The OERA is active in a number of areas for the benefit of the area’s residents.  These activities are chosen by the committee as the occasion arises but residents are also able to suggest activities that they believe are of importance to the district.

Wetlands

The Oaklands Estate Residents’ Association was very active in promoting the development of a wetlands on the property used formerly as a Driving School.  This has been completed and a very well used park is the result.

The wetlands cover 6.6 hectares of land and provide up to 200 megalitres of water through aquifer recharge.

The proposal cost $8.35m, which was funded by the City of Marion ($2.3m), Natural Resources Management Board ($2.3m) and Federal Government ($3.7m).

The result is a wetland taking storm-water, cleaning it at ground level and feeding the water into an underground aquifer.  This water is then available for sale to the community and for use on public reserves.  The area is open to the community and forms an open space connecting to the reserve at the rear with the Sturt River along the western side.

For more information, see Wetlands under the Amenities tab

Annual Barbecue

The OERA holds an annual barbecue in the Oaklands Estate Reserve to which all residents and City of Marion representatives are invited.  In 2012 the OERA celebrated its 60th Anniversary with displays of the district through the years and recognition of past members’ efforts for the district.  The weather was spectacular and  original residents the late Lloyd Isaakson, Ross McDonald, the late Ray Taylor and Tom Chambers  spoke about their early experiences in the district.

Subsequent barbecues have been well attended by residents who are notified of the event date by newsletter.

Clean Up Australia

The Clean Up Australia programme runs each year in March.  Since 2015 the OERA has planned, coordinated and run an annual cleanup of the Oaklands Estate.

Originally, participation was by a small group of dedicated residents cleaning sections of the district and it was hoped we would grow from here. In 2020, we had the added assistance of the Darlington Scout Group and were able to clean up the whole Estate including the Wetlands, Skate Park, the Reserve and Park Holme Shopping Centre car park.

Meetings

Our Annual General Meeting is held in October. Notice of this meeting is given in our Quarterly Newsletter. A committee is elected each year to run the Association. This committee meets every two months to discuss current issues.