FOCUS On Burnside - the news hub

On Tuesday 16 December 2026 the City of Burnside unveiled the renewed Webb Street Reserve playground with a free event that hosted hundreds from the local community. With a face painting station, butterfly exhibit and a sausage sizzle put on by the Rotary Club of Burnside, this new community hub was put through its paces by an enthusiastic crowd of children ready to explore the new play equipment.

Created through a co-design process with community groups and local residents, the new butterfly-themed space went through numerous workshops in conjunction with Rose Park Preschool, Rose Park Norwood Scout Group and two open community workshops with members of Council’s Access and Inclusion Panel, before reaching its final design.

The co-design process also extended to hands-on planting sessions with local children from Rose Park Preschool and members of the Rose Park Norwood Scout Group helping to plant new garden beds as part of the playground upgrade, guided by Council’s Conservation and Parks teams with team members Joel, Lucy, Rob, and Rose talking through the options with the students. All plants used are endemic to the local area and were grown by Council’s Biodiversity team, selected to support the butterfly-themed playground by attracting butterflies and pollinators while being safe and well suited to the site.

A CreateSA funded mural by artist James Smith was also painted on site, adding a vibrant finishing touch to the butterfly-themed space.

Co-design is an approach where the City of Burnside works alongside residents and community groups from the outset, ensuring local knowledge and lived experience help shape projects that matter to the community. By involving people throughout the process, co-design leads to more practical outcomes and strengthens trust between Council and the community.

Building on the success of Webb Street Reserve, Council will continue to use co-design in future projects, including upcoming upgrades at Main Street Reserve, Eastwood, and Glenunga Reserve, Glenunga. Design for both sites is scheduled for 2026/27, with construction planned for 2027/28. Please subscribe to engage.burnisde if you would like to be involved in future co-design projects.

Webb St Reserve playground

Council’s Conservation and Parks team members Joel, Lucy, Rob and Rose chat with local students

Citizen of the Year: Dr Jennifer Foreman

Dr Jennifer Foreman works tirelessly to promote a better world for women and girls through her leadership, advocacy, and service with Zonta International. Passionate, driven and inspiring, Jennifer is a respected mentor whose enthusiasm and commitment are deeply valued by those she supports.

Jennifer currently serves as Zonta Area 2 Director for South Australia and, in July 2026, will take on the role of Lieutenant Governor of District 23, covering South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. She is an active member of the Zonta Adelaide Torrens Club and strongly supports fundraising and service initiatives that make a tangible difference to women and girls. These include assistance for women and children escaping domestic violence, the provision of breast cushions for cancer patients at Burnside Hospital, the preparation of birthing kits for women living in low-resource settings, and funding programs that improve access to education and leadership opportunities for girls and young women.

Jennifer is an outstanding citizen whose leadership, compassion, and community commitment enrich the City of Burnside.

Dr Jennifer Foreman

Highly Commended: Andrew Hillier

Andrew has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the local community through long-standing service and leadership. He has served as a Zone Leader for Linden Park Neighbourhood Watch for 35 years, and in most committee roles including Area Coordinator and is a former City of Burnside councillor, contributing significantly to youth development and local governance.

Andrew is also a co-founder, key driver, and lead negotiator behind the establishment of the Laural Avenue Pirkurna Wirra / Peter Bennet Organic Community Garden, which officially opened on 2 December 2021. His vision and dedication were instrumental in transforming the site into a thriving community asset. He also played a pivotal role in the establishment and ongoing development of the Linden Park Community Garden Association Inc, which has grown to more than 50 active members.

Highly Commended: Robert Hilditch

Robert has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to volunteering within the City of Burnside. He has volunteered with the Burnside Shed program for over 15 years and has been an active contributor to the Men’s Breakfast program since its commencement in 2014, continuing his involvement to this day.

In addition, Robert has generously given his time to the local graffiti removal team and has supported various local sporting organisations. Through his consistent and practical volunteer contributions, Rob has helped strengthen community wellbeing, pride and connection across the local area.

Young Citizen of the Year: Tom Edwards

Tom is a tireless volunteer and leader of the Glenunga Rams Football Club. After seven years contributing socially, he joined the committee as Secretary five years ago and has served as President for the past two years. He now helps manage a club fielding three men’s teams, one women’s team, and more than 30 junior teams.

Tom is particularly proud of the growth of the junior girls’ football program, which now supports more than 200 girls each week. Under his leadership, Glenunga established its first Women’s Team in 2025, which went on to win the Premiership in its inaugural season. Many junior girls have since progressed to SANFL level, with one now playing AFL, including Glenunga players serving as captain and vice-captain of the South Australian Under 18 Girls Team.

Tom has strengthened the club’s community engagement through initiatives such as Indigenous and ANZAC Day guernseys, commemorative presentations, and premiership reunions celebrating the club’s rich history.

Tom Edwards

Active Citizen of the Year: Pauline Silins

As Secretary of the Friends of the Rose Park Memorial Commemoration Committee, Pauline has made an outstanding contribution to the community through long-standing volunteer service and leadership.

Pauline plays a central role in coordinating the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Rose Park, a tradition held at the site since 1919. Pauline has been involved in the service for 20 years, including through the Burnside-Prospect RAAF Association and now the Friends Committee, working closely with the City of Burnside. Pauline manages key administrative and planning responsibilities and advocates for the ongoing care of the Memorial, ensuring this important commemorative tradition continues for future generations.

Pauline Silins

Welcome to our new citizens!

Congratulations to the 91 new Australian citizens who on January 26 took their Citizenship Pledge at the City of Burnside Australia Day ceremony to officially become members of the Australian community.

Joining us from 24 countries, the conferees ranged from ages three to 73!

Mayor Anne Monceaux brings you all the latest details from the first council meeting of 2026, including the adoption of the Open Space Plan. We also reflect back on our Australia Day event and catch up with Pippa who runs our Building Conservation Advisory Service (BCAS). Find out more about the BCAS at https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Planning-Business/Heritage/Building-Conservation-Advisory-Service

Did you know Norwood International High School was located in Norwood for only five years, and has been located within the City of Burnside since 1915?

Officially opened at Osmond Terrace, Norwood on 25 January 1910, Norwood District High School moved to a new site on Lossie Street, Kensington Park in 1915, when enrolment numbers outgrew the original school building.

Enrolment numbers increased again following the post-WW2 population boom and, seeking further space, Norwood High School began the move to its current location at 505 The Parade, Magill. The move was gradual, taking place over almost three years, until it was finalised in late 1962.

In 1993, Norwood High School amalgamated with Morialta High School to form the dual-campus Norwood Morialta High School. Middle school classes were held at the Morialta campus in Rostrevor, while high school classes were held at Magill. The combined school was one of the largest public schools in Australia, with 1434 students enrolled from Years 8 to 13 in its first year. Since 1996 the school has followed the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, and in 2022 it adopted the Diploma Program for senior students. Following this, Norwood Morialta High School consolidated into a single campus at the Magill site and became known as Norwood International High School.

Photographs: Norwood High School Lossie Street site 1920, and Magill site 1963. Courtesy of ‘We Came to Norwood High’, compiled by Norwood High School for 75th Anniversary celebrations in 1985, Burnside Local History Collection.

For many small businesses in Burnside, the year can feel like a rollercoaster. One season you’re working late and struggling to keep up, the next, you’re watching the phone a little too closely and wondering what changed.

Seasonal fluctuations are a normal part of doing business, where demand is shaped by school terms, summer events, holidays and community rhythms. But without a plan, those ups and downs can quickly turn into stress, rushed decisions, or cash-flow pressure.

The team at the Eastern Business Advisory is here to help. Eastern Business Advisory is a 2024 initiative of the Eastern Region Alliance Councils, a partnership of eastern metropolitan councils working together to strengthen their communities and regional economy. The program supports eligible small businesses by providing access to expert, one-on-one business advice across a range of development areas.

Full of handy tips and suggestions, the Eastern Business Advisory team has published a new article on their website to help businesses tackle these seasonal issues - ‘How to Plan for Seasonal Fluctuations in Sales (Without the Panic)’, is designed to help local business owners make sense of the highs and lows. It shares practical, real-world strategies to prepare for busy periods, make better use of quieter months and create a steadier business rhythm across the year.

The article also highlights the free, confidential support available through the Eastern Business Advisory (EBA) program, which connects local businesses with experienced advisors who understand the realities of operating in Eastern Adelaide.

Read the full article at:
https://www.easternbusinessadvisory.sa.gov.au/blog

St Patrick's Special School was originally established in 1944 next to St Patrick's Church on Grote Street. The school was founded as part of Father Russell's desire to facilitate the schooling of children who struggled with the standardised curriculum, providing a specialised education which allowed individual children to learn at their own pace.

The campus was moved to a prefabricated building on West Terrace from 1951 until 1969, when it moved to its current location at the former St Peter Claver Primary School on Warwick Avenue, Dulwich. The new school site included three classrooms, multi-use tennis/basketball courts, a hall and $500 worth of gymnastics equipment donated by the Lions Club of Adelaide Light.

Demand for enrolment was high and the school's waitlist was quickly overwhelmed. In 1975, leadership was overtaken by the Josephite order and one of the most well-known principals of the time was Sister Genevieve Secker. By 1978, the school had 37 students aged from 5 to 16 who were struggling to learn in a leaky building with no heating or air conditioning. As the school wasn't funded by the Catholic Church, teachers, students and families fundraised $43,700 to upgrade the school's facilities. In 1982 new school buildings were constructed, with further renovations undertaken in 1985.

In July 2001, the school transferred from the Josephite's leadership to lay principals appointed by the Catholic Education Office. Today St Patrick's Special School educates up to 50 students across seven classrooms, with small class sizes ensuring each student receives specialised attention catering to their individual education needs.

Photograph: Sister Genevieve Secker with students at St Patrick’s Special School, September 1978. Courtesy of The Advertiser and the Burnside Local History Collection.

Did you know St Peter's Girls' School was originally established on Kermode Street, North Adelaide in 1894? In 1947, the Community of the Sisters of the Church, which ran the school, agreed to sell the school's property to the adjoining Adelaide Children's Hospital. However the sale could not be completed until a replacement school was constructed.

In 1949 the Sisters purchased Chiverton House and the surrounding nine acres of land, which had been bequeathed to the City of Burnside by previous owner Effie Ferguson following her death earlier that year.

It took some time for the new site to be ready for students, and in 1957 St Peter's Girls' School ended its 62 year history at the Kermode Street site and commenced operations at its current home in Stonyfell. The Community of the Sisters of the Church continued to run the school until 1986m when superintendence was transferred to a Board of Governors.

Photographs: St Peter's Girls' School circa 1957, St Peter's Girl's School circa 1960s, St Peter's Girls' School chapel circa 1960s. Courtesy of St Peter's Girls' School.

Across Burnside, residents and local businesses are embracing South Australia’s clean energy future by choosing local solar technology and accessing the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Battery Program.

Burnside’s Community Renewables Program Takes Off!

Council’s Community Renewables Program helps residents and businesses install solar and battery systems at their properties. The program offers exclusive deals with a trusted local supplier and aims to make the transition to clean energy easier, helping the community reduce energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable future.

As part of the program, Adelaide-based manufacturer Tindo Solar is offering a special ‘Burnside-only’ package to support residents and businesses making the switch to clean energy. The offer includes:

• A free upgrade to premium all-black solar panels (valued at around $400)

• A free installation warranty upgrade to 10 years (valued at around $750)

• An exclusive solar system discount for Burnside customers (average $513 value)

• An additional $250 off Tindo’s best available price on German-made sonnen batteries

• A dedicated service line and priority support for Burnside customers

• Access to Government rebates, flexible payment options and the ability to join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) for additional savings!

Together, these benefits provide over $1,900 in added value for Burnside residents and businesses.

Through Council’s Community Renewables Program, dozens of Burnside households have already chosen Adelaide-based manufacturer Tindo Solar to install Australian-made solar panels. The initiative is helping residents lower their energy bills while supporting South Australian jobs and local manufacturing.

To date, more than 100 Burnside households have invested over $2.3m in tailored energy solutions comprising nearly 1,500 locally manufactured solar panels and over 1.4MW of battery storage.

Beulah Park residents Simran and Stuart said the decision to upgrade their old system with a battery, inverter and new panels was an easy one.

‘It was all about making our system more efficient and reducing our power bills,’ they said.

Curious to see how Tindo’s solar panels are made?

Join Council’s factory tour on Thursday 11 December for a behind-the-scenes look at solar panel manufacturing in action. Participants will have the chance to see the production process up close, hear from local solar experts, and learn how this South Australian manufacturer is helping drive the shift toward circular, low-carbon industries.

Join one of two free factory tours on 11 December, an afternoon session at 2 pm or an evening session at 6.30 pm, at Tindo’s Mawson Lakes facility. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.

A courtesy bus from the Civic Centre will be available for a small number of attendees, so be sure to register early!

To register or learn more:

• Visit burnside.sa.gov.au/community-renewables or

• Call Tindo Solar directly on 1300 846 367.

Beulah Park residents Stuart and Simran with their daughters.

An institution of the City of Burnside since 1966, the George Bolton Swimming Centre has long been woven into the fabric of Burnside community life. For nearly six decades, the pool has been the backdrop to countless childhood summers, school carnivals and family picnics

Almost everyone can recall a story connected to GBSC, the joy of your first swimming lessons, the refreshing relief from a 40-degree day, or that one time you got incredibly sunburnt.

Finn is a Burnside local with a rich history at the pool. As a Year 7 student in 2014 at Burnside Primary School, Finn was part of the cohort that created the vibrant ocean mosaic that still brightens the wall beside the toddler pool. Today, more than a decade later, he has come full circle, serving as one of GBSC’s dedicated lifeguards and helping to keep the next generation of swimmers safe.

If you would like to see the mosaic for yourself or enjoy a swim in the beautiful waters of the George Bolton Swimming Centre, the 2025/26 season concludes on Sunday 26 April 2026. For information on swimming lessons, lap lane availability, AquaFit or many of the other activities at George Bolton Swimming Centre, visit our website for opening hours and plan your next trip.

Finn and the mosaic at George Bolton Swimming Centre

Tour Down Under Coming to Magill The Santos Tour Down Under is rolling into the City of Burnside, bringing world-class cycling, big crowds and plenty of buzz!

As riders from across the globe race through our streets, they’ll be showcasing our city’s natural beauty, vibrant communities and local spirit to an international audience. It’s a chance to cheer on elite athletes, soak up the festival atmosphere and celebrate one of South Australia’s most iconic sporting events.

Women’s Stage 2 will kick off at 11.10 am on Sunday 18 January 2026 from Magill, with riders tackling a challenging course as they climb mountains and power through sprint sections on their way to Paracombe. Spectators can expect plenty of excitement as the race bursts into action right here in our backyard.

Magill in Motion

Magill in Motion is the Magill Village family zone and is the perfect place to enjoy a morning of family-friendly activities. Located right next to the start line of the race, Magill in Motion will feature a range of free entertainment and experiences for all ages to enjoy. Families can take part in arts and crafts workshops, get creative with hands-on activities and enjoy colourful face painting. The Rotary Club of Burnside will be firing up the barbecue, offering a delicious range of food and refreshments throughout the morning.

This vibrant hub celebrates the wider Magill Village precinct, including the much-loved Pepper Street Arts Centre, local traders and community spaces that make the area so special. Designed to be accessible and welcoming for all, Magill in Motion provides the perfect spot to relax, connect and celebrate community spirit while cheering on the world’s best cyclists as they set off.

Proudly presented by the City of Burnside and the City of Campbelltown, this event highlights the strong partnership between the two councils in supporting healthy, active and connected communities. Join us at Magill Village and be part of the morning celebrations!

To download the full Tour Down Under Women's Stage 2 map, visit the Tour Down Under website.