Collie River Valley Bulletin, January 13, 2022

Bush camp gone!

EDITION No. 65

Thursday, January 13, 2021

$2.50

Dept. order removal of ‘illegal’ structure A BUSH camp used by many Collie residents and tourists has been removed after an order was issued by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

DBCA last week issued an order for the removal of the camp, located just off Mornington Road.

The order was signed by DBCA’s district manager Tony Mennen and was

posted at the camp on January 4.

It advised the “unauthorised, illegal structure”, located in the Hamilton Forest Block, had to be removed within 28 days. Seven days after the order was issued, the camp was gone.

Local residents Mitchell Coutts and Reid Saunders were using the camp when the Bulletin visited last week and were unaware of the order until it was pointed

out to them. “The camp’s been here for years,” said Mr Coutts, pointing out that a visitors’ book has listings going back to 2012.

The book had many entries and indicates users have come from not only the Collie community but from as far afield as Scotland.

“It is very disappointing as this is really a community facility used by the people

Locchie’s knockout ATAR score

HIGH ACHIEVER: Locchie Stallard punched his way to the top of Collie Senior High School’s ATAR results with a score of 91.65.

COLLIE Senior High School 2021 graduate Locchie Stallard has achieved the top ATAR score for his class with 91.65.

Locchie added this achievement to his long list of awards which included the year 12 Lions Club of Collie Fred Scharf Dux Award.

He also won the Federal Member for O’Connor, Rick Wilson’s Book Award, the Lesley Ironside South32 Scholarship, as well as achieving top student in Mathematics Methods, ATAR Chemistry and ATAR Physics.

In between studying, Locchie enjoys boxing and works as a casual at McDonalds.

Continued page 2.

of Collie and visitors to the area,” said Mr Coutts.

He could not see any reason why the camp had to be “pulled down”.

“It’s a bigger plus than a minus for the community,” he said.

Mr Coutts said the camp had many items donated by people who used it.

These items included motor vehicle parts, cross saws, a “dunny” pan and various other household items from bygone eras.

Another visitor to the camp, who did not want to be named, said the camp was one of many littered around the bush in Collie. “They are opening up a can of worms with the removal order,” he said.

Continued page 2.

Callum in running for Scout of the Year award CALLUM Eatts has been nominated as a finalist for the Scout of the Year award.

He was nominated by Scout Leader Rob Stone after helping out with the No Limits basketball team.

Page 3.

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2 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Supermarkets experience flow-on effect LOCAL Woolworths and Coles shoppers witnessed stock shortages in recent weeks after discovering fresh produce and meat shelves bare.

“Western Australia can expect some challenges and customers will see gaps on shelves,” Woolworths chief executive officer Brad Banducci said.

“However, it is not the same as what we are seeing on the east coast.”

Supermarkets around the country are experiencing similar issues with getting stock onto shelves, according to Mr Banducci.

“To give you a sense of the magnitude of the challenge, we

are experiencing COVID-driven absences (of staff) of 20 percent in our distribution centres and 10 percent in our stores,” Mr Banducci said.

“We understand how frustrating it is when you cannot find the product you are looking for and, together with our suppliers and supply chain partners, we’re

working hard to get all products back on the shelf as quickly as we can,” Mr Banducci stated.

He confirmed that Woolworths has more than enough stock in the system and has more coming.

“We also have good supply within each category of product.

Even if your favourite is not

available, a good alternative hopefully should be, so it really helps if you can be flexible with the choices you make,” Mr Banducci said.

Online shoppers are encouraged to keep shopping as they normally would as Woolworths are automatically activating substitutions on all orders.

Locchie’s knockout

Bush camp gone!

Continued from page 1.

Locchie plans to study engineering at Murdoch University, becoming the first of his four brothers to attend university.

He hopes to branch into renewable energies, something his family is passionate about, having moved off grid some years ago. “Sustainable living is the way of the future,” said Locchie.

Locchie’s advice for year 12 students is “knowing when good enough isn’t good enough and to keep working hard”.

He will move up to Perth in late February to get acquainted with city life, before beginning classes in March.

“He’s determined, focussed and very disciplined,” said mother Alicia Stallard.

“We’re pleased and proud of him for not giving up.”

Continued from page 1 “This is by far the best of the camps I’ve seen and it compares more than favourably with the huts on the Bibbulmun track, as it is well-built and has roads coming in and out, making it much safer if there is a fire in the area,” he said. “There’s really no reason to pull it down.”

A DBCA spokesman said the department became aware of the hut structure in late 2020 but did not know who was responsible for building it.

“Building and using illegal structures such as this hut damages the environment and can cause safety risks including increased risk of bushfire.”

He said individuals who build structures and undertake vegetation clearing without authorisation are committing ORDER: Camp user Mitchell Coutts outside the hut which has had to be removed following an order, issued by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. offences.

Locals feel quake hit Collie region

Tourism influx boon for local businesses

AN EARTHQUAKE measuring 4.2 magnitude rocked Collie last week, on Wednesday at 7.33pm, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Geoscience Australia recorded the epicentre close to Wagin, with a depth of 10 kilometres below ground.

Small tremors were felt in surrounding areas as far away as Mandurah, with as many as 50

THE local economy was given a big boost by tourists over the Christmas-New Year period.

Food, leisure and tourismrelated businesses have all reported increased trade over recent weeks.

Collie Canvas and Camping World owner Kaylene Evans said there had been a very high influx of tourists during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve period.

“Tourists were buying rechargeable fans, water, floating mats and toys, towables, camping chairs, and ice boxes,” said Ms Evans.

people reporting that they had felt it.

Local resident Brian Kippin said his wife first thought it was a truck going past their house but he knew it was an earthquake.

It is unclear if there was any structural damage to buildings.

The last earthquake in Western Australia was in the Pilbara region on November 13, 2021 measuring 5.3 magnitude.

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Thomson’s Auto Parts owner Doran Thomson said tourists were “a very high number of shoppers”.

“They’re buying batteries and electrical gear,” said Mr Thomson. “There has been some foot traffic just coming in for a look too.”

He added that this year’s holiday period had been on par with the bumper trading experienced last year.

Ghislaine Waddell, of Wagon 537, experienced a high number of tourists this season, selling 200 to 300 coffees per day.

Holiday family fun

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Ms Waddell said extra staff had been required during the peak times of the day.

Coalfields Museum has also reported increased visitor numbers over the ChristmasNew Year period.

Between December 29 and January 2, the museum had over 200 visitors through its doors, an increase of 43 on 2020’s numbers.

In addition, the museum was open an extra nine days in December to take advantage of the tourist season, and had an increase of 102 visitors over the same time last year.

Christmas night car chaos A CHRISTMAS night motor vehicle escapade ended when residents restrained two men at the corner of Vernon and Walsh streets.

The men, both aged 28, had earlier been in a vehicle which collided with another car.

It is believed they then obtained another car and used it to tow the damaged vehicle.

It was towed around vari-

ous streets in North Collie before eventually coming to a stop when crashing into another car.

The men were taken to Bunbury Regional Hospital with head injuries but were in a stable and conscious state.

Police are awaiting the results of the toxicology reports before they determine whether they will lay charges.

THE Child and Parent Centre has activities to keep children happy and busy these holidays.

Next Wednesday, January 19, the centre’s team will be at Central Park from 10am with their new flyer. Children can play on the playground equipment and at the water park while parents discuss the centre’s activities for the new year with staff.

The following day, January 20, a Lego challenge will be held at the Collie Public Library from 10am.

Bookings are essential via the library on 9734 9042.

Just before the holidays come to a close, families with young children can enjoy a picnic lunch on Tuesday, January 25, at Fred Scharf Lions Memorial Park from 10am. Attendees are asked to bring their own picnic lunch.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 3

Callum in running for top scout award CALLUM Eatts has been nominated as a finalist for the Scout of the Year award.

The 12-year-old scout, who celebrates his 13th birthday next month, was nominated by Scout Leader Rob Stone after helping out with the No Limits basketball team.

“I’ve been helping them for the past year,” said Callum.

“I’m the on-court assistant, so I help encourage, direct and assist the players, who are disabled, with their dribbling and catching.”

No Limits is run through Anglicare Bridges where Callum’s mum Rebecca is team leader.

The team travels to Perth for competitions and Callum has been involved

in three competitions so far, with more on the horizon.

Callum became involved with the scouts because his “Pa”, Brian Towler, was a Queen Scout.

“I joined as soon as I could, when I was seven, as I wanted to be like Pa,” said Callum.

“I’ve now achieved milestones in Joeys and Cubs, and am halfway to achieving my milestone for Scouts.”

Callum will achieve his Australian Scout Medallion before moving onto the next section, Venturer, when he is 14, and earn his Queen’s Scout award, the highest award for Venturer Scouts.

He is currently working towards achieving his Leadership badge.

“I love Scouts because I get to learn outdoorsy stuff, like hiking and camping.”

Callum’s goal is to become a Queen Scout but first he needs to get his Australian Scout Medallion.

Callum became aware that he had been nominated when his mum handed him the letter, while he was still in bed playing video games.

“I got so excited I almost fell out of bed. I never get mail.”

Callum will find out if he is Scout of the Year at the Scouts’ WA Youth Awards on February 26 at Perth Concert Hall.

“I’m really looking forward to it and seeing everyone else who is nominated.”

ADVENTURER: Scout of the year finalist Callum Eatts holds the flag for Collie Scouts Club.

Collie bus service to cease

SOUTH West Coachlines, which is owned by the Australian Transport Group, will stop running their Collie service from February 1.

“Due to the numbers, it is no longer viable to keep the service running,” said Australian Transport Group chief operations officer Murray Goosen.

The service, which has been operating since 2001, had its regular patrons slashed from 20 passengers per day to six per day since COVID-19 arrived in 2020.

Mr Goosen said that they looked at changing the fivedays-a-week service to three days, but could not afford to employ a part-time bus driver with the small number of passengers using the service.

The number of passengers who use the service to travel to Bunbury Regional Hospital had significantly decreased with the introduction of the Telehealth service.

The number of students enrolled at the South Regional TAFE Bunbury campus had also taken a hit, with students preferring to study online.

“This will potentially impact medical appointments, visits to Activ, fly in-fly out workers, and access visits for families,” Collie Visitor Centre manager Janine Page said.

However, Ms Page added that South West Coachlines had looked at all options and it was not a decision they came to lightly.

“The TransWA service, which runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Collie Visitor Centre, will still operate as usual, but they are on a different schedule to South West Coach Lines,” Ms Page said.

“We spoke to TransWA but they could not change their starting and finishing times without a large overhaul of their roster,” Mr Goosen said.

Passengers who use the bus service on January 31 but are not returning on the same day will not be left stranded, assured Mr Goosen.

TransWA departs Bunbury Terminal at 11.05am, arriving at Collie Visitors Centre at 12.10pm before going to Pemberton, or from Pemberton, departing Collie at 2.12pm, arriving at Bunbury Terminal 3.10pm.

“It’s disappointing that South West Coachlines have made the decision to remove this service for Collie,” ColliePreston MLA Jodie Hanns said.

“I have raised this issue with the Transport Minister’s office and they are looking at how the gap left by the South West Coachlines service may be able to be filled.

I will continue to keep an eye on this issue.”

These changes will not affect the orange school bus service.

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

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

Shire to carry out road shoulder safety works COLLIE Shire Council has accepted a tender to undertake road shoulder works to be carried out on Mornington and Mungalup Roads. This will be a safety project.

Council successfully obtained Federal and State funding of $2.68 million for the project.

The project work is to seal road shoulders and to provide audible edging which alerts

motorists that they are at the edge of the sealed road.

The work will be

part of a Regional Road Safety Program managed by Main Roads WA.

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Lake and river review sought

4 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Five month wait for response on water release request

COLLIE River activist Ed Riley has called for an environmental review of Lake Kepwari and its impact on the South Branch of the Collie River.

His call comes after a fivemonth delay in a reply to a letter from Collie Shire Council seeking information about why water was not being released from the lake to the South Branch.

He says scientific evidence is that some seasonal water flow is essential to preserve the ecology and biodiversity of the river.

He compares the lack of action on the Collie River to the swift action taken by the State Gov-

ernment to prevent water being taken from the Ashburton River.

Mr Riley said the State Government’s decision, to engage lawyers to prevent Andrew Forrest from taking water from the Ashburton River on the grounds that it is an Aboriginal sacred site of the Thalanji people and is environmentally sensitive, is in stark contrast to a lack of concern for the Collie River.

“Since time immemorial, the South Branch of the Collie River has discharged into Minningup Pool, the final resting place for the sacred Wagyl, the Rainbow Serpent,” Mr Riley said.

“Why are State lawyers turning a blind eye to what has been condoned and allowed to happen to the South Branch of the Collie River, whilst fighting like hell to make sure this cannot and will not be allowed to happen to the Ashburton River?”

Mr Riley has, for a long period, been critical of the lack of water flowing through the lake into the

Helpers needed for Australia Day breakfast

Collie vax rate hits 95 percent

A CRY has gone out for volunteers to help cook the Australia Day breakfast on Wednesday, January 26.

For many years the Collie Lions Club has undertaken this task, but this year they are unable to find enough helpers, so the Australia Day panel is ask-

ing the community for help.

A member of the Lions Club experienced in the task will be on hand to supervise, but at least 10 people are needed to ensure the meal is ready on time.

Helpers are needed from 6am until the clean-up is completed by around 10am.

THE rate of first dose COVID-19 vaccinations for Collie residents aged 15 years and over is now above 95 percent.

Second dose rate is at 87.5 percent of the local eligible residents.

As of Monday, children as

South Branch, citing academic research which recommended this.

He has been trying to get confirmation as to whether a proposed pump would be installed to ensure water was flowing back into the river from the lake, and asked the council to pursue the matter.

Last June the Collie Shire Council wrote to the then Minister for the Environment, Amber-Jade Sanderson, seeking information about a pump, and while a reply has now been received by council, it has not yet been presented to a council meeting.

Council CEO Stuart Devenish said no comment could be made about the reply until it comes before a council meeting.

Mr Riley is baffled by the fivemonth delay in the reply, and why the information is not being given to the Collie public.

“Some of the best and most respected academics who do know

Volunteers will get a free breakfast as a reward for their help.

If you can help, please contact Tamsin at the council office by email on Tamsin.emmett@collie.wa.gov.au, or call her on 9734 9007 to give her your contact details.

a bit about pit lake rehabilitation, advocate a Lake Kepwari seasonal river-flow strategy,” Mr Riley said this week.

“Although the Collie River, as with most Western Australian rivers, might dry to pools over summer, hydroperiod (the length of time water is present) and seasonality (the timing of when this water is present) are critical to ecological function and biodiversity.”

Mr Riley has been fighting to learn the contents of a reply to the council's letter.

“The letter was sent on June 23 last year and a reply arrived five months later, but it was not from Minister Sanderson, it was from the Minister for Water, Dave Kelly,” Mr Riley said.

Mr Riley served on the Harris Dam Advisory Committee which advised the State Government on the best site for the dam, protection of public interest, environmental issues and impacts and the need to protect and help

out the river downstream from the dam.

“We had a good ear with the government then who agreed there was a need for a regulated, committed environmental water release of dammed water; this was put into practice and continues today,” he said.

“The decision by the State Government to allow Lake Kepwari, a massive 40 gigalitres man-made tourist lake, to take all the water from the South Branch of the Collie River and until the lake is full, rob the river downstream of water, is in contrast to the Harris Dam. “Having failed to get anywhere with the McGowan Government, the Shire of Collie must now take the matter further, starting with the Federal Government.

“The health and well-being of the Collie River comes before all else, including politics and vested interests,” added Mr Riley.

young as five years of age are eligible for the vaccination.

Vaccines are available on Tuesdays from Collie River Valley Medical Centre, Collie Medical Group, TerryWhite Chemmart and the Italian Club hub.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 5

Gallery grant for press THE Collie Art Gallery has received a grant from Lotterywest, enabling the purchase of an etching press.

“The press will allow us to open up the range of activities we offer which usually focuses on drawing and painting,” commented gallery group chairperson Trudi Curran.

“With the addition of printmaking, there is a whole range of techniques and experimental processes that the community would

be able to pursue in the future.”

The Italian-made press is partnered with a large drying rack and is mounted on a transportable trolley.

The press is now available for use in the art courses and activities at the gallery.

“It is an exciting addition to the facilities,” said Mrs Curran.

Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns presented the cheque to the gallery on behalf of Lotterywest.

ETCH PRESS: Collie Art Gallery Group chairperson Trudi Curran was presented with a cheque from Lotterywest by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns.

Accommodation bookings soar LOCAL accommodation providers are experiencing increased bookings due to an influx of tourists and workers staying due to shutdowns.

He said the park will be “very busy” until Anzac Day and there were 18 groups already booked in between now and the end of June.

Collie River Valley Tourist Park has a very busy six months ahead after experiencing its busiest months ever in October and November last year.

Those bookings included groups of four or five caravans, up to groups of eight to 10 caravans.

“October was our biggest month ever, and then November came along and we did more in two weeks than the full November the year before,” said park owner Patrick Honeywill.

“We were basically fully booked for caravans in October and November.”

He also has some bookings for “shutdown” workers who are staying in their own caravans.

“There’s so much happening,” he said.

Collie Ridge manager James Clarke also has many bookings for shutdown workers for the nine months from February, as well as bookings for charter

groups and some bike events. “We’ve got more bookings than this time last year,” he said.

Black Diamond Lodge owner Sarah Stanley said that her clientele are booking last minute due to COVID-19 lockdown fears.

“People are not booking ahead of time,” she said.

Her lodge has a range of accommodation options and her clientele is a “bit of a mix” including hikers, mountain bikers, motorplex visitors and some workers during the week.

Collie Visitor Centre Janine Page said

a lot of visitors to town were camping, with campgrounds inundated.

“We are not at full capacity but there’s definitely been an increase in demand compared to the last couple of years,” she said.

According to Ms Page Collie does not have enough family accommodation nor disabled-access accommodation for families to meet current demand.

Ms Page believed that planned shutdowns from February could have an effect on visitor accommodation if the timing coincided with school holidays and long weekends.

6 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

SEDDON on THURSDAY

Don’t dump your rubbish in our bush

Cardiff Hall market Cardiff Hall markets are starting up again this Saturday, January 15. To cater for the summer weather, it will be a twilight market from 4pm to 8pm. Head out to Cardiff to check out the stalls and socialise. Proceeds go to help with the maintenance of this heritage building.

Movies in the Park The summer series of free movies in Central Park continues on Saturday evening from 7.30pm, with a screening of the Australian movie, The Dry, featuring Eric Bana.

Bring your chairs and rugs, and maybe a picnic. There will be another movie on Wednesday, January 19 – the children’s movie Dreambuilders. On Saturday, January 22, the film will be Mary Poppins Returns, and on Wednesday, January 26, Buckley’s Chance.

Opening up The Anglican Op Shop is open again following a Christmas break and refurbishment to the building.

The shop in Noyes Hall is open from Tuesday to Thursday each week from 9am to 3pm.

Museum If you haven’t visited the Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre recently, why not drop in and have a look around. At $5 a head for adults, and with free entry for children under 16 accompanied by a responsible adult, it is good value. There is a treasure hunt for kids which has proved very popular, and adults who have visited lately have all commented

on what a comprehensive collection there is, with something of interest for everyone. A recent Perth visitor described it as “a gem”.

Bingo Collie Eagles’ bingo starts again on Thursday, January 27, with doors open at 6.30pm that night, eyes down at 7.30pm. All welcome.

Parkrun Collie River Trail parkrun is held every Saturday at 8am at Soldiers’ Park. You can run, walk, stroll, bring your kids, your dog on a leash, or push a pram. This is for fun and exercise, not competition.

Art exhibition The Art Gallery is open from Thursday to Monday each week, from 10am to 4pm. There is a good exhibition on at present, well worth popping in for a visit.

Swimming pool Walk past the swimming pool any day and you will hear how much fun everyone is having there.

Please remember, adults, that younger children should be within arm’s reach, and older children still need a watchful eye around water.

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 organization published in this column, you can send items to nola.crvbulletin@ gmail.com by 5pm on Fridays, or pop a note in Nola’s letterbox at 87 Jones Street.

Social housing an issue ONE of the main issues that people raise with my office is that of social housing.

Whilst there has been a surge in tourists visiting our town, many of them have loved it so much that they have bought properties here.

The flip side of this is that many houses that were rentals are now not available for locals to live in.

That is why it was fantastic to drive past the units on Ogden St this week to see that work has started on their refurbishment.

The two-bedroom, one-bathroom units were built in 1982 for the Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) program which provides government workers, including teachers and police, with much needed accommodation in regional areas.

When my family and I first moved to Collie 16 years ago, we were offered one of these units but we chose instead to buy a house, a decision that was right for our family and one I know many other government workers over the years have made.

I’m very pleased that the McGowan Government has allocated $816,000 to refurbish and transfer the six vacant GROH units in Collie to social housing.

This project is part of the $2.1 billion being invested into social housing over the next four years, including a record investment of $875 million announced as part of the 2021-22 State Budget.

An additional $200 million will be invested in GROH properties across the State to help provide accommodation for government workers in regional areas.

I’ve been following the government’s direction to wear a mask, having been in Perth and Peel over the Christmas period and, whilst it was not always comfortable, especially in the heat, it was important to me to do my bit to protect the community and the people I live and work with.

That is why I’ve booked in to get my third vaccine (by the time you read this I will be triple dosed!) now that I’m eligible and I urge everyone else to do the same.

Don’t forget about the Collie Italian Club Clinic – open on Tuesdays from 10am to 3.30pm. Visit www.rollup.wa.gov.au for further details.

A WHILE ago I joined the Original Cranky Old Women Facebook group.

I thought I had found my tribe. I could scroll through a good dose of collective vitriol over breakfast and then get on with the rest of my day feeling all the better for it.

Imagine my disappointment then when all the group seems to deliver are lame ducks such as “I hope the next pandemic is world love and it spreads like wildfire”.

Well sheesh, that doesn’t give my crankiness anywhere to go.

So I’ll just have to put some of it here.

Who throws rubbish out the car window? Who dumps it in the bush?

Mr Nobody apparently. Every so often there will be a ripple of outrage about it, and a chorus of people rise up to decry the situation, united in their condemnation of the “filthy pigs” who litter the countryside.

Some rubbish has been in the bush so long that you can use it as navigation points.

Head south past the rusty washing machine and turn left at the broken vacuum cleaner.

Roadside rubbish pops up as regular and fresh as snails after rain.

I know this because I live on the highway and as fast as I throw one lot in the bin on bin day, by the time the next week comes around there is a whole installation of yet more boxes, bottles and cans artfully decorating the roadside.

I doubt there would be a parent around who has knowingly told their child that it’s okay to dump rubbish in the bush, and heaven knows we get enough tip passes in this shire to sink a ship.

Perhaps I could be charitable and suppose that the forlorn dirty nappy in the national park was the result of a harried parent dealing with a crying baby and not a deliberate act of littering.

I’m guessing that rubbish dumpers are attracted to the bush for the same reasons I, as a hiker, am and therefore I’m doomed to be forever finding it.

Bush tracks are quiet with just the sound of birdsong and the occasional breeze rustling through the leaves.

Nobody can see you hiking, but neither can they see you discarding your old microwave.

While there is nothing like a good hill to make your leg muscles sing, flat ground is nice too as you can actually have enough breath left over to hold a conversation.

Flat ground is also good for backing in and unloading the trailer load of rubbish.

There is nothing like the sound of vehicles whizzing down the highway to ruin the tranquillity of a good hike, so trails deeper in the bush away from busy roads are treasured.

Alas, also treasured by rubbish dumpers because they are less likely to be spotted by passing cars.

Sigh.

My hat is off to the countless men, women, children, community groups, schools, volunteers and workplaces who work tirelessly to pick up litter and make the area enjoyable for us all.

But gee I wish they didn’t have to.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome.

Send to: editorial@crvbulletin.com.au or post or drop off to: Shop 1B, Collie Park Shopping Centre Steere St, Collie, 6225

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 7

The

BYSTANDER

oo Around Looks

Time flies As you get older, time seems to whizz past at an ever-increasing rate. One person of mature years said, as she signed and dated a document this week, “There – that’s the first time I’ve written 2022.” As her colleague went to countersign, she paused mid-task and froze. Yes, the person had successfully written 2022 – it was a pity she had written the month in as the 12th instead of the 1st… another Christmas anyone?

Clash of culture Tempers were frayed as space around the backwaters of Wellington Weir filled up over the Christmas period. We hear that one out-of-town group towed power boats to just past the Hamilton Bridge, dropped their (we are told illegal, 4stroke motor) boats in the water and took off. Another group arrived and camped in the area, something they had been doing for years.

The power boat people returned and were pretty annoyed to find it was difficult to access their boat trailers.

Words were exchanged and they weren’t Christmas greetings. As the boaties eventually departed on a non-existent track, the trailers could be heard smashing into trees.

Parking woes We understand locals were a bit peeved when they tried to visit their favourite spots during the Christmas break, as parking was at a premium. In fact, near Honeymoon Pool, cars were lined up on both sides of the road, leaving a very narrow one-lane space. One said he tried everywhere and finished up going back home unhappy with tourists not leaving any spots for locals.

The price of fame!

Rodney’s life shaped by eye-to-eye experiences

People: ALISON KIDMAN

IF RODNEY Hart had his way, he would be a diesel mechanic, but life had other plans for him.

When Rodney was just six weeks old, a local doctor observed something that was to be with him for the rest of his life.

“Dr Hilda Turnbull picked up that there was something not quite right with my eyesight,” he explains.

He was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital and tumours were discovered behind both his eyes as a result of a rare condition called Norrie Disease.

“The position of the tumours was such that they had to take my entire eyeballs out, as well as my optic nerves.

“I was given new eyeballs, which was all good until I was about 11 months old, and I swallowed one!” he laughs. “We had to wait for nature to take its course to get that one back.

“Another time I was body surfing and a wave knocked one of my eyes clean out.”

As he has grown, Rodney has had new eyes fitted.

“I’ve had my current ones for about 22 years.”

Rodney said he was very fortunate to have leading pediatric ophthalmologist Mary Bremner as his specialist for many years.

“She was a very caring person and when she died, she left money in her will to assist with

MUSIC MAKER: Music and playing the guitar are among Rodney Hart’s favourite pastimes. the field of children’s eye problems.”

Rodney did three years of school in Perth in order to learn braille, then came back to Collie and went to St Brigid’s and St Edmund’s schools.

A stint of work experience at

George’s Gems

I rang the Dolphin Discovery Centre to get some information. They told me my call may be recorded for training porpoises. ❏❏❏ Just when you think that food cannot possibly call you on your phone, BOOM...Onion rings.

GUIDING HAND: Rodney, with his brother as a passenger and guide, on the family’s quad bike.

Muja Power Station led to five years of working on the switchboard there.

“I knew everybody’s number and could put people through in an instant. This was in the time of landlines and pagers, but as mobile phones became more prevalent there was less and less for me to do.

“I had a short stint doing some contract work for Centrelink, but then I decided to study massage therapy.

“Through that I discovered reflexology and went on to study that as well. I have since operated my own business in those fields, and now focus almost entirely on reflexology, which is what I really enjoy doing.”

Reflexology has satisfied his desire for mechanics. “It’s just human mechanics rather than machines,” he said.

“My family has always had farming properties, so from when I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed driving quad bikes around. I would just have someone with me helping to steer me in the right direction. I also have a Chamberlain 9G tractor, which I can drive with dad sitting alongside me on the bench seat.”

Music has also been one of Rodney’s great loves.

“I used to play the organ and piano, but Norries causes hearing problems as well. The average age for that to appear is

around 12, so I bucked that trend, as I’ve only had to have hearing aids for about the last 12 years.”

However, the hearing loss did make it harder for him to play the piano. Undaunted, he started playing the guitar instead.

“Unbeknown to me, the family had a guitar made for me out of sheoak from the farm.

“It’s a beautiful instrument and has an extra sound hole in the side plus metal studs along the neck so I know where the frets are.”

To keep fit, Rodney used to go to the gym at the PCYC. His friend Peter Fergie suggested that they might like to do a weekly session at the local pool for a bit of variety.

“We had a pool at home that I used to swim in, but of course the public pool was much bigger, and I could do some serious laps. I can do over four kilometres in a session now,” he added quite proudly.

Once Collie River Trail parkrun started, Rodney gave that a try and is now a regular participant.

“I’ve done over 70 parkruns now, and even volunteered a few times.”

“When the COVID-19 lockdown came about, in 2020, it gave me a chance to reassess things and I’m very happy with where my life is now.”

8 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Collie disc golf to be a SW first THE South West’s first disc golf course, to be located in Collie, will open in February.

The course is to be set up near Lions Park and the corner of Crampton Street and Mungalup Road.

The nine-hole course will be designed and erected by RAD Creations, and has been a joint initiative between South32 Worsley Alumina, who have funded the project through their community investment initiative, and the Shire of Collie.

South32’s vice president of operations, Erwin Schaufler, said the new course would attract more visitors to the region, and create a new fun activity for locals.

“We look forward to testing out

the new course once it’s completed,” Mr Schaufler said.

“We are proud to partner with the Shire and provide $30,000 to help create the disc golf course.”

Chris Finn, of RAD Creations, said disc golf was a growing sport in Perth, and was easy to play and popular with players of all ages.

“The activity itself follows standard golf rules but uses dense plastic discs, or frisbees, aimed at a large basket,” Mr Finn said.

“We’re particularly excited about this new course as it will be the first free to use course in the south west.”

Discs for use at the course will be made available for sale or hire at the Collie Visitor Centre, and the Collie River Valley Tourist Park.

Blooming good time at movies

Brax, Mathew, Blake and Zavier Dawes.

A WARM and balmy evening set the mood for locals and visitors alike to enjoy watching the Australian film Penguin Bloom on Saturday night.

The screening was part of the Shire of Collie’s sunset movie series held in Central Park.

This Saturday the Australian mystery/drama The Dry, starring Eric Bana and Genevieve O’Reilly, and set in Victoria, will be screened from 7.30pm.

The film is rated MA15+ and is not suitable for younger audiences. The family-friendly animated Dreambuilders will follow next Wednesday night.

Heated pool petition launched A PETITION calling on the Collie Shire Council to reverse its decision not to proceed with a heated swimming pool will be launched today (Thursday).

“We want to hear from people who want the pool and will use the pool,” said petitioner Beth Peters.

“We have things in Collie, such as the trails and the art centre, that we might not necessarily get value out of as residents, but I believe we will all benefit from having an indoor heated swimming pool.”

Mrs Peters said the pool would be utilised by the elderly, injured and disabled people, and for children’s swimming lessons.

Locals have been travelling to Donnybrook and Bunbury to use indoor heated pools for years.

“It's about time Collie had its own pool,” said Mrs Peters.

Petition forms will be located outside Collie Central today and tomorrow and outside Reubens Newsagency on Saturday, from 9am to noon on all days.

Lillian Ingram, Gracie Delfante and Addison Ingram.

Taine and John Staples.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 9

2021 was a year of mixed fortunes for Collie, as the town began to transition from its traditional industries into new technological and tourism based industries.

A worrying time for those employed in the coal mining industry, with uncertainty and unrest about the future, contrasted with the injection of millions of dollars from the State Government as encouragement for new industries to locate in Collie.

The spectre of COVID-19 continued to haunt the town, as the State continued to be isolated from the rest of Australia, and vaccines arrived to provide protection against the pandemic illness.

With the mural trail drawing hundreds of visitors, bringing an air of optimism and excitement to the town, coal mining workers faced cuts in their income.

The Bulletin looks back on the highs and lows of the past year.

January TOURISTS flocked to Collie in January, 2021, with camping sites fully booked out, and businesses reporting double the number of visitors on the previous year.

Lake Kepwari and camping and swimming spots, as well as the new mural trail, attracted crowds and the work-inprogress mural at Wellington Dam also

proved to be a big tourism drawcard.

Samara Coverley was named dux of Collie Senior High School, and was heading to the University of WA to study engineering and pharmacology.

Collie Shire Council declared a $7.5million plan to develop Minningup a priority, as new Chief Executive Officer Stuart Devenish started work.

An application for a woodyard on Scenic Drive was refused for not meeting zone requirements, and a potential adverse impact on the rural character of the area.

Good early season catches of marron were reported.

Council called on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to manage the development of Black Diamond Lake.

The historic railway goods shed and overhead footbridge were included in the State Register of Heritage Places.

A kerbside recycling audit revealed a dramatic reduction in contamination levels, resulting in a saving of $20,000 for the year.

Tara van Beuningen was named new executive officer for the Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Work began on $1.1 million upgrade of the historic Throssell Street .

The wambenger was chosen as the logo for the Collie trails hub.

Katy O’Brien won gold in the 50m

breaststroke at the WA Country titles.

Premier Mark McGowan pledged another $20million for the Collie Industry Attraction Fund.

Collie Visitor Centre received an $899,000 grant from this fund to redevelop the replica underground coal mine and provide multi-media projections.

The Collie Ridge Motel was awarded $648,175 from this fund to transform the motel into a resort.

The Collie River Valley Bulletin announced it would open an office in the central business district.

At Phoenix Park, the Collie Retired Mineworkers Association unveiled a bronze sculpture of a pit pony being led by a miner.

River campaigner Ed Riley was named Citizen of the Year and Shae Digney Young Citizen of the Year on Australia Day. The Community Group of the Year award was shared by Collie Community Radio and the Collie ParkRun group, and the environment award went to Geoff Wilks.

Panic buying came within an hour of the announcement on the afternoon of Sunday, January 31, of a five-day lockdown by Premier Mark McGowan, with queues stretching more than 100 metres outside Coles and Woolworths. Staff were taken by surprise as people flooded the aisles to stock on essentials such as fresh milk, bread, meat and toilet paper. Dis-

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posable masks were also quick to sell out, and retail outlets, cafes, hair and beauty salons had to close.

Samara Coverley was the 2021 Dux of CSHS

10 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

February Two major project plans were announced in the first week of February; an innovative $9.4million waste to energy project at the Collie landfill site, and a major tourist attraction at the railway roundhouse with boutique accommodation, craft food and beverage options and landscaped parks and bushland. State funds were allocated to the National Trust of WA for remediation works to prepare the site for commercial use.

Production got underway on personal protective equipment in the former Target building as Big Start received a green light from Collie Shire Council.

Cannaponics Ltd was awarded $2million from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund to build a world-class medical cannabis research, cultivation, extraction and manufacturing facility near Stockton Lake.

Piavanini Welding was awarded 40 percent of a $47.5million contract to manufacture new fire-fighting appliances.

The lockdown delayed the opening of the Bulletin’s cbd office, but it appointed Megan Creemers as its office co-ordinator, Morgan de Smidt as journalist and Annette Ashcroft as sales consultant in a show of confidence in the paper’s future.

Concern over the disruption to trade delayed the Throssell Street façade project, with councillors calling for a traffic management plan and a finish date for the project.

Five local businesses received grant funding from the Collie Futures Fund, including Toscas, which intended to incorporate a café in the shop.

Job opportunities were created for local Noongar people in the Danju (Jobs Together) project to restore native plant species.

Four candidates were named for the forthcoming State elections, with the retirement of long-standing MLA for ColliePreston Mick Murray. They were Jodie Hanns, Labor, Wayne Sanford, Nationals, Jane Goff, Liberal, and Gordon Scantlebury, Greens.

Local schools reported a spike in the number of enrolments for 2021.

As the State election neared, the Liberal Opposition leader Zak Kirkup announced a plan to close Muja and Collie Power Station by 2025.

The field of candidates for the seat of Collie-Preston grew to 11.

Big Start’s mask production project was in doubt when it failed to attract a government contract. It closed its infant factory site, removed equipment and left town.

Popular Collie Police Station OIC Sen. Sgt Heath Soutar was transferred to Merredin.

A permit to refurbish the weir at Roberts Rock was received by Collie Shire Council.

Grace Earnshaw and Locchie Stallard were named captains of Collie Senior High School.

Council moved to monthly meetings, instead of its current practice of every three weeks.

Collie Cricket club received $30,000 to refurbish Roche Park.

Ninety-five year old Beryl Ashcroft spent six hours alone on the floor of her

Wellington Dam artist Guido van Helten in front of his completed work.

Harris River Road home after her medic alarm would not work because of poor service.

Guido van Helten completed what is believed to be the world’s biggest mural, on the Wellington Dam wall.

Jacob Shakey Butler painted new coal mining murals on Woolworths wall.

Lower water levels in the Collie River and South-west dams raised concerns of an ecological disaster.

Collie Rotary Club launched a Cash 4 Cans fundraiser for local youth projects.

New TAFE facilities were opened following a $500,000 refurbishment. Funds were also promised for the Collie Men’s Shed and the Collie Radio Station.

Collie Harness Racing Club opened its 2021 season with the King Coal Cup, won by locally owned and trained Sippinonjack.

March A TWO-DAY Labour Day Weekend Festival drew huge crowds to Collie, with many and varied activities, including the Spark Plugs on the Hill.

With the State election campaign open, the Liberals promised a “cash-splash” for Collie, including $40million for a drag strip; $10million for Lake Kepwari; $10million for off-road car and bike tracks; $5million for a water ski park; $5million for lakes facilities; and $5million for staff and advertising of new projects.

Liberal party candidate Jane Goff was undermined by the release of a plan to close State-owned coal power stations by 2025.

Nationals candidate Wayne Sanford promised a $1million regional road trauma support centre.

CSHS art teacher Taylah Holden and her mother, Kylie, created the Cinderella Project to provide dresses, suits, shoes, accessories for students who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend the school ball.

All Saints Church welcomed new parish priest Lynda Myres.

Local Raquel Williams became the first Collie trainer to win the $120,000 Bun-

bury Cup with the horse, Paddy’s Shadow.

More than half the eligible Collie-Preston voters cast their votes before polling day.

Labor candidate Jodie Hanns won with more than 60 percent of first preference votes.

Harris River Road residents expressed concern about the state of the road, saying it was “an accident waiting to happen”.

Cockburn Cement announced it would cease using Collie coal by the end of 2022 as it transitions to gas.

Collie fire fighters Julian Martin and Shane Hickson received NSW Premier’s Bushfire Citations for their work in the 2019-2020 emergency response.

Collie’s potential to become a major trail destination was highlighted at the Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco Tourism (FACET) Spirit of Trail conference. Attendees were told that Collie’s trails are special as they range from mountain biking, hiking, and running to canoeing.

A $212,000 Federal grant for an upgraded closed-circuit television system (CCTV) for Collie’s CBD will provide pedestrian and vehicle recognition and give an overview, day and night vision to the locations where they are installed. The project is due to be completed by March, 2022.

Four Collie women, Lauren Jackson, Deb De Angelis, Christianna Nicholls and Inger Van Merm, raised some $27,000 by having their heads shaved in the Worlds Greatest Shave.

Terms of reference for the Renergi plan to convert solid municipal waste to energy were endorsed by Collie Shire Council.

Two local horse owners, Rhys Cochrane and April Gulberti, were heavily fined and banned from ever owning horses after they were found guilty of animal cruelty.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) withdrew its services from Collie District Hospital.

The service was canned in favour of online service Telehealth.

Collie made the final eight in the WA’s Top Tourism Town Awards.

COVID-19 vaccinations began in Collie with the first rollout being for over 70s, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 55, adults with a specified medical condition, healthcare workers and critical high-risk workers.

A group of locals raised concerns about speeding cars and trucks ignoring the 40km speed zone in Throssell Street. Collie police said they take road safety extremely seriously but “can’t be everywhere at once.”

Harris Dam, which supplies drinking water for Collie, was holding only 17.5 percent of its capacity.

Collie Shire Council recognised the firefighting efforts of local bushfire brigade members with a special presentation in the Shire Council Chambers. The fire fighters had been dispatched to a number of fires out of town.

Collie Golf Club’s iconic event, the Riverside, accepted women entrants for the first time. The trophy went to Jarrad Tenni of Meadow Springs. Jo Jones of Bunbury took out the ladies’ gross title.

Jodie Hanns claimed victory in the State election for the seat of Collie-Preston.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 11

April A new waste management plant to be located at the Collie landfill site would enable the Shire of Collie to achieve one of the State’s highest waste diversion and recycling rates. The proponents, Renergi Pty Ltd, received $3.9 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and $2 million from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund.

Collie was fully booked for Easter, with all campsites booked for the weekend, and minimal hotel and motel accommodation available. The caravan park was also fully booked.

Robert Graham celebrated 50 years with Premier Coal, and said he had no plans for retirement.

The Collie Cash4Cans scheme was making a significant impact on cleanliness around the town.

Collie made it three in a row when winning the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association B grade grand final.

A report published by Renew Economy claimed WA could still be burning between 2.2 and 3.8 million tonnes of coal a year after 2040. The report foreshadowed an increase in the use of gas from the Dampier to Bunbury gas pipeline.

Collie was packed to the brim with tourists over the Easter long weekend, with both the museum and the visitor centre reporting record visitor numbers.

After 166 days in hospital, injured young Collie woman Georgia Moloney

was back home in time for Easter. She and a friend, Alexis Tate, were struck by a Toyota utility and pinned to the wall of the Crown Hotel in an incident in October, 2020.

Local groups cleaned up up approximately 220 bags of litter for Clean Up Australia Day. The Anzac Tour group, Veteran Car Club, 000 group, Lions and Rotary participated. Teams from Premier Coal and Griffin Coal cleaned up their roads, and Carol Gale continued to clean Mornington Road to Harvey and return.

South32 cleaned their road a week later.

Researchers from Murdoch University told locals at a community forum about their project to use flyash from Collie power stations and red mud from Worsley Alumina for an alternate concrete product, offering potential for the creation of a new industry and future jobs for Collie.

Thirty six rowers from Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and Augusta visited Minninup Pool to encourage locals to take up skiff rowing. An extremely wet day did not deter the visitors and locals from messing about on the river.

Campsites at Lake Kepwari and Potters Gorge were fully booked but often had unused bays, a problem caused by people booking, but not turning up.

Murdoch University students were carrying out research on ways to improve Collie’s water usage, with the aim of turning the town into a climate resilient town.

Collie CWA resumed their popular

Georgia Moloney home with her father, Kym, and new dog Mundy, after 166 days in hospital.

monthly soup and sandwiches day, raising funds for worthy causes.

The Rotary Club of Collie celebrated 100 years of Rotary with a special centenary dinner.

Collie Senior High School’s ANZAC Tour group left for a trip through significant locations within WA. The sale of two Throssell Street blocks paved the way for the establishment of a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet. The $550,000 sale eased pressure on the shire’s budget, which had been impacted by low rate increases and rising prices.

Collie-Cardiff RSL’s traditional ANZAC Day two-up game was cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions. The annual remembrance service went ahead under controlled conditions.

Local sporting clubs had their ground maintenance fees increased, largely due to a four-month concession on fees in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Enthusiastic runners from all over the State descended on Collie for the inaugural Collie Trail Fest, a night run on the Saturday, and three events on Sunday.

Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated its 80th anniversary by announcing its inaugural business awards for Collie.

Collie Eagles began their 2021 season with a loss, but followed it up with a treble the following week, winning the league, reserves and colts matches.

Premier Coal’s 235 production workers had their salaries slashed by $18,000 a

year following a reduction in coal sales.

All workers moved from 12-hour shifts to 10-hour shifts.

A community forum was told Colcrete, the name given to Murdoch University’s concrete which uses flyash, “can build the future for Collie”. The product uses a geopolymer cement which eliminates cement.

Visitors to the Wellington Dam mural complained about traffic jams in the area.

Buses and caravans were said to be “getting stuck, causing traffic jams and preventing others from passing”.

Bacteria found in Collie open cut coal mines is being used to break down massive rocks to get to rare-earth metals. A team from Curtin University is one of the first groups to look at rare-earth bioleaching.

The former Wallsend Mine at the Eastern end of Throssell Street was receiving a face-lift by the Retired Mine Workers’ Association, thanks to a donation from Premier Coal’s community support programme.

The Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre celebrated its 50th anniversary with the unveiling of a large plaque honouring its founder, Stan Cull.

Friends of the Collie River environmental group cleaned up bushland along Park and Atkinson Streets.

Eighty five players contested the Collie Golf Club’s annual Digger Day event, and 28 teams participated in the Collie Bowling Club’s Classic event.

12 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

May Collie Shire Council asked the owners of 51 Patstone Road to explain why they had not adhered to conditions set for the operation of a transport depot on the site.

Collie’s community was declared COVID-19 free, after a Collie man who had recorded a weak positive test was classified as “historical”. He had returned from Victoria after visiting Poland.

A girl gang which had caused fights around Collie and had been involved in a string of attacks was “busted”, with the ringleader charged with assault and the rest disciplined.

Collie midwives made local births possible with the launch of the Midwifery Group Practice at the Collie hospital.

Collie Senior High school welcomed two new deputy principals, Aric Forman and Renee Reid. Mr Forman came from Shenton College and Mrs Reid from Donnybrook District High School.

The man charged with running down two women outside the Crown Hotel in October, 2020, pleaded not guilty when he appeared in the Bunbury Magistrates Court. He was remanded with bail to appear in Bunbury District Court in August on two of his charges, and to September on the remaining matters.

Community and business leaders were settling in Collie, with Cannaponics Ltd ceo Damian Wood buying a house, and the company’s founder Rod Zakostelsky looking to rent or buy. Amaroo principal Ben Ratz and Collie Shire Council ceo Stuart Devenish were also buying houses locally.

Bunbury cyclist Bryce Lanigan won his second Tom Lowry Memorial Race, with 2019 winner Stephen Hall in second.

South west community leaders said there was a need for infrastructure improvements to base-load power supply to the Kemerton industrial estate. Bunbury Geographe Economic Alliance board member Mick Bennett said that coal was not finished.

Snr Sgt Michelle Cornwall became the first female officer-in-charge of the Collie Police Station.

First woman officer in charge of Collie Police Station Snr Sgt Michelle Cornwall.

Collie Shire Council put its Elouera Road property and a pool car on the market to gain a positive impact on the 20202021 budget.

Council gave in principal support to the expansion of the Wagyl Biddi Trails to include a drop zone.

Real estate agents in Collie were running out of stock as high sales were recorded.

A capacity crowd at St Brigid’s Parish Hall helped Kay Mills celebrate her 90th birthday.

Kay, a gifted pianist, was well known for sharing her gift playing for hospital patients and at ValleyView.

Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns made transition the focus of her maiden speech in Parliament.

Local farmer Tom Wood spoke out about the lack of blackberry control on the Harris River, which runs through his property. As a landowner, he is required to control the pest on his land, but the river is out of his control.

Cannaponics Ltd got the green light to begin site works and drainage on its cultivation and manufacturing site east of Collie.

A second company expressed interest in developing tourist accommodation at Minninup Pool.

The centenary of the war memorial in Soldiers’ Park was celebrated with a rededication service, and refurbishment works on the cenotaph.

Community support was given to the Colliecrete project with numerous ideas for possible demonstration projects.

A $1.5million facelift was underway at the Collie Police Station.

Medical grade collagen is to be produced at Collie by local biotech company Holista Colltech, with a $501,250 grant from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund supporting expansion of its operation near the Collie Power Station.

Rope technicians from South32 repaired broken tubular bells at All Saints Church in time for a world-wide ringing event.

Cannaponics Ltd said it could have its first carbon neutral medical grade cannabis crop in the ground by April, 2022.

Revenues of $119million per annum were forecast.

Restoration on the iconic Geldert truck started at the Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre.

The Shire of Collie received a $678,000 boost from the Federal Government for roads and local projects.

The level of the Collie River was boosted after the completion of the new stop at Roberts Rocks, but dam levels were still very low, with storage levels half that achieved at the same time of the year in former years.

Collie Community Garden received a $25,000 grant to erect a fence following vandalism at the gardens.

A heritage skills pilot project to restore the Collie Goods Shed was boosted by a $100,000 Collie Futures Fund grant.

Collie Shire Council farewelled former Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray at a function.

Mountain bike cyclist Stephen Italiano completed the Granite Grovel 600km ride from Sugar Loaf Rock near Dunsborough, to Albany, in cold and wet conditions.

Horse rider Jim Laverty competed in the Man from Snowy River challenge in Victoria.

Ian Guppy and co-directors Peter Harms and Doug Chapman were thrilled to win the Outstanding Achievement Award at the inaugural Collie Business Awards.

Council announced $1.9million capital projects for its 2021-2022 budget.

The State Government announced it Contractors at Muja Power Station had would review industrial sites at Kemer- been left out of Just Transition Plans, the ton and Shotts to identify gaps in infra- Australian Manufacturing Workers structure.

Union delegate Sean Emmett claimed.

A tourism marketing strategy was reCouncil decided to apply to the Geoceived by Collie Shire Council, aimed at graphic Names Committee to change the capitalising on the momentum of the name of Minninup Road to Minningup growth in tourism. after historic information showed that Amaroo Primary School officially this was the original spelling. opened a Noongar seasons mural, which Collie Dart Club was preparing for the was started in NAIDOC week 2020, at richest one-day darts tournament in Austhe 2021 NAIDOC celebrations.

Shire of Collie officers were monitoring tralia.

June

the transfer depot site in Patstone Road to ensure planning conditions were being observed.

A 64-year old Collie grandmother was facing winter in a tent when she could not find a local rental property.

Eleven year old Xavier Stewart was selected in the State Schoolboys 12 and under football team squad.

Rates were set to increase by 4.56% as Collie Shire Council prepared its 20212022 budget.

The Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award was won by Collie River Valley Tourist Park.

South Regional TAFE’s student of the year was Dannii Macintyre.

Rotary Club of Collie cancelled its 2021 Adventure Race due to “lack of resources and local interest”.

Rotary Apprentice of the Year Awards were won by Hollie Pola (1st year), Jade Begovic (2nd year) and Zach Diment (3rd year).

St Vinnies brought up 50 years of helping the poor in Collie, having started their mission in June, 1971.

The inaugural Collie Business Award was won by Ian Guppy and Co, who took out the Outstanding Achievement Award as well as the award for a business with 11 to 20 employees. A judges award went to Collie River Valley Tourist Park, and the Collie River Valley Bulletin was named Business Hero. A further 27 awards were presented.

More than 100 woodturners filled Collie PCYC for a demonstration workshop.

They came from all over the South West for the workshop.

Collie Senior High School band members combined with Donnybrook High School players to win first place in 1.5 category at the Bunbury Eisteddfod.

Collie Lions presented its annual Community Service Award to the team of volunteers who founded the Collie River Valley Bulletin.

George Saunders received a 55 year Monarch award and Brian Harrison was named Lion of the Year.

Jackson Broadbent was selected in the State under 17s football team.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 13

July Buckingham residents claimed land clearing in the area would cause significant issues with salinity and damage to the local habitat. Dense bushland had been reduced by 50 to 60 percent by the Forest Products Commission FPC). The FPC said all native forest is regenerated after harvest activity.

Council adopted the 2021-2022 budget with a 4.56 percent rates rise.

The Collie Health Service was undergoing a $12.2 million redevelopment with some outpatient service areas being refurbished, the roof replaced, and upgrades to the kitchen, heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

A missing 68 year old woman was found alive in bushland after being missing for several days.

All Saints’ bells tolled around the world, with a live broadcast streamed on the internet, as part of a world-wide celebration of the Ellacombe bell system.

A scope of works was produced to allow a heritage skills pilot project , to go ahead on the Collie Goods Shed.

Axel Vernon competed in Australia’s ultimate desert race, which follows the Old Ghan Railway from Alice Springs to the community of Aptula (Finke).

A Harris Dam top-up for the Collie River was among options put forward in a strategy proposed by the Department of Water to improve water quality through the town section of the river.

Work began on the tourism implementation plan with council staff consulting with stakeholders.

Collie Rail Heritage Group members salvaged jarrah flooring, joists, struts and skirting boards from the 65 year-old Railway Institute, set for demolition. The material will be repurposed for local projects.

GP Urgent Care Network status was granted to the Collie River Valley Medical Centre, allowing it to treat residents experiencing urgent but non-life threatening medical conditions.

The KFC outlet on Throssell Street was

Football Hall of Fame member Stephen Michael helps Grace Hatch and Mima Bull knead dough to make damper as part of NAIDOC celebrations.

set to open in early 2022.

A new therapy program to support the mental health of local youth was to start with the next school term. The fully funded programme was to be run by Adventure Connections.

Technical Services director Brett Lowcock left the Shire of Collie after eight years, after overseeing many significant projects. Mr Lowcock said the Venn Street weir project was his favourite.

Collie celebrated NAIDOC Week at local schools and the Police and Citizens Youth Centre.

The proposal to provide a warm water swimming pool for Collie was in tatters when council was told escalating costs meant a funding shortfall of $754,884 and annual running costs of $336,000.

Practices at the Shire of Collie’s waste transfer station were reviewed in annual audits, found wanting in several areas, and deficiencies were rectified.

Pfizer vaccine became available in Collie allowing people under the age of 40 years to be vaccinated.

Newly appointed council development services manager Matt Young took up his role eager to work with the community, business and other agencies.

South32 pledged $2million over two years to preserve and showcase the rich history of the Noongar people in a new Aboriginal cultural centre.

Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre moved to open seven days to cater for the upsurge in visitors.

The South West Aboriginal Medical Service relocated to Collie, after operating one day a week out of the Collie hospital.

Collie-Cardiff RSL’s mateship murals were fitted with signage detailing the names of each of the soldiers and nurses depicted in the murals.

South Fremantle Football Club honoured Collie resident Stephen Michael on a mural at the club’s headquarters during NAIDOC Week.

Collie was bypassed in favour of a site at Dardanup to house Australia’s first re-

Collie Rail Heritage Group member Keith Robinson at the demolition site of the Collie Railway Institute. newable diesel bio-refinery. The Collie Futures Fund provided $100,000 towards a feasibility study to assess four potential sites.

The Collie Early Education Centre received a $181,112 funds boost to help the service to provide improved access to quality care.

The Heritage Skills Association WA proposed to use a project to train workers in heritage preservation skills at Buckingham Hall. Council agreed to the project as long as there was no significant cost to council.

New mountain biking trails and pump tracks were the latest addition to Collie’s world-class visitor attractions. Three locations – Wellington National Park, Wagyl Biddi drop zone and the Arklow mountain biking trails were receiving significant improvements.

A new signal booster system installed in the Allanson Volunteer Bushfire Brigade’s truck enhanced the ability to manage incidents.

Forty closed-circuit television cameras were being installed around the Collie town centre following $280.350 funding from the Federal Government.

Site works started on the new suspension bridge on the Collie river on the scenic drive.

Collie’s Retired Miners celebrated their 20-year anniversary with a three course lunch in the Margaretta Wilson Centre.

Residents learned that Collie Hospital’s operating theatre will be closed for a year during upgrading work.

International Graphite announced Collie has been selected for a graphite processing plant to be established in 2022. It is expected 40 jobs will be created.

Work began on the Cannaponics site east of the Collie townsite.

Collie businessman Lyndon Pilatti told a stakeholder event that the new product Colliecrete could be made in Collie.

There was a big rise in demand for driving lessons in Collie, with a 25 percent increase.

Collie residents were given access to an app which provides tips on how to produce less waste, the correct bin to put items into and local drop off points.

Rachel Tilbrook was selected in the inaugural women’s WA country football team.

August EMBATTLED miner Griffin Coal invoked a force majeure clause to suspend operations, saying wet weather on 52 days from May until July had caused problems with excavating overburden to access coal.

Squatters vandalised and moved into

Department of Communities managed vacant units in Ogden Street.

Collie had wetter than average weather in July, but the total fell far short of a record. However, the rain did raise dam storage levels.

A new telecommunication tower was to be installed at Lake Kepwari, rectifying mobile black spots and expanding mobile phone coverage in the area.

More than 350 of the best mountain bikers from around Australia were headed to Collie for the Collie River Valley MTB Marathon and markets.

Collie’s women’s volleyball team, Collie Heist, won the B grade competition at the Collie Coal Cup. A massive 130,000 litre storage tank constructed in Collie was sent on its way to the Pilbara.

The heritage listed Mineworkers’Institute was set to be revitalised in three stages of upgrades under plans prepared

by Ken Lyon Consultants.

Collie Pioneer Lodge donated $5,000 to Collie bushfire brigades to purchase two new thermal imaging cameras, which will allow checks to be made safely for missed fires.

The former nurses’quarters at the Collie hospital were evacuated after an occupant received an electric shock. The victim was using a personal electrical device at the time.

Glen Mervyn Dam overflowed following good rains, and Mungalup Dam was close to following it with 95.8 percent storage.

Rotarian John Bylund floated an idea to rebuild an historic fire tower to become a tourist lookout, using a hut taken from another tower to cap it.

The risk of fire thwarted plans to expand Yourdamung Retreat from a bed and breakfast to a guesthouse and outdoor concert venue.

Dilapidated units in Ogden Street were set to undergo major refurbishments and made available to people on the public housing waiting list.

A 32-year old McAlinden man who had been missing near Collie for a week was found safe.

Colliecrete’s new product underwent its first full-scale trial at Pilatti Brothers’ works.

Sara Cole was appointed manager of information services for the Collie Shire Council, responsible for the library, records and local history.

A three stage retirement village was planned for Riverview to build new accommodation units at an estimated cost of $18.5million.

Perth-based international cyclist Michael Frieberg won the 96th Collie to Donnybrook and Return Cycle Classic.

14 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

September COLLIE Visitors Centre received an overwhelming number of complaints about the recent opening of Wellington Dam to powerboats and jetskis. Centre manager Janine Page said there were concerns about safety, noise and disruption to wildlife.

Interstate entry numbers for the Tom Quilty event were down because of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Stage one of the collagen facility was underway in Collie.

A section of the newly renovated Throssell Street verandah was damaged after it was struck by a vehicle.

Five council positions were open for the local government election to be held in October.

A woman complained about the felling of trees on the Collie Golf Course. The Tasmanian blue gums were hazardous to golfers, and roots were damaging fairways.

Collie bikepacker Stephen Italiano completed the Goldrush 500 ultra bikepacking event.

Kathy and Bruce Giles, ex-NSW residents, were stranded by a COVID-19 lockdown as they attempted to reach their new home in Collie. They eventually reached Collie on December 16 and went into 14 days quarantine.

Two of Collie’s newest home buyers, former NSW residents Kathy and Bruce Giles, were stranded at the Mildura Caravan Park when a COVID-19 lockdown went into force. The couple were on their way to Collie.

Rio Tinto employees were being trained in Collie to operate an automated haulage system for a new mine.

A man was stabbed in Throssell Street as he left the Coalfields Museum. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

Nominations for the shire council election were thrown into chaos when the returning officer was hospitalized.

Forty six new CCTV cameras were being installed around Collie.

Collie Agricultural Society officials were dismayed when insurance problems meant there would be few if any sideshow rides at the annual show.

Tidy Towns judges were in town to check local projects entered in the annual awards.

Festiv Arty began a 10 day celebration, for the 30th year in succession, with visual and performing arts to the fore.

A Collie father and daughter combina-

tion, Nigel and Abbey-Rose Irvine, were training to compete in the Tom Quilty Gold Cup. South West MLC Dr Steve Thomas claimed Wellington Dam was unsafe for motorised boats and jet skis. Speaking in Parliament, he cited complaints received by the Collie Visitor Centre.

Local business owner Mark Tilbrook said a logging ban imposed by the State Government had been introduced without thought or consultation. He said it meant his business would be unable to supply firewood to homes or businesses.

Dr Steve Thomas said the decision was devastating, adding it was the final nail in the coffin for the timber industry.

Two new candidates, Gael Varian and Kerry Roberts, joined retiring councillors Sarah Stanley, Michelle Smith, Leonie Scoffern, Elysia Harverson and Rebecca Woods in the nominations for five seats in the local government elections.

New bike racks were installed in the town centre as part of the Wambenger Trails. The racks allow cyclists to park their bikes while they visit local shops.

The State Government honoured an election promise and allocated $20 million to attract new industry to Collie. Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said she was proud the government had delivered on its plan for Collie.

Chris Stewart won his 13th Collie Golf Club championship, playing over 36 holes. Runner-up was Colin Giblett.

Collie Shire Council added its voice to the move to keep motorised boats off Wellington Dam. Council voted to advise the Department of Transport that it supported the proposal to close the dam to motorised vessels.

Collie women Carissa Hunter and Elle Lincoln responded to an opportunity from Premier Coal to gain jobs driving haul trucks. They said the flexible roster and good job security, together with good hours, was a perfect fit for them.’

The proposal by the Rotary Club of Collie to relocate a fire tower to a new site in town for the purpose of heritage and tourism gained support from Collie Shire Council.

Council said it used an out-of-town business for termite treatment on bridges because local suppliers either did not have the capacity to provide the service, or were not suitably qualified to issue necessary documentation.

Collie’s handling of waste was set to be transformed by the establishment of a waste processing facility at the council’s landfill site, ceo Stuart Devenish told visiting Tidy Town judges.

A sustainable house built by Collie’s White Building Company won several awards at the South West Housing Awards. The house was designed to reduce any need for heating and cooling systems.

A Collie auto shop, Auto 1, closed its doors for the last time as brother and sister owners Greg and Michelle Smith retired after two decades in the business.

It included family friendly trails, plus two next level trails which offered more and bigger jumps.

A Select Committee hearing on Regional Australia held public hearings in Collie, and heard from local leaders that attracting and retaining staff, telecommunications and water security are some of the greatest issues facing communities such as Collie.

The future of the former nurses’ quarters, which had been closed after an electrocution incident, was in doubt. An investigation into the ageing building was continuing.

The Moderna vaccine had arrived in Collie and was being offered at Terry White Pharmacy.

Collie Shire Council opted to share its emergency management with the Shire of West Arthur and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The recruitment of a new manager was underway.

Rotary was running a Christmas raffle to raise funds for its fire tower project.

Former Collie resident Jim “Digger”Dix was named as the first inductee for the national Bareback Riding Hall of Fame and Museum in Congress, Arizona, USA. Jim Dix grew up in North Collie and began his rodeo career in WA. Local rider Abbey Irvine won the National Junior Tom Quilty championship.

The Federal Court ordered Griffin Coal to pay $5.1million damages to the Carna Group, which operated the Griffin mine for most of 2014 before withdrawing, saying Griffin had repeatedly failed to meet payment obligations.

A local bushfire brigade which houses fire fighting equipment at a member’s home, was unable to obtain funds for a new station. The Williams Road brigade had been gifted a used light tanker by South32, but it was experiencing mechanical difficulties. Because the brigade had no station, it could not get a new vehicle. Because it had no viable vehicle, it could not get a station in a classic Catch22 situation.

The State Government’s Just Transition group began a Collie investment prospectus highlighting the advantages of locating business and industry in Collie.

World class graphite was heading to Collie, with International Graphite building a Collie facility, the first of its kind in Australia.

The Hockeyroos held a coaching clinic in Collie for young local players.

Poor operating practices were dramatically impacting the future lifespan of Collie Power Station, according to South West MLC Steve Thomas. He said the newer and more efficient Collie unit was being sacrificed and run down in favour of Muja Power Station.

Buckingham residents Judith and Ashley Davidson were unsure of which shire they were living in when they discovered Telstra had changed their address in their phone book. Telstra told them they

October Collie miners and refinery workers were told they would need to be fully vaccinated by January 1 under a mandate announced by the State Government. Power station workers were excluded.

Collie’s Emma Povee learned she was to dance at the 2021 Telethon.

Stage one of new mountain bike trails at Wellington National Park was opened.

Buckingham resident Judith Davidson was puzzled about her listing in the adjoining shire in Telstra’s phone book.

would have to pay to have the address changed back.

All five retiring councillors were returned in the local government election by clear margins.

Two young Collie men received Royal Life Saving Society bravery medallions.

The pair, Geoff Tozer and Toby Emmett, both aged 17, acted when the boat they were fishing in with Geoff’s father, Michael, was hit by a freak wave, and Mr Tozer had his leg broken in 11 places. The pair got Mr Tozer safely to shore.

Collie Shire Council resolved to continue moves to redirect grant funding of $1.8million away from an indoor heated swimming pool because the grant did not cover the project’s cost. It was seeking to identify other projects where the funds could be used.

Meanwhile, former Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray claimed the water temperature at the Collie pool was too cool for swimmers, at 22 degrees.

In spite of heavy rain, storage at Wellington Weir was still 16 gigalitres short of overflowing.

A house in Coombe Street was gutted by fire. The homeowner was not home at the time.

Transport, parking and lack of housing topped the lists of health concerns at a health forum held in Collie. A decline in population for Collie was blamed on the lack of rental housing; people have nowhere to live, so they leave, a speaker claimed.

Collie Community Bank celebrated its 20th birthday with a sundowner for current and former staff and directors, and a public celebration in Central Park.

Collie Senior High School students were being prepared for the ever changing job market in their hometown, principal Dale Miller said. She said the diversification of the economy was offering high technological jobs.

The Throssell Street revitalization project was officially opened by Premier Mark McGowan, who said the restored streetscape gave Collie a nostalgic feeling as it steps forward into its growing tourism industry.

Collie made the finals of the Tidy Towns and Sustainable Communities awards in two categories – environmental sustainability, and community action and well being.

The multipurpose Koolinup Emergency Services Centre was opened by Premier Mark McGown and Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby. The $13.4million facility will serve as an incident control centre to manage major emergencies in the South West.

Expressions of interest were called for by a developer looking to build six disability housing units in Wilson Park.

Shiver of Joy won the Collie Cup, in front of a record crowd. Ashlee Itaniano won the Fashions on the Field, and Jacinta Byrne was named Lady of the Day.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 15

November International Graphite closed a deal to partner Comet Resource’s Springdale graphite project near Hopetoun in the Great Southern. The landmark arrangement would create the first vertically integrated graphite production facility located entirely in WA. The company won a $2million grant from the State Government to establish a new downstream graphite processing industry in Collie.

Long-time local newsagent Peter Reuben delivered his last newspaper as he called time on home deliveries. He had been delivering papers to Collie households for 50 years.

Collie’s COVID-19 vaccination rate rose to more than 73 percent of residents aged 15 and over. Vaccinations at the Collie River Valley Medical Centre were back on track after some sessions had to be cancelled due to a lack of vaccine.

WA Mining, Energy and Construction Union said Collie miners were seeking like-for-like work and pay in the transition away from coal mining, the Select Committee hearing on Regional Australia was told.

Chloe Garner was celebrating World Teacher’s day as she reflected on being back at her old school where she was a student, returning as a teacher.

Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a sundowner to celebrate Small Business Day.

Councillors re-elected the shire president, Cr Sarah Stanley, and deputy president, Cr Ian Miffling, following the local government elections.

A plea from the former chairperson of Collie Shire Council’s Disability, Inclusion and Access Committee, Nola Green, not to discard the committee when it formed new committees for the next two years. Mrs Green said the committee had done a lot of good work, and its efforts were recognised with a National Award for inclusion in the community.

Council did not heed her plea.

Collie Senior High School year 12 students celebrated the end of their secondary education with a graduation dinner.

Awards were presented, including that of dux to Locchie Stallard, and Vocational Education and Training dux to Keeley Annandale.

Collie Eagles Football Club appointed Kade East coach for the 2022 season.

Down Under Nuclear Energy ceo James Fleay said coal burning power stations in Collie should be retrofitted as small scale nuclear power plants.

A Blokes Day event raised $20,400 towards car crash victim Georgia Moloney’s medical costs. Ms Moloney said she would use the money to modify her bathroom to allow better access.

An Allanson Football Club captain’s medal dating back to 1923, found by a prospector, was handed to Jenny Wright,

Jackson Broadbent won the JL Mumme medal as Sportsperson of the Year.

Bunbury SES volunteer Kim Perkins, DFES district officer Nick Elrick and Collie SES volunteer DJ Datson with the new flood boat on a training exercise at Lake Kepwari.

the granddaughter of the recipient, Les Annesley.

Collie-Cardiff RSL marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, and the end of the Afghanistan war after 20 years of occupation, as it held the annual Remembrance Day memorial service.

Collie State Emergency Services received a new flood boat which will be used in emergency situations.

Training on Lake Kepwari put the new boat and SES volunteers through their paces.

Collie TAFE was offering a free heavy vehicle driving operations skills course to coincide with an expansion of the innovative heavy vehicle driving operations skill set course announced in August.

Collie had a busy weekend with the Sportsperson of the Year Awards on the Friday night, and the Collie Show the following day. Jackson Broadbent was named JL Mumme Sportsperson of the Year for 2021, and Gemma Buckle won Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

Sandra Brittain won the RobinsonHannan Volunteer of the Year Award.

Chrischelle Davis won a special achievement award for coaching juniors at the Collie Lawn Tennis Club.

The 2020 awards, which could not be presented because of COVID-19 restrictions, were presented as well. 2020 JL Mumme Medal winner was Beau Riley, Junior Sportsperson was Nina Bercene,

Collie Racing Drivers Association won the special achievement award, and Greg Pye was named 2020 Volunteer of the Year.

The Collie Show went ahead without the usual attraction of Sideshow Alley, due to a metropolitan show being scheduled on the same day.

Alfie Stack abseiling at the Collie Show, while Quailin Johansen and Wesley Richards make their way to the top.

16 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

December Cannaponics Ltd, the company behind a new locally-based medicinal cannabis facility, announced it was combining with an expert American-based consumables technology firm to develop products for human consumption.

Collie’s Fashions on the Field winner Ashlee Italiano, who was a finalist in the competition at Ascot Racecourse, was placed second when she competed against 12 finalists after the field was reduced from 24.

Two solar powered closed circuit television cameras were erected in the central business district, in Throssell Street.

Council ceo Stuart Devenish said the council had no choice but to go solar because of prohibitive costs.

Collie’s COVID-19 double dose vaccination rate was up to 68.9 percent. First dose vaccinations stood at 86.9 percent.

Jo-Anne Retzlaff received life membership of the Collie Agricultural Society after 11 years of service.

Collie was to bid for the 2023 WA Regional Tourism Conference after council agreed to commit funding of up to $30,000.

A shortage of swimming instructors curtailed the 2021 school swimming lessons, and students had half their enrolment fees refunded.

More trouble was afoot for Griffin Coal when the Australian Securities and Investment Commission was believed to be pursuing action against Griffin for failing to have a resident local director.

Collie SES mourned the loss of its leader, Colin Nicholson, after he died following a short illness. Mr Nicholson had been a volunteer for SES for 32 years.

Master Yossi won the Bendigo Bank Collie Cup at the Collie Harness Racing Club’s meeting.

Magnium Australia was granted

Father Gerald Tan was preparing to share his love of cooking with parishioners on Christmas Day.

$280,000 from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund for a feasibility study into establishing a refinery within the Collie region.

Collie woman Denny Vernon walked 258 kilometres to raise money for stroke victims. She wants ambulances to be fitted with equipment to help stroke victims.

Community consultation was underway, led by Cynthia Dix, to decide how to celebrate the town’s 125th birthday in December, 2022.

The Motorbike Charity Toy Run’s 25th outing attracted more than 100 riders.

Local input was being sought for Collie’s emergency management plan, which is being updated.

An unlawful drone caused a delay of an hour before water bombing aircraft could be used safely to extinguish four fires near Cardiff.

Anglicare Bridges opened a community garden at Glenlee, to give its participants the experience of raising vegetables, cooking and serving them.

A new seat donated by staff of the Community Bank was installed at the CollieCardiff RSL. New director of technical services for Collie Shire Council, Rick Miller, started his new job. He will be responsible for roads, parks and waste.

Collie Racing Drivers’ Association held a two-night meeting to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Good crowds attended both nights.

Collie Golf Club’s Summer Open was won by Wyatt Buck.

The Minningup Pool project was ready for financial planning, Collie Shire Council was told.

Collie Men’s Shed members seeded the town with Christmas trees made from recycled timber and palettes. The forest of trees stretched through the CBD, and fairy lights made them visible at night.

Evan Mandry and Santa (Keith Robinson) set for the 25th Charity Motorbike Ride.

New lights for the Collie Recreation Ground were funded through a State Government grant of $400,000.

Signs for the Wambenger Trails were approved by Collie Shire Council.

Griffin Coal employees stepped up their campaign for a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, by holding on-going “information meetings”. Griffin retaliated by telling its workers they were expected to attend rostered shifts, and the company installed CCTV to film workers.

Wally Longbottom of Ogden Street won the Christmas lights competition after 20 years of trying.

Kathy and Bruce Giles finally arrived in Collie after their COVID-19 interrupted journey, and said they were overwhelmed by the kindness of Collie people.

Collie Shire Council agreed to recruit a dedicated tourism marketing co-ordinator to implement its Tourism Marketing Strategy.

Primary School students decorated safety helmets donated by Synergy, Premier Coal, Hawks Environmental and Griffin Coal, to form Christmas baubles, which were then displayed in the main streets of town.

Council rejected a renewed application for the Yourdamung bed and breakfast property to be expanded to a guesthouse, once again citing the extreme fire risk area in which it is located.

Wendy Hoskins decided to step down from organizing Collie Eagles Football Club bingo nights for 24 years.

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

Seventy local families doing it tough received Christmas hampers containing donations from the community.

Transport to medical services in Bunbury is now available for eligible Collie seniors, according to Community Home Care Services project officer Andrew Robinson.

The Collie Cheerio Club held its 67th annual Christmas party, with $15,000 worth of Christmas cheer. As well as the hundreds of meals served in the Miners’ Institute, 160 meals were delivered to the homes of those who could not attend. The Christmas cake was cut by 96 year old Bill Sloan and 95 year old Beryl Ashcroft.

Coalfields Museum received a $4,843 Federal grant to provide tools to help in the restoration of historical items.

The Collie Western Riding Association’s perpetual trophy for the highest score was presented to Mike Donovan at the association’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Peter McCarthy and Ian Bushell of the Men’s Shed with Christmas tree decorations.

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 17

Looking back...

20 years ago ...

Contributor: KYM SAUNDERS From the Collie Mail, January 17, 2002 Centrelink downgrade denied Centrelink denied claims it had downgraded its Collie office - despite local fears that the process had already begun. Collie resident Vince Burton raised concerns over Centrelink practices, claiming he had been told he was the first person to be subject to the Collie office's then new policies.

Big new plantings for Wellington catchment The Forest Products Commission and Waters and Rivers Commission teamed up to create a new industry in the Wellington catchment - and helped improve water quality at the same time. The commissions planted 800 hectares of land in the Wellington, Kent and Warren catchments with eucalyptus seedlings.

Govt: Don't give up on fund The State Government encouraged Collie groups to continue to apply for grants from its Regional Investment Fund (RIF) despite it halving the amount available from the fund in the 20012002 financial year.

Police-business alliance targets fuel thieves Collie police warned that fuel thieves would be caught after they joined a regional campaign in 2002 to clamp down on the widespread activity. Cameras supplied by local businesses were used as a tool to catch offenders in the act.

Serious side of summer for local students Some Collie high school students used part of the 2001-2002 summer holidays to find out more about how to get a job. The students took part in a "Just For You" workshop - focussing on the best way to look for work.

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.

Morning prayer: All other Sundays.

Enquiries to warden: Gwen Molnar. Phone 9734 4020 or mobile 0439 375 598.

Op shop: Open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Secretary 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.

18 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Take it all in LOOKING to escape the hustle and bustle but don’t want to sacrifice convenience?

Look no further than 306 Prinsep Street, North Collie.

This property comes with all the bells and whistles. A separate games room, powered workshop, caravan or boat pad, and spacious living are just some of the things we know you will love about this one.

Enjoy pristine views of the five-acre (approximately) property from every angle. It has openplan living and plenty of decking areas to take it all in.

All of this is located less than 10 minutes from the growing town of Collie.

High interest for this property is a guarantee, so don’t put off viewing it any longer.

WHY BUY ME: ►Open-plan living area with ducted air conditioning and views of the property; ►Large kitchen featuring wood benchtops and endless cupboard storage; ►Master suite with a walk-in robe and powder bar; ►Bedroom two features an ensuite and builtin robe; ►Main bathroom boasts a bath, shower and vanity with ample cupboard storage; ►Large laundry room; ►Front timber deck overlooking gardens perfect for the morning cuppa; ►Detached double carport; ►Full length rear patio entertaining area overlooking lawned area; ►Second living room/teenagers’ retreat option; ►Powered workshop with additional lean-to; ►Brick and tile home; ►Three paddocks; ►Two horse shelters; ►Multiple security screen doors; ►Mains water; and ►North Collie location.

Land Rates: $1703.78 pa (approx) Water Rates: $264.35 pa (approx) Land size: 4.99 acres Build year: 1974

HOME FACT FILE Location: 306 Prinsep Street North, Collie Price: Expressions of interest Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Cars: 2 Contact: Mitch or Tocoda 0408 910 337 or 0447 340 344

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 19

The total home package THIS quality home is conveniently located near the Collie River.

It will accommodate a large family as it has loads of space indoors as well as outside areas to entertain and enjoy the abundance of magnificent gardens and shrubs.

PROPERTY FEATURES: ►Brick and tile on 1148 square metres of land, built in 1978; ►Beautifully tiled entry hall and passageway with built-in linen cupboards; ►Four large bedrooms all with vinyl flooring for easy care, master suite has a three-door built-in robe and ceiling fan; ►Modern designed kitchen with lots of cupboards, breakfast bar, gas cooktop, built-in oven, slow combustion oven including wet jacket, two rangehoods and reverse-cycle air conditioning; ►Formal dining/lounge, floating timber flooring, built-in log fire, and reverse-cycle air conditioning; ►Huge laundry with built-in cupboards and bench, separate toilet; ►Massive outdoor paved games room with own ablutions; ►Two good-sized patios, both

of which are paved; ►Solar hot water system, eight solar panels; ►Rainwater plumbed into the kitchen for naturally fresh drinking water; ►Fully grassed backyard, garden shed and beautiful gardens surrounding the property; and ►Double carport.

In addition, the property has a semi-detached, self-contained granny flat.

It is currently leased to a periodic tenant at $180 per week and therefore bringing in a little extra income to the household.

Alternatively, a bonus of having this extra space means it could also multi-function as a teenage retreat or for extended family members visiting.

Granny flat features: ►One bedroom; ►Generous-sized lounge room, reverse-cycle air conditioning; ►Spacious kitchen, breakfast bar, built-in pantry; ►Good-sized bathroom, toilet and laundry; and ►Front deck, back verandah and a separate storeroom.

For a private viewing of this exceptionally presented home, please contact Charles Pinto.

HOME FACT FILE Location: 6 Robb Street, Collie Price: $385,000 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1 Cars: 2 Contact: Charles Pinto 9780 0524 or 0419 389 455

20 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

AIR CONDITIONING

CANVAS WORK

AUTO AIR CONDITIONING

COMPUTERS

AUTOMOTIVE

CLEANING

FERTILISERS

GLASS WORK

ELECTRICAL HARDWARE & SALVAGE

ENGINEERING

BIN HIRE

Call 9724 1024 BUILDING

DESIGN

DRIVING LESSONS

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 21

IRRIGATION

PAINTING

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

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Help your business grow

Rotary trailer raffle drawn

PRIZES: Raffle organisers John Vlasich (left) and Harry Wiggers (right) with Bob and Jenny Greig whose son, Rob, won second prize and donated it to a local school with a gardening project.

THE much anticipated drawing of the winning tickets for the Rotary Club of Collie trailer raffle took place recently.

The winning tickets were drawn by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns and winner of the main prize was Roger Hunter.

Mr Hunter seemed almost stunned by the news, but when the prize was later delivered he showed great excitement.

The prize was a fully galvanised trailer with a cage, filled with lots of home care

2022 marron fishing season gets underway THE 2022 marron season opened last Saturday and will continue until noon on Saturday, February 5.

More than 10,000 fishers have a licence which entitles them to catch marron.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Director of Aquatic Resource Management Nathan Harrison said it should be a good season following a wet winter in 2021.

“The improved productivity is likely to be reflected in coming seasons”, Mr Harrison commented. “But catches for this season are expected to be about the same as 2021. The fishery is also being supported by a stocking initiative, with 70,000 marron released into two dams in the past year.

“More marron stocking is planned under a project funded by recreational fishing licence fees.

Mr Harrison urged those fishing for marron, whether as day visitors or campers, to abide by prohibitions against lighting fires.

He also said marron have been tagged with yellow “spaghetti” tags to assist in research and asked fishers to take a photo should they catch one of these tagged marron, and send it to Marcus.newman@dpird.wa.gov.a u or to call 9203 0132 and leave a message.

goodies including a self-propelled mower, whipper snipper, wheelbarrow and many other gardening implements which came to the value of $5000.

Most were either donated or provided at a generous discount by local businesses.

Rob Greig won second prize, courtesy of his father, Bob. Being of generous nature, they decided to donate the prize to a local school with a gardening project.

The proceeds of the raffle covered the cost of an engineer’s report into the viability

of the Collie Fire Tower Project. The report indicated that with some restoration, the tower has good potential to satisfy engineering standards of structural soundness for reerection as a tourist attraction.

It is hoped that the tower will be integrated as part of a proposed new museum and historical precinct.

There is some urgency to dismantle and transport the tower to Collie for safe keeping and restoration as it is very vulnerable in its current location.

Uni’s Just Transition project A RESEARCH project focused on local groups that will be adversely affected by changes in the coal industry is underway.

Edith Cowan University (ECU) is completing the project and as part of the work researchers will conduct a series of workshops with local community members.

The Shire of Collie’s Community Safety and Well Being Committee was told the project would also identify how climate change is impacting the

Collie community, and what the impacts are likely to be.

The project will seek to identify actions to reduce these impacts both in the ongoing transition planning and implementation processes and in consideration of the impacts of climate change.

The research project is part of the State Government’s Just Transition Plan, which aims to work with the community and industry to deliver a Just Transition for Collie.

22 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

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 BRONICKIS (John): Our deepest sympathy to Val and family on your sudden loss of John.

Peter, Delys and family.

SUTHERLAND (Maryann (Anne)): Passed away peacefully on January 6, 2022, aged 66 years.

Beloved wife of Alec (Swampy). Dearly loved Mum of Daniel and Ashleigh, mother-in-law of Danika and Angus. Adored Nanny of Ryker, Ava and Kylah. Much loved sister, sister-inlaw, aunty, cousin and friend to many.

“Don’t think of her as gone away her journey’s just began.

Life holds so many facets, this earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting, from the sorrows and the tears.

In a place of warmth and comfort, where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing that we could know today, how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.

And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched, For nothing loved is ever lost, and she was loved so much.”

FOR SALE 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.

E-BULLETIN: An electronic version of the Collie River Valley Bulletin is available. Subscribe at www.colliebulletin.com.au.

FUNERALS SUTHERLAND: A funeral service to celebrate the life of the late Mrs Maryann (Anne) Sutherland will be held at Bunbury Crematorium Chapel, Hales Street Bunbury, on Monday (17.01.2022), commencing at 2pm.

GARAGE SALES SATURDAY: 31 Hutton St, 8am Saturday, no early birds, final moving sale, everything going cheap, access via back lane-way. Furniture, household, camping, man-cave and garden.

IN MEMORIAM SCOTT (Rob): 2.9.1942 – 8.1.2021. Thank you for all the special memories, they will be with me forever. Until we meet again, rest peacefully. All my love, Ber.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Government of Western Australia Western Australia Police Force

Local Planning Policies – For Public Comment

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.

• 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 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

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

COLLIE AG SOCIETY AGM: February 1, 2022, 6pm. At showground pavilion.

MINING SCENE PHOTO COMPETITION: $3,300 in prize money. Contact secretary (Collie Ag Society) for details: secretary@collieag.one.au 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 raise funds for community youth programs.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Emergency Management Arrangements The Shire of Collie is in the process of reviewing its Local Emergency Management Arrangements and it is important that this document reflects the community for which it is written.

We are inviting residents to assist in the process so that there is a shared understanding of what is important to protect and respond to in the Collie community.

The Community Consultation will take place in Council Chambers, 87 Throssell Street, Collie at 6pm on Thursday 20 January 2022 For further information please contact Chris Widmer on 0477 691 114 or by email to planitwaconsulting@gmail.com .

Stuart Devenish Chief Executive Officer

Planning and Development Act 2005 LOCAL PLANNING SCHEME APPROVED Shire of Collie LOCAL PLANNING SCHEME NO. 6 Pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2005, the Minister has approved the above- mentioned planning scheme in accordance with section 87(2).

In accordance with section 87(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2005 this scheme was published in the Government Gazette on the 20 December 2021.

The Shire of Collie, in accordance with regulation 33 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, gives notice that Local Planning Scheme No. 6 is now published and available for viewing at the Shire’s administration office located at 87 Throssell Street, Collie or at: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-planning-lands-and-heritage/local-planning-strategies-schemesand-structure-plans Enquiries can be directed to Project Officer, Katya Tripp on 9734 9000.

Stuart Devenish Chief Executive Officer

The Shire of Collie advises that the following draft Local Planning Policies have been prepared or amended and are out for public comment: LPP 2.11 – Design Review is a new policy that guides when a particular development proposal will require design review, the process for undertaking design review and the associated fees and charges. A design review is an independent evaluation of a significant development proposal or major project by a group of experts such as architects and urban designers who provide the applicant and the Shire with expert advice to ensure high quality design outcomes.

LPP 4.2 – Advertisements and Signage is a review of the current local planning policy and includes exemptions and development requirements previously covered by Local Planning Scheme No. 5.

The policy covers signs that are considered acceptable and therefore exempt from requiring planning approval as well as criteria for signs requiring planning approval. The policy will apply to all proposed signs within the Shire of Collie.

Copies of the draft policies can be viewed at the Shire Office, 87 Throssell St, Collie or on the Shire’s website https://www.collie.wa.gov.au/category/ne ws/ Submissions on the two above draft local planning policies close at 5pm on Friday 18 February 2022. Submissions should be provided in writing and must include your name and address. A submission form is available for download online at https://www.collie.wa.gov.au/category/news/ Submissions may be completed online, posted or delivered to the Shire of Collie at 87 Throssell St, COLLIE WA 6225 or emailed to colshire@collie.wa.gov.au Enquiries can be directed to Katya Tripp, Project Officer on 9734 9005.

Stuart Devenish Chief Executive Officer

COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022 23

Mumme’s 18-hole stroke event win GOLF CONNOR Mumme capped off a great round with victory in the 18-hole stroke event, sponsored by Clayton Flynn, at Collie Golf Club last Saturday.

Mumme scored 67 nett to win from club president Lesley Motion on 68.

Others to do well were David Laird 69, Ron Annandale, Neil Motion, Bev Moyses 71, Paul Moyses, Jann Mead, Jeff Crowe, Alan Kent, Rhonda Annandale 72, Eric Annandale and Greg Bell 73.

Chris Stewart was the gross winner with 77 off-the-stick.

Ten novelties were on offer and were won by Connor Mumme (No. 1), Eric Annandale (2), Naomi Dorrington (4), Brad Swan (6), Paul Moyses (7), Trevor Graham (9), Rhonda Annandale (12), David Laird (14), Chris Stewart (15) and Alan Kent (18).

LUKE Serra found good form by winning from a field of 43 players in last week’s Tuesday leisure day 18-hole stableford.

He held off Dean Chappell in a count back after both finished with 41 points.

Rounding out the vouchers were Jann Mead, Frank Battista 39, Naomi Dorrington, Len Hennigan, Alan Kent, Jim Larsen 35, Jim Moyses, Greg Bell and Colin Giblett 34.

Best vet on the day was John Williamson, with 37.

Novelties were won by Jim Moyses (4), Charlie Buemi (7 and 9), Joe Italiano (14) and John Williamson 18.

THE ladies’ nine-hole stableford was won by the in-form Naomi Dorrington on Wednesday of last week, on a countback from Heather Dabrowski, both finishing with 20 points.

Dot Lawrence and Angela

Ireland had 19, Rhonda Annandale 18 and Rhonda McGill 17.

Novelties for putts were won

by Kerry Dye (11) and Blanche Fairies (18), while Heather Dabrowski had a birdie on No. 14.

LAST Thursday’s nine-hole scroungers event was won by Jeff Crowe with a score of 21 from a field of 36 players.

Kevin Ireland 20, Phil Warburton, Stephen Miller 19, Ian “Shanks” Shannon 18, Roger Hunter and Danny Clayton 17 also won vouchers.

Novelties were dominated by Terry Massara, who won three - Nos 1, 6 and 9 - with Kevin Ireland taking No. 4 novelty.

THIS week's events Today (Thursday), nine-hole scroungers; Saturday, 18-hole Mafia day stableford; Tuesday, 18-hole leisure day stableford; Wednesday, ladies’ nine-hole event.

Social netball starts soon Paddy’s Shadow takes SOCIAL netball reHard copies of the turns to Roche Park form are available at second in the Perth Cup Recreation Centre on Roche Park or by conWednesday, February 2.

Team nominations close Thursday, January 27, and all players must complete a registration form before their first game.

tacting Ryan Varis at ryan.varis@collie.wa.g ov.au.

Players who do not have a team are encouraged to contact Roche Park on 9734 4388.

SPORT CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOME Send your copy to:

editorial@crvbulletin.com Deadline for sport is 5pm Monday

From back page.

This year, Williams plans to enter Paddy’s Shadow in the Bunbury Cup, South West Cup and Pinjarra Cup, before looking at putting the mare out for breeding.

Williams expects Paddy’s Shadow will go up a weight class to 57 kilograms due to the points system in horse racing.

Handicap points are awarded based on where the horse places in each race, with four points placed on the winning horse and two points placed on

the second placegetter.

Each point is connected to a weight class for the jockey to meet.

“It was an outstanding effort,” said Collie Race Club Inc. spokesperson Rosanne Pimm when commenting on the second placing in the Perth Cup. “She (Williams) puts her life and soul into the horse’s welfare and it was greatly deserved.”

Paddy’s Shadow is now enjoying a well deserved rest in the paddock.

RINK WINNER: Lawn bowler Max Cubic won Charlie Crowe Day at Collie Bowling Club.

Edwards wins meat pack event BOWLS TOM Edwards won the meat pack event at Collie Bowling Club last Wednesday with 56, followed

by Max Cubic with 46.25.

Warren Ferris on 46 and Jim Tyler with 44.75 rounded out the placegetters.

FIRST division men’s pennants team Jeff Crowe, Trevor Walsh, Terry Uren and Valdis Brojanowski lost 21 to 26.

Rob Ferris, Kevan McKenzie, Hans Wiggers and Len Flynn won 21 to 20.

Collie one point to Bunbury three points.

Fourth division team of Wayne Simmonds, Peter Kaurin, Jamie Godfrey and George Saggers won their men’s pennants game 23 to 11.

Ian Bushell, Tom Gale, Barry Lowe and Chris Sanford won 23 to 14.

Collie four points to Busselton Black nil.

LAST Friday, TyrePower sponsored a last person standing event.

Valdis Brojanowski won the game, with George Saggers and Max Cubic coming second and third, respectively.

Vicki Daniel won the Irish bowls game, which was played after the TyrePower event.

CHARLIE Crowe Day was held on Sunday, January 9, sponsored

by Jeff Crowe.

The eight rink winners, who played the semi finals, were Penny Valli, Jeff Crowe, Valdis Brojanowski, Rod Garner, Jamie Godfrey, Rose Colgan, Hans Wiggers and Max Cubic.

Max Cubic, Jeff Crowe, Hans Wiggers and Penny Valli were the finalists in winning order.

The consolation prize was won

by John Magill.

THE ladies began pennants on Tuesday (January 11), and a game of corner to corner will be played today (January 13).

Next week, the ladies will play the Cheeky Squirrel sponsored event on Thursday (January 20) and finish on the following Thursday (January 27).

The club's community bowls begin next Wednesday (January 19) and run for eight weeks, finishing on March 9.

Teams of four are encouraged to contact the club on 9734 1266 or Rod Garner on 9734 1266 to register.

24 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

SPORT Paddy’s Shadow takes second in the Perth Cup ALL THE GOOD SPORTS ARE IN THE BULLETIN

HORSE RACING LOCAL trainer Raquel Williams placed second with seven year old mare Paddy’s Shadow in the 2400 metre Perth Cup at the Ascot Racecourse on New Year’s Day. “I was shaking and very excited,” Williams said. “To come so close to winning, as a country girl in the big city was incredible.”

Williams has trained the homebred Paddy’s Shadow since the mare was two and a half years old.

“A home bred is a horse born and bred by the owners in Western Australia,” Williams said.

Paddy’s Shadow won the Bunbury Cup in 2021, for a total of six wins from 50 starts.

Last year the mare placed seventh in the Perth Cup. Shaun O’Donnell, who regularly rides Paddy’s Shadow, retained the mount for the Perth Cup. Choosing a good race horse all comes down to the ability of the horse and the relationship the trainer is able to build with the

horse, said Williams.

“I’ve been riding my whole life and went through the Collie Pony Club system.”

Williams takes Paddy’s Shadow out to Glen Mervyn for a swim and a run each morning but is finding it difficult with the amount of campers there at the moment.

“I’d have to go at 5am and even then there’s no room for the horses with the amount of caravans and camper trailers,” said Williams.

Continued page 23.

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

COLLIE PROUD: Raquel Williams with Paddy’s Shadow at Ascot Racecourse.