Playford News June 2022

playford.sa.gov.au/stayconnected

June 2022 | FREE

PlayfordNews Building for People Get active Grower bounces back

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty at the launch of the Everyday Money Skills online learning program – a new way for people with an intellectual disability to learn how to use money safely, budget and save. Turn to page 24 for the full story.

From the Mayor Welcome to the winter edition of Playford News magazine.

This edition, the magazine contains some exciting examples on how Council is investing in new and existing infrastructure to lift our city appearance while connecting our community.

We continue to see exciting developments with progress on the CBD. We also focus on our green spaces with the upgrade of the eastern end of Fremont Park, which includes a dog park and an expanded community event space.

Increasing our tree canopy continues to be a focus of Council, beautifying the city while cooling our suburbs.

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We feature throughout the magazine services that are important to you. From activities run from the Playford Wellbeing Hub, which encourage you to keep healthy and active, to our community grants program, showcasing one of our latest successful recipients.

There are also opportunities for our young people as we hear from the successful recipient of the May Graham-Turner Aboriginal Scholarship and podcast micro-credentials on offer through the Northern Sound System.

We look forward to continuing to work with the community to deliver our strategic plan objectives and the services that matter to you.

Mayor Glenn Docherty

Contents

Building for People Centre of activity Tails wag for $4.4M park upgrade Love a street tree Project updates Your questions answered Elected Member chat Grower bounces back Job opportunities Everyone for tennis Get active The (meal) preppers Volunteering awards Everyday Money Skills The dating business winning hearts Scholarship studies Turning a hobby into a viable career pathway Project ladies business What’s on

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We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we gather on. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of the Kaurna people to country and we respect and value their past, present and ongoing connections to the land and cultural beliefs.

EDITOR Kate Hayward

PHOTOGRAPHY Darren Clements Kate Hayward Brenton Edwards

CONTRIBUTORS Kate Hayward Nicole Alberton Joe Nes Shannon Siegele Jacqui Dean Richard Watson Craig Clarke Do you have a story idea?

Let us know at playfordnews@playford.sa.gov.au Information and events in this publication are current at the time of printing. Subsequent changes may occur.

Turn to page 20 for the full story of the Playford Tennis Centre’s fifth anniversary.

Enrol to vote in council elections

The future of the City of Playford is in your hands with the Local Government elections occurring later this year.

To be eligible to cast your vote, you need to be enrolled on either the electoral, or Council supplementary roll by no later than 5pm on Friday, 29 July. Nominations to stand as Mayor or Councillor open on Tuesday 23 August.

For more information, visit playford.sa.gov.au/elections

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Assets maintained include • • • •

900km of roads and verges 600 traffic islands 780km of footpaths 100+ playgrounds, parks and reserves • 490km of stormwater pipes • 100+ buildings.

Pictured: Project Manager Steven Desyllas

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Building This is forPlayford People

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Building for People Footpaths, roads, sports ovals, parks, playgrounds and trees are essential for a thriving community.

They provide the infrastructure for people to travel to work and school, exercise and have fun.

In addition to improving the city for existing residents, Council is laying the foundation for future generations by building a better city for everyone to use and enjoy.

The City of Playford manages more than $1.1 billion of assets – and has a comprehensive plan to continuously renew, upgrade and build new infrastructure for community benefit.

Construction work is aligned to Council’s Strategic Plan 2020-24, which has a focus on lifting the appearance of the city while spending money wisely.

The community helps shape specific projects, providing valuable feedback and information that helps Council staff in planning and delivering work.

Over the next 20 years, the population of the City of Playford is forecast to grow from 98,000 to 150,000 people.

Council is committed to supporting a growing city in a strategic and financially sustainable manner. It cannot build everything at once.

It must balance the investment of tens of millions of dollars in projects that can be delivered in months with those that take many years.

In addition, it needs to juggle the renewal of existing infrastructure in older parts of the city

with building new work in areas where there is rapid growth.

Advocating for Federal and State government funding support is embedded in all major projects, offsetting the cost to the community to deliver.

Ultimately, Council wants the City of Playford to be a better place for people to live, work and play.

Council is expected to finalise the projects it will deliver over the next 12 months when it considers the Annual Business Plan and Budget 2022/23 at the end of June.

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Centre of activity As the lunchtime crowd filters through the doors of Delicia Acai and Protein Bar in the Elizabeth CBD, business owner, Thomas Cole (pictured), greets each customer with a broad smile from his position behind the coffee machine perched on the counter.

Taking orders for chickpea wellness bowls, oat lattes and protein shakes, he chats to his customers with warm familiarity.

“Seeing everyone’s smile as they come through the doors is the best part about going to work,” he said.

It’s something he’s enjoyed since opening Delicia Elizabeth in 2019, when it became one of the first businesses to take up residence alongside the new Prince George Plaza.

“The promise of the location is huge,” he said. “We opened just before COVID and all the restrictions hit, so there was a rough period. But we did what we needed to do and the support from our customers has been amazing. I have a big appreciation for those who have seen us through the tough times.”

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Welcoming contemporary cafes and restaurants like Delicia into the plaza is part of Council’s vision to reshape the Elizabeth CBD into a thriving retail, business and entertainment precinct.

Infrastructure investment in the project commenced in 2017, including the new Prince George Plaza, construction of a multi-deck carpark and more recently, the opening of the Grenville Hub and upgrades to Fremont Park.

Since mid-2021, Council has been working with industry to identify potential partners to privately develop other sites within the CBD. Stringent guidelines are in place to ensure the right mix of quality urban design is delivered, which may include retail, business, professional and entertainment offerings.

For business owners like Thomas, the transformation of the CBD holds great potential.

“It’s exciting knowing that there are big things to come,” he said. “I’m looking forward to more activity in the CBD and things really coming to life.”

Building This is forPlayford People

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Key decisions take project forward At its meeting in April 2022, Council made a series of decisions to further progress the CBD project. The decisions bring us closer to understanding what types of buildings, services and experiences will form part of the revitalised city centre.

While the April Council meeting was confidential due to the commercial information contained within the proposals and the competitive nature of the process, we are sharing this information with you as we understand, and encourage community interest in this exciting project.

April 2022 key decisions

What it means for you and the CBD project

Preferred partners To continue to progress discussions with selected preferred partners about specific opportunities for private investment in the CBD.

Council will continue working with its preferred partners to determine what buildings, services and experiences may be part of the revitalised CBD. Unfortunately, we can’t share anymore right now about the details of potential offerings, as the negotiations continue to remain confidential due to commercial information shared by preferred development partners.

Core CBD land reclassified Council ratified the former Minister for Local Government’s approval to revoke the community land classification for land in the core CBD site adjacent to the Playford Civic Centre.

Council is able to progress with contracts of sale on the land once ready to proceed. The proposed developments are privately funded.

Encouragingly, the Minister’s response noted that developing the site will have a positive impact on the community.

Main North Road Gateway (Near Judd Road) Not to proceed with development on land at the southern end of Main North Road (near Judd Road), at this time. As per our commitment to the community, these decisions were made after evaluating detailed proposals from proponents and listening to community feedback.

Because development won’t proceed on the land at this time, we will not pursue an application to revoke the community status of this land.

This is in addition to a decision by Council in November 2021 not to proceed with any development on the eastern side of Main North Road as part of this project.

The uplift of the appearance of community land along Main North Road was to be funded by the development of gateway sites. As this is not occurring, the uplift of this green corridor will not proceed. It may be considered separately in the future.

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The Stage 3 works include

• A 2790 sqm fenced area for small dogs • A 4498 sqm fenced area for large dogs • Off street car parking • 5600 shrubs, 250 trees planted • Public toilet • Paths, seating, lighting, drinking fountains • Expanded events and kickabout lawn, gazebo • Wayfinding signs, CCTV Pictured: Eastern end of Fremont Park. Works coming soon.

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Building This is forPlayford People

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Tails wag for $4.4M park upgrade Tails are wagging at the news that work to build Elizabeth’s first dog park will start in July.

The upgrade is part of a $4.4 million transformation of the underused eastern portion of Fremont Park.

Other improvements include an expanded space for community events, lighting, a public toilet and more than 5600 shrubs and 250 trees.

The newest additions to the park will complement the all-abilities playground, basketball court and barbecues installed in 2020.

Project Manager Blake Newman said the dog park will include two fenced off-leash areas, one for small dogs, and one for large dogs.

“New paths will improve access, people will play on the expanded grassed area and trees

will provide shade,” Blake said. “Families will be able to bring their dogs to run off-leash so they can enjoy fresh air and burn off energy in an enclosed space. The upgrade has been shaped by community feedback. Our city’s premier park will be even more exciting.”

Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Fremont Park will be the City of Playford’s fourth dog park.

There are about 18,000 registered dogs in the City of Playford.

City of Playford is providing $2.3 million of funding and the State Government is providing $2.1 million through the Open Space and Places for People Grant Program. playford.sa.gov.au/stayconnected | PAGE 9

The Tree Services team is increasing the city’s tree canopy.

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Building for People

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Love a street tree Residents are invited to show their street trees some love as part of a new initiative to involve the community in greening the city.

Flyers will be distributed to households on streets where trees are due to be planted, advising them how they can help to care for the trees.

Residents are encouraged to help the trees become established and grow by adding water during dry periods and reporting vandalism or damage to Council.

Council will continue to water, prune, mulch and fertilise trees and spray nearby weeds.

Tree Services Team Members Garth Woest and Matt Oxford (pictured) are part of the crew that will spend the next five months planting street trees.

More than 1160 street trees will be planted to cool suburbs, increase habitat for birds and insects, reduce stormwater run-off and improve the appearance of neighbourhoods.

“I’m excited to be part of a team that is creating a greener, cooler Playford,” said Garth. “We can all do our bit in taking care of street trees.

Residents can help us water them in the hotter months of the year, to give them some relief from the heat.”

Trees will be planted in Elizabeth Vale, as well as various requested locations from May through to September.

City of Playford has a plan to plant 60,000 new trees by 2045 to increase the city’s tree coverage by more than 300 hectares.

Find out more about caring for your street tree at playford.sa.gov.au/streettree

7400 plants to green trail Work to plant more than 7400 seedlings and 160 trees to “green” a 14ha stretch along Smith Creek at Elizabeth Downs is due to start in July.

The Stage 2 improvements to the trail will see local native shrubs, groundcovers and species specific to creek lines planted as well as red and blue gum trees.

Biodiversity Management Officer, Jo Park, said: “Smith Creek Trail links to a school, sports ground and community hall, so is very popular.”

This is a City of Playford project, partfunded by a Greener Neighbourhoods

Grant from Green Adelaide and supported by the Playford Greening and Landcare Group.

Stage 1 involved City of Playford planting more than 4300 shrubs and 95 trees along the trail in 2020 with funding support from Green Adelaide.

City of Playford has scoped out plans for further improvements near the creek, which are dependent on future funding.

The trail runs 3kms from Main North Road at Elizabeth Downs to Craigmore Park at Craigmore.

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Parks and recreational centres galore Community park upgrades

Council has started upgrading community reserves in Elizabeth North, Hillbank and Munno Para. Dauntsey Reserve (Elizabeth North), Michael Reserve (Hillbank) and Munno Para Linear Park South (Munno Para) will have new playground equipment installed.

These upgraded reserves are due to open to the public in July.

Munno Para West Community Park

The City of Playford will build a new neighbourhood park on the corner of Peerless and Tatura Roads at Munno Para West.

While construction on the playground won’t take place until 2023, preliminary site works have begun. This includes the installation of fencing and the demolition of existing

Angle Vale Community Sports Centre

The final stage (stage 5A) of the Angle Vale Sports and Community Centre is currently out to tender.

Once a contractor has been selected, works are due to begin mid-year. Stage 5A of this project is anticipated for completion at the end of 2022, and will include a BMX track, playground, and public toilet facility, making the Angle Vale Community Sports Centre a true sporting and activity hub.

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structures on the site. Later in the year, there will be a community consultation where the public will be able to have input on the concept design for the park.

Virginia Main Street

Site works for the upgrade to the Virginia Main Street are commencing this month.

The project will run from the Virginia Sports Oval to just south of the intersection with Penfield and Sheedy Roads, with the contractor working directly with local traders to ensure that delays are kept to a minimum.

The new main street will feature wide shared pedestrian and cycle paths, a priority pedestrian crossing, improvements to stormwater infrastructure, new street trees, on-street parking, and the development of the Virginia Institute Park into a community destination.

Your questions answered We receive many questions from the community about a wide range of subjects.

Some relate to Council services, while others are broader.

We have provided answers to common queries, which we hope will help you understand what you can do to make the community a better place to live.

Can I upgrade or maintain my own verge?

Yes, providing you make a successful application to Council that shows certain safety criteria will be met. Please see our Verge and Landscape Maintenance Guidelines for details. Visit, playford.sa.gov.au/verge

Can I park on the verge?

No, parking on the verge breaches Australian road rules. Verges must remain clear for pedestrian access.

Who do I speak to about developing my property?

Whether you want to install a verandah or shed or build an extension, applications should be made via the State Government planning portal plan.sa.gov.au If you require assistance, please call us and ask for the duty planner.

Does Council collect hard waste?

Playford residents can book two free hard waste collections each financial year. Items can include furniture, carpets, electronic items, bikes and more. Once your collection is booked, place the waste just inside your property up to 24 hours prior to collection.

Hard waste must not be placed on the verge.

Visit, nawma.sa.gov.au/hardwaste

Dust is entering my property from a nearby development. What can I do about it?

Please contact us and provide details of where you believe the dust is coming from so our staff can investigate.

Can Council force someone to clean up an unsightly property?

We can follow up a complaint by assessing a property, including for excessive or unconstrained rubbish and vegetation and dilapidated buildings.

These complaints can prove complex and lengthy, however, we are committed to resolving them.

Further information

8256 0333 playford@playford.sa.gov.au playford.sa.gov.au

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PN Your Mayor & Councillors

Elected Member chat Q: What is a project you are proud to see completed in 2021/22? And why?

Ward One

Ward one covers the suburbs of Angle Vale, Buckland Park, Virginia, Eyre, Penfield, Penfield Gardens, MacDonald Park, Andrews Farm and Smithfield Plains; and part of the suburbs of Edinburgh North and Waterloo Corner.

I am excited to see further development of the inclusion services and what the team can provide for the community along with creating a more inclusive future within the city.

Cr Cathy-Jo Tame 0478 283 875 crcjtame@playford.sa.gov.au

Ward Two

I am proud to see the improvements to local neighbourhood parks, street tree plantings, sport ground refurbishments, shade sail installations at Eyre Sports Park and the future planning of the Argana Park Sports Precinct.

Mayor Glenn Docherty 0413 219 868 mayordocherty@playford.sa.gov.au

The Virginia Main Street project will transform the entry and exit into Virginia. Although residents and I are disappointed that it has been delayed significantly, it is vitally important that it is built correctly after an extensive community consultation period.

Cr Peter Rentoulis (Deputy Mayor) 0417 016 146 crarentoulis@playford.sa.gov.au

Working alongside my fellow Councillors, we introduced an Urban Tree Canopy Strategy starting in 2022/23 with a new target of increasing the tree canopy from 15 to 20 per cent.

Cr Clint Marsh 0478 283 874 crcmarsh@playford.sa.gov.au

Ward two covers the suburbs of Munno Para Downs, Munno Para West, Munno Para, Smithfield and Blakeview; and part of the suburb of Hillier.

A strong community demand paved the way to build a new neighbourhood park on the corner of Peerless and Tatura Roads at Munno Para West with residents to have their say on the design.

Cr Jane Onuzans 0432 251 207 creonuzans@playford.sa.gov.au

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Upgrades to footpaths on Jane Street in Smithfield and St Barbara Road in Elizabeth North are great to see, as residents have been requesting suitable and safe infrastructure.

Cr Stephen Coppins 0478 283 876 crscoppins@playford.sa.gov.au

I look forward to many developments occurring in the City of Playford during 2022/23, such as Fremont Park and the Munno Para West Community Park.

I am hopeful this will bring business and employment opportunities for our residents for an exciting future.

Cr Gay Smallwood-Smith 0417 016 163 crgsmallwoodsmith@playford.sa.gov.au

Ward Three

Ward three covers the suburbs of Hillbank, Gould Creek, One Tree Hill, Sampson Flat, Humbug Scrub, Uleybury, Yattalunga and Bibaringa; and part of the suburbs of Craigmore and Evanston Park.

Playford delivers a range of valued services that build local innovations, and launch job creating enterprises within our expanding city. I am pleased at the ongoing development of business support provided by the Stretton Centre.

Cr Andrew Craig 0417 016 160 cracraig@playford.sa.gov.au

Ward Four

To maintain downwards pressure on rates, I am most proud of the dedication and success in gaining external funding to deliver infrastructure across Playford, including the completion of footpaths and the four community parks.

Cr David Kerrison 0478 283 879 crdkerrison@playford.sa.gov.au

Ward four covers the suburbs of Davoren Park, Elizabeth North, Elizabeth, Elizabeth South and Elizabeth Vale; and part of the suburb of Edinburgh North.

It has been a pleasure to watch the refurbishment of pocket parks and the commitment to upgrading street trees and footpaths in our older suburbs.

Cr Marilyn Baker 0418 836 685 crmbaker@playford.sa.gov.au

Ward Five

Go check out Burdell Reserve in Elizabeth Downs! What an amazing space for the people in Elizabeth Downs and Playford. So much to do with families. I really love this space.

Cr Veronica Gossink 0478 283 878 crvgossink@playford.sa.gov.au

I am proud to see the development of the Virginia Main Street Upgrade underway.

It’s great to see our rural communities getting a magnificent new lifestyle to their streets and neighbourhood.

Cr Katrina Stroet 0466 941 362 crkstroet@playford.sa.gov.au

Councillor Ryan is available to Ward Four residents, his contact details can be found below.

Cr Dennis Ryan 0417 016 167 crdryan@playford.sa.gov.au

Ward five covers the suburbs of Elizabeth Downs, Elizabeth Park, Elizabeth East and Elizabeth Grove; and part of the suburb of Craigmore.

We have focused on getting the basics right and I look forward to greening the city, updating footpaths and linking the community together, such as the recent investment in upgrading local community parks.

Cr Misty Norris 0478 283 882 crmnorris@playford.sa.gov.au

It was exciting to have new businesses built in the CBD, while Expressions of Interest are currently being reviewed for the area around Prince George Plaza, ensuring community growth and employment opportunities.

Cr Shirley Halls 0419 866 872 crshalls@playford.sa.gov.au

The upgrades to California and Burdell reserves have enhanced the appearance of the area, creating a more welcoming environment, bringing people together to enjoy the recreation activities.

Cr Akram Arifi 0431 609 531 craarifi@playford.sa.gov.au

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This is Playford

Grower bounces back

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As Salvatore Sacca (pictured) watched hailstones shatter his business’ glasshouses last October, he started planning how to bounce back from what many growers would consider financial disaster.

The storms caused an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars of damage across the state and impacted growers throughout the Northern Adelaide Plains. Salvatore’s 36 glasshouses were destroyed, resulting in $100,000 of damage and wiping out plants expected to yield up to two tonnes of cucumbers per week.

During a month-long clean up, Salvatore realised he had to act quickly to save his business.

“I couldn’t wait until poly plastic roofing arrived from overseas to repair the infrastructure, so I switched to crops that could grow in an uncovered environment,” Salvatore, 19, said. “These included melons, zucchinis, lettuces and herbs. I believe this hasn’t been done hydroponically on a commercial level before. The new process has kept my business in operation.”

Salvatore planned to study engineering at university before becoming hooked on the growing industry while helping out his family on their farm.

In 2020, he set up his own business, Da’Salvatore Farms. Like hundreds of other growers, he turned to the City of Playford’s Virginia Horticulture Centre for support when the storms struck.

Centre staff teamed up with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) to organise free financial counselling, coordinate waste recovery and alert growers to State and Federal government recovery grants.

“I’ve secured a grant, benefited from advice on removing glass and am rebuilding the business,” Salvatore said. “I’m distributing locally and interstate. The future’s looking bright.”

Virginia Horticulture Centre is managed by City of Playford to support the horticultural industry.

More information on the Virginia Horticulture Centre is available at: northernadelaideplains.com.au playford.sa.gov.au/stayconnected | PAGE 17

Job opportunities With our local economy experiencing its fastest growth in a decade, there have rarely been more opportunities available for locals to enter the job market for the first time – or for those just looking for a change.

Located between Virginia and Angle Vale, Mitolo Family Farms is just one of the many local businesses who are currently looking to hire.

A second-generation family business, Mitolo have grown from their Playford roots to become Australia’s largest potato and onion packing company (among many other ventures). They employ more than 800 people at their key PAGE 18 | playford.sa.gov.au

packing sites in Virginia and Hillston (NSW) and significant farming land in these areas, as well as in the Riverland and Mallee regions.

Mitolo Family Farms Managing Director Frank Mitolo (pictured) said that there are many distinct roles available at their main site in Virginia.

“We’re on the lookout for everything from forklift operators to packers, to electricians, to fitters, to supervisors and managers and farm operators,” Frank said. “It takes a lot of different skill sets to make an operation of our size run smoothly. One of the things many

This is Playford

of our staff love about working here is the opportunities that we offer to learn new skills and grow.”

Mitolo Family Farms also works closely with some of our most diverse community groups.

“We work closely with refugee groups to help integrate them not just into the Australian workforce, but also into their local community through support with English and literacy programs,” he said. “We’re also a key partner of the Adelaide North Local Jobs Program, which helps to address our community’s high youth unemployment rate and supports

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school leavers to develop the skills they need to thrive in the workforce.”

Asked what the most important qualities he is looking for in new staff, Frank said Mitolo Family Farms are simply looking for “committed team members who align with our inclusive culture”.

To find out more about working for Mitolo Family Farms, visit their career page at mitolofamilyfarms.com.au or call 8282 9000.

To see other local job opportunities, or promote your business’ open positions for free, visit northernadelaidejobs.com.au playford.sa.gov.au/stayconnected | PAGE 19

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Everyone for tennis A teenager and an octogenarian are proving tennis is for everyone after chalking up a combined 73 years in the sport.

the Tennis SA award for Most Outstanding Council or Government Department to its trophy cabinet.

Ethan Wetherley, 15, and Gloria Dennis, 80, (pictured) are mainstays of Playford Tennis Centre, which this year celebrates its fifth anniversary.

The centre won the 2019 Newcombe Medal for outstanding professional tournament for the City of Playford Tennis International. It has hosted three international tournaments, including one featuring former world number one Daniil Medvedev.

Ethan watched the centre being built from home.

“I couldn’t wait to learn to play and am now coaching 30 kids,” Ethan said. “It’s cool to have such a big tennis facility nearby.”

Gloria first picked up a racket aged 12.

“I joined Playford Tennis Club in 1970 and we made the centre our home five years ago,” Gloria said.

“I aim to be still playing when I’m 90.”

The centre celebrated its fifth year by adding PAGE 20 | playford.sa.gov.au

The centre welcomes 600 visitors each week and is home to South Australia’s largest social tennis competition. It has 22 floodlit courts, including eight for juniors. Beginners and experienced players are welcome.

Playford Tennis Centre is owned by the City of Playford and operated by TennisGear.

For more information visit playfordtennis.com.au

This is Playford

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Angela Simpson reaches a fitness milestone at John McVeity Centre’s Live Life Get Active program.

Get active One devoted fitness fanatic, Angela Simpson (pictured), has reached her 150 class milestone through Live Life Get Active.

From boxing and cross-training to yoga, there are classes catered to over 18s of all fitness levels, according to Trainer Liam Sandford.

“This is probably my 156th session… at least,” Angela laughed. “It keeps me fit and healthy and it’s a great social outlet.”

“We have a lot of fun together, so don’t be shy,” Liam said. “It’s great for those who want to try new exercises, learn new workouts and challenge themselves.”

The free fitness classes, funded by Sport Australia, run each weekday evening on the lawns in front of the John McVeity Centre in Smithfield Plains.

Among the group is newcomer Darren Nicholls who said the classes had changed his life.

“I’ve got a lot more energy now,” Darren said.

“I like the atmosphere and getting outdoors for fitness.”

The program offers free fitness classes during the school term as a convenient way to kickstart or continue participant’s fitness journeys.

“There’s a variety of different classes – we do cross-training on Mondays and Wednesdays, boxing on Tuesdays and Fridays, and yoga on Thursdays with our other trainer Angela Thurston.”

Live Life Get Active is a health promotion charity that works with government, health networks, commercial partners and local councils right across the country.

To join in the fun, you can register for free classes at livelifegetactive.com playford.sa.gov.au/stayconnected | PAGE 21

The (meal) preppers Busy mum-of-four Carmen Donhardt (pictured) is a “prepper” – a meal prepper that is.

Looking to get her kids into new foods, she recently joined a program at the Healthy Food Co in Smithfield Plains to learn how to make a week’s worth of healthy meals ahead of time.

“I have older children with special needs around food,” Carmen said. “This was a chance to encourage them to try different foods.”

The program sees four participants cook easy meal kits together in the onsite kitchen and divide the meals among the group.

When it comes to the endless question of “what’s for dinner?” Carmen, from Andrews Farm, said she tried as much as she could to cook but, like most of us, life got in the way.

“I’ve never thought of doing one week’s worth of meals in one day before,” she said.

Carmen said the cottage pie was a fan favourite at her house, but Mexican rice, beef casserole, tuna mornay, apricot chicken and basic scones were among the other dishes served up in a flash.

“It was really good to do it with other people,” she said.

“We could discuss other ideas and what we would do differently.”

The first three weeks of the program focus on healthy dinners, with the final week on lunch box snacks like mini quiches and pizza scrolls.

Having now completed the program, Carmen encouraged others to try meal prepping with the whole family.

Keep an eye on The Precinct Facebook page for future sessions of the Family Meal Prep Program.

Enjoy the jam-packed delicious meal prep, socialising and fun!

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For more information on the program or to register your interest contact the Playford Wellbeing Hub team on 8480 0100.

This is Playford

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Volunteering rewards The job market can be a scary place to enter when you don’t have any experience in your chosen field. It seems that even entry level positions require some experience.

Joining the Friends Program as a volunteer has given her a meaningful way to give back to the community while building skills to increase her employability.

Volunteering is one way to gain the experience employers are seeking. Kimberley Anderson is someone who can attest to this.

“There have been many skills I have developed in my time as a volunteer – the most important being how I adapt my approach to ensure the most positive engagement,” she said.

Kimberley Anderson (pictured) started volunteering for the Friends Program about eight months ago. She had been studying community services and was looking to gain experience in the industry.

The Playford Friends Program is a Council-run initiative providing recreational opportunities for adults with disability.

Kimberley finds volunteering a fun and rewarding experience that she has benefitted from in many ways.

“I have been able to use the experience gained in volunteering to now secure paid employment in the sector,” she said.

Having support from volunteers like Kimberley in the Friends Program allows the funding received to be put straight back into the program, so participants have the best experiences and opportunities possible.

To employ a person instead of recruiting volunteers would subtract precious funds from the program and the awesome activity calendar.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer?

Check out our website to see the current volunteer vacancies at playford.sa.gov.au/volunteering or call 8256 0333

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Everyday money skills A recently launched online learning platform that teaches people with an intellectual disability to use money safely, budget and save could expand to benefit more than 1000 local high school students.

The website has been developed by the City of Playford and is the first of its kind to be delivered by a South Australian council. It is free to use throughout Australia.

Everyday Money Skills teaches the “dos and don’ts” of shopping, avoiding scams, checking change, dealing with banks and how to seek financial advice.

The website was created following a 12-month trial involving members of the Playford Friends Group with an intellectual disability, who also feature in its videos.

The package, which uses videos to replicate real-life scenarios, has come to the attention of Director, Northern Adelaide State Secondary Schools’ Alliance (NASSSA), Penny Chancellor (pictured).

“There are about 12,000 students in the 12 NASSSA schools, five to ten per cent of whom have a learning disability which requires intervention,” Ms Chancellor said.

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“Everyday Money Skills can teach important life skills to people with an intellectual disability. As the mother of a child with an intellectual disability, I can see the website has been created with an understanding of user needs. The resource has been introduced to Inclusive Education Leaders at NASSSA schools. It was fantastic to see Playford Friends Group involved in developing, launching and marketing the program.”

Trainers, teachers or support workers guide learners through six interactive modules.

It will benefit National Disability Insurance Scheme providers, schools and support agencies and can be used for one-on-one or group sessions.

Children’s charity Variety will start delivering the Everyday Money Skills package in schools in South East Queensland from July.

The project cost $20,000 and has been funded by the Wyatt Trust and supported by Enlightening Education.

Find out more by calling 8256 0333 or visiting playford.sa.gov.au/ everydaymoneyskills

The dating business winning hearts

This is Playford

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In the age of catfishing and The Tinder Swindler, you can never be too careful when it comes to matters of the heart.

Safe online dating is what Cheryl Drury (pictured) teaches in her DATE-ABILITY program, helping people on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) find the necessary skills to build meaningful relationships.

“I come from a finance background and I noticed there’s little out there for people with a disability to learn how to manage their own money well,” Cheryl said.

When meeting with clients on budgeting and spending habits, Cheryl saw a similar pattern in their stories emerge. An alarming number had been victim to cruel online dating scams, losing lump savings and retreating into social isolation to cope.

A mix of sexologists and psychologists help to explain what a “real” relationship looked like and the classic signs of financial abuse.

“We work to change their beliefs that they need to pay for friends, but also delve deeper into consent, selfawareness and how a healthy relationship should look and feel for both members,” she said.

Cheryl started First Step Solutions “right as COVID hit” two years ago, with a humble set up in her lounge room. While thinking about moving into a bigger space, Cheryl discovered the Stretton Centre when she attended a networking event. The then two-staffstrong business owner decided it was the perfect place for her and First Step to grow.

“When I saw it, I was sold,” she said. “It had everything I needed. I love having other NDIS providers here at the Stretton Centre – it’s a great way to connect to other businesses and share experiences.”

Flash forward to now and Cheryl has 30 staff spread across Australia, with her services available in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Queensland.

The Stretton Centre, which offers state-of-theart workspaces for just $10 a day, has a record of fast-tracking local start-ups. It provides premium spaces and complimentary business support from business experts.

One-week free trials are available for workspaces at the Stretton Centre – a bespoke coworking office environment in the heart of Munno Para.

Learn more and enquire about a co-working space, visit strettoncentre.com.au playford.sa.gov.au/stayconnected | PAGE 25

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Scholarship studies “I would like the opportunity to encourage the next generation to dream about their future careers and help them to strive to success.”

This is Aaron Wilson (pictured), a third-year teaching student at the University of Adelaide and the successful recipient of the May Graham-Turner Aboriginal Education Scholarship.

Aaron is majoring in psychology and history and is passionate about helping young people to realise their full potential.

“I always admired my teachers and what they did to help me,” he said. “I want to be a mentor to students, much like I had.”

Through his fascination of history and commitment to the community, Aaron volunteered at Hearts4Heros – an op shop located in Elizabeth. Hearts4Heros supports veterans and emergency service personnel who have fallen on hard times.

“I wanted to help improve volunteer numbers and raise money for Australian war heroes,” he said.

As part of the education scholarship, Aaron has received $1000 to go towards supporting his studies.

The scholarship honours the legacy of Aunty May Graham-Turner, a well-known Kaurna woman in Playford. Aunty May was committed to caring for others through her work at the Lyell McEwin Hospital and brought hope to the sick.

Her brother, Sidney George Graham, said May’s achievements can inspire young Aboriginal people today.

“I think young people need elders like May to look up to in our community,” Sidney said. “The scholarship is a chance to rebuild their lives.”

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“The scholarship will support me getting to and from university, as well as allowing access to resources such as textbooks, to complete my bachelor’s degree,” he said. “I am about to do a placement in a rural area, so the scholarship will help support me travelling there.”

For more information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander assistance, support and advocacy through Marni Waiendi call 8209 3840.

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Turning a hobby into a viable career pathway Northern Sound System is partnering with the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) to deliver micro-credentials in Community Podcasting and Digital Skills for small business.

Free course positions will be available for school leavers up to 25 years of age who have a passion for creating content.

The micro-credentials will provide a pathway into further education and qualifications within the digital technologies and creative industry sector.

It will also provide participants with the foundational skills to start their own business venture whether that be through traditional broadcast media channels, such as television or radio, or through social and gaming platforms.

Australia has among the highest rates of podcast listening in the world, as online broadcast delivery expands.

Ben Smith (pictured) from Northern Sound System said the 10-week podcast training course is the first of its kind in South Australia.

“For some, podcasting and streaming is a hobby, however, we want to support our young

people to turn what they love into a career,” he said. “Producing a quality podcast requires money and resources. There is a need to train and upskill our young people in the technical and operational aspects of this sector and that’s where we come in.”

As part of the course, participants will learn how to mix and edit sound, develop techniques for presenting on air, as well as learning how to use social media to build their own platform.

“We will connect the podcasters with mentors and potential traineeships and internship opportunities,” Ben said. “This is about providing an avenue for future radio and television personalities, producers, influencers, commentators and more.”

The project is funded through the Department of Innovation and Skills through its Training Priority Projects.

Training Priority Projects offer flexible responsive opportunities to support workforce and economic recovery.

For more information, contact Northern Sound System on 8255 5560 or visit, northernsoundsystem.com.au playford.sa.gov.au/stayconnected | PAGE 27

Successful grant recipient Suzzanne Bucany expands Project Ladies Business.

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Project ladies business Suzzanne Bucany (pictured) started Project Ladies Business to make sanitary packages freely available in local primary schools.

Project Ladies Business received $5000 to help fill the ‘period poverty’ gap affecting young girls as part of the City of Playford’s community grants program.

“My daughter turned nine and wanted something to put in her bag in case she got her period at school and I wondered if other girls had the same support,” Suzzanne said.

Although successful national projects make sanitary items available in high schools, it’s rare for these programs to cover primary schools.

changes they may encounter. All items are enclosed in a handmade pouch made by the Playford Women’s Shed.

“They place free dispensers in high school bathrooms, but generally not in primary schools,” she said.

In 2019, after an 18-year battle, the ‘tampon tax’ was officially lifted in Australia and feminine hygiene products were finally listed as an essential item.

Suzzanne noticed young girls taking time off school to avoid and, on many occasions, not understanding the changes happening to them.

“I think it’s really sad that such a normal thing can affect us so badly,” Suzzanne said.

Each Project Ladies Business package contains sanitary pads, tampons, feminine wipes, and a heartfelt letter explaining the

Other events and projects supported include: the Munno Para Little Athletics Come and Try Day and a fit out of a new vehicle for Cos We Care, which provides free food, toiletries, and clothing to people every Saturday morning at Fremont Park.

The next round of the Community Development and Events Grant Program

According to Suzzanne “some young girls are still missing out,” and now backed by Council she can distribute more packages to local primary schools.

In the most recent round, the City of Playford provided more than $46,000 to 11 non-profit organisations to support local projects and events.

is now open for applications, closing on Friday 8 July 2022.

Local groups are invited to apply for up to $5000 for community projects, activities, and events.

Head to Council’s website for the guidelines and application forms: playford.sa.gov.au/grants playford.sa.gov.au/stayconnected | PAGE 29

PN What’s On

Make your own teddy bear

Design, sew and adopt your own teddy bear to take home.

Thursday 14 July | 2.30 to 4pm | $2 per child Children 8+ years Playford Civic Centre Library 10 Playford Blvd, Elizabeth playfordlibrary.eventbrite.com

Playford Wellbeing Hub school holiday program

There’s lots to enjoy for everyone at the Playford Wellbeing Hub these holidays - basketball, nature play, a live performance of ‘Inspector Hector and the Case of the Vanishing Vegetables’ and a ‘Solve the Mystery’ event.

Tuesdays and Thursdays | From FREE to $12 John McVeity Centre, 182 Peachey Road, Smithfield Plains playfordwellbeinghub.eventbrite.com

Five Foot Gaga: The Lady Gaga Experience

Anime drawing with Tsunami Lee

Saturday 30 July | 7.30pm | $30 + booking fee The Shedley, 10 Playford Blvd, Elizabeth theshedley.com.au

Saturday 16 July | 12 to 1pm | $2 (11-16 years) Stretton Centre Library 307 Peachey Road, Munno Para playfordlibrary.eventbrite.com

Featuring Kat Jade (The Voice, 2014) as Lady Gaga, you will experience all the glitz and glamour as Jade perfectly embodies Lady Gaga in this tribute to Gaga’s hits and new songs from Chromatica.

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If you love anime and manga join local illustrator Tsunami Lee for this fun how to draw anime and manga workshop.

What’s On

Sophie Thomson: The power of gardening for our mental health and wellbeing

Join Gardening Australia’s Sophie Thomson for this session on gardening and the health benefits of getting among nature.

Saturday 16 July | 11am to 1.30pm | $5 Stretton Centre Library 307 Peachey Road, Munno Para playfordlibrary.eventbrite.com

Choir

A choir based at Northern Sound System for young people aged 10 to 18 years. Delivered by a professional singing teacher with years of experience. Beginner or expert, all are welcome.

Bookings not required, just rock up and give it a go!

Every Tuesday during school term | 4.30 to 5.30pm Northern Sound System 73 Elizabeth Way, Elizabeth 8255 5560 or nswinkels@playford.sa.gov.au

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Michael Bublé Tribute Show

Will Metzer is Australia’s answer to Bublé. Featuring his 14-piece band along with Henry Olonga (The Voice, 2018) and Foenander Brothers (Australia’s Got Talent Finalists) performing all your favourite Bublé hits.

Saturday 23 July | 7.30pm | $35 incl. booking fee The Shedley, 10 Playford Blvd, Elizabeth theshedley.com.au

Kissteria: The Australian Kiss Tour

Let there be rock! Get ready for Australia’s number one tribute to the kings of glam rock – Kiss.

Featuring all the make-up, costumes, fire-breathing, smashing guitar antics that is a Kiss show.

Saturday 9 July | 8pm | $42 incl. booking fee The Shedley, 10 Playford Blvd, Elizabeth theshedley.com.au

playford.sa.gov.au/stayconnected | PAGE 31

playford.sa.gov.au 8256 0333 | playford@playford.sa.gov.au

Recyclable.