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Today, Mount Osmond is known for its stunning views of the Adelaide CBD. The suburb is named after Osmond Gilles (1788-1866), a colonial treasurer and pioneering figure in South Australia’s early development. Initially, the area was characterised by mining and cattle grazing, followed by attempts at urbanisation in the 1880s, which did not gain significant momentum at the time.

A key moment in the suburb’s development occurred in 1930 with the founding of the Mount Osmond Country Club. Initiated by Henry Eoin Sydney Melbourne, District Engineer of the Burnside District Council, and supported by a group of local residents and councillors, the club was established on land originally earmarked for residential development. The group, however, made the decision to reserve the most scenic areas for a golf course, while selling off the remaining land for other development.

Photograph: Golfers at the Mount Osmond Country Club grounds, 1940s. Courtesy of the Eastern Courier.

In this episode of Burnside Highlights we catch up with our first ever biodiversity volunteer, Christine Baillie, who has been a volunteer with the City of Burnside for 25 years. Chris has been nominated for a National Award for Local Government in the Women in Local Government category, and it was our pleasure to catch up with her to find out about her role.

Every Wednesday from 9 am – 12 pm the Biodiversity Volunteer team work hard tending to Waterfall Gully Reserve along First Creek, ensuring the area is clear of weeds and debris to allow for native species to grow. This group’s work is vital in ensuring the reserve remains a beautiful, diverse open space that is accessible to wildlife and visitors.

Before the village of Makgill was established in 1838, the area that we know as Magill today was woodland filled with scattered gums and native grasses. In 1836, approximately 700 Kaurna people were known to be living in the area.

In 1838, Scottish emigrants Robert Cock and William Ferguson purchased the land and began creating a village. They named the area ‘Makgill’ after a family trustee and started subdividing the land into allotments. By 1840 the village was selling land and farmers, blacksmiths and tradespeople began settling there. It also became an important access point to the hills, with services like tearooms, hotels and a post office.

Over time, the spelling of Makgill changed and it became commonly known as Magill.

Photograph: Magill in the 1930s, along the Old Norton Summit Road. Burnside Local History Collection.

The first allotments in what was to become Linden Park were made available for purchase from 1881, although few sold due to a lack of water and other essential facilities. It was not until the 1920s that demand for allotments began to grow. A 1922 town plan introduced the diagonal Austral Avenue, which cut across existing street lines and rectangular allotments, creating internal parks that reflected the contemporary town planning trends of the era. The Tudor-style architecture of the 1920s and 1930s is particularly evident in the streets of Linden Park, especially along the boundary roads.

As the population increased and the allotments filled, Linden Park School opened in 1950 to accommodate the growing number of children in the area. The school was built on seven and a half acres of farmland and initially had seven teachers and over 250 students. To beautify the school grounds, both students and teachers planted dozens of trees.

Photograph: Linden Park School in 1956. Burnside Local History Collection.

In this episode of Burnside Highlights we visit our Chat with a Local program, with our wonderful volunteer Sophie sharing what makes the initiative so important for the community. This free program gives participants a chance to improve their conversational English with the help of one of our dedicated volunteers, who catches up with them at regular intervals to support their learning.

The National Awards for Local Government shine a spotlight on the incredible projects councils are delivering in communities right across Australia. From grassroots initiatives to big ideas making a real impact, these awards celebrate the creativity, passion and dedication of local government in bringing people together and building stronger, more connected communities.

The City of Burnside has been nominated for three awards across the categories. To vote, register at the National Awards for Local Government: https://nalg.awardsplatform.com/

Nominated in the Environmental Sustainability category for the awards, the EARPPA was an agreement forged from innovation by a group of local Adelaide councils.

Faced with rising electricity costs and a commitment to sustainability, the City of Burnside, alongside six other eastern Adelaide councils, has played a key role in securing a Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA). This long-term deal for wind-generated electricity delivers both financial savings and significant emissions reductions.

The seven councils – Burnside, Norwood Payneham & St Peters, Prospect, Tea Tree Gully, Unley, Campbelltown, and Walkerville – aggregated their energy consumption to negotiate competitive pricing, creating a more attractive proposition for electricity retailers. The decision to collaborate was driven by three key factors: first, one council alone wouldn't consume enough electricity to access competitive market pricing; second, many had already taken steps toward reducing emissions, such as installing solar systems, making the purchase of renewable energy a logical next step; and third, the group’s consumption patterns aligned well with renewable energy, particularly wind, which is produced more efficiently overnight when streetlighting is at its highest.

The agreement allowed councils the flexibility to choose their approach: some opted for certified renewable electricity, while others focused on affordability. This innovative initiative not only benefits participating councils but also sets a precedent for others across South Australia. Through collaboration and strategic planning, these councils have demonstrated how local government can drive practical, cost-effective solutions for a more sustainable future.

City of Burnside CEO Julia Grant said the agreement would save $100,000 per annum - a massive saving for rate payers.

‘It is no longer the case that good business does not marry up with good environmental outcomes,’ Julia said.

‘This has been such a great outcome for our city that other councils are looking to us for advice for how they too can get the same success.’

To vote for the EARPPA, register at the National Awards for Local Government here: https://nalg.awardsplatform.com/

The National Awards for Local Government shine a spotlight on the incredible projects councils are delivering in communities right across Australia. From grassroots initiatives to big ideas making a real impact, these awards celebrate the creativity, passion and dedication of local government in bringing people together and building stronger, more connected communities.

The City of Burnside has been nominated for three awards across the categories. To vote, register at the National Awards for Local Government: https://nalg.awardsplatform.com/

Christine Baillie has dedicated over 25 years to environmental and biodiversity initiatives in the City of Burnside and has been nominated for Women in Local Government award. As the first official biodiversity volunteer, Christine began her work long before the Council’s Conservation Volunteer Program, contributing significantly to local conservation efforts.

Christine has been instrumental in the restoration and care of key biodiversity sites, including Bell Yett Reserve, Kensington Park Reserve and Tusmore Park. Her work has protected native vegetation and ensured sustainable habitats for local wildlife.

In addition to her public efforts, Christine actively participates in the Karra Tartu bush regeneration project and nurtures native species in her own garden, further enhancing the local ecosystem. Her passion, leadership and dedication inspire a growing community of volunteers, leaving a lasting impact on Burnside’s environmental landscape.

Speaking on her time as a biodiversity volunteer, Christine said the big reward for her was seeing the difference she was able to make on the local landscape.

‘It’s a very good feeling being at Waterfall Gully and seeing the indigenous regeneration once the weeds are gone,’ Christine said.

‘It’s wonderful to get out with likeminded people and be learning on the job and seeing the rewards of what you have accomplished. The knowledge I have gained is invaluable, and the experiences I have had while volunteering are hard to explain in words.’

Read more about our volunteer opportunities here: https://engage.burnside.sa.gov.au/FOCUSOnBurnside/news_feed/new-experience-for-volunteers

To vote for Christine, register at the National Awards for Local Government: https://nalg.awardsplatform.com/

The National Awards for Local Government shine a spotlight on the incredible projects councils are delivering in communities right across Australia. From grassroots initiatives to big ideas making a real impact, these awards celebrate the creativity, passion and dedication of local government in bringing people together and building stronger, more connected communities.

The City of Burnside has been nominated for three awards across the categories. To vote, register at the National Awards for Local Government: https://nalg.awardsplatform.com/

The Chat with a Local program has been nominated in the ‘Cohesive Communities’ category and is a standout community initiative in the City of Burnside, connecting residents with new migrants and those looking to improve their English skills. Through meaningful conversations, dedicated volunteers provide support, guidance and a sense of belonging, fostering a stronger more inclusive community.

With over 150 participants and 35 volunteers already engaged, the program has delivered lasting benefits, from boosting confidence and wellbeing to creating a welcoming environment for all. Operating at little to no cost, it exemplifies grassroots community support and capacity building.

As a key part of the City of Burnside’s commitment to a connected and thriving community, the program continues to grow through strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring its long-term success.

A Library volunteer and Chat with a Local stalwart, resident Jewels has committed countless hours to the program and built lasting relationships with new Burnside residents from all over the world.

Utilising her English teaching background, Jewels says her favourite part of the program is being able to connect with new members of the community. Assisting participants with language skills and cultural assimilation.

Learn more about Chat with a Local and how it can assist new residents by visiting our website: https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Community-Recreation/Arts-Culture/Languages/Chat-with-a-Local

To vote for the Chat with a Local program, register at the National Awards for Local Government: https://nalg.awardsplatform.com/

Did you know that the small foothills suburb of Leawood Gardens gets its name from the Leawood Gardens nursery, which was founded in the area by the renowned horticulturist George Stevenson in 1842?

George Stevenson (1799-1856), known as the ‘Father of Horticulture in South Australia’, created the nursery for his mother-in-law, Margaret Gorton. By 1846 it was thriving, offering an impressive variety of plants including 30,000 rooted vines, 300 figs and 100 Jordan almond trees.

Leawood became famous for its camellias, drawing visitors from near and far. People would often take weekend drives to admire the gardens and enjoy Devonshire teas under the shade of a massive mulberry tree.

Photograph: People walking towards Leawood Gardens via Mount Barker Road, circa 1905.

Kensington Park was once part of George Frederick Shipster’s land, known locally as Shipster’s Paddock. The Shipster family generously allowed local children to use the paddock for football and cricket. However, in 1865, the land was subdivided into 50 allotments, displacing the children who had enjoyed the open space. Thanks to community support, funds were raised to preserve some of the land for a park, leading to the creation of Kensington Park Oval.

Before it became Kensington Park, the area was divided into several smaller subdivisions, including Boskenna, Roseville, St Michaels, Beulah Estate, Halton Gardens, and North Kensington Park. Eventually, the area adopted the name Kensington Park, inspired by the suburb of Kensington in London.

Photograph: Horse jumping competition at Kensington Oval, circa 1920s. Burnside Local History Collection.