Tonsley Innovation District

Last week, the Australian Red Cross lifeblood bus visited the Tonsley Innovation District. They collected 62 donations during their visit to Tonsley last week – equating in as many as 186 lives saved. Congratulations to AZZO, Flinders University and SAGE Automation who were the top giving teams during this visit, each giving six donations each. In Australia, a blood donation is needed every 18 seconds, with a new donor required to come onboard every four minutes. One in three Aussies will need blood, but only one in thirty will give. The Lifeblood Bus will be visiting Tonsley again on 9 and 10 December.

SAGE Automation’s cutting-edge smart cities solution for their client has not only enabled remote fire detection and suppression but also significantly enhanced safety measures for workers and minimised the risk of on-site damage. This project is a testament to the innovative technology being developed and delivered within our district. Dive deeper into the details of SAGE’s recent project by checking out the case study below. 👇

🩸 Give Blood, Save Lives! Got a bit of time this September? Did you know that 1 in 3 people in Tonsley will need blood at some point? The Australian Red Cross is rolling into Tonsley Innovation District in the Lifeblood Bus. 📅 Dates: 2 September to 3 September 2024 📍 Location: Gate 2, Tonsley Innovation District Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at http://donateblood.com.au or by calling 13 14 95. Last time the Lifeblood Bus visited Tonsley in June, they collected 69 donations, helping to save as many as 207 lives!

Another successful Careers Day at the Tonsley Innovation District. Hosted by the Department for Education, South Australia last Friday, students explored diverse career pathways in industries such as construction, manufacturing, automotive and health with support from Tonsley’s local businesses. Approximately 100 students from Wirreanda Secondary School engaged in hands-on activities, rotating between stations around Tonsley. Key locations on the tour included Flinders University, TAFE SA, Sarah Constructions, Master Builders SA, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, and Motor Trade Association of SA/NT. Learning about an array of career paths is crucial for students to help them make informed decisions about their futures, discover their passions, and understand the skills needed in vital growth industries in South Australia. Thank you to all who made this day a success!

As we wrap up our STEM Works Tours at the Tonsley Innovation District, we reflect on the incredible journey. Over five years, we have delivered more than 100 tours to close to 3,000 visitors from schools, industry and the community in partnership with Renewal SA’s Works Program and STEM Fast Track. Up to 90 tours were delivered to schools, engaging 2,750 students in the fascinating world of STEM. They came from all corners of South Australia, ranging from Mount Gambier on the Victorian border, Kangaroo Island off of the mainland, to Cowell on the Eyre Peninsula. We’ve had the privilege of working with several tenants during the delivery of the STEM Works Tours, including Micro-X, Global Centre for Modern Ageing, TAFE SA, ZEISS Group, SAGE Automation, BAE Systems Australia and Flinders University. We’re incredibly proud to have played a role in the students' education and can’t wait to see where their passion for STEM takes them!

From November 2023 to June 2024, Beltrame Civil captured the final stage of MAB Circuit’s construction through a ‘fly-through’ lens. The new section of road creates a continuous loop around the Main Assembly Building (MAB), providing two-way access from the east and west into the TAFE SA car park at the southern end of the MAB. The upgraded section of road brings enhanced connectivity for our tenants and the greater Tonsley community. New allotments have also opened up along this fresh stretch of road, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing development.

Micro-X is set to begin clinical patient trials later this year on their groundbreaking CT scanner, with the Tonsley-based company featuring in The Advertiser over the weekend. The technology is expected to be crucial in treating stroke patients during the golden hour – the first hour after a stroke – giving patients a higher chance of survival or recovery with limited brain damage. Micro-X’s COO, Anthony Skeats, emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and pre-hospital treatment of strokes, which has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Once the trials have been completed, the company aims to see their CT scanners installed and operational in ambulances around South Australia in 2025. 🧠🚑 Read more about Micro-X’s game-changing technology in The Advertiser: https://lnkd.in/g7t_hg_Y

NAIDOC Week 2024 is in full swing, with this year’s theme being ‘keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud'. It is an opportunity to celebrate the enduring history of Aboriginal culture and the connection to land that stretches back thousands of years. To mark the occasion, we are looking back at the storied history of the land on which Tonsley Innovation District now stands. The Kaurna people referred to the land just south of Tonsley Innovation District as ‘Warripari’, meaning ‘windy place by the river’. This land was used a ‘law ground’, on which councils of men would meet to put young Aboriginal people through traditional law and was also designated as a special meeting place for celebrations and rituals. This area is intersected by what is now called the Sturt River, which was an essential source of food such as yabbies and ducks. It is also the setting of the Tjilbruki Dreaming story that is still revered by local Kaurna people today. Renewal SA has an ongoing commitment to upholding and acknowledging the cultural heritage of the Tonsley area and the significance of the land to local Kaurna people. To learn more, visit the link below: https://lnkd.in/grnFKC-W

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting the bright Year 10 students from regional South Australia, Cowell Area School, for a STEM Works @ Tonsley tour. The students embarked on journey through the Main Assembly Building (MAB), learning about some of the exciting companies operating at Tonsley, and some of the history around the former Mitsubishi plant. The group also visited the TAFE SA Campus at Tonsley, offering the students a unique opportunity to explore various trade careers. Some of the career paths explored included electricians, painters, bricklayers, carpenters, and more. The increase demand for skilled labour in the defence and housing sector, the prospect of a career in trades and STEM is an exciting opportunity for next generation of South Australia’s workforce. We’re incredibly proud to be part of their journey and can’t wait to see where their passion for STEM takes them!

Construction is set to begin on 50 new apartments at Tonsley, expanding residential and retail offerings at the innovation district. The project, led by national builder Schiavello, is expected to be completed by October 2025, with a second stage of 63 apartments to follow later this year. The new building will feature a mix of studios, disability compliant apartments, and one and two-bedroom apartments across seven levels. A significant portion of these will be youth and social housing managed by Junction Australia, a community housing provider supporting around 10,000 South Australians each year. Tonsley Innovation District is seamlessly integrating employment, education, and residential precincts. This district, a hub for innovation, is not only home to various pioneering businesses but also hosts esteemed educational institutions such as Flinders University and TAFE SA. Its unique blend of features contributes to its vibrant and diverse community. Renewal SA Executive Director Shane Wingard, Residential Project Delivery and Assets, believes that the diversity of the new apartments at Tonsley Innovation District will enhance the growing community spirit. “The residential component of Tonsley is coming along nicely and it’s pleasing to welcome residents from many demographics. We’re looking forward to seeing the community grow,” he said. Learn more about the development: https://lnkd.in/gkrUUnHr Photographed left to right: Renewal SA’s Steve Porch (Senior Development Manager, Tonsley), Daley Mackenzie (Development Manager) and Matthew Hogan (Development Director, Innovation Districts and City).