inside december 2012
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Christmas Hours The Park Ward Supplementary Election
2012 City of Mitcham
Carols by the Creek 4
Planning for Tomorrow's Community Today
Council and local Churches are delighted to present one of the highlights of the Mitcham calendar, the annual City of Mitcham Christmas Carols by the Creek. Celebrate Christmas at this joyful free family event with lots of singing and family entertainment. A delicious feast awaits you prior to the main program with a sausage sizzle, pancakes, tea and coffee available for purchase.
6 8 11
Your Local Library Your Elected Members Draft Dog and Cat Management Plan
The kids will love the free face painting and the ever popular camel and pony rides. We are excited to announce that Humphrey B. Bear will be
The City of Mitcham would like to thank:
Gold Sponsor
CITY OF
Silver Sponsors
12
Are You Bushfire Ready?
performing at Carols by the Creek this year. To celebrate his return, Humphrey and his friends have a smorgasbord of exciting plans so come and sing, dance, laugh, learn and explore with Humphrey the fun loving bear! Humphrey is delighted to be spreading the Christmas cheer at the Mitcham Christmas Carols this year. He loves entertaining children and can’t wait to ‘jingle bells’ with all his friends.
MITCHAM
International Tenor Brian Gilbertson will compere the carols which feature some of Adelaide’s most popular stars including the Flaming Sambucas, Sitara, our own Mitcham City Band, the Australian Girls Choir, Scotch Pipes and Drums and the Adelaide Sound Connection Choir. Community and school choirs will begin the entertainment at 5.30 pm
and community singing will commence at 6.45 pm. There will be plenty of carol singing during the evening, with candles and songbooks available for purchase on the night from parishioners of local churches. Performers drawn from local churches and schools will again stage a nativity scene, complete with live animals.
Carols by the Creek Sunday 2 December 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm: BBQ, community choirs and free face painting, camel and pony rides 6.45 pm – 9 pm: Community Carols Soldiers Memorial Gardens, Belair Road, Hawthorn
Bronze Sponsors
PAGE 2 Mitcham Community News december 2012
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On behalf of the Mayor, Elected Members and staff of the City of Mitcham, we wish you all the joys of the Festive Season and our very best wishes for a Happy New Year. We look forward to being of continued service to our local residents, businesses and community groups in 2013.
„
Christmas Hours for Mitcham Council Services Council Civic Centre
Mitcham Library
Mitcham Toy Library
Normal opening hours 9 am to 5 pm weekdays
Friday 14 December
10 am to 12.30 pm
Friday 21 December
10 am to 2 pm
Saturday 22 December
10 am to 2 pm
Will be closed from 12 pm on Saturday 22 December until Tuesday 1 January 2013 inclusive. The Mitcham Toy Library will reopen on Wednesday 2 January 2013.
Sunday 23 December
2 pm to 5 pm
Friday 14 December
9 am to 12.30 pm
Friday 21 December
9 am to 5 pm
Saturday 22 December
Closed
Sunday 23 December
Closed
Monday 24 December Christmas Eve
Closed
Monday 24 December Christmas Eve
Closed
Tuesday 25 December Christmas Day
Closed
Tuesday 25 December Christmas Day
Closed
Wednesday 26 December Proclamation Day Public Holiday
Closed
Wednesday 26 December Proclamation Day Public Holiday
Closed
Thursday 27 December
Closed
Friday 28 December
Closed
Saturday 29 December
Closed
Sunday 30 December
Closed
Monday 31 December
Closed
Tuesday 1 January New Year’s Day
Closed
Normal opening hours resume on Wednesday 2 January 2013.
Tuesday 1 January New Year’s Day
Thursday 27 December 10 am to 5.30 pm
Normal opening hours resume on Wednesday 2 January 2013.
Council Depot Normal opening hours 8 am to 4 pm weekdays. Friday 14 December
8 am to 12.30 pm
Friday 21 December
8 am to 4 pm
Saturday 22 December
Closed
Sunday 23 December
Closed
Monday 24 December Christmas Eve
8 am to 4 pm
Tuesday 25 December Christmas Day
Closed
Wednesday 26 December Proclamation Day Public Holiday
Closed
Thursday 27 December
8 am to 4 pm
Friday 28 December
8 am to 4 pm
Saturday 29 December
Closed
Sunday 30 December
Closed
Monday 31 December
8 am to 4pm
Tuesday 1 January New Year’s Day
Closed
Normal opening hours resume on Wednesday 2 January 2013.
Will be closed from 7 pm on Thursday 20 December until Tuesday 1 January 2013 inclusive. The Blackwood Toy Library will reopen on Wednesday 2 January 2013. No toys will be due for return during the closure period. You can contact the Mitcham Toy Library on 8274 1351 or the Blackwood Toy Library on 8372 8255.
10 am to 2 pm
Mitcham Cultural Village
Saturday 29 December
10 am to 4 pm
Sunday 30 December
2 pm to 5 pm
Mitcham Village Institute and the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre will be closed from 3.30 pm on Thursday 20 December to Sunday 6 January 2013. The Mitcham Cultural Village Institute and Mitcham Heritage Research Centre will reopen on Monday 7 January 2013.
10 am to 5.30 pm Closed
Blackwood Library
The Mitcham Cultural Village Community Shed will be closed from 12.30 pm on Thursday 20 December to Sunday 6 January 2013 inclusive. The Mitcham Cultural Village will reopen on Monday 7 January 2013.
Friday 14 December
10 am to 12.30 pm
Friday 21 December
10 am to 2 pm
Community Bus
Saturday 22 December
10 am to 4 pm
The Community Bus service will not operate from 4 pm on Friday 21 December until Sunday 6 January 2013 inclusive. Services will resume on Monday 7 January 2013.
Sunday 23 December
2 pm to 5 pm
Monday 24 December Christmas Eve
Closed
Tuesday 25 December Christmas Day
Closed
Wednesday 26 December Proclamation Day Public Holiday
Closed
Thursday 27 December
Closed
Friday 28 December
Closed
Saturday 29 December
Closed
Sunday 30 December
Closed
Monday 31 December
Closed
Tuesday 1 January New Year’s Day
Closed
Normal opening hours resume on Wednesday 2 January 2013. Preschool story time will take a longer break from 13 December 2012 to 29 January 2013. To contact the Mitcham Library call on 8372 8244 or Blackwood Library on 8372 8255.
Domestic Waste Collections Christmas/New Year
The Mayor, Elected Members and Staff would like to thank our dedicated volunteers for their work on Council programs through the year and wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and health and happiness for the New Year.
Blackwood Toy Library
Friday 28 December
Monday 31 December
Merry Christmas to Our Volunteers
Call the Customer Service Centre on 8372 8888 for more information.
Council has over 300 dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to assist Council to provide a range of services for our community including: Driving and helping on our community buses. Driving residents to medical appointments. Providing a Justice of the Peace service. Assisting in our Libraries and Toy Libraries. Selecting and delivering library material to housebound residents. Building and maintaining trails.
Removing graffiti. Researching and collating historical records. Assisting at the Heritage Research Centre. Providing information to the public. Deliver programs at the Mitcham Cultural Village. Sharing skills within a learning environment in the Community Shed. Reading the Mitcham Community News onto audio tape for visually impaired residents.
Caring for our gardens and wetlands.
Providing transport, support and friendship in our social programs and Community Connections.
Leading walking and keep fit groups.
Assisting staff in community events.
If you would like to become a Council Volunteer and help in your community phone Melissa on 8372 8860.
Council Emergency after hour’s phone number is 8366 0588.
Christmas Day
New Year 2013
Council’s Immunisation Service Clinics
Rubbish due for collection during the week from Christmas Day will be one day later as follows:
Rubbish due for collection during the week from New Year’s Day will be one day later as follows:
No evening Immunisation Clinics will be held on Wednesday 19 December at the Mitcham Community Centre and no Immunisation Clinics will be held on Wednesday 2 January 2013 at the Blackwood Hills Baptist Church or the Mitcham Community Centre.
Tuesday 25 December will be collected on Wednesday 26 December.
Tuesday 1 January will be collected on Wednesday 2 January.
Wednesday 26 December will be collected on Thursday 27 December.
Wednesday 2 January will be collected on Thursday 3 January.
Thursday 27 December will be collected on Friday 28 December.
Thursday 3 January will be collected on Friday 4 January.
Friday 28 December will be collected on Saturday 29 December.
Friday 4 January will be collected on Saturday 5 January.
DECEMber 2012 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
Paperstock Printed on paper made in Australia from elemental chlorine free pulp derived from sustainable plantation forests. 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
Immunisation Service Clinics will be held on: Wednesday 19 December at the Blackwood Hills Baptist Church from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm. Wednesday 16 January 2013 at the Mitcham Community Centre from 5.30 pm to 7 pm. Wednesday 16 January 2013 at the Blackwood Hills Baptist Church from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm. Full details about Council’s public immunisation clinics at Mitcham and Blackwood can be obtained from Council’s website www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or by contacting the Environmental Health Unit on 8372 8816.
Contributing Articles Community groups and organisations submitting items for the February 2013 issue of this publication should ensure they reach Communications Officer Julie Lamond no later than Friday 11 January 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. Website http://www.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 december 2012
The Seven Pines recognised as Significant Trees The City of Mitcham welcomes the announcement to include ‘The Seven Pines’ at Brownhill Creek Recreation Park onto the National Trust of South Australia’s Register of Significant Trees. ‘The Seven Pines’ were originally a group planting of seven Stone Pines or Pinus pinea planted in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Six trees were planted, equally spaced, along Brown Hill Creek in the picnic reserve with the seventh planted across the creek. The National Trust of South Australia has recognised the historical, cultural, social, scientific and botanical importance of ‘The Seven Pines’ and included the trees onto the Register of Significant Trees. Of the seven Stone Pines originally planted four continue to survive. These impressive trees, recognisable by their distinctive dome shaped canopies, are 121 years old and are the largest specimens in Australia. The canopies of each tree spread approximately 30 x 30 metres, and three of the trees are over 30 metres high and one has a trunk girth of nearly seven metres.
horticultural heritage. George offered the seven Stone Pine saplings for planting in the Brown Hill Creek Reserve to assist in the revegetation of the area due to extensive grazing and quarrying. ‘The Seven Pines’ are among the most significant botanical assets of State, National and International significance located within Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. The formal nomination was prepared by Charlie Buttigieg who strongly believes they are a living monument with a botanical and scientific significance of a National and International level. A copy of the formal nomination report is available on Council’s website at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
The trees were a gift to the District Council of Mitcham in August 1891 from George Prince a successful Adelaide business man and local identity from Albert Street in the Mitcham Village who had a strong English agricultural and
Supplementary Election for The Park Ward CUMBERLAND PARK
CLARENCE GARDENS
TON
OVER
A supplementary election will be held for The Park Ward as a result of the passing of The Park Ward Councillor, Colin Campbell.
T GAULLOWER
Thursday 22 November 2012 12 noon, Thursday 6 December 2012 Wednesday 28 November 2012 9 – 15 January 2013 12 noon, Tuesday 29 January 2013
BOOR
PANORAMA LYNTON
GE
BELAIR
A BABB
A candidate briefing session for all interested persons will be held at Blackwood Over 50s Club, 4 Young Street, Blackwood on Wednesday 28 November 2012 at 7.30 pm. The briefing will provide information on: The role and responsibilities of a councillor. The responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer and administration. An indication of the time commitment including Council meeting times.
GLENALTA
EDEN HILLS
BURN
CRAIG
BEDFORD PARK
CRAIGBURN FARM
THE
PARK
CRAFERS WEST
HAWTHORNDENE
BLACKWOOD
BELLEVUE HEIGHTS
MAN
BROWNHILL CREEK
MITCHAM
ST MARYS
Important Dates Opening of nominations Close of nominations Candidate briefing session Ballot material to electors Close of voting
LEAWOOD GARDENS
SPRINGFIELD
TORRENS MITCHAM PARK
CLAPHAM
PASADENA
URRBRAE
KINGSWOOD NETHERBY
COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS
DAW PARK
MELROSE PARK
HAWTHORN
WESTBOURNE PARK
UPPER STURT
COROMANDEL VALLEY
Elected Member allowances and expenses.
stand for election you must be an Australian citizen.
How to nominate and the election process.
If more than one person nominates for this vacancy an election will be required. All people eligible to vote will receive ballot papers by post. Included in the material will be profiles on all candidates. Please follow the instructions carefully when completing your paper.
All persons who are considering nominating for this election are urged to attend. It is an obligationfree opportunity to help you make an informed decision. If you feel you have the time, the passion and the commitment to your local community, nominations to fill the vacancy will open on Thursday 22 November 2012 and will close at 12 noon on Thursday 6 December 2012. To be eligible to
The completed ballot paper will need to be returned by 12 noon on Tuesday 29 January 2013. The unusually long period between the close of nominations and the close of voting is due to the Christmas holiday season.
For more information please contact Meredith Nunan on 8372 8837.
Australia Day Celebrations
8.30 am Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony 10.30 am Musical Entertainment 11.00 am Australia Day Awards L-R Mr Michael Heath, Chairman Significant Tree Steering Committee National Trust of South Australia; Mayor of the City of Mitcham Michael Picton; and Charlie Buttigieg nominator of ‘The Seven Pines’; with one of the living monuments ‘The Seven Pines’.
Annual Survey During late November, Council will be conducting its annual resident survey.
A research company, engaged by Council, will telephone 400 households across the Council area and ask a number of questions relating to Council services. This survey will assist Council in its decision making as it gauges community opinion of our services, the way they are provided and our performance. Council appreciates your co-operation.
For more information about Council’s Australia Day celebrations contact Chris Bartlett on 8372 8805.
Celebrate Australia Day on Saturday 26 January 2013 at Carrick Hill, Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield. Come along to the beautiful grounds of Carrick Hill for our Australia Day Celebrations with a free ‘Aussie BBQ’ from 10 am and musical entertainment by local female duo ‘Sitara’. As part of the Australia Day Celebrations a citizenship ceremony will commence at 8.30 am for up to 100 candidates as well as presentations for the City of Mitcham’s Australia Day Awards at 11 am.
PAGE 4 Mitcham Community News december 2012
Planning for Tomorrow’s Community Today The City of Mitcham faces many opportunities and challenges and it is important that together we plan and invest in a vibrant City that offers infrastructure and services that focus on the wellbeing of our families, friends, community and future generations.
We want to hear your vision for our beautiful City. The City of Mitcham is reviewing its 10 year Strategic Management Plan and Development Plan to help shape our City for the future. Your input will assist Council in undertaking these reviews.
Looking for a Community Venue in Blackwood in 2013! From 1 January 2013 the City of Mitcham will be responsible for all bookings of the Blackwood Over 50s Club. The Blackwood Over 50s Club Committee, after 40 years of successfully managing the centre, has decided to dedicate their time and energy to their group and hand the management of the facility to Council. The City of Mitcham would like to acknowledge the remarkable and wonderful job the Blackwood Over 50s Club Committee has done in managing the facility for the past 40 years. Thank you to everyone that has been involved, in particular Nancy Saint and her Committee for their hard and dedicated work and for devoting many hours over many years to managing this facility. The City of Mitcham will take on the management of the centre as of the 1 January 2013. The Blackwood Over 50s Club will continue to use the facility for their regular events and activities. The Blackwood Over 50s Club will eventually be renamed however in the short-term will be called the Blackwood Community Centre.
To hire the Blackwood Community Centre from the 1 January 2013: Regular hire of the facility contact the City of Mitcham’s Customer Service Centre on 8372 8888. One-off hire contact Lindy Taeuber, Community Programs Officer – Centres on 8372 8262.
Homeshare Are you an older resident who would like to remain in your own home but need extra help? The Uniting Communities Homeshare program matches older people, who are experiencing difficulties with some of the tasks of everyday living, with a homesharer who lives with them in exchange for assistance with household tasks and contribution to utilities costs. A bedroom and shared facilities is provided in exchange for approximately 10 hours per week of practical assistance such as cooking, gardening, cleaning or shopping, as well as the added security of having someone else in the home. Both the householder and homesharer are interviewed and carefully assessed according to their needs. If a match is made an agreement is designed to suit the individual needs of both people.
If you are interested in obtaining more information about Homeshare call 8375 1420.
Let us Know What You Think about: Community Wellbeing City Character Open Spaces Sustainable Environment Well Maintained Infrastructure Economic Wellbeing
Visit our online engagement hub at http://yoursaymitcham.com.au where you can read discussion papers, complete the 2030 Vision Survey or join a discussion forum. Hurry consultation finishes on Tuesday 27 November 2012. Shape the future Mitcham today!
PAGE 5 Mitcham Community News december 2012
Upcoming Work in Your Street
Bus Shelters
Road Works
Footpath Construction
Council, with support from the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, have replaced 16 bus shelters on arterial roads to comply with the Discrimination and Disability Act 1992.
Flinders Drive
Paving works recently completed:
Council, received $374,000 from the Special Local Roads Program to upgrade Flinders Drive between South Road and University Drive at a cost of $750,000 in 2013.
Gladys Street, South Road to Winston Avenue (north), Clarence Gardens. Hilda Street, Gladys Street to Albert Street (both), Clarence Gardens. Cross Road, Waite Road to Fullarton Road (south), Urrbrae. Grange Road, Sussex Terrace to railway (south), Hawthorn. Kingston Avenue, Goodwood Road to Winston Avenue (north), Daw Park. Penang Avenue, Winston Avenue to Wheaton Road (south), Melrose Park. Rowell Road, Wheaton Road to Winston Avenue (north), Melrose Park. Jose Street, Morgan Avenue to Ayres Avenue (east), Melrose Park. Gulfview Road, Hannaford Road to Grevillea Way / reserve (north), Blackwood. Gulfview Road, Main Road to Waite Street (south), Blackwood. Brighton Parade, Ashby Avenue to Garnet Avenue (west), Blackwood.
Bus Stops Since 2009 60 bus stops have been upgraded throughout the City to comply with the Disability and Discrimination Act 1992. It is anticipated that the program to update all bus stops will be completed by 2022.
Kerbing Construction Council’s kerb and watertable replacement works have been completed in: Adelaide Terrace, from Cashel Street to Magdalene Terrace, St Marys. Council’s kerb and watertable replacement works are currently underway in: Magdalene Terrace, from Magdalene Terrace to Mingbool Avenue, St Marys.
Ayr Avenue Bridge Replacement Work to replace the Ayr Avenue road bridge, situated near the Ardeer Road and Ayr Avenue intersection has begun. 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. Following completion of design and consultation construction will commence in early 2013.
Brown Hill Creek Work has begun to relocate Brown Hill Creek around the Goodwood Road Rail Grade Separation.
Council’s road rehabilitation and overlay works have been completed in: Branson Avenue, Day Drive to Fitzgerald Road, Pasadena. Paul Street, Brookman Avenue to Quinlan Avenue, St Marys. Brookman Avenue, South Road to Laura Street, St Marys. Southern Avenue, Benjamin Street to Dorene Street, St Marys. Kiana Street, Benjamin Street to Dorene Street, St Marys. Springbank Road, service road in Price Street to end, Clapham. Hope Street, Edward Street to Aver Avenue, Daw Park. Tutt Avenue, Belair Road to Cambridge Terrace, Kingswood. Gamma Crescent, end to end, Panorama. Yulinda Terrace, Wattlebury Road to The Grove, Lower Mitcham. Council’s road rehabilitation and overlay works are underway in: Comaun Street, Benjamin Street to Dorene Street, St Marys. Manfull Street, Stephen Street to South Road, Melrose Park. Centre Way, Burnell Drive to Winding Way, Belair. Winding Way, Centre Way to No 14 Winding Way, Belair.
Traffic Management Road safety projects are underway including: Clapham. Development of traffic management plans for the Clapham area. Blackwood. Traffic Management Investigation at Blackwood. Hayman Retreat, Craigburn Road. Implementation of the road closure at the intersection of Hayman Retreat and Craigburn Road. City of Mitcham Bike Plan. Develop design brief and commission consultants to undertake the City of Mitcham Bike Plan.
Paving works underway: Rankeys Hill Road, Suffolk Road to Meadows Avenue (west), Hawthorndene. Byrne Avenue, Main Road to Dunn Avenue (north), Glenalta. Main Road, Chapman Street to fitness centre (east), Blackwood. Walkway, Strathconna Avenue to Boucaut Street, Panorama. Paving works programmed for December 2012/January 2013: Walkway, Norseman Avenue to Goodwood Road, Westbourne Park. Rugby Street, Eynesbury Avenue to North Parade (west), Kingswood. Old Belair Road, Serpentine Road to Sheoak Road (east), Belair. Derwent Avenue, Caulfield Avenue to Edward Street (west), Cumberland Park. Mathias Avenue, Morton Avenue to Alexander Avenue (east), Cumberland Park.
Further information about the infrastructure program is available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/goto/budget
The Friends of Carrick Hill Recognised The Friends of Carrick Hill were presented a Certificate of Recognition under the Heritage Heroes Award program for their publication Heydays of the Haywards 1940-1970. This book shares the life of the Haywards and captures a moment in time in South Australian social and gastronomic history and a way of life that exists no more. The book includes many carefully retrieved recipes used by Ursula Hayward for entertaining her friends and house guests at Carrick Hill. Come and visit Carrick Hill and enjoy an ‘Orchard Tea’ of apple cakes and pastries using fruit grown in the gardens of Carrick Hill using authentic recipes from Ursula Hayward. Entrance to the garden and grounds is free. Charges apply for admission to the house and gallery (Adults $10.50 Concessions $6.50).
PAGE 6 Mitcham Community News december 2012
20 Great Reasons to visit the Library 01
Borrow Books
You can borrow books and have four weeks before you have to return them. If you are going on a long car trip borrow an audio book!
Why should you visit your local Library? If you are thinking the library is only for borrowing books, you could not be more wrong. Libraries offer an easy, accessible and free way to read books and magazines, watch DVDs and learn about new worlds in several languages and enjoy a wide range of events such as speakers, kids programs and special interest groups. All you need is a library card, which you can get free at the Mitcham or Blackwood Library. So if you are thinking of what to do this summer, consider these great reasons why you should visit us. You might be surprised!
02
Research
The library is the best place to conduct research for school papers or assignments. It has a great atmosphere for work and research with lots of information at your fingertips.
03
Study
The library has quiet zones where you can concentrate. It is also a great place to look up answers to things you may not know.
05
04
Borrow Movies
The latest movies, television series and documentaries are available. Every weekend take out some movies.
Borrow Music
The library has access to thousands of CDs for your enjoyment. Borrow your favourites or look for some new ones. Music for parties, dinners, kids and in the car.
06
Book Discussions
Do you enjoy getting out for some intelligent conversation with other adults? There are twenty book groups and vacancies for 2013 are available.
PAGE 7 Mitcham Community News december 2012
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Kids Stuff
Access for all
We think it is important that people continue to feel connected to the community and can access all our services whatever their stage of life.
There is so much for kids to do at the library! It is a great outing for the kids. Many of our free programs are kid and family friendly. Share the joy of reading early by getting your child their own library card. They will be excited to be able to choose books to bring home. Borrowing and returning books also creates and teaches kids a sense of responsibility. Kids can get crafty over the summer holidays and purchase a $5 craft activity to be made in the library. Drop in when you have the free time and spend an afternoon making a craft. Win a prize during our Summer Reading Program ‘Untangled Tales’ in January. Young Readers (0-18) can clock their reading times and be in the draw for a prize as well as minor incentive prizes. Toddlers aged from 18 months to 5 years are invited to Toddler Time, music and movement sessions at the Blackwood Library on Tuesday 8 January and the Mitcham Library on Thursday 10 January at 10.30 am. Make sure you book for these free sessions. The library is celebrating Christmas with a special ‘Christmas Story’. Children are invited to celebrate Christmas at the Blackwood Library on Wednesday 12 December or at the Mitcham Library on Thursday 13 December at 6 pm. The story is aimed at preschoolers and early primary aged children. Parents are welcome too of course! Bookings are a must for this popular event.
08
Internet Access
Mitcham and Blackwood Libraries have computers available with a wide variety of popular software as well as free wireless internet. At the library, it’s truly free!
12
Feel Good and Relax
The library can be your escape! Meet people you know or make some new friends! It is a great way to be part of the neighborhood. Visit your local library to just browse shelves for books. Somehow, browsing for books online is less satisfying than picking out interesting books from shelves. Remember library staff can be great resources for either helping with your research or recommending books that you might be interested in.
13
One Card
Mitcham Library Service is proud to be part of the One Card Network in South Australia. Currently there are over 40 participating libraries across South Australia and this will grow to over 130 libraries in the next three years. This means you can see what is available in other participating public libraries on our online catalogue and request or borrow their items as well as those available at the Mitcham Library Service. You can also return your books to any public library in SA. Come in and update your library card to One Card. You can access our online catalogue 24/7 at http://library.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au and search the Mitcham Library Service and the One Card Network without logging in. To place a hold or extend an item you must log in to your account. Every borrower has an account. To login you need a Barcode/Username and Password/PIN. If you have any difficulty logging in please contact the library.
10
The library subscribes to several online resources. With the exception of Ancestry, these databases can be accessed from home via the online resources link on the library catalogue.
Road to IELTS
Press Display
Assists people wishing to pass the IELTS exam (‘International English Language Testing System’), an international standardised test of English language proficiency
Do you buy the papers for only one reason like the crossword or death notices? From the comfort of your home you can now flick through an exact full colour copy of today’s papers from countries around the world.
Ancestry Library Edition
World Book
Are you interested in researching your family history? Ancestry Library Edition is a genealogy research tool that can only be accessed in the library.
An online encyclopedia that meets the general information needs of both children (primary and high school) and adults.
LearningFast - Computer Skills Training Self-paced online computer skill tutorials.
11
Programs
There are plenty of fun programs and events going on at your local library so be sure to check them out for some budget-friendly entertainment. From making pizza ovens to car repair to cupcakes. There are also knitting, scrabble and writers groups.
The Library Community Bus collects you from your home once a month and brings you to the library. We help you choose your books and serve you morning or afternoon tea. Enjoy an opportunity to have a chat and for us to say hello.
We are always looking at ways to provide more to you. Check out our new comic collection and Wii games for loan!
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BookMyne™ makes it quick and easy to access your local library on the go! Search the library catalogue, download items, manage your account, and find suggested reading instantly with your iOS device.
Are coming soon! You will be able to visit our catalogue online and download to your device a huge range of ebooks to borrow for a certain time free of charge.
Bookmyne Catalogue App
Online Databases
Community Bus
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09
The library offers a service to our residents who find it difficult to come to the library. Our volunteers help choose and deliver, to your home, a selection of materials tailored to your needs. This includes DVDs, CDs, magazines or books. Please feel free to refer people you may know in our community who may find this service of benefit.
New Collections
Computing Classes
The library offers a range of training sessions to help people develop skills in basic computing, internet, digital images, free web-based email and a new Ipad class will begin in 2013. Classes are offered at beginner levels for those who have never used a computer and at intermediate levels. All courses are run regularly and are delivered to small groups in a friendly environment. Fees of $7 apply to all sessions and bookings are essential.
Home Library visits
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Ebooks
You will be able to access this service online from the comfort of your home.
Information in many languages
As we are now connected to so many libraries around the state it is much easier to borrow items in languages other than English or English as a second language material. Reserve them yourself from home and pick them up at one of our branches or come into the library and ask a staff member to help you. Don’t forget we have kits to learn other languages as well for those people ready to travel overseas.
Christmas Hours The Blackwood Library closes from 5 pm on Sunday 23 December (normal closing time) and re-opens on Wednesday 2 January, 2013 resuming normal opening hours. The Mitcham Library remains open as per normal opening hours except for declared Public Holidays and Monday 24 December.
The Mitcham Toy Library closes from 12 noon on Saturday 22 December and re-opens on Wednesday 2 January, 2013. The Blackwood Toy Library closes from 7 pm on Thursday 20 December and re-opens on Wednesday 2 January, 2013.
Toy Libraries
Finding it hard to keep up with your child’s changing needs with toys and games? The Toy Libraries have an extensive range of toys, trikes, slides, puzzles, dressups and puppets which will provide fun and entertainment for your child. Family membership is available for $25 per year.
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Kits for special occasions
Dealing with children at times of change is sometimes difficult. Stories often make explanations easier to understand. There are kits made up to deal with starting school getting a new brother or sister saying goodbye
Libraries are wonderful, free resources. If you are interested in getting out or learning something new, you can’t go wrong with your local library. Blackwood Library 8372 8255 Mitcham Library 8372 8244
PAGE 8 Mitcham Community News december 2012
From your Elected Members Councillor Colin Campbell Our friend and long time Councillor, Colin sadly passed away on 23 September 2012 after a long battle with cancer. Colin was first elected to Council in 2000 and quickly become known as a man who was fair and honest. He treated people with respect and his fellow Councillors treated him with the same respect. He held many positions on Council and was a role model to others. Our thoughts will be always with Anne and his family. He will be sadly missed.
Mayor Michael Picton • Councillor Colin Campbell • What are your ideas and vision for Mitcham? • Mitcham Cultural Village is open on the weekend • Bushfire Preparedness • Merry Christmas and Thank You
Telephone: 0417 812 546 mpicton@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
What are your ideas and vision for Mitcham? Over the last few months we have been asking people in Mitcham to give us their ideas on what Mitcham could be like in the future. Council is looking at reviewing its 10 year Strategic Management Plan and its Development Plan and to do this properly we need your input. We are keen to hear your thoughts on how together we can build a City that meets the needs of future Mitcham residents.
quo of Council with your ideas and suggestions.
Council services in the west of our City improve key precincts in the hills and on the plains continue to work closely with our local community, sporting, and environmental groups to ensure that all members of our community can access services that meet their needs focus on maintaining and improving our infrastructure such as our footpaths, stormwater, traffic management, roads, vegetation to ensure the amenity of our area is maintained and improved develop a strong working partnership with all levels of government to ensure efficiency in undertaking projects as well as maintaining cost effectiveness for our residents ensure our community is safe by continuing to educate residents in the hills about the threat of bushfires and maintain a close working relationship with relevant agencies such as the CFS, SES and State Government bodies
Mitcham Cultural Village is open on the weekend The Mitcham Cultural Village has been a hive of activity recently. Along with the usual large range of activities held there during the week the centre will host a series of markets selling local produce and wares over several weekends around Christmas time. The new ‘Mitcham Village Markets’ are open at the Village at 103 Princes Road Mitcham over the Christmas season on 11 and 25 November, 9 and 23 December, 13 January, 10 February and 10 March 2013. There will be plenty to do and buy at every market.
Bushfire Preparedness With the hot summer months fast approaching it is essential for residents in the hills to prepare themselves, their family and their home from the threat of a bushfire. The Mitcham Hills are classed as an area of high bushfire risk and low community preparedness. While bushfire prevention is a year round responsibility it is not too late to act. It is important that everyone has a bushfire plan and that they decide whether they will leave their home or business early or stay and defend their property.
that everyone parks legally so that residents and the CFS and emergency services vehicles can travel unimpeded through the hills. Please be aware that it is an offence to stop on a yellow line and that you could potentially face a large fine for doing this. If you need assistance and advice from Council on how to protect your property or help you to develop your own individual Bush Fire Survival Plan, please call Council’s Bushfire Prevention Officer, John Zybek on 8372 8894.
Merry Christmas and Thank You I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas. It has been a difficult time for some in our community this past year however I trust the new year will bring some much needed peace and happiness to all. I would like to thank everyone for their kind words this past year. It has certainly been a team effort and I would like to thank my fellow Elected Members and all the Staff at Council for their commitment to improving the amenities and lifestyle for our Mitcham residents. I would also like to thank all the volunteers in Mitcham that have contributed their time and effort to our great community. You have made a difference to the lives of so many – thank you.
How can we improve our City? Some possible improvements could be:
mitigate localised flooding in the hills and on the plains while continuing to work with adjoining Councils to manage stormwater?
provide improved facilities for our community such as modern library buildings at Mitcham and Blackwood as well as access to
I am keen to hear about your ideas and your vision on how we can improve our local environment. You may even challenge the status
Craigburn Ward Cr Elaine Grimm
in Craigburn Ward, he was in fact a councillor for The Park Ward, which had no negative ramifications as issues in Mitcham Hills are almost always equally relevant to both Wards.
is unfortunate that this process will occur within the lead up to Christmas and during the holiday period but it is the State Electoral Commission which determines the dates, not Council.
Development Act which now prohibits members from discussing applications with the public. If we do we are considered to have a conflict of interest and we may not deliberate on that item.
With two years of this term of the current Council still remaining, a By-Election for The Park Ward will have to be held. As explained fully in another item in this paper, nominations for this vacant seat will be between the 22 November and 12 noon on 6 December 2012, and a briefing will be held during that period for candidates. I urge anyone considering standing to attend that briefing as it would seem that sometimes people stand without really understanding what their role will be and the time required to fulfil it. Ballot papers will be sent out between 9 and 15 January 2013, with papers to be returned by noon on 29 January 2013. It
And speaking of the coming holiday period, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe festive season and New Year.
On the other hand, as an Elected Member under the Local Government Act, I may, and in fact should, speak with any Mitcham resident who wishes to discuss any aspect of Council – except planning. I find this quite bizarre but it would seem that the aim is to make development approval easier, in a State where both major political parties are firmly committed to the belief that to survive we must have economic growth, which supposedly begins with more houses and offices (whether we need them or not). So sorry – if you write to or phone me about an application, legally all I can do is pass your message on to staff.
• The Park Ward • Clarification of Roles
Telephone: 8370 0025 egrimm@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au The Park Ward In the October edition of Mitcham Community News the sad passing of Cr Colin Campbell was reported. He will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his wife Anne and sons Tom and James as they work their way through this difficult time. His commitment to his councillor role was exemplary, rarely missing a meeting and always thoroughly prepared. He truly delivered in his role as a representative of the community. Whilst actually living
Overton Ward Cr John Sanderson • Mitcham West • Watering our Parks • Budget
Telephone: 0402 517 945 jsanderson@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
As roads in the hills are narrow and winding, it is important
Clarification of Roles In the past few months several community members have contacted me, as a member of the Development Assessment Panel (DAP), seeking to discuss a particular planning application with me. When the State Government changed the membership of Panels to include generally only three Councillors and four independent members, the rules about site visits and consulting were changed. The DAP operates under the
Mitcham West
Watering our Parks
Budget
Much has been written on this subject over many many years, but the current attempt to purchase the former school site on Daws Road, St Marys planning has been refused for the change of use by the Development Assessment Commission. Accordingly it would appear that to continue to pursue this property appears to be doomed. Therefore Council will continue to look at other venues, or sharing a venue as the need for Council and other services is and will continue to be evident for both the underprivileged sector and residents alike in the west of the City.
Additional funding has been allocated in the 2012-2013 budget to water several additional Overton Ward parks. Since the drought several of our parks which have large trees have failed and died. Other trees within these parks have been affected and may not recover to full health and eventually die. This increase in watering will have effect on all parks as the mowing will need to be extended over the ‘newly watered’ parks, therefore reducing the overall mowing to stay within the City’s existing 2012-2013 budget. But, this watering will give a green outlook to those areas which has to be visually better.
The 2012-2013 budget has been set with some quite severe cuts to enable a reduction of Council debt and to bring spending back to reasonable debt level, in doing so bring budgets back to a surplus within three years at best. The first budget review will take place at the end of October 2012. If there is a problem in your location, or you wish to discuss Council business, please do not hesitate to call me on 8277 1884.
Contacting Council Mayor Mayor Michael Picton 0417 812 546
Babbage Ward Cr. Christopher Gellie 0417 080 133 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. Mark Ward 0458 112 358
PAGE 9 Mitcham Community News december 2012
Boorman Ward Cr Judith Weaver • Community Consultation
Telephone: 8357 7522 jweaver@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Communication and Consultation- Just how important is it? The most common comments related to Council I hear from the community, involve communication and consultation and decision making. Not surprisingly all three are directly related. An important part of my role as a Councillor is reliant on two way communication and consultation with the community. I rely on the ‘knowledge bank’ of the community. I need to hear both sides of any story if it is an important enough
Gault Ward Cr Stephen Fisher • Mitcham West Community Centre
Telephone: 8272 6116 sfisher@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Mitcham West Community Centre As Cr Gellie reported in the October, 2012 Community News, on 13/09/2012, the State Government’s Development Assessment Commission (DAC) refused an application from your Council to alter the use of a Daws Road site from a school to a community centre. Background – A Long History Mitcham Council has been seeking to provide a Community Activity Centre for the Babbage and Overton Wards since last century. The project was named ‘Mitcham West’. Council investigated using space at Pasadena High School, then Panorama TAFE, and later a commercial shop front. All came to nought. The rented ‘shop’ failed because its ongoing high rental costs made the cost/benefit ratio unaffordable. Council subsequently decided that the only viable possibility was to place a Centre on land already
Craigburn Ward Cr Nick Greer • Remembering Colin Campbell • Bushfire Readiness
Telephone: 7073 3457 ngreer@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Remembering Colin Campbell Life is just a little branch we land on; A tiny perch to stand on as we fall down from the sky; A springy twig, a flower we hadn’t planned on To love with sweet abandon while we live and as we die. -- Leunig On 23 September, a well-respected City of Mitcham Councillor and friend, Colin Campbell, died following a long battle with cancer. After my first Council meeting in 2010, Colin drove me home. I still recall his detailed lesson on the ‘ins and outs’ of Council. And in the years that followed, I had in Colin someone whom I could and would
issue, and take a balanced view. But I need your engagement. I rely on Administration to provide me with as much up to date information as possible which relates to any item to be discussed and debated and on which decisions are made. The history of the item is of course also relevant. This information may have been gleaned from many outside formal sources but certainly community input concerning community issues will be included if issues have been raised by you. But what if the community has not raised concerns because they do not know about the issue? Many of us, as residents would know of some item where it is said “how did this ever happen”?
e mail or postal correspondence and of course by word of mouth: that is, talking with each other. Active community groups are also important for Councillors to engage with and listen to their issues. Mitcham Council is taking major steps in continually improving its customer service and I hear positive feedback. Certainly staff I know take pride in this area. Of course it can always improve. Mitcham Council has a Public Policy on Public Consultation. It sits as one of four key documents that are inter-related. The Local Government Act 1999, City of Mitcham Strategic Plan 2008-2012 and the Development Act 1993.
Simple forms of communication with residents occur of course daily. Via the web site, Social Media such as Twitter, Facebook, the telephone,
If you would like a copy of the policy on Public Consultation which is a requirement under the Local Government Act please contact Mitcham Council. It is also accessed on the web site.
owned by Council. A proposal to build one, in conjunction with upgraded sports clubrooms at St Marys Park, was selected.
The purchase and modifications to suit Community Centre requirements would cost around $2 million total.
However, without a State or Federal grant, Council could not afford the costs, and so the proposal was ‘placed on the back-burner’, awaiting possible future rounds of Grants.
A Strategic Purchase
School On Daws Road Availability In 2011, the school located at 135139 Daws Road was put up for sale. The eastern building is two storey, with reception, classrooms, two of which can be merged via a partition divider wall, staff lunch / meeting room, and toilets and provides 600 square metres of floor space. The western, technical studies building (211 m2) is of very secure ‘tilt-slab’ concrete wall construction, and is part two storey. The school was built in 1995, with the second storey of the main building added in 2004. Because it was a modern school, its layout, room size, as well as its ideal location on the boundary between the two western wards, and proximity to public transport along Daws Road and South Road, made it not only an ‘obvious choice’ to use as the Community Centre, but also the most financially viable selection. Council had spent hundreds of staff and Councillor hours investigating other possibilities. This proposal stood out as the most affordable.
call at any time for advice - and someone who was always willing to impart his wisdom. I remember sitting with Colin at our 2010 Council Christmas Dinner, together with his wife Anne. Colin knew his health was precarious, and he told me he had debated whether or not to re-nominate for Council. But he had ‘unfinished business’ in Blackwood. He said he wanted to see Blackwood re-invigorated and the go-ahead for a new Blackwood Library, and those aspirations made him stand again. In Council, I remember Colin as someone who spoke rarely but with wisdom. Debate in the Council chamber regularly becomes complicated and occasionally argumentative. And, just at the point of breakdown, Colin would interject with a “well, I’m sorry... but...” - and then would follow clarity and resolution. Colin was well respected during a long stint in Council, and chaired committees too numerous to mention. He was elected to the Board of Centennial Park - where, on 29 September, he was laid to rest.
Council purchased the Garden Centre alongside the current Blackwood Library in the mid 2000s for $2 million, justified as a strategic purchase. Adjoining land becomes available only by chance, and only once every 10-30 years. Similarly, Council has bought several properties which adjoin the Council Chambers, to secure for possible future needs. Daws Road Is the Only Option Without a substantial State or Federal grant, and even with one, there is no other option which is so reasonably affordable. A grant may ‘pop out of the woodwork’, but the likelihood of receiving one inside the next 10-20 years is minimal. Consequently, if Council is going to provide a Centre to Mitcham West, it is this site, or none. Council must fight to gain Planning Approval for this site. By re-zoning it to rules equivalent to the Melrose Park Industrial / Commercial Zone which apply immediately across Daws Road, increases its chance of acceptance.
The Strategic Plan is currently under review and you will also be asked to comment on important aspects to this plan. Please do so. We rely on this. Successful communication and consultation with our community is I believe absolutely vital. It is your platform for your shared voice. Importantly though, no one should feel their one voice is not equally relevant as those of a group. Information and feedback contributes directly to informed decision making by Council. As Helen Thomas, an elder of American Press journalists has previously stated “Without an informed people there can be no democracy”. Cr Moriarty, my co- Councillor and I both wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and our best wishes for a happy, prosperous and healthy 2013.
rules, but also of ‘common sense’. As Councillor, I have been advised by expert planners that the ‘merits’ of each application must be judged against the written words, which are only ‘guidelines’. The rejection of altering the use of a property from one type of community facility, a ‘school’ to another type, a ‘Community Centre’, is illogical, and anti-community. What is wrong with S.A.’s Planning? A very poor recent planning outcome in Mitcham is the dreadful ‘look at me’ black and fluorescent green structure built on Belair Road, opposite the Princes Road intersection. Council’s Development Assessment Panel (DAP) refused the application, but the ERD Court appeal negotiations resulted in the ugly edifice being approved. The Planning Assessment process has consequently produced a rejection of the ‘good’ Daws Road proposal, but approval of a very poor proposal, which has damaged the Belair Road precinct.
What Is The Purpose Of Planning? Planning assessments must be made on the basis of the written
After his last Council meeting, I remember walking with Colin down the stairs to the car park for the last time and we discussed his health. He told me then he was feeling well and, indeed, didn’t feel the need for his crutches any more. But he would keep using them for a little while longer, “just to be sure”. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. I’ll miss you Colin, and Council won’t be the same without you here.
Bushfire Readiness On 4 September 2012, the State Government Natural Resource Committee released a chilling report regarding the lack of bushfire preparedness in the Mitcham Hills. The report found that some locations were, “a disaster waiting to happen”. The report summarised the concerns as, “confusion about what to do when a fire siren is sounded, confusion about whether to ‘go early or stay and defend’, confusion about safe areas, confusion about what school students should do, and a road network that will go into gridlock almost at the drop of a hat.”
Most chilling in the report is a graphic bushfire scenario simulating an ignition point in Brown Hill Creek. The scenario notes that, “After 11 minutes the fire front has overtaken Sheoak Road where St John’s Grammar Primary School, with 300 students, is located. Across the road is the preschool and next to that Kalyra Nursing Home with 60 residents. The flames are 18 metres high by this time. There are no fire trucks on the scene yet. The closest fire station is Belair and the next is Blackwood. Being the middle of the day there are no experienced fire fighters on call…Fire trucks are hampered by residents attempting to flee in their cars. Visibility is limited due to smoke and ash...The 000 helpline is blocked by people calling to report the fire. The mobile phone system has crashed.” In September I moved at Full Council that Council take action to investigate many of the serious concerns raised by the report including road network problems, lack of public awareness, and last resort refuges. My motion was voted down.
PAGE 10 Mitcham Community News december 2012
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.
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.
get fit/social activities Night Owls at Clarence Gardens Bowling Club The Summer Series of night bowling at Clarence Gardens Bowling Club, 6 Winona Avenue, Clarence Gardens will commence in February 2013. Night Owls is a good start for players of all ages who would like to try lawn bowls in a fun and friendly environment. Just turn up in casual clothing and flat soled shoes – all equipment provided. Call 0424 483 170.
christmas events Community Carol Service
Mitcham Village Market Sunday 9 and 23 December 9 am to 2 pm at the Mitcham Cultural Village, 103 Princes Road, Mitcham. Excellent range of stalls including fresh foods and vegetables, cakes, coffee, Rotary sizzle, entertainment, face painting etc. Local artists and products, unique and eclectic. Something for everyone! Free Parking. Markets are held every second Sunday of the month. Visit www.mitchamvillagemarket.com.au.
Are you a player or official looking to join a club with a positive and professional approach? The Kingswood Oval based Unley Mercedes are looking for coaches, assistant coaches, team managers and players who want to get involved in a great community football club. This year the club successfully achieved back to back Reserves and C Grade flags, as well as an A Grade Premiership. In 2013 Unley Mercedes Jets are hoping to establish a fourth senior side and an under 18s. If you are a player, coach or would like to get involved in the club as an official email president@unleyjets.com.au
Mitcham Village Uniting Church Christmas Service Christmas Eve Carol Service 7.30 pm Christmas Day Family Service 9 am
St Michael’s Anglican Church Christmas Services
For more information visit www.unleyjets.com.au
At St Michaels Road, Mitcham with Lessons and Carol Service on Sunday 16 December at 7 pm. Christmas Eve Family Service on Monday 24 December 7 pm and a Choral Midnight Mass at 11 pm. Christmas Day Tuesday 25 December celebrate Eucharist with Christmas Carols at 8 am and Choral Eucharist at 10 am.
Blackwood Hills Baptist Church Christmas Eve Carols On Monday 24 December at Hewett Oval, Coromandel Parade, Blackwood from 6 pm enjoy free camel rides, live nativity, sausage sizzle, bouncy castle and lots more. Then at 8 pm carol singing, choir featuring a puppet show especially for the children. Be early! Bring a Rug! Christmas Day Service
community events
Unley Jets Football Club
At Trinity Lutheran Church, 2 Grandview Drive, Pasadena with the Choir Cantamus conducted by Richard Hornung plus the Behold Handbell Ringers from Mt Torrens at 7.30 pm on Sunday 2 December. All welcome. Supper afterwards. Donation at the door.
At 9.30 am at 72 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood. Visit bhbc.org.au or call 8370 0333.
Village Church Carols On Edwardstown Primary School Oval on Saturday 15 December enjoy entertainment and food from 6.30 pm and Carols at 8 pm.
Coromandel Rotary Supports Indigenous Health The Rotary Club of Coromandel Valley Lake to Mountain Tag-along Tour raised money for the Rotary Australian Indigenous Health Scholarship and PNG Society for Rural and Remote Health. The Tour explored the old Ghan railway line, fettler’s cottages and the remarkable lime kilns, then followed the historic bullock wagon tracks up into the Bunbinyunna Range against the western wall of Wilpena Pound. Money raised on the tag-along tour will provide winching gear for the Kompiam Hospital vehicles. The hospital is located in remote central PNG and is only accessible by 4WD. With the remaining proceeds supporting Indigenous Health Scholarships aimed at increasing the number of health professionals in the indigenous community. To register your interest in future 4WD Tag Along events, or for more information about the Rotary Club of Coromandel Valley call 1300 836 706.
Christmas Day Service At 9.30 am at Edwardstown Primary School, Edward Street, Melrose Park. Visit thevillage.org.au or call 8370 3256.
Carols on the Oval at Melrose Park Saturday 15 December 6.30 pm bouncy castle and facepainting 8 pm Community Carols Edwardstown Primary School Oval The Village Church presents traditional Carols on the Oval by candlelight at Edwardstown Primary School Oval, Melrose Park on Saturday 15 December. Melrose Park will come alive to the sounds of our favourite Christmas songs providing a great night of family fun and entertainment. “We have been looking forward to bringing the Carols to Melrose Park this year,” commented Brandon
Chaplin, Senior Pastor of Village Church that started a congregation in the Edwardstown Primary School Hall in February. “We have enjoyed meeting in the hall and developing a relationship with the school and the local community. We are so pleased that an excellent oval is right next door to the hall on Edward Street and we are able to put on our Carols with a minimum of fuss.” Adam Wood, MC for the event is really looking forward to it. “We have had many years experience in putting on the Carols on Christmas Eve in Blackwood which attracts an audience of over 2,000. This
year we are celebrating 30 years of Carols on Hewett Oval. We are so excited to put on this free second Carols for the local community.” Carols on the Oval will feature local vocalists and musicians. There will be a performance from the Christmas puppets who are always a favourite. Free candles are available, face painting and a bouncy castle for the kids. A sausage sizzle, donuts and drinks are also available for purchase.
Bouncy Castle and facepainting are available from 6.30 pm. Carols begin at 8 pm. Phone 8370 3256 for further details.
PAGE 11 Mitcham Community News december 2012
Do you know that you can now recycle your plastic lids? Have you ever thought, ‘It is a shame we throw away all those plastic bottle lids’? Well you don’t have to anymore.
It is important that the lids are not placed loose into the recycle bin as they can cause problems with the machinery at the Materials Recovery Facility where the recyclables are sorted.
Lids must be taken off bottles and jars before recycling because air gets trapped inside the bottle or jar which means they cannot be compressed when it is baled for recycling.
Plastic bottle tops can now be recycled! All you have to do is place the plastic bottles tops into a clean plastic milk bottle and when the milk bottle is full, place it into the yellow recycling bin!
A plastic milk bottle makes a perfect container, rather than any other plastic bottle, because even when its lid is on, the bottle can compact without splitting or forcing the lid off. This makes them ideal for collecting small hard plastic bits, such as lids and bread tags.
You may also want to recycle other plastic lids, such as butter, yogurt or take away container lids. Just cut a slit into the side of the plastic milk bottle and slide them through the side.
For more recycling tips visit www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au or call Council on 8372 8888.
To recycle lids and spray nozzles place inside a plastic milk bottle. To fit larger plastic lids, slit the side of the bottle.
Do you need Council approval to run a business from home? If you are thinking about starting a business at home, it is important to check if it meets Council’s home activity guidelines or if you will need development approval. A business operating from your home may be considered a home activity if:
Draft Dog and Cat Management Plan 2012 - 2017 In October the Draft Dog and Cat Management Plan 2012 -2017 was approved by Council and presented to the Dog and Cat Management Board for endorsement. The Dog and Cat Management Plan 2012-2017 will set the direction for the management of urban animals within the community for the next five years as required by the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and build upon the already well received animal management services provided by the City of Mitcham. During consultation with the community and stakeholders Council conducted three public forums and received over 60 questionnaire submissions and nine written submissions. The Dog and Cat Management Plan 2012 - 2017 will be available on Council’s website www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au once the Dog and Cat Management Board has granted approval.
Cat and Dog Registration Did you register your dog or cat? Over 89% of cats and 80% of dogs living in the City of Mitcham were re-registered this year. Council has sent letters to those that have not re-registered their pets and will soon begin a Dog and Cat Door Knock Program to ensure your cat or dog is registered.
To register your cat or dog call 8372 8888.
It has no detrimental impacts to the surrounding area, by way of increased traffic and parking, noise, smell, dust or fumes.
It uses water, power and public utility organisation services similar to that of a typical residence. It does not display goods in a window, around the home or within the property.
No more than one person who is not a resident of the home assisting with the business.
It does not include the use of a vehicle weighing more than 3 tonne tare (3,000 kg).
No more than 30 square metres of floor space, either temporarily or permanently used for the business.
Businesses that may be suitable as a home activity include: hair and beauty; online services and sales; drafting, architecture, accounting; journalism; and engineering or surveying services. If your home
business meet the above criteria, development approval from Council is not required. Don’t forget there are also health and hygiene requirements for hair and beauty salons and food premises that also must be considered. Before you undertake a home business make sure it is appropriate for a residential area and meets the home activity guidelines. If Council receives complaints regarding your business an investigation will be undertaken which may result in the need to relocate your business while you seek development approval.
For further assistance on home based businesses email mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au, call 8372 8888, or visit the City of Mitcham Civic Centre, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park between 9 am and 5 pm weekdays.
Edwardstown Region Business Association The Edwardstown Region Business Association (ERBA) has been revitalised for businesses in suburbs either side of South Road from Cross Road to Sturt Road. ERBA offers members, who include businesses of any size and type, an opportunity to network with others in the region and keep up to date with any changes through meetings, professional development seminars, weekly emails, Facebook and the webpage. If you are interested in becoming a member contact Paul Williams of Comace; paul@comace.com.au or Business Facilitator Di Wittert; di.wittert@lynxas.com or visit www.edwardstownrba.info.
EDWARDSTOWN REGION B U S I NE S S A S S OC I AT I ON
Join the fastest growing Business Association in the Southern Adelaide area!
PAGE 12 Mitcham Community News december 2012
Are YOU Bushfire Ready? PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE
The Bushfire Season begins on 1 December 2012. Are you Bushfire Ready? For information and advice on protecting your property from bushfire, call Mitcham Bushfire Prevention Officer John Zybek on 8372 8894.
Bushfire prevention is a year round responsibility and necessity. It is far more than a weekend cleanup just prior to the bushfire season. The best time to fight a bushfire is when there is no bushfire around because the best way of protecting your home, property and family from the dangers of bush fires is preparation.
Bushfire Ready
July August September October
November
Mitcham Council’s High Fire Risk Area Bushfire Prevention Starts Now Prepare fire breaks. Remove dead branches, fallen leaves and undergrowth. Prune lower tree limbs. Cut long grass within 20 metres of a residential dwelling while on slopes a fuel-reduced zone of 30 metres to 40 metres is recommended. On properties over half a hectare, prepare and maintain a five metre fuel break around fence lines, buildings and equipment sheds. Move bark, heavy mulch, woodpiles and other flammable materials away from the home and other buildings. Council Inspection of Residential Properties Hazard reduction notices sent to land owners. Check all equipment. Prepare and review Bushfire Emergency Plans.
May June
Review Your Plan Review annual clean up program. Remove undergrowth and dead vegetation.
Think Before You Park in the Hills Take care when you park your vehicle on a narrow road in the hills. The parking of cars in many hills’ streets may potentially create serious problems for the local CFS. If access to a fire track or a nearby fire is blocked by cars parked on the side of the road lives and homes could be put at risk. It is a legal requirement under the Australian Road Rules that a road clearance of at least three metres is provided alongside parked vehicles to enable other vehicles to pass. So be aware when you park your vehicle on the road make sure that you allow at least three metres clearance. You may save a life!
No Council services will be available in the Mitcham Council’s high fire risk area during a declared fire danger rating of Catastrophic or Extreme Fire Danger Warning for the Mount Lofty Ranges District. To ensure the safety of staff and volunteers in response to the changes to the national fire danger warning system in the event of a Catastrophic and Extreme Fire Danger Warning no Council services will be available in the high fire risk area (Mount Lofty Ranges).
Services that will be affected are: Library Services Blackwood Library will be closed including the book chute. Services will continue to be provided at Mitcham Library.
Waste Collection Domestic waste collection service (blue lid bin), green organic bin (green lid) and the recyclables bin (yellow lid) will not occur. Residents should leave their bins out until
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Fire Danger Season 1 December 2012 to 30 April 2013 BEDFORD PARK Maintain fuel reduction practices throughout summer. Check all equipment. Monitor fire restrictions. Keep flammable materials clear of buildings. Rehearse your bushfire Emergency Plan. Remember permits are required to light fires during the Fire Danger Season.
Council’s Services on Catastrophic and Extreme Fire Risk Days
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December January February March April
It is essential to prepare your home to withstand a Bushfire. If you ignore the need for fuel reduction prior to and during the Fire Danger Season, you may endanger both your own property and the lives and property of your neighbours.
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BELLEVUE HEIGHTS
collected as services will be rescheduled as soon as appropriate. If there are a number of Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger rating days forecast, or running one after the other, Council will assess the lowest risk time to collect waste.
Animal Management and Other General Compliance Attendance by Council concerning routine matters that have been reported will not occur. However, all matters should continue to be reported.
Community Bus and Personal Transport The Community Bus and Personal Transport services will not operate. These services will resume as soon as the fire danger rating is downgraded.
Home Maintenance and Social Programs Home Maintenance and Social Programs will not operate. These services will resume as soon as the fire danger rating is downgraded.
Council Facilities Routine maintenance services for Council facilities will be rescheduled.
HAWTHORNDENE
CRAIGBURN FARM
UPPER STURT
COROMANDEL VALLEY
Emergencies Emergency situations that require the attendance of Council will be assessed on an individual basis.
Appointments Appointments with Council officers will be re-scheduled. Council will contact relevant parties as appropriate, or alternatively contact can be made with the relevant officer to re-schedule the service.
Other Matters All matters requiring the attendance of Council will be attended to as soon as appropriate once the fire danger rating has been downgraded. All matters that can be dealt with over the counter at the Civic Centre or by telephone or internet will occur as per usual.
Free Dumping To help Mitcham residents to clear their properties, reduce fuel loads and remove fire hazards, Council will open the Lynton Green Waste Depot (Beagle Terrace) for FREE dumping of green waste on: November Saturday 24 Monday 26 December Saturday 1 and 8 Monday 3 and 10
All the above services will continue to operate on days of Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Danger Warnings in those parts of the Council area which are outside the Mount Lofty Ranges Region.
This facility will be FREE with only GREEN WASTE ACCEPTED – NO RUBBISH, and proof of residency will be required.
Council will continue to monitor the situation in relation to emergencies and/or essential services if the Fire Danger Warning extends over three days. Information and updates will be provided on Council’s website and community service announcements.
Green waste materials can consist of grass cuttings, leaf matter and prunings (branches no larger than 200mm (8inchs) in diameter).