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Rose Park Primary School opened in 1893 to alleviate overcrowding at the nearby Norwood School, which had over 1,200 students in 1890. The primary school was built to accommodate up to 500 students, but by the end of its first year enrolment had already reached 590. The school buildings were expanded over the following decades, but overcrowding would remain a consistent issue until the opening of Linden Park Primary School in 1950.

It wasn't just the classrooms that were too small for their purpose. At the time Rose Park Primary School was built, the site was surrounded by open fields and planners saw no need for a purpose-built outdoor play space. Unfortunately, as the surrounding land was later subdivided and developed, students had nowhere to play outdoors. It wasn't until the 1980s that the Department of Education purchased several adjoining allotments to create an open grassed area colloquially known as "the Block", allowing students to enjoy their recreation time outside.

Photographs: Rose Park Primary School, 1910 and Rose Park Primary School c.1990. Burnside Local History Collection.

The City of Burnside is proud to celebrate the achievements of our trainees, who play an important role in the delivery of services to our community. We are especially delighted to share that one of our own, Amara, has been nominated for the prestigious Trainee of the Year award at the 2025 South Australia Training Awards, hosted by the South Australian Skills Commission. This recognition is a testament not only to Amara’s commitment, hard work and growth, but also to the supportive environment fostered at the City of Burnside.

At the City of Burnside, we recognise the value that trainees bring to our organisation. They inject fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm, while building the practical skills and knowledge that will shape their careers. Traineeships give individuals the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications and contribute meaningfully to the workplace from day one.

Burnside is proud to work with Maxima, the exclusive provider of traineeships across our organisation. Through this partnership, the City of Burnside currently supports 12 trainees across administration and depot roles. By offering these opportunities, Burnside demonstrates a strong commitment to nurturing talent and investing in the future workforce. Our experienced staff play a vital role as mentors, guiding trainees like Amara as they progress in their professional journey. Amara’s nomination highlights what can be achieved when trainees are supported to thrive, and we couldn’t be more pleased to see her success recognised at a state level.

‘Amara has consistently shown initiative and professionalism in her time with the City of Burnside and has immersed herself into the team with a willingness to go above and beyond,’ said City of Burnside Acting CEO Matthew Spearman. ‘Amara has made a real difference to our team, and we are thrilled to see her achievements recognised.’

Noting the benefits of her traineeship, Amara encourages others to give it a try.

‘The opportunity to work for a shared purpose, learn on the job and gain a steady income by doing so has been something I have found invaluable. By far, the greatest contribution to my development and success had been the team of professionals at Burnside who encourage and empower me each day.’

‘I would encourage anyone considering a traineeship to give it a go. These opportunities can open doors to a wide range of industries and provide hands-on experience that will set you apart, especially in a work environment where practical and applied skills are highly sought after. This pathway will set you up for success. It’s such a valuable way to gain confidence, build skills and start your career with real industry experience.’

Congratulations to Amara on this outstanding achievement and best of luck at the awards.

If you are interested in pursuing a traineeship or would like to know more about opportunities at the City of Burnside, we encourage you to get in touch with Maxima or apply through our Job Vacancies page.

Photo credit: Maxima Group Australia

Since the trial began in September 2024, households and businesses have embraced the opportunity to place food scraps and garden waste in their green organics bins each week. As a result, landfill has been reduced by 200 tonnes compared to the previous financial year. A win for the environment and the community.

This shift is important because composting food and garden waste is around five times cheaper than sending it to landfill. These savings help reduce pressure on Council’s waste management budget and, in turn, on rates. Similar successes have been seen in other councils across Australia.

Thanks to this success, weekly organics is now being extended to the Monday bin collection area. This households and businesses in Beulah Park, Kensington Park, Kensington Gardens and Magill. Residents in this area should have already received information about the trial.

How It Works

Households and businesses in the trial area will have their green organics bins collected weekly and red-lidded landfill bins collected fortnightly. With no change to the recycling bin. Most household waste is organic waste from the kitchen and the garden. Therefore it makes sense to have weekly green organics collection. While most households are ready for this change, council is providing additional support for households where needed.

What do our residents think?

Community support has been key to the success of the trial. From saving money to reducing landfill, residents have embraced the change and are seeing the benefits.

Why Weekly Organics Works

Easier to dispose of food waste. Weekly green organics collection means households can send all food scraps to be composted without having to worry about smell or waiting another week for collection.

Takes the pressure off rates. Weekly organics collection makes it easier to use the green bin for food scraps. With more food scraps in the green bins, Council saves money.

Most landfill bins are half full. Because most landfill bins are half full or less, they don’t need to be emptied each week. Composting creates local jobs. Putting food and garden waste in your green bin grows the local composting industry. The compost helps increase the productivity of South Australian farms and vineyards.

Better for the environment. When food waste is composted it breaks down quickly. In contrast, when food waste goes to landfill it breaks down slowly and releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

Reduces landfill. Our trial has shown weekly organics significantly reduces landfill. A weekly service makes it easier to put all food scraps and organic waste in the green organics bin.

What’s Next?

This service is expected to continue beyond the trial and expand to other areas, subject to future Council budgets and the ongoing success of the program. Residents will be notified in advance of any further changes.

Council thanks residents for embracing weekly organics. Your efforts are helping to reduce landfill, save money, support responsible waste management.

Want to learn more about weekly organics?
Visit www.burnside.sa.gov.au/weeklyorganics

What goes in the green organics bin?

Did you know Burnside Primary School began as a 'demonstration school' in 1869, operating out of a private residence on William Street known as 'The Cottage'? The school had 42 students under the superintendence of headmistress Ruth Clarke, who was married to Dennison Clarke (builder of Fernilee Lodge).

Due to increasing enrolment, a separate, purpose-built schoolhouse was commissioned for the site in 1872, marking the official opening of Burnside Primary School. The original building was then replaced by a new red-brick building in 1907, which was then extended in 1923 and 1932. 'The Cottage' remains a part of Burnside Primary School to this very day, currently operating as the school's science building.

During World War I, Burnside Primary School students knitted socks for soldiers on the front. In 1926, the school commissioned a set of memorial gates to commemorate past students who had died during the war. The gates were designed by Mr P.W. Culley and include two bronze tablets bearing the names of the fallen soldiers.

Photographs: Memorial Gates, courtesy of The Adelaide Chronicle (26 June 1926, p.39). Mrs Gibbons’ Class Knitting Socks for Soldiers 1914-1918, Burnside Local History Collection.

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.