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St Peter’s Girls’ School in Stonyfell understands the importance of encouraging student engagement with local government, having for the third time in recent years, visited The City of Burnside to learn about all things council and the importance of environmental sustainability.

Meeting with Mayor Anne Monceaux, two classes of Year 4's were taught about the many services the City of Burnside oversees, before touring the toy library and spending time with the Burnside Environmental team to learn about recycling.

Mayor Anne Monceaux, St Peter’s Girls’ School alumni herself, said educating future leaders of the community about the vital functions of the City of Burnside is always a pleasure.

‘Seeing the next generation of our community so involved and eager to learn is a promising sign for the future,’ Mayor Monceaux said.

‘It is important for students to understand that council provides many more services than just the three R’s of rates, roads, and rubbish.’

Educator at St Peter’s Girls’ School, Ms Olivia Coulter said part of the school curriculum was to study local council, how it affects the lives of its citizens, and the democratic processes behind it.

‘This visit helps them feel more involved in their community,' Ms Coulter said. 'When the students get hands-on experience, it is much more impactful. It helps bring the council to life.’

‘They get back to school from this visit and want to make immediate changes, “Can we compost? Do we have the right bins? Can we do this and that?”’

During the visit Environmental Sustainability Officer at the City of Burnside, Sarah McConaghy-Beasley ran the students through the importance of proper at-home waste disposal and hosted the ever-popular Recycling Relay Challenge.

‘The students love the recycle relays,’ Sarah said. ‘This is where they take one item and run to place it in the correct bin, then run back and tag the next person, then when all the items are in the bins, we talk about a few key items that were right or wrong and why.’

Sarah also mentioned the students are always keen to share the proper recycling practices once back at home.

‘I do notice that they talk about what they do at home, most students understood the importance of placing food waste in the green bin and were already doing so at home. They are all very excited to tell everyone at home the importance of recycling and composting.’

If your school is interested in visiting the City of Burnside for a tour with Mayor Anne Monceaux, a peek at our award-winning Toy Library and a talk with our Environmental Sustainability team, send us an email at burnside@burnside.sa.gov.au

Mayor Anne Monceaux brings you the latest news from across the City of Burnside, including:

✅ Burnside Business Award winners recognised recently including SA Youth Forum, Baptist Care SA youth team and Let Them Eat
✅ Help us determine the future locations of the pump track, consultation open until Friday 30 June (www.engage.burnside.sa.gov.au/rideburnside-pump-track-future-locations)
✅ Your Neighbourhood Budget voting closes this Friday (bit.ly/YNBVoteNow)
✅ Dulwich Community Centre redevelopment continues.

Local students have done their part to bolster the City of Burnside’s beautiful environment, with dozens of Rose Park Primary School pupils planting over 400 native plants at Gurney Road Garden last weekend. The school community was joined by Deputy Premier Susan Close, Member for Sturt James Stevens, Member for Bragg Jack Batty, Mayor Anne Monceaux and Rose Park & Toorak Gardens Ward Councillor Peter Cornish to assist with the planting project.

The project was brought to life through the combined support of the City of Burnside and Green Adelaide. Council proudly supported the initiative with a donation of two trees and over 200 tube-stock plants, all of which were grown at Council’s Biodiversity Nursery on Conyngham Street. Green Adelaide supported the project with a donation of over 250 tube-stock plants, tree guards and irrigation, as well as funding for site preparation works.

Mayor Anne Monceaux said she was delighted to see the environment play such a prominent role in the students' education.

“We are happy to be supporting Rose Park Primary School in its endeavours to increase environmental awareness and increase canopy cover,” Mayor Monceaux said.

“It will be marvellous when the children come back one day, bringing their own children back to this school and see the growth and development of these plantings. In 10 or 20 years’ time, they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they played a part in this.”

Rose Park Primary School principal Dr Dora Iuliano said the school’s Year 6 Environmentalist team had played an important role in bringing the project to fruition.

“This has been a big collaborative effort between students, staff and parents, as well as the City of Burnside, to replant and revegetate this whole area,” Dr Iuliano said.

“It’s been exciting because our environmentalists have taken on this initiative, they researched the species to bring to this area and we really hope these trees and plants will flourish. We’re really trying to promote student agency and student voice to help them become responsible citizens who are mindful of the environment and of the future.”

Later this year, Kaurna elder Elaine Magias will host a series of educational workshops for students to teach them about Kaurna knowledge of plant species and the importance of protecting the habitat of the area, which will complement the students’ ongoing environmental learning.

Bunnings Kent Town will also provide support for the project with workshops to be hosted for students to allow them to build wooden nest boxes which will support wildlife in Gurney Road Garden.

Look out for Focus being delivered to your letterbox this week. Read it online here

The Burnside Community Centre has welcomed a bright new artwork created by talented Glenside resident Eksha Patidar, who is excited to call Burnside home.

The large mural piece, which can be found in the corridor of the Burnside Community Centre, took over two weeks for Eksha to complete and features dozens of elements that make up the local Council area. This includes references to the Regal Theatre, local wellbeing programs, Council activities and more.

Eksha said she was excited to have the opportunity to paint the mural and that it was a way to “give back to the community.”

“For a long time, the passageway had a blank wall and it was Darren’s (Community Centres team leader) idea to have a mural that represents community, a tree that has things related to our local community,” Eksha said.

“The idea is that whoever sees the mural can connect themselves to it, they can see something there that relates to them and something they do in their daily life. Inclusiveness was the main idea behind this mural.”

Eksha and her 12-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son moved to Adelaide from Mumbai last year, after her husband Branav arrived in 2020.

“My husband came here for a few weeks for work during 2020 just as Covid started, while me and my family were in Mumbai, and the borders closed and he was stuck here,” Eksha said.

“We were not able to meet again for 20 months, for almost two years we were separated and when we came to Adelaide it felt like home.”

Eksha said Burnside Community Centre soon became her “second home” following the move as she began to volunteer at the community desk.

“When I got here, I spent a lot of time at the Burnside Community Centre and they just opened their arms to me,” Eksha said.

Tricia (Community Centres coordinator) and Darren gave me the opportunity to host art classes here for people, which I still do, and I am so blessed to have met them.

“From there I’ve had other great opportunities including painting pieces of furniture here in the community centre.”

Eksha is now looking forward to the future with her family, with her two children loving the nearby local parks and playgrounds in the Glenside area.

“This is such a lovely community here with so many amazing people. We are very happy to live here,” Eksha said.

Eksha Patidar and Mayor Anne Monceaux with the mural.

Mayor Anne Monceaux brings you the latest news from across the City of Burnside, including:

✅ Volunteers celebrated at the Regal Theatre during National Volunteer Week
✅ Your Neighbourhood Budget voting open now (www.engage.burnside.sa.gov.au/your-neighbourhood-budget-2023-vote-today)
✅ Reconciliation Week celebration morning tea to be held on Friday 2 June in the Burnside Ballroom
✅ Have your say now on your rates in the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget (bit.ly/DABPB2023)

Did you know that planting trees on your property can help to keep your neighbourhood cool during a heatwave? Trees, plants and other green surfaces can deflect radiation from the sun, release moisture into the atmosphere and keep areas shaded throughout the day to help take the edge off the heat.

As can be seen in these images, hard asphalt surfaces can reach temperatures of over 65 degrees Celsius when exposed to prolonged sunlight on a hot day, while nearby asphalt covered by shade can be almost 30 degrees Celsius cooler – look at the difference! Artificial lawn can get even hotter, reaching temperatures of almost 80 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile natural lawn protected by shade cover can reach a far more comfortable 35 degrees Celsius.

Preserving our urban canopy throughout our streets, parks and reserves is crucial in reducing the impacts of urban heat in summer, and you can support this at home too. Caring for trees on your property and planting new ones is the best way to care for the local environment and keep your neighbourhood cool.

To encourage the planting of native trees on private land, Council holds a Native Tree Giveaway every year which allows residents, schools and community groups to apply for one or more tree vouchers valued up to $75. This year’s giveaway is open now until 30 September, giving you the chance to help support our natural environment by planting native trees on your land. Find out more at www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Trees/Native-Tree-Giveaway

Shaded grass on a 40 degree day, February 2023Unshaded artificial turf on a 40 degree day, February 2023Shaded asphalt on a 40 degree day, February 2023 Unshaded asphalt on a 40 degree day, February 2023

With the annual Local Native Plant Giveaway set to open for Burnside residents on 2 June, now is the perfect time to think about ways to develop biodiversity in your backyard.

St Georges resident Kay Loechel has received plants from Council’s Local Native Plant Giveaway for the past two years and has planted wildflowers, grasses and shrubs to support native bees, butterflies and birds.

Kay said she got involved as she wanted her backyard to provide a space where local wildlife could thrive.

“I was trying to recreate the habitat for native birds, bees and butterflies, so I chose a range of plants from groundcovers through to larger shrubs and a few small trees. I have a small backyard and so far it’s been a success, I’m seeing a lot of native wildlife visiting,” Kay said.

“I bought this property four-and-a-half years ago and I designed a look I wanted, had a landscaper conduct the heavier works and remove the lawn, and from there I was able to plant the tube stock and other plants I received from the giveaway in 2021.

“If people are looking to introduce native plants to their garden it can just be a small space rather than an entire lawn area, even that will make a difference and will be worthwhile to attract native wildlife to their yard. Once established the plants are fabulous and low maintenance.

“I think adding native plants to your backyard is really worthwhile and I encourage people to get involved in this year’s giveaway.”

Kay, who also grows a wide variety of vegetables at home, was recently a runner up in the City of Burnside’s Environment Awards in the Inspiring Garden category and said she is now looking at opportunities to beautify the verge outside her home.

Every plant in the giveaway is grown by our hard-working volunteers at the Biodiversity Nursery on Conyngham Street. We use only local seed or cutting material to ensure conservation of local genetics.

Council’s Technical Officer Conservation and Land Management Dr Mark Ellis said the Local Native Plant Giveaway was a great opportunity for residents to diversify the plant life in their garden and provide a home for various species of wildlife.

“The local native species we have on offer have grown in the Burnside area for thousands of years and having them in your garden is the best way to encourage birds and beneficial insects to come to your property,” Mark said.

“Biodiversity is so important for things such as pollination – for example, native blue-banded bees are vital in the pollination of food plants such as tomatoes, as well as other species that cannot be pollinated by European honeybees.

“The volunteers at the Biodiversity Nursery have been hard at work cultivating species for this year’s giveaway, which is always very popular. We invite the community to order their plants online and get involved.”

While the plant giveaway is free for residents, we do encourage a gold coin donation for each plant to support charity. Last year over $3,000 was raised for Koala Rescue Inc, with almost 4,000 plants collected by the community.

You can redeem your plants from 2 June at www.burnsidebiodiversity.com.au

Kay Loechel at home with native plants collected from the Local Native Plant Giveaway.

Come along to the REMAKE exhibition at Pepper Street Arts Centre. This exhibition will run from 30 July – 25 August 2023 as part of the South Australian Living Artist Festival (SALA) Festival, a statewide festival of visual art.

This is an exhibition of upcycled, recycled and re-used objects by over 45 artists working in mixed media bringing to life the phrase ‘everything old is new again’. The artwork is diverse and the ideas and concepts come from an amazing place of creativity that highlights the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.

Local artist Henry Mancini, of Glen Osmond, makes sculptures out of abandoned metal and electrical wire and his work will be part of this exhibition.

Henry says his inspiration comes from old "bits ‘n’ pieces" from his late father’s workshop. He’s kept these materials for many years before deciding to start repurposing them. They are materials that can be found in workshops and toolboxes in everyday backyard sheds.

“For me it is a natural process that evolves. I look at an item such as a motor from an old drill and repurpose it into an artistic piece,” Henry said.

Henry is looking forward to displaying his work and gives us some insight into the process.

“It’s a journey of discovery and I become absorbed in this relaxing, imaginative and rewarding process,” Henry said. “It is a vision which involves trial and error with a lot of welding, fixing, and remodelling with a purpose.”

The community launch event is on Sunday 30 July at 2 pm featuring artist demonstrations, live music and a guest speaker. Enjoy complimentary drinks and nibbles on arrival.

Free artist demonstrations will feature on each Saturday afternoon of the exhibition. Please see bit.ly/PepStExhibits for more information.

Henry Mancini with several of his works at his Glen Osmond home.

Over 60 new pieces of stobie pole art have been installed across the City of Burnside, with the artworks provided by local schools and groups through the assistance of a community grant.

Devised by resident Natania Huff, the aim of her community grant application was to beautify local streets, involve local youth in an engaging project and provide wider education around Kaurna culture on the path to reconciliation.

Each artwork depicts images of native plants from the Burnside area, as well as the Kaurna names for them and an acknowledgement of our place on Kaurna Country.

Natania said she reached out to a variety of schools and groups to assist her in creating the artworks and bringing the project to life.

“I was really thrilled with the positive feedback I got from five our of our local schools, ranging from kindergarten through to high schools, as well as three groups – two Girl Guide groups and a local Scout group,” Natania said.

“It’s definitely been very much supported by the younger people and those that are working with younger people in our area, and I think it’s going to get conversations starting about reconciliation, about nature, about language.”

The community grant provided to Natania covered the expenses of materials including the wooden panels, paint and paintbrushes, allowing the schools and groups involved to participate without incurring any costs.

Once the painted panels were completed they were collected by the Shed on Conyngham Street, where Shed participants applied several coats of clear varnish to protect the panels from external weather conditions. The varnished panels were then collected by the depot team who installed them across various streets in Beulah Park Kensington, Kensington Park and Leabrook.

The final step was for City of Burnside staff to travel to each artwork to photograph them, add a QR code and create an online interactive map matching their locations. By photographing these QR codes, you can find out more about the specific artwork, including who painted it and the significance of the plant depicted.

Marryatville Primary School teacher Lyn Kaeding said her students were excited to be involved in the project and contribute to a community project.

“We were really lucky to have a parent like Natania come to the school and offer us an opportunity to be more involved in the local community – to go beyond the school gates, to do something that helped link cross curricular work so students were able to have a better understanding of Kaurna culture,” Lyn said.

“All three Year 5 classes participated in putting together drafts in a design phase for the different species of plants. This meant that every student had an opportunity to share their ideas and their creativity and from that we chose one example for each of the plant species to go to the final stage of painting.”

To assist with translations from English to Kaurna language, Natania worked with Kaurna woman and Marryatville Primary School teacher Sherrell Dyer who is a member of Kaurna Warra Karrpanthi (KWK). KWK is the leading group in South Australia dedicated to Kaurna language revitalisation and maintenance and provides translations from English.

Sherrell said she was pleased to work with Natania on the project and bolster student learning around Kaurna culture.

“Natania’s opened up a whole page of wonderful learning and I’ve really enjoyed talking with her about the project because it brought back memories of me growing up and learning lots of my culture and sharing that with her,” Sherrell said.

For Natania, Kaurna representation has been paramount throughout the project.

“KWK have kindly been involved with giving permissions for both the names of plants as well as the wording of “We’re on Kaurna Country” in Kaurna language as well,” she said.

“It’s been really important to me to, at all times, put their voices into this project and to ensure that they consider it’s a respectful reflection of their culture and what’s important to them in the path to reconciliation as well.”

If you want to find the locations of these stunning new artworks, Council will upload an online interactive map to the City of Burnside website in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on our social media pages for further information.