Collie River Valley Bulletin, December 23, 2021

Union ups Griffin battle

EDITION No. 64

Thursday, December 23, 2021

$2.50

Workers ‘info. meetings’ scheduled GRIFFIN Coal employees are stepping up their campaign for a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).

On-going “information meetings” have been escalated from two hours to three hours. Daily one and two-hour meetings took place last week.

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) WA division secretary Greg Busson said Griffin’s current financial situation was making negotiations difficult.

Mr Busson said that when the EBA expired in December of 2020, CFMMEU members

had their wages reduced by $37,000.

“This has had an adverse effect on superannuation, and members’ standard of living has dropped significantly with some struggling to pay their mortgages,” said Mr Busson.

“We’ve been very responsible with the action we’re taking and we’re hoping that it doesn’t get to the point where there are picket lines.

“Members want a response that is fair for everyone.

“Employees understand the situation that Griffin is in, but I don’t think asking for an increase in take home pay so

their standard of living doesn’t drop any further is asking for too much,” said Mr Busson.

The union’s industrial action comes at a bad time for Griffin which in October of this year was ordered to pay $5.1 million in damages to the Carna Group, for failing to meet payment obligations under a contract it entered into with the company.

Earlier this month, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) announced that it was pursuing Griffin over an alleged failure to have a resident local director.

Griffin sets up CCTV as action starts GRIFFIN employees last Thursday received a memorandum from the company advising that they were expected to attend rostered shifts.

In the memo, the company’s human resources superintendent, Allissa Fellows, said that closed circuit television (CCTV) had been set up around Griffin property and any employees attending such locations were “taken to con-

sent to being filmed”. Ms Fellows said any production employees participating in protected industrial action would not be paid for the duration of the action.

She also advised against preventing other workers from attending work.

“It is unlawful for employees exercising a lawful right to engage or not engage in industrial action to be harassed or

intimidated in any way,” she wrote.

She said that employees unable to attend work because of protests were required to provide a “detailed account of the circumstances” leading to any inability to attend work.

Ms Fellows also asked employees taking part in industrial action not to block access to the site for those attending work.

A VERY COLLIE CHRISTMAS: Local personality Chris Collie and his bongo drum were part of the Christmas pageant parade last Saturday night. See also page 10.

Merr y Christmas, always Some things may be different this Christmas, but there’s always something to be grateful for.

No matter what your Christmas looks like this year, make it merr y y..

From Narelle and the team at Community Ba ank Collie.

Community Bank • Collie 9734 7 74 411

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Cheerio Celebration

Season’s Greetings

The 67th annual Cheerio Club Party was held last Thursday. Pages 11.

A selection of Christmas art from local school children.

Pages 13-18.

2 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Xmas operating hours

RUBBISH bin collection will not be impacted this Christmas, as Christmas Day falls on a Saturday. Bins will be collected as normal throughout the week, including public holidays.

Other holiday operating arrangements: Collie River Valley Bulletin: Closed 1pm December 22; Opens 9am January 6.

Shire of Collie, Administration office: Closed 12pm Christmas Eve; Opens 8am January 4.

Shire Depot: Closed 12pm Christmas Eve; Opens 6.30am January 4.

Collie Public Library: Closed 12pm Christmas Eve; Opens 8.30am January 4.

Collie Pool: Closed Christmas and Boxing Day. Roche Park Recreation Centre: Closed 3pm December 22; Opens 9am January 4.

Coalfields Museum: Closed Christmas Day. Collie Visitor Centre: Closed Christmas Day. Collie Art Gallery: Closed Christmas Day. Woolworths: Closed Christmas Day. Coles: Closed Christmas Day. TerryWhite Chemmart: Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Lights winner’s 20 years of refinement

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Wally Longbottom, of 44 Ogden Street, won the Christmas lights competition for his colourful display.

THE winner of the Bendigo Bank/Collie River Valley Bulletin Christmas lights competition has spent 20 years refining his display and getting it to its current standard.

Wally Longbottom, of 44 Ogden Street, won $500 for his bright and colourful display.

“I’m happy to have won,” said Mr Longbottom. “We’ve had stiff competition the last few years.”

A sign in the front garden asking visitors to come in and see his lights up close allows children to interact with the Christmas theme.

“I’ve been doing it for the past 20 years so what you see is an accumulation of what I’ve collected in that time,” he said.

Mr Longbottom is an experienced Christmas lights designer, having previously won the competition.

“I just keep adding until I’m happy with it,” said Mr Longbottom.

Mr Longbottom’s favourite part of his display is asking children to count the lights that hang off of his palm trees.

He thanked his neighbour, Spencer Harris, for helping him hang the lights, because he “couldn’t do it without him” given he has a bad shoulder.

The $250 award for most original lights went to Krystie Wood of 207 Steere Street.

Her Grinch themed display, along with Whoville, delighted onlookers.

Best first time entry was by Ian and Trish Crowe, of 65 Bucktin Street, who won $250 for their efforts.

Tourism co-ordinator role gets council nod

HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS/SPORT News and sports contributions are welcome. Simply email your contributions to: editorial@crvbulletin.com SPORT DEADLINE: Monday 5pm HOW TO BOOK AN ADVERTISEMENT Advertisements can be booked by ringing 9734 1024 or by emailing bookings to: advertising@crvbulletin.com DEADLINE: Monday 12 noon HOW TO LODGE A CLASSIFIED Classified advertisements can be lodged at 1B Collie Park Shopping Centre (opposite post office) or by email to: classies@crvbulletin.com DEADLINES: Tuesday 4pm (lineage) | Monday 1pm (display classifieds)

ADMINISTRATION

EDITORIAL

Megan Creemers Office Co-ordinator | 9734 1024

Amy Dorozenko Journalist | 9734 1024

Printed and published by Joe Italiano, 52 Bucktin Street, Collie, WA, for Collie Community Publishing Pty Ltd., 1B Collie Park Shopping Centre, Collie

A DEDICATED tourism marketing co-ordinator to implement the Collie Tourism Marketing Strategy will be recruited by Collie Shire Council for a fixed term.

The strategy aims to develop a destination management plan for Collie, which will include creating a tourism brand and expanding accommodation for the town.

The position is considered vital to oversee the strategy which was developed during the 2019-20 financial year.

A position description will be developed in collaboration with the Collie Visitor Centre which will oversee the role.

Funding assistance for the position will be investigated, and staff will look at any and all necessary budget amendments at the mid-year budget review.

The tourism marketing co-

ordinator would co-ordinate the efforts of the various sections of the tourism industry in Collie, and develop a communication system which would include distinctive branding and target active families and young adult groups.

Following the launch of the murals trail and the expansion of the trails network for mountain bikes, cycles and walk trails, more visitors have been attracted to Collie, but many of these are day visitors.

The potential for progressing events such as the Labor Day weekend, Festivarty, and the Regional Tourism Conference will hinge on whether accommodation capacity can be expanded, committee chairperson Cr Michelle Smith said.

A detailed assessment of the accommodation sector is needed so that the town benefits from having visitors spending more than a few hours here.

While the shire has a partnership with BUNGEO, which promotes this region, Collie is limited in promoting itself under a brand identity over which it does not have full control.

At present, there is limited opportunity to attract sizable events to Collie because of a lack of accommodation for the visitors.

According to the strategy, a new destination brand should be implemented so that the town stands out as a desirable place to visit and stay.

Students decorate park CHRISTMAS baubles, decorated by primary school students, were hung in the trees and around the gazebo at Central Park last week.

The baubles are helmets donated by Synergy, Premier Coal, Hawks Environmental and Griffin Coal.

Students from Wilson

The strategy includes a recommendation that a thorough audit of caravan and camping facilities, potential sites and additional services be carried out.

Park, Allanson and Fairview decorated the hard hats.

New lanterns were also added to the Christmas decorations display, decorated by Wilson Park and Amaroo students.

Lanterns from previous years were added on Mon- FESTIVE: A hard hat bauble day. adorning the gazebo.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 3

Kindness overwhelms the Giles BRUCE and Kathy Giles say the kindness shown to them by the Collie community has lifted their spirits after COVID-19 slammed borders shut on them for five months and three days, stalling their journey here from NSW. Receiving their G2G pass at their seventh attempt, they took no chances the borders would shut on them again, and drove 14 ½ hours straight to complete their journey, which started way back in early July.

Arriving worn out, they have been overwhelmed by the help proffered to them, from the “very kind man who lives down from us - we don’t even know his name - who helped us disHELLO!: Bruce and Kathy Giles quarantining on mantle the caravan to enable us to the verandah of their new home, in Jones Street, get it into the back yard”, to “the lady after spending more than five months on the road and her husband who delivered a to get here.

fridge for us to borrow. That was a big deal, Alana Kent and husband,” Kathy said.

“Peter and his partner next door, who looked after the mail and kept an eye on the house, have been very kind.

“The kindness and support from the local community has done wonders for our state of mind,” she added.

Although originally hoping to come out of quarantine in time for the Collie Cheerio Club party, a G2G pass was granted, then overturned, setting them back yet again, so that they only arrived late on the day of the party, last Thursday.

The club offered to save meals for them, but this proved impossible because of doubt over their arrival time,

Fire risk thwarts guesthouse plan COLLIE Shire Council has rejected an application for the expansion of the Yourdamung bed and breakfast property to a guesthouse due to its location in an extreme fire risk area.

The development application also sought the establishment of a commercial kitchen and restaurants, camping ground and storeroom.

A report from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) recommended against approving the application.

DFES acting director of land use planning Richard Trinh found that the proposed development is in an area of extreme bushfire risk, making the location unsuitable for intensification, and that it would increase the bushfire threat through the introduction of additional people, property and infrastructure.

The application sought retrospective approval for a change of use from outbuilding to guesthouse, bar and storage, plus seven freestanding patios and a camping ground at the

Yourdamung Road Retreat.

Owner Russell Tierney was advised that while the council is supportive of tourism and related ventures, and encourages them, it is essential that the requirements of the State Government, particularly those relating to safety, are satisfied.

The property is surrounded

by State forest managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), and access to the site is from Yourdamung Road, which is an unsealed, gazetted gravel road which is managed by the shire.

The site is designated as bushfire prone, and requires a Bushfire Attack Level Assessment (BAL), Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) and Bushfire Emergency Evacuation Plan (BEEP) by an accredited bushfire practitioner.

While Mr Tierney had such assessments and plans prepared by an accredited bushfire practitioner, a review by another practitioner found that the BMP and BEEP did

not establish a suitable basis in planning for bushfires on which the application could be approved.

Director of Development Services Matt Young advised councillors that the recommendation to refuse the application did not stop Mr Tierney from operating the existing approved bed and breakfast use.

He said that while the proposal might support economic aspirations associated with Collie’s transition away from coal-related industries, human safety and non-compliance with the relevant planning framework are critical considerations for the application.

Mr Young pointed out that bushfire planning in WA is under constant review and refinement.

He said given the significant threat of bushfire in the shire, officers will continue to work with authorities to ensure that industrial, tourism and nature-based land use proposals can be considered in the context of alternative emergency planning arrangements.

so a bag of goodies, delivered to their doorstep, was provided instead.

The couple finally received their G2G after providing bank statements which proved they had been in South Australia for more than 14 days.

Exhausted, they spent the first couple of days in Collie catching up with sleep.

While they have missed out on Collie's Christmas party and pageant there is always next year to look forward to.

“It was surreal to finally arrive in Collie,” Kathy said. “Bruce cannot wait to start on the garden, as well as needing to find employment, which we are looking forward to.

“We are really excited to explore the area when our quarantine is over.”

Studio art on display at newsagency REUBENS Newsagency currently has new Collie Art Gallery studio club art on display instore.

With some priced as low as

Business taxation Personal taxation Self-managed super funds GST compliance Business structures

$15, these could make great gifts for Christmas.

The artwork will be displayed in the newsagency throughout December.

For more information please contact us at the Forrest Business Centre: Unit 10, 13 Forrest Street T 9734 1000 rsm.com.au/collie

4 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

American space radar site for Collie

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 5

AMERICAN company LeoLabs will build its first Australian-based radars in Collie, highlighting the appeal of the area as a base for world-leading space debris tracking.

“The radar site will be built on private property,” said LeoLabs Australia managing director Terry van Haren.

Mr van Haren said the location is 10 kilometres west of the town centre.

“The site will have two radars which actually comprises two radar troughs (reflectors) for each radar, so in total there are four troughs on about two football field sized pieces of land.”

The radars will track debris, satellites and objects in low earth orbit.

New ground-based infrastructure will provide comprehensive coverage to help prevent collisions and assist satellite operators to deploy their services safely.

“The radar site consists of the four troughs and a small control centre. The radars once built are autonomous and op-

SUNRISE RADAR: LeoLabs 1D Costa Rica space radar at sunrise; the same style is set to be built in WA. Photo: LeoLabs. erated remotely,” said Mr van Haren.

Mr van Haren said the radars will provide a very important foundation piece within the space sector in Australia, helping to further expand the sector into Space Situational Awareness and debris monitoring.

“There has been no state or federal funding involved.”

“Where we build space radars other elements of the space sector seem to follow - our New Zealand site is a very good example of this,” Mr van Haren said.

The New Zealand radar started oper-

ations in November 2019 and had been operating nearly continuously without major issues.

“We have a local service agent who helps us with power and air-conditioning, but there have been remarkably few issues.”

Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said the radars were an exciting development for Collie.

“It shows Collie’s ability to attract groundbreaking new industry and will further build on diversifying Collie’s economy.”

Collie shire president Sarah Stanley was “beyond excited” that Collie has a role to play in WA’s growing space sector.

The project was a federal, state and regional effort with LeoLabs.

Austrade, South West Development Commission, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Shire of Collie also all played important roles.

It’s time for Wendy to call it quits TONIGHT, after 24 years of organising fund-raising bingo nights for the Collie Eagles Football Club, Wendy Hoskins is signing off.

She is going out in style with the annual special Christmas night when there are extra prizes to be won, and supper on offer.

Wendy intends to keep playing, but she will be sitting back just being one of the players.

Initially, Wendy helped out Mary

Quirk when she was organiser, and as she had learnt the ropes, when Mary stepped down, Wendy stepped up.

She said the number of players stays steady throughout the year, although the Christmas night does attract a bigger crowd.

There is no live call of the numbers, with everything running on the big television screen.

“It is all set up so that everyone knows what is going on, you can’t cheat

as all the sheets are numbered and are verified by the system before prize money is paid out,” Wendy said.

When asked if she had any funny or unusual stories to tell about her 24year reign, she emphatically said no.

“There have been a few funny things that happened along the way, but what happens at bingo stays at bingo, “ she said with a smile.

Bingo goes into recess after tonight, and will resume in February next year.

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BINGO: Wendy Hoskins is retiring from organising bingo nights after 24 years.

6 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Seniors’ transport is now available TRANSPORT to medical services in Bunbury is available for eligible Collie seniors.

A subsidised transport support service, which can take people to Bunbury and even to Perth is available, according to Community Home Care Services project officer Andrew Robinson A recurring theme at recent community health workshops has been the dearth of public transport, especially for those who do not have the support of family living locally, as the only bus service leaves early in the morning and returns hours later in the evening.

Some do not have cars, and those who do may have difficulty driving because of sight or mobility problems.

“Through My Aged Care, which is a Commonwealth home support service, there is a transport service, depending on availability,” said Mr Ro-

binson. He said the government website is the first port of call, through My Aged Care, and an assessment would be done to see what level of functional capacity a person has.

Mr Robinson added that while contact could be made on-line, the service can also be accessed through a phone line, 1800 200 422.

When a face-to-face screening assessment has been done, services are provided depending on what the person requires.

Should that be transport to Bunbury for medical appointments, the person would be asked to pay $11 each way.

“It is even available for transport to Perth for medical appointments, then the cost is $130,” Mr Robinson explained.

“If the trip is up and back in one day, that $130 fee applies, but if it is a longer stay, then that would be $130 each way.”

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 7

Transport within Collie to go to appointments or shopping, in addition to services such as home help or gardening, is also available.

If a person is a patient in hospital and needs to see a specialist in Bunbury, transport would be by ambulance.

Those who are residents of ValleyView are helped by a dedicated staff member who takes care of such transport arrangements, unless it is an emergency situation, in which case, the person is transported by ambulance.

If an elderly person has difficulty accessing on-line information or making phone calls, they can appoint a representative who can handle those arrangements for them.

Mr Robinson said the transport scheme is available to people through whichever home care agency is supporting them.

Christmas programs to keep your day merry COLLIE Community Radio will have some special Christmas programs starting on Christmas Eve with the Nine Lessons and Ca-

rols service at 11.30pm.

This programme will be repeated on Christmas morning at 9am. Following this, special messages and music

from presenters will continue until 12 noon, with Tony Briggs promising some special country Christmas music.

FESTIVE SPIRIT: Collie Family Centre administration officer Rebecca Bourne handed out hampers at the Collie Family Centre last week.

Hampers help 70 families SOME 70 families have benefitted from the Collie Christmas Hampers project.

The hampers were picked up from the Collie Family Centre last week.

Donations were taken to the

family centre, before being packaged up by volunteers from the community, Synergy and South32. Families who are doing things a bit tough this festive season will no doubt be grateful for their combined efforts.

8 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

SEDDON on THURSDAY

Christmas birthdays

Be diligent over the summer

Year has flown by

THIS summer, be sure to watch your children 100 percent of the time whilst they are swimming in a pool, a river or a creek.

Don’t drink alcohol whilst you are boating or swimming – people drown.

Be kind to your land fill and take the time to organise your rubbish separate out your recyclables, put your food scraps in your green bin and don’t forget to support your local Cash for Cans.

We are all responsible for our waste!

Buy a tree as a Christmas pres-

ent. It’s sustainable, good for the environment and contributes to a clean and green community.

Please drive carefully during the holiday season. It’s an especially busy time of the year with people travelling to see friends and family, so don’t drink and drive and help keep your loved ones safe.

Remember a phone call can make all the difference in someone’s life.

Reach out to people you might not have spoken to for a while and catch up. You never know how much it might help.

- Geoff Wilkes, Regent Street.

Sunset movie “The Goonies” will be shown at Central Park on Wednesday, January 5, from 7.30pm.

This is part of the council's summer movie series, sponsored by various Collie businesses.

Bring your chairs, your picnic and your blankets, and enjoy going back to the 80's with big hair, neon lights and movies destined to become classics.

The following week, on Wednesday, January 12, “Penguin Bloom” will be shown. This is the story of a family hit by tragedy, and saved by a cheeky magpie called Penguin.

Cookies at library A fun activity for the kids at the Collie Library is decorating Christmas cookies.

Everything is there ready for the kids to decorate, but they are asked to bring a container or a plate to take their cookies home. This activ-

ity will continue until the library closes tomorrow at noon.

Prohibited burning period The whole shire is in the prohibited burning period, which means no fires in the open, including barbecues and campfires at any time, day or night. This prohibited burning period continues until March.

Holiday arrangements Collie Shire Council’s office is closed from noon Friday, December 24, through until 8am on Tuesday, January 4.

The library closes and opens at the same times as the office, as does the council depot.

Roche Park Recreation Centre closed yesterday, and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday, January 4.

The swimming pool and the waste transfer station will both be closed on December 25 and 26, and will be open on all other days.

YEARS ago, when I was a kid, it seemed to take forever to get to Christmas Day. As I get older the months seem to fly by - I don’t know if it's just me? Wasn’t it April just a couple of weeks ago?

Growing up, our Christmas Day was spent at my grandparents’ house in Yarloop, surrounded by my nan, grandad, parents, siblings, aunties, uncles and cousins.

The rule was “no presents” until after the lunch dishes were done, so us kids were so much more helpful clearing the table than on any other day of the year!

Now I’ve got my own kids, we carry on this tradition, though they’re not nearly as enthusiastic about doing the dishes as I was.

Speaking of traditions, I want to thank everyone involved in the Cheerio Club lunch.

This year’s lunch was the first I’ve attended, and it was fantastic! I know everyone I spoke to on the day enjoyed being able to sit and share a meal with friends, and be entertained by local musicians such as Kate Hindle.

I’m also mindful that Christmas isn’t an easy time for everyone in our community.

Some may be struggling with the extra expense and stress that this time of year brings.

Some may be separated from family and friends due to COVID-19.

Others may be experiencing their first Christmas without a loved one that would normally be at the Christmas table.

It is important to remember that whilst Christmas is a time of joy for many, it is also a time that is incredibly hard for others. With that in mind, the last of the community donated Christmas and toy hampers were given out this week. The recipients were very grateful to receive the support from our community and asked that I say thank you on their behalf.

It has been a privilege to be involved and I look forward to continuing this in 2022.

As the year draws to a close, my staff and I will be taking a well-earned rest over the Christmas period. My staff will be rostered on over the Christmas break to cover the office, but will also be taking time to spend with their families.

Finally - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

CHRISTMAS is always a time children look forward to with excitement, counting the “sleeps” as it draws nearer.

The Christmas I was six years old, I was counting those sleeps – then on Christmas Eve, my mother disappeared. I remember feeling lost, confused, devastated – how could we have Christmas without mum?

Then came the explanation - she was in the local maternity home, with my new baby brother, born on Christmas Day. My father told me I could go and tell everyone I had a baby brother, but that didn’t appeal to me at all. I already had one brother, why would I want another?

I said I would tell people I had a baby sister, but apparently that didn’t change anything, and I was stuck being the only girl in the family.

Worse, when mum came home, she said that it wasn’t fair for the baby to have a birthday on Christmas Day, and miss out on having a special day for his birthday.

From now on, on our birthdays, we had to give him a present, so that he could feel special, and not miss out.

He didn’t have one special day, he had several spread throughout the year.

Not only that, there was serious discussion about whether he should be named Noel, being a Christmas baby; but by some unhappy chance, that name was too close to mine to be considered, although some relatives did suggest mine could be discarded in favour of the newcomer.

I read an article this week about Christmas babies, and how they miss out on celebrations.

The writer said they could be called “shelved elves” or “sorrowful souls” as they were routinely overlooked amid Christmas celebrations, their birthday greetings nothing more than a postscript on Christmas cards (PS Happy birthday too).

At best, they receive “Birthmas” presents, the writer said.

Not so my young brother – while the rest of us had just one special day, he had lots.

Mum even made him a separate birthday cake on each of the family’s birthdays.

I often wondered if that meant he aged in dog years, adding a year each time he blew out the candles on those extra “special days”.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that fewer babies are born on Christmas Day than any other – probably due to doctors scheduling few induced births or caesareans for that day as they, too, want to join their family celebrations.

The relative rarity of Christmas babies makes them even more special apparently.

It could be worse, they could be born on February 29, and only have a birthday once every four years.

As it happens, my husband’s birthday was February 28, and people often said how lucky he was to have missed that February 29 date.

Yes, he did just miss out, by two years and one day – close call.

Now, my birthday was never all that “special” – until the year 2000; that was when Osama Bin Laden decided to upset the apple cart, and turn September 11 into a day of infamy.

To think I could have been a Christmas baby if I had just waited a bit to come into the world.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor are welcome Send to: editorial@crvbulletin.com or post or drop off to: Shop 1B, Collie Park Shopping Centre Steere St, Collie, 6225

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 9

The

BYSTANDER

oo Around Looks

Memories Towards the end of council meetings, councillors report on their activities representing council. At last week’s meeting, one reported on a couple of functions, then began to struggle. There was another one he wanted to mention, and it was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t quite get it out.

What is it called, he asked the room, I can’t remember.

Oh, wait, it used to be called Armistice Day. That would be Remembrance Day, a colleague said helpfully.

We knew what he meant It’s a big job organising a Christmas party for hundreds of people, so a bloke can be forgiven for not being entirely coherent in a speech, as happened when the Cheerio Club MC said the high school students had been helping at the party for more than 20 years. Someone immediately commented that they must be getting a bit old for high school by now.

Santa spirit Where’s your Christmas shirt was the cry when a local resident entered a business this week. “Everyone else is looking Christmassy!”. His response was to puff his stomach out, Jolly Fat Santa style – that was his sole contribution.

Sisters Among the many people catching up with friends and family at the Cheerio Club party were Kathy Spencer, Rose Mills and Marie Hunter, respectively numbers one, six and twelve in the family. They spoke of growing up in a house with no hot water, a wood stove, not much spare room but plenty of love.

George’s Gems

What language does Santa speak?

North Polish. ❏❏❏ What did the plumber say when he was breaking up with his girlfriend?

It’s over Flo. Merry Christmas everyone!

Chris saddles up for success People: AMY DOROZENKO HORSES and Chris Gilbert go hand in hand.

She has spent the past 36 years training race horses, rubbing shoulders with trainers, jockeys and racing followers.

Among those with whom she has crossed paths is three times Melbourne Cup winning jockey, Damien Oliver, who she engaged to ride one of her horses, prior to his own successes.

Chris’s love of horses has followed her throughout her life, but it was not until a decade ago that she took up training full time.

“In 1985, we moved to Wiluna and one of the station owners asked if we wanted to train a horse for the Wiluna races,” Chris said.

“I’ve been in horses all my life so I thought I’d give it a go.

That was the start of it, and besides a few years off when my children, Kate and Daniel, were quite small, we’ve been racing ever since.”

DOWN TIME: Chris Gilbert with Scoreline.

DETERMINED: Chris Gilbert in the mounting yard at Wiluna with Bells Fella in 1987.

Chris’s stables are named after the Gunbarrel Highway that the Gilbert family lived on while in Wiluna.

It was the early success that Chris experienced as a trainer that inspired her to keep going with racing.

“When we moved to Collie, we had several years off and took it back up seriously in 2012.”

Before Chris went back to fulltime work as a horse trainer, she worked at the then Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM).

She also has a background in veterinary nursing, which has been helpful over the years.

Chris took one of her horses out looking for bilbies as part of her CALM job and when they returned, she suggested to her husband, Keith, that they train him up.

The horse, Ninu Yarada, became their first serious race horse, and went on to win a race at Bunbury in 2013.

Chris has had well over 100

winners over the past 36 years.

Between 1986 and 1988, she won two Wiluna Cups, the Leinster Cup, the Laverton Cup and the Leonora Cup. When it comes to picking a horse, Chris goes on “gut feeling more than anything”.

“Most of our horses are improved horses that someone else has started and may have had one or two wins.

“They might be near abouts but they’ve never been champions, and they’re the horses we

like to pick up.

“They’re usually four or five years old, with some potential, and sometimes going out into the country, going out to the paddock all day and coming in at night time, can get them going.”

Chris struggles to find the time to go riding these days, as she works the horses seven days a week, feeding, rugging and cleaning up the yard.

“You can’t just have a night off because you feel like it. You

still have to be there in the morning to put the horses out, rugs on, rugs off. It’s a big commitment.”

Chris would like to do some kind of social riding but at the moment, “it’s just too hard.”

As anyone who has been around horses can attest, it can be a dangerous sport.

“At the Leonora Cup this past October, I got flattened by a horse in the mounting yard.

He went berserk after we put the jockey on, and he lost his mind. He fell on top of me,” said Chris.

A gash in Chris’s leg was down to the bone, requiring six stitches and drains inserted.

“I had to go to Leonora Hospital and then be airlifted to Kalgoorlie Hospital.

“I have a big gash on my shin which has almost healed.

“I got a kick in the back of the head too. It wasn’t a good time,” Chris said.

Chris has had a bit of a hard year when it comes to injuries.

She had her eyebrow split open at Newman by a cranky little mare who decided to “savage” her face.

The horse hit Chris just on top of her eyebrows with her teeth, splitting her face open.

She was also kicked in the bottom by a horse, her leg trodden on in Leonora and came home to have her foot trodden on by another horse.

“I’m getting slower and they’re getting more dangerous,” laughed Chris.

After travelling to Port Hedland every year since 2013, Chris is considering doing something else next year.

“We’re going to go back out to Wiluna where we spent a few years in the 1980s and have a look at some of the places we haven’t seen in 30 or 40 years.”

FIRST WIN: Natasha Faithful, Keith and Chris Gilbert and Ninu Yarada after their win in Bunbury back in 2013.

10 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Taylor Pynenburg.

Flynn, Danita and Jake Darnell.

Brad and Paxton McCagh.

Isabell and Melody Jaarola.

Mylah McCagh with Mel, Kiara, Logan and Matt Elks.

Pageant woos festive crowd THE annual Christmas pageant wooed a huge attendance to the town centre last Saturday night despite a day of cold, wet and miserable weather.

The sun came out just in time for the abundance of fun activities for the family to enjoy, including rides, night markets and a multitude of food

choices. Floats representing local groups, clubs and businesses completed two laps of the main streets, with Santa appearing in his sled to round out the parade.

The pageant was the first in two years for Collie after being cancelled last year because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Cheerio Club’s Christmas cheer THE Miners’ Institute was full of happy people celebrating the 67th annual Collie Cheerio Club Christmas Party last Thursday.

It should have been the 68th party, but COVID-19 meant the 2020 function could not be held.

MC Steve Davies welcomed guests and pointed out that Ray Franke, half of the duo Tabu, was playing for the 60th time.

Cheerio Club secretary Greg Busson thanked the many sponsors, major and minor, who made the $15,000 party possible.

For the first time, Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns opened the party, but she called former MLA Mick Murray on stage to support her, and invited the crowd to thank him for his efforts in urging the State Government to invest in Collie’s future.

Standing in for shire president Sarah Stanley, who was ill, deputy

president Ian Miffling told the crowd that their contribution to building the Collie community had made it a great place to live.

Countless hours of work by volunteers went into preparing the hall and preparing the food.

As well as the hundreds of meals served in the hall, a further 160 were delivered to the homes of those who could not attend.

Entertainers included Tabu, Kate Hindle and Matilda Roney, Ben Menaglio and Lauren Dixon, and Allanson Primary school children.

The oldest man in the hall, Bill Sloan (96), and oldest lady, Beryl Ashcroft (95), cut the cake made by Brooke Burek and decorated by Teagan Roney, before Santa distributed lucky spot gifts.

Students from Collie Senior High School helped with decorating the hall and serving during the meal.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 11

Lyn and Bill Mitchell, with Donna Davies.

Max Cubic and Glynn Brown.

Oldest man in the hall Bill Sloan and oldest lady Beryl Ashcroft, cut the Christmas cake.

Tabu’s Ray Franke and Jenny Coulson.

Fred and Vicki Vanda.

12 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Grant provides tools for museum work

A RANGE of tools to help Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre volunteers restore artefacts and record history have been funded by a Federal grant .

On hand at the museum this week to talk to the volunteers about the $4,843 grant was Member of the House of Representatives for O’Connor Rick Wilson.

Deputy chairperson Hamish Pipe and co-ordinator Tom Reardon led Mr Wilson on a tour of the museum, accompanied by some of the day managers.

Mr Pipe told Mr Wilson the grant would be very helpful to the volunteers engaged in restoring the Geldert truck and other mechanical items, supplying them with spanner sets, a compressor, cordless angle grinder, a cabinet to store tools, and a set of sockets in both metric and imperial measure, essential because of the age of the items.

For the researchers, word that the grant would provide a portable field recorder, portable floppy drive, tablet and a smart television to display research items to visitors was greeted with delight.

Mr Wilson said he was impressed with the size and quality of the museum’s collection.

He was also interested in the museum’s plans MUSEUM VISITOR: O’Connor MHR Rick Wilson with museum treasurer Alison Kidman, vice president Hamish Pipe for a new building and was given an update on and co-ordinator Tom Reardon during his visit on Monday. the progress of that project.

Collie Covid vaccine rate climbs above 80 percent COLLIE has passed the 80 percent mark for fully vaccinated residents.

As of Monday it was at 80.8 percent.

Of the 6971 eligible people aged above 15, 92.7

percent have received their first dose of the vaccine.

The vaccine is still available from Collie River Valley Medical Centre, Collie Medical Group, TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacy, and

the Italian Club hub on Tuesdays.

Fully vaccinated local residents are encouraged to get their booster shots five months after their second vaccination.

CHRISTMAS FUN: Shayla and Isabella Priest at work on their cookie decorations.

Holiday fun at the Collie library SISTERS Shayla and Isabella Priest made the most of the holiday activities at the Collie library this week.

They decorated Christmas cookies, and then tried their hands at painting Christmas decorations.

There has been such a good response to the cookie decorating that a fresh batch had to be made to cater for the rest of the week. After Shayla and Isabella had finished their decorating they checked out a few books for holiday reading.

Man assaulted at the pageant A MAN was assaulted by a group of juvenile males at the Christmas Pageant last Saturday.

The group allegedly chased a teenage boy, ending in a scuffle at the Central Park waterpark at which point the man intervened.

The chasers turned on him and left him with minor facial injuries.

The juveniles have been identified, are known to the police and an investigation is ongoing.

SUSPICIOUS activity is being investigated following two teenage girls being stopped by an elderly male at Minningup Pool.

Police received information from concerned members of the community and this has led to the man

being identified. He was known to the police, but not for this type of activity.

HOME owners are reminded to make sure their property is secure at all times this Christmas.

“There are dishonest people out there who will take advantage and steal accessible items, including wrapped Christmas presents,”said Sgt Dayle Hamilton.

“Keep your eyes peeled for any packages you might be expecting, or have them delivered for pick-up at Australia Post or from the courier.

“Getting to know your neighbours is an advantage at this time of year.”

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 13

Year of change AS ANOTHER year draws to a close, we reflect on this year and look forward to the next.

The Shire of Collie has had yet another transformative year in 2021, with exciting projects completed despite tight financial constraints.

All five sitting councillors were returned to their seats at council elections and there was stability in leadership roles.

Chief executive officer Stuart Devenish was appointed in January and immediately got to work reviewing the shire’s operations, finances and structure.

The completion of the Throssell Street façade project has transformed our main street to its former glory.

Revitalisation of Venn Street and Roberts Rocks weirs, together with a wet winter has filled our rivers to the brim.

The safety of our community has improved with an upgrade of the closed circuit television (CCTV) with more and betterquality cameras throughout the central business district.

Momentum is building in our efforts to work collaboratively to strengthen and diversify our economy on a regional and statewide scale.

In 2021 there has been a boom in tourism, thanks to state government investment in trails, Lake Kepwari and our outdoors, including the biggest dam mural in the world.

Retail small business transactions have jumped to more than double their 2020 levels and the property market has boomed.

There is much work to be done, but as I’m travelling around the region, I am consistently getting great feedback from our peers on what is happening right now in Collie.

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. We hope you have time to rest and recharge over the holiday period and look forward to working together with you in 2022

- Sarah Stanley, Shire president.

Willow Masters, Year Three, Amaroo Primary School.

14 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Lashayah Abraham, Year Three, Wilson Park Primary.

Mahalia Stack, Year Three, Amaroo Primary School.

Taj Lasisz and Evelyn Whiteaker, Pre-Primary, Fairview Primary School.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 15

Taylor Pynenburg, Kindergarten, Amaroo Primary School.

Bella Farquhar, Sylas Stads and Cooper Giles, Pre-Primary, Fairview Primary School.

Callum Hindle, Year Four, Wilson Park Primary.

16 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Ryker Coyle, Pre-Primary, Fairview Primary School.

Tyrone Yuline, Year Five, Wilson Park Primary.

Nina Ratz, Leah Stewart, Melia Pike, Alyssa Hughan, Preston Martin and Kye Griggs, Amaroo Primary School.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 17

Crystal Cooper, Year Five, Wilson Park Primary.

Rylan Fraser, Kindergarten, Amaroo Primary School.

Tyson Yuline, Cooper Sermnok and Macie Curteis, Pre-Primary, Wilson Park Primary.

18 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Michael Williams, Pre-Primary, Amaroo Primary School.

Mikayla Lasisz, Pre-Primary, Fairview Primary School.

Alierah Abbot, Year Three, Wilson Park Primary.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 19

Looking back...

20 years ago ...

Contributor: KYM SAUNDERS From the Collie Mail, December 28, 2001 Worsley tries new solution Worsley Alumina trialled a new process which could lead to spending millions of dollars on new plant to cut problem emissions from its giant refinery, 20km north-west of Collie.

The company began testing early December, 2001.

Warnings on marron Collie Police and Fisheries Western Australia combined to mount regular patrols throughout the region in an effort to safeguard local marron stocks for the season. Fishers were warned against any temptation to get an early start to the 2002 season and, once it does start, against breaching the bag limit and taking under-sized marron.

Fines a timely reminder Three men, each fined $200 in the Collie Court of Petty Sessions, were a timely reminder for New Year’s partygoers to take responsibility for their actions, according to Collie Police. The men appeared in court on charges arising from disturbances at Collie’s Club Hotel.

Sport Bullfinch’s young brigade tarnish the Saints’ halo Saints’ undefeated run came to an end when all of Bullfinch’s younger brigade had big influence on the outcome of the game. The results were Saints all out for 158 off 46 overs with Bullfinch making 7/159 in the 47th over.

Dot Brody takes ladies’ singles championship Dot Brody was the Collie Bowling Club’s ladies singles champion for 2001/02. She beat Edie Smith 25 to 18 in an excellent game of tactics and draw bowls in the grand finals.

CHURCH NOTICES ALL SAINTS’ ANGLICAN CHURCH: 46 Venn Street.

Church Services: Every Sunday at 9am. Morning tea after the service.

Holy Communion: First and second Sundays of each month.

Revd. Lynda Myres at Church Office (Noyes Hall) on Wednesday and Thursday each week.

Phone: 0488 199 616 Bible study: Noyes Hall, 4pm on Wednesday Op shop: Open Tuesday to Thursday 9am - 3pm Warden and op shop manager: Gwen Molnar.

Phone 9734 4020 or mobile 0429 375 598.

Email: collieanglican@gmail.com Website: www.allsaintschurchcollie.org BAPTIST CHURCH: Cnr Prinsep and Elouera Streets, North Collie.

Church Enquiries: Pastor Timothy van Aarde 0450 880 775.

Sunday Service : 9.30am Visitors Welcome.

Sunday School during Service.

Ladies Bible Study Group: Tuesday 9.45am in school terms at the Church.

Prayer Meeting: Monday 5pm-6pm at the Church.

CHURCH OF CHRIST: 165 Prinsep Street.

Minister: Dave Carr, 9734 1361; 0416 784 146.

Elder: Evan Mandry 9734 1354.

Sundays: 9.30am, Family Service and Kids Church.

Thursdays: 9.30am, Craft & Friendship – Phone Heather 9734 4066 Saturdays: 7.30am, Periodically, Breakfast – Phone Evan 9734 1354.

Weekly Bible studies on various days. All enquiries welcomed.

Vision Radio (87.6FM) is a Ministry of our Church. Please direct enquiries or outages to Dave Carr.

COALFIELDS BAPTIST CHURCH: An old fashioned, independent Baptist Church.

You are warmly invited to join us for our worship service, Sunday, 2pm, CWA Hall Throssell Street. Enquiries Pastor Chris Manessis 9797 0056, 0439 970 059. pastorcbcaustralind.com FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH: 46 Johnston Street, Collie. All are welcome to join with us in fellowship.

Friday: Food Ministry 10am-12noon, Prayer meeting 7pm Sunday: 10am morning service. Sunday School during service. For enquiries phone Pastor Garry Fisher on 9734 3796.

ST BRIGID’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Parish Priest: Fr. Gerald Tan Secretary: Marie Hicks. 0414755054 Office 97342183 email: collieparish@westnet.com.au Weekend Masses: Collie: 6.00pm, Saturday, 10.00am, Sunday Darkan: 8.00am, 1st and 3rd Sunday each month. Confession/Reconciliation and Baptisms by request.

CHRISTMAS timetable: Christmas Eve, Friday 24th, MASS at St. Mary’s, Darkan 6.00pm.

CAROLS at St. Brigid’s Collie, 8.30pm, MASS at 9.00pm. Christmas Day: Saturday, 25th, MASS at 9.00am. Please note: No 6.00pm Mass.

Boxing Day: Sunday 26th MASS at 10.00am.

New Year’s Day, 1st Jan 2022 Mass at 6.00pm.

Sunday 2nd Jan, MASS AT St. Mary’s Darkan, 8.00am St. Brigid’s MASS 10.00am St. Vincent De Paul shop: 97345664. Shopping hours 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH: Cnr Wittenoom & Steere Streets You are welcome to fellowship with us, we meet every second and fourth Saturday. Bible Study 9.30am, Service 11am.

WEST ARTHUR: The Uniting Church meets on the first and third Sunday of the month at 9am.

KYB is held on Tuesday at 9.30am at the Old Duranillin School.

The Catholic Church meets on the first and third Sunday of the month at 8am.

The Anglican Church meets on the following days: Second Sunday of the month at 8am at Darkan Fourth Sunday of the month at 8am at Darkan Third Sunday of the month at 8am at Arthur River.

20 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Cottage located close to the town centre FROM the very moment you walk into this beautifully presented home at 72 Johnston Street, you will feel at home.

This cosy cottage is situated just a short walk from everything this growing town has to offer, from local shops, cafes and grocery stores to very popular tracks and trails. There won’t be any reason to keep the car.

WHY BUY ME: ►Lounge area with ceiling centrepieces and decorative cornices and log fire with built-in mantel; ►Kitchen featuring wood stove and LED downlights; ►Queen size master bedroom with decorative cornices and new carpet underfoot; ►Minor bedroom with new carpet underfoot and roller blinds; ►Study or third bedroom option with roller blinds; ►Bathroom boasting shower, vanity and toilet; ►High ceilings throughout; ►Workshop; ►Multiple security screens; ►Rear access; ►Fully enclosed rear yard; ►Various fruit trees; ►Electric hot water system; ►New roof; ►New gutters and down pipes.

It doesn’t get much more convenient than this. Call Mitch or Tocoda today.

Land Rates: $1458.00. (approx.)

Water Rates: $1463.12 p.a (approx.)

Land Size: 506m2 Build Year: 1920

HOME FACT FILE Location: 72 Johnston Street, Collie Price: $179,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Cars: 1 Contact: Mitch or Tocoda 0408 910 337 or 0447 340 344

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 21

Panoramic views and priced to sell AN EXCELLENT solid weatherboard/fibro and iron home, with panoramic views over the southern facing skyline, is priced to sell.

The great location is within walking distance, or a two minute drive, to all local facilities and community amenities within the busy and vibrant central business district.

The property is on a 1104 metre square block and has a double lockup garage at the front, full width patio at the rear, plus the convenience of side and rear access.

The property may be subdivided, subject to shire approval.

Collie is quickly growing in popularity due to the close proximity to many of the south west regions numerous tourist attractions, sporting facilities,

wineries, coastal beaches, restaurants and retail stores.

This is an excellent opportunity for a first home-buyer or investor to add to their property portfolio.

PROPERTY FEATURES: ►Three large bedrooms, two with built in robes; ►High ceilings and jarrah floorboards flow throughout the home; ►Entry hall leads to the open plan kitchen and dining area; ►Kitchen has ample cupboards, electric cooktop and new wall oven; ►Log fire and inverter reverse cycle air conditioner; ►One bathroom with a shower and vanity, separate toilet and a spacious laundry.

For more details or to arrange a private viewing please contact Charles Pinto.

HOME FACT FILE Location: 62 Clifton Street, Collie Price: $179,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Cars: 2 Contact: Charles Pinto 9780 0524 or 0419 389 455

22 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Colliefields pub welcomed by workers

MUSEUM MORSELS Contributor: LORI HART COLLIE was originally a prized location due to its coal as well as the quality and quantity of good timber and pastures. It was gazetted as a townsite in 1896.

Due to the timber and mining aspects, the town’s population was comprised mostly of men seeking employment in those industries.

Therefore, a pub was a welcome and necessary addition to Collie’s early business sector. In the late 1800s and very early 1900s, the eastern end of Throssell street was the centre of the town and this is where Tom Carrigg chose to build his hotel in 1897.

He originally named it the “Collie Coalfield Hotel” and it was seen as the centre of the social life of the district. By September 1899, the name had changed to “Colliefields”.

Many people were unhappy with having a drinking establishment in their town, as they felt it bred corruption. When a branch of the Salvation Army was formed in Collie, in 1897, they held their first meeting outside of the Colliefields to protest the establishment.

During the early days, there were two Sunday sessions.

People waited in line outside the hotel until the appointed opening times for each session.

The local constable would stand outside and keep an eye on the line to ensure the session didn’t start early.

One clever publican would line up drinks on the bar, then call the police station. When the constable came in to answer the phone, the punters would race inside, drink their beer quickly, then race outside and stand in line again!

The original Colliefields Hotel was not the building we see today. A National Trust survey notes that the original hotel was built on the opposite side of Throssell Street.

It was a small building, made of weatherboard and iron. There were only eight or nine rooms in the original building and the walls were constructed of oil cloth.

Due to its primitive construction, there was no accommodation for ladies. When ladies attended, dances were organised and ran through the night until the train came to take them home.

As well as providing accommodation, the original building had a kitchen, as well as a bar with room for a billiard table.

Tom Carrigg was joined by a Mr Cox as hotel keeper 1898, then, in 1899 the licence was transferred to Fredrick Crow who made additions to the hotel, consisting of a billiard room, a shop and extra bedrooms.

In September, 1900, it was reported that Mr. Crow had sold to Mr. A. Krakouer. By December of that year, Mr. Crow had been granted a hotel licence for the soon to be constructed Crown Hotel.

The local doctor, Dr Bennington, used one of the outbuildings to store his impressive private medical library. The room also housed his supplies and medical instruments and was used as a bedroom by the yardman. In November, 1899, a fire broke out in the outbuilding, destroying his library.

The Bunbury Herald reported that Dr Bennington “possessed one of the most valuable private medical libraries in the colony” and that he was “quite disconsolate at this loss”.

The fire which destroyed the original Colliefields Hotel is under suspicion to this day.

EXPANDED: The Colliefields Hotel was expanded in 1899.

FORERUNNER:The original Colliefields Hotel built by Tom Carrigg in 1897.

A candle was left burning on bedroom furniture on March19, 1902. Little damage was done, however, six days later, on March 25, fire broke out in three distinct parts of the building at the same time.

This suspicious fire razed the Colliefields. An inquest into the fire was held on March 26, one day after the fire. The jury decided that, while there wasn’t enough evidence to show how the fire started, there was “suspicion of incendiarism”.

Curiously, this was not the first time that a property under Mr. Krakouer’s control was lost to flames. On October 23, 1893, a general store in Broomehill, owned by Mr. Krakouer, burnt down.

An inquest was held and the jury found “no known cause, but suspicion was not cast on any person”. Then, on March 28, 1896, Krakouer’s Royal Hotel, in Norseman, was burnt down under suspicious circumstances.

On the Steere Street side of the Colliefields, there is a door leading to a separate bar area.

It is believed that this bar was for Aboriginal patrons only. The current owner, Michelle Gannaway, is looking forward to turning this area into an old style

speak-easy bar.

Renovations have uncovered ceiling to floor beams in the area between the wine bar and the seating area. It is believed that these were used to make small, private seating areas which would seat only a few people and allowed private conversations to take place.

A circa 1910 photograph shows a narrow two-storey building constructed adjacent to the Colliefields Hotel (near the present day “Chook Scraps”).

Stories from 1934 to 1949 indicate that, during that time, it was occupied by JD Robinson, hairdresser and tobacconist.

This building was incorporated into the Colliefields and is the site of the present day accommodations and office area.

Other businesses were known to be housed in the Colliefields.

Dentist EW Dermer advertised in June, 1918, that he had secured rooms at the Colliefields Hotel and could be consulted every Monday from 10am to 5pm.

As with many older buildings, the Colliefields has its share of spirits other than the drinking variety. Many visitors have heard and seen a small boy, possibly the spirit of a lad who

HEYDAY: The Colliefields in its heyday.

passed away while at the hotel.

One clairvoyant suggested that this young boy “jumps between the Colliefields and the museum”. A young girl had also been “seen”, but not in recent years.

In 2015, the day of the opening of the juice bar, a “merry old gentleman” sat next to a guest and had a conversation with her.

He said that he liked being at the hotel and didn’t want to leave, then vanished.

Another spectre is that of a gentleman known as “Bob”. He has been “seen” many times upstairs near the guest rooms.

A woman named “Mary” has been seen, also by a clairvoyant.

Michelle, the owner, reports that these are very friendly spirits and are enjoying their extended stay at the Colliefields.

The hotel fell into disrepair in the second half of the 20th century.

In 2001, the hotel was purchased by Nancy Hall and closed for business in 2002. It was purchased by the current owner in 2009 who has undertaken a redevelopment of the building.

The wine bar is almost finished and, as noted, the “speak-easy” bar will be developed in the next few years.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 23

AIR CONDITIONING

CANVAS WORK

AUTO AIR CONDITIONING

COMPUTERS

AUTOMOTIVE

CLEANING

Call 9724 1024 DRIVING LESSONS

FERTILISERS

GLASS WORK

ELECTRICAL HARDWARE & SALVAGE

ENGINEERING

BIN HIRE

BUILDING

DESIGN

24 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

IRRIGATION

PAINTING

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

SHEDS

PAINTING

PATIOS & SHEDS

STOCKFEED & LANDSCAPING SUPPPLIES

TREE SERVICES

PLUMBING

PRINTING

YARD MAINTENANCE

Help your business grow

Red hat ladies celebrate WHILE Collie Coalfields Cutie Pies are not officially active at present, this did not stop members getting together for a festive lunch.

A programme of games kept

Shirley White, Lyn Fisher, Rosemary Gianoncelli and Pam Connop.

“Queen” Barbara Instance, Gloria Collins and Robin Walshe.

Jillian McKenzie and Jan Veal.

the ladies laughing. CWA caterers Wendy Hoskins and Joan Harrison were praised for the beautiful lunch they prepared, complete with Christmas crackers.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 25

EMPLOYMENT

HOW TO LODGE A CLASSIFIED Classified advertisements can be lodged at: 1B Collie Park Shopping Centre (opposite post office), Steere Street, or by email to: classies@crvbulletin.com Minimum charge is $10 including GST for up to 15 words, then 33 cents a word DEADLINES: Tuesday 4pm (lineage) Monday 1pm (display classifieds)

EMPLOYMENT

PUBLIC NOTICES PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT DONNYBROOK-BOYUP BROOK RD (LOT 1 DIAGRAM 65475), WILGA WA 6243, SITE ID: WILGA WWW.RFNSA.COM.AU/6243001

Government of Western Australia Western Australia Police Force

Children’s Crossings Unit

VACANCIES - TRAFFIC WARDENS Children’s Crossings The WA Police Force are looking to establish a pool of applicants to fill current and future vacancies in the Collie area.

Duties: The position of Traffic Warden is to ensure safe pedestrian access of essentially primary age children across carriageways at children’s crossings.

Working Conditions: • School Days, Monday to Friday.

• Contract: casual contract opportunities are available. (Terms and conditions of employment are those provided by the Western Australia Police School Traffic Wardens Agreement 2011).

• Standard Children’s Crossing Hours: 1 hour in morning and 1 hour in afternoon • Hourly Rate: $25.58 per hour, which includes 20% loading in lieu of payment for public holidays, annual leave and sick leave.

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER The Shire of Collie is seeking to appoint a dynamic and experienced Human Resource professional. Due to the nature of the role, flexible working arrangements can be considered.

The successful candidate will possess: • Demonstrated experience in human resource administration.

• A working knowledge of Human Resource legal framework including relevant legislation.

• A working knowledge of Human Resource contemporary practices and functions.

• Developed time management skills.

• Demonstrated skills in communication.

• Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products.

Applicants will need to complete an application form, provide a cover letter and their resume, which can be found on our website www.collie.wa.go.au . Applicants should read the related job descriptions found on our website to decide if the position matches their skill set.

Applications should be addressed to Karen Rumpf at karen.rumpf@collie.wa.gov.au, alternatively, you can send your application in writing to: “Confidential – Human Resources Officer” Shire of CollieLocked Bag 6225 Collie WA 6225 Applications close on the 6th January 2021 at 4.30 pm Stuart Devenish Chief Executive Officer

Contract Bookkeeper The Collie River Valley Bulletin is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified people for the above position.

The successful applicant will be contracted to supply a basic bookkeeping service, which will include weekly and monthly invoicing, bank reconciliations and managing the company’s creditors and debtors.

Interested persons should forward their particulars, including experience, to: joe.copy1@gmail.com.

Expressions of Interest will close on Friday, December 24.

Further details on the role can be obtained by ringing 0419 926 297.

• Laundry Allowance: $0.70 per week.

• Motor Vehicle Allowance payable under certain conditions.

• Full training and uniform provided.

For Further Information and Application Package Telephone: Traffic Warden State Management Unit on (08) 6274 8731 or email Traffic.Warden.State.Management.Unit@police.wa.gov.au

HEART HUB CHRISTMAS RAFFLE: Congratulations to the winner of Heart Hub South West’s Monster Christmas Raffle, ticket number 0652 Kate Hindle. Thank you to the local and South West businesses for your generous support and thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket to support our cause.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must have a current WA driver’s licence and use of a motorised vehicle.

Applicants will also be required to complete a health assessment, integrity and criminal check and if successful, will be required to apply for a ‘Working with Children’ card.

The cost of the Working with Children Card and up to $70 towards a health assessment will be reimbursed after working one month.

WAP_5652

Advertising/Administration Clerk

SHIRE DEPOT POSITIONS VACANT Parks and Gardens Supervisor Parks and Gardens 2IC Parks and Gardens General Hand The Shire of Collie is seeking motivated individuals with a passion for the outdoors to join its Parks and Gardens Department. 3 positions are currently available for a Supervisor, second in charge and a general hand.

A remuneration package based upon the Shire of Collie Enterprise Agreement 2017, clothing allowance, nine-day fortnight and opportunity for up to 18% superannuation will apply.

Applicants will need to complete an application form, provide a cover letter and their resume, which can be found on our website www.collie.wa.go.au . Applicants should read the related job descriptions found on our website to decide if the position matches their skill set.

Applications should be addressed to Karen Rumpf at karen.rumpf@collie.wa.gov.au, alternatively, you can send your application in writing to: “Confidential – Human Resources Officer” Shire of CollieLocked Bag 6225 Collie WA 6225 Applications close on the 6th January 2021 at 4.30 pm Stuart Devenish Chief Executive Officer

1. The proposed facility comprises the swap out of two (2) redundant omni antennas (3300mm L) to four (4) new omni antennas (3414mm L); ancillary equipment to be upgraded including remote

cabling and feeders; and internal works within the equipment shelter, to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network (including 4G).

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a ‘Low impact’ Facility under the Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal.

Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra, via email to planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, via post to Planning Consultant, Servicestream, PO Box 14570, Melbourne, VIC 8001 by 5pm 17th January 2022.

The Collie River Valley Bulletin seeks the services of an Advertising/Administration Clerk. The successful applicant will be required to work 15 hours a week. Sales tasks will include selling local display advertising. Administration tasks will include taking National and Classified advertising bookings and tracking them through production and printing.

Applicants should possess excellent communication skills. Have the ability to work to deadlines and possess an eye for detail.

Previous experience is an advantage but not essential.

More details are available by ringing Joe Italiano on 0419 926 297.

Applications should be in writing and emailed to: joe.copy1@gmail.com or handed in to 1B Collie Park Shopping Centre.

FOR SALE

PEA STRAW Delivery $12 per bale (min. 5 bales)

Order at www.thepeastrawman.com.au Or phone 0429948204 E-BULLETIN: The new and improved electronic version of the Collie River Valley Bulletin is now available. Have your paper by 5am every Thursday. Subscribe at www.colliebulletin.com.au.

FIREWOOD: Chopped jarrah firewood delivered to Collie. Phone Mumballup Organics 0417 322 007.

LIME and FERTILISER: Bulk ag lime and fertiliser delivered bulk to Collie and surrounds, call Mumballup Organics 0417322007.

SHEEP MANURE: $12/100L bag, minimum 10 bags per order. Free delivery to Collie.

Call 0417 322 007.

ROTARY XMAS RAFFLE: The winners of the Collie Rotary Club Xmas trailer raffle were: First prize, car trailer and contents, Roger Hunter ticket number 0679. Second prize, garden trailer and contents, Bob Greig, ticket number 0943.

COLLIE ROTARY CLUB: Drop your cans at Collie Mowers and More or cite the account number C10397872 at the Cash for Cans depot to help the Rotary Club of Collie raise much-needed funds for community youth programs.

SEASONS GREETINGS

FERRIS: Robbie and Terri Ferris wish family and friends a Merry Xmas and a safe new year.

26 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Gale weaves his way to hard-fought victory BMX

REINING IT IN: Winner of the Collie Western Riding Association’s perpetual trophy for the highest score Mike Donavon with wife Mandy and horse Qurran Lea Barita Olena.

Donovan rides to top score in championships THE Collie Western Riding Association Inc. celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Collie Western Arena recently.

The event doubled as the first National Reining Horse Association Oceania state reining and ranch riding championships.

There were 25 horses, with 60 runs per day, competing over the two days.

Broome Staircase Design provided freshwater pearls for best presented rider.

Perpetual trophies went to Chelsea Harrison for most points or Green Reiner, and Mike Donovan had the highest score overall.

Rod Osborne from Queensland, was the judge for the weekend.

Garlands, sashes, trophies and

buckles were awarded to the various winners.

The show was dedicated to two life members, Ian Smith and Ivan Tresidder, who have recently died.

Another life member, Murray Whiteaker, passed away earlier this month.

Fundraising for the Cancer Council was held over the weekend, in memory of Smith and Tresidder.

Robbo caps a great round with victory

APPS

PODCASTS

From back page Other good scores were posted by David Laird, Jarrad Miller 39, Dean Rakich 38, Jake Timms 37, Phil Rabjones and Trevor Graham 36.

Kim Metcalfe (No. 4), Charlie Buemi (7), Jake Timms (9), Alan Kent (14) and Terry Reeves (18) won the novelties.

LAST Thursday’s nine-hole scroungers event was keenly contested by the 38 golfers who took out cards.

John Williamson won the event with 21 points, just holding off Chris Shea and Mick Finlay, on 20, with Ray Cooper, Troy Sheppard, George Dorozenko, Fred Bronickis and retiring greenkeeper Fraser Healey on 19.

Novelties were claimed by Steven Ire-

land (No. 1), John Williamson (4), Graham Williams (6) and Troy Sheppard (9).

JODIE Allison’s red hot form was on display in the ladies’ nine-hole event played on Wednesday of last week when she edged out Heather Dabrowski on a countback after both had scored 19 points.

Angela Ireland, Pat Booth and Lynne Simmonds had 18, with Dot Lawrence a point further adrift on 17.

Lawrence also won the long drive novelty on No. 10.

THIS week’s events - Today (Thursday), nine-hole scroungers; Tuesday, 18-hole leisure day stableford.

There will be no event played on Saturday (Christmas day), while an all-in par event is scheduled for New Year’s day.

“BEST event of the year” was what many in the crowd were saying at the end of the annual Collie BMX Christmas Cup last Sunday.

There was no clear leader in many of the race classes which led to multiple race winners and plenty of side-by-side action.

Every race in the 11 to 12 year old class was a battle royale from start to finish with Owen Gale managing a slim advantage overall to take the win.

However, it was not easy as Chloe McIlree and Jace Hollins raced well grabbing a win each and often holding Gale back until the final corner where he squeezed past.

The entire group had fantastic gate starts and showed courage as they all reached the first corner at the same time and held their ground.

If the sprocket class had transponders, there is no doubt some records would have been broken Sunday as the competition was red hot for the seven year old class.

Bunbury rider Thomas Peters looked strong and secured a few wins, but it did not always go his way. Locals Fletcher John Wheeler and Quade O’Brien were smooth as silk and used their knowledge of the best race lines to put pressure on to grab and maintain the lead.

A fantastic turnout of 88 riders competed in the event with 26 smashing personal best lap times. Five riders managed improvements above two seconds which is outstanding.

They were Peter Swan 3.29 seconds, Amari McManus 2.95 seconds, Cooper Young 2.64 seconds, Harrison McIlree 2.42 seconds and Chloe McIlree 2.10 seconds.

After racing, quite a few paired up and had a try of the sidehack and it would not surprise to see these bikes making a big comeback in 2022.

The next event is a tri-series at Cowaramup, Bunbury and Collie from January 21 to 23.

Results: 8 years - Mya Nelson 1, Abel Slapp 2, Aiden Gale 3.

9 years - Taj Nelson 1, Jake Spencer 2, Harrison McIlree 3.

10 years - Dean Trpchev 1, Brax Obrien 2, Darius Mandry 3.

11-12 years - Owen Gale 1, Chloe McIlree 2, Jace Hollins 3.

13-14 years - Edward McIlree 1, Darcy Lister 2, Lucas Thomson 3.

15-17 years - Will McIlree 1, Tom Bell 2, Deegan Cummings 3.

Open Class - Trev Gale 1, Steven Perry 2, Thomas Slapp 3.

Teacher shortage to impact VacSwim A SHORTAGE of teachers will impact this season’s VacSwim program which gets underway next Wednesday at the Collie Pool.

The shortage was experienced during the schools’ swimming program in term four, said pool manager Peter Pesci.

Children who completed stages during the schools’ program and need to progress to a new stage should be at the pool next Tuesday, December 28, at 11am.

AquaSplash Swim School’s Maureen Lasisz, who runs VacSwim in Collie, will be at the pool to answer any questions throughout the enrolment process and has asked parents please not to contact her by phone.

SPORT CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME! Send your copy to: editorial@crvbulletin.com by 5pm Mondays

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 27

Crowe and Hamilton second at Eaton BOWLS JEFF Crowe and Carol Hamilton were runners-up in the mixed singles event at Eaton Bowling.

Heather Gibbs, Glenice Kaurin, Eileen Hindle and Rose Godfrey played Bunbury at home on Tuesday, December 14, losing 20 to 24. Lyn Mitchell, Kath McElroy, Bev Old and Penny Valli won 23 to 12.

Ladies’ pennants will resume on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

The Cheeky Squirrel competition is on January 20 and 27.

THE Harrison day sponsored meat pack attracted a big field of players filling both bowling greens.

Two games of pairs, playing two, four two, were played in the morning, then a lunch break with a change of partners for two more games playing with three bowls each.

All scores were carried forward to the afternoon games to determine the winners.

First was Warrick Ferris from Vicki Daniel, with Max Cubic coming in third..

ON TUESDAY, December 14, the first division played Busselton Red at home.

Jeff Crowe, Trevor Welsh, Terry Uren and Valdis Brojanowski won 18 to 13.

Rob Ferris, Kevan McKenzie, Hans Wiggers and Len Flynn

won 22 to 14. The final result was Collie four points to Busselton Red nil.

The fourth division travelled to Eaton and came home with a win.

Wayne Simmonds, Peter Kaurin, Jamie Godfrey and Chris Sanford won 20 to 16.

Ian Bushell, Tom Gale, Barry Lowe and Neil Roberts won 24 to 20.

Collie won four points to Eaton nil.

Last Saturday, both divisions played away.

First division played at Eaton.

Garry Keep, Tom Edwards, Rob Ferris and Jeff Crowe lost nine to 27.

Ross White, Ron White, Gordon Clifford and Wayne Stocks lost 12 to 17.

Ash Collins, Jamie Parker, Ray Colgan and Rod Garner lost 19 to 20.

Collie lost nil to Eaton Blue six points.

The third division played in Busselton. Tom Gale, Jamie Godfrey, Les McCamish and George Saggers won 17 to 16.

Hans Wiggers, Kevan McKenzie, Peter Kaurin and Valdis Brojanowski won 22 to 11.

Collie won four points to Busselton Black nil.

Pennants restart for men on Tuesday, January 29, and Saturday, February 1, 2022.

Collie wins six gold medals at Mandurah event

THERE was a good turnout for the last Sunday scroungers game before Christmas-New Year.

The rink winners in final winning order were Jillian McKenzie, Neil Roberts, Kevan McKenzie and Rod Cordrey.

The highest scorer was Jillian McKenzie, while the consolation winner was Ken Richards.

A BOXING Day game will be held this Sunday (December 26).

Twilight bowls will be held on New Year’s Eve (Friday, December 31).

Names need to be in by 5.30pm for a 6pm start.

A second game will begin at 9pm for those staying on.

SWIMMING NINE swimmers from the Collie Swimming Club headed to Mandurah for the last competition of the year recently.

The swimmers achieved 13 personal bests when competing in 38 events.

Lachlan Stiffle and Layla Burek both swam well enough to qualify for more events in the country championships.

Both also collected the highest personal bests of the day. Burek with a 4.6 second personal best and Lachlan with 10.42 second personal best.

Jye Smith achieved his state championship qualifying time for the 100 metre freestyle event.

Katy O’Brien swam well all day, collecting a podium finish in all her events, three of them first places.

Along with the personal bests and some top quality racing with some of the state’s best swimmers, the group also took home a total of 12 medals, including six gold, two silver and a bronze.

The club and coaches are exceptionally proud of how far the swimmers have come over the past few years, with new qualifiers for both the country and state championships, region squad delegates and huge personal best times.

The first competition of the new year will be the Western Australian Country Championships GOLD: Collie Swimming Club competitors Jye Smith, Katy O’Brien, Gemma O’Brien, Emilea Shepherd and Ella Birkinshaw (back), coach Liam Shepherd, Brianna Birkinshaw, Lachlan Stiffle, Lynlee Stiffle and Layla Burek (front).

28 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

SPORT Robbo caps off a great round ALL THE GOOD SPORTS ARE IN THE BULLETIN

GOLF JAY Robinson capped a great round with victory in the Quadcaps 18-hole stableford at Collie Golf Club last Saturday.

Robinson made the most of his opportunities to finish with 41 points, two better than country member Rance Dorrington, of Boyup Brook, on 39, with another country member, Williams player David Carter, a further stroke back on 38.

One of the donors, Graham Williams, produced a sensational back nine when posting 23 points before tackling the front nine. He added another 14 for a total of 37, a score equalled by Eric Annandale.

Averaging two-points-a-hole, for 36, were Jamie Pitchers

and veteran Jim Moyses, while on 35 were Kevin Ireland, Ian Annandale, Peter Ellery, Kalev Kutt, Ron Annandale and Stephen Edwards.

Kade East, John Williamson, Mick Finlay, Rob Cavanagh and captain Dean Rakich had 34, which was the cut-off mark in the field of 60.

The ladies’ event attracted 12 players and was won by Naomi Dorrington who continued to drive her handicap down with a score of 42. Jodie Allison was four back on 38, while Michelle Tate 34 and Rhonda Annandale 32 also got mentions at the presentation.

Nine novelties were on offer and were won by Steve Kilfoil (No. 1), Danny Clayton (4), Dot

Lawrence (4), Rance Dorrington (6), Jamie Pitchers (7), Terry Ellery (9), Jim Larsen (14), Dean Rakich (15) and John Williamson (18).

ROGER Hunter is on something of a winning streak. He posted a phenomenal 46 points when winning last week’s Tuesday leisure day stableford, before winning the Rotary Club’s trailer of goods Christmas raffle.

Big Pecker was way clear of father and son Jason and Connor Mumme who had to be separated on a countback after scoring 41 for second spot in the field of 45.

Dad Jason won the countback.

Continued page 26

Email your sporting stories and photos to: editorial@ crvbulletin.com

Tom’s in fine rhythm

RHYTHM: Tom Bell manuals the final rhythm section at last Sunday’s Christmas Cup BMX meeting. See more BMX on page 26.