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Our next Windback Wednesday series explores the history behind some of the City of Burnside’s street names from A to Z, drawing on research from the Burnside Historical Society’s Burnside Street Names and Their Origins.

This week we look at Aviator Lane in Rose Park, which is named after pioneer aviator William F. E. Smith. Smith lived in Watson Avenue and kept his Avro bi‑plane Skylark in a hangar on his property. Although his flying career was brief, he was well known for his stunts in the 1920s. A career highlight is one particularly memorable moment when he opened a football carnival at Adelaide Oval by dropping the first ball from his aeroplane!

Photographs: W.F.E Smith, 1924 and G-AUCY Plane. Courtesy of the SA Aviation Museum.

It started with a letter.

When a Swiss researcher contacted the City of Burnside looking for information about a man named Klaus Mayer, Historical and Cultural Officer Hannah wasn’t expecting the trail to lead where it did. The researcher had been commissioned by the Swiss Government to document the lives of refugees who fled Europe through the Austrian–Swiss border during the Second World War. In his records, he had found a Klaus Mayer who died in 1991 in Beaumont. He wanted to know - was this the same man?

‘The researcher had identified the City of Burnside through the death records of a man in Beaumont with the same name as a former German citizen,’ Hannah says.

What followed felt less like routine council work and more like detective work. Hannah traced name records, newspaper articles and details of his Order of Australia Medal. Bit by bit, the story came together.

‘These were all the pieces of the puzzle that came together to confirm this was the right Klaus Mayer.’

Finding family proved harder. After exhausting official records, she turned to Google. A Rotary Club article mentioning a Peter Mayer - whose father Klaus had escaped Europe during the war provided the missing link. The details aligned. From there, Hannah connected the Swiss researcher with Rotary, and eventually with Peter himself.

‘This was a little different from our usual requests – it felt like being a detective,’ Hannah says.

‘It took more effort than the usual request, but it was so rewarding.’

For Peter, a long-time Burnside resident, the contact from Switzerland reopened a remarkable family story, one that began with his father Klaus in Germany in 1915.

Klaus Mayer was born in 1915 in Mannheim to a prominent family, the child of Erich and Luise Mayer. His father was President of the Cigar Manufacturers Association and a founding member of the Mannheim Rotary Club in 1930. It was a privileged childhood that would stand in stark contrast to what followed.

As Europe shifted under the rise of the Nazi regime, definitions of identity evolved. Klaus and his parents were Lutheran, but because of their Jewish background they were eventually classified as enemies of the state. Like all young men of his generation, Klaus completed his civil duties and was later conscripted when war broke out, but even this service to the country could not protect him.

‘While he was in the army, they couldn’t touch him, but then those rules changed as well,’ Peter Mayer says.

A commanding officer, aware that an impending interview would likely end badly, quietly warned Klaus and issued him a backdated leave pass. It was an opportunity to disappear.

However, before Klaus could help his parents escape, they too received arrest papers. Faced with transportation, they chose to take their own lives rather than face the horrors they knew awaited.

In the spring of 1942, Klaus booked himself on what appeared to be a holiday in Gargellen, a village near the Austrian-Swiss border. A trained mountaineer with a guide certificate in the region, he knew the terrain intimately. He also knew he couldn’t look like he was planning to climb - that would draw suspicion - so he travelled in ordinary clothes.

His first attempt to cross the Alps failed. Leaving under the cover of heavy cloud and darkness to avoid moonlight, he climbed in the pitch-black to what he believed was the correct ridge and descended the other side, only to discover, by the brief flare of a match, a sign warning he was approaching the German border. He had walked in a fold of the ridge and circled back.

He barely made it to his hotel before dawn, sneaking in through a window as other guests stirred.

Two stress-filled days later, he tried again.

The route between Gargellen and Klosters later became known as the “Smugglers’ Route”. Many who attempted it were shot. Others paid smugglers to guide them. Klaus crossed alone.

‘I’ve been to Gargellen and I’ve seen the mountain he climbed,’ Peter says. ‘It was pretty daunting.’

In the history of those who crossed this route into Switzerland during the war, Klaus Mayer is the only one to successfully make the crossing safely by themselves without the assistance of smugglers.

Klaus’ journey runs the gauntlet of near misses, remarkable acts of courage, and stories of others risking their own safety to help him escape certain death. It was a life layered with far more depth and intrigue than any single telling could fully capture.

Once in Switzerland, safety was not immediate. Anyone caught near the border risked being handed back. Klaus made his way to Zurich, where he could formally apply for asylum, but he was arrested as an absconder from the German Army and not seen as a political refugee. After six months in jail followed by time in a labour camp, he was eventually granted refugee status.

It was in Switzerland that he met his wife, herself a refugee who had fled political persecution before the war. Together, after briefly returning to Germany post-war, they worked with a refugee aid organisation, establishing orphanages and running food programs in Hamburg.

But they wanted distance, a fresh start far from the upheaval of Europe. Australia, South Africa and South America were considered. In 1950, they chose Australia. Klaus had his heart set on Adelaide, a city, but without the hustle and bustle of Melbourne and Sydney and with a country community feeling.

When their ship docked in Fremantle, the first impressions were not promising. It was 40 degrees, flies everywhere, and a skyline of galvanised iron woolsheds. Peter recounted how his mother thought they had ‘hit hell on earth’.

Klaus worked as a farm hand near Tumby Bay, embracing rural life as a way to immerse himself in Australian culture. Eventually the family settled in suburban Adelaide. Peter grew up in Beaumont, later buying his first home in Kensington Gardens, spending 30 years in Rostrevor before returning to Burnside more than two decades ago.

Klaus was naturalised as Australian in 1955. He did not seek dual citizenship.

For years, Klaus barely spoke about that period. ‘For a long time, my father did not talk about the past,’ Peter says. ‘He was future focused.’

‘As far as I am concerned, I am Australian,’ Peter recalls his father saying.

Peter, who had moved to Australia with his parents when he was only two years old, was also naturalised in 1955 at the same time as his mother and father.

Despite everything, Klaus did not abandon his cultural roots. He became Vice-President of the German Club of Adelaide and later President of the Bridge, a roof organisation for all the German speaking clubs in Australia. He was active in Rotary and later served as President. His contributions to preserving German language and culture in Australia were recognised with the Order of Australia Medal and Germany’s Federal Cross of Merit.

Peter says his father’s experiences shaped his outlook profoundly. During the early days of the Vietnam War, when some young Australians spoke of war with excitement, Klaus drew parallels with the atmosphere he had witnessed in Germany decades earlier. ‘That’s how things were in Germany too,’ Peter recalls him saying, a reminder of how easily collective enthusiasm can tip into something darker.

‘It proves there is no black and white. People behave in different ways depending on who they are with. I’ve always been wary of mob hysteria.’

When the Swiss archives contacted him decades later, Peter was astonished by the detail preserved in official records. ‘When I read all the information – it was just amazing,’ he says. Files revealed employment records and dates he had never known. A retired Lutheran priest near the border where refugees once crossed is now writing their histories - including Klaus’.

Today, Peter’s life is firmly rooted in Burnside. He is a member of the Burnside Bicycle User Group, State Coordinator for Mountain Bike Orienteering, and a familiar face walking his dog through Kensington Wama / Kensington Gardens Reserve. He joined Rotary after his father’s passing, continuing a thread that stretches back to Mannheim in the 1930s.

At 16, Peter returned to Switzerland for the first time, staying with friends who had once helped his father. Arriving at an alpine resort on a crystal-clear night with a full moon reflecting off snow-covered peaks, he felt ‘like I had died and gone to heaven.’ The experience sparked a lifelong love of skiing that continues to take him to Japan, Canada and Europe whenever he has the opportunity.

Klaus’ story began in upheaval, crossed mountains in darkness, and ended in quiet community service in suburban Adelaide. Through Hannah’s detective work and a letter from Switzerland, that journey has come full circle - from the Alps to Burnside.

The City of Burnside’s Historical and Cultural Officers are available to assist any person with an enquiry. To submit an enquiry via our website visit our website or stop by the Local History Room every Monday between 1.30 pm and 4.30 pm.

Peter and Hannah look over some of his parents documents and photos

Klaus Mayer (right)

Burnside’s biggest cosplay, fantasy, comic and gaming event is back, bigger than ever for 2026.

Following the massive success of the inaugural 2025 event, we’re rolling it back for round 2. Come on the day and geek-out to the best in gaming, anime and adventure that Adelaide has to offer.

Last year saw some of the state’s best cosplayers come together to show off their skills, and this year they’ll be back, showing off their newest creations.

23-year-old Jacob (a.k.a @jacobmakes_) who last year came as Warhammer 40K character Commander Farsight and this year will be in costume as the Scarlet Spider said he is keen for the event to kick off again. A member of the Adelaide-based Cosplay Club (@cos.play.club), Jacob said GeekFest is one of the few opportunities for the South Australian cosplay, gaming, anime and comic communities to come together and celebrate the shared love of their favourite past times.

‘I thought it [GeekFest 2025] was really well run, the turnout was amazing,’ Jacob said.

‘It was great to see so many people turn out in character and enjoy themselves, interacting with the local artists. The facilities and the interactive elements that were on show, it was uplifting to see a council get into the cosplay and indie art scene the way Burnside did.’

Jacob said with the scene growing and becoming more mainstream, it was great to have a local alternative with so many of the major conventions missing Adelaide in favour of the larger eastern cities.

‘There are definitely more people doing this, but Cosplay Club really is the only group that exists in Adelaide for it. It’s growing exponentially – I know so many people who have joined in the last year, our numbers have exploded. It’s getting really popular and being able to reach more people through free public events like this only helps exposure and growing the community.’

‘Everyone will be at GeekFest for the same reason; everyone wants to dress up and enjoy the art. You’re interacting with people who like and love the same things that you do, being able to share knowledge and talk to everyone about the costumes you want to make. It is such an inviting community, and everyone wants you to succeed.’

GeekFest 2026 is more than just an event - it’s an immersive experience filled with hands-on activities, interactive displays and the chance to meet fellow enthusiasts – and it’s FREE to attend.

Whether you're a hardcore gamer, an anime lover, or simply curious about the world of geek culture, this is your chance to dive in and explore.

Held at the Burnside Civic Centre on Saturday 11 April, 1 pm – 6 pm. GeekFest is free to attend. Learn more HERE

Jacob dressed as Scarlet Spider is all ready for GeekFest 2026

Left: Jacob dressed as Commander Farsight with two other cosplayers at GeekFest 2025

GeekFest hosts stalls from local artists and creators

There is also table top gaming including D&D workshops

And gaming tournaments

In recognition of International Women’s Day on 8 March, this week’s Windback Wednesday highlights some of the remarkable women in our City’s history who helped shape South Australia. From social reformers to pioneering artists and visionary winemakers, these women left lasting legacies—not only through major achievements, but also through small, everyday acts that brought people together.

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s social, cultural, economic, and political achievements, and a reminder of the ongoing work toward equality, respect, and opportunity for all. #IWD2026 #GiveToGain

To find out more about each of the women pictured here visit Celebrating Burnside’s Trailblazing Women - City of Burnside

Did you know Glenunga International High School used to be known as Adelaide Technical High School, which was the first technical high school in South Australia? Founded on the corner of North Terrace and Frome Street as the South Australian School of Mines in 1903, the school wanted entrants to be better qualified in chemistry, physics and maths than the usual high school to assist boys undergoing diploma courses in engineering and mining. Classes were also taught on woodworking, sheet metal work and fitting and turning.

From 1915 the school was expanded to include a commercial stream (mostly for female students) in addition to the technical stream. In 1918 the name was changed to Adelaide Technical High School or “Adelaide Tech”, and in 1963 the school was relocated to the current site at Glenunga.

With the shift in site, superintendence of the school was transferred from the Institute of Technology to the Department of Education. Adelaide Tech’s curriculum gradually shifted focus from technical skills to a more standardized high school curriculum, and in 1974 the school’s name was changed to Glenunga High School. In response to dwindling enrollment numbers in the 1980s, Glenunga High School introduced the International Baccalaureate program and, in 1992, underwent its final name change to the current Glenunga International High School.

Thank you to Graham Maguire, BHS member and Adelaide Tech alumni, for his assistance in creating this week’s Windback Wednesday.

Photo: Adelaide Technical High School, courtesy of Glenunga International High School.

Mayor Anne Monceaux brings you all the latest details from the Ordinary Council Meeting of February 2026, including adjustments to the 2025/26 budget, ongoing advocacy for additional State Government funding for libraries and more.

Did you know that Pembroke School was formed through the combination of two single-sex schools: Girton Girls’ and King’s College?

Following Girton Girls’ relocation to Kensington Park in 1927, the two schools shared social functions, and occasionally combined classes. This past collaboration, as well as the schools’ physical proximity meant that, when low enrolment numbers hit both Girton and King’s in the 1970s, a merger seemed like the logical choice.

The proposed amalgamation of Girton and King’s was announced in September 1973 and received an immediately positive response. Within three months, the new school had received over new 190 new enrolments, with an expected 774 Junior-Senior enrolments expected for the school’s official opening in 1974.

As the schools were already adjacent to each other, the merger to form Pembroke School was quite smooth. The former Girton campus was designated as Pembroke’s Junior and Senior Schools, while the King’s campus was designated as the Middle School.

In 1976, Pembroke instituted a Hearing Unit, allowing hearing-impaired students to be educated alongside their peers in a mainstream school, rather than being forced into a special education school as was common at the time. This program has continued into the present day, with 2026 marking 50 years of Pembroke School’s Hearing Unit.

Photographs: Pembroke Middle School Quad 1976 and 1984, courtesy of Pembroke School Archives.

Works are now underway on the redevelopment of the Kensington Wama / Kensington Gardens Reserve clubrooms, marking an exciting milestone for local sport and the wider community. With ground officially broken, construction has commenced on a brand-new clubroom facility on the same site as the original building. An official sod-turning event was held on 17 February 2026 to mark the commencement of works, attended by City of Burnside Mayor Anne Monceaux, Federal Member for Sturt, Claire Clutterham MP, The Hon Rhiannon Pearce MP, Minister for Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, and State Member for Dunstan, Cressida O’Hanlon MP

The new clubrooms will provide a modern, accessible home for Burnside Rugby Club and Kensington District Cricket Club, replacing facilities originally constructed in 1950 and 1970 that have reached the end of their usable life. Designed to meet contemporary standards, the redevelopment will support the current and future needs of the clubs while also enhancing the reserve for community use.

The majority of Kensington Wama / Kensington Gardens Reserve will remain open throughout construction, including the public toilets located next to the Burnside Adventure Playground. The project is expected to be completed by February 2027.

The redevelopment is being delivered through a combination of Council investment and State and Federal Government grant funding, highlighting a collaborative commitment to delivering high-quality community infrastructure. South Australian company Partek Construction & Interiors was appointed to deliver the works.

King’s College was an all-boy’s school which was founded in a collaborative effort between South Australia’s Baptist and Congregational Churches. Originally hoping for a location in Glenelg or Brighton, the school’s founder’s eventually settled on a location in Kensington Park, purchasing the historic home “Gwent”, situated on the corner of Shipsters Road and the Parade, in December 1923. The home was renovated in preparation for students: toilets and changerooms were added and the balcony was enclosed to provide a sleeping space for student boarders. The school also negotiated a partial lease of the nearby Kensington Oval for use in school sport and recreation.

King’s College was officially opened by the visiting Viscount Leverhulme on the 5^th of February 1924. At the time of opening, there were 56 boys enrolled in the school, including 20 boarders. By the end of 1924, enrollment had already increased to 83. The money to purchase the school was raised through donations from the Baptist Church, private investment and individual donations.

A portion of the funds for the school was also raised through the sale of the now-famous Green and Gold Cookery Book. Over 30 editions of the book have been published, selling tens of thousands of copies. By its 50^th Anniversary in 1973, the Green and Gold Cookery Book was priced at 95 cents, and had raised over $15,000 for the school.

In 1974, King’s College merged with Girton Girls’ School to create the co-educational Pembroke School.

Photographs: King’s College Campus 1968 and Campbell House King’s, courtesy of Pembroke School Archives.

Did you know that Pembroke School was originally founded through the combination of two separate single-sex schools merging into a single co-educational college?

One of these schools was Girton Girls’ School, which was founded by Lillie Smith in 1915. The school was originally located on Angas Street, Kent Town, but in 1925 it was relocated to the former home of James Holden in Kensington Gardens. At the time of the relocation, no purpose-built school buildings existed on the property, so classes were conducted in the former Holden residence, with some overflow classes even being held on the home’s verandah.

In the 1930s, Girton Girls’ School hosted an annual Mothers v. Daughters tennis match which was reported in local newspapers to be hotly contested.

In 1974, Girton Girls’ School merged with King’s College all-boys’ school to create the co-educational Pembroke School, with Pembroke’s junior and senior campuses situated on the former Girton Girls’ School site.

Photographs: Mother-Daughter Tennis Match 1937, courtesy of the National Library of Australia. Tuckshop at Girton 1973, courtesy of Pembroke School Archives.