JANUARY 2020
Happy New Year!
2020 is filled with new and exciting projects.
The Kaurna Shelter Tree Project is the first and is set to begin!
2018 Tree evaluation EPA J9161 Tree Management-Brownhill Creek Cons Pk 250518KK
KNCHA Letter of Support for the Kaurna Shelter Tree Project-Communities Environment Program Grant
Landholder approval letter – Grants SA 2018-19 signed copy
DECEMBER 2019
A passion for sustainability!
Thank you to all of our volunteers and partner groups for another amazing year of achievements. Merry Christmas!
NOVEMBER 2019
*The work of BCA’s Education and Revegetation Committee and partner groups has been recognised on page 14 in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Achieve 2018-2019 report.
3 November: NRM Education – Weekly Digest
On 24 October 48 students from 34 schools across South Australia gathered at Cleland Wildlife Park to display their Youth Environment Council projects and receive their certificates of completion. Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs MP was impressive, taking plenty of time to interact with the students while showing a genuine interest in their projects!
Mimi Johnson displaying her Youth Environment Council project on Brown Hill Creek. Mimi is an Urrbrae Agricultural High School student and volunteer member of the Friends of Brownhill Creek.
Tuesday 5 November:
BCA committee meeting.
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OCTOBER 2019
Thursday 10 October:
The City of Mitcham / Mitcham Heritage Research Centre (Local History Service) heritage film night at Mitcham Library. Wonderful films narrated by Richard Harris and Roger Grigg covered their historic walks in Mitcham Historic Village and Brownhill Creek. Thank you to Cassie Quinn (Centre Facilitator – Mitcham Cultural Village & Mitcham Community Centre) and Mark Winders (Mitcham Heritage Research Centre) for the invitation.
Saturday 12 October:
Special Friends of Brownhill Creek (FOBHC) working bee.
Monday 21 October:
Major seasonal BCA contractor works begin in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
Saturday 26 October:
Monthly FOBHC working bee.
Sunday 27 October:
Morning: Important discussions held and connections strengthened with the Kaurna community and Kaurna Elders at Glenthorne Park after a personal invitation extended to BCA Community Liaison Officer Ron Bellchambers by Minister David Speirs MP.
Afternoon: Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek Bob Grant Plaque Unveiling Event. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek for funding the landscaping of a new picnic area in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, including a new picnic table and bench seat (totalling $7,000). Sam Duluk MP unveiled a plaque on the bench seat, which honours the late Bob Grant who served Rotary with distinction. Bob’s family and a large group of Rotarians attended. Ron Bellchambers was kindly invited and represented BCA. Alan Deverell worked closely with BCA on the project, supported by treasurer Malcolm Lindquist.
Malcolm Lindquist addressing the group.
Sam Duluk MP preparing to unveil the plaque with Antoinette Lindquist (President of the Friends of Brownhill Creek).
Bob Grant’s family and the unveiled plaque.
Tuesday 29 October:
Wirraparinga Loop Trail Committee meeting at Carrick Hill. We are hoping for a soft launch of the trail in July 2020.
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Tuesday 17 September: 10.00am-11.00am
Tom Price Plaque Unveiling Ceremony
Arguably one of the most amazing events to have occurred in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park! Premier Steven Marshall unveiled a plaque to honour the life and achievements of Tom Price, who rose from a stonecutter working on Parliament House to become Premier of South Australia. Tom was the first Labour Premier of South Australia (1905-1909) and he led a Labor-Liberal coalition government which transformed our state. BCA’s Education and Revegetation Committee chaired by Professor Wayne Meyer and Mitcham Historical Society (MHS) hosted the event and MHS funded the plaque. Ron Bellchambers was the event organiser. Stephanie McCarthy (Tom’s great-granddaughter and author of Tom’s biography Tom Price: From Stonecutter to Premier), Marcus Beresford (BCA Treasurer and heritage expert) and Ron Bellchambers worked on the wording and layout of the plaque and John Wood (MHS Chairperson) championed this heritage project. Mitcham Heritage Research Centre and Glen Woodward provided expert historical advice. Mitcham Council unanimously supported the ceremony and provided the event and traffic management. Thank you to Allan Sumner for his remarkable Welcome to Country, to Dale Bennett, Deputy Head of Scotch College, for doing such a great job as MC and thank you to the following inspirational speakers: The Hon Steven Marshall MP, Premier of South Australia; Peter Malinauskas MP, Leader of the Opposition; Cr Andrew Tilley, Boorman Ward Councillor for the City of Mitcham; Students from Scotch College, Mercedes College, Unley High School and Urrbrae Agricultural High School; Stephanie McCarthy. The 350 guests, representing 25 community groups, schools and government organisations enjoyed the beautiful morning.
Allan Sumner’s moving Welcome to Country (Kaurna).
MC Dale Bennett, Deputy Head of Scotch College.
Premier Steven Marshall addressing the 350 guests.
Leader of the Opposition Peter Malinauskas delivering his speech.
Cr Andrew Tilley, Boorman Ward Councillor for the City of Mitcham did a wonderful job representing his council (Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross was overseas) and community. Andrew’s passionate speech on Aboriginal Reconciliation was very well received. Mitcham Council’s CEO Matthew Pears and other ward councillors attended.
Scotch College students with their presentation.
Kate Doyle from Mercedes College.
Student speakers Mimi Johnson, Urrbrae Agricultural High School and Mariane Johnstone, Unley High School with the Premier.
From left to right: Ron Bellchambers (BCA Community Liaison Officer); Auntie Lynette Crocker (Kaurna Elder); The Hon Steven Marshall MP Premier of South Australia; Stephanie McCarthy (Tom’s great-granddaughter); Peter Malinauskas MP Leader of the Opposition; Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch (Kaurna Elder); Professor Wayne Meyer (BCA Chair).
BCA Steering Committee from left to right: John Wood (Also MHS Chairperson); Marcus Beresford (BCA Treasurer); Ron Bellchambers (BCA Community Liaison Officer); Professor Wayne Meyer (BCA Chair); Rod Ellis (BCA Secretary); Dr Peter Dillon. Please note that the BCA Steering Committee is closely aligned to the Friends of Brownhill Creek and Mitcham Historical Society.
From left to right: Ron Bellchambers (BCA Community Liaison Officer and Event Organiser); Stephanie McCarthy; Keith Conlon (Chairperson SA Heritage Council).
Wednesday 25 September:
Inaugural History and Heritage Group Forum run by the City of Mitcham. A very successful event, which brought together like-minded groups from across our city. Thank you to Mitcham Council for this important initiative. BCA, the Friends of Brownhill Creek and Mitcham Historical Society were represented.
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AUGUST 2019
*Wonderful news that Urrbrae TAFE will remain open, at least for the Horticulture courses! Thank you to TAFE lecturers Giles Goldney and Nick Crouch, along with their amazing students, for all the help and support that they regularly provide to our BCA Ed & Reveg Committee, the Friends of Brownhill Creek and our local environment in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Urrbrae TAFE is an important part of the fabric of our community, perfectly placed alongside Urrbrae Agricultural High School, Urrbrae Wetlands and the University of Adelaide Waite Campus. The practical Horticulture courses provide students with valuable skills and employment opportunities!
Thursday 1 August
Nick Crouch, Senior Lecturer in Conservation and Horticulture at Urrbrae TAFE brought 11 of his students to survey the plants at our new revegetation site, undertake weeding and remove tree guards. Thank you for a very productive morning! Wayne Meyer organised the visit with Nick and Ron Bellchambers helped out.
Tuesday 27 August
Giles Goldney, Urrbrae TAFE Lecturer addresses his Certificate III Conservation and Land Management students about weed identification in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
Tuesday 27 August
Installation of picnic table and bench seat completed, along with landscaping and access track upgrade. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek for funding the park furniture and installation. A wonderful legacy project for the new revegetation site in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thank you also to Matt Forte and his workers from Environmental & Trail Services (ETS).
Ron Bellchambers from BCA organised the project and helped out on-site.
Friday 30 August
Professor Sabine Dittmann, Professor for Marine Biology at Flinders University brings her Marine and Freshwater Ecology Third Year students every year to research and report on the ecology of Brownhill Creek in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. BCA’s aim is to access the data to aid our environmental works and to form a partnership between BCA’s Education and Revegetation Committee and Flinders University. A joint environmental science day could be arranged, benefitting our local primary and secondary school students.
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JULY 2019
Friday 5 July
Minister’s thank you morning tea for local Friends groups at the Belair National Park Volunteer Centre. Thanks to The Friends of Belair National Park for hosting the event. Volunteers appreciated David and Sam’s personal thank you and their ongoing support.
From left to right: Angus Russell (The Friends of Brownhill Creek); Sam Duluk MP (State Member for Waite); David Speirs MP (Minister for Environment and Water); Rod Ellis (Secretary, The Friends of Brownhill Creek); Darren Kennedy (SA/NT Manager, Conservation Volunteers Australia and The Friends of Brownhill Creek); Ron Bellchambers (The Friends of Brownhill Creek and Community Liaison Officer, Brownhill Creek Association). Thank you to Wayne Gallasch (The Friends of Belair National Park) for taking the photo.
Saturday 13 July
Special FOBHC working bee in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
Tuesday 23 July
- Meeting with Angus Russell, who is volunteering to upgrade the BCA website.
- BCA Education & Revegetation Committee meeting at the Urrbrae Agricultural High School STEM Centre.
Monday 29 July
To mark National Tree Day, Sam Duluk MP (State Member for Waite) met with Scotch College teacher David Pace and Scotch students Elizabeth Mason and Sam Horley to plant a Grey Box tree (Eucalyptus Microcarpa) at the Scotch College / Friends of Brownhill Creek Grey Box Grassy Woodland revegetation site, in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Scotch College is a member of BCA’s Education & Revegetation Committee, which also has representatives from 3 other local schools. The committee is responsible for 5 revegetation sites in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A total of 3,501 native plants have been planted in the park by local school children in 2018-2019, along with extensive weed clearance and habitat restoration works. Sam Duluk has been a passionate and practical supporter of these environmental works.
https://treeday.planetark.org/about/
From left to right: Sam Horley (Scotch College student); Elizabeth Mason (Scotch College student) and Sam Duluk MP State Member for Waite) with the Grey Box Grassy Woodland (Federally listed as Endangered) and Brown Hill in the background.
From left to right: David Pace (Scotch College teacher / BCA Ed & Reveg Committee); Sam Horley (Scotch College student); Elizabeth Mason (Scotch College student); Sam Duluk MP (State Member for Waite) and Ron Bellchambers (BCA Community Liaison Officer/ BCA Ed & Reveg Committee).
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JUNE 2019
*BCA along with the financial and volunteer support of our partner groups generated $109,719.15 worth of on ground environmental/nature-based tourism works in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park in the 2018-2019 financial year, close to a 7 times multiplier effect, based on $16,413.00 of State Liberal Government grant money spent! This has resulted in an increase in community volunteer participation and visitation to BHC Recreation Park. We are grateful to Sam Duluk MP (State Member for Waite) and Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs MP, for showing faith in our vision and for continuing the funding for another 4 years.
*Mitcham Historical Society newsletter Mitcham Memories, June 2019: Mitcham Memories
Wednesday 5 June
Joint working bee between BCA/FOBHC/DEW in BHC Recreation Park.
Wednesday 12 June
Joint strategic meeting with representatives from Mitcham Historical Society and BCA and Sam Duluk MP.
Thursday 13 June
TAFE students led by lecturer Giles Goldney undertake works in BHC Recreation Park. Much appreciated!
Tuesday 18 June
Annual progress meeting with DEW staff to assess the 2018-2019 financial year works completed and to plan for the 2019-2020 financial year works in BHC Recreation Park.
Wednesday 19 June
Did you know that Mitcham Historical Society (MHS) was formed after a successful campaign to prevent the Edinburgh Hotel from demolition in the 1970’s! MHS founding members also helped to create the historic Mitcham Village precinct! BCA enjoys a very close partnership with MHS, protecting and enhancing our local built and natural heritage.
Tuesday 25 June
BCA Steering Committee meeting
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MAY 2019
Sunday 26 May: 1.30pm-4.30pm (Guided Tour: Ron Bellchambers)
Sunday 5 May and Sunday 19 May: 1.30pm-4.00pm (Guided Tour: Cr. Andrew Tilley)
Tuesday 7 May
BCA Education & Revegetation Committee Meeting (hosted by Urrbrae Agricultural High School).
Wednesday 15 May
Meeting with Mitcham Council regarding flood mitigation initiatives that BCA supports.
Thursday 16 & 23 May
Supervision of contractor works in BHC Recreation Park.
Saturday 25 May
Trees for Life event at Carrick Hill: Launch of the Beyond Carrick Hill booklet.
*May contractor works to improve trail access for the public and for volunteer revegetation and habitat restoration programmes. Thank you to The Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek for funding this work by Environmental & Trail Services (ETS).
Friday 31 May
Another successful annual BCA Ed &Reveg Committee Schools’ Planting Day was held on Friday 31 May 2019 at Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
172 students from Scotch College, Mercedes College and Urrbrae Agricultural High School were supported by teachers, parents, NRM Education Officers Jeremy Gramp and Steve Walker, NRM Support Officer Sophie Bass, DEW Ranger Jasmin Oster, and Wayne Meyer / Ron Bellchambers from Brownhill Creek Association (BCA) and The Friends of Brownhill Creek.
1,000 native aquatic plants were planted in appropriate zones along a section of Brownhill Creek in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Plant selection and placement was based on expert advice from DEW / NRM staff and Professor Wayne Meyer (The Friends of Brownhill Creek). Karen Lane (Growing Bush) grew the plants from locally sourced seeds and supplied them to BCA. A special thank you to the Suzanne Elliot Charitable Trust for their support of community / environmental projects.
Apart from the planting, students weeded, carried out a site assessment and undertook frog monitoring with NRM Education Officer Steve Walker.
A fun day with beneficial outcomes for our community and local environment!
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APRIL 2019
Saturday 27 April
Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee.
Tuesday 30 April
Wirraparinga Loop Trail Committee meeting
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MARCH 2019
Monday 4 March:
Strategic planning meeting with Mitcham Historical Society.
Tuesday 5 March
BCA Education and Revegetation Committee meeting at Urrbrae Agricultural High School.
Tuesday 5 March:
BCA and many of our partner groups attended the Community Forum.
Saturday 30 March
Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee
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FEBRUARY 2019
Wednesday 20 February:
BCA/FOBHC/DEW/NRM Project Plan Meeting at Eastwood Natural Resources Centre. Developing a BCA 5 year work plan for Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
From Left: Rod Ellis (Secretary & Treasurer FOBHC); Ron Bellchambers (BCA Community Liaison Officer); Professor Wayne Meyer (BCA Chair); Eric De Smit (DEW); Kurtis Madigan (DEW); Sophie Bass (NRM); Bec Brown (DEW). Please note that Jen Pitman (DEW) took the photo.
Saturday 23 February:
FOBHC working bee.
Tuesday 26 February:
Conservation Volunteers Australia/Corporate Bandicoot Day.
CVA/Corporate volunteers installed Bandicoot Bungalows in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
Wednesday 27 February:
Community watering of plants at new native revegetation site.
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JANUARY 2019
Saturday 19 January:
FOBHC/Community watering and care of new native revegetation site.
Monday 22 January:
On site meeting with the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek.
Tuesday 29 January:
Wirraparinga Loop Trail Committee meeting at Carrick Hill.
*Ongoing contractor works for weed control/maintenance of the park (contracted by BCA).
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DECEMBER 2018
Monday 3 December:
BCA Steering Committee meeting.
Saturday 8 December:
Community working bee.
Tuesday 11 December:
BCA represented at Mitcham Historical Society and the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek annual Christmas events.
Saturday 15 December:
FOBHC end-of-year morning tea.
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NOVEMBER 2018
Tuesday 13 November:
Wirraparinga Loop Trail: Trail Committee planning/audit walk.
Saturday 24 November:
The Friends of Brownhill Creek (FOBHC)/local community working bee.
Tuesday 27 November:
BCA Education & Revegetation Committee meeting.
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OCTOBER 2018
Monday 8 – Wednesday 11 October:
Latest Southern Brown Bandicoot photos from Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, courtesy of Darren Kennedy, Manager of Conservation Volunteers Australia (SA & NT). There are two filmed together! Darren is carrying out systematic monitoring to provide baseline data for conservation and restoration works.
Monday 8 October: Official Presentation of $100,000 Cheque to BCA.
Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs MP and State Member for Waite, Sam Duluk MP, presented a cheque to BCA for $100,000. This grant is to be spent over the next five years to support the volunteer work of The Friends of Brownhill Creek and schools (coordinated by BCA’s Education and Revegetation Committee) in native revegetation and habitat restoration projects. These projects in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park are an integral part of the Connecting Communities: Wirraparinga Loop Trail Project. This grant is a vote of support for the community development work and our collective vision for the future of this environmental/cultural heritage and tourism precinct. Thank you to the large gathering of partner community groups and members!
From left to right: Sam Duluk MP, Professor Wayne Meyer, Ron Bellchambers, Minister David Speirs MP.
Considering that it was school holidays and during the working week the gathering was substantial (the apologies are too long to list). Gathered together were: Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs MP, Sam Duluk MP (State Member for Waite), Professor Wayne Meyer (BCA/The Friends of Brownhill Creek), Ron Bellchambers (BCA/FOBHC/MHS), Secretary Rod Ellis, Dr Peter Dillon & Peter Reeve (FOBHC), Vice-Chair Dave & Trish Cosh (Mitcham Historical Society), Alan & Pam Deverell/ President Antoinette & Malcolm Lindquist (Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek), Secretary Neville Haar and Richard Gellert (Mitcham Lions Club), Darren Kennedy (Manager Conservation Volunteers Australia/FOBHC), Jim McLean (Walking SA), Kurtis Madigan (Acting DEW Park Ranger for Brownhill Creek Recreation Park), Jeremy Gramp & Steve Walker (NRM Education Officers/BCA Ed & Reveg Committee), Wes Parker (Teacher Urrbrae Agricultural High School/ BCA Ed & Reveg Committee), Jordan Norman & Joshua Morrall (mentoring students from Urrbrae Agricultural High School involved in native revegetation and habitat restoration projects), Kate Frankham (student Mercedes College involved in native revegetation and habitat restoration projects) & mother Kathy, Antony Veale and Karen Collins (BCA members). All of the gathered volunteers are partners in the Connecting Communities: Wirraparinga Loop Trail Project, involving cultural heritage, education, native revegetation, habitat restoration and park maintenance. It is worth remembering that these volunteers are actively involved in many other significant community projects/community service of their own!
Saturday 6 October: Community working bee at the main revegetation site. Please meet at the car park just upstream from The White Bridge, under the large heritage Stone Pine. Please bring gloves, a bucket and a hammer (if you have one). We will be placing tree guards on the remaining native seedlings and watering if necessary.
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SEPTEMBER 2018
29 September: Friends of Brownhill Creek Working Bee.
Please join The Friends of Brownhill Creek (they meet from 9.00am-12noon on the last Saturday morning of every month at the carpark just upstream from The White Bridge):
FRIENDSOFBROWNHILLCREEK MEMBERSHIP FLYER 2018
27 September: Endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot Monitoring Day in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thanks to Anthony Abley, District Ecologist (DEW/NRM) for leading the group. Clear actions and objectives arose from the day. Some initiatives that we are keen to be involved with and implement:
25 September: BCA Ed & Reveg Committee meeting at Urrbrae Wetlands. Thanks to Darren Kennedy from CVA for presenting on an environmental education programme for schools. Living Classrooms is already being run by CVA in 60 Western Australian schools and will be modified for SA. An example of one package from Living Classrooms:
Living Classrooms Incursions Package (1) 3
19 September: Establishing the final route for difficult sections of the Wirraparinga Loop Trail. Thank you to Mitcham Council Trails Officer, Justin Sexton.
18 September: BCA meeting with DEW/NRM-Planning the next 5 years of our work in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
15 September: Watering and maintenance of new plantings by the community. Thank you!
7 September: Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) spend a ‘Threatened Species Day’ in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park aiding the Southern Brown Bandicoot colony. A big thank you to Darren Kennedy and his volunteers.
5 September: Urrbrae Agricultural High School Year 9 Students spend a volunteer day in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thank you so much!
AUGUST 2018
30 August: Kaurna Repatriation Ceremony at Tennyson Dunes. Kaurna remains were returned from Sweden and buried in a moving ceremony. So many remains yet to be returned to country!
Smoking Ceremony
Preparing ancestral remains for burial
Kaurna Elders Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch and Auntie Lynette Crocker signing for the ancestral remains
- Nicolle Flint MP, Federal Member for Boothby, was the keynote speaker.
- Over 200 students, plus teachers and parents.
- Students from Scotch College, Mercedes College and Urrbrae Agricultural High School.
- Community groups included Brownhill Creek Association (Ed & Reveg Committee chaired by Professor Wayne Meyer), The Friends of Brownhill Creek and the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek.
- Park Ranger Bec Brown (DEW), NRM Support Staff Kat Hill and Sophie Harrison, NRM Education Officers Jeremy Gramp, Steve Walker and Sam Ryan.
- Teachers Steve Wasilewski and Melissa Buske from Mercedes College, David Pace and Sue McKenzie from Scotch College, Ann-Louise Breeding from Urrbrae Agricultural High School and others.
- 2,300 plants purchased by Kat Hill from Karen Lane (Growing Bush).
- 35 red gums purchased by the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek, plus $7,000.00 donated for site preparation by the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek. Rotarian Alan Deverell organised this support.
JUNE/JULY 2018
Preparation works for the annual BCA Education & Revegetation Schools’ Day. Clearing, brush cutting, spraying, ground preparation, burning of piles, collection and batching of 2,300 plants and logistical organisation.
MAY 2018
History Month in May
https://historyfestival.sa.gov.au/content/creek-brownhill-creek-walking-tour
https://historyfestival.sa.gov.au/content/brownhill-creek-historical-walks
https://historyfestival.sa.gov.au/content/village-walk-mitcham-village-historic-walk
https://historyfestival.sa.gov.au/content/walking-brownhill-creek-heritage-trail-reserves
APRIL 2018
BCA NewsPage-April 2018-From Strength to Strength
MARCH 2018
Congratulations to the Kaurna Community on their successful Land Title Claim! We highly value and respect our partnership with the Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association.
Kaurna people granted native title rights in Adelaide 18 years after claim – ABC News (Australian Br
Our ancestors will be smiling: Kaurna people gain native title rights
FEBRUARY 2018
Great news for the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Project.
Regional Subsidiary gazetted: Approval of BHKC – Government Gazette 27 February 2018
JANUARY 2018
OCTOBER 2017
GREEN ARMY GRADUATION: THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER 2018
The Green Army Graduation was hosted by the Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources and BCA to celebrate the successful 5 month, $200,000 Green Army project in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. The enthusiastic and hard working team was led professionally by their inspirational supervisor Jodie Bambridge (Conservation Volunteers Australia). It has been an absolute privilege to work with such a wonderful group of young people and we wish them well for the future. The graduation ceremony was followed by a BBQ lunch.
From left (standing): Piers Brissenden (DEWNR); Cr Lindy Taeuber (Mitcham Council-Craigburn Ward); James Norris (Green Army); Kuol Kuol (Green Army); Lucy Duldig (Green Army); Sam Duluk MP (State Member for Davenport at the time, now State Member for Waite; Jacob Maher (Green Army); Christian Hoskin (Green Army); Micham Mayor Glenn Spear; Banjo Alpers-Kneebone (Green Army); Cr Jane Bange (Mitcham Councillor-Park Ward); Andrew Hofmann (Green Army); Stuart Taverner (at the time from the office of the Hon. Martin Hamilton-Smith MP; Nicolle Flint MP (Federal Member for Boothby); Professor Wayne Meyer (BCA Chairperson); From left (kneeling) Jodie Bambridge (Green Army Supervisor); Ron Bellchambers (BCA Community Liaison Officer)
KUOL’S GREEN ARMY GRADUATION SPEECH
GREEN ARMY TEAM HARD AT WORK
AUGUST 2017
Wirraparinga Loop Trail Update-24 August 2017
COMMUNITY PLANTING AND WORKS DAY ON THE PETER NELSON TRAIL : SATURDAY 26 AUGUST 2017
The Peter Nelson Trail is part of the Yurrebilla Trail and forms part of the proposed Wirraparinga Loop Trail. Among the dedicated volunteers from the Mitcham Council area were members of the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek, Brownhill Creek Association and The Friends of Brownhill Creek. Thank you to Mitcham Council for upgrading the trail and hosting the community event.
JUNE, 2017
GREEN ARMY PROJECT HAS BEGUN IN BROWNHILL CREEK RECREATION PARK.
APRIL, 2017
GREEN ARMY PROJECT TO BEGIN IN BROWNHILL CREEK RECREATION PARK ON 29 MAY, 2017.
APPLY NOW IF YOU ARE BETWEEN 17 AND 24 YEARS OF AGE.
Green Army Brownhill Creek Project – 29 May 2017
HIKING ON SUNDAY 23 APRIL, 2017
One of the external/extended hikes will leave from Mitcham Reserve at 8.30am and finish in Belair National Park for lunch. See Walking SA link for details.
http://www.walkingsa.org.au/expo/
FEBRUARY, 2017
THE BROWN HILL KESWICK CREEK STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY. THE FIVE CATCHMENT COUNCILS AND THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT ON FUNDING! THE PROJECT CAN NOW PROCEED AND WILL DELIVER THE REQUIRED FLOOD PROTECTION ACROSS THE BROWNHILL CREEK AND KESWICK CREEK CATCHMENTS WITHOUT A DAM IN UPPER BROWNHILL CREEK.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED COLLABORATIVELY AND TIRELESSLY OVER MANY YEARS TO ACHIEVE THIS HISTORIC AGREEMENT!
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO COMMIT FUNDS TO PROTECT FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND HELP SPEED UP THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT.
http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/index.php/ian-hunters-news-releases/7134-stormwater-project-to-avert-flooding-impacts-in-brown-hill-keswick-creek-catchment
FEBRUARY, 2017
CONFIRMED SOUTHERN BROWN BANDICOOT SIGHTINGS IN BROWNHILL CREEK RECREATION PARK!
Giles Goldney, TAFE lecturer in Conservation and Land Management and his students made two confirmed sightings of the nationally endangered (EPBC Act) Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon Obesulus) in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. One confirmed sighting was at Seven Pines and one further up the valley (see map). This follows the confirmation of a colony of Southern Brown Bandicoots in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park by DEWNR ecologists and rangers and another confirmed sighting by Flinders University student Peter Reeve.
FEBRUARY, 2017
WIRRAPARINGA LOOP TRAIL STAKEHOLDER AGREEMENT MEETING A SUCCESS!
OCTOBER, 2016
BROWNHILL CREEK ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION DAY:
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TOURISM FORUM AT CARRICK HILL: TUESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER, 2016
A successful Tourism Forum was hosted by Carrick Hill to progress the Connecting Communities/Wirraparinga Loop Trail Project. Carrick Hill is set to become the tourism hub for a Cultural Heritage and Nature-Based Tourism Precinct. The proposed Carrick Hill Pavilion (multi-purpose visitor centre) will provide trailhead facilities for the Wirraparinga Loop Trail. Key stakeholders represented at the forum: Carrick Hill; Brownhill Creek Association; Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association; The Friends of Brownhill Creek; Mitcham Historical Society; Walking SA; The University of Adelaide Waite Campus; Mitcham Council; Mitcham Heritage Research Centre; DEWNR/NRM; South Australian Tourism Commission; Local Education & Revegetation Committee; Nicolle Flint MP (Federal Member for Boothby) Electorate Office; Martin Hamilton-Smith MP (State Member for Waite) Electorate Office.
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JUNE, JULY & AUGUST MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS HELD TO PLAN THE CONNECTING COMMUNITIES/WIRRAPARINGA LOOP TRAIL PROJECT.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER,2016
DEWNR-letter-of-support-connecting-communities-project-wirraparinga-loop-trail
BCA-NewsPage-connecting-communities-project-update-and-the-recent-flood-event
JUNE/JULY, 2016
FEDERAL ELECTION: BREAKING NEWS!
1. THE FEDERAL COALITION GOVERNMENT HAVE PROMISED TO DELIVER A $200,000.00 GREEN ARMY PROJECT FOR THE WIRRAPARINGA LOOP TRAIL AND BROWNHILL CREEK!
20160616 Hunt, Birmingham and Flint – Joint Media Release – Coal
2. LABOR COMMITS TO FLOOD MITIGATION FOR BROWNHILL AND KESWICK CREEKS!
News_Release_21_June_-_Labor_flood_mitigation_pledge_for_Brown_Hill_and_Keswick_Creeks
MAY/JUNE, 2016
A ‘CONNECTING COMMUNITIES: CULTURAL HERITAGE AND NATURE-BASED TOURISM PROJECT’ IS BEING PLANNED!
BCA NewsPage-Connecting Communities Project
HISTORY MONTH IN MAY: ELLISON’S GULLY WALKS
Large numbers participated in the heritage walks on the 1st and 15th of May. Thank you to Mitcham Historical Society for organising these events and a special thank you to our knowledgeable local Mitcham Councillor Andrew Tilley for leading these entertaining walks.
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APRIL, 2016
HERITAGE TOURISM WORKSHOP
The Heritage Tourism Workshop on Wednesday 20th April will provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about local tourism opportunities for SA and to workshop our ‘Connecting Communities’ nature-based tourism project.
Heritage Tourism Program 20th April FINAL (3)
EDUCATION & REVEGETATION COMMITTEE MEETING AT SCOTCH COLLEGE
Local schools, NRM Education Officers and DEWNR Rangers are coming together to plan their involvement in environment and heritage initiatives for the Wirraparinga Loop Trail, central to the Connecting Communities Project.
JANUARY 2016
MITCHAM COUNCIL AUSTRALIA DAY 2016 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Ron Bellchambers, Community Liaison Officer for Brownhill Creek Association, proudly accepted the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award on behalf of the many community volunteers and community groups (including BCA) that worked so hard over 4 years to document and protect our local environment and heritage. The award was presented by His Excellency, the Hon. Hieu Van Le, Governor of South Australia at Carrick Hill, with Mayor Glenn Spear officiating. Exciting opportunities now exist for the restoration of Brownhill Creek, re-vegetation projects and the development of extended walking trails, educational programs and local tourism initiatives.
Australia Day 2016 Citizen of the Year Award Speech
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CONSERVATION COUNCIL SA AWARDS
http://www.conservationsa.org.au/awards_2015
David Wagner (photo: back row right), President of The Friends of Brownhill Creek and Ron Bellchambers (photo: back row centre), BCA Liaison Officer, were joint Runners-Up for the Conservation Council SA Unsung Heroes Award. Sandy Pitcher, the Chief Executive of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (photo: far right), presented the awards.
David Wagner’s decades long volunteer work in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park is legendary and he has been an inspiration and mentor to those involved in preserving and enhancing our local environment. Ron Bellchambers led the successful no dam campaign for four years and is a member of the BCA Steering Committee, which is continuing to work with environment and heritage groups (including The Friends of Brownhill Creek) to support the revegetation and rehabilitation of Brownhill Creek, develop local tourism, aid in the expansion of community recreational and heritage walking trails and help develop educational programs with local schools.
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BCA BBQ CELEBRATION OF THE END OF THE NO DAM CAMPAIGN-NOVEMBER 2015
ALL FIVE COUNCILS HAVE VOTED IN FAVOUR OF NO DAM OPTION D.
There is no chance of a dam option proceeding in upper Brownhill Creek.
A Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan is now being finalised for approval by the Stormwater Management Authority in early 2016. This final Stormwater Management Plan will combine Part A Works (80% of the plan) in the urban sub-catchments of lower Brownhill Creek and Keswick, Glen Osmond and Parklands Creeks with Part B Works (20% of the plan) in the upper Brownhill Creek catchment (Option D).
Councils and community groups can now join together to seek funding and make sure that all stakeholders and our shared environment and heritage benefit from the implementation of a Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan.
This is a historic agreement and BCA wishes to thank everyone who has worked so hard over many years to achieve this common sense outcome in upper Brownhill Creek. A special thank you must go to West Torrens Council and Mitcham Council for their patience and leadership in working towards a collective solution. Adelaide, Burnside and Unley Councils should also be thanked for their efforts to achieve a resolution.
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VALUE OF BROWNHILL CREEK RECREATION PARK AND ENVIRONS RECOGNISED IN THE MESSENGER PRESS: “Features in our top five list of the best walking and cycling trails in the district” (Mitcham & Hills Messenger, 21 October, 2015).
http://messenger.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
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NO DAM OPTION D SUPPORTED BY 85% OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION RESPONDENTS!
Flood Plan Wins Community Support
Consultation-findings-on-the-Brown-Hill-Keswick-Creek-Stormwater-Project-Part-B-Report-120815
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BROWN HILL KESWICK CREEK STORMWATER PROJECT REFUTES MEDIA MISINFORMATION:
BHKC Stormwater Project Website-Latest News
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PUBLIC CONSULTATION CLOSED: It is likely that a public consultation report will be finalised and presented to Adelaide, Burnside, Mitcham, Unley and West Torrens Councils in August, 2015. A decision on the chosen option for Part B works by councils is expected in September and a recommendation provided to the Stormwater Management Authority, possibly in October, 2015 (according to the Project Director). This may result in a final Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan being completed and presented to the Stormwater Management Authority for approval in 2015.
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MEDIA RELEASE:
LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM MARTIN HAMILTON-SMITH MP:
SUBMISSION FROM THE KAURNA NATION CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSOCIATION:
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FINAL PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
The final Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan: Part B Report has been received by all 5 catchment councils and the report officially states that No Dam Option D is the project preferred option. According to the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Project, Option D is feasible, more cost effective and benefits the environment. A public consultation is taking place from May 13 to June 23, 2015. Support preferred Option D during the public consultation by filling out an official Feedback Form. How to obtain a feedback form: http://bhkcstormwater.com.au
HOW TO HELP NOW:
- REQUEST A FEEDBACK FORM FROM THE PROJECT BY CALLING 1800 468 835, online at www.bhkcstormwater.com.au or email bhkcstormwater.com.au (One per household from any council area in Australia, for any owner or occupier. Because it is close to the deadline you will have to collect your form from Unley Civic Centre (Unley Council 181 Unley Road Unley) on Tuesday 23 June, but only after you have registered with the project and been told that it is ready to collect. You can fill the form out there and submit it. The deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 23 June. If you are mailing your form, it will be accepted if it has an Australia Post mark of 23 June.
- CHOOSE THE PROJECT PREFERRED OPTION D ON THE FEEDBACK FORM.
- EMAIL OR WRITE A PAPER SUBMISSION THAT PROVIDES A DETAILED RESPONSE WITH YOUR NAME AND RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. Clearly explain your interest in the project, why you support Option D and include supporting information if you wish. Your email must be submitted by 5pm. Email: info@bhkcstormwater.com.au Postal Address: BHKC Stormwater Project, PO Box 907, Unley 5061
BHKC Summary Brochure May 2015
Letter From The Hon. Ian Hunter MLC To State Member For Waite Martin Hamilton-Smith MP
News Page-No Dam Option D is the Preferred Solution
MAY WALKS IN ELLISON’S GULLY LED BY CR. ANDREW TILLEY
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MITCHAM COUNCIL ELECTION:
Mitcham Council Election Results
ELECTED MEMBER RESPONSES : OVERWHELMINGLY IN SUPPORT OF NO DAM OPTION D.
Question: “Do you support the No Dam solution for Brownhill Creek (Option D)?”
Mayor Glenn Spear:
“As a mayoral candidate I support the Brownhill Creek option D (no dam) proposal. This has consistently been my view after having been informed of the various options.”
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SEPTEMBER
BROWN HILL KESWICK CREEK STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: PART B REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2014, HAS BEEN RELEASED (9 SEPTEMBER, 2014).
The expert report and all 5 council CEO’s back the feasible and cheaper Creek Capacity Upgrade solution. It is clearly favoured to replace a proposed dam and provide the best means of finally completing the Brown Hill Keswick Stormwater Management Plan. A final public consultation will be undertaken in March/April 2015. A final decision by the five councils is expected to follow in May 2015.
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NEWS ALERT: MAY 2014
MARTIN HAMILTON-SMITH MP, STATE MEMBER FOR WAITE, FORMALLY OPPOSES THE PROPOSED DAM AND SUPPORTS BETTER, MORE APPROPRIATE FLOOD MITIGATION OPTIONS:
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Breaking News: 14th February 2014
A No Dam / No Large Culverts Option for the upper reaches of Brownhill Creek, incorporating an improved creek environment, looks set to provide the breakthrough needed to finally complete the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan. Not only will this option provide the necessary flood mitigation, but it will also protect well documented environment and heritage assets, address (majority) community concerns and according to current estimates, is cheaper! Revised Bureau of Meteorology rainfall figures, updated hydrology and more accurate modelling have made this new option possible.
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NEWS ALERT: 13/02/2014
ADELAIDE’S URBAN SUBURBS SUFFER FLASH FLOODING, BUT BROWNHILL CREEK DRY AT PROPOSED DAM SITE!
This officially verified photograph (local government representative present) was taken at the proposed dam site on 13/02/2014 at 5.46pm, proving that a dam in the rural Brownhill Creek catchment cannot protect urban Adelaide from flash flooding. Urban flood mitigation works are essential. Even at 1.30pm on Friday 14th February, after record overnight rainfall, Brownhill Creek was still not flowing at the proposed dam site!
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Brownhill Creek Recreation Park is classified by the IUCN as a ‘Natural Monument’ (IUCN Category III): See details on page 6 of the Brownhill Creek Recreation Park Management Plan (Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources-DEWNR).
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- REVITALISING BROWNHILL CREEK, SOLDIERS MEMORIAL GARDEN, JWS MORRIS PARK AND DELWOOD RESERVE IN HAWTHORN.
- SEPTEMBER 2013: ELECTION SPECIAL UPDATE AND THE DEATH OF PETER COLLINS
Andrew Southcott-No Dam Letter
Hi Everyone,
- The Stormwater Management Authority voted in favour of the 5 Catchment Council’s 2012 Stormwater Management Plan at their meeting on Tuesday 26th February, 2013. We support the plan and welcome their decision.This allows 12 months to assess the Upper Brownhill Creek catchment (part B of the plan), including the No Dam option. Part A works (80%/$120m) in the Keswick Creek catchment and Lower Brownhill Creek catchment can proceed:
SMA NEWS RELEASE: SMA Brown Hill Keswick Creeks MR
NO DAM IN BROWNHILL CREEK COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP NEWS RELEASE:
- A major article about the iconic Stone Pines at “Seven Pines”, the proposed dam site, has appeared in the Trust News Australia: Volume 6 No 1 February 2013. The National Trust magazine has a large circulation Australia wide and strong support to protect this heritage site is developing.
2013 Trust News Feb issue Charles Buttigieg & SA historic trees
Final Report on The Seven Pines at Brown Hill Creek Recreation Park
- The National Trust of South Australia has placed Brownhill Creek Recreation Park on the At Risk Register: http://www.nationaltrust.org.au/sa/HeritageRisk2012
- Mitcham’s “Australia Day Citizen of the Year was presented jointly to Mr Peter Collins and Mr John Wilson for their contribution to the Brownhill and Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Project. They have used their engineering experience and expertise to provide information which has assisted the project to develop more accurate and detailed reports”. Their valuable and extensive voluntary work makes them worthy recipients. See the February edition of MCN (Mitcham Community News) for full details and photos. Available online, at the Mitcham Council website: www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
- Mitcham Council and The National Trust have launched the Stone Pines Report at “Seven Pines”, the proposed dam site. Stone Pines placed on the State Register of Significant Trees:
http://www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=1595&c=15252
http://digitaledition.hvmessenger.com.au/?iid=69133&startpage=page0000010#folio=1
- A preliminary design/cost study on the natural channel in the Upper Brownhill Creek Catchment, above the Glenelg Tramway, is being carried out by AWE. The results of this study should be released by February/March 2013. The results will be crucial for the final design of Part B flood mitigation works, which rely on the restoration of natural channel capacity.
- A preliminary design/cost study on the proposed dam is being carried out by SMEC. The results of this study are also expected in February/March 2013. We believe that the true cost of the dam will be significantly higher, making our No Dam Option 3A cost comparable.
- Concerns are being raised about the Proposed Government Amendments To The National Parks And Wildlife Act 1972: Summary of NPWAct amendments Submission on NP&WAct amendment
- Our group’s campaign has been recognized at the 2012 Conservation Council SA, Environmental Awards. Our spokesperson, Ron Bellchambers, was a finalist for The Jill Hudson Award for Environmental Protection. Read Award PDF
From left: CCSA CEO Tim Kelly; Hon. Paul Caica MP; Finalists: Ron Bellchambers; Phillipa Rowland; Dan Monceaux and Emma Stirling.
- We are very pleased to announce the birth of Imogen. Nicky and Micah Sluczanowski are the proud parents and we wish them all the best for their future together. Nicky worked hard to get our campaign going and we thank her for her efforts.
