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Writer's pictureGeoff Bartlett

BAG Newsletter - November 2024


The Glenalta Railway Station Garden has come along way already!

BAG is back! Yes, believe it or not, we haven’t forgotten you but regrettably the year has just whizzed by. You probably know the feeling well. We sincerely apologise and hope that you have enjoyed a fruitful year so far - with plenty of exciting and rewarding happenings…… and Christmas is still to come!


This will only be a brief overview of some of the BAG Events since February but, suffice to say, quite a lot has happened in that time to keep the BAG flag” flying high”.

Our local Community is really blessed to have so many willing and committed volunteers contributing to the various events and projects under the BAG umbrella.


As always, an Invitation is extended to residents and Traders to join the ‘BAG party’ at any of our functions or Working Bees advertised. BAG does not have an Annual Membership fee – just rock up. We would love to meet you.


On behalf of our President, Brian Ferris, and Committee Members, BAG would like to pass on our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and rewarding 2025.


Kindest regards

Geoff Bartlett


BAG Secretary and Newsletter Editor


NEXT BAG PUBLIC MEETING

WEDNESDAY 27 November commencing 7.30pm at BLACKWOOD MEMORIAL HALL 21 Coromandel Parade

Our guest speaker will be SEAN McNAMARA Manager Community Connections – Talking about the success of Tiwu Kumangka, the new Blackwood Library / Community Centre and the different activities that Council is providing.


To be followed by BAG’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING featuring:

  • OUR PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT for 2024

  • TREASURER’S FINANCIAL REPORT

  • ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS for 2025


If you want to join the BAG Committee, please download and complete the form below:


DIARY DATES

  • “Meet your Local Group” hosted by Green Adelaide - 9 November @ 10:30AM to 12:30PM at Tiwu Kumangka. Click for more information.

  • Blackwood Circle of Friends Movie Night - 22 November @ 5PM at the Capri Theatre. Click for more information.

  • Blackwood Station Working Bee - 1 December @ 9AM to 11AM Followed by brunch!

  • Christmas Pageant and Fair - 6 December @ 6:30PM with more details below


THE YEAR THAT WAS……….

2024 has without doubt been a year of considerable ACTION by BAG’s many volunteers! Detailed below are some of these undertakings (in chronological order and not prioritized). Many thanks to all contributors.


JANUARY


“TOUR DOWN UNDER” – SAUSAGE SIZZLE IN FRONT OF UNITING CHURCH Whilst the “tour through Blackwood” was not screened world-wide (due to an ‘Ad-break’) a large crowd gathered at the Blackwood Roundabout to witness 5 seconds of excitement - and then grabbed a snag from BAG’s BBQ outside the Uniting Church.


FEBRUARY

BAG volunteers cut off ALL DEAD AGAPANTHUS FLOWERS from plants (installed by BAG) along both sides of COROMANDEL PARADE and also in COROMANDEL and BLACKWOOD STATION gardens.


MARCH

“CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY” – Approx. 30 volunteers joined in BAG’s annual “Clean Up Blackwood” event on a perfect Autumn day – followed by our traditional “brunch” in the Blackwood Stationmaster’s rear yard. A BIG “thank you” to all who supported us.


APRIL

MORE STOBIE POLE MURALS were erected, including 4 paintings by RUTH FLAHERTY (of baby ducks and mother duck) near the river ford on WINNS ROAD

BAG Garden volunteers helped maintain the newly created VERGE GARDEN along MAIN ROAD at the GLENALTA RAILWAY CROSSING. A great improvement on the previously grossly neglected patch of land.


MAY

HISTORY FESTIVAL EVENTS

Under the leadership of the BAG History Sub- committee, almost 100 people enjoyed three exciting Events – learning about the history of Blackwood and the surrounding area. The train trip from Belair to Blackwood via Eden Hills, the stroll along the Sheoak Road ridge and the mini-bus tour through Belair National Park were all fully subscribed. The renowned refreshments provided at the conclusion of each Event added to the various attractions. In addition to these Events was an historic Bus Tour through the beautiful Mitcham Hills (including Blackwood, Belair, Coro. Valley and Eden Hills - organised in collaboration with Mitcham Council.


JUNE

BAG’s COMMUNITY LINKS GROUP organised a FAREWELL FUNCTION for MILES BADCOCK in Tiwu Kumangka. Miles was the Founder and Editor of The Blackwood Times local Newspaper for the past 30 years. We will miss Miles and The Blackwood Times monthly publication, which helped connect the community, promoted events and businesses, and informed and encouraged discussion about critical community matters.

An alternative needs to be found to fill this void.

We thank the City of Mitcham for their contribution of funds and staff support, assisting BAG’s capacity to host the event.


JULY

A WORKING BEE, comprising 20 volunteers, was held at COROMANDEL STATION to install 15 timber railway sleepers along the border of the FREIGHT LINE PLATFORM GARDEN. One volunteer, who lives in Athelstone, painted over all the graffiti tags. The overall appearance of this platform has been enhanced greatly.

The Blackwood’s Got Talent Cabarets were highly successful. With two sell out cabarets showcasing local talent, audiences enjoyed a diverse range of performers including a Jazz singer, Frank Sinatra crooner, string orchestra, an Indie rock band, pop music performers, a folk singer, sing along choir and ukulele group.

Blackwood Action Group organisers were most appreciative of the community backing for this project. The events were sponsored by Westfield Local Heroes Award and supported by a Mitcham Council Grant and staff services, and Rola Aust for lighting and sound.

The proceeds of over $4000 will be used for funding local projects.


AUGUST

A belated “CHRISTMAS in JULY” BAG CELEBRATION DINNER was held in the Hillsview Room of The Belair Hotel and attended by approx. 50 loyal BAG supporters. It was a most enjoyable function in a friendly and welcoming cosy environment – with a great selection of “yummy” food. We also had some VIP guests join us (all of whom supported BAG throughout the year).


SEPTEMBER

A once-a-year Working Bee was conducted at the OLD FARMHOUSE COTTAGE gardens site in BLACKWOOD HILL RESERVE on Trevor Terrace. The Commem- orative History table and mock ruin cottage walls, with hedges and now well- established gardens by BAG volunteers, has certainly enhanced the entrance to the Shared-Use trails through the Reserve. Why not check the site out sometime.


OCTOBER

Thanks to our many talented local Artists, fourteen more STOBIE POLE MURALS were installed this month. It is now over 4 years since this project commenced. Our thanks go to all Artists who have contributed. You should be so proud as your artwork has not only added more colour to our streetscapes - but it softens the appearance of those not-so attractive poles!



CHRISTMAS RED BOWS

Christmas is “just around the corner”! BAG will be selling packets of red bows again this year, making it the 22nd consecutive year in which Christmas Red Bows have adorned the streets of Blackwood. We encourage you to brighten up your street and buy one or two packs.


NOTE: BAG will be producing packets of different red netting material bows this year – a new improved material (no more plastic bows!). The new material is re-usable and/or recyclable.

The material will be available in 3 X 1.37m. packs and can be purchased at the following “Sales Depots” from MONDAY 11th NOV.

  • FAIRLEY’S SHOEX in Woolworths Magnet Shopping Centre

  • HABITAT BLACKWOOD in Drakes northern Car Park 243 Main Road

  • CATHERINE HUTCHESSON, MPs OFFICE 1/7 -9 Young Street Blackwood


COST is $ 10 per pack (CASH ONLY please)


Any profit from the Red Bows sales will go towards Community projects undertaken by BAG volunteers. We thank you in anticipation.


BLACKWOOD CHRISTMAS PAGEANT & FAIR

The Pageant, which has now been running for over 50 years in Blackwood, is purported to be the second biggest held in South Australia.


The Coromandel Valley Rotary Club will be holding its traditional Christmas Fair in the Waite Street Reserve – adjacent to Tiwu Kumangka. BAG volunteers will be operating a BBQ Stall – selling sausages and cool drinks. We invite you to come along and say “Hi” – and grab a snag and drink at the same time. If you would like to help out at the BBQ Stall (or maybe join in the fun of the pageant) we would request that you meet at the BAG BBQ Stall in Waite Street Reserve by 5.30pm - to check on any arrangements that have been made.


Finally, while there isn't a Christmas Tree Festival this year, preparations are already underway for the event to return next year! If you want to get involved with this truly wonderful event, please contact Brian Ferris for more information.


2024 BAG PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT

BAG’s President, Brian Ferris, has put together his 2024 President’s Report, recapping all of BAG’s activities over the past year. It will be no surprise that the past year has been another productive one and the activities that BAG continues to engage in are more relevant and important for our great Hill’s community than ever.


Click here to download the report:


STATION VOLUNTEERS CHRISTMAS BREAK-UP “BRUNCH”


Regular Train Commuters at either COROMANDEL or BLACKWOOD Stations will be aware of the development of the gardens at both Stations in recent years. The work that has been carried out on the ARTC Freight Line Garden at Coro Station and the growth of the approx. 1300 natives planted on the “west bank” at Blackwood Station has made a huge difference to the appeal of both Stations.


To celebrate another rewarding year BAG will be holding its final Working Bee for 2024 on SUNDAY 1st DECEMBER at the Blackwood Railway Station. As usual we will be meeting at the Shed at 9.00am to commence work and finish around 11.00am, when we will all adjourn to the Stationmaster’s rear yard for a lovely Christmas “brunch” with our friends from the Coromandel Station Group. This is a FREE event comprising a delicious BBQ and sweets. Soft drinks, tea and coffee will also be available. We look forward to seeing you there.

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