Hendon, South Australia facts for kids

Hendon is a suburb located in the north-western part of Adelaide, South Australia. It is about 9.8 kilometers (6 miles) from the Adelaide city centre. This area is part of the City of Charles Sturt.

The History of Hendon

Early Days and the First Airport

Hendon started as part of Albert Park. It became its own suburb in 1921. This new area was built on land once owned by a famous pilot, Harry Butler.

In 1920, Harry Butler set up an aerodrome, which is like a small airport, next to this land. Because of his work, many streets in Hendon are named after aircraft!

The "Hendon" aerodrome was also called "Captain Butler's Aerodrome." In 1922, the government took over the site. It became the very first "Adelaide Airport."

However, by 1927, the airport was getting too small. More buildings and power lines were put up nearby. So, all flights moved to Parafield. The land in Hendon was then used as a cow pasture for many years.

World War II and Factories

When World War II began, the empty land at Hendon was used again. It became one of three factories in South Australia that made ammunition for the war. The Hendon factory made small arms ammunition.

A special railway station was built nearby to serve the factory. This station closed in 1980. Later, the old railway path became part of West Lakes Boulevard.

Philips and Industrial Park

After the war, in 1947, a big company called Philips Electrical Industries bought the entire factory site. This was a major achievement for the government at the time. Hendon became Philips' main Australian office. It was the country's largest maker of electronic parts. It was also a big center for new technology and research.

At its busiest in the late 1950s, the factory had almost 3,500 skilled workers. Most of them were women. They were known for being very careful and patient. Philips slowly reduced its activities in the 1970s. During this time, the company worked with a Polish-Australian artist named Stan Ostoja-Kotkowski. He was a pioneer in using laser, sound, and image technology in art.

In 1980, the Philips factory was sold. It became the "Hendon Industrial Park." Many different businesses have been tenants there. The South Australian Film Corporation used the Hendon Studios from 1981 until 2011, when they moved to new studios.

Environmental Care

In 2012, people became concerned about the underground water in Hendon and nearby areas. Residents were told not to use bore water for anything. This was because some substances were found in the water and soil vapor. These were linked to the old munitions factory. The Environment Protection Authority is now working to understand the situation better and make sure everyone is safe.

Where is Hendon?

Hendon is located between Old Port Road to the north and West Lakes Boulevard to the south. Its western edge is formed by Tapleys Hill Road.

Who Lives in Hendon?

According to the 2021 Census, 1,271 people live in Hendon. About 47.3% are male and 52.7% are female.

Most residents (69.8%) were born in Australia. Other people living in Hendon come from countries like India (3.8%), England (3.5%), Italy (2.6%), Greece (1.5%), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (1.5%).

Community Life

Parks and Green Spaces

Hendon has several parks where people can relax and play. There is a reserve between Gordon Street and Circuit Drive. Another park is located on DeHaviland Avenue.

Local Schools

While Hendon does not have its own primary school, Hendon Primary School is located in the next-door suburb of Royal Park.

Getting Around Hendon

Hendon is connected by major roads. Old Port Road links the suburb to the Adelaide city centre. Tapleys Hill Road forms the western boundary of Hendon.

Public transport in Hendon is provided by Adelaide Metro buses. The Hendon railway line also served Hendon from 1940 until 1980.