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 this edition of Playford News Magazine.
Warm weather always brings an air of optimism and there are plenty of reasons to feel positive about Playford’s future.
It’s an exciting time to live or work in Playford, as our region leads the way in South Australia’s growth. We are set to play a key role in shaping greater Adelaide, with our city forecast to welcome 10 residents a day over the next 20 years. This means that there will be many people seeking job and career opportunities close to home.
Fortunately, northern Adelaide is home to over 95% of all future employment land within Greater Adelaide, making it an ideal location for businesses and industries to establish and thrive. We have both the space to build and a workforce ready to support this growth.
Much of the available land in Playford is situated in the Greater Edinburgh Parks area, which alone can accommodate over 37,000 jobs. Many of these positions will be in the defence and advanced manufacturing sectors, supporting the adjacent RAAF Base Edinburgh.
In fact, we are already seeing this happen, with the Deep Maintenance and Management
Facility at Penfield. The facility is currently under construction by the State Government and will be operated by the Commonwealth to maintain Boeing aircraft near the base. This collaboration between different levels of government is delivering positive results for northern Adelaide and we are grateful for the investment in our region.
Council is also helping our community take advantage of every opportunity that growth brings, whether through advocating for infrastructure investment or providing employment and training pathways. This was evident at the Northern Adelaide Jobs & Careers Expo held in September at the Playford Civic Centre in Elizabeth. The event, held partnership with Workforce Australia’s Local Jobs Program – Adelaide North, attracted over 2,000 students, jobseekers and networkers eager to explore job opportunities in our community.
As we embrace the opportunities of growth and new jobs in our community, let’s also take a moment to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. As Christmas approaches, I wish you all a joyful and safe holiday season, filled with hope and prosperity for the year ahead.
Mayor Glenn Docherty
Mayor Glenn Docherty opening the Northern Adelaide Jobs Expo.
Playford is poised for growth, with strategic investments and collaborations paving the way for new opportunities and jobs in our rapidly expanding community.
Construction of new housing at Riverlea.
Greater Edinburgh Parks Greater job opportunities for Playford
As our community grows, so does the need for quality jobs close to home. With Playford’s population set to increase significantly over the next 30 years, we’ll need to create 4.6 new jobs each day.
Fortunately, Playford has extensive land available for industrial and employment development, making it possible to generate the jobs needed to support our expanding community.
Much of this land lies within Greater Edinburgh Parks (GEP), a strategically located area near RAAF Base Edinburgh, which offers South Australia a 50-year supply of industrial land. GEP has immense potential to create and
house thousands of new jobs in Playford and provide long-term economic opportunities for both our community and the state.
With its proximity to the RAAF base, GEP is ideally suited for industries such as defence, advanced manufacturing and related sectors. The construction of the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility on Womma Road, is a strong example of this potential. It will provide specialist maintenance for Boeing aircraft coming from the Base and sets the foundation to grow defence and manufacturing sectors.
For GEP to reach its full potential, essential infrastructure – such as roads, stormwater systems and utility connections – is needed to
prepare the area for large-scale industrial use.
Bruce Djite, the South Australian Executive Director of the Property Council, recognises the need for Greater Edinburgh parks to be unlocked.
“People need somewhere to live but they also need somewhere to work. Adelaide’s available development-ready industrial land supply could be exhausted in just over two years. Greater Edinburgh Parks needs to be unlocked through infrastructure investment to support economic growth not just in the north but for the whole of South Australia.
“Every hectare of developed industrial land supports 90 jobs and adds $13.5 million in
The future for industry
• Greater Edinburgh Parks is expected to provide over 50 years of industrial land supply for South Australia.
• Greater Edinburgh Parks precinct accommodates 95% of all identified future employment land within Greater Adelaide.
• Every 60 hectares of developed industrial land directly supports 5,400 full-time equivalent jobs.
• We will need about 38,300 jobs by 2046.
Source: Property Council of Australia, 2024
Source: City of Playford, 2024
Source: Government of South Australia, 2024
Gross State Product (GSP), with each direct job in an industrial precinct creating an additional 2.07 jobs in the broader economy.”
Council is dedicated to partnering with local state and federal governments, along with private sector leaders, to unlock the full potential of Greater Edinburgh Parks by securing essential infrastructure. This commitment is about more than development; it’s about establishing a sustainable foundation for long-term job creation, driving strategic industry growth and ensuring our Playford community has access to quality employment close to home.
Aerial view overlooking Elizabeth CBD, Salisbury and Greater Edinburgh Parks
Playford’s growing defence industry
Our region, once famed for assembling the Holden Commodore and Statesman, is now looking to the sky for its next manufacturing endeavour. The City of Playford is fast becoming one of the most strategically important locations for Australia’s defence future, with both the federal and state governments investing heavily in the rapidly growing industry.
Spearheading Playford’s pivot to defence is the $200 million Deep Maintenance and
Modification Facility (DMMF) at Penfield, which will maintain Boeing 737 aircraft. The 2.1-hectare facility on Womma Road will be leased to the Commonwealth upon completion. Renewal SA is responsible for the development, which will include warehouses, workshops and offices, as well as a four-bay hangar measuring 240 metres long, 60 metres wide and 25 metres high to service aircraft.
Construction commenced on the site in August 2024 and is estimated to be completed
Photo credit: Renewal SA and Besix Watpac.
The Edinburgh Defence Precinct:
one of Australia’s two super bases
Home to 5,000 personnel, including public servants and contractors
Houses the Defence Science and Technology Group
Hosts major defence companies
in 2026. Over this 24-month period the project will generate 450 jobs in construction. Additionally, 50 new highly skilled jobs in the defence industry will be created, covering roles such as advanced aircraft maintenance, engineering, avionics and logistics.
Located adjacent to the Edinburgh RAAF Base, the facility will maintain the Defence Force’s P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft. The DMMF will be the
only facility of its kind in Australia and will help secure the Australian Defence Force’s sovereign capabilities in the Indo-Pacific by eliminating the need to send aircraft back to the United States for servicing. It is hoped the new DMMF will serve as a catalyst for future aerospace investment, further supporting Australia’s air and land defence operations for generations to come.
Homegrown healthcare
The City of Playford is situated in the highest population growth area in South Australia.
Which has provided our local healthcare network with plenty of opportunities and challenges. The healthcare and social assistance industry continues to be the largest employer in our city, generating 6,955 jobs during the 2022/23 financial year, with the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct at the heart of this growth.
Our community expects and deserves access to comprehensive health services close to home. This vision led Council to unlock key Council-owned sites in the precinct for private and state investment to support the expansion
of the Lyell McEwin Hospital and provision of complimentary health services near the site. This includes the development of a $40 million aged care, health and education hub – ACH Healthia, an aged care complex and university training centre.
A key component of the hub is UniSA’s new Health Clinic in Elizabeth South, which provides services to residents and the surrounding local community with a combination of professional and lower-cost, student-assisted services.
Since opening its doors in September of 2023, the clinic has successfully provided 6,512 occasions of service to Playford residents,
with 215 health student placements at the clinic supporting both treatment and training.
Local third-year registered nursing students, Megan and Cheryl, expressed excitement about being able to train within Playford.
“Being able to train down the road from home and help members of my community is a fantastic opportunity,” said Megan.
“Having a clinic here in the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct means we are able to provide a much-needed presence in the northern suburbs.”
Cheryl, who lives in Gawler, was pleased to provide affordable services to those living locally. “Working under one roof means that people seeking our services can meet with numerous healthcare professionals without having to travel to different clinics,” said Cheryl.
“This also means that while we train, we get to build closer working relationships with other healthcare professionals, which we might not normally interact with in a larger hospital.”
UniSA’s Elizabeth Health Clinic offers affordable medical and student-led allied health services, including physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy, speech pathology and exercise physiology.
The new UniSA Health Clinic is open for appointments, enquire today.
Callum’s journey to the Paris Olympics
“It’s better to die standing than live kneeling.” This is Australia’s first Kaurna Olympic boxer Callum Peters’ mantra for tackling young adulthood and his flourishing boxing career with determination and tenacity.
We met with Davoren Park’s latest sporting inspiration at his second home, the West Central Boxing Gym. Callum is truly an old head on young shoulders as he navigates becoming a well-known role model, following his skilled fight against Kazakhstan’s world champion Nurbek Oralbay at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Callum shows a passionate commitment to boxing and his community by fighting in the ring for the right reasons.
“The way to win in boxing is through the mental game, it’s all about the mental game. This sport is about love and self-discipline.” Callum said.
“I want to make the path to success in boxing accessible for more First Nations youth – I want to know one day that I helped with that.
In the lead up to the Paris Olympic Games, Callum’s popularity soared within the community and it was the very people who shaped his early life who certainly got behind the Olympian.
“A lot of young people say to me, ‘I want to be just like you.’ I always respond with, ‘You can be better. I want you to be better than me,’” Callum said.
Callum’s strong understanding of the community’s needs perhaps stems from his education at Swallowcliffe School, Elizabeth South Primary School and Playford International College.
“I soon realised boxing helps me express
myself and find a different type of strength. It really brought my personality out.”
Callum’s approach earned him silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games – a breakthrough on the world stage – and then gold at the 2023 Pacific Games, securing his place at the Paris Olympics. With a decade of training under his belt, he’s hit his stride at the perfect time.
“When you’re young and developing, it’s not exactly easy to know what you want. But once I could see it, then I thought it could happen. But this requires opportunities to come along to help with this,” Callum said.
“I began to picture myself at the Olympics as a representative for young Kaurna people and other Australians. It’s pretty cool to know I can compete with the best of the best and be surrounded by the best at the Olympics.”
Callum’s commitment to his community is unwavering – he serves not only as an anchor for his family of 10 but also for youth in Playford.
Scan the QR Code to watch Callum Peters train.
Outdoor upgrades in your city
The City of Playford has over 1,000 hectares of open space, consisting of playgrounds, parks, sports reserves and trails throughout our suburbs. Over the past year, Council has been proactive in upgrading parks and reserves across our city, installing play spaces, BBQs, accessible paths, nature play areas and more. Read our upgrade list to see what work is happening near you.
Peerless Reserve
Seven local children enjoyed the bragging rights of being the first to play at Peerless Reserve in Munno Para West. Excitement had been building among families as they watched the playground take shape, and they were thrilled to explore the new play spaces, basketball and netball courts, and outdoor gym. An additional 300 Munno Para West residents had a day to remember at the reserve’s official opening during the free community event Picnic at Peerless, held on Saturday, 14 November.
Delivered
Projects now completed
Dwight Reserve North | Elizbeth Downs
Peerless Reserve | Munno Para West
Virginia Institute Park | Virginia
Gould Road Reserve | Elizabeth Park
Pete Smith Reserve | Davoren Park
Planning
Projects in planning this year
Virgo Street Reserve | Elizabeth South
Barrow Crecsent Reserve | Elziabeth Vale
Gloaming Reserve | Hillbank
Coming
soon
Projects under construction
Argana Park | Elizabeth Downs
Kalara Reserve | Davoren Park
McGilp Recreation Park | One Tree Hill
Pete Smith Reserve
Our official playground testers, Ayla, Ashton, and Ashanti, left no corner unturned during their time at Pete Smith Reserve. The three new slides proved to be a big hit with the Davoren Park and Munno Para West locals, who raced from top to bottom. Eight-year-old Ashton also said he loved playing on the swings, rating the play space a solid 9 out of 10.
Drone image of Virginia Institute Park
A typical mowing cycle can involve (approx.):
Collecting about 250 tonnes of grass clippings.
250 t
Deploying 12 operators.
Three street sweepers to collect grass clippings within 24 hours
Up to 5 mows a year.
A distance from Elizabeth to Canberra accross our city.
A further 630km of rural roads. Tractors also slash 451 hectares of open space.
Find out more about verge mowing.
Mowing on!
Playford’s biggest rolling service is revving up. Our verge mowing teams travel across our ever-growing city, covering a distance equivalent to driving from Elizabeth to Canberra (1170 km). In a typical season from spring to winter, we’ll repeat this cycle up to five times, depending on grass growth.
With such a diverse landscape in Playford, our tractor slashing program covers mostly the rural and hills areas to the east of the city –adding a further 630 kilometres of rural roads to the trek.
We’ve adopted GIS-mapping technology to track the progress of the program and identify areas when they need attention. It’s one of the ways we’re working to stay ahead of the growth and keep up with the growth of our city too.
Success at Stretton
Marketing agency Fallon & Co is just one of many small businesses that have passed through the Stretton Centre on their path to success.
A Barossa local, Fallon Roocke kickstarted Fallon & Co while working from her home office, toiling away for several months, gaining clients and new employees along the way. With growth came the need for a space where Fallon could better engage with her clientele, accommodate her growing team and foster a sense of a larger workforce.
“I found there weren’t many co-working spaces in the northern suburbs, so when I saw the Stretton Centre, I was really interested,” said Fallon. “The location, right between my home base in the Barossa and Adelaide, immediately appealed and once I went on a tour, I loved it instantly.”
Aside from the affordability of spaces and free coffee, it was the networking opportunities that provided real value for Fallon & Co. They quickly found new clients and business just from being in the centre.
After three years at the Stretton Centre, Fallon’s plan came together as the business grew enough to make her vision of an Adelaide office a reality, with the team recently moving into their own office in Keswick.
For anyone thinking of starting their own business or looking to expand beyond a home office, Fallon says co-working at the Stretton Centre is a ‘no-brainer’.
“Take that step. Come in for the space and become part of the community. Network, meet new people and lean on the staff for business advice and opportunities. And it’s just such a beautiful building to work in!”
Start your oneweek free trial at Stretton Centre’s Co-working spaces today!
Elected Member chat
What was your first job or volunteer role and how did it shape
your future?
Cr Peter Rentoulis 0417 016 146
crarentoulis@playford.sa.gov.au
My first job was on the family vegetable farm. It taught me the value of hard work and a positive attitude. Although it was not glamorous work, it shaped my positive life-approach which I carry today.
Cr Rebecca Vandepeear 0483 132 360
crrvandepeear@playford.sa.gov.au
My first experience volunteering was with the Angle Vale Lions Club, at the age of 17. This taught me so much about community service, teamwork and making sure people felt welcome and valued.
Mayor Glenn Docherty 0413 219 868
mayordocherty@playford.sa.gov.au
I started volunteering with St John Ambulance as a cadet at 13, which led me into healthcare roles and a career in nursing. St John gave me opportunities to serve my local community, which cemented my lifelong passion for community service.
Cr Clint Marsh 0478 283 874
crcmarsh@playford.sa.gov.au
My first volunteering role was for the SA Country Fire ServiceDalkeith Brigade. This role provided me with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career as a fire fighter.
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
I worked as a receptionist and promotional representative. I felt at ease in that position. The experience reinforced my passion for being with people, a passion that I continue to pursue in my current role serving others.
Cr Gay Smallwood-Smith 0417 016 163
crgsmallwoodsmith@playford.sa.gov.au
My first job was for Singer Sewing Machine Company in Gawler where I was taught bookkeeping. These organisational skills led me to careers in bookkeeping, student support and market research.
Cr Chantelle Karlsen (Deputy Mayor) 0477 215 602
crckarlsen@playford.sa.gov.au
My first volunteer role was on the City of Playford’s Youth Advisory Committee. I became the secretary and this role gave me a passion and the appropriate skills for helping to shape a positive community.
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
I worked at the former Elizabeth Job Centre. I loved supporting job seekers in their search for employment and career advice. It provided a growing interest to support local industry and improve job opportunities.
Cr Tanya Smiljanic 0467 576 611
crtsmiljanic@playford.sa.gov.au
My first job was at a fruit and vegetable shop and it taught me about responsibility in the workplace and to work hard. I carried these lessons into my current career with the Royal Australian Air Force.
Cr David Kerrison 0478 283 879
crdkerrison@playford.sa.gov.au
I started my working life in hospitality at the Blacksmiths Inn. By developing these personal skills, it led to a successful career in the real estate industry and an opportunity to become a primary producer, my dream.
Cr Marilyn Baker 0418 836 685
crmbaker@playford.sa.gov.au
My first job was a stenographer at a wholesale grocer while studying and this experience led to a career in administration and office management. This prepared me for volunteering at schools and sporting clubs.
Cr Katrina Stroet 0466 941 362
crkstroet@playford.sa.gov.au
My first job was at Bakers Delight and it shaped my future by providing me with an understanding of the importance of supporting small businesses within South Australia. Many businesses close from a lack of staff and demand.
Cr Zahra Bayani 0455 355 079
crzbayani@playford.sa.gov.au
In my secondary school years, I joined the Rotaract Club and later became the president of the club. I developed essential leadership skills and gained confidence in my abilities to reach my dream career.
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
I started in the fast-food industry within Playford. It taught me to quickly learn new skills and adapt to fast-paced environments. It assists with communication, empathy and understanding, which I utilise in my teaching and Council careers.
Cr Akram Arifi 0431 609 531
craarifi@playford.sa.gov.au
My first volunteer experience was coaching the Under 12s Northern Districts Cricket Club team. It made me realise how rewarding it is to help young people to learn and grow, while also giving back to my community.
Cr Shirley Halls 0419 866 872
crshalls@playford.sa.gov.au
My career of serving the community began with babysitting before going into customer service at Myer and eventually starting a nursing career in 1972. These skills led me to volunteer at community groups in the northern suburbs.
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
in the City of What’s on
of Playford
Diesel – Bootleg Melancholy
Album Tour 2025
7:30pm, Saturday 3 May, The Shedley Theatre
Don’t miss the chance to join DIESEL for an unforgettable night as he kicks off his Bootleg Melancholy Tour! He’s bringing his signature sound to selected theatres nationwide for a unique twoset experience featuring re-imagined hits and tracks from his ARIA chart-topping album, Bootleg Melancholy. theshedley.com.au
Friday 14 March, 8pm, Playford Function Centre
Fans of Santana and The Doobie Brothers are in for a treat with Dino Jag & The Mighty Big’s dynamic tribute concert, transporting you back to the golden era. Fronted by international award-winning singer-songwriter Dino Jag, the band features Australia’s finest musicians for a high-energy twohour show. Relive over 50 years of timeless music with this unforgettable live concert experience! theshedley.com.au
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
7pm, Saturday 26 July, Playford Function Centre
With 28 years of global success, Faulty Towers
The Dining Experience remains a top-rated show, earning 5-star reviews everywhere.Combining clever comedy and a unique theatrical script, it’s a must-see for comedy and theatre fans seeking an unforgettable dining experience. Since its inception in 1997, this tribute to the BBC’s beloved sitcom has been touring the world nonstop. theshedley.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!
Northern Adelaide Jobs & Career Expo
Students, job seekers and networkers were spoilt for choice at the first Northern Adelaide Jobs & Career Expo. The Playford Civic Centre was bustling with over 2,000 job seekers in September who had the chance to meet 89 different exhibitors. The expo also included workshops about resume writing and the chance to get LinkedIn headshots, with 360 jobs advertised through the event. A special thank to our event partner, Workforce Australia.
Australian Citizenship Day
On 17 September, we celebrated the diverse tapestry of our nation and the people who make Playford so vibrant and unique, with over 80 residents officially becoming Australian citizens. It was a momentous day for Mayor Glenn Docherty, who reached a personal milestone of inducting 5,000 new citizens into our community.
Connect & Explore Community Event
Residents had the opportunity to experience positive mental wellbeing activities and try something new during our free Connect & Explore Community Event at the Civic Centre, held in support of R U OK? Day. Attendees explored a variety of workshops over the four-hour event.
Contact
Centenary Hall Goolwa 14 Cadell Street, Goolwa SA 5214 8555 7000 | events@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
Golden Grove Arts Centre
The Golden Way (cnr Tenison Place) Golden Grove SA 5125 8397 7429 | ggac@cttg.sa.gov.au
Marion Cultural Centre 287 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park SA 5046 0476 160 682 | mcc@marion.sa.gov.au
Murray Bridge Performing Arts & Function Centre 17 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge SA 5253 8539 1420 townhall@murraybridge.sa.gov.au
Shedley Theatre 10 Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth SA 5112 8256 0500 | theatre@playford.sa.gov.au
Arts Centre Port Noarlunga 22 Gawler Street, Port Noarlunga SA 5167 8326 5577 artsbookings@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
– SONGS & STORIES UP CLOSE
The Parks Theatres 46 Cowan Street, Angle Park SA 5010 8406 2951 | theatre.parks@ymcasa.org.au
