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In this episode of Burnside Highlights we pay a visit to the Burnside CFS, which recently celebrated its 90th birthday! We chatted with volunteer Craig to talk about the celebrations, why the CFS continues to be an important part of the community and how you can best support the great work they do.

A century ago, Henry Eoin Sydney Melbourne (1893-1976) began his role as Council Engineer at Burnside District Council in 1924, serving until 1958. He is credited with initiating the concept of a golf course and country club at Mount Osmond.

In 1934, Melbourne was appointed District Clerk, equivalent to today’s CEO, a position he held until his retirement.

During the Great Depression, Melbourne foresaw the future need for additional open space. Recognising that the Council could not afford the purchase, he personally acquired the land to ensure the community’s future needs would be met.

Melbourne’s work has had a lasting impact on the growth and planning of the Burnside District.

Pictured: HES Melbourne in his service with the 11th Field Company Engineers during World War 1, circa 1916. Courtesy SLSA B77286.

In a feel-good program that is bridging generational divides, this initiative in Kensington Gardens is helping bond young and old members of the community.

As an intergenerational program, this initiative seeks to build strong, cross-generational bonds by bringing together residents of Estia Health Kensington Gardens and students from Kensington Gardens Preschool Centre. With the support from facilitators SA Montessori, the program creates opportunities for meaningful interactions and relationship-building in a structured and supportive environment.

With their close proximity on either side of Kensington Road, the pairing is a natural fit. Two groups of students take turns visiting the aged care facility throughout the year, spending time with residents and forming connections.

Kensington Gardens Preschool Centre Director, Melissa Quartuccio said the guidance provided by SA Montessori had been invaluable and that the children had been thriving with a new sense of community.

‘It can be difficult to build the initial connections. The City of Burnside has been essential in getting this off the ground. We couldn’t have done this without them,’ Melissa said.

‘The kids really love being able to interact with older people. We have a lot of children who are new arrivals, so they don’t have their grandparents around - they love the interaction and the one-on-one time.’

Facilitators SA Montessori were engaged through the City of Burnside, who funded their inclusion in the program through a partnership agreement. Consultant with SA Montessori Jessica Langford said other communities had implemented this type of engagement with great success and the organisation hoped these types of programs would become the norm moving forward.

‘The benefits of intergenerational engagement are becoming a lot more widespread,’ Jessica said. ‘There are benefits that perfectly align for both groups and those that are separate. The beauty of this is that it benefits both. Both groups get the positivity around the connection, friendship, communication, and positive interaction.’

‘In long-term intergenerational programs, we see a correlated reduction in the decline of cognitive abilities, including those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. When engaged in programs like this, the rate of decline is much slower than in those who are not.

‘It can be challenging in a residential aged care environment to get everyone engaged. There’s something about having the children there with their energy and enthusiasm that encourages you to get involved. The kids don’t let you sit back and watch.’

Known lovingly within the program as ‘grand friends,’ the residents have been enjoying the opportunity to engage with the students and break up their usual routines.

Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator at Estia Health Kensington Gardens, Sonisha said the program was igniting passion for the residents, which had been on display during the sessions.

‘This program has been something they are really looking forward to and gives opportunities to residents who do not usually come to other activities. Some of the less social residents can be overwhelmed by activities, but not with the children. They really look forward to days like this,’ Sonisha said.

One resident who has certainly had their passion ignited is grandmother of six and former high school home economics teacher, Pat, who said the program had already had an impact on residents, herself included, and especially on some of the older members.

‘It puts a smile on their face,’ Pat said.

Wheelchair-bound, Pat said many of the children had never interacted with someone in a wheelchair before. They eagerly approached her with questions, which she used as conversation starters and educational moments.

‘Most of the kids here seem to be really involved in what they’re doing. If you look around, there isn’t a sad face, and there is no one who doesn’t want to be here.

‘I’m looking at going across the road to the Preschool and doing volunteering, just to get me out of here and stimulate me a bit more.’

In the latest episode of Burnside Highlights Mayor Anne Monceaux visits the George Bolton Swimming Centre to provide an update on the pool heater replacement works. Find out more about some of our ongoing programs and events, including the launch of the new Burnside Dementia Action Group, and more.

Many suburbs in the City of Burnside were once home to vineyards, such as parts of Glen Osmond (Woodley Wines) and Stonyfell (Stonyfell Winery). Auldana, established as a suburb in 1980, is another example. Named in honour of the Auld family, Auldana is situated on the former site of the Auldana vineyard and winery, founded in 1847 by Patrick Auld (1811-1886).

Auld planted mostly Shiraz vines and by 1862 it was one of the largest vineyards in South Australia. In a further nod to the area’s history, many of Auldana’s streets are named after grape varieties, such as Shiraz Place, Hermitage Road and Verdelho Court.

Photograph: Auldana Winery circa 1872. Courtesy of State Library of South Australia, B10612.

Spring is now here, and with it, our local koalas are becoming more adventurous.

September to February is peak koala breeding season, with male koalas more mobile, and young koalas becoming independent and moving away from their mother in search of their own territory. This increased activity results in a high number of reported koala incidents across parklands, private property and roadways. Early evening and hours of darkness are when koalas are most active and may come down to the ground.

It is the responsibility of all residents and visitors to remain vigilant when driving through koala-inhabited areas as they may venture onto the road in search of food.

If you’re walking your dog in our parks and reserves, please ensure your pet is always under control. Koalas often descend to the ground to move between trees, making them vulnerable to curious or aggressive dogs. Keeping dogs on lead and under supervision helps safeguard both your pet and the koalas.

If you come across any injured wildlife including koalas, please call Fauna Rescue SA, or another wildlife rescue group.

The City of Burnside has commenced an exciting new initiative - a trial of weekly green organics bin collection.

Starting in September, around 1,300 households and businesses in Beulah Park and the northern side of Kensington Park will have their green organics bin collected weekly and their red landfill bin collected fortnightly. The collection of yellow recycling bins will remain fortnightly.

Although a first for the city, similar trials have been successful in other South Australian councils. These trials have had great support among participating households and have reduced waste going to landfill.

Why trial weekly green organics collection?

• Bin collection should meet the needs of most households

Most household waste is organic waste from the kitchen and the garden. Additionally, most household landfill bins do not need to be collected weekly because they are half full or less. So it makes sense to increase the capacity of the green organics bin collection to better suit the community.

• Ease of use

Households will have their organics collected weekly, so do not need to worry about the smell or waiting another week for the collection of organics.

• Reducing landfill volumes

Providing weekly organics collection has been shown to increase the use of green organics bins for food waste. In this way, households are sending less material to landfill.

• Financial savings

It’s five times cheaper to compost organic material such as food waste, rather than sending it to landfill. Therefore by increasing the composting of food waste, weekly organics collection keeps pressure off Council rates.

• Improving environmental sustainability

The contents of the green organics bins are turned into valuable compost, rather than being wasted in landfill. 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.

• Creating local jobs

The composting industry creates and supports more jobs than landfill sites.

What do locals think?

Rob from Beulah Park

City of Burnside resident for 25 years, Rob said his household is always mindful of what materials are placed in the organic and landfill bins.

‘This just makes sense to me and I’m very keen to be a part of the trial,’ Rob said.

As part of his gig on Coast FM, Rob produces a monthly radio segment called ‘Which bin’, where he ‘talks trash’ and the benefits of proper waste disposal. Rob said he tries to instil his passion for waste into his family and the wider community.

‘We use a kitchen caddy for kitchen scraps, and we are very mindful – even when our grandchildren are here – that they know the right product that goes in the green bin and caddy.

‘The trial is an excellent initiative and I fully support it.’

Rebecca from Beulah Park

Resident for 10 years and a busy mum to Amelia, Rebecca is another resident who will be part of the

six-month trial.

‘We compost any food scraps that we have, and we make sure to not over shop and buy too much food,’ Rebecca said.

‘It’s quite easy to do at home. Council provides the caddies and liners for free. All you need to do is have it on the bench, chuck your scraps in it and take it out to the green bin. It’s no more difficult than recycling or taking out landfill.

‘I just encourage people to be invested in the trial because the more we do as individuals, it can make a big difference collectively.’

Further information

The trial was approved by Council to support responsible waste management. The trial will run until the end of February 2025. The results will be reviewed by Council prior to the conclusion of the trial and residents will be updated on progress.

Households involved in the trial will receive a welcome pack, including detailed information and project resources. While most households are ready for this change, some households will need extra support. For example, Council can provide a larger landfill bin to help households.

Residents can call to find out more about the project on Council’s website, at burnside.sa.gov.au/weeklyorganics.

If you have any questions, please contact Council on 8366 4200 or email burnside@burnside.sa.gov.au

Rebecca and Amelia from Beulah Park

Rob from Beulah Park

Officially opened on Saturday 11 December 1954 by Mayor J H Parkinson, the Burnside Ballroom is this year celebrating its milestone 70th birthday.

With the interior of the building on the State Heritage List, the Ballroom is an iconic building in the history of the City of Burnside and the wider Adelaide region. Mostly untouched since its unveiling, there are few known examples of this modernist style of interior left in South Australia, with most of the Ballroom’s fixtures and fittings still in their original condition.

The Ballroom was originally built to accommodate the growing population, as the Burnside Town Hall was unable to handle the increasing numbers. The residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of the concept and the construction took place over twelve months at a cost of £32,000. Architects Evans, Bruers, Philpott & Partners designed the building and Fricker Brothers Limited were contracted for construction.

The Ballroom offers a spacious ground floor and mezzanine level, entrance foyer, ladies’ powder rooms and gentlemen’s cloakrooms, bar areas on both levels and a ground floor kitchen. The venue also features a stage and seating booths with tables along the eastern and western walls. As an additional wing to the 1928 Town Hall and Council Chambers, the exterior was designed to complement the existing Inter-War Free Classical architecture. The interior is an exceptional example of 1950s modernist design, with art-deco style proscenium, vinyl seating booths, and decorative metalwork.

A high-quality venue with world-class features, the Ballroom was a popular hot spot for many in the community. In the three weeks alone following its grand opening, the Ballroom hosted three balls, three concerts, and a radio show. The space also became the home of the Princeton Club, a popular venue for teenagers from across Adelaide in the 1960s.

Established in 2020, the City of Burnside Heritage Reference Group was created to discuss and propose strategies and projects that identify, promote, preserve, and enhance the City of Burnside’s built and cultural heritage including the Ballroom.

One member of the Heritage Reference Group is Colin Harris. For Colin, the Burnside Ballroom holds a special place in his heart and history, having had his first date with his wife Elizabeth at a Burnside Ballroom event.

Following their date at a Girton Girls’ School (now Pembroke School) Old Scholars Ball in 1965, the two were married in 1969.

‘For us, the Burnside Ballroom was the start of a wonderful partnership with two daughters. Whenever I see the Ballroom my thoughts go back to that date,’ Colin said.

A third-generation Burnside resident, Colin is also a Former President and now Life Member of the Burnside Historical Society and a Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society of South Australia.

Today, the Ballroom continues to be a popular community space for parties, musical events, concerts, exercise classes, volunteer celebrations and civic receptions. Annual events in the Ballroom include the Japanese Cultural Day and the upcoming Annual Glenside Lions Art Show. It has also played host to music acts such as the Penny Rockets, Vonnie Jay, The Clefs, Fraternity, the Twilights and John Farnham.

In Rose Park tucked away in Webb Street Reserve, is the newest community project as funded by the 2023 Your Neighbourhood Budget. Full of books for all ages stands the Little Library, the latest in a lineage of community projects funded through the program.

Webb Street Reserve is known for its red fire truck play equipment and is bordered by Rose Park Preschool and Rose Park Norwood Scout Group. Both Rose Park Community Childcare and Rose Park Primary School are also within a stone throw.

Submitting the proposal in 2023 for the Little Library was Rose Park resident of 57 years Joy Shepherd. The submission also covered the restoration of the fire truck play equipment.

Joy’s idea was sparked after comments from her grandchildren regarding the lack of play equipment in the park for older children, and after seeing an advertisement for Your Neighbourhood Budget, she set to work.

With assistance from her daughter, Joy letterboxed all the houses along Watson Avenue and Hewitt Avenue asking for suggestions of equipment to help widen the appeal of the park.

Joy said she was thrilled with the engagement from residents in the area.

‘Some people replied with quite clever ideas, one of them was the little library.’

After deciding on the Little Library, Joy reached out to Rose Park & Toorak Gardens Council Member Lilian Henschke to assist her with the submission process. During the following community voting period the Little Library received the most votes of all proposed projects.

‘We had the support of the kindergarten, the parents and members of the community, they all voted for us. We hope this will appeal to people of all ages in the community,’ Joy said.

Following approval, the Little Library was constructed by members of The Shed on Conyngham Street, before being handed over to local artist Sarah Moller, who in collaboration with the children at Rose Park Preschool designed the artwork for the exterior of the Little Library.

‘I came in and spoke with the kids about some designs,’ said Sarah who is also a parent of the preschool. ‘We incorporated designs from various picture books including Garden Stew by Carrie Gallasch.’

‘We have a pear tree on the box that is inspired by the pear tree at the back of the preschool and the lemon-scented gum from Webb Street Reserve. It took about 20 hours over one month to paint.’

Director of Rose Park Preschool Marie Kelakios said after working with Sarah the children were extremely excited to see the new installation and to be able to read the books inside.

Known as a community hub for the area, Webb Street Reserve is utilised daily by the preschool parents, Scouts group, nearby businesses and a local mother’s group.

In attendance for the installation of the Little Library that she assisted the paperwork for, Council Member Lilian Henschke said community initiatives like those from Joy were important for community and youth development.

‘When we hear from the community, ideas emerge, especially from the youth,’ Cr Henschke said. ‘This time it was from the grandchildren of a long-term resident.’

‘Spots like this where a child can walk out into the open air near a playground and then to be able engage with a book in play is so important for their development and their growing love of reading.

‘The experience of where you read is really important. We all reflect on our first memories of when we started reading, it is fundamental to create that foundation.’

The Webb Street Reserve Little Library is now available for your reading needs. Residents are encouraged to take and leave appropriate books for all reading levels.

You can find other Little Libraries located across the City of Burnside including: Bell Yett Reserve, Chapel Street Reserve, Constable Hyde Memorial Garden, Hazelwood Park, Laurel Avenue Pirkurna Wirra, Tusmore Park and Webb Street Reserve.

Standing next to the newly installed Little Library in Webb Street Reserve, Rose Park (left to right): resident Joy Shepherd, artist Sarah Moller, Director Rose Park Preschool Marie Kelakios and Cr Lilian Henschke.

Shed member prepares the Little Library

Last year we brought you the story of the Burnside Women’s Shed Program located at The Shed workshop on Conygnham Street, and their goal of helping support women experiencing homelessness through local charity Catherine House.

On 29 August 2024, the group achieved their goal, handing over dozens of stunning handmade items to be sold at auction by Catherine House to help raise funds for their many support services.

The only dedicated women’s homelessness service in the State, Catherine House supports women who are experiencing homelessness, offering crisis, longer term accommodation and support services for women over the age of 18, unaccompanied by children.

The items built by the Women’s Shed include stools, toys, tables, kitchen boards and picture frames.

Member of the Catherine House Fundraising team, Molly said the handmade items were an act of incredible kindness and generosity by the Shed members.

‘This is about the community coming together and supporting each other. It means the world to us,’ Molly said.

‘For women to know they have the support of their community is special.’

The Catherine House Auction will go live online on 4 October 2024 with the winners to be announced at a gala dinner 12 October. If you are interested in supporting the auction you can visit the Catherine House website catherinehouse.org.au to subscribe for updates or contact their admin team.

The Burnside Women’s Shed Program is run Thursday mornings at the Shed on Conygnham Street, with mixed gender in the afternoon, while Men’s Shed Programs are run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Read our previous story on the Shed and their support for Catherine House here.

Members of the The Shed Women's Program present the array of hand built donations to Amy and Molly (far right) of Catherine House. The items will be auctioned off by Catherine House.