Darlington Review December 2019

Vol. 59 No. 11 December 2019 Available online @ www.darlingtonreview.com.au

Celebrate the wonder of the Christmas story at St Cuthbert’s

Merry Christmas from the team at Earnshaws

earnshaws.com.au

9299 6533

MEMBERS OF THE DARLINGTON REVIEW Anglican Church (Church Office 9299 7274) Baha’i Faith Darlington Christian Fellowship Bushfire Ready Group Darlington Arts Festival Inc. Darlington Bushwalk Series Darlington Chamber Music Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Group Darlington Dipsticks Darlington Junior Football Club Darlington Family Playgroup Darlington History Group

Jan Carroll Susheel Croft Pastor Rob Merrells Colin James Chris Pemberton Cliff Burns Malcolm Firth Colin James Bindi Datson Brodie Della Janelle Dowler Val Shiell

Darlington Pavillion Project (DaSRA) Geoff Barker Darlington Ratepayers & Residents Association Chris Pemberton Darlington Retirement Accommodation Assn Inc Carolyn Earnshaw Darlington Running Group Pippa Windsor Darlington Social Cricket Club Inc Jeni Di Filippo Darlington Tennis Club Alex Hoschke Darlington Theatre Players at Marloo Theatre (9255 1212) Brendan Tobin Darlington Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Inc Ricky Harvey Member for East Metropolitan Region Donna Faragher JP MLC 1st Darlington Scouts Glen Stenton Federal Member for Hasluck Hon. Ken Wyatt MP Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS) Phil Vile Guides Western Australia (Forrest Hills District) Maggie Hegney Guildford Grammar School Gillian MacDonald Helena College Sherene Strahan The Hub of the Hills Rachel Bacon KSP Writers’ Centre Shannon Coyle Let’s Talk Rubbish!

Chris Pemberton Member for Kalamunda Matthew Hughes Mundaring and Hills Historical Society Inc Trish Beaman

Mundaring Arts Centre Inc Jenny Haynes Mundaring Arts Scholarships Chris Durrant Mundaring Chamber of Commerce Patrick Bertola, President mccreception@scea.wa.edu.au Mundaring Christian College Mundaring Sharing Terrie Plaistowe Mustard Seed - Discovering Computers Brian Hassell Shire of Mundaring Library Service Kerryn Martin, Branch Librarian, Greenmount Public Library Silver Tree Steiner School Karolina Pawlowski and Hayley Spracklen Soroptimist International of Helena Fay Kappler

Rosalie Gordon The Darlington Club Sue Lavell Treetops Montessori School Mundaring Shire South Ward Councillors: Cr David Lavell 14 Sandover Road, Darlington Cr Darrell Jones Helena Valley Cr James Martin Boya Justice of the Peace: Warren Southwell

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EDITORIAL: Editor: Trea Wiltshire Email: editorial@darlingtonreview.com.au 9299 6093 Business Manager: Betty Pitcher, PO Box 196, Darlington.

Email: business@darlingtonreview.com.au 9299 6623 Auditor: Peter Edwards B.Comm CPA - Peter Edwards & Assoc Pty 9379 1155 Editorial Deadline: Material for each edition of the Review must be submitted before 5 pm on the 20th of the preceding month. Late entries may be included in the online edition at the Editor’s discretion. “Letters to the Editor” are to be kept brief. Place material in the Review Box at the Post Office, or emailed to editorial@darlingtonreview.com.au ADVERTISING: Advertising Manager Kirsty Carslaw Email: advertising@darlingtonreview.com.au 9299-6316 Display Advertising Rates : 1/2 page $150 (19 cms x 13 cms) 1/3 page $125 (12.5 cms x 13 cms) 1/6 page $60 (6cms x 13 cms) Front cover strip $150 and back cover strip ad $120 when available (conditions apply) Cover advertisements: The Review covers are available to community groups to publicise community events.

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Fees may apply for artwork requiring amendment. Payment for first advertisements is required in advance. Placement of business advertisements and notification of cancellation must be emailed to the Advertising Manager (PO Box 196, Darlington, WA 6070) by 5pm on the 20th of each month.

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Email: editorial@darlingtonreview.com.au 9299 6316 DARLINGTON REVIEW WEBSITE www.darlingtonreview.com.au DARLINGTON VILLAGE WEBSITE (sponsored by the Darlington Review): www.darlingtonvillage.org PRINTERS: Vanguard Press, 26 John Street, Northbridge, WA 6003.

9328 1388 This publication is printed on paper which is PEFC certified using vegetable based inks.

Material presented after deadlines cannot be accepted, however notes may appear on the online version of the Darlington Review at www.darlingtonreview.com.au Please note occasionally for space reasons we have to drop the popular calendar page. This however is always available online at the above web address.

The Darlington Review does not accept any liability for any errors or omissions contained in articles, statements, opinions or advertisements published herein.

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Kalamunda MLA Matthew Hughes with DAF President Jemma Durham (Evalyn Photography)

When Everyone’s a Winner!

A visitor familiar with Darlington Arts Festivals remarked to one of the volunteers at our biggest annual event: “Wow! You guys have really got back your mojo!” And he was right. It was one of those times when everyone felt like a winner, thanks to untold hours of volunteering, extraordinary teamwork and a camaraderie that now characterises one of this State’s longest-running community arts festivals.

While the weather gods threatened to play with our worst fears – and opening events hastily migrated indoors – in the end we were presented with a Goldilocks scenario, neither too hot nor too cold so we could all relax and enjoy hosting the 2019 festival.

We make no apology for focusing much of this final issue of the year on an event that shows Darlington at its best – and we’re not talking about this year’s bottlebrush nor the showoff roses! We’re talking about the pulling together of a festival that today costs in the order of $100,000 and draws an audience of thousands – and it’s run entirely by volunteers and turns a modest profit. With this year’s Swan View Agricultural Show being cancelled through a lack of volunteers (among other issues) we take our hats off to a cohort of amazing locals.

This is volunteering of the over-and-above order. In the run-up to the event it saw a chap in his 80s moving barrow-loads of mulch to prepare the station reserve for Sculpture on the Scarp while a group of women devoted hours to weeding and raking pathways to create a perfect backdrop for large-scale sculptures that were arriving on the backs of trucks – from as far afield as Sydney and as close as around the corner. And, as one of the Friends of Darlington Station (FODS) confided, they felt a heady

sense of pride-of-place that was reward enough without all the plaudits the event itself garnered from visitors.

The DAF committee used this year’s festival to remember a man who had not only worked on the reserve, but had helped to shape many a festival – the late Thornton Hick, artist, designer, teacher, and maker of beautifully crafted jarrah pieces. He lived in Dalry Road (of course!) and his wife Anne and daughter Sophie gathered journals, sketchbooks and paintings for a Retrospective that would have stirred the artist’s pride. This fine exhibition was curated by artist/art student Kristy Scaddan.

We’re also talking about a DAF committee of 30 that, in recent times, has appreciated that our community wants the festival to thrive into the future because it’s become so important on numerous fronts. Those in key positions now don’t burn-out and bail-out, rather they mentor others to take over when appropriate. So ceramic artist and Open Art Coordinator Cathy Day (who has had numerous vital roles for more than 20 years) is mentoring Darlington’s Claire Bannister (in an event she grew up with). And with Fine Arts and Communication degrees, Claire is ideally equipped to contribute. The art exhibitions also provide

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two UWA Arts students with a practical lesson in curating – an admirable exercise in DAF outreach.

We could go on, in fact we could fill this entire issue giving credit where it is due, but suffice to say there are simply too many to acknowledge individually – from the small touches (Sue Nicholl’s hanging baskets that tizzy up the hall) to those participatory events at the heart of the festival like the always busy have-a-go workshops and the painting of the oval’s water tank with the poster design.

The Brigade’s Colin James with Allie Cormack and Tania Whisson

bookkeeping. These volunteers would be helping committee members and wouldn’t actually be on the committee. In addition, we need two people to join the committee: one to manage the website (front and back end for the whole year) and one to look after social media advertising for all DAF events throughout the year. These committee members would need to be able to attend meetings once a month and, for them, the job would be all year round, not just about the festival itself.”

While months of hard work gets this show on the road, the nice thing is that festival volunteers also have fun – you had only to listen to the Grounds and Stalls chaps at the Sunday wind-up to appreciate that. Variously described as the ‘three musketeers’ or ‘three amigos’, Simon Dempster, Ron Stuurstraat and Brendon Thompson engage in non-stop banter, and this year a fourth voice was added with newbie Paul Turton achieving full status after serving his apprenticeship (with a heap of commentary no doubt).

These chaps have evolved a sort of Grounds speak that’s hard to fathom for those listening in, but there’s mention of ‘the wiggle’ – vital to a successful layout and achieved with Simon’s survey equipment (and a record number of stalls were indeed accommodated which would have pleased Treasurer Len Nielsen). There’s also mention of an arcane measurement of different frequencies, ‘the vibe’, in relation to overall atmospherics.

Certainly, by that measurement, the new Providore tent (Ron’s idea) got a huge tick from the team. “There was a lot of happiness for sale here…” Ron mused as the team sampled a mellow, artisan whisky aged in white oak. “The vendors did well and ALL will come back, including the poor turmeric latte chap who fell off the back of his truck during set up,” reported Brendon. “They ALL felt the vibe…”

While Ron dealt with perennial Grounds problems – patiently explaining that, yes, marquees did have to be booked (but being Ron, he had a spare anyway) – his wife Julie (coordinating volunteers) was overseeing some 60 helpers. While there were a few last-minute-no-shows, in the end there were enough volunteers, but “it’s always good to welcome new blood,” says Julie. “We get such great feedback from volunteers who enjoy the feeling of camaraderie and community.”

If all this talk of camaraderie makes YOU want to opt in for DAF 2020, the committee is looking for new talent. Says Julie: “We’d love to hear from people with skills in marketing and 4

The festival has long been a Stuurstraat family commitment, with both Adri and son Stanley being involved over the years.

Another committed family were the Whissons with Tania coordinating the Paint a Petal project and Allie and Georgia helping – and joining a crew that rallied to paint the base coat of the tank and cabinets when rain disrupted the planned schedule. Poster designer, Allie Cormack drew the outline of flowers that 120 visitors (from youngsters to grandparents) helped transform over the weekend. Tania loved the fact that the project provided an opportunity to acknowledge Darlington’s firefighting volunteers and she thanks businesses supporting it – Jamie Tolley of Studio Graphics and Inspiration Paints.

Volunteers were also needed to mount a new feature of the festival – the sustainability portfolio, and it was great to see that new committee member Sui Johansen had marshalled 40 school-age volunteers as ‘waste warriors’, helping people select the appropriate bins. There were also water stations throughout the oval so people could refill containers instead of adding to the plethora of plastic that is a major waste problem.

Adding a New Dimension As we discovered last year with the launch of Sculpture on the Scarp, this display on the Darlington Station Reserve has added another dimension to the festival.

At the reserve – our showcase of native plants – another cohort of volunteers was working with coordinator, Amy Pepper. “We had more than 34 volunteers, including artists from all over Perth and the Great Southern Region,” said Amy. One of the volunteer artists was local Ian Kay who produced that eyecatching Colour for Life sculpture.

Some pieces required complex installation — such as Brit Mikkelsen’s prize-winning Cocooned (timber, cotton, string), a work replicating the intricate sculpture of the humble bagworm moth that spins a safe house from silk and plant material. This work looked spectacular at night when the sculptures were lit.

Arts Minister Says it All Left:Trish Juniper presents The People’s Choice Award she sponsored to winner Jordan Spring whose recycled steel sculpture of kangaroos, ’A Family Outing,’ is photgraphed top left.

Several locals had gathered on the Saturday night for music (courtesy of Karl Bailey of Darlington Dental) and around 11pm, Trish Cook, Grace and Greg (who’d played his digeridoo earlier that day) donned dressing gowns and went down to admire the display.

While installing his work, one of the best-known exhibitors, Ron Gomboc – who has mentored many artists and whose work is sought internationally – lamented the parlous state of the current Perth art scene, with the loss of a string of galleries and a lamentable lack of training courses. Ron’s success and standing have been entirely self-made – no grants nor official commissions have eased the path for this Yugoslav artist who arrived in in 1960 and two decades later began building his own forge and, with his wife Terrie, the State’s largest private gallery and sculpture park. Two Darlington artists who pioneered our festival – Guy Grey-Smith (one of his teachers) and close friend Robert Juniper – made it all the more appropriate that Ron should be part of Sculpture on the Scarp, an initiative he applauded.

Along with the Darlington Bush Fire Brigade’s always popular German sausages, there was an extraordinary variety of food on offer into the evenings – including the now familiar little green van that gives us an excuse not to cook on Friday evenings.

Locals Caitlin Johnston and Hardey McMurrick, run Little Brassica and both have considerable experience in producing “good, wholesome, nutritious food”. If you’ve sampled their Friday evening fare (when the van is outside Earnshaws Real Estate) you’ll be delighted to know that the green van can also be found at the Quarry on a Sunday morning, serving breakfasts (weather permitting) from 8.30am.

In WA we have an Arts Minister who has actually spent time in theatre, and at the Friday night opening of the Festival, David Templeman spoke eloquently about the value of the Arts – and he got it right when highlighting the astonishing amount of volunteering embedded in the event. “This place has a unique history in Western Australia’s cultural and artistic narrative,” he said, “and woven through the story of this festival is the creative spirit of remarkable artists who’ve called this place home and who conceived the idea of a festival.”

The Minister went on to acknowledge the participation of young artists, stressing the importance of immersion in creativity at an early age – “because we know the healing powers of being involved in art, and its capacity to bring people together and help them stay connected ... What I ask is that you not only celebrate this festival tonight but you ensure that the message is about participation. This is the enduring story, a wonderful journey worthy of acknowledgement.”

Matthew Hughes, Open Art winner Vince Austin, David Templeman and Jemma Durham

Our own MP and Darlington resident, Matthew Hughes, presented Lotterywest’s generous contribution of $22,033 to DAF President Jemma Durham while major sponsor, Mundaring Shire, (contributing $11,220 funding) was represented by South Ward Councilor David Lavell. Winding up the art award presentations was 2019 Patron, George Grayston, who presented local artist Vince Austin with the inaugural Open Art prize of $5,000. While Vince is well established in his field, a young artist embarking on his artistic journey, Lucas Yeates, walked away with the Youth Art Encouragement Award.

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The Youth Art is always impressive, provocative, and indicative of the fact that the Hills continues to be a magnet for creatives – and it’s awards like the one Lucas received that encourage the emerging talent that ensure this festival a future.

On behalf of the community, the Review congratulates all involved, including DAF President Jemma Durham, now in her second year in a challenging role. This is a hands-on president as ready to don rain gear and help paint a water tank as she is to dress up to host the Minister for the Arts and other VIPs. Jemma has forged an utterly engaged team and, by her very nature, helps to set the tone for the event – warm, expansive and welcoming.

A Final Word ...

A final word goes to a philosophical local who, while raking the reserve after the event, pondered how the success of the event could best be gauged. Her conclusion? Certainly not in hard numbers – such as recordingbreaking art sales worth $20,000 for 57 works and record numbers of Sunday visitors – but in the less tangible benefits that the festival sows throughout the community: of simply taking time out; of sharing thoughts on a sculpture with a stranger under a shady tree; of catching a coffee with a fellow volunteer who could become a soul mate; of seeing our Hills environment anew through the eyes of a new Australian; or learning how a weathered craftsman fashions a tiny pottery flute that produces a magical sound. In other words, feeling a sense of being totally at home in our community.

Trish Cook and her many helpers at the Community Bonfire .

A Bonza Bonfire!

Winding up October was another annual event that’s fast becoming a fun curtain-raiser to the festival – the Community Bonfire and it was bigger than ever this year. You may recall the bonfire was in danger of falling off the calendar due to lack of willing hands – until Trish Cook, Chair of the Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Committee (DCRAG), rescued it, investing her extraordinary organisational and networking skills into the event and giving it a youth focus.

It’s hard to know how Trish found the time between her commitments to family, a job and a PhD to draw Darlington’s high school students, junior sporting clubs, the Darlington Club and the Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade into the organisational core of the event.

This year students from Treetops Montessori were involved in stacking the wood that Darlington Road resident, Shelton Huettig (who went through the Parkerville fire), had been single-handedly collecting and stacking along Coulston Road for months. “On Saturday morning, Shelton, Ian Jefferson and Louise Stelfox had another wood collection session on the heritage trail to top up the size of the bonfire, so I was very grateful,” says Trish.

Congratulations to all involved, and thanks on behalf of the community to the amazing Ms Cook who has had a big year, netting a $338,000 grant that will turn the Master Plan for the skatepark area/community garden into a worthy neighbour to the Community Pavilion now in Stage 2.

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A New DRRA Committee The Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Association (DRRA) starts next year with a new Committee comprising familiar faces and a new volunteer for an association that liaises with the Shire and other levels of Government on our behalf, and endeavours to protect all the things we love about ‘our place’.

There was resounding applause when Grant Butler was elected president, Steve Beadle as Vice President, Chris Pemberton as Secretary and Pippa Windsor as Treasurer, with former President Allan McAulliffe (who was unable to be there) remaining on the Committee.

Steve, the new addition to the committee, has been involved in DAF volunteering but wanted to do more in the way of contributing to a village that impresses him greatly. Steve and Colette Murray (DAF legend) arrived in WA 13 years ago (from the UK) and spent 10 years in Leederville. “It took me that long to convince Colette to move up to the Hills,” says Steve who manages and maintains a business system for a company with 20 branches across Australia and this incorporates general business analysis, system testing, documenting processes and training staff.

He’s most welcome, as is the investment of all who volunteer for what used to be called the Progress Association back in the 1950s when it came into being. Darlington’s admirable facilities are the result of two proactive organisations – DRRA and DCRAG – that work together on many issues. DRRA, in particular, also alerts us to developments being considered by the Shire that could impact on the neighbourhood, such as a current proposal in Clayton Road.

Another Precedent for Helena Valley?

At the DRRA meeting, Helena Valley architect Mike Ipkendanz spoke about a development proposal to be considered by Councillors on December 10 that concerns Helena Valley residents who feel it could negatively impact the Helena River and set an unfortunate precedent in a rural residential zoning.

The proposal would see the old CSIRO laboratories converted for residential use, comprising 16 accommodation ‘units’ and one manager’s accommodation, ancillary facilities etc.

Mike pointed out that the original 2015 application from the developer for 15 self-contained units and a caretaker’s dwelling “was refused by council as the details of the application were ambiguous and the proposal would create a highly undesirable precedent within the RR2 zone in Helena Valley.” He questioned why the matter was being reconsidered by the Shire given “the current 2019 proposal is not significantly different from the one previously refused”.

The local architect added that if the developer has made changes to the application commented upon by Helena Valley residents, they won’t know what these changes are until the Council debates the matter on December 10. As we lack the space to cover this in detail, Mike Ipkendanz has agreed that we let the Review run his submission to the Shire on the Darlington Review website so those interested can have a read. www.darlingtonreview.com.au see page 45

Nest Design Studio

Shop Local!

At this time of the year we always urge you to shop local, to have festive gatherings at local cafes; to buy those festive bubbles at our new liquor/gourmet store, Bottlemart, and to explore the wide array of gifts for all ages that Donelle – preparing for her last Christmas at Darlington Post Office – has in stock. And, of course, Santa’s mailbox is waiting for mail from young residents. The address hasn’t changed: Santa, North Pole 999 and remember to include an address and stamp to ensure a reply.

If you’re in the market for a one-off gift created by a local artist, you need to explore Maya Bouchard’s Nest Design Studio on the Glen Rd/Brook Rd corner where you’ll find ceramics, jewellery, scarves, a superb range of paintings and gift vouchers. Artist Maya Bouchard has been nurturing the talents of high school students through the year and the results are currently on show.

You’ll also want to check out the reasonably priced artworks on offer at Juniper Galleries in Dalry Road.

Mainly Miniature is Trish Juniper’s final exhibition for the year. The exhibition showcases small works from a variety of well-known WA artists and includes paintings, prints, glass, ceramics and sculptures priced from $30-$500. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to snap up original artworks and support local creatives,” says Trish. The exhibition runs until December 22.

Local businesses certainly cater well for women with Sue and local first year apprentice, Belle of Mosh Organics Salon offering not only their skills in terms of salon services, but an enticing range of products and gift packs, while Colour Me Kate adds a Thursday night opening time in the run-up to Christmas. The ever-inventive Kate has recently added short marketing videos

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What’s Coming Up? Too much to mention really but you can be assured of great theatre at Marloo and Garrick, and a magical Carols by Candlelight at Darlington Hall on Christmas Eve. Pauline is looking for helpers, so contact her by email: p.clark@jabalot. com.au

Evelyn Photography of her in-store collection. We love the fact that this local is such a great advertisement for what she does, and that by visiting her store we aren’t contributing to a fast fashion industry with a costly environmental price tag. And yes, she has gift vouchers.

The Darlington History Group’s impressive publications on historic landmarks and Cliff and Sharron Burns’ wildflower and walks books would also make great gifts. They’re available at local cafes along with Chris Durrant’s compelling WWI novel Under the Same Moon, a Story from the Great War. And, hot off the press, is the second edition of a hugely popular book that will find its way into the Christmas stockings of many an angler, The Rottnest Island Fish Book (2019) by locals Glen Whisson and Alex Hoschke, now available at the Darlington Post Office. More about Glen and Alex’s aquatic endeavours in the next issue.

A final festive season idea – and one that benefits Stage 2 of the Darlington Pavilion (refurbishing change rooms, upgrading wet areas and creating storage facilities) - check out the good deals DaSRA forged with Wise Wine, during the festival. Twenty per cent of sales from orders will go to the pavilion project.

Locals Fight Fires in East As fires ravaged drought-stricken expanses over east, two volunteers from the Darlington Volunteer Bush fire Brigade responded to appeals for help, along with veteran brigade member and Bushfire Ready Coordinator Colin James.

Taking advantage of Colin’s wealth of experience in aerial fire-fighting, he has been acting as Air Base Manager at Coffs Harbour and at Taree airfield where there were 10 rotary and two bombers constantly on the move. Smoke haze was a major concern particularly at the fire face. “They did an amazing job with 1,000 litre buckets missing power line hazards and saving many assets,” says Colin.

Brigade Captain, Ricky Harvey reminds us that from December 1 the prohibited burning season begins, and he stresses that property preparedness continues to be a concern for authorities. “A well-prepared property can increase chances of it surviving and will greatly assist fire fighters in defending your home. Wide gates, wide and clear driveways free from overhanging vegetation, parking and/or turning areas, and a 20m asset protection zone greatly assist fire fighters, and will enable you to better defend your home if you’re well-equipped and prepared. There’s more information in the brigade notes.

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Looking forward to 2020, the third annual Pavilion Gig will happen on the oval on January 25 and support the final stage of the Darlington Community Pavilion. Guitarist Glen Whisson says the 2020 line-up of musicians features fresh talent, including recent WAAPA graduate Ben Bulla and his band (with renowned saxophonist Steve Searle); Cecilia Brandolini and The Quirks; Roobs and the Washing Line Economy (playing their refreshing take on indie rock) and Blue Manna once again rounding out the night – featuring guitar virtuoso Dave Hole, vocalist Graeme Heinrich, bass player Mick Glendinning and guitarist Glen Whisson. “The Pavilion Gig 2020 will be a free BYO event; however, DaSRA is asking for a $10 donation per adult,” says Glen. “Food vans will be available and guests are asked to only bring low-backed chairs. Plastic glasses only on the Oval. Starts at 5.30pm.”

And Heartfelt Thanks from the Review ...

Many thanks to those valued local volunteers who have helped to keep the words and adverts coming while Kirsty and myself have been travelling.

Chris Durrant somehow sandwiched three issues in between his family, Trillion Trees, writing and sporting commitments while Colette Murray took on the October issue on the eve of the festival in which she wears several hats. And they did such a great job! And right now, as we wrap up the December issue, Jan Carroll has slipped into both the advertising and production chairs with her usual air of professional ease, despite having just waved goodbye to another magazine job. Our sincere thanks to all three and to our regular proof readers Chris Durrant and Liz Dumont.

From all at the Review, our very best wishes to readers and advertisers. Stay safe and make the most of this time of family, friends and faith.

Trea Wiltshire Editor

Letters to the Review Bruce Meredith writes: Under the Same Moon If, over the coming break, you’d like a good read, can I suggest you have a look at Chris Durrant’s novel under this title. It is a beautifully written account of how a young guy from a Yorkshire family leaves the love of his life to go on an adventure to a place called Rhodesia in the middle of darkest Africa during the First World War. It is a tale with a human touch that will get to you. I found it hard to put the book down.

For many of us this is a time for reconnecting with kith and kin in other parts of the world. This book provides a timely backdrop for such reflection. I hope you like it as much as I have.

Amanda Smith writes: To Pastor Merrells – Last month you asked what your response should be as a Christian to Climate Change. Would it make any difference at all? Then proceeded to tell us that you weren’t going to bother doing anything because God is going to destroy the world anyway…at some point. God is not currently cleaning up the oceans for us, so your refusal to manage things like plastic waste, means that before your ‘end of the world’

comes, countless sea-life will suffer from ingesting plastics in the oceans, and we risk some very important food sources for some of the world’s poorest people.

Without addressing climate change and the consequence: rising sea levels, we are again leaving some of the poorest in the world exposed to losing their homes and livelihoods while they wait for ‘the end’ to come. Our own Darlington environment, where our children may want to live, will become more susceptible to bush fires and extreme weather conditions, with possibly less water security.

I do not understand how you can say ‘there’s no point’ in helping to sort these issues out, and therefore refusing to help the children who come after us and the less fortunate of the world who stand to suffer much more than us in our white-privileged ‘I’ll be right, Jack!’ world, and still call yourself a Christian.

Unless God has told you specifically when the end will come, (and unless it is in the next year or two!) then you better get cracking making the world a better place and caring about our children, their children, and the less fortunate in the world in the meantime. C’mon, do your bit, start acting like a Christian and caring about others…and yes, it WOULD make a difference!

Mustard Seed - Discovering Computers Who Owns the Line?

As most folk have been aware, the line which connects us to the outside world through our phones and internet was owned by Telstra. If your line needed repair you had to contact Telstra, either directly if you were a customer of theirs, or through your Internet Service Provider if you were not. The times are changing! As the National Broadband Network (NBN) is built across Australia, NBN Co Ltd will take over most of Telstra’s fixed phone lines. In many of the Hills areas the changeover has arrived. The designated day for the complete structural separation of Telstra from the lines has been set at the 1st January 2020, just weeks away. In Darlington in particular it has already happened. This photo (top left) was taken in Hillsden Road. Note the logo on the barrier fence around the new upgrades. The significance of this is that Telstra now has to use the line in the same way as any of the many service providers such as Optus, Belong, TPG, Aussie Broadband or any one of the hundred other companies marketing internet and phone plans. They are all competing for your dollar using the structure of the wholesale NBN Company. Now you can make your service provider decision based on factors such as cost, customer service, reliability and technical support, and not on favouring the company that owns the line.

In other words, it is a level playing field. NBN has inherited a line which is ageing and in need of constant repair. This ancient PMG box (bottom left) in Bertram Street, Darlington is symptomatic of the disrepair which has been allowed to take place. Imagine what this kind of installation is capable of doing to your internet connection!

Mentor training continues at Mustard Seed with the third intake now in session. If you have a basic understanding of computing, mobile phones or tablets and would like to help others to become familiar with their devices why not join a training intake. The course is free with ten hours of interesting material on technical advancements and using online lessons.

Any enquiries to Brian and Noela on 0491 044 805.

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Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Group (DCRAG) This year, the bonfire was held on the 26th of October and the weather was absolutely perfect for the variety of available activities. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who were instrumental on the day and we encourage the local community to acknowledge and support all the groups who gave their skills and their support freely to this event. We would like to extend our thanks to both our community helpers and our sponsors.

Our Sponsors: We would like to acknowledge all those groups and individuals who provided us with services, finance, knowledge, labour and expertise.

Firewood Collection: Thanks to many community members who helped collect the firewood for the day and especially Shelton Huettigg who had been collecting and stacking firewood along the Coulstan road prior to the event.

Students & teachers from the Montessori school who collected wood for the bonfire and weeded the Station Reserve for the Sculptures on the Scarp. A big thanks to Helen Tarbottom for organizing the students and providing refreshments on the day and to Colin James, Stacey August, Susie Itzstein, Louise Stelfox and Ian Jefferson for mentoring the students contributing to the collection of firewood Firies: Colin James for direction and collection of wood collection.

Rick Harvey Fire Captain for his expertise The Darlington Volunteers Bushfire Brigade who and kept us all delighted and safe.

Mundaring SES volunteers for their support at the event.

Skate Competition Thanks so much to the younger members of the community Torres Skene and Amelia Hayes from Premise, who were ably supported by Jordon Ryan and Noah Giles. They all worked to ensure that the skate and scooter competition went smoothly.

With numerous trophies and medals at stake, courtesy of Helena College, over 40 competitors took to the skate park entertaining the crowd with some wonderful skills and tricks.

Thanks also to John from Outer Limits who provided prizes for the skate competition.

Thankyou to Mel Diaz who mentored the skate team. She guided them throughout the preparation stages and on the day of the comp. Her experience in working with young people and fostering them with her organisational skills was invaluable to both her team and the community. A Helena College sponsored Skateboard and Scooter Shield will soon be added to the sporting boards in the new Pavillion.

Thanks to Donny Fraser at Australian Skateboarding Community Initiative for providing insurance and online registration.

Wood-Art Competition: This year there was a tie for the $700 prize money courtesy the Darlington Review. Congratulations to Darlington Scouts and Darlington Football Club. Our sincere thanks to Helen Tarbottom for organizing the clubs. Thank you to Mundaring 10

Councillors David Lavell, Doug Jeans, Daw and Jason Russell for their support of the event and for judging this event.

Music: Once again, Darlington was witness to some of the amazing musical talent the youth of our community has to offer. Thanks to the members who all performed for free: Distortion, Korvas, Akimbo, Lizzy Zardins and Raymond Zhang Thanks to the parents of the musicians who worked hard as the roadies.

Thanks to Guenevere Measham and Lizzy Zardins who organized the music logistics for the day. Guen’s invaluable experience in all aspects of live music was most appreciated.

Lizzy Zardins continues to be an invaluable supporter of the Bonfire and we thank her for sharing her musical skills and for mentoring the younger musicians.

Mud Play: We would like to thank Alison Atkinson who again organised the mud play for the younger members of the community.

The activity, kindly donated by Nature Play Solutions was very popular and it is fast becoming a favourite on the Bonfire itinerary.

Food: Thank you Alison Atkinson for also organizing all the food vendors for the event and to Sue and David Lavell and their team for their famous sausage sizzle which again sold out.

A big thanks to Brendan Thompson from the Tennis Club for organizing the roasting of free marshmallows which has now become a tradition!

Shelters Thanks to the Football Club for allowing us to use their shelters.

The shade was most appreciated.

Thanks to our Admins: Liz Dumont for painting our Bonfire signs and Karen Barns who organized the printing.

Amy Pepper and Nikki Hunt for assistance with grant and acquittal procedures.

Geoff Barker, Lindsay Earnshaw and the DaSRA team for the use of the pavilion and electrical power.

Aaron Hearne our local volunteer electrician from Alphazeta Electrical for the Electrical Safety checks.

Our thanks to: Shire of Mundaring: Shane Purdy and the team for the chainsawing of the Wattle trees; Colleen Redmond, Cathy O’Brien and Martin Sherlock for ensuring a safe venue. Tracey Peacock for assisting in the successful$1500 grant process.

Advertising & Sponsorship Betty Pitcher, Kirsty Carslaw, Chris Durrant & Trea Wiltshire of the Darlington Review for advertising and assistance with the Shire Bond and prize money for the Wood Art competition.

What an amazing supportive team at the Review.

Trish Cook

Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Group (DCRAG) Many thanks to DCRAG secretary Colin James and the other wonderful volunteer fire fighters who have been deployed to NSW to help the bushfire efforts there. Thanks to all the Bonfire 2019 people for reducing bush fuel in the village area. All residents are urged to take the initiative to make home preparations also. Please tend you own verges if you are able. If unable, or you know of a hazardous area needing attention please email shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au and send photos of the area.

The Shire of Mundaring advise that the new path, turf and reticulation works to be undertaken, at the Owen Road park area, in front of the Hall, will now be scheduled for February 2020 to avoid disruption to users during school holidays. Once they are ready to start signs and safety fencing will be installed so the community is aware and protected from the works.

The much awaited $340,000 for the SkatePark Masterplan is so very close! Thanks to David Grant and DaSRA for continuing to follow up through with this grant money. Hopefully DaSRA will be turning soil on the half-pipe, apron and skills areas in the very near future!

The Darlington Community Garden raised $4000 with ticket sales from the Bendigo Bank raffle. The winner of $20,000 was from Mt Helena, with Sonja Parker’s cousin winning one of the five $1000 consolation prizes. Thank you for the community support.

Details of the DCRAG November meeting and 2020 Capital Item Requests will be in the January issue.

Trish Cook Chair DCRAG Photography: Trish Cook

Community connect | the hub of the hills Look what’s on at The Hub of the Hills in December Speakers Circle, first Thursday of the month, 2pm-4pm Come along to this month’s Speakers Circle on 5 December and hear all about the history of the Gwalia Goldfields in Western Australia. Refreshments are provided and entry is free. This is an Active Ageing Project proudly sponsored by Shire of Mundaring and hosted by Mundaring Community Men’s Shed.

Coffee Morning, every Tuesday, 9.30am-11am Come and enjoy catching up with friends or meeting new friends. Free tea & coffee, morning tea $2.

Hub Christmas Lunch, Saturday 7 December, 12noon to 2pm Come and enjoy a delicious two course lunch, tea and coffee, and entertainment by “Perfect Storm”. BYO drinks. Tickets are $20 and include 5 raffle tickets. Bookings essential and tickets are only available for purchase during the times listed below. For more information please phone 9290 6683.

Please note: The last coffee morning for 2019 will be 17 December, resuming on Tuesday 4 February 2020.

The last Gizmos & Gadgets for 2019 will be 11 December, resuming on Wednesday 5 February 2020.

The Hub will be closed for maintenance from 7-19 January 2020.

The Hub of the Hills, 8 Craig Street, Mundaring Customer Service Officer present on: Tuesday 8.30am-11.30am, Wednesday 10am-1pm and Thursday 10am-2pm Phone 9290 6683 | Email cso4@mundaring.wa.gov.au

Darlington Review - December 2019

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Matthew Hughes MLA JP - Member for Kalamunda I wish to congratulate the Darlington Arts Festival organising committee for another very successful weekend event. I was particularly pleased to be asked to present a Lotterywest cheque for $20,030 (an odd amount, I thought) at the opening of the Festival on Friday evening. It was equally pleasing to have the Hon David Templeman MLA, in his capacity as Minister for the Arts, formally open the Festival. This was the first time he had visited the Festival. In conversation with him afterwards he was certainly very impressed by the quality of the exhibition of artworks. Moreover, he was very taken by the very palpable sense of community and community engagement that is so characteristic of Darlington.

Despite the very blustery and rainy weather on Friday that challenged the set-up for stalls, the mild Saturday heralded a fine spring weekend. I was able to be present for both Saturday and Sunday and to engage is discussions on a number of issues.

Poor mobile phone reception, the displacement of landlines as a consequence of the introduction of the NBN, health concerns about the introduction of the 5G network, frequent and prolonged power supply outages particularly in Stoneville and the need for playground equipment of a size to cater for adults with disabilities were amongst them.

Two major issues were raised repeatedly.

The first was concern over the delay in the passage of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill through the Legislative Council, it having passed the Legislative Assembly with an absolute majority of 45 in favour with 11 against and 3 abstaining. There

was certainly an air of exasperation that those in the Legislative Council with an ideological opposition to the Bill should hold so much sway over the clear will of the people and potentially deny people the ability to exercise a choice in the manner and the timing of their imminent death.

The second related to the proposed Anglican Church and Satterley development of the North Stoneville townsite as outlined in Structure Plan 34 (SP34). There is strong community opposition to the proposal. It is seen as an urban development that is out of keeping with the general residential amenity of the Hills, placing an additional 1410 housing lots with a potential additional population of 4 000 people in what is a high risk bushfire prone area by national standards. The statutory planning processes are such that at this stage of the approval process it is the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) that is the decision making body and not the Minister for Planning. The Shire of Mundaring Council has voted unanimously to recommend to the WAPC that SP34 not be approved as it stands, effectively recommending that the WAPC rejects the plan. The extensive grounds in opposition cited by the Council can be found in the record of the Minutes of the August meeting where the recommendation was made.

I support the Council’s position and share the concerns raised by the 850 objectors who made submissions to the Council on this issue.

Nigel Dickinson, a long-time resident of the district has recently joined my Electorate Staff, Janelle Sewell, replacing Alan McCallum who has moved offices to join Jessica Shaw’s office to be nearer to home. Just a reminder that I regularly hold my Pop-up Office at the Treehouse Community Building adjacent to the Bendigo Bank on Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring each Friday from 9am until 1pm. It is best to phone ahead of Friday to my Electorate Office on 9293 4747 to make an appointment.

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1st Darlington Scout Group Darlington Scout Group has had another amazing year in 2019. The year started with 8 of our Scouts surviving 12 days in extreme conditions for the Australian Scouting Jamboree in South Australia with over 10,000 young people from across Australia. All of our Joeys, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers have had the opportunity to have new adventures, learn new skills, develop their resilience, learn to work with others and have fun in the outdoors during the course of the year. I am extremely proud of all our youth members for giving it their best effort throughout the year.

The year wouldn’t have been the success it was without our amazing team of leaders, adult supporters and support committee. The work they have put in has enabled our young people to take the lead role in planning and participating in our Scouting program. Thank you to Vandra and Hannah for running Joey Scouts; to Mike and Anthony in Cubs (Assisted by Dan, Ben and Daniel); Simon, Mark and Isaac in Scouts and to Tonya in Venturers. Special thanks to Simon (assisted by Isaac) who took on leadership of our Scout section towards the end of last year and have successfully implemented the Patrol system to ensure the program is being developed and run by the young people themselves. Simon will leaving our group at the end of the year to pursue new Scouting challenges or just having the occasional weekend to himself!

It is also sad to farewell our 2 most senior Venturer Scouts – Isaac Wetherley and Tristan Brandsma. As well as becoming the chairperson for Scouts WA Branch Youth Council Isaac has led the Bilgoman District Venturers as well as being a mentor for the New Youth Program that is currently being rolled out in Western Australia. Tristan has also played a key leadership role in the Venturer section over the past 3 years and is a role model to younger members. CONGRATULATIONS to BOTH Isaac and Tristan (above right) who were awarded the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award as part of their recent year 12 graduation from their respective High Schools. The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork

Awards started in 2006 to recognise students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader local community. At the same time, they recognise those who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and “mateship”, characteristics that are integral to Australian society.

We would also thank the community for their support during the year and for participating in our fundraising. Most recently we received over $1000 from Bendigo Bank - Mundaring Community Bank community raffle. We would also like to thank the Shire of Mundaring for their $500 quick grant and individual grants that supported a number of our Scouts to attend the Jamboree earlier this year. Thanks also to Lotterywest through Scouts WA for over $3,000 towards new and replacement equipment as well as Bunnings Warehouse Midland with their community sausage sizzles.

We are looking forward to an exciting 2020. There has never been a better time to join Scouts! New members are invited to join – both young people and adults. There are several leadership roles that we will need to fill. Please contact groupleader@ darlingtonscouts.com for more info.

Darlington Review - December 2019

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Shire of Mundaring Library Service

Buzz on Native Bees with Faye Arcaro at Mundaring

Raising Resilient Children at Mundaring Library

This was such a popular talk, and booked out so quickly, that Faye Arcaro is still wondering what the libraries promised people! However, as someone in the audience quipped, “We’re in the hills, of course we’re interested!” It was a fascinating and inspiring talk by Faye, garden consultant, horticulturist, and presenter on “Let’s Talk Gardening” on Curtin 100.1FM. Faye encouraged everyone to just take five minutes in the outdoors to be still and simply observe the natural environment, taking in the insects visiting plants and the myriad of other interactions transpiring all around us. Here are some helpful links Faye mentioned: www.aussiebee.com.au and https://www.agric. wa.gov.au/biosecurity-blitz

“With mental health problems on the rise, it is important that parents and families have the knowledge and tools to recognise if their child is experiencing mental health problems, what to do about it and how to raise resilient children”. Taryn from HelpingMinds shared some interesting research and outlined things we can do to build resilience in children, as well as noticing signs that a child we care for may be experiencing mental health issues. Information and resources can be found at www.helpingminds.org.au.

(Image credit: Faye Arcaro)

Library System Scheduled Maintenance The library online catalogue and self-service kiosks will be unavailable on Saturday 14 December due to scheduled maintenance by the supplier of our library management system.

Don’t worry, the libraries will l be open and you will be able to borrow and return items! WiFi and internet will be unaffected.

Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time Dates Dementia Australia Talks The libraries have hosted three talks in 2019 by Dementia Australia and all have been very well attended, which shows how pervasive this issue is for families in our community. Sharon Gronow suggested people look at the “Mechanisms and Secrets of Alzheimer’s Disease” on YouTube as well as the touching and enlightening “Gladys Wilson and Naomi Feil” YouTube clip.

Dementia Australia’s website has some very helpful resources at www.dementia.org.au.

JP Signing Service The JP Signing Service which alternates between the libraries on Tuesdays from 5pm to 6.30pm will be available until Tuesday December 17. The JP Service then breaks for the holiday period until recommencing at Boya Library on Tuesday 14 January 2020. Check the libraries’ Events calendar for details.

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Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time goes into recess for the holiday period after Wednesday 18 December. There will be no Story Time or Baby Rhyme Time on Friday 20 December. The sessions recommence in the week beginning 3 February 2020.

Library Opening Hours over Christmas/New Year The Shire of Mundaring Libraries will close from 12pm on Friday 13 December, reopening at 9am on Saturday 14 December.

The libraries will close for Christmas/New Year from 5pm Tuesday 24 December, reopening at 9am on Thursday, 2 January 2020. The after-hours chutes will be available for returning items during this period.

Darlington Ratepayers & Residents Association (DRRA) Some light reading for the silly season - the Darlington Locality Plan We are delighted that the plan is at last on the website, together with the previous precinct plans and the visionary document Towards 2060. DRRA is immensely grateful to the sub committee for bringing the document together and to Richard Woldendorp for his wonderful photographs.

It is a really important document for the whole community as it establishes the standards for developments now and in the future.

Next step: is for the community to read the plan and send comments/ideas to us (email chris.pemberton@bigpond.com); Next next step: DRRA will hold a public meeting early next year to bring all the comments together and allow the community to make final suggestions; Next, next, next step: the final document is submitted to the Shire for approval as the reference document which informs residents, property owners, local businesses, developers, architects, urban designers, landscape architects and other professionals planning developments that will impact Darlington.

The purpose of the plan is to preserve and enhance the existing character and amenity of Darlington and has a range of objectives all designed to achieve the purpose. It is the result of a review of earlier precinct plans published in 1987 and 1998 which focused solely on the central Darlington area. This DLP encompasses the whole of Darlington and it is intended to be used as a guide for maintenance, change and development.

It will assist anyone with an interest in the past, present and future of Darlington and the quality of its built and natural environment.

The plan reflects the desires and aspirations of the residents of Darlington. It seeks continuous improvement in the quality and sustainability of development and to raise local awareness and interest in the design of buildings and spaces which contribute to and complement our environment and heritage.

So go to www.darlingtonvillage.org/community-groups/ darlington-ratepayers, spend some time reading the plan, send in your comments, come to the public meeting - in other words we encourage and welcome input from all residents.

DRRA AGM was held on 19th November with the following elected: President Grant Butler Vice President Steve Beadle Treasurer Pip Windsor Secretary Chris Pemberton General committee Allan McAuliffe Paths, garden beds, reticulation and lawn - the Shire has advised that work on putting in new paths etc. around the hall and to the oval has been deferred again and will now start in February. This is likely a better solution than the planned start in November and give the new lawn areas a fighting chance of survival.

Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS)

All Downhill to Christmas November has been such a great month in Darlington, hasn’t it. The high point for us was the Darlington Arts Festival and we FODS were able to get the Station Reserve looking neat and weeded just in time. Thanks go to a few who went above and beyond with the weeding; I think Jane, Gill and Stacey were told more than once to ‘move away from the weeds’! We also had help from a group of children from Montessori and our thanks go to them; you all pulled up a phenomenal number of weeds!

But it was all worth it when we saw how the sculptures were enhanced by the Bush setting provided on the reserve and vice versa too. It was in response to a conversation with

one of us in 2018 that Kerry Argent from Lake Grace made ‘Insidious Creeping’ that represented the spread of introduced species through the landscape and it looked great with our weeds in supporting rôles. Who would have guessed it was made only from recycled milk bottles and export hay binder twine! We loved the gumnuts on the new rocks ‘Black Clouds’

by Nick Kempt and Emma Camden and wanted to keep it.

Congratulations to winner Britt Mikkelsen for ‘Cocooned’ and People’s Choice winner Jordan Sprigg for ‘Family Outing’ ( the kangaroos!). We loved watching everyone who passed through interacting with Sean van der Poel’s ‘Inflection’ - the beautiful reflective domes allowed us all to see our environment from a different and wonderful angle.

And now we water. Every couple of weeks a few of us will turn out early on a Sunday morning to water the 2019 plantings and hope they all make it through their first summer. Stop and say hello if you too are up early .

We all wish you all and your families a safe and peaceful Christmas and look forward to chatting with you sometime as we all enjoy the Darlington Station Reserve. We of course will be planning and scheming for next year as we wander through!

Darlington Review - December 2019

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DaSRA News THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

We received great feedback on the Pavilion Project display at the Darlington Arts Festival.

Thanks to Geoff Barker (the man in the brick suit), Cambell Giles for the Video presentation, Paul McDonald for the 3D Canteen fly through and images, Gabby and Joe Houldsworth for the Pavilion and Wine Tent displays and the committee members who manned the Pavilion during the Festival. The Framing Factory in Midland and Scene Signs in Bellevue donated framing and signage for the displays. Around 40 Volunteer Champions helped set up and run the Wine Tent this year. Bar Managers Wendy Kozak and Mathew Guscott were at the helm all weekend and Matt Parsons worked behind the scenes. Thanks also to Terry Giles and the Cheese Barrel in the Swan Valley for the cheese/boards for the raffle and to Deb, the new owner of Darlington Liquor for her support. Glen Whisson coordinated the music and Ian Morris designed, installed and dismantled the bar.

Lastly, thanks to all those who visited the wine tent and supported the Pavilion Project.

YOUR COMMITTMENT AND DEDICATION IS HUMBLING AND WE THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! A BIG THANK YOU to The Darlington Club for donating the proceeds of the Bonfire sausage sizzle to the Pavilion Project.

The Club has donated $6,300 to the Project to date. Darlington Club encourages friendship and wellbeing in the community and runs a varied and fun range of activities throughout the year. New members are always welcome and fees are only $20 head or $40 family membership. Since forming in 2004 it has raised $40,000 for projects benefiting the community.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019 The year started on a high with the Music Gig in January, followed by a visit from WA Premier Mark McGowan, Matthew Hughes MLA and local dignitaries. Ken Wyatt MP injected a much needed boost when he presented a Federal Government cheque for $150,000 in April. Donna Faragher MLC also visited the Pavilion and has promised support. An agreement was reached with Bendigo Bank whereby a home or personal loan, credit card or term deposit moved to their bank generates a donation. The Quiz Night once again added to the fundraising efforts and finally, construction of Stage 2 by Patton Building began in earnest in August. Oh .... and the Foundation Members brick wall looks amazing with all the gold name plaques - there are only 100 places left so don’t miss out.

2020 EVENTS **MUSIC GIG JANUARY 25TH - A FREE EVENT! Last January’s Music Gig was such a huge success that people asked for it again! Glen Whisson has put together another brilliant line-up of musicians and bands including Cecilia Brandolini and The Quirks, The Ben Bulla Band, Roobs and the Washing Line Economy and Blue Manna with legendary lead guitarist Dave Hole and lead vocalist Graeme Heinrich from Melbourne. It’s a free family oriented event, with food vans and a fenced drinking area. See the poster on the back page of this edition for more details. **SPORTS MEMORABILIA NIGHT Planned for May next year, this will be a BIG event with well known guest speakers auctioning sporting memorabilia. Please contact Geoff Barker if you have any sporting memorabilia to donate.

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Darlington Review - December 2019

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St Cuthbert’sAnglican Anglican Church St Cuthbert’s Church cnrcnr Darlington Road Road, Darlington Darlington Rd and Hillsden Rd, Darlington

A FestivAl oF NiNe lessoNs & CArols suNdAy 8 deCember, 7.30pm You are warmly invited to this service of traditional carols, readings and choral items. Enjoy singing ‘Hark the Herald’ and ‘Silent Night’ as we hear again the message of the angels and go in heart and mind to Bethlehem!

The service is followed by a delicious supper in the church grounds.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES AND EVENTS A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday 8 December, 7.30pm Nine scripture readings interspersed with choral items and traditional carols.

Caroling in Helena Valley Friday 20 December from 6.00pm Gather at Nancy’s house at 88 Torquata Boulevard, then proceed to sing around the streets for an hour or so followed by refreshments by the pool.

Christingle and Nativity Tuesday 24 December, 5.00pm Ideal for children and families, you’re invited to make a traditional christingle then enjoy a short nativity play with traditional carols.

Midnight Mass Tuesday 24 December, 11.30pm We observe this ancient custom with a Eucharist at 11.30pm marked by candles and carols.

Christmas Day Eucharist Wednesday 25 December, 9.00am This is a Eucharist similar to a regular Sunday service, with carols.

Taizé DECEMBER 1 aT 6.30pM St Cuthbert’s was very happy to be an integral part of the Darlington Arts Festival this year.

There were music performances in the church building and garden throughout both days and a giant World Vision sale and raffle in the parish hall. Throughout the weekend, we served tea and coffee accompanied by home-baked goodies which were very popular. It was a great community event.

Rector: The Reverend Chris Bedding Email: rector.darlington@live.com.au Website: www.hillsanglicans.com.au Find us on Facebook at Hills Anglicans

On the first Sunday of every month at St Cuthbert’s, the building is lit by dozens of candles. We sing simple chants, enjoy silence and hear a short reading from the scriptures.

Parish Office: Email: Mail:

Darlington Review - December 2019

6292 0074 stcuthberts@bigpond.com PO Box 77 Darlington, WA 6070 Australia

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Silver Tree Steiner School

The Noongar people recognise this time of the year as Kambarang, a second Spring which brings longer periods of dry warm days. This is a time we can enjoy the display of many flowering plants in our hills environment before the hotter season of Birak arrives.

Class 2 (The Lionhearts) have continued to bask in the glory of the changing seasons. We are reminded through these changes that the world is a magical, mysterious place and far bigger than anyone can fathom. Steiner Education fosters this connection to the natural world, allowing socially conscious, moral citizens to emerge.

The class 2 children are immersed in the second week of play rehearsals and there is excitement in the air as we start to plan the finer details. What will my character wear? When we feast during the play, will it be real food that is brought out? Should that door be one piece or two? A plethora of questions arises as the children and I workshop the staging of our class play.

It is inspiring watching the children problem solve, work collaboratively, learn to depend on each other in a new way and find strengths within themselves.

Class plays are an opportunity to share many weeks of hard work with the community. A social art, class plays are always thrilling because unlike a film, no one knows what is going to happen on stage nor how the actors will react. As we continue our rehearsal process, the children are reminded that whatever happens during the performance to stay in character!

Play productions bring lessons for life. It isn’t so much what happens — things will always happen — it’s how we respond that makes the story so compelling! So, practice for the play begets practice for life, a gift well beyond the performance.

22

WHAT A FAB FESTIVAL!

Darlington Review - December 2019

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KSP Writers’ Centre Summer Season at the KSP Get set for Katharine’s Birthday on Sunday 1 December from 11am-2pm, our end of year free community event. The day includes a guided heritage tour, award ceremonies, poetry and prose performances, sausage sizzle, café cakes, and general merriment. All welcome.

With the school holidays coming up, it’s time to start thinking of activities to keep those young-uns’ busy! KSP will be running a Holiday Hub writing workshop for ages 12 and up on Thursday 16 January 2020 from 9.30am-11.30am, which will uncover the ins and outs and what it takes to write a book from two Aussie authors who’ve done it (insider secrets included!). The workshop is hosted by special guest award-winning Young Adult authors, Eleni Hale and Hayley Lawrence, who are visiting the Centre all the way from the East Coast of Australia and are ready to inspire Perth’s next generation of young writers. Tickets from $20.

Don’t worry, adult writers, we’ve got something for you as well!

On Sunday 12 January from 1-4pm, we have a workshop on writing memoir from another special guest author from Victoria,

Lee Kofman. You will learn some of the basics of this popular writing genre: how to find the right theme to focus on, how to structure your life story so that it makes for an engaging reading, how to turn yourself and the people in your life into compelling characters and how to seduce your readers by describing your experiences vividly. We will also discuss the role of emotional honesty in writing about ourselves. Tickets from $35. Advance bookings essential, as a minimum number of bookings are required one week prior to workshop, in order to commence.

And some news for all the local history buffs: The KSP Board of Management are currently focussing on heritage conservation of this beautiful Greenmount property and its collections.

We are sharing historic discoveries and progress through our newsletter and blog; if you’re interested, you can sign up to our mailing list for free via the KSP website.

To book or for more details on any of these activities please visit the KSP website www.kspwriterscentre.com or phone the office on 08 9294 1872.

Soroptimist International of Helena We will be continuing to take part in the Green Batch programme and sending plastic bottle tops, bread tags and other recyclable plastics to Clayton View Primary School.

The November meeting produced a Strategic Plan for 2020 with some exciting ideas to make our fundraising more fun. We will be continuing with the traditional Quiz Night, the Fashion Parade, the Bunnings sizzle and some new innovative plans.

Being the end of the year, our club is finalising reports and entering all activities, donations, advocacy activities and projects in the Programme database. This information is collated for the UN Representatives who will be attending New York March 2020 Our annual bursary grants will be made early next year for the student progressing to High School from Clayton View Primary School and for the SVSHS Drama/Arts scholarship students of Year 11 and 12. A donation will be made to the annual Presidents Appeal, “Women Water and Leadership. This appeal has achieved over 400.000 pounds with some of the money being directed to the Indonesian recovery from earthquake and tsunami appeal.

Plans are in hand to distribute the books, Bella’s Challenge to schools with whom we have had an association, Bella Burgemeister is a young author who has rewritten the 17 UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development in a language that children can understand.

Members have been preparing bags for the Share the Dignity programme “Its in the Bag” to assist homeless women and girls over Xmas.

The 16 days of Activism, starting 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, leading up to Int. Human Rights Day, 10th December, is acknowledged by our club when we took part in the March that Matters in Midland on 21st November. We have prepared some white ribbons to be offered to participants of the March.

Christmas celebrations are underway and we wish all Darlington Review readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May you have a safe festive season and return in 2020.

Remember: The club welcomes new members and hopes that any ladies who wish to make a difference to the lives of women and girls, please check on our website: www siswp.org/HelenaInc or follow us on Facebook at Soroptimist International of Helena Rosalie Gordon 92996230

Darlington Review - December 2019

25

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WA Christmas Tree: Mooja As we head towards the festive season and some of us start dusting off our imitation Christmas trees, it is worthwhile giving some thought to WA’s very own living ‘Christmas Tree’: botanical name Nuytsia floribunda, Noongar name Mooja.

The spectacular yellow-orange flowers of the tree appear around Christmas time, thereby explaining its common name.

The tree is only found in WA, on a variety of soil types between Geraldton and Esperance. Reaching a height of 10 metres, it is a hemiparasitic plant that obtains water and nutrients from its hosts.

Noongar people used slabs of wood from the trunk of the tree for shields, also eating the gum which oozed from wounded trees. The roots of the tree were dug up for food, and the flowers soaked in water to make a sweet drink.

Attempts by nurseries to cultivate the tree have been mostly unsuccessful. While propagation from both seed and cuttings is relatively easy, the plants generally die within a year or two due to problems finding appropriate host plants.

The WA Christmas tree was once common across the Swan Coastal Plain. Today, the land clearing associated with urbanisation means it is rarely seen in the Metropolitan area.

This was not the case in Darlington in the early 20th century. A 1914 article in the Swan Express, describing the natural beauty of the area, noted that, ‘The everchanging shadows of hill, slope

and valley, the blues and purples of winter, and the reds and yellows and greens of summer with here and there a gorgeous blaze of orange from a clump of Christmas tree. . . all these make Darlington delightful.’

Let’s hope there are still a few Christmas trees dotted around the slopes of the Darling Range, making our summers ‘delightful’.

The MHHS wishes all readers of the Darlington Review a safe and happy festive season.

The MHHS office is closed from 19/12/2019 and reopens on 13/1/2020.

Kalamunda Bridge Club The past few weeks have seen the end of several of our annual competitions. Our winners are as follows: Restricted Pairs: Marlene Robertson and Lyn Shinnick Open Teams: Joe Lois, Nic Moniodis, Tom

and Kit Lemann Novices Plate: Sherill Duncan and Wendy Dodd Knockout: Carmen Jackson and Wendy Harman As I write this our beginners’ class is already half way through their course with 12 people Winners of restricted pairs, learning this interesting and challenging Marlene Robertson and Lyn game.

Shinnick

Summer is almost upon us and we have started our social time of the year with the Melbourne Cup lunch and Bridge day enjoyed by many. As per usual there was wonderful food, raffles and prizes to be had. The next special day will be our Christmas Party and prize giving on Saturday 7th December.

Our social MixnMatch Day on November 16th gave new people the chance to play with more experienced players and hopefully pickup a few tips as well as having a fun day and meeting new people.

The Sausage Sizzle on the second Saturday of the month continues and we welcome all bridge players to join us at 12.30pm or earlier for the barbeque .

Darlington Review - December 2019

27

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Matthew Hughes MLA JP Member for Kalamunda How To Contact Matthew Your Local Member Office: 1/16 Mead Street Kalamunda, WA 6076, Mail to PO Box 779 Kalamunda WA 6926 Phone: (08) 9293 4747 Email: Matthew.Hughes@mp.wa.gov.au Facebook: @MatthewHughesMLA Authorised by Matthew Hughes 1/16 Mead Street Kalamunda WA 6076

Standing up for Our Community 28

Hon. Donna Faragher JP MLC

With Darlington Primary School winners, Daisy and Kelsang, and Principal Andrew Newhouse

Merry Christmas Budding artists, Daisy and Kelsang from Darlington Primary School and Jackson and Hendrix from Woodbridge Primary School are the winners of my 2019 Christmas Card Art Competition!

Congratulations again to the winners and a big thank you to all participating students. All entries are displayed at my office Ground Floor, 108 Swan Street Guildford. If you are walking past, please take the time to look at the students’ fabulous artwork.

Now in its 15th year, this annual competition gives students the opportunity to enter creative designs from which the winning Christmas cards are chosen. I always look forward to seeing what has captured a child’s imagination and this year is no exception. From Santa delivering presents on Christmas Eve to catching a wave at the beach – the first ever surfing Santa entry!

Wishing all Darlington Review readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2020!

Hon Donna Faragher JP MLC

The Darlington Club On Friday 22 November The Betty Blues played live at the Darlington Club. The Betty Blues are a five piece blues-driven band with an emphasis on fun and toe tapping tunes. The group was conceived and born in the Darlington hills region circa 2016 and quickly took the Hills and Southwest blues scene by storm.

They performed on the main stage at the Bridgetown Blues Festival that year which led directly to performing in Memphis Tennessee in 2017.

Now reborn, refreshed and rebooted, The Betty Blues returned to their heartland, Darlington, to unveil their exciting new line up.

For those still wishing to join the Darlington Club, fees remain at $20 per person and $40 per family. Please pay directly into the Bendigo Bank account BSB: 633 000 Account No: 124527748 and use your surname on the deposit. Or, you can just drop by the Club on a Friday night.

Please call Club President, Susan on mobile 0439 273 213 for further information.

Darlington Review - December 2019

29

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Darlington History Group The DAF weekend The 2019 DAF was another resounding success for the History Group with their annual fundraising book and bric a brac stall, however, the setting up on the Friday certainly wasn’t. In the decade of setting up our stall for DAF, 2019 would have been the most problematic weather wise. It was a challenge setting up the four gazebos with the strong wind and regular heavy squalls of rain.

Eventually we succeeded but overnight with similar wind and rain we were unsure of what would greet us on the Saturday morning. Miraculously all was intact and the weather obliged us with an idyllic weekend for our fundraiser, making amends for such an inauspicious beginning.

Our thanks go to Mundaring Rotary for the loan of 3 gazebos plus setting them up and taking them down. Thanks also to our members for the loan of two more and to Ron Stuurstraat and Sue Lavell for the loan of side panels. As always special thanks go to Reg who outdid himself this year by collecting and filling his carport with books and bric a brac. Ernie, the ute will be pleased to reclaim his spot back in the carport.

Just at the 11th hour when we wondered if there would be a repeat of last year with nowhere to store our left over books and bric a brac, the Shire of Mundaring handed over keys for two rooms at the Glen Forrest Station Master’s house for us to use as storage. Previously the house had been used by the Mundaring Hills and Historical Society in the 1990’s before they moved to the Station Master’s House in Mundaring. Our thanks go to the Shire for their generosity in making this possible.

Wednesday evening 13th November was our last talk for the year 2019 and was given by George Grayston, complemented by his wife Caroline. The Grayston’s have resided in Darlington for the last 50 years arriving as Ten Pound Poms in 1969. Western

Australia was chosen as it wasn’t too cold. They were advised by a friend who was already in WA to go to Darlington, which they promptly did. They found a house for sale that had 6 bedrooms which was perfect for their 4 children and promptly purchased the property. During their time in Darlington George and Caroline have been at the forefront of supporting the private Kindergarten in Glen Rd in 1970’s, the Darlington Theatre Players, and the Art Festival in its various forms over the decades. George has many memories of the artists’ parties, some held in George & Charity Haynes dome studio when wine was only available by the flagon from our Liquor Store which had a special licence we leave the consequences to your imagination.

They have also seen the hall transformations with Owen Road changed from the front of the hall to behind the hall, thus preventing the electric cabling for the Arts Festival being run over by cars and drowned by flooding rain. Many of us could relate to Georges’ many experiences of those early times in Darlington and appreciated the chance to walk down memory lane.

Hang on to your books and bric a brac as we will have a bit of a break to sort out our storage facility and have a well earned rest. We will get back into things early next year. We thank all the people of Darlington for their generous support in donating their second hand books and bric a brac..

Don’t forget to checkout our website darlingtonhistorygroup. com as there is always material being added. We have now also added the sound recording of the Darlington Primary School song, which was sung so well by Ms Mackay’s class at a recent assembly.

This school song was written and composed by Chris Durrant in 1982 for a competition to commemorate the school’s 70th Anniversary. His song was chosen to be used for this anniversary.

You can find it under History Resources, then Education/Schools.

Cheers Lyn Myles (shortly to be replaced by Ken Harris)

Darlington Review - December 2019

31

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We all at the Review wish you a very Joyous and Peaceful Christmas and New Year and will see you back in February 2020 DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS RATES:

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Darlington Tennis Club Darlington Tennis Club Court Weekly Bookings Dec 2019 & Jan 2020 Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday From Ct1 Ct2 Ct3 Ct4 Ct1 Ct2 Ct3 Ct4 Ct1 Ct2 Ct3 Ct4 Ct1 Ct2 Ct3 Ct4 Ct1 Ct2 Ct3 Ct4 Ct1 Ct2 Ct3 Ct4 Ct1 Ct2 Ct3 Ct4 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00

Code

Contact

Number

Email

Mon morning social tennis from 8.30am.

Faye Jackson

0487 277 288

bedcat45@gmail.com

Thurs morning social tennis from 8.30am.

Trevor Folley

9252 1697

t.folley@bigpond.com

Mon, Tues, Wed nights 7-9.30pm mixed social comp

Paula (Mon)

0430 022 047

mapwood@iinet.net.au

Players assigned to a team for duration of comp.

Paul (Tues)

0476 018 403

turts1953@gmail.com

NOTE The night comps may not run school holidays

Brendon (Wed)

0427 250 566

brendonthompson07@gmail.com

Cardio Tennis Mon 6-7pm

Lee Oliver

9252 0209

lolivers@bigpond.com

Pennants training session Friday 6-7.15pm

Lee Oliver

9252 0209

lolivers@bigpond.com

Teens Social Tennis - Friday 7.15-9pm

Lee Oliver

9252 0209

lolivers@bigpond.com

Coaching (kids): Tues, Thurs 4-6pm; Sat 8-11am

Lee Oliver

9252 0209

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At other times courts may be hired from Perrellas cafe across the road ($20 key deposit; $5 / hour non-members, $7 for lights)

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After hours court bookings: Brendon 0427 250 566. General enquiries Alex Hoschke 0439 976 672 alex.hoschke@gmail.com

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Darlington Review - December 2019

33

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Call Tatania Te l: (00467 8 ) 9 2 9282 5 5 6127 65 Mob: M ob: 0438 906 335

Ph: 9299 7061 Mob: 043716590

www.inspirittaekwon-do.com.au Find us on Facebook

Treetops

A Montessori and International Baccalaureate School Treetops History Museum Across 49 years, from the founders of Lance Holt Darlington school to the youngest member of the current Treetops community, so many people came together to view the Treetops History Museum over the DAF weekend.

It was a joy to witness students coming together who had been peers in the seventies and not seen one another since. We had so much fun hearing the old stories of crazy camp adventures, Tolkein being read in character in the mezzanine gallery over the old craft shed (now Children’s house), and the Montessori Principal who broke her arm demonstrating, on a tour, how safe the flying fox was!

Five of the original Montessori teachers from 30 years ago were here, along with many of their first students and parents.

The persistent comment seemed to be that the encouragement of independence and self-motivation in the Lance Holt, Beenong, Hills Family and Montessori schools has produced able, resilient and enterprising young people who have gone on to do some amazing things!

Jayne Simpson Deputy Principal/Director of Enrichment

Darlington Review - December 2019

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BILGOMAN AQUATIC CENTRE Operating Days

Times

Monday to Friday 5.30am - 8pm* Weekends / Public Holidays 7am - 8pm* *Pool closes at 7pm in October & November

Patrons

Child (5 -15 years) Adult (16 years and older) Family (2 adults & 2 children) Season ticket books available.

Fees $4.50 $5.50 $18

More Information 9290 6764 www.mundaring.wa.gov.au

Vac Swim Lessons: Enrol now for January 2020 at www.education.wa.edu.au Swim School Lessons: Places available, call 9290 6854 Lessons: 10 x half hour lessons - only 5-6 students per class Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs at 3.35pm, 4.10pm & 4.50pm Squad: Squad and stages 10+ train from 4.40pm to 5.40pm on Mondays & Wednesdays (commences November)

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Darlington Christian Fellowship Christmas Services at DCF Carol Service: Sunday 22nd December at 6pm Christmas Day Service: 9.00am You are very welcome to attend. Both services will be at the church on the cnr Allestree & Darlington Rd.ww

How do you celebrate Christmas? Do you put up a Christmas tree, attend Christmas parties and shop for gifts? Get together with family and friends, exchange gifts and enjoy special foods? Perhaps you go to the beach or a restaurant or celebrate at home. Maybe you attend church. The first Christmas, around two thousand years ago, was of course very different.

No shopping, decorations, rich foods or parties. The Bible records that Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, in a simple stable, possibly filled with animals. After his birth, he was laid, not in a cot or bed, but in a manger, which you would expect to have contained not-to-clean straw.

It was certainly a strange situation.

Some strange things happened that night too. The sky lit up with the “glory of the Lord” and an angel appeared to a group of shepherds. The angel announced that Jesus’ birth was “…good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” To top it off, a company of the heavenly host appeared and began praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” What a sound and light show that must have been. Naturally, the shepherds were at first terrified, but then eagerly went to look for the baby who had been born. It must have been a very special visit, because afterwards they began telling everyone what they had been told about him and they praised and glorified God. Another group also came looking for Jesus. Magi, whom we often refer to as the wise men, came from the east, following a bright star to Bethlehem.

They were seeking the one who had been born “the king of the Jews” and were overjoyed when they found Jesus. Scripture records they bowed down, worshipped him and presented them him with costly gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Both the shepherds and the magi went searching for Jesus. When they found him their response was to rejoice and worship him. Today, we too can seek and find Jesus for ourselves. The Bible says: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” If you don’t know Jesus, you will find great joy if, this Christmas, you seek him and find him.

DCF events The Garage Sale in October was very successful and $2,099 was raised. Thank you to all who supported it. We hope you got some bargains!

It was with great joy that we helped Ida Smith celebrate her 100th birthday with a special lunch on 20th October. Ida is a valued member of our congregation and we were delighted that she has reached this significant milestone.

On the Sunday of the Darlington Arts Festival we were again happy to help clean up the oval area before activities started and then hold our church service in the main tent. Many church members took part by either performing in the skit, answering questions about their faith or being part of the music group.

Regular Service times: Sundays 9.30am.

Kid’s Alive: Sunday 9.30 - 10.30am.

Years 1-6 or speak to us about special situations for younger children. Contact Rita Williams – 0419194336 (note Kids’ Alive will be in recess over the school holidays).

Contact: Pastor Rob Merrells Phone: 6153 0364 Email: dcfincorporated@gmail.com www.darlingtonchristianfellowship.com.au

This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.

Frank McKibben We wish you all a safe, healthy and happy celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Denise Rhodes Darlington Review - December 2019

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Darlington Volunteer Bushfire Brigade •

emember, 000 is the ONLY number to ring for R all fire & smoke sightings. The ComCen will page our members who are on duty.

•

or general Brigade enquiries please ring 9299 F 7217. Station hours: Saturday 9am-10:30am.

Facebook Page: Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

•

ext Brigade meetings: Tuesday, December N 10th 2019 and Tuesday, January 14th 2020, at the Darlington Fire Station.

The 1st of December marks the official start of the 2019/2020 Prohibited Burning Period in the Shire of Mundaring, and the bush fire season is now well and truly upon us. ALL burning activity is now PROHIBITED, until at least the end of March 2020, INCLUDING burning small piles of garden refuse after 6pm.

A dry winter means significantly drier fuel loads this year, and authorities Australia wide are predicting some of the worst fire conditions ever experienced. Conditions within the Shire of Mundaring are already so bad that in early November we were seeing environmental data that we would normally expect some 6 weeks later around late December. The current catastrophic conditions and devastating fires being experienced across NSW and Qld are an indicator that this summer could present a higher than usual bush fire threat in the south west of Western Australia.

Your 3m wide and 4m high fire breaks must now be in place, and please continue to be proactive in maintaining your property throughout the summer, therefore reducing the potential for bush fire to impact your home. Establish your ‘asset protection zone’ of 20 metres. Take the time to have a ‘5 minute fire chat’ with your family, relevant to your property and needs, and practice your emergency plans with your children. Fire Chat packs are available from the Darlington Fire Station. You should also prepare your Survival Kit and check for used and/or out of date items.

Please remain vigilant through the fire season and report any sightings of smoke or fire immediately by calling 000. We also encourage you to note down any suspicious activity in your area, before or after a fire, and report it to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. Don’t forget our doors are open on Saturday mornings from 9am-10.30am and you’re welcome to visit and seek information on bush fire mitigation and management.

With the extreme fire conditions and multiple fires being experienced in the eastern states, some of our volunteer members have been deployed to different areas over east during the last several weeks. Eric Baldock and Cedric Griffiths have been and returned, whilst Colin James undertook an extended deployment. Many of our firefighters were also on stand-by with task forces ready to deploy around the metropolitan area.

The Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade is proud to be able to represent our community while helping others throughout WA and interstate.

The Darlington Brigade has had a great run of community engagement opportunities over the last month or so. Starting with the Community Bonfire, assisted by the Mundaring SES Unit, we then spent the next day assisting the Mt Helena VBFB

at the Hills Billy Cart Festival. Then, as always, the Bratwurst tent at the Darlington Arts Festival was once again a highlight of our annual social calendar. As well as an opportunity to share bush fire mitigation information with locals and visitors alike, we also had the DFES virtual reality fire experience. And we wrapped up recently hosting the Year 1 children from Darlington Primary. We thank the community for your ongoing support of the Brigade.

We, as volunteers, are encouraged by the continuing physical, moral and financial support that the Darlington community, and wider communities, gives to us year after year. Thank you also to the businesses that are very generous in supporting their local Brigade.

Our Station extension project is back under way, with the steel posts erected and the brickie completing the external walls. The next stage will involve installing the roof frame and completing the roof. Please be aware of workmen and building materials around the north western corner of the station, between us and the pavilion.

We wish everyone in the Darlington community a Merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and a safe and prosperous 2020.

“Man is the only creature that dares to light a fire and live with it.

The reason? Because he alone has learned to put it out.”

Henry Jackson van Dyke Cheers Ricky Harvey

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Darlington Retirement Accommodation Association (Inc)

The AGM of the management committee of the Glen was held on Wednesday October 30th in unit 5 by kind permission of residents Bob and Pam Hall. The business was over and done with in 15 minutes with all reports confirming the buildings and finances are in fine shape and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

After all the necessary business formalities were over the committee, residents, members and friends all moved over to the patio of unit 3, by kind permission of Keith and Trish Maughan, to a surprise 100th birthday party for resident Ida Smith. The delightful Ida is our longest standing resident who moved into the village with husband Les in 2004. All of us on the committee and residents alike are in awe of what Ida does and feel she will be here for another decade.

It was almost impossible to get into Ida’s unit as she has had so many cards and good wishes from friends and dignitaries with the one from the Queen holding pride of place.

Ida had a nice cake but holding only three candles. It was felt that health and safety rules would require the bushfire brigade to be on standby with 100 candles burning outside on the patio.

Ida cut the cake and we all sang Happy Birthday and raised our glasses to centenarian Ida and wished her good health and many more birthdays to come.

Also on behalf of the DRAA Management Committee best wishes for a joyous Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year to all the residents and members of the Darlington Glen.

Colin Merritt Top left:

DRAA Management Committee Exec.

Top right:

Ida cutting her cake

Above:

Ida’s card from the Queen

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS TWO BRIDGES DARLINGTON Two Bridges offers boutique self-contained, short stay accommodation beside Nyaania Brook. Please visit our website at www.twobridges.net.au or email enquiries@twobridges.net.au

Everdance 60+ Dance Classes: Mondays Darlington Hall 9.30am Thursdays Midland Junction Arts Centre 10.30am Enquiries call Lynne on 0409 520 023

Darlington Review - December 2019

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Darlington Family Playgroup Darlington Family Playgroup has had an exciting month as we attended our very first intergenerational playgroup session with Wahroonga Social Centre in Mundaring, which is part of the Rise Network. Some of our littlest members thoroughly enjoyed spending time the elderly clients at Wahroonga. Every one was a little shy at first but soon warmed up after bubble wands and balls were brought out. What followed was a beautiful morning where young and old were able to interact and enjoy each other’s company. We are so pleased that our inter-generational playgroup sessions will be happening on a regular basis as they can only be of benefit to both the elderly as well as our little members.

Another exciting addition to playgroup has been the purchase of a barrel composter. This was bought with the prize money we received earlier this year through the Grill’d Community Matters program. We hope that the composter will help reduce our waste at Playgroup whilst providing our garden beds with some fantastic compost. The children delight in watching their veggies and fruit grow and enjoy eating them straight from the plant or soil, often before they are ripe! Green cherry tomatoes are currently a flavour sensation!

What a valuable lesson to teach the youngsters of today the whole process from planting, growing to harvesting their food as well as how to reduce their waste and recycle.

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We also have a new addition in the form of a leather couch in our playroom, a perfect place to relax while the children play or for our breast-feeding or bottle feeding mummas to sit comfortably while they feed their bubs. This purchase was possible thanks to our photoshoot fundraiser earlier this year with the fabulous Evalyn Photography.

Our AGM will be held on the 10th of December at 7pm we would encourage all our members to attend and have their say in the running of our playgroup or perhaps take on a committee role.

Darlington Family Playgroup is completely run by a volunteer committee. Joining the committee is a fantastic way to meet new friends, give back to your community and gain new skills.

The outgoing 2019 DFPG Committee would like to wish all our members a safe and happy Christmas and New Year with their loved ones. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

If you’d like to trial or join our Playgroup please contact us through our Facebook page or email.

Facebook: Darlington Family Playgroup Email: darlingtonfamilyplaygroup@hotmail.com

Darlington Social Cricket Club to all and sundry rather than putting the hard sell on Wine Tent Patrons.

Roy Hill v DSCC The foot was on the other cricket boot on the 27th when DSCC hosted the Roy Hill mob. DSCC batted first compiling 268 runs for only the loss of 3 wickets.

The Darlington Arts Festival is over for another year. The DaSRA Wine Tent went off with a bang. Co-ordinating the whole affair and working their butts off, were DSCC members Wendy Woo “CPOTY,” Matt “I’m not out, it hit my glove” Truscott, Cambell “goes for plenty” Giles, and Pedantic Parsons.

- Matt Parsons surveying the setting up -

The set up for this year was the best yet, with tickets sales at the front of the marquee, enabling patrons to proceed to the bar unimpeded.

The first three batsmen all retired with Ben Harvey not out 52 and Chris Rickard not out 54, while the old chook, Stuart Aldred had had enough when he reached a very scratchy 47.

Aldred was dropped five times and dodged a silver bullet when he should have been run out by a country mile. To rub it in, one of the catches dropped was by a DSCC player David Kozak subbing for the injured Giovanni.

Sundries top scored with 57. Captain Courageous Cork deemed not to bat after his inglorious two ball “blob” the previous week.

- Wendy “the Chief” being bashful and Nat Nash the glassie (with her hi-vis on) -

- Cambell and Jane Rudas discussing wash down procedures -

These four troopers were ably supported by many of the DSCC members who will not be named for the fear of missing somebody. It was a great effort from the club in support of the new pavilion project.

Another high light was the entertainment segment provided by Liz Zardins singing and on acoustic guitar, Liz is the daughter of the very proud Social Secretary.

Injured afternoon tea provider Glenn Farrant decided his injury was not that bad after all and the traitor opened the batting for Roy Hill. Glenn subbed for Giovanni, who had to retire hurt after his herculean effort fielding off his own bowling and damaging his shoulder.

Captain Courageous Cork decided not to bowl himself after being belted to all corners of the compass the previous week. “Don’t worry chaps” he chirped “I will contribute in the field.”

Right, two consecutive dropped catches of Cliff Burns (who bowled with venom taking 2 for 13 off his 4 overs).

Then dropping a dolly on the boundary from Glenn Farrant off the bowling of the recently elected Fines Master, Jones. The traitor went on to make 48 valuable runs for the miners.

- Matt in control -

The Wise wines were a hit, the Funk ciders went like hot cakes, and the beers supplied by the “The Other Side” were winners, particularly the Indian Pale Ale. One of the low lights was the effort of Terry “the ROK” Giles attempt to sell cheese platter raffle tickets on the Sunday afternoon. He spent more time chatting

The reason a Fines Master was not selected until a quarter of the way through the second innings is only be known to Captain Courageous Cork himself.

Matt Parsons, who must have been exhausted and totally spent after the weekend, said on the following Monday, with the hint of a tear in his eye “I feel a bit flat and sad it is all over.”

Darlington Review - December 2019

Another dropped catch from Captain Courageous Cork, then another dropping of “CPOTY” Wendy Woo.

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- the Roy Hill side minus the “traitor “away serving afternoon tea and Giovanni injured -

To top off his great day, Captain Courageous Cork forgot to clap the opposing captain, Amit on his arrival at the crease.

On the subject of Wendy Kozak, she outscored her husband David by 2 runs and carried her bat, while Roy Hill were all out well short of the DSCC total.

Ben Harvey bowled superbly to wrap up the tail with 2 for 8 off 3.2 overs.

Ben’s smugness on getting the “man of the match award” was soon wiped off his face during the Fines session.

Chris “Teflon” Rickard again escaped the attention of the Fines Master.

The Kozak’s scored a small fine when their dog, Harry, trotted onto the field during play. If the ranger had been around it could have been much heftier.

The salads from IGA, organized by BBQ mine host and barista par excellence, Matt Parsons were greatly appreciated by the very small crowd in attendance at the BBQ.

Bazil the Brave goes Bush DSCC member Bazil Roberts recently competed at the Kulin Picnic Races, after newly taking up riding. A strong contingent of DSCC fans travelled to Kulin to give Bazil a lot of moral support, as he tackled his first thoroughbred flat race.

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Darlington Sports & Recreation Association presents

PAVILION2020 GIG

Free Entry ($10 donation/adult appreciated)

5pm, Sat Jan 25 Darlington Oval

cecIlia brandolini & the quirks BYO ben bulla band Food vans on site roobs & the washing line economy (plastic cups only)

Low back chairs only Music from 5.30pm

blue manna www.helenavalleychiro.com Chiropractic Homeopathy Remedial Massage

Opening Hours

9am to 6pm Mon to Thurs 8:30am to 6pm Fri 8:30am to 4pm Sat

Helena Valley Chiropractic 3b 160 Scott Street Helena Valley, WA

Tel: 9255 1052

Shire Of Mundaring 7000 Great Eastern Highway Mundaring WA 6073 18

TH

October, 2019

ATTENTION: SARAH MORGAN Dear Sarah, Re: PROPOSED CHANGES OF USE FROM LABORATORY (FORMER CSIRO RESEARCH FACILITY) TO RESIDENTIAL BUILDING – 1710 CLAYTON ROAD (CNR. FYFE STREET) HELENA VALLEY I am a long term resident of Helena Valley, located approximately 400m south of this proposed development opposite the southern end of Fyfe Street. I have serious concerns about this change of use proposal and provide the following comments in support of my objections. My comments are related to the documentation supplied to landowners including a two page letter about the proposal, a 1.1000 scale site plan, a 1.200 scale floor plans and elevations.

1. Public comment and information provided The information received from MSC indicates what this proposal will not be used for - ie aged person accommodation, lodging house, nursing home, motel, hotel, brothel etc, however the documentation released for public comment contains no clear indication of what this building will be used for other than residential or who the proposed clientele will be.

The documents refer to the Helena Community Residence, whatever that means. From discussion with the MSC planning department it would appear that they are of a similar, somewhat confused, viewpoint. A proposal catering for mature adults around 45 years of age is extremely vague explanation. The attached 3D graphics of the project seem to suggest a Millenium retreat or perhaps its a Fifo village which is just what we need in a family orientated rural/residential area. It would appear that the public are being asked to comment on incomplete information regarding this proposal. There appears to be a lack of transparency on the part of the applicant in this case and a possible reason for the proposal to be re advertised.

2. Repeated History and future development In August 2015 council received a proposal for 15 self-contained units, caretaker’s dwelling and communal facilities from the same applicant. The council documents indicate that the details of the application were ambiguous and that the proposal would create highly undesirable precedent within the RR zone.

Apart from the addition of one accessible dwelling (unit 6) this current proposal remains substantially the same as the 2015 application which was refused by council.

A later application to State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) resulted in suggestions that the site had the potential to be developed as a Park Home complex or Lifestyle Village.

In March 2017 MGA town planners submitted a rezone application on behalf of the same applicant from Rural Residential (RR2) to Additional Use zone (A11). The submission included an indicative development plan showing 14 self-contained units, a caretakers dwelling and communal facilities.

However the Fire Management Plan and the wastewater treatment documents indicated a different story.

The 2017 Fire Management Plan and Wastewater Treatment Plans (Fig 1 and 2c) indicated an additional 55 residential units referred to as a lifestyle Village.

The 2017 Wastewater Treatment and Effluent Disposal Report by B&PE consultants (Executive Summary) mentions an irrigation area based on a site population of 110 people occupying 55 two bedroom units and 14 smaller units in the renovated CSIRO building.

The report (Table 3 and section 6.2.2) indicates the area required for Hydraulic loading for 110 people is 2400sqm with the possibility of expansion to 3600sqm.

The current submission for public comment (Helena Community Residence, 20th September 2019) contains a 1.1000 site plan indicating a wastewater irrigation area of approx 3150sqm. (Calculated by using pdf to vwx conversion scaling software to 0.2% accuracy with datum dimensions taken from the existing building) Based on the B&PE consultants calculation ratios in section 6.2.1 - 6.2.2 it would appear that an area for wastewater irrigation for the 17 dwelling occupied by 2 persons per dwellings proposed in this new application would require an area of less than a quarter of the proposed 3150sqm area shown on the site plan for public comment.

A 3150 sqm irrigation area based on the B&PE data would indicate that 144 people could be accommodated on site with regard to effluent disposal. Even if additional irrigation area is required over the 2400sqm the proposed population number could be at least triple what is being proposed. This suggest that the applicant has considered future site expansion exceeding the population and dwelling numbers contained in this application for public comment and subsequent approval by council.

It would appear that we are commenting on a proposal with insufficient or inaccurate information that could result in an open ended approval for future development of the site.

3. Wastewater treatment and Effluent disposal irrigation area.

The 1.1000 scale site plan circulated for public comment shows a 3150sqm effluent disposal irrigation area at the lower end of the site adjacent the Helena River floodplain. The site falls approximately 18m from Clayton road end of the site to the irrigation area with a 10/1 slope ratio. There is approximately 3.2 ha of uphill surface and subsurface groundwater catchment area above the irrigation area not including the subsurface water generated from the Boya ridge directly above the development. There is no reference in the documentation of how the proponent intends to address the stormwater or subsurface water issues on the site. Item 6.5 in the 2017 application only states that a A Plan will be undertaken.

The proposed irrigation area shown on the public comment documentation is orientated along the natural contours and spans approx 140 linear metre across the lower end of the site. It extends across most of the site area abutting the Helena River and effectively acts as a earth dam to waterflow down the site. Together with the spray irrigation of waste water, surface and subsurface water flow, inundation at the lower end of the site during winter months, porous soils and an underlying granite rock structure this proposal could cause catastrophic damage to the river environmental and adjoining properties both adjacent to the site and downstream. During summer months easterly valley Thermal and Catabatic wind speeds regularly exceeding 40kph. A surface spray irrigation system could create serious problems for both the river environment, the adjacent properties and the occupants of the contemplation garden/orchard.

Food production is prohibited in and near watewater irrigation areas. None of these issues seem to be addressed by the consultants.

To avoid any possible contamination of the Helena River why hasn't the irrigation system been placed further up the site and why is it more than four times the area required for 34 people? Is this location therefore part of a future development option? If the documentation is incorrect then why was it distributed for public comment?

4. Building design and code requirements The proposed development indicates ancillary facilities including a common room, communal kitchen, dining laundry, swimming pool and external toilet and showers. I would assume that as this is a public space a Public Building classification should be applicable. The dining room is insufficient in area to cater for 31 people. (The occupant in unit 6 won't be able to access the facility anyway) If meals are to be prepared and served a kitchen to commercial standards would be required. The kitchen shown would be inadequate.

5. Accessible unit Unit number 6 is labelled as an accessible unit. External access from this unit to communal areas does not comply with either Access to Premises Standards or the AS1428 Design for Access and Mobility. There is no accessible pathway access to the communal facility or

swimming pool. Stairways block access from all directions to both the common room kitchen/dining facility and toilets. The ramp indicated on the 1.200 floor plan is illegal as it has a 1 in 8 slope and not the required 1 in 14 over a maximum of 9 metres in length according to the AS1428 regulations.

No adequate design considerations have been given to disabled access from unit 6. The addition of this unit appears to be an add-on to convince Council it is addressing disability requirements. Not !!!!

6. Other projects like this within MSC I am not aware of any residential projects that are the same as this proposal within the Mundaring Shire or indeed any other adjacent hills shire councils. This proposal seems to be utilizing some creative accounting or perhaps creative planning to work its way around definitions of residential buildings in the TPS4 scheme text.

7. Precedent for RR2 The adjoining landowners have already endorsed the RR2 zoning in this area in previous public comments via the HVUES to preserve the semi rural landscape and the areas distinct scenic value.

This proposal sets a precedent in the RR2 zoning for both current and future development and is inappropriate for the area. While I have no objections to the site being developed in accordance with the RR2 concept ie. (retention of similar housing densities and preservation of natural environment) this proposal effectively introduces a population eight times the density of adjoining residential lots. The site could be developed with two or three individual lots and family houses with reasonable profit to the developer complimenting the existing zoning while bring additional families into this semi rural area.

8. Traffic MSC Planning Department have suggested 10 vehicle movements per dwelling x two people a day per. This suggests 170 vehicle movements a day and introduces serious traffic safety issues to Clayton Road especially as the access point from Fyfe Street onto Clayton is on the crest of a hill. The impact on the surrounding community will also be affected with congestion, safety and noise issues.

9. Acoustic environment The documentation makes no reference to the noise effect of an increased population and 170 vehicle movements per day on this site.

The Boya ridge immediately north east of this development combined with the ridge line on the southern side of the Helena River produces a unique acoustic environmental effect due to the topography. Sound is significantly amplified within and across the valley landscape. The human voice can be clearly detected up to 600m from locations on the southern side of the valley, generated from the northern side in the Clayton Road area and beyond. An additional 34 residents and their associated vehicles will have a significant detrimental effect on this unique semi rural environment.

10. Adaptive reuse I see no reason to accept a much high residential density proposals partly based on its potential for the adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Having been involved as an architect on numerous AR projects in the past 20 years I would suggest that the cost of refurbishment for these derelict buildings and upgrading them to NCC and BCA standards will probably be close to new building costs. The existing buildings suggested for reuse are of limited architectural value and have no heritage significance.

Michael Ipkendanz Architect 17th October 2019