” While I often make speeches at Council events, it’s been a while since I have been invited to be a guest speaker by a local sporting club, community organisation, or in this case, a Residents Association. When Roger invited me some weeks ago to address you I did not hesitate in accepting because he specifically asked me to talk about Residents Associations and the role they play in the community. In many ways, his invitation and this topic was timely – at least it was from my perspective.

Three weeks ago, when I had a spare five minutes I was watching a video on You Tube where the American political and social commentator David Brooks was speaking. Some of you might know Brooks as a journalist, formerly with the New York Times, and now with The Atlantic, as well as being a regular guest on the ‘PBS News hour’ for a weekly segment with Jonathan Capehart. In the You Tube video, Brooks is talking to a group of university students about a book he’d just written titled How to know a person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. I liked what I heard and bought a copy from Dillon’s bookstore – I shop locally as a good mayor should do!!

In the opening six pages, Brooks runs through some anecdotes of his childhood and adult connections, his social awkwardness and his somewhat detached life. He went on to explain that these experiences led him on a journey of self-discovery and to change the way he interacted with people.

And then at the bottom of page seven, Brooks hits his readers right between eyes: “Being open–hearted is a prerequisite for being a full, kind, and wise human being. But it is not enough. People need social skills. We talk about the importance of “relationships,” “community”, “friendship”, “social connections”, but these words are abstract. The real act of building a friendship or creating community involves performing a series of small, concrete social interactions well.”

In the rest of the book, Brooks gives examples of people from all backgrounds who live for years without being truly seen [and] sometimes it has taken a life-changing moment – a death or a marriage breakdown – before even the people closest to them really get see who they are. It is a beautiful book that makes the reader reflect on their own life and their interactions with others. I highly recommend it.

At about the same time, a work colleague of mine sent me an email with a report commissioned by an organisation called Ending Loneliness Together. This organisation is a national network of university and industry partners raising awareness about loneliness. Recently, they released a national report, State of the Nation 2026: Understanding and Rebuilding Social Connection in Australia. The study was based on 4,001 survey respondents aged 12-95, and highlights prevalence of loneliness and social isolation, and who is most affected and impacted. In the report’s opening pages, Hugh McKay AO has this to say: “Over the past 50 years, we’ve been making decisions about how to live that have eroded social cohesion and taken a heavy toll on out health.”

Of course, in such a comprehensive study there are going to be a number of findings, and some of the statistics are quite confronting:

1 in 2 (51 %) people living in Australia report some form of social disconnection – being either lonely or socially isolated;
1 in 5 (19 %) people are both lonely and socially isolated;
Men and women across all ages reported similar levels of loneliness and social isolation;
18-25 year olds are the loneliest (18 %);
45-54 year olds and 65-74 year olds are the most socially isolated (27%);
45-54 year olds are the most lonely and socially isolated (28%).

I could keep going on with the statistics, but I think you get the picture. Put simply, the report found that as a society we are not engaging with one another as much as we used to. Importantly, the report looks are what can be done to foster more meaningful connections between people. According to Ending Loneliness Together, part of the blueprint for creating a more connected Australia involved multiple players. It talks about how regular contact with friends and family reduces risk of loneliness and isolation. It talks about workplaces being great places for colleagues to share stories, go out for their morning coffee and office lunches. It talks about Councils providing opportunities for free activities – for this Council, the Concerts in the Park series, St Peters Fair, Raising the Bar, Zest for Life, and Christmas Pageant come to mind. And it also talks about the critical role regular chats with neighbours play in social wellbeing.

By coincidence, last week was Loneliness Awareness Week and the theme was, ‘Connection doesn’t happen by accident. It grows in the space we create for each other.’ Of course, the issues of loneliness and isolation are not new, nor are they confined to Australia. In 2000, Robert Putnam’s book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community highlighted what he believed at the time to be the decline in community in the United States beginning in 1950. Interesting how he and Hugh McKay both looked at this issue over a half a century timeframe. Putnam looked at a number of ways in which Americans had slowly disengaged from community life, which [he] argues posed a threat to democracy. Why? Because the core value of a thriving democracy is active participation by the citizenry. This includes voting, volunteering, peaceful protest, organising petitions, making in-person representations, making written submissions, attending community forums and helping out at working bees.

By now, you’re probably asking yourselves, “So, what does all this have to do with Residents Associations, and in particular the Kensington Residents Association?”

The answer is, everything! For the past 49 years, the KRA has been, to quote David Brooks, creating community by performing a series of small, concrete social interactions well. And, it is an Association that is comprised of active citizens who write submissions, make presentations and turns out at public meetings. Since its formation in 1977, the Association has been a constant in a world of social and political change. It has been a focal point for community leadership, a source of advice and advocacy, and a repository of history and local stories. It has survived governments of different political colours and numerous Councils, and continues o be a relevant player – if not central player – in the affairs of the Kensington community.

Now, more than ever, we need communities that are engaged and participating, we need volunteers, we need people who care enough to want to have a say in the public square on important matters. Yes, they have a right – in fact a duty – to scrutiny, to probe, to question, to challenge decisions and the environment in which those decisions are made – this is all part of a healthy democracy. As the saying goes, sunlight is the best disinfectant. Instead, we need residents associations to organise, prioritise and strategise to get the things they want in their local community. But when Residents Association see [their] role as the unofficial ‘Opposition’ to a Council or even the State Government, things rarely end well. This is where walls go up, trust goes down, suspicion leaks out and ideas turn in.

Thankfully, this has not been my experience regarding my professional working relationship with the current KRA President, Roger Bryson. The fact we both barrack for the Redlegs certainly helps! We can pick up the phone to discuss issues knowing we can disagree without being disagreeable, our discussion can be robust but respectful, and while our views may sometimes appear to be fixed, they are always forward-looking. This is where the KRA sets itself apart from other residents associations. One of its clearly stated aims is to “promote closer communications between Norwood Payneham & Peters Council and residents.” More than any other community organisation I know, the KRA makes an effort to genuinely see people – in this case their fellow residents from Kensington. With a membership of more than three hundred people, the KRA is unquestionably forward leaning and outward looking. It treats people with consideration and respect, it genuinely works to bring people into the fold to makes them feel part of something bigger than themselves. It does this not by raising a clenched fist against those in positions of authority but instead extending an open hand of friendship to those who share their values, their streets, their parks, their heritage and their neighbourhoods. It’s the ‘Pizza in the Park’ and ‘Film Fundraiser’ events that help local stay connected through food, film and friendship. It’s the volunteers at Borthwick Park who plant saplings, pull weeds and act as custodians of our natural habitat. And it’s the regular newsletters – yes newsletters – while seemingly simple – that become the neighbourhood telegraph for locals to keep them informed about their suburb. As much as anything else, regular communication can make people feel seen.

In the fast paced world we live in, it’s easy to put ourselves ahead o our community, but sometimes its pays to put our community ahead of ourselves. A few years ago, I attended a service at the Greek Orthodox Parish of Prophet Elias on Beulah Road, where Bishop Silouan of Adelaide was speaking to the gathering. During his sermon, he passed on a message from the Greek Archbishop, which went along the line that to enlarge others we must diminish ourselves. In other words, every now and then we should take a step back to let others be seen and heard.

All of this brings me back to Brooks and his view of the world: “In this age of creeping dehumanisation, I’ve become obsessed with social skills: how to get better at treating people with consideration; how to get better at understanding the people around us. I’ve come to believe that the quality of our lives and the health of our society, depended, to a large degree, on how well we treat each in the minute interactions of daily life.”

Perhaps there’s a lesson in that for all of us. Perhaps we should all become obsessed about getting better at treating people with consideration. Perhaps we should all become obsessed about getting better at understanding the people around us and thinking about how we treat each other.

So in closing, I again thank you for the kind invitation and the opportunity to address you. The KRA is doing a great job in making people feel seen and helping to end the loneliness and social isolation amongst neighbours and friends. So, please continue to perform those small, concrete social interactions and create spaces where people can connect. Thank you. “

🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

On the 2nd Sunday of every month 9-11am we hold a working bee to maintain the understorey plants established since the project began in 2009.

Volunteering locally is a great way to meet new people in your neighbourhood. Bring the kids. Invite a friend or neighbour to volunteer with you. Jobs for all ages and capabilities. No prior gardening experience necessary. All training and tools are provided. Wear enclosed footwear, hat and clothing to suit the weather. Bring your KRA volunteer vest if you have one or we’ll issue you with on on the day.

Not a KRA member? Join on the day!

❤️ Big love to PGH Bricks & Pavers for loaning us their mobile pizza oven once again ❤️

Where? Borthwick Park, Thornton St Kensington

When? Sunday 18th October 2026

The KRA’s most popular event is on again this Spring! We’ll be stoking the fire in the pizza oven ready for the residents and friends of Kensington to descend on Borthwick Park at 4pm with chairs, drinks, good spirits, and a hearty appetite. Bring your own plates and cutlery if wanted.

The KRA committee will make and serve pizza until everyone is happily full. The usual team will be there, rolling, topping, baking, and slicing delicious pizzas for you as you mingle with fellow Kensingtonians, enjoying a Spring arvo in beautiful Borthwick Park.

This is a family friendly event and a perfect opportunity to invite new friends or neighbours to meet other locals and make new connections.

Registration in advance is essential so we know how many people we’re catering for… then when you get to the Park on the day please check in at the registration table and pick up a name tag.

FREE registration for KRA members! Not a KRA member yet? No worries! It’s just $15/household/year to join. Click here to download a membership form. Payment options are listed on the form. Return your completed form to our Secretary at 42 Regent Street or email to contact@kra.org.au

Another busy year for the KRA:
• Weekly e-updates for members and friends of the KRA
• Monthly engagement with community through Working Bees & Morning Teas
• Quarterly newsletters distributed suburb-wide by volunteers
• Big events e.g., Pizza in the Park, Christmas carolling from the Kensi to the Rising Sun Inn, Neighbour Day, mask making workshops & Winter Solstice twilight gathering.
• Small events e.g., Compassionate Cultivation Training and Last Aid workshops, Q&A with Tim Costello, Clean Up Australia Day, Redlegs Kids event at Norwood Oval, wobbly line drawing workshop, Kensi’s Got Talent open mic night.
• Ongoing community engagement/projects e.g., Regent Garden collaboration with MSK & NPSP (new play spaces, plantings, irrigation repairs, mural installation), Summer watering roster for friends of Borthwick Park, Friendly Kensi initiative to combat loneliness in our suburb, Borthwick Park Biodiversity Project winter planting days, Welcome Pack distribution to new residents.
• Building relationships with Council personnel e.g. rock relocation in Borthwick Park, barbeque lunch for Council gardening staff to show appreciation for their efforts in maintaining our green spaces, planning paved ramp entry and handrail installation in Pioneer Park to allow access for all.
• Advocacy for heritage protection e.g. 18 month campaign to save the listed local heritage building at 69 High St by engaging with Council, Member for Dunstan Cressida O’Hanlon, Premier Peter Malinauskas and Planning Minister Nick Champion, InDaily and the property owner ended in the old school house’s demolition but State government legislation was finally passed to prevent ‘demolition by neglect’ in future.
• Advocacy for safer streets e.g. 40 kmph speed limit in Kensington and new crossing near the kindy in Thornton St approved by Council/DIT with implementation of both expected soon.
• Advocacy for the Kensington & Norwood Pool e.g. InDaily news article and deputation to Council opposing reduction of pool season and opening hours, collaboration with Council to boost public engagement and celebrate the pool’s 70th year in 2027.
• Planning and preparation for upcoming events: Film FUNdraiser at the Regal Theatre 23rd August and Pizza in the Park 18th October.

Where: Bethany function centre, Mary MacKillop Precinct, 4 High Street Kensington 5068

When: Tuesday 11th August, 7pm start

Are you a home-owner or renting in Kensington? Do you run a business in Kensington? You’re invited to the Kensington Residents Association AGM! We’d love to see you there.
Join your neighbours for an evening of community, conversation and connection!

• Lively presentations.
• Election of the 2026/2027 committee*
• A generous supper of sweet and savoury snacks, tea, coffee and wine.
• Plenty of time for you to meet the other people who make Kensington such a special place to live.

* If you are interested in joining the KRA Committee, please contact our Secretary NOW to nominate via email to contact@kra.org.au. Get involved with YOUR Association and work with other locals to make Kensington the best place to live, work and learn.

The KRA’s annual Film FUNdraiser is a lovely excuse to head to the historic Regal Theatre and spend an afternoon catching up with friends, family and neighbours. Here are all the important details…..

📽️ $25 tickets are available through Trybooking (click here) or from KRA Committee members (listed here) or email Secretary Andrew Dyson at contact@kra.org.au.

📽️ Ticket price covers cinema entry, 1 complimentary drink and delicious finger food provided by the KRA catering team.

📽️ Event starts at 4pm, 23rd August at the Regal Theatre, 275 Kensington Rd, Kensington Park SA

📽️ KRA bar open 4-5pm for purchase of additional drinks.

📽️ Live fundraising auction, great locally-sourced prizes, total value exceeds $2000. Auction bidding will start at half the retail value.

Colours of Time is a warm, visually stunning comedy drama that will be enjoyed by all. French spoken, English subtitles. The film follows four cousins who inherit a crumbling old house in rural Normandy. As they work through generations of clutter, they uncover a hidden thread connecting them to a 19th-century ancestor living through Belle Époque Paris. The film moves beautifully between both eras, blending memory, family and time into one heartfelt tale.

Here’s the trailer via SMH Culture to entice you… or go straight to StudioCanal for the trailer.

Kensington resident Elizabeth Ho OAM shared a personal review, “Colours of Time is such a beautiful exploration of the connection between past and present, from the age of Impressionism to the digital hurdy gurdy of the now, the ‘me’ generation and family ties, with fabulous performances and the oh so French contemporary singer Pomme singing ‘La Nuit’…this film is such a great escape from the news right now.”

Purchase your tickets now!!! https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1610082

In essence it was an attempt to save Council approximately $103,000 by limiting access to the Kensington & Norwood Pool. No consultation with the community was undertaken in preparing the proposal.  Separate agenda items moved to offer school students and potentially all ratepayers a free pass to the Payneham Pool when it re-opens (predicted cost $144,000 minimum) (view relevant agenda pages 1-9 here).

A short fierce burst of activism ensued!  InDaily ran a good article, including an interview with Kensington resident Trish Hansen, long-time advocate for the pool, and the KRA’s President Roger Bryson.  Read the article here.  Regular pool users and other concerned locals emailed the Mayor and Councillors ahead of the Council meeting on Tuesday night, 2 June.  Residents Trish Hansen and Tim O’Loughlin, along with KRA VP Jane Godsmark each made 5 minute deputations to the Council meeting.  There were a number of concerned residents in the public gallery observing the deputations and the Council’s deliberations. Thankyou to everyone who cares enough about this precious local place to get involved.

Finally, after much discussion, the Council voted to retain the current operating hours of the Kensington & Norwood pool and committed to engaging the community in exploring how to cultivate the vitality and future of the Pool. What a relief! 

This close call has caused us to reflect on what this pool means and has meant to our community over the past 70 years, and what role we would like it to play in the lives of future generations. 

If you’re interested in shaping or contributing to the future activation of the Kensington & Norwood Pool either email the Secretary of the KRA at contact@kra.org.au or message the We Love Norwood Pool Facebook group.

Where: Regent Garden beside McKellar Stewart Kindergarten

Intersection of Thornton & Regent Streets, Kensington

When: Friday 12th June, 3.15pm start

Two beautiful new murals will be unveiled in Regent Garden on Friday 12th June at 3.15pm and everyone is invited to the party!!

Artist David Booth created the murals, called Sunset on Kaurna Country and Moonlight on Kaurna Country, with McKellar Stewart Kindergarten children and staff in 2025. The project was funded by a City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters community grant and the Kensington Residents’ Association provided in-kind support.

🎨David Booth will be at the event to speak about the story of the murals and officially unveil them.

🧁 Home-baked treats will be available for purchase at the Kindy’s Bake Sale fundraiser. All proceeds will be put towards purchasing a new oven for the Kindy.

See you there!

Images kindly shared by the Walking Wings community project, Fleurieu Environment Centre

The Kensington community warmly invites you to a joyful and family-friendly Winter Solstice Gathering, celebrating the changing seasons and our local creatures.

This community project invites children, young people, families and neighbours of all ages to gather in wonder, imagination and connection. We invite you to come dressed as a local creature, wearing masks, costumes or creature-inspired creations. You might arrive as a moth, a bird, a frog, a possum, a plant or another being of nature – or simply come as yourself.

In the weeks leading up to the gathering, two free creative workshops will be held at St Matthew’s Activity Hall, led by cherished South Australian artist Laura Wills.

These workshops will support participants to create masks, costumes and wearable artworks inspired by local creatures and the magic of winter. They are a chance to come together, meet neighbours, spark imagination and prepare for the celebration. You are welcome to attend one workshop, both workshops, or none at all and still join the Winter Solstice Gathering.

Everyone is welcome.

Key dates and bookings links:

Creative Workshop 1 – COMPLETE – visit our Facebook page to see the fun that was had (CLICK HERE)

Creative Workshop 2 – COMPLETE – visit our Facebook page to see creativity in action (CLICK HERE)

Winter Solstice Gathering

Sunday 21 June 2026 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm | Borthwick Park, Thornton Street, Kensington 5068

On Sunday 21 June, we will gather at Borthwick Park beside the creek, beneath the ancient Story Tree – the magnificent old Red Gum that has watched over many seasons.

As dusk arrives, we will take a playful neighbourhood procession through the suburb, celebrating the turning of the seasons and the beauty of winter, before returning to the park for music, storytelling and seasonal refreshments.

The winter solstice is the longest night and shortest day of the year — a time honoured across cultures as a moment of reflection, togetherness and welcoming the return of light. Our gathering reimagines this tradition through local nature, creativity and community connection. Whether you arrive as a glowing moth, a wise owl, a frog from the creek, a possum of the trees, or simply as yourself wrapped warmly in winter clothes — you are most welcome.

Come rugged up. Come dressed up. Come celebrate the longest night and welcome the returning light.