PlayfordNews
L-R Ros Agate Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Mayor Glenn Docherty, Melanie Schmidtke Northern Adelaide Local Health Network.
From the Mayor
Welcome to the spring edition of Playford News Magazine.
As our local economy grows, healthcare remains a leading industry for jobs in Playford. Since 2011, Council has supported the development of the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct. The latest addition is the $49 million Playford Health Hub, offering cancer treatment, allied health services and clinical trials. It is part of the broader Precinct, that has attracted public and private investment across aged care, allied health and primary healthcare.
Council is focused on building connected, active communities. New playgrounds at Barrow and Virgo Reserves have been embraced by local families, while sporting upgrades at Kalara Reserve and Argana Park provide modern facilities to support our clubs and young athletes.
A long-term vision for Elizabeth Oval has also been released. The vision will transform the Elizabeth landmark into an inclusive community venue while continuing to support elite sport. Developed with Central District Football Club and the SANFL, the plan reflects the oval’s importance in our growing region. You can read more on pages 12 and 13.
Linked closely to Elizabeth Oval, we are proud to highlight emerging talent, Dyson Sharp, who recently led South Australia to a national title and is tipped as a top AFL draft pick. Dyson’s journey in football from local club to the national stage is a story worth celebrating. This edition is full of stories that show how we are building a healthier, more active and connected Playford, now and into the future.
Mayor Glenn Docherty
Lyell McEwin Hospital sits at the centre of the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct.
Playford’s healthcare powerhouse
Access to healthcare and the services people need to live well is essential, and having more services locally is increasingly important for our growing community. Health is also one of our region’s largest employers, with one in four jobs in Playford connected to the sector.
In 2011, Council set a vision for an interconnected health and wellbeing precinct, centred around the Lyell McEwin Hospital at Elizabeth Vale. We recognised the growing need for improved access to health care, including a broader range of specialist services, as well as the benefits of bringing health, training, and support services together in one place.
That vision became the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct – a hub combining healthcare, training and research, specialist services, allied health, and residential aged care facilities. Today, the precinct delivers high-quality health and wellbeing services not only to Playford, but also to northern Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Council’s role has been to set the conditions for both public and private investment.
More than 10 years on, we are seeing that vision realised: significant investment, more services, and more opportunities. Health Care and Social Assistance now accounts for 27.5% of local jobs – and most importantly, it is bringing better access and better outcomes for our community.
Paginton Park
Completed in January 2024, the $4.6 million upgrade of Paginton Park was developed to provide healthcare workers and hospital visitors a quiet area for rest and recuperation. The park also features a large nature play area, a walking and running loop track, all abilities fitness equipment, a therapeutic garden and climbing elements.
Northern Crisis Stabilisation Centre
The Northern Crisis Stabilisation Centre is a new mental health facility being delivered by SA Health. Located on Oldham Road, it will provide short-stay beds and mental health support services, and is currently under construction.
Healthia
Opened in 2023, ACH Group’s $40 million aged care, health and education hub, includes a 96-place residential care facility along with a university training centre which includes over 200 health student placements.
Community Health and Wellbeing Hub
A new community health and wellbeing hub, led by the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation, will be built on Mofflin Road. The Hub will provide shortterm accommodation, health services, and programs to support families and strengthen community connections.
Lyell McEwin Hospital
Holds the largest job force in the City of Playford, employing over 5,000 people, providing care to almost half a million people living in northern Adelaide.
Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct
Take a look at how the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct is developing. The map highlights the major projects already delivered, as well as those planned for the future.
Over more than a decade, the precinct has grown to encompass a mix of health, training, research, specialist services, and residential aged care and education facilities. It continues to expand and evolve to meet the needs of our growing community.
Together, these elements make the precinct a hub for health and wellbeing – improving local access to care and bringing a wide range of services closer to home.
Playford Health Hub
Opened in 2025, GensisCare’s new $49 million medical centre is providing radiation therapy, medical oncology along with additional cancer treatments.
The Playford Health Hub is a $49 million medical centre in the growing Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct in Elizabeth Vale. Its completion is a major step forward for healthcare in South Australia. The Specialist Medical Centre offers advanced services like radiation therapy, medical oncology, allied health support, and clinical trials. Built for sustainability and easy access, the hub reflects innovation and teamwork, with key partners including Calvary Health Care, Radiology SA, Clinpath Pathology, and Northwest Healthcare Properties. Photo: David Sievers
Healthcare closer to home
Radiation Oncologist Dr Susan Wiltshire has been working in Adelaide’s northern suburbs for over a decade, building a strong connection with the community she fondly describes as resilient.
Working at both GenesisCare and the Lyell McEwin Cancer Centre, Dr Wiltshire treats a wide range of cancer patients, with a particular focus on breast cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancer, haematological cancers, and palliative care.
“At my core, I’m a people person and a clinician, but above all, I’m here for my
patients. The resilience I’ve seen in the north is inspiring, and I love supporting them.
That’s why I moved my entire practice here – I no longer work in the city; all my patients are in this region,” said Dr Wiltshire.
With 2,500 people in the north diagnosed with cancer each year and a rapidly growing population, Dr Wiltshire has witnessed an increasing need for more medical facilities in Playford.
“We know that 50-60% of cancer patients benefit from radiation treatment, but uptake is
much lower, and one of the biggest barriers is access,” she said.
“With the population in the north booming, this new centre will help bridge that gap by improving accessibility and availability of care.”
Dr Wiltshire has championed the new facility as a way to relieve pressure on the local public healthcare system and provide residents with more treatment options.
“It complements existing public healthcare services. For example, I recently had a patient who received radiotherapy with me at GenesisCare while simultaneously undergoing chemotherapy at Lyell McEwin,” she said.
With healthcare and social services being Playford’s largest employers, Dr Wiltshire sees
the Playford Health Hub as an opportunity to further strengthen the region’s workforce.
“As our medical community grows, it will naturally create more jobs – not just in direct healthcare roles, but also in supporting industries.
The expansion of services means more specialists, more patients receiving treatment locally, and increased demand for infrastructure and support services,” said Dr Wiltshire.
Dr Susan Wiltshire (right) at Playford Health Hub opening.
Dyson Sharp is AFL ready
For Year 12 student Dyson Sharp, while his classmates are preoccupied with their final exams, he will be waiting in anticipation for Thursday, 20 November, when the eyes of the football world turn to the 2025 AFL Draft.
Touted as one of the premier midfielders in this year’s national draft pool, Sharp is a strong ball user who thrives in congestion.
Currently playing for the Central District Football Club, Dyson is a rare type of “plugand-play” midfielder who could strengthen a team’s stocks around centre bounce.
He has already proven his leadership credentials as skipper of South Australia’s under-18s, steering his side to a breakthrough national carnival victory and taking home the coveted Larke Medal.
For most teenagers, Year 12 brings enough pressure on its own. Sharp carries the added weight of expectation that comes with being in the small group of players tipped for AFL top ten selection each year. Yet he approaches it all with a quiet stoicism well beyond his age.
“I try not to think about it too much,” he said.
“Right now, I’m just focusing on finishing off school, trying to get really good grades and playing consistent footy. Not looking too far ahead, just taking it week by week and focusing on consistency.”
Born in the Barossa, Sharp was in the Central District Football Club’s catchment zone, where he has been able to refine his game over the past several years.
You can’t play good footy if you’re not having fun. ”
Dyson Sharp
“Central has been amazing,” he said. “They haven’t just taken my game to a new level on the field but also off the field. They’ve helped me see what it’s like to be a professional, sharpen my weapons and work on my improvement areas.”
Sharp’s maturity and leadership qualities were on full display earlier this year when he captained South Australia to its first national under-18 title in eight years.
“The captaincy is just a label really,” he reflected. “Whether I get it or not, I try to be a leader within the group and help my teammates strive to be the best they can.”
Central District has long been a breeding ground for AFL talent, with legends like John Platten (Hawthorn) and Gilbert McAdam (St Kilda) among those to pass through its doors.
Sharp now looks set to follow in that tradition. For the wider north, his journey is still a significant source of pride, representing the next generation carrying the region onto the national stage.
For aspiring young players, his advice is simple. “Take every opportunity with two hands, don’t be afraid to fail, and just enjoy it.”
You couldn’t ask for a more fitting name for AFL – Dyson hoovering up the ball in high disposals and a real Sharp shooter when it counts. An old head on young shoulders, Dyson Sharp’s next chapter is only just beginning.
Keep up to date with Central District Football Club’s news.
Bold new vision for Elizabeth Oval
The future of Elizabeth Oval extends well beyond football, with a bold Masterplan that outlines a long-term vision to open the site to the broader community. The plan aims to better connect the oval with nearby retail and entertainment precincts, transforming the space into a more welcoming and flexible destination for all.
Developed in partnership with Central District Football Club (CDFC) and the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), the Masterplan identifies a series of upgrades to improve accessibility, meet modern facility standards, enhance visual appeal, and activate the precinct beyond game day.
This is about making Elizabeth Oval a venue people feel proud of, connected to, and welcome in, and that invites the community in beyond major sporting events.”
Mayor Glenn Docherty
As Elizabeth continues to grow as a regional centre for northern Adelaide, this transformation marks an important step in creating a vibrant, connected, and inclusive community hub.
“Centrals has a proud history here, and we’re excited about the opportunity to help shape the future of Elizabeth Oval,” said Greg Edwards, CEO of CDFC.
“The Masterplan will help us meet modern standards, expand what we can offer to the community, and make sure the oval continues to be a central hub for football and connection in the north.”
Mayor Glenn Docherty and Central District Football Club CEO, Greg Edwards in front of the Kris Grant Stand.
• A new hospitality venue to enhance game-day viewing areas, functionality and user experience.
• A new entry plaza and eastern wing for improved access and year-round community use
• Grandstand, changeroom and terracing upgrades to improve compliance and inclusivity
• Supporting infrastructure such as lighting, scoreboards, shelters and canteens
Playground upgrades in your city
Barrow Crescent Reserve |
Elizabeth Vale
Barrow Crescent Reserve has been redeveloped into a vibrant green space for local families to enjoy. The park includes a multi-play structure, nature play elements and an adjoining open grassed area. A picnic shelter offers shade and comfort, making it an ideal destination for community use.
Barry Warren Reserve | Elizabeth Downs
Barry Warren Reserve in Elizabeth Downs has reopened with new play equipment, including a colourful multi-play tower with slides and viewing portholes. The popular pump track remains a highlight for visitors, complementing the fresh additions to the site. These works build on upgrades completed last year, which introduced AFL and soccer goals as well as improved accessibility features.
Virgo Street Reserve | Elizabeth South
Virgo Street Reserve has been transformed from vacant land into a welcoming neighbourhood park. The reserve features a colourful multi-play structure, a bike track, nature play elements and irrigated turf. A sheltered picnic area provides a comfortable spot for families and gatherings.
A
view from above of Barry Warren Reserve.
A brand new play space at Virgo.
Climbing features, swings and slide at Barrow.
McGilp Recreation Park | One Tree Hill
McGilp Recreation Park in One Tree Hill has completed its final upgrades. Local clubs now benefit from an extended oval, new changerooms, resurfaced tennis courts, formalised parking and improved spectator facilities. It offers modern and accessible amenities for soccer, tennis and cricket. The park also boasts a new bike track and playground, creating a vibrant community hub that encourages active lifestyles and social connection. These upgrades deliver inclusive facilities that support local players, clubs and the wider community, marking a new chapter for this much-loved open space.
Find out more about the new Kalara Reserve upgrade.
New clubrooms open at Kalara Reserve
Kalara Reserve in Andrews Farm now boasts a purpose-built, centrally located clubroom and changeroom facility, supporting both the Andrews Farm Soccer & Community Club and the Andrews Farm Cricket Club.
The district-level facility brings together previously separate clubrooms and changerooms into one modern space, making it easier for clubs to manage multiple games, support growing participation and improve access across the reserve’s three soccer pitches.
The new clubrooms feature four changerooms, an umpires’ room, upgraded kitchen and flexible community spaces, offering better amenities and more opportunities for events and gatherings.
Additional features include a synthetic cricket pitch, three new practice nets, a new car park, solar panels and alfresco seating for spectators.
The $6 million project was funded by the City of Playford, Australian and South Australian governments, and the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.
With the new facility now open, planning is underway to repurpose the original clubrooms into a dedicated community space, creating even more opportunities for wider community use.
Fresh facilities open at Argana Park
The first stage of the Argana Park upgrade has been delivered, with brand-new changerooms now open for soccer and netball players.
These purpose-built, modern facilities mark a major milestone for the Elizabeth Downs venue, which has long been home to local sport in Playford and northern Adelaide.
The new changerooms are unisex, freestanding and designed with accessibility, privacy and functionality in mind, replacing the original facilities. Once clubs have moved into the new building, the old changerooms will be converted into much-needed storage space.
Works are continuing across the park to further enhance the experience for clubs and visitors. Community feedback highlighted the need for more parking, so 300 new carparks are being added, improving access across the facility.
New oval lighting has also been installed, as well as new footpaths, signage and improvements to the Mavros Road entrance.
The project is funded by $4.6 million from the City of Playford along with a $1.5 million contribution from the State Government’s Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. The project has delivered modern, accessible and user-friendly facilities for players, spectators and the wider community.
Find out more about the new Argana Park upgrade.
Mayor Glenn Docherty with Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing the Hon Emily Bourke, Lee Odenwalder MP, Lois Scaife (Elizabeth Netball Association) and Mark Swann (Elizabeth Downs Soccer Club).
Council connection
1. Cr Zahra Bayani at the recently upgraded Barrow Crescent Reserve, Elizabeth Vale.
2. Mayor Glenn Docherty with Treasurer of Andrews Farm Soccer and Community Club Wes Hlinak at Kalara Reserve Opening.
3. Cr Misty Norris with Cos We Care Director, Ann Cooper, at Cos We Care, Fremont Park, Elizabeth Park.
4. Deputy Mayor Chantelle Karlsen with Cr Akram Arifi (and son) and at the Peerless Reserve Community Fun Day.
5. Cr Akram Arifi at the newly constructed Virgo Street Reserve, Elizabeth South.
6. Cr Clint Marsh at One Tree Hill Community Day
7. Cr Andrew Craig received acknowledgement for 25 years of service to local government in May.
8. Cr Shirley Halls received acknowledgement for 10 years of service to local government at the July Council Meeting.
9. Cr Rebecca Vandepeear attending the community consultation event for the Virginia Oval Playground renewal in May.
10. Cr Marilyn Baker with James Dickson, Dave Brown and Roger Frisby celebrating 60 years of history of the Central District Football Club at the Playford Civic Centre, Elizabeth.
11. Cr Tanya Smiljanic (back, third from right), at the John McVeity Centre for September’s Paint & Platter event.
12. Cr Gay Smallwood-Smith at a Playford Citizenship Ceremony with Yuandamarra Kiely (left) and Uncle Frank.
What’s on
in the City
of Playford
LadyBeatles
11am, Monday 10 November
The Shedley Theatre | theshedley.com.au
Experience the magic of The Beatles with LadyBeatles! Their tribute lovingly captures the iconic sound and spirit of The Fab Four, taking you on a joyous rock’n’roll journey that will delight both lifelong fans and recent enthusiasts alike. Enjoy the costumes and faithful recreations of the songs you love. ‘Come Together’ and sing along to a host of Beatle favourites, from ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’ to ‘Help!’ and ‘Hey Jude’. You’ll know and love them all!
Together for Christmas
11am, Monday 8 December
The Shedley Theatre | theshedley.com.au
Join acclaimed singer Rachael Leahcar for a heartwarming celebration of festive favourites and songs from her beloved Christmas album. Accompanied by the sensational Will Metzer and the brilliant Geoff Williams, Rachael will present everything in her red sack of Christmas songs from timeless carols to contemporary gems. Together For Christmas is a show that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together in the true spirit of Christmas – through music, unity, and a touch of holiday magic.
Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee Live!
7:30pm, Wednesday 26 November
The Shedley Theatre | theshedley.com.au
Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry, and was described by Russell Crowe as ‘the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.’
Anh’s stage show takes it a step further, combining stand-up comedy with real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story.
SALA at Civic
It was an explosion of colour at the Playford Civic Centre for the launch of SALA. Emerging Playford artist Rachel Sanderson opened her exhibition to a collection of art enthusiasits inside the Great Hall. It was just one of many free events which took place across Playford for SALA in 2025.
Opening at Kalara
On 14 August, the Andrews Farm Soccer and Community Club, Andrews Farm Cricket Club and special guests gathered for the official opening of the upgraded Kalara Reserve.
One Tree Hill Community Day
On Sunday 28 September, the City of Playford joined with One Tree Hill Progress Association to present the One Tree Hill Community Day, welcoming more than 2,300 visitors to McGilp Recreation Park. Families enjoyed a vibrant day of market stalls, food trucks, animal encounters, ‘Come and Try’ sports and plenty more fun activities.
Science Fair Fun
Young, curious minds wrapped up the school holidays with a bang at the free Playford Science Fair 2025.
Held on Sunday 20 July at the Playford Civic Centre, the event was filled with excitement and discovery.
