Please scroll down to view a chronological list of BCA’s activities.

AUGUST 2024

Friday 1 August: Ron was invited by Auntie Lynette Crocker to attend the Firesticks Cultural Burn in the South Parklands. Auntie Lynette, Uncle Jeffrey and Auntie Merle were there. A collaboration between BCA and Firesticks Alliance has been formed.

Friday 2 August: Bandi Bushcarers raised $1,000 to put towards SourSob Bob contractor bushcare. BCA has matched this funding.

Friday 9 August: An unfortunate accident has left Ron with a crush fracture of a vertebrae. For at least the next two months Ron will not be able to carry out any physical work, but is ably supported by Wayne, Rod and the team.

Thursday 15 August: Weed control / sensitive bushcare work was carried out by SourSob Bob contractors Bob, Ira and Natasha. Thank you to the Suzanne Elliott Charitable Trust for their generous donation to fund the restoration work at Willawilla Karra Kuu. Ron from BCA organised the contractor work.

Thursday 15 August: Dr Peter Dillon (BCA / FoBC) conducting water quality tests in Brownhill Creek / Willawilla.

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JULY 2024

Monday 1 July – Friday 5 July: BCA administrative work and planning.

Friday 5 July: Bandi Bushcarers session. Weeding the native bracken patch.

Thursday 11 July: Ron Bellchambers, Greg Szymaniak and Parks Staff joined Mitcham Rotary Club members to install a new picnic table donated by Mitcham Rotary Club. Thank you to Dave Elliott from Mitcham Rotary Club for organising the installation.

Friday 19 July: Bandi Bushcarers session.

Friday 26 July: Bandi Bushcarers session. Weeding the native bracken patch continues.

Saturday 27 July: Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee. The Friends were joined by Mitcham Rotary Club members to plant the advanced native plants donated by Mitcham Council. These plants were planted at the Park Entrance site, the Lions Park, on the slopes of Brown Hill and at the Manure Pits site.

Monday 29 July: Scotch College Junior School planting morning at the Entrance Site. Scotch teachers David Pace and Tracey Wallace were supported by other staff and parent helpers. Ron represented BCA. The Scotch College native revegetation site is now merging with the BCA / Friends of Brownhill Creek site.

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JUNE 2024

Sunday 2 June: Ron Bellchambers joined Mitcham Rotary Club members for a working bee to refit the timbers on a picnic table and bench seat in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thank you also to Mitcham Mens’ Shed for their involvement.

Wednesday 5 June: Green Adelaide Pelzer Prize Awards Presentation: Ron Bellchambers received a Certificate of Merit for Community-based Restoration. Ron received the award on behalf of all the community members who have worked so hard to restore the environment and heritage of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park / Wirraparinga.

Friday 7 June: Bandi Bushcarers session.

Saturday 8 June: Ron Bellchambers hosted members from Joan’s Patch (Blackwood Community Garden) at Willawilla Karra Kuu and Madlala Karra Kuu. A wonderful opportunity to connect with the Blackwood community.

Thursday 13 June: BCA Committee meeting.

Thursday 13 June: An Australian feature film Bring Her Back is being filmed in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. The location is turning into a small town. Very exciting and great for the SA economy and our People and Culture. The whole process has been carefully planned and monitored to protect the environment.

Friday 14 June: Bandi Bushcarers session.

Saturday 15 June: Peter Dillon and Ron Bellchambers installed a manual rain gauge, automatic rain gauge and radiation sensor (photosynthesis spectrum) as park of Dr Peter Dillon’s Citizen Science Project.

Tuesday 18 June: Firesticks Alliance hosted a Cultural Visit at Willawilla Karra Kuu. First Nations Rangers from Western Australia were welcomed by Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch and taken for a tour On Country. Clem and Quahli Newchurch, Paul Dixon and Auntie Merle Simpson were key organisers. Quahli invited Ron to speak to the group about what had been achieved through community collaboration.

Saturday 29 June: Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee.

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MAY 2024

Friday 3 May: South Australian Landcare Awards. BCA received a Highly Commended Certificate for the category: First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award. A very proud moment for BCA and all of our amazing partners, including Kaurna Elders.

Sunday 5 May: Ron Bellchambers led a History Walk in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park for the SA History Festival. Thank you to Ian Strout from Mitcham Historical Society for his support on the day. All money raised on the walk went to Mitcham Historical Society.

Monday 6 May: Feral Deer Control meeting. Ron Bellchambers met with Norman Schulze, Project Coordinator with Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board.

Wednesday 8 May: Ron Bellchambers had a phone meeting with Auntie Lynette Crocker.

Thursday 9 May: Ron Bellchambers had a phone meeting with Mitcham Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross.

Sunday 12 May: Ron joined Mitcham Rotary Club members on a working bee at the revegetation site above The White Bridge.

Monday 13 – Friday 17 May:  Ron carried out BCA administrative work.

Sunday 19 May: Ron held the second History Walk in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park for the SA History Festival. Thank you to Cr Joanna Wells (Mitcham Historical Society Committee) for her support on a very cold day.

Saturday 25 May: Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee.

Friday 31 May: Bandi Bushcarers session, capped off with morning tea at The BeeHub.

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APRIL 2024

Monday 1 April: Bandi Bushcarers Bake Sale to raise funds for sensitive contractor bush care/weed control at the bandicoot site. Thank you to all the volunteers, including Rossi Von der Borch, owner of the BeeHub.

Wednesday 3 April: Planning meeting for Firesticks Alliance Cultural Burn / Governor’s Visit. Ron Bellchambers had spent the previous month organising the upcoming event at the request of Auntie Lynette Crocker.

Thursday 4 April: Working bee to prepare the Willawilla Karra Kuu site for the Firesticks Alliance Cultural Burn / Governor’s Visit. Thank you so much to the DIT Crew and Greg for working so hard!!!! Thank you also to Senior Ranger Sam Everingham for organising the crew and for his work in preparing for the event!

Thursday 4 April: BCA Committee meeting.

Saturday 6 April: Special Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee to prepare for Cultural Burn / Governor’s visit. Thank you so much to the Friends!

Sunday 7 April: Cr Andrew Tilley and Sally carried out maintenance on the stone viewing area at Willawilla Karra Kuu ahead of the event.

Monday 8 April: After exhaustive preparations by so many volunteers and DEW staff, a very successful Cultural Burn demonstration by Firesticks Alliance was supported by the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson, Kaurna Elders (Auntie Lynette Crocker, Auntie Merle Simpson and Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch), Louise Miller-Frost MP (Federal Member for Boothby), Catherine Hutchesson MP (State Member for Waite), Mitcham Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross, Boorman Ward Councillors Joanna Wells and Andrew Tilley, DEW Staff, Green Adelaide Board Members and Staff, Scotch College teachers and students, BCA and Friends of Brownhill Creek, Mitcham Rotary Club, Bandi Bushcarers / the BeeHub, community volunteers, Brownhill Creek Tourist Park Lessee Barry Clarke and First Nations media (SA Native Title / Aboriginal Way). Thank you so much to the Bandi Bushcarers/The BeeHub for volunteering their time to provide morning tea!

Governor’s Visit- Guest List

Kaurna Shelter Tree – Governor’s Visit – Running Sheet

Aboriginal Way

https://firesticks.org.au/our-team/

Tuesday 9 April: BCA Ed & Reveg Committee meeting.

Thursday 11 April: BCA/National Parks meeting.

Thursday 11 April: Advanced seed collection workshop.

Friday 12 April: Bandi Bushcarers session.

Monday 15 April – Thursday 18 April: Ron Bellchambers completed the follow up administration work following the Cultural Burn / Governor’s Visit.

Friday 19 April: Ron and Greg watered the native plants at key sites in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A very dry start to the year!

Friday 19 April: Bandi Bushcarers session.

Thursday 25 April: The BeeHub hosted an amazing visit to Willawilla Karra Kuu and the valley by a group of PNG Post Graduate students. Thank you Rossi, and also Naomi Hicks and Maureen for your powerful Spirit in Unity Program. Ron spoke to the group about the heritage of the valley and what volunteers have been doing to build a stronger community and improved environment.

Saturday 27 April: Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee.

Sunday 28 April: Bandi Bushcarers ANZAC Weekend Bake Sale to raise money for gentle contractor bush care.

Monday 29 April: BCA’s Wayne Meyer and Ron Bellchambers met with Senior Ranger Sam Everingham to plan weed control contractor work for the 2024 – 2025 Financial Year.

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MARCH 2024

Monday 1 March: Work continues on Dr Peter Dillon’s Gauging Station 1, named Marti (the Kaurna name for bandicoots).

Monday 4 March: Friends of Brownhill Creek member Luke Frankham begins a 6 month community service programme with Year 11 Mercedes College students at the Manure Pits site in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Thursday 7 March: One of our resident bandicoots makes an up-close appearance.

Friday 15 March: The regular Friday morning Bandi Bushcarer session.

Wednesday 20 March: Mercedes College students return for mulching of native plants at the Lions Park.

Tuesday 26 March: Dr Peter Dillon and contractor Scott Poulton worked on Gauging Station 2 at the old weir, supported by other community volunteers.

 

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FEBRUARY 2024

Thursday 1 February: Ron Bellchambers met with the new lessee of Brownhill Creek Tourist Park. Barry is very community/environmentally minded and a positive collaboration has been formed.

Saturday 3 February: Working bee at the park entrance revegetation site.

Tuesday 13 and Friday 16 February: Scotch College Year 12 Outdoor Education class with teacher Rob Stillwell joined Ron Bellchambers for a working bee in the Lions Park.

Friday 2 February – Friday 23 February: Bandicoot Bushcarers meet every Friday morning.

Monday 19 February – Friday 23 February: Engagement with Kaurna Elders, especially Auntie Lynette Crocker, and also the Firesticks Alliance team.

Firesticks: https://firesticks.org.au/our-team/

Saturday 24 February: Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee.

Monday 26 February: Scotch College Junior School Year 5 students, organised by teacher David Pace, visited Willawilla Karra Kuu and worked on their Park Entrance/Live Well revegetation site. Ron Bellchambers (BCA) introduced them to the site.

Tuesday 27 February: Southern Brown Bandicoot in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Wednesday 28 February: Dr Peter Dillon (BCA committee and Friends of Brownhill Creek committee) began setting up a gauging station at the old weir with contractor Scott Poulton while Brownhill Creek wasn’t flowing. Peter has instigated a major yabby and water quality research project (Citizen Science Project: Yabbies as indicators of the health of a groundwater dependent ecosystem in Brownhill Creek – Willawilla).

Tuesday 28 February: Mercedes College Year 4 students mulching around native plantings in the Lions Park. Ron Bellchambers supervised.

Thursday 29 February: Work begins at Dr Peter Dillon’s Gauging Station 1 (Marti).

*Throughout February Ron Bellchambers worked on the grant process for the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, Dr Peter Dillon worked on his Citizen Science Project and Greg Szymaniak continued his daily hand weeding.

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JANUARY 2024

Wednesday 10 January and Friday 12 January: Ron collected advanced native plants from Mitcham Council Depot. Thank you to Local Boorman Ward Councillor Joanna Wells, Mason Willis from Mitcham Council and Jan Lawry.

Friday 19 January: The Bandicoot Bushcarer group meets every Friday morning at the Southern Brown Bandicoot enclosure in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. They hand weed, propagate native plants, revegetate and monitor, study and care for our local wildlife. Lisa Chugunoff joined the group. Photo by Dr Jasmin Packer.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

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DECEMBER 2023

Friday 1 December: Bandicoot Bushcarers working bee.

Monday 4 December: BCA administration work – Ron

Tuesday 5 December: Greg and Ron set out to eradicate the remaining Scotch Thistles in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park on a very hot and humid day!

 

 

Wednesday 6 December: BCA administration – Ron.

Thursday 7 December: BCA’s Education and Revegetation Committee end of year debriefing, planning and celebration at the Ed.

Friday 8 December: Bandi Bushcarers working bee.

Saturday 9 December: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park end of year celebration.

Monday 11 December – Wednesday 13 December: BCA administration – Ron.

Thursday 14 December: Ron meets with Dr Jasmin Packer. PNG Australia Award recipients visited Brownhill Creek Recreation Park – Ron gave a cultural heritage introduction and welcome at The Bee Hub (host and owner: Rossi Von der Borch). An amazing and powerful cultural exchange! BCA Committee meeting in evening.

Friday 15 December: Indonesian visitors to the Kaurna Shelter Tree. Thank you Rossi Von der Borch.

Saturday 16 December: Ron mulching at the Lions Park.

Wednesday 20 December: Ron – working bee to prepare Kaurna Shelter Tree site for a City of Mitcham Brass Band concert. Christmas concert.

 

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NOVEMBER 2023

Wednesday 1 November: Ron planning Kaurna Shelter Tree Celebration event. BCA Education and Revegetation Committee working on the Schools’ Environmental Education Day, to be held directly after the celebration.

Thursday 2 November: Day 2 of SourSob Bob contractors carrying out weed control and bush care work at the Kaurna Shelter Tree site thanks to a Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant. Ron supervised and worked on site, while Greg helped.

 

 

Thursday 2 November: Aboriginal Contemporary Arts (ACA) contractor Daniel worked on the maintenance of the Kaurna log seats. 

Friday 3 November: Day 3 of Soursob Bob contractors finishing weed control and bush care at the Kaurna Shelter Tree site. Thanks again to Green Adelaide for funding! Ron, Steve and Greg also volunteered at the site.

 

 

Friday 3 November: Uncle Allan Sumner and Daniel from Aboriginal Contemporary Arts (ACA) finished the maintenance on the Kaurna log seats for the Kaurna Shelter Tree Celebration.

 

 

Friday 3 November: Bandicoot Bushcarers working bee.

Saturday 4 November: Huge volunteer working bee at the Kaurna Shelter Tree site to prepare the area for the Celebration and Schools’ Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 5 November: Ron worked on site preparation and organisation for the big event!

Monday 6 November: Kaurna Shelter Tree Project Celebration and the BCA Education and Revegetation Committee’s Schools’ Environmental Education Day.

Community Event – Kaurna Shelter Tree Project Celebration – Poster

 A wonderful community event! Thank you to everyone involved over the five years of the project and on the day! We saved the Kaurna Shelter Tree – Willawilla Karra Kuu, created a place of Reconciliation and Reflection, restored the environment, established a focal point for living Kaurna cultural heritage, promoted education & understanding and brought the community together! This is what grassroots community projects can achieve.

The Schools’ Environmental Education Day that followed the celebration was the most successful to date. Thank you to the BCA Ed & Reveg Committee: Chair Professor Wayne Meyer, Vanessa Greenslade (Urrbrae Agricultural High School and Urrbrae Wetland Manager, David Pace (Scotch College), Tracey Wallace (Scotch College), Melissa Buske (Mercedes College), Jeremy Gramp & Steve Walker (Green Adelaide Education), Senior Ranger Sam Everingham, Kirstie Wicks (St Joseph’s School), Miriam Doull (Mitcham Primary School), Ron Bellchambers and other committee members.

Brownhill Creek Association’s Kaurna Shelter Tree Project Partners: Kaurna Nation; Kaurna Elders Auntie Lynette Crocker, Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch, Uncle Mickey O’Brien, Uncle Lewis O’Brien along with First Nations artists Uncle Allan Sumner and Brad Darkson; Scotch College Adelaide; Mitcham Historical Society; Suzanne Elliott Charitable Trust (SECT); Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park; Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek; Mitcham Rotary Club; National Parks & Wildlife Service SA; Green Adelaide, Green Adelaide Education and Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant; Federal Government CEP and SCP7 Grants; Support from BCA’s Education & Revegetation Committee, including Scotch College, Mercedes College, Urrbrae Agricultural High School, Mitcham Primary School and Mitcham Girls High School; local volunteers.

Contact: Ron Bellchambers, BCA Community Engagement Officer and BCA Kaurna Shelter Tree Project Manager

(M) 0427 718 106 (E) brownhillcreek@gmail.com

 I have included a summary of the project with an acknowledgement of project partners and grants, a programme of the day’s events, a map and some photos. ABC News covered the event: iview 6 November 2023.

Kaurna Shelter Tree Project Summary

Kaurna Shelter Tree Celebration – Running Sheet and Schools’ Workshops

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 7 November – Friday 10 November: BCA administration. Ron finalised the accounts for the event, circulated thank you emails to all key partners with photos, responded to all incoming emails and engaged with Australia-wide media outlets.

Sunday 12 November: Ron met with David Elliott to discuss the ongoing collaboration between BCA and Mitcham Rotary Club. A very successful meeting with future projects identified.

Tuesday 14 November: Sturt Upper Reaches Landcare Group AGM.

Thursday 16 November: Ron helped to supervise repairs to a rock crossing on the Wirraparinga Trail. Thank you to Senior Ranger Sam Everingham for organising these works and to the contractor James.

 

Saturday 18 November: Volunteers Greg Szymaniak and Ron Bellchambers hand pulled broom on the steep slope above The White Bridge.

Sunday 19 November: Greg and Ron hand watering native plants.

 

Monday 20 November: BCA administration by Ron.

Tuesday 21 November: Mitcham Council Full Meeting to decide the fate of a State – Listed heritage tram pole. Ron and Mitcham Historical Society gave deputations at previous meetings and lobbied to protect local heritage. A great result. Thank you to our Boorman Ward councillors Cr Andrew Tilley and Cr Joanna Wells and to the Mitcham Councillors who voted to protect heritage.

Wednesday 22 November – Thursday 23 November: BCA administration – Ron

Friday 24 November: Bandicoot Bushcarers working bee.

Saturday 25 November: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park working bee.

Sunday 26 November: Ron met with Dr Jasmin Packer and Rossi Von der Borch at The Bee Hub to discuss ongoing environmental projects and the possibility of reintroducing Antechinus into Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Yellow-footed Antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) · iNaturalist

Monday 27 November – Wednesday 29 November: BCA administration – Ron.

Thursday 30 November: Ron worked with a group from Scotch College senior school to mulch native plants in the Lions Park. Thank you to Alison McCarthy for organising this.

• Please note: Rod Ellis, Secretary of the Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park and BCA committee, works hard on all of the administration for the Friends group. Dr Peter Dillon, Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park and BCA committee, works on the monitoring of Brownhill Creek (water quality and flow rates) and is planning a major water monitoring project with local schools.

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OCTOBER 2023

Sunday 1 September – Tuesday 3 October: Ron watered all of the native plants in the native revegetation areas. Thanks to Gavin Tonkin for loaning the water tank/pump trailer. Greg helped on Tuesday 3 October.

Wednesday 4 October: Ron represented BCA and the FOBHC on a tour of Parliament House hosted by Catherine Hutchesson (State Member for Waite) and organised by Mitcham Historical Society.

Thursday 5 October: Cr Andrew Tilley and volunteer Greg Szymaniak worked on the landscaping at the Kaurna Shelter Tree pedestrian bridge. Ron Bellchambers is the BCA Project Manager for the Kaurna Shelter Tree Project.

Friday 6 October: Ron met with Tracey Tessitore (Director of Justice Healing & Inclusion for Caritas Australia) and Sabrina (First Nations Youth Leader Caritas Australia) at Willawilla Karra Kuu and conducted a cultural heritage tour of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park – Wirraparinga. Ron gave Sabrina a gift of Brownhill Creek honey from The BeeHub. Sabrina walked on country with the blessing of Senior Kaurna Elder Auntie Lynette Crocker and Sabrina viewed and described the presence of a Kaurna Elder/Warrior at Willawilla Karra Kuu. Auntie Lynette believes that it is the spirit of Willa Willa who watches over this country.

Saturday 7 October: Ron continued watering of native plants and preparation of site for Sunday event for Caritas Australia.

Sunday 8 October: Caritas Australia organised what is believed to be the first Catholic Mass in Brownhill Creek Valley, held at Seven Pines. This service was to honour reconciliation, inclusion, environment and country. Ron guided the group for cultural tour over the weekend. Thanks to Father Justin, Tracey Tessitore and the Sisters for a wonderful service, morning tea and community collaboration.

Monday 9 October: Ron, Greg and Damion weed control.

Monday 9 October – Tuesday 10 October: Cr Andrew Tilley completed the paving for the pedestrian Bridge at the Kaurna Shelter Tree.

Wednesday 11 October – Thursday 12 October: Ron worked on planning for the Kaurna Shelter Tree Celebration.

Friday 13 October: Bandicoot Bushcarers working bee.

Saturday 14 October: Nature Festival. Kaurna Yerta-The Seasons Bowerbird Collective performance at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre at Warriparinga. Ron represented BCA.

https://bowerbirdcollective.org/works/

Monday 16 October- Friday 20 October: Ron – BCA administration and planning for the Kaurna Shelter Tree Celebration. Greg and Ron finished the watering of native plants on  Wednesday 18 October and there was a BCA Education and Revegetation Committee meeting on Thursday 19 October to plan the Schools’ Environmental Education Day. Friday 20 October was also a Bandi Bushcarers working bee.

Monday 23 October – Thursday 26 October: Ron – BCA administration and planning for the Kaurna Shelter Tree Celebration.

Friday 27 October: Day one of Soursob Bob weed control works and bush care at the Kaurna Shelter Tree site and along Brownhill Creek – Willawilla. This work was funded by a Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant. Ron organised and supervised the work. Excellent work done by Ira, Natasha, Bob and their fellow contractors!.

Saturday 28 October: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park monthly working bee.

Monday 30 October – Tuesday 31 October: Ron – BCA administration and planning for the Kaurna Shelter Tree Celebration, plus site preparation work. National Parks & Wildlife Service SA mowing the Kaurna Shelter Tree site. Thanks to Senior Ranger Sam Everingham and Ranger Jarrah Bailey for helping to organise this work.

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SEPTEMBER 2023

Friday 1 September: Bandicoot Bushcarers – Brownhill Creek Recreation Park session. Checking bandicoot cameras, weeding and propagating native raspberry.

Saturday 2 September (am): Volunteers mulching the native plants at the Scotch College Entrance Site – Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Organised by Scotch College teacher David Pace.

Mulching: From left to right – Diane; David; Steve; Ron; Damion; Alison

Saturday 2 September (pm): Volunteer Ron Bellchambers mulching at The White Bridge.

Monday 4 September – Thursday 7 September:  Ron carried out BCA administration work and a heritage briefing for Carrick Hill Trust.

Friday 8 September: Bandicoot Bushcarers – Brownhill Creek Recreation Park session. Mercedes College teachers visited as part of The BeeHub workshop – Thanks Rossi and Belinda for organising this. Nina propagated native raspberry.

 

 

Monday 11 September – Wednesday 13 September: Ron represented BCA in separate meetings with Kaurna Elders and Senior Ranger Sam Everingham. Volunteers Greg and Ron also held two working bees.

Thursday 14 September: BCA Ed & Reveg Committee meeting and BCA Steering Committee meeting.

Friday 15 September: Bandicoot Bushcarers – Brownhill Creek Recreation Park session. Jasmin, Nina, Felicity and Rossi. Ron saw an echidna swim across Brownhill Creek.

ECHIDNA MOV

Monday 18 September – Wednesday 20 September: Ron organising Kaurna Shelter Tree Celebration.

Thursday 21 September: Green Adelaide Education Officers Steve Walker and Jeremy Gramp partnered with Scotch College teachers David Pace and Tracey Wallace to hold a Youth Leadership Session with key students from several schools. Ron from BCA delivered a Kaurna Acknowledgement and addressed the group about the relationship/partnership between schools and BCA. After a planting session at the Scotch College Entrance Site, students took part in a range of environmental workshops.

Friday 22 September: Bandicoot Bushcarers – Brownhill Creek Recreation Park session. Ron met with Springwood Park Estate Property Manager Jai to discuss habitat restoration along an adjacent section of Brownhill Creek, to help extend the corridor for bandicoots. 

Monday 25 September: Meeting at Betty Long Gardens to discuss the upcoming flood mitigation works by the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project – BHKCSP (funded by the Federal Labor Government under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program). BCA is continuing its restoration of Brownhill Creek – Willawilla in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park under the Federal Government Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.

Tuesday 26 September: Ron worked on BCA administration and represented BCA at the Mitcham Historical Society AGM. Peta Mantzarapis (BHKCSP Project Director) was the guest presenter at the AGM.

Wednesday 27 September: Ron gave a powerpoint presentation to the Care & Share Group at Colonel Light Gardens Trinity. Thanks to Chris Thompson for the invitation to speak about BCA’s volunteer work.

Thursday 28 September: Ron worked on planning for the Kaurna Shelter Tree Celebration.

Friday 29 September (am): Bandicoot Bushcarers – Brownhill Creek Recreation Park session. Woody weed removal from the Bandicoot Conservation Zone. Thanks also to Felicity, Philly, Ron, Rossi and Damion.

Friday 29 September (am & pm): Cr Andrew Tilley and Greg Szymaniak worked on the paving and landscaping for the pedestrian bridge at the Kaurna Shelter Tree site in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Greg had a busy day volunteering on two projects!

Saturday 30 September: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park monthly working bee.

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AUGUST 2023

Monday 1st August – Thursday 3rd August: Major weed control works organised by BCA and carried out by EBS Restoration. This is the first stage of a restoration project at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park: Restoring the Riparian Zone of Brownhill Creek – Willawilla Project. This project aligns with Federal Labor’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. Brownhill Creek – Willawilla is a per-urban watercourse at this location. A very well organised and professional project by EBS with fantastic results!

Urban Rivers – Factsheet

Labor’s Plan to Fix South Australia’s Urban Rivers and Catchments

Wednesday 2nd August: Mercedes College Year 4’s carried out community service in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park,  organised by BCA.

Sunday 6th August: Southern Brown Bandicoot Workshop at The BeeHub and in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. The BeeHub is a project partner, along with the Adelaide University BandiBunch Team and Hills Biodiversity. Thank you to Rossi and Jasmin, Jasmin’s team and Hills Biodiversity for helping to bring the community together. Great education and fun, all for this important cause.

Bandi Bingo_v3

Bandi Conservation Zone_Biodiversity Signs

Monday 7th August – Thursday 10th August: Ron Bellchambers BCA administration.

Friday 11th August: Native Grasses Planting Day. BCA planting day with Scotch College Adelaide. Thank you to Bethany Hollams for organising her student team. The students carried out important in-fill planting with 125 Themeda triandra and Poa labillardierei. They also mulched around the plantings. Their work completed a revegetation project at this site, totalling 1,200 native plants. Thanks also to volunteers Greg and Damion for helping to prepare the planting site and do mulching.

Friday 11th August: Working Bee at the bandicoot site, focussing on supporting the native raspberry. Dr Jasmin Packer, Nina, Damion and Greg did a great job. Damion and Greg also helped prepare for the planting day (see above).

Saturday 12th August and Sunday 13th August: Volunteer infill planting.

Tuesday 15th August: Urrbrae Agricultural High School students carried out community service (weeding and mulching) in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thank you to Urrbrae teachers Vanessa Greenslade and John Mariott. Ron Bellchambers gave a heritage introduction and organised the working bee, while local Boorman Ward Councillor Andrew Tilley used his dingo to load mulch.

Wednesday 16th August: Ron and Greg did mulching, weeding and planting. Ron purchased more stakes and tree guards.

 

Thursday 17th August: Ron worked on BCA’s finances, grants and admin.

Friday 18th August: Southern Brown Bandicoot site working bee. Jasmin, Nina, Philly, Damion, Greg, Rossi and Ron put up cameras to monitor dogs on and off lead and did bush care / restoration.

Friday 18th August: Urrbrae TAFE lecturer Nick Anderson brings his students to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park for a Weed Identification Field Trip.

Saturday 19th August (morning): Volunteer working bee at the Scotch College revegetation site at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Scotch College teachers David Pace and Alison McCarthy, BCA/Friends of Brownhill Creek and parents worked on mulching.

Saturday 19th August (afternoon): Damion and Ron slashing and planting at The White Bridge revegetation site.

 

Sunday 20th August: Ron – BCA admin.

Monday 21st August: BCA Chairperson Professor Wayne Meyer and BCA Project Officer Ron Bellchambers met for an on-site planning meeting at the Park Entrance Site.

Tuesday 22nd August: BCA Education and Revegetation Committee meeting.

Wednesday 23rd August: Dr Katja Hogendoorn visited Ron on-site to discuss plantings for the native Golden Pea Bee and to supply plants. Ron planted the Daviesia leptophylla in the Kaurna Shelter Tree native garden.

Thursday 24th August (morning): Site visit to Dino Diabello’s property by Ron, Greg and Nina to look at possibilities for a native vegetation corridor for Southern Brown Bandicoots. (Afternoon): Ron – BCA admin.

Saturday 26th August: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park working bee at the Park Entrance Revegetation Site. Unfortunately no photos.

Tuesday 29th August: Ron – maintenance on BCA tools.

Wednesday 30th August: Ron and Greg finish planting and maintenance (for this season) at the Park Entrance Revegetation Site. Once screening plants are established in the riparian zone, then further clearing of introduced species can be undertaken along Brownhill Creek – Willawilla. Next winter Scotch College’s Revegetation Site will be extended all the way down to the creek.

 

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JULY 2023

Tuesday 4th July: BCA Education and Revegetation Committee meeting.

Wednesday 5th July: Ron organised weed spraying, carried out by Fletch from Environmental Contracting Services (ECS), to prepare the next native revegetation site.

Tuesday 11th July: Ron organised and collected plants from State Flora at Belair for native revegetation project in the Lions Park – Thanks to Josh Laynes from State Flora for his amazing plant knowledge and support.

Thursday 20th July: Ron met with Dr Jasmin Packer and Denise Schumann OAM to plan a Kaurna Cultural Workshop at Urrbrae House.

Sunday 23rd July: Kaurna Cultural Workshop at Urrbrae House with Kaurna Elders Auntie Lynette Crocker, Uncle Frank Wanganeen, Denise Schumann OAM, Dr Jasmin Packer from Adelaide University, Ron Bellchambers from BCA / Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, along with residents and volunteers from Waterfall Gully / First Creek.

Monday 24th – Thursday 27th July: Ron completed BCA administration work including an application to Federal Labor’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.

Friday 29th July: Ron, Greg, Damion and Senior Ranger Sam Everingham prepared the revegetation area for the second Friends of Brownhill Creek planting morning.

Saturday 29th July: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park / BCA Planting Morning. It was wonderful to be joined by Tony Magor (Regional Manager National Parks and Wildlife Service SA), Ranger Courtney, new volunteers Nina, Indy, Diane and Emma from France! 500 more native plants were planted in the Lions Park in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

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JUNE 2023

Thursday 1st June: BCA meeting with National Parks at the Kaurna Shelter Tree and the delivery of mulch for our native revegetation sites.

Friday 2nd June: Jasmin, Nina, Greg and Ron placed bandicoot monitoring cameras in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Bandicoot Video – Brownhill Creek Recreation Park – Video by Alina Bellchambers

Sunday 4th June: BCA’s Ron Bellchambers volunteered at a community planting day to support the fire affected bandicoot colony in Mark Oliphant Conservation Park.

https://www.ahc.sa.gov.au/discover/events/planting-day-for-bandicoot-habitat

Tuesday 6th June: Dr Peter Dillon, BCA committee member and member of the Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, met Urrbrae TAFE students at Mitcham Reserve on Brownhill Creek. Peter gave the students an introduction into the hydrology of Brownhill Creek and outlined his upcoming Citizen Science Project: Yabbies as indicators of the health of a groundwater dependent ecosystem in Brownhill Creek – Willawilla. Peter helped students place Yabby nets and was involved in water quality monitoring.

 

Wednesday 7th June: Ron Bellchambers represented BCA and the Friends of Brownhill Creek in a meeting with Chris Haskas, Mark Swanbury, Cr Joanna Wells and Cr. Andrew Tilley from the City of Mitcham. The meeting took place at the historic Ford at the start of Tilley’s Hill Road. Concerns over the placing of stone in a wetland above the Ford led to the meeting and a plan to restore the wetland pond for wildlife. Ron, Sam and Greg had a follow-up meeting.

Monday 12th June: Volunteers Ron and Greg preparing the native revegetation site at the Lions Park.

Thursday 15th June: BCA Steering Committee meeting.

Friday 16th June: Ron met with Fletch from Environmental Contracting Services. Flech sprayed the Lions Park site in preparation for a native revegetation project.

Monday 19th June: Ron organised stakes and guards from ArborGreen.

Friday 23rd June: Senior Ranger Sam, Ron and Greg prepared the Lions Park for native revegetation.

Saturday 24th June: Friends of Brownhill Creek / BCA community planting morning at the Lions Park in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. 500 native plants were planted.  Lions Park in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park

Sunday 25th June: Ron Bellchambers represented BCA at a Mitcham Rotary Club working bee after some minor flooding adjacent to the Kaurna Shelter Tree. Mitcham Rotary Club are a major project partner group.

Tuesday 27th June: Ron Bellchambers (BCA) presented to Scotch College Junior School students to thank them for their hard work. David Pace, Specialist Science Teacher, has done an amazing job developing and running a native revegetation and wellness – Live Well Project at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Scotch College is one of BCA’s key partners and a member of the BCA Ed & Reveg Committee. Green Adelaide Grassroots Grants fund the plants, stakes and guards, while land manager National Parks and Wildlife Service SA supports the project. Green Adelaide Education Officers Jeremy Grant and Steve Walker are also a wonderful support, along with other Scotch teachers and parent helpers.

Thursday 29th June: Volunteers Ron Bellchambers, Damion Reeves and Greg Szymaniak carried out hand weeding and mulching around native plants.

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MAY 2023

*Green Adelaide acknowledged the importance of Dr Katja Hogendoorn’s Golden Pea Bee project (Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant) in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. BCA’s Education and Revegetation Committee, the Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park and National Parks and Wildlife Service SA partnered on the project with local school students developing leadership and planting skills. A thank you to the BCA Ed & Reveg Committee, especially Vanessa Greenslade (Urrbrae Agricultural High School) and Professor Wayne Meyer (BCA Chair) for organising the main event.

https://www.greenadelaide.sa.gov.au/grant/get-the-buzz-on-a-project-bringing-the-bees-back-to-the-foothills

Friday 5th May: Final on-site meeting to plan the installation of the pedestrian bridge at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Sunday 7th May and Sunday 21st May: Ron Bellchambers (BCA Community Engagement Officer and Mitcham Historical Society member) led two Heritage Walks through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park for South Australia’s History Festival.

Brownhill Creek Walks

Tuesday 9th May: SureFoot footings installed for the pedestrian bridge at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Tuesday 9th May: BCA Ed & Reveg Committee meeting.

Wednesday 10th May: Installation of pedestrian bridge. 

Tuesday 16th May: SourSob Bob contractors undertaking sensitive bush care next to the bandicoot enclosure in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park – Native Raspberry patch. Thank you to Rhys Morgan from Nature Conservation Society SA for the funding as part of the Bandicoot Superhighway Project.

Wednesday 17th May: Scotch College Year 2 students visited the Kaurna Shelter Tree to hear an introduction about local Kaurna and European heritage from BCA’s Ron Bellchambers.

Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd May: EBS Restoration contractors, National Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Ranger and Fire Crew and BCA partnered on a major weed control project on a steep slope adjacent to The White Bridge in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Olive and ash trees were drill-and-filled one year earlier by EBS and cut and burned over these two days to make way for a native revegetation project. Shaun managed the EBS crew and Senior Ranger Sam Everingham managed the Fire Crew. Thank you Shaun and Sam for a fantastic job on a very difficult site!

Wednesday 24th May: Volunteers Greg Szymaniak and Ron paint the weir at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Senior Ranger Sam Everingham had previously painted out graffiti and National Parks and Wildlife Service SA supplied the paint.

Saturday 27th May: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park working bee.

Saturday 27th May: A women’s group gathered from across Australia to construct a Mandala out of respect to the Kaurna Shelter Tree – Willawilla Karra Kuu. Many believe that this was a Kaurna Birthing Tree.

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APRIL 2023

Monday 3rd April: Ron Bellchambers (BCA Project Officer) with Geo-Tech soil sampling for the foundations of the pedestrian bridge at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Tuesday 4th April: Southern Brown Bandicoot meeting with (from left to right): Rossi Von der Borch (The Bee Hub), Pip Holmes (Waterfall Gully Resident), Ron Bellchambers (BCA & Friends of Brownhill Creek) and Dr Jasmin Packer (Adelaide University).

Thursday 13th April: BCA Steering Committee meeting.

Friday 14th April: TAFE lecturer Douglas Clarke brought his TAFE students for an information session with Ron Bellchambers and to practice brush cutting and drill-and-fill techniques for weed control.

Saturday 29th April: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park working bee.

Saturday 29th April: BCA partners with Steven Hoepfner from Wagtail Urban Farm on the Kaurna Yam Daisy – Ngampa project. BCA attended the 10 Year Anniversary party to celebrate Wagtail Urban Farm’s achievements at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre.

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MARCH 2023

Wednesday 1st March: BCA committee members attended the Green Adelaide Looking After Waterways information session at Mitcham Library. BCA partners with Green Adelaide in our work to restore the riparian zone of peri-urban Brownhill Creek – Willawilla. Thank you to Green Adelaide Education Officers Steve Walker and Jeremy Gramp (members of BCA’s Education & Revegetation Committee) for the invitation.

Community info session Mitcham

Thursday 2nd March – Wednesday 15th March: Ron Bellchambers worked with Senior Ranger Sam Everingham, Dr Jasmin Packer and DEW Graphic Designer Claire Gilbert (supported with input from Kaurna Senior Elder Auntie Lynette Crocker and BCA’s Steering Committee) on the final design and installation of the Southern Brown Bandicoot Interpretive sign and Bandicoot Conservation Zone Compliance Sign.

940520 NPWS Bandicoot Interpretive Sign Friends of Brownhill Creek FIN PRINT

940520 NPWS Bandicoot 600×450 FIN PRINT

Friday 10th March: On site meeting with BCA, Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions and National Parks and Wildlife Service SA regarding the planned pedestrian bridge to be installed at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Saturday 25th March: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park working bee.

Tuesday 27th March: Steven Hoepfner and Ron Bellchambers planted Yam Daisies –  Ngampa at the Kaurna Shelter Tree – Willawilla Karra Kuu.

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FEBRUARY 2023

Monday 6th February onwards: Work begins on the heritage restoration of The White Bridge in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. The concrete gabion buttress is to be faced with local bluestone to match the original stone buttress. Local stone craftsman Cr. Andrew Tilley is being helped by volunteers Greg Szymaniak and Ron Bellchambers. Senior Ranger Sam Everingham from the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA is supporting the project.

Wednesday 8th February, Monday 13th February, Wednesday 15th February and Monday 20th February:  Scotch College Year 11 & 12 Outdoor Education students with Head Teacher Rob Stillwell met with BCA’s Ron Bellchambers for a heritage and contemporary perspectives tour of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, followed by community service activities. The students were undertaking a personal project on the Park – Environment, Kaurna and European Heritage, Contemporary Issues and Community Service.

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JANUARY 2023

Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th January: Watering our latest native plants throughout Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Volunteers Ron Bellchambers and Greg Szymaniak.

Thursday 12th January: Watering inaccessible natives plants by bucket. Great effort by Alison McCarthy & her husband, Damion Reeves, Greg Szymaniak, Wayne Meyer and Ron Bellchambers.

*Monday 16th January: Yam Daisy / Ngampa Harvest at Willawilla Karra Kuu (Kaurna Red Gum Shelter Tree at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park). Planted by Steven Hoepfner and his team two years ago at the request of Senior Kaurna Elder Auntie Lynette Crocker, the Ngampa were ready to harvest! After a very powerful and moving ceremony led by Auntie Lynette the historic event took place. Thanks to Auntie Lynette, First Nations artist Brad Darkson, Steven Hoepfner, Senior Ranger Sam Everingham, Lee Camporeale from Mitcham Rotary Club, Mitcham Councillor Joanna Wells, BCA Chair Professor Wayne Meyer, BCA Community Engagement & Projects Officer Ron Bellchambers and a group of volunteers from BCA and the Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

https://citymag.indaily.com.au/happening/harvesting-a-cultural-miracle/

*Breaking News: The Monarch of the Glen / Madlala Karra Kuu, a Kaurna Red Gum Shelter Tree in Brownhill Creek Tourist Park has now come under the care and protection of the National Parks & Wildlife Service SA and Kaurna Elders. Remediation and restoration works have begun in the tree’s root zone to improve growing conditions and respect living Kaurna cultural heritage.

Saturday 28th January: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park working bee.

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DECEMBER 2022

Monday 5th December: Community workshop for the Bolstering Bandicoots in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park and Waterfall Gully Project.

Wednesday 7th December: Ron, Greg and Damion weed control volunteer work.

Saturday 10th December: End of year morning tea for the Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Certificates presented to Senior Ranger Sam Everingham and Volunteer Greg Szymaniak for outstanding service. Thank you to all members for your hard work and passionate commitment throughout 2022.

Certificate – Sam Everingham – Senior Ranger – Signed

Certificate – Greg Szymaniak – Signed pdf

Wednesday 7th, Thursday 15th and Thursday 22nd December: SourSob Bob weed control works, supervised by BCA.

Friday 23rd December: Father Christmas visits Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thanks to Gavin Dyer and the staff at Brownhill Creek Tourist Park.

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NOVEMBER 2022

Tuesday 1st, Tuesday 15th and Thursday 24th November: Saving Significant Trees Project with SourSob Bob contractors. More clearing and poisoning of olives in the root zone of mainly Eucalyptus viminalis (Manna Gum).

Tuesday 15th November: EBS contractors slashing around plantings.

Thursday 17th November: ECS contractors undertaking weed control.

Saturday 26th November: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park working bee.

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OCTOBER 2022

Thursday 6th October: Ron, Greg and Damion join SourSob Bob for weed control work at the Lions Park. Ira worked at the Southern Brown Bandicoot monitoring site.

Monday 10th October: SourSob Bob bush care at Willawilla Karra Kuu.

Monday 17th October and Tuesday 25th October: SourSob Bob olive control as part of the Saving Significant Trees Project.

Saturday 29th October: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park working bee.

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SEPTEMBER 2022

Monday 5th September: BCA’s 2021-2022 Financial Year Wirraparinga Progress Report completed. 

Wirraparinga Progress Report 2021-22 Financial Year – For Website

Tuesday 13th September: BCA Steering Committee meeting.

Wednesday 14th September: Southern Brown Bandicoot Project (Bolstering Bandicoots) – joint project with Dr Jasmin Packer and the BandiBunch team. Soil surveys carried out in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park and on neighbouring private properties.

https://www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/citizen-science/ibandi

Friday 24th September: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park working bee.

*Throughout the month Ron Bellchambers, Greg Szymaniak and Damion Reeves have undertaken regular weed control volunteer works.

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AUGUST 2022

Friday 5th August: Senior Ranger Sam Everingham and Ron Bellchambers install the Kaurna Shelter Tree interpretive sign. The interpretive sign was 12months of consulting and designing. Thank you to Auntie Lynette Crocker, Uncle Lewis O’Brien, Uncle Mickey O’Brien, Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch, Anthropologist Fiona Sutherland, Archaeologist David Mott, Graphic Designer Claire Gilbert and Clockworks Digital.

96657 NPWSSA Brownhill Creek Kaurna Kaurna Karra Kuu Tree FIN PRINT Aug 2022

Sunday 7th August: Students from Mercedes College and parents work with Ron Bellchambers on a Kaurna Shelter Tree Project working bee.

Tuesday 9th-Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th-Saturday 20th August: Ron with Greg and other volunteers planting native plants throughout Brownhill Creek Recreation Park to improve biodiversity and habitat. Greg and Ron also did landscaping.

Wednesday 17th August: Green Adelaide article on the Kaurna Shelter Tree Project:

https://www.greenadelaide.sa.gov.au/grant/2022-protecting-iconic-kaurna-shelter-tree

Wednesday 17th August: Mercedes College Year 4’s with Ron Bellchambers for a regular working bee.

Sunday 21st August: Unceded Seeded (Ngampa) launch of First Nation’s artist Brad Darkson’s amazing neon artwork. Brad was inspired by the Yam Daisies planted at the Kaurna Shelter Tree in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park and worked in consultation with Auntie Lynette Crocker. Ron Bellchambers represented BCA.

Unceded Seeded (Ngampa)

IMG_3203 2

Monday 22nd-Thursday 25th August: Ron and Greg did planting and mulching around The White Bridge.

Friday 26th August: Senior Ranger Sam Everingham and Ron prepare an area for planting in the Lions Park, in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Greg improves a track to divert mountain bikes.

Saturday 27th August: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park monthly working bee. Planting in the Lions Park to improve habitat for native birds, butterflies and native bees.

JULY 2022

Tuesday 5th July: ECS contractors clearing around significant river red gums along the Wirraparinga Trail. Ron supervising.Tuesday 5th July: BCA Education and Revegetation Committee meeting

Wednesday 6th July: SourSob Bob contractors clearing around manna gums above the Southern Brown Bandicoot colony. Ron supervising.

Wednesday 6th July: 1,000 native plants collected by Ron from State Flora

Friday 8th-Wednesday 14th July: Ron and Greg work at Kaurna Shelter Tree site.

Friday 15th July: Active Tree Services climber removes pines. Ron supervising.

___________________________________

Thursday 21st July and Saturday 23rd July: Mitcham Rotary Club volunteers and Ron Bellchambers planted, mulched and removed tree guards off older plants. 

*All month planting

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JUNE 2022

Wednesday 1st June: Saving Significant Trees in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park Project, organised by BCA and involving SourSob Bob’s contractors.

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Sunday 5th June: Mitcham Historical Society High Tea at Scotch College. A wonderful opportunity to connect with others about local heritage.

Mid Year High Tea 2022

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Tuesday 14th June:

Saving Significant Trees Project with Environmental Contracting Services

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Tuesday 14th June: BCA Steering Committee meeting

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Thursday 16th June: BCA Ed & Reveg meeting.

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Monday 20th June: BCA Ed & Reveg Committee Student Leaders’ Day Workshop. Key students from 5 local schools were trained / mentored to be environmental restoration leaders, ready for future whole school planting days. Thank you to the organisers, especially Vanessa Greenslade and Wayne Meyer.

PLANTING WORKSHOP

 

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Wednesday 22 June: Mercedes College Year 4 working bee at the Kaurna Shelter Tree with Ron Bellchambers. The Year 4’s come every two weeks for heritage lessons, weeding, planting and general community service activities.

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Saturday 25 June: Friends of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park monthly working bee.

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MAY 2022

Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th May: Weeding and Mulching of creek plantings near the Kaurna Shelter Tree. Thanks to Senior Ranger Sam Everingham for organising the fire crew and thanks to the fire crew and Greg.

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Friday 6th May: Opening of the Victoria Park Wetland Project, an important part of the Brownhill and Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Project. Thank you to Cr Andrew Tilley, the BHKC Stormwater Management Project team and the Stormwater Management Board.

Wetland Opening Invitation

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Sunday 8th May and Sunday 22nd May – South Australian History Festival: Ron Bellchambers led two heritage walks in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thank you to Mitcham Historical Society for organising the event, especially Ian Strout and Joanna Wells.

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Sunday 15th May: Urban Rivers and Catchments Forum at Mitcham Library.

Labor’s Plan to Fix South Australia’s Urban Rivers and Catchments

Urban Rivers – Factsheet

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*Rest of May: Souther Brown Bandicoot project, weed control works and infrastructure upgrades to rock crossings.

Sunday 29th May: National Parks & Wildlife Service Volunteer Day at Belair National Park. Thank you to the organisers for making the volunteers so welcome.

Tuesday 31st May: BCA Education & Revegetation Committee meeting.

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APRIL 2022

*Major weed control contractor works all month, organised and supervised by Brownhill Creek Association.

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MARCH 2022

Tuesday 1 March 2022: Scotch College teacher David Pace brought his Junior School students to the Kaurna Shelter Tree to learn about heritage from BCA volunteer Ron Bellchambers. The students then visited their native revegetation and habitat restoration site adjacent to the Kaurna Shelter Tree.

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Tuesday 8 March 2022: BCA Steering Committee meeting.

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Friday 11 March 2022: Bolstering Bandicoots in Brownhill Creek Project – setting camera traps.

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Saturday 12 March – Tuesday 15 March 2022: Four days of watering plants at the Kaurna Shelter Tree, weeding and beginning stage 2 of the project.

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Monday 21 March 2022: Steven Hoefpner brings a children’s group to learn about the Kaurna Shelter Tree and to plant Yam Daisies.

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Wednesday 21 March 2022: Saving Significant Trees Community Project begins with Environmental Contracting Services contractors Fletch and AJ clearing ash and olives from the root zone of a remnant River Red Gum.

 

 

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Wednesday 23 March 2022: Kaurna Shelter Tree Project Stage 2 – Stabilising creek bank erosion and creating a safe and culturally sensitive viewing area using dry stone walling. Contractor Cr. Andrew Tilley and volunteer Greg Szymaniak are doing amazing work. The area will be softened with $2,000 worth of native plants, to be planted by volunteers in June. The sedges, rushes and grasses will further control erosion and improve biodiversity and habitat.

 

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Saturday 26 March 2022: Friends of Brownhill Creek monthly working bee.

 

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Thursday 31 March 2022: Urrbrae TAFE lecturer Douglas Clarke brought his class for a day of practice brush cutting, hand weeding and drill and fill work.

Much appreciated!!!!!!

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FEBRUARY 2022

Tuesday 1st February: Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass meeting with Save Our Roads SA. BCA has two members on the campaign committee.

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Friday 4th February: BCA weed control contractor works: Drill and fill ash and willow stumps by EBS Restoration.

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Wednesday 9th February, Wednesday 16 February and Wednesday 23 February: Scotch College teacher Rob Stillwell brought his Outdoor Education students to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park to learn about the Park’s heritage, environment and community activities from Ron Bellchambers. The students also carried out community service, through hand weeding. They did an amazing job with enthusiasm and care!

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Tuesday 15 February: Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass committee meeting.

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Saturday 26 February: Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee.

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JANUARY 2022

BCA Projects in 2022:

• Organise and report on major weed control contractor works in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, following a BHC Recreation Park Management Plan.
• Continue supporting the Friends of Brownhill Creek monthly working bees (last Saturday morning of every month).
• Kaurna Shelter Tree Project: Stage 2

Kaurna Shelter Tree Project-Update

• Work with the Friends of Brownhill Creek on the Friends of Parks Small Grant 2021-2022. This project requires setting up a Southern Brown Bandicoot Conservation Zone.
• Work as a partner group on the Green Adelaide / Adelaide University Bolstering Bandicoots in Green Adelaide Project. 

• Work with local schools on environmental and heritage excursions, workshops, volunteer activities, community service and major schools’ days. This is coordinated through BCA’s Education & Revegetation Committee involving five schools, Green Adelaide Education Officers and DEW Rangers.
• Work on the Saving Significant Trees Community Project in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. This will involve weed control around the base of numerous remnant and significant trees that are under threat from olives, ash and other woody weeds.
• Continue lobbying to improve the growing conditions for the Monarch of the Glen Kaurna Shelter Tree in Brownhill Creek Tourist Park.
• Play an active part in the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass Campaign to improve liveability in Adelaide, in line with Adelaide as a National Park City, and protect our urban environment and heritage.
• Continue working with Kaurna Elders and the Kaurna community on a range of projects.
• Continue our partnership with DEW, Mitcham Historical Society, Rotary and local volunteers on a range of projects.
• Support local green initiatives such as The Bee Hub.

Another busy and rewarding year ahead! 

*January has been a busy month for finalising grant applications, watering native plants, weed control and numerous meetings for the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass campaign.

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DECEMBER 2021

Saturday 4th December: Afternoon meeting with Sam Everingham, Senior Ranger for the National Parks & Wildlife Service South Australia to discuss our ongoing partnership activities in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. The community is fortunate to have such a dedicated, hardworking, caring and skilled ranger for Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Let’s hope that he stays permanently!

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Tuesday 7th December: Mitcham Historical Society (MHS) Christmas Function. BCA is closely aligned with MHS as a partner organisation.

Christmas Function 2021

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Wednesday 8th December: Zoom meeting with Nicolle Flint MP regarding the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass.

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Wednesday 8th December: PowerPoint presentation by Ron Bellchambers to Mitcham Rotary Club. As the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek is closing at the end of 2021, Mitcham Rotary Club is kindly offering to carry on the wonderful support that Rotary has provided over the years for our local environment and heritage projects.

Bulletin Vol 60 Issue 22

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Saturday 11th December: The Friends of Brownhill Creek Christmas morning tea. What an amazing year of hard and rewarding working bees in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park! BCA and the FOBHC have completed so many projects together in 2021!

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Monday 13th – Thursday 16th December: EBS weed control works in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, organised by BCA. Olive, ash and a variety of other woody weeds to be controlled. Images before and during weed control.

Woody Weed Control

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Merry Christmas 2021 everyone. Have a safe and happy time.

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NOVEMBER 2021

Monday 1st November: Meeting with Our Roads SA on the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass campaign. Planning meeting with Dr Jasmin Packer and her team on the Southern Brown Bandicoot Project.

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Friday 5th November: BCA with EBS on weed control works.

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Monday 8th November: Minister David Speirs MP confirms that the Friends of Brownhill Creek (BCA’s partner group) will receive a Friends of Parks Small Grant for a Bandicoot Conservation Project.

21EW0015400_ELLIS 2

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Friday 12th November: Ron Bellchambers joined volunteers at the Southern Brown Bandicoot site in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park to carry out weed control and maintain native plants already planted.

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Saturday 13th November: Fundraiser for Community Alliance SA. BCA is a member of CASA.

CASA Bond purple hyperlink v2[4][2][2][3]

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Thursday 18 November: Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass Public Meeting at Scotch College Chapel. A large crowd of concerned citizens gathered to hear about the threat posed to our local environment and heritage if Cross Road becomes the heavy freight connector to the North South Corridor.

Cross Road as a Designated Freight Corridor? – Amended

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Saturday 27th November: Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

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OCTOBER 2021

Monday 4th October: Dr Peter Dillon is a member of BCA’s Steering Committee, an Hon Research Fellow CSIRO Land and Water and a keen member of the Friends of Brownhill Creek. Peter is undertaking an ongoing water quality survey of Brownhill Creek / Willawilla.

Brownhill Creek-water quality study

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Wednesday 6 October 2021: Community Alliance SA AGM and Community Forum. BCA is a member of CASA and a close partner.

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Saturday 9 October: Pelzer Prize winners event at Glenthorne National Park with Minister David Speirs MP.

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Sunday 10 October: Ron Bellchambers briefed members of Mitcham Rotary Club on BCA’s work in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. The Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek is due to close at the end of 2021 and Mitcham Rotary Club have kindly offered to continue Rotary’s environmental support.

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Tuesday 19 October: BCA’s annual Education and Revegetation Committee Schools’ Environment Day in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. This was another successful event involving around 300 students, staff and helpers from 4 schools. Allan Sumner rewarded us with a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony and Professor Chris Daniels (Chair Green Adelaide) gave an enthusiastic key note speech. Thank you to everyone that organised the day!

Brownhill Creek Environmental Education Day V3

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Sunday 24th October: Native Bee Walk-shop organised by BCA member and owner of The Bee Hub, Rossi Von der Borch. The informative and inspiring walk-shop was led by Dr Katja Hogendoorn from Adelaide University.

Native Bee Walk-shop

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Monday 13 September: Eco-Arts Red Gum Trail Workshop. BCA is partnering in this amazing initiative:

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Friday 17 September 2021: TAFE lecturer Douglas Clarke brought his students to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park to practice brush cutting. Ron Bellchambers worked with the group.

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Monday 20 September: Urrbrae Agricultural High School teacher and Urrbrae Wetlands Manager Vanessa Greenslade brought her environmental class to weed at the Kaurna Shelter Tree site. Ron Bellchambers and Jeremy Gramp (Green Adelaide Education) worked with the group.

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Saturday  25 September: Friends of Brownhill Creek monthly working bee plus Dog Owner Survey conducted by Dr Jasmin Packer and her team from Adelaide University: Professor Anna Chur-Hansen (School of Psychology), Dr Mark Kohler and Nusrat Asad. Rod Ellis (Secretary of the Friends of Brownhill Creek) and Ron Bellchambers called in on the survey.

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Monday 27 September: Planning meeting on-site with Matt Lang (DEW), Sam Everingham (DEW), Jen Pitman(DEW), Cr Andrew Tilley and Ron Bellchambers regarding Stage 2 of the Kaurna Shelter Tree Project.

• Please note that throughout September volunteer weed control work and grant application writing were undertaken.

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AUGUST 2021

Monday 2 August: Planting 1,000 native plants behind the weir at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Using a Green Adelaide Grass Roots Grant BCA organised the planting to stabilise the creek bank and improve native biodiversity and habitat. EBS Restoration did a great job! Thanks to Operations Manager Grant Glazier, Sean and the team.

Monday 10th and Thursday 12th August: Scotch College Year 11 & 12 Outdoor Education students spent the afternoon in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, undertaking a heritage walk and weeding around new native plantings. A big thank you to teacher Julia Vine and her students for their enthusiasm and hard work.

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Saturday 14 August: Science Week activity in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thank you to Rossi Von Der Borch from The Bee Hub for hosting the event and to Dr Jasmin Packer and her BandiBunch team, Kaurna Elder Auntie Lynette Crocker, Chris Brodie, Wayne Meyer and Gus for running workshops.

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Thursday 26 August: Congratulations to Jill Woodland for winning the inaugural Pelzer Prize 2021 and to the 12 Pelzer Prize winners in their categories. Ron Bellchambers was a Pelzer Prize winner for Associations and Friends of Parks. This award very much reflects the dedication and hard work of BCA and Friends of Brownhill Creek members. Thank you to the Hon Premier Steven Marshall MP, Environment Minister David Speirs MP, Professor Chris Daniels (Green Adelaide) and The Advertiser. A special thanks to Sam Duluk MP for the nomination, Clare Peddie (Climate and Environment Editor) and Auntie Lynette Crocker.

PREM – B1127522 – Premier’s letter to Ron Bellchambers – Pelzer Prize 2021 – Congratulations

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Sunday 29 August: Meeting with Kaurna Elders and Kaurna Raw Services, along with tree planting at Glenthorne National Park.

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August: Thank you to Scotch College, in particular Ieva Hampson, for the wonderful article in Scotch Reports. The article celebrates the very successful Kaurna Shelter Tree Project, ran by BCA and Scotch College. We partnered with Kaurna Elders, Kaurna artist Allan Sumner, Mitcham Historical Society, the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek, the Suzanne Elliott Charitable Trust, The Friends of Brownhill Creek, DEW and the community. Thanks to Nicolle Flint MP, Federal Member for Boothby, and Sam Duluk MP, State Member for Waite. The Federal Government Communities Environment Program Grant was matched by cash and in-kind contributions from our partners.

SCOTCH COLLEGE ARTICLE – KAURNA SHELTER TREE PROJECT

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JULY 2021

Sunday 4th – Sunday 11th July: NAIDOC Week.

Google NAIDOC Week SA for more information.

Kaurna Repatriation – Bring Old People Home: Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch (for some reason the link does not work, but if you cut and paste the link into your search bar it works). Very important and moving presentation by Uncle Jeffrey.

https://aiatsis.gov.au/presentation/kaurna-repatriation-bringing-old-people-home-brick-walls-human-element-jeffrey 

Return to Country Video:

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Monday 19 July: Scotch College Staff Development Day (Inclusive Community).

Term 3 Staff Professional Learning Day 2021

 

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Additional July activities:

• Thursday 15th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July: Planting days.
• Phone meetings with Auntie Lynette Crocker and Green Adelaide.
• Thursday 1 July: PowerPoint presentation to the Emmaus Parish Daytime Men’s Group by Ron Bellchambers. The group was keen to learn about BCA’s volunteer work.

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Tuesday 27 July: Kaurna Shelter Tree Project recognised in the Advertiser.

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JUNE 2021

Tuesday 1 June: Planting at the Kaurna Shelter Tree. 

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Friday 4th, Saturday 5th, Sunday 6th, Monday 7th, Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th and Sunday 26th June: Community and Friends of Brownhill Creek working bees at the Kaurna Shelter Tree (planting, guarding, mulching and landscaping).

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Tuesday 22 June: Recognition in Parliament by Sam Duluk MP (Member for Waite) and Minister David Speirs MP (Minister for Environment and Water).

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Monday 28 June: Mitcham Girls High Environment Elective Class working bee in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thanks to Sharyn Clarke for organising the day.

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MAY 2021

SA History Festival

https://festival.history.sa.gov.au

Ron Bellchambers (Brownhill Creek Recreation Park) and Cr Andrew Tilley (Ellison’s Gully) held two heritage walks each.

A highlight of the SA History Festival was Kaurna engagement.

History Festival 2021 – DL Launch Invitation Single Sided – Web FA

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Friday 14 May: Kaurna Cultural Burn

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Friday 28 May: Ron Bellchambers collecting native plants from State Flora for the last planting at the Kaurna Shelter Tree.

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APRIL 2021

Wednesday 7 April: Green Adelaide’s first community forum. John Wood and Ron Bellchambers represented BCA and Mitcham Historical Society. Google Green Adelaide for more information.

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Wednesday 14 April: Kaurna engagement meeting at the Kaurna Shelter Tree.

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Sunday 25 April – Sunday 2 May: Southern Brown Bandicoot Project in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A successful partnership between Dr Jasmin Packer’s BandiBunch team from Adelaide University, BCA and local residents. Thank you to Rossi Van der Borch, Belinda Sziller, Chloe Todd, Peter Dillon, Budi Sulistiyanto and the BandiBunch team for braving the freezing cold dawn starts and following up again each afternoon. Very exciting to know that we have a breeding colony in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park! An even bigger project is planned for next year!

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MARCH 2021

Whole month of campaigning, lobbying and contributing to positive outcomes for Urrbrae Gatehouse. Meetings with Carolyn Power MP (Member for Elder), Sam Duluk MP (Member for Waite) and Steve Murray MP (Member for Davenport). Numerous meetings with Department for Infrastructure and Transport staff and Adelaide University staff from the Waite Campus.

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Saturday 13 March: Monthly watering of the native garden at the Kaurna Shelter Tree by project manager Ron Bellchambers.

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Tuesday 30 March: Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek event at the Kaurna Shelter Tree.

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FEBRUARY 2021

Wednesday 3 February: Weed contractor work in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park organised by BCA.

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Friday 5 February: 30 cubic metres of mulch delivered for Kaurna Shelter Tree Project and a meeting of the Save the Gatehouse Committee at the office of Sam Duluk MP.

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Sunday 7 February: Volunteers spread 30 cubic metres of cured, pure Eucalyptus mulch under the Kaurna Birthing / Shelter Tree.

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Tuesday 9 February: Rob Stillwell, Head of Outdoor Education Scotch College, and his Year 11 & 12 students, visited Brownhill Creek Recreation Park for a 1.5 hour Heritage Tour and briefing on the park by BCA’s Ron Bellchambers.

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Monday 22 February: Submission lodged with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport regarding the relocation of the Gatehouse.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION SUBMISSION-RELOCATION OF GATEHOUSE-UPDATED

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Tuesday 16 February: Rob Stillwell, Head of Outdoor Education Scotch College, and his Year 11 & 12 students, returned to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park to spread 4.5 tonnes of gravel for the Kaurna Birthing Tree Project. Great effort!

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Tuesday 23 February: Three Year 5 & 6 classes from Scotch College Junior School visited the Kaurna Birthing Tree site for heritage and environment sessions and to take photos at their photo points. The students are involved in the Grey Box Grassy Woodland revegetation area and will be planting the final stage of the Kaurna Birthing Tree native garden in June. Their teacher David Pace has done an amazing job over many years. Sam Duluk MP, State Member for Waite, is an enthusiastic supporter of local volunteer projects and spoke well to the students. Ron Bellchambers (BCA) conducted two sessions.

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Thursday 25 February: Planting Yam Daisies for Kaurna Elder Auntie Lynette Crocker. Kaurna bush tucker site at the Kaurna Shelter Tree.

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JANUARY 2021

Wednesday 20 January: Mitcham Historical Society/BCA meeting with Tom Koutsantonis MP and Jayne Stinson MP at Parliament House. The meeting involved discussions about finding a way to divert heavy road freight away from our suburbs. 

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Saturday 23 January: Save the Gatehouse booth at Mitcham Shopping Centre. 

 

SAM DULUK MP SAVE THE GATEHOUSE LINK: https://www.samduluk.com.au/save_the_gatehouse

WAITE GATEHOUSE PETITION (link to hard copy for Parliament): https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/samduluk/pages/644/attachments/original/1607311777/Waite_Gatehouse_Petition.pdf?1607311777

ADDITIONAL ONLINE PETITION (Please sign both): https://www.change.org/p/dit-save-the-waite-lodge-and-trees

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Sunday 31 January: Close to 1,000 people attended the Save the Gatehouse Rally! A strong message has been sent to the government to protect our State Heritage Listed Assets and work together to achieve a win-win!

Thank you to Sam Duluk MP, Mitcham Historical Society, Brownhill Creek Association and Protect our Heritage SA. Mitcham Council and the University of Adelaide have given wonderful support.

Relocation of Gatehouse-The Latest

Crowd Funding for Save the Gatehouse Campaign: Please click on link below.

http://www.mitchamhistoricalsociety.org.au/home/home/save-the-waite-gatehouse-campaign/

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Saturday 30 January: Friends of Brownhill Creek Working Bee in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

DECEMBER 2020

Thursday 3 December: Weed control assessment and planning session in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thanks to Professor Wayne Meyer, Marcus Beresford, Luke Frankham and Ron Bellchambers.

Sunday 6 December: Public Rally to Save Urrbrae Gatehouse.

Historic-Urrbrae-gatehouse-to-be-bulldozed-but-study-finds-relocating-it-is-feasible-InDaily

Open letter to Premier – Waite lodge and trees – 16December2020 2

Relocation of Gatehouse-The Latest

Committee_Hansard 2020_12_10 Cross Rd Intersection corrected

Tuesday 8 December: BCA Committee Meeting.

Friday 11 December: Meeting at National Trust of South Australia Beaumont House to plan a campaign to save the Gatehouse.

Wednesday 16 December: Meeting with Kat Hill (Green Adelaide) to develop native plant lists for 2021 planting.

Thursday 17 December: BCA organised weed control contractor works.

Saturday 19 December: A well deserved Friends of Brownhill Creek end of year morning tea!

Monday 21 December: Phone meeting with Nicolle Flint MP, Federal Member for Boothby. Nicolle secured Federal Government funding for 50% of the Cross Road and Fullarton Road Intersection Upgrade, but favours the relocation of the Gatehouse and the diversion of heavy road freight from the suburbs of Adelaide.

Tuesday 22 December: Meeting with Minister Corey Wingard (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) and Jon Whelan (Department for Infrastructure and Transport) to state our case for saving the Gatehouse. Thank you to Joanna Wells, Geoff Sauer and John Wood from Mitcham Historical Society.

NOVEMBER 2020

Sunday 1 November: Native plantings watering day.

Thursday 5 November: BCA represented at Community Alliance SA AGM – Putting the community back into planning in SA.

Wednesday 11 November: Ron Bellchambers leads a heritage excursion for Mercedes College Year 6 students.

Saturday 14 November: BCA organised weed control contractor works.

Tuesday 17 November: Sam Phillips from Green Adelaide met with Professor Wayne Meyer, Dr Peter Dillon and Ron Bellchambers to advise on creek restoration works at the Kaurna Birthing Tree site.

Monday 23 November: BCA Education and Revegetation Committee Environmental Day (unfortunately cancelled due to a thunderstorm)

Brownhill Creek Environmental Education Day-Update 2

OCTOBER 2020

Tuesday 6 October: Installation of Kaurna log seats for BCA/Scotch College Kaurna Birthing Tree Project

Saturday 11 October: BCA attends the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek 50th Anniversary lunch.

Friday 16 October: Ron Bellchambers leads a Brownhill Creek Recreation Park heritage walk for Urrbrae TAFE Horticulture students.

Thursday 22 and Friday 23 October: BCA organised weed control contractor works.

Saturday 24, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October: Kaurna Birthing Tree Native Garden working bees.

Thursday 29 October: Aquatic Ecologist Sylvia Zukowski conducts a worksop for Urrbrae Agricultural High School students at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A yabbie, frogs and native fish were caught, studied and released. Two Climbing Galaxias fish were in the net!

SEPTEMBER

Tuesday 8 September: BCA Committee meeting

Tuesday 15 September: BCA PowerPoint presentation to the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek

The Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek-Kaurna Shelter Tree Project

Thursday 24 September: Visit to Kaurna ACA Studio

AUGUST 2020

Saturday 1 August: Additional Friends of Brownhill Creek Working Bee

Tuesday 4 August: Meeting with Allan Sumner

Alan Deverell from the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek and Ron Bellchambers met with Kaurna Artist Allan Sumner at Aldinga (Aboriginal Contemporary Arts). Allan Sumner is carving two red gum log seats for the Kaurna Shelter Tree Project (see APRIL-MAY 2020 below for project information) and the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek has raised funds for the seats. Allan Sumner is creating a Kaurna Place of Reflection and Reconciliation with interpretive signage at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. We can’t wait for the finished result!

Wednesday 5 August: A frosty morning in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park

Saturday 8 August: Additional Friends of Brownhill Creek Planting Day

Tuesday 18 August-Wednesday 19 August: Bandicoot Project Planting (total project completed over two weeks)

Thank you to Darren Kennedy, Project Manager-Wild Futures-Conservation Volunteers Australia, for organising the Bandicoot Habitat Monitoring Site project in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. An area was cleared of invasive weeds, an enclosure built, native plants planted and bandicoot shelters installed. The bandicoots can move freely in and out of the enclosure. The site will be monitored and data collated. Rod Ellis, Secretary of the Friends of Brownhill Creek (FOBHC), organised the native plants, while Darren Kennedy and Emily (Conservation Volunteers Australia), Chris Thompson (FOBHC) and Ron Bellchambers (FOBHC / BCA) worked on the project. The National Parks and Wildlife Service supported the project.

 

Saturday 29 August: Friends of Brownhill Creek Working Bee (Planting Day)

From left to right: Wayne Meyer, Chloe Todd, Emrys Leitch, Stefan Caddy-Retalic, Peter Reeve, Simon Firth.

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JULY 2020

Tuesday 14 July: Meeting Carrick Hill

A very positive meeting with Tony Kanellos, the new Director of Carrick Hill. Carrick Hill is a partner in the Wirraparinga Loop Trail Project.

https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2020/05/12/new-director-for-carrick-hill/

Tuesday 15 July: Meeting with Kat Hill, NRM Volunteer Support Officer

Thank you Kat for your dedicated Volunteer Support over many years! Kat has always made herself available for logistical support, while her people skills and knowledge are just what volunteers need.

Photo: Kat Hill addressing the Green Army team before woody weed clearance and habitat restoration in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. 

Tuesday 21 July: University of Adelaide Waite Campus Meeting  

A very positive meeting with Professor Martin Cole, the new Head of School (Agriculture, Food and Wine) at the Waite Campus. A productive partnership with the Waite will benefit the whole community and expand the overall heritage and tourism precinct. Urrbrae House, the Waite Arboretum and world class scientific facilities are a drawcard for visitors.

Thursday 23 July: Meeting at the Kaurna Shelter Tree

Ministerial advisors for Nicolle Flint MP (Federal Member for Boothby) and Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham ( Senator for SA and Minister for Tourism) met at the Kaurna Shelter Tree to discuss the project and assess further Federal Government support.

Saturday 25 July: Friends of Brownhill Creek Working Bee

Tuesday 28 July: BCA Education & Revegetation Committee  Meeting

BrownHill Creek Minutes 28th July 2020

Wednesday 29 July: Meeting Volunteer Support

A meeting was organised by Richard de Groot and Jen Pitman (District Ranger Adelaide and Mount Lofty Region | Central Lofty District) from National Parks and Wildlife Service (formerly DEW) at the Volunteer Centre – Belair National Park. Volunteer groups working on parks in the Central Lofty Region were invited to receive a briefing on changes to Volunteer Support. With the change from the AMLRNRM Board to the Green Adelaide Board, NRM to Landscapes SA, the NRM Volunteer Support Program has been cancelled and National Parks will provide Volunteer Support for volunteers working in State Parks. The Green Adelaide Board will run a Volunteer Support Program for volunteers working outside of State Parks. There may be an overlap as BCA / FOBHC volunteers work both in and outside of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Thank you to Richard and Jen for holding the meeting in the midst of all of these changes. There is a lot to work through and a follow-up meeting will be held in 6 months time.

Friday 31 July: Meeting at Waite Campus

Another very positive meeting at the Waite. Joanna Wells (Mitcham Historical Society) and Ron Bellchambers (BCA & Mitcham Historical Society) met with Mark Branson (Waite Campus Infrastructure Manager) and Kate Delaporte (Curator of the Waite Arboretum) to discuss the situation surrounding the proposed upgrade of the Fullarton Road / Cross Road Intersection. The Waite is still awaiting a meeting with DPTI for detailed plans. At risk is the heritage Gatehouse / ‘The Lodge’ (1883) and significant trees (1877). We hope to achieve a win / win for an intersection upgrade that safeguards The Lodge and avoids or minimises tree loss. We also discussed opportunities for community partnerships with the Waite on a variety of projects. 

*Throughout July a new volunteer, Chris Thompson, joined with Ron Bellchambers to work for many hours brush cutting and preparing areas for volunteer planting in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Friends of Brownhill Creek members and local residents have put in extra Saturday mornings to hand weed and plant. A huge effort! Thank you to all involved.

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JUNE 2020

Wednesday 3 June: Karen Lane

Karen Lane visited our latest revegetation site in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park (above The White Bridge). Karen is a living legend and is retiring after collecting local seeds and supplying native seedlings for 21 years to volunteer groups, private landowners, councils and State Government departments. In the five years previous to setting up her business Growing Bush, Karen spent five years volunteering on Bush for Life sites. Overall Karen has worked for 26 years without a break! On behalf of everyone, thank you so much. What a legacy you have left. Karen is continuing her passion for bush care on her own property on Hindmarsh Island.

Tuesday 9 June: BCA Committee Meeting

Thursday 18 June: Annual Assessment of Progress in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park:

A two hour walk-through of the park was made by Eric de Smit (DEW Senior Ranger), Professor Wayne Meyer and Ron Bellchambers to assess the 2019-2020 financial year contractor works and progress being made by volunteers. The financial summary table below shows that for a government outlay of $23,788.00 we generated $110,009.30 of total activity (a 4.6 multiplier) in the 2019-2020 financial year. Visitation to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park has increased dramatically and we have been overwhelmed by positive feedback from visitors about improvements in the park’s function, aesthetics and biodiversity.

*An additional meeting with DEW was held to discuss the upgrading of signage for Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.

Saturday 27 June: Friends of Brownhill Creek Working Bee

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APRIL – MAY 2020

Due to COVID-19, planning through online meetings has taken place

Kaurna Shelter Tree Project: Summary and Concept Plan

Kaurna Shelter Tree Project Brief-Update 

Kaurna shelter tree concept 2020 04 06

Saturday 27 May: Friends of Brownhill Creek Working Bee:

After COVID-19 restrictions are lifted our group volunteer work resumed in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park! 

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MARCH 2020

Clearing of non-heritage woody weeds that were outcompeting the Kaurna Shelter Tree and other significant trees at the entrance to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. Mechanical Vegetation Solutions (MVS) did a great job as always, carefully protecting all significant trees. The clearance of weeds will allow for the restoration of the creek (riparian zone).

Before:

After:

Kaurna Shelter / Birthing Tree now thriving, free of competing woody weeds

*Weed control contractor works continue throughout Brownhill Creek Recreation Park as part of five year program run by BCA and the Friends of Brownhill Creek. This work is funded by a grant from Minister David Speirs and Sam Duluk MP and we are pleased to have the support of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

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FEBRUARY 2020

Afternoon with renowned Kaurna artist Allan Sumner (Aboriginal Contemporary Arts) and Cr Andrew Tilley, discussing the Kaurna Shelter Tree Project.

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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

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DECEMBER 2019

A passion for sustainability!

Thank you to all of our volunteers and partner groups for another amazing year of achievements. Merry Christmas!

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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.

amlr-achieve-2018-2019-rep

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.

 

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 15 community groups, schools and government organisations enjoyed the beautiful morning.

Guest List

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).

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).

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!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

APRIL 2019

Saturday 27 April

Friends of Brownhill Creek working bee.

Tuesday 30 April

Wirraparinga Loop Trail Committee meeting

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

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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!

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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:

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!

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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

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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.

AUGUST 2017

Wirraparinga Loop Trail Update-24 August 2017

BCA NewsPage-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

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-27/adelaide-flood-mitigation-plan-to-protect-most-properties/8307610

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.

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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:

1. 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.
2. CHOOSE THE PROJECT PREFERRED OPTION D ON THE FEEDBACK FORM.
3.  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

BCA-Public Consultation Flyer

Letter From The Hon. Ian Hunter MLC To State Member For Waite Martin Hamilton-Smith MP

BCA Media Release

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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• 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://www.news.com.au/national/towering-brown-hill-creek-pines-addedd-to-sas-register-of-significant-trees/story-fndo4dzn-1226491970150

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.