February 2017 Mitcham Community News

FEBRUARY 2017

Australia Day at Carrick Hill

Mitcham residents enjoyed Australia Day with an ‘Aussie BBQ’, citizenship and awards presentation attended by the Australia Day Ambassador Deane Hutton at the beautiful grounds of Carrick Hill.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 4-5

MITCHAM COMMUNITY NEWS FEBRUARY 2017 Also in this issue 2

Have Your Say on the Draft Strategic Management Plan

4

Win a Full Hosted Street BBQ

10 Community Calendar Win some great prizes at Mitcham’s annual Youth Week Skate Park Competition at Avenue Road Reserve on Saturday 8 April.

Page 3

The City of Mitcham presents its Annual Report Summary 2015-16 matched against key result areas of our Strategic Management Plan.

Page 6-9

The City of Mitcham is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Mitcham and Blackwood Libraries and Toy Libraries opening hours by 5 pm Thursday 2 March.

Page 14

11 Community Ward Forums 12 Your Elected Members 15 Celebrating 30 Years of the Scented Gardens 16 Register Now to Learn How to Live Smart

02

mitcham community news

February 2017

February 2017 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 PMP Limited 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 2017 issue of this publication should ensure they reach Business Partner Communication and Marketing Julie Lamond no later than Friday 3 March 2017.

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.

Have Your Say on the Draft Strategic Management Plan!

Council is inviting feedback from the community on the draft Strategic Management Plan by 5 pm Wednesday 1 March.

During mid 2016 we asked the community about their thoughts on the future City of Mitcham.

We were excited by the ideas, aspirations and values you shared with us as part of the first stage of consultation on the review of the Strategic Management Plan. Thank you to everyone who participated!

You told us what you love about the City of Mitcham and what ideas you have to make it even better.

Your feedback has helped us to develop a revised Strategic Management Plan.

We are now embarking on the second stage of consultation – it’s time to let us know what you think about the draft Strategic Management Plan!

The draft Strategic Management Plan can be found at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/ imaginemitcham, or at: City of Mitcham Civic Centre, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park Mitcham Library, 154 Belair Road, Hawthorn Blackwood Library, 215 Main Road, Blackwood

As part of the consultation, information booths will be open prior to the Community Ward Forums, from 6 pm until 7 pm. See page 11 for details of the Community Ward Forums.

We encourage you to read the draft Strategic Management Plan and provide feedback to us by completing a short survey on-line at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/imaginemitcham by 5 pm Wednesday, 1 March. Hard copies of the survey are also available.

Each submission must include your name and address. The Council will consider all submissions received by the due date however any submissions received that do not provide this information may not be included in the consultation process. Please indicate if you would like your name and address withheld from publication however these details may potentially be accessible under the Freedom of Information Act 1991.

For more information, including the Stage 1 Consultation Summary Report, please visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/imaginemitcham

For more information about the draft Strategic Management Plan please contact Alexa Carr on 8372 8184 or e-mail mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

Website www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Listen to the Mitcham Community News Audio copies of the Mitcham Community News are available on compact disc at both Mitcham and Blackwood Libraries, on Council’s website www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or by arrangement from the Community Information Service.

Council’s Immunisation Service in 2017

Telephone: 8372 8812.

The City of Mitcham provides a range of free immunisation services to children and adolescents to keep your family safe and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Council Meetings

Four regular public clinics are held at two convenient locations.

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

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

March

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

April

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.

Blackwood Community Centre, 4 Young Street, Blackwood (next to Coles)

1

11.30 am – 1.00 pm

5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

15

5.30 pm – 7.00 pm

11.30 am – 12.30 pm

5

11.30 am – 1.00 pm

5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

19

5.30 pm – 7.00 pm

11.30 am – 12.30 pm

3

11.30 am – 1.00 pm

5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

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5.30 pm – 7.00 pm

11.30 am – 12.30 pm

7

11.30 am – 1.00 pm

5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

21

5.30 pm – 7.00 pm

11.30 am – 12.30 pm

2017

Council Civic Centre Open weekdays 9 am to 5 pm.

Mitcham Community Centre cnr Grange Road and Belair Road, Lower Mitcham

May

June

No booking is required, just arrive between the scheduled times with your ‘child's health record’ and Medicare Card.

Full details about Council’s public immunisation clinics are available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or by contacting the Immunisation Team on 8372 8816.

mitcham community news

February 2017

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Skate Park Competition Registrations Now Open Date:

Saturday 8 April

Where:

Avenue Road Reserve Skate Park, Avenue Road, Cumberland Park

Time:

12 noon to 3 pm

Cost:

Free registration, airbrush artist and glitter tattoos

Age Categories: Under 8s, 12s, 16s and Open in both skate and scooter. Please note that competitors must be at least 6 years of age to compete.

Under 18s must have a parent or guardian sign the registration form prior to competing. To download, visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/youth or visit the competition registrations desk from 11 am on the day.

Please note that all competitors are required to wear a helmet to compete. Spare helmets will be available on the day for those that need it.

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

Win some great prizes at Mitcham’s annual Youth Week Skate Park Competition at Avenue Road Reserve on Saturday 8 April.

Local skate and scooter riders are encouraged to get along with their friends and family and compete for some fantastic prizes.

DJ Shep and the Da Klinic crew will be on hand with stacks of prizes, plenty of give-a-ways, as well as free air brush and glitter tattoos.

Food and drinks will also be available for purchase on the day, so come along and support this great local community youth event.

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mitcham community news

February 2017

Australia Day at Carrick Hill Mitcham residents joined together for Australia Day with an ‘Aussie BBQ’, citizenship and awards presentation attended by the Australia Day Ambassador Deane Hutton at the beautiful grounds of Carrick Hill.

Guests enjoyed a citizenship and awards ceremony, live music from the Mitcham City Brass Band as well as a delicious BBQ cooked by the Rotary Clubs of Mitcham and Brownhill Creek. This year, 91 people become Australian citizens during a citizenship ceremony officiated by Mayor Glenn Spear.

For more information about the Australia Day Awards contact 8372 8805 or email mitchamevents@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Win a Hosted Street BBQ The City of Mitcham wants to help you get to know people in your street! What better way than to host a street BBQ. And you can win one by entering our Street BBQ Day competition.

Knowing your neighbours is so much more than borrowing a cup of sugar and feeding their cat when you are on holidays! Meeting your neighbours opens up a new world – future friends for your children, opportunities to share a lift to the city, incentive to walk the dog with another dog lover, or maybe even find a future date!

get to know your neighbours. We will also supply a BBQ pack of meat, salads, bread and desserts.

One special street will also win a BBQ to keep!

We are giving you an opportunity to win a fully hosted street BBQ, with all the hard work done for you! We will help cook the BBQ and assist you to

Stuck for ideas? Perhaps your street has lots of new households, and no one has had a chance to

Enter Today! Visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au, complete the entry form and tell us in 100 words or less “How would a BBQ help people in your street get to know each other”? We would also love to see photos of you and your street!

meet yet? Or maybe your street has quite a few older people in it who find it difficult to get out and about. Maybe there are a few faces you see every day – the lady up the road who walks her dog, or the family three doors down who have teenage children that you think go to the school your child goes to.

Would you like to get to know these people better? If so enter your street! You can enter as many times are you like!

Visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/streetbbqday to enter or call Marcia on 8372 8805 for more information.

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February 2017

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Australia Day Awards Australia Day Awards were presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to our local area.

Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award The Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award was presented to joint winners Rhys Roberts and Rosemary Fisher for their contributions to the local community.

Above: Rhys Roberts and Mayor Glenn Spear.

Rhys Roberts Rhys, who over the past 32 years has contributed distinguished humanitarian service of the highest order to the community through Lions Clubs International, was recognised for his significant contributions.

Above: Rosemary Fisher and Mayor Glenn Spear.

Rosemary Fisher Rosemary Fisher has been a volunteer at Meals on Wheels Mitcham for 18 Years.

During this time she has assisted in the kitchen preparing meals and has also been a regular driver/deliverer on Mondays.

As the Volunteer Coordinator Rosemary allocates volunteer drivers and deliverers on a daily basis to each of the six routes in the Mitcham Council area. This often requires many phone calls and re-shuffling of rosters to ensure there are sufficient drivers and deliverers on any given day.

Rosemary maintains the roster with the greatest of care and always acknowledges the efforts of the volunteers. Rosemary also oversees the Transport Officers who are responsible for signing out reimbursements to drivers.

He has served as Manager for the Lions Club Bargain Centre for nine years and as a consequence of his tenure of leadership, weekly proceeds grew from $800 to $3,000 per week. Every cent raised from this Lions fund raising venture is invested into the local, national and international community.

Rhys also served his Lions District as Zone Chairman and Region Chairman and was elected as District Governor [Chief Executive] of the Lions District 201C2 in 2013/2014.

He is Trustee of the Lions Medical Research Foundation Inc and its Secretary for ten years and is now Vice President of the Foundation.

Rhys currently serves in the bi Districts [C1 and C2] Lions Skin Cancer Mobile Screening Unit Working Committee an adjunct committee to the Lions Medical Research Foundation. When commissioned, the Mobile Skin Cancer Screening Unit will provide free skin cancer screenings for the general public throughout South Australia and Northern Territory.

Rhys was the inaugural Chairman of the Adelaide Hills Combined Community Clubs and Chairman of the Mitcham Hills Lions Christmas Pageant.

The Mitcham branch of Meals on Wheels supplies around 150 hot three-course midday meals to the elderly, disabled and those who are unable to provide or shop for themselves. These meals are cooked and delivered by volunteers that Rosemary oversees from Monday to Friday.

Furthermore, he is Vice President of the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre and Chairman of the Blackwood & District Memorial Hall Inc.

Above: Deane Hutton Australia Day Ambassador, Betty Cobiac and Mayor Glenn Spear.

Above: Deane Hutton Australia Day Ambassador, Danika Pederzolli and Mayor Glenn Spear.

Special Commendation Betty Cobiac

Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award Danika Pederzolli

Betty has been a dedicated volunteer at Council’s Mitcham Heritage Research Centre since 1995.

The Young Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Danika Pederzolli for her contributions to the local community through involvement with the Mitcham Colonel Light Gardens Cadet Division of St John Ambulance.

Betty has contributed an enormous amount to the City of Mitcham’s Local History Service.

She is an excellent researcher and a tireless worker who willingly takes on any task asked of her. Betty has also initiated many excellent local history projects.

Danika became a superintendent early in 2016 at just 20 years old and through her leadership and hundreds of hours of volunteering has inspired many to join the group.

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mitcham community news

February 2017

The City of Mitcham continued to strengthen its financial position to ensure it can continue to maintain and improve the City and services to residents. An underlying operational surplus of $0.62 million was achieved in 2015/16.

Council focussed on listening to its customers and delivering services that meet the needs of residents. A capital renewal program of $15.11 million was undertaken with the major expenditure being on roads, footpaths and stormwater infrastructure across the City.

An additional $3.4 million was spent on new infrastructure including construction of 11 new footpaths including Beaconsfield Road, Eden Hills; Tallerook Road, Hawthorndene; Grandview Drive, Panorama; and Edgecumbe Parade, Blackwood.

The 2015/16 efficiency savings target of $1.2 million was fully delivered with a savings total of $1,207,000. Efficiency savings help Council to deliver the many services needed and wanted by the community, plus demonstrating a commitment to ratepayers in providing the best value possible.

Council, in partnership with the four other catchment Councils, finalised a Stormwater Masterplan for Brownhill and Keswick Creek.

This project involved significant community discussion. The focus now turns to funding and implementing the entire masterplan.

Council worked with the City of Marion to lobby the State and Federal Governments to improve the plan for the South Road Darlington upgrade resulting in improvements to access for local residents and a rail connection across South Road.

A number of highly successful community events were held including a multicultural food and music community event incorporating a citizenship ceremony and Carols by the Creek and six Youth Week events.

The Mitcham and Blackwood Libraries continued to be some of the busiest places in the City of Mitcham with an average of 6,000 people visiting them each week, 22,000 people attending Library events during the year. The Mitcham Library Service was one of the first in the State to achieve eSmart accreditation - an initiative of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to improve cyber safety, increase digital literacy and reduce cyber bullying across Australia.

While Council is far more than roads, rates and rubbish Council’s expenditure on waste management was considerable

at $5.28 million with Council collecting over 24,000 bins a week and building relationships with many of the residents, moving and returning bins for those who cannot do so themselves and keeping an eye open for and reporting anything unusual in the area. A new recycling contract resulted in savings which will now be passed to residents through the reduced cost of additional recycling and green organics bins. Council also received a Keep Australia Beautiful grant for the installation of recycling bins in Apex Park, Hawthorndene and AA Bailey Reserve, Clarence Gardens.

Reducing the risk of bushfire in the hills suburbs has always been a priority and Council spent over $0.75 million on bushfire prevention strategies including reducing the fire load on Council properties while Council’s Fire Prevention Officer has worked with the community to reduce the fuel load on private land and raise awareness and provide bushfire prevention information to residents living in bushfire prone areas.

mitcham community news

February 2017

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FINANCIAL INDICATORS These financial indicators are based on a 10 year average.

Asset Sustainability Ratio

100% 0

25

50

75

100

125

Based on the Asset Management Plans including the planned renewal over the next 10 years and addressing the backlog over the coming years, this ratio indicates that Council is replacing its assets, including the backlog, as planned.

Debt Repayment Term (Years)

28.1 YEARS 0

66,182

15

30

45

60

90

Council is generating sufficient cash from operations to fund asset renewal over the life of the 10 year financial plan and repay debt in approximately 28 years, well within the average useful life of Council’s depreciable assets (around 66 years).

This principle is considered to strike an appropriate balance between financial cost and intergenerational equity and that the debt taken out over the ten year financial plan will be repaid in approximately 28 years, a period less than the common house mortgage.

Asset Renewal Funding Ratio

96.2%

Population of the

0

City of Mitcham

Council is generating sufficient cash from operations to fund asset renewal over the life of the 10 year financial plan to fund the average asset replacement requirement from the Asset Management Plans and Schedules.

25

50

75

100

125

Operating Result

1.8% 0

2

4

6

8

10

Council is generating a moderate level of operating result as a percentage of Council rates over the life of the 10 year financial plan to alleviate the risk of a negative impact on intergenerational equity.

Net Financial Liabilities Ratio

52.3%

BUSINESS PLAN RESULTS Overall Performance of Council against its Business Plan was 94.7%

The following pages provide a summary performance by goal together with key achievements of the Annual Report 2015-16.

0

20

40

60

80

100

Council’s net financial liabilities increase as a percentage of rates income and as a result of redressing the asset renewal backlog that has accumulated over prior years and investing in new capital assets of around $26.45 million over the next 10 years. The ratio however remains under the upper limit of 60% reflecting the affordability of and sustainability of Council’s current and future level of debt.

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mitcham community news

February 2017

Accessible City Goal

Liveable City Goal

Inclusive and Capable Community Goal

STREETS, OPEN SPACES, COMMUNITY BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES WILL BE ACCESSIBLE, CONNECTED AND PEOPLE FRIENDLY.

A WELL-DESIGNED AND SAFE CITY RESPONSIVE TO LIFESTYLE, HERITAGE, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDSCAPE.

Development of the Integrated Transport Plan incorporating, the Integrated Bike Plan, Darlington Upgrade Project, Rugby Street bike way and the Hills Plains Link commenced.

96.5% of complying development applications were processed within two weeks of submission.

A COMMUNITY THAT WELCOMES AND RESPECTS ALL PEOPLE AND BRINGS THEM TOGETHER IN FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY LEAD ACTION.

New footpath construction program deferred from 2014/15 was completed.

Community Centre utilisation of available hours continues to increase as more programs and businesses use the centres with an average weekly utilisation of 32.6 hour per week exceeded the target of 25 hours per week.

Engagement with sporting clubs greatly improved through meetings with 31 clubs and 41 attending Council planning and training sessions exceeding the target of 24 engagements for the year.

Community participation in Library events and activities ran well in excess of targets with 23,957 people participating in activities, in excess of the 20,000 target, and events operating above capacity at 107% with long waiting lists, in particular, for children’s events.

23,211 library e-audio and e-books were downloaded by the community and well exceeded the target of 16,000.

Avenue Road Skate Park additions were constructed.

A new children’s playground at Kinedana Reserve, Eden Hills was designed and delivered for installation later in 2016.

Stage 1 of the Randell Park shared use trail was implemented.

Participants in Library activities

83.25% of consent, category 1 development applications were processed under delegated authority within the legislative 12 week timeframe.

355 volunteers contributed to the community through caring for community gardens and reserves, researching local history, driving a community bus, serving lunch to aged residents and much more.

1,441 residential developments were approved.

Community Development Grants totalling $30,000 were distributed to 32 organisations.

The Heritage Grant Scheme was reinstated and all allocated funds were granted to property owners to assist them in the conservation and restoration of their heritage listed or heritage area properties.

Council held a successful multicultural food and music community event together with a citizenship ceremony on Harmony Day. The event attracted 16 different cultures and 600 visitors.

100% of Council’s tree planting program was completed on schedule with a loss of only 3.75%.

Red Cross REDiPlan community education program to assist people to be prepared for, respond to and recover from emergencies was successfully implemented.

Of the planned 1,000 street trees 850 were planted with an additional 300 trees being planted to landscape rain gardens.

All firebreaks on Council reserves were brush cut or slashed before the fire danger season.

75% of the 1,200 targeted high risk bushfire properties audited were compliant with bushfire prevention legislation.

92.5% of Environmental Health premises complied with required standards.

99% of food businesses demonstrated high compliance with regulatory standards.

Of the 20% of cat and dog owners audited for pet registrations there was a 100% compliance rate.

Council administered 5,931 vaccines through community, school and Council clinics.

Regular and ongoing patrols around schools, hospitals and shopping precincts resulted in a 15.75% reduction in parking complaints.

100% of new pool safety barriers were inspected within two weeks of notice of completion.

Council’s Volunteer Graffiti Removal Program was implemented with 100% of all reported graffiti removed with 48 hours.

100% of all reported urgent pothole repairs were undertaken within two days and others repaired as scheduled.

The five week street sweeping cycle ran as scheduled.

Pilot LED Lighting Trial was conducted in Urrbrae and Craigburn Farm.

Safety fencing at Sleeps Hill Reserve was installed.

VOLUNTEERS

mitcham community news

February 2017

Healthy Environment Goal

Enterprising City Goal

Excellence in Government Goal

A GREEN AND BIODIVERSE CITY CHARACTERISED BY CLEAN AIR, LAND, WATER AND RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION.

A STRONG AND RESILIENT LOCAL ECONOMY THAT SUPPORT BUSINESS AND ATTRACTS INVESTMENT.

A COUNCIL WITH STRONG LEADERSHIP THAT VALUES ITS PEOPLE, CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERS.

Extensive clearing of woody weeds and revegetation of open space areas was undertaken in Randall Park.

A grant from the A&MLR NRM Board of $50,000 enabled removal of European Olive, Aleppo Pine and Boneseed in and around Grey Box Grassy Woodlands in Randell Park (2.57 hectares) and Blackwood Hill Reserve (0.17 hectares).

Bush care work was undertaken in 2.67 hectares of Grey Box Woodland to control Olive, Boneseed, Erica, Italian Buckthorn, Topped Lavender and Watsonia in Sleeps Hill Quarry Reserve a significant environmental benefit area.

Follow-up control of Bridal Creeper and Boneseed was undertaken in ‘Caring For Our Country’ project sites and other project sites at Blackwood Hill – Mt Batten Reserves and O’Dea's Quarry Reserve.

Achieved a 4.75% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Implementation of year one initiatives of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan completed.

New and upgraded stormwater infrastructure project to address known issues and service gaps across the Council area was completed.

Water Sensitive Urban Design street devices were incorporated on projects where there is major road or kerbing reconstruction.

A review of Stormwater Management Plan for the Lower Sturt Catchment area was undertaken through grant funding from the Natural Resource Management Board.

0.7% improvement in diverting materials away from landfill with an overall diversion rate of 53.94%.

Council continued to investigate opportunities for an improved planning policy framework in Blackwood District Centre.

Council has held discussions and workshops with the State Government for the review of the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide advising that it supports the potential growth and expansion of the Mitcham, Blackwood and Cumberland Park District Centres.

Council seeks that the Blackwood Centre be elevated to be a primary renewal area as this is presently a key focus of Council due to its potential to strengthen and grow as a key retail, commercial and local employment centre and maximise the benefits of its proximity to the rail infrastructure.

Council has considered Blackwood District Centre in a Council wide retail analysis study and held discussions with select landowners to better understand their future aspirations for their landholdings and the Centre as a whole.

City of Mitcham provided a range of trainee secondary school work experiences and also university placements to students including hosting a University Social Work Placement student, several University of Adelaide Arts students and several Concordia College work experience students.

Council has participated in the City of Onkaparinga Job Ready project.

Council’s full Annual Report 2015-16 can be found at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or the Civic Centre.

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95% of Council’s infrastructure capital works program was completed.

82% of Council’s natural environments new capital works program completed to date.

A Capital renewal program for all Council owned buildings for the next 10 years has been prepared based on the recently completed building condition audit.

Major review of Council’s Unauthorised Use of Council Land Policy was undertaken to allow rates to now be applied.

2% reduction in the incidence of unauthorised use of Council land.

All service delivery reviews scheduled for this financial year were implemented as scheduled.

The Library Service Operational Review was completed and recommendations provided to Council. It was noted that the Library Service is performing at or above national and interstate benchmarks.

99% of Section 7 requests were completed within eight business days with 98.5% of urgent requests completed within 24 hours.

Community Wellbeing program 100% compliant with Federal funding agreement requirements achieving 132% of service targets.

Customer Service Centre improved call resolution rate at first point of contact to 56%.

The Community Shed was awarded the Local Government Professional Risk Manager of the Year award for their work in safety leadership.

Council was awarded bronze accreditation for the 50/50 Vision – Council for Gender Equity program.

$524.5m INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS

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mitcham community news

February 2017

community groups

events/social activities

community events

Mitcham Community Calendar Probus Club of Blackwood

Mainly Music

Alpha Course

If you are a retired male, come along to enjoy morning tea, guest speakers, outings and lunches on the first Thursday of each month in the rear hall of the Masonic Lodge, Main Road, Blackwood at 9.30 am. New members welcome. Write to PO Box 504, Blackwood SA 5051 or call 8278 8485.

Introduce you child (0-5 years) to music every Thursday at 9.45 am at St Michael’s Anglican Church, Mitcham. $5 per family. Call 0418 844 982 or email music@mitchamanglican.org.au

Explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view each Monday night 6 February to 10 April, 7 pm at Blackwood Hills Baptist Church, 72 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood. Call 0403 603 929 or 8370 0333.

Join the Adventure, watch Bear Gryll’s story at alpha.org.au

Colonel Light Gardens Ladies Probus Club Enjoy fellowship, guest speakers and lunch on the first Friday of the month at 10 am at the Colonel Light Gardens Uniting Church, 560 Goodwood Road, Daw Park. Call 8276 8228.

Mitcham Kiwanis Needs new members! Mitcham Kiwanis Club is involved with the Terrific Kids Program at a local primary school in Mitcham and is seeking to become involved with more schools in the area.

Help improve the community we live in by joining the Mitcham Kiwanis who meet twice a month at the Marion Sports Centre, Sturt Road, Marion.

Call 8374 3694.

Rotary Club of Mitcham The Rotary Club of Mitcham meets Wednesdays at the Edinburgh Hotel, High Street from 6.30 pm to 8 pm for a meal, fellowship and guest speaker.

Become involved in local and international projects and fundraising including our Bookshop at Shop 2, 448 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park. Email mitcham.rotary@gmail.com or call 0418 788 401.

Picket Fence Community Garden Open Monday, Thursday and Friday 9 am to 3 pm at 1167 South Road, St Marys. Plants, vegetables and gardens boxes for sale at the monthly market on the second Thursday 9 am to 1.30 pm. Volunteers, students and school groups welcome. Email rcollett@anglicaresa.com.au or call 0478 4555 334.

Adelaide-Mitcham Prostate Cancer Support Group The Adelaide-Mitcham Prostate Cancer Support Group will meet on Thursday 23 February at the Colonel Light Gardens RSL Club, 4 Prince George Parade, Colonel Light Gardens from 7 pm to 8.45 pm. The February meeting will include the AGM, general discussion and a DVD. Visit www.adelaide-mitchampcsg.org or call 8277 3424.

Friday Morning Craft Bring along your card-making, scrapbooking, crochet or knitting or any other craft every Friday 9.30 am to 11.30 am in the hall at St Michael’s Anglican Church, Mitcham. Cost $5. Call 0415 257 909.

Quarterly Folk Dance

Come along each Sunday at 10 am or 7 pm at 72 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood to enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere at Blackwood Hills Baptist Church. There are people of all ages, great music and fun activities for the kids. Call 8370 0333 or visit bhbc.org.au

Enjoy the Australian Traditional and Bush Dance Society of SA’s second quarterly Mitcham Village Folk Dance for 2017 on Saturday 1 April from 8 pm to 11 pm at the Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham. Music by Telenn Tri. All dances are called, flat shoes recommended.

No previous experience is needed and you don’t need to bring a partner. Cost $15.

Visit www.atbdsdancesa.com.au or call 0418 837 411 or 8296 6020.

Village Church at Melrose Park

Seniors in Harmony

Blackwood Hills Baptist Church

Every Sunday at 10.30 am at the Edwardstown Primary School. Join a new and growing familyfriendly church. Visit thevillage.org.au or call 8370 3256.

Clarence Gardens Bowling Club The Knights invite you to join their club at Winona Avenue, Clarence Gardens (Bailey Reserve) to play bowls in competitive Pennant Bowls, Open Social Bowls or Night Owls. Meals are available from 5.30 pm. Come and try every Wednesday or Saturday at 12.20 pm throughout the year.

Email cgbc@bigpond.com or call 8271 5039.

Care and Share at Trinity If you are 65 years of age or older come along and enjoy activities, exercise, meals, and games as well as meet new people every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. Morning tea and a hot lunch provided each day. Email careandshare@adam.com.au or call 8276 1144.

Edwardstown Baptist Church Community Centre If you are over 50 and would like to meet new friends, join the Friendship Club. Enjoy table tennis, eight ball, carpet bowls, card and board games, day trips and trading tables every Tuesday 10 am to 2 pm. Cost $2. If you fancy yourself as crafty bring along your project and join an existing knitting, embroidery, quilting or cardmaking group or learn a new skill while having a chat each Thursday 9.30 am to 12 pm. Cost $3.

Call 8276 1040.

Enjoy a free song and dance concert on Tuesday 7 March at the Mitcham Cultural Village, Institute Hall, Princes Road, Mitcham from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm, followed by afternoon tea.

Felting Join Gallery One at the Mitcham Cultural Village on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month for felting. Felting creates all sorts of items including scarves, hats, slippers and bowls to name a few. Email office@galleryone.com.au or call 8272 4504.

Japanese Beading Learn and share the art of Japanese Beading on the fourth Thursday of each month. Call 8272 8265 or email office@galleryone.org.au We need a hero!

Enrol now in a SAYarts April School Holiday Claire Glenn and Anthony Kelly Adventure for 7-11 year olds. Three days of dreaming, thinking, making and playing. Dark forces are plaguing our planet. We need to stop them before it's too late. We need a hero. Come be our hero! 9.30 am to 4.30 pm for three days at the Westbourne Park Community Hall. Cost $220/$165. To book visit www.trybooking.com/250286. For more information visit www.sayarts.com.au Boundless Yoga Join Boundless Yoga for Hatha Yoga classes, as well as speciality Playroom Yoga classes, in Blackwood on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Hatha Yoga Classes are open to all levels and include a balance of physical poses, breath work and relaxation. Playroom Yoga Classes are open to parents with children aged 0-3 years; who are welcome to attend and join in with the class. Call 7220 4978 or email boundlessyoga@adam.com.au

mitcham community news

February 2017

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Enjoy your Pool this Summer This summer keep your pool clean and the water sparkling.

With the weather getting warmer, it is important to keep your pool water sparkling. Adequate testing and maintenance of swimming pool water is a health and safety issue and should be done regularly across the swimming season. Swimmers introduce micro-organisms, body secretion, sunscreen lotions and other pollutants to the water.

Pool water must be maintained at a high quality to prevent ear, eye, skin and intestinal infections.

In the normal operation of swimming pools, water is collected by the filtration system which captures and contains pollutants in the filter. To work efficiently, swimming pool filters require regular backwashing to clear out all the contaminants.

How Should You Dispose of Your Pool Water Swimming pool backwash water must not be discharged to or allowed to run-off into roadways, gutters, creeks, rivers, lakes, coastal waters or neighbouring properties.

Backwash from swimming pools must be directed to the sewer or used to irrigate your lawn or garden area. Swimming pools should be permanently connected to the sewer at the time of installation or construction, and with approval from SA Water telephone 1300 650 950. Don’t let pool water run into septic tanks or other waste water disposal systems; use the water on grass or garden areas or stone-filled trench areas.

Don’t forget if you have a salt chlorinated pool you need to have salt tolerant plants and occasionally water with clean, good quality water.

For more information contact the Environmental Services Department on 8372 8816 or visit www.epa.sa.gov.au/files/8428_guide_swp.pdf or www.sawater.com.au/__data/assets/ file/0016/11428/Swimmingpools.pdf

One Mitcham Many Cultures Are you interested in getting involved in our Multicultural Fair at St Marys in April?

The City of Mitcham is holding its award winning Multicultural Fair on Sunday 2 April and we would love to get the community involved in planning activities for the day.

We are looking for performers, caterers/food providers, community groups, schools, kindys, childcare centres, sports clubs and churches to come along and be part of this fantastic event!

One Mitcham Many Cultures Multicultural Fair Date:

Sunday 2 April

Time:

1 pm to 6 pm

Venue: St Marys Park, Laura Avenue, St Marys

To register your interest, please email mitchamevents@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call 8372 8805.

Do you have an opinion or want to be heard? Our Community Forums are an excellent way of sharing your views, as well as hearing what other residents in your area have to say on issues which are important to you.

It is a great opportunity to meet your local Elected Members. These public meetings also enable the Council, community and other organisations to work collaboratively and this year you will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on Council’s draft Strategic Management Plan, which sets out our vision for the future of Mitcham.

Community Forum for Boorman and Gault Wards

Residents are invited to attend their local forum:

7 pm Monday 13 February 2017

Community Forum for Craigburn and The Park Wards

City of Mitcham, Mayor's Parlour, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park.

(Blackwood, Belair, Bellevue Heights, Coromandel Valley, Crafers West [part], Craigburn Farm, Eden Hills, Glenalta, Hawthorndene and Upper Sturt)

Community Forum for Babbage and Overton Wards

Blackwood Community Centre, 4 Young Street, Blackwood.

Your involvement could be as part of our volunteer planning working group, providing information or activity on the day, or adding to the delicious multicultural fair with food or performances.

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=silXeym1zsw and discover One Mitcham Many Cultures.

Community Ward Forums

7 pm Monday 6 February 2017

This event has been created to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness in the City of Mitcham and create connectedness between new residents to the area with community groups and community members.

(Brown Hill Creek, Clapham [part], Colonel Light Gardens [part], Hawthorn, Kingswood, Leawood Gardens, Lower Mitcham, Lynton, Mitcham, Netherby, Springfield, Torrens Park, Urrbrae and Westbourne Park)

(Bedford Park, Clapham [part], Clarence Gardens, Colonel Light Gardens [part], Cumberland Park, Daw Park, Melrose Park, Panorama, Pasadena and St Marys) 7 pm Monday 20 February 2017 St Marys Park Clubrooms, Laura Avenue, St Marys

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 two weeks prior to the relevant forum.

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

Be addressed to: City of Mitcham PO Box 21 Mitcham Shopping Centre Torrens Park SA 5062 or email: mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or complete an online feedback form on www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/ communitywardforums For more information call 8372 8899.

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mitcham community news

February 2017

Mayor Glenn Spear

Craigburn Ward Cr Lindy Taeuber

Babbage Ward Cr Yvonne Todd

Telephone: 0438 221 762

Telephone: 0420 372 566

Telephone: 0418 891 097

gspear@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

ltaeuber@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

ytodd@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

After a very busy lead up to Christmas it was very enjoyable to have a break. However we are now well into 2017 and back to dealing with the day to day operations.

Happy New Year! By now most of us are back in the groove and a new year well underway. I hope you have had some beach time, read a good book and enjoyed time with family and friends.

Your Councillors work on matters that concern the entire Council district, however in this column I will only reflect on the major Craigburn Ward projects of 2016.

Bellevue Heights: Council has partnered with the primary school on the 'Way2Go' Road Safety Program to encourage students to walk or bike to school. Bellevue Heights west residents were consulted regarding parking concerns in their area, with Council set to make a decision about the issues raised in coming weeks. Meanwhile, inconsistency around the naming of Glenwood Reserve has been resolved and the Master Plan for Manson Oval progressed.

Belair (part): Several roads - including Gloucester Road - have been resealed, while the nearby Belair Community Centre is entering a new phase following the election of a new committee and the retirement of the former committee after many years of service to the community.

Blackwood: I have been very active in negotiating the location of a future Library/ Activity Centre on Young Street, with Council envisioning this site as the 'heart' of Blackwood.

The hope is to inspire innovative solutions by land holders, business and the community to resolve the connectivity, aesthetic and parking issues. Elsewhere, new clubrooms for Hewett Oval will be constructed in 2017 to provide solid facilities for the sporting clubs and community.

Construction of speed humps to slow the very significant speeding on Brighton Parade will also be undertaken this year.

Coromandel Valley (part): The Sturt River Linear Trail continues to grow and I encourage you to walk this scenic and historic track if you haven't yet done so.

Craigburn Farm and Blackwood Park: Council will finalise the opening of Hayman Retreat in its current single lane configuration to allow controlled traffic access through the north west of these suburbs following the installation of the traffic slowing humps on Brighton Parade.

Eden Hills: I have secured funding for a footpath along Willora Street to provide safe walking for school children, train commuters and residents alike, with construction to commence this year.

A new playground has also been installed at Kinedana Reserve, while discussions are occurring with Wittunga Botanic Gardens about a 'natureplay' style playground at Wittunga.

I was also thrilled to be part of several notable community celebrations in 2016, including Belair National Park's 125th birthday, Eden Hills Primary School's 100th birthday and the revival of the Blackwood Christmas Tree Festival. Now at the halfway mark of my first term as a Councillor, I am very much focussed on and enjoying engaging deeply with the community, and am looking forward to listening to your feedback and speaking out on your behalf in the chamber in 2017. www.facebook.com/LindyTaeuberCouncillor

Welcome to the first Babbage Ward update for 2017. I wish you all a fabulous and flawless year.

Elected Members will be submitting their budget allocation bids for the coming financial year and it is indeed a busy time for the Councillors to prioritise the various submissions.

I am mindful that we have to be fiscally responsible whilst ensuring that infrastructure works are maintained. Mitcham Council enjoys a strong financial position and I am comfortable with our debt repayment, and new capital expenditure commitments. We have planned for increased expenditure on tree replacement in suburban streets, stormwater maintenance and replacement, increased footpath expenditure and I hope that Council will support the redevelopment of the Mitcham Library.

We had a few “stings” from the government, in particular substantial increases in our waste levy. I was very disappointed at the tax increases applied without any prior notice.

We are waiting for Minister Hunter to formalise the Brownhill Creek flood mitigation arrangements between his government and the five involved Councils. Hopefully an announcement will be forthcoming soon.

Once again Council held an Australia Day celebration at Carrick Hill It is an important day to celebrate what a great area but more importantly what a great country we live in.

Well done to all of the nominations for the Australia Day Awards and in particular my congratulations to Ms Rosemary Fisher and Mr Rhys Roberts as joint winners of the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award and Danika Pederzolli as the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award.

In addition Ms Betty Cobiac received a special commendation for the Australia Citizen of the Year Award. Well-deserved recipients indeed.

For my New Year resolution I would like to see a reduction in spending money on consultants thus saving ratepayers funds – see how I go!!!!

Tracey and I would like to wish all of our community a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year.

There are many changes to State and Local Government coming this year and so it is critical for all residents to think about how they will talk and work together to improve and safe guard their communities. Let’s reach the end of 2017 and see that so much has been achieved in our community.

I will continue to advocate strongly for residents and I encourage you to call or email if you need support. I already attend many community meetings and will continue to do this as it provides an opportunity to hear your local concerns.

Last year Mitcham Council received a beautiful ceramic bust of Benjamin Babbage from artist Michael Smerd. It is currently held at the Civic Centre, but hopefully a home will be found for it in Babbage Ward. Mr Babbage (1815-1878) is one of Mitcham’s well known historical characters who owned a vineyard and house on Daws Road St Marys and served as Mitcham Council’s first Chairman.

At the writing of this article, the two major decisions about Bedford Park; parking restrictions and location of an additional egress out of Bedford Park, have not been made by the Chamber. Both decisions will affect all residents, businesses and workers in the precinct. Consultations show that the views held are strongly opposed and both issues are complex and emotive.

Part of the emotion is caused by the uncomfortable conditions in which many Bedford Park residents are currently living, due to unreasonable pressure caused by the road works on South Road, construction at Flinders Hospital and lack of staff and student parking provided

by Flinders. Unfortunately this pressure is now in St Marys near Ragless Reserve, opposite Tonsley.

Several access roads onto South Road will soon be blocked. This will mean ongoing changes in traffic movements through St Marys.

Unfortunately, although I fight against such issues, Council alone has little influence on DPTI. Many of the problems are identified by myself and the resident representatives at the DPTI Community Liaison Group. It is essential that this group continues to have continuity and strong Bedford Park and St Marys resident representation to try to influence decisions.

I want to re-assure you that I am very busy with many other activities across all of Babbage; for example, helping residents with their storm damage issues, raising concerns about Centennial Park impact on residents, discussing problems with parking around the Pasadena Shopping Centre caused by staff car parking in the suburb, and participating with ERBA to help local Mitcham businesses. Also I am on the Pasadena High School Governing Council and was thrilled to present a City of Mitcham Mayoral Award to a student for her contribution to both the Mitcham Community and society in general.

I sincerely look forward to working with you and supporting your with resident issues this year, to make 2017 a great year.

mitcham community news

February 2017

13

Overton Ward Cr Nicholas Economos

Gault Ward Cr Adrian Rosevear

The Park Ward Cr Tim Hein

Telephone: 0411 659 669

Telephone: 0417 741 650

Telephone: 0403 080 080

neconomos@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

arosevear@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

thein@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

I hope you enjoyed the Christmas and New Year’s festivities. I trust you were able to spend quality time with family and friends.

2017 is shaping up to be quite a busy year for Gault and Mitcham in general. Gault was particularly busy with the flood event of Brown Hill Creek, which reinforced the need for action on the creek rehabilitation works. Funding, as always, is an issue. The five catchment Councils, through the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project, continue to lobby the State Government to contribute their share of the cost. The timely implementation of the plan relies on matched funding from the State.

Happy New Year everyone There seems to be a strong sense that many people had a tough 2016. I certainly hope this year brings some redemptive flourishing in your life.

It was pleasing to see that in the 13 December Full Council meeting, a motion was passed for administration to develop a concept plan for the Blackwood Activity Centre as well as a Landscape Masterplan for the Waite Reserve Precinct. Whilst there is no committed funding for acting upon these projects, Council had certainly sent the message that we are serious about doing all we can to revitalise Blackwood. These are matters that the community will no doubt have views on, and will rightly speak into. There is much water to go under the bridge yet.

May I take this opportunity to welcome Jane Bange, who is now well established following her election as my fellow The Park Ward Councillor.

2016 was a productive year. I heard local residents’ views on various topics ranging from traffic concerns to local reserve maintenance.

Whilst some of these issues have been resolved there is still further work to be undertaken collaboratively with residents and the Council, moving into 2017.

I would like to thank my wife Christine for her ongoing support over the last two years.

Furthermore, I congratulate the hardworking and dedicated Council administration for delivering a budget surplus in 2015 and 2016. I will continue to promote low Council rates for the next budget.

Dog By-laws At the Full Council meeting on the 13 December 2016 Council voted in favour of additional community education and dog off-leash areas in the City of Mitcham. The supporting infrastructure, their location and development is to be identified and included in the next Dog and Cat Management Plan 2017-2023, due to start in early 2017. The recommendations of the City of Mitcham Dogs Off-Leash Study include review of the off-leash and on-leash times at Avenue Reserve, Cumberland Park. Hopefully, any future dog control measures will assist dog owners and other residents to use the areas together, with confidence.

Library Opening Hours At a recent Full Council meeting a majority of Councillors voted for consultation of the community about reducing the opening hours of the City of Mitcham Libraries. I voted for no change in the opening hours of the Libraries. I believe that the Libraries provide an essential connection place for the local community. For example, the Libraries provide a meeting place for book clubs and deliver story telling to young children. Further, the Libraries are an important educational hub.

Community Events Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Citizenship Ceremony in Cumberland Park Community Centre. It was pleasing to see a large number of people receive citizenship in Australia and I congratulate those persons on such an achievement.

Further, I attended a Friday night playing session of the Goodwood Baseball Club at Mortlock Park Oval in Colonel Light Gardens. It was wonderful to see so many keen young children having fun playing baseball.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any issues or concerns.

Mitcham Library. Late last year I successfully introduced a motion to the chamber to begin initial plans for the renovation of the existing Mitcham Library at Soldiers Memorial Gardens in Hawthorn.

I have always believed the Library facility, whilst first class in services provided, is in dire need of expansion and improvement. The plan is to enlarge the footprint of the Library by improving the use of the site, particularly the park outlook. Opening the Library up to the park view, improving access, increasing the technology space and providing better facilities such as community meeting rooms are just some of the ideas being floated. The Library improvements are a part of the Hawthorn Parks masterplan, which lie in the background to create and improve on the linear park from Belair Road Soldier's Memorial Garden through to Delwood Reserve on George Street. The old bowling green, a Council property that is vastly under-utilised, also forms part of this area. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on these parks and community buildings - I have already spoken with a number of community groups who have some great ideas on how we could best improve and use this important part of Gault.

Park and Reserve Upkeep. I have received a number of enquiries over the past months regarding the state of our parks and reserves throughout the area. In particular, the frequency of mowing of grass has been an issue many in the community are concerned about. I am aware that the large amount of reserves we have in Mitcham results in a heavy demand on the infrastructure staff, especially during the fire season where assets are needed in the hills region. However, residents have contacted me not only in fire season so I will be asking staff to look at ways we can improve the service in this area, be it through an increase in funding for the department or other improvements that will improve the service provided.

Ward Forum. A reminder that the Community Ward forum for Gault and Boorman Wards, is to be held at 7 pm on February 13 at the Council Chambers.

Please attend if you wish to discuss with the Mayor, Elected Members and senior staff any issues in the area. The Forum is a good chance to both formally and informally catch up and talk Mitcham.

Please be in contact on 0417 741 650, follow me on Facebook at Councillor Adrian Rosevear, or email arosevear@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au if you want to talk about the area.

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

Council’s Community Development Grants program provides a range of grant categories and funding opportunities which are easy to apply for.

The next round of Community Development Grants Funding closes at 5 pm on Thursday 30 March 2017.

The Community Development Grants scheme enables Council to work in partnership with the community by providing financial support to extend the capacity of groups and organisations 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.

For further information visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/ communitygrants or contact 8372 8805.

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mitcham community news

February 2017

Have your Say on Mitcham’s Library Hours The City of Mitcham is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Mitcham and Blackwood Library and Toy Library opening hours by 5 pm Thursday 2 March.

During 2016 an Operational Service Review was undertaken of our Libraries to gauge their performance against similar South Australian Council Libraries and national benchmarks.

This involved analysing current services and identifying opportunities to improve our Library Services, particularly in regard to the provision of our Toy Library Service.

As a result of this review Council is considering reducing the hours of the Libraries and Toy Libraries at both Mitcham and Blackwood.

Proposed Library Hours Blackwood Library Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

10 am to 5.30 pm 10 am to 5.30 pm 10 am to 5.30 pm 10 am to 7 pm 10 am to 2 pm 10 am to 4 pm 2 pm to 5 pm

Proposed Toy Library Hours

If approved the Blackwood Library would close one hour earlier at 7 pm on Thursdays instead of the current 8 pm.

Mitcham Toy Library

Mitcham Library

Wednesday Saturday

2.30 pm to 5 pm 10 am to 12 noon

If approved the Mitcham Toy Library will no longer open on Thursdays between 10 am and 12.30 pm.

Blackwood Toy Library Tuesday Thursdays

9.30 am to 11.45 am 4 pm to 6.30 pm

If approved the Blackwood Toy Library will no longer open on Wednesdays between 9.30 am and 11.45 am.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

10 am to 5.30 pm 10 am to 5.30 pm 10 am to 7 pm 10 am to 5.30 pm 10 am to 2 pm 10 am to 4 pm 2 pm to 5 pm

If approved Mitcham Library would close one hour earlier at 7 pm on Wednesdays instead of the current 8 pm.

How can you provide feedback?

We invite your feedback on the proposed changes to the Mitcham and Blackwood Library and Toy Library hours by 5 pm Thursday 2 March by Completing an online survey at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/libraryhours Collecting a feedback form from the City of Mitcham Civic Centre, Mitcham Library, Blackwood Library or both Toy Libraries.

Each written submission must include your name and address. The Council will consider all submissions received by the due date. However any submissions received that do not provide this information may not be included in the consultation process.

Please indicate if you would like your name and address kept confidential however these details may potentially be accessible under the Freedom of Information Act 1991.

Babytime Babytime, for children up to two years, is held on alternate weeks at the Mitcham Library on Wednesday and the Blackwood Library on Thursday at 10.30 am.

Mitcham Library 22 February 8 and 22 March 5 April Blackwood Library 23 February 9 and 23 March 6 April Songs and rhymes aimed at 0-2 year olds, their parents, grandparents and caregivers. Come along and meet other new parents and gain confidence in singing and communicating with your child.

Agedcare Alternatives Do you have questions about aged care?

Agedcare Alternatives is hosting free fortnightly sessions at the Mitcham Library to answer your questions about the aged care system.

Simply drop in and ask us a question between 1 pm and 3 pm on Monday:

Storytime for Preschoolers Storytime and craft sessions for preschoolers are held weekly at the Mitcham and Blackwood Libraries.

Sessions, which are sometimes noisy, sometimes crazy, but they are always fun, are held at the Blackwood Library on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10.30 am, at the Mitcham Library on Monday and Thursday at 10.30 am.

20 February 6 and 20 March 3 April 1 May Discover information about community care, residential care, respite, retirement villages and many other relevant aged care programs and topics.

Preschoolers, with their parents, grandparents or caregivers, are entertained for an hour with stories, songs and craft. It is a great opportunity to meet other local families and enjoy quality time with your child.

Agedcare Alternatives does not provide assessment or advisory services and cannot guarantee access to services.

For details about session times and locations please contact Blackwood Library on 8372 8255 or Mitcham Library on 8372 8244.

Agedcare Alternatives is sponsored by Resthaven Inc.

mitcham community news

February 2017

15

Celebrating 30 Years of the Scented Gardens A morning tea was held to celebrate 30 years of the Scented Gardens located behind the Mitcham Library at Hawthorn.

Join our New Health and Well Being Classes

The Scented Gardens was opened in 1986 as a South Australian sesquicentenary (150 years) project. The garden has raised beds and wide paths to provide easy access for disabled people to enjoy the aromas, flowers and foliage of the plants. A nose sculpture, created by Neil Cranney, is a distinctive feature of the garden.

Council volunteers regularly care for the gardens and take great pride in what the garden has to offer to the community. Unfortunately recent plant thefts from the garden have occurred, if you see any suspicious activity; please report it to Council on 8372 8888.

If you are interested in joining the volunteers to care for the Scented Gardens please contact Susan on 8374 7795.

Is your New Year’s resolution to get out and about, make new friends and get healthy? Sign up today for our exciting new Health and Well Being Classes at Hawthorn Community Centre!

The City of Mitcham and ECH are hosting a new range of programmes to support your good health and wellbeing as you age. The programmes will be run by ECH’s specialist health professionals who will support you at your own pace.

Register today for one of our weekly programmes which start Friday 10 February at the Hawthorn Community Centre, 5 Frimley Grove, Hawthorn.

Health and Well Being Classes

“I get much more out of volunteering than what I give” Jan Allen – Community Bus and Personal Transport Volunteer

Looking to Contribute to your Community?

Would You Like that ‘feel good’ feeling of contributing to your community? Why not volunteer?

Lack of transport is one of the biggest barriers to people participating in their community. We currently have vacancies for volunteers to assist with: Helping or driving on our community bus or people mover Driving or accompanying community members to collect groceries, attend activities or appointments Assisting our Home and Garden Maintenance Officers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents in their home environment We will match you to a role that best fits your interests and skills and provide training and support to ensure you receive the most value from your role.

Please contact Lynne on 8372 8860.

Out and About with Community Connections Are you looking for a chance to meet others and get out and about to places of interest?

The City of Mitcham’s Community Wellbeing Service now offers low cost, local outings for Mitcham residents who live independently and find themselves transport disadvantaged.

Upcoming Trips February Wednesday 22 Take a dip at the SA Aquatic Centre March Wednesday 1 Nostalgia Movie and Seniors Lunch at Wallis Cinemas Mitcham Tuesday 7 Seniors in Harmony Concert at Mitcham Cultural Village Wednesday 15 Take a dip at SA Aquatic Centre Wednesday 22 A trip to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens For more information or to make a booking call Heather on 8372 8804.

Feel Strong and Stable - Core Strength Friday’s 1 pm to 1.45 pm This is a floor based class run by a physiotherapist that promotes core muscle strength, spinal strength, mobility and stability to enhance everyday living and active lifestyle.

Feel Deeply Relaxed - Chi Ball Friday’s 2 pm to 2.45 pm Embark on a holistic mind-body wellbeing journey of colour, music and flowing movement.

Based on the principles of Tai-Chi-Chi-Gong, Chi Ball Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Chi Ball release and Deep Relaxation, this class incorporates low impact exercises using a chi Ball to both challenge and facilitate movement.

Feel Balanced and Calm - Tai Chi Friday’s 3 pm to 3.45 pm Learn and practice relaxing exercise and flowing movements in a welcoming group environment.

Tai Chi combines breathing, posture, movement and meditation to promote a sense of well-being while also improving coordination, balances and awareness of weight transference.

Cost is $10 per class. For more information or to book call Moira Noonan at ECH on 1300 275 324 or email mnoonan@ech.asn.au Watch out for our other new classes!

We have other programmes coming up also! Look out for Boxercise, Foodies Group and Garden Art.

16

mitcham community news

February 2017

What is the Difference Between Compostable and Biodegradable Bags?

Register Now to Learn How to Live Smart Improve your quality of life and reduce your impact on the environment by registering for our Living Smart Program.

Mitcham residents are invited to register for ‘Living Smart’ a seven week program which covers information about water, energy, waste, simple living, gardening for food; transport, health, gardening for biodiversity and healthy homes and community.

The Living Smart program, which commences in April, will be held on a Tuesday evening over seven weeks. The program costs $60 and will be presented by Living Smart specialist trainers and guest presenters who have a great understanding of sustainability issues.

For more information visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call Ben Leonello, Project Officer Natural Environments on 8372 8853.

Register Now Visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au and complete the application form by 5 pm Friday 3 March. We are after members of our community that are passionate about the environment and willing to be change-makers, you don’t need a degree to apply, just a lot of enthusiasm.

Permeable Paving Saves Money and Helps Prevent Flooding

There is a difference between biodegradable and compostable bags. The difference is what happens to these bags when they come into contact with the soil.

Compostable bags are made of plant material and the bag and its organic contents will breakdown entirely when composted. This takes only a few weeks at a commercial composting facility.

Biodegradable and degradable bags on the other hand disintegrate over a long period of time. In some cases this can take decades and the end result is lots of tiny pieces of plastic.

It is important to only put compostable bags into your green organics bins.

Biodegradable bags contaminate the green organics bin and the final compost product.

Compostable bags are available for purchase at the City of Mitcham Civic Centre at the discounted price of $7.50 for a roll of 100 and $4 for a roll of 52.

Alternatively, you can place your food scraps and dog poo in your green organics bin loose or wrapped in newspaper.

Visit whichbin.com.au for more handy tips on reducing your waste footprint.

In just 22 days you can see the difference in break down rates between the compostable and biodegradable bags.

Council’s environmentally-friendly permeable paving is helping prevent flooding in streets and reserves while improving our environment.

Permeable paving installed in footpaths and reserves allows rain to run into the underlying soil to soak away not flow into gutters and drains.

This improves the health of the soil, while also reducing the amount of stormwater and pollution flowing into our creeks, rivers and to the ocean.

Mitcham initially trialled footpaths constructed with permeable paving to reduce trip hazards created by tree roots and allow water into the

verge soil. Following the success of these trials Council has begun constructing 15,000 m2 of permeable paving. This is important as our footpaths cover approximately 70 Ha, if all our footpaths were built using permeable paving they could catch over 400 megalitres of rainfall in an average year – enough to fill Urrbrae Wetland 20 times!

Permeable paving also assists to reduce localised flooding and the need to install expensive pit and pipe drainage systems. Kegworth Road at Melrose Park and Norseman Avenue at Westbourne Park often flooded during wet weather causing deep ponding. Flooding in these areas was addressed by installing permeable paving. This paving, including the soakage drains to irrigate the reserve costs approximately $200,000 compared to upgrading traditional pit and pipe drainage system at a cost of $1,200,000.

Council acknowledges the ongoing support of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board and the Government of South Australia’s Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

Look for this logo to know your bags are compostable.