Four new multi-use courts have joined the sprawling skate park at Christie Downs’ Morton Road Reserve as the $3.5 million sports and community hub nears completion The community is free to have a hit or a shoot anytime at the new tennis/netball courts—the latest project milestone of the highly anticipated hub The federal government contributed $400,000 towards the courts and oval earthworks and irrigation, through its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program adding to the $1.5 million each from City of Onkaparinga and state government towards the wider project Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation (RRSF) contributed $100,000 towards the hub which will become home to the foundation’s “life-changing” sports coaching and mentoring programs for children from disadvantaged backgrounds former professional tennis player and coach to some of the world’s best said it was a thrill to see the courts—which he said would be painted blue in summer—open to the public “It’s fantastic to be back down here at Christie Downs and the tennis courts and netball courts—they’re open come down here and use them as you will,” he said “I love the two hitting walls here because you don’t normally see them in tennis complexes we’ll be putting some community programs in place for kids to come and get free tennis lessons here right throughout the course of the year.” City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said it was exciting to watch the courts and skate park become a hive of activity in the lead-up to the wider hub launch “Once completed, this place will become a sanctuary, particularly for young people and families, who’ll be able to come and hit or kick a ball, go for a skate or simply relax and breathe in some fresh air with their community,” she said “”Our team is now working to finish all remaining works by spring including footpaths Minister for Planning and Local Government Vickie Chapman said it was “fantastic to see another piece of the puzzle falling into place” “The community netball and tennis courts will encourage people of all ages to get out into the fresh air and engage in physical activity,” she said there is no better time to pick up a racquet or netball Sharon Jolly, Chairperson of Christie Downs Community House (which is located alongside the courts said the centre’s board of management was very excited about the latest milestone “The Board have been fortunate to be involved in the development and progression of this wonderful and exciting community asset and the development will bring so much to our community by way of creating a community hub for all to participate as it compliments much of the work we do and will offer us with so many new and interesting ways to support our community.” A formal name for the hub is expected to be unveiled at the launch in spring, with council set to release a shortlist of names for the public to vote on soon, following suggestions from the community A separate engagement via council’s Your Say page is asking for the community’s feedback on a proposal to make the Morton Road Reserve a dry area You can have your say via the page until Friday 13 August Sign up for our monthly email newsletter to get stories about local issues Subscribe now led by the City of Onkaparinga and the Connect Christie Downs working group began meeting with residents living in the flats and townhouses surrounding a little-known reserve on Fonda Court “The monthly barbecues enabled strong relationships to develop and identified the community’s various opportunities and strengths,” says Amanda Kemperman City of Onkaparinga Community Connections Officer “We heard that an upgrade would support neighbours to feel safer plus build pride and sense of home.” Support came from the Southern Community Safety Committee (SCSC) which connects various council teams and government departments together to create safer more inclusive communities within the City of Onkaparinga in response to a large number of police attendances and the high cost of vandalism in the neighbourhood also recommended a reserve upgrade and the installation of CCTV Collaboration on a comprehensive security system by council SA Police and SA Housing had an instant effect and police attendance has since dropped by more than 75 per cent with maintenance costs due to vandalism also dropping significantly Equally impressive has been the visual change AnglicareSA’s Communities for Children commissioned local graffiti artist Morris Green to work with residents and stakeholders to make the reserve’s fences and walls come alive through murals addressing graffiti vandalism issues and showcasing the area’s strengths and history with the murals illustrating the history of the site which was formerly the Ocean Line drive-in theatre as well as iconic native Australian native animals and plants,” says Amanda Next came the installation of irrigated lawn seating and a swing set to support residents to connect and strengthen relationships building community resilience and addressing safety the residents and key stakeholders met once again to celebrate the makeover – with another barbecue of course “It was great to catch up to celebrate what is now an inviting haven and to reflect on what’s possible when we all work together,” says Janine Moyle from Lutheran Community Care’s Outer Southern Homelessness Service “It was a true collaboration between so many different stakeholders which all came together in a coordinated way to make it happen” agrees Darryn Moyle Asset Protection Coordinator at the City of Onkaparinga The Connect Christie Downs collaborative group is led by council and includes AnglicareSA’s Communities for Children Onkaparinga Lutheran Community Care’s Outer Southern Homelessness Service and Junction Australia For more information contact Amanda on 8301 7356 The Fonda Court project is part of council’s neighbourhood development program which uses project-based initiatives to work with a variety of communities and neighbourhoods across the region community groups and agencies that come together to act on and find answers to common problems; and connect with community in public spaces community facilities and on the streets to improve opportunities for our community Tucked away in an unassuming corner of Christie Downs is a vibrant space where local people can connect Whoever coined the phrase ‘twilight years’ for those entering their later stages of life obviously never visited Elizabeth House creating and socialising to waste time fading off into the sunset Visit any day of the week and you’ll find it’s a hive of activity The first thing you’ll notice is the light: beaming in through huge windows that show off the expansive community gardens creating a beautiful and bright recreation space the smells: mouth-watering aromas from the onsite community cafe; hints of earth and botanicals from the gardens; essential oils from the spa treatment room The council-owned and operated centre was purpose-built 25 years ago to provide an inclusive place for people to connect with their community and each other Its mission is still as vitally important today: overcoming isolation increasing participation and supporting mental health and wellbeing There’s no age restriction at Elizabeth House — everyone is welcome It provides an extensive and occasionally eclectic mix of programs and events You can learn how to do just about anything from colouring-in to using computers Join a support group for people living with a range of health conditions Get involved in a pipe band or have a roll of carpet bowls The community cafe offers hot nutritious meals freshly-prepared by the catering team Freshly picked seasonal vegetables come straight from the kitchen gardens and take-home meals — hot or frozen — are also available the kitchen is one of the most important places in the home,” Centre Coordinator Sophie Lawrence explains It’s not only the attendees who benefit from Elizabeth House A close-knit community of 37 volunteers are part of the furniture and the fun to getting their hands dirty in the garden there are plenty of options depending on people’s interests and new volunteers are welcome “The staff and volunteers are part of a team,” Sophie says “It’s more like family.” the program of activities is based on what the community needs and wants One example of this in action is the ladies’ shed group It began at the centre about four years ago after community members Leone Mitchell and Rosemary Millard got in contact with an idea They’d met a few years earlier while studying furniture construction as mature-age year 12 students at Christies Beach High School and wanted somewhere to continue their passion and share their skills with other local women The Elizabeth House ladies’ shed was born with a waiting list of women who want to learn how to safely use power tools and make their own furniture planter boxes and art pieces — and save money on tradespeople One session a week has now been split into two sessions to meet demand The women form friendships as they learn and practice new skills and build their confidence “Their faces light up,” Sophie explains The group meets from 9.30am-3pm on Fridays There is also a men’s shed group available Elizabeth House is also an information hub about other services available in the local area staff will investigate and pass on details of other programs that could benefit those who attend Elizabeth House A new attraction for centre visitors is a small spa treatment area “It’s a treat — we want to spoil them,” Sophie says with a smile.“It’s about treating people the way we want our parents to be treated — with respect and kindness.” Elizabeth House is located at 112 Elizabeth Road Christie Downs and open Monday–Friday For more information or to get involved, pick up a program from the centre or phone 8384 5170. Click here for more information Geoff Liddicot is a regular at the centre’s art group; volunteer Carol Smith tends to the roses in the community garden; a painting in progress; Rosemary Millard and Leone Mitchell practise new skills at the ladies’ shed CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Elizabeth Diane Downs has filed a petition with the Marion County Circuit Court for post-conviction relief after claiming she was wrongfully convicted for shooting her three children along a remote stretch of Old Mohawk Road near Springfield on May 19 Downs was convicted by a nonunanimous jury verdict in 1984 on five charges She was sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years for killing her daughter Cheryl and permanently maiming her daughter Christie conflicting accounts of the events of that night she first claimed a shaggy-haired stranger had flagged her down and shot her and her children when she refused him in a taped phone conversation with her boyfriend Downs said two men wearing ski masks did the shootings in a letter to her defense attorney Jim Jagger she claimed the shooter was a man with whom she'd been flirting and smoking marijuana A statement of facts presented in court documents explains that Downs had left a friend's house with her children just after 9:45 p.m when she traveled down Old Mohawk Road to do some "sightseeing." As she was traveling down this remote area of town the man demanded her vehicle and when she refused Downs claims the man turned toward her again demanding the car when she made a throwing motion with her arm as if she were throwing her keys The man then allegedly shot her in the arm and went in the direction that she had faked throwing her keys Downs says she then got back into her car and drove to the McKenzie-Willamette Hospital in Springfield She reportedly told an emergency room nurse "somebody just shot my three kids," when she arrived at the hospital The nurse and two officers testified during the trial that Downs was quite calm and not upset or hysterical so hospital staff turned their attention to Danny and Christie Danny's injuries left him paralyzed from the waist down which caused her to lose normal use of her right arm and hand She also suffered an unknown level of speech impairment detectives searched Downs residence where they located a diary and a .22 caliber rifle containing bullets Several bullets extracted from the rifle were allegedly mechanically extracted from the same handgun as were the bullet casings found at the scene of the crime has never been recovered and Downs was found to have owned such a weapon testified in court that her mother shot her Elizabeth Diane Downs testified that she gave conflicting accounts of the incident because she became confused by repeated dreams of what happened "She stated that she confused her dreams with reality and could not at certain times during the investigation of the incident discern her dreams from reality," court documents said Downs was eventually found guilty of the crime and sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years Downs has been denied parole numerous times after filing multiple petitions for relief Lane County Circuit Court Judge Charles Zennaché described Down's petitions and claims as "meritless." Down's story was turned into a two-part made-for-TV series in 1989 starring Farrah Fawcett as Downs and Ryan O'Neal as Lew Lewiston The case also inspired author Ann Rule to write "Small Sacrifices: The Shocking True Crime Case of Diane Downs." has been lodged at the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla California since 1993 after short stints in New Jersey and Washington state prisons following her 10-day escape from the Oregon Women's Correctional Center in 1987 Downs claims she was found guilty by a nonunanimous jury that voted 10-2 on the attempted murder and assault charges Downs claims after the Ramos decision was handed down, the Oregon Supreme Court decided a new trial would be required to cure constitutional errors in Oregon cases affected by nonunanimous jury verdicts. In the petition, she cited multiple court cases to support this stance. Court documents allege that Downs is now seeking post-conviction relief on the grounds of the Sixth Amendment and has a legal right to have the attempted murder and assault counts reversed in her case. "It's long been held the government is required to prove its case against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt," Downs said in the petition. "In petitioner's case, the State failed to prove its case to two jurors on four of the five charges against the accused." On Nov. 5, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hart granted a second extension allowing Downs to serve and file an amended petition while her attorney works to gather more evidence in the case. A status check hearing has been scheduled for April 18, 2025. Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com. Young people aged 6-18 are invited to free sport and recreation clinics at the Niipu-niipu Wama/Morton Road sports and community hub in Christie Downs The clinics run every school term and school holidays delivered in partnership with the Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation This school term young people have a choice of skating Term 4 activities begin on Monday 23 October (the second week of the school term) and will be held daily after shool: offers two new sessions specifically designed for young people with lived experience of disability The sports are adapted for all abilities and provide a safe and inclusive space to get active and be socially connected Christie Downs resident Kaleb recently participated in the Welcome skateboarding program Kaleb was already an active member of the Christies Beach Football Club and the SANFL Inclusive League When he saw the skateboarding program at Niipu-niipu Wama he thought he’d give it at a try as well “Kaleb has shown everyone what he is made of over the past five weeks,” says Jeffery Purves Onkaparinga’s Youth Community Development Officer “Kaleb has developed a real sense of self-confidence not just on the skateboard but in the way he interacts with the park and local community consistency and confidence you need to progress in skateboarding.” Kaleb has received a skateboard and helmet from coaches at the Free Mind Skate School for his efforts He's also obtained his Working with Children Clearance and now hopes to become a mentor and coach for the Welcome skateboarding and multisport programs at Niipu-niipu Wama Roger Rasheed, former professional tennis player and coach who established the Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation in 2010 “Sport puts a smile on children’s faces “A whole lot of community is generated through sport it’s about experiences and connectivity with people The free sports clinics were introduced following the $3.5 million development of the Niipu-niipu Wama sports and community hub in October 2021 The development was undertaken jointly by the Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation and the City of Onkaparinga with additional funding from the South Australian and Australian governments For more information on the free sport programs, contact Jeffery Purves on 0481 093 908 or go to the Onkaparinga website said it was a thrill to see locals young and old putting it through its paces “It’s awesome to see our skate park vision become a reality and I’d like to thank the community for its input “There are features suitable for all skill levels and riders roller skating and all other active wheeled sport disciplines as well as being a great tree-lined spot for families who’d simply like to come down and enjoy the action “The park’s design celebrates Christie Downs and the wider Onkaparinga region materials and colours inspired by the colour gradients of Christies Beach rock formations and the vibrant blues and turquoise at the ocean’s edge and Onkaparinga River.” “I’d like to thank the state government the Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation (RRSF) and the federal government for partnering with us to deliver this life-changing hub.” The $3.5 million for the project includes $1.5 million from both the City of Onkaparinga and state government $400,000 from the federal government towards the tennis courts said the skate park’s completion at Morton Road is a major milestone for the project “What a fantastic spot for the family to come down to and enjoy before having a kick of the footy or hit of tennis a short walk away,” he said while touring the park last week “I’d love to have a go at these skate bowls myself Work now turns to the multi-use tennis and netball courts “I can’t wait to see this hub becoming a go-to haven for local families and a home for our Foundation’s life-changing sports coaching and mentoring programs for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.” Minister for Planning and Local Government Vickie Chapman said the skate park will be a ‘must go’ destination for keen skaters across Adelaide “It’s fantastic to see one aspect of this project up and running with many more community facilities to come,” she said “The Marshall Liberal Government has contributed $1.5 million to the Morton Road Sports and Community Hub—a perfect example of how local and state governments can work together to build what matters.” City of Onkaparinga is asking for public’s help to formally name Morton Road Reserve Head to council’s Your Say page to suggest a name before Monday 12 April Morton's skate park ramps are ready for launching CONVIC's artist impression before construction (final park differs slightly) Page unavailable.This page either does not exist or is currently unavailable From here you can either hit the "back" button on your browser to return to the previous page, or visit the ABCNews.com Home Page. You can also search for something on our site below. ABC News News HomeTeen graffiti tagger plunges from bridgeShare Teen graffiti tagger plunges from bridgeTopic:Law, Crime and Justice Taggers have left their tributes to teenager Ryan Smith at the site where he fell 15 metres to his death from a road bridge. (Spence Denny) Link copiedShareShare articlePolice say a teenager apparently painting graffiti has fallen to his death at Morphett Vale near the Southern Expressway in southern Adelaide. The body was found this morning under a bridge over Christie Creek, off Brodie Road. Police think the teenager had plunged about 15 metres from the bridge and say several spray cans were found in a backpack with the body. Police later identified the victim as 17-year-old Ryan Smith from Christie Downs.