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In this episode of Burnside Highlights, learn about a few key outcomes from our most recent Council Meeting, what’s happening at some of our community venues and the exciting expansion of our weekly organics trial!

Earlier this year, Wattle Park Kindergarten was recognised as winners of the City of Burnside Environment Awards, celebrating their outstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental education. The $2,000 prize has since been invested into their thriving nature-play and sustainable gardening initiatives, helping to boost and refresh current projects.

Seven raised garden beds form the heart of the kindy’s sustainability program, where little hands plant, water and harvest seasonal vegetables. These gardens are more than just a source of fresh produce, they are outdoor learning and development centres where the children discover the cycles of life, the importance of biodiversity and the joy and patience of growing your own food.

Director, Emma Schulz, said the children were passionate about the gardens and took great care in ensuring their growth.

‘This sort of nature play helps the children develop awareness of their surroundings, their environment and how to care for plants and creatures.’

The kindy also weaves Kaurna language into its learning environment, with simple cards showing the Kaurna names for plants and other natural elements. These gentle reminders help children build respect for culture while deepening their connection to the land.

Utilising the City of Burnside’s other environmental programs, Wattle Park Kindergarten has received beautiful native flowers and grasses from the City of Burnside’s annual Native Plant Giveaway and juvenile native wattle trees through the annual Native Tree Giveaway. All of which has gone towards further establishing the lush gardens.

The kindergarten’s commitment to sustainability extends into the wider community through the much-loved ‘Wattle Box’ - a produce-sharing stall hung on the exterior fence. Families and neighbours contribute homegrown vegetables, herbs and seedlings, creating a point of contact for wider community interaction. Funds raised are invested directly into the gardens, ensuring the cycle of growth continues.

The Environment Award prize money has helped further support these projects, funding seeds, plants and garden infrastructure, as well as supporting activities that encourage families to get involved.

‘The City of Burnside is incredible at supporting the environment through the giveaways and programs like the Environment Awards, and by encouraging the community to be involved in conservation,’ Emma said.

Looking ahead, Wattle Park Kindergarten plans to grow even further. Adding fruit trees, running more sustainability workshops, and creating new opportunities for children and families to learn together.

The success of the program shows how small actions can make a big difference. From tiny hands planting seeds to a community coming together around the Wattle Box, Wattle Park Kindergarten is cultivating not only fresh produce but also a culture of care, resilience and environmental responsibility that will grow for generations to come.

The City of Burnside Environment Awards nominations will reopen early in 2026 with winners announced at the annual Environment and Sustainability Expo.

Do you know why Glen Osmond Primary School isn't actually in Glen Osmond? The current Glen Osmond Primary School (pictured), which opened on Fisher Street, Myrtle Bank in October 1878 was named after the original Glen Osmond Public School, which was built on Portrush Road in 1858.

Prior to the building of the original school, most children in the area were educated by private tutors, either in their own homes or in the teacher's private residence. At public meeting on 1 November 1856, local residents and parents gathered to protest that these private "schools" were too small and scattered to serve the children of the community. As a result of these complaints, Sir Osmond Gilles donated a plot of land on Portrush Road and residents contributed funds for the construction of a schoolhouse and teacher's residence onsite. The original Glen Osmond School was opened at this location in 1858, under the superintendence of the headteacher Mr G.H.J Tucker, aided by his wife.

Unfortunately the original school was quickly found to have defective foundations. The site was handed to Burnside Council for maintenance and enjoyed around 20 years of use not only as a school, but also as a public hall and the site of various denominations' religious services. Eventually the building had to be demolished in 1877.

A replacement school was built at the Fisher Street site, remaining under the superintendence of Mr Tucker and his wife, now with the assistance from their two daughters Julia and Edith. Even though the new school was in a different suburb and a different council area, and despite numerous calls to change the name over the following decades, it has retained the name Glen Osmond Primary School in celebration of its origins.

Photograph: Glen Osmond Primary School, 1953. Burnside Local History Collection.

If you own a house or business premises in the City of Burnside, solar and battery systems can reduce your electricity costs. The new Burnside Community Renewables Program is now available to support our community to install these systems.

Council has selected a local business, Tindo, to deliver the program. Tindo were selected because they are offering exclusive prices to the Burnside community, backed by their high-quality equipment and excellent customer service.

Why This Program Matters

Solar and battery systems are one of the most effective ways to reduce both your energy bills and your carbon footprint. But for many households, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s where this program comes in.

Burnside’s Community Renewables Program has been carefully designed to remove barriers and make it easier for residents to take the next step. Whether you’re ready to install your first solar system or looking to add a battery to your existing setup, this is your opportunity to get expert support and great value.

Mayor Anne Monceaux said the program will have tangible financial benefits for residents.

‘This program gives our community an easy and affordable way to reduce their energy bills. We’re proud to be working with a South Australian manufacturer to deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses. It’s a win for households, a win for businesses, and a win for the environment.’

Exclusive Deals Available for You

Through the Community Renewables Program, Burnside residents and businesses have access to exclusive offers designed to make the purchasing of solar and batteries simpler and more affordable.

Whether you’re just starting your solar journey, adding a battery to your existing setup, or want to understand how to electrify your whole home, this program is designed to help you take the next step with confidence.

Here’s what’s included:

• Special local pricing

Tailored packages and pricing have been developed just for City of Burnside participants.

• Flexible payment options

You can choose to pay upfront or spread the cost over time with a Pay-As-You-Save option. Tindo will talk you through what works best for your budget.

• Expert advice and support

Tindo’s local team will help you understand your energy needs and design a system that’s right for you, whether that’s solar only, battery only, or both.

• Access to government rebates

Tindo can help you benefit from Australian Government rebates, including the new Cheaper Home Batteries Program, where eligible customers can access batteries at a 30 per cent discount.

• Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation

Tindo will explain how VPPs work and offer the opportunity to join one. A VPP is a smart energy network that allows you to trade excess energy to earn money. Participating in the VPP is entirely optional.

Why Tindo?

After a competitive selection process, Council chose Tindo to deliver the Community Renewables Program. As Australia’s only solar panel manufacturer, Tindo is proudly based in South Australia and brings over a decade of experience helping households and businesses reduce energy costs and emissions.

• Locally made – Tindo is based in Adelaide and supports Australian manufacturing and jobs
• Proven track record – Over 20,000 systems installed across homes and businesses
• Built for Australia – Panels built for local conditions, with zero-defect manufacturing standards
• Tailored to your needs – Tindo will work with you to determine the best solutions for your home or business
• Resource recovery – Tindo have solutions for the re-use and recycling of old panels

Tindo panels come with an industry-leading 25-year product and performance warranty, giving long-term peace of mind to residents.

• Award-winning panels – The Tindo Karra 410W panels were recently named Best Overall Solar Panel by CHOICE®
• Tested for performance – Tindo panels are consistently top-rated at the Desert Knowledge Solar Centre
• Created to last – Tindo panels are designed for durability, efficiency and reliability

Tindo CEO Richard Petterson said the program was about making solar and battery systems more accessible for everyone.

‘We’ve developed ways to reduce emissions and energy costs that everyone can take advantage of. We’re excited to support the Burnside community with expert advice and friendly service.’

How to Get Involved

The Community Renewables Program is now available. There are local information sessions, factory tours, and expert support available to help you get started.

Ready to take the next step?

Register your interest at tindosolar.com/burnside or contact Tindo’s dedicated Burnside support line on 1300 846 367 for tailored advice, quotes, and assistance.

Did you know that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of Linden Park Primary School?

Increased birth rates following the Second World War raised serious concerns about the capacity of South Australian primary schools to cope with ever-increasing student numbers, with enrolment in South Australian primary schools increasing by 3,000 students from 1949 to 1950 alone. In the late 1940s, the State Government increased funding for public education, purchasing land for new schools and commissioning the construction of 130 portable classrooms to prevent overcrowding.

One of the first new schools to be built in an effort to keep up with the growing population was Linden Park Primary School, which opened to 250 students on 7 February 1950 under Principal W.E Berry and seven teachers. The official opening of the school was delayed until all works on the school buildings had been completed, which took place on 20 October 1950 with multiple delegates in attendance including the Minister of Education Reginald John Rudall. In the nine months between the unofficial and official opening of the school, the number of students enrolled had increased from 250 to 400.

Fast forward 75 years, Linden Park Primary School now hosts almost 1,000 students and approximately 90 staff.

Photograph: Exterior of the Linden Park School building, 1956. Burnside Local History Collection.

In this episode of Burnside Highlights find out about how our Justice of the Peace service works, where the Pump Track has moved to, our upcoming Community Renewables Program launch event and more.

The Regal Theatre Precinct redevelopment began with extensive community consultation and was formally endorsed by Council in August 2022. The detailed design, developed with input from Council Members, stakeholders and Heritage SA, aligns with the original Master Plan and includes significant upgrades to the theatre and surrounding public space.

The Regal Theatre, a beloved cultural landmark in Adelaide, has played a central role in the community’s arts and entertainment scene for generations. Originally opened in November 1925, it will celebrate its centenary this year, marking 100 years of history, heritage, and performance. The redevelopment honours this legacy while preparing the precinct for a vibrant future.

The project will deliver a range of improvements, including a modernised theatre stage, upgraded equipment, and new changerooms to attract more diverse performances. The foyer will be reconfigured to enhance accessibility and restore heritage features. Outdoor areas will be transformed with new paving, landscaping, ambient lighting and dining spaces. The historic cottage will be restored and repurposed with new toilets, a kitchen and storage, while a new retail or café shopfront will be created. Accessibility will be improved through DDA-compliant ramps, wider paths, and better parking. Sustainability features include rainwater storage, permeable paving and potential solar panel installation.

Environmental considerations have been central to the design. While some existing trees impact accessibility and heritage preservation, the plan includes a net increase of approximately 11 trees, 190 m² of new green space and enhanced lawn and garden areas. These changes aim to balance ecological sustainability with the practical needs of the site and its heritage elements.

Council has successfully secured $2.434 million in funding through the Federal Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program. To ensure the successful delivery and enhanced impact of the project, Council is actively exploring additional funding opportunities to complement this grant.

Community engagement will continue through public notification during the development application process, inclusion in the 2026/27 draft Annual Business Plan and Budget and direct communication with residents via letterbox drops and social media once construction nears.

The site for Magill Primary School was laid out as early as 1846, when a portion of the land granted to Robert Cock and William Ferguson (land which formed the early village of Makgill) was donated to the Magill School Trust, with a school operating onsite from around 1850. When the Central Board of Education (CBE) was established in 1855, Magill Primary School became the first official CBE school in the Burnside area. At this point in time, the school serviced 67 students. The main subjects taught at Magill School in the 1850s included reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, history, drawing and singing.

With the passing of the Education Act (1875), Magill School was reclassified as a public school, and the following year it recorded an enrolment of 128 students, though only 53 attended every day. In 1882, the original school building was demolished and a new, two-room stone schoolhouse was erected on the same block of land, positioned slightly closer to Magill Road. In 1902, the building was extended to include a third room, and in 1926 a brand new block of classrooms was constructed facing Penfold Road. In the 1950s, enrolment remained consistently between 300 - 500 students. The purchase of surrounding blocks of land expanded the school’s property to include recreation spaces, and the Coronation Oval with its distinctive ornamental gates was opened in 1953.

From the 1960s, it was clear that the school buildings had become inadequate for the number of students, and plans were made for the construction of a new Magill School, just down the road on the corner of Magill and Penfold Roads. Construction was completed in 1962 and the new Magill Primary School was officially opened by the South Australian Minister of Education, Baden Patterson, on 4 October 1963. By 1969, enrolment at the new school had reached 616 students, showing the necessity of the move.

In 1990 the old Magill School Building was acquired by the City of Burnside. In 1995 it was chosen as the location for the new Pepper Street Gallery and Community Studio, now known as the Pepper Street Arts Centre.

Photograph: Old Magill School, 1882. Burnside Local History Collection.

In this episode of Burnside Highlights discover what's happening with one of our newest environmental initiatives, as well as an exciting announcement for cycling fans and more.

Known as a prosperous native flora haven that blends leafy suburbia with woodland areas, the City of Burnside is committed to enhancing biodiversity by supporting habitat restoration on private properties, particularly within the Hills Face Zone.

Council plays an active role in managing Hills Face reserves, creek lines and urban biodiversity sites by controlling invasive weeds, encouraging natural regeneration and planting local native species. These actions not only protect local flora and fauna but also reduce fuel loads to help prevent wildfires. Council encourages residents in adjoining areas to play their part in preserving the natural beauty of the region.

One way to get involved is through the Habitat Restoration Grant, which provides financial assistance for eligible property owners. From July 2025, first-time applicants can receive up to $4,000 to support weed control or revegetation using native species sourced from the City’s Biodiversity Nursery. Previous grant recipients can apply for up to $2,000 from 14 August 2025.

Skye residents Anne and Mervyn received a grant in 2024 to support restoration works on their property, which had long been overrun with invasive olive trees.

‘We’ve been clearing olives for years,’ said Mervyn. ‘This grant gave us the chance to tackle a new section and really speed things up.’

Anne added that the support from Council’s Conservation and Land Management team was just as valuable as the funding. ‘As soon as the Conservation and Land Management team came up and saw what we wanted to do, they advised us on the best way forward. The team gave us great advice and were helpful throughout. We’d absolutely use the program again.’

To learn more about the grant and to see if your property qualifies visit the City of Burnside website to view criteria: bit.ly/HabitatRestorationGrants

Skye residents Anne and Mervyn