Soroptimist International of Helena

very young mothers. Kristy from Relationships Australia spoke about The Midland March that Matters which will celebrate 10 years in November 2023. (Date TBC)

What a great community response we had to the “Creating Conversations” seminar themed around Domestic and Family Violence at The Crooked Spire Café in Midland.

Swan City Mayor David Lucas opened the event and congratulated the club for initiating such an important event.

We were privileged that the Hon Michelle Roberts MLA made time to join us for a short visit in her very busy calendar. Michelle recounted her time as Police Minister, acknowledging that this is a much-needed alert for the community and thanked the club for our work in the Midland area.

Other speakers were from Kira House, Relationships Australia and MIDLAS.

Each speaker outlined the work of each agency. Unfortunately, the speaker from the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing was unable to attend.

Margo from MIDLAS explained the legalities involved around common misunderstandings in the Domestic Violence scenario. Kira House speaker Stephanie informed the work done there for

The club has been encouraged by the very positive feedback from those present to consider making this an annual event.

Watch this space for our upcoming fundraiser - Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea on June 11.

Serving the community for 39 years.

Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SoroptimistHelena

Robyn Cain | SI Helena Publicity Convenor sihelena@siswp.org

Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS)

Much Hard Work on the Reserve

If you have walked through or even driven past the Station Reserve during May you will have seen the work of industrious FODS, no not oversized Quendas, digging the many holes needed for this year's tube stock plants from the Shire of Mundaring; planting will be under way by the time you read this.

Friends of Glen Park (FOGP)

Survival of the Fittest

After a long, hot and dry summer, Friends of Glen Park Reserve were expecting fewer plants to survive from our June 2022 planting. We were pleasantly surprised to find a larger number of plants have survived. Paperbark Melaleuca Rhaphiophylla in particular, at first appeared to have succumbed, however, on closer examination, green sprouts indicate they should strengthen over winter, and be stronger for next summer.

Another paperbark, Melaleuca Preissiana, is also doing reasonably well. In years to come, these paperbarks will grow into beautiful shady trees, providing habitat and food for birds and insects, and most importantly shading Nyaania creek, to retain moisture further into summer.

A number of plants, new and old, died during last summer around the Darlington Road/Glen Road corner so this is where many of the new stock will be planted. We hope we haven’t worn new member, Graham, out digging holes. You might also have noticed the HUGE pile of prunings and dead plants from our work on Mothers Day. Well done to all the volunteers who contributed that day and to Natalie for the Mothers Day muffins.

As you walk through the Reserve, look out for native grasses, many of which will be marked by stakes, before seasonal weeds get going in earnest. You may have some in your own garden without knowing it. I recommend Una Bell's little handbook ' Common Native Grasses of South-West WA’ as a guide. The Shire may have copies.

I walked through the reserve looking for plants to photograph as I wrote these notes and here we have what I found and yellow is the colour of the moment.

I have it on good authority that another pretty yellow flower is out in the bush - Hibertia.

In June we will be meeting at 8am til 10am on 11th and 25th. If you would like to meet us or join our friendly group just come along on the day or contact Jane on 0477 987 048.

See you sometime on the reserve.

Reeds on Nyaania Creek and (right) Hakea Petiolaris. Team, who watered on two or three occasions in February and March, which helped these seedlings survive until the first rain in April.

Last year was the first time in many years we identified two frog species: Motor Bike frogs and the Rattling Froglet. Successive planting of reeds, Juncus Subsecundus (Finger Rush) and Juncus Pallidus (Pale Rush) is providing habitat for them. Another success has been Hakea Petiolaris (Sea Urchin Hakea), some of which are almost two metres high after two years, and flowering for the first time. Thanks go to the Shire of Mundaring Landcare

Grant money from Swan Alcoa Landcare Program (SALP) and support from the Shire of Mundaring’s Seedlings for Landcare Program, enable us to continue revegetation and restoration work in this gem of a Reserve in the middle of Darlington. Please contact Glenys on 9299 8347 or Leonie on 0400 217 293 if you would like to become a volunteer.

Darlington Community Garden (DCG)

The last few weeks have been wonderfully busy in the garden with a range of events and activities keeping the volunteer team busy and the community entertained and engaged.

Kid’s Nature Play Day

Around 40 children and their families enjoyed the April Nature Play Day with craft activities, planting and mud play. Unfortunately, a total fire ban stifled having a campfire but we have plans to try again in the July school holidays!

Community Bush Dance

On 22nd April, an energised group of families gathered for our second Darlington Community Garden Bush Dance. We twirled and skipped and ‘do-si-do-ed’ the night away to the merry sounds of the Pioneer Bush Band. Local food vans provided delicious fare and a great night was had by all. Thank you Shire of Mundaring for the grant supporting this event.

A big Shout Out acknowledging the exceptional community spirit at the close of the event when a call was put out for help with the pack down. Everyone got stuck in packing everything away in record time supporting the small volunteer team. WooHoo!

And in keeping with the Darlington Community Garden’s strong commitment to sustainability, everyone took their litter and waste home to recycle and compost resulting in a very easy and earth-friendly tidy up.

Sponsorship of a Tree

Trees can be dedicated in tribute to a loved one or supported by a local business. CONTACT darlingtoncg@hotmail.com for full information.

Community Gardening Workshops

Two insightful vegetable gardening Workshops were delivered at the garden early May by Charles and Christel from Wild Gaia Plants. The popular hands-on sessions provided a great opportunity to learn from their wealth of knowledge growing an edible garden. We prepared the soil with compost and planted seasonal veggies including purple cauliflowers, purple peas and radishes along with an assortment of flowers.

Fruit and Nut Tree Planting

April 29th was a very special occasion with the long awaited first planting of fruit and nut trees! Trees + babies+ kids + mums and dads and grandmums and grandads + puppies + dogs + mud = community gardening.

Much pro bono work was generously done by local contractors, Peter’s Excavator and Keith Mortimer from Dachshund Diggers preparing the ground and digging deep holes. Dozens of eager volunteers turned up to plant the 15 locally sourced trees, guided by Design team leader Kylie Brinfield and Horticulture team leader Alison Atkinson. Super volunteers Sue and Norm fuelled the workers with delicious homemade soups!

The Garden now has an assortment of delicious edible fruit and nut trees including stone fruits, olive, pecan and apple planted in the area between the Grand Arbour and the pump track. Our vision is these trees will become a lasting asset to our community, bringing welcome shade and bearing fruit for generations to come.

Mosaic making and general garden jobs

– every Saturday from 9am with Sally Plant and Produce Swap – Sunday 4 June - 3pm

ELIZABETH BUTTFIELD Real Estate Settlements

When buying or selling, you have the right to nominate your own representative in the settlement process.

I practice as a solicitor and offer a personal, professional and fully independent settlement and conveyancing service. Competitive fixed fee arrangements apply, with discounts of up to 50% off the official scale

0431173 098 ebsettlements@optusnet.com.au www.ebsettlements.com.au