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Co-founded by Edith Hübbe and her eldest sister Harriet, the Knightsbridge School operated out of a converted church located at 28 Statenborough Street, Leabrook from 1886 to 1921. During that time the sisters facilitated the education of approximately 140 students, including boys up to Grade 5 and girls up to university matriculation.

Prior to founding the school, Edith became the University of Adelaide's first female student and began her career in education at the Advanced School for Girls on Franklin Street in 1879. The next year she became Head of the School, and eventually joined her sister Harriet at Knightsbridge School. By providing female education up to university level, Edith paved the way for countless women to follow in her footsteps.

The original key to Mrs Hübbe’s school was recently donated to the Burnside Local History Collection by Judy Fander, on behalf of the Hübbe family.

Photographs: Knightsbridge School site c.1996, Burnside Local History Collection; Edith Hübbe portrait, State Library of South Australia (B25677/2); Key to Knightsbridge School, Burnside Local History Collection.

The City of Burnside is home to a stunning variety of native flowers that add colour, fragrance and character to our parks, reserves and gardens. As the flowering season draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take a final stroll and enjoy the last bursts of colour. These blooms not only brighten the landscape but also support pollinators and contribute to the area’s rich biodiversity. Exploring them firsthand is one of the best ways to appreciate their beauty - residents are encouraged to enjoy a walk-through local reserves (while sticking to the designated paths to protect delicate habitats).

A few of the floral superstars you should keep an eye out for include:

Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)

Our national floral emblem is a familiar sight across Burnside. The Golden Wattle brightens bushland in late winter and early spring, with its vibrant yellow pom-pom blossoms and soft, elongated leaves. Beyond its striking appearance, it provides vital food and shelter for local birds and insects, making it a cornerstone of our native plant communities.

credit: Lorraine Phelan

King Spider Orchid (Caladenia tentaculata)

The Eastern Mantis Orchid is a treat for those with a sharp eye. This orchid produces a slender, spider-like flower with reddish, tentacle-shaped segments that give it its name. Often growing alone or in small clusters, the flowers are large and visually stunning, one of the more striking flowers in the whole Adelaide / Mt Lofty region.

credit: Natalie Tapson

Chocolate Lily (Arthropodium strictum)

The Chocolate Lily rewards patient walkers with delicate purple flowers that release a subtle chocolate-like scent on warm days. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this wildflower thrives in grasslands and open forests across Burnside. Its star-shaped petals and long, arching stems make it a standout for photographers and wildflower enthusiasts.

credit: Reiner Richter

Australian Buttercup (Ranunculus lappaceus)

A cheerful splash of sunshine, the Australian Buttercup is widespread throughout Adelaide’s hills and foothills. Its glossy yellow flowers bloom in spring, often dotting damp grassy areas or the edges of walking paths. Simple yet striking, the buttercup is a reliable indicator that warmer weather has arrived and the bushland is awakening.

credit: chexote

So, whether you’re exploring Michael Perry Botanic Reserve, Waterfall Gully or one of our many local parks or reserves, taking a walk through Burnside’s natural spaces is one of the best ways to enjoy these seasonal displays. Stick to the trails, tread lightly and let these native flowers remind you of the remarkable biodiversity thriving right in our own backyard.

As part of the 2025 Burnside Local Native Plant Giveaway residents were able to receive flower packs including Golden Wattle, Chocolate Lily and Australian Buttercup for planting in their garden. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2026 giveaway, for your chance to grow these local beauties in your garden. (Flower options as part of the giveaway are subject to availability on a yearly basis)

For information on more of the local indigenous flora of the Burnside area and how you can find and recognise them, visit iNaturalist.

The Regal Theatre in Kensington Park is one of South Australia’s most treasured heritage cinemas and has been a cornerstone of Burnside life for a century.

Currently South Australia’s oldest continuously running cinema, the Regal was originally opened in 1925 as the Princess Theatre, it has delighted generations with its timeless charm, captivating performances and rich architectural beauty. Renowned for its striking Art Deco style and intimate single-screen experience, the Regal stands as a rare example of civic-owned entertainment heritage.

Over the decades, it has hosted everything from classic films and local productions to live music, comedy and community events, remaining a vibrant hub where history and creativity meet.

Roberta Ellershaw, daughter of former Ozone Picture Theatre owner Donald Waterman, said the Regal Theatre is a vital part of the history of Burnside.

‘It is so good that the Burnside Council decided to restore and maintain the theatre,’ Roberta said. ‘I lament the fact that we have lost many beautiful theatres around the state, many that have won architectural awards; they were spectacular.

‘Australians so often don’t realise how important these are. It is important for my grandchildren to be able to come here and know where I came as a kid.’

Walking through the theatre for the first time in decades, Roberta recalled memories from her childhood and noted the statement pieces of the theatre that remained.

‘The staircases are beautiful; the fact that they’ve kept the railing is fantastic. I remember the ceiling vividly - my father taught me all about the importance of wood with acoustics.’

Well known for promoting community building and for giving tickets away, Roberta said her father Donald and the Waterman family built ties throughout the 1940’s both locally and internationally.

‘My father personally knew Walt Disney; we have photos of him with Walt,’ Roberta said.

Manager of the Regal Theatre, Steve Virgo, said the beauty of the Regal Theatre comes not just from the heritage art deco style, but also from the community passion and collective history within the building.

‘We have residents who have been coming here for over 50 years. Others, like Roberta, who haven’t been here in decades and use it as a moment to reminisce. It is a special place for a lot of people,’ Steve said.

A Timeline of the Iconic Regal Theatre

1925 • Opened 24 November 1925 as the Princess Theatre, designed by Adelaide theatre architect Christopher A. Smith. Owned by National Theatres.

1928 • National Theatres entered liquidation. All theatres were taken over by Ozone Amusements Ltd. Name changed from Princess Theatre to Marryatville Ozone.

1929 • The theatre was adapted for ‘talkies’.

1941 • Purchased by the Waterman family and extensively remodeled in an Art Deco style by architect F. Kenneth Milne.

1951 • Theatre purchased by Hoyts Group and re-named the Hoyts Ozone, Marryatville.

1955 • Original screen removed and replaced with a CinemaScope (an anamorphic lens for widescreen movies) screen.

1964 • Ozone was to be sold to Amoco Petrol Company for redevelopment as a petrol station. Led by Mayor George Bolton, Burnside Council purchased the theatre and leased it back to Hoyts.

1971 • Management of the theatre was transferred to Wallis Cinema and renamed Chelsea Theatre.

1983 • Cinema added to the State Heritage Register.

1984 • Burnside Council secured a grant under the Community Employment Programme to renovate the cinema. Seats reduced from 1145 to 586. New floor, screen, carpet and acoustic equipment was added.

2009 • Burnside Council explored the possibility of selling the theatre, but an extensive ‘Save the Chelsea’ community campaign, which wanted the Theatre to remain under public ownership, caused the Council to abandon the sale.

2011 • City of Burnside implemented a Conservation Management Plan for the Regal Theatre and decided to lease (not sell) the Theatre to a private operator.

2012 • Republic Theatres was awarded the lease, and the theatre was renamed the Regal Theatre.

2017 • City of Burnside took over management of the Regal Theatre.

2020 • The Conservation Management Plan for the Regal Theatre was updated and has been a guide for the recent redevelopments and conservation.

2022 • The Regal Theatre Redevelopment Masterplan is formally endorsed by Burnside Council.

2025 • 100th Anniversary of the Theatre’s operation. The Regal Theatre remains the oldest continuously running purpose-built cinema in Adelaide, and the only cinema in the city still outfitted for the screening of silent films.

Upcoming • Council is seeking $5m in State Government funding for the redevelopment of the iconic Regal Theatre and surrounding precinct to match the $2.43m already committed by the Federal Government. The redevelopment will ensure the future of the Regal as the foremost performing arts theatre and cinema in the eastern suburbs.

Roberta Ellershaw and Steve Virgo inside the Regal

Ozone Theatre

Chelsea Theatre

In the 1960s, Kensington Oval was upgraded to Olympic standards and renamed Olympic Sports Field. Upgrades included a rubber bitumen athletics track and a new grandstand which could seat up to 1,200 spectators. The athletics track would be the home field of the South Australian Amateur Athletic Association and the Adelaide City Football Club, with the centre of the field resurfaced into a soccer pitch.

Olympic Sports Field was officially opened by Governor Edric Bastyan on 23 January 1965. Champion distance runner Kerry O'Brien circled the arena with a torch, which he then used to light a ceremonial Olympic flame, and the first race held on the track was between former SA Premier Thomas Playford and Governor Bastyan. The race ended in a tie.

Olympic Sports Field was South Australia's premier track and field stadium from 1965 to 1997. It played host to numerous local, state and national athletics events which were attended by world-famous athletes, including famed Olympic sprinter Cathy Freeman, who competed in an athletics championship at Kensington Oval in 1997.

The City of Burnside is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of Kensington Oval on Sunday 23 November, with a range of fun activities including a Heritage Zone marquee featuring 150 years of photos and memories of the oval, a self-guided heritage walking trail and a kids activity trail and colouring zone. This will all be hosted alongside the South Australian Athletic Association's annual Burnside Athletic Carnival, featuring the iconic Kensington Gift race. Find out more about this free event at https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Whats-On/Public-Events/Burnside-Athletic-Carnival

Photograph: The new Olympic Sports Field, 1965. Burnside Local History Collection.

The City of Burnside is celebrating a home-grown success, with Sharni Honor and her team at Porch Records winning Best Small Festival at the SA Music Awards for their Porch & Recreation event that was proudly hosted in the Burnside Ballroom in May and June of this year.

Supported by the City of Burnside, Porch & Recreation brought together a dazzling line-up of artists from across Australia and beyond for a weekend celebrating live music and creativity.

Sharni, the owner of Porch Records, described the festival as a culmination of everything her team has built over years of producing independent music events.

‘It felt like this festival was the counterpoint between every event we’ve ever run,’ she said. ‘It tied together everything we’ve done over the years and is a beautiful reflection of where we’re at in this moment.’

The Burnside Ballroom provided the perfect setting for the event’s relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

‘The Ballroom is one of the most immaculate spaces this state has to offer. It’s like stepping into an art deco time machine. The intimacy makes you feel like you’re really part of it.’

Looking ahead, Sharni hopes to bring Porch & Recreation back to Burnside in 2026.

‘We’d just adore to bring it back home to the Ballroom again. We’ve got our fingers, toes and elbows crossed for this one. Onwards and upwards we hope!’

The awards also marked a successful night for local talent, with electronic group TONIX taking home the Electronic Award. Members Archie and Henry, both City of Burnside residents, are well known in the community for their early days busking at the Burnside Civic Centre and for opening for Cold Chisel at the VAILO 500 last year.

Congratulations to both Sharni and TONIX for their achievements and recognition in the South Australian music scene.

If you are interested in booking the historic Burnside Ballroom for your upcoming event, contact our team on 8366 4200.

Sharni Honor receiving her Best Small Festival award Porch & Recreation was held 31 May and 1 June 2025 at the Burnside BallroomPorch & Recreation is the latest event by Porch Records

TONIX receiving the Electronic award

The Princess Theatre (today known as the Regal Theatre) opened in 1925. Three years later Ozone Amusements purchased the theatre following the liquidation of the previous owners, National Theatres. Hoyts purchased the theatre in 1951, before Burnside Council then purchased the theatre in 1964 to prevent it from being demolished. Hoyts continued to lease the Ozone until 1971, at which time Wallis Cinemas took over the lease and renamed the building the Chelsea Cinema.

In 2012 the Chelsea Cinema's lease was awarded to Republic Theatres, who changed the name one last time to the Regal Theatre. The initial plan had been to reinstate the original name of the Princess Theatre, however the copyright for this name had since been taken by the Princess Theatre in Melbourne.

In 2017 the City of Burnside chose to cease leasing the cinema to third-parties, opting instead to take over management of the Regal Theatre. In 2019 and 2020, the Regal underwent another series of restorations and refurbishments, including ceiling replacement, new carpets, new seating, woodwork restoration and a fresh coat of paint.

This year the Regal Theatre is celebrating its 100th birthday, having opened on 24 November 1925 as the Princess Theatre. As part of these celebrations, the City of Burnside is holding a 1920s themed event, including a screening of the 2013 film The Great Gatsby, live 1920s themed music and entertainment, afternoon tea and a photo booth. Attendees are encouraged to come in 1920s-themed costumes, and a prize will be awarded to the best dressed! Tickets are only $15, so make sure to grab yours and join us in celebrating 100 years of this iconic local landmark.

Book now at https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Community-Recreation/Whats-on-in-Burnside/Regal-Theatre-turns-100

Photograph: The Regal Theatre, 2025. City of Burnside.

Discover some of the decisions made in the City of Burnside's Ordinary Council Meeting for October 2025 in this episode of Burnside Highlights.

Did you know that Pepper Street Arts Centre is now 30-years-old?

In 1990 the City of Burnside purchased the old Magill School building and initially used it as a community hall. However, in 1995 Pepper Street was designated as the site of a new, Council-operated gallery and community studio. Council had identified a need for a local exhibition venue, as the only existing space for community art exhibitions at that time was the Burnside Library, which was too small for larger exhibitions.

Originally named the Pepper Street Gallery and Community Studio, the Arts Centre was officially opened by John Dowie OAM in October 1995. It originally consisted of a single exhibition space and shop in the rear section of the building, but in 2001 the Burnside Council voted unanimously to expand the Arts Centre to occupy the whole building. The shop was moved to the front of the building, leaving room for a much larger exhibition space in the back. Pepper Street Arts Centre also expanded to include Dorrit's Coffee Shop, named after prominent Magill-based artist Dorrit Black.

Photograph: Pepper Street Arts Centre c. 2006. Burnside Local History Collection.

The Princess Theatre (today known as the Regal Theatre) opened in 1925. Three years later Ozone Amusements purchased the theatre following the liquidation of the previous owners, National Theatres. Hoyts purchased the theatre in 1951, before Burnside Council then purchased the theatre in 1964 to prevent it from being demolished. Hoyts continued to lease the Ozone until 1971.

It was then that a new era began for the theatre. Wallis Cinemas took over the lease for the Ozone Theatre and renamed it the Chelsea Cinema. In 1983, the Chelsea Cinema was added to the State Heritage Register for its significance "as a rare example of an Art Deco cinema and for being a notable example of an intact cinema interior representing an era when cinema-going was a major recreational activity and impressive cinema interiors were part of making a night at the pictures a memorable experience".

In 1984, Burnside Council secured a grant under the Community Employment Programme and renovated the cinema. The number of seats was reduced from 1145 to 585, and a new floor, screen, carpet and acoustic equipment were added along with a fresh coat of paint.

In 2009, the City of Burnside received enquiries as to whether it would be prepared to sell the Chelsea Cinema. A number of options were investigated, and the decision was made to run an Expression of Interest process for the sale of the site. However, strong activism from the community-run "Save the Chelsea" campaign led Council to abandon the sale process, opting instead to continue to lease the cinema to private operators.

Later that same year, the City of Burnside implemented a Conservation Management Plan for the Chelsea Cinema.

Photographs: Chelsea Cinema c.1980, Chelsea Cinema c.2000. Burnside Local History Collection.

The Princess Theatre (today known as the Regal Theatre) opened in 1925. Three years later Ozone Amusements purchased the theatre following the liquidation of the previous owners, National Theatres. The theatre was renamed the Marryatville Ozone and adapted for "talkies", though it remained silent film capable.

In 1941 the Ozone Theatre underwent a major redevelopment. The firm F. Kenneth Milne Architects undertook the upgrade, transforming the theatre "beyond all recognition" into the classic Art Deco style which has been maintained to this day. The renovations were undertaken in stages, ensuring the Ozone remained open for film screenings throughout.

Hoyts Group purchased the theatre in 1951, but kept the name Ozone. In 1955 the original screen was removed, and a new wider proscenium was placed in front. CinemaScope (an anamorphic lens for widescreen movies) was also installed.

By the early 1960s, many local cinemas were experiencing financial struggles. Rumours began to surface that the Marryatville Ozone would be purchased by Amoco Petrol Company and replaced with a petrol station. In 1964, following a public campaign, Burnside Council purchased the theatre to save it from demolition and leased it back to the Hoyts cinema chain. Hoyts maintained the lease until 1971.

Photographs: Ozone Art Deco interior c.1941, Ozone exterior c.1970 and Hoyts Ozone snack bar c.1970. Burnside Local History Collection.