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While the recent rain has given our parks and trees a much-needed break, it wasn’t long ago that Penfold Park was feeling the heat. During those hot, dry weeks, City of Burnside residents John and Oria, along with other community members, quietly stepped up, carrying buckets of water to newly planted trees to help them survive the tough summer conditions.

Their generous act didn’t go unnoticed, and the City of Burnside would like to thank them and all others who went out of their way, for their hard work, initiative and community spirit.

As a result of the prolonged dry season Council extended the tree watering program to support our urban forest.

Thanks to residents like John, Oria and others across Burnside who have been lending a hand, our community continues to show what it means to care for the environment.

The suburb of Skye was created in 1958, out of a 1950s subdivision by Skye Estates Ltd. The name came from the Gaelic word sgiath (meaning ‘a wing’), and was named thus because the shape of the new suburb was similar to that of the Scottish Isle of Skye.

When development of Skye began in the 1960s, the expense of creating new infrastructure to service this new suburb on the outskirts of developed land meant that it was never connected to the mains water supply. When a re-drawing of Council boundaries in the early 1990s saw Skye absorbed into the Burnside Council area, it became the only suburb in Burnside not connected to the mains water supply. It wasn’t until 2015, after lengthy negotiations between State Government representatives and SA Water, that householders in Skye were presented with the opportunity to commit to a 15-year payment plan to connect their homes with the State’s mains water supply—a deal which was accepted by 92 of the suburb’s 138 homeowners.

Before the subdivision, the land was mostly used for sheep grazing, and Bertram Cox’s 1952 book ‘Farming is Fun’ provides a humorous account of a hopeful accountant-turned-sheep farmer’s attempts to run his own farm on a plot of land in the area that would later become Skye.

Photograph: Newspaper real estate advertisement for Skye, courtesy of the Burnside News Review, December 1958.

This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week 2025, with this year's theme being Connecting Communities. National Volunteer Week recognises the diverse passions and talents brought to the act of volunteering by everyone involved.

Blessed with approximately 360 active volunteers across 36 programs, the City of Burnside is aware of the incredibly important service provided by community members. Collectively City of Burnside volunteers donate approximately 27,000 hours of their time (equivalent to approximately 13.5 full time staff).

On Thursday 22 May, the City of Burnside held a Service and Recognition Ceremony at the Regal Theatre to thank all of Council's volunteers who selflessly give their time to their community.

The City of Burnside would like to recognise the contributions of our volunteers who this year are celebrating significant milestones.

For 25 years of service:

• Leonie Brown
• Heather Martin
• Jenifer Porter

For 20 years of service:

• Michael Croft
• Barbara Paton
• Michael Sachsse (OAM)

As well as 51 other volunteers marking their 5, 10 and 15 year milestones.

The City of Burnside also has the distinction of celebrating a single volunteer who has gone above and beyond with the Outstanding Achievement Award. This year's winner is Mia Lin, volunteer at the Burnside Toy Library.

Mia has generously been giving her time to the Toy Library for the past two years and has enjoyed her time so much that both of her kids also signed up as volunteers.

‘I love being able to dedicate so much time to the Toy Library and give back to the community. The library staff and other volunteers make it a great experience,’ Mia said.

Congratulations to Mia and all our outstanding volunteers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to making Burnside the best it can be!

If you would like to volunteer with the City of Burnside, visit our ‘Volunteer Vacancies’ or email volunteer@burnside.sa.gov.au.

Mia Lin receiving her Outstanding Achievement Award 20 Year Recipient Barbara 20 Year Recipient Michael

Mayor Anne Monceaux with the 10 Year Recipients

Did you know the land which now forms the suburb of Rosslyn Park was originally part of the historic Penfolds Magill Estate? The winery’s founder, Dr Christopher Penfold, was the first ever Chairman of the District Council of Burnside.

During the 1860s and 1870s, the land was leased by cattle dealers for grazing. In 1878 the land to the west of Gordon Terrace (between Kensington Road and The Parade) was subdivided into building allotments, though little was built there until after World War 1.

After the 1878 subdivision, the land became known as Rosslyn Park, though no one can agree on where this name came from. Significant sites include the remaining Magill Estate branch of the Penfolds Winery, as well as the historic Grange Cottage.

Photograph: Rosslyn Park, 1908, Cadet Camp hosted at Home Park, with Penfolds and Auldana Wineries on the hills above. Courtesy of Chronicle, 12 March 1908.

The City of Burnside is excited to introduce the Sports Library Project, a new initiative that is set to transform how our community engages with physical activity.

Thanks to the 10,000 Steps Community Activation Grant from Preventive Health SA, this project provides local residents with free access to a wide range of sports and recreation equipment. It’s all about making it easier for residents to get active, try new activities and enjoy the health benefits of staying fit.

Step tracking is an effective way of increasing awareness of your physical activity level. 10,000 Steps is a free physical activity program that encourages physical activity to be incorporated into everyday life in simple ways. The funding for the Sports Library Project enables our community to access the tools needed to get moving, whether it’s for a casual game with family or a new fitness challenge.

What is a Sports Library?

Think of it like a regular library, only instead of books, you borrow sports and recreation equipment. It’s completely free to use, and it’s designed to make it easy for you to enjoy the outdoors and get moving, no matter your skill level or interest. Built by the team at the Conyngham Street Shed, these Sports Libraries are not only practical and easy to use but also welcoming and accessible to everyone. This project highlights the incredible value of local volunteers and the strong community connections that the Shed fosters every day.

How It Works:

1. Borrow what you need – Choose from a variety of sports equipment to suit your activity.

2. Play, move, explore—have fun! – Get active, try something new, or just enjoy time with friends and family.

3. Return the items – Once you’re done, return the equipment so others can benefit too.

Kelly, a Burnside resident and mother of students Lachlan and Georgia, said the Sports Libraries will add to amenity of the parks they are installed in and provide opportunity for those who do not have the necessary sporting equipment. Sports Libraries are now located in Langman Reserve (Burnside), Tregenza Oval (Linden Park) and Webb Street Reserve (Rose Park).

Looking for Motivation to Move More? Start Tracking Your Steps!

Use a pedometer, activity tracker or pedometer app to find out how many steps you walk each day. Set an achievable step goal, start tracking your steps and find more ways to move throughout the day. For extra motivation, sign up to 10,000 Steps Program for free to log your steps, track your progress, connect with friends and family, and join monthly challenges. Every step and minute of activity counts! Find out more at 10000steps.org.au.

The Sports Library Project is here to help you stay active, have fun, and connect with your community. For more information about the project contact the Community Development Team at 8366 4200 or communitydevelopment@burnside.sa.gov.au.

Did you know that Barr Smith House, located at Seymour College, was once known as Wooton Lea? Francis Hardy Faulding (1816 - 1868), who founded Faulding 180 years ago in May 1845, built Wooton Lea in 1861 in Glen Osmond. The large stone house was designed by local architect James MacGeorge (1835 - 1918) and included seventeen rooms, with a kitchen and laundry and an extensive garden. MacGeorge is also known for his work designing the first part of the Savings Bank of South Australia on King William Street.

The third owner of Wooton Lea, Arthur Crossing (1871 - 1952), sold the mansion in 1921 to Presbyterian Girls’ College, now known as Seymour College. Since 1938, the house has been known as Barr Smith House. In 1989, it was confirmed as a State Heritage Place.

Photograph: Wooton Lea, 1874. Burnside Local History Collection.

There’s plenty happening in the City of Burnside this month, with South Australia’s History Festival ongoing, our Environment Expo on Saturday 17 May, and our upcoming drop-in session for the 2025/26 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget on Wednesday 14 May.

If you haven’t had your say on the 25/26 budget or have some questions, we invite you to visit the Burnside Civic Centre between 6 pm – 8 pm on Wednesday 14 May for our drop-in session. At this session you’ll have the opportunity to ask one-on-one questions and chat with staff about the budget, find out how your rates are calculated, submit your response to the budget consultation and more. We hope to see you there!

Rose Park stands out as one of the city's most well preserved 19th century suburbs, with its streets lined by charming stone villas and cottages. In 1838, the South Australian Company acquired the land that would become Rose Park. By 1840, it was leased to William Prescott and his family, who established a wheat farm and dairy operation. Their farmhouse and outbuildings were located near what is now Prescott Terrace.

Named after Sir John Rose, Chairman of the South Australian Company, the suburb of Rose Park was gradually developed into a residential area in stages between 1878 and 1909. One of the suburb's distinctive features is its night cart lanes - narrow alleys once designated for the collection and disposal of waste. These lanes were historically used by night carts, horse-drawn vehicles that carried away household waste during the night.

Photograph: Prescott Farm circa 1890, courtesy of State Library of South Australia B8010.

For the first time in the history of the George Bolton Swimming Centre a winter swim season has come to the City of Burnside.

With the closure of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre (ACC) in North Adelaide, the State Government has requested the City of Burnside continue operation of the George Bolton Swimming Centre through the winter season to accommodate the increased demand for alternative aquatic facilities in the metropolitan area.

Commencing on Monday 28 April the new winter swim season allows pool users to utilise the eight lap lanes in the main 50m pool across two sessions, morning and afternoon. The main pool will remain open for community use, with space allocated for club training, lap swimming and gentle exercise only.

The learner pool, toddler pool and playground will be closed throughout the winter season.

This change has been implemented on the basis that the initiative does not result in increased costs to Council or ratepayers, with additional expenses being fully offset by the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR).

Opened in 1966, the George Bolton Swimming Centre’s inaugural lap was swum by Olympian Dawn Fraser and today welcomes nearly 100,000 visitors per year, making it one of the City of Burnside’s most popular facilities.

Burnside resident and frequent swimmer at George Bolton Swimming Centre, Adrian said he expects the extended season to be a popular choice especially amongst pool regulars.

‘I usually come to George Bolton Swimming Centre five times per week,’ Adrian said. ‘That will continue in winter, I may drop off slightly.’

‘Most of the regulars will continue to come and I would think many others who frequent other pools will also migrate over.’

‘It might be a bit chilly when you get out, but the water itself is always warm.’

Current season pass holders will continue to be able to utilise their membership during this time span. While non-members can either purchase a season pass or pay per use.

The City of Burnside looks forward to welcoming you to George Bolton Swimming Centre. Happy swimming!

Visit Council’s website for more information on opening hours and lane availability.

Committed to providing opportunities for youth to achieve their best outcomes, the City of Burnside continues to support outstanding individuals through the Quick Response Grants program.

With the goal of supporting the future leaders of our community, these small grants of up to $500 provide financial assistance to residents to overcome otherwise limiting barriers that would prevent their attendance.

Recent grant recipients include Ava,17, who received funds to assist her with competing at the 2024 AusCycling Elite and U19 Track National Championships as a representative for South Australia. Utilising the grant funds to help cover equipment, flights and accommodation, Ava travelled to Brisbane to compete and achieved stunning results.

Ava placed:

• 1^st – Team Pursuit (state record)
• 2^nd – Madison (relay)
• 5^th – Scratch Race
• 6^th – Individual Pursuit

A second recipient of the Quick Response Grant program was resident and Flinders University student James, who thanks to the grant was able to attend the Humanitarian Affairs Global Peace Summit in Bangkok, acting as a Humanitarian Affairs Peace Ambassador. Utilising the grant James received funding to help with covering his registration fees and flights.

At the Summit James was privileged to hear from numerous guest speakers, all of whom shared the goal of encouraging the next generation to create a more peaceful and compassionate future. Speakers included Dr Manal Omar, a prominent human rights activist and Niemat Ahmadi, a survivor of the Darfur Genocide.

‘The conference provided an unrivalled opportunity to engage and network with people, and create a global network of likeminded people, including several of the speakers,’ James said. ‘The conference provided a great springboard off of which to begin my year as a Peace Ambassador and encouraged myself (and the countless other delegates) to become more involved in politics and foreign affairs at whatever level we are able.’

Congratulations to both Ava and James on their achievements.

The Quick Response Grants program is available to individuals, community groups and community organisations who meet the selection criteria. Applications are open until funds are exhausted. See the City of Burnside website for more details and application criteria.

Ava and her Madison team at the Track National Championships

James at the Global Peace Summit