The City of Playford acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. The City of Playford would also like to pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
The City of Playford also acknowledges the people, our forebears, that have contributed to building and defending our great nation and way of life.
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Information and events in this publication are current at the time of printing. Subsequent changes may occur.
From the Mayor
We live in one of South Australia’s fastest growing cities, and the change is not just on the horizon; it is happening now. This means that council is not only planning for the future but actively responding to the everyday challenges and opportunities that growth brings. It’s a shared journey, with Council, State and Federal Governments, developers and agencies all playing a role in shaping Playford’s future.
To guide us through this growth, Council has recently adopted its Strategic Plan for 2025–2028. It is a community-driven roadmap built on what our residents told us matters most: better connected roads and transport, clean and welcoming streets, more opportunities to come together, and stronger engagement with Council.
As we grow, so does the need to maintain and invest in essential services. From parks, roads and waste to community events and infrastructure, these services are critical to keeping Playford running well. In this edition we break down how different levels of government contribute, and how we fund the services that support daily life.
Education and opportunity go hand in hand with growth. Uni Hub Playford, located in the heart of Elizabeth, helps remove barriers for local students by providing access to higher education close to home.
Supporting our community also means making daily life more affordable. Council’s Healthy Food Co service continues to offer low-cost, nutritious meal kits. In this edition, you’ll find a handy and budget-friendly meal planner to help you create a nutritious weekly menu.
We’re also celebrating community stories and achievements. The front cover features acclaimed animator Richard Chataway, who grew up in Elizabeth and went on to co-found one of Australia’s most prominent animation studios.
We want our city to stay active and connected. McGilp Recreation Park in One Tree Hill has officially reopened following major upgrades. These modern, inclusive facilities now better support local sport, clubs and the broader community.
Mayor Glenn Docherty
Mayor Glenn Docherty sits with University students at launch of Uni Hub Playford.
Construction begins for new housing off of Frisby Road, Angle Vale.
Growth:
unpacking roles and responsibilities
Our region’s growth story goes beyond the role of Council – it’s a shared journey involving all levels of government, private developers, and other organisations working together to deliver the infrastructure our community needs now and into the future.
From planning new housing developments to upgrading roads, a range of groups contribute
at different stages, each with their own responsibilities.
With so many stakeholders involved, it can be difficult to understand who does what. This series will help break it down, giving you a clearer picture of who is responsible for which parts of the process.
Understanding roles of growth
Playford is growing rapidly, welcoming over 10 residents each day. With this growth comes change, new opportunities, and the need for strong collaboration across all levels of government, developers, utilities and the community.
Planning for new homes
Council works with a range of groups to support the delivery of new housing and the development of neighbourhoods across Playford. Land use changes, known as Code Amendments, are overseen by the State Planning Commission and the Minister for Planning. These amendments can rezone land from rural to residential, commercial or industrial use. Once approved by the State Government, developers plan subdivisions in close collaboration with Council.
Community infrastructure
With so much growth happening across Playford, it can be hard to know who’s doing what and who’s responsible for the changes you see around your home and across the city.
In this series, we’ll step through the big-ticket projects and explain how different players, including Council, developers, SA Water, and the State and Federal Governments, each contribute to Playford’s growth. From rezoning land and planning new neighbourhoods to delivering schools, hospitals, roads and water infrastructure, each group plays a unique role in shaping our growing city. We’ll take a closer look at how it all comes together and what it means for you.
Upgrading our roads
Growth increases traffic and demand on our roads. It means that preexisting infrastructure may need to undergo upgrades so we can provide a safe, accessible and well-connected road network.
Council is responsible for maintaining a large portion of Playford’s local roads. This includes essential works such as pothole repairs, road resurfacing, signage, and upgrades that improve traffic flow, safety and accessibility for all users. Council also actively advocates for investment in major road infrastructure to ensure it keeps pace with community needs.
Arterial roads such as Main North Road, Womma Road and the Northern Expressway are managed by the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport. Roads in new suburbs are built by developers and eventually handed over to Council for ongoing care and maintenance.
Reliable water infrastructure
SA Water is upgrading and expanding Playford’s water and sewer networks through its Metro Growth Program. These essential works are helping to future-proof our city by ensuring reliable, high-quality water services for residents, schools and businesses. While construction may cause short-term disruption, the long-term benefits are significant.
Our Strategic Plan 2025-2028
Building stronger foundations and connecting our people
Our Strategic Plan 2025–2028 outlines the next four years of this journey, with a continued focus on strengthening our foundations. It also places greater emphasis on how our community connects and thrives. This shift is vital as our population continues to grow. As new residents arrive and communities evolve, it becomes increasingly important to nurture connections – between people, across cultures and within our neighbourhoods.
Community engagement played a central role in shaping this plan. Our community told us that continuing to build strong foundations is essential. At the same time, they value greater connection and look to Council to help make that possible.
We recognise the challenges of rapid growth, but we also see great promise. Our Strategic Plan ensures Playford continues to grow as a liveable, inclusive, and well-connected city –one where every person feels supported and proud to call Playford home.
New Strategic Plan 2025-2028 is now online at our Vision and Strategy page.
The Strategic Plan 2025–2028
Theme 1 Our foundations
Improving safety, accessibility and ease of movement around our city
• Making the most of funding to improve roads, footpaths and drainage.
• Safer, easier ways to get around.
• Parks and playgrounds that work for everyone.
• Partnering with other levels of government to support outcomes for our community.
Theme 3 Building connections
Fostering collaboration and connection to each other
• Connecting people with local services and support.
• Promoting connections across cultures and generations.
• Supporting volunteering, mentoring and skill-sharing.
• Sharing clear information about what’s happening in the community
Theme 2 Our foundations
Lifting city appearance
• More trees and greenery in streets and parks.
• Uplifting the look of our reserves, open spaces and verges.
• Supporting the community in caring for their neighbourhoods.
• Upgrading older suburbs while respecting their character.
Theme 4 Building connections
Activating and facilitating welcoming community spaces and events
• Creating inviting, accessible spaces for people to gather.
• Making it easier to run and attend community events.
• Promoting inclusive events for all ages and backgrounds.
• Helping residents discover what’s on in their city.
$5.01
Each year, Council sets a budget to deliver the essential services and facilities our community depends on – from waste collection and parks, to roads, libraries, playgrounds and local events.
Around 60% of Council’s income comes from rates paid by property owners. The rest comes from grants and other funding sources. It’s also a common misconception that new houses bring in extra money for Council. In reality, growth adds demand for services and infrastructure, which we must plan and budget for carefully.
With around 10 new residents moving to Playford each day, we’re investing in both new suburbs and long-established neighbourhoods. And growth isn’t just happening on the edges – many older areas are seeing infill housing and upgrades too. Some services are easy to spot, like road reseals, verge mowing, and street tree
planting. Others happen in the background, such as food safety checks, stormwater management or maintaining street lighting. All play a part in keeping Playford safe, clean and connected.
To show how rates support the day-to-day running of our city, we’ve broken down how, on average, $100 worth of rates is invested. The biggest portion? City presentation – things like mowing, footpath repairs, graffiti removal and keeping public spaces tidy.
Moulding Australian television
Each generation is moulded by the content streamed from their screens. Whether encased in wooden-veneer, wall-mounted or handheld, we spend our formative years soaking up on-screen entertainment like a sponge.
For Richard Chataway, it was the 1960s that sparked his fascination with television.
Crammed in front of a modest screen, vying for couch space with his four brothers in their Elizabeth home, Richard was introduced to an art form that would shape his life. “We would watch Gumby, The Red and the Blue – basically a lump of red clay and a lump of blue clay that would mould and form into different things.”
Thirty years later, children of the same age would struggle to sit through an ad break
without seeing something Richard had helped create. Louie the Fly (Mortein), Dorothy and Roger (Schmackos), Rusty and Sandy (Home Hardware) – iconic stop-motion characters that became part of Australian culture in the 1980s and ’90s.
It was an incredible achievement for a boy who grew up on Enford Street in Elizabeth.
Despite having four brothers, Richard remembered having plenty of space. “We had two quarter-acre blocks right next to Clifton Gardens playground. Some of my fondest memories of Elizabeth were the open spaces we could explore.”
“Mum and Dad gave us a fantastic home. Although we couldn’t have everything we wanted, we had a great home.”
A self-described misfit at Elizabeth High School, Richard found himself buried in books at the library.
Still, a few standout teachers left a lasting impression. “Lola Brown taught us a lesson on poetry. She was so passionate; I was mesmerised.”
Richard went on to study teaching at Salisbury Teachers College and it was there, through subjects like drama and screen studies, that he discovered his own creative spark.
He met lifelong collaborator Michael Cusack and together they produced The Disc of Magala – a sword and sorcery stop-motion epic inspired by their love of Dungeons & Dragons.
The film was picked up by the South Australian Film Corporation and launched their careers.
“The animation was as good as anything else being done in stop motion in Australia – and they recognised that.” By the mid-1980s, they had founded Anifex, a studio that went on to employ a dozen staff and produce internationally recognised commercials and short films.
“Very few people just fall into success… every major singer, musician, artist, actor – they’ve all worked really hard at their craft.”
Richard attributed his success to one thing –stickability.
“Just work at something until you get better at it… of course, it’s a lot easier if you love what you do,” he laughed.
Homecoming at McGilp
There was a hive of activity at McGilp Recreation Park on Thursday 8 May, as the sporting clubs of One tree Hill moved into their newly refurbished club rooms.
Soccer coach Luke Matthews hoisted a stack of packing boxes onto the new kitchen benchtop inside the freshly renovated clubroom, pausing to take in the upgraded space. Looking around, he admits the feeling is hard to describe.
“Exciting, to say the least,” he says with a grin. Modern, accessible changerooms are now available for the One Tree Hill Soccer Club, Tennis Club and Cricket Club, offering upgraded amenities that reflect the growing needs of local sport.
“Changerooms – that’s the biggest one,” Luke says. “We’ve never had proper facilities here before. We used to get changed in the old clubroom. Now, we’ve got accessible spaces for both home and visiting teams. It’s a huge step up.”
For Gary Evans, President of the One Tree Hill Sporting Association and Tennis Club, being back at McGilp feels like coming home.
“Everyone’s breathing a bit of a sigh of relief,” he says. “We’re over the moon with the results. It’s fantastic.”
After years of relocating and sharing facilities, Gary says the clubs are ready to hit the ground running together.
“With soccer, cricket and tennis all back here, we can now focus on growing the Sports Association and getting more juniors involved. It’s an exciting time for the whole community.”
Looking ahead, Gary is just as enthusiastic about what’s still to come. A new pump track and revamped playground are on the way, and landscaped areas now provide shaded spots and green space for families to relax. “It really feels like a little village green,” he smiles. “Somewhere to play, eat lunch, and just enjoy being part of the town.”
Mayor Glenn Docherty said the upgrade was not only vital for supporting local sport, but for the whole of the One Tree Hill community.
“McGilp Recreation Park is the heart of One Tree Hill. It is the townships largest open space and a place for the whole community to connect, play and grow together,” Mayor Docherty said.
McGilp Recreation Park Upgrades:
Extended oval with senior and junior soccer pitches
New, modern and accessible changerooms
Resurfaced tennis courts
Formalised parking
Improved seating and spectator areas
For more information and further updates, scan the QR code.
(Below) Players from the One Tree Hill Soccer Club sitting in the new change rooms.
Uni Hub Playford is made for learning
Students in Adelaide’s north have a new place to study and connect, with the launch of Uni Hub Playford in Elizabeth in March.
The hub offers modern study areas, personalised academic support, and access to career and wellbeing services, all within a welcoming environment close to home. It’s designed to remove barriers often faced by students in the northern suburbs – such as long commutes, limited public transport, and feeling disconnected from campus life.
Nisha, a fourth-year software engineering student from Smithfield, is excited to use the space in her final year.
“It’s great to have somewhere so close to home to use for group assignments. Driving to UniSA for study can be time-consuming, and this gives me a local space to stay focused,” she said.
“Heading into winter, the days get shorter, and when I commute on public transport it makes my parents worry. Being able to work later in the evening near home is really reassuring.”
Nisha said her friends are also looking forward to using the space.
“Some are travelling into the city at 5am just to make it to class. That’s a big disadvantage for students in the outer suburbs. Hopefully, this hub helps them create a more flexible schedule.”
She’s also eager to meet new people and grow her local network.
“I’d love to see this space grow – where students can connect and reach out to local businesses.”
Recognising the need for better access to higher education in the north, the City
Student Nisha enjoying the new pop up site at the Playford Civic Centre Library.
What Uni Hub Playford offers students:
Welcoming space for learning, networking, and connection
Personalised study and career support
Access to computers, internet, and quiet study areas
Clear pathways to uni and employment
Build qualifications and job prospects
of Playford led the successful application for Uni Hub Playford through the Federal Government’s Suburban University Study Hubs Program. Council will continue to play a key role in delivering the service.
The hub is a result of strong partnerships with Adelaide University, Flinders University, TAFE SA, and the Northern Adelaide State Secondary Schools’ Alliance (NASSSA), all committed to improving outcomes for students in northern Adelaide.
The Hub is currently operating from a popup site at the Playford Civic Centre Library. Services will transfer to a new campus at TAFE SA’s Elizabeth site in August 2025.
Convenient location near home and public transport
Safe, inclusive, and supportive environment
Keep up to date with Uni Hub Playford News by liking our new Facebook group.
What’s a Council service you would like to highlight? Elected Member chat
Sport plays a big role in Playford – from young kids starting out to people staying active throughout their life. Council supports clubs with ovals, courts, clubrooms, grants and support services. It’s about keeping active, connected, and making sport accessible for all.
I love that our libraries aren’t just a service to borrow books from. They’re a safe and quiet space to take some time out, check out the collections, participate in our various programs and events, and connect with one another.
I would like to see our urban street appearance, delivery quality and sustainability lifted in order to improve the overall quality of the urban appearance for our residents.
Ward two covers the suburbs of Munno Para Downs, Munno Para West, Munno Para, Smithfield and Blakeview; and part of the suburb of Hillier.
The library staff are exceptional, providing excellent service for those unable to visit in person. The Grenville Hub Men’s Group offers a fantastic service for the local community of men.
The Grenville Hub offers a range of programs for our older community, including affordable meals, walking groups, men’s groups, craft classes, and more. It also features a fantastic op shop, with friendly and helpful team members.
I love seeing staff on the ground, mowing, trimming bushes and trees and beautifying the area. The inclusion team are also a favourite of mine, assisting some of the vulnerable members of our community.
Ward Two
Ward one covers the suburbs of Angle Vale, Buckland Park, Virginia, Eyre, Penfield, Penfield Gardens, MacDonald Park, Andrews Farm, Riverlea Park and Smithfield Plains; and part of the suburbs of Edinburgh North and Waterloo Corner.
Ward One
Ward Three
Cr Andrew Craig 0417 016 160
Ward three covers the suburbs of Hillbank, Gould Creek, One Tree Hill, Sampson Flat, Humbug Scrub, Uleybury, Yattalunga and Bibaringa; and part of the suburbs of Craigmore and Evanston Park.
The Playford Civic Centre, Playford Libraries, Shedley Theatre, Elizabeth Rise, The Precinct, Marni Waiendi, Grenville Hub and the John McVeity Centre, as all offer diverse activities that enrich and support our community.
I’d like to highlight our verge management services, including mowing, maintenance and litter control. While investment is strong, challenges like illegal dumping remain. I’ll keep advocating for well-maintained and attractive verges.
I would like to see the Community Services provided by Council highlighted that enhance the opportunities for our residents to participate in their neighbourhoods and become a part of the Playford community.
A Council service I would like to highlight is the mowing team because they keep our reserves, verges and open spaces tidy and walking friendly for our community members and their four-legged friends.
I want to highlight the events team, as they organise community events that receive excellent feedback. Additionally, the hard rubbish collection service is prompt and efficient, showcasing the Council’s commitment to our public spaces.
Ward five covers the suburbs of Elizabeth Downs, Elizabeth Park, Elizabeth East and Elizabeth Grove; and part of the suburb of Craigmore.
As an educator, I would like to highlight our study hub and the ability for tertiary students to access services and resources to assist them with their studies right here in Playford.
Hard waste collection provides residents with a free and convenient way to dispose of unwanted items. Our wonderful staff deliver excellent customer service, ensuring the community receives the support they need when it matters most.
I’d like to highlight the programs at Grenville Hub, JMC, The Precinct, and The Rise, offering social and learning activities. Playford Community Carols and Australia Day celebrations are exceptional, fostering connection within the community.
Ward Five
Ward four covers the suburbs of Davoren Park, Elizabeth North, Elizabeth, Elizabeth South and Elizabeth Vale; and part of the suburb of Edinburgh North. Ward Four
Overnight Vigil and ANZAC Day Commemorations
Local young people from the Ridley District Scouts, St John Cadets, Playford District Girl Guides and Air Force Cadets stood watch over the Cross of Remembrance in 20-minute shifts throughout the night, until the sun rose over Smithfield Memorial Gardens on Anderson Walk for ANZAC Day. The crowd watched on ANZAC Day in silence as the community gathered to reflect, remember, and honour Australian and New Zealand defence personnel – both those currently serving and those who have served. Lest We Forget.
Thank you event
On Friday 2 May, we celebrated the incredible volunteers who support our community with a special evening at the Shedley Theatre in Elizabeth. It was a meaningful opportunity to recognise the hundreds of hours generously contributed by this dedicated group.
National Indigenous Tennis Carnival
On Thursday 8 May, 350 students from 21 different schools flocked to the Playford Tennis Centre in Elizabeth East for the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival. Participants from reception to year 6 were able to test their tennis skills while also enjoying a BBQ fired up by volunteers from the Lions Club.
History Month
Playford’s past came to life at the Elizabeth Civic Centre and Library for a history festival to remember. Locals enjoyed thrilling talks, workshops, fun games, vibrant stalls, classic vehicles and hearing about spooky local legends.
