Marino Community Garden Celebrates 10 Years

Marino Community Garden recently celebrated a very special milestone, marking 10 years of growing food, friendships and community.

Our anniversary celebration was a wonderful success, bringing together current members, past members and supporters to reflect on how far the garden has come. Congratulations to the original garden members whose vision and determination created this much-loved community space.

The journey began well before the first vegetables were planted. After four years of negotiations with the City of Marion, construction of the community garden beds and planting of the orchard began in 2016. Ten years later, the garden has flourished into a vibrant community with 31 members, thriving vegetable plots and a productive orchard. As membership has grown, so too has the sense of connection, shared knowledge and community spirit.

Our 10th anniversary celebration, held in April 2026, was blessed with perfect weather. Guests enjoyed delicious food from the 5049 Coastal Community BBQ van while live music by Rob Rowland provided the soundtrack to a relaxed and festive afternoon. We sincerely thank the City of Marion for their Event Grant, which helped make the celebration possible.

It was especially rewarding to welcome many former members back to the garden. They were delighted to see how much the garden has grown and were full of praise for its continued expansion, care and maintenance over the past decade.

The occasion was also recognised by Green Adelaide, which presented Marino Community Garden with a 10-Year Certificate and a commemorative garden book in recognition of the garden’s contribution to the local community.

Become Part of the Garden

Marino Community Garden is located on Newland Avenue, Marino, South Australia.

We hold regular working bees, social mornings and produce swaps, creating plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people, learn new gardening skills and enjoy being part of the community.

New members are always welcome. Annual membership fees vary depending on the membership type.

To find out more, visit our Facebook page or email us.

Why not come along and meet us? We’d love to see you at one of our regular working bees on the third Sunday of every month.

Help Keep Our Local Railway Stations Blooming with Rail Care SA

Every day, hundreds of people begin and end their journey at one of the three railway stations within the 5049 Coastal Community. Whether they’re heading to work, school, an appointment or a day out in the city, these stations are more than just places to catch a train. They are part of the neighbourhood.

A well-maintained station with colourful gardens, healthy shrubs and trees and welcoming public spaces can brighten someone’s morning in ways we often don’t realise. It creates a sense of pride, encourages respect for the space, and reminds commuters that people in the local community care.

That’s exactly what Rail Care SA is all about.

What is Rail Care SA?

Rail Care SA is a volunteer program led by Public Transport South Australia that brings local communities together to care for railway station environments across the Adelaide metropolitan rail network.

The program supports volunteers in creating attractive, welcoming station precincts through activities such as:

• Gardening and maintaining garden beds
• Planting flowers, shrubs and native species
• Keeping weeds down
• Public art and beautification projects
• Community engagement and neighbourhood pride

No special gardening experience is required. Whether you’re an experienced green thumb or simply enjoy spending time outdoors with others, Rail Care offers an enjoyable way to contribute to your local community.

Three Stations, Three Active Volunteer Groups

The 5049 Coastal Community is fortunate to have three railway stations, each with its own active Rail Care volunteer group.

Seacliff Railway Station

Seacliff Railway Station, which straddles Wheatland Avenue, is known for its many mature plantings and established shrubs and trees. The volunteers help preserve the station’s leafy character, ensuring it remains an attractive gateway to the suburb.

Marino Railway Station

Marino Railway Station has recently received several significant upgrades, including improved lighting, a new 24-hour emergency phone and ten live security cameras covering the platform, underpass and car park.

Alongside these infrastructure improvements, the Rail Care volunteers continue to maintain the gardens and surrounding landscape, helping create a station that feels welcoming as well as safe.

Marino Rocks Railway Station

Marino Rocks Railway Station has seen many new plantings established in recent years. The gardens continue to grow and flourish thanks to the ongoing care provided by local Rail Care volunteers, adding colour and greenery to one of the most scenic sections of Adelaide’s rail network.

Small Efforts That Make a Big Difference

It’s easy to underestimate the impact of a few hours spent weeding, pruning or planting flowers.

Every tidy garden bed, freshly mulched tree and colourful display is seen by hundreds of commuters every day. Those moments of greenery can make waiting for a train just a little more pleasant. They help create stations that people respect and enjoy using.

Volunteering also offers benefits that extend beyond the gardens themselves.

Many Rail Care volunteers enjoy:

• Meeting neighbours and making new friends
• Spending time outdoors
• Gentle physical activity
• Learning about plants and gardening
• Contributing to a healthier, more attractive neighbourhood
• Taking pride in improving a shared community space

The friendships formed while working together are often just as rewarding as the gardening itself.

Looking for a Meaningful Way to Get Involved?

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure where to start, Rail Care SA offers a welcoming and practical way to become involved in your local community.

To become a Rail Care volunteer, you’ll first need to register with Rail Care SA through the Adelaide Metro website. Once you’re registered, you’ll be connected with your local volunteer group and provided with the information you need to get started.

You can also keep an eye out for the Rail Care flags at Seacliff, Marino or Marino Rocks railway stations. When the volunteers are working, they’re always happy to stop for a chat, explain what they do, and answer any questions you may have about getting involved.

Whether you live in Seacliff, Kingston Park, Marino, Marino Rocks or elsewhere in the 5049 Coastal Community, there’s a volunteer group nearby that would love an extra pair of hands.

Every flower planted, every weed removed, every garden maintained and every hour volunteered helps create railway stations that reflect the pride our community has in where we live.

After all, beautiful public spaces don’t happen by accident. They grow because local people care.

Interested in joining?

Visit Rail Care SA to register and learn more about becoming a volunteer

One Year On: Celebrating a Thriving First Year at Marino Community Hall

It’s hard to believe that a full year has passed since the doors of the new Marino Community Hall were officially opened to the community. The hall is located at 44 Newland Avenue, Marino, South Australia.

On 28 June 2025, more than 800 people gathered to celebrate the opening of the redeveloped hall, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Marino’s most cherished community spaces. The day showcased local creativity, community spirit and connection, with performances, exhibitions, demonstrations and activities bringing people together from across the 5049 area.

Today, one year later, the hall has well and truly become what it was designed to be: a vibrant hub where people of all ages can connect, learn, create, exercise and celebrate.

A Hall Full of Life

Walk through the doors on any day of the week and you’ll find the hall buzzing with activity. Especially with the successful launch of the Little Nest Cafe open 7 mornings a week

Creative locals gather each Monday for the Marion Art Group studio sessions, while yoga, Pilates and fitness classes help residents stay active and connected. Children and teenagers can build confidence and fitness through Aerokids, while families enjoy the weekly playgroup that welcomes parents, grandparents and caregivers with young children.

The hall also hosts strength and mobility classes for older adults, dance fitness programs, meditation and wellbeing sessions, community theatre rehearsals and performances with Venture Theatre, and a range of special events throughout the year.

What makes Marino Community Hall special is the diversity of activities taking place under one roof. On any given week, you might find artists painting, children dancing, neighbours exercising together, performers rehearsing, or community groups meeting and planning their next project.

More Than a Building

The original Marino Hall served the community faithfully for decades. While the building has changed, its purpose remains exactly the same.

The new facility continues the tradition of bringing people together, providing a welcoming place where friendships are formed, skills are shared, and community connections grow stronger. The redevelopment has created a modern, accessible venue that will serve Marino and surrounding suburbs for generations to come.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this first anniversary, we extend our thanks to everyone who has supported the hall during its first year, including volunteers, community groups, instructors, hirers, committee members, Little Nest Cafe and the many local residents who have embraced the new space.

If you haven’t visited yet, now is the perfect time to see what’s happening. Whether you’re interested in joining an activity, attending an event, catching up in the cafe for breakfast or lunch or simply meeting new people, there is something for everyone at Marino Community Hall.

To find out what’s happening at the hall, visit the Marino Community Hall website.

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport will be installing new traffic signals at the junction of Brighton Road and Ocean Boulevard and Scholefield Road in Seacliff Park to improve accessibility and safety for all road users, pedestrians and cyclists. They are seeking feedback on the current concept design. Community feedback is open until 5pm, Friday 3 July 2026.

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport will be installing new traffic signals at the junction of Brighton Road and Ocean Boulevard and Scholefield Road in Seacliff Park to improve accessibility and safety for all road users, pedestrians and cyclists. They are seeking feedback on the current concept design.

Design features include:

• Installation of new traffic signals, including Pedestrian Actuated (push button) Crossing signals.
• Extension and duplication of the left-hand turning lanes from Scholefield Road onto Brighton Road.
• Extension of the right-hand turn lane from Brighton Road into Scholefield Road.
• New and upgraded pedestrian and cyclist pathways and connections.
• Landscaping.

The upgrade will support the new Seacliff Village development which is proposed to provide around 700 new dwellings, across a mix of townhouses and apartments, as well as a new town centre that will be developed adjacent Scholefield Road.

Design, planning and survey activities will continue through 2026 with construction expected to commence in 2027.

A Green Adelaide Grassroots grant in 2024 has made possible very interesting transformations for the disused netball court at McConnell reserve west.

The grant funded the installation of sixteen wicking beds placed on the old court to showcase local bush tucker plants supplied by Warraparinga Cultural Centre and native coastal shrubs. Surrounding the court, the Hilltop Hub volunteers along with Marion Council staff have also planted a diverse range of native coastal shrubs

The grant included a 6 metre long concrete path to enable easier wheelchair and walking frame access.

A significant outcome in 2025 was the signing of the DOA with Marion Council to create the McConnell Community Native Garden.

The grant has been the catalyst for many other benefits: increased community recognition with the popular Neighbour Day picnic each March, involvement with other gardening groups, educational workshops and an arts grant.

The grant and the volunteers’ hard work have succeeded in increasing the biodiversity of flora and fauna of McConnell reserve into a cooler, greener space for the enjoyment of the community.

The 5049 Coastal Community Association has lodged its formal submission on the City of Holdfast Bay’s Draft 2026-27 Annual Business Plan, offering a range of observations and recommendations on behalf of the Seacliff and Kingston Park community.

Rates and Financial Position

The Association acknowledges the Essential Services Commission SA’s broadly favourable assessment of the Business Plan and welcomes the improvement in Council’s Net Financial Liabilities ratio, which has reduced from 111% to 97%.

However, we note that the proposed rate rise of 6.6% exceeds the 5.4% figure previously advised to the commission. We reiterate its recommendation that a rate cap of less than 10% be introduced and applied automatically — consistent with the approach taken by other South Australian councils.

Capital Investment in Seacliff and Kingston Park

A significant concern raised in the submission is the limited prospect of new capital projects in the Seacliff Ward over the next three to five years, reflecting the financial pressures associated with the Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg project.

Against this backdrop we are calling for Stage 2 of Seacliff Plaza to be designated as Council’s top funding priority. The project would deliver improved beach access, greening, and a more cohesive public precinct — completing a vision already outlined in Council’s existing Masterplan.

Kingston Park Coastal Reserve and Other Priorities

The submission welcomes news that Tulukutangga (Kingston Park Coastal Reserve) Masterplan is approaching Ministerial approval, while noting the substantial funding gap. The gap is estimated at $5–10 million against the $700,000 currently available, this will need to be bridged for works to proceed. We are hopeful that State and Federal funding can be secured to progress key elements, including the restoration of the Tjilbruke Spring.

Other matters addressed in the submission include the Brighton Road tree replacement program, the proposed relocation of the Rifles Monument, community project suggestions for Seacliff Plaza and Singleton Bridge, and the long-term reimagining of Brighton Village and Brighton Road.

Read the Full Submission Here

On Sunday April 12th a bunch of garden enthusiasts braved a cold windy morning at the garden to be inspired by a seed propagation workshop.

It was ably led by Natt Giffney from Green Adelaide and Glenn Christie from Succession Ecology. They demonstrated a variety of different native seeds and various ways to collect them. They then planted 6 rows of different seeds and also showed us how to water them.

We were told both the botanical name in latin and the common name in English .
The seeds included mealy saltbush, boobiala, black-headed grass, old man saltbush, native juniper and coastal seaberry. Some have already sprouted and will be planted out into small pots and eventually into the garden.

If you would like to come to further workshops at the garden please email hilltophubatmcconnell@gmail.com

Sunshine, laughter, guitar music, sizzling sausages, scarecrows, roses, conversations and native plants all came together to make a wonderful Neighbour Day at McConnell Community Native Garden on Sunday 29th March.

Young children were entranced by the Kpop queen, Rumi and families made amazing scarecrows from straw and recycled clothing. Others focussed on chalk drawn mandalas on the ashphalt surround the wicking beds.

Neighbours new and old enjoyed each other’s company and enthusiastically bought raffle tickets to win local restaurant vouchers, plants, flowers, garden essentials, or home made preserves. Everyone relished the delicious BBQ sausages and veggie kebabs cooked to perfection by the 5049 volunteers from the Neighbour Trailer.

Local, state and federal politicians visited to enjoy the festivities as well as to admire the native garden progress and meet over 150 locals.
Congratulations to everyone involved and thanks to the City of Marion events grant, which made for a very successful and well attended event.

Our local community rallied at short notice over the March long weekend and were successful in saving the reserve again, after Counsellor Crossland made another attempt to cash in community land.

Thank you to the many councillors who did not support this motion and the community who rallied for a cause.  It’s so important to keep community land in community hands

Congratulations to our beautiful Marino community for sticking up for public land

We look forward to celebrating with you at our Neighbour Day picnic on March 29th.  All welcome.

After a successful pop up playgroup day held in October 2025, local parents have established an ongoing playgroup in Marino.

The playgroup is at the Marino Community Hall on Tuesdays from 10am – 11.30am.

The playgroup is free with no booking required – just turn up. There will be a Playgroups SA QR code on the day for free registration.

The 5049 Coastal Community Association supported the group in its first month while it was getting established and will continue that support in March and April 2026.

Nest Kiosk and Little Nest cafe are sponsoring the playgroup in February 2026.

Thank you to these wonderful local sponsors who are covering the cost of room hire and keeping the playgroup free for families.

In the early stage of the playgroup, toys and play items are not yet established so feel free to bring something to play with together. BYO snacks for your child(ren) – please be conscious of allergens.

The Marino Community Hall has toilets, baby change table and is a pram and wheelchair friendly venue.

Playgroup is for mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers with their babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers (aged 0-6 years). It is a great way for your child(ren) to learn about the world, make friends and develop social skills. Playgroup also gives mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers a chance to share parenting experiences. Many long-term friendships for both children and adults begin at playgroup.

Parents, grandparents and caregivers are encouraged to come along and share their ideas about how they’d like to see the playgroup be run. Volunteers to keep the playgroup going are needed – so be sure to chat with the team while you’re there about your ideas and ability to be involved (no previous experience necessary).

Local families are invited to drop in and find out more about what the playgroup offers.