Media Releases

Following a $1 million redevelopment, the new Dunstan Adventure Playground was officially opened on 2 February 2024 by Mayor Robert Bria and the South Australian Premier, the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP.

Mayor Bria says the award reflects the investment that the Council is making into the renewal of its playgrounds as places the whole family can enjoy.

“The Dunstan Adventure Playground is the result of thoughtful planning and collaboration with First Nations people to create a place that demonstrates a strong connection to Country, offers active and nature play for children of all ages and places for families and friends to connect, among a stunning natural landscape.

“I am particularly proud of the teamwork demonstrated throughout the project that included Council staff, arborists, designers, contractors, Kaurna representatives and artists and residents.” 

Paying homage to former South Australian Premier Don Dunstan’s vision, the Dunstan Adventure Playground boasts adventure themed play equipment complete with barbecues, lighting, shelter toilets and picnic facilities amongst a thoughtfully designed landscape setting.

The AILA Landscape Awards judges’ citation notes that, “The project is an exemplar, led by landscape architecture and a collaborative relationship with Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation and local Kaurna artists”.

“The refreshed space has a strong connection to Country — an element previously missing within this playground on the Karrawirra Pari, despite Don Dunstan being a champion for First Nations people and its riverine context.”

Judges acknowledged that through its redevelopment, the Dunstan Adventure Playground has retained its unique qualities of challenging play while building on these themes with embedded culture and environmental sensitivity.

“The team has reinforced this fantastic destination along the River Torrens Linear Park. The playground design is brave and also encourages children and parents to be brave — just as it did in the seventies.”

Burchell Reserve, located at 50 Sixth Avenue, St Peters, was also acknowledged with two commendations following its $4.2 million redevelopment.

The Water for Life Commendation is a nod to the Council’s strategic approach to substantive stormwater peak flow mitigation and water quality improvements that has been delivered with high-quality green space and leisure opportunities for the local community. 

Judges specifically noted thoughtful integration of a raingarden and stormwater detention tanks below the tennis courts, stating, “this was done without impacting on activity space, and park-wide detention storage, whilst retaining mature trees via progressive civil works treatment”.

The Healthy Parks Healthy People Commendation saluted the Council’s approach to integration of existing mature trees and green spaces with stormwater management and new recreational opportunities — with a clear focus on expressing the natural drainage and landscape palette.

Media enquiries: Robert Bria on 0431 754 077 or Allison Kane on 0499 558 834

Mayor Robert Bria says the figures not only demonstrate the popularity of the Gather Round but also position Norwood Oval on The Parade, as the local venue to host matches.

Of the $15.8 million total spend across the City during Gather Round, more than $1.12 million can be attributed to interstate tourists.

Victorians spent $750,000, while Sydneysiders outlaid $191,000 and Queenslanders $182,000.

Norwood Oval again hosted two matches as part of AFL Gather Round, with Brisbane Lions playing Western Bulldogs on Saturday, 12 April while St Kilda came up against Greater Western Sydney (GWS) on Sunday, 13 April.

Mayor Bria says hosting matches at Norwood Oval featuring interstate teams was a key factor in attracting tourists from across the country to The Parade.

“Bringing teams such as Brisbane and GWS to Norwood Oval is great from a tourism perspective and gives our City a unique opportunity to showcase everything  our great City has to offer.

“I was delighted to see people from as far as Townsville attend the Rivals Long Lunch on Osmond Terrace on Saturday, 12 April.”

Mayor Bria says the Council  was particularly pleased with the significant increase in hospitality spend this year — $4.6 million compared to $3.6 million in 2024.

Key Spendmapp data for the 2025 AFL Gather Round:

• Total spend in the City: $15.8 million compared to $14.8 million in 2024 (7% increase)
• Total hospitality spend in the City: $4.6 million compared to $3.6 million in 2024 (26% increase)
• Hospitality spend in Norwood: $2.83 million compared to $2.4 million in 2024 (19% increase)
• Hospitality spend on Sunday 13 April (day of Norwood Food and Wine Festival): $1.5 million compared to $1.1 million in 2024 (36% increase).

Note: Spendmapp has recently recalculated the data following a review of different categories.

Media enquiries: Robert Bria on 0431 754 077 or Allison Kane on 0499 558 834

The recipes, featuring locally sourced ingredients from the likes of Avanti Pasticceria, L’Abruzzesse Pasta and Rio Vista Olives, are easy to follow videos, complete with ingredients lists, where to buy every item and step-by-step, easy to follow instructions.

“Jane and Eddie are showcasing what our food and beverage manufacturers in Glynde, Stepney and the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters have to offer,” says Mayor Robert Bria.

“And with some of the best produce in the State right here on our doorstep, it’s not hard to find inspiration.”

Recipes take you on a culinary journey from a gourmet croque monsieur and whipped labneh with olive oil flatbread, to eggplant cotoletta and twice cooked duck leg, to a hearty lamb ragu bianco with pappardelle.

And of course, then there’s dessert.

“Our cannoli and trifle recipes put a fresh and contemporary spin on traditional favourites,” says Jane.

“All of the recipes were designed with people in mind — easily sourced, accessible ingredients and easy to follow instructions are at the heart of these dishes.

“We want to ensure that anyone can prepare these recipes and everyone will enjoy them, whether that’s a quick lunch at home or a fabulous dinner party with your nearest and dearest.”

For those who need a little more encouragement to try their hand in the kitchen, Eddie says, “Cooking is supposed to be fun and about bringing people together”.

“Yes, it can be intimidating, but once you give things a go, your confidence will grow with each recipe — don't be afraid to make some mistakes!”

Eddie says there’s a few key measures that will ensure you enjoy the process and create elevated dishes.

“Number one is to plan ahead — Read over the recipes before starting, think about the steps. A little planning goes a long way.

“We know cooking can become a chore in our day to day, but bringing your loved ones together, putting on some music and making an afternoon of it — it really lifts the enjoyment!”

“And lastly, don’t compromise quality for quantity. Great produce makes all the difference, whether it's a beautiful olive oil or a locally made cheese,” Eddie adds.

“We’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to quality produce with a plethora of producers, artisans and suppliers on our doorstep.

“Visit them, talk to them, lean into their passion and knowledge — good food is what they do, it’s deeply ingrained in them”.

Explore all ten recipes, watch the videos and download the ingredients lists and recipe cards, visit our website to start your cooking journey.

Watch now: Food Secrets with Jane and Eddie

Mayor Robert Bria says the Council’s draft Budget continues the Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in the Council’s infrastructure in response to the community’s expectations.

“Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty both nationally and internationally, the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters—like all other councils—faces a challenging financial environment,” says Mayor Bria.

“While interest rates and inflation have fallen in recent times, the legacy of these additional impacts on operational costs, and the cost of materials and labour required to deliver projects and provide services and programs, have been front of mind in the Council’s deliberations associated with this draft budget.

“The Council remains focused on adhering to the guiding principles of the Long-term Financial Plan (LTFP) by applying an 8.5% Rate Revenue increase in 2025–2026, to ensure it remains financially sustainable.

“This approach will help to ensure that the Council can continue to operate in a financially sustainable manner, which means its annual revenue will cover the costs of services and programs we deliver for our citizens.

The proposed budget will result in an average residential rate increase of 9.49% or $194, bringing the residential (average) rate to $2,238 while the average commercial rate will be $3,461 per annum.

Approximately 50% of ratepayers will pay the average rate or less while one third of residential properties (6,650) will pay the minimum rate of $1,386.

The projected Operating Budget Surplus is $754,356.

Infrastructure investment remains a core focus of the draft 2025–2026 Budget, with a total of $26 million allocated for capital projects, of which $11 million will fund the continued construction of the state-of-the-art Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre, which is expected to reach practical completion in the first half of 2026 (at which point the construction schedule will have spanned three financial years).

The Council also understands the importance of ensuring it keeps up its investment in essential infrastructure of roads, footpaths and kerbs for the community.

The 2025-26 Capital Works Program will include: 

• Resealing of roads ($3.5 million)
• Renewal of footpaths ($1.2 million)
• Kerbing ($1.5 million)
• Stormwater drainage ($2.1 million)
• Buildings ($2.6 million)
• Kent Town Infrastructure Upgrade ($400,000).

The Budget also includes new playgrounds and shade sails at Adey Reserve, Firle (which will also and St Peters Child Care Centre and Preschool.

A new playground will also be constructed at St Morris Reserve, to be undertaken as part of the St Morris Reserve Redevelopment, which forms the $7.5 million Stage 1 of the Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade project—the final phase of this multi-million dollar project to assist in protecting the community against the impacts of flooding.

“While these projects will be delivered in different areas of our City, each new project will bring benefits to our whole community,” says Mayor Bria.

Beyond infrastructure, the draft Annual Business Plan & Budget outlines a range of initiatives designed to foster community connection and wellbeing.

Funding is also allocated for the delivery of an exciting events program, which includes the 2026 Tour Down Under, Norwood Christmas Pageant, Raising the Bar and Concerts in the Park series.

A key attraction during the AFL season, $200,000 has also been allocated to the delivery of events and activations as part of the 2026 AFL Gather Round, which the Council hopes to be a part of for the fourth consecutive year.

“All of these events and activities help to build on our already strong sense of community, bringing neighbours, friends and visitors together to enjoy the best of what Norwood Payneham & St Peters has to offer,” adds Mayor Bria.

“The Council is getting on with the job of delivering for our community to improve the lifestyle and amenity of all who call our City home while ensuring the Council remains financially sustainable.”

Download a copy of the draft 2025–2026 Annual Business Plan and share your comments by visiting the Council’s website at www.npsp.sa.gov.au/consultation

Consultation closes 5pm, Friday 30 May 2025.

Media enquiries: Robert Bria on 0431 754 077 or Allison Kane on 0499 558 834

Mayor Robert Bria says the Council is excited to continue this important public art initiative.

“Public artwork is highly valued by our community because it adds to the strong sense of place the Council is committed to creating for our residents.

“We have a strong and vibrant arts community in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and the continuation of this major public art program sends a strong message to our arts community that we are putting our money where our mouth is.”

Mayor Robert Bria says that the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters is seen as leader in the public art space.

“We also know that the Council is a trailblazer and pacesetter in terms of this type of artwork, with other councils adopting similar policies.”

Under the Council’s Public Art Policy, budget is set aside annually for the purpose of funding a commissioned public artwork.

The total budget allocated for the artwork is $300,000, which is based on a formula of the equivalent of 1% of the Council’s annual capital works budget or a maximum of $75,000 allocated per annum.

The annual budget allocation of $75,000 is the equivalent of $1.40 spent for every $1,000 in Council’s annual budget.

“While the artwork is fully funded through Council’s annual budget process, the Council will continue to seek opportunities for grant funding to help offset the cost.”

The Council will now commence an expression of interest process in which artists are invited to respond to a project brief.

It is anticipated that the selected work will be unveiled by August 2026 at which time it will join the Council’s four previous Quadrennial Public Artworks:

• Seed Mix (Hackney, 2022)
• Perpetual Sun (Stepney, 2018)
• Fallow (St Peters, 2014)
• Spectrum (Norwood, 2010).

Media enquiries: Robert Bria on 0431 754 077 or Allison Kane on 0499 558 834