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National Volunteer Week 18 – 24 May 2020

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2020 is 'Changing Communities. Changing Lives'.

Don Griffiths has been a Justice of the Peace since 1970 the past 20 of those years at Council. As a manager in the public service he was required to witness documents such as statutory declarations and affidavits. “I was nominated by my Chief Executive,” he says. “There was no selection panel back then.”

In recent years all Justices of the Peace were reviewed and Don had his tenure renewed by the Governor for a further 10 years. He works at the Adelaide Magistrates Court every Wednesday morning and is now on a reserve list for council. “I did a regular stint on Thursdays with Council until about five years ago,” Don says. “As the grandchildren grew so did our responsibilities as grandparents,” he says. “But I still do two or three shifts a month.”

Clocking up 20 years as a volunteer came as a surprise to him. “I wasn’t counting and it just snuck up on me!” Don gets much satisfaction from helping people in the community and does not intend to stop any time soon.

In December 2018 he completed 18 years as volunteer at the (now closed) Daw Park Repatriation Hospital.

National Volunteer Week 18 - 24 May 2020

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2020 is 'Changing Communities. Changing Lives'.

When Pepper Street Arts Centre opened 25 years ago Wilma Bajka-Van Vilze was one of the first artists to exhibit. She is now one of our longest serving volunteers celebrating 25 years with a service award during National Volunteers Week. Wilma, 80, uses a loom to make scarves, wraps and shawls. She has travelled every Friday from her Bridgewater home to volunteer at Pepper Street. “I demonstrate spinning wool and do other odd jobs around that need doing, maybe helping with exhibitions.”

She says she was flabbergasted to receive her 25 year award. “I was just showing off my hobby and meeting lots of people. Pepper Street is such a lovely place.”

Community members who were attending the City of Burnside’s 3Rs group (a weekly social group for isolated people over 65 years of age) have been able to maintain some social connections during the Coronavirus restrictions thanks to Meagan and our wonderful team members. Casual staff have been phoning residents for a chat each week, hand writing them letters, and delivering them activity packs (including games, puzzles, crafts and things to read) and frozen meals to keep them entertained (and smiling their beautiful smiles).

“I have been quite lonely during the COVID-19 restrictions,” says Maria, a 3Rs client. “I am really missing my regular 3Rs/community groups/programs, and can’t wait to get back to socialising as normal.”

Despite tough times, and missing her social interactions, Maria still wears a big cheeky grin, and loves to tell a joke or two. She also showed off her little furry friend, and proudly boasted about her rose garden. A phone call/visit/letter from the team really does make her day.

Meagan also said that she loves interacting with members of our Community who utilise services such as 3Rs, and how charismatic and full of life they all are (particularly Maria).

“It is great to add a bit of extra joy to someone’s day, especially those who live alone.”

If you would like to find out more about the 3Rs program and other social activities that will recommence once restrictions have been eased, please phone the Home Support Team on 8366 4144.

Pam Dean is following her father’s tradition of volunteering. Her father Bill was a volunteer for 25 years and set up and ran the Community Bus Service. The Bill Dean Lounge in the Civic Centre is named after him.

Pam’s introduction to volunteering is a bit different. After she was made redundant in 2015 it took a while to find things in the community to do. “I learned that the Burnside Council offered table tennis on a Saturday afternoon, and I used to play as a child with my family, and more competitively while at university,” Pam says. “Although I had a gammy knee at the time, I decided to give it a go.”

Pam, 65, visited the Community Centre on a Saturday afternoon and enjoyed it and was made welcome, so continued to go. “I enjoyed the activity, the company and the diversity of the group,” says Pam. “There were young people (youngest 23), old people (oldest member at the time was 93), and people of many different cultural backgrounds and abilities.” The group played for the enjoyment of just playing and were inclusive rather than competitive. Two volunteers ran the group, one who communicated with the council, collected the money and discussed things with the group when required, the other who set up the tables and did some coaching if required.

When one of the volunteers resigned the group was looking to fill the position and decided to share the responsibilities among a few people. Pam put her hand up and was given the job of facilitator, the person who communicated with the council and therefore had to become an ‘official’ volunteer.

“I was thrown in the deep end to some extent,” Pam says. “Soon after I took on the role, the group was confronted by the effects of the Fringe on our activity.”

After negotiating a solution the group decided to meet at different times if they could still play together, which resulted in playing on Wednesday afternoons (which has continued and become permanent) as well as Saturdays.

“The group has continued to grow,” says Pam. “It retains its norm of being inclusive and supportive to its members. It is a very special group and I am very proud to be part of it.”

Now that the Covid 19 virus has forced closure of the group, Pam, of Tusmore, is attempting to continue to retain links with the group by weekly email communication, just so people know they have not been forgotten.

Pam found she still had a bit too much time on her hands and always having been a keen gardener, when she saw the call for a volunteer facilitator for the new community garden at Conyngham Street she put her hand up for that as well. “I have training and skills in group work, communication and facilitation, so this type of role seems a good fit,” says Pam. “I have done a bit of research on how the ‘usual’ community garden is run, and already identify that this one will probably not be able to run in the same manner, due to the very limited number of garden plots available.” Pam will consult with the people who have expressed an interest in the community garden, and in her usual democratic, consultative leadership style will work out what suits the group best under the circumstances. “It will evolve into hopefully something productive and constructive,” says Pam.

Bill would be proud of his daughter.

Burnside's Historical and Cultural Officer, Michelle, received a history enquiry about a property on L'Estrange Street. Research uncovered the story of the "Knoxville Tragedy".

In 1931 eyes across Australia turned to the suburb of Knoxville (now Glenunga) as the tale of a missing woman unfolded into something more.

On 23 July 1931, the body of Mary Katherine Edson was found underneath the cement floor of a shed at a house on L’Estrange Street in Knoxville. She was only twenty-two years old.

On the same day her body was found, her twenty-eight year old husband Lawrence Vincent Charles Edson committed suicide.

Read more about the Knoxville Tragedy in our most recent blog post in the History Corner.

The Annual Community Survey (ACS) is Council’s only fully representative survey conducted in the City, and the results of this survey are a genuine reflection of our community’s opinion.

The survey has been undertaken for seven consecutive years, providing strong trend data used to continuously improve our services for the community.

In 2017 Council resolved (C11072, 14/3/17) to undertake the trend data surveys on a biennial basis; taking advantage of the alternate year surveys to explore community opinion on planning, policy and projects through - a 'strategic' survey.

The 2019 ACS (Strategic) surveyed the community to gather data on strategic projects such as the Civic Centre Masterplan, the Environment Strategy, Wheel Park consultation, the Regal Theatre, corporate image and finance.

In accordance with Council resolution C11072, the 2019 Annual Community Survey (Strategic) included questions from Elected Members:

• Support for the development of a wheel park.
• Suitability of 40km/h speed zones for residential roads.
• Additional bike lane infrastructure in the City of Burnside.

Support for the development of a wheel park

The response to the support for a wheel park was consistent with data gathered from the 2019 Representative Survey and the results of the 2019 community engagement. 55 per cent support the development of a wheel park and of these 75 per cent would still support it if it was in their own street or the nearest reserve. Of the 55 per cent, 74 per cent still support it even when advised of estimated costs.

23 per cent somewhat, or strongly, oppose the development of a wheel park and 23 per cent were neutral.

40 km/h speed zones for residential roads

The community were asked: Would you like to see 40km/h speed zones for any residential roads in City of Burnside? In which suburbs would you like to see 40km/h speed limits?

2 in 3 residents (69 per cent) did not want to have limits of 40km/h in residential roads around the City of Burnside. Desire for 40km/h roads generally increased with age, with higher interest from those 75 years and above.

Of the 1 in 3 (31 percent) who did support a 40 km/h limit, 34 per cent mentioned that all suburbs should have a 40 km/h speed limit and there was a relatively even spread for support across each Ward (20 – 29 per cent).

Additional bike lane infrastructure

1 in 2 residents (52 per cent) desire additional bike lane infrastructure. Residents of Burnside as well as Rose Park & Toorak Gardens were the most interested in additional infrastructure, with Beaumont and Kensington Gardens & Magill residents least interested.

Of the 52 per cent that desire more bike infrastructure, 47 per cent asked for more bike lanes with support for bike lanes separated by median strip/island, the second most popular suggestion at 26 per cent.

Other results

Safety of the area is by far the most important aspect of the City to residents rated by 84 per cent of the community. This was followed by the friendliness of the community and visual aspects such as maintained streetscapes, open spaces and lots of trees and animals. The lowest rated item of importance was the cultural diversity of the population, followed by character and heritage of the area.

On priorities for service delivery by Council, 83 per cent of our community feel that initiatives for reducing waste to landfill are important. This was the highest ranked item of importance as a priority, followed by tree planting programs and investment in recreation programs and facilities.

61 per cent said stronger support for local business should be a priority for improvement in the Council area. The 39 per cent who did not select support for business said that business is already strong in the area and 1 in 3 did not feel this should be a Council priority.

Support for economic development and business appears to be relatively high amongst the community, with at least 6 in 10 feeling it should be a priority and more than 7 in 10 happy for some level of support to be provided by Council. Opposition only arises when funding is occurring from rates. When asked if they would support funding business development initiatives through rates 38 per cent of the community said they would support this however 35 per cent were opposed (21 per cent strongly opposed). If positioned appropriately, or if costs are minimal, there is likely to be higher community support for funding economic development activities through rates.

Looking at future trends of strategic importance, waste management was considered the most important issue followed by supporting the ageing population, young persons and families. Residents appear to be generally interested in ways that Council can support residents, more so than larger community issues such as housing density, climate change and population growth. Residents were least concerned over share businesses. Younger residents were more concerned about climate change and share businesses, as well as improved services for young people. Support for the aging population was generally highest from older age cohorts, while those in family years were more likely to feel that services for families, housing density and population growth were important considerations.

Residents did not place as high importance on smart city involvement as the social support items above. However, they had generally good endorsement, with 2 in 3 rating it as important and very important.

As part of research collection for the future sports and recreation strategy, a question was included in this survey on active living. 58 per cent of residents had no suggestions for ways in which Council could assist with their activity levels. Most commonly mentioned suggestions were for footpath improvements that would reduce tripping hazards and make the paths more suitable for small wheeled items. Residents who had requests were also interested to see additional amenities and improvements to parks as well as community exercise programs that would be inclusive of different age groups (particularly older residents).

To raise awareness of the Planning and Development Code changes, the community were asked if they were aware of the proposed changes; what were their sentiments about the changes; and would they participate in consultation. 22 per cent residents were aware of the changes to the code going through State Government; 2 in 5 residents surveyed reported that they were neutral regarding the proposed changes to the planning and development plans; only 4 per cent of residents surveyed had taken part in the consultation process with an additional 7 per cent planning to and 18 per cent intending. 7 in 10 residents were not interested in taking part in government consultation.

Read the full report

Burnside has introduced a new policy to allow buskers to perform within the City. Council resolved to have a permit system so budding singers and musicians can perform and earn some money while entertaining residents and visitors.

Two of the first applicants are likely to be Archie McEwen (above right ) and Henry Brill Reed (above left). The two mates practise together and regularly busk in Rundle Mall. They would love to take their music to the streets of Burnside. Henry, of Dulwich, says busking makes him happy. “I get a lot of enjoyment out of making other people happy and interacting with the public,” he says. “They might not always be having a great day, but we do our best to give off a positive vibe wherever we are playing.”

Archie agrees, saying they practise every day so it’s great to see that hard work being received by everyone watching and listening. “Busking also provides so many opportunities for us in terms of musical advancements, as we improve our improvising skills, our ability to perform with other people rather than alone.”

Both boys play the saxophone and love jazz but when busking they play pop music. “It is great fun because the songs often reach an exciting climax,” says Archie. “It gives Henry and me the permission to go bonanzas! These modern songs appeal highly to the public as they often know them.”

The boys are both 14 and in Year 9 at Prince Alfred College. Between school, study, sports and music they don’t have a lot of spare time! Busking in Rundle Mall does bring in some money for them but they often put that back into their musical instruments. “Doing something with a mate while earning a bit of pocket money along the way is really enjoyable,” says Henry. “It has paid for new mouth pieces and reeds for my saxophone and I am always saving up for something.” Archie, of Glenside, agrees and is saving his money to buy tickets to WOMAD.

“Music can make people feel a certain way that nothing else can,” says Archie. “By sharing busking and making it prominent within Burnside, musicians both young and old will be able to share their art and create a more lively community.”

“When you’re busking you create this happy environment around you,” says Henry. “People are coming, standing and enjoying the music. So not only are we enjoying it, but they are too. There is no downside to it. It only breeds positivity!”

Follow this link for information on how to apply for a busking permit

Off busy Magill Road is a small council owned community centre that has been home to Burnside Kindergym for many years. The building backs on to the leafy Mellor Reserve, a little pocket of green in Beulah Park.

Long time Burnside Kindergym teacher, Trisha Blanks, has decided to retire. “After 25 years I felt it was just time,” Trisha says. “I was ready to do other things.” Those things include travel with her husband Robert and spending more time with her two grandchildren Lotti and Oscar.

While living in Victoria and raising her two young children Trisha, a primary school teacher, helped start up a Kindergym in Horsham. Kindergym is a multi-movement based program designed specifically for children five years and under and their caregivers. The program promotes the development of the whole child – physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively, in a safe, structured, multi-sensory environment, indoors. Children from babies to five-year-olds attend a one hour session once a week with their carer. They climb, dance, use ball skills and play.

Moving with her family to SA in 1995 Trisha worked at Burnside Kindergym two days a week and one day a week at Mount Barker. “As my children became more independent I worked my way up to five days a week,” Trisha says. Twenty five years and countless children later Trisha has retired. “I am a very social person and I loved the communication with the families,” she says. “I watched the children develop and I became good friends with some of the parents and carers.”

She was also very sensitive to the needs of carers who were often sleep deprived or juggling busy lives. “I knew when someone needed a hug or if they were struggling,” she says. “These days lots of Mums go back to work after just 12 months off.”

Trisha says Burnside Kindergym was like a second home to her. “It has been the most amazing 25 years, it gave me more than I gave it,” she says. “I loved every minute and not everyone loves their job all the time. To see a child do something for the first time is special.”

So what does 2020 hold for Trisha? She will travel but not for pleasure. “I am going to Nepal with a group of empowered women who are making and donating sanitary products to give to women in impoverished villages,” she says. “Maybe later in the year I will have a holiday.”

Born in Punjab in India, Kirat Singh came to Australia with his family in 2016, aged 14. Having studied English at school in India he was able to fit in fairly easily when he started Year 9 at Marryatville High School. At home he speaks Punjabi, a language derived from a mix of four languages – Farsi, Hindi, English and Urdu. He also speaks pure Hindi.

He is passionate about cooking and one day wants to open his own restaurant or café. “In Year 6 we had a visit from Sanjeev Kapoor, a famous Indian chef,” he says. “I knew that cooking was what I wanted to do.” He started cooking meals at home for his family and when his mother saw a promotion for Council’s Cooking for a Cause program she suggested he sign up. “I did a five-week course with chef Matt Stedman,” Kirat says. “He taught me a lot, especially about safety in the kitchen, how to hold a knife correctly.” But Kirat also taught Matt something new. “I make naan bread a special Indian way and it was different to how Matt did it,” he says.

Kirat has returned to the Cooking for a Cause program as a volunteer and continues to learn more in the kitchen. He also volunteers at Glen Osmond Gurudwara (Sikh temple) teaching Punjabi to kids of all ages. He proudly wears a khanda necklace around his neck and kara on his wrist, symbols of his Sikh faith.

After completing Year 12 this year he hopes to go to the University of Adelaide and undertake a Bachelor of IT with a career goal of working in defence cyber safety. “I want to be a ‘white hacker’,” he says. “Helping defend and secure their systems and countering the ‘black hackers’.” But Kirat’s dream of having his own restaurant has not been forgotten. “An IT professional can also be a chef but I don’t think a chef can also be an IT professional,” he says. “So I will start my IT career and see how it goes.”

In his spare time Kirat plays volleyball and football and aims to qualify for the State football team. He also does Bhangra, a Punjabi dance.

Kirat’s hope is to open his own restaurant / café by the age of 25. Given what he has achieved in his 17 years there is no doubt he will achieve that.

Cooking for a Cause is a free five-week course offered to people of high school age or under 25 who live, work, study or play within the City of Burnside. At each session you will learn how to cook a healthy, nutritious meal which will then be delivered to various organisations for the homeless in South Australia. There are various course dates in each school term. Register your interest to communitydevelopment@burnside.sa.gov.au

Henry Davis has been a Burnside Councillor since November 2014 and joined Burnside CFS as a volunteer, along with his wife Avril, after being invited to their Christmas party in 2016. “Our first job was actually a flood, not a fire,” Henry said. “We worked at Waterfall Gully sandbagging houses and going door to door warning people.”

When fires ravaged NSW in November and December 2019, Henry and Avril each did a stint helping local firefighters over on the east coast. The Cudlee Creek fire started on 20 December and both Henry and Avril worked fighting this fire up until New Year’s Eve.

Just when they thought they could have a break, a call went out on New Year’s Day from Kangaroo Island. Henry was first to go and soon found himself facing a massive fire, burning at incredible speed. “We knew it was going to be bad,” he says. “It started as 2,000 hectares and soon spread to 155,000 hectares.” On Friday 3 January the fire took off with north easterly winds. “We were trapped on the Playford Highway, surrounded by fire,” Henry said. “We were trying to save a property while also planning our escape.”

Henry was travelling in a command car with no water or breathing apparatus and relied on his fellow volunteers to get him out safely. “You have to stand together. You rely on crews beside you and protect each other. I am incredibly thankful all the CFS volunteers came home that day,” Henry said. “The fire was so intense all the water in the world would not have put that out.”

Back home Avril was watching the news intently, not knowing where Henry was and unable to contact him by phone. “When he went to NSW I had already been so I knew what he was facing. But on KI I had no idea how bad it was,” she said. Later that night Henry had limited phone reception near Parndana and was able to call home to let Avril know he was safe. “The fire was still going and I had to go back and fight the next day so I didn’t know if this could have been my last phone call,” he said. Avril knew the dangers her husband faced but says “It’s your job – you just do it. You don’t disregard the risk but you don’t panic either.”

Henry returned home after 5 days and Avril took her turn to volunteer on KI. “We worked with a lot of firefighting units from farms. They were exhausted,” she said. “But they were protecting their livelihood not just their assets. A lot of locals lost their homes while they were fighting the fire with us.”

Henry and Avril are determined to return to Kangaroo Island on a holiday, to help local businesses recover.