We would like to acknowledge that the land this magazine is produced on is the traditional land of the Kaurna people, and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. The City of Playford would also like to pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
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Information and events in this publication are current at the time of printing. Subsequent changes may occur.
This edition contains data and information collected from external sources including: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023 Population Estimates, and City of Playford Population Forecast (forecast.id.com.au/playford)
From the Mayor
Welcome to the winter edition of Playford News Magazine.
Not since the inauguration of Elizabeth in 1955, has our region experienced such an unprecedented amount of growth.
The City of Playford is one of the fastest growing communities in South Australia, with an average of 10 people a day moving to Playford over the next 20 years.
This edition of Playford News will help explain what growth will mean for you and our community. The landscape around us is changing at a rapid rate, with new housing developments, infrastructure and project announcements frequently hitting the headlines.
As a long-time serving member of Council, it certainly feels like we are stepping into a new
era, and while change can sometimes feel uncertain, I encourage you to also embrace the opportunities it brings.
Council plays an integral role in growth through upgrading our city’s outdoor and community spaces, sporting clubs, roads and footpaths.
We’ll continue to work closely with key partners in the private sector along with state and federal governments to advocate for upfront and ongoing investment in road, transport, water and stormwater infrastructure needed to support our expanding city.
Growth is a shared experience, and we look forward to working with you to help realise its benefits for our whole community.
Mayor Glenn Docherty
Mayor Glenn Docherty (left) with Outside Ideas supervisor Marc Lee, overlooking the construction of the Mofflin Reserve play space.
Council works proactively with our community, government and developers to strategically coordinate growth in a way that realises its social and economic advantages for all communities.
Our growth story
City of Playford has a history of rapid, large-scale development, starting with Elizabeth in the 1950s — a new satellite city that was created in the postwar boom out of farmland between Salisbury and Smithfield.
Over time, new suburbs grew organically around Elizabeth, including areas such as Craigmore and Hillbank. From 2010, the trajectory of growth in Playford changed when the state government rezoned large parcels of land on the edges of the city’s suburban footprint for residential development.
1950s & 1960s
1950s & 1960s Post-War Housing Boom
Creation of Elizabeth: In the early 1950s the South Australian Housing Trust developed a plan for a future town, of at least 14,000 houses and flats that grew at a rate of about 1,000 dwellings a year, to accommodate a population of more than 50,000 people. That town was Elizabeth, which officially opened on 16 November 1955. Elizabeth became home to many British ex-pats who were drawn to the community thanks to the availability of work at newly created industries, including the GM Holden Factory.
Population 1961: 26,480
The rezoning came off the back of the state government’s 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide which determined the north as the place to accommodate the state’s future residential and industrial growth. Large sections of land in Angle Vale, Virginia, Munno Para West and Munno Para Downs were rezoned to allow for residential development.
The state government also approved a major housing project in the city’s northwest, at Buckland Park, now known as Riverlea, which is developing into one of the state’s largest master-planned communities.
1970s
1970s Expanding communities
The establishment of planned communities around Elizabeth, such as Craigmore and Hillbank, had a focus on providing affordable housing to support the growing population, with the northern suburbs popular with families and workers looking to own their own homes.
Population 1971: 53,568
1980s & 1990s
1980s & 1990s
Modest growth
The area saw only modest population growth during this time. The City of Playford was formed in 1997 through the merger of the City of Elizabeth and the City of Munno Para.
Population 1981: 59,535
Population 1991: 60,854
Elizabeth City Centre undergoes redevelopment.
2000s
2000s Urban renewal
The state government, in partnership with the City of Playford and the community, launched one of the largest urban renewal projects in Australia, in Playford. Playford Alive was launched in 2008, involving the renewal of the suburbs of Davoren Park and Smithfield Plains and more than 500 hectares of greenfield development in Andrews Farm, Munno Para and Penfield.
Population 2001: 66,758
A local of 30 years
2010s
Welcome to Playford
Aaron Lock, 37, and his King Charles X Cavalier, Maverick, moved to Riverlea with his family. Aaron explained, everyone is excited about their new homes, meeting their new neighbours and they face similar issues, such as finding tradespeople.
“A lot of people want to engage with each other here. We’ll come down to the park and people will come together,” said Aaron.
2020s
2010s The centre of growth in SA
The state government’s 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide determined the north as the place to accommodate the state’s future residential and industrial growth. Large sections of land in Angle Vale, Virginia, Munno Para West and Munno Para Downs were rezoned to allow for residential development. Thousands of homes were built in the city’s growth areas, and the population increased by over 20,000 people in just a decade.
Population 2011: 79,115
2020s Playford’s rapid expansion
The city is feeling the impact of growth, with increased infrastructure investment needed from state and federal governments to keep up with the pace of residential growth. Council is supporting its growing community with new sporting infrastructure and outdoor spaces, and is revitalising the Elizabeth CBD to provide a multiuse destination for the north’s growing population.
Population 2021: 105,076
In June 1989, first-home buyer Clifford, would become resident number three in an exciting new 250-home housing development in Laburnum Gardens, Craigmore. Owning the first house on the block, Clifford fondly remembers the panoramic views. “I’ve watched a suburb grow from the ground up. When I drive around now it’s happening everywhere – it’s full steam ahead,” laughed Cliff. The 84-year-old local said he isn’t going anywhere.
Our growing city
This growth map shows how population change is affecting different parts of the City of Playford in different ways. Some small areas may be rapidly growing while others are stable or even declining in population.
Greater Edinburgh Parks precinct accommodates of all identified future employment land within Greater Adelaide. 95%
Riverlea
Virginia
Waterloo Corner
Buckland Park
Penfield
Angle Vale
Gawler River
Port Wakefield Highway
Virginia
Riverlea
Road
33,000+
New dwellings by 2046
An average of
people a day moving to Playford for the next 20 years
83,000+
New residents by 2046
Population growth change % 2024 to 2046
The different shades on the map show the different rates of growth expected across Playford.
Blakeview
Bilbaringa
Uleybury
Humbug Scrub
Sampson Flat
Yattalunga
Craigmore
One Tree Hill
Gould Creek
Munno Para
Elizabeth CBD
Munno Para West
Para Wirra Recreation Park
Main North
Angle Vale
Blakeview
Elizabeth CBD
Munno Para
Davoren Park
Andrews Farm
City of Playford is reshaping the Elizabeth CBD into a thriving retail, sport, business, and entertainment precinct. This responds to the needs of our growing community, which has told us they want services, activities and offerings all in one location, close to home.
Leading Australian developer, Pelligra Group, has received planning consent for two developments within the CBD. The Playford Innovation Hub on Main North Road, is a
multi-storey building that will offer space for entrepreneurial start-ups, high growth companies and accelerator programs.
The second development, a sports entertainment venue on the corner of Main North Road and Philip Highway, will feature an indoor ice sports arena, elite rock-climbing facility, indoor recreation and gymnasium – supported by a restaurant and hospitality tenancies.
South Australia’s housing hotspot
Growth in Playford comes with both its challenges and opportunities. Like dropping a stone into a body of water, the ripple effects can be felt across our city.
Since the rezoning of land by the state government in 2013/14, a series of growth fronts have developed across the city. These growth fronts require the supporting civil infrastructure – such as roads, power and water – to connect our city and properly support new communities.
Social infrastructure, such as sporting fields and community centres, is also required to foster social cohesion, support wellbeing and enhance the quality of life for all residents. Council faces the challenge of ensuring that
rapid growth doesn’t outpace the capacity of local services and facilities. This means that funding for infrastructure and social and community resources from state and federal governments needs to keep up with the rapid expansion of private development.
Bronwen Clark, CEO of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) said that the City of Playford is facing challenges similar to that of other outer metropolitan growth areas across Australia.
“The City of Playford has outperformed growth models and that brings its challenges,” Bronwen said.
The NGAA is the peak body for local governments in Australia’s outer metropolitan
growth areas, with Bronwen in a unique position to understand the shared experiences of communities facing rapid expansion.
“Playford, like other fast-growing cities like Melton in Victoria and Penrith in New South Wales, is facing the challenge of underinvestment by state and federal governments in vital infrastructure to support growth,” she said.
“It is something that is common across outermetro growth areas, and we are working with councils like Playford to advocate for a national response that ensures residents in these suburbs have equitable access to housing, jobs, education, health services, cultural activities and the physical and community infrastructure needed to support their way of life.
“As thousands of people continue to move to cities and suburbs in our outer metropolitan areas, greenfield development requires
focused attention and shared investment,”
Bronwen continued. “A successful new community relies on a partnership between all tiers of government. Local government is not in the position to carry the majority burden of funding for infrastructure if outer suburbs are to realise their potential.”
While there are challenges, Bronwen said there is also great opportunity for communities like Playford.
“Playford is strategically positioned to foster this growth into economic opportunity,” she said. “In the context of South Australia, Playford is centrally located to support growing energy industries in the state’s midnorth, and defence activity to the south, putting it in a unique position to play a key role in the state’s economic prosperity.”
For more information on the NGAA visit ngaa.org.au
Munno Para’s dining with destiny
When entering the new dining precinct in Munno Para Shopping City, your eyes are quickly drawn to a vibrantly-lit restaurant at the southern entrance.
Munno Asian Grocer Kitchen & Bar (Munno for short) offers a culinary experience that goes beyond paddock to plate, combining a boutique grocer with a South-East Asian restaurant.
The success of Playford’s hottest new business boils down to an unlikely pairing. Yany and his niece, Katherine, are the dynamic duo behind the bar and the kitchen.
Visually, the pair represent the opposing arms of the business, with Yany rocking a loosely tucked-in worker’s shirt and Katherine immaculately dressed in business attire.
“We come from different backgrounds and industries, and we’ve put ourselves together in this one box,” laughs Yany.
“We are a fiery and passionate group of individuals. If our family had a motto, it’d be, if you can stand the heat, spend more time in the kitchen!”
Despite the building’s modern interior, you quickly find yourself being swept up in the atmosphere built out of the family’s customs dating back through generations. Whether you’re browsing the aisles of produce handpicked from Katherine’s grandparents’ gardens or watching her aunt’s craftsmanship in the kitchen, you start to gain a strong appreciation for their family food traditions.
Recipes shared at family gatherings are now must-haves on their menu. Cambodian dishes feature heavily, like the strongly flavoured Prahok, a salted fermented fish paste, and Somlor Machu Kroeung, a sensational tasting beef stew. It truly feels like there’s a story behind every dish, all leading back to Cambodia, the family’s country of origin.
Find out more about Munno’s events and menu by visiting their website munnogrocer.bar or by scanning the QR code.
Escaping the Khmer Rouge, Katherine and Yany’s family sought sanctuary in neighbouring Thailand, where they spent 10 grueling years in a refugee camp.
Throughout that decade, they farmed under extremely tough conditions, selling their produce through holes in the camp’s fence to survive.
“The other week, I was having a conversation with my grandpa over dinner, and he said that he had never been so happy in his entire life. I think watching his family come together and build what we have here is such a proud moment for him.”
“Our family learned from those hardships and was able to build something beautiful,” said Katherine. “It truly feels special being able to share this with the Playford community and it’s heart warming to see how they have embraced us being here.”
Upgrades in your city
Council delivers a wide range of projects across the whole of Playford. We have a responsibility to balance the needs of existing residents while laying the foundations for future generations, by providing the parks, sporting facilities, stormwater, footpaths and road infrastructure our community needs. Read our upgrade list to see what work is happening near you.
Location Upgrade Status
Woodford Road Elizabeth North
New signalised pedestrian crossing Underway
Gould Street Hillbank Reserve upgrade Underway
Peerless Road Munno Para West New reserve Underway
Dwight Reserve North Elizabeth Downs Reserve upgrade Complete
Ridley Reserve Elizabeth Softball lights Underway
Mofflin Reserve Elizabeth Vale Complete upgrade Complete
Kinkaid Road, Elizabeth East
Queen and Jane Streets, Smithfield
Mofflin Reserve, Elizabeth Vale
Location Upgrade
Status
Gawler Greenway Elizabeth South Shared-use paths Complete
Jamieson Road Blakeview Parking and footpaths Complete
Haynes Street Elizabeth Grove New emu crossing Complete
Pete Smith Reserve Davoren Park Reserve upgrade Underway
Kinkaid Road Elizabeth East Road and footpath upgrade Complete
Queen and Jane Streets Smithfield Stormwater upgrade Complete
Jamieson Road, Blakeview Ridley Reserve, Elizabeth
Haynes Street, Elizabeth Grove
A tree by any other name
There’s much debate over the ideal tree species for streets, with some favouring native over exotic, evergreen over deciduous, and vice versa.
At Playford we have a focus on diversity first and foremost, meaning we give you the best of both worlds, planting both native and exotic trees.
Native species are known for being evergreen whereas exotics, like European varieties, are often deciduous (which means their leaves drop in autumn).
When planted in streets, deciduous trees allow shade during summer to help cool dwellings and allow sunlight in during winter. This helps with energy costs associated with heating and cooling your home.
The type of tree we plant in your street depends on a long list of factors, including overhead powerlines, the location of underground essential services and the size of a verge. Some trees are perfect in one location where others would not work at all.
We’d like to show you the species we use around the city for different spaces.
This winter almost 1000 trees will be planted across Elizabeth Downs to help increase Playford’s overall tree canopy as part of the Urban Tree Strategy. This strategy aims to increase city wide canopy from 15 per cent to 20 per cent by 2045.
Here are three species you might see us plant around Playford:
A medium-sized exotic deciduous tree with a medium growth rate. It’s best known for its tremendous display of iconic purple to lavenderblue flowers appearing in summer and early spring.
Brush Box Lophostemon confertus
A medium-sized Australian native evergreen with a medium growth rate.
The leaves are dark green, large and glossy. We like to use this tree due to its large, round and dense canopy.
A medium-sized Australian native evergreen with a fast-growing rate. The flowers are yellow in colour and is known for its round and dense canopy which creates great shade.
Jacaranda
Jacaranda mimosifolia
Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Help a gal like Val
When Val’s eyesight began to deteriorate, the world outside her front door became unreachable. Val could no longer travel the short distance to her local bus stop – the path she walked every single day was now lost in the fog of macular degeneration.
“It happened quite fast, I could no longer take the train or the bus,” said Val.
Fortunately, a friend was able to direct Val to the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), provided through the City of Playford.
The CHSP saw that Val was picked up and dropped off at her medical appointments at Calvary Hospital free of charge.
“If it wasn’t for the drivers, I’d be a mess,” she said.
The 80-year-old Smithfield local has been using the service for the past seven years, with the bi-weekly trips to Calvary Hospital becoming more than just a drive.
Since 2019, volunteer drivers David J and David E have taken turns taking Val to her
If you would like to volunteer with Council, contact 8256 0333 or scan the QR code for more information.
appointments and have subsequently become three close friends.
“Val’s been one of my longest serving customers,” laughs David J. “We’ve gotten to know each other over the years and enjoy a good laugh.”
David E said he was concerned about how a shortage in drivers may impact people just like Val.
“Quite often we are the only option people get where they’re in need – we provide them with a level of care they wouldn’t get anywhere else.
“For some clients this might be their only chance to have a chat for that day, I hate to think how tough it’d be without us,” he said.
The City of Playford has a capacity to deliver 28,000 one-way trips a year but needs more volunteers to hit this target.
Val said she would love to have more volunteers behind the wheel, “The more the merrier,” she laughed.
Last financial year, volunteer drivers delivered 17,000 one-way trips to 750 residents, with drivers transporting residents to and from medical appointments, to the shopping centre and Council-funded social inclusion programs.
What does growth bring to Playford? Elected Member chat
Mayor Glenn Docherty 0413 219 868
mayordocherty@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth fosters new economic opportunities, social connections, services, and amenities for our community. Council’s role is to help realise the benefits of growth for all our residents.
Cr Peter Rentoulis (Deputy Mayor) 0417 016 146
crarentoulis@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth is a double-edged sword. It is good in that it leads to more public amenities, for example parks, playgrounds and new businesses, however, it also puts a strain on roadways, like Curtis Road, which is struggling to keep up with growth.
Cr Rebecca Vandepeear 0483 132 360
crrvandepeear@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth brings opportunities to expand the diversity, skillset, and experience of our community, who ultimately shape the direction our city is headed.
Cr Clint Marsh 0478 283 874
crcmarsh@playford.sa.gov.au
Excitement comes with growth, not just for the future, but for a more diverse and economically strong community, where everyone can connect, share in prosperity and have a fair go.
Ward two covers the suburbs of Munno Para Downs, Munno Para West, Munno Para, Smithfield and Blakeview; and part of the suburb of Hillier.
Cr Jane Onuzans 0432 251 207
creonuzans@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth enhances our parks and sports facilities. It also increases investment and job creation, which will boost the local economy and lead to a more diverse and connected community.
Cr Gay Smallwood-Smith 0417 016 163
crgsmallwoodsmith@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth attracts more business to Playford and opportunities to increase employment. It also provides extra facilities for our community to enjoy, like sporting grounds and other great spaces as required.
Cr Chantelle Karlsen 0477 215 602
crckarlsen@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth brings change, new opportunities, new business, new services and employment to the City of Playford. An open mind to new ideas and embracing change are imperative to our growing city.
Ward Two
Ward one covers the suburbs of Angle Vale, Buckland Park, Virginia, Eyre, Penfield, Penfield Gardens, MacDonald Park, Andrews Farm, Riverlea Park and Smithfield Plains; and part of the suburbs of Edinburgh North and Waterloo Corner.
Ward One
Ward Three
Cr Andrew Craig 0417 016 160
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.
cracraig@playford.sa.gov.au
Playford’s growing city brings new families and opportunities. There’s potential for growth and our community can thrive and prosper with new skills and industry investment in the area.
Cr Tanya Smiljanic 0467 576 611
crtsmiljanic@playford.sa.gov.au
More growth means more opportunities, like more jobs, parks and community programs. However, it’s important to plan appropriately, which includes input from the community, so we can keep up with growth.
Cr David Kerrison 0478 283 879
crdkerrison@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth brings increased infrastructure needs and services, placing significant pressure on spending, debt levels and rate increases. The state government made Playford the growth zone, but there should be assistance to minimise the impact upon ratepayers.
Cr Marilyn Baker 0418 836 685
crmbaker@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth areas, like Playford, offer opportunities and challenges. Growth brings new services, employment, more sport and recreational areas for our community, creating a great lifestyle offering and a prosperous future.
Cr Katrina Stroet 0466 941 362
crkstroet@playford.sa.gov.au
Councillor Stroet is available to Ward Four residents, her contact details can be found above.
Cr Zahra Bayani 0455 355 079
crzbayani@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth is beneficial for our businesses and city, offering prosperity, innovation, and improved infrastructure. Nonetheless, ensuring the safety of our people on roads is paramount as we progress and expand in Playford.
Ward five covers the suburbs of Elizabeth Downs, Elizabeth Park, Elizabeth East and Elizabeth Grove; and part of the suburb of Craigmore.
Cr Misty Norris 0478 283 882
crmnorris@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth provides employment opportunities, specialised services, and additional business and educational investment to our community. This provides greater access to skills development, quality healthcare and higher standards of living.
Cr Akram Arifi 0431 609 531
craarifi@playford.sa.gov.au
Growth presents great economic benefits, it helps create more job opportunities, attracts more housing, promotes a culturally diverse community, and ultimately contributes to a thriving community in Playford.
Cr Shirley Halls 0419 866 872
crshalls@playford.sa.gov.au
Playford’s rapid growth is transforming suburban areas, attracting new residents, and housing developments, boosting local businesses, offering modern living experiences, and providing access to new services and facilities.
Ward Five
Ward four covers the suburbs of Davoren Park, Elizabeth North, Elizabeth, Elizabeth South and Elizabeth Vale; and part of the suburb of Edinburgh North.
Ward Four
the City of
Playford Science Fair
Sunday 21st July 2024
Featuring
Educational displays, science performances, and interactive exhibits
• SciWorld’s huge inflatable Starlab for astronomy experiences
• Animals Anonymous for wildlife shows and displays
• Marine Discovery Centre for a marine science display
• Australian Dalek Builders Union for a display of Daleks
• Neuplex for a puzzle challenge
• an electric circuits challenge
Paint your first jellyfish with Studio Vino
Join Studio Vino for this fun kids canvas painting session you can hang at home.
Children 6+ years. $2 per person
Wednesday 17 July
10.30- 11.30am
Stretton Centre Library
Try your first ritual of Aperitivo with Nadia Fragnito
Head to Italy with the custom of Aperitivo, unwinding after work. Enjoy a vegan Italian cooking demo with author and foodie Nadia Fragnito
Adults 18+ years
$10 per person
Thursday 18 July
5.30- 7.30pm
Civic Centre Library
Try your first interview workshop with Maxima
Build confidence in sessions tailored for adults to prepare for job interviews.
Adults 18+ years
Free, bookings essential
Tuesday 16 July
10am - 12pm
Stretton Centre Library
Friday 19 July
10am - 12pm
Civic Centre Library
Create your first mandala art
Join Jess from Kaleidoskope Art where you can learn to design and create colourful mandalas.
Children 6+ years
$2 per person
Friday 12 July
10.30 – 2.00pm
Stretton Centre Library
Tickets $10 for adults and children (under 3yrs free) $32 for a family of 4. Playford Civic Centre, 10 Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth
of Playford
10 Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth Phone 8256 0500
“One Night in Memphis” is the show that finally brings together three of the world’s greatest and most popular performers Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash, showcasing the greatest Rock n Roll songs of the early years of the 1950s & 1960s. It features three of Australia’s and internationally renowned tribute artists together with a full 7-piece live band bringing to you more than 2 hours of hit after hit from the early Memphis and Sun Records years through to some of their personal biggest songs.
$65 per person
Friday 26 July, 7.30pm
The Shedley Theatre
Grinspoon
live in Elizabeth
Aussie rock legends Grinspoon are bringing their unique sound to Playford, as part of their ‘whatever, whenever, wherever’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2024. With 13 ARIA Award nominations to their name; over half a million records sold; countless Platinum accolades, Grinspoon have certainly made their mark on the Aussie music scene. This is guaranteed to be a performance you don’t want to miss out on! All ages are welcome.
Sunday 10 November, 5.00pm Northern Sound System (NSS), Elizabeth
Book your tickets at www.moshtix.com.au
Make FOMO a thing of the past by subscribing to our events email list.
Our events program is chock-a-block with an extensive range of activities for people of all ages!
ANZAC Day
Hundreds gathered in Smithfield Memorial Gardens at the Cross of Remembrance to commemorate and pay tribute to past and present servicemen and women during the City of Playford’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service. It was a chance for our community to honour the sacrifices made by so many.
Twilight at Mofflin
Elizabeth Vale came alive on the big screen during a twilight spectacle at the grand opening of Mofflin Reserve. As the sun set, families settled in for a
PHOTOS Keryn Stevens
Volunteers
It was a full house for the City of Playford’s National Volunteer Week movie night at Reading Cinema, Elizabeth. This was our chance to say thank you to our 300+ volunteers who dedicate their time to helping others.
Positive Futures
Our city’s young people flocked to the Positive Futures Expo 2024. They took the opportunity to explore career pathways and ask questions to the 70 stall holders set up in the Playford Civic Centre. Guests were excited to hear from Lewis and Charlie Smith, Ambassadors for International Day of People with Disability, who were the key speakers of the event.
