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Have you ever walked past a beautiful old statue anywhere in the world and wondered why the figure is blueish green, or even black, despite the sculpture being made of a typically brown metal like bronze or copper?

This colour variance is due to a process called patination which can occur because of chemical treatments during the statue’s creation, or through the natural processes of oxidisation and weathering.

Patination is the process of developing a thin layer, called a patina, on the surface of materials like metal, wood, or stone. Forming naturally over time, when the metal reacts with oxygen, moisture and pollutants, the reaction creates a protective layer of copper carbonate, sulfate, or chloride, resulting in the characteristic green colour, known as verdigris.

Patination is historically valued in art, architecture, and restoration for its aesthetic and protective qualities, and can take up to 30 years to fully develop naturally.

One prominent local example of patination is the Rose Park Burnside District Fallen Soldiers' Memorial, which last year celebrated its centenary.

Sculpted by Charles Web Gilbert and manufactured in 1924 by French metalworker Ferdinand Barbedienne, the memorial was deliberately chemically treated at the time of creation to encourage the patination process.

Other famous bronze or copper statues that have undergone the patination process include:

• The Statue of Liberty, New York
• The Thinker, Paris
• The Capitoline Wolf, Italy
• The Eros, London.

About the artist C. W. Gilbert

Charles Web Gilbert (1867–1925) was a self-taught Australian sculptor known for his war memorials and public statues. Originally a pastry chef, he transitioned to sculpture and gained recognition for works such as the Matthew Flinders statue in Melbourne and several ANZAC memorials, including the Cenotaph in Hobart. His detailed and expressive bronze figures contributed significantly to Australia's early 20th-century commemorative art.

Read more about the centenary of the Rose Park Burnside District Fallen Soldiers Memorial and the history behind the statue HERE.

On Thursday 26 June 2025 long-standing Burnside volunteer Christine Baillie received an Honourable Mention at the 2025 National Awards for Local Government in the Women in Local Government category. This recognition highlights the vital contributions women make across all levels of local government, not only through formal leadership roles but also through long-term, hands-on service to community and environment.

Christine has been an active volunteer in the City of Burnside for over 25 years. Her involvement began before the Council even established its formal biodiversity volunteer program. Today, she continues to play a leading role in the Karra Tartu (Waterfall Gully) bush regeneration project, working weekly alongside a dedicated group to remove invasive species and support the return of native vegetation flora in one of Burnside’s most iconic reserves.

The Women in Local Government award category recognises individuals who demonstrate leadership, resilience and impact in local government settings. Christine’s Honourable Mention stands as a testament to the powerful influence that women bring to community-led initiatives in areas like conservation, volunteering, and grassroots engagement.

The City of Burnside congratulates Christine on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her outstanding service. Her dedication continues to make a lasting difference.

Mayor Anne Monceaux recently spoke with Christine at Waterfall Gully following her nomination for Women in Local Government, you can watch their chat here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8eI2zQpmBU

From the late-1830s, the land which now forms Tusmore was used as farmland by experienced farmer and pastoralist William Rogers and his family. By 1840, the Rogers family were running one of the most extensive and successful farms in the Adelaide area, with 800 sheep, 50 cattle, over 100 acres of wheat, 3 acres of potatoes, young orchards, and a 6-room brick homestead named Tusmore House, after William’s hometown of Tusmore, Oxfordshire. Following William’s untimely death in 1854, Tusmore Farm’s land was largely sub-let to other pastoralists before being sold to dairyman Edward Treacy in 1889. From 1913-1920, various sub-sections of the land were sold off, and a major subdivision in 1924 saw the main buildings and homestead of Tusmore House demolished to make way for more modern amenities.

The suburb of Tusmore is now home to the modern Burnside City Council buildings, including the Civic Centre and Burnside Library, situated on the intersection of Portrush and Greenhill Roads (pictured) across from the Burnside Village.

Other significant locations in Tusmore include Burnside Masonic Hall, Burnside Town Hall, Gilbert Wood Scout Hall, and Tusmore Park.

Intersection of Portrush Road and Greenhill Road 1956

Intersection of Portrush Road and Greenhill Road 1927

Photographs: Intersection of Portrush and Greenhill Roads, 1927 (before Burnside Town Hall was completed). Intersection of Portrush and Greenhill Roads, 1956. Burnside Local History Collection

Tree removal works will be undertaken between 8 am and 2 pm, weather permitting, on Sunday 29 June.

A Eucalyptus spathulata (Swamp Mallet) located near the Greenhill Road entrance to the Civic Centre will be removed.

During a routine inspection, a structural issue was identified within the tree’s trunk. A detailed assessment was undertaken by Council’s Urban Forestry Officer using specialist equipment designed to assess the internal condition of trees.

This assessment found that the tree’s trunk wall had significantly deteriorated, particularly on the side most exposed to wind. A significant loss of structural wall thickness is a serious concern, as it compromises the tree’s ability to support its canopy and increases the risk of whole tree failure. As a result, the tree’s overall stability has been compromised.

Given the location of the tree near a busy road and pedestrian area, and after careful consideration of all available options, expert advice has recommended the tree’s removal and replacement.

This tree is classified as significant under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.

As the tree is protected under State legislation, a development application was submitted and approved through the Plan SA portal providing the necessary approval for its removal.

While arborists are on site, deadwood removal from a nearby Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) tree will also be undertaken.

Electric chainsaws will be used to minimise noise. A woodchipper and stump grinder will also be used during these works.

The Swamp Mallet will be replaced with multiple tree plantings as part of the 2026 tree planting season.

As a city awarded 'Tree City of the World' status for the sixth year in a row, Burnside has a strong focus on maintaining a safe and healthy urban forest for the community.

A call to action from Glenside Lions Club has led to a $100,000 drought relief effort supporting farmers on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.

The initiative began in early June 2025, when Glenside Lions Secretary Malcolm Schluter was moved by a radio segment highlighting the worsening conditions faced by West Coast farmers.

‘These are the salt of the earth people,’ Malcolm said, ‘and they’re facing a national disaster.’ His words prompted immediate and unanimous support from fellow club members.

The Glenside Lions donated $30,000 to purchase stock feed from Cummins Mill, supplying 38 farmers with one tonne of sheep pellets each. Inspired by their actions, the Richmond Lions Club soon matched the contribution with the Lions Clubs International Foundation contributing a further $40,000 - bringing the total to $100,000 and extending support to 101 drought-affected farmers.

To reinforce their support, several Glenside members travelled to Streaky Bay, including Treasurer Hayden Edwards, Fat Farmers CEO and Glenside member Michael Williams, and incoming President Steve Ryan, accompanied by his wife Gill and their dog Archie.

While a $36 million federal drought relief package was announced around the same time, the Glenside Lions' swift and personal response showed the strength of local action and the enduring spirit of community.

Left to right: Hayden Edwards (Glenside lions Treasurer) Michael Williams (Glenside Lion member and CEO of Fat Farmers) and Steve Ryan (Glenside Lions President as of 25 June 2025) and Archie.

$100,000 worth of sheep pellets donated by the Lions

The suburb of Toorak (now Toorak Gardens) was first developed in 1912. Prior to this, the land had largely been used for farming, most notably occupied by Prescott Farm and the Fergusson Family’s Montreith Farm. Prescott Farm had covered almost 300 acres from Fullarton Road to Portrush Road and continued as a working farm throughout the first decades of subdivision, until December 1938. In 1853, the Fergusson family leased the land adjacent to Prescott Farm, where they also continued to live and work throughout subdivision, until the family home was demolished in 1923.

One of the most significant sites in Toorak Gardens is Attunga House (photograph), a large 14-room mansion built by Adelaide architect Frederick William Dancker for businessman and soap manufacturer Benjamin Burford. After Burford’s death in 1905, Attunga was purchased by an investor from Broken Hill, Otto von Reiben. In 1944, von Rieben donated Attunga House to the Burnside Council for use as a hospital, and its extensive Edwardian gardens for use as a rest and recuperation area for the hospital’s patients. While the Burnside War Memorial Hospital replaced Attunga House in 1956, Attunga continues its association with the hospital, housing Attunga Medical Centre, the Breast and Endocrine Centre, and Nurture Women’s Care Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Other significant sites in Toorak Gardens include Fergusson Square, Rose Park Bowling Club, and the Anglican Church of St Theodore.

Photograph: “Attunga”, c.1919. Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia B 49764.

Chess has seen a massive resurgence in recent years, fuelled by the rise of online content creators, viral tournaments, and the global influence of grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen. Once viewed as a quiet, traditional pastime, it has transformed into a fast-growing, culturally relevant sport enjoyed by millions across the globe. Beyond its competitive thrill, chess is celebrated for building problem-solving skills, sharpening focus, and encouraging relentless imagination.

Riding this wave of renewed popularity, the Burnside Chess Club has created Progressive Chess 5 - an innovative, social twist on the classic. Players begin on randomised boards and rotate to a new opponent every five minutes. A checkmate keeps you in the game, while a loss or draw means you’re out. But smart play isn’t just about surviving - it’s also about leaving the board in a tough position for the next player to inherit. The cycle continues until one board remains, where a final checkmate declares the champion. No clocks, just strategy, adaptability, and lively competition. Progressive Chess 5 makes every round a fresh challenge.

Burnside Chess Club offers Progressive Chess 5 at two levels: Social for beginners and Open for all players.

Burnside Chess Club meets Tuesday and Friday morning at the Burnside Civic Centre. Come along and experience it for yourself! The club is welcoming of all skill levels and ages.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers in Australia however it is also one of the most preventable. Each year around 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with the disease, with those over 50 at the greatest risk. Early detection through screening can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment, but participation rates remain low.

To help raise awareness and empower our community, the City of Burnside invite you to a special information session on Monday 23 June with Dr Sergei Bedrikovetski at the Burnside Library. An early career research fellow specialising in Colorectal Cancer Treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Dr Bedrikovetski will discuss his research and its relevance to the community and provide insights into early signs, risks and prevention strategies around bowel cancer.

If you can’t attend the session, it’s still important to stay informed. Australians aged 45 to 74 are eligible for a free at-home bowel screening kit through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program every two years. The test is simple, hygienic and could save your life. Speak to your GP about other screening options and ways to reduce your risk through diet, exercise, and regular health checks.

To learn more about the Burnside Library session with Dr Bedrikovetski visit the City of Burnside website and register your place.

Link: Bowel Cancer Prevention Information Session

Dr Bedrikovetski will be presenting on 23 June at the Burnside Library

Did you know that Stonyfell was the home of the first quarry in Adelaide, beginning operation in 1837? Stone and slate mined from the quarry was used in the construction of much of Adelaide’s early infrastructure, including the Adelaide Gaol. In 1858, a portion of the quarry was sold to Henry Clark and his fiancé Annie Martin, who named the land Stonyfell after the English term 'fell', used to describe a barren piece of land on a hill or other high-altitude landform. The Stonyfell Quarry was acquired by Boral in the 1880s and remains an active quarry today, producing road base, raw materials, and washed sands for the manufacture of concrete. Boral recycles their own concrete waste, and also receives pond sediment from Burnside Council, which assists Council with revegetation and environmental rehabilitation programs.

Stonyfell was also the home of the Stonyfell Olive Company, founded by Joseph Crompton, William Mair and Sidney Clark in 1873, which was South Australia’s largest producer of olive oil in 1932. Significant sites remaining in Stonyfell today include Stonyfell House, Clifton Manor, and Chiverton House (now part of St Peter’s Girls’ School).

Photograph: Stonyfell Quarries and Wattle Park, 1956. Burnside Local History Collection.

There has been plenty happening in the City of Burnside these past few weeks! We've enjoyed Reconciliation Week celebrations, a wonderful National Volunteer Week event, another successful Local Native Plant Giveaway and much more - find out all the details in this episode of Burnside Highlights.