If you’re familiar with Adelaide’s inner-western suburbs, the chances are you’ve noticed the array of vibrant, mosaic-clad stobie poles.

Hindmarsh Greening are the group behind the striking public art and their projects have helped foster a sense of pride within the community.

The group of around 15 volunteers meet every Sunday from 9am to 12pm and their work is as broad as they have time for, according to Coordinator Cheryl Jaeschke.

“Hindmarsh Greening started over 35 years ago and the feedback we’ve received from the community ever since is the reason we are still going,” Cheryl said.

Operating within the City of Charles Sturt Council’s Hindmarsh Ward, the group has been a constant presence throughout a period of urban redevelopment for the area.

“Back in the days of the (now defunct) Hindmarsh Council the area was very industrial,” Cheryl said. “I often joke that Hawker Street had tumble weeds rolling down the middle.”

Then came a movement towards inner-city development.

“Many people who grew up in the outer suburbs now wanted to live in the inner-city,” Cheryl said. “As the area grew, more people started moving in and many of them liked the arts scene. Then came the Plant 4 Bowden development and all of a sudden there were more people out and about. That’s when we really noticed the appreciation for our art.”

Hindmarsh Greening has completed more than 300 mosaic stobie poles, 40 mosaic pots and numerous other art projects across the Hindmarsh Ward. The artwork has added colour to the streets and helped create a more connected community by sparking conversations amongst residents and igniting a shared sense of belonging.

Volunteer Carla Zarlenga said many of the mosaic stobie poles are reflective of the people who live and work nearby.

“There might be a group of people who are originally from the Netherlands, for example, so we’ll ask for their input on a mosaic,” Carla said. “Last year we were involved in the Adelaide Croatian Club’s 75^th anniversary so we helped design a stobie pole to mark their celebrations.”

Over time, Hindmarsh Greening’s artwork has become part of the identity of the area, according to volunteer Ivana Kotasek.

“People often stop to admire the artwork as they pass by and that friendly interaction and community connection is huge,” Ivana said.

“I don’t think we can underestimate that by having pride in our streets and being visible, residents feel safer in their community,” Cheryl added. “People often come up to us and say that what we do makes them happy. One lady said that by doing what we’re doing, she felt like she mattered.”

Neighbourhood Watch are highlighting the work of community groups like Hindmarsh Greening, who are contributing to safer and more connected communities.

Research shows that neighbourhoods where residents are involved in community activities can have lower crime rates.

For more information, visit Neighbourhood Watch - Community and crime reduction.