What I’ve been up to… Edition 3, August 2024
Edition 3, August 2024
Newsletter Edition 3, August 2024
At the time of going to print it is early August and the SALA (South Australia Living Artists) Festival has just kicked off across South Australia. Something you might not know is that SALA is the largest open-access visual art festival in the world! We are very lucky in the City of Unley (and Goodwood Ward more specifically) to have an incredible representation of talented artists and I love spending August visiting local exhibitions and open studios to discover the incredible work of some of our local residents, in fact, the cover photo of this issue was taken at the open studio for Millswood resident Harvey Collins – an iconic artist with an incredible garden. I encourage you all to get involved with these opportunities right on our doorstep whenever you can.
What I’ve been up to…
After a dry start to Winter this year, we finally saw some rain which allowed our teams to start planting nearly 400 trees this season across the City of Unley – reflecting our commitment to a greener, healthier and more climate resilient city for generations to come.
Nearly two years into my term and it feels like time is flying by! In my newsletter I wrote about the recent birth of my daughter, Esther, and now she is turning one… As the months pass, I continue to learn more about the workings of local government and finding innovative ways to deliver outcomes for local residents and businesses.
I’ve been busy working with my colleagues on Council to achieve some great outcomes for Goodwood Ward, including:
Enhancing cycling and walking interfaces in Wayville and Goodwood along the Mike Turtur Bikeway.
Lowest rate increase of any Council in Greater Adelaide, below CPI. This has been a result of the prudent financial management of our Council and Administration.
Infrastructure improvements at Soutar Park, including refurbished furniture, watering facilities for the community orchard, and new bins to help with the management of dog waste.
Expanded irrigation and new lighting at Everard Park Reserve.
Increased service delivery levels along the Goodwood Road Business Precinct, improving the retail experience for local shoppers and businesses.
Continuing the Greening Verge Initiative, helping residents to improve the amenity of their neighbourhoods and increase biodiversity.
Community Champions
Local residents from Everard Park: Bruce, Colleen, Matt and Brian
“We love the area including the old houses along tree lined streets, walking distance to coffee shops including the Dear Daisy in Forestville, Goodwood Oval, the Capri Cinema, Unley Pool and Forestville Reserve. We also love walking our dog throughout the area. Most people who move here stay because of the sense of community.
Bruce and Colleen on what makes Goodwood Ward great.
I recently caught up with Bruce, Colleen, Matt and Brian from Everard Park to talk about their incredible contribution to the Everard Park Reserve; tending garden beds and advocating for improvements for the benefit of the neighbourhood. Colleen is an avid gardener and was one of the instigators of the reserve upgrade. A small grant from Council assisted Colleen with the purchase of hoses, fertilisers, mulch and more. Colleen was also responsible for creating the mosaic stepping stones in the garden bed. Colleen’s vision of creating a special place for children and families to gather has certainly eventuated!
How long have you lived in the area?
Matt: My wife Karen 2 sons and a daughter have lived in the area since July 2014.
Brian: Around 42 years.
Bruce and Colleen: 27 years.
What’s your favourite thing about the Everard Park Reserve?
Matt: It’s big enough to let our goldies run around and so flexible whether it be 15mins with the dogs or having a social occasion with the BBQ and playground.
Brian: Seeing it being used for birthdays, get-togethers, and also the disabled using the playground.
If others were looking to improve the amenity of their local reserve like you have, what advice would you have for them?
All: Get together with your like-minded neighbours and discuss what you want to achieve, then contact local Council to see what's possible.
What’s our favourite place to grab a takeaway dinner from in Goodwood Ward?
Matt: It’s got to be the Goody Hotel. We are regulars and love the atmosphere. Meals are good too.
Brian: Manee Siam Thai Restaurant, Goodwood Road.
And finally, what makes Goodwood Ward great?
Bruce and Colleen: We love the area including the old houses along tree lined streets, walking distance to coffee shops including Dear Daisy in Forestville, Goodwood Oval, the Capri Cinema, Unley Pool and Forestville Reserve. We also love walking our dog throughout the area. Most people who move here stay because of the sense of community.
Spotlight on local business
A Touch of Beauty, Goodwood Road
“I have been in business in the area for 37 years and love it. I love the community aspect and the people. I plan on staying in the area for many years to come!”
Joanna Collins AM, owner of A Touch of Beauty
A Touch Of Beauty has been a fixture of Goodwood Road for decades now and provides a wonderful range of beauty services for clients from not only nearby but further afield. In addition to being a local business owner, Joanna Collins AM is also a busy and dedicated philanthropist, she was honoured and very humbled to be appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for “significant service to the community through charitable initiatives”.
When did you start ATOB on Goodwood Road and what led you to get into the beauty sector?
A Touch Of Beauty opened it’s doors in 1987. I established the Spa to provide individual and holistic services to our guests in a relaxing environment. We are very much about clients first!
What is your favourite treatment offered by ATOB?
I enjoy all aspects of the salon, however one of my favourite treatments are the facials. We have an extensive menu of facial treatments.
What is the best local eatery to grab lunch from during a busy work day?
My absolute favourite local eatery is WHISK (located across the road from the salon) The owner Randy is a professional Chef, we love everything he offers at the store.
In addition to running your own successful business, you’re also a dedicated philanthropist. What cause are you most passionate about at the moment?
I support numerous philanthropic ventures, it is difficult to say which cause I am most passionate about as there are several. However, one comes to mind, I am an Ambassador and supporter of OzHarvest, a food rescue program started by founder Ronni Kahn AO in 2004. It’s aim is to reduce the huge volumes of food that go to waste across Australia, collecting it from commercial outlets and redistributing it to those most in need. My husband, Richard and I are now also funding a new OzHarvest supermarket in Adelaide to supply food free to those in need, good food which would normally go to waste. OzHarvest aims to halve food waste by 2030. To be able to play a small part in this is very rewarding.
And finally, what makes Goodwood Ward great?
Goodward Ward is great. I have been in business in the area for 37 years and love it. I love the community aspect and the people. I plan on staying in the area for many years to come!
Conversations with the community
I’ve been meeting with local residents about a range of issues including:
Car parking concerns and questions across the Ward.
Everard Park Reserve about how we can improve the space for everyone.
Practical solutions for managing waste at Soutar Park.
Making our roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Housing insecurity and how Council can use policy levers to address this and how short-stay accommodation (AirBnB etc) contributes to it.
Good to know
The City of Unley provides a range of amazing services for its residents and ratepayers, each issue of my newsletter I will highlight some of these services and provide helpful advice on how you can make the most of being a part of our great community.
Want to speak directly to the entire Council?
Is there a local issue you are particularly passionate about? Did you know that you can make a deputation at a Council Meeting to highlight this issue for Elected Members? To find out more search ‘Make a deputation, City of Unley' in your internet browser.
Give back to your community through volunteering
The City of Unley is incredibly fortunate to have approximately 250 inspiring, generous people volunteering their time and energy to support many of our programs and services. You can find out more about how you can support your community by volunteering by searching 'volunteering, City of Unley' in your internet browser.
Seen something you’d like Council to know about?
Have you spotted an issue such as graffiti, illegal parking, dumped rubbish, trip hazards or overgrown tree foliage? Do you need to request a tree inspection or report a missed bin collection? We’ve made reporting issues and requesting services within the City of Unley quick and easy through the ‘Snap, Send, Solve’ app. Download the free app by searching 'Snap, Send, Solve' wherever you get your apps or search 'Report an issue, City of Unley' in your internet browser.
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Have you got a local matter you’d like to discuss? Get in touch:
M: 0422 686 306