Collie River Valley Bulletin, February 23, 2023

BULLETIN

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY Published by LOCALS for LOCALS

Pop-up pow wow EDITION No. 121

Thursday, February 23, 2023

$2.50

Council to mediate goods shed market dispute

SMASH AND GRAB Victoria Hotel publican Tracey Denholm was devastated by a break in which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning.

See full story on page 4.

COLLIE Shire Council has agreed to hold discussions between the Collie Rail Heritage Group (CRHG) and members who have been holding weekly pop-up markets on Fridays and Saturdays since July, 2022.

Those conducting the pop-up markets were recently asked by the CRHG to leave.

Glenda Savic and Tina Long attended last week’s council meeting to ask in public question time if the lease of the shed was available, and if it was, could they lease it.

Director of Corporate Services Nicole Wassman told the pair that the lease is held by CRHG until 2025, with an option to extend for a further five years.

Ms Wassman said the lease stated that CRHG can “hold markets from time to time”, but did not spell out how regular that should be.

“That is the responsibility of the group under the lease,” she said.

Several councillors wanted to know why they were asked to leave.

Mrs Savic said they were told that their pop-up markets interfered with the

Captains take the wheel COLLIE Senior High School’s new captains, Austin Bates and Ebony Whitney, are determined to increase student involvement.

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regular fortnightly markets, with some stall holders preferring to be there weekly on Fridays and/or Saturdays.

Cr John Kearney suggested there could be a compromise, and chief executive officer Stuart Devenish said it could be possible to have a conversation between the parties.

Mrs Savic said the pop-up markets had been a source of social interaction with both residents and tourists seeking information.

“Collie needs a place like this. We are transitioning to tourism and this shed and the trains need to be open and admired by everyone,” Mrs Savic said.

“This place should be open more to the public for our children to see and learn about our past.

“We would very much like to return to the goods shed to do our markets and would like to know if the lease is available, if we could be allowed to lease it.”

Mrs Savic said they had considered trying to find another site for their pop-up market, but the goods shed was attractive because it is in a central location, and was a magnet for tourists.

Not enough for speedway THE Collie Speedway cancelled its first meeting in 51 years at the weekend, due to low competitor numbers.

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2 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

AAAAAA What's on, When and Where Bingo Collie Eagles football clubrooms, Thursdays, doors open 6.30pm, eyes down 7pm.

Library activities Sing along story time, weekly, Mondays, 9am.

Junior board game today, 3.30pm.

Lego Club weekly Mondays, 3.30pm.

Parkrun Parkrun at Soldiers’ Park every Saturday 8am.

Collie Art Prize Announced Saturday, March 4, Labour Day Festival Saturday, March 4: Spark Plugs on the Hill, recreation ground; Water ski spectacular, Lake Kepwari; South32 Wambenger Cup; Collie Country Markets; Concert, Collie Eagles clubrooms; Sunday, March 5: Premier Coal Water Ski spectacular, Lake Kepwari; Goods Shed markets; Historical competition motorbikes, Motorplex.

Collie Child and Parent Centre Playgroup Mondays at 9am (for parents and carers with children birth to five years old).

MyTime support group (for parents and carers with children with additional needs) Tuesdays from 12.30pm.

Baby Business (for parents and carers with children birth to two years) Fridays at 9am.

Coalfields Museum Open every day, 9am to 3pm. Children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.

Riff Raff dancing Every Monday from 7pm at Collie PCYC. Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. Supper provided. $5pp.

Signing centre Monday 10am to 12-noon; Thursday 2pm-3.30pm; Friday 10am to 12-noon at the courthouse.

Op shops The Anglican Op Shop has reopened, Tuesday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm.

Vinnies open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 3pm. Jo’s Bazaar, Monday and Thursday, 9am to 12pm.

Send it in This column offers free publication of events for not for profit clubs and organisations, or for items of social news.

If you would like to have details of your events or organisation published in this column, send copy to nola.crvbulletin@ gmail.com or classies@crvbulletin.com.

Deadline 5pm on Fridays.

Light towers donation conditions demanded LIGHTING towers recently replaced at the recreation ground will be donated to the Collie Racing Drivers' Association Inc (CRDA), but with a number of conditions attached.

The main condition is that they should be relocated immediately, before the forthcoming Labour Day long weekend festival.

A move to have the CRDA pay the Collie Eagles Football Club for the towers was defeated after much debate.

Chief executive officer Stuart Devenish said it was important to recognise that the disposal of the towers did not concern the football club.

“The towers are a shire asset. Historically, the football club has received a lot of assistance from council,” Mr Devenish said.

Cr John Kearney said: “In clarification, we should recognise that the football club could have picked up $1000 in salvage from the towers.”

Cr Joe Italiano unsuccessfully suggested the football club be paid $500 for the towers. He also emphasised the need for the poles to be moved before the March long weekend.

Cr Elysia Harverson spoke against making a payment to the football club.

“The poles are the property of this council so why should the speedway pay money to the footy club?” she said.

“If there’s one club in Collie that gets free kicks, it’s the football club,” she said.

“They’ve just got new lights and the shire pays to maintain their ground.

“I don’t see the speedway owing money to the footy club.

“The speedway relies on sponsorship and gets nothing from this council.”

Cr Gary Faries said he was pleased there was a potential user for the poles and that it should not have to pay any money to the football club.

He felt that the football club had been "well and truly supported by the community and the State government.”

Cr Italiano pointed out that it was council and not the football club which delayed the poles removal in September last year.

Cr Harverson said that if the speedway has no use for the poles, they remain the property of the shire council.

The speedway will need to remove all the poles and associated equipment before February 28.

Community expo a hit

THE Collie Community Expo was held in Central Park on Saturday.

Local businesses, groups, service providers and sporting clubs had the opportunity to showcase what they offer in Collie.

Organiser Tamsin Emmett said this year’s event was particularly successful.

“This year, more than 30 stalls came together in Central Park,” she said.

“Numbers were up on the previous year with many people attending.

Stall holders made the most of the networking opportunity,” she said.

STALL HOLDERS: Vince Radford and Melina Mellino from the Perth Trails series, with Willow Davis and Shane Sewell.

Local businesses targeted Country markets TWO businesses in the CBD were targeted by thieves on Tuesday morning.

Red Dot in Johnson Street and Attitude Hairdressing in Forrest Street had their front doors smashed before items were stolen from inside.

A police spokeswoman said that at 1.50am a male offender forced entry into Attitude Hairdressing and stole a laptop and part of a till before leaving on foot.

Then, at 2.15am a male broke into Red Dot and stole a number of items, including power banks.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.

Collie Police acting officer in charge Alan Dean said investigations are underway.

THE Collie Country Markets will have its swap meet on March 4.

Call 9734 5543 to book a spot.

There will be a market day on April 1, and a Mothers’ Day market on May 6.

Other dates are: June 3 (art and craft fair), July 1, August 5, September 2 (Fathers’ Day), October 7, November 4 and December 2 (Christmas).

HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS/SPORT News and sports contributions are welcome.

Simply email your contributions to: editorial@crvbulletin.com SPORT DEADLINE: Monday 5pm EDITORIAL

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Advertising Kym Saunders 0419 197 131

Michelle Loxton Editor 0481 893 606

Zoe Hawks Cadet Journalist 9734 1024

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Smoking ban passes

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 3

Shire to consult community to establish scope COLLIE Shire Council will undertake a community consultation workshop to discuss restricting smoking in public areas before introducing a local law to enable its enforcement.

A motion to create smoke free areas, proposed by Cr Elysia Harverson, was passed at last week’s council meeting.

The motion called for a local law to be drafted so that non-smoking areas can be designated.

This is the first step in banning smoking in areas such as near children’s playgrounds, in parks where people may be picnicking or at public concerts.

Cr Harverson’s motion included a call

Captains take the wheel COLLIE Senior High School’s new captains, Ebony Whitney and Austin Bates, are determined to increase student involvement within the school’s council.

The pair, who are both in year 12, were selected for the role after being prefects in 2022, and undergoing an interview process with teachers and the deputy principal.

Their “for students by students” approach has already brought about a fundraiser for families recently affected by local bushfires.

They have also changed the school’s council meeting system, allowing students to chair the meetings instead of a teacher.

They plan to continue this approach in organising the annual ARCH rewards day, and other events.

School captaincy is not the pair’s only recent achievements - both will represent Collie in meetings with the commissioner of education, Sharyn O’Neill.

Austin said he is excited to have the first in-person meeting with the commissioner as a member of the inaugural WA student council.

He plans to discuss improving sustainability in schools, he said.

Ebony is one of 10 students selected for the 10-day Premier's ANZAC Tour to Sydney and New Zealand in April.

She said she was inspired to nominate for school captain so she could be in a position to help, and make changes.

Austin agreed, saying he is always looking for ways to help people.

The new leaders plan to focus on sustainability in the school, with increased recycling and use of Cash4Cans.

for community consultation at a workshop to define the scope of where restrictions on smoking should apply.

Conclusions drawn at the workshop will be reported back to council with the aim of developing a smoke free area local law and policy framework for the Shire of Collie.

Debating the motion, councillors asked questions about how such a policy would work.

Cr Harverson said the distance required for smokers to stay away from playground equipment was 10 metres.

“For instance in Soldiers’ Park, you shouldn’t smoke within 10 metres of the playground equipment,” she said.

“As councillors, we should be engaging the rest of the community to restrict smoking in outdoor public places.”

Council staff have been researching local authorities which have introduced smoke free areas.

The Town of Vincent has introduced a local law, and parts of North Perth, Mt Hawthorn, Leederville, William and Beaufort Streets became smoke free

from November 22, 2022. The motion also calls on council staff to seek funding for a community education campaign including signage and other methods to promote smoke-free choices.

Healthway partners with organisations that host community events and art festivals to create healthier communities, including smoke free events.

A number of local organisations have been successful in obtaining this funding to promote smoke free events.

In WA, it is illegal to smoke in enclosed public places such as shopping centres, hospitals, cinemas, theatres, pubs, clubs and restaurants.

It is also illegal to smoke in outdoor eating areas, unless in a designated smoking area in a liquor licensed premises; in taxis, on buses and other public transport that is available to or being used by the public; in vehicles carrying children under the age of 17; and near playground equipment.

The Shire of Collie draft public health plan has identified smoking as a significant issue.

COLLIE’S Kate Hindle was successful at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, winning the “Female Artist of the Year” for the second consecutive year.

This year, she shared the award with a

long-time friend of hers, Codee-Lee. Kate said she was thrilled to be recognised again, especially with Codee-Lee, as they have been competing against each other at the awards since they were juniors.

Kate makes it a double victory

LEADERS: Austin Bates and Ebony Whitney are the 2023 Collie Senior High School captains.

Principal Dale Miller said she is confident in Ebony and Austin’s ability to lead the year 12 cohort, and the rest of the student body.

“Collie Senior High School has a tradition of strong student leaders and 2023 is no exception,” she said.

She said Austin and Ebony are keen to see positive changes continue.

“It is critical that students are involved in decision making - it makes our school community a better place,” she said. “Our school board is also looking forward to meeting Ebony and Austin later this term.”

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4 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Becz Nails

MEDAL CEREMONY: Ted McCormick received duplicates of his and his father’s war medals at a ceremony at the Collie-Cardiff RSL Club on Friday. The original medals were stolen from his home in October.

Ted’s war medals replaced

"O taste and see that the Lord is good..."

Psa 34:8

COALFIELDS BAPTIST

CHURCH

invites you to our monthly "taste and see" free Lunch

4th Sunday of every month (next event 26th Feb) 43 Venn St Collie

10am morning service followed by early lunch All ages welcome

See a photo you love in this week’s bulletin?

WORLD War II veteran Ted McCormick was presented with replacement war medals on Friday, after the originals were stolen from his home in October.

Mr McCormick, who is 94 years old, was given the medals at a ceremony at the Collie-Cardiff RSL sub branch in Lefroy Street, in front of his family and fellow veterans.

Defence industry and veterans issues minister Paul Papalia and member for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns presented the medals.

Mrs Hanns said she was honoured to be involved in the presentation.

“I am so pleased Mr Papalia was able to attend this special function to formally present Ted with both his and his late father’s medals,” she said.

“Sincere thanks to Gary Benton and Grahame Old who worked so hard to organise the replacement medals and to the Collie-Cardiff RSL members for their attendance.”

Mr McCormick is believed to be the only surviving WWII member of the Collie-Cardiff RSL sub branch.

He enlisted for service in WWII in 1944, one month after his 18th birthday, eager to follow in his father’s footsteps.

He served with 25 squadron RAAF base Pearce, until he was discharged in 1946.

Mr McCormick was awarded three medals during his service - a 1939-45 war medal, a 1939-45 Australian Service Medal and a general service badge.

Mr McCormick’s father, Edward John McCormick, served in WWII as a staff sergeant with the fifth Garrison battalion in WA. Prior to this, he served in WWI on the Western Front from 1915 to 1919.

He was awarded five medals across the two wars - a 1914-15 Star, a 191420 British War Medal, a Victory Medal, a 1939-45 War Medal and a 1939-45 Australian Service Medal.

A LARGE amount of cash was stolen during a break in at the Victoria Hotel in Throssell Street on Monday morning.

Publican Tracey Denholm said it is believed two unknown intruders smashed their way in through the beer garden’s glass sliding door at 3.28am.

Mrs Denholm said she thought the intruders used a hammer or mallet to get in, and then smashed the thick, wooden office door to access a safe.

The intruders also attempted to disable the hotel’s security cameras, however one camera at the back door was left operational.

Glass and wood splinters were strewn across the pub floor, and discovered by the cleaner who arrived at 5.30am.

Mrs Denholm and her husband Troy received the news from the cleaner, before the police were contacted.

The thieves stole the weekend’s takings, TAB cash and change.

Mrs Denholm said it took the offenders “minutes” to find what they were looking for, as the only operational security camera filmed them leaving through the back door.

“There was no hesitation, they knew how to get out,” Mrs Denholm said.

Mr and Mrs Denholm said it led them to believe the theft was carried out by someone who knew the inner workings of the pub.

“General public wouldn’t know what’s in there, but they knew where it was and what they were taking,” Mr Denholm said.

The couple said they were devastated, as the break-in happened one day before their first anniversary in business.

“You work so hard just for this to happen, it’s heartbreaking,” Mrs Denholm said.

On Monday afternoon, the couple was waiting for the police forensic team to examine the scene.

“I just want to get in and clean it - I want to cry every time I look at it,” Mrs Denholm said of the debris on the floor.

“We couldn’t open today - it’s a loss of wages and a loss of earnings.”

Mrs Denholm estimated that closing on Monday caused the business to lose an extra $2500 in earnings, on top of what was stolen.

Vic hotel break-in

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 5

Not enough to race THE Collie Speedway cancelled its first meeting in 51 years at the weekend, due to low competitor numbers.

Collie Racing Drivers' Association president, Tony Briggs, said the association had cancelled meetings in the past due to COVID-19, but he believed it was the first time in the club’s 51year history that a meeting was cancelled due to lack of competitors.

He said the club needed at least 40 competitors to make the meeting worthwhile, however there were only 32 nominations.

“It costs the association between four and five thousand dollars to run a meet, so it was cheaper to cancel it,” he said.

“It became too difficult for us to provide the entertainment level that we wanted.”

Mr Briggs said he believed the low numbers were caused by high fuel prices, and conflicting meetings.

“Bunbury also had to do the same thing this season,” he said.

“They cancelled for the same reason.

“It is largely to do with fuel prices.

We rely on the competition travelling to Collie, and we have a number of local competitors that are out of action

due to engine problems.

“We rely on out-of-towners. We might get one or two from Perth whereas it used to be 10 or 15.”

Mr Briggs said Western Australia has more than 40 speedways, which causes meeting dates to clash.

“Albany raced on Saturday night and had two divisions that we would normally have - the sprintcars and legend cars,” he said.

“Then, coupled with Bunbury hosting the National Championships in two weeks’ time, a lot of competitors weren’t prepared to put their cars to the test on our track.”

Despite the reduction in numbers, Mr Briggs remains optimistic that the last two meetings of the season will be well-attended.

“This year we have noticed a decline in competition, but spectator numbers have been steady,” he said.

“We have a good spectator base.”

On March 10, the association is expecting more than 50 competitors for “The Coalminer 51” street stock event.

The competitors will be competing under a different set of rules and formatting. The association’s final meeting for the season will be on March 18.

CANCELLED: Low competitor numbers at Collie Speedway caused organisers to cancel its first event in 51 years at the weekend. Collie Racing Drivers' Association president Tony Briggs said it was cheaper to cancel the event than run it with low numbers.

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6 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Musical night of trivia fun

THE B-Sharps team proved sharp as a tack when it won the Big Fat Music Quiz at the library on Saturday night.

With a score of 67, the team outsmarted the competition in rounds of music questions through the decades.

The attendees "favourite" round was clearly the classic and historical round, where questions such as the oldest instrument ever found (a flute) and which country has the oldest national anthem, (the Netherlands), were hotly debated.

The final round was a “fun buzzer” round, with songs played backwards for teams to guess.

The electronic buzzers are a new addition to the library's quiz night events. They had been on host and organiser Sara Cole's wishlist for some time, and the excited quizzers were reminded to treat them gently.

The best dressed competition was won by a team made up of iconic singers.

ICONIC: The Icons, including Peter Vandoren (Men at Work), Alyce Leahy (Lady Gaga), Elesha Skerratt (Olivia Newton John), Tana Hewett (Baby Spice), Jacqui Vandoren (Madonna) and Leanne Scott (Dolly Parton) were crowned best dressed at the Big Fat Music Quiz on Saturday night.

Pump track plans spark interest PLANS for a pump track to be established in Collie were placed before Collie Shire Council at its latest meeting.

Brent Welhan, of WestOz Track Designs, addressed the council on the potential of establishing a pump track in town.

Mr Welhan said a variety of riders are visiting the town, and expanding the trails network to include a pump track would be a real step up for a lot of tourists.

He explained that a pump track could be used to hold events.

“With sponsorship, big events could be organised here,” he said.

“There is a great deal of interest in pump tracks, all over Australia and all over the world.

“There would be the capacity to attract a lot of people.”

He suggested that the velodrome would be an ideal location, but there were also other possibilities.

“There is also room for the track at the recreation ground, or possibly Roche Park,” he said.

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“At the recreation ground, the football club amenities could be used. “At the moment, riders come from Perth and ride the trails, then go home,” he said.

“If there was a pump track, they could extend their stay, do the trails, and then ride the pump track.

“It would mean they would spend more money in the town.”

Councillors were told that pump tracks are very popular, and can be used to upskill mountain bike riders.

Cr Leonie Scoffern said another pump track was already in the planning stages and asked if Collie could sustain more than one pump track.

Cr Brett Hansen suggested the proponents should explore what grants they could apply for to help establish a pump track.

He asked Mr Welhan if he had spoken to the BMX club.

Mr Welhan replied that there would be support from BMX, the mountain bike club and the cycle club.

“This would not be a cross country pump track, but back to back pump tracks on one site. It is a different design, not bigger,” he said.

Deputy shire president Cr Ian Miffling said that while the plans were very impressive, a business plan was needed.

“It is a great idea, with a possibility of cycling events expansion,” he said.

Cr Elysia Harverson asked, if the track was established, who would be in charge of its maintenance.

“You need to prepare a proposal to present to council,” she said.

ValleyView's nurse hunt hampered by red tape

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 7

METRO-BASED skilled worker visas are being prioritised for processing over regional areas, such as Collie, according to Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson.

Mr Wilson is calling on the Federal Government to prioritise processing of regional workers and reverse its decision to “impose a de facto regional processing penalty on skilled workers” in priority sectors.

He said regional communities in his electorate, including Collie, are crying out for skilled healthcare workers, nurses, disability support workers, teachers and doctors, but are being unfairly prevented from priority visa processing because of Federal Government-imposed red tape.

ValleyView chief executive officer Mark Sheldon-Stemm said he agrees with Mr Wilson’s remarks, with the aged

care home struggling to appoint registered nurses.

“We would love the Federal Government to do something about getting more registered nurses into regional areas,” he said.

Mr Sheldon-Stemm said he has been looking for RN’s for almost two years.

“We have been trying for 18 months and have tried job agencies, but it’s just not happening,” he said.

“It’s a real issue for us.

“It means our current nurses are doing a lot of hours.”

He has heard it is taking a lot longer, up to two to three years, to get skilled workers from overseas for regional areas.

He said this was due to the Federal Government taking so long to process visa applications.

Mr Wilson said the government was

THE Mineworkers’ Memorial Swimming Pool was closed last Saturday because it was not possible to provide an adequately qualified supervisor, Collie Shire chief executive officer Stuart Devenish said on Monday.

“Adequately trained staff could not be found at short notice, so we had to close the pool,” he said.

“It was unfortunate it was quite a hot day.”

Mr Devenish said the department of health’s code of practice requires a supervisor with an “aquatic technical operator” qualification to be at the pool when it is open to the public.

He described Saturday’s closure as “an

unavoidable absence by the rostered supervisor”.

Mr Devenish said that with the co-operation of Royal Lifesaving WA, the everyday operations of the pool had been largely maintained through the 2022/23 season.

He added that circumstances could always arise, such as chemical leaks or health concerns, which would lead to closure of the pool, but council did all it could to minimise occurrences such as these.

“Pool closures do occur from time to time, such as when competition events or carnivals are held and when there is water contamination and need for chemical

failing to recognise the skilled regional visa (subclass 887) in its prioritisation, effectively encouraging skilled workers to move to the city.

He said the government had issued a directive to prioritise visa applications for healthcare or teaching roles.

“However, the direction did not account for applications for skilled regional visas,” Mr Wilson said.

“As a result, when a healthcare worker or a teacher, or any other occupation, applies for a skilled regional visa, they are put at the bottom of the pile and not given priority processing even if they want to take up a critical role, such as a nurse, in a regional town or community.”

Mr Wilson said this has been confirmed in official correspondence from the Department of Immigration.

The website states 90 percent of skilled regional visas were being processed in 27

months. He added that information released under FOI indicates there could be as many as 19,000 skilled regional visas awaiting processing.

Mr Wilson said regional members of parliament have received a large volume of enquiries from constituents with outstanding skilled regional visa applications, and have been raising them with the immigrant minister.

“Our community deserves better than being relegated to the slow lane of visa processing just because we live in rural and regional Australia,” Mr Wilson said.

“It is just not good enough and I am calling it out.

“My office is regularly contacted by people seeking updates on the progress of their 887 visas.

"It must be disheartening for them to know they’ve been pushed to the back of the line.”

treatment,” he said. “The circumstances last Saturday were unusual.”

However, if someone made personal choices such as going away on an extended holiday, it was unlikely that a refund would be forthcoming.

No supervisor, no swimming says CEO

1000 days of reading THE Collie Child and Parent Centre is encouraging reading development this term, with its 1000 Books Before Kindy program.

Co-ordinator Carole English said the program has had great success, and there is proof that early exposure to reading has many benefits.

Seven local children have participated so far, and many read 100s of books during summer.

The program is based on extensive research, Mrs English said.

“There is so much research that says that if you read to children, they will do well in school,” she said.

The playgroup also offers the First 1000 Days program, which supports families up to kindergarten.

Mrs English said the program is based on the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child”, and connects families to each other and community services.

“These connections are especially important for people who don’t have an extended family to support them,” she said.

The program is run during school terms and centre co-ordinators hope it helps attract people to its playgroup.

BIG READER: Ava Calton loves the 1000 Books Before Kindy program.

In answer to questions about season ticket holders, Mr Devenish said that historically, there had been no refunds, as from time to time, such things as major events or carnivals would mean use of the pool was restricted.

“We would always deal with requests for refunds on a case-by-case basis,” Mr Devenish said.

Given hypothetical examples, such as someone breaking a leg and being unable to use a season ticket, he said situations such as this would be dealt with sympathetically.

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

“It would be the difference between a circumstance over which someone had no control, and something which was a personal choice,” he said.

“We would need to look at all the particular circumstance.”

The pool reopened on Sunday, one hour after ordinary opening times.

The pool will be closed this weekend (February 25 an 26) until 1pm on Sunday for the annual underwater hockey Collie Cup.

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

8 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 SEDDON on THURSDAY

TTTTTTTT TTTTTTTT

with Michelle Loxton

A step back, but not forever

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JODIE HANNS, Member for Collie-Preston, reports...

Our questions, your answers.

Well deserved, Ted What would you like to see done at the Collie Roundhouse?

Some responses have been edited for readability.

Francoise Brittain: Take a good long look at the full working roundhouse in Junee, NSW. It is one half workshop for QUBE with a fully working turntable, which is a huge draw card when engines are being moved. Plus the other half is a beautiful museum with a large range of beautifully restored engines, carriages and railworking machinery all maintained to a very high standard.

Please, let's do something positive and special with the trains and digger that are out in the open outside the tourist bureau. Get them under cover for people to enjoy for years to come, especially as they were such a big part of Collie's history. They are worth preserving.

Russell Coffey: Turn at least part of it into organic vegetable markets or some form of sit down meals, surrounded by Collie’s museum pieces.

Josh Davies: No more of my taxes spent on it until something or someone actually goes into it.

Bill Sloan: Theatre.

Tamara Morton: Either what was

talked about - a cafe or brewery. Otherwise going down the track of restoring the building to how it originally was, and restoring some old trains and putting the Collie museum there. I think something along those lines would be great.

Rodney Hart: I would like it to be restored to its former glory. To be the way it was when it was first built. I don’t really know what it is, where it is or what its original purpose was, but I understand that it is a significant piece of our town’s history.

John Borlini: Where is all the money that was allocated in the first instance for this project? Why hasn’t any of this money been used to at least make a start on it? Have there been any audits on the financial expenditure so far?

I don't really care what goes down there so long as it's fixed up and put to good use. Stop wasting time kicking dirt around.

Pam Anderson: Maybe the museum could relocate there.

And a cafe.

WHAT an incredible afternoon spent with minister Paul Papalia at the Collie-Cardiff RSL on Friday as he presented replacement medals to WWII veteran Ted McCormick.

The club was full of returned servicemen, and Ted’s children and grandchildren.

Thank you to Gary Benton and, in particular Grahame Old, who assisted in obtaining replacement medals for Ted – and the medals of his late father - after they were stolen from his home.

Minister Papalia also visited several state government funding commitments, including the $1.5 million upgrade at the Collie Police Station, and the $60,000 election commitment to upgrade the kitchen and ceiling fan at the PCYC. The kids at safeSPACE enjoyed chatting and shooting hoops with the minister, and I thoroughly enjoyed scoring more points than him.

I was pleased to see Collie represented at the WA Scout Youth Awards.

A big congratulations to Dylan Cartledge, Abigail Jones, Samuel Shepherd, Jarrad Sloan and Lachlan Sloan as winners of the prestigious – and last - Queen's Scout Award.

We are only a week out from the massive Collie Labour Day Festival, showcasing a long list of great local Collie events for everyone in our community.

Thanks in advance to the Collie Cycle Club for the incredible effort in pulling the event together once again.

The recent initiative of placing dedicated career practitioners in WA schools funded by the state government is already making a huge difference to students.

Collie Senior High School is privileged to have the skills and dedication of career practitioner Bec Stewart, and I was thrilled to see the impressive list of students who have secured school-based traineeships this year.

Congratulations to these students, and thank you to the host businesses for supporting these students.

IF YOU are a regular reader of my columns, you will remember that I have two young children.

I have a six-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son.

They bring equal parts of joy and stress to my life, and I love them more than anything.

If you’re a regular reader, you will likely also recall that in November last year I stepped into the editor’s role at the Collie River Valley Bulletin.

It was a big step and it has brought four months of big things.

But, while I stepped into a world that was wonderful for my career, unfortunately I discovered it was a bit too big for my family life.

So, I’ve had to make the big decision to take a step back.

Sadly, tomorrow will be my last day as the editor of the Collie River Valley Bulletin.

It turns out running a newspaper and managing a family is kind of hard work (who would’ve thought?!).

I will be sad to leave the Bulletin’s great team - I’ve been lucky enough to work with old friends, and make new ones.

But I will enjoy being more present with my kids, being at school pick up and spending one-on-one time with my son before he has to go to school.

Motherhood can be such a hard gig.

It can be difficult to get the work-life balance - to feel like you’re contributing to the household, but also being there for the kids.

To chase your dreams - and your sense of self - but also to remember that you play a pretty big role in the dreams of the tiny people you created.

It’s a big decision to make, but I feel like I’ve made the right one.

As many people have told me, these are the times in my kids’ lives that I will never get back.

I can’t turn around in 20 years and decide I want to be at home, playing with my two-year-old.

I won’t get the squishy cuddles back, I won’t always hear their tiny voices, hold their little hands or take them to the park. They won’t always want to be by my side.

Work will always be there, but my babies won’t.

To forgo what is an amazing career seems harsh, but missing out on my kids is harsher.

I am lucky that I have a really supportive family - my husband is always right behind whatever crazy idea I come up with, as are my parents and in-laws.

I’m not saying goodbye to my ambitions forever - journalism will always have a place in my heart.

But, it’s like my mum said: “In life many doors will present themselves to you.

"You can always open them and go in, but there is nothing stopping you from turning around and coming back out”.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 9

CCCCCCCCC PPPPPPP People, places and contributions to Collie life

Time for Beth to close the door

People: ZOE HAWKS

AFTER 22 years, Beth Chappell knew that the time for retirement had come.

So, last Wednesday, she closed the door on a successful real estate career.

“There haven’t been too many times that I haven’t wanted to go to work,” she said.

“But in the last year, I’ve been dragging my feet through the door.

“I started to feel like it was time,” she said.

Beth has seen many changes in her time at local company Elders.

Among those changes is house prices.

“When I was selling years ago, you could buy a decent house in Collie for $60,000,” she said.

Beth said she has also seen local houses change hands many times.

“Sometimes I've sold the same house two and three times over,” she said.

“I've actually sold to parents and then got to sell to their kids when they’ve bought homes.

“That’s been pretty special being able to do that,” she said.

Beth has become a trusted face in an industry not generally known for being trusted.

“It doesn’t have a good reputation the real estate business - same with car sales and lawyers. We’re in that same pool of negativity,” she said.

“But, it's not like that at all. It's what you make it.

“If you do it with honesty and integrity, you can't go wrong.

"You really put your own stamp on things, on how you want to do it.

“When you’re in a small country town, you know everyone and your reputation can precede you,” she said.

Beth said she has enjoyed the opportunity to build relationships.

“I have met lots of people that have become friends over the years,” she said.

“It's not just sell, list, buy then end of relationship.

“I always catch up with them and get invited back to see what renovations they’ve done, and what improvements they’ve made,” she said. Beth put her heart and soul into her work.

For the first five years of her career,

JJJ’’ JJJJJ SNOWBOARDERS who become dependent on drugs go downhill fast.

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she worked in property management.

Then she moved into a sales role.

“The job is quite time consuming. It can be seven days a week,” she said.

“If you want to sell a house, people might be working through the week and need a weekend appointment to go and have a look,” she said.

“If it's not weekends, it’s after hours - so you’re often waiting for people to finish work.”

Despite its demands, Beth said she loved the job.

“There were days where anything that can go wrong, did go wrong but you just breathe through it and soldier on,” she said.

“There’s definitely more good things that have happened than bad.

“The property management was very stressful but as soon as I went into sales, I knew I was going to get my teeth into it and enjoy it,” she said.

And she was right.

Beth enjoyed it so much that she stayed for 17 years before the thought of retirement crossed her mind.

“It’s not that I wasn’t enjoying the job, but it was time to do other stuff that’s not work,” she said.

Beth Chappell outside the Collie Elders office, from which she recently retired after 22 years. LEFT: Beth in 2007 in her uniform.

“You have a few things happen in life where friends get sick or you lose someone close to you and you start to prioritise what's important, and work is not

THE

high on that list,” she said. Beth said she is now enjoying the new freedom of retirement.

“I love it. I’ve joined the local golf club,” she said.

“I’ve been having lessons, so I wouldn’t call myself a golfer just yet.

“It's lovely to go out and socialise and spend time with other people,” she said.

Travelling with her husband, Bryce, is also part of her retirement plans.

“We've bought a caravan to do the

‘grey nomad’ thing and hook off and see a bit of the world,” she said.

“I’ll probably flit off and do things with girlfriends and for myself while he’s working.”

While travel plans are high on her to-do list, Beth said she has no plans to leave Collie.

“Collie will always be home,” she said.

“It’s only been just under a week, but I'm really content. I know I made the right decision at the right time.”

cause it was dead. He approached with a shovel, inspected it, picked it up and removed it from the premises. Tradies get things done.

Gen Z things A local manager (a millennial) asked a young, Gen-Z staff member to organise a letter for the post last week. Manager grabbed an envelope and stamps, and gave some vague instructions about pop-

ping it in the post. When manager came back from a quick bathroom break, GenZer was standing at her desk, looking a bit uncomfortable. When asked what was wrong, Gen-Zer held up the non selfstick stamps and, slightly red in the face, said, “What do I do with these? They won’t stick”. After the manager stopped laughing, she explained they needed to be moistened first.

BYSTANDER LOOKS AROUND

Help!

A local senior was having plumbing problems, so his daughter called the plumber, and drove to the senior’s house.

As she arrived, she saw a snake on the driveway, and sent out a cry for help to her husband. Wait for the plumber, hubby advised. Plumbers carry tools. Plumber arrived to find wife hovering around the driveway, snake still there. Still, be-

An eventful journey for early Collie settlers 10 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

MUSEUM MORSELS Contributor: TOM REARDON THE Western Australian Passenger Arrivals Index of 1839 – 1890 contains details of 27,907 immigrants, including convicts and their guards, who arrived in Western Australia from the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and other ports in Australia.

Two of these arrivals were destined to become some of the original settlers in Collie. They were Mary Jane Brandis

Mary Jane Brandis.

and Absolom Bickley. Mary Jane Brandis was born in Birmingham on October 8, 1848, to William John and Charlotte Brandis.

Four years later, the family made the decision to immigrate to Western Australia.

The family boarded the windjammer “Palestine” and after a voyage of 180-odd days, arrived at Rockingham with most of the pioneers travelling on to Perth in bullock wagons. Unfortunately, three months after their arrival, Mary Jane’s father drowned in the Swan River. In 1854 her mother married John Browning.

Five years earlier in Nottingham, Absolom Bickley was born to Absolom and Sarah Bickley. Life took a very different path for Absolom, for in July, 1863, he was convicted of robbery with violence, and his penalty was transportation to Australia.

A newspaper report of the day reads: “Absolom Bickley, 19, trimmer, George Jones, 21, labourer, Thomas Parr, 41 lace-maker, and John Green, 32, watch-maker, were charged with assaulting and robbing William Henry Henson of two shillings ($0.20) and a gold watch valued at £18 ($36) on February 26, 1863.”

Absolom was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

It appears that in the interim from July, 1863 to May, 1865, he, with others, was held on hulks in the river at Woolidge (Woolich), fed well and sent out to work to build them up in readiness for their voyage to Australia.

Absolom, now aged 21 and known as convict number 8218, embarked on the convict ship “Racehorse”.

This 1077 ton ship was built in Jersey in 1853. It was employed as a convict transport for Western Australia and left Portland, England on May 26, 1865, bound for the Swan River Colony.

The ship carried the 32nd of 37 shipments of male convicts destined for Western Australia. The voyage took 76 days and the “Racehorse” arrived in Fremantle on August 10, 1865 with 172 passengers and 278 convicts. On board, the space forward of the bulkhead was for

The convict ship 'Racehorse,' then known as the 'Matilde Wattenbach,' painted at the time of her launch 1853. convicts and the only access was through a small iron studded door.

It allowed one convict at a time and they almost had to crawl on hands and knees.

Convicts were given individual numbers which were stencilled on the back and under each breast pocket of their coats. Odd numbers were allowed on deck at one time and even numbers for the next period.

Remarkably, it has been reported that only two convicts lost their lives on the voyage.

Up until 1880, many changes took place for both these pioneers.

Mary Jane married George Bagshaw (Backshall in some documents) in 1862.

Records of her baptism show that she was baptised in Combroke, Warwickshire in 1848 while census records show that she was two years old when the 1851 census was taken.

If these records were accurate, it would make her 14 or 15 when she married.

Mary Jane had her first child in 1865 with three more children following in 1866, 1867 and 1868. Her husband passed away in 1869.

In 1870, Mary Jane married Bernard Leonard and a son resulted from that union.

Sadly, Bernard passed away in 1873.

This chain of events led to a marriage with Henry Cooper in 1874 at Greenough. Their wedded bliss lasted less than three years before Henry passed away while Mary Jane was carrying their second child.

It was then that Absolom came into her life.

In the meantime, Absolom was given a ticket of leave in 1874. This meant that he could leave prison providing he could support himself, attend church on Sunday and report to a magistrate once a week.

Absolom eventually made his way north and met Mary Jane. It seems they were married within a year of the death of Henry Cooper.

Absolom worked on the construction of the Geraldton to Northampton railway line from August 1878 to February 1879.

It would appear that Absalom and Mary Jane lived in the Fremantle area for a number of years because three sons were born there in 1879, 1881 and 1883 before the fourth son was born in Geraldton in 1888.

Absolom was granted a full pardon on August 25, 1885.

After their fourth son was born in Geraldton in 1888, birth records suggest that they were back in Fremantle for the birth of two more sons.

Tragedy struck in February, 1888 when Caroline - Mary Jane’s daughter to Henry Cooper - was killed in a quarry

while delivering lunch to Absolom. The family moved south as Absolom worked on many of the railway projects.

This brought the family to Collie with the construction of various lines in the area after the Brunswick Junction to Colliefields line was complete.

Mary Jane followed Absolom wherever he went, living in tents at the railway campsites.

Absolom Bickley.

With many of her 13 children in tow, Mary Jane was often the general cook at these camps.

On various occasions she supplied the refreshments when Sir John Forrest made official visits to the railway camps in which the Bickleys were residing.

The family resided in Collie until they moved to Bunbury in 1911, except for a short stay at a railway construction camp at Greenbushes around 1906.

Absolom died on March 13, 1916 when two of his sons were serving in the War overseas. He is buried in the Bunbury cemetery.

Mary Jane moved to Fremantle and passed away there at the age of 91 on July 21,1934 in Palmyra. She was buried in the Fremantle cemetery.

Mary Jane was the mother of 13 children, nine of whom were living when she passed away. The eldest was Mr Alfred Bagshaw of Walkaway, who was 73 in January, 1934. Thirty-seven grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren survived her.

The Bickley extended family were the “salt of the earth” and contributed an unsung legacy to the history of Collie and the development of Western Australia.

As the researchers at the Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre delve deeper into the list of pioneers, more remarkable stories of dedication, courage and endurance will emerge. Collie needs to pay tribute to its remarkable pioneers.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 11

New way to play at Amaroo Play to learn AMAROO Primary School students in years one to six have mixed up their lunchtime activities this year.

Typically the students receive 40 minutes for their lunch break but, in the interest of increasing concentration in the classroom, students are participating in “structured play”.

Principal Ben Ratz said the students can choose from 15 different activities for the first 20 minutes of their break.

They then have lunch, before returning to the classroom.

The structured play activities include skipping, gardening, continuous cricket, basketball games, ukulele, board games and a number of free play areas.

at Fairview

Once they have made their selection, students are committed to the 20-minute activity, however they can pick a different one each day.

Mr Ratz said the program has been successful.

“We have found that the program has broadened students' relationships with others that share similar interests and reduced undesirable behaviours at lunch time,” he said.

“Students and staff are having a lot of fun together.

“Students have plenty of time to calm down and cool off after all the fun, and we are finding they are entering class after lunch ready to learn,” he said.

A NEW “learn through play” program will start at Fairview Primary School today.

The program is for parents and their children, aged two to five, and is a collaboration between the Collie Early Education Centre and Fairview.

It will offer children the opportunity to express and expand their understanding of the world around them, and will be a chance for them to make new friends.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bookings are essential as places are limited. All families will need to complete an enrolment pack before being allocated a place.

The program is from 9am until 11am.

Call the Collie Early Education Centre on 9734 4200 or Fairview Primary School on 9735 2300 to book.

Jett Gardiner.

Taylor Pynenburg, Rylen Fraser and Keiren Low at the bubbles activity.

Kade Read.

James Martin and Kaden Hehir.

Kahli Atherton.

12 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

RRRR EEEEEE

A delight for the gardener HHHH with Mitch Davidson THIS inviting 1950 cottage-style home is situated close to the primary school and popular Amaroo Deli.

It is close to amenities and the hard work is done - all you have to do is move in.

The modern kitchen includes a breakfast bar and ample bench and cupboard space.

High ceilings, carpet and decorative cornices feature in the lounge area and master suite.

Reverse-cycle air-conditioning and security screens are included for comfort and peace of mind.

Enjoy your morning coffee in a character-filled garden, surrounded by a large yard with plenty of gardening potential.

The yard of this 1012-square metre property has front and rear access, a wood shed and a powered workshop.

Annual land rates are approximately $1502 and water rates are approximately $1488.73 annually.

WHY BUY ME: ►Lounge area with carpet, ceiling centrepiece and decorative cornices; ►Reverse-cycle air-conditioning; ►King size master suite; ►King size minor bedroom; ►Minor bedroom with vinyl planks and curtains; ►Generous size laundry; ►Bathroom with shower and vanity unit; ►Large yard with front and rear lane access; ►Powered workshop; ►Wood shed; ►Security screens; ►Side access.

HOME FACT FILE Location: 9 McKinley Street Price: $275,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Cars: 1 Contact: Mitch Davidson 0408 910 337

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 13

RRRR EEEEEE

On the edge of town HHHH with Matthew Blackford THIS home has been renovated to include all the comforts of a family home.

It has three bedrooms, however there is a study that could be used as a fourth bedroom.

There is one luxuriously modern bathroom, and the addition of a second toilet in the home adds extra convenience.

All floors are tiled or vinyl.

In the kitchen, there is a 900ml gas cooktop, electric oven and a dishwasher.

The home also offers ducted evaporative air conditioning, and a Daikin split level reverse-cycle air-conditioner.

There is room for the caravan or boat,

and access to the rear yard and sheds.

The property is opposite bushland, and is close to a primary school and bushwalks.

The property’s estimated annual water rates are $1534, with shire rates of $1656.

WHY BUY ME: ►LED down lights through most of the home; ►Linen and broom cupboards; ►Overhead cupboards to laundry; ►Insulation; ►Outdoor entertaining; ►Powered shed 6x4m with additional lean to storage; ►3x4m insulated shed; ►Garden shed; ►Various fruit trees; ►Water wise garden to front; ►Sealed driveway to double carport; ►Gravelled off-road parking;

HOME FACT FILE Location: 13 Harris River Road Price: $369,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1 Cars: 2 Contact: Matt Blackford 0405 919 121

ON THE

MARKET WITH

MATT

Born and bred Collie, I aim to promote our beautiful town and help lift property value for everyone!

Matt made selling our home such an easy and stress free experience. He was always honest, reliable and the communication we could not fault him. His knowledge was invaluable.

Thanks Matt!

0405 919 121

matt.blackford@elders.com.au 80 Forrest St, Collie Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

14 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

CHURCH NOTICES

July 28th 1

ACROSS

2 3

4

5 6 7 10

8

9

11

12

13

14

CLUES

3. evening meal (6) 4. city area (5) 5. eccentric (6) 10. state of calm (5) 11. inherited item (8) 12. bird's resting place (5) 13. bed on a boat (5) 15. placement after eighth (5) 18. Danish capital (10) 19. speak unclearly (6) 20. work bread dough(5)

15

16

DOWN

17

1. archer's container for bows (6) 2. hectic schedule (4) 6. fuzzy-skinned stone fruit (5) 7. pristine condition (4) 8. small pile of dirt (5) 9. have a baby; give_____ (5) 14. repeated sound (4) 16. capital of WA (5) 17. help someone with their habits (7)

18

19

20

Across 18. Danish capital (10) 19. speak unclearly (6) 3. evening meal (6) 20. work bread dough 4. city area (5) (5) 9. blemish 19. aware ACROSS 5. eccentric (6) 20. steeple 13. toned 1. passport Down 10. state of calm (5) 14. espresso 2. terrible 1. archer's container 11. inherited item (8) 16. plate 7. attract for bows (6) 12. bird's resting place 2. hectic schedule (4) (5) 6. fuzzy-skinned stone 13. bed on a boat (5) fruit (5) 15. placement after eighth (5)

7. pristine condition (4) 8. small pile of dirt (5) 9. haveDOWN a baby; give _____ (5) 3. east 4. sharessound (4) 14. repeated 5. insist 16. capital of WA (5) 17. help someone with their habits (7)

6. klein 11. cross 12. tentacles 15. sparkle

17. lava 18. imp

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.

Morning prayer: all other Sundays.

Enquiries to warden: Gwen Molnar.

Phone 9734 4020 or 0439 375 598.

Op shop: Open Tuesdays to Friays 9am - 3pm Church office: Tuesdays only.

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

Church Enquiries: snr Elder Bob Greig 0418 903 693 Elder Stephen Sopolinski 0457 896 365 Sunday Service : 9.30am Visitors Welcome.

Kid's church: during Service.

Morning tea after service.

Ladies Bible Study Group: Tuesday 10am at the Church.

CHURCH OF CHRIST: 165 Prinsep St. Pastor: Shayne Goldfinch 0422 515 257.

Elder: Evan Mandry 0407 445 788.

Secretary: Glynis 0403 159 668.

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.

COALFIELDS BAPTIST CHURCH: 43 Venn Street, Independent Baptist Church, Simple Bible Preaching, Psalms, Classic Hymns and Spiritual Songs, KJV, Friendly Congregation. Main Service Sun 10am Bible Study Sun 4pm. All Welcome! Tea and Coffee Refreshments after Services.

Enquiries: Pastor Josh Denford 0403 300 802 coalfieldsbaptist@gmail.com facebook.com/cbccollie 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.

NAME_____________________________AGE____ Drop your entries to the Collie Bulletin by 4pm Monday

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

20 years ago

Wesfarmers were in power bid The Wesfarmers group joined forces with a major Japanese partner to bid for the right to build WA's next base-load power station.

The move meant that at least two of the 13 competitors in the running to build it were proposing coal-fired projects.

Council committed $115,000 to tourism precinct After a long and heated debate, Collie Shire Council decided to commit $115,000 in cash and "in kind" contributions towards the proposed $1.7 million Collie Entrance Tourism Precinct development.

The council passed a motion to commit $60,000 of funding to the project during the 2003-04 financial year and $55,000 for 2004-05.

Contributed by Kym Saunders Retirement village mooted for school site Collie Catholic Church authorities were considering building a retirement village on the vacated St Brigid's site of the Collie Catholic College. The land on Medic street was left vacant after the school moved to the St. Edmund's site in August.

TAFE tools removal angered MLA Then-Collie MLA Mick Murray threatened to serve an injunction on the South West Regional College of TAFE in 2003 after he discovered that tools and equipment belonging to the Collie TAFE campus had been removed for use at the Bunbury campus.

An inventory of the equipment was prepared and it was considered to be on loan and returned at a later date.

Shire considered joint waste venture Collie Shire Council "seriously considered" buying into a major new regional waste disposal site. Then-Shire President Rosanne Pimm told a council meeting that such a move - which would have cost an estimated $300,000 - could have been a viable solution to the Shire's waste disposal needs.

Sport Country Week success Collie's under-18 girls’ basketball team returned from Country Week Championships held in Perth as division two premiers.

Maureen Lasisz was named All Star coach and players Teagan Davidson and Chelsea Slater were named as All Stars.

ST BRIGID’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Cnr Prinsep and Medic Streets.

Parish Priest: Fr. Gerald Tan Secretary: Marie Hicks. ON LEAVE Office: 9793 2011. email:stbrigidscollie@ optusnet.com.au Weekend Masses: St. Brigid’s: 6.00pm Saturday, 10.00am Sunday. St. Mary’s, Darkan: 8.00am, 1st and 3rd Sunday each month.

ASH WEDNESDAY: Feb 22. Mass at St Brigid's school, 9.30am. St Brigid's Church, Mass, 5.20pm.

Baptisms and weddings by request.

Vinnie’s shop: 9734 5664. 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. 88.0 faithFM 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: 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.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 15

BBBBBBBB CCCCCCCCCCC 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)

DEATHS FLYNN (Hazel): 94 years young, your work is done. It’s time for you to rest peacefully free of pain now, Nan. We have such precious memories to treasure, another bright star in the sky. Zelma, Baden, Jenna May and families.

FLYNN (Hazel): Our deepest sympathy to all the family on the passing of your mum and nanna. She was a lovely neighbour to us for 30 years. Jim (dec.), Pat, Peter and Sue. May she now rest in peace.

UDY (Pat): Sending our love and sympathy to our dear friends Lesley and Neil on the sad passing of Pat. A kind gracious lady especially to me in my childhood.

Our deepest sympathy to Lynette, Lee, Graeme, Ken, June, Laurel and their beautiful families. Love Lyn and Ron.

EMPLOYMENT

Government of Western Australia

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Manager Investigations DMIRS Bunbury Office is seeking a Manager Investigations on a Permanent Appointment.

We are looking for a leader who is pivotal to the success of WorkSafe’s Investigations Directorate for the following position:

Manager Investigations – Level 7 - 00000027 This position attracts salary LIST OF RATES 2023 Level 7 $124,347 - $132,904 pa (PSCSAA 2021) For further details please visit www.jobs.wa.gov.au or contact Steve Taylor, General Manager WorkSafe Investigations on (08) 6251 2485.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00 pm on Monday, 27 February 2023 (WST) DMIRS_13507

FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICES

JOHN'S BOOK EXCHANGE: Will be open at Ag Society building, 9am to noon, 27.02.23. Great selection of books. Phone 0428 341 470.

Coalfields Hockey Council Inc AGM: Monday, February 27 6.30pm. Preston Road Hockey Grounds. Please ensure correct number of delegates are in attendance. All positions are declared vacant.

LIME and FERTILISER: Bulk ag lime and fertiliser delivered bulk to Collie and surrounds, call Mumballup Organics. 0417 322 007.

FRESH, FREE RANGE EGGS: at The Mumby Shop, $6.50 per dozen.

SHOPRIDER AND HOIST: Reduced to $1000. Barbara 0450 471 749.

E-BULLETIN: Subscribe at colliebulletin. com.au or contact Megan on 9734 1024. $100 inc gst for one year.

GARAGE SALES SATURDAY, FEB 25

APPRENTICE HORTICULTURALIST An exciting opportunity exists for a self-motivated individual with a passion for gardening and the outdoors to undertake an Apprenticeship with the Parks and Gardens Team.

As part of this Team you will be responsible for carrying out park and garden maintenance as well as improvement works throughout the local area.

Having a 6.30 am start time, we seek hard working, eager and committed to learning as an Apprenticeship which requires TAFE studies.

You will have successfully completed a minimum of Year 10 at High School or equivalent. Gardening experience will be highly regarded. Only applicants that reside within the Shire of Collie boundaries will be considered.

Please contact ATC Worksmart in Bunbury on 1300 177 337, or via email vince@atcworksmart.com.au for further information and to apply.

Stuart Devenish Chief Executive Officer

Shed stuff, garden and household items.

7.30 am 13 Elouera Road

◄

►

SATURDAY: Homewares, pots, garden ornaments, small plants, collectables, china and tea pots, books, DVDs, jigsaws.

Saturday, 7.30am - noon. 92 Wittenoom Street.

IN MEMORIAM STOCKS (Graham): 07.10.76 - 26.02.22.

It's been a heartbreaking year without you, we miss you every day. There's a place in our hearts no one can fill. You are in our thoughts always, Mum and Dad.

Australia’s waste challenges can’t be solved in just one day. So, if you can’t pull together a Clean Up crew, you can Step Up with a small donation to help us continue to Clean Up Australia, every day.

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24/11/2022 10:21 pm

16 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

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AIR CONDITIONING SOUTH WEST REFRIGERATION & AIRCONDITIONING

BIN HIRE

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ELECTRICAL

COLLIE ELECTRICAL SERVICES

FERTILISERS

COOL SUMMER | WARM WINTER

Commercial Residential

9734 4866 | 0456 041 510 swrac@westnet.com.au

Lot 2057 Sweeny Crt, Collie

Superior technology.

Ultimate comfort.

AUTOMOTIVE

Commercial Builders Household Car Body Removal Bins from 2-9 metres Asbestos Removal

BUILDING

Phone Paul Sweeney

9734 3414 / 0409 680 315

DESIGN

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GLASS WORK

DESIGN AND

AUTO AIR CONDITIONING

COMPUTERS

Logos Flyers Invitations Business Cards and more!

51 Throssell St, Collie

HARDWARE & SALVAGE

Need something designed and printed?

The Collie Bulletin team can help!

Email classies@crvbulletin.com Phone 9734 1024 or pop into our office at 1b Collie Park Shopping Centre to learn more!

BOOKKEEPING

DRIVING LESSONS

HAPPY BALANCE BOOKKEEPING

Bookkeeping services available All enquiries welcome

0403 454 764

A ERT DRIVING Anna Farrell: 0427 344 953 alertdriving@hotmail.com Collie & Surrounding Areas Friendly, Helpful & Patient Fully Insured & Qualified Female & Male Instructors

ENGINEERING

Machining Light Fabrications On-Site Fiiing Sand Blasting JOIN Specialised OUR STATION: Protective Coatings

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COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 17

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PAINTING

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SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

WINDOW CLEANING

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PC 100 310 PP 100 311

TELEPHONE SUPPORT

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call an ambulance/police on 000 now.

Beyond Blue Emergency Response Line | 1300 555 788 Kids Help Line (5-25 years) 1800 551 800 Lifeline | 13 11 14 Men's Line | 1300 789 978 Mental Health Emergency Response Line | 1300 555 788 Rural Link | 1800 552 002 SALVO CARE | 1300 36 36 22 Suicide & Self Harm Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Youth Beyond Blue (12-25 years) 1300 224 636 Youth Line WA | 1800 198 313

0458 638 768

tranderson1976@icloud.com

PLUMBING

COLLIE WINDOW CLEANING SERVICES TREE SERVICES

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TREE SERVICES

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MOWING and GARDENING

MOWING-PRUNING-SPRAYING- HEDGING

▬ Servicing the Collie area ▬ ★ Reliable ★ Registered ★ Insured

Laurie Berridge 0488 521 961

cutbackmowingandgardening

Council vote to be postal COLLIE Shire Council settled on using the Electoral Commissioner to hold the 2023 council elections, with a postal vote to be organised.

The terms of six councillors expire in October this year, being Crs Ian Miffling, Joe Italiano, Gary Faries, Brent White, Brett Hansen and John Kearney.

Postal elections in Collie in the last four electoral cycles have re-

sulted in more voters participating than the State average.

All council elections since 1999 have been postal votes.

The cost estimate provided by the WA Electoral Commission is $45,455, net of GST. Computer and staff costs associated with the count on the day of the election are estimated to total $1,700.

Swing bridge upgrade delayed

AS WORK budgeted for the swinging bridge cannot be completed before June 30, 2023, Collie Shire Council has reallocated the $200,000 earmarked for it.

Chief executive officer Stuart Devenish told councillors the funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund would be withdrawn if it was not spent by the end of the 2022/23 financial year.

Some of the funds will be redistributed IN DEMAND: St Brigid’s Church priest Fr Gerald Tan supplies food for people in need every Tuesday afternoon. The meals can be collected from the front of the church.

More mouths to feed

FATHER Gerald Tan’s charity food program now supplies up to 50 meals each week.

And the number is growing.

Fr Gerald, who is the St Brigid’s Church priest, hands out the meals from the church each Tuesday afternoon.

He said the program started last winter, supplying 15 people.

“Because of the response of the community, it has grown,” he said.

“I’m really grateful for the support of the community.”

He said Amaroo Deli, Sizzles Deli and Forrest French Hot Bread consistently

donate their leftover food and fresh produce, which is then handed on to those in need.

Following the demand, a kitchen has been established in the church hall so Fr Gerald has enough room to cook the meals.

He said the program operates on a “first in, first served” system because demand is so high.

“We don’t ask questions - it is not our place to ask,” he said. “We are just happy to help.” Meals are available Tuesdays from 4pm at the front of the church.

Meals can be delivered if arranged.

to the Jack Mears Spring boardwalk. An additional project to receive some of the funds is refurbishment of the Wallsend Ground power network.

An assessment of the power poles at Wallsend Ground identified a number of electrical safety issues with the existing infrastructure.

The estimated cost of this project is $100,000, and contractors have assured council it can be delivered by June 30.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LOCAL NEWS

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Only $100 per year Subsribe at colliebulletin.com.au or at the Bulletin Office.

18 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

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Back-to-back premiers BASKETBALL

COLLIE’S under-16 girls’ team became back-to-back premiers when they won division three at the Country Championships at Perth’s Bendat Stadium at the weekend.

With 10 teams and two pools, the girls had five games against strong competition.

A win to start the weekend was a good confidence booster, as the team beat Eaton Eagles 49 - 8.

Bridgetown was next with a 39 - 4 win.

Game three against Albany was close all the way to the end. Tiredness set in, which caused turnovers, however the girls continued to work hard and finished 19-all. The girls recharged for Saturday’s game against Manjimup. The final score had Collie lose, 8-26.

Making the semi-finals seemed to renew the team’s positive attitude.

They came out fighting, and played strong defence. They blocked the offence and created more scoring opportunities.

This paid off with a win over Margaret River, 38-13, which sent them into the grand final against Australind.

It was a hard-fought, low-scoring game. Both teams played great defence and scoring opportunities were minimal.

Collie Cougars fought hard all game,

winning 17-13. Jorja Storen was named the most valuable player in the grand final.

UNDER-15 GIRLS The under-15 girls’ team played eight games during the weekend, and progressed to win the grand final.

They defeated Pinjarra in division three, 24-15. Coach Mat Harker said each player conducted themselves professionally.

“They competed hard all weekend and played a great defensive game in their style of play,” he said.

“They are a great group of girls and deserved to win a Country Championship after being runners-up previously.”

Ava Roney was the team’s most valuable player in the grand final.

Brooke Burek was the team manager, and Teagan Roney was the team scorer.

UNDER-15 BOYS The under-15s boys’ team played in its first Country Championship.

Coach Chris Stewart said they performed well, and their training helped their game. “After a tough loss early, the boys knocked down and played some good basketball which was highlighted by plenty of tenacious defence,” he said.

“To come away with two wins was a great reward for the training the boys put in.”

UNDER-16 GIRLS: coach Kate Storen (back, left), Adison Stone, Jorja Storen, Sophia Neilson-Chiellini, Freyja Hetherington-Kirk, scorer Tenneale Ireland, manager Vanessa Stone (front, left), Heidi Ireland, Tilly Fraser and Mereana Emery.

Tough competition at classic BOWLS TWENTY south-west teams contested the UGLS Classic at the Collie Bowling Club last week.

Due to other country competitions, there were not as many teams as expected.

Three games of 12 ends were played each day.

The day one winner was a team from Binningup with six plus 22, from Mike Baker’s team with six plus 19. In third was Garry Giblett’s team with five plus 34.

On the second day, Giblett’s team won with six plus 31 from Garry Keep’s team on six plus 27. In third was Luke Wilkinson’s team with five plus seven.

LADIES’ NEWS The ladies resumed pennants on Tuesday with a game at Binningup.

They are in second place on the ladder. Well done and good luck for the finals.

Changes have been made to the fixtures.

Please check the notice board and for Championship pairs and Cheeky Squirrel.

The Championship Fours, sponsored

by Heather Gibbs, has not been changed but check the fixture book for the days.

MEN’S PENNANTS The first division played at Brunswick on Tuesday, February 14.

Wayne Simmonds, Kevan McKenzie, Ron Guilfoyle and Trevor Welsh won 22 to 21. Valdis Brojanowski, Jeff Crowe, Brian Bass and Rob Ferris lost 19 to 20.

Collie two points to Brunswick two points. The fourth division played Binningup at home. Neil Roberts, Jamie Godfrey, Warrick Ferris and Ian Bushell won 37 to five.

George Saggers, Peter Kaurin, Jim McElroy and Tom Gale won 24 to 13.

Collie four points to Binningup nil.

On Saturday, both divisions will play Busselton Red in Busselton.

The first division team of Trevor Welsh, Warrick Ferris, Rob Ferris and Ash Collins lost nine to 28.

Ron Guilfoyle, Ray Colgan, Brian Bass and Jamie Parker won 24 to 17.

Rod Garner, Jeff Crowe, Tom Edwards and Garry Keep lost 10 to 23.

Collie one point to Busselton Red five points.

The third division team of Jamie Godfrey, Kevan McKenzie, Harley Johnston and Hans Wiggers won 27 to 25.

Brian Butcher, Peter Kaurin, Jim Mc Elroy and Tom Gale lost 14 to 24.

Collie one point to Busselton Red three points.

SUNDAY SCROUNGERS There was a good turnout for scroungers on February 18.

There were five rinks of triples, and one rink of four. The six rink winners then played in a semi final, with the three winners going into the final.

The finalists, in winning order, were Chris Sanford, Eileen Hindle and Kevan McKenzie.

The highest scorer was Max Cubic and the consolation winner was Barry Hore.

UNDER-15 GIRLS: coach Mat Harker (back, left), Ava Roney, Piper Harker, Abbie Loxton, team manager Brooke Burek, Marni Bercene (front, left), Layla Burek, Jean Coyle and Macqui Jones.

UNDER-15 BOYS: Manager Sam Darnell (back, left), scorer Deanne Lawrence, Coya Brown, Henry McDonald, Clarrie Boyle, Brayden Hughes, Jye Shepherdson (front, left), Oliver Stewart, Mitchell Cheng, Jake Darnell and coach Chris Stewart.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 19

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Miller wins three-way thriller Graham second at tri event

Broadbent’s future in limbo

THE future of outstanding footballer Jackson Broadbent was still in limbo as late as yesterday afternoon.

Broadbent, who was best afield in last year’s WA Football League colts grand final, has been seeking a clearance from Peel to South Fremantle.

Peel offered to transfer Broadbent to Perth but rejected his request to go to the Bulldogs which meant the matter went to the league’s arbitration panel earlier this week. It was still to be resolved yesterday afternoon.

The 18-year-old ruckman was overlooked in last year’s AFL draft, despite being touted as one of the most promising players in the WA cohort.

Broadbent’s prospects at Peel appear to be limited as the club is aligned with AFL club Fremantle which recruited two ruckmen in the draft and will expect them to develop via Peel’s league team in the WAFL. He sees more opportunities for himself at South Fremantle where prospects of league selection appear much better.

GOLF

LOCALS Caity Graham and Terresa Briggs competed in Sunday’s sprint triathlon at Minningup Pool.

The event was run by the Bunbury Triathlon Club. Graham and Briggs competed in the women’s enticer event, with Graham the second across the line.

Both had competed in the Busselton half marathon the weekend before, so pushed hard to get more from their legs. The women’s enticer included a 250 metre swim, a 10 kilometre ride and a 2.5km run.

The men’s sprint event winner was Christoff Gardiner, who beat retired Olympian Ryan Bailey.

According to officials, Gardiner is an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with and defeated Bailey’s strong display. Competitors swam 750m, rode 20km and ran 5km.

Bunbury’s Toni Lander won the women’s sprint event, which included a 500m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run. The men’s enticer race - which was a 250m swim, 10km bike ride and 2.5km run - brought a masterclass that was put on by Connor Fraser, who is currently in the top three in the state for his division.

The Collie Swimming Club provided water safety at the event. The Bunbury Triathlon Club will host its second Minningup race on March 5.

TRIATHLETES: Locals Caity Graham (left) and Terresa Briggs competed at the Bunbury Triathlon Club’s event at Minningup Pool on Sunday.

STEPHEN Miller won the Quadcaps-sponsored stableford event at Collie Golf Club last Saturday, after a threeway countback.

Miller was among 74 players to take to the fairways in hot conditions.

A countback was required to determine the winner, with all three players scoring 39.

Miller prevailed with his 21 points on the back nine.

Other than a slight blemish on nine, Miller played a consistent game. He stayed out of trouble and regularly got up and down around the greens.

Miller’s playing partner, James Abbott, was runner up, chasing and keeping him honest all the way. Ian “Shanks” Shannon had a great front nine to claim third place.

Kalev Kutt and Luke Watts had 38, followed by Joel Simmonds and Ken Tate on 36. Connor Mumme, Chris Shea, Jaydon Ellery, Colin Giblett and Logan Giblett all had 35 while Ben Mead, Clayton Flynn, David Broadbent and Krystyna Scoffern all returned 34.

Vin Lamont Fordham, Ash Hollins, Gary Old and John Williamson had 33.

Rounding out the vouchers was Jan

Mead on 32. The novelties winners were – No 1 - Denis Cocker, No 4 - Ken Tate and Lesley Motion, No 6 - Ken Tate, No 7 - Colin Giblett, No 9 - Dave Carter, No - 14 Gary Old, No 15 - James Abbott and No 18 - Chris Shea.

A field of 39 turned out for the Dave Carter-sponsored leisure day.

Jay Robinson won in a countback from Flynn Cocker with both players on 38.

David Laird returned 36 followed by Greg Moyle, Bevan Stone and Paul Goodwin all on 35. “Shanks” Shannon had 34, while Fred Bronickis, Dean Rakich and Brett Smith were rewarded for 32.

Thursday Scroungers had a good field of 43 and was won by Rick Shea on 19.

In a tight chasing pack, Joe Italiano and Jackson Broadbent were also on 19 followed by Peter Ellery 18, Terry Reeves and Flynn Williams on 17.

Fifteen women played in the nine-hole event on Wednesday.

Rhonda Annandale produced 19 points to secure the win. Peta Ellery had 17 followed in by Krystyna Scoffern 16 and Donna Smith on 13.

Next week is an 18-hole stableford for the Rambone trophy.

Tuesday is leisure day sponsored by David Carter.

Thursday is scroungers.

Got a great sport story?

Sport and photos can be sent to editorial@crvbulletin.com.

Deadline is Monday 5pm.

20 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

SPORT

Get your sporting goods in store Email your sporting stories and photos to: editorial@crvbulletin.com Deadline: Monday 5pm

ALL THE GOOD SPORTS ARE IN THE BULLETIN

Coach of the year LOCAL hockey coach, Keith Old, has won the South West Academy of Sport (SWAS) Coach of the Year award.

He was announced as a joint recipient at the annual presentation night at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.

Old shared the award with south west football coach Matt Jamieson.

Many local sports people have

benefitted from Old’s coaching, including juniors and Collie’s Coop hockey team.

He is also a goalie mentor for those in the SWAS program, and within the south west.

Old coached the state under-15s boys’ black team at the Hockey Australia Championships, and was assistant coach of the men’s country team that won silver in Albany in August at the Hockey

Australia Country Challenge.

He said he was grateful for the nomination and was surprised to receive the award.

“I have great family and friends around me that have supported me all the way,” he said.

The award is named after the late Wally Foreman who was a sports administrator and commentator involved in the planning of SWAS.

TOP COACH: Keith Old was recently awarded Wally Foreman Coach of the Year at the South West Academy of Sport awards night.