inside APRIL 2013
2
Stormwater Management Plan Gets Green Light
Celebrate Youth Week Be Active. Be Happy. Be You. The City of Mitcham is inviting young people to come along and get involved in the exciting program of free activities on offer across the City to celebrate Youth Week in April. A jam packed schedule of activities has been put together with funding assistance from the Office for Youth for young people of all ages. April
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April
8
5 Mitcham Library Service Annual Book Sale
The Generator Unplugged – Acoustic Youth Music Event
April
10
Teen Girls Zumba
Hip Hop Dance Workshop
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April
April
6 8 11 12
History Month Your Elected Members Burning Permits for Green Waste Are You Ready for Digital TV?
Friday 5 April, workshops from 6 pm, performances 7 pm to 10 pm at the Blackwood Community Centre, Young Street, Blackwood.
Wednesday 10 April, 6 pm to 8 pm at the Blackwood Library, 215 Main Road, Blackwood.
Skate and Scooter Competition
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Q & A: Hilltop Hoods Founding Manager and Vice Chairman of Music SA
Live Music
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April
Guitar Workshop and Performance: Cal Williams Jnr
Learn about Hip Hop and Life on the Road: Crossing Red Lines
Billy Cart Making Workshop
April
9 12
Try the Rec Gym
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Sunday 14 April, 11 am to 2.30 pm at the Mitcham Community Shed, Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham.
Monday 8 April, 4 pm to 5 pm at the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre, 1 Northcote Road, Eden Hills.
Mitcham Community Bus
April
Themed Movie Night Tuesday 9 and Friday 12 April, 3.30 pm to 5 pm at the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre, 1 Northcote Road, Eden Hills.
Full details of the City of Mitcham’s Youth Week Celebrations and registration information are available from www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au, email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call 8372 8869.
Thursday 11 April, 6 pm at the Mitcham Library, 154 Belair Road, Hawthorn.
Sunday 14 April from 12 pm to 3 pm at Avenue Road Reserve Skate Park, Cumberland Park. Join in the action and get along to see local skateboard and scooter riders put their skills to the test as they battle it out in the skate park.
PAGE 2 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
From the Mayor Brown Hill and Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan
Mayor Michael Picton • Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks Stormwater Management Plan • Public Consultation • Save the Balyana Pool Campaign • A Caring Community • Introducing Cr Tim Hein
Telephone: 0417 812 546 mpicton@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
We are yet another step closer to a dam free future for Brown Hill Creek. It is great news that the long awaited 2012 version of the Brown Hill and Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan Master Plan has finally been endorsed by the State Government’s Stormwater Management Authority. The Plan, fully supported by the Mitcham, Unley, Burnside, Adelaide and West Torrens Councils, will provide flood protection to residents throughout the catchment area. The Plan now allows for 80% of the work to proceed, depending on funding, with the remaining 20% still requiring further investigation and consideration. Mitcham’s Chief Executive, Matt Pears and the Director of Engineering Howard Lacy have worked closely with the other Councils to achieve this historic milestone. The five catchment Councils have proposed a flood mitigation strategy that will protect properties in the catchment and will also reflect the views of the community for a no dam solution. Option 3A, the option that explores a no dam proposal, still requires some further investigation before it can be endorsed and incorporated into the 2012 Master Plan. The approval by the Stormwater Management Authority of the Plan, is a further step in the process towards making a decision on a ‘no dam’ solution that will mitigate flooding in the catchment. There have been many people involved in the process of improving the proposal and in supporting Mitcham Council as we investigate a suitable flood mitigation scheme.
Public Consultation Council has recently asked residents for feedback on some extensive
CLARENCE GARDENS
CUMBERLAND PARK
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consultation programs we have undertaken of the W. A. Norman Reserve and the Parks and Gardens in Colonel Light Gardens. These consultations have attracted an enormous number of responses. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to offer feedback. The information you have provided will enable the Council to hear your concerns and make better informed decisions on how these areas can be best used. I would also like to thank the Council staff for their commitment to this process. We have broken new ground in this area and everyone involved has done a remarkable job within tight timeframes.
Save the Balyana Pool Campaign At its December meeting, Council resolved to support the ‘Save the Balyana Pool’ Committee in its efforts to keep this important public facility in Clapham open for community use. I was proud to join 400 people who rallied at the gates of the Balyana Centre on Saturday 23 February, to show their concern with the proposed closure of the Pool. It was estimated that there have been over 2 million visits to the pool over the last 40 years. The pool has been widely used by members of the Bedford community as well as by people with a disability across the southern regions of Adelaide, people recovering from injury or surgery and by thousands of school children who have learnt to swim in the warmer than normal pool. Unfortunately Bedford has indicated that the pool will close at the end of April unless someone purchases the property. If you would like to support the campaign you can contact the Save the Balyana Pool Committee via email at savebalyanapool@yahoo.com.au
A Caring Community I am privileged to be in a position to see and hear of the wonderful work people in our community are involved in. As well as the vast range of Council initiated projects and events happening in Mitcham, our local Rotary and Lions Clubs are always busy in the community. The Rotary Club of Mitcham took part in the Rotary ‘Peace Forum’ where the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia spoke about his early years growing up in war torn Vietnam. The Lions Club of Mitcham and the Lions Club of Unley recently held its Youth of the Year interview and public speaking quest. The five local students selected to compete all excelled in the competition and are outstanding role models who I’m sure will be future leaders. The Lions Club of Blackwood presented another successful ‘Wittunga Under the Stars’ event in the beautiful Wittunga Botanical Gardens at Eden Hills. It was a wonderful evening with some great music and dance. Money raised from the event will go to the ‘Lions Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired’.
PASADENA
HAWTHORN
WESTBOURNE PARK
URRBRAE
KINGSWOOD NETHERBY
T GAUL
CLAPHAM
BROWNHILL CREEK
MITCHAM
PANORAMA LYNTON
AGE
BELAIR
BABB
GLENALTA
EDEN HILLS
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ARK THE P
CRAIGBURN FARM
CRAFERS WEST
HAWTHORNDENE
BLACKWOOD
BELLEVUE HEIGHTS
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M BOOR
LOWER TORRENS MITCHAM PARK
COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS
ST MARYS
BEDFORD PARK
LEAWOOD GARDENS
SPRINGFIELD
UPPER STURT
COROMANDEL VALLEY
Introducing Cr Tim Hein I would like to welcome Tim Hein who has been elected to represent the community of The Park Ward. Tim, who is married to Priscilla and has two young daughters, is an ordained Uniting Church Minister. He is currently on Faculty at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, which forms part of the Adelaide College of Divinity in partnership with Flinders University. He brings to Council a wealth of strategic planning knowledge as he consults with non-profit organisations on strategic direction through Capacity Builders.
I recently had the good fortune of being invited to the annual World Day of Prayer at the Holy Innocents Anglican Church at Belair and learned of the outstanding work the ‘Circle of Friends’ in Blackwood are doing in our community. The Circle of Friends is a group of people supporting and welcoming asylum seekers and refugees as they settle into the community. The more I meet with people and groups in Mitcham, the more I appreciate that we live in a very special community composed of wonderful, caring and compassionate people.
The Park Ward Cr Tim Hein Telephone: 0403 080 080 thein@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
Stormwater Management Plan Gets Green Light The Stormwater Management Authority has approved the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan. The Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan will deliver a flood mitigation strategy to protect the residents of the Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks catchment areas. The Plan has been developed through the cooperation of the five catchment Councils – the Cities of Mitcham, Unley, Burnside, West Torrens and Adelaide who have shown strong commitment to represent community views for a preference for a no dam solution to protect the environment. The catchment Councils have together identified the required infrastructure which has been estimated to cost approximately $150 m to construct within the Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks catchment over the next ten years although further work on the final cost is required. The Plan includes a commitment for further investigations of flood mitigation options specifically for the upper reaches of Brown Hill
APRIL 2013 Publication Details Mitcham Community News is published bi-monthly by and for the City of Mitcham. Editorial Communications Department City of Mitcham Design + Production Sarah Bennett Design Reprographics + Printing Graphic Print Group
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Creek. The further investigations titled Part B Works will focus on assessing options such as a flood control dam with bypass culverts or additional bypass culverts without the need for a dam as the preferred option.
A contribution of up to $1,400,000 towards the Ridge Park Detention Basin
In approving the Plan the Stormwater Management Authority had also approved funding toward the following component projects which formed part of the overall Stormwater Management Project:
A contribution of $270,000 towards the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan 2012
Paperstock Printed on paper made in Australia from elemental chlorine free pulp derived from sustainable plantation forests.
Contributing Articles Community groups and organisations submitting items for the June 2013 issue of this publication should ensure they reach Business Partner Communications Marketing Officer Julie Lamond no later than Friday 10 May 2013. Telephone: 8372 8871 or email jlamond@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Good quality colour/high resolution colour photographs/image files can be submitted although publication will depend on space availability.
Distribution Salmat Mediaforce and Australia Post Delivered to 29,850 homes, PO boxes and businesses within the Mitcham Council area. Advertising KRL Media Services Telephone: 8231 5433 PO Box 131 Unley, SA 5061
A contribution of up to $2,500,000 towards the Goodwood Junction Brown Hill Creek Diversion Project
Website http://www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
Would you like to receive the latest information, news and events from the City of Mitcham online? The City of Mitcham offers residents the option to receive Council information online via Twitter, Facebook or e-news (email). Twitter and Facebook are free services that let you keep in touch online and e-news allows you to receive the latest Council information including services and programs, exhibitions, public meetings, community consultations as well as notification when agendas and minutes are available on the website via email. Your email address will only be used by Council to provide information to you and will not be provided to any external organisations or for any other purposes. Join us online today just visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au and fill in the details. For more information contact Julie Lamond on 8372 8871 or via email jlamond@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
Audio Tapes Mitcham Community News audio tapes are available at both Mitcham and Blackwood Libraries or by arrangement from the Community Information Service. Telephone: 8372 8812.
Council Civic Centre Open weekdays 9 am to 5 pm. 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park or PO Box 21, Mitcham Shopping Centre, Torrens Park, South Australia 5062 Telephone: 8372 8888
Council Meetings The General Purpose Council Committee meeting is held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.30 pm and the Development Assessment Panel meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6.30 pm. Full Council meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 pm.
The views and opinions expressed in articles and advertisements submitted by contributors, other than the City of Mitcham, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council as a body, nor as individual members. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in published articles submitted by contributors other than Council, no responsibility is accepted for any errors that they may contain.
PAGE 3 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
Years Ahead – Road Safety for Older Road Users Are you an older driver? Years Ahead is an RAA road safety awareness program especially designed for older road users. The City of Mitcham’s Positive Ageing and Community Care Service is hosting two ‘Years Ahead’ program sessions to provide older road users with information to assist them to continue to drive for as long as they are safe to do so. The Years Ahead program provides information for older drivers including: Driving and road safety tips for drivers, passengers and pedestrians The importance of choosing a safe vehicle The importance of being fit to drive The impact of health and medications on driving How to assess your own driving ability Information about alternative transport options How to plan for future mobility Years Ahead Program Dates Date: Time: Location:
Wednesday 17 April 10.15 am morning tea – presentation 11 am to 12 noon Westbourne Park Community Club, 390 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park Please note: It is the rear building and enter from the rear car park Friday 19 April Date: 10.15 am morning tea – presentation 11 am to 12 noon Time: Location: Blackwood Community Club, 4 Young Street, Blackwood
To register call Carol on 8372 8804 or Karen on 8372 8887 by the 12 April.
Agedcare Alternatives Do you have questions about aged care? Agedcare Alternatives is hosting free fortnightly sessions at the Blackwood Library to answer your questions about the aged care system. Simply drop in and ask us a question between 1 pm and 3 pm on Monday: 15 or 29 April 13 or 27 May Discover information about community care, residential care, respite, retirement villages and many other relevant aged care programs and topics. Agedcare Alternatives does not provide assessment or advisory services and cannot guarantee access to services. Agedcare Alternatives is sponsored by Resthaven Inc.
Mitcham Library Service Annual Book Sale Mitcham’s Library Service is selling thousands of books at cheap prices to the general public on Saturday June 1 from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday June 2 from 10 am to 1 pm. Come along and browse through an extensive range of ex-library, newly donated and second hand books including fiction, non-fiction and children’s titles as well as a limited selection of DVDs and CDs at St Bernadette’s Hall, corner South Road and Walsh Avenue, St Marys. The book sale provides excellent value and offers something to suit all reading tastes with all proceeds going to the Mitcham Library Service.
For further information please contact the Mitcham Library on 8372 8244 or Blackwood Library on 8372 8255.
School Holidays at the Library Celebrate Easter at the Mitcham Library Service with craft and stories. Crafty April
Story Time
Choose your craft to create and make at the Mitcham Library on Monday 15 and 22 or at the Blackwood Library on Tuesday 16 and 23 from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm. $5 per craft for all ages. Various crafts will be available to choose from. Bookings essential.
Enjoy stories, songs and craft during the holidays from 10.30 am to 11.30 am at the Mitcham Library on Monday 15 and 22 and Thursday 18 and at the Blackwood Library on Tuesday 16 and 23 and Wednesday 17 and 24. Suitable for children aged 2 to 5.
For more information call the Mitcham Library on 8372 8244 or Blackwood Library on 8372 8255.
For more information contact Agedcare Alternatives on 8271 3888.
All Lit Up with a Community Development Grant The Blackwood Players Theatre Company installed eight new LED Theatre lights at the Blackwood 21 Memorial Hall after receiving a Community Development Grant from the City of Mitcham. The LED lights are light weight, low power and bright resulting in less maintenance and low running costs. They are fully programmable to thousands of different colours without the need to change filters. The Blackwood Players have been entertaining the community with plays and musicals for over 60 years. Actors, dancers and singers, as well as back stage crew and sound and lighting operators are also welcome to join the group. No matter what your experience, if you are interested in joining contact Lauren Hollis on 0423 482 326, or keep an eye out for upcoming shows.
PAGE 4 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
Mitcham Community Bus Hills to Blackwood Library Bus Do you live in the hills and love to read but find it difficult to get to the Library? The Blackwood Library Community Bus Service visits the Blackwood Library once every month on a Monday afternoon from 1.45 pm until 3.30 pm. Passengers are collected from their homes and taken to the Blackwood Library where they can select new books and enjoy a chat and morning tea with others.
Mitcham Plains to Marion Shopping Centre Bus The City of Mitcham offers a monthly Community Bus trip to Marion Shopping Centre to visit a wide variety of shops not available at your local shopping centre. The Marion Shopping Centre Community Bus visits the Marion Shopping Centre on the first Tuesday of every month. Residents from the plains suburbs are collected from their homes from 9.30 am to enjoy shopping, coffee or lunch before departing at approximately 1 pm.
The fee for the Community Bus Service is a gold coin donation. For more information on the Community Bus Service please contact Katey Brown on 8374 7791.
Youth News Students Leadership Day
Youth Consultation
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
If you are aged between 12 and 25 years we want to know what is important to you, what you value, what you like about your local community and how we can help to make it better.
The Urrbrae Agricultural High School Student Representative Council (SRC) held their Induction Day at the City of Mitcham’s Council Chambers in February. As part of the Induction Day Mayor Michael Picton spoke about the role of Mayor, Elected Members, community leaders, explained Council’s meeting procedures and answered many questions. Students had an opportunity to learn about Council, ask questions as well as provide valuable feedback to Council to assist in the development of Council’s new Youth Strategy. If your school’s SRC or youth leadership group would like to hold a meeting at Council and learn more about how Council meetings are managed, please contact Ulus Fuat, Youth Development Officer on 8372 8869.
The City of Mitcham is preparing to develop a new Youth Plan and Strategy to help plan for the next three years. We want to hear from young people within our community. If you are aged 12 to 25 years and either live, work, study or play in the Mitcham Council area then jump on line at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au and complete a survey. The next stage Council will hold a series of youth forums to explore ways in which Council, and other relevant government and nongovernment agencies, can best respond and support local young people in the future.
Mitcham Community Shed at the Mitcham Cultural Village For more information about the Youth Plan or to obtain a survey contact Ulus Fuat, Youth Development Officer on 8372 8869, visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.
Enrich life! Volunteer! • Help on the Community Bus • Provide transport for vital appointments • Support older people to connect with community activities Be a part of our community and help others be a part of our community!
Phone 8372 8860
The Mitcham Community Shed at the Mitcham Cultural Village continues to work closely with organisations and groups to support the community. The Mitcham Community Shed members have been working on a very special project – the construction of Memory Boxes for donation to hospitals. Memory Boxes are given to parents who have lost a baby at childbirth. The boxes provide the opportunity for parents to hold memorabilia such as hand prints, identifications bands, photos and clothes in a very special way. Each year over 60 families lose a child and these boxes are a way to help them with their grieving. After being approached by a painting group, who paint the boxes for donation to hospitals, the Shed members and Mayor Michael Picton hand crafted 32 boxes with materials supplied by Council. The Community Shed, located at the Mitcham Cultural Village, 103-105 Princes Road in Mitcham, welcomes new members and is open: Mondays 1 pm to 4 pm Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm Thursdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
For more information call 8372 8265.
PAGE 5 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
Upcoming Work in Your Street Road Works Flinders Drive
Kerbing Construction Council’s kerb and watertable replacement works have been completed in: Adelaide Terrace, St Marys Magdalene Terrace, St Marys Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield Council’s kerb and watertable replacement works are currently underway in: Chelmsford Avenue, Mitcham Lisburne Avenue, Mitcham Northbrook Avenue, Mitcham Bellavista Avenue, Clapham Marion Street, Melrose Park Council’s kerb and watertable works programmed for April, May and June are: Hillside Road, Springfield Belair Road, Kingswood
Stormwater Construction Council’s stormwater drainage construction works have recently been completed in: Chelmsford Avenue, Mitcham Lisburne Avenue, Mitcham Northbrook Avenue, Mitcham Blythewood Road, Mitcham Council’s stormwater drainage construction works programmed for April, May and June are: 18 University Way, Bellevue Heights Suffolk Road and Goldney Grove, Hawthorndene Batchelor Reserve, Westbourne Park
Ayr Avenue Bridge Replacement Work to replace the Ayr Avenue road bridge, situated near the Ardeer Road and Ayr Avenue intersection is underway. The new bridge, designed to meet the flow capacity of Brown Hill Creek, will no longer require a load limit. The bridge will have upgraded handrails, will be wider to improve footpaths and road width for added pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle safety and will improve the alignment of Brown Hill Creek. Concept designs have been finalised. As a result of concerns being raised regarding traffic conditions in the vicinity of the bridge Council has approved deferral of the construction of replacement into the 2013/2014 works programme.
Brown Hill Creek Work is underway to relocate Brown Hill Creek around the Goodwood Road Rail Grade Separation.
Flinders Drive, between South Road and University Drive was resurfaced in February. The $750,000 project was funded by Council and a Special Local Roads Program Grant. Council’s road rehabilitation and overlay works have been completed in: Branson Avenue, Pasadena Magdalene Terrace, Pasadena Adelaide Terrace, Pasadena Paul Street, St Marys Brookman Avenue, St Marys Southern Avenue, St Marys Kiana Street, St Marys Paul Street, St Marys Comaun Street, St Marys Springbank Road, Clapham Hope Street, Daw Park Tutt Avenue, Kingswood Gamma Crescent, Panorama Belleview Avenue, Panorama Yulinda Terrace, Lower Mitcham Centre Way, Belair Winding Way, Belair Thorngate Drive, Belair Flinders Drive, Bedford Park Birksgate Drive, Urrbrae Chancery Lane, Hawthorndene Monomeeth Court, Hawthorndene Myrtle Road, Hawthorndene Nama Drive, Hawthorndene Scroop Road, Hawthorndene Sturt Avenue, Hawthorndene Council’s road rehabilitation and overlay works are underway in: Marion Street, Melrose Park Manfull Street, Melrose Park Council’s road rehabilitation and overlay works programmed for April, May and June are: Kegworth Road, Melrose Park Chelmsford Avenue, Mitcham Lisburne Avenue, Mitcham Northbrook Avenue, Mitcham Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield Pony Ridge, Belair Olave Hill Road, Hawthorndene Kentucky Avenue, Panorama Bellavista Avenue, Clapham The Grove, Lower Mitcham
Traffic Management Road safety projects are underway including: Clapham - development of traffic management plans for part of the Panorama and Clapham area. A public consultation process is under way for more information visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Blackwood - traffic management investigation at Blackwood. Traffic data collection process is underway. Hayman Retreat, Craigburn Road implementation of the road closure at the intersection of Hayman Retreat and Craigburn Road is complete.
Further information about the infrastructure program is available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/goto/budget
Edward Street School Crossing relocation of the school crossing on Edward Street. All design and consultation processes have been completed and the tender process is underway. It is anticipated the work will be undertaken during the Easter school holidays.
Footpath Construction Paving works recently completed: Gladys Street, Clarence Gardens Hilda Street, Clarence Gardens Cross Road, Urrbrae Grange Road, Hawthorn Kingston Avenue, Daw Park Penang Avenue, Melrose Park Rowell Road, Melrose Park Jose Street, Melrose Park Gulfview Road, Blackwood Brighton Parade, Blackwood Main Road, Blackwood Derwent Street, Cumberland Park Mathias Avenue, Cumberland Park Rugby Street, Kingswood Goodwood Road, Panorama Moriane Avenue, Panorama Walkway (Strathconna/Boucat), Panorama Walsh Avenue, St Marys Belair Road, Torrens Park Lochwinnoch Road (Princes Road to Fife Avenue), Torrens Park Paving works underway: Rankeys Hill Road, Hawthorndene Byrne Avenue, Glenalta Elm Street, Hawthorndene Ottawa Avenue, Panorama Paving works programmed for April, May and June: Old Belair Road, Belair Belair Road, Kingswood Bellavista Avenue, Clapham East Parkway, Colonel Light Gardens West Parkway, Colonel Light Gardens Sturt Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Lochwinnoch Road, (Barrelder Avenue to Windsor Drive), Torrens Park Walkway (Norseman), Westbourne Park Coromandel Parade, Coromandel Valley Hollywood Way, Glenalta Sun Valley Drive, Glenalta Port Lincoln Boulevard, Pasadena
Retaining Wall Construction Replacement of the retaining wall on Coromandel Parade, Coromandel Valley, and the reconstruction of the failed retaining wall on Grand Boulevard, Craigburn Farm, are programmed to commence in April/May.
Open Space The Donald Street Reserve and Naomi Street Reserve playgrounds will soon be upgraded. A paved path has been completed in Thurles Street Reserve. Improvements will be undertaken to the CC Hood Reserve Dedicated Dog Park including upgrading the path, greening areas and other minor improvements.
New Fitness Equipment at Riverside Reserve The City of Mitcham has recently installed fitness equipment in Riverside Reserve in Bedford Park. Six fitness stations, designed for flexibility, balance, coordination and cardiovascular activities, have been installed to benefit the local community. Thank you to the Bedford Park Residents Association for approaching Council to provide the fitness equipment and for their time and efforts in assisting in choosing and sighting of the equipment.
PAGE 6 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
About Time South Celebrate South Australia’s history during the SA History Festival 1-31 May 2013 Learn about Mitcham’s rich and diverse history during the ‘About Time’ SA History Festival in May.
Unpacking Memories
Blackwood – Once a Village
Unearth your old documents, photos or newspapers that may tell interesting new stories about Mitcham’s history. Bring them into the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre to share. Prizes will be awarded for the three most interesting finds, to be judged at the conclusion of the History Festival.
Blackwood was planned in 1879 as a response to the new Adelaide Hills rail line. This bus tour follows the route of the new Blackwood Historical Walk brochure, launched during the History Festival. Discover the significance of the Hewitt family. Enjoy Blackwood’s diversity of modest cottages, early shops and magnificent mansions. Wander through the National Trust’s Gamble Cottage and gardens. Bookings required.
Date:
Every Wednesday in May
Time:
9.30 am to 3.30 pm
Cost: Free
For more information about the SA History Festival visit the ‘About Time’ website at www.historyweek.sa.gov.au, email abouttime@history.sa.gov.au or call 8203 9888.
Who Lies There? Visit the resting places of many of Mitcham’s earliest pioneers and identities as you are guided through the Mitcham Anglican Cemetery and the ‘old section’ of the Mitcham General Cemetery. See the monument to a heroic fireman and reflect on the lives of Adelaide’s pioneering families. Wear suitable walking attire, including a hat and comfortable shoes. Bookings required. Date:
Wednesday 8 May and 22 May
The Psychedelic Sixties
This one-hour walk through Kingswood will be conducted, at a comfortable pace, by a Mitcham Heritage Centre volunteer well-versed in the stories of the suburb’s oldest dwellings and other buildings, and in the long history of land acquisition and conveyance in this area. Bookings essential. Please wear suitable clothing, including a hat and sensible shoes for walking.
Learn the traditional arts of paper marbling and oriental bookbinding. Bring along your own work to bind and leave with a covered book, with marbled front and end pieces. Hear about the history of bookbinding and traditional materials as you work. Costs are per workshop and include all materials. Bookings essential.
The 1960s designed Blackwood Community Centre building revives its groovy past with a huge display of 60s fashions, homewares, furniture, music and lights. Be ready to engage your inner mod and flower child.
Date:
Date:
Thursday 9 May
Friday 10 May and Friday 24 May
Time:
10 am to 11 am (Paper Marbling)
11.30 am to 12.30 pm (Oriental Book Binding)
Cost:
$10 per workshop
Time:
11 am to 12 noon
Cost:
$5 per person
Cost:
$5 per person
Location: Meet outside the Torrens Arms Hotel, Princes Road, Kingswood For more information call 8372 8261.
Location: Mitcham Heritage Research Centre, 103b Princes Road, Mitcham. For more information call 8372 8261.
Date:
Thursday 2 May
Time:
10.30 am to 11 am launch 11 am to 1 pm walk
Cost:
$10 per person
Location: Meet at Waite Street Reserve, Young Street, Blackwood For more information call 8372 8261.
Bookbinding and Paper Marbling
10.30 am to 12 noon
For more information call 8372 8261.
For more information call 8372 8261.
South Kingswood Walk
Time:
Location: Meet at the rotunda in the Mitcham General Cemetery, Old Belair Road, Mitcham
Location: Mitcham Research Centre, 103b Princes Road, Mitcham
The Old Temperance Hotel – Peeling Back the Layers
Date:
Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 May
Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 May
Wednesday 29 to Friday 31 May
The old Temperance Hotel has a colourful past. Hear the fascinating story of this building and join City of Mitcham’s Heritage Architect, Therese Willis on a guided tour of the recent conservation works. Owner Charles Savage has restored this near-derelict building to a fine residence, rebuilding the original balcony, revealing the original stonework and discovering historic signwriting. Bookings required.
Time:
10 am to 2 pm
Date:
Date:
Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 May
Thursday 16 May and 23 May
Time:
12.30 pm to 2 pm
10.30 am to 2.30 pm
Cost: Free
Time:
Cost: Free Location: Blackwood Community Centre, 4 Young Street, Blackwood For more information call 8372 8262.
Location: Meet outside the old Temperance Hotel, 41 Albert Street, Mitcham For more information call 8372 8261.
PAGE 7 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
Australia's History Festival
Coromandel Valley Research and Resources Every Thursday throughout May, an experienced researcher into the history of Coromandel Valley will be available at the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre to field questions, share knowledge and show the resources available in the Centre’s extensive collection. Particular interests include Mitcham and Clarendon District Councils’ rate assessments, school enrolments, land acquisition and the oldest houses.
To Mother with Love A nostalgic look at gifts for mothers from the early 1900s. Remember those slippers, soaps, hankies, cups and saucers and more? See a treasure trove of appliqué and patchwork quilts. On Mother’s Day bring mum to the Mitcham Cultural Village Markets for tea and scones, crafts and food stalls. Date:
Friday 3 May
Time:
7 pm to 9 pm
Date:
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout May
Date:
Every Thursday in May
Date:
2 May
Time:
9 am to 2 pm
Time:
1.30 pm to 4 pm
Date:
Date:
9, 16, 23 and 30 May
Time:
9.30 am to 4 pm
Sunday 12 May (Mother’s Day Market) and 26 May
Cost: Free Location: Mitcham Research Centre, 103b Princes Road, Mitcham For more information call 8372 8261.
Mistresses of Mitcham’s Mansions: the Waite Estate Early pastoralists of South Australia amassed great fortunes from wool and copper. Their wives were the ‘mistresses of the mansions’. Hear the story of Matilda Waite, as you travel to ‘Urrbrae House’, then take the guided tour of the house. Continue to ‘Claremont’ as you hear Mary Cudmore’s story and view from the driveway. Includes afternoon tea. Bookings required. Date:
Sunday 19 May
Time:
1 pm to 4.30 pm (arrive at 12.45 pm)
Cost:
$20 per person
Location: Meet at the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre, 103b Princes Road, Mitcham For more information call 8372 8261.
Time:
10 am to 2 pm
Cost: Free Location: Mitcham Institute, Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham
A Model Garden Suburb – Colonel Light Gardens Charles Reade’s plan for the model garden suburb of Colonel Light Gardens challenged conventional planning principles. In 1921 it attracted international attention as a unique suburb designed by an ambassador of the Garden City movement. During the walk you will understand why this suburb is recognised as a State Heritage Area and a sought-after residential location. Bookings required. Date:
Sunday 5 May
Hear Joanna Barr Smith’s story as you travel to ‘Torrens Park’ (Scotch College) for a guided tour. Continue to ‘Carrick Hill’, while listening to Ursula Hayward’s story. On arrival, enjoy the view and stroll through the beautiful grounds, or join a tour of the house (additional fee; request when booking). Includes afternoon tea. Bookings required.
Time:
1.30 pm to 3.30 pm
Date:
Sunday 5 May
Cost:
$5 per person
Time:
1 pm to 4.30 pm (arrive at 12.45 pm)
Cost:
$20 per person
Location: Meet at the corner of West Parkway and Sturt Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens For more information call 8372 8261.
Come and celebrate the reopening of the Heritage listed Belair Railway Station Signal Box, originally built in 1886 it is one of the oldest in Australia. The Signal Box has now been fully restored to its former glory after it was tragically burnt down in May 2003.
As they saw things – Mitcham pioneer readings
Date:
Sunday 19 May
A selection of illustrated readings from the diaries, letters and autobiographies of early settlers in the Mitcham area. Some favourites from last year’s program will be offered together with several new voices in the mix. Bookings required.
Time:
11 am to 12 noon
Date:
Tuesday 21 May
Location: Belair Railway Station
Time:
1.30 pm to 3.30 pm
Cost:
Cost:
$5 per person
Free
For more information call 8372 8261.
Location: Meet at the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre, 103b Princes Road, Mitcham
Seniors in Harmony – The Aussie Mossie Duo ‘Aussie Mossie’ tells the story of Australia via Celtic and Australian music featuring guitar, mandolin, accordion and whistle and a good old sing-along. Songs about migration, mining, shearing and droving, songs of struggle and strife, lean times and mean times, followed by afternoon tea. Bookings required. Date:
Tuesday 7 May
Time:
1.30 pm to 3.15 pm
Cost:
Gold Coin Donation
Location: Mitcham Institute, Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham For more information call 8372 8262.
For more information call 8372 8261.
For more information call 8372 8262.
Reopening the Belair Signal Box
Mistresses of Mitcham’s Mansions: Carrick Hill and Torrens Park House
Location: Mitcham Institute Hall, Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham For more information call 8372 8261.
Up the Creek In 1914 Brownhill Creek was proclaimed a ‘Public Pleasure Resort’. 150 years of Mitcham’s history is hidden along Brownhill Creek Road and the public reserve. View the sites of early quarries, an 1874 chapel, and market gardens. Discover the significance of George Prince’s seven pines and why the Manure Pits are state heritage places. Bookings required.
Capturing History Photographic Competition The City of Mitcham has a wealth of historic places. Use your creativity to capture photographic images of Mitcham’s historic places in an imaginative way. The photographic competition is open to entrants of all ages. For information on eligibility, conditions and criteria, refer to www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.
Date:
Saturday 25 May
Time:
1.30 pm to 4 pm (arrive 15 minutes)
Date:
Cost:
$10 per person
Cost: Free
Location: Meet at Mitcham Heritage Research Centre, 103b Princes Road, Mitcham For more information call 8372 8261.
Entries close 5 pm Friday 31 May
For more information call 8372 8261.
PAGE 8 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
From your Elected Members Craigburn Ward Cr Elaine Grimm • Streetsweeping • Land Management Agreements
Telephone: 8370 0025 egrimm@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Streetsweeping I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the gentleman from Clarence Street, Blackwood who left me a phone message requesting that his and surrounding streets be swept urgently. I was unable to return your call as I accidentally deleted the message, but I did pass on your request to staff. At this time of year, especially in such a dry period, eucalypts become somewhat stressed and as a defence shed leaves at an abnormal rate. Couple that with this being the season when many gums quickly shed all of their bark, and hills streets especially do become littered with vegetation debris. From phone calls and comments I have received
Overton Ward Cr John Sanderson • Budget • Streetscape • Dumping
Telephone: 0402 517 945 jsanderson@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au This is my first opportunity to wish you all the best for the coming year.
Boorman Ward Cr Judith Weaver • Traffic Issues • Fire Threat • New Audiology set up in the Chamber • Foxes • Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham
Telephone: 8357 7522 jweaver@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Traffic Issues I read recently that we now have more cars than people. Few of us are surprised with what we see daily on our roads. Traffic funnelling through Boorman Ward appears to be increasing. It is not surprising with local schools being at or near capacity and housing development increasing in the hills areas. Drivers are finding alternative routes which do not have traffic lights and long queues. The result is that
I fully understand that some residents are concerned because it looks untidy, could be a bushfire risk or, in a heavy rain, cause drains to block thereby causing local flooding. Council contracts out this service, with an agreed schedule to be maintained. Currently hills streets are on a five week cycle. This timing can, and sometimes is disrupted, either because the streetsweeper leaves the scheduled route to deal with specific requests or because unusually heavy vegetation drop fills the sweeper’s container much faster than anticipated, so that much more time is spent travelling to and from the waste transfer station (currently at Plympton) and not sweeping.
Land Management Agreements Most people do not come across these and so do not really understand them if they do. I am writing here about Land Management Agreements (LMAs) between Council and the owner of a property. It is important to note that these are voluntary agreements which, when signed by both parties, become legal documents and will be entered onto the property Title. If you are purchasing property and the Title shows that an LMA exists be sure to read it thoroughly. (The real estate agent has a duty to advise you if there is one.) If uncertain check with officers at Council. Once signed the LMA belongs to the property, not the original owner who signed it. It is on-sold.
exceptional native trees which are considered worthy of protection to retain the local character. One may also be entered into in order to preserve the existing streetscape. Whilst other things may be included (for example single storey to prevent overlooking) there are two very commonly recurring features. The first is that specified trees must be retained (marked and numbered on a site plan) and the second, in order to achieve the first, is that a “building envelope” will be clearly outlined on that same plan. The building envelope shows precisely where, and only where, a dwelling may be constructed and the maximum size it can be. Basically it is the footprint of the entire dwelling (garage etc. included).
The good news is that administration is currently reviewing its street sweeping service with a view to improving the service by possibly increasing frequency, dropping off at a closer site or whatever else the review might find.
LMAs are generally requested by Council when a property owner wants to subdivide land in a way which does not accord with the existing pattern of development such as a hammer-head block (a block behind a block with a long driveway), several new additional allotments (possibly smaller than in the locality) or where there are
The LMA must be adhered to unless written consent for variation is obtained from Council to waive it or any clauses within it. Council expends considerable time and rate-payers’ money to get agreement and then to establish an LMA. If it is considered important enough to establish one Council is unlikely to waive it or aspects of it lightly and without very convincing reasons.
Budget
Streetscape
The 2013/2014 Budget process is now well underway with an update report scheduled for the February Full Council meeting, then ongoing at this stage, through March and April with a draft Long Term Financial Plan and Budget for consultation in May. Due to the underlying deficit as at 1 July 2012 of $1.84 million. The deficit is being thoroughly worked on and has confirmed and committed Efficiency Savings which at this point of time the deficit has been reduced to $755,000 by the end of 2014. The Budget preparation is a moving picture as more savings may be found in the next two months.
The City West streetscape has been looking somewhat neglected for sometime. I have requested this fact be included in the Works Budget for 2013/2014.
secluded area of our parks. If you see someone dumping, write down their car registration and type of vehicle then telephone Council and they will take action. Dumping is illegal and costs Council considerable funds to collect and dispose of someone else’s rubbish and maybe that person is from another Council area. They will finish up in Court if the above information is forwarded to Council.
smaller streets are carrying the burden for this.
was a timely warning for us all in this area. The only escape route for residents in the valley and near-by local residents is Brownhill Creek Road. The Caravan park campers must also evacuate along this road. Residents of Hoggs Road on this night were also being evacuated along Brownhill Creek Road. It is a narrow, winding road and has during weekends of summer months cars parked both sides along W. A. Norman Reserve. This makes it impossible to enter and exit at the same time. Administration is reviewing all aspects of Council involvement in management of a fire in this area. Safe access and exit are obviously critical.
The congestion comes at predictable times in the morning and afternoon although in my experience traffic build up is occurring earlier now in the pm than previously. Administration is aware of these changes. They are very complex issues as in all cases they can be traced to State Government roads meeting with Local Government roads. Your Councillor’s frustration grows when local road changes are implemented to try and provide improved safety for residents but drivers totally ignore this and continue to break the law. The example I am referring to is the North Parade/Princes Road intersection where changes to traffic flow are evident. To observe drivers of all ages deliberately disregard others personal safety is alarming. Police patrol support and some suggested minimal design changes are currently under discussion.
Fire Threat The recent grass fire on Brownhill raised some important issues and
The works could include further tree planting, cleaning up and refilling the footpath verge areas on many streets, maybe some kerb replacement and generally clean up the streets and footpaths.
Dumping This is a crime. One only has to travel around our City to see dumped household goods, mattresses, TVs and other electrical items, car tyres all usually in a
New Audiology set up in the Chamber At last microphones are now on the desks for Elected Members which will improve audiology for those residents listening to a meeting while seated in the gallery and or perhaps making a deputation and presentation to Council. Acquired hearing loss is increasingly common in the community, so this is an important step taken for everyone.
If you have a Council related matter to discuss, please call me on 8277 1884 so that I may be of assistance to you.
Foxes I was contacted recently by a resident who had seen a fox with mange tracking towards Carrick Hill. Last year I had seen a similar fox covered in mange running along the side of Taylor’s Road in the middle of the day. According to recent news reports foxes are on the increase in numbers and our location is perfect for them. Under the Natural Resource Management Act the responsibility for the control lies with the property owner. However if you have further concerns and do know where a den may be located please contact Council for advice.
Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham This community facility is buzzing in increasing activity. Wood working, dance, cooking, art classes, sewing, relaxation exercises, singing, discussion groups, heritage research are just a few of the areas where residents can become involved. Please note the annual ‘Voices of the Village Event’ is to be held on Sunday October 27 2013 with the theme ‘Celebrating Multiculturalism in Mitcham’.
Contacting Your Elected Member Mayor Mayor Michael Picton 0417 812 546
Babbage Ward Cr. David Munro 0403 161 462
Boorman Ward Cr. Leanne Moriarty 8379 3797 Cr. Judith Weaver 8357 7522
Craigburn Ward Cr. Nick Greer 7073 3457 Cr. Elaine Grimm 8370 0025 Cr. Jane Silbereisen 0477 209 782
Gault Ward Cr. Chris Adcock 0428 724 315 Cr. Stephen Fisher 8272 6116
Overton Ward Cr. Yvonne Poland 0416 773 973 Cr. John Sanderson 0402 517 945
The Park Ward Cr. Tim Hein 0403 080 080 Cr. Mark Ward 0458 112 358
PAGE 9 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
Gault Ward Cr Stephen Fisher • Council’s Financial Situation • Council Wards and Representation by Elected Councillors
Telephone: 8272 6116 sfisher@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Council’s Financial Situation Mitcham Council is currently running an Operating Deficit of close to $2 million and your Councillors have moved that the Administration make savings to allow a ‘break-even’ budget for 2014 - 2015. The Council has run an Operating Deficit for 11 of the past 13 years (see Annual Reports). Additionally, the Council Administration have assessed that there is a backlog of $52 million on infrastructure renewals. It has further been identified that our renewal on Council owned buildings has been significantly ‘under-funded’ for many years. Long Term Borrowings are projected to rise from $10.2 million gross 30/06/2012 (zero net) to $29.1 million gross 30/06/2019 ($27.4
Craigburn Ward Cr Nick Greer • Local Councils – Your Choice – Hot or Not?
Telephone: 7073 3457 ngreer@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Local Councils – Your Choice – Hot or Not? Along with the interesting question of whether to vote for Julia (or perhaps Kevin) or Tony later this year, you might also be asked to answer a referendum question on local Councils. Referendums, the questions that sometimes get tacked on to the ballots at an election, are what we use to change the Federal Constitution. In the past, we have had successful referendums to recognise Aboriginals in the census, allow the Commonwealth to legislate for pensions and a plebiscite to decide the national anthem. But most referendums fail. Of the 44 referendums held since 1906, only 8 have been carried. In Sir Robert Menzies’ words, “to get an affirmative vote from the Australian
million net) in our Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP). Our CEO’s Statement in the 2012 – 2013 LTFP was: “This LTFP demonstrates that Council is currently borrowing to fund operating costs: this is not sustainable”. Despite Mitcham not currently ‘paying its way’, (i.e. current rates and Federal and State Government grants are less than the current costs of Council), various community groups and Councillors are pushing for significant new / replacement facilities. Given that Mitcham does not have reserve funds for these proposals, and in the absence of significant (and unlikely) Federal Government Grants, such proposals can only be paid for by additional borrowings, and the interest (and repayment of any new debt), will have to be paid for by increased Council Rates. The following quotations are from the SA Local Government Association’s (LGA) “Financial Sustainability - Information Paper 10, titled Debt, Rev. Feb. 2012.” “Borrowings are not a form of revenue and do not replace the need to generate adequate revenue”. “Additional debt does not allow a Council to acquire things it otherwise cannot afford”…“If a Council has
people on a referendum proposal is one of the labours of Hercules.” It seems likely that at the next election, a referendum question will be tacked on to our ballots asking whether or not there should be reference to local Councils in the Federal Constitution. What is the need, you may ask? The fact is that local Councils are not firmly entrenched in our political system. It would take one bill, duly passed by both houses of the South Australian Parliament, to wipe local Councils away. There are High Court decisions that imply that Local Council’s legal grip on existence is so tenuous that the Commonwealth probably shouldn’t even be funding it. The question becomes whether we should enshrine local Councils for good into our way of life, or let them potentially slip away. To learn the answer we need to know more about our three ‘tiers’ of Government. The Commonwealth Government looks after a list of big ticket items. These are things like defence of the country, pensions, taxation and so forth listed in Section 51 of the Constitution. The Commonwealth is the first tier of Government. The State and Territory Governments, in the Constitution,
Centennial Park Cemetery’s New Operations Complex is Environmentally Friendly The new Centennial Park Cemetery Operations complex, officially opened in February, has a range of sustainable features to improve efficiency and reduce its impact on the environment. The complex, which has been built around the cemetery’s existing crematorium, consolidates four operational buildings into one. It houses all of Centennial Park’s operations teams including those in burial, crematorium, infrastructure and grounds maintenance. In addition to freeing up to more than 3,000 burial spaces, the new operations complex will use half of the existing operational buildings’ land mass and has a range of environmental features which will result in significant energy and cost savings. A series of sloping roofs with moveable windows will provide additional natural lighting and help with ventilation and air flow, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Rainwater and stormwater will be captured and stored in two large water tanks with a capacity of over 400,000 litres to irrigate the memorial gardens reducing the cemetery’s dependence on mains water.
always operated in a financially sustainable manner then it would have little need for additional net borrowings”. “Where a Council commits to operating in a financially sustainable manner it will, over time, reduce the need for additional debt as the revenue raised will be available to support asset replacement needs”. “Generally, a Council with an operating deficit has a correspondingly reduced capacity to raise additional debt (since interest costs will add to its operating deficit and therefore further jeopardise financial sustainability). However, additional debt may be warranted where the Council is committed to reducing other expenses (e.g. the debt enables the replacement of old assets with new ones that have lower operating costs) or is willing to increase its revenues in future”. I believe that the economic situation worldwide, ever since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), continues to be very precarious. Forcing higher rates on Mitcham’s community members, whose incomes have been either rising very slowly for those in the workforce, or static or falling for pensioners and self-funded retirees, (with lower interest rates), is not a reasonable option. Electricity and
are meant to deal with any remaining ‘residual’ issues not captured by the Federal Government. This is the second tier, and the only other tier mentioned in the Federal Constitution. Then, under State and Territory law, we have created entities called local Councils. Local Councils were created originally to deal with minor and local issues like roads, rates and rubbish, although the role of local Councils seems to be ever expanding. Local Councils are the third tier. Well, what’s the harm in having three tiers of Government? For some, having three tiers of Government seems a little silly for a country that has a population that can be matched by one Chinese city. Each tier generates its own waste. Complaints abound about local Council ‘Artist in Residence’ programs, cat registration drives and moves to sponsor the Pygmy Hippo. There is waste in other levels of Government, too. The three tiers all step on each others’ toes. A Business Council of Australia report in 2006 estimated that inefficiencies in our three tiers of Government cost Australia nearly $9 billion each year. According to the report, every Australian household is paying an extra
water price increases are already stressing everyone. Mitcham must reach financial sustainability, where total ongoing costs, including properly accounted depreciation, are met by Council’s annual income.
Council Wards and Representation by Elected Councillors At the January, 2013 Full Council meeting, by a narrow majority of five – four, the Council voted for a proposal to scrap the existing six Council Wards, and the representation for each of two Councillors, excepting Craigburn with three, and their replacement by three much larger wards. This was despite there being only four written submissions, three of which preferred the retention of the existing Ward structure and representation, i.e. the status quo. I believe that this proposal is destructive of the natural ‘communities of interest’ which the current ward boundaries provide. Councillors from the existing Wards have extensive local knowledge and contacts, which will be lost by larger wards, and the Council is at increased risk of being dominated by ‘single interest groups’. Let your local (currently) Councillors know what you think?
$1,100 in tax each year to fund the “inefficiencies, duplication and overlap in our federal system”. An example - some complain that local Councils pave a road with Federal Government money, which is then ripped up only months afterward with State Government money to lay a storm-water pipe that the local Council contractors didn’t know was going in. To resolve these inefficiencies and costs to ratepayers, the idea of removing one tier of government was raised in 2008 at Kevin Rudd’s Australia 2020 Summit. One recommendation was to replace the states and territories with super-sized local Councils. Another group recommended that Local Government be abolished. In the end, both proposals were put in the ‘too hard’ basket. But now this opportunity has arisen, for many, who feel that the three tiers of Government are a drain on ratepayers and serve no practical purpose. A ‘no’ vote for the recognition of Local Government would immediately put a blowtorch to those wanting to preserve the status quo, and will give impetus to those calling for abolition of this tier of Government once and for all. I know how I will be voting.
PAGE 10 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
Mitcham Community Calendar community groups Mitcham Kiwanis Meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Marion Sports Centre, Sturt Road, Marion. Call 8374 3694. Westbourne Park Community Club Join the fun at the Westbourne Park Community Club at 390 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park. Enjoy social indoor bowls every Saturday and social bingo each Monday with all activities starting at 1 pm. All welcome call 8271 3290.
get fit/social activities Tai Chi at Mitcham Cultural Village If you are looking for a gentle slow form of exercise to improve your health, wellbeing, balance and coordination join Tai Chi – a new beginners class starts in April. First class obligation free. Call 8272 2562. Playroom Yoga Classes
Mitcham Prostate Cancer Support Group Come along to discuss health issues and listen to guest speaker Bronwyn Chant from Craniofacial Australia on Thursday 18 April at 7 pm at the Colonel Light Gardens RSL Club, 4 Prince George Parade, Colonel Light Gardens. Call 8277 2138 or visit www.psamitcham.org University of the Third Age Flinders
Do you need a lesson in how to use a computer or the internet? Free tutorials are available for seniors at Blackwood Hills Baptist Church. Call 8370 0333. Innovation Calisthenics Come and try this artistic sport that develops confidence, coordination, flexibility and grace. Classes are held at the Holy Innocents Anglican Church, corner Serpentine and Sheoak Roads, Belair. First lesson is free. Visit www.innovationcalisthenicsclub.com.au or email innovationcalisthenics@hotmail.com
Blackwood Action Group Meet on the third Monday of each month at the Blackwood Community RSL Club, 1 Brighton Parade commencing at 7.30 pm. Call 8370 3006.
Broadband for Seniors
South Oz Scrollers
A Hatha Yoga class especially for parents of young children. Children 0-4 years welcome to attend. Children play or join in as you; strengthen arms, back and core, improve posture and breathing and stretch out all the muscles that get tired and overworked when caring for young children. Held in Blackwood, Thursday and Friday mornings. Call 7220 4978 or email twivickas@adam.com.au
Develop scroll sawing skills at the Mitcham Community Shed on the third Saturday and fourth Tuesday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm. Call 8377 0529.
Meets twice weekly at Ascot Park. Interesting lectures and groups for seniors. Phone 6201 3068 or visit www.u3aflinders.edu.au Picket Fence Community Centre
Oasis Youth Group
Enjoy computer, art classes, craft, a community garden, community meals, a fresh produce market, op shop and emergency assistance at 1167 South Road, St Marys every Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. The Project Centre, a well equipped community shed, provides an opportunity for visitors to develop woodwork or metalwork skills every Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Come along each Thursday morning for a ‘Coffee n chat’ at 10.45 am and meet some new friends. Call 8374 2522.
Got High School teenagers looking to connect with others and in need of a sense of adventure on a Friday night? Oasis Youth Group might be just what they need. Call 0428 882 013 or 8370 0333. Mitcham Village Uniting Church Men at the Centre a program open to men of all ages from 6.30 pm to 9 pm every third Tuesday of the month. $6 for pizza tea. Call 8276 2541. Friendship every Wednesday during school terms at 10 am. Come and learn a craft or just enjoy a chat. Morning tea provided. $2 donation.
Enjoy diverse and imaginative works from emerging and established artist with an Easter theme that life springs from death at Gallery One, Mitcham Cultural Village, 1 Torrens Street, Mitcham until Thursday 18 April Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am to 4.30 pm. Call 8272 4504. Hills Choral Society Presents ‘Halleluja for Handel' an afternoon of music by Handel, from 2.30 pm at the church of St Columba, Cross Road, Hawthorn on Sunday 26 May. Tickets $20 and $18 at the door. Call 8227 2239. BecJM and Ellington’s Heirs Swinging Thru WW2 The music that won the war at the Blackwood Memorial Hall, Saturday 27 April, matinee 2 pm $15 (includes afternoon tea) evening 7 pm $20. Tickets available from Professionals Blackwood call 8278 5122 or trybooking.com
Discover Brownhill Creek and Ellison’s Gully Come to the beautiful hidden valley, learn about its history and also help us to preserve it. The walk features interesting wildlife, superb scenery and includes a creek crossing. Saturday 11 May 1.30 pm to 4 pm. Gold coin donation. Meet at the manure pits on Brownhill Creek Road, Mitcham. Call 8338 3238.
Blackwood Hills View Club
Mud Sweat and Gears Interested in getting fitter and live in the Mitcham Hills? Every Saturday at 9 am a group of cyclists gather in the Belair National Park. Visit www.mudsweatandgears.org.au or email info@mudsweatandgears.org.au
Easter Exhibition life@death
community events Colonel Light Gardens Primary School Reunion Cabaret Calling all classmates from Colonel Light Gardens Primary school between 1945 and 1965 for a school reunion on Saturday 8 June 8 pm to 11.30 pm at the RSL Club, 4 Prince George Parade, Colonel Light Gardens. Enjoy live entertainment from ‘The Party Cats’ as well as school memorabilia and photos on display. Tickets $12.50 from www.petertilbrook.com.au Book Sale Second-hand books, magazines and CD/DVD on sale on Sunday 14 April 9 am to 2 pm at Gallery One, Mitcham Cultural Village, 1 Torrens Street, Mitcham. All proceeds assist Gallery One. All donations are welcome until Friday 12 April. Call 8272 4504 or email info@galleryone.org.au
Invites ladies to have fun and meet new friends at their monthly luncheon meeting at Belair Park Country Club on Monday 15 April at 10 am. Guest speaker is Vicki Rutter who will be speaking on Women’s Health Issues. To book call 8370 2528. Ladies Day at Unley Mercedes Ladies Day ‘Think Pink’ to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation at the Kingswood Oval for opening round on Saturday 6 April. Tickets $30 call 0403 785 570 or visit www.unleyjets.com.au History of Brownhill Creek Discover Brownhill Creek’s unfolding history and help us to preserve the natural beauty of this area for present and future generations. Wednesday 8 May at 7.30 pm in the Drawing Room, Scotch College, Carruth Road, Torrens Park. Gold coin donation. Call 8338 3238.
Mitcham Village Market Every Second Sunday each month 9 am to 2 pm at the Mitcham Cultural Village, 103 Princes Road, Mitcham. Enjoy an excellent range of indoor and outdoor stalls such as fresh foods, tea and coffee, arts, crafts, fashion, skin care, books, plants, candles, products. We have something for everyone! Free parking and entry.
Open Day at Urrbrae Wetland Enjoy a special family open day at the Urrbrae Wetland on Sunday 21 April from 1.30 pm to 4 pm. The Friends of the Urrbrae Wetland will provide illustrated talks and guided walks on the function of the Wetland, the variety of flora and fauna, their Latin names as well as the engineering involved in the Wetland. A special children’s guided walk will be held at 2.30 pm, to introduce them to the various plants, their interesting and edible properties; the quirky and surprising creatures living at the Wetland as well how they can take an active role in their environment. Entrance to the open day is $2 for adults and school-age children are free. Car parking is available by entering off Cross Road at Urrbrae. Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urrbrae_Wetland
PAGE 11 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
Are you using Council Land without Approval? The City of Mitcham is undertaking a review of publicly owned community land and road reserve which is being used without approval by private property owners. Council has identified over 170 instances of community land and road reserve which is being used without approval by neighbouring private property owners.
There are a number of options available to Council in managing unauthorised use including:
Unauthorised use of land owned by Council may include:
Issuing an annual permit or a licence for up to five years where Council determines on balance that the status quo should remain provided it is appropriately compensated
rear or side access to a property across reserves vehicle parking on reserves materials storage enclosure of portions of Council land with fencing extensions erection of sheds construction of courts and pools construction of significant extensions to dwellings or commercial properties While some unauthorised uses of Council land are innocent mistakes others may be intentional to gain the benefit of additional space or access.
Enforcing a return to open space or road reserve
Sale at market value with all costs being born by the property owner where it is determined that the land is not required by Council and the property owner wishes to purchase the land Council will work cooperatively with property owners who may be using Council land without approval. A policy ‘Unauthorised Use of Council Land’ is available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
If you own a property which may be using Council land without approval please contact Council on 8372 8888.
Burning Permits for Green Waste Material With the fire danger season scheduled to finish on 30 April, residents who live in high fire risk areas can apply to Council to obtain a permit, subject to seasonal conditions, to burn green waste material to reduce fuel and hazard reduction in preparation for the next fire season. Backyard burning is banned throughout the Council area. The City of Mitcham received an exemption under the Environment Protection Authority (Burning) Policy 1994 to allow burning for the purpose of fire prevention in Council’s high fire prone areas outside the fire danger season.
1. You must live in Council’s high fire risk area
Residents who live in Council’s high fire risk areas can apply to obtain a permit to burn green waste material to reduce fuel and hazard reduction in preparation for the next fire season.
5. Material must be hard to remove eg down in a gully or inaccessible by car
To obtain a permit:
2. You must be conducting fuel and hazard reduction work 3. Material to be burnt must only be green waste (no rubbish) 4. Material must be dry and ready to burn
6. Have your property inspected by Council’s Fire Prevention Officer 7. You must adhere to all of the conditions on the permit
8. Permits will only be issued after the Fire Danger Season (1 May, subject to CFS advice and weather conditions) until it becomes too dangerous to burn in November (subject to weather conditions)
Remember it is illegal to burn rubbish or green waste material in the open anywhere within the City of Mitcham without obtaining a permit from Council’s Bushfire Prevention Officer. Penalties may apply if you burn in contravention to the EPA Policy and guidelines.
If you are considering burning in the open please contact the Bushfire Prevention Officer on 8372 8894 for information to assist you in making the decision on whether you are able to undertake burning in the open.
Do you wish your old home was more eco-friendly? Discover ways to adapt your home including tips and retro-fit techniques to make it more economical, sustainable as well as comfortable. Andrew Marsh, a professional engineer and author of the popular handbook Sustainability and the Old Australian House, will present on how to Adapt the Older Australian Home. Andrew is an expert in solar thermal design and energy conservation. This presentation is hosted by Sustainable Communities SA, City of Mitcham and funded by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management Board. Adapting the Older Australian Home Location: Mitcham Cultural Village, 103 Princes Road, Mitcham Date: Sunday 2 June Time: 2.30 pm to 4 pm Gold coin donation Cost: This presentation will include questions, informal discussion and afternoon tea. For more information or to book call Jo on 0403 913 719 or email: jojordan@ozemail.com.au.
Boneseed that has been hand-pulled, left to breakdown in O’Dea’s Quarry Reserve.
Sustainability begins with us; our home is the place to start.
Caring for Our Grey Box Grassy Woodlands The City of Mitcham, funded by the Commonwealth Government’s ‘Caring for Our Country program’, is recovering Grey Box Grassy Woodlands in the Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges. Council, in partnership with the University of Adelaide, Department for Environment and Natural Resources, National Trust of South Australia, City of Onkaparinga and SA Water, is working to control highly invasive weeds such as Bridal Creeper and Boneseed,
removing woody weeds to improve habitat structure and controlling emerging infestations of invasive weed species to protect Grey Box Grassy Woodlands. In June 2012 stage one was completed with over 29 hectares of Boneseed, Bridal Creeper and Olives
removed in Blackwood Hill Reserve and O’Dea’s Quarry Reserve. Stage two is expected to be completed in June 2013 in Ashby Reserve, Blackwood Hill Reserve, Magpie Gully, Randell Park and possibly Saddle Hill Reserve.
PAGE 12 Mitcham Community News APRIL 2013
Are you Ready for Digital TV? Now the analog TV signal has been switched off you may need new equipment to keep watching free-to-air TV. Digital TV, which provides more channels, electronic program guides and high definition quality TV, requires equipment such as a digital TV, set top box, personal video recorder or a subscription TV device to allow you to keep watching free-to-air TV.
Do You Need a New Antenna? You may also need to review your TV reception. If your current analog reception is good, then the digital signal should be fine. However if you need a new antenna you may need to obtain Development Approval from Council before installing a new antenna. Depending on the zoning of your property or whether it is State or Local Heritage Listed, there are height and location restrictions in place for antennas. If you live in Colonel Light Gardens there are requirements about its placement. Antennas should be attached to the rear side of a chimney and not extend more than 1m in height above the topmost point of the chimney. If you place your antenna elsewhere you will require approval by both Council and the State Heritage Branch.
For more information or to lodge a development application, call Council on 8372 8888 or visit the ‘Development’ tab on Council’s website www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
If you require assistance with how to switch, contact the Digital Switchover Taskforce on 1800 201 013 or visit www.digitalready.gov.au
Domestic ‘At Call’ Hard Waste Collection Book your FREE hard waste collection service today. Visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call 8295 5077. Council will collect up to two cubic metres of: Furniture Mattresses Refrigerators and freezers (for safety reasons – please remove doors) White goods Floor coverings (up to 1.5 metre lengths) Sheets of iron and guttering (up to 1.5 metre lengths) Timber off cuts (up to 1.5 metre lengths)
Dismantled clothes lines Blinds and window coverings Bikes and toys Tree and shrub prunings cut into two metre lengths and tied in bundles (max of 30 cm diameter) Rainwater tanks (segments no larger than 1.5 metre lengths)
Air conditioners Small items of scrap metal Hot water services Lawn mowers Your Domestic Hard Waste Pickup will be within four weeks of booking the service, with residents advised in writing two weeks prior to their pick up date.
For further information please call 8372 8888. For collection enquiries and bookings call 8295 5077 or visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
Clean Up Australia Day Thank you to everyone who participated in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday March 3. The day was a huge success with individuals, community groups and schools working together to clean up 22 sites in the Mitcham Council area. Volunteers collected general litter as well as illegally dumped rubbish including wooden pallets, TVs, scrap metal and tyres. Your contribution has ensured a cleaner environment for all to enjoy and your efforts are much appreciated.
Unwanted TVs If you have unwanted TVs lying around the house you can recycle them for free! The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme allows you to recycle televisions, computer monitors, computer towers and printers, scanners, keyboards and mice for free at: Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre, 181 Morphett Road, North Plympton Beverly Waste and Recycling Centre, 2-6 Toogood Avenue, Beverley Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre, Scott Creek Road, Heathfield OfficeWorks Trinity Gardens (Computers only, limit of 5 per person) 210 – 212 Portrush Road, Trinity Gardens Advanced Recycling Technologies, 13 Chrysler Drive, Lonsdale Some of these sites will accept other electronic waste such as cameras, game consoles, toasters, microwaves, DVD players, stereos and cordless phones but will charge a fee. There are also e-waste recycling businesses in Adelaide who charge a fee for all e-waste disposal at: Aspitech, Unit 3, 4 Iris Street, Melrose Park E-Cycle Recovery Facilities, 12-14 Baulderstone Road, Gepps Cross Electronic waste is recycled with over 90% of the materials such as plastic, glass and heavy metals recovered and used to make new products. It is illegal to dump unwanted TVs and any other waste on the footpath, along roads or at parks and reserves. Fines can be issued for people who illegally dump. For a complete list of sites under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme and more information on electronic waste visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call 8372 8888.