October 2015 mitcham community news

OCTOBER 2015

FULL STORY ON PAGE 3 MITCHAM COMMUNITY NEWS OCTOBER 2015 Also in this issue

If you live in a high fire risk area it is essential to prepare your home and property to withstand a bushfire. Page 6-9

Karinya Reserve will showcase the amazing talents of local young people during Youth Fest 15 Saturday 24 October from 11 am to 4.30 pm. Page 15

The City of Mitcham is celebrating the valuable contributions made by older Mitcham residents to our community through a series of programs and activities.

Page 16

2

Tell us what you think about dog controls on your local reserve

4

Meet Tony Park

5

Cooking Classes for Senior Men

10 Community Calendar 11 Controlling Elm Leaf Beetle 12 Your Elected Members 15 Halloween Roller Disco

02

mitcham community news

October 2015

October 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

Local Knowledge at the Touch of a Button Do you wish you could check easily which bin you should put out on what day? Or see an issue in your community like a pothole or damaged footpath and think about reporting it, but have completely forgotten by the time you arrived home?

My Local Services App is a specialist smart phone application that allows you to find out information on vital services or even report a problem in the community right from your phone.

Featuring local events, parks, information about local Elected Members and when you need to put your bin out, the app puts local information at your fingertips.

The smart phone app will provide you with the information you need whether you are at home, on holiday or staying with friends.

The reporting function allows you to take a photo of an issue with your smart phone, pinpoint the exact location you are in and include additional information that you feel is important.

The app is available for both iPhones and Android devices and can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store for iPhones users or from the Google Play Store for Android owners or visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

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 December 2015 issue of this publication should ensure they reach Business Partner Communication and Marketing Julie Lamond no later than Friday 23 October 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 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.

Telephone: 8372 8812.

Council Meetings 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.

Tell us what you think about Dog Controls on your Local Reserve The City of Mitcham is seeking your views on dog controls currently in place on local reserves before 19 October.

Council is committed to responsible animal management as well as meeting the needs of our community and the safety of children.

Following the recent review of the By-law No.5 Dogs Council is now seeking your views on dog controls in place on our reserves. Your responses will ensure Council meets the needs of the community to ensure responsible animal management as well as ensuring the safety of our community.

Visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au before 19 October and complete the online survey.

Go Behind the Scenes at Centennial Park Cemetery Learn more about South Australia’s largest cemetery when Centennial Park Cemetery holds an open day on Sunday 25 October.

Visitors can learn about funeral options, will and estate planning, tour the crematorium, war graves and gardens as well as view a range of displays and participate in workshops.

Tour Centennial Park’s crematorium facility, look inside a burial vault and ask questions about burial and cremation.

Centennial Park’s 2015 Open Day will include: Behind-the-scenes crematorium tours.

War grave tours.

Centennial Park history display.

Hop-on-hop-off bus service.

Garden tours with Adelaide garden guru and TV personality Kim Syrus.

Cultural rose workshops presented by the Rose Society of SA. Outdoor painting group.

Council Civic Centre

Indoor cafe area serving refreshments and light snacks.

Open weekdays 9 am to 5 pm.

Vault and burial displays.

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.

Coffin and hearse display.

Funeral information area.

Seminars covering topics such as wills and estates, funeral planning and finance matters.

Stonemason lettering display.

Memorial candle lighting in Centennial Park’s Mawson Chapel.

Zoos SA animal bus.

Visit Centennial Park Cemetery at 760 Goodwood Road, Pasadena from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday 25 October.

For further information and to book a tour or seminar time, phone Centennial Park on 8276 6011 or visit www.centennialpark.org or www.facebook.com/centennialparkcemetery

mitcham community news

October 2015

03

Help us celebrate the 175th anniversary of Mitcham Village during Voices of the Village on Sunday 18 October.

Voices of the Village will feature fantastic performances and activities for all ages at the picturesque Mitcham Reserve. The event will be officially opened by Mayor Glenn Spear including an unveiling of yarn art by St Joseph’s year 7s and cup artwork by Scotch year 6 class.

Mitcham Reserve was first established as a village green in 1845, and to mark this occasion Voices of the Village is being hosted in its beautiful open space. You will be able to relax in the laid back natural setting and enjoy a coffee, gelati or a delicious meal, while being entertained by performances from Unley High School and local performers such as Tony Subic, the Lancashire Witches, Samulnori (Korean Traditional Music) and Millers Irish Dance.

Bring the kids along to participate in activities from the Gold Rush times, the old Mitcham School re-creation and Sunday school activity from Mitcham Village Uniting Church, an engaging performance by Cool 4 Kids, get constructive with wooden toy making activities by the Mitcham Community Shed and enjoy the free face painting.

Mitcham Heritage Research Centre will be providing guided walking tours of Mitcham Village while Blackwood Players will be bringing to life some of Mitcham’s prominent historical figures from the 1800s including Sir Thomas Playford and Phillis Kinsman.

For more information like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, collect a program from the libraries, Mitcham Cultural Village or the Civic Centre or visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

Sunday 18 October 10.30 am to 2.30 pm Mitcham Reserve Corner of Old Belair Road and Norman Walk, Mitcham

Gallery One will be presenting art and crafts in conjunction with Pasadena High School including graphic novel demonstration.

For more information please call 8372 8888 or email mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

Mitcham Celebrates 175 Years!

This November Mitcham, the first suburb in the Council area, will be 175 years old.

Just two years after the province of South Australia was proclaimed, the South Australian Company surveyed the plains in the Mitcham area, dividing the land into large acreages for farming. David McLaren, the local manager of the Company recognised an area on the plains that would be ideal for a new village. The area bounded

by Carrick Hill Drive, Muggs Hill Road, Maitland Street and Blythewood Road was divided into 103 one acre lots for 'Mitcham Village’. The lots were advertised as ‘delightful sites for villas’ in the Register newspaper on 21 November 1840.

The centrepiece of the village was an English style village green. Mitcham Reserve is part of that original village green along with Norman Reserve. ‘Mitcham’ was apparently named after the company manager’s home town in Surrey, England. His home town featured a village green and was well known for the cultivation of aromatic plants like lavender. Lavender is now the symbol for Mitcham Village and can be seen on street signs throughout the historic precinct.

With its charming Victorian villas, former shops and early hotels much of the nineteenth century village character can still be appreciated.

Come and enjoy a guided tour of the village at the Voices of the Village on 18 October or pick up a self-guided Mitcham Village walk brochure from Council.

04

mitcham community news

October 2015

Learn at the Library through Lynda!

Lynda Library gives you access to thousands of video training courses for animation, music, business, design, IT, photography, using the Web and much much more!

The Mitcham Library Service now offers free and unlimited access to Lynda.com to help you develop new skills. You can access an online library of video tutorials from recognised industry experts to learn about software, technology, creative and business skills.

Just visit https://www.lynda.com/portal/sip?org=libraries.sa.gov.au with your Library Card Number and PIN.

Zinio – Free Online Magazines

Meet Tony Park at the Mitcham Library

You can now access 400 magazine titles online for free!

Come and hear Tony Park talk about his new book ‘An Empty Coast’ on Monday 9 November at 6.30 pm.

Through the Mitcham Library Service catalogue you can read complete digital editions of your favourite magazine anytime, anywhere on your computer or mobile device.

You can download magazines to your mobile for offline reading and keep them for as long as you want.

Visit http://library.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au and click on Zinio for Libraries.

Are you interested in Mentoring a Student?

Students from Colonel Light Gardens Primary School are looking for mentors from the Mitcham Community.

The Lighthouse 40 Mentoring Program, established in 2013, connects members of the community with students at Colonel Light Gardens Primary who may benefit from some one-on-one support outside the normal classroom activities.

The program, which currently has 18 mentors supporting 20 students, has been extremely successful. Students in the program are more settled in class and enjoy spending time with their mentor.

Mentors provide students with 40 hours support over a year during school term. By providing one hour of support each week you could make a difference to a student.

If you have time to mentor a student to help them develop their social and emotional skills while supporting their education come along to a morning tea information session on 4 November at 9.15 am. Training and support is provided to each mentor.

For more information call 8276 1523 or email georgina.jama451@schools.sa.edu.au

Tony, influenced by his love of Africa, has written eleven novels set in Africa including, Far Horizon, Zambezi, African Sky, Safari, Silent Predator, Ivory, The Delta, African Dawn, Dark Heart, The Prey and The Hunter.

He divides his time between Sydney and Africa on the border of the Kruger National Park and has worked as a reporter, a press secretary, a PR consultant and a freelance writer and is also a Major in the Australian Army Reserve and served in Afghanistan in 2002.

This free event presented by the Mitcham Library Service is being held at the Mitcham Library, 154 Belair Road, Hawthorn at 6.30 pm.

Seats are limited so book today. Books will be available for purchase and for signing.

To book your seat call Mitcham Library on 8372 8244.

Dads and Grandpas Night Time Stories and Craft Bring along your Dad, Grandpa or favourite male adult to share some great stories and make fun craft!

This special storytime will be held from 6 pm to 7 pm at: Mitcham Library, 154 Belair Road, Hawthorn on Wednesday 14 October Blackwood Library, 154 Main Road, Blackwood on Thursday 15 October Bookings essential for this free event.

For more information call the Mitcham Library on 8372 8244 or the Blackwood Library on 8372 8255.

TechTime Want some advice on your device?

The Mitcham Library Service offers weekly TechTime sessions to help you understand your device.

If you need assistance with your smartphone, tablet, laptop or other tech related question book a session today.

Fifteen minute sessions are available free on Tuesdays at Blackwood Library from 10 am to 11 am and at the Mitcham Library from 3 pm to 4 pm.

Bookings are essential please call the Blackwood Library on 8372 8255 or the Mitcham Library on 8372 8244.

mitcham community news

October 2015

BEE

05

Are you thinking about Volunteering?

Enrich your life! Help make a difference in your community today by volunteering.

Three good reasons to volunteer 1. It makes a genuine difference to the lives of others.

WASP

Are you having problems with European Wasps?

This is the time of the year when European wasps are becoming active. Council will destroy European wasp nests at no charge to residents.

However we need you to locate the nest.

2. You can give back to your community.

3. It builds community spirit.

Community Wellbeing is seeking volunteers to assist older residents and residents with a disability – can you contribute?

Transport and accompaniment (if required) to appointments and activities.

Assist as a driver or helper on the community bus.

If you have two to three hours a week or fortnight to spare please visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/volunteeropportunities or contact Lynne, Coordinator Volunteer Services on 8372 8860.

Help keep the numbers down by:

1. Correctly Identifying Wasps European wasps are often mistaken for bees or native wasps, but there are some distinctive differences. European wasps have bright yellow legs and bodies, and black triangular markings on the body. Unlike bees, European wasps are attracted to protein foods such as meat.

2. Minimising Food and Water Sources This will encourage wasps to go elsewhere. Clear away fallen fruit and food scraps, feed pets inside, cover compost and rubbish bins, fix leaking taps and water the garden at night.

3. Reporting European Wasp Nests Nests are usually in sheltered positions and may be underground, in wall cavities, vents in the outside of buildings, eaves of houses or in the hollows of trees. There is usually a lot of activity around a nest which are made of a gray papery type material – not mud. It is unlikely that you will see the nest itself. What you will see is numerous wasps flying in and out of the entrance to the nest.

If you do not find a nest on your property contact your neighbours and ask them to check their properties.

If you do find a European wasp nest call us on 8372 8888 immediately, do not attempt to destroy the nest by using insect spray or any other methods.

When calling to report a nest you will need to answer the following questions: 1. Have you identified the wasps as being European wasps?

2. Can you give specific details of the location of the nest and is it on your property?

3. Is the nest located on private, commercial or Council property?

4. Is there easy access to the property and the nest?

5. Is access available if no one is home?

6. Are there any dogs on the property?

7. Is a ladder required to gain access to the nest?

This information will assist in providing a speedy response from Council's contractor.

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

Cooking Classes for Senior Men Would you like to learn how to cook basic easy meals in a friendly environment with other men? No cooking experience necessary!

Dates:

4 November to 9 December

Time:

2 pm to 5 pm Wednesday

Cost:

$60 ($10 for each class and includes food and lessons)

Location: Hawthorn Community Centre 5 Frimley Grove, Hawthorn

Senior men are invited to join chef Murray George to learn how to cook easy meals in a friendly environment over six weeks.

Centre. The course runs over six weeks with three hour sessions and at the end of each session participants get to take home dinner or dessert!

The City of Mitcham is offering an opportunity for men to join our next cooking course commencing on 4 November at the Hawthorn Community

For more information or to register email Rebecca on rolthoff@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call 8372 8262.

Back to School at the Mitcham Community Centre The City of Mitcham’s Local History Service met with students from Clapham Primary School at the Mitcham Community Centre to talk about school life in the past.

The Mitcham Community Centre on Belair Road was the perfect setting for the reception, year one and two Clapham Primary School students as this heritage listed building was the Mitcham Primary School from 1879 to 1953.

The students toured the former school grounds, discovered what classrooms used to look like and saw samples of past school work. Afterwards they wrote on old style chalk boards and played schoolyard games of knucklebones and skipping.

Thanks to Helen Scarborough who generously lent many of her school artefacts for the presentation.

To discover more about Mitcham’s history visit http://www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/ mitchamheritageresearchcentre If you would like to know more about the Local History Service visit the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre, Mitcham Cultural Village, 103 Princess Road, Mitcham or call 8372 8261 or email mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

06

mitcham community news

October 2015

Prepare for the Bushfire Season

As a resident of the City of Mitcham if you live in the shaded area, then you live in the CFS High Fire Risk Area.

PREPARE TO LIVE AND SURVIVE IN A HIGH FIRE RISK AREA

CLARENCE GARDENS

HAWTHORN

CUMBERLAND PARK

WESTBOURNE PARK

ON VERT

IF YOU IGNORE THE NEED FOR FUEL REDUCTION PRIOR TO AND DURING THE FIRE DANGER SEASON, YOU MAY ENDANGER BOTH YOUR OWN PROPERTY AND THE LIVES AND PROPERTY OF YOUR NEIGHBOURS.

DAW PARK

MELROSE PARK

PASADENA

LEAWOOD GARDENS

SPRINGFIELD

MAN

LOWER TORRENS MITCHAM PARK

COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS

CLAPHAM

BOOR BROWNHILL CREEK

MITCHAM

BELAIR

PANORAMA LYNTON

AGE

BABB

ST MARYS

THE

PARK

CRAFERS WEST

GLENALTA EDEN HILLS

URN

B CRAIG

BEDFORD PARK

RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE AN ANNUAL CLEAN-UP PROGRAM AND COMPLETE THE TASK BEFORE THE START OF THE FIRE DANGER SEASON. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ONCE THE WORK IS COMPLETED THAT IT IS MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE FIRE DANGER SEASON.

NETHERBY

T GAUL

O

AS A RESIDENT LIVING IN THE HIGH FIRE RISK AREA IT IS ESSENTIAL TO PREPARE YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY TO WITHSTAND A BUSHFIRE.

URRBRAE

KINGSWOOD

HAWTHORNDENE BLACKWOOD

BELLEVUE HEIGHTS

CRAIGBURN FARM

UPPER STURT

COROMANDEL VALLEY

When Clearing Properties

Clean Up

Your Property and Home

Consideration must be given to proper land management principles and in accordance with the Native Vegetation Act.

Fires are spread and fuelled by flammable grasses, weeds and bushes, remember to:

Many factors influence the loss of life and property during bushfires including:

Cut grass and clear away all fallen leaves and dead undergrowth within 20 m of the house.

The location and accessibility of your property.

Clear all dry grass, bark and mulch well away from any buildings.

Condition and placement of buildings.

Fuel Reduction Good fuel reduction practices are essential throughout the year, especially prior to summer.

Remove all flammable materials away from around the house and other buildings, and keep bark and mulch to below 10 cm (4 ins) in depth.

All heaps of bark, fallen leaves, undergrowth, mulch and other flammable heaps should be kept well clear of the house, out buildings and from under trees or shrubs.

Prune lower tree limbs and cut long grass within 20 m of a residential dwelling and 5 m from any other buildings.

Provide space between trees and shrubs to prevent a continuous canopy or line of vegetation from the bush or grass land to the house.

Prune lower branches to provide a vertical fuel break to prevent ground fire spreading into the trees.

To protect buildings, keep gutters clear of leaves and twigs, and screen with metal gutter-guards.

Establish a fuel-reduced zone between flammable hazards and the home to reduce the danger from radiant heat.

Amount and type of vegetation.

Availability of water.

Physical capabilities of your family to defend the property.

Long-term preparation may include changing the layout of your property to include: Strategically placed garden walls.

Driveways, trees and shrubs.

Outbuildings.

These measures may protect your home from radiant heat, significantly increasing the prospect of your survival.

Clean-up now for summer safety and remove all flammable materials from around the house.

Walk around your home and identify potential spots where a fire may start.

mitcham community news

October 2015

Prepare for the Bushfire Season

07

TO SEEK INFORMATION LISTEN TO LOCAL RADIO VISIT WWW.CFS.SA.GOV.AU CALL THE BUSHFIRE INFORMATION HOTLINE ON 1300 362 361

Properties on Steep Slopes

Spark Proofing

Greater ground clearance is necessary on sloping properties, especially under established trees. A fuel-reduced zone of 30 m to 40 m is recommended on steep slopes. The intensity of grassfires increases with the height and quantity of grass. If the grass can’t be kept short by grazing animals, it should be slashed well before the Fire Danger Season to allow time for the debris to rot.

Survival of the house can depend on the type of property, sparks and flammable material entering through windows, under doors, roofs and floorboards.

Protect your home by: Fitting metal fly wire mesh or solid screens to spark proof windows, doors, ventilators and skylights.

Boxing in or screening eaves and under floor areas.

Sealing gaps in the roof area along ridge capping and fascia boards.

Removing all plastic, straw or flammable awnings and pergola coverings.

Removing any flammable materials lying near or under the house.

Why do Houses Burn?

Many houses survive the fire front only to be destroyed later by fires started from burning debris. Strong winds can break glass or damage roofs allowing flying embers to get inside the house. In a bushfire a house can burn because of: Burning debris landing on or around the house.

Radiant heat from the approaching fire.

Direct flame contact.

08

mitcham community news

October 2015

Prepare for the Bushfire Season

If Family Members Get Separated Consider what you will do if a bushfire comes while your children are at school or family members are at work. Find out the school’s policy on bushfires. Do not allow panic to drive anyone into life threatening conditions searching for missing relatives or pets.

When to Leave Planning to Go If you are planning to go your decision needs to be made NOW well before the Fire Danger Season. Consider these points in your plan: At what point will you actually leave?

Where will you go?

How will you travel and what will you take?

What if family members get separated?

What will you do with your pets?

Plan to Survive Make your decision now?

YES - we are staying and are prepared to defend our property.

YES - we are going early as we aren’t prepared to defend our property.

Even if you plan to go, you must prepare your house and property as if you were staying, you may have no option but to stay and defend as there may be no way out of the area.

Bushfire Survival Plan A WRITTEN AND PRACTICED BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL PLAN IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR PREPARATION TO SURVIVE A BUSHFIRE. Thinking ‘I will leave early’ is not enough. You must Prepare to Act and Survive. Your Plan will help you take action and avoid making last minute decisions that could prove deadly during a bushfire.

SO REMEMBER FIRES CAN THREATEN SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. WATCH FOR SIGNS OF FIRE, ESPECIALLY SMOKE, FLYING EMBERS AND FLAMES. KNOW THE FIRE DANGER RATING IN YOUR AREA. BE AWARE OF LOCAL CONDITIONS AND KEEP INFORMED. HAVE YOUR BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL PLAN AND KIT READY. CALL 000 TO REPORT A FIRE.

Why should you have a Bushfire Survival Plan?

The majority of people who die during bushfires in South Australia are caught fleeing their homes at the last minute.

PREPARING YOUR PLAN ALLOWS YOU TO IDENTIFY THE TRIGGERS TO LEAVE EARLY OR PREPARE TO ACTIVELY DEFEND YOUR PROPERTY. Bushfire can be scary and overwhelming. This is not the time to be making major decisions.

PREPARING YOUR PLAN ALLOWS YOU TO MAKE MAJOR DECISIONS IN ADVANCE AND WILL HELP KEEP YOU FOCUSED AND MAKE BETTER DECISIONS IN THE EVENT OF A BUSHFIRE THREAT. During a bushfire, you will most likely be worried about your loved ones.

A PREPARED AND PRACTICED BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL PLAN WILL HELP FAMILY MEMBERS KNOW WHERE OTHERS ARE AND WHAT THEY WILL BE DOING. You might find at the last minute that you don’t have the clothing, equipment or resources to enact your plan to leave early or stay and defend.

A PREPARED AND PRACTISED BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL PLAN WILL HELP YOU TO IDENTIFY THE RESOURCES YOU NEED. Bushfires can be unpredictable and the best laid plans can go wrong. A well prepared Plan will include contingencies and back-ups if your primary Plan fails.

It may be appropriate to go to your chosen refuge on any day the bushfire danger is extremely high.

Do not wait until a bushfire threatens, monitor the radio and leave well before the fire front arrives.

Never wait until the last moment and follow your Bushfire Plan.

Where to Go Investigate if there is a designated community refuge nearby and what you will need to take.

Alternatively, you may be able to shelter with family or friends in a nearby suburb or even in a well-prepared neighbour’s home. Decide in advance where you will go and ensure that it is a safe area.

Property Access Clear access will allow for the safe movement of fire fighting vehicles. Gateways should be at least three metres wide. Roadways need a well compacted surface with slopes no greater than one metre rise for every four metres, with solid crossings over permanent waterways. Turn areas of 25 metres in diameter are necessary.

CFS Protection CFS cannot guarantee the presence of a fire fighting vehicle and crew to protect every home in a major bushfire. It is therefore extremely important to plan for your family’s safety and be self-reliant. Bushfires threaten life and property throughout our state every summer. Making the right decision about whether to stay or go is critical for your own safety and that of your family.

mitcham community news

Prepare for the Bushfire Season

October 2015

FREE DUMPING TO ASSIST MITCHAM RESIDENTS WITH THE COSTS OF CLEARING THEIR PROPERTIES OF FIRE HAZARDS AND REDUCE FUEL LOADS, COUNCIL WILL OPEN THE LYNTON GREEN WASTE DEPOT AT BEAGLE TERRACE, LYNTON FOR FREE DUMPING OF GREEN WASTE FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM ON: OCTOBER SATURDAY 31 NOVEMBER SATURDAY 7, 14, 21 AND 28 MONDAY 2, 9, 16, 23 AND 30 DECEMBER SATURDAY 5, 12 AND 19 MONDAY 7 AND 14 THIS FACILITY WILL BE FREE WITH ONLY GREEN WASTE ACCEPTED – NO RUBBISH AND PROOF OF RESIDENCY WILL BE REQUIRED.

TO SEEK INFORMATION

GREEN WASTE MATERIALS CAN CONSIST OF GRASS CUTTINGS, LEAF MATTER AND PRUNINGS (BRANCHES NO LARGER THAN 200 MM (8 INCHES) IN DIAMETER).

LISTEN TO LOCAL RADIO VISIT WWW.CFS.SA.GOV.AU CALL THE BUSHFIRE INFORMATION HOTLINE ON 1300 362 361

Backyard Burning

Parking in the Hills

Backyard burning of rubbish or green waste material is banned throughout the City of Mitcham all year round. A fire is permitted for the purpose of comfort or cooking outside the Fire Danger Season provided:

There is an adequate extinguishing agent.

Where and how you park your vehicle is an issue in the hills all year round but more so during the bushfire season. Lives and homes are put at risk if access to fire tracks or the most direct route to a fire is impeded by thoughtlessly parked cars obstructing traffic. When you park your vehicle ensure that there is at least three metres of road clearance alongside your car which will allow other vehicles to pass. This is required by law and you may save a life!

A responsible person attends the fire at all times.

Water Supply

It is no larger than one metre square.

There is a four metre clearance of flammable materials.

The burning does not interfere with neighbours.

The fire is completely extinguished when finished.

Mains water cannot be relied on during bushfires as power could be cut or water pressure dramatically reduced. If you have water tanks, dams or a swimming pool, a portable pump and a hose will be required to provide water reserves for the CFS. Gravity fed water tanks with wide opening outlets enable quick filling of buckets plus the use of portable pumps. To use your pumping equipment fit gate valves to all new tanks. Ideally your water supply should be close to the house and there should not be exposed areas of plastic pipe or hose to melt.

Bushfire Prevention is a Legal Requirement FOR INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY FROM BUSHFIRE, CALL MITCHAM BUSHFIRE PREVENTION OFFICER ANTHONY ANDERSON ON 8372 8133.

09

10

mitcham community news

October 2015

community groups

get fit/social activities

community events

Mitcham Community Calendar Blackwood Red Cross Shop Needs Your Help!

Edwardstown Baptist Church

Gallery One Art Exhibition

The Blackwood shop needs a volunteer shop assistant! If you have some spare time, keen to help in the community and would like work experience in retail apply now! Visit redcross.org.au/volunteering or drop in. Call 8370 0519 or email fpacheco@redcross.com.au

Join in a range of social activities for all. If you are over 50 join the Friendship Club on Tuesday at 10 am, cost $2. Fancy yourself as crafty come along to Café Craft on Thursday at 9.30 am, cost $3. While young ones can make new friends at the Little Royal Playgroup on Tuesdays at 9.30 am cost $3. Call 8276 1949.

Pasadena High School and Visual Arts Educators South Australia exhibition ‘Celebrating 175 Years of Mitcham Village’ from 16 October to 6 November at Gallery One, 1 Torrens Street, Mitcham. Opening Friday 16 October at 6 pm.

Mitcham Kiwanis Help raise funds to save a child’s life by joining the Mitcham Kiwanis who meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Marion Sports Centre, Sturt Road, Marion. Call 8374 3694.

Probus Club of Brownhill Creek – Mitcham If you are a retired male come along to enjoy morning tea, guest speakers, etc on the second Thursday of each month in the Uniting Church hall, 103a Princes Road at 10 am. Call 8357 3238 or visit www.probussouthpacific.org/pcbrownhill Blackwood Hills Baptist Church 11th Anniversary and celebration Sunday 25 October Services 10 am and 7 pm. Call 8370 0333 or visit bhbc.org.au Blackwood Hills View Club Women are invited to meet new friends over lunch at the Belair Park Country Club on Monday 19 October at 10 am with guest speaker Valerie McMahon, Memory and Ageing. Cost $26.

Call 8370 2809.

Messy Church @ Westbourne Park Uniting Church Enjoy a relaxed style of church for families from 5 pm to 7.30 pm at Westbourne Park Uniting Church, 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn on Saturday 21 November and 12 December. $7 per family.

Call 8271 7066 or visit www.wpuc.org.au Big Booksale Second Hand Books for sale nothing over $2 on Saturday October 24 from 8.30 am to 4 pm at 448 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park.

Homemade cakes and cards for sale. Free tea and coffee.

St Marys Op Shop Discover a wide range of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, general household items and books at the St Marys Op Shop, 1167 South Road, St Marys. Open Monday 11 am to 2.30 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am to 2.30 pm.

Donations welcome.

Table Talk at St Marys Come and enjoy a meal and meet people on Thursday 3 November from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm at the Picket Fence Community Centre, St Marys Anglican Church, 1167 South Road, St Marys.

Adelaide-Mitcham Prostate Cancer Support Group Come along to the Colonel Light Gardens RSL Club, 4 Prince George Parade, Colonel Light Gardens on Thursday 22 October at 7 pm. Call 8298 6384 or visit www.adelaide-mitchampcsg.org Care and Share at Trinity If you are 65 years of age and 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. Call 8276 1144 or email careandshare@adam.com.au Night Owls Social Lawn Bowls Play Night Owls Social Lawn Bowls every Thursday at Clarence Gardens Bowling Club, Winona Avenue (Bailey Reserve), Clarence Gardens at 7 pm. Mixed teams, individual and pair entries welcome.

Free loan bowls, coaching if required, casual clothes, flat soled shoes or barefoot, new players welcome. Meals available from 5.30 pm by a qualified chef. Call 0411 771 165 or email cgbc@bigpond.com Strength for Life If you are over 50 come along to Strength for Life classes held daily at the Blackwood Recreation Centre, 1 Northcote Road, Eden Hills and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Cumberland Park Community Centre, 390 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park. Classes are led by qualified fitness professionals who tailor strength and fitness programs that suit individual needs and abilities. Call 8278 8833.

Rotary Club of Blackwood Community Forum Guest speaker Ian Schneider, Principal Chaplain, Prison Chaplaincy Services will share his insights into Safe Communities – Better Prisons on Tuesday 20 October at 6.30 pm. The forum will include dinner at the Belair Country Club, Upper Sturt Road, Belair. Cost $25. Call 0433 149 977.

The Hills Choral Society Invites you to celebrate its 50th Anniversary on Sunday 25 October at 2.30 pm at St Columba’s Anglican Church, Hawthorn. Enjoy medleys from Mamma Mia and Les Miserables, Enya, Sondheim, some spirituals and even G&S! Call 0447 780 602.

Adelaide Mini Maker Faire Come along to a family-friendly festival of invention and creativity on Sunday November 1 at the Tonsley from 10 am to 5 pm. It will be a celebration of the best South Australian technology, education, science, arts, crafts, engineering, food and more! All of this under one roof at Tonsley, South Australia’s latest hub for innovation, education and entrepreneurship. Visit www.makerfaireadelaide.com Art Deco and Modern Bus Tours Joint the Mitcham Historical Society on a tour of the Capri Theatre and other Art Deco heritage buildings on Sunday 1 November 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Cost $79 for members and $89 for nonmembers. Email cherich7@hotmail.com or call 0421 358 804 to book your seat.

St Therese Primary School Fete Come along on Sunday 8 November from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm at 7 Oxford Circus, Colonel Light Gardens. Enjoy food, drinks, face painting, stalls, science shows, mystery wine, plaster fun, plants and much much more.

Remembering Our Local Boys Enjoy a presentation by Geoff Locke, an authority on local soldiers who took courage in their hands to represent Australia in World War 1 on 8 November in conjunction with Blackwood Action Group’s History group. Meet at the Soldiers’ Memorial at the Blackwood roundabout at 2 pm and continue at the Blackwood Train Station in the old ticketing office/waiting room. Devonshire tea will be served. Email ahazellau@gmail.com or call 0438 781 123 Endless Pleasure Exhibition – Carrick Hill Enjoy an exhibition of paintings, prints, decorative arts, garden tools and ornaments which traces how Australians have chosen to experience gardens and gardening until 29 November at Carrick Hill. Visit www.carrickhill.org.au or call 8433 1700.

mitcham community news

Road Works

October 2015

Footpath Construction

Road rehabilitation works completed:

Paving works recently completed:

Clayton Crescent, Melrose Park

Clyde Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens

Clovelly Avenue, Clarence Gardens Denman Terrace, Lower Mitcham

Carlisle Road, Westbourne Park

Dunbar Avenue, Lower Mitcham

Dinwoodie Avenue, Clarence Gardens

East Parkway, Colonel Light Gardens

Goodwood Road, Colonel Light Gardens

Grandview Drive, Pasadena

Keys Road, Lower Mitcham

Kooringa Street, Eden Hills

Mersey Street, Cumberland Park

Mead Crescent, Melrose Park

Penang Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens

Moore Street, Pasadena Panorama Drive, Panorama Walter Street, Melrose Park Wheaton Road, Melrose Park Wilpena Street, Eden Hills Road rehabilitation works planned:

Upcoming Work In Your Street Further information about the infrastructure program is available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/goto/budget

Princes Road, Torrens Park Richmond Road, Hawthorn Tamar Street, Cumberland Park Paving works underway: Belmont Street, Lower Mitcham Dudley Avenue, Daw Park

Belmont Street, Lower Mitcham

Harrow Terrace, Kingswood

Holme Avenue, Lower Mitcham

Hope Street, Daw Park

Keys Road, Lower Mitcham

Princes Road, Kingswood

Rosemont Street, Colonel Light Gardens

Richmond Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens

Rosemont Terrace, Lower Mitcham

Roseberry Street, Daw Park

View Street, Colonel Light Gardens

Rozells Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens

Wattle Avenue, Lower Mitcham

11

Kerb and Watertable Works

Kerb and Watertable planned:

Kerb and Watertable recently completed in:

Belmont Street, Lower Mitcham

Clovelly Avenue, Clarence Gardens (with Water Sensitive Urban Design Treenet Inlets (passive irrigation for street trees)

Grandview Avenue, Urrbrae

Dunbar Avenue, Lower Mitcham

Tafquin Street, Panorama

Seafield Avenue, Kingswood

Keys Road, Lower Mitcham

The Grove, Lower Mitcham

Princes Road, Torrens Park

Fullarton Road, Netherby Lyall Avenue, Panorama Pitcairn Avenue, Urrbrae

Give Food Scraps Recycling a Go! You can help reduce waste by turning your food scraps into compost by placing them in your green organics bin.

Controlling Elm Leaf Beetle Council is protecting its avenues of Elm from the elm leaf beetle.

The elm leaf beetle causes cosmetic damage to elm trees when grubs feed on the leaves, with some leaves having a ‘shothole’ appearance and others being almost completely eaten. While the beetles put Elm trees under stress they usually recover when new leaves grow in the spring.

While summer heat waves kill the elm leaf beetles reinfestation is common. To treat infected trees an insecticide is applied during late winter and spring. The pesticide is either injected directly into the tree’s sapwood or drenched into the soil in the tree’s root zone.

If you have a tree on your property infested with the elm leaf beetle consult a local arborist; contact details can be found in the Yellow Pages with some contractors also advertising in the Messenger Press.

To help reduce the stresses which this pest can cause consider reducing grass growth beneath trees, instead covering the soil with a 50 – 75 mm deep layer of mulch or compost, and running some water from a roof downpipe into the tree’s root zone will greatly aid tree health.

Have you ever noticed how much food you put in your waste bin each week? Nearly 50% of waste is made up of food scraps and uneaten food that ends up in landfill!

You can help reduce waste and protect our environment by placing food scraps into your green organics bin where it can be recycled into compost.

All food scraps, (including meat and seafood) paper towel, hair and even pet waste can be placed into your green organics bin along with your lawn cuttings and garden prunings. Kitchen caddies and compostable bags are available for purchase at the Civic Centre, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park or you can wrap your food scraps in newspaper or place them loose into your green organics bin.

For further information please contact the Waste Management Officer on 8372 8888 or visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

12

mitcham community news

October 2015

Mayor Glenn Spear

Craigburn Ward Cr Lindy Taeuber

Gault Ward Cr Adrian Rosevear

Telephone: 0438 221 762

Telephone: 0420 372 566

Telephone: 0456 027 296

gspear@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

ltaeuber@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

arosevear@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

One of the more satisfying roles I have as Mayor is conducting citizenship ceremonies at various venues throughout Mitcham. New citizens declare an oath to obey and uphold the laws of Australia. The Mayor is authorised by the Minister to receive this oath and must ensure that people receiving the honour of citizenship state their acceptance audibly. At a recent ceremony I halted the proceedings because I could see that a new citizen was not proclaiming his acceptance of the oaths/affirmations. I do not believe that the person was acting willfully or deliberately and it was pleasing to have him take the oath after my gentle reminder. Australian citizens are indeed lucky to live in such a wonderful country.

Seeking residents' views and disseminating information

Rates As you may be aware, Council passed a resolution recently increasing rates by 3.8%, a drop from the 4.22%, advertised during community consultation.

Although the feedback during consultation was generally supportive of the higher increase, a majority of Councillors decided to take advantage of the favourable Mitcham 2014/2015 budget review numbers and reduce the impact of rate increases, while keeping a healthy surplus into the future. Council staff did a fantastic job over the past year to find efficiencies across the organisation, and remain on track to deliver more this financial year. The Elected Member body will continue to monitor and direct these efficiencies, including an update to the Council Corporate System – a project which will deliver over the next two years or so a vast improvement in customer service and processes. I look forward to the results of this project.

Colonel Light Gardens Community Land Management Plans Those of you who live in the State Heritage suburb of Colonel Light Gardens will hopefully be aware of updates to the Community Land Management Plans for the various Council Reserves throughout the suburb over the past few months. Reserves such as Reade, Mortlock, Pembroke and Rochester Parks have had their Land Management Plans updated to go some way to reflect more accurately the usage nowadays, but also to bring in the guidelines of the Conservation Management Plan for Colonel Light Gardens. The use of these reserves is hotly contested, especially between formal and informal sport, but also between present day usage and the vision Charles Reade had for the various parks. I am aware of the issues these conflicts create and intend to work over the coming years to determine possible solutions – be it returning portions of the parks to informal usage if able to, while recognising the needs of incumbent sporting clubs that are present lease or license holders. If you have an opinion regarding the longer-term future of these reserves please be in contact.

ALDI on Angus Road The ALDI development on the corner of Belair and Angus Roads recently came before Council for our comment. Elected Members determined to oppose the development on a number of grounds and staff will be making a representation to the State Government’s Development Assessment Commission in the near future.

By-Laws I was pleased the attempt by a number of Elected Members to place heavy restrictions on dogs near playgrounds did not receive support. A compromise has been reached where playground by playground throughout the entire Council area will be assessed for suitability of ‘dog-free zones’ – community consultation on specific playgrounds is currently open (closes 19 October 15) – so please have your say and let us know what you want. See the Mitcham website for further information.

As always, I am only a phone call away. If you have any issues or simply would like to talk about the area, please be in contact on 0456 027 296.

It certainly has been a busy few months; I have made representations to various Government Ministers on a range of issues. The Darlington Interchange works are in final stages of planning.

The Government has been consulting with residents in neighbouring suburbs over a range of issues. In particular resident’s access in and out of Bedford Park is of concern. I am not particularly happy with current proposals and hope to have more input before works commence. I feel there is potential for vastly improved amenity in the area…….”watch this space” Council has commenced review of its library services. There is significant costs associated (three million annually) in running of the two libraries and they perform a much needed and essential core service to the community. I believe it is incumbent on Council to review costs of such facilities and ensure that the centres are running efficiently. Council has reported targeted efficiencies of 1.25 million dollars this year and I am very pleased with that result.

We are currently engaging in community consultation on bike paths and trails in Randell Reserve. I am receiving a lot of feedback from the community, some in support of further development and some with the view that we have enough trails in Mitcham. I implore you to exercise your right of opinion on the matter.

Council can be influenced by community feedback and I hope that our residents become more engaged.

I am reminded that many of our residents are retired or self – funded retirees. With this in mind I feel that Council should strive to deliver efficient services with a view to keeping our rates low and “in check” I am working hard to lead an efficient and well managed Council.

Thank you to the Mayoress for her much valued support, Tracey attends most functions with me and without her backing I would struggle.

It is that time of year again when a number of the local sporting clubs are competing congratulations to the Unley Jets on their C Grade premiership and the Colonel Light Garden Reserves winning their grand final. The Mitcham Hawks U15 team won their premiership for a third year in a row. Congratulations to those teams that made the grand final but were unsuccessful. Well done, everyone.

Residents remark that had they known about an emerging issue or public meeting that they would have commented or attended. There are two streams of Council information gathering and distributing. One is via the systems that Council itself has in place. These include the Mitcham Community News, Messenger Press, web site, Ward Forums, phone Apps, social media, e-news, telephone surveys, street banners, information at community centres and libraries, call waiting voiceover and letterbox drops. The second system is that which individual Councillors choose to set up and finance which ranges from web sites, Facebook, house calls, email, flyers and phone calls. While these processes seem comprehensive there is still a feeling that we do not reach some people or do not reach them in a timely fashion.

Sometimes it is 'the grapevine' that leads to a wide number of residents knowing about a Council matter which is good but can also result in inaccurate information.

I want to represent your views but knowing opinions on so many topics is difficult. Residents understand that Council will be dealing with traditional core business (the rates, rubbish, roads, libraries, etc) but we also deal with unexpected matters and these come to the chamber for a decision. Issues and projects can be advertised to the whole district or to a targeted group via a range of community engagement mechanisms but can result in a very poor response. Recent examples of consultation to our entire adult population of 49,445 resulted in 22 formal responses to the 'By-Law Review' and 13 written submissions to the 2015/2016 Annual Business Plan. I also try to ask individuals I bump into their views or target a specific group such as during the recent discussion regarding dogs' proximity to playgrounds. All these views I consider when making decisions. In terms of the unexpected issues, the chamber believes that good business practice and good manners dictate that we respond to controversial matters and not just 'file them'. Examples that the chamber has dealt with recently include - Flying the Rainbow Flag, Nuclear Waste and involvement in the Tour Down Under. Some residents have the view that all these matters should include community consultation - an expensive process.

Council meets every second and fourth Tuesday If you wish to know about every Council issue you can look on the Council website www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au and then contact me to voice your opinion or contact the Mayor to ask permission to give a deputation (three minute speech) at the Full Council meeting.

The chances are that any resident reading this column will be middle aged plus and that many residents will not read it at all. So how best to communicate with our residents who we are elected to represent? Your suggestions regarding improving community consultation are very welcome.

mitcham community news

October 2015

13

Overton Ward Cr Nicholas Economos

Babbage Ward Cr Yvonne Todd

The Park Ward Cr Mark Ward

Telephone: 0411 659 669

Telephone: 0418 891 097

Telephone: 0458 112 358

neconomos@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

ytodd@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

mward@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Acknowledgements Firstly, thank you to the Overton Ward residents who have made contact and continue to engage with me in relation to their areas of concern. I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the Mitcham Council staff for their dedication and hard work resulting in projected cost and efficiencies aligning to savings of $1.2 million for the 2015/2016 financial year. I am confident my Co-Councillor Cr John Sanderson and I will continue to bring sound knowledge, diverse skills and understanding to the Council, supporting effective and efficient decision making.

Budget At a meeting in June, Councillors considered the option of setting rates at 3.99%. The same option incorporated the appointment of a Traffic Engineer.

A minority of Councillors, including myself, were in favour of this option. Whilst serving you as a Councillor I have heard numerous Overton Ward residents raise their concerns regarding traffic issues, such as parking difficulties, congestions and flow.

It is envisaged some relief will be gained from the parking restrictions initiative introduced by Council near the Repatriation General Hospital, however there is still considerable work to be undertaken in areas of the Overton Ward. The majority of Councillors voted to set a rate increase of 3.8%.

As a result, there was no appointment of a Traffic Engineer incorporated into the 2015/2016 Budget.

At the next budget review I will be advocating for the appointment of a Traffic Engineer.

City of Mitcham, Community Wellbeing The Council’s Positive Ageing and Community Care team has been renamed City of Mitcham, Community Wellbeing. In essence the types of services being delivered remain the same including domestic assistance, home security and social activities for elderly residents and younger people with a disability. At previous Council meetings I have strongly supported Council providing this service. Initially, the projected cut in funding of this service by the Federal Government was $57,000.

However, Council has been informed of a total reduction in funding of $14,085.00. Contract negotiations for the next period are underway.

Once again, I encourage residents to contact their Federal MP about the need to maintain the current level of funding.

Independence At a Council meeting, the majority of Councillors voted for election campaign material to record whether a particular candidate is a member of any political party. I support this position as it is my belief the public should be informed about a candidate’s political background. Furthermore, I am not a member of or have any affiliations with any political party and remain independent.

Volunteers Finally, I would like to acknowledge the many residents who are volunteers at the City of Mitcham.

They contribute hundreds of hours towards Council projects, initiatives and services. Consequently, Council saves a significant amount of costs, which contributes to maintaining a sound budget.

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

This article reflects my own views and is not official Council policy.

The last few months have been important for Babbage Ward and for my development in the Elected Member position. Decisions have been made in the Chamber where community consultation and feedback steered the decision.

Decisions made by the Chamber have serious impact on people’s community, houses and lives and so in placing my vote, I make residents concerns and wishes the most important influence.

It is very clear to me that residents do have power to inform the City of Mitcham decision making process, but only if they become involved and provides constructive input. To do this can be time consuming but having high numbers of residents showing support, is essential to influence the decisions. Ideas from the community about how to resolve issues and how to find the way forward are most important in making the best decisions for the whole of the community.

Some decisions that affect our community are not made by Council but are made by the State and Federal Government. Council can only voice what is in the best interest of the community, and hope it is listened to. Some examples are the decision about an ALDI store in Mitcham, the proposed development of Flinders Medical Centre, and the project design for the Darlington South Road upgrade.

I have had calls from residents about encroachments on Council owned land. On 8 September, Council passed a motion to change the “Unauthorised use of Council Land” policy so that the fees charged will be rates payable for the land, based on valuation as deemed by the Valuer General.

The Darlington South Road Development is a major project in Babbage Ward and Council has been working with the community, Department Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, State Ministers and Flinders University to represent the best interests of the Bedford Park residents and to influence decisions about the project.

The current Department Planning, Transport and Infrastructure plan does not address the issues that residents have been raising for several years and the community is not happy with the project.

Council, community and the affected residents are the major stakeholders in the project but are being overlooked.

Parking restrictions were recently put in place around the Daws Road Repatriation Hospital, which improved conditions for nearby residents but the troublesome parkers simply moved further out and are still parking in local side streets.

Panorama residents will hopefully get easier access onto Springbank Road with improvements promised with funding from the State Government. Council has established a Clapham - Panorama Traffic Management Working Group after a public call for eight community representatives. They will provide community input on the concept plans and options and there will be further community consultation when a draft proposal is complete.

I always appreciate the opportunity to meet, talk with, learn about and support residents about local issues. I can be contacted on 0418 819 097 or by email ytodd@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

It is a beautiful time of the year in Mitcham Council. Spring brings with it extra warmth, extra daylight and fresh shoots and blossoms. I see more people out walking themselves, their dog, walking with partners, more bikes riding and more activity. There are many footpaths and parks in Mitcham for people to do this. The footpaths, roads and parks in Mitcham are beautiful and are just some of the community assets we own, and in this year’s budget we have allocated nearly $25 million to improving community assets, including footpaths, roads and parks. It is also pleasing that we have put back over half a million dollars into the budget to construct new footpaths. There remains many places in the hills that need a footpath and this budget allows some progress toward this.

I have been noticing banners on poles in other councils around Adelaide. These, combined with public art and gardens make the areas look more vibrant. There is great scope across Mitcham to do this. The Blackwood Action Group continue to do great work on the plants and gardens in the hills. The addition of banners, public art, more festivals and better ‘welcome to Mitcham’ signs at key entry points will all contribute to a better aesthetic.

The Brown Hill Keswick Creek stormwater project is drawing closer to a resolution as you read this.

This is a significant, multi-million dollar project that has taken many years to reach conclusion.

Solutions to projects as large and complex as this can never please all people, but I am very confident that the science, modelling and data will lead to the best solution for many future generations. I dusted off my hybrid bike a few weeks ago and was taken on an instructional ride by a resident. We looked at the steep inclines on the Lynton trail and discussed possible solutions for the proposed Randall Park bike trail. Providing safe passage up and down the hills remains a goal for me. There is a challenge of keeping designed inclines below 10% on such steep terrain but if we can achieve this then we truly will be providing an environmental friendly and healthy access route from the plains to the hills. I also discovered how I need to refocus on my fitness.

This is my last article to the community before the Christmas break. There are many festivals and celebrations coming up so I would like to wish you all a safe and restful break over the coming months and Christmas, and I hope you achieve some of your goals between now and the end of 2015.

14

mitcham community news

October 2015

Blackwood Railway Station Garden Beds Bloom

Olivia Franzze left of Mayor Glenn Spear and Jordyn Fleetwood, spoke on behalf of the St Joseph’s Year 7 class about their experience to the Council.

Tour the Council Chambers As part of the Rail Care Program, the City of Mitcham, Blackwood Action Group and Urrbrae Agricultural High School with support from the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure rejuvenated the garden at the Blackwood Railway Station.

The garden areas at the recently revitalised Blackwood Railway Station precinct were overrun with weeds. Year nine students from Urrbrae Agricultural High School transformed the garden beds north of the western platform with native plants to provide an attractive pathway for train travellers.

Students also got to tour the ticket office and learn the history of the hills line and the important role played by the Blackwood Station in the steam train days from local rail historian, Neil who dressed in his SAR Porter’s uniform for the occasion.

Cumberland Park Community Centre’s Garden Takes Shape Together the City of Mitcham and students from Urrbrae Agricultural High School reshaped and replanted the garden at the Cumberland Park Community Centre.

Urrbrae Agricultural High School students, who have previously supported Council in providing services to the community, helped Council to improve the garden surrounding the Cumberland Park Community Centre.

To increase the natural light into the community centre students cleared and pruned the vegetation at the front of the

building. While surrounding garden beds were planted with native plants and an assortment of bush roses which were carefully selected by the Tuesday Lunch Group.

The project was funded by the City of Mitcham and COTA – Council on the Ageing as part of the Every Generation Festival and the Youth Development Program.

The Lunch Group shared lunch with students from Urrbrae Agricultural High School along with their experience and knowledge of plants and gardens.

One of the highlights on Council’s calendar is the regular visits from local school children eager to learn more about their local Council.

Recently year seven students from St Joseph’s School visited the City of Mitcham Council Chambers to learn about the history of the Mitcham area, the role of Local Government, Elected Members and the Mayor as well as important services Council provides to the community.

While students participated in a mock Council meeting to help them gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Council’s decision making process they also attended a Full Council meeting to witness the Council in action.

Tours for students of all ages are tailored to meet learning outcomes as part of their civic and citizenship curriculum. If you are a local school and interested in organising an educational tour of the Council Civic Centre in 2016 phone 8372 8869 or e-mail youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Urrbrae Wetland Open Day Enjoy an open day at the Urrbrae Wetland on Sunday 18 October from 1.30 pm to 4 pm.

The Friends of the Urrbrae Wetland invite you to enjoy talks on why the Wetland exists, how it was built and how it has developed over the past 17 years.

Families can also enjoy guided walks through the wetland to discover the beautiful flora and fauna, the bird boxes high in the trees as well as the wetland.

Meet at the Learning Centre for: Illustrated Talks

Guided Walks

1.40 pm

2 pm

2.10 pm

2.30 pm

2.50 pm

3.10 pm

Special Children’s Walk at 2.30 pm.

For more information email AnnLouise.

Breeding530@schools.sa.edu.au or call 8372 6955.

mitcham community news

October 2015

15

Come along a nd enjoy a great afterno on of free entertainmen t and activity for the whole family at: Karinya Rese rve, Eden Hills 11 am to 4.30 pm 24 October 20 15

Youth Fest 15 Karinya Reserve Eden Hills Saturday 24 October from 11 am to 4.30 pm Karinya Reserve at Eden Hills will showcase the amazing talents of local young people when they take centre stage at the City of Mitcham’s Youth Fest 15.

Youth Fest 15 will see the return of the Battle of the Bands between local musicians on a huge outdoor stage. Major prizes up for grabs include recording studio time with award winning Mix Masters studio, playing spots at Scorcher Fest, memberships to the Australian Music Community Database, as well as tickets to Scorcher Fest.

Young people are invited to compete in the scooter, skateboard and BMX competitions

which are now part of the South Australian Skate Park League thanks to a partnership between Council and the YMCA. The Karinya Skate Park competition is now part of the league allowing competitors to take their talents to another level by participating in multiple events throughout the year, building up points to help qualify for the state and national finals.

With plenty of prizes on offer, heaps of givea-ways, a free eight metre rock climbing wall, free face-painting and airbrush artist, live music, food and drink stalls, there is something for everyone.

For more information call Council’s Youth Development Officer on 8372 8869, email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/youth.

Halloween Roller Disco Get your skates on to the Halloween Roller Disco at the Blackwood Recreation Centre on Saturday 31 October from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

DJ Ollie and the Rec Centre team are eager to see a full house for the Halloween Roller Disco. Come along in fancy dress to win some great prizes for the best costume plus heaps of fun games.

Event Details Location: Blackwood Recreation Centre, 1 Northcote Road, Eden Hills Date:

Saturday 31 October

Time:

6.30 pm to 9.30 pm

Tickets are $8 until October 30 or $12 at the door (includes skate hire).

175 years of Local Government in Australia Celebrated in Art

Bring the whole family along for a fun night out. Don’t forget children under 12 years must be supervised by an adult.

The City of Mitcham is proud to support the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre to host their Halloween Roller Disco.

For further information or to pre-purchase tickets call the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre on 8278 8833, visit them at 1 Northcote Road, Eden Hills or email contactus@blackwoodrec.com

Lilian Fellner, local resident and student, painted a street banner to celebrate 175 years of Local Government in Australia.

The City of Adelaide along with South Australian Councils and Local Government Association are celebrating the 175th Anniversary of Local Government in Australia with a display of banners created by local communities.

On October 31, 1840 the City of Adelaide was the first local government formed in Australia after 2,000 Adelaide residents signed a petition for the rights and privileges of their own council, with civic powers to benefit the community.

To celebrate this milestone Mitcham invited 17 year old, local resident and university student, Lilian Fellner to paint the banner to represent Council. Lilian, who generously volunteered her time, took inspiration from the natural environment near her Belair family home and the Sleepshill Quarry. “I wanted to share what I see and love about Mitcham”.

The banners will be on display in the City located at the north end of King William Street, eastern end of North Terrace, Pulteney Street and Victoria Square until the end of October.

16

mitcham community news

October 2015

Karen Montgomery Celebrate Gardening!

Every Generation Celebrate the 'Every Generation Festival' during October. The City of Mitcham is celebrating the valuable contributions made by older Mitcham residents to our community through a series of programs and activities.

Horticulturalist, presenter, garden writer from Kspace will work with you to create Crops in Pots. Participants take home a container that they have planted with edibles. Limited to 30 places to book phone 8372 8887.

Date:

Monday 26 October

Time:

1 pm to 3.30 pm

Location: Blackwood Community Centre, Young Street, Blackwood Cost:

Gold Coin Donation

Celebrate Every Generation with over 500 musicians from 20 bands, choirs and orchestra at the SA Community Music Festival.

Morning Tea and a Movie Celebrate Entertainment!

Enjoy morning tea, music by local students and a movie ‘A Royal Night Out’. Also enjoy a slide show to celebrate Mitcham Village’s 175 years. Bookings essential. Phone 8374 7791.

Date:

Tuesday 27 October

Time:

10 am

Location: Mitcham Cinemas, Mitcham Square, 119 Belair Road, Torrens Park Cost:

Sophie Thomson Celebrate Gardening!

Sophie Thomson, SA presenter on TV’s Gardening Australia and regular gardening columnist for magazines and newspapers will be speaking at the Blackwood Community Centre at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 20 October about Gardening for Health and Wellbeing for all ages. Enjoy giveaways and the opportunity to purchase a book and get it signed. Bookings are essential. Phone 8372 8255.

Date:

Tuesday 20 October

Time:

6.30 pm

Location: Blackwood Community Centre, Young Street, Blackwood Cost:

Free

Jenny Bennett, Vivienne Tomlinson and Karen Montgomery Celebrate Life!

Jenny Bennett and Vivienne Tomlinson from LEAP SA (Let’s Empower All People) give an energising talk about how you can make improvements to your daily lives.

Following the talk participate in a short relaxation session. Bookings essential. Phone 8372 8887.

Date:

Monday 26 October

Time:

10.45 am to 12 noon

Location: Blackwood Community Centre, 4 Young Street, Blackwood Cost:

Gold Coin Donation

Lunch will be provided at 12 noon by Rotary Club of Mitcham and music by local students.

SA Community Music Festival Celebrating Every Generation

$5 per person (payable on the day)

Di Morrissey Celebrate books!

Bestselling author and Australia’s favourite storyteller Di Morrissey will be speaking at the Mitcham Village Institute Hall on 29 October at 7 pm. Di Morrissey is known for her stories set in the majestic Australian landscape, from the reef to the desert and everything in between. Author of over 20 books, such as The Road Back, The Winter Sea, The Golden Land, The Opal Desert and many more, her upcoming title Rain Music will be out soon. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Di and to purchase books and get them signed. Bookings essential. Phone 8372 8244 or 8372 8255.

Date:

Thursday 29 October

Time:

7 pm

The ARPA Orchestra is presenting musical performances every Sunday in October and November at the Cumberland Park Community Centre, 390 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park.

18 October 3 pm

High Spirits Harmony and SASSY - An Afternoon of A Cappella

7 pm

Kensington and Norwood Brass

25 October 3 pm

Mitcham Orchestra

7 pm

Holdfast Bay Concert Band

1 November 3 pm

Henley and Grange Concert Band

7 pm

Woodville Concert Choir - Give Us Hope

8 November 3 pm

Sisters of Abundance - Sing It Again Sista

7 pm

Terrace Singers

15 November 3 pm

Adelaide Allsorts and Onkaparinga Harmony

7 pm

Campbelltown City Band

22 November 3 pm

ARPA Orchestra - Light and Bright

7 pm

Cantabile

29 November 3 pm

Para Hills Band and Sing Australia Glenelg - Why We Play and Sing

Cost: Free

7 pm

Adelaide Village Band and Adelaide Allsorts -The Andre Tribute Show

Afternoon Tea

Tickets are $15 Adult, $10 Pensioner and Children under 16 and include tea or coffee afterwards.

Location: Mitcham Village Institute Hall, 103 Princes Road, Mitcham

Enjoy a lovely afternoon tea, served by Library staff, at the Libraries. Just drop in every Monday to Thursday in October.

Date: Every Monday to Thursday during October Time: 2.15 pm to 2.45 pm Location: Blackwood Library, 215 Main Road, Blackwood

Mitcham Library, 154 Belair Road, Hawthorn Cost: Free

Tickets are available online at www.trybooking.com/ISJA