Mitcham community news june 2014

inside JUNE 2014

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Local Government Elections Conserving Heritage Places

School Holidays at the Library Upcoming Work on Your Street

Youth Plan Your Elected Members Community Calendar Community Development Grants

Kitchen Caddies and Compostable Bags

Thankyou

to our Volunteers

In May the City of Mitcham recognised the valuable contributions of our 355 volunteers; without them we would not be able to provide the many valuable services in our community.

National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteering in Australia and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities.

At a movie morning tea, held for our volunteers, the Mayor Michael Picton thanked them for their wonderful contribution to our community.

Council has a number of programs supported by volunteers who share their own time, enthusiasm and skills in interesting and enjoyable activities.

Our community benefits through volunteer participation. Every single volunteer makes an important contribution to our community. These services include Community Bus drivers and helpers, personal

transport drivers support, supporting older people by connecting them with community activities through our Community Connections programs, our library services, community information service, community news reading, local heritage centre, Mitcham Cultural Village programs, horticulture programs, Community Shed services,

Please phone Melissa Jensen, Volunteer Coordination, Development and Special Projects on 8372 8860 to discuss any volunteering opportunities you may be interested in or visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au for information about different volunteering roles.

shared use trails, youth programs and many more.

There are many volunteering programs that currently have vacancies and if you are interested in volunteering then now is a great time to take the first step.

Volunteering positions are currently available in our Community Connections program, Community Bus program, personal transport, gardening services such as Urrbrae Wetlands, Nellie’s Garden, Gamble Garden or Open Space reserve roles.

PAGE 2 Mitcham Community News JUNE 2014

Do you want to become an Elected Member?

If you are thinking about standing as a candidate to become an Elected Member at the November Local Government elections, here is some essential information.

What do Elected Members do?

There are some specific roles which an Elected Member is expected to perform. Elected Members: represent the interests of ratepayers and residents provide leadership and guidance to the community act as a conduit between the community and Council attend Council meetings and other workshops and briefings participate in Council’s decision making participate in the civic activities of Council participate in setting Council’s strategic directions oversee the Council budget, including its resource allocation, expenditure and service delivery

How much time will you need to commit?

When you take on the role of Elected Member you are committing yourself to a number of hours extra work each month. There are Council meetings to attend, agenda papers and other reports to read. To assist you in your role there will also be briefings and workshops conducted by staff and other professionals.

Attendance at community events is also recommended as this is how you will get to know your community and find out what is important.

Allowances and expenses While the role of an Elected Member is not a paid position, an allowance is paid to cover some of your costs.

Currently Elected Members receive: Mayor $74,372 Councillors $18,593 Elected Members are also entitled to claim for reimbursement of some

expenses such as prescribed travel costs and child care.

Elected Member allowances are set before each new Council term by the State Remuneration Tribunal.

Submissions to the Tribunal are currently being considered and the new allowances should be known in August.

Last Chance to get on the Electoral Roll In order to nominate as a candidate or to vote at the Council elections in November this year, you must be on either the House of Assembly electoral roll or Council’s voters roll.

House of Assembly You can enrol online on the Electoral Commission of South Australia’s website at www.ecsa.sa.gov.au or pick up a form from the Post Office.

City of Mitcham’s Voters Roll Application forms to go onto Council’s voters roll are available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or by calling 8372 8888.

Rolls close on Friday 8 August 2014.

Advice for potential candidates you must be an Australian citizen make sure you are on the State Electoral roll, or Council’s Voters roll if you are not already on it do some research about Council and its functions and services come to a Council meeting to see how meetings are conducted and the matters which are discussed you will receive an intensive induction program should you be elected to Council

If you would like further information about becoming an Elected Member, please ring Meredith Nunan on 8372 8837.

Local Knowledge at the Touch of a Button Do you wish you could check easily which bin you should put out on what day? Or see an issue in your community like a pothole or damaged footpath and think about reporting it, but have completely forgotten by the time you arrived home?

The Local Government Association of South Australia has worked closely with local Councils throughout South Australia to develop the My Local Services App, a state-wide application which delivers local information, about local services to you.

My Local Services App is a specialist smart phone application that allows you to find out information on vital services or even report a problem in the community right from your phone.

The smart phone app will provide you with the information you need whether you are at home, on holiday or staying with friends.

Featuring local events, parks, information about local Elected Members and when you need to put your bin out, the app puts local information at your fingertips.

The reporting function allows you to take a photo of an issue with your smart phone, pinpoint the exact location you are in and include additional information that you feel is important.

The app is available for both iPhones and Android devices and it can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store for iPhones users or from the Google Play Store for Android owners or visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

JUNE 2014 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

Contributing Articles Community groups and organisations submitting items for the August 2014 issue of this publication should ensure they reach Business Partner Communication and Marketing Officer Julie Lamond no later than Friday 4 July 2014.

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 www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Rates Payments Made Simple The City of Mitcham is now offering a new service that will allow your letterbox to never see another rates notice.

With the increasing use of computer and mobile devices allowing residents to transact more and more electronically Council has introduced BPAY View.

BPAY View is convenient and friendlier on the environment as it sends your rates notices straight to the same online bank you use to pay them, saving you from shuffling paper. With email, SMS or bank message reminders and secure online or mobile access, BPAY View makes it easy to pay on time, every time.

Register for BPAY View and receive, pay and store your bills in your online banking.

Sign up to BPAY View today by: Logging into your online banking account Look for the BPAY View or View Bills section Register to receive your City of Mitcham rates notice by entering: The biller code: 3186 Your BPAY reference number shown in the payments option area at the bottom right of your rates notice Don’t forget paper notices will no longer be issued once registered.

For further information visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/rates

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 Development Assessment Panel meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6.30 pm.

Full Council meets on the second and 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 JUNE 2014

Conserving Heritage Places The City of Mitcham is working with owners of heritage places to conserve Mitcham’s unique heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of property owners and the community.

Grants of up to $3,000 are available for conservation and restoration of local heritage places, contributory places within conservation areas, state places and areas through Council’s Heritage Subsidy Scheme.

Owners of newly listed places in the recent City of Mitcham Heritage Development Plan Amendment are

also eligible to apply for Council’s heritage subsidy.

Typical conservation projects include re-roofing, timber repairs, new damp-proof courses, masonry repairs and repointing.

In 2014 Council has received thirteen Heritage Subsidy Applications for conservation and restoration works.

Four projects have already been

completed and another six are underway. Successful applications included re-roofing of a local heritage cottage in Mitcham Village and timber repairs to St Joseph’s convent in Kingswood.

Council’s Heritage Advisor Therese Willis can advise on the correct conservation approaches and discuss any potential projects with you.

For more information about the Heritage Subsidy Scheme please contact Amee Yardley on 8372 8824 or visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

Grant Funds for Council’s Research of Sustainable Water Management The City of Mitcham has been successful in winning a grant of $35,880 from Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board to extend its research into water sensitive urban design.

Council began working with the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board in 2009 when twelve permeable pavement research sites were established in East Parade at Kingswood. Over the past six years $80,000 of grant funding from the Board has been invested into water sensitive urban design research.

The new grant will be used to investigate tree root development beneath permeable pavements, to see whether they are beneficial in reducing trip hazards due to shallow tree root growth.

In addition, established research sites will be retrofitted with ‘Treenet Inlet’ devices and monitored to measure the capacity of Treenet Inlets to collect stormwater from the road and infiltrate it into verge soils to water trees.

The new research will be supervised jointly by UniSA’s School of Natural and Built Environments and by the University of Adelaide’s School of Economics.

UniSA’s commencing PhD student Harsha Sapdhare will undertake research to investigate costs and benefits available through water

sensitive urban design in both the Cities of Mitcham and Salisbury.

The School of Economics research focus will help Council to measure construction and life cycle costs of stormwater infiltration devices like the Treenet Inlet and to justify these against the community and environmental benefits they deliver.

Ongoing input will continue to be provided to the research from Treenet Incorporated, academics at University of Melbourne and a new partner Enspec Environment and Risk Pty Ltd who are donating professional services free of charge.

Unearthing the Historic Tales at Centennial Park Cemetery Above left: Gravel screenings beneath the permeable paving dries out after rainfall, thereby preventing shallow root growth that would damage the footpath. This minor excavation in 2012 showed very little root development in the screenings. Above centre: The gaps in the permeable paving pattern are filled with fine gravel screenings (5 – 8mm size) so that water can run freely through them and into the larger screenings below, then filter into the soil for extraction by plant roots. The gaps in this image show some organics (tree flowers/pollen etc). Above right: Tree height and trunk diameter (being measured in image above) have been measured since planting in 2009 to determine if the permeable paving can help to establish, grow and sustain street trees.

10 Good Reasons to Volunteer The City of Mitcham’s Positive Ageing and Community Care Program is seeking volunteers to assist older residents and those with disabilities with support to participate in community activities, with personal transport to vital appointments and as a driver or helper with the community bus.

Why should you volunteer? Here are 10 good reasons why: 1. It gives a sense of purpose and pride.

2. It makes a genuine difference to the lives of those you help.

3. Research shows that volunteering several hours a week promotes good health.

4. It provides opportunities for social interaction.

5. You can utilise your abilities, knowledge and experience.

6. It increases lifelong learning and teaches new skills.

7. You can give back to your community.

8. You can play your part towards social inclusion.

9. It builds on community spirit.

10. You can help make someone’s day.

Your assistance as a volunteer means that we can continue to provide much needed community services to residents who are older and frail or live with a disability.

For more information please contact Mel, Coordinator of Volunteer Services on 8372 8860.

Centennial Park Cemetery has embarked on an exciting project to discover many of the fascinating human stories behind the inscriptions.

The Centennial Park Cemetery was established on 8 June 1936 by an act of Parliament covering 40 acres purchased for approximately £4,000 ($8,000). The first burial was in 1938 and in that year there were a total of ten burials.

The cemetery now covers 40 hectares (100 acres) and is the resting place of many interesting and lively characters that have played an important part in South Australia’s history.

Amongst the famous laid to rest at the cemetery are Dame Roma Mitchell, several South Australian premiers and Charles Stobie, engineer and inventor of SA’s iconic Stobie pole. The cemetery also contains the Centennial Park War Cemetery established by the army in 1942 containing around 200 graves.

The Mitcham Heritage Research Centre is working with the Centennial Park Cemetery to unearth these stories and develop a walk through the cemetery. Your help is needed. If you know of an interesting story to be told, please contact the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre on 8372 8264 or email mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

PAGE 4 Mitcham Community News JUNE 2014

School Holidays at the Library The Blackwood and Mitcham Libraries have an entertaining July school holiday program for children.

GooRoo Animation Learn how to create your own animation! Learn simple drawn sequences, create a flipbook animation and try stop-motion. Kids will also have an opportunity to learn how to animate using an iPhone or iPad and create their own clay character out of plasticine. Sessions for 7 to 12 year olds will be held at the Mitcham Library on Wednesday 9 July and Thursday 10 July from 9 am to 12 noon or 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm. Cost is $15 per child.

Bookings with payment are essential.

Be quick as spaces are limited.

Storytime Preschoolers, with their parents, grandparents or caregivers, are entertained with stories, songs and craft. It is a great opportunity to meet other local families and enjoy quality time with your child.

Storytime sessions are held at 10.30 am at the Mitcham Library on Monday and Thursday and at the Blackwood Library on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Computer Classes for Beginners Come and learn basic computer skills at the Mitcham Library Service.

Basic computer skills, Internet and Gmail classes are now being held at both the Mitcham and Blackwood Libraries. Cost is $8 per session.

For more information about classes call the Mitcham Library on 8372 8244 or the Blackwood Library on 8372 8255.

Cartooning for Young Kids with Paul Duff Children aged 5 to 7 are invited to learn how to draw (almost) anything with Paul Duff at the Blackwood Library on Tuesday 15 July. The Library will hold two sessions 10 am to 11 am or 11 am to 12 noon. Cost is $5 per child. Bookings with payment are essential. Be quick as spaces are limited.

For more information call the Blackwood Library on 8372 8255 or the Mitcham Library on 8372 8244.

iPad Class at the Mitcham Library

Blogging for Newbies Learn how to get blogging at the Mitcham Library on Friday 20 June at 10 am.

Would you like to publish a travel diary, a family history, record news and events for a club or share news, images, stories or writing?

John Travers will teach you how to set up a free blog, add and edit text, images and video as well as how to control who can view and much more.

Bookings for this course are essential. $8 per person.

Call 8372 8244 for more information.

Do you have an iPad that you would like to learn how to use?

Come and learn how to use the main functions of your iPad and develop self-help skills. Cost is $8 per session.

Your Finance…Your Future Buying Your Own Home

For more information about classes call the Mitcham Library on 8372 8244.

Are you thinking about buying your own home?

Come along to the Blackwood Library on Thursday 24 July 6 pm to 8 pm and find out everything you need to know about buying a home.

Ideal for first home buyers as you will learn how to avoid the traps and pitfalls of buying a home, whether it be to live in or for investment purposes. The course, which costs $5 per person, covers the ‘what-where-how and why’ of buying a home. Topics give a basic understanding of the home purchase process from the preliminary considerations to financing, negotiation, determining values, dealing with real estate professionals, contracts etc.

Bookings with payment essential. For more information call the Blackwood Library on 8372 8255.

Agedcare Alternatives Do you have questions about aged care?

Card Games at the Blackwood Library Do you enjoy a game of cards?

Come along and meet other people and enjoy a range of card games at the Blackwood Library every four weeks on a Friday from 10.30 am to 12 noon.

The sessions which are free along with morning tea will be held on: Friday 4 July Friday 1 August Friday 29 August

For more information call the Blackwood Library on 8372 8255.

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: 23 June 7 and 21 July 4 and 18 August 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.

For more information contact Agedcare Alternatives on 8271 3888.

PAGE 5 Mitcham Community News JUNE 2014

Upcoming Work in Your Street Kerbing Construction Council’s kerb and watertable replacement works have been completed in: Albert Street, Clarence Gardens Barretts Road, Torrens Park Bowman Avenue, Belair Bowyer Crescent, Cumberland Park Burbank Avenue, Bedford Park Coolidge Street, Lower Mitcham Eynesbury Avenue, Kingswood Flinders Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Hawker Avenue, Belair High Street, Mitcham Lincoln Road, Bedford Park Maidstone Road, Bedford Park Pages Road, Mitcham Saunders Street, Mitcham Yorke Avenue, Belair

Stormwater Construction Council’s stormwater drainage construction has been completed in: Adamson Avenue, Belair Barretts Road, Torrens Park Goldney Grove, Hawthorndene High Street, Mitcham Lowan Avenue, Glenalta Suffolk Road, Hawthorndene

Road Works Road works completed: AA Bailey Reserve (northern car park and Entrance Road), Clarence Gardens Albert Street, Clarence Gardens Ardrossan Avenue, Belair Bowyer Crescent, Cumberland Park Brook Lane, Torrens Park Claire Street, Lower Mitcham Crowder Street, Lower Mitcham Coolidge Avenue, Lower Mitcham Corunna Street, Melrose Park Doncaster Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Edward Street, Melrose Park Eynesbury Avenue, Kingswood Fraser Street, Lower Mitcham Gardens High Street, Mitcham Garden Road, Westbourne Park Gladstone Road, Blackwood Grigg Court, Clarence Gardens Hessian Avenue, Clarence Gardens Jose Street, Melrose Park Monash Avenue, Belair

Pages Road, Mitcham Penang Avenue, Melrose Park Olave Hill Road (Stage 2), Hawthorndene Suffolk Road, Hawthorndene Surrey Crescent, Lower Mitcham Western Avenue, Blackwood Rankeys Hill Road, Hawthorndene Saunders Street, Mitcham Council’s road rehabilitation and overlay works programmed to commence in June: Barretts Road, Torrens Park Burbank Avenue, Bedford Park Flinders Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Gladstone Road (Stage 2), Blackwood Kent Avenue, Glenalta Kinedana Street, Eden Hills Lincoln Road, Bedford Park Maidstone Road, Bedford Park

Traffic Management Road safety projects are continuing: Clapham – Consultation on a draft traffic management plan for part of the Panorama and Clapham area has been completed and the implementation of minor traffic control devices is planned for June 2014.

Blackwood – consultation on a draft traffic management plan at Blackwood has been completed and outcomes are being considered by Council.

Council’s traffic works programmed to commence in June: Ayr Avenue, Torrens Park Barretts Road near Clapham Primary School - traffic control devices in the vicinity of Clapham Primary School Strathcona Avenue - Emu crossing to be installed adjacent to St James Kindergarten

Footpath Construction Paving works recently completed: Ashbourne Avenue, Kingswood Barretts Road, Torrens Park Bedford Square, Colonel Light Gardens

Belair Road, Hawthorn Bennett Avenue, Melrose Park Boothby Street, Panorama Bowyer Crescent, Cumberland Park Californian Drive, Glenalta Comaum Street, St Marys Coolidge Street, Lower Mitcham Cunard Drive, Hawthorndene Elphyn Road, Kingswood Flinders Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Frontenac Avenue, Panorama Grevillea Way, Belair Hollywood Way and Sun Valley Drive, Glenalta Kiana Street, St Marys Lowan Avenue, Glenalta Melton Street, Blackwood Old Belair Road, Mitcham Paul Street, St Marys Pinn Street, St Marys Pitfour Road, Clapham Portland Place, Colonel Light Gardens Price Avenue, Lower Mitcham Rentoul Avenue, Netherby Richmond Road, Westbourne Park Scroop Road, Hawthorndene Sierra Nevada Boulevard, Pasadena Shepherds Hill Road, Bedford Park Shepley Avenue, Panorama South Road, St Marys Southern Avenue, St Marys Tafquin Street, Panorama The Ridgeway, Belair Thorngate Drive, Belair Walkway (Arizona to Sylvan Way), Glenalta Willunga Street, Eden Hills Paving works underway: Burbank Avenue, Bedford Park Lincoln Road, Bedford Park Maidstone Road, Bedford Park Paving works programmed to commence in June: Springbank Road, Colonel Light Gardens/Clapham Winchester Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens Mitcham Cemetery, Mitcham

Further information about the infrastructure program is available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/goto/budget

Burning Permits for Green Waste Material Residents who live in high fire risk areas can apply in writing or on line 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.

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.

Residents can apply for a burning permit: On line at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

By visiting the Customer Service Centre at 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park

6. You must apply in writing, read and agree to all conditions of the permit.

Call 8372 8888 to have the information and application sent to them To obtain a permit:

7. Permits will be issued between 3-10 days to allow for all applications to be inspected and approved.

1. You must live in Council’s high fire risk area.

8. Have your property inspected by Council’s Fire Prevention Officer.

2. You must be conducting fuel and hazard reduction work.

9. You must adhere to all of the conditions on the permit.

3. Material to be burnt must only be green waste (no rubbish).

10. 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).

4. Material must be dry and ready to burn.

5. Material must be hard to remove eg down in a gully or inaccessible by car.

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.

Visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au to obtain an burning permit application or contact the Bushfire Prevention Officer on 8372 8894.

PAGE 6 Mitcham Community News JUNE 2014

The City of Mitcham Youth Plan 2014-2017 provides Council with the strategic framework required to enable youth development within Council to better prioritise its resources in support of local young people and the youth sector.

Young people will be supported in their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

Support youth services in the delivery of personnel development workshops which support the emotional health and wellbeing of teenagers Facilitate mental health information forums Advocate for increased youth mental health services within the Inner South Partner with local schools and service providers to deliver anti-bullying initiatives

Safety at Schoolies – Year 12 Seminars Encounter Youth who oversee the Schoolies Festival at Victor Harbour will provide information about the risks associated with alcohol and drug use and how students can look out for themselves and their mates during Schoolies.

The schools who have taken up the opportunity to attend the Safety at Schoolies seminars in September and October include:

Promote anti-bullying initiates with a focus on social media and actively promote support services for bullied teens

• Unley High School

Support service providers to deliver community forums and student workshops with a focus on alcohol fuelled violence, binge drinking, safe partying and alcohol abuse

• Cabra Dominican College

Deliver youth events that promote physical activity and wellbeing at youth recreation facilities

For parents, the end of the year can bring anxiety and fear as their children attend formals, after-parties or the Schoolies Festival. Encounter Youth are hosting two seminars to provide parents with an overview of Schoolies Festival at Victor Harbor. Learn about the role of the Green Team and other support services, what the law says for Year 12s regarding alcohol, how strategies to support and encourage young people to make safe choices, and how to get to the Schoolies safely.

Soul Divas – Empowering Teenage Girls The City of Mitcham, with funding support from the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, is partnering with Soul Divas to deliver a year-long mentoring program for 20 local girls aged 13-16 years of age.

The program will focus on emotional health and wellbeing, providing practical training to help improve their skills to build selfesteem, self-confidence and resilience.

Sammy D Foundation Party Wise Forums Seeking Interest from Community Organisations and Sporting Clubs Presented by the Sammy D Foundation, Police and Ambulance Services, Party Wise Forums are a great way to encourage responsible service of alcohol in the club setting as well as building a sense of community and ownership of solutions to contemporary social issues. Party Wise forums can be attended by whole clubs, players, parents and community officials.

• Mitcham Girls High School • Blackwood High School • St Johns Grammar School • Scotch College Senior Parents Information Seminars

This seminar is a must for all parents • Monday 27 October, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm, City of Mitcham Civic Centre • Tuesday 28 October 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm, Blackwood Community Centre Bookings are essential and can be made by either phoning 8372 8869 or email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au by 5 pm Wednesday 22 October 2014.

Young people will be encouraged to connect with their community and supported to access information and services that enhance their social and emotional wellbeing.

Create a Mitcham Youth Facebook page to allow young people, service providers and Council to better connect with each other and share information Support service providers to deliver Cyber Safety workshops for young people and parents Re-develop the Information For Young People Council directory to become more youth friendly Develop projects that provide intergenerational learning opportunities and positive connections between young people and older residents to coincide with the Every Generation Festival Assist Year 8-10 students from local secondary schools with their community service and community volunteering programs Encourage local service groups with a focus on youth to provide information about their services to young people and volunteering opportunities at major youth events

Student Community Service Projects In September students from Urrbrae Agricultural High School will join Council’s Positive Ageing and Community Care Home Maintenance staff, to carry out garden maintenance for older residents. Residents and students will also be encouraged to share stories with each other, engendering a sense of intergenerational learning and understanding.

Blackwood Environmental Action Group A volunteer group of passionate local young people have been campaigning for a number of years in their local community about the issue of climate change and educating the public on how changes can be made. This youth lead action group is part of several hundred similar groups from across the country belonging to the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.

PAGE 7 Mitcham Community News JUNE 2014

Four strategic focus areas have been developed to help frame the actions that the City of Mitcham has committed to deliver in support of young people and the youth sector over the next three years. They are: • Health and Wellbeing • Civic Participation and Engagement • Community Connections • Education, Training and Employment These focus areas, along with the objectives and actions developed to help meet the strategic outcomes of the Youth Plan 2014-2017, have been informed by targeted youth consultations and youth sector engagement.

Young people will be provided with opportunities to help influence Council decision making, their leadership development supported, and their achievements celebrated.

Support an active and vibrant Mitcham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) with strong linkages to local student leadership groups

planning events such as Youth Fest 14 as well as undertaking some leadership and skill development training.

Provide opportunities for local young people to attend the UN Youth SA Conference

UN Youth SA Conference 2014

Explore opportunities that allow for greater interaction between young people, the MYAC and Elected Members Publicly acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of local young people for their contributions to the local community Develop a media plan for the engagement of young people Support the MYAC to recruit local youth bands and deliver live music events Explore opportunities for greater collaboration with partners to deliver a regional youth forum Explore opportunities to bring youth service providers and community partners together to improve the utilisation of the Blackwood Community Centre and community centre’s in the Mitcham plains Support local schools in the delivery of their Civics programs and Council Chamber visits Mitcham Youth Advisory Committee The Mitcham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) is a passionate and dedicated group of young leaders who volunteer their time to help strengthen connections between Council, schools, young people and the community. MYAC is involved with a number of key youth and community projects,

The City of Mitcham supported seven local young people to attend the UN Youth SA Conference. Participants enjoyed workshops, world-class guest speakers, immersive Model UN debates to develop leadership skills, challenge their thinking of how to tackle some of the globes biggest issues, and meet talented like-minded young people from across South Australia.

Evatt SA Council hosted two Evatt SA preliminary rounds in June 2014. Evatt SA is Australia’s largest schools diplomacy competition for students in Years 9-12. Placing young Australians in the shoes of UN Security Council representatives, the competition provides students with a deeper understanding of global issues and training them in the skills they need for active citizenship.

Young people will be encouraged to participate in education and training to help develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully transition into employment.

Investigate Council’s capacity to increase the number of secondary school work experience students and tertiary student work placements Support youth service providers to deliver targeted leadership programs for at-risk youth in the Mitcham west region Support the work of agencies that assist local young people transition from school to employment Support State and Federal Government funded initiatives that deliver education, training and employment outcomes for young people in the Inner South

Assist the MYAC to attend local training and workshops that provide opportunities for the development of leadership skills In partnership with the MYAC, advocate for improved in-school support services and career counselling Explore opportunities to partner with neighbouring Councils, further education providers, local secondary schools and other key stakeholders to run an ‘ATAR Scores Career Counselling Expo’ Promote and celebrate the achievements of local students participating in the Inner South Trade Schools program School-Based Apprentice of the Year Awards Council will continue to support the SchoolBased Apprentice of the Year Award to help reward and recognise the outstanding achievements of local students in our region.

School Visits The City of Mitcham actively supports local primary and secondary schools in engaging with Local Government as part of their civics and citizenship curriculum. In close collaboration with local schools, each visit can be tailored to the specific needs and learning outcomes desired for each class.

Local Student Representative Councils also elect to hold their leadership days within the Council Chambers.

A copy of the Youth Plan is available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au. For information about workshops, seminars or how your school can become involved contact Council’s Youth Development Officer on 8372 8869 or email youth@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

PAGE 8 Mitcham Community News JUNE 2014

From your Elected Members Mayor Michael Picton • Thank you to our Volunteers • Council’s 2014/2015 Budget and Federal Impact • Youth Plan • Heritage DPA • MyLocal Services App

Telephone: 0417 812 546 mpicton@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Thank you to our Volunteers We’re lucky in Mitcham to have the great support of people prepared to volunteer to help out and assist others in the community. National Volunteer Week in May was the catalyst for Council to acknowledge and thank our 355 registered volunteers for their work and commitment to helping the Council across a wide range of areas.

People volunteer for a number of reasons. It may be simply to give something back to the community, to experience personal growth, to learn new skills or just have fun.

Whatever the reason, we all benefit from people volunteering.

Everyday in my role as Mayor I see the good work Council volunteers do within our community.

Personally I’ve been helping out at the Mitcham Meals on Wheels for a few years, helping the Friday morning crew cook some delicious meals. These are delivered by other volunteers to some of our senior residents in Mitcham.

Babbage Ward Cr Brett Hearne • Annual Business Plan

Telephone: 0415 150 010 bhearne@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Annual Business Plan The last few months have been very hectic for Elected Members, Council staff and of course for all of you.

Elected Members and staff have been working hard to develop the 2014/2015 Draft Annual Business Plan (Budget) as well as the Draft Long Term Financial Plan. Countless

Gault Ward Cr Chris Adcock • Brown Hill Creek • Matters Financial • Public Consultation Process • Local Government Elections November 2014

Telephone: 0428 724 315 cadcock@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Brown Hill Creek At present there are three different groups which are concerned about the outcome of the Brown Hill Creek proposals. The ‘No Dam in Brown Hill Creek’ group, the ‘No Culverts in Unley Park’ group and the ‘Save Our Creek Environs Trees’ group. While the latest resolution of the five Councils is to clean out the creek which would satisfy the first two groups, it does not please the third

Council really appreciates and values the work volunteers provide to our community. People such as Mitcham Council car and bus drivers and helpers, library helpers, parks and reserves teams, our heritage assistants and community clubs supporters. Council’s community programs depend upon the participation of compassionate volunteers. I sincerely thank our volunteers for their contribution towards looking after others and creating a strong and caring community.

Council’s 2014/2015 Budget and Federal Impact Council’s Draft Budget and Draft Long Term Financial Plan had been on display for residents to view and comment on. That draft budget had included $54.6 million in expenditure as well as investing $18.07 million in capital works.

The draft was based on a 4.24% residential rate rise and a 6.8% commercial rate increase.

However the recent Federal Budget will impact negatively on the revenue of Council by approximately $458,000. The biggest impact will be a $350,000 reduction to the Local Roads Supplementary Funding program.

Unfortunately this means that South Australian councils will receive less road funding from the Federal Government than other states. In addition the freezing of major grant funding levels for the next three years will have further negative impacts on Mitcham’s budget.

Mitcham Council will now need to re-consider its budget in light of this significant cost shifting by the Federal Government.

Youth Plan Council has just endorsed the new Mitcham Youth Plan for 2014/2017.

Council commits to implementing 31 actions to ensure the best possible outcomes for our young people who live, work, study or play in Mitcham. Mitcham has over 10,700 young people aged between 12 and 24 years of age, 17.1% of our population.

The contributions young people make to the community are not insignificant. Council is committed to supporting our younger people to be active and engaged.

Heritage DPA It was good to see so many people come along to a recent meeting of Council and speak to Councillors about proposals to heritage list a number of properties in Mitcham as part of the latest Heritage Plan Amendment Report (PAR). While it is sometimes controversial, the listing of properties as part of a Heritage PAR is intended to go some way to protecting the heritage of the Council area.

It has been eight years since the last review of heritage properties was undertaken in Mitcham. Since that time, there have been a number of additional properties identified by experts requiring listing.

The interim Heritage DPA is in place for 12 months and properties listed are protected from demolition and inappropriate development.

Council, and the State Planning Minister, will look at each listed property carefully before any final decision on its listing is made.

MyLocal Services App Have you ever been the first person in your street to put out your bin on rubbish night and wondered which one it should be, the green waste or the yellow lidded recycling bin?

Have you ever wondered how to report a pot hole in the street but didn’t know how to go about it?

To help situations like this, there is a great new smartphone App called MyLocal that the Local Government Association, along with Mitcham Council, has created. This gives anyone with a smartphone the opportunity to find out information or report a problem immediately to the local Council.

MyLocal is designed to allow you to take a photo of the problem with your phone, pinpoint its exact location using global positioning and include any additional information you think Council should be aware of. This information is then automatically sent to Council for staff to act upon.

At Mitcham you can find out what’s happening at Council, who your local Elected Member is and other Council matters. MyLocal is free and easily downloadable from iTunes or the Google Play Store.

extra hours and nights have been committed by staff and Elected Members to follow through on our promise to deliver the most appropriate Budget possible for 2014/2015.

This year, has been harder than the previous year, as this year Council has the opportunity to balance the budget! However, as an elected body we have a very difficult task which is whether we want to reduce services to the community to ensure we balance the budget next financial year or keep services as they are and make rates higher than anticipated. I consider keeping the residential rate increase as low

as possible as a critical element to this year’s budget. I am committed to deliver the lowest possible rate increase, hopefully without having to reduce the services that Council provides to the community as these are also vital as well as a low rate increase. In the event of this occurring there is the possibility that there may still be a minor deficit in the following year. I am able to support a minor deficit so long as the rate increase is as low as possible and there is limited service cuts.

By now, residents have had the opportunity to consider the proposed budget. I trust that

many of you have responded and provided feedback to Council on this particular topic. I look forward to reading all of the responses and concerns raised by residents throughout this process.

This particular panel of Elected Members only has a few months remaining as an elected body. I am of the opinion that it is crucial for this elected body and the next which will be elected in November of this year, that we leave knowing we constructed a budget that the community is truly happy with and supports.

group. The consultation process continues and administration and the consultant are to be congratulated on their progress so far.

this issue of Mitcham Community News goes to press. I hope as many as possible will have availed themselves of the opportunity to comment.

Matters Financial I would like to echo some of the comments of Babbage Ward Councillor David Munro. He indicated that there is progress in reducing the operating deficit in order to balance the books. While this process is being attended to, there is still a significant problem with regards to Council’s Net Financial Liability which is rising and is forecast under the Long Term Financial Plan to reach more than $33m in 2023 – 2024.

Unless Council is able to achieve reasonable ongoing surpluses, this figure will continue to escalate.

Council’s Long Term Financial Plan is out for public consultation at present but will be closed before

Public Consultation Process There have been a number of public consultations which have occurred in Gault Ward in this term of Local Government. The process is still ongoing with the Mortlock Park area in Colonel Light Gardens. The community spoke strongly in favour of having appropriate access to the area for informal recreation.

There is a public consultation which is proceeding with regards to the installation of lighting at Denman Tennis Courts. It is important that any concerns which the community has are put as, even though the tennis club may have a license to use the courts, they belong to the community.

Local Government Elections November 2014 Local Government elections are to be held in November this year. This is an opportunity for anyone who is interested in Local Government matters to stand for election to Council and have input into the way forward in the City of Mitcham.

If you do not wish to stand for election yourself, seek out the candidates and ask them what they stand for and if they represent your view in the areas in which you are interested.

In accepting the role as an Elected Member there are rights and responsibilities which apply and it is important to understand what these are. The Local Government Act and the Mandatory Elected Members Code of Conduct highlights these. I also believe that it is important to represent all constituents and not just a political party or a particular group.

Contacting Your Elected Member Mayor Mayor Michael Picton 0417 812 546

Babbage Ward Cr. David Munro 0403 161 462 Cr. Brett Hearne 0415 150 101

Boorman Ward Cr. Leanne Moriarty 8379 3797 Cr. Judith Weaver 8357 7522

Craigburn Ward Cr. Nick Greer 0434 330 150 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 JUNE 2014

The Park Ward Cr Tim Hein • 2014/2015 Budget • Blackwood Master Plan • Road Management Plan

Telephone: 0403 080 080 thein@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

My greetings to all residents.

2014/2015 Budget At the time of writing, the new 2014/2015 draft budget is out for community consultation following significant work by Council staff, and deliberation by Elected Members.

Craigburn Ward Cr Jane Silbereisen • Budget • No-Dam Option for Brown Hill Creek • Tour Down Under • Draft Main Road, Blackwood Road Management Plan and Draft Blackwood South Traffic Management Plan • Resilient South Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan • Mitcham Citizenship Ceremony

Telephone: 0477 209 782 jsilbereisen@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Here we are, nearly at mid-point in the year. Time passes so quickly, but much work has been accomplished at Council.

Budget The 2014/2015 Draft Annual Business Plan and Draft Long Term Financial Plan have been finalised and available for public consultation. We have focussed on keeping rate increases at a minimum while not compromising quality delivery of essential services. A general rate increase of 4.24% with commercial and vacant land increasing by 1.95 times the residential rate has been proposed with an option for the inclusion of $148,000 for new and enhanced services (an additional increase of .35%).

The Major Projects recommended include a Blackwood Master Plan,

Boorman Ward Cr Leeanne Moriarty • Local Government Elections • Voices of the Village • Netherby Reserve • SA Water Pipeline

Telephone: 8379 3797 lmoriarty@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Local Government Elections This year has been moving along at such a fast rate, and I am aware that it is the last year of this particular Council. There will be Council elections later in the year and I encourage the residents of Mitcham to be aware of the Mayoral and Ward Councillor candidates in their Ward, and vote for who you would like to have represent you in the Council Chamber. You may also be considering running as a candidate and I encourage you to ‘give it a go’. Information about becoming a candidate is easily accessible from Meredith Nunan at Mitcham Council, on 8372 8837. Nominations open on September 2 and close on September 16. It works to the community’s advantage to have Elected Members with a range of skills who can bring their individual

My approach has been to prioritise some important essential projects deserving of attention, whilst ensuring rates are kept as low as absolutely possible.

I also want to acknowledge that senior staff have done some excellent work also on identifying cost savings across Council, helping to pull the budget into the black.

After 10 years of deficits, the recent hard work has gotten Council to the brink of a balanced budget. In my view, this should be the normative fiscal approach of Mitcham from here.

Blackwood Master Plan One key project that I am continuing to fight for is a Masterplan for

review of Blackwood Activity Centre-Library Schematics and works to the Blackwood Library to meet WH&S requirements. The final stage of the Trails Strategy will be implemented including the Integrated Bikeway Plan 2015.

This will provide a recreational and safe bike and walking trail for local residents from Blackwood /Belair to the plains and attract visitors and bike enthusiasts to our hills region.

No-Dam Option for Brown Hill Creek As a result of revised flood hydrology, and a community petition of over 10,000 signatures against a dam option, the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Project will now focus on necessary creek restoration works. During the high rainfall event in February, no sign of flooding was evident in the Brown Hill Creek catchment, further justifying opposition to the unnecessary and negative environmental impact of the proposed dam solution.

Tour Down Under After many attempts during my term, on 25 February Council approved a motion to submit an application to host a stage (start or finish) for the Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) in 2015. While a final decision for the event course and participating Councils has not yet been determined, routes are being investigated through Blackwood and Mitcham. Existing bike trails would be ideally utilised for the many companion events that are organised during this eight day

knowledge into the Chamber and offer a variety of points of view.

The task requires a lot of time, commitment and dedication, but if you are passionate about Mitcham, your suburb and the street where you live, it offers a rewarding way to contribute to your community.

Voices of the Village Another thing to look forward to in the future is the annual Voices of the Village event – this year the event is named ‘Mitcham Village Music and Culture Fair’ and will be held on Sunday, October 19. While still in the formative stage, much musical entertainment is planned for the day including a variety of dancing styles, bands, crafts and possibly even Karaoke – for the brave! More information will be available about this fun event shortly, so don’t forget to save the date in your diary.

Netherby Reserve I am also looking forward to the completion of the work in the Netherby Reserve. So often plans and discussions happen, but less often do they come to fruition (both at home and work).

So it is pleasantly rewarding to walk past Netherby Reserve on a regular basis, to find that each time there is evidence of some

Blackwood. Everyone in the area recognises that we need some significant and careful thinking on how this unique precinct cannot only best serve our community today, but into the future.

We have several community groups doing a fantastic job serving the area, but a major structural approach is required. We need bold, logical thinking on this matter.

the area; including the need for an alternative route from Craigburn Farm to Shepherds Hill Road away from the Blackwood roundabout, without disturbing smaller streets.

I cannot believe it has been just 18 months since the supplementary election of January 2013. It continues to be a genuine honour to represent the interests of residents in service to the City of Mitcham.

Road Management Plan Just one aspect of this is traffic, and recently the State Government released its Road Management Plan, which unfortunately does not pay significant enough attention to the long-term traffic issues in

event. In 2013 the event attracted over 760,000 people to Adelaide and regional SA, including 40,000 interstate and international visitors, with an economic impact of $43 million (2011). We would welcome the stimulus this world class event would bring to our community and economy and the opportunity to promote our city and its many treasures to broader SA, nationally and internationally. If we are not successful this year, further applications will be submitted in the following year(s).

the southern Adelaide region in remaining strong and productive into the future. This valuable workshop stimulated strong debate and innovative solutions.

I will also attend the Resilient South Regional Climate Change Adaptation Think Tank to be held in May. This workshop will focus on improving the resilience of our region to coastal inundation and the increasing risks from heatwaves and bushfires, thereby contributing to the Resilient South Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

Draft Main Road, Blackwood Road Management Plan and Draft Blackwood South Traffic Management Plan Both draft plans were released by the Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure for Council and community consultation. Some valuable improvements have been recommended, including redesigning of the Blackwood Roundabout, a roundabout at the junction of Shepherds Hill Road and Waite Street, and traffic slowing treatments in Blackwood South.

Mitcham Citizenship Ceremony I was fortunate to have the opportunity to act as Master of Ceremonies for Mitcham’s Citizenship Ceremony on 16 April.

A wonderful evening where 71 new citizens from 13 different nationalities received their Australian Citizenship Certificates, highlighted their positive experiences living in Australia and celebrated over a delightful supper.

The official party included Dr Andrew Southcott, Federal Member for Boothby, Annabel Digance MPState Member for Elder and Martin Hamilton-Smith MP-State Member for Waite. Guitarist and vocalist Tosh Glenn provided welcome entertainment.

I look forward to continuing to serve you in the remaining months as the current term comes to a close. Please contact me with any enquiries.

Resilient South Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan I attended the Resilient South Integrated Vulnerability Assessment workshop in February led and attended by Elected Members throughout the southern region (the Cities of Holdfast Bay, Marion, Mitcham and Onkaparinga).

The Resilient South project is coordinating a strategic response to the changing climate to support

of the discussed and planned improvements taking place. First the relocation of the rubbish bin, followed by the installation of the new sign, and then the new drinking fountain – which includes a dog water bowl and a facility to fill sport drink bottles, occurred.

Now the beginning of the gazebo is being built and soon new deciduous trees will be planted near the playground. After all the new improvements have been completed, I hope to walk past and see members of the community using the facilities and getting as much enjoyment using them as I did, seeing it go from a discussion and plan, through to tangible improvements in the Reserve.

SA Water Pipeline At present parts of Boorman Ward are experiencing traffic restrictions due to the SA Water pipeline installation which is occurring around Waite Road in Urrbrae, Hillside Road in Springfield and adjoining roads. Detours and alternate routes being used while this goes on, is causing extra traffic on roads in the area, which leads to traffic delays. Intersections like the already troublesome one on the corner of Claremont, Fullarton and Kitchener Roads are even more delayed and I urge motorists to be

patient and also to consider leaving their homes a bit earlier to allow for the extra time needed to get through this congested intersection and other areas experiencing built up traffic at peak times.

As the year marches towards the next Council election, I am aware that this may be my last article as a Councillor on Mitcham Council. I have genuinely enjoyed representing Boorman Ward during the last four years, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who supported me during my term. During this time, I have served on two committees – the Mitcham Cultural Village Committee and the Mitcham Heritage Committeewith a variety of members of the Mitcham community. The work achieved by these committees, and the Council staff involved, has been wonderful. I thank them for all their effort. I also thank my co-Councillor, Judith Weaver, for her undying dedication and commitment to Boorman Ward and also for her vision and optimism. Without people like these, Mitcham would not be the wonderful place it is, in which to work and live.

PAGE 10 Mitcham Community News JUNE 2014

Mitcham Community Calendar community groups Mitcham 50 Plus Club

Adelaide-Mitcham Prostate Cancer Support Group

Are you looking for entertainment and friendship? Come along to the Mitcham 50 Plus Cub at the Hawthorn Community Centre, 5 Frimley Grove, Hawthorn and enjoy social and recreational activities including Tai Chi, carpet bowls, Pool, Snooker, cards, Mah-Jong, day trips and special day celebrations.

The centre is open Monday and Tuesday from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm and Thursday from 9 am to 3.30 pm. Call 8177 1728.

Come along to discuss health issues on Thursday 26 June at 7 pm at the Colonel Light Gardens RSL Club, 4 Prince George Parade, Colonel Light Gardens. Listen to guest speaker Dr Phuong Tran, Radiation Oncologist at Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre. She will speak on the role of Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer Management. Call 8277 2138 or visit www.psamitcham.org.

Sprouts at St Columba’s Anglican Church

At 103 Princes Road, Mitcham invite all men to ‘Men at the Centre’ for mixed activities, every third Tuesday of the month in the church. Begin with shared pizza at 6.30 pm for $6. Call 0438 705 460.

The Mitcham Village Uniting Friendship Group meets every Wednesday of school term in Tyler Hall from 9.30 am to 11.30 am for friendship and craft activities. All welcome. $2 morning tea. Ye Olde Village Shoppe and Meeting Place is open each Saturday from 9.30 am to 1 pm. Donations of clean saleable goods appreciated.

Call 8278 8259.

If you would like to join in this group for pre-schoolers and their carers, come along every Friday at 10.30 am, call 8272 7266, email welcome@columba.org.au or visit St Columba’s Anglican Church, Cross Road, Hawthorn.

Blackwood Probus Club Invites men to meet on the first Thursday of every month at 9.30 am in the rear hall of the Masonic Lodge, Main Road, Blackwood. Enjoy guest speakers, outings and an occasional lunch. The Club also has an active golf group that plays on the fourth Thursday of every month. Call 8278 2096, 8178 1142 or write to PO Box 504, Blackwood SA 5051.

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.

Messy Church @ Westbourne Park Uniting Church Invites you to enjoy a relaxed style of church for families of all ages through creativity, hospitality, celebration and fun on Saturday 21 June from 5 pm to 7.30 pm at Westbourne Park Uniting Church, 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn.

Donation $5 per family. Email wpuc@internode.on.net, visit www.wpuc.org.au or call 8271 7066.

Mitcham Kiwanis Help eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus by raising money to vaccinate all women and girls.

Kiwanis need your help to continue this vital work. Come along to a meeting on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Marion Sports Centre, Sturt Road, Marion.

Call 8374 3694.

Mitcham Village Uniting Church

Grey Box Community Group

Winterbourne at Westbourne Park Uniting Church Westbourne Park Uniting Church located at 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn are hosting a Youth Holiday Program for children aged between 8 and 12 from Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 July. The program commences each day at 10.30 am with food, lots of activities and a Christian message. $99 per child.

Email wpuc@internode.on.net, visit www.wpuc.org.au or call 0420 225 444.

Come and join the Grey Box Community Group and grow indigenous understory plants in your backyard to help protect, educate, care and restore threatened eucalypt grassy woodland.

For more information visit www.greyboxcommunity.org

community events

Annual Camellia Show Camellias South Australia Inc will hold their Camellia Show at Carrick Hill, 46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield on Saturday 9 August from 12 noon to 4.30 pm and Sunday 10 August from 10 am to 4.30 pm. Enjoy countless blooms on display and quality plants for sale.

Free admission. Call 8295 6563.

History of Mitcham

Seniors in Harmony

Mitcham Historical Society Inc invites you to a presentation by Therese Willis, Local History Advisor for the Mitcham Heritage Research Centre on Tuesday 17 June at 7.30 pm in the Drawing Room, Scotch College, Carruth Road, Torrens Park.

Email Julie.a.hogan@gmail.com or call 0430 472 262.

St Michael’s Anglican Church present Jeannie Kelso and friend – Harp, Piano and Voice on 1 July at 1.30 pm at the Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham.

French Bastille Celebration

Exhibition 7 to 27 June Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 4.30 pm at Gallery One, 1 Torrens Street, Mitcham. Prize winner and art auction 28 June at 6 pm.

All welcome.

Celebrate history with French Wines and Music on Monday July 14 in the Drawing Room at Scotch College at 7 pm. Call John 0402 781 601 or email johnwood@adam.com.au.

Gallery One and Rotary Club of Mitcham Art Prize and Auction

Blackwood Hills Baptist Church Come along to Sunday services at Blackwood Hills Baptist Church, 72 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood, 10 am and 7 pm and Village Church, Edwardstown Primary School Gym at 10.30 pm. Oasis Youth Group 7 pm to 10.30 pm every Friday night during school terms – Cost $8. Call 8370 0333.

Neighbourhood Watch Glenalta Meets four times a year on a Tuesday at 7.30 pm at Our Lady of the Way Church Cottage, corner Main Road and Laffers Road, Glenalta. Guest speakers include road safety, bushfire safety, dealing with hearing problems, scams, pitfalls to avoid in drawing up a will, revegetating Minno Creek, and possible impacts of climate change.

Visit www.watchsa.com.au Blackwood Hills Combined Probus Club The Club meets at 10 am on the third Monday each month at the Blackwood Community Centre, 4 Young Street, Blackwood and has regular outings on the first Monday of each month. New members welcome. Call 8272 9768.

get fit/social activities Blackwood Hills View Club Invites women to have fun and meet new friends at their monthly luncheon meeting at the Belair Park Country Club on Monday 16 June at 10 am. This month come and celebrate our birthday with a ‘Time Warp’ theme - dress 50s, 60s, or 70s, pick your era. Lunch booking is essential and the cost for lunch is $30. Call 0408 379 679.

Lawn Bowls Enjoy social lawn bowls at the Clarence Gardens Bowling Club, Winona Avenue, Clarence Gardens on Wednesday or Saturday 12.30 pm, $6 to play (includes afternoon tea and prizes), neat casual dress, flat soled shoes. Loan bowls available and coaching if required. Email cgbc@bigpond.com or call 0424 483 170.

Boundless Yoga Enjoy general Hatha Yoga classes, as well as speciality Playroom Yoga classes for parents of young children, where children 0-4yrs are welcome to attend. Held in Blackwood, Thursday and Friday mornings.

Email boundlessyoga@adam.com.au or call 7220 4978.

Edwardstown Baptist Community Centre Are you over 50? Want to meet some new people? Come along to the Friendship Club and enjoy table tennis, eight ball, carpet bowls, card and board games and day trips every Tuesday 10 am to 2 pm. Cost is $2. Maybe you fancy yourself as crafty? Bring your project and join an existing knitting, embroidery, quilting or card-making to Café Craft each Thursday from 9.30 am to 12 noon at the Edwardstown Baptist Church Community Centre.

Cost $3. Call 8276 1040.

Edwardstown Baptist Church Come along and have some fun while making lasting friendships at the Little Royals Playgroup every Tuesday from 9.30 am to 11 am during school terms at. Cost $3.

Call 8276 1040.

Hawthorndene Men’s Probus Club Celebrates 30 Years The Hawthorndene Men’s Probus Club Inc celebrated 30 years in May during a lunch at the Flagstaff Hill Golf Club.

The Club, founded in 1984 by the Blackwood Rotary Club, was the second Probus Club in the district. The Club’s foundation President Tom Wightman with a dedicated committee, created a popular Club which continues to be welcoming, friendly and caring.

The Club, with assistance from the City of Mitcham through a Community Development Grant, produced a 30 year historical record of the Hawthorndene Men’s Probus Club, highlighting events, stories activities and outings enjoyed by the members over the years as well as the pranks of some of the past identities.

The Club meets at the Belair Uniting Church Hall on Sheoak Road at 9.30 am on the second Thursday of each month (December excluded) for fellowship and friendship. Visitors are always welcome to attend and hear the guest speakers or take part in the many outings.

For more information call Clyde on 8278 1964.

PAGE 11 Mitcham Community News JUNE 2014

Opening of Ruminations ‘Ruminations’ opened in May to enthusiastic guests who shared their stories about their experiences as new visitors and long term patrons of the City of Mitcham’s Community Centre family.

The exhibition was held at the Mitcham Cultural Village Atrium Gallery highlighting the journey of Council’s Community Centres from local schools to Toy Libraries and meeting Halls with dreams of master-plans.

2014 SALA Festival – A Celebration of South Australian Living Artists The Mitcham Cultural Village and Gallery One are jointly presenting an art exhibition - ‘Elements’ for the 2014 SALA Festival.

‘Elements’ is an exhibition demonstrating the fundamentals of organic life, being earth, air, fire and water that transfer into art materials as mixed media.

This exhibition will engage professional and emerging South Australian Living Artists from greater Adelaide a celebration of South Australian Living Artists.

Stay tuned for more about this celebration of Art from 1 to 24 August 2014.

Get the Most out of Your Wood Heater this Winter With winter fast approaching follow these simple tips to prevent air pollution and ensure you get the most out of your wood heater this winter.

It is that time of year again when everyone is trying to keep warm.

Wood heaters that are not properly managed may cause respiratory problems, waste hundreds of dollars a year and harm our environment.

Before using your wood heater inspect flue/chimney for build up of soot, holes or leaks and remove excessive ash.

To ensure your wood heater operates correctly and efficiently: 1. Burn dry, seasoned, untreated wood Dry seasoned wood burns best. An unseasoned (recently cut) log of firewood can contain about two litres of water. Buying your wood in the summer months from a reputable supplier and storing it properly can save you up to 40% of your operating costs.

Wood from old furniture, pallets or house renovations are not considered appropriate to burn as these materials are often treated.

2. Store your wood in a dry, ventilated area Keep your woodpile stacked in a criss-cross way covered in a wellventilated area so that the wood stays dry.

3. Start small Use smaller dry kindling to get your fire established and larger logs for slower burning. Arrange the logs so that air circulates and better combustion is achieved.

4. Burn brightly When lighting a cold wood heater, make sure that sufficient, dry kindling is used to establish a good flame.

Place two or three crumpled sheets of newspaper and small pieces of wood onto the fire load when first lighting the heater. This burns rapidly, heats the flue and gets the draught going. The heater should run on a high burn rate (air controls fully open) for five minutes before and 15 to 20 minutes after adding more logs.

If the heater flue is producing smoke for 20 minutes after lighting or refuelling the fire, simply adjust the fuel load and increase the air settings. The heater’s flue should be cleaned every year to prevent flue fires.

If a neighbour’s wood heater is smoking excessively talk to them about the problem and work together to find a solution.

Free mediation services are available from the South Australian Community Legal Centre on 8384 1800.

For more practical advice on the effective and efficient use of wood heaters contact the Environment Protection Authority SA on 8204 2000 or the City of Mitcham on 8372 8888.

Community Development Grants Local not-for-profit community groups are encouraged to apply for funding from Council through the Community Development Grants program.

Council’s Community Development Grants program provides amounts of up to $1,500 for community groups and organisations to support projects that provide benefits to the local Mitcham community.

Types of projects considered for funding include the following categories: Community Projects Community Events Facilities Upgrades and Equipment Purchases Priority is given to projects that can demonstrate a high level of community need or for vital upgrades or equipment to continue a project.

A Special Community Projects and Events grant category is available where Council considers one-off

requests for funding assistance for special community events or projects.

This funding is limited and as it is a decision of Council, is available for application throughout the year.

Applications can now be submitted for the next funding round which closes on Wednesday 30 July 2014.

Guidelines and application forms are available by calling 8372 8899 or from www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

St Therese Community Garden The St Therese Catholic Parish Church Community received a Community Development Grant to establish a community garden in Colonel Light Gardens.

The St Therese Catholic Parish Church are now inviting members of the community to get involved. You may want to: Reserve a raised garden bed Share a garden plot with your family, a friend or a neighbour Come along to social gatherings – BBQs, lunches or dinners You will receive plenty of help with planning and managing your garden including advice about planting and maintenance.

For more information or to submit an expression of interest please contact Pauline Wilson or Carmel White on 7070 0026 or Tony Ielasi on 0408 837 631.

PAGE 12 Mitcham Community News JUNE 2014

Now available! Kitchen Caddies and Compostable Bags The City of Mitcham has kitchen caddies and compostable bags available at a discounted price to help you recycle your household food scraps.

Did you know that about 40% of material in the home waste bin is food scraps? But they no longer need to be put in the rubbish. Food scraps are a valuable material that can be recycled into compost and mulch.

Become more sustainable and recycle your food scraps to divert material from landfill and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

All food scraps, (including meat and seafood) paper towel, hair and even pet waste can be placed into your green organics bin. Once your green bin is collected your household food scraps will be converted into compost and mulch, which can then be recycled back into gardens around South Australia.

There are several ways you can put your food scraps in your green

organics bin, your household can choose which best suits you!

1. Put your food scraps in loose.

2. Wrap your food scraps in newspaper.

3. Put your food scraps in compostable bags and kitchen caddy.

Kitchen caddies and compostable bags are now available from the City of Mitcham at a discounted price for all residents and can be purchased from the Civic Centre, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park: Kitchen caddy and roll of 52 compostable bags: $10 Roll of 52 compostable bags: $4 Roll of 100 compostable bags: $7 Compostable bags are made of 100% compostable vegetable materials that decompose during the

composting process. Please note that compostable bags are different to biodegradable plastic bags. Only compostable bags can go into your green organics bin.

Helpful tips: Place lawn clippings, leaves or shredded paper on food scraps to reduce odours Freeze scraps like seafood, liquids and meat until your collection day A tight-fitting lid on your green organics bin will help keep flies and pests away Change your compostable bag every 2-3 days and regularly clean your kitchen caddy Remember you can even recycle food scraps at home using a compost bin or a worm farm and let your own garden reap the rewards!

For further information please contact the Waste Management Officer on 8372 8888 or email mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Strengthening our Southern Region The Resilient South Project, an initiative of the Cities of Mitcham, Holdfast Bay, Marion and Onkaparinga, is about what we can do in the Southern Region to make sure our businesses, communities and environments can tackle the challenges of climate change.

With the help of our project champions, we have completed an Integrated Vulnerability Assessment which identified the regions risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities in relation to economic and infrastructure, environment and natural resources and social and community. This process gives us confidence that the findings of the assessment are relevant and provide a sound basis for producing the

regional climate change adaptation plan.

The Integrated Vulnerability Assessment considered the vulnerabilities of 73 indicators to a range of climate change impacts, including heatwave, bushfire, coastal inundation and rising sea levels. The areas where the Southern Region is most vulnerable are listed below.

The assessment also showed us that some areas are more resilient to the

impacts of climate change and that there are potential opportunities.

We are now working with our champions to identify what actions we could and should be taking, now and into the future, to adapt to the projected changes in our climate. We can all play a role in adapting to changes in our climate and through planning and acting together we can strengthen the Southern Region.

Keeping warm this winter Heating your home can add to your winter energy bills, but by making a few simple changes you can minimise your energy costs and have a cosy home.

In winter use the sun to help heat your home for free. Open curtains and blinds during the day and move anything blocking out the light (eg external shading).

Heating can be lost through your ceiling and walls. Insulation is an effective way to keep your home warmer. If you don’t have ceiling insulation, consider having it installed. If you rent, ask your landlord if they will have it installed.

Look for draughts from gaps or cracks in walls or windows and below doors which will let your heating escape.

Choose the best heater for your needs based on the area you need to heat, and use it efficiently. Close doors to unused rooms so you only heat the areas being used.

If your heater has a thermostat, consider setting it between 18°C-21°C and maintain your heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions so it keeps running efficiently.

To keep your home safe, never leave heaters unattended. Never use outdoor gas heaters or LPG cylinders inside as they are a fire risk and can release toxic gases into your home. If using an unflued gas heater always ensure it has adequate ventilation.

For a copy of the Integrated Vulnerability Assessment and other project outputs please visit resilientsouth.com or call the Resilient South Project Coordinator on 8384 0532.

For more information and advice on heating including a running cost calculator visit sa.gov.au/energy or call the Government of South Australia’s Energy Advisory Service on 8204 1888.