Man to face court charged with arson as Playford Civic Centre fire leaves man injured

A man has been charged with arson after a blaze at an iconic council building left a man with burns as he tried to fight the fire, losing most of his possessions in the process.

A man has been charged with arson after a fire at a council building injured a man as he tried to extinguish it.

Police, fire crews and paramedics were called to Playford Civic Centre in Elizabeth – home to the Shedley Theatre – just after 10pm on Wednesday.

Local man Stevie, 53, lost most of his possessions in the blaze and suffered burn injuries as he heroically tried to extinguish the fire.

He told The Advertiser what took place when a man “he didn’t even know” approached his group and caused trouble, eventually destroying his and two of his friends’ belongings.

“He poured petrol over our trolleys and lit them up - it’s pretty gutless,” the Port Adelaide fan said.

The damage to Playford Civic Centre in Elizabeth – home to the Shedley Theatre. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

A man has been charged with arson after a fire at an iconic northern performing arts centre injured a man as he tried to put it out. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Port Adelaide fan Stevie lost most of his possessions in a blaze as he heroically tried to put out the fire. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Stevie’s burnt-out trolley. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Stevie suffered burns trying to put out the fire. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

“He was laughing about it too.

“Sister-girl Debs and brother-boy Johnny’s stuff was burnt too.

“So I tried to do the right thing and get the trolleys that weren’t burning and put the fire out.

“I tried to put out the flames for a while, but there’s no way you can do that with petrol.”

Stevie said he “lost a lot” in the flames, with only the boom box he was listening to at the time and a few other items spared.

“I can’t even put words to it,” he said.

Among Stevie’s most prized possessions was a 1950s Carlton VFL jersey.

The distraught man, who is a Port Adelaide supporter, said he “had nothing to say” to the alleged 29-year-old perpetrator.

Stevie showed The Advertiser some of the injuries he suffered in the blaze, including burns to his arm.

The Shedley Theatre at Elizabeth has hosted performances in Elizabeth for almost 60 years. Picture: File

Police initially said the fire started outside the Shedley Theatre and spread to the exterior of the building.

However, The Advertiser spoke with Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty who confirmed the theatre was spared from the blaze and that it was business as usual at both the civic centre and theatre.

“Initial reports were that the Shedley Theatre had suffered extensive damage – that is incorrect,” Mayor Docherty said.

“There’s no damage to the theatre of the Playford Civic Centre building, but there has been some cladding damage and some soot damage to the side of the Grenville Hub.”

Mayor Docherty confirmed the alleged arson attack would have no effect on this weekend’s Fringe shows and council actives.

“It will not affect any Fringe shows or civic centre buildings’ operations,” the mayor said.

“All council buildings are operational and activities will continue as normal today.”

Police arrested a 29-year-old man, from Davoren Park, nearby and charged him with arson and property damage.

He was refused police bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Thursday 13 March.

There was no one inside the building at the time of the fire.

The Shedley Theatre has hosted performances in Elizabeth for almost 60 years, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.

The busy venue has been hosting musical and variety performances as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

The theatre is named after Geoff Shedley, an architect and sculptor, born in Adelaide in 1914.

Shedley spent most of his professional career in the development of Elizabeth and has been described as “one of the visionaries of Elizabeth”.

Crime scene investigators examined the scene and police are asking anyone who has information that may assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Man to face court charged with arson as Playford Civic Centre fire leaves man injured