Darlington Review • Vol.63 No.2 • March 2023

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“Not happy Nigel … You’re messing with my future!”

Back in the 1880s, Queen Victoria gifted a sizeable slice of land (larger than London’s Hyde Park) to the Anglican Church in the colonial city of Perth. That land (555 hectares) in today’s North Stoneville is embroiled in this State’s longest running battle that pits the land-owner – the Anglican Diocese of Perth in partnership with one of Australia’s biggest developers, Satterley – against Hills residents determined to save what Greens’ founder Bob Brown says is a State asset that must not be lost to inappropriate planning.

When Cleo Williams faced a gathering of close to 2,000 at the Save Perth Hills ‘Say No – Again’ rally last month, the 19-yearold Stoneville student on the threshold of university studies, asked Nigel Satterley a string of questions. They centred on the developer’s proposed townsite for 4,000 located in an Extreme Bushfire Zone (within ember attack of John Forrest National Park) that has no supporting infrastructure or public transport and restricted water supplies.

Judging by the ovation Cleo’s punchy address received, these were questions many in the crowd would have liked to put to the octogenarian developer whose proposal to urbanise this slice of the Perth Hills has the potential – down the track as copycat developments multiply – to forever change the nature of the scarp’s elevated landscape with its small villages and vineyards, national parks and hiking and biking trails.

“The future, Nigel, is mine, not yours,” claimed Cleo, “and I have to say, Nigel, I’m not happy with the way you’re messing with my future! Although I don’t have a Planning degree, I do have common sense, and your plan is just SO out of step with modern planning. No roads, no public transport, no Metronet, no sewerage, no support services, no employment, no safety and no

water – AND you’re going to blow up the biggest hill on site and its tens of thousands of trees to accommodate your outdated, out-of-step, out-of-time dinosaur development. A staggering 60,000 North Stoneville trees, a major carbon sink, will be gone forever. So how do Satterley and the Government, plan to justify this extreme loss when the Government is legislating this year for net zero emissions by 2050?”

The sense of urgency that marked February’s rally came from the WA Planning Commission’s acknowledgement that government approval of North Stoneville will trigger an approval process for a second townsite across the road in Parkerville (2,360 people).

So, when Save Perth Hills’ stickers say “ONCE IT’S GONE IT’S GONE!”, the warning is a stark reality. This is crunch time, a last chance to halt what could be a string of developments – North Stoneville, North Parkerville, then Gidgegannup – that will radically change the Perth Hills as we know it.

Young Perth Hills residents like Cleo have heard multiple government assurances about tackling climate change and emissions reduction, halting needless biodiversity loss and

►► Continued on page 4

Nigel reckons he can throw a handful of his carbon dirty dollars towards black cockatoo research – to COUNTERACT destroying North Stoneville’s black cockatoo habitat. Oh, and grow a few trees – in another region – because his diesel devouring bulldozers have destroyed thousands of old-age trees … Work that one out!

Stoneville’s Cleo Williams addressing the Save Perth Hills rally (Photo: Zac Williams ZW Photography).

Satterley’s pending ‘amended’ plan will remain an ‘urban’ plan in a volatile rural environment … and there can be no compromise on any plan that places thousands of people, knowingly, in harm’s way.

land clearance. They live with the reality of a changing climate and are aware the Perth Anglican Diocese itself has declared a climate emergency – while pursuing a proposal that will daily add an extra 11,000 vehicles onto the Great Eastern Highway!

These young residents have heard local volunteer fire fighter Greg Rankine (who battled the Hills worst ever fire at Wooroloo) stating that ember attack can travel three kilometres ahead of a fire front and the proposed townsite could be in the direct line of fire should winds push a blaze up the valley. Like Mt Helena scientist Simon Cherriman, they lament the possible further loss of breeding territory for the Wedge Tailed Eagles and nesting sites for vulnerable Carnaby’s and Red-tailed Cockatoos, and the critically endangered Baudin’s Black Cockatoo and they share community concern that the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation won’t be a part of waste water management for two linked townships in a fragile environment. Riders like Cleo fret about the evacuation of horses along two

congested rural roads shrouded in smoke – because hundreds of horses are agisted in Stoneville – and families find it hard to forget the devastating losses that are the legacy of fast-moving fires that have devastated parts of Stoneville, Parkerville and Mount Helena in 2014.

Cleo was one of many residents who provided testimony to the WA Planning Commission (WAPC) when it considered Satterley’s proposal in 2020. Some were highly qualified experts, some members of volunteer groups caring for Hills water catchments or trying to save blue wren habitats. Some had lost everything to recent fires; all were knowledgeable about the many constraints in the place they called home.

When the Planning Commission joined the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and Mundaring Shire in comprehensively rejecting the proposal, the community celebrated along with supporters across the Hills, including members of the Anglican Church whose donations to Save Perth Hills reflect dismay at their Diocese involvement. Yet the proposal remains on the table.

If you want to get a sense of how Mt Helena, Stoneville and Parkerville residents feel about Satterley’s proposal, do yourself a favour, go online and read their articulate, thoroughly researched testimony (WA Planning Commissions Meeting 7638 on July 14, 2020). It makes sobering reading but it also underscores the fact that if the Satterley and the Anglican Diocese think they’re dealing with a bunch of hillbillies, they’re way off the mark.

Satterley, of course, appealed the WAPC decision and two years of confidential mediation followed in which the community played no part other than as taxpayers funding the Government’s process. Just before the February rally, Satterley submitted an ‘amended’ proposal to the WA Planning Department which is yet to be released to the community for public comment.

Any amendment to this yet-to-be-released plan can only be minor – significant change would require repeating the entire

►► Continued on page 5

Save Perth Hills Chair Peter Brazier (Photo: Zac Williams ZW Photography).

Scientists lament the possible further loss of nesting sites for the vulnerable Red-tailed Cockatoos when 60,000 North Stoneville trees are cleared (Photo: WA Museum).

◄◄ Continued from page 3

application process. Save Perth Hills’ Deputy Chair Debra Bishop pointed out: “The amended proposal may include a reduction in the number of lots – but remember Stoneville and Roland Roads will remain the main escape routes and will remain rural roads for 11,000 extra traffic movements a day. Satterley knows losing a few lots from North Stoneville is irrelevant – because there’ll be 2,360 in North Parkerville right over the road, to help make the shared privately-owned and operated waste water treatment plant financially and operationally viable.”

When siting two urban townships in the complex geology of the Perth Hills was proposed, the Water Corporation could not provide a solution to adequately process the effluent and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation did not want to be a part of the proposal. However, in 2015 the Barnett Government gave the green light to waste water treatment plants being privately-owned and operated. This has raised concerns with surrounding property-owners who rely on rainwater, ground water and run off into private dams. It also worried the Susannah Brook Catchment Group that fears excess waste water will seep into waterways.

At a time when, over east, billions of taxpayer dollars will be used to buy-back homes built on flood plains by flawed planning decisions – and when emergency managers are urging the Federal Government to revamp planning/development laws to tackle legacy decisions that are potentially putting people in harm’s way – you have to agree with the judgement of Greens MP Brad Pettitt. At the rally, the former long-time Mayor of Fremantle shook his head, threw up his hands and said of the Satterley proposal: “There are just so many levels of STUPID in this ...”

The parliamentarian pointed to the fact that 70 percent of development is happening on Perth’s urban fringes – at a huge cost in terms of government infrastructure (roads, sewerage, services etc). “So, taxpayers are subsidising every new lot on the fringes to the tune of more than $90,000 – instead of building where services exist and making our urban centres work. This is madness and it has got to stop!”

Paige McNeil, former SPH Chair, told the rally that in 2020 Save Perth Hills and the Shire of Mundaring applied to have the North Stoneville land returned to its original ‘rural’ zoning. This would allow an environmentally and culturally respectful development. “It is a very viable alternative that the State Government has the power to approve immediately – and it would also allow for housing growth.”

Certainly, the urgent need to increase affordable housing stock – and, particularly, social housing – is one of Australia’s most pressing issues right now. But, in a sprawling city like Perth that is ripe for urban infill, best-practice planning would not advocate stranding those sorely needed homes in a location without services, jobs or public transport and surrounded by an extreme and proven bushfire zone.

As Cleo observed, you don’t need a planning degree to know that, not if you’re serious about net zero emissions.

At the rally, SPH Chair, Peter Brazier, whose family lost their Parkerville home to the 2014 bushfires, told the crowd: “The Community is being urged to ‘Say No - Again’ to Satterley’s pending ‘amended’ plan, because it will remain an ‘urban’ plan in a volatile rural environment, and because there can be no compromise on any plan that places thousands of people, knowingly, in harm’s way.”

“There are just so many levels of STUPID in this ...” Greens MP Brad Pettitt (Photo: Zac Williams ZW Photography).

Rezoning North Stoneville is a viable alternative said former SPH Chair Paige McNeil in 2020 when the WA Planning Commission rejected the original Satterley proposal. Rezoning North Stoneville is a viable alternative she says “and would allow for housing growth”.

Where to now – and what YOU can do?

Two stalwarts of Save Perth Hills attended the February meeting of the Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Association (DRRA) and were delighted at the packed hall and DRRA president Anthony Spagnolo’s assurance that: “DRRA is behind you” (see Letters).

Save Perth Hills Deputy Chair Debra Bishop emphasised that Mundaring and City of Swan ratepayers should be engaged because the Satterley development could result in a financial burden to ratepayers – “and with ZERO benefit – just a stack of road pressures, road upgrades and maintenance bills that ratepayers will pay for”. She also noted that after two years the developer would hand over the development to the Local Government to maintain.

SPH Chair Peter Brazier advised locals keen to make submissions

Former fire chief questions safety

that the Department of Planning would advertise the revised Satterley plan in the near future, and this would trigger a public comment period of 42 days during which everyone can have their say.

“The Save Perth Hills website and Facebook page will have direct links into the Department’s website and will provide key points for opposing the development. It’s vitally important that at the top of your submission form you write: ‘I am 100% opposed to North Stoneville.’ If you don’t include this, your criticism of the plan can be considered as commentary. It’s also very important that you to stick to planning issues – roads, traffic, loss of amenity and biodiversity, and of course bushfire threat is a key issue.” For more information, go to the Save Perth Hills website www. saveperthhills.net or facebook – facebook.com/saveperthhills

WA’s Bushfire Planning Policy opposes “any increase in the threat of bushfire to people, property and infrastructure. The preservation of life and the management of bushfire impact are paramount.” A man familiar with that policy imperative is former inaugural Commissioner of DFES Wayne Gregson, who was an important speaker at the rally.

Long-time Darlington resident Dr Wayne Gregson was head of DFES during the 2014 Stoneville/Parkerville/Mount Helena bushfires. Keeping people out of harm’s way was his job and what worries the former DFES Commissioner is: “The isolation, a national forest on the doorstep, traffic gridlock potential on a network of winding rural roads designed to take a few hundred locals – not thousands in panic with fallen trees and powerlines, residents towing heavy, slowmoving horse-floats – these are critical and complicating factors around populating this location.”

The local who has also been WA’s Deputy Police Commissioner warned the gathering that: “Climate risks are increasing and yet today we’re forced to rally against the possible tripling of the population in an extreme bushfire zone. Populating hazardous regions, to the scale of this plan – knowing what we know – should be challenged.

– knowing what we know

“We’re living in a new and unfolding era of ‘climate catastrophes’, regularly described as ‘unprecedented’. My experience causes me concern relating to the risks of another ‘unprecedented’ bushfire catastrophe involving North Stoneville.

“Development proposals like the one that’s brought us here today, are testing whether we as a society and our government, at all levels, are listening to our experience,

learning lessons and most of all - whether we’re applying lessons learned, mitigating future risk and authentically trying to prevent history repeating itself,” he said.

Dr Gregson said he saw first-hand the challenges of bushfire emergencies increasingly impacted by climate change. “Our bushfire seasons are lasting longer, opportunities for hazard reduction burns are becoming shorter, and days of Extreme and Catastrophic bushfire danger are increasing … I’ll be saying ‘No – Again’ to this plan in my personal submission to the Department of Planning.”

“Climate risks are increasing and yet today we’re forced to rally against the possible tripling the population in an extreme bushfire zone. Populating hazardous regions, to the scale of this plan

– should be challenged,” says former DFES Commissioner (and Darlington resident, Dr Wayne Gregson (Photo: Zac Williams ZW Photography).

Half-an-hour to spare…?

Have a read of the inside cover of the Darlington Review to appreciate how many local groups/organisations use our publication to communicate the great things they’re doing. We’re hoping that, as usual, some members will join us at the world’s speediest AGM that happens this month on Tuesday, March 14 at 7pm at 6A Brook Road (with bubbles on offer after the serious stuff!).

This will be a good chance to meet our editorial, advertising, business and production teams. And when we say we’re the world’s speediest AGM, this is no idle boast. Last year the ‘serious stuff’ took all of 24 minutes, so if you’d planned to go dancing the tango somewhere smart, you can do both! For more information: business@darlingtonreview.com.au or phone 0408 912 101.

At the AGM it will be sad to announce that Advertising Manager Julie Stuurstraat has resigned. Julie has done an amazing job bringing new advertisers on board and has been such a pleasure to work with. We’re not the only organisation lucky enough to have Julie as a volunteer – her entire family has been involved with the Darlington Arts Festival for many years. We wish Julie well as she goes into hospital for treatment and a recovery that could span several months. Lots of strong community vibes coming your way, Julie.

For this issue, Julie has been working with the Review’s new Advertising Manager, Melissa Clarke – and we thank

Musician chases his dream

Those following the music at the last Darlington Arts Festival must have wondered if there was any band in which Mount Helena musician Ben Bulla did not play.

Recalls one music-lover: “Ben was incredible. Never got tired. Played day and night over two days, sometimes with no rehearsal. He played acoustic guitar, with a jazz band, was on percussion and drums and had his own solo spot. On Saturday night legendary rocker Dom Mariani played with Blue Manna and Ben played percussion while Warren Hall was on drums. Dom and Warren both said he was the best percussionist they’d played with, and they’ve played with everyone…!”

Melissa for volunteering to take over so soon after her family settled in Darlington last October. Our new manager has been a merchandiser and is about to start a new job, which makes putting her hand up even more impressive.

Melissa loves travelling up north with husband and 4WD (they have three adult children) and is into an array of arts/crafts: painting, dressmaking and creative upholstery. “We’re loving our Hills lifestyle and I’m learning to become a gardener,” she says (while expressing amazement at the amount of leaf-raking a Hills garden entails!)

So, yes, the winner of the 2022 Robert Juniper Award for the Arts is rightly described as a ‘multi-instrumentalist’. He’s played piano, tuba, bass guitar, percussion and more, but it’s the guitar that draws him back – and it’s the extraordinary way Brazilian musicians use this instrument that Ben wants to explore with his $10,000 scholarship. Later this year, he’ll travel to Sao Paulo for an intensive workshop run by Master Guitarists at the Brazilian Guitar Academy, immersing himself in the techniques, practices and repertoire of Brazilian classical guitar.

Ben began his musical studies at Eastern Hills High School (“that instilled in me the pure joy of playing music,” he says), and went on to study Contemporary Music at the WA Academy of Performing Arts.

“This is such a generous scholarship and it’s there to help young artists in every field,” he says, “so if you’re into the arts, this award is all about helping your growth as an artist – and it can set you off on a fantastic journey!” For more information on the award open to all young artists in Mundaring, visit: https://www. robertjuniperawardforthe arts.org

After Ben’s ‘fantastic journey’, he’ll return to present three evenings of Brazilian Music in late 2023 at the Juniper Galleries. The gallery’s first exhibition of the year Facets has just opened.

Julie Stuurstraat and Melissa Clarke.

Award-winner Ben Bulla was presented with the Award by Trish Juniper (who sponsors the award) at the annual Robert Juniper Award Soiree in December.

VEGETATION SURVEY AREA (PLANTING ZONES)

PINETERRACE

What a pleasure to move from an earlier story about landscape features being obliterated to one in which a local landscape and its seasonal wetland is being restored.

There’s a wetland in Darlington, you ask?

Absolutely, and it’s right in the heart of our village, just below the skate park and Community Garden. With such community proximity it’s no surprise that the Darlington Community Recreational Advisory Group (DCRAG) has hatched a project aimed at turning it into a feature that will enrich our lives and stir community pride.

The Wetland Rehabilitation Action Plan (WRAP) Project will demand considerable funding and commitment because, like so many wetlands large and small, ours is severely degraded. However, its scale also means it’s do-able and Darlington has proved it can take on such challenges.

The good news is that DCRAG’s WRAP Project is already garnering support. Local ecologist Joe Grehan volunteered the expertise of his consultancy, Terratree, to conduct a pro bono flora and fauna survey of the site. Joe has advised on the extent of degradation and how it can be repaired, and his survey report will form the basis of applications for funds from State, Federal and other sources, on which the project will depend.

Further good news is that DRRA committee member Chris Arnold has also indicated his support by putting up his hand to head the project. Chris is a long-term resident with a track record in working to repair local landscapes, and he also has impressive international credentials as a geologist. Chris is supported by a multi-talented local ‘Steering Committee’ who are already providing a rich source of expertise and advice.

“Over the years in WA we’ve interfered with catchments and drained wetlands, and today this is compounded by the reduction in rainfall across the southwest of the State,” he says.

“Our Darlington seasonal wetland is severely degraded which is why I get surprised looks when I refer to it. Apart from being overgrown with weeds, both the landform and drainage was radically disturbed to accommodate the historical railway line route (now the heritage trail). Prior flow into the wetland from the Hillsden Road catchment was completely severed by the railway cutting, along with other impacts from sporting facilities and village/residential development.

“In trying to restore this seasonal wetland, our objective will be to maximise its flow and try and recover what’s been lost. There is hope that we can re-establish some of the historical drainage and, by concurrently slowing the flow, we can extend and expand the winter inundation period. The area also represents a fire risk, but revegetating it with appropriate plants will reduce that threat. Another plus of the project is that the wetland will become part of a revegetated corridor – a ‘nature link’ – that starts at the Super Block off Ryecroft Road and follows the Heritage Trail through the Binbrook and Station Reserves, to the Waylen’s Landing and Mandoon plantings, and on to Greenmount National Park.”

Chris says this is a project that, in the first instance, will be too complex for a Friends group to handle. Earthworks and clearing of non-natives will require significant funding well before new planting can happen, and keeping the area weed-free will be an ongoing challenge. However, he wants to hear from people with requisite skills/knowledge/ equipment, along with locals who just want to be involved in transforming what is there into what it could be, and once was.

►► Continued on page 9

Chris Arnold.

◄◄ Continued from page 8

You can walk the restoration site, albeit very dry right now, by following the gravel path from the skate park, parallel to the heritage trail, down towards Coulston Road, or the reverse.

Before settlement, our coastal plain was laced with ecologically rich wetlands. Today more than 70 per cent have been lost as ‘swamps’ are drained, cleared or filled in for housing. Given this bleak history, it’s nice to know that Darlington, on a small scale, is seeking to roll back history and restore its wetland. And perhaps the knowledge we gain can be shared with other communities.

As the project progresses, the team expects to keep the community regularly informed and to canvass opinion where necessary. In the meantime, if you’d like to be involved in the project, contact Chris on arnoldcg56@gmail.com

Welcome to Marie

When sitting in the Editor’s chair for the April and May issues of the Review, Marie Sherwood will turn the spotlight on local businesses, charting their journeys. Marie and family arrived six months ago, and were instantly captivated by living in the Hills. “We can’t imagine living anywhere else,” she says. “From growing up just outside of London, living in Dubai for three years and having lived mostly in the suburbs, it’s such a different world out here. We love waking up each morning amongst the trees with the birds chirping, the quendas rustling in the bushes and the possums running across our roof. We have been so welcomed by the community and we feel so fortunate to be a part of this picturesque small town.

Lest we forget …

During WW1, the 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment was the only AIF cavalry regiment recruited in WA and the regiment will be in the spotlight later this month.

A former member, ADF veteran and Darlington resident Laurens West tells us the regiment was raised in October 1914 when it became apparent our State could provide more than a single squadron of mounted soldiers. However, the light horsemen served dismounted during the regiment’s most famous actions – the charge at the Nek and Hill 60 in August

"Wetland revegetation and management will improve water quality as well as ecological health and support a complex ecosystem that provides habitat for invertebrates, frogs and waterbirds. This project will lead to the rehabilitation of the Darlington wetland, improving its function and visual amenity,” says Joe Grehan of Terratree that undertook an ecological assessment and prepared a Wetland Rehabilitation Plan (pro-bono) for DCRAG. The plan is part of the DCRAG’s Lower Area Masterplan (LAMP).

“Shortly after moving here, we received our first Review with an advert seeking more editors, so I put my hand up as a way of learning more about the wonderful community I now call home. I have a background in teaching High School HASS with a strong passion for history, learning new things and exploring new places. My first editions will throw a spotlight on the dozens of small local businesses that make up Darlington, from store front businesses, mobile business, to at-home businesses. I’m looking forward to sharing their stories of what they do, what inspires them and how they came to be.” And we look forward to reading them. Welcome to Marie.

1915. Next month the regiment will be honoured when a statue by Queensland artist Charles Robb will be unveiled in Guildford’s Stirling Square. The statue depicts a trooper based at the Black Boy Hill Training camp leading his horse out of the Helena River.

You can attend the unveiling on March 12 from 10am at Stirling Square, Guildford. There is more information about Darlington residents who served in WWI on the Darlington History Group website.

Illustration: D Finch and M Smith.

What's happening?

There’s lots on the horizon, so check out notes in this issue. Coming up, a new season from Darlington Concerts; a new play, Through These Lines at Marloo Theatre; new exhibitions at Mundaring and Midland Art Centres, including a celebration of Stuart Elliott’s work spanning four decades; and there’s a nice backstory to the beautiful cockatoo visiting Boya library. Coming up at Darlington Hall (March 14) is a Guest Speaker talk for Darlington History Group by local author Maureen de la Harpe who has written a memoir of her family’s four generation

links with Shanghai (including spending time in a Japanese internment camp during WWII). On the sports front – news that Lolivers Tennis is offering adult classes from March – maybe a few takers from Darlington Social Cricket Club, still coming to terms with its loss to the tennis club? Finally, our beautiful Darlington Hall will celebrate its centenary later this year – if you want to be involved, read their notes.

Trea Wiltshire | March Editor

Shanghai-born local author Maureen de la Harpe’s new book; Matilda at the Boya Library and Through the Lines at Marloo.

US-based playwright Mary Gage remembers…

When the Community Garden launched its first-Sunday-ofthe-month Sundowners, where plants and food are swapped, those who were around in the late 1970s remembered an earlier barter market started by a UK journalist who wrote her first play for the Darlington Theatre Players and has gone on to write many more that have been staged from Sydney to New York City.

Back in the late 70s, when large Jackie O sunglasses, long leather boots and hippie skirts were all the rage, Mary Gage initiated weekly barter markets when her family settled in Darlington. At the time, Richard Woldendorp was becoming one of Australia’s most celebrated landscape photographers and, being a local who always had a camera in hand, he captured the bartering in action.

My Place - Mary Gage

because our harvests were so prolific I started the markets on the oval,” she recalls. “We met every Saturday to swap extra produce and all sorts of unwanted treasure … books, magazines, outgrown clothes. The only rule was No Money. I had trained as a journalist on The Times in London, so I sent back a photo and was thrilled when our little market was featured!”

However, Mary would make her mark in other ways. She wrote her first plays here, at a time when the Darlington Theatre Players, based at Darlington Hall, were enjoying something of a golden age in terms of creativity, ambitious productions (from Shakespeare to Arthur Miller) and blossoming local talent. The Main Hall had its own lighting box and removable tiered seating. Sherry was served in the Lesser Hall as locals gathered for a night at the theatre – and Mary had found a natural home in a theatre blessed with strong directors and actors.

Revisiting Darlington last month, Mary Gage enjoyed trading memories of the times with old friends. “We kept chickens and bees, grew delicious apricots, grapes, oranges and lemons and

“For our play Gas we invented our own characters,” recalled the author and playwright. “Vlad James chose to be an evil wizard who converted children to fuel while Chris Durrant saved them and the world as a farmer with a methane-producing piglet. Brecht’s Arturo Ui came next when half the men in Darlington turned into Chicago gangsters. When my play about Charles Kingsford Smith, The Same Square of Dust, shared the prize in Western Australia’s sesquicentennial competition, local Collin O’Brien (theatre director, UWA lecturer, actor) directed its first performance. Most fun of all was Late Night TV, our revue at the Festival of Perth. We thought up songs and skits, and three of us danced inside one big stretchy dress.” (The revue, first performed in the Hills, was picked up by an organizer of the Sesquicentennial Celebrations and a modified version played on the mezzanine of the Perth Concert Hall. Not bad for an amateur production from the Hills!)

►► Continued on page 12

Richard Woldendorp’s photos of the 1970’s barter market (Mary Gage at the centre)

Mary Gage, Carol Kirby, and Shirley Durrant as the gorgeous girl band belting out a sexy Supremes song in slinky gowns that turned out to be one stretchy lurex dress in A night out in front of the TV revue at the Perth Concert Hall.

During her 15 years in Darlington, Mary’s plays were staged not only by the National Theatre Company at the Playhouse, but by theatres across Australia. The New Life about an immigrant family was published by Currency Press and was performed in Perth and Sydney, while a play about Spanish Cubist painter Pablo Picasso (written in 1979 when she was Playwright-in-Residence at the National Theatre Company) had productions in every State and, after she moved to the US, in New York City.

After settling in the US, Mary taught playwriting and screenwriting at the Pennsylvania State University and has seen her plays produced in New York City, Washington DC, and State College PA.

Returning to Darlington in February was clearly a pleasure. She caught up with old friends, revisited her first home in Darlington, and shared memories.

“When I first saw Darlington in 1971, I knew we’d found our new home. Here, our children would grow up surrounded by nature

Letters to The Review

Please keep Letter to the Review brief and include your name, address and phone number. Contact details will not be printed and you can request that a pseudonym rather than your name be used. Letters must be emailed to: editorial@ darlingtonreview.com.au or placed in the Review box in the Post Office by the deadline date of the 20th of the month.

Mary Gage writes:

and friendly, creative people. Best of all, Perth was 20 miles away, so property cost nothing. We bought an old house with two acres of land on our very first afternoon here.

“So many memories flood in from the 15 years we lived here, in particular a carols on the station reserve lit by candles in jam jars, when the donkey bolted, Joseph let go and Mary hung on for dear life…! Forty years later it’s great to be back. Nothing much has changed, except that houses cost much more, and we’re swapping news of our grandchildren instead of surplus vegetables. But Darlington has kept its magic. It still feels a lot like home.”

Mary Gage’s latest play Fallout centres on Major Claude Eatherly, one of the pilots involved in the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, and had its first production in March 2022. “His story could not be more timely or thought-provoking, The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists having just re-set the Doomsday clock at 90 seconds to midnight…” (Full details at www. marygage.net)

Time Traveller writes:

WA’s COVID restrictions prevented this wellknown Time Lord from visiting Darlington to help when we suffered the invasion of The Zombies in late October 2022 but the Tardis has finally made it to 6070.

When the owner of this ugly and rusty sea container put out the call for a young artist to transform it into The Tardis; Sarah Cook stepped up to the challenge and hasn’t she done a fantastic job!

Step aside Banksy; Cooksy is about to claim her space in the mural world.

Dr Who fans are most welcome to visit at any time for “selfie” photos but first, you’ll have to figure out where The Tardis is...

It is in the driveway of a Darlington cul de sac; the name of this “Court” (cul de sac/ street) begins and ends with an A and is a palindrome...

I used to live in Darlington, and when I came back to visit friends, they told me their way of life is threatened by Satterley’s proposed development on land owned by the Anglican Diocese of Perth. This development features 1450 homes for more than 4000 people, surrounded by an Extreme Bushfire Zone. 555 hectares of land would be cleared, which now provide natural habitat for native flora and fauna. The development would add congestion to the roads and stress the water supply.

I have just lived through a very similar scenario in my Pennsylvanian hometown when a powerful landowner sold a stretch of beautiful farmland to a big developer against the wishes of the community. This posed a threat to the water

catchment area, just as your development heightens the danger of bushfires.

We tried everything to stop our development: posted signs, wrote letters to the papers, spoke at council meetings, lobbied local politicians, camped on the land and refused to move... all in vain. Ancient trees are now cut down and the once-fertile land is now a bald network of tarmac roads, awaiting hundreds of houses, with no supporting infrastructure or extra public transport.

I hope my friends succeed where we failed! These hills were always a place where humans co-existed with nature, and if that balance is destroyed it can never be recovered. The peaceful, natural life in these hills is worth so much more than money.

Karen Gray writes:

Indulge me, just for a moment and imagine that you are destined to come back and live on this planet, multiple times. Would you be happy with what you found when you got back here? Would you wish that you had taken more care to make sure that the planet was preserved and cared for?

Chief Seattle was clear when he said ‘The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself’

We have been warned for centuries about progress and development for profit without thought for the long term consequences on the earth, and by association, on us. We are, by our nature, totally reliant on the earth. We do not just live on it. We depend on it for everything.

We seem to have forgotten that our lives and the future lives of our children and grandchildren depend on us caring for, and nurturing, the earth. Have we become so arrogant and greedy that we have forgotten we are simply custodians and not the owners of this planet?

It is not our right to destroy and change forever that which we have enjoyed, just for profit. We are duty bound to leave the earth in a better state, and to ensure that those coming after us, can enjoy the benefits and beauty as we have.

As someone who has been away abroad for over a decade, to come back and see that the North Stoneville and Parkerville development proposals are once again on the table, is shocking. Given our increasing scientific knowledge of climate mitigation,

Jane Arnold writes:

Having attended the SAVE PERTH HILLS rally, I can only say that I am dismayed that Nigel Satterley has the affront to submit yet another proposal to develop North Stoneville. His previous development proposals have been rejected at every level of government and by the Hills community over the last thirty two years.

The grounds for rejecting this urban development have not changed, but in the face of climate change, have become more urgent. Amongst the arguments against this proposal are:

An increased risk of a catastrophic fire as evidenced by former FESA members and local volunteer brigades.

The reduction of biodiversity and habitat destruction affecting amongst others, the black cockatoos.

Traffic congestion on Roland Road, Stoneville Road, the Great Eastern Highway and Toodyay Roads. These were never designed to carry such volumes of traffic.

The urbanisation by stealth of the hills environment. In order to make the water treatment plants economical, North Parkerville, Gidgegannup et al will be given the go ahead.

The loss of amenity occasioned by the destruction of a number of culturally significant sites to the First Nations people.

how can we accept, on any terms, the destruction of a mature forest?

However you choose to see things, it is clear that we are in the midst of a global climate emergency, affecting every living thing on earth. It’s a pretty serious situation and we can no longer pretend that we don’t know about it and keep looking away.

A massive carbon sink of over 60 000 trees, a rich biodiversity, complex habitats and endangered Cockatoo breeding grounds, not forgetting a perfectly designed and absolutely free to use clean air, water and soil processor, will be destroyed in exchange for housing, while we greenwash over the greed of Nigel Satterley and the Anglican Church. It is unethical and immoral.

How can we accept the destruction of an essential natural resource, for temporary material benefit and stand to Welcome everyone to Country when we are so reluctant to protect it?

We need to wake up! We are asleep at the wheel with the car headed over the precipice, and we are about to lose the very things that sustain us.

We cannot replace what we destroy by promising to plant a few saplings into bare ground, and we are kidding ourselves, when we pretend that we can.

Currently we don’t have enough trees and green belts on earth to neutralise the CO2 we produce, so how do we propose to lower CO2 emissions, if we just keep cutting them down?

Frankly we don’t have enough trees and forest left to justify destroying any more. We have to oppose this development. Our lives, and those of the future, depend on it.

The list goes on …

An excerpt of the poem ' Hieroglyphic Stairway' by Drew Dellinger sums up best why we should DO SOMETHING. When the time is right, please put your submission into the Planning Commission and say ‘No’ to Nigel and North Stoneville. Its 3.32 in the morning and I am awake because my great great grandchildren wont let me sleep my great great grandchildren ask me in dreams what did you do while the planet was plundered? what did you do while the earth was unravelling? surely you did something when the seasons started failing? as the mammals , reptiles, birds were all dying? did you fill the streets with protest when democracy was stolen?

What did you do once you knew?

Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Association (DRRA)

The DRRA meeting held on February 10, 2023 was attended by 36 people who engaged in a lively discussion about Darlington's relationship with the Shire of Mundaring and the Save Perth Hills campaign.

The community expressed their concern about the Shire's expenditure of ratepayer money on the electronic signage board in John Morgan Park in Glen Forrest, which was erected against the community's wishes. The Shire President, Cr James Martin, and two councillors, Cr Trish Cook and Cr Luke Ellery, attended the meeting and listened to residents' views. The consensus was that the community wants to move from a reactive, to a proactive stance, in our dealings with the Shire. Consultation and partnership is the community’s desired end game.

Cr Luke Ellery shared the Shire's proposed capital works for 2023, including the resurfacing of Glen Road, works in Glebe Road, and the Mofflin Avenue bridge. The attendees requested more information about these works and this will b requested from Shane Purdy, head of Infrastructure at the Shire.

All interested residents in Glen Road, Glebe Road and Mofflin Avenue, Dalry Roads and users of the railway trail, are invited to attend DRRA's March community meeting to comment.

The new DRRA Committee of 10 people, working on behalf of Darlington’s ratepayers and residents has already bourne fruit for local Pine Terrace resident, Ceri Kitely. The Committee addressed a noise complaint, resulting in the event coordinator addressing the problem and registering it with the Shire's Community Engagement Officer for future events. Ceri thanked the DRRA committee for acting on her concern. Tania Whisson, DAF Event Coordinator, made contact and identified the problem was caused by the DJ’s base level setting.

The next DRRA meeting will be in the Lesser Hall on Thursday 9 March, starting at 7:30pm sharp. Please bring any agenda items and concerns to the attention of the DRRA Committee by emailing these to drra@darlingtonvillage.org.

Louise Stelfox | Deputy-Chairperson, Darlington Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc.

New Logo

The DRRA has release a new logo which we welcome community feedback on. Established in 1909 as the Darlington Progress Association, our residents' organisation has a proud history spanning over a century of continuous meetings, with only a brief interruption during World War II.

As one of the oldest representative organizations in Western Australia, our new logo aims to draw on this proud legacy. Send your feedback on the proposed logo to: drra@darlingtonvillage. org

Next Meeting:

March Community Meeting:

Date: Thursday, 9 March 2023

Time: 7:30pm

Venue: Darlington Hall, 1/3 Owen Rd, Darlington

Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Group (DCRAG)

Details of the AGM on Monday, 27th February at 7.00pm are not available at time of print.

Sports Clubs' Oval Widening/Realignment Proposal

In late 2021, the idea of widening and realigning the oval to accommodate an additional age group of players was proposed by the Darlington Junior Football, Social Cricket and Junior Cricket Clubs. In response to divided community opinion on this suggestion, a DCRAG Oval Widening and Realignment subcommittee was established in February 2022. The subcommittee developed a Brief which was approved by DCRAG delegates, and they have embarked on some preliminary information gathering.

The objectives of the Subcommittee are to:

• Review the Sports Groups’ proposal for widening and realigning the Darlington oval

• Obtain detailed information about the use of the oval by the sports groups and casual users

• Encourage and seek a wide engagement of the Darlington community in d discussion of the proposal

• Receive and gather and review the feedback concerning the Sports Groups’ proposal to widen and realign the oval

• Use a range of different engagement strategies to maximise responses from the broad community

• Present updates at DCRAG meetings.

The subcommittee role of proposal review and community engagement, however, has effectively been on-hold while awaiting the following information which has now been received.

1. Further written proposal details from the sports clubs (September 2022)

2. The Shire’s infrastructure teams technical assessment (October 2022) which indicated the proposal is technically feasible, and suggested the idea is evaluated by their Recreation Department as part of their whole-of-shire Recreational Facilities Informing Strategy (RFIS), due for review later 2023/2024.

3. The Sports Clubs’ decision, in light of divided community opinions, as to whether they wished to pursue their proposal as part of the RFIS or not (February 2023).

DCRAG has now received confirmation from the Sports Clubs, via DaSRA, that they do wish to pursue their detailed proposal, to widen and realign Darlington oval, with the Shire of Mundaring RFIS Review. Thus the DCRAG subcommittee will now be reactivated as per their objectives above.

The Subcommittee will aim to provide a full report, to be issued to DCRAG, and then to the Shire of Mundaring, to be considered alongside the proposal as part of the RFIS Review.

The full DCRAG Subcommittee Brief and the Sports Clubs’ Oval Widening and Realignment Proposal will be uploaded to the DCRAG Community Groups page on www.darlingtonvillage. org.au in the near future, as well as the DaSRA page at https://www.darlingtonpavilion.com.au/oval-realignment

Feedback for the DCRAG Oval widening subcommittee may be submitted via dcrag.feedback1@gmail.com

Previous written feedback to Geoff Barker will be given to the subcommittee also.

DCRAG Subcommittee members are volunteers and include: Stacey August, Ceri Kitely, Phil Daniels, Nerissa Rickard, Tim Hunter, Geoff Barker. We thank our local volunteers for respectfully collecting and collating the diverse views of our community on this proposal.

Trish Cook Chair | Colin James Secretary

Community Notice

Notice of Annual General Meeting

NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Darlington Review Inc. is to be held at 6A Brook Road, Darlington at 7:00pm on Tuesday 14 March 2023.

AGENDA

1. Welcome and Attendance including Proxies received.

2. Apologies

3. Confirmation of the previous AGM minutes

4. Matters arising

5. Editor’s report

6. Advertising Manager’s report

7. Business Manager’s report with Accounts for Year to 31 December 2022

8. Appointment of Honorary Auditor

9. Election of Committee Members

10. Close

Nominations are invited for three committee positions – editor, business manager and advertising manager. Nominations must be in writing. The nominator must be a member of Darlington Review Inc. The nominee must give written consent to their nomination.

Betty Pitcher | Business Manager

Darlington Bush Fire Ready Group

Reducing fuel around your property may help protect your home from bushfire this summer. The intensity (heat) and rate of spread of bushfire is influenced by the amount of fuel (vegetation) available to burn. If the amount of fuel around your property is reduced, a bushfire will burn more slowly and generate less intense heat. This will reduce the impact of the bushfire on life and property and assist fire Brigades in suppressing the bushfire.

Land managers often undertake prescribed burning because, compared to slashing or using herbicides, it is a more natural

and efficient option for reducing and managing fuel. With the correct weather conditions and planning, property owners can undertake their own prescribed burning during the winter months to reduce the risk of bushfires. As the intensity of a bushfire increases, it is harder for Brigades to suppress the fire. This can be seen in TV coverage showing the flame intensity, and the disastrous impact that can have. The essential requirement for residents is to decrease the potential fire intensity is by reducing and managing the amount of fuel available to it... THAT YOU SHOULD DO AS THE FIRE SEASON IS STILL WITH US.

A destructive bushfire does not require extreme weather conditions. Bushfires in high fuel loads will spread faster, be more intense and damage more bushland and property. We live in Woodland fuels with trees 2-30 metres high with sparse foliage cover dominated by eucalypts and an understorey of grasses and low trees. Bushfire intensity is determined by the rate of spread of the fire, the fuel consumed and the heat yield of the burning vegetation.

Let us help our firefighters by reducing that fuel load now

For more information on being prepared come down to the Fire station Saturday mornings between 9.00am and 10.00am, or contact Colin James.

Located in the newly renovated Darlington Estate Winery’s cellar door space in the Perth Hills, DEW’s is cheeky, quirky and unique space with a focus on authentic and quality food. You can also expect excellent coffee, decadent baked goods and a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic cold drinks With its quiet and relaxing suroundings DEW’s aims to be the place to be for our lovely locals, and/or the food and coffee travellers alike. Dew’s Coffee

REMEMBER

000 is the ONLY number to ring for all fire and smoke sightings.

Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

The ComCen will page our members who are on duty.

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

Web: darlingtonfire.org.au • Facebook: Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade • Instagram: dvbfb_

Next meeting: Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the Darlington Fire Station.

Unfortunately there is no way to predict when and where a fire will start, so preparedness and vigilance are the key. So what can you as individuals do?

• Consider joining, or starting a Bushfire Ready Group in your street.

• Prepare your own property by maintaining fire breaks, trimming trees (including removing branches up to 2 metres above ground), removing built up leaf litter, creating a 20m protection zone around buildings, and cleaning out gutters.

• Encourage your neighbours to do the same things.

• Immediately report any sightings of smoke or fire to 000

• Note and report any suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

in circumstances that is likely to set fire to the bush, including by throwing it from a vehicle, could face a costly fine of $25,000 and/or 12 months in jail. If you see someone carelessly dispose of a cigarette you can report it to Keep Australia Beautiful WA.

If you notice that fire breaks and emergency access tracks are being blocked with unauthorised objects such as boulders, tree stumps, or other obstructions, please take the following in to account. Whilst we appreciate that reckless trail bike and 4wd use damages the environment and causes a nuisance, those tracks also provide vital access for emergency services. Unauthorised and unknown blocking of tracks could prevent timely access during an emergency to protect life and property, or cause injury to emergency services personnel trying to clear the obstruction. If you have concerns about unauthorised track usage or blocking of tracks, please contact the Shire of Mundaring or the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to discuss management options.

When hearing fire crews reporting the causes of fires, a common reason is “discarded cigarette butt”. Please be aware that discarding cigarette butts is not only an offence, it has the potential to start fires that could cause damage, loss of property and loss of life. You can help minimise the likelihood of fires by disposing of cigarette butts responsibly and encouraging others do the same. Ensure your cigarette butt is fully extinguished before disposing of it and never throw a cigarette butt from a vehicle. Throwing away a cigarette butt can attract a fine of $200. In particular, during a Total Fire Ban, any person who disposes of burning tobacco, or a burning cigarette, cigar or match

Most people regularly use social media sites to get information about warnings and active fires, and most Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades, Darlington included, have public Facebook pages or groups for information. But be aware that during a fire these pages may not be updated as the volunteers are attending the incident. There are also a number of community Facebook groups, such as ‘Perth Hills Fire Chat’ and ‘EASE WA’. Whilst social media sites can provide quick updates, please be mindful that they are not always accurate and some of the information can be conflicting, misleading or completely false. We strongly encourage community members to use the www.emergency.wa.gov.au website for official information on alerts and warnings, Fire Danger Ratings, and Total Fire Bans, and register for the Shire of Mundaring’s free SMS service advising of; Fire Danger Ratings on days of High or above, Total Fire Bans, Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans, cancellation of burning permits, and other fire information.

The Darlington Brigade regularly has trainees and probationary firefighters moving through the ranks, but the community will always benefit from having more volunteers in its local brigade. These new members will spend the coming ‘off season’ completing their theoretical training, practical training, attending hazard reduction burns and brigade meetings, getting ready to be active firefighters next summer. If you’ve ever thought about joining the Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade come and visit us at the station on a Saturday morning between 9am and 10.30am to have a chat and obtain a membership pack.

“Firefighting – one of the few professions left that still makes house calls.” ~ Author unknown

Ricky Harvey

The idyllic vistas and unique landscapes of the Perth Hills have played muse to artists of all disciplines over the decades.

From the sweeping beauty of the rolling forested hills and valleys to the abundance of native species great and small, the Hills continue to produce, and beckon, many great artists.

There is always something special, something intangible yet very real, about the connection you feel to art from your connection to the beauty around you.

Many residents will know that I am a keen supporter of local arts, especially artists in the Hills and foothills of Perth.  We have such an amazing array of talent right here at our doorstep.

I have been travelling to Canberra as the member for Hasluck for nine months now, and I am disappointed to see West Australian art and artists are underrepresented in our nation’s capital.

We need to see more of our artists represented in our national galleries, and in Parliament House itself, and across our screens and airwaves.

Western Australia has both a strong legacy, with artists such as Robert Juniper and, closer to home, William Bosseivain.

There are many artists with vibrant studios all over the Hills and beyond with useful supports like the Midland and Mundaring Arts Centres and regular festivals like Darlington Arts and the Arts Trail.

What’s on at the Hub of the Hills

in March

It is an excellent time to be making this effort, as the Albanese government has recently launched its national cultural policy, entitled “Revive” .

To this end, on Monday 20 February I hosted Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke at the Hasluck Arts Roundtable at the Midland Town Hall.

It was well attended by artists and arts groups from our local area and further afield, including Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers' Centre, Mundaring Arts Centre, Darlington Arts Festival, Screen West, and Darlington Theatre Players.

Minister Burke has stated of the policy that :

“Revive will empower our talented artists and arts organisations to thrive and grow – unlocking new opportunities, reaching new audiences and telling stories in compelling new ways.”

The new approach sees the Australia Council retained within a new body called Creative Australia, with additional funding of $200 million.

To read the National Cultural Policy in full, visit: www.arts.gov. au/culturalpolicy

I have made it part of my brief to ensure that our artists have a voice and a representative in the East.

With Revive in place I am excited for the future for the arts in Hasluck and WA.

WA Seniors Card Info Session | 14 March | 10am | FREE Information for both current and potential Seniors Card holders. Same day card replacement for current card holders (photo ID required).

Book Cafe | 28 March | 9am to 11am | $2 Morning Tea

Guest speaker Barry Young from The Amanda Young Foundation. Purchase good quality pre-loved books - all money raised from book sales, raffle & morning tea goes to The Amanda Young Foundation.

Weekly Coffee Morning | every Tuesday | 9.30am

Come and enjoy catching up with friends or meeting new friends. Free tea and coffee, home made morning tea for only $2. All welcome.

The Active Ageing Network is looking for volunteers for the weekly Coffee Morning roster. Please call Rachael on 9290 6683 if interested.

The Hub of the Hills, 8 Craig Street, Mundaring 9290 6683 cso4@mundaring.wa.gov.au | Officer present on:

Tuesday 8.30am to 11.30am | Wednesday 9am to 12pm | Thursday 10am to 2pm

Matthew Hughes MLA JP | Member for Kalamunda

The electric vehicle revolution will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve urban air-quality and help WA reach its carbon reduction targets. The McGowan Labor Government wants the Western Australian community to embrace this transition and is using grant funding as an incentive and an important step to drive the uptake of electric vehicles across our State.

So, on Thursday 16 February the Energy Minister Bill Johnston launched the new Charge Up Workplace Grant Program. This is a $15 million grant funding commitment from the McGowan WA Labor Government as part of its strategy to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the State and forms part of a $60 million allocation to increase electric vehicle uptake and in the process reduce carbon emissions.

Up to $3.75 million has been made available in the first round of the Charge Up Grants which target not for-profit organisations, small and medium businesses, and local government authorities. The grants will meet about half the costs of buying and installing charging stations and associated software. They will promote off-peak EV charging, support the conversion of organisation fleets to EVs and, over time, stimulate a second-hand EV market.

Round One grants will fund a 50 per cent of the cost of up to four Level Two EV chargers (7 to 22kW AC) per site, for up to five sites; a 50 per cent of EV charger installation costs, with a cap of $5,000 per site in metropolitan areas and $10,000 per site in regional and remote areas; and 75 per cent of the cost of a twoyear smart charging software subscription.

A maximum grant value of $50,000 per approved applicant will apply in metropolitan areas, with a maximum value of $75,000

in regional and remote areas in recognition of the higher installation costs.

The Charge Up Workplace Grant Program will make it easier and more cost-effective for small to medium enterprises, not-for-profit organisations, and local government authorities to install EV charging equipment. The program will fund EV chargers in the workplace and at destinations where people typically spend time during the day, for example carparks, hospitality businesses, tourist attractions, parks and beaches. Electric vehicle owners will be able to reduce their carbon emissions by charging up during the day, as this is when the electricity grid is powered by the greatest share of clean solar energy.

Investment in EV infrastructure complements the Government's funding towards public transport infrastructure, and overall efforts to combat climate change.

Through initiatives such as creating the world's longest electric vehicle highway - the WA EV Network - and now the Charge Up Workplace Grant Program, the McGowan Government is helping to establish that infrastructure.

In the Electorate of Kalamunda, I urge our local businesses, the Shire of Mundaring and the City of Kalamunda councils, and those in the not-for-profit sector to consider how a Charge Up Workplace Grant can be used to provide EV charging infrastructure that benefits their business, their customers and clients, and their visitors.

Round One grant applications opened on 16 February 2023 and close on 12 May 2023. For full details of the Charge Up Workplace Grant Program and how to apply for a Charge Up Grant can be found at: www.wa.gov.au/chargeup.

Disclaimer

The Darlington Review’s Rules of Association (2012) read: “To produce and publish a monthly journal with the intention of fostering good relationships within the Darlington community and keeping residents informed about community issues.” Our Guide for Scribes invites members to submit notes “ to inform members and the Darlington Community about past, ongoing and future activities…”. The Review accepts no liability for errors/omissions contained in articles, statements or advertisements published herein. The views expressed in Letters and Notes are not the views of the Darlington Review and we are not responsible for them. Members are requested to ensure their notes adhere to the magazine’s guiding spirit of fostering harmonious community relationships. The Darlington Review is available in digital format via Issu, the online website.

sadness for those who have been injured and lost family and friends, homes and businesses. The scale of disasters such as these can be overwhelming; it can be hard to fathom the magnitude of loss people are experiencing

What about when we face pers tragedy? Depending on circumstances, it is normal to feel p grief, hurt, anger and confusion

I think it is good to take time to exp or lament, the emotions we feel w faced with catastrophes, whether be large scale disasters or pers tragedies Lament is not a word th used much these days, but one o meanings is to “express passio grief about” (Oxford Languages) an is an appropriate way to respon tragic circumstances Last time I wrote for the Review, I mentioned that my Bible Study group was studying the Psalms Some of the Psalms we have looked at and I have found helpful, are what are known as Psalms of lament

GOT QUESTIONS?

MAKING SENSE OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

I find the Bible dry and not relevant. How can people be interested in reading it?

George Muller estimated that he had read the Bible over a hundred times by the time he reached age sixty. Then in the last twenty-two years of his life, he read it another one hundred times, reading it five times a year. Yet towards the end of his life he said, "I feel like I have just begun to scratch the surface of what God has to say to us." More recently Chuck Missler was quoted as saying “The Scripture is inexhaustible— you can never get to the bottom of its depth. And that’s what you would expect from the Word of God.”

God says His Word is living and active and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Jesus is quoted as saying that He opened the minds of people so that they could understand

For example, Psalm 5 begins with “Listen to my words Lord, consider my lament Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.” And the heartfelt cry of the David in Psalm 6: 2-3 “Have mercy on me Lord, for I am faint; heal me Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish How long Lord,

life’s circumstances cause us pain and grief, we can turn to God just as the writers of the Psalms did. Psalm 10: 17 assures us that God is happy for us to share our pain with him. “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.” don’t need to try and work through tragedy alone. God is always with us. We can put our hope in him.

Denise Rhodes

What is clear from these Psalms is t the writers know that God is there he will understand what they are feel He “can take it”, no matter what t express. He hears their pain anguish and listens to what they

the scriptures. When we read the Bible we need to understand that is a spiritual book as well as a physical one. God is the one who will open our minds of understanding and unless He is present when we read it, it will just be ink on a page like all other books.

When we open the Bible with earnest intent to seek God and are willing to have our own hearts, thoughts and intentions revealed to us, God brings the Word alive and it becomes intimate, personal and majestically relevant. It is part of God's beauty and tenderness that He reveals to us the thoughts and intents of His own heart as well as showing us ours. When we read it together with the Spirit of God the Bible becomes a living and active instruction manual that pertains to life.

May we give God permission to teach us when we read it. May we trust that He wants us to show us how it becomes living and active. May we never choose to read it alone without God, thinking

that we have anything of our own ability to interpret its intentions. I have experienced reading the Bible both ways, on my own and with God. On my own it was like dead wood - just words on a page that held some interest but not different to any other book. Then once I came to know and love God, the Word became alive for me, living and active in my life, discerning the thoughts and intents of my heart, teaching me about God and His ways. Immediately it became a perfect union of the physical and spiritual working together as one and it is beautifully amazing and relevant to my life every day and it really is more than incredibly interesting.

GARDENING, pruning, weeding, mulching, whipper snipping, gutters cleaned, general tidy up. Phone: Geoff 0409 088 936.

60+ DANCE CLASS, Mondays

9.30am Darlington Hall, cost $15. All welcome, no experience needed. Contact Lynne 0409 520 023.

HILLSIDE OUTDOOR BLINDS

Your hills specialist in all styles of blinds & awnings. Mesh blockout fabrics offer views whilst blocking out 95% of the sun, wind, rain & protection from bugs. All blinds made inhouse from 100% Aussie parts, stainless steel & aluminium NO RUST! Fully auto with remote control options available. For a demo & to discuss creating your perfect outdoor entertaining area. Phone Yvonne 0416 233 277.

St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church

St Cuthbert's Anglican Church | cnr

cnr Darlington Rd and Hillsden Rd, Darlington

Darlington and Hillsden Roads, Darlington

AN OUTDOOR PARISH DINNER ON A BALMY FEBRUARY EVENING WAS A FUN START TO 2023

Feasting together is such a bonding activity for any community. It’s a time for gathering and accepting the gift of food. For sharing the meal and sharing conversation with people seated nearby. For listening because there’s no rush. For laughing because there’s no pressure. The people at St Cuthbert’s love a good feast!

Welcome to St Cuthbert’s where we’re creating community

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

GODLY PLAY: 9am weekly on Sunday mornings in the Parish Centre for children 4 years and older.

MAINLY MUSIC : Tuesdays at 9.30 in the Parish Centre

ST CUTHBERT’S YOUTH (SCY) March 5,12 and 19

3.30 - 5.30 in the Parish Centre

SUPPER AND SPIRITUALITY: March 26 @ 6pm - 8pm

BIBLE STUDIES IN LENT

* Fridays at 12.30pm from 24 February and

* Wednesday at 6pm from 1 March

The 2 sessions will have the same content over six weeks.

ST CUTHBERT’S DAY EVENSONG AND SUPPER

Sunday 19 March @ 7pm

Enjoy a time of chant, silence, readings and meditation in a church lit by candles. All are welcome.

NEW ORGANIST AT ST CUTHBERT’S

John Beaverstock is now playing regularly at St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church in Darlington. John came to Perth in 1986 to be Organist at Guildford Grammar School and has been part of the wider music scene ever since. John will be leading the St Cuthbert’s Choir when it meets on Saturday 25 February at 2.30pm to begin preparing music to celebrate St Cuthbert’s Day. All are welcome to come along and sing with the group, or to come to the service of Evensong on Sunday 19 March at 7.00pm. This is a meditative service of readings, prayers and music that is a feature of Anglican worship.

Rector: The Rev’d Julie Baker

T: 0459 471 894

E: rector@hillsanglicans.com

Parish Office: 6292 0074

Email: info@hillsanglicans.com

Mail: PO Box 77 Darlington, WA 6070 Australia

Services: 9am Sunday

Find us on Facebook at Hills Anglicans

Website: www.hillsanglicans.com

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

HELENA COLLEGE

LANGUAGE LEARNING BOOSTED WITH AUSLAN

Helena College Junior School students have rapidly embraced learning to sign following the introduction of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as part of the curriculum. The move to add Auslan to our languages program was met with enthusiasm by the College community when it was announced in 2022.

Auslan is the native language of the Australian Deaf community and has been included as a an option in Western Australian curriculum for a number of years, as both a first and second language.

Helena Principal, Peter Coombs, said that the College’s decision to deliver Auslan in the Junior School (Kindy to Year 5) was carefully considered.

‘Incorporating Auslan into the learning program has numerous benefits, for both Deaf and hearing children,’ he explained. ‘Sign language can increase memory retention, stimulate brain development and mental flexibility. Because it is a visual language, it also stimulates the development of important neural pathways.

‘A key part of the program will be developing authentic relationships with the Deaf community, to build and perpetuate mutual understanding, as well as an increased sense of inclusivity. We want to reduce barriers to communication between hearing and Deaf children,’ he said.

‘It is important that as our students begin to develop their Auslan skills, they also learn of the history and significance of the language, as well as the culture, history, customs and achievements of the Deaf community.’

APPLY NOW FOR YEARS 4 AND 5

Helena College is inviting expressions of interest for Junior School enrolments for Year 4 and 5 in 2024 and beyond. Applications for other entry points are welcomed. For more information, or to book a tour, please our website.

www.helena.wa.edu.au

Auslan will be taught in parallel with English literacy, as the learning of each language assists with the development of the other. Research has shown that children who have been exposed to sign language build larger English-language vocabularies than nonsigning children.

Just like with learning any other language, students will gain a new, handy skill, and expand their knowledge of how languages work. Auslan has unique vocabulary, grammar and syntax, and can convey nuanced and complex meaning.

‘Auslan is also inherently interactive and highly engaging, and we are already seeing how much joy the children are getting from the program, even after just a handful of lessons’.

Treetops | A Montessori and International Bacalaureate School

Starting School

The start of the 2023 school year has seen Treetops with our highest number of enrolments across the school since 2007, including the most Secondary students that we have ever had. This increase in enrolments has greatly been encouraged by our community’s powerful word of mouth, and the school’s continued efforts in providing an affordable, student-centred, and holistic approach to education from Pre-Kindy to Year 12. Starting at a new school can be a challenging and exciting time for students of all ages, and especially for younger children who are entering school for the first time. Our Children’s House has welcomed many new 3-5 year olds this term, who are learning the routines of the classroom and benefits of a prepared environment.

The ‘work cycle’ is an uninterrupted block of time in the morning. During this time, children are able to explore the prepared environment and engage with materials of their own choosing and other activities that are presented by the teacher. The time is meant to give them opportunities to enjoy the work they love, while also cultivating basic life skills and concentration. Our new students are learning to fetch an activity from the shelf and once completed, tidy away and place the activity back where they found it.

One of the main features of a Montessori school is the multi-age classrooms, which allows students to interact with children of varying ages, and helps young children feel more comfortable with older children. Older children also benefit from being in multi-age classrooms because it develops their leadership skills by being able to serve as mentors to the younger students and assist them with their work.

Our Children’s House utilises the Montessori curriculum, which encompasses all aspects of a child's wellbeing, including social and emotional intelligence. It nurtures the whole child. While a traditional school may focus mainly on developing a child’s cognitive abilities, the Montessori curriculum aims to develop every aspect of a child. These aspects include the four major elements that make up what Montessori refers to as the whole child: physical, emotional, social, and cognitive.

The Montessori work cycle is extremely beneficial to the educational, social, and emotional needs of each child as it allows students to:

• become independent learners

• develop at their own pace

• pursue their unique interests/ passions

• learn how to focus for long periods of time

• learn how to be respectful of their materials, environment, and other students.

Our new students have settled in well. The older children have been so helpful in setting the example and helping our new children to feel welcome!

Darlington History Group

A Train Trip to the Mundaring Wear c1920s

One of the most viewed things on both our website and facebook page is an old film clip of a train journey from Perth to the Mundaring Weir. The six minute film footage includes images of the Perth Hills, including passing through Greenmount, Darlington and Mundaring. We are grateful for this old clip of a journey through history, displayed with permission from George Robinson. Visit our website dhg.org.au and check it out under the menu tab Discover. Enjoy!

Want to be Involved in Something Special?

Centenary of the Darlington Hall is this August!

As mentioned in on our page in the last Review, this year marks a significant milestone for the Darlington Hall. We put the call out for community members to become involved in organising a celebration for the Centenary, and we would like to get the ball rolling on planning this event. Some groups have already expressed interest, and we would like those who are interested in being involved in the planning for the Hall Centenary to contact Val 9299 6868 to discuss your inspiration and be available in a couple of weeks to form a committee at a meeting (details to come).

Guest Speaker Evenings Return for 2023!

Wednesday 8 March 7.30pm @ Darlington

Lesser Hall - gold coin donation appreciated

Maureen de la Harpe

“Dinner at the Old Cathay

We are delighted to have Maureen as our first speaker for 2023. Maureen will be speaking about the research she undertook for her recently launched book “Dinner at the Cathay: A Memoir of Old Shanghai”. Shanghai-born Maureen de la Harpe was eight months old when the city was attacked by Japanese forces and two thousand people lost their lives. At the age of seven, her family and close relatives were interned in a Japanese concentration camp until the end of WW2. The family left China a year later.  It was not until 2014 that the author returned to Shanghai, with her daughter Lara, to rediscover the city of her birth, and it was that visit that prompted them to begin tracking the lives of their forebears. The author discovered she was a fourth generation ‘Shanghailander’, whose family history spanned the period of foreign settlement in the city.  Through the lives of her ancestors and her own childhood experiences during the war, the author has woven the story of foreign settlement in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

Light refreshments will be served after Maureen’s talk.

Please register your interest in attending Ron’s talk by emailing publicity@dhg.org.au OR phone Val Shiell 9299 6868.

Unveiling of 10th Light Horse Regiment Statue at Guildford, Sunday 12 March - 10am

The 10th Light Horse Regiment is a mounted infantry regiment that traces its history to the mounted infantry units of the Colonial Militia of Western Australia during the late 19th Century. The Regiment was most active from October 1914 (WW1), and continues to the present day. Please read the poster below for information regarding the statue unveiling.

Bric-a-Brac Fundraising

Each year we collect Bric-a-Brac for fundraising for our various projects we undertake. Our biggest fundraising event is our popular and very successful White Elephant Stall at the Darlington Arts Festival, but we also need Bric-a-Brac for other fundraising events during the year. If you are downsizing or spring cleaning, please consider donating your things to DHG. Please contact Liz 0427 952 491 or Christine 0490 793 015 for more information.

Share the Heritage: Become a Member for Just $5!

Become a member of a group that is dedicated to researching, investigating, and preserving the history and heritage of Darlington. You will receive a quarterly newsletter keeping you in the loop about coming events and ongoing projects. For details on how you can become a member please contact Val Shiell admin@dhg.org.au or phone 9299 6868.

JOIN US FOR JUST $5 A YEAR!

Dr Karl Bailey Dr Zuzia Zykus

DARLINGTON CONCERTS WINTER SERIES 2023

Zak Rowntree, Graeme Gilling, Semra Lee, Jon Tooby and Sally Boud are back for another season of wonderful chamber music; a season that celebrates 20 years of music making in the Darlington Hall, 20 years of gifting our community with world class musicianship and 20 years that have seen them hailed as musicians who inspire students everywhere with their dynamism, energy and superb musicianship.

The core of the Darlington Chamber Music Series is the renowned DARLINGTON ENSEMBLE.

The ensemble comprises Graeme Gilling (piano), Semra Lee (violin 1), Zak Rowntree (violin 2), Sally Boud (viola) and Jon Tooby (cello). The series was formed in 2003 by Jon Tooby who was inspired by childhood experiences of watching the West Australian String Quartet present memorable concerts in the Darlngton Hall. The ensemble’s first incarnation was as a piano trio and, in 2016, the Darlington String Quartet was officially formed, uniting their passion for chamber music with strong friendship. The ensemble regularly plays to soldout audiences and has firmly cemented its place in the classical music landscape of WA.

The ensemble is a strong advocate for new music and has close associations with West Australian composers and musicians who they love to include in the Darlington Chamber Music experience.

The ensemble commissioned James Ledger’s Inscriptions for piano trio in 2006, the third string quartet, Menace and Appeal in 2018 and the string trio Classic Album Covers in 2020, premiering them in 2006, 2018 and 2022 respectively and recording both string works for ABC Classic in 2022. The Darlington Quartet also recorded Bell Birds Suite by Emma Jayakumar in 2020, commissioned by ABC Classic and featured on the soundtrack of the film Breath, based on Tim Winton’s novel.

Dates for your diary

In 2023 you can look forward to a musical feast: a veritable smorgasbord of music spread before you over five Sunday afternoons. The fifth concert on September 24 2023 will be a gala event, as befits a 20th anniversary, featuring the world renowned mezzo soprano, Caitlin Hulcup... and champagne.

The season begins on Sunday April 30 at 3pm in the Darlington Hall when THE DARLINGTON ENSEMBLE - Graeme Gilling (piano), Semra Lee (violin), Ben Caddy (viola), Jon Tooby (cello) and Mark Tooby (bass) - will play Schubert’s Piano Quintet in A major D.667 Trout followed by Dvorak’s Piano Trio No 4 in E minor Op.90 B.166 Dumky.

The second concert on Sunday June 4 will feature the delectable T RIO T IRAMIS u – comprising Tommaso Pollio on piano, Cathie Travers on piano accordion, and Sophie Curtis on cello. A reviewer from Seesaw Magazine described their contribution to a Freeze Frame Opera production as dynamic enough to rival a full orchestral scoring, interesting enough to fill a program on their own, and at all times wonderfully supportive of the vocal line. The choice of instrumentation was truly inspired; nothing evokes summer in Europe quite like the sound of a piano accordion.

Where can you get tickets? I’m glad you asked ...

Here is a link to the Humanatix website, where you can book tickets this year.

https://humanitix.com/au/search?query=Darlington+Concerts

Forrest Darlings CWA

In February we held our AGM which was a chance to reflect on activities for 2022 and look ahead to plans for 2023. Our new office bearers are:

• President – Kate Herren

• Vice President – Vandra Stenton

• Secretary – Rebecca Waters

• Treasurer – Sally Herzfeld

In 2022 we strengthened our commitments to charity and community through crafts and catering. We forged links with the Darlington Community Garden, Friends of Glen Park and the

Darlington Arts Festival through the provision of refreshments for volunteers. It made my heart sing to see how incredibly grateful the residents of Swan River Lodge were to receive donations of kitchen items and homewares in August.

Its been fantastic to see members driving passion projects within the group, like Julie and Heather running the market stalls so well. Thank you to Lorita for designing and making our wonderful banner - we also added a larger banner to assist our marketing efforts. I think we missed having a big team project to work on like the Crochet Christmas Tree and we’re excited to develop an idea for a new whole community project for 2023.

We plan to make library bags for local children supported by CLAN Midland to receive at the end of the year as they head from playgroup to kindy. A library bag is a vital booklist requirement for all children entering primary school for the first time, and an important way to encourage an early love of reading which is linked to so many positive life outcomes.

If you would like to contribute to this project, we welcome donations of bright children's fabrics (cotton) or Spotlight vouchers to enable us to purchase materials.

Our March meeting will be a sewing bee – new members and visitors all welcome.

Wednesday,15 March - 7pm

Darlington Pavilion

For more information call Kate Herren (President) 0452 644 248.

Soroptimist International of Helena

Here it is March already – time really does fly as we get older! You will notice the new strapline includes the new name for our Federation.

We have hit the ground running. At the AGM Berenice Ritchie was elected to be President and Katherine became Treasurer. I’m the ICT and Program convenor while Fay is Secretary again. New member Lorena is well and truly on the ball and has already planned an event.

Berenice and I presented our “Educate to lead” Drama Bursary to Swan View High Senior School at the school’s first assembly. Jess Newman was the recipient and I feel sure Jess will make good use of the bursary.

Fay attended the Swan City Youth Services appreciation evening at which we received a certificate. General Manager of the service will be our guest speaker at the April 19th dinner meeting. Visitors are welcome to come along and find out about us any time between 6 and 8pm on that day.

We are still meeting at the DOME Café in Forrestfield 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

SAVE THE DATE: May 20th – Be part of the conversation to inspire change around Family Violence. This will be a Breakfast event - Venue TBC

Catch us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/SoroptimistHelena

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

Office bearers for 2023 - Vandra, Rebecca, Sally, Kate and Heather (sunshine officer)

Mundaring and Hills Historical Society

Parkerville Children’s Home Bush Cemetery

The Parkerville Children’s Home was established by members of the Anglican Order of the Sisters of the Church, Sister Kate and Sister Sarah, in 1903. The Sisters came from England in December 1901 bringing twenty-two orphans, they lived in various places until moving the Parkerville property, formerly Sexton’s Sawmill. There were deaths, the first one, according to the plaque erected at the Parkerville Children’s Home Bush Cemetery, was in 1903, although other records pertaining to this young three-year-old girl, states 1913; the last burial was also a young girl aged two in 1919. Deaths ranged from nine weeks to three years.

The deaths reflected precarious life at the turn of the century. The infant mortality rate in the Australia in the early 1900s was approximately 10%, although dropping rapidly by the 1950s to

approximately 3%, due partly to the improvement in hygiene and advancement in medical science.

The children’s Bush Cemetery is situated on a very quiet bush block, away from the now unused Perth Children’s Home. The gravesite is surrounded by a wooden fence with an elaborate entrance gate. The metal plaque lists twenty-four children aged from nine weeks to three years.

Fire swept through the bush land in the 1950s and the original wooden crosses marking the graves were destroyed, apart from one which had a stone memorial. Ceramic poppies have been set near the replaced white wooden crosses; an old tree stump has been utilised to show several alphabet blocks, carved and painted, and although a sacred place, a now rusting metal toy has been left, in an effort to remember the passing of these very precious children.

Next General Meeting will be Held at:

Boya Community Centre, Scott Street, Boya. 18th March at 2pm.

Followed by a talk at 2.45pm

“Life at the Weir” Guest Speaker –Bill Cutler

Rotary Club of Midland Swan Valley (Swan Rotary)

Rotary Peace Poles Project - What is a Peace Pole?

A Peace Pole is an internationally recognised symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth. Each Peace Pole bears the message May Peace Prevail on Earth in different languages on each of its four or six sides. There are over 250,000 Peace Poles placed throughout every country in the world and dedicated as monuments to peace.

The Project can trace its roots back to Japan in 1954 when Chiyoji Nakagawa arranged for a bell to be donated to the United Nations Headquarters in New York via the United Nations Association of Japan. An International Day of Peace was declared and takes place on 21st September each year, at which time the bell is sounded in honour of World Peace.

The Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin came up with the idea of celebrating 100 years of Rotary in Australia by getting 100 Rotary Clubs to donate 100 Peace Poles to 100 Schools around the country, and these Poles contain the Peace Message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ written in four different languages –one language per panel. The Poles have conical peaks, and their shape is significant in Buddhism.

Rotary Club of Cambridge got to hear of the Project, and started

to promote it locally in their Club’s vicinity and they now have 10 such Peace Poles at various Schools. The number around Australia is growing and has passed the 200 mark at last count. The process is quite straightforward; our Club sponsors the Poles which are then manufactured in Canberra and sent to the relevant School.

Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony

A Peace Pole dedication ceremony is an exciting event, whether it is planned for a public place where hundreds of people will attend or a private backyard. Every dedication ceremony is a unique outcome of the shared experience of those who plan the program, as well as those who attend.

Some Peace Poles are already placed in the ground prior to the ceremony and unveiled during the dedication. Or you may choose to have a group planting, where everyone gets to heave a shovelful of dirt.

If you like more information about Swan Rotary or any of our activities, please give Betty Pitcher a call on 0408 912 101.

Darlington Social Cricket Club

DSCC turns out in force for World’s Greatest Shave

In late January, DSCC hosted the Boyanup Capel Dardanup (BCD) Taverners – a team put together by Social Secretary John Taylor in honour of his late brother-in-law Ray, who passed away from Hodgkin Lymphoma back in 2016. Ray would have turned 50 this year and to mark the occasion, his family have set out to raise $50,000 through the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.

An army of more than 40 people made the two-and-a-halfhour trip up the Forrest Highway for what we hope will become an annual fixture. DSCC members and their families were also out in force, with a dollar from every drink sale donated to the Greatest Shave. Many other generous personal donations were made along the way. This all made for a fantastic afternoon that embodied the spirit of social cricket.

Tennis Club regain the bragging rights

The latest instalment of Darlington sporting club rivalry took place on 10 February, with the Tennis Club hosting a great evening of round-robin social tennis. This event is growing larger by the year and a big thank you goes to Lee Oliver for coordinating the evening. On the court, DSCC were unable to repeat their heroic upset victory of 12 months ago, with the Tennis Club’s noticeably younger and more mobile list proving a bit too strong!

A beautiful day for the O'Reilly T20 Blast.

Gaynors XI farewelled in style

On 4 February, we marked the end of an era with the final Gaynors XI match. Stuart Aldred and Trevor Gaynor (longterm friend and supporter of the DSCC) have been putting this fixture together for many years and it has always been a highlight of the calendar. With Trevor deciding to hang up his bat, Stuart and his wife Teresa felt it appropriate to see the Gaynors off in style. The Aldreds hosted a post-match barbeque like no other for DSCC members and families, featuring a live band. A terrific evening was enjoyed by all.

Ayubowan (hello) Sri Lanka!!

In recent months, a crack team has been undertaking extensive research into overseas tours. In one of the worst-kept secrets in modern DSCC history, Sri Lanka has been selected as the destination for our next tour in May 2024. Top level details include:

• 14 days traversing the middle of the island, with destinations on the itinerary including Columbo, Dambulla, Sigiriya and Kandy

• Accommodation at 4* - plus hotels

• Four cricket matches against veterans’ teams at spectacular venues.

• Various sightseeing opportunities

Member were out in force at the post-match steak night on 25 February to listen to a presentation by the Tour Subcommittee and interest is strong!

Anyone interested in playing some social cricket, meeting new families and enjoying some of our great social events please drop us an email at dsccdarlington@gmail.com

Thanks to our sponsors

On behalf of the DSCC, the Dossier gives a big shout out to our sponsors, Glen Forrest Motors and the Commercial Bar and Kitchen. Brian from GFM is a long-standing supporter of the Club and is well known to our members. https://glenforrestmotors. com.au/

We recently secured a great new sponsorship arrangement with the Commercial Bar and Kitchen in Midland. Members are encouraged to check it out at: https://www.commercialbarandkitchen. com.au/

Fashion icon Stephen Jones hands the Cricket/Tennis trophy to Alex from the Tennis Club.

Post match beers with the BCD Taverners.

1st Darlington Scouts

Joey Scouts

ages 5-8

Cub Scouts

ages 8-11 Scouts

ages 11-14

Venturer Scouts

ages 14-18

Rover Scouts

ages 18-25

Adult Volunteers

ages 18+

Founders Day

In February Scouts around the world celebrate Founders Day, or the birthday of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the scouting movement. While he formulated his ideas over many years after time in the British Army, Scouting acknowledges the 1st of August 1907 as the date when the movement was founded. Scouting soon spread throughout the world, with Scout Groups starting in Australia in 1908.

From its English origins Scouting is now coordinated globally by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement from its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It provides unity amongst the 155 national Scouting organisations, and a Scout membership of over 25 million.

Joeys

All Scouts follow the Scout Promise, “On my honour, I promise to do my best, to be true to my spiritual beliefs, to contribute to my community and our world, to help other people and to live by the Scout Law”. Our youngest Joeys have been creative in learning the promise.

Darlington Scouts are open to boys and girls, comprising four sections:

 Joey Scouts (age 5-8)  Cub Scouts (age 8-11)

 Scouts (age 11-14)

 Venturer Scouts (Age 14-18)

The sections usually meet at the Kathleen Skipsey Hall on Glen Road, Darlington, in a lovely bush setting on the creek line, with a fire pit and ample opportunity for getting amongst nature.

The Scouts meet weekly during school terms, there are often

Scouts

Scouts have been training to meet the minimum requirements water safety for kayaking and Swantiki, an upcoming rafting event on the Swan River.

Venturers

The Venturers were out in the community during the month, assisting again with set up and pack of the Mundaring Rotary Club Markets. A core group of them also assisted with Bendigo Community Bank’s 21st Birthday celebration event set up. An important part of scouting is community service, and working with other community groups in the Hills.

Awards

Luka attained his Venturer peak award in November last year, but was recognised in a Scouts WA ceremony for all senior scouts that achieved awards in 2022. This is an annual ceremony with the patron of Scouts WA His Excellency the Governor of WA, for all who achieve the peak awards. Look forward to seeing more awards representing Darlington Scouts at next years’ awards.

extended weekend and school holidays camps, hikes and other activities on offer. If you have a child that may be interested in coming along, you can have a trial few visits before making a commitment. We do ask parents to take turns in helping with activities, and this may be at their weekly session, or it may be helping with a camp or other weekend activity. Contact membership@darlingtonscouts.com, or www.darlingtonscouts.com, or the Darlington Scout Group Facebook page.

Darlington Junior Football Club

It is that time of year folks.

Dust off the footy boots, launder and iron your jerseys and start kicking around the old pig skin bladder. Footy is back!!!

Registrations are open now.

If your kid is the next Jack Darling, Nat Fyfe or even the next Toby Green we want you. Darlington Junior Footy Club has Auskick for PP-Year 2 running on Saturday mornings at Darlington Oval as well as junior teams who train midweek and play home and away games on Sundays throughout the footy season. We welcome all abilities and both boys and girls are welcome at our club and encouraged to join.

If you want your children to have fun, gain confidence, make new friends while learning the skills and rules of Australia's greatest game then sign them up now.

www.playhq.com

Go the mighty Bushrangers!

Mundaring Medical Centre, next to Aldi

Darlington Dibbler Girl Guides

Fun, Friendship and Adventure!

These balmy evenings allow the Darlington Dibbler Girl Guides to explore their outdoor surroundings again, so we met at John Forrest National Park for a bushwalk and scavenger hunt. It was a great opportunity to learn more about our local native plant and animal species. The girls enjoyed climbing up one of the granite boulders, a perfect spot to sit and listen to the calls of the abundant birds at dusk.

The Guides and leaders have been busily preparing the schedule for term 1 meetings and we also welcomed two new girls. Next

week we are holding a car wash for charity. This is a service activity the girl guides have done in the past and is a lot of fun. Later this term we will be taking part in World Thinking Day, learning some first aid and holding a pancake challenge.

We welcome new girls aged from 7-12 years. We meet at Kathleen Skipsey Hall – on Glen Road, Darlington on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7.30pm during the school term. If you have any queries regarding Darlington Dibbler Girl Guides please contact Karen on 0403 233 907 or enquire at Girl Guides WA.

Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers' Centre Australian Heritage Festival –Katharine’s Story

Sunday 30 April 2023, 12.004.00pm

Discover the fascinating life and works of Katharine Susannah Prichard, the first Australian novelist to gain international recognition with her 1915 novel, The Pioneers. Katharine’s Place, also known as the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre, demonstrates a particular aesthetic relationship between the buildings and the wild, varied character of the garden. Enjoy high tea and explore Katharine’s Place where, in her own words, she produced her 'best literary works'. View the rarely seen objects from the Centre’s heritage collection and listen to a reading by Dr Nathan Hobby from his book The Red Witch: A Biography of Katharine Susannah Prichard. This event is an unmissable opportunity to learn about an important part of Australian history while gaining an intimate insight to Katharine Susannah Prichard's sometimes controversial, yet incredibly captivating, story.

2023 Spooky Stories Competition is open for submissions

Deadline: 15 March 2023 5pm AWST, Theme: After Midnight, Cost: $10 Adults, FREE youth

The KSP Writers' Centre is proud to present our annual spooky story competition, sponsored by Little Black Dress Productions. The judges will be looking for good quality original, unpublished writing with engaging characters and a compelling narrative including an excellent beginning, middle and end. Entries must be rated PG and should address the set theme After Midnight.

Results will be announced at an awards ceremony and book launch event in August and published on social media and the KSP website thereafter. Shortlisted entrants will be contacted prior to the awards ceremony with an invitation to attend and read an extract of their entry.

Limits: YOUTH 500 words max, one entry only (Australian residents); ADULT 1,200 words max, unlimited entries (WA residents only).

For more information on our residencies, competitions or other activities please visit the KSP website www.kspwriterscentre.com or phone the office on 08 9294 1872. KSP Writers’ Centre is proudly sponsored by the Shire of Mundaring.

Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS)

Time to Start Planning this Year's Planting

At FODS we are starting to plan for our working season which starts in April after Easter. With water leaks on the reserve, we have struggled to keep up our watering of last year’s new plants but so far we have a good survival rate for these little ones. Thank you to those who have come down early on their Sunday morning to do the watering.

As we walk around the reserve, and as you walk around your garden, it’s an opportunity to see what plants flower in summer and how we are providing food for the birds and other creatures we share our world with.

Simon Cherriman, also a Hills resident, has a blog I recommend to you all to learn more about the Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and Forest Red-tailed cockatoos. Your children will love his work and learn a lot.

These birds need places to feed on their travels through the Perth Hills and more and more habitat is disappearing everyday. Let’s not even mention the current ‘North Stoneville’ development proposal and the possible loss of thousands of their feeding and nesting trees. Here is the link : http://simoncherriman.blogspot.com/2016/02/cockatooswhos-chews.html

Walking in the bush I came across the following: no showy flowers this month but the toughest of the tough! With few

Mac Amigos

Attention all Apple enthusiasts! ���� ���� ����

flowers as a distraction, the different greens and leaf forms of the native plants of the bush and so of our reserve can be appreciated.

Work will start once more after Easter; details in next month's Review. To contact us this month ring me on 0423 007 501.

14 & 16 inch Apple

M2

We are excited to announce the launch of Mac Amigos, our new membership program designed for those who love all things Apple. With Mac Amigos, you can connect with like-minded individuals, learn new skills, and get priority access to our training sessions and discussion forums. Benefits of joining Mac Amigos include:

• One free entry to our paid evening training sessions

• Early notification of space-limited free sessions at Macs4u.

• Quarterly Discussions in a local cafe or coffee house.

• Convenient access to all benefits with a small QR code sticker.

Enrolling in Mac Amigos is simple and free if you have purchased an Apple computer or iPad from Macs4u in the last 6 months. Just log into our new website in progress (www.macs4u.au) and fill out the entry form. Or, purchase an annual membership for $50. Don't miss out on this chance to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded individuals. Join Mac Amigos today!

Security concerns? Please give us a call at 08 9274 7111 or 0410 501 441 We assist people every day and can offer enterprise grade security

macs4u.com.au & macs4u.au

269 Gt. Eastern Hwy, Midland, 6056 Tel: 08 9274 7111 Mob: 0410 501 441 email: info@macs4u.com.au

Established online in Darlington July 1, 2000, the Macs4u Retail Store opened in Midland in 2003. We’ve been offering friendly, local support to Apple owners and prospective owners for over 21 years.

Left: Beautiful Hakea - unaffected by the heat. Right: Platysace Juncea - living on an underground tuber through the harsh summer .

Diane

iPad Pro M2-11 & 12.9

Macbook Pro M2 16 in

Macbook Pro M2 14 in

Darlington Community Garden (DCG)

Warm Greetings on this beautiful beginning to March. Autumn coolness is in the air ... Our first summer harvest has been gratefully gathered including squash, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, butternut, beans, celery, gooseberries, strawberries, watermelon, artichokes and more after surviving the summer heat...

• Village planters featuring flowering annuals were then replanted with summer plants in late November including two flourishing tomato plants at the PO which unfortunately succumbed to the summer heat and beastly easterly winds but not before producing a few tasty specimens; hanging baskets suffered as well and have been removed for now.

• Hanging baskets at the Bottle Shop have recently been replanted with white flowering species including strawberries

• Well timed thick mulch at the end of winter spread over wads of newspaper are keeping the area around the old Bakery (Bottle Shop) looking good

• A new feature garden area has been installed at The Hive –tropical type plants surround a small goldfish pond with solar fountain – have a look over the south facing balcony next time you’re having a coffee

And have you seen the bright and cheery faces of the red and white vincas that welcome you at the Post Office? This is the work of our wonderful Sue Lennard.

• The flower tubs at The Hive along Owen Rd have not fared too well this summer; different choice of flowers next summer

• The east facing herb planter alongside The Apiary (office suites below The Hive) is doing really well providing the Hive’s kitchen crew with much of their herby needs and provided Dill to Tomasz in bottling up his traditional gherkin recipes.

• Mulch spreading on the native planted verge around St Cuthbert’s has commenced and will be ongoing.

• Plenty more projects planned for 2023 - watch this space!

Definitely lots is happening this year. Our first EVENTS Planning Meeting last week came up with many super activities for 2023. See the UPCOMING EVENTS box for many that will tempt you.

One of the things that I love about Darlington is the many unique and amazing characters that make up our community. Sue is one of the better-known ones! And though she labels herself as the “Village Idiot Gardener” we see her as the “Village Gardener Extraordinaire” going about her business beautifying so many corners with her many gardening projects around the Village. Most days you will find Sue out and about often assisted by her “Handsome Prince apprentice” aka her partner Norm, who now retired, lends his muscle…. Give them a wave of appreciation next time you see them

Here’s Sue’s notes of some of what they have been up to:

• The loved-by-all winter pansies/violas at The Hive and the PO kept going strongly through to DAF in early November 2022 and will make a come-back soon.

UPCOMING EVENTS - How you can be involved?

• Every Saturday from 8am come hail or shine – GARDEN BUSY BEES: includes Arbour Mosiac Project & different craft activities for kids led by SALLY HERZFELD. Be one of the 500!

• Sunday March 5th 5pm - Monthly

PRODUCE SWAP /SUNDOWNER –Bring produce, seeds, cuttings, plants, herbs, jams, chutney etc & a drink and plate of food to share. First Sunday of month at the Garden.

• Wed 8th March - International

As well as all the fun events planned lots of work is on-going under the expert eye of Kylie, our Garden Design Leader. We are getting quotes for the mosaic tiles to be laid along the inside of both sides of the arbour and the paving, holes to be drilled for fruit and nut trees for planting in April/May and the build of the next garden beds. Our timeline is dictated by the availability of contractors and the weather, yet our aim is to get some works done before the clay becomes too wet to work on.

So a hearty welcome to you to join our garden community. There’s lots to interest everybody. NEW MEMBERS can just show up or join here - https://www.darlingtoncommunitygarden.org. au/join-us-1

Meg McGowan’s words say it all: "...Self sufficiency is a myth. We all rely upon others...The best model for human society continues to be the village..... People’s unique strengths and talents are pooled to make the best use of energy."

Woman's Day - Long Table Brunch

• Sat 8th April - Garlic planting with Sue Lennard & Easter Egg Hunt

• Sat 15th April - Afternoon ‘potato planting in a sack’ with Shane

• Wed 19th April - Kids Nature Play, Day 10am - 12pm

• Crafts, nature play and more. $10 per family or $20 to join the Community Garden for a year to access all kids’ nature play events.

• Bookings: https://events.humanitix.

com/darlington-community-gardenkids-club-easter-nature-play-day

• Sat 22nd April - Bush Dance on the oval

Can you help?

• Red, yellow and orange coloured tiles

• Discounts/Trade Accounts/ Sponsorship with Local Suppliers of materials for DCG.

• TRADES PEOPLE NEEDED: PAVING person & Security System installer. CALL Trish 0409 479 551

Kindy Dance Time is an early childhood dance school, providing a unique dance syllabus that has been expertly crafted just for 2-5 year old girls and boys. Offering quality age-specific classes, this highly acclaimed programme establishes solid dance foundations in a fun and nurturing environment.

Delivered by fully trained and passionate teachers, thousands of toddlers and preschoolers nationwide attending Kindy Dance Time are gaining the finest introduction into the magical world of dance.

Shire of Mundaring Library Service

Matilda the Forest Red-tailed Cockatoo

as a result of dementia. This event is for family carers and family members of people living with dementia. Bookings essential at https://140323b.eventbrite.com.au.

Dementia: Understanding Changes in Behaviour

Friday 24 March, 9.30am-12.30pm, Boya Community Centre

Dementia Australia will present an introduction to dementia and its relation to changes to the brain, effects on behaviour, and the impacts of changed behaviour. This event is for family carers and family members of people living with dementia. Bookings essential at https://240323b.eventbrite.com.au

Mike Lefroy – The HMAS Sydney II: the Mystery of Australia’s Greatest Naval Disaster

Have you seen Matilda the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo at Boya Library? We often hear children asking their parents, "Is it real?" Yes, she is real, but sadly not a living, breathing cockatoo. Matilda has been with us since Boya Library opened in February 2017, attracting much comment.

Here’s her story: Matilda was found injured on the side of the road by two local residents. They were en route to getting specialist care for Matilda when, unfortunately, she passed away. The couple decided to employ the services of an expert taxidermist so she could "live" on in all her glory. They generously decided to allow her to be displayed in the library so lots of people could enjoy her beauty, naming her "Matilda". The wonder of this beautiful creature doesn't get old!

Simon Cherriman supplied the display with facts, images and samples of gum nuts showing the distinctive marks made by different cockatoos, adding an educative element to the glorious Matilda. (Image: Rebecca De Vries Photography)

Did You Know About Library Home Services?

Our libraries offer a free home delivery service to library members resident in the Shire of Mundaring who are unable to visit the libraries due to mobility or illness. The service can be provided on a temporary or permanent basis. You may be recuperating from an operation or illness, or you may have long-term mobility or other reasons which mean you require the service permanently. Once signed up for the service, volunteers and staff select items based according to your interests and deliver them to your door.

If you would like to know more, or would like help with applying for the service, please call the libraries on 9290 6780 (Mundaring) or 9290 6755 (Boya). You can also contact us by email at mills@ mundaring.wa.gov.au (Mundaring) or gills@mundaring.wa.gov.au (Boya).

March Events

Communication and Dementia

Tuesday 14 March, 9.30am-12pm Boya Community Centre

Dementia Australia will present a talk on dementia, the way we communicate, and how changes in communication can occur

Thursday 16 March, 10.30am, Boya Community Centre

Mike Lefroy will discuss the HMAS Sydney II, its loss and its exciting discovery off Shark Bay on 16th March 2008 in this talk marking the 15th Anniversary of the finding of this Australian light cruiser. Mike’s children’s non-fiction publication on the topic will be available for purchase. Bookings essential at https://160323b.eventbrite.com.au.

Astrophotography with Roger Groom

Monday 27 March, 6.30pm, Boya Community Centre

Roger Groom will give an introductory talk on how to get started with astrophotography. There’ll be time for questions and answers on this fascinating subject. Bookings essential at https://270323b.eventbrite.com.au.

Lego Club at Mundaring for Children

Thursdays 3.30pm-4.30pm, Mundaring Lesser Hall

Children aged 6-12 years are invited to join this activity which runs during school term. There is a different theme each week, with a 'LEGO of the Week' creation displayed in the library until the next session. No bookings are necessary. (Children aged under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.)

Games Club for Children at Boya Library Wednesdays 3.30pm4.45pm, Boya Library

There’s a couple of spots still available! Games Club is a tabletop board games club for children aged 8-12 years. The program runs during the school term. If a child is registered, it is for the whole of the term. Contact Boya Library on 9290 6755 or email gills@mundaring. wa.gov.au for information and to book. (Children aged under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.)

Altered States is a survey of work by seminal artist Stuart Elliott, celebrating a career spanning almost half a century. Comprehensive in its scope, this exhibition comprises four distinct but compellingly connected parts that showcase more than 40 of Elliott's artworks, including new pieces alongside significant works loaned from public and private collections.

Curated by respected artist, writer and Curator of the Edith Cowan University Art Collection Sue Starcken, this exhibition is presented as the Shire of Mundaring’s Acquisition exhibition.

Altered States is on display from 11 March to 7 May 2023.

Mundaring | Midland Junction Arts Centre

Mundaring Arts Centre | 7190 Great Eastern Hwy (corner Nichol Street) 9295 3991 | mundaringartscentre.com.au

Wednesday - Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am - 3pm

Coming up: Public Program details available via our website mundaringartscentre.com.au

Midland Junction Arts Centre | 276 Great Eastern Hwy (corner Cale St) 9250 8062 | midlandjunctionartscentre.com.au

Beyond Interpretations brings together artworks from the City of Swan Collection that respond to the diverse City environments, animating the textured stories of this unique area through people who call Swan home. Complemented with contemporary works by artists Gemma Ben-Ary, Peter Dailey, Sherylle Dovaston, Beverly Iles and Gregory Pryor.

Beyond Interpretations is on display from 25 March to 20 May 2023.

Wednesday - Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 11am - 3pm

Artists in Residence to 15 April:

Studio 1 - Elizabeth Knuckey and Nina Raper | Consume (visual)

Studio 2 - Michelle Hall | Falling UP! (theatre)

Veranda Studio - DADAA Residency (multi-media)

Coming up: Public Program details available via our website: midlandjunctionartscentre.com.au

Midland Train, multi-media still, DADAA, 2022, dimensions variable, image courtesy of DADAA.

Stuart Elliott, Cake Walkers, 2010, oil, acrylic on board, 76 x 136 cm, image courtesy of the artist.

Marloo Blazing the Trail in Safe Theatre Practices

Marloo Theatre has long been highly respected within the Perth theatre community as a welcoming environment for actors, creatives, volunteers and audience members. It has a reputation for being a very warm environment both on and off the stage. The Darlington Theatre Players at Marloo Theatre are now proud to be supporting and actively implementing the Independent Theatre Association’s Safe Theatre Practices and Intimacy Guidelines. These have been developed by the ITA in consultation with Perth based practitioners in order to ‘provide the best possible rehearsal and performance environment for all cast, crew, creatives, and other volunteers working in community theatre; one that is based on goodwill and respect and that is a safe space for all involved' (ITA 2022).

So just how is Marloo supporting and promoting these practices? The community aspect of community theatre has always been the number one priority for the executive committee at Marloo. The quality of the theatre presented reflects the environment in which the performers and creatives are able to engage. The rehearsal process for every Marloo production is built on respect, trust and communication.

This has become particularly prevalent in recent years as Marloo has tackled boundary pushing projects such as the adults only musical ‘Twisted’ directed by Brittany Isaia in 2021, the asylum set Australian adaptation of ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ directed by Chris McRae in 2022 and the upcoming WW1 nurse centred drama ‘Through These Lines’ directed by Michelle Ezzy, which opens in April. All of these shows have included adult themes or content, physical violence, sexual references, intimate moments and challenging moments to stage. It is therefore paramount that performers and creatives feel comfortable and safe staging these powerful scenes.

Director of the upcoming production ‘Through These Lines’, Michelle Ezzy is also a committee member of the ITA and has worked as an Intimacy Coordinator on productions across Perth, including several shows at Marloo Theatre.

“I’m currently working on my third production as an intimacy coordinator at Marloo,” Ezzy said. “In 2021 I directed a one act play, Harry’s Bounty, and introduced safe intimacy practices at Marloo for the first time. In 2022 I was the intimacy coordinator for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and this year I’m combining directing and intimacy coordination again for Through These Lines Through These Lines has some of the most intense intimacy scenes I’ve

ever worked on including a passionate kissing scene and a sexual assault,” she continued.

Reflecting on her role as an intimacy coordinator, Ezzy emphasised the importance of this role in theatre productions. “Intimacy coordinators make sure that scenes involving intimacy are done safely and at the same time look authentic,” she said. "We make it ‘spicy’ but keep it safe. It’s an important role as it supports the mental and physical wellbeing of the cast members involved. It helps develop a rehearsal room with open communication and clear expectations of behaviour,” she continued.

“In the past directors have often instructed actors to “just kiss.” Community theatre often puts people together that have never met each other before, so asking them to tackle physically or emotionally intimate scenes without guidance puts them at risk of crossing boundaries or putting them in situations where they aren’t comfortable expressing their concerns. Intimacy coordination is about using structure, process and a defined vocabulary to communicate consent, boundaries and blocking so that actors can then focus on the emotion of the scene,” Ezzy said. The rehearsal room must be a safe space for all involved and Marloo Theatre prides itself on creating this. The most recent production of ‘The Wind In The Willows’ brought in a fight choreographer to block the fight between the Riverbank animals and the Weasels and Ferrets. Although light hearted in nature, it was imperative that the younger performers knew how to engage in the choreography in a safe manner to mitigate any potential risk.

Club President Luke Miller stated that “Marloo members regularly refer to the club as their Marloo Family”. Having safe theatre guidelines and practices’ ensures new and existing members can feel supported and welcome into our family”.

The Safe Theatre Practices and Intimacy Guidelines are something Marloo Theatre takes very seriously and are proud to be advocating. What you see on stage is a result of many months of hard work but also the culmination of a team working in a safe environment for all involved.

Marloo Theatre’s next production of ‘Through These Lines’ opens on Friday April 28th and tickets are available from www.trybooking.com/

By Chris McRae

Photo/Artwork Credits: Sean Breadsell, Chloe Wiggers and Jordan D’Arcy.

@KoolKakess

www.koolkakes.com.au

Newburn Accounting & Tax

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By the time this goes to print, the Club would have held a Bocce and Barbecue fundraiser for the community barbecue and pavilion upgrade. You may still contribute to this community project via direct transfer to Club bank details shown below, please quote “Barbecue Donation”.

Coming Events:

The Darlington Club

Photos of the fundraiser will be shown in April’s Review. Fees to join are $20 per person or $40 for two or family. Payee The Darlington Club Inc. BSB 633 000, Account 124527748. Reference Surname and Subs.

Sue Lavell | Club President

The Club opens at 6.30pm every second Friday at Darlington Lesser Hall. BYO drinks and nibbles.

March 10th Sundowner.

March 24th Pizza night.

April 7th Closed for Easter.

April 21st Closed for school holidays.

April 28th Sundowner.

May 12th Mothers Day barbecue.

May 26th Sundowner.

Contact Sue on 0439 273 213 | email oshadhi@iinet.net.au for details or Marg Barker on 0417 183 826 | email margaret@pmdwa.com

Bridge is a fascinating, and challenging card game. The origins of bridge can be traced back as far as 1529. The longevity of the game speaks to its level of interest and fascination. Bridge is sometimes referred to as a Mind Sport because of the

Glen Forrest Bridge Club (GFBC)

many benefits of playing the game, including brain stimulation and social interaction.

Maybe you have considered learning to play or to renew your interest in the game. Glen Forrest Bridge Club, is a friendly and supportive club that caters to beginners and experienced players. For beginners, a very friendly and supportive session is held on Wednesday mornings 9.30am to 11.30am.

People can learn to play from scratch, refresh skills, or just play socially without the pressure of competition. No need to feel shy, everyone is made very welcome.

Regular sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, learners/social session Wednesday morning.

The Bridge club is located at the Glen Forrest Sports Club in McGlew Road. Fees are very modest and include membership of the Sports Club.

Telephone Bev 0437 817 359 or Fred 0417 913 468 if you would like more information.