BAG Newsletter - May 2026

History Festival 2026 - Blackwood Forest

WELCOME to Winter - at long last. We certainly have been spoiled this year with quite bearable late-Summer and Autumn days and nights. Can’t’ believe the recent Showdown was played in such balmy conditions – and it was Round 8!! A great result for all the Crows supporters – and South Australian football in general. It was almost as good as a “Grand Final”!

THE Annual BAG Mid-Year “Thank You” Dinner is scheduled for SUNDAY 19th JULY in The Belair Hotel Hillsview Room. from 6.00pm. Please make note of the date now. A formal Invitation with final details will be sent out nearer the date. We hope you will be able to join us on this special occasion.

A special word of appreciation to all our dedicated Volunteers who have contributed to our wonderful Community and a BIG WELCOME to all newcomers. If you are receiving this Newsletter for the first time and would like to participate in any of the BAG activities/Events mentioned you will be made to feel most welcome.

BAG does not charge an Annual Membership Fee.

With kind regards

Geoff Bartlett BAG Secretary and Newsletter Editor

BAG’S ACTIVITIES in 2026

OUR GARDENING EFFORTS

BAG’s dedicated garden volunteers conducted a one-off Working Bee at the

COROMANDEL STATION Freight-line platform gardens early one morning recently. Whilst most plants and shrubs we installed in July 2024 have survived, it was a good opportunity to add some much-needed water to the plants and do a little weeding and tree-trimming at the same time. We are fortunate to have so many like-minded citizens willing to get their hands dirty on such occasions.

The encouraging news is that A.R.T.C. (who controls the entire National Freight Line network) has agreed to install a fence line extension on their platform edge - opposite the Passenger-line platform. This will allow BAG Volunteers exclusive, and safe use of the platform to enhance the view for Commuters. Watch this space.

BLACKWOOD STATION has also responded to the on-going care provided by our Volunteers. It is a source of real satisfaction to compare photos of these gardens from yesteryear and, judging from the many comments we receive from commuters, our efforts are greatly appreciated. When we were asked to establish gardens in the Station precinct in 2011, graffiti was a constant problem (almost weekly). Rail Care staff assisted us greatly and the colorful mural on the control box by Nikki Create is a great example of what can be achieved. A BIG “Thank You” to all who have supported BAG at the Blackwood Station over the years.

THE OLD FARMHOUSE RUIN and POCKET GARDEN project, located in Blackwood Hill Reserve, adjacent to Trevor Tce, was initially created by the “Friends of Blackwood Hill Reserve Group” in conjunction with the Blackwood Neighbourhood Watch Members. Inspired by Councils Heritage Research Officer (the late Maggy Ragless) a Commemorative Table was constructed in 2007 followed by mock ruin walls of the original Farmhouse Cottage around the table, launched in 2010. Both projects were built using Maggy’s Staff and local volunteers. Today BAG volunteers continue to maintain a “pocket park”’ and the historic site surrounds.

BLACKWOOD’S C.B.D. was BAG’s initial reason why the Group first formed in 2009. Many local residents were feeling quite ashamed at the degraded appearance of the surrounding streetscapes, and by liaising with Council employees at the time, managed to achieve some significant results. The many Planter Boxes along Main Road and in Woolworths Northern Car Park (all still maintained on a regular basis by dedicated Volunteers after 16 years) bear testament to the Group’s desire to make our village create an impression that someone actually cares!

The Woolworths Carpark Planter Boxes in 2014 (Left) vs late 2025 (Right)

BARTY’S PARK, in Drake’s western car park adjacent to the Church of Christ, was created by BAG Volunteers in 2014 as suggested by the Strata Group of shop owners. With constant maintenance and attention by a couple of dedicated BAG Members this attractive shady Pocket Park is increasing in popularity. We are greatly indebted to our friend from the Blackwood Health Foods store who has been placing the bin out for collection each week since 2014!

History Festival 2026

Over 100 people participated in the history festival events provided by BAG’s History Group.

The first event, “Blackwood Experimental Orchard to Recreation Forest” was a resounding success despite the dismal weather forecast. The Ticket Office at Blackwood Station proved an ideal substitute location for the talk given by John Sandham (previous head of Adelaide Botanic Gardens and a Coromandel Valley resident) on the state, national and world significance and practices of the orchard, 1908 to late 1960s. Pattie Reynolds from

The Friends of Blackwood Forest followed, reflecting on the community’s 20-year struggle with the government to keep the former orchard land for recreation and wildlife habitat.

The very enjoyable ramble in the forest after a hot soup lunch highlighted the orchard remnants, the maintenance work undertaken by the Friends of Blackwood Forest and their plans for the future. Additional helpers and donations are very much encouraged.

Two events involved Beth Robertson speaking about her Ashby family’s legacy to our natural heritage with Wittunga Botanic Garden and Watiparinga National Trust Reserve, whilst participants also enjoyed a train trip through the hills, a guided walk around Wittunga with Helena Jenkinson and a scrumptious morning tea in the 1914 Apple Store.

The We Are Their Heirs talk, held at Tiwu Kumangka, about some of the significant contributors to the district was well attended and presented, and most informative.

Thanks go to the History Group team for their efforts to promote our district’s history in creative and enjoyable ways.

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY

THE weather again interrupted plans for our 17th “Clean Up Blackwood” Event planned for Sunday 1st March. When “serious “rain was forecast we decided to reschedule the Event to the 15th of March. As it turned out the day was near perfect! Twenty-eight residents joined us to help clean up sections of Shepherds Hill Road, Main Road and Coromandel Parade. A considerable amount of litter and other sundry rubbish was collected.

Overall, we consider the total amount collected was less than normal. On returning to the Blackwood Station, we were treated to a free BBQ brunch in the former Ticket Office prepared by our Master Chefs, Leith, Lis and Vy. Our thanks to the City of Mitcham for covering our overall costs through a “Quick Release Grant”. The BAG Committee would like to express our appreciation to all who contributed.

GRAFFITI SUCCESS

BAG believes that, thanks to the regular diligence of several Members, graffiti tags have been greatly reduced on Stobie Poles, station infrastructure, major business buildings, street signs and public seating.

The final Blackwood South Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter (June 2012) carried an article titled “Community Pride Day”, which noted: “On this day (16 November 1991) a Community Pride Day was supported by NHW, the Police, the Minister for Youth Affairs, Mitcham Council and local service clubs. Volunteers painted out graffiti in Mitcham Hills and Coromandel Valley. The paint was supplied by Mitcham Council.” Can you believe that was 35 years ago?

Regular targets included Blackwood and Glenalta stations, especially the long Glenalta fence line - now brightened by a colourful ANZAC DAY tribute mural, thanks to our friends in Rail Care. Other spots you may recall include the rear wall of the National Pharmacies shops, particularly the former Commonwealth Bank wall, the old Drakes staff car park near Panache Dance Studio, the former Young Street “Over 50s” Community Centre and WSR park furniture.