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.

The 2025-26 Business Plan (Budget) for Holdfast Bay was approved at the Council Meeting on 22 July.

Apart from co-funding further upgrades to the Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club the Plan does not include any projects in Seacliff and Kingston Park due to the funding obligations for the Transforming Jetty Road project.

In our Business Plan Submission 5049 Coastal Community listed a number of projects in Seacliff and Kingston Park that we would like to see progressed in the longer term for the benefit of the local community. This includes Stage 2 of the Seacliff Plaza which would include better beach access and beautification of the Plaza, Esplanade and Wheatland St roundabout as per Council’s Draft Masterplan.

Other projects which your committee supports are the installation of fairy lights on the four large palm trees at Seacliff Plaza, Indigenous artwork on the Singleton Bridge in Kingston Park and, in the much longer term, the re-imaging of Brighton Road/Village.

We have encouraged Council to attempt to secure government funding for these projects in the lead up to the 2026 State election.

Alternatively, or in addition, Council could include one or more of these projects in the 2026-27 Business Plan as “additional community projects.”

There have been 2 instances (18th November, 4th February) in the past months when the levels of dust recorded at the Linwood Quarry TEOM dust monitors exceeded the maximum allowed 24 hour average of 50mg per cubic metre.

Dust levels recently have been concerningly high. As an example during the 6 day period 3rd to 8th Feb the average recorded at the Marino monitor was 41.8 (see attached graph). Crushing activities are not isolated to weekdays! There are a number of homes located within 200 metres of the crushing plant, the main source of dust emanating from the quarry.

Particulate matter in the atmosphere poses a very significant health hazard – with symptoms often not evident for many years. Dust is recognised as a major contributor to lung and heart disease.
Our new local member of State Parliament Rt Hon Mr A Dighton has been informed about the issue and has passed on those concerns.

The issue of dust generation at the Boral Linwood Quarry has been ongoing for many years. It would seem that unless there is significant community action there will be no change for the better.

As a call to action, take the time to voice your concern by emailing:

black@parliament.sa.gov.au (Mr. Dighton)

community@boral.com.au (Boral)

and cc marinodust@gmail.com.au as well.

Communities working collaboratively get results as has been seen with Darren Balhache’s fine work towards upgrades at the Marino Railways Station and Scholefield Road intersection.

Peter Melnyk

melnpe55@gmail.com
0417829201

Construction of the Seacliff Amenities Block has been completed and was opened to the public in early November 2024. It is the first stage in the redevelopment of Seacliff Plaza and replaces the old, unsightly toilet block at the same location.

The new amenities building is located on the same level as the footpath and includes:

• 5 unisex toilets
• 1 disability toilet and shower
• Outdoor public shower area and handwashing station
• New beach access ramps for pedestrians and surf club vehicles
• Upgrade of the immediate area with continuous widened footpaths to improve access to the amenities area

The official opening of the Kingston Park (Nest) Kiosk was held on 4 April with a commemorative plaque unveiled by Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson. In attendance at the ceremony were Liberal leader David Speirs, Seacliff Ward councillors Amanda Bradshaw, Clare Lindop and Susan Lonie, and Nest owner Tom Rodger. The 5049 Coastal Community Association was represented by Libby Creegen, Ali Cormack and Ian Young. The association was acknowledged for its efforts in helping bring the project to fruition.

The new Kingston Park Kiosk (“Nest”) is now open!

Your Association worked tirelessly over eight years lobbying and working with Council to have a permanent cafe built to serve local residents, caravan park patrons, and visitors. We are very pleased with result.

The Kiosk is open from 7am to 3pm and patronage, as expected, has been excellent.

Dinners, themed evening events, private functions are being planned.

Visit the Nest Kiosk website for more info, including the breakfast and luncheon menus.

Construction of the new kiosk at Kingston Park is proceeding on schedule.

Structural steel is in place and carpentry has started.

Completion and handover to the operators, Celler Door, is scheduled for early December with the kiosk expected to open in January.

We can’t wait!

The Neighbour Trailer made its inaugural outing to the 5th birthday celebrations of the Seacliff Produce Swap at Wheatland Reserve, and it was a hit with the community. As they swapped their home-grown
produce, locals were treated to a hearty brunch of sausage and veggie sizzles cooked up on the trailer’s BBQ.

The 5049CC Neighbour Trailer is now available for hire to volunteers, residents, and community groups. Equipped with a BBQ, three sinks, two eskies, and a solar-powered refrigerator, the trailer is perfect for
community events and gatherings of all sizes. All that is needed is a flat space to park the trailer on private land. For larger events, permission needs to be sought from the relevant council, so advanced notice is needed.

Operated by a friendly team of volunteers, the Neighbour Trailer is a great way to bring communities together. Whether it’s a street party, a community fundraiser, or a family gathering, the trailer is a fun and practical way to serve up food and drinks.

Funding for the Neighbour Trailer came from a Commonwealth Stronger Communities grant in 2022, which has allowed the trailer to become a reality.

The Neighbour Trailer is a fantastic initiative that promotes community engagement and brings people together in a fun and practical way. Book it now for your next community event and see the difference it can make!

UPDATE June 2023: Social Scrabble on pause.

Thank you to all those who attended Social Scrabble, to Marino Rocks Social for providing the space for these events and to Scrabble SA for the boards and scoresheets.    Social scrabble at Marino Rocks Social is on pause for now.  For more places to play, see scrabblesa.com.                       

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In a sunny room filled with rotating boards, local players recently gathered for an afternoon of friendly Scrabble competition and mental exercise. The event catered to players of all levels, who were paired with comparable opponents for a stimulating and challenging experience.

Participants enjoyed Devonshire teas and savoury platters as they tested their skills and planned their next moves over the following two hours. Despite the intense gameplay, the mood was light and fun with plenty of smiles and laughter around the room.

All agreed the event was a resounding success and many are already planning to return for future sessions. For those interested in joining the fun, registration is open now by calling 0421 699 680 or simply showing up on a Sunday at 3pm Marino Rocks Social to check it out.

This event not only provides an opportunity for friendly competition, but also offers a chance for players to meet new people and sharpen their minds in a fun and engaging environment. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking for a new hobby, this scrabble event is definitely worth thinking about.

Louise Miller-Frost , Federal Member for Boothby, arrived at McConnell Reserve where locals had gathered to celebrate a Neighbour Day picnic organised by 5049CC with a grant from the City of Marion. 

She was greeted by the energetic and enthusiastic 5049CC Neighbour BBQ Trailer team, who were eager to serve up some delicious sizzles. As she approached the BBQ trailer (which has been funded by a Commonwealth Government Stronger Communities Grant) the team worked together seamlessly, grilling up a storm and creating a festive friendly atmosphere.

 With the aroma of mouth-watering sausages and vegetables on offer filling the air, community members gathered around, chatting and taking advantage of the opportunity to get to know one another. It was true celebration of the power of community, and Louise Miller-Frost MP was thrilled to be a part of it.

 The Neighbour Day picnic at McConnell Reserve is not just about enjoying some tasty food, it’s about bringing the community together and celebrating the bonds that tie us all together. As the afternoon drew to a close, everyone left feeling closer to their neighbours and much more connected to their community.