in over 70 reserves were assessed with an emphasis on the condition and health of the trees.

500 storm damaged trees were audited to determine if they posed a safety risk and/or required work to make safe.

Planning for a review of the nature of existing centre zones in terms of location, size, land use and configuration, and to identify any current or potential future gaps in the distribution of centres began.

The Residential Strategy 2014 was adopted by Council.

The Heritage Development Plan Amendment commenced a 12-month ‘interim operation’ period on 13 February 2014. Community consultation was undertaken.

The Cities of Unley and Mitcham developed a draft Public Health Plan.

High risk food safety audits were undertaken for 19 food businesses within the Council area.

80 routine inspections were undertaken as part of the public health inspection program and 16 follow-up inspections were completed to ensure compliance with relevant legislative requirements.

277 inspections and follow-up inspections were undertaken in response to complaints concerning inadequate housing and living conditions, vermin control, waste water treatment systems, public access swimming pools and spas, mosquito control, cooling towers and Legionella control, air pollution and stormwater pollution.

217 routine food safety inspections and 83 followup 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.

9,625 dogs were registered with 452 expiations issued for breaches of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and Council’s By-Laws. Council impounded 246 dogs of which 232 were later returned to their owners.

2,444 cats were registered.

Council wrote to 1,300 residents advising them of their responsibilities under the Fire and Emergency Services Act and asked residents to undertake necessary hazard reduction work.

Council continued to work with landowners to develop voluntary land management plans for the removal of woody weeds and pest plants.

Fuel hazard reduction works were undertaken in Ashby Reserve, Brown Hill Reserve, Tilleys Hill Road, Chowilla Street, Randell Park, Perry Lane, Willora Road and Willunga Street Reserve.

90 community and school based immunisation clinics were conducted with a total of 8,637 vaccines administered.

A total of 15 influenza clinics were undertaken administering 794 Influenza vaccines.

920,125

Mitcham Library Service Loans

400

Toy Library Borrowers

17,529

Toy Library Loans

15,347

Community Bus Trips

25,170 hours Contributed by Volunteers

$30,500 Community Grants

$11,860 Landholder Grants

156,035 m2 Road Rehabilitation

16.5 km

Paved Footpaths Constructed

7.04 km

Kerb and Watertable Renewed

12,529 tonnes Domestic Waste to Landfill

6,392 tonnes Recyclable Collected

8,905 tonnes Green Recyclables Collected

962 tonnes

Domestic Hard Refuse Collected

07

08

mitcham community news

February 2015

CITY OF MITCHAM

annual report 2013 2014

Inclusive and Capable Community A community that welcomes and respects all people and brings them together in friendship and community lead action.

The Library Services received 339,949 visits with 30,712 members borrowing 920,125 items including 58,880 items sent to borrowers at other library services. 21,724 people participated in library activities.

The Library Service prepared to implement Radio Frequency Identification technology and self-service kiosks.

38,481 searches of the Libraries’ subscription databases were undertaken.

11,322 e-audiobooks and e-books were downloaded.

7,350 children and carers attended Preschool storytelling.

2,339 children and carers attended Baby story-time.

The Library currently holds 114,506 books, magazines and audio-visual items.

400 Toy Library members borrowed 17,529 educational toys and games.

Consultation with over 100 local young people and youth service providers were undertaken to begin the development of a new Youth Plan for 2013-2016.

Seminars for young people were held with Soul Divas, Encounter Youth and Sammy D. Foundation.

Over 400 young people participated in National Youth Week celebrations.

The Maggy Ragless Scholarship was shared between Eden Hills and Blackwood Primary Schools to celebrate milestones.

The Mitcham Village interpretive tram signs were unveiled.

30 volunteers provided 3,220 hours for Mitcham Heritage Research.

Each week approximately 600 people participated in activities at the Mitcham Cultural Village.

The Mitcham Youth Advisory Committee was reviewed and 11 local young people were recruited.

Basic home maintenance, domestic care, transport and social support were provided to 1,550 people receiving 49,351 hours of assistance on 36,806 occasions.

$30,500 Community Development Grants was allocated to 27 organisations.

373 residents received 4,818 hours of Domestic Assistance.

$21,500 grants were provided to support the Australian Refugee Association, the Blackwood Christmas Pageant, the Blackwood Hills Christmas Carols, the Blackwood RSL Anzac Eve Youth Vigil, Mitcham City Band, Flinders University to support the Harvey Hayes Scholarship Prize and local Scouts groups.

74 residents enjoyed weekly Lunch Clubs and 1,467 subsided meals were arranged.

A Review of Representation was completed Council’s structure and composition remained unchanged.

Community consultation was undertaken on: Annual Business Plan and Long Term Financial Plan; Heritage Development Plan Amendment; WA Norman Reserve; Blackwood South Traffic Management Review; Denman Tennis Club; Access and Inclusion Plan; and Sherwood Drive Reserve.

Events were held including Carols by the Creek, Australia Day, SA ‘About Time’ History Festival, Citizenship ceremonies, and Voices of the Village.

The Heritage Centre 2014-2017 Strategic Plan was endorsed.

312 residents were assisted with transport and social support to get out and about for social activities at local community groups and venues.

Volunteers provided a total of 4,557 hours of invaluable social support.

744 residents received 4,436 hours of home maintenance.

Dedicated volunteer drivers and helpers transported 291 residents on 15,347 trips.

92 volunteers provided 9,557 hours to Community Participation and Transport services.

360 volunteers contributed 25,170 hours of volunteer service to the community across 27 programs.

Council, in partnership with the Cities of Marion, Onkaparinga and Holdfast Bay, continued to develop a regional climate change adaptation plan for the southern Adelaide region.

mitcham community news

February 2015

09

Healthy Environment A green and biodiverse City characterised by clean air, land, water and responsible consumption.

A total of 7.04 kilometres of kerb and watertable was constructed at a cost of $2.11 million.

Enterprising City

A significant fuel break was completed in Randell Park.

12,529 tonnes of domestic waste was removed from 28,500 properties, 6,392 tonnes of recyclables were processed and 8,905 tonnes of greens were recovered for composting.

A strong and resilient local economy that supports business and attracts investment.

On-going restoration of a Grey Box Woodland continued in O’Dea’s Quarry Reserve.

962 tonnes of hard waste was collected from 5,494 residential properties, with scrap metal recycled.

The 3.2 kilometre strategic fire break along Sheoak Road was maintained.

16 residents visited sites where waste and recyclables go including a domestic waste transfer station, e-waste recycling factory and a commercial composting facility.

Council took on the management of three new Community Centres – Blackwood Community Centre, Hawthorn Community Centre and Cumberland Park Community Centre.

Council undertook weed control in former ‘Caring For Our Country’ grant sites across 67 hectares of Grey Box Grassy Woodland, Blackwood Hill Reserve and Randell Park Reserve.

A fire break was established and weed control was undertaken in Sleeps Hill Quarry Reserve, along with Brownhill Creek Road, McElligotts Quarry and Apex Park.

Council approved $11,860 in grants to five landholders in the Mitcham hills to assist in the control of weeds and revegetation of land.

The Cities of Mitcham and Onkaparinga continued to work together to develop the Sturt River Linear Trail.

An online carbon auditing program has been introduced to measure and report on Council’s corporate greenhouse gas emissions.

Stormwater upgrades were completed in: High Street, Mitcham; Barretts Road, Torrens Park; Cashel Street, St Marys; Batchelor Reserve, Westbourne Park; Suffolk Road, Hawthorndene; Goldney Grove, Hawthorndene; Lowan Avenue, Glenalta; and Adamson Avenue, Belair.

A stormwater infiltration infrastructure was constructed in Naomi Reserve, Pasadena to harvest approximately 750 kilolitres from the stormwater system annually to sustain trees and turf.

Council continued to investigate the effectiveness of permeable pavement systems to manage stormwater runoff, improve street tree health and reduce footpath damage from tree roots.

Approximately 40 TREENET Inlets were constructed to assist stormwater management by harvesting the most polluted ‘first flush’ to reduce runoff and improve water quality in Eynesbury Avenue, Torrens Park and Coolidge Avenue, Lower Mitcham.

A composting information session was held at Gamble Garden, Blackwood.

Two presentations were held to demonstrate the environmental benefits of modern cloth nappies.

Council provided 20 free disposal days to assist residents in disposing of green waste as part of their bushfire season preparation.

1,490 tonnes of green organic material was collected and turned into mulch and compost material.

Council’s street sweeping program swept in excess of 12,400 kilometres of road and prevented 2,987.41 tonnes of material from entering the stormwater system.

The centres have been upgraded with new carpets, kitchens, air conditioning, crockery, tables and chairs being made available for use to the hirers.

Investigations for Part B of the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan continued. Key, feasible solutions include existing creek rehabilitation and specific upgrade creek works, construction of a detention dam (at two sites), construction of bypass culvert systems together with diversion of creek flows along the rail corridor.

Excellence in Government A Council with strong leadership that values its people, customers and partners.

A new asset management system has been purchased to manage Council’s assets.

A major review and redevelopment of core business management system continued.

13 Freedom of Information applications were received. 12 were processed and one was transferred in full to another agency. Of the 12 processed, five were granted full release, six were granted partial release and one was refused.

A total of 20 confidential items, being 3% of the total number of items, were tabled at meetings of Council.

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

Council commenced a procurement road map process.

An on line tendering system was purchased to assist in the management of all pre-qualified panels.

The Risk Management Profile, placed Mitcham overall at the metropolitan Council average of 93%.

Council commenced an extensive cultural development plan to build a great community.

This year 52 staff reached 10 years or more working with the City of Mitcham.

Council employed a total of 313 people; 222 full, 50 part-time employees and 41 people were employed on a causal basis.

The Customer Service Centre handled an average of 5,822 calls, processed an average of 2,345 transactions and 673 customer requests each month and managed 9,625 dog renewals and new dog registrations and 2,444 cat renewals and new cat registrations.

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February 2015

community groups

get fit/social activities

community events

Mitcham Community Calendar Colonel Light Kindergym

Coffee, Craft and Chat

Arkaroola and Beyond Art Exhibition

Children aged six months to five years can enjoy free play on equipment in a fun, safe, indoor environment.

Term One commences Monday 2 February. Email colonellightkindergym@gmail.com or call 8271 8912.

First session is free. Full term and half term enrolments available.

Every Wednesday craft activities and board games between 1 pm and 4 pm at St Columba’s Parish Centre, 3 Rosevear Street, Hawthorn. Afternoon tea provided.

Enjoy Andrew Barr’s solo exhibition until the 20 February at Gallery One, Mitcham Cultural Village, 1 Torrens Street, Mitcham. This beautiful artwork combines photorealistic and impressionistic approaches using the textured foilages, bright colours and sharp shadows which capture the harsh vibrant colours of the landscape. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 4.30 pm.

Adelaide-Mitcham Prostate Cancer Support Group Come along to discuss health issues on Thursday 26 February at 7 pm at the Colonel Light Gardens RSL Club, 4 Prince George Parade, Colonel Light Gardens. Visit www.adelaide-mitchampcsg.org or call 8374 1236.

Blackwood Uniting Church Community Classes Come along and learn a new craft such as painting, mosaics, sewing, scrapbooking, knitting or crochet.

Get fit or meet new people at one of the many classes at the Blackwood Uniting Church. Call 8278 8699, email office@blackwood.unitingchurchsa.org.au or visit blackwood.unitingchurchsa.org.au

Mitcham Kiwanis Come along to a meeting on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Marion Sports Centre, Sturt Road, Marion. Call 8374 3694.

Probus Club of Blackwood The Probus Club of Blackwood meets on the first Thursday of every month at 9.30 am in the rear hall of the Masonic Lodge, Main Road, Blackwood.

Enjoy guest speakers, special trips and lunches or get involved in the golf group on the fourth Thursday of every month. Call 8178 1142 or write to P0 Box 504, Blackwood.

Boundless Yoga Enjoy General Hatha Yoga classes, as well as Playroom Yoga classes for parents of young children 0-4 years Friday mornings in Blackwood. Email boundlessyoga@adam.com.au or call 7220 4978.

Blackwood Hills VIEW Club Women are invited to meet new friends at a luncheon meeting at the Belair Park Country Club on Monday 16 February at 10 am. Guest speaker is Heather Grace, Australian Psychic of the Year who will tell us her story and talk about her life as a Psychic, Palmist, Medium and Author. Cost $26. Call 8370 2289 to book.

Edwardstown Baptist Community Centre Are you over 50? Want to meet some new people?

Come along to the Friendship Club and enjoy table tennis, eight ball, carpet bowls, card and board games and day trips every Tuesday 10 am to 2 pm.

Cost is $2. Bring your project and join an existing knitting, embroidery, quilting or card-making to Café Craft each Thursday from 9.30 am to 12 noon at the Edwardstown Baptist Church Community Centre.

Cost $3. Call 8276 1040.

Twilight Walk Discover the Rich and Famous of Urrbrae and Springfield on a walk conducted by Glen Woodward on Monday 16 March at 6.15 pm from the Unley High School. Cost $5 includes refreshments. Call 0430 472 262 or email julie.a.hogan@gmail.com

Seniors in Harmony Enjoy a free musical performance and afternoon tea on Tuesday 3 March at 1.30 pm at the Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham.

Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton Presents ‘The Power You Own” sharing how to take responsibility for every aspect of our lives, faith under fire, forgiveness, letting go of grudges and keeping a healthy perspective on Wednesday 25 March at 7.30 pm at Blackwood Hills Baptist Church, 72 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood. $10. Supper included. Call 8370 0333.

Little Royals Playgroup

Trinity Baptist Centre Fair

Come along and have some fun while making lasting friendships at the Little Royals Playgroup every Tuesday from 9.30 am to 11 am during school terms at the Edwardstown Baptist Church. Cost $3.

Call 8276 1040.

Enjoy home-made cakes, jams, produce, morning tea, BBQ, drinks, plants, craft, books, bric-a-brac with plenty of bargains for everyone on Saturday 14 March 9.30 am to 3 pm at Trinity Baptist Centre, Bedford Square, Colonel Light Gardens. There will be games, showbags and other activities for children on the day.

The Saturday Bowls Group

Men’s Link Café

Meet at Westbourne Park Community Centre, 390 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park every Saturday at 1 pm to 3.30 pm. Enjoy indoor bowls, special lunches and afternoon tea. Call 8277 6651.

Every first and third Tuesday between 10 am and 12 noon at the Trinity Baptist Church, 8A Bedford Square, Colonel Light Gardens. Call 0412 996 519 or visit www.trinityclg.org.au

Mitcham Village Uniting Church

Strength for Life

At 103 Princes Road, Mitcham invite all men to Men at the Centre for mixed activities, every third Tuesday of the month in the church. Begin with shared pizza at 6.30 pm for $6. Call 0438 705 460.

The Mitcham Village Uniting Friendship Group meets every Wednesday of school term in Tyler Hall from 9.30 am to 11.30 am for friendship and craft activities. $2 morning tea. Ye Olde Village Shoppe and Meeting Place is open each Saturday from 9.30 am to 1 pm. Donations of clean saleable goods appreciated. Call 8278 8259.

If you are over 50 come along to Strength to Life classes at the Cumberland Park Community Centre, 390 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.15 am to 10.15 am. To book call 8278 8833.

Flinders University of the Third Age Holds twice weekly meetings for seniors and retirees at Ascot Park, just off Daws Road and outings, walks etc. Call 8201 3068 Monday to Wednesday 9.30 am to 12 pm or visit u3aflinders.org.au

Bangka Day Memorial Service A memorial service will be held at the South Australian Women’s Memorial Playing Fields, Shepherds Hill Road, St Marys on Sunday 15 February at 10 am to commemorate the sacrifice and service of South Australian Nurses who served in World War 1.

For more information email bangkaday@gmail.com.au or visit www.womensmemorial.org.au

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February 2015

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Upcoming Work In Your Street Further information about the infrastructure program is available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/goto/budget Bridges Preparatory works associated with the replacement of Ayr Avenue Bridge, Torrens Park continue.

Road Works

Hannaford Road, Blackwood Hawker Avenue, Belair Heathfield Road, Bellevue Heights Highland Drive, Bellevue Heights Hillview Road, Kingswood

Road rehabilitation works completed:

Horsell Road, Belair

Egmont Terrace, Hawthorn

Lind Avenue, Belair

Julia Avenue, St Marys

Louis Avenue, Hawthorndene

Sturtbrae Crescent, Bellevue Heights

Martlesham Crescent, Colonel Light Gardens

Winston Avenue (service road), Cumberland Park Road rejuvenation roads completed: Adare Walk, Bellevue Heights Alexandra Place, Craigburn Farm Appleberry Cresent, Craigburn Farm Argyll Walk, Bellevue Heights Bellevue Drive, Bellevue Heights Bluebell Court, Craigburn Farm Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield Clearview Avenue, Belair Clyde Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Cochrane Street, Craigburn Farm Creswell Avenue, Craigburn Farm Darwin Avenue, Hawthorndene Donnybrook Road, Bellevue Heights Gloucester Avenue, Belair

Limpsfield Avenue, Hawthorndene

Myrtle Road, Hawthorndene Nicolle Avenue, Hawthorndene Pasteur Avenue, Hawthorndene Pym Street, Belair Ridgehaven Drive, Bellevue Heights Star Lily Street, Craigburn Farm Suffolk Road, Hawthorndene Sun Dew Avenue, Craigburn Farm Tester Drive, Blackwood Watchman Drive, Coromandel Valley Watts Terrace, Craigburn Farm Woodburn Avenue, Hawthorndene Vine Street, Hawthorndene Road rehabilitation works planned: Catherine Avenue, Clapham Rosella Avenue, Glenalta Thomas Street, Clarence Gardens

Traffic Management

Kerb and Watertable Works

Road safety projects are continuing in:

Kerb and Watertable works are currently underway in:

Clapham - Traffic control devices for Boothby Street and O’Neil Street have recently been implemented.

Carruth Road, Torrens Park

Footpath Construction Paving works recently completed: Ayliffes Road, St Marys Clyde Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Corunna Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Darwin Avenue, Hawthorndene Edison Road, Bedford Park Fullarton Road, Netherby Goodwood Road, Daw Park Light Place, Colonel Light Gardens Lloyd Street, St Marys Paving works underway: Blythwood Road, Torrens Park Carruth Avenue, Torrens Park

Freeling Crescent, Colonel Light Gardens Lloyd Street, St Marys Windsor Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Kerb and Watertable works are planned in: Belair Road, Hawthorn Shepherds Hill Road, Blackwood

Stormwater Stormwater works have recently been completed in: Freeling Crescent, Colonel Light Gardens Mitcham Cemetery, Mitcham Windsor Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens

Comum Street, St Marys

Stormwater works are currently underway in:

East Parkway, Colonel Light Gardens

Centre Way, Belair

Freeling Crescent, Colonel Light Gardens

Coromandel Parade, Coromandel Valley

Osborne Street, St Marys

Diosma Drive, Coromandel Valley

Prince George, Colonel Light Gardens Princes Road, Torrens Park Quinlan Avenue, Pasadena The Strand, Colonel Light Gardens

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mitcham community news

February 2015

National Youth Week 2015

‘It Starts With Us’ Celebrate being young during National Youth Week in April.

The City of Mitcham is recognising the valuable contributions young Australians make to our community with a packed program of free and low cost activities in the April school holidays.

National Youth Week, a joint initiative between the Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Government, is Australia’s largest celebration of young people aged 12-25 years.

Saturday 11 April

Time:

Skate Park Competition

Location: 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. DJ Shep and the Da Klinic team will have stacks of prizes on offer for the multiple age categories and plenty of give- a-ways for having a go. With a live DJ, free air brush and glitter tattoos, as well as plenty of food and drinks for sale, this will be a great day out for the entire family.

12 pm to 3 pm

Cost:

Free registration, airbrush artist and glitter tattoos

Age:

Competitors must be at least six years of age or over

Details: Multiple age categories, prizes and give-a-ways from Da Klinic, live DJ and pro rider judges.

Food and drink will be for sale on the day

Email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au, or phone 8372 8869 for further information.

Registration forms are available from www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or from 11 am at the competition registration desk on the day.

Time:

6 pm to 8 pm

Location: Mitcham Library, 154 Belair Road, Hawthorn

Monday 13 April

Cost:

Free. Food and drinks provided

Age:

Open to young people ages 12-17 years

Details: A range of prizes from Shin Tokyo and Adelaide Comics Centre will be awarded for best costumes in three main categories – Handmade, Half-made and Bought costumes. Plus plenty of games, give-a-ways and free photographs

Cosplay Night Join in the fun as the City of Mitcham hosts its first ever Cosplay Night at the Mitcham Library. Young people aged 12-17 years are encouraged to come along in character costume (Anime, Manga, Comic, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Film, TV, Video Gaming etc) and share your passion for Cosplay with like-minded Cosplayers. There will be plenty of prizes on offer across numerous costume categories as well as free photography, food and refreshments.

Attendance to this event is strictly via pre-registration only and is restricted to those 12-17 years of age, with limited places available. To secure your place at this event, please contact the Mitcham Library on 8372 8244 or email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

mitcham community news

February 2015

Tuesday 14 April

Time:

BMX Jam and Skills Clinic

Location: Mitcham Cultural Village, 103 Princes Road, Mitcham Cost:

Come along for a fun BMX Jam session to improve your riding skills with trick tips from pro BMX rider Ryan Lloyd. There will be heaps of give-a-ways from Little Black Bike, so make sure you book your place to this invaluable workshop.

Free. Lunch and snacks also provided

Age:

Open to young people aged 8-16 years (groups split per age)

Registration is essential as places are limited and parental consent is required for participants under 18 years of age. Email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or phone 8372 8869 to secure a place.

Time:

10.30 am to 12 pm

Location: Karinya Reserve Skate Park, Eden Hills Cost:

Free

Age:

Open to young people ages 10-18 years

Details: Tutorial and Jam session with one of the country’s leading BMX riders to help improve riding skills in a skate park setting. Own bike and helmets must be worn to participate.

13

9 am to 3 pm

Details: Opportunity to explore filmmaking with Adelaide’s only film school for young people aged 8-16 years – Kids Camera Action

Wednesday 15 April

Introduction to Filmmaking Workshop This workshop gives young people the opportunity to explore their interest in digital storytelling in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Workshops are conducted by working professionals in the media/film industry with professional equipment and software available. The team from Kids Camera Action will host an introduction to filmmaking day where you can explore storytelling for the screen, acting for the screen, using the camera and other equipment and then see your work at the end of the day.

Registrations are essential and need to be made by Wednesday 1 April via the Kids Camera Action website www.kidscameraaction.com

Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April

Circus Skills Workshop Join professional circus entertainers from Circus Elements to learn juggling, plate spinning, flower sticks, stick balancing, hand held stilts and hula hoops.

Registrations are essential as places are limited, please phone 8372 8869 or email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au to secure a place for either day.

Thursday 16 April Time:

9.30 am to 11 am

Location: Blackwood Community Centre, 4 Young Street, Blackwood Friday 17 April Time:

10.30 am to 12 pm

Location: Hawthorn Community Centre, 5 Frimley Grove, Hawthorn Cost:

Free

Age:

Open to young people 8 -16 years of age

Saturday 18 April

Time:

Superhero Themed Roller Disco

Location: Blackwood Community Recreation Centre, 1 Northcote Road, Eden Hills

Superhero themed roller disco with live music from DJ Ollie, prizes for costumes, plenty of give-a-ways and games. Food and drink facilities will be available for purchase on the night.

Register early to receive discounted entry or pay on the night. For bookings or further enquiries, please contact the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre on 8278 8833 or email contactus@blackwoodrec.com.au

6.30 pm to 9.30 pm

Cost:

Tickets are only $5 if purchased before the event, or $10 per person if purchased on the night.

Ticket price includes the hire of skates

Age:

Open to all ages, however children under 12 years must be supervised by an adult

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mitcham community news

February 2015

Mitcham City Brass presents Animation Antics Mitcham City Brass will perform Animation Antics as part of the Adelaide Fringe in February.

Under the baton of musical director Steven Packer, Mitcham City Brass will perform an array of music from classic cartoon shows and movie animations through the ages as part of the 2015 Adelaide Fringe Festival, which runs over four weeks from 13 February to 15 March.

Mitcham City Brass will be showcasing a program of music from classic cartoons and movie animations alongside Jasmine Garcia, a young and talented singer from Adelaide.

Come along, bring your friends and enjoy Cabaret seating with bar facilities. Please bring your own nibbles.

Animation Antics will be performed at the Hungarian Club, 82 Osmond Terrace, Norwood, for two days on: Saturday 21 February, from 7.30 pm Sunday 22 February, from 2.30 pm Tickets are $23 or $18 concession and can be purchased online from www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix For more information visit www.mitchamcitybrass.org or phone Mitcham City Brass on 0419 030 746.

All Good Things Come From the Hills – Excerpts from The Blackwood Magazine, 1914.

A new history book ‘All Good Things Come from the Hills’ featuring iconic snippets from the 1915 Blackwood Magazine and historic hills images has been produced to preserve and promote the history and heritage of the Mitcham hills.

This interesting book has been produced by the Blackwood Action Group from the 1914 Blackwood Magazine which covered history, civic matters, local business, social life, sport, music, events and more in Blackwood, Belair, Eden Hills and Coromandel Valley.

The Blackwood Magazine was published for just one year (1914) before World War I intervened.

To celebrate the centenary of the magazine the Blackwood Action Group established a project aimed at giving contemporary readers a snapshot of the lives of local residents 100 years ago.

The book, celebrating the centenary of the magazine, gives readers an insight into the lives of local residents 100 years ago.

The book is on sale for $10 from Habitat in the Foodland shopping centre, local newsagents and Drake Foodland. All proceeds will be donated to Legacy and the CFS.

Vehicle Safety Tips There are a number of valuable items that are a common target for thieves to steal from vehicles because of their value and ability to be sold for quick cash.

They are: Laptops GPS devices Mobile phones Cameras Sporting and fishing goods Cash/wallets To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of theft, please consider the following security tips.

Ensure all valuables are removed from your vehicle or conceal them in the boot of the vehicle before arriving at your destination.

Lock your vehicle doors and close windows.

Install an audible alarm.

At night park your vehicle in a well-lit area.

Engrave your valuables with your driver’s license number prefixed with ‘S’ for South Australia.

Park your vehicle in a garage at night where possible.

Avoid hiding a second set of keys in the vehicle - if the vehicle is broken into, they may find the keys and take the car as well as your valuables.

Avoid placing bags and wallets on the passenger seat where they could be easily grabbed.

Thieves will look into vehicles to see what items can be easily stolen. Even a small amount of cash may be the catalyst for becoming a target. Ensure you conceal or remove all cash and valuable items from your vehicle.

For further information please go to www.carsafe.com.au For more information contact the Police Crime Prevention Section at your nearest police station or visit www.police.sa.gov.au.

Card Mornings at the Blackwood Library Visit the Blackwood Library and play a quick card game with a friend.

Each month on a Friday the Blackwood Library hosts a card morning from 10.30 am to 12 pm. The first card morning will be held on 13 February.

Bring a friend to play different card games, share your tricks and learn some new ones.

For more information call 8372 8255 or visit us at 215 Main Road, Blackwood.

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What are our Community’s Transport Needs?

The City of Marion on behalf of the Cities of Mitcham and Holdfast Bay recently undertook a transport needs survey as part of the Community Passenger Network.

The Community Passenger Network, a state funded project, aims to improve the transport outcomes for residents who are transport disadvantaged within the inner southern metro region.

As part of the project a transport needs survey was undertaken across the Cities of Marion, Mitcham and Holdfast Bay to identify the service needs and destination gaps. A total of 348 residents aged 70 years and over provided valuable feedback to the project.

As part of the next step a business plan, including an analysis of the transport needs feedback, is being prepared for the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion for February 2015.

If grant funding is received from the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion the business plan including the valuable feedback from residents will assist the Inner Southern Metro Community Passenger Network and the Cities of Marion, Mitcham and Holdfast Bay to develop and evaluate service programs.

Thank you to residents of Mitcham for your participation in this survey.

If you are transport disadvantaged, over the age of 65 (50 for ATSI) or you are a young person with a disability we would like to hear from you. Subsidised fees apply for all services. Our services are funded by Home and Community Care with the assistance of the City of Mitcham.

Would you like to get out and about?

The City of Mitcham’s Positive Ageing and Community Care program can assist with transport and opportunities for residents to stay connected with the community.

Important Appointments

Getting to Local Activities or Volunteering

We can organise a driver to take you to appointments to improve your well-being, for example medical or therapy appointments, or if you need to pick up groceries or other items. For more details please contact Krystyna on 8374 7724.

Is your idea of ‘getting out and about’ re-connecting to an activity you used to do? Or trying something you haven’t done before? Do you have the time and passion to volunteer once a fortnight? If this sounds like you we would be happy to put you in touch with what options are available in the community and transport options. To discuss your needs please contact Heather on 8372 8804.

Social Events With the support of dedicated volunteers we host regular lunches inclusive of activities, exercise, quarterly bus trips and speakers of interest. The warm atmosphere and opportunity to meet with friends each week provides guests with a welcome chance to get ‘out and about’. Lunch on Tuesdays is at a venue on the plains and Fridays in the hills. For more information please contact Deb on 8372 8803.

Shopping Mitcham Square offers a wide variety of shopping, health, beauty, gifts and café choices. The City of Mitcham’s Community Bus visits Mitcham Square Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The door-to-door service operates with friendly volunteers to assist with shopping and access-friendly steps to help you get out and about. For more information please contact Katey on 8374 7791.

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mitcham community news

February 2015

Do you need to Book a Domestic Hard Waste Collection?

The free Domestic ‘At Call’ hard waste collection service allows residents to dispose of two cubic metres of unwanted household items each financial year.

Items collected through the hard waste service include furniture, mattresses, whitegoods, scrap metal and small timber off-cuts.

Hard Waste Tips:

For information and advice on protecting your property from bushfire, call Council’s Bushfire Prevention Officer on 8372 8133.

Continue to be Bushfire Ready Maintain your preparedness through the Fire Danger Season. All grass, pest plants and undergrowth must be kept to a maximum height of 10cm over your entire property.

Bushfire prevention is a year round responsibility and necessity.

The best time to fight a bushfire is when there is no bushfire around because the best way of protecting your home, property and family from the dangers of bushfires is preparation.

It is essential to maintain your home during the Fire Danger Season to withstand a Bushfire. If you don’t you may endanger both your own property and the lives and property of your neighbours.

To make sure you are Bushfire Ready you must February March April

Fire Danger Season 17 November 2014 to 30 April 2015 Maintain fuel reduction practices throughout summer.

Check all equipment.

Monitor fire restrictions.

Keep flammable materials clear of buildings.

Rehearse your bushfire survival plan.

Remember permits are required to light fires during the Fire Danger Season.

May June

Review Your Plan Review annual clean up program.

Remove undergrowth and dead vegetation.

Pre-book your hard waste collection. As collection dates fill up quickly we are unable to cater for last minute requests.

Remember, a maximum of two cubic metres of hard waste materials will be collected. Anything in excess of this will be left behind and you will be responsible for removing the hard waste from the verge.

Only place your hard waste items on the verge 24 hours before your scheduled collection day.

Use the sticker supplied by East Waste to help identify your materials as hard waste and not illegal dumping.

To book your FREE hard waste collection service contact East Waste on 8347 5170 or email east@eastwaste.com

For more information visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call 8372 8888.