Honouring South Para Reservoir Reserve’s post-war heritage

SA Water has unveiled a commemorative sign at South Para Reservoir Reserve, celebrating the historical significance of the Twenty House Site – a temporary, post-war workers’ camp that played a vital role in the construction of the reservoir.

The unveiling brought together local community members and former residents of the workers’ camp to reflect on this unique chapter in South Australia’s history. The new signage pays tribute to the families and workers who lived at the site during the reservoir’s construction, which began in 1948 – just 3 years after the end of World War II – to help meet the growing demand for water in the region.

By late 1948, the Twenty House Site had grown into a small but vibrant community. A row of wooden transportable homes provided accommodation for young married workers and their families, while barracks-style huts accommodated single men, and a few larger residences were built for senior staff. At its peak, the site supported around 200 workers, including many who had immigrated from war-torn Europe and workers from Yatala Labour Prison.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Environment and Energy James Crocker said preserving the site’s legacy is an effective and informative way to connect past and present.

“It’s important to recognise our relationship with the community, and the vital work of those who lived at the Twenty House Site to construct South Para Reservoir – the second largest reservoir in South Australia, and one of 16 across the state that help supply water to more than 1.8 million South Australians,” James said.

“We know this site holds deep meaning for many former residents – many who call themselves ‘Resi Kids’. As well as playing a vital role in SA Water’s history, the site offered new beginnings for immigrants and locals alike, so we’re proud to help share this history with the wider community.”

Local historian Martin Johnson, who moved to the site as an infant in 1951, said this recognition will help future generations understand how modern history continues to shape South Australia today.

“This is a unique site, so it’s wonderful to have SA Water acknowledge our shared history with this new sign, which is important for South Australian’s modern history and to recognise the working-class ethos and conditions that people lived in the work camps,” said Martin.

“The Twenty House Site was more than just a work camp – it was also a vibrant, multicultural community that offered opportunities for displaced people from European countries such as Ukraine and Hungary, and a place for residents to share joy, challenges and hopes.”

Martin recalled a childhood filled with nature, freedom and strong community ties.

“Childhood was filled with adventure – rabbit trapping, mushrooming, fishing in the creek. Everyone who lived there looks back on their time there with great love. It has left a lasting impression on me that’s stayed with me my whole life,” said Martin.

In addition to the sign unveiling, SA Water has installed two new nearby picnic tables for visitors to enjoy.

“Although the houses at Twenty House Site no longer remain, the new sign will ensure that the former residents’ community spirit and achievements will be remembered for years to come,” James said.

For more information on the history of Twenty House Site, visit the SA Water website.

About South Para Reservoir Reserve

Constructed between 1949 and 1958 to support industrial development and population growth in Adelaide’s north, South Para Reservoir Reserve is South Australia’s second largest reservoir. It can hold up to 44.8 gigalitres of water, which flows from Barossa Reservoir before being treated and supplied to more than 85,000 customers in the Barossa region.

Covering 1,200 hectares, with 865 hectares open to the public, the reserve offers a wide range of recreational activities including kayaking, canoeing, trail running, bush walking, fishing, cycling, mountain biking and picnicking, making it both a vital part of the state’s water network and a place for the community to connect with nature and history.

For more information on recreational activities at South Para Reservoir Reserve, visit the SA Water website.