8 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, APRIL 27, 2023 SEDDON on THURSDAY
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with Martin Kovacs
Heating up in Collie
IT’S been a busy month both settling into life in Collie and learning the ropes at the Bulletin. Fortunately, the two have often been complementary, with my work-related peregrinations providing a good platform to learn more about the town, its people, history and the issues that matter at a local level. Along the way, I’ve met many locals both in the office and while out and about, and have appreciated the welcoming atmosphere that greets a recent arrival.
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Footpath signs needed
Foodbank is there for those in need
Send your letters to editorial@crvbulletin.com
SOMETHING I have noticed and experienced is bike riders going to school dominating the footpath. Could we have some signs on the footpaths stating whether they are for walkers/joggers and/or bike riders? I have a small dog on a lead and sometimes we have to jump off the footpath, because if we don’t we would get cleaned
up by fast-travelling bikes. There are often more than one at a time. Also, many thanks to all the people who cleaned up Collie’s roads at the weekend. Thanks to the Friends of the River environmental group who cleaned along Palmer Road, and Harry Wiggers for all the overtime he put in. Geoff Wilkes, Regent Street
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JODIE HANNS, Member for Collie-Preston, reports...
HAVING been a teacher for nearly 30 years in various schools across the state, the one thing that broke my heart was kids coming to school hungry. Any teacher will be able to tell you about the link between adequate nutrition and student learning. Schools have run breakfast clubs for students over many decades, a sad reminder that this is not a new problem. Last year, I visited Foodbank in Perth to meet with Kate O’Hara, CEO of Foodbank WA, which is funded by the state and federal governments, and corporate sponsors. I asked Kate about their plans for a mobile service in the South West, and was pleased to hear they were looking at this. During the visit I advocated very strongly to ensure Collie was included in any mobile service. That’s why I was so pleased when Foodbank recently announced they would be coming to Collie on the first and third Tuesday of the month. There are some requirements to be able to access the service – the first of which is to be referred to Foodbank after meeting the criteria for eligibility. For more information contact the Emergency Relief and Food Access service on 1800 979 777. I’d like to thank Gael Varian from Harvest Life Ministries for her work to support the service coming here, and for providing the location at 120 Prinsep Street. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank those people and community groups who already provide support for people in our community who are doing it tough. FINALLY, I’d also like to thank the Collie Cardiff RSL for coordinating ANZAC Day services again this year. I had my staff representing me this year, as I was in other parts of my electorate for the dawn and 11am commemoration services.
There’s been a lot to absorb in a short period of time – Collie certainly has its own unique story to tell – and my overriding impression is that I’ve arrived at an important juncture in the town’s history. In short, I’m steadily getting the hang of things. Meanwhile, furniture has begun to manifest itself around our house (which no longer resembles a campsite), and it now feels as if we’re beginning to put some roots down. Of course, getting into a routine helps, and I’m looking forward to building more momentum – and learning more about what makes Collie tick – in the coming months. Speaking of the coming months, one thing I am approaching with trepidation is the upcoming winter. Having found my way here via warmer climes, I’m already feeling the full force of the colder weather. But, not only that, I’m told that this is nothing yet! We have been heaterless until recently, and were sorely unprepared for the mercury dropping over the last few weeks. I’ve been fortifying myself with layers of jumpers first thing in the morning, but the cold still bites. Perhaps it takes a while to acclimatise. I’ve noticed many locals getting around in short sleeves first thing in the crisp mornings! Still, now that we actually have heating it’s nice to retreat to the warmth of the indoors when the weather gets a bit chilly. There’s been a few days recently with the mist rising in the early morning, and it is certainly makes for very scenic views in the valley. Another thing that has become immediately apparent is the substantially shortened degrees of separation in Collie. It’s by no means “six degrees of separation”. It’s certainly been interesting connecting the social dots in the short time that I’ve been here! Of course, this ultimately helps to create a strong sense of community, and as many people have told me this is one of the key attractions of Collie. With that said, I look forward to meeting more people and making more connections in the coming months.
