Darlington Review May 2020 by Darlington Review

Vol. 60 No. 4 May 2020 online @

www.darlingtonreview.com.au

How much do you love your big Hills block these days? Yep. Us too.

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MEMBERS OF THE DARLINGTON REVIEW Anglican Church (Church Office 9299 7274) Jan Carroll 9299 7240 Baha’i Faith Susheel Croft 0402 023 704 Darlington Christian Fellowship Pastor Rob Merrells 6153 0364 Bushfire Ready Group Colin James 0419 969 223 Darlington Arts Festival Inc. Chris Pemberton 9252 0154 Darlington Bushwalk Series Cliff Burns 9299 6696 Darlington Chamber Music Malcolm Firth 0400 204845 Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Group Colin James 0419 969 223 Darlington Dipsticks Bindi Datson 9252 1050 Darlington Family Playgroup Janelle Dowler 0400 556 191 Darlington History Group Val Shiell 9299 6868 Darlington Junior Football Club Tim Hunter timothy.hunter@motivationfoundation.com.au Darlington Pavillion Project (DaSRA) Geoff Barker geoff@pmdwa.com Darlington Primary School 9299 6888 Darlington Primary School P & C Association Rowena MacKinnon pnc@gmail.com Darlington Ratepayers & Residents Association Chris Pemberton 9252 0154 Darlington Retirement Accommodation Assn Inc Carolyn Earnshaw 0427 271 765 Darlington Running Group Pippa Windsor 0488 069 764 Darlington Social Cricket Club Inc Stephen Jones 0437 242 299 Darlington Tennis Club Alex Hoschke 9299 6456 Darlington Theatre Players at Marloo Theatre (9255 1212) Brendan Tobin 0419 949 564 Darlington Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Inc Ricky Harvey 0409 685 445 Member for East Metropolitan Region Donna Faragher JP MLC 9379 0840 1st Darlington Scouts Glen Stenton 0403 809 226 Federal Member for Hasluck Hon. Ken Wyatt MP 9359 0322 Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS) Jane Arnold (arnoldmj55@gmail.com) 0477 987 048 Friends of Glen Park Glenys Letchford 0467 586050 Friends of Waylen’s Landing (FOWL) Shannon Ward 9252 1879 Garrick Theatre Douglas Sutherland-Bruce 0418 934 850 Guides Western Australia (Forrest Hills District) Maggie Hegney 0427 794 115 Guildford Grammar School Gillian MacDonald 9377 9222 Helena College Sherene Strahan 9298 9100 The Hub of the Hills Rachel Bacon 9290 6683 KSP Writers’ Centre Shannon Coyle 9294 1872 Let’s Talk Rubbish ! Chris Pemberton 9252 0154 Kalamunda Bridge Club Jenny Tedeschi jennifer_tedeschi1@hotmail.com Member for Kalamunda Matthew Hughes 9293 4747 Mundaring and Hills Historical Society Inc Trish Beaman 9295 0540 Mundaring Arts Centre Inc Jenny Haynes 9295 3991 Mundaring Arts Scholarships Chris Durrant 9299 6093 Mundaring Chamber of Commerce Patrick Bertola, President 0428 316 271 Mundaring Christian College Amanda McCleary 9295 2688 Mundaring Sharing Terrie Plaistowe 9295 1688 Mustard Seed - Discovering Computers Brian Hassell 0491 044 805 Shire of Mundaring Library Service Kerryn Martin, Branch Librarian, Greenmount Public Library 9290 6758 Silver Tree Steiner School Karolina Pawlowski and Hayley Spracklen 9295 4787 Soroptimist International of Helena Fay Kappler 9274 4543 Rosalie Gordon 9299 6230 The Darlington Club Sue Lavell 0439 273 213 Treetops Montessori School 9299 6725 Mundaring Shire South Ward Councillors: Cr David Lavell 14 Sandover Road, Darlington 0419 913 014 Cr Darrell Jones Helena Valley 0409 688 568 Cr James Martin Boya 0402 847 780 Justice of the Peace: Warren Southwell 9252 0361 Darlington Hall for future bookings ring Shire of Mundaring Booking Officer on 9290 6666 or email bookings@mundaring.wa.gov.au

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Editorial

Darlington Primary P & C take-away

Home (but not quite) alone “Not only will we survive this pandemic, but we will be judged by how we survived it, by what we become afterwards. We will either be transformed by what we did or damaged by how we failed to live up to our potential for goodness. We are making ourselves all the time, but never so much as when we are faced with an existential crisis…The real tragedy would be if we come through this pandemic without changing for the better…” We witnessed the rekindling of the importance of our street, our neighbourhood. And being cocooned at home spurred a need to take back a degree of control in lives shaped by strictures on what we could and could not do. So, we took to baking bread, we turned to the reassuring feel of the earth as we planted seedlings (“to have a garden is to have a future,” said author Rumer Godden). And we checked on vulnerable neighbours, plotted schedules to keep mind and body exercised and maintain the harmony of suddenly congested households.

Those are the words of Ben Okri in response to a virus that has forced us to take account of our lives and to ask, as the novelist did in a Guardian article, whether, given the way we’ve managed life on this planet, we’re “overdrawn on the bank of our futures”. Over April, we became both philosophical about negotiating a new way of living, but also questioning about the future it might forge, asking as Okri does, whether this moment in time could lead to more sustainable ways of living. Will the unprecedented bushfires that ushered in 2020 be acknowledged as a global symptom that can no longer be ignored? Will our politics become less partisan? Will we press the reset button on aspects of our lives?

Little used sewing machines were summoned from dusty corners to produce face masks for family and friends. There were gestures of giving: a good lady offering three extra dishes of risotto to anyone in need on Facebook; a resident of View Terrace presenting jars of golden honey from her hives to every household in the street; another resident and her kids – responding to the lack of seedlings at garden centres – offering low-cost punnets to prospective gardeners (see photo in this issue).

April has been dubbed “the cruellest month” in poetry, and it proved to be so on many counts, and yet it also saw us living as we’d never anticipated: putting our lives on hold in many respects, but also discovering a richness that may linger beyond these times of self-isolation.

Darlington Review - May 2020 On Easter Sunday, Father Chris Bedding of St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church captured the spirit of the moment on national news – at a time when his church lay empty (but filled with flowers) and the church bell sounded through an eerily quiet village. “I think people are trying to make sense of the situation, to understand both the negative behaviours and the amazing compassion and generosity that have been on show. On the one hand, people are capable of extraordinary selfishness and on the other, they’re doing everything they can to look out for their neighbours.” Certainly, resilience will be forged during this hard time, plus a renewed appreciation for our courageous frontline health workers. There were multiple shout-outs for such essential workers, and for others going about their jobs and adding a sense of normalcy to abnormal times. And for many readers the Boya library (see their notes) became an essential service and Dymocks in Midland deserves a medal for doing everything in its power to keep loyal customers happy. Creativity has undoubtedly flowered, with videos of homegrown entertainment being shared among family and friends, pavements being decorated and a cavalcade of creatures, from teddies to chimps, making their appearance at roadsides.

Kendall Earnshaw says while Earnshaws may have experienced a decrease in enquiries, “We’re still getting calls about properties, we’re still showing houses (via videos, FaceTime tours and careful private viewings) and we’re still selling properties. It’s slow, but it’s happening. At this rate we will run out of houses to sell before we run out of people to sell them to. And we’re definitely finding the interest is coming from people ‘from the flats’ looking for more space. We know ourselves that we’ve never been so glad to live on half an acre!” While some local businesses had no alternative but to close (Mosh, we miss you!) and Karl Bailey at Darlington Dental was restricted to emergency consultations, others have been finding ways to survive. Kate at Colour me Kate has temporarily closed her shop, but (with her usual business and fashion flair) has been doing Virtual Wardrobe Audits and conducting her usual in-person two-hour consultations over the course of a week, sending clients colours cards and scheduling a Zoom session. “From that I’ve been able to select the perfect colour swatch ranges to send to clients, and we continue consultations via Zoom as I advise how they can best wear the colours,” she explains. “I wasn’t sure how feasible it was going to be because computers can distort colours on the screen, but it is working well.” No surprise that Darlington Liquor and Gourmet are OK, not only because some of us relish a glass of something at a time when ‘driveway drinks’ with neighbours help to break the isolation. And, of course, Deb and her team stock a range of basic necessities including chocolate! For some, a high point in the day has become a stroll to our local cafes for a take-away coffee and snack. At Perrellas, Julie’s pies and salads, slices and meringues have become an easy and delicious take-away, and John says the couple are grateful for the community support. “In challenging times when people are losing their livelihoods and businesses, we’re able to continue operating (just) by providing all our house-baked goodies during our modified opening hours.” And at Little Nook, your favourite bruschetta and other snacks just got wheels. Says Linda: “Little Nook Delivery is here! We now have a delivery service for Darlington residents only. We ask customers to consult the altered menu and place orders between 10am and 1pm. Please be patient as this is a new venture and there may be teething problems, however, we promise to provide you with friendly service and our delicious products as always.”

Above: Lilly Churchman gets creative, putting on a show for her barbies (Photo: Suzannah Churchman)

Counting our Blessings While our capital city is often described as the world’s most remote, we recognised (not for the first time) that the so-called ‘tyranny of distance’ has advantages that were multiplied for those living in the Hills. How many times have we heard: “Thank goodness we live here…” with our expansive oval, a heritage trail on our doorstep, and houses that, by their nature, practice social distancing. Initially, these attractions were luring escapees from city apartments and small suburban blocks, and no doubt a few who journeyed up the hill were among those searching online real estate sites. Colour me Kate - keeping on colouring! 4

Darlington Review - May 2020

Some tradies are immune!

And, as reported in the last issue, Cathy and her team at Empire Bakery in Glen Road are busy making sourdough bread and delivering tempting boxes of quiches, meat pies, and pastries. And feeding us on a Friday night is the familiar green Little Brassica van – all of which makes us think: who needs Deliveroo when you live in Darlington?

Several of our regular advertisers – plumbers, gardeners, solo operators – have jobs that have proved to be immune to the impact of The Virus and in fact, it’s good to report that they’re doing rather well!

Making the best of testing times A busy mum we spoke to is applauding Darlington Primary School P & C’s efforts to maintain a highly valued school canteen that sees profits go directly into school improvements and activities.

Brendon Thompson (stump grinding and much, much more) is booked up for a couple weeks. “Yes, I’m busy. A lot of people are at home and are looking around the yard and seeing things that need to be done: paving, pruning, fix the pergola, trees out, stumps removed, all manner of things. My wife lost her job with Qantas a few weeks back, so it’s fortunate I can pick it up a bit. The nature of my work means I can do jobs without having to come into physical contact with people, just lots of phone calls. Even when I’m in people’s yards, I talk to them on the phone rather than have them come out!! I know it’s not the same for everyone, but that’s me. And, of course, advertising in the Review is critical in these times of staying local!!”

Left: Ros Tooth Fiona Gordon, President of the P & C, tells the Review that at an early stage her committee began considering the impact of school closure, the P & C’s canteen business and its responsibilities as the employer of Ros Tooth who runs the canteen and has played such a significant role in its success.

But what to do if you’re working remotely, keeping the kids busy, and are carefully avoiding the windows that need a clean or the lawn that needs weeding? In terms of popularity, making face masks and baking bread have won hands down.

“Our canteen isn’t just a business, it’s a crucial part of our school community,” Fiona explains. “Teachers and busy parents can order wholesome school lunches cooked on site and once a fortnight Ros makes a Friday night dinner so families get a night off. We also have school holiday freezer stock-up fundraisers which are a huge hit! The Friday Night Dinners have a ‘pay it forward’ aspect where a percentage of each meal bought is used to make meals for those in need in our community.”

The mask-makers No, its not a new variation on the home made face mask, just a camera-shy mask-maker wearing three! With some in the community growing anxious about their safety, maskmaking – in a range of colourful fabrics — has taken off!

When the pandemic hit but the school remained open, the canteen committee implemented changes aimed at minimising disease spread (no cash, no parent volunteering) and its association with Empire Bakery across Glen Road was strengthened to maintain an income stream. “When student numbers dropped Ros was ready with takeaway lunches for families with kids at home and we offered our Friday night dinners to everyone in our Darlington community with amazing support, including over 30 meals being donated to families in need through our ‘pay it forward’ program. “The pandemic has shown us that our community will do as much as it can to help us through these difficult times and we truly appreciate this. It’s made us think about how we can be clever and creative in maintaining our business and how important it is to be proactive. It has also shown that our local businesses can work together rather than in silos. We are creating more business for each other by working together.”

Lu Oliver (who is also responsible for the wonderful photo on the cover of this month’s Review) set about making a mask for a friend working in the disability sector who became increasingly anxious about unknowingly passing the virus to vulnerable clients. Lu (one half of Two Shady Ladies, makers of beautiful hand-made lampshades) had a mountain of fabric off-cuts,

Excellent result on so many fronts!

Darlington Review - May 2020 so out came the 1996 Janome sewing machine. By the end of the day she was delivering a mask and a pair of donated surgical gloves into her friend’s mailbox. And word got around … “Each day I’d cut up fabric and elastic and sit over the Janome mask-making and each evening I’d take a night walk around Darlington, popping masks into friends’ mailboxes, feeling a bit like Father Christmas! “Within days there was steam coming out of the Janome as I was donating masks for police, doctors, aged care workers, hairdressers and teachers. Once school holidays started, my friend Emma and I roped in the kids – and it’s nice to think there are now lots of people around Perth wearing colourful, fun, happy masks that might make them feel a little more secure when out in public.” If you have any links to the Darlington tennis courts you’ll know that the Oliver household revolves around tennis coaching, but with the courts empty Lee has exchanged his racquet for a mountain bike and is making a veggie patch. “The Lolivers are doing well – kids are getting schoolwork done, Lee is working from home and we’re getting out each day for walks with Mango the golden retriever. We consider ourselves very lucky but can’t wait to get back to tennis – we miss the kids and our fabulous coaches!”

The bread-makers Mastering the art of a perfect sourdough loaf became a lot easier when local Shaun Meredith took to the Darlington Hub to give demonstrations.

Clare is establishing a program to fund environmental projects in the Pilbara, and Shaun leads the ‘Strategy and Guidance’ team for the EPA. “We both work out of Joondalup, so we’re pretty happy about having to stay home for work. For better or worse, I’ve recently been seconded to work in the State Health Incident Control Centre alongside police, army and emergency services folks to help manage the State’s response to the Coronavirus, which is great because it’s interesting, but sad because I’m missing excellent ‘iso’ family time at home with Beatrix (7) and Eadie (6).” Shaun admits to becoming a bit obsessed with bread-making a few years ago. “You can make terrible bread with flour, water, salt and yeast, and I’ve made a few super dodgy loaves, but you can also make some great stuff. The difference between good, bad and great bread can be about very minor techniques which you can’t always read in a book. I thought I’d share what I’ve learned on video so people could get a head start to their own bread-making happiness and the response has been lovely. People I’ve never met are sending pictures through and some are so excited. It’s just a lovely feeling. “The community buzz is why we moved here, and so many of our friends contribute through the Darlington Arts Festival, pavilion building and cricket and tennis clubs etc so it’s great to do a little bit to help keep that vibe going through what is a very strange time.” Daughters Bea and Eadie are featured in the video and there’s talk they could be involved in another video, this time making their mum’s famous dumplings. Meanwhile Clare (who used to run the Wednesday night Zumba at Darlington Hall) is running free classes via Zoom. Definitely one of those families that make Darlington hum!

Shaun and his partner Clare (both work in the environmental field) moved to WA a decade ago and feel lucky to have found Darlington – “Such a fine mix of interesting characters with a genuine interest in each other,” says Shaun.

Darlington Review - May 2020 my nieces in Melbourne and friends on a remote farm have joined in. “I’m hoping this pandemic opens up long-term working from home as the norm. Then I won’t need after-school care and can have more family time. The result would be reduced pollution from travel and there’s a benefit for local businesses.”

The challenges of Year 12 While a couple of teens we spoke to are relishing the extra time on bikes and skateboards, for students in their final year these are challenging times and Helena College is working alongside them. Helena College Deputy Principal (Curriculum) Bob Simpson has been coordinating the off-campus program for the seniors and says that, as one of the early one-toone laptop schools, the college has been preparing for this for the past two decades.

Along with mask and bread making, we must also mention the urge to create a veggie patch that gripped many a resident. Sadly, the garden centres couldn’t meet the need but local landscape designer Kylie Brinfield did her best. Taking advantage of her access to plant wholesalers, she spent a good deal of time, with Jake (14) and Toby (12), sorting the veggies she acquired into punnets (with headtorches and in the rain!) so they could be offered to locals on Facebook. She had 120 replies!

“However, the reality of bringing everything together in a rapidly changing environment has thrown up challenges,” he admits. “Times like this display all the qualities of our college community as teachers and support staff, students and parents have been supportive of each other and adaptive as the situation evolved. At the height of the adaptation process we were working on documents that needed to be modified and updated even before they were finished, but we’re now well placed to prove an effective education whatever the future holds.”

At home with the Kozaks Local Wendy Kozak has been valuing membership of the Darlington Social Cricket Club – even though no matches are being played. “Members have been doing the rounds, checking to make sure we’re alright, and offering coffee, wine, anything we need, as well as skills they can share for free,” she says. “Neighbourhood kids normally roaming free have become part of an online drawing club where the kids and some adults draw the topic of the day.” Street sculptures have also kept the kids busy in the Kozak’s corner of Darlington.

Students are using a variety of platforms to stay connected including Zoom video/audio conferencing, Google and SEQTA Learn to complete classes and receive work.

Wendy, an environmental engineer, is working at home through online video conferencing. “Our kids’ day is starting to routine, with maths and English lessons online, science run by dad (a space nerd), guitar with Mum, free time for recess and lunch followed by the daily art club with neighbours and friends. And

Chelsea Crew gave us an insight into her study regimen in a house with “all five members of my family home, two 18-year-old uni students, my dad running his business, my mum

ABOVE: Pepin Kovak’s drawing of her family and friends for the online drawing club 7

Darlington Review - May 2020 busy sewing supplies and watching TV”. But it’s working. “The thing is, we all have our own space, meeting together for lunch or dinner, to exchange news and events of our day,” she explains. “Quarantine is strict in my household – my mum works as a nurse and has been very particular about our comings and goings. I won’t lie and say that I’ve been perfectly content. My sleeping schedule, normally rigid, is going wild, I’ve faced difficulty in showing up to class on time and with feeling anxious and depressed about my future, but in terms of my actual schoolwork, I’ve been, on the whole, more satisfied, and completing things faster. I think that home is calmer than the classroom, but I desperately miss the social interaction of school.” One of Chelsea’s classmates provided a heart-felt comment: “Helena is doing its best and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Unfortunately, it will never change the fact that my last year of school is being spent in my front lounge room, checking into classes over my computer and not knowing if I’ll ever see the people I went through high school with ever again. All my ‘lasts’ have been stripped away from me. My last lunch, my last recess, my last ball, my last homeroom, my last exam, my last class. I’ll never know if I’ll get them and I’ll never know if they’ll be all they were hyped up to be. I miss nothing more than my friends and even being around teachers who support me throughout my schooling.” Another student paid tribute to her teachers: “They’ve created podcasts, videos, video lessons, forums etc. It’s all very helpful, but the best thing, the thing that has made this all a little bit less scary, is seeing how much they care. Almost every teacher checks in and asks if there is anything they can improve on. They make sure we’re not too stressed and are taking time for ourselves. As well as this, many are trying to make us smile with funny memes, messages and jokes.” We feel for the student pondering whether there will be a ball to mark her final school year. The ball was planned for mid-year, and we’re hoping these girls get to enjoy this big event. We’re also impressed that Chelsea is bucking the trend and making her own dress (both her mum and gran sew). As she sits studying, nearby the material and pattern for her gown are just waiting …! We thank Helena College students for sharing their thoughts with the Review, and to Sherene Strahan for being the intermediary for this communication.

Consider yourself VERY lucky… If at any time in the weeks past or ahead you feel fed up with your lot, have a read of the article that David and Fiona Grant sent us while isolating in a Melbourne hotel. It will put everything into perspective. These two locals are now hugely relieved to be home even though it involves a further stint of isolation. David’s name will be familiar to readers as the project manager of the half-pipe addition to the skatepark. At the height of the drama he posted this on the Friends of Darlington Skatepark site: “Sorry to be absent at this time, especially as we are holed up on a ship currently sailing nowhere. Lots of sadness with four deaths on board the Zaandam. Well passengers are now transferring to sister ship Rotterdam. Where to after that and how to get back to home, unknown at this stage…”

Keeping faith With both local places of worship in lockdown, churches have devised ways of reaching their parishioners. Chris Bedding at St Cuthbert’s tells us of weekly ‘drop-in’ sessions on Zoom to check on people’s welfare and share survival strategies. “Zoom has a ‘breakout rooms’ feature so small groups can chat, much like over coffee, as well as talking in a big group,” he says. “On Good Friday, the church was stripped of all decoration with a simple cross on display. In time for Easter, the white decorations and flowers were in place. Social media allows us to share these images as a reminder that the story of faith carries on, even in the most difficult times.” In her notes for Darlington Christian Fellowship, Denise Rhodes tells us: “Our sermons have been recorded and available on our website for quite some time, but now we also post an audio of the service plus the notes and links to songs. On Sunday mornings we have a video conference morning tea together. This is providing fellowship as we share how life has been during the previous week and pray for each other. For those without internet access, service notes are dropped off at their homes so they can follow the service.”

Keeping in touch with the electorate While his office can’t provide direct assistance, MLA Matthew Hughes has been busy phoning around his electorate to assure us his office can clarify most matters relating to coronavirus responses from State and Federal Governments. “I am pleased to get people’s problems and bugbears fixed and to appraise Mark McGowan’s team of the issues that are most live,” he writes in notes in this issue. “In my phone conversations with people across the electorate it’s very obvious just how self-sufficient and level-headed people are. Friends are helping friends, and adult children are taking all precautions to ensure their elderly parents are able to maintain isolation.”

Darlington Review - May 2020 remember. We’re so lucky to be part of such a connected community where we will get help if we ask for it. Never undervalue what you have to offer in return even if it is only to be gracious and grateful.” Sonja says while the Darlington Community Care Facebook group is pretty self-managing, the small group of locals have been meeting online (including Stacey August, Diane Smith and Chris Bedding) to build support structures. If you’d like to put a care card into letterboxes in your street or if you need support email Sonja at sonjapa@iinet.net.au

Counting the positives…

ABOVE: Pharmacists Julie Stuurstraat and Neel Shah at Helena Estate Pharmacy

A run on asthma meds We’re lucky to have two neighbouring medical centres and pharmacies and both have been busy. Julie Stuurstraat at Helena Estate Pharmacy says it’s not so much a case of more customers, but rather dealing with recent changes about the supply of medications. “There’s funding available for delivery of meds under certain conditions, and only once per month for PBS medications,” she explains. “This requires lots of explaining to those not eligible for free delivery, and also a lot of extra recording for payment claims. For some customers, I’m just delivering on my way home regardless of whether they’re eligible because I want to encourage over 70s to stay home,” says Julie. While some things got easier – doctors can fax/email prescriptions and pharmacies can provide regular prescriptions where they have a dispensing history – pharmacies are also facing the problem of stockpiling, particularly with asthma medications. That means making a lot more phone calls to wholesalers to secure meds, masks and hand sanitisers. Despite the trauma that the pandemic has sewn across the world, one of the more interesting lockdown polls in the UK revealed that only nine per cent of Britons surveyed wanted to return to ‘life as normal’.

On the upside, “Our customers have been great and so patient and we’ve had none of the abuse some pharmacists are getting. Yes, some people still try to stockpile, but we’re managing them, and everyone complies with the social distancing markers and screens.”

The poll suggested an overwhelming majority hoped to see some personal and social changes continue post-pandemic, prompting an academic to observe that the data indicated a real appetite for change and for the nation to learn from the crisis.

Facebook group reaches out We wrote about the Darlington Community Care Facebook group that Sonja Parker initiated in the last issue, and it’s good to hear the group is functioning as a place meeting the needs of “people courageous enough to ask for help”.

That notion comes through from Francine Bell who tells us. “Life has slowed down, lots of people doing exercise as opposed to heading to gyms, people are reconnecting with nature again, community engagement is high as we look after each other, share what we have and swop what’s needed, and we’re going out of our way to ensure local businesses survive. People working from home also means reduced emissions, a healthier planet. And there’s lots of innovation, as business pivots to community needs which is immensely helpful to a mum of five, home schooling and juggling online businesses. There are sooo many positives … I look forward to seeing how our world changes for the better when we come out on the other side.”

One community member has observed: “It is hard to accept help with shopping when you’re used to doing your own and sometimes other peoples’, It’s hard to feel vulnerable and in need of protection too. And it’s a bit scary! But turn it around and there’s opportunity for us all in this pandemic. I might not be able to do my own shopping but I can bake a loaf for the friend who did the shopping for me. I might not be able to go out for long coffee get together mornings with friends but I can spend more time with those who need it most on the phone, on WhatsApp or Skype. “I remember as a child being told that it was easier to give than to receive and that I should always accept graciously whatever was given to me. It’s no easier now but just as important to

And this from Duncan Bell, working remotely, enjoying the lack of a daily commute and appreciating the loyalty of clients so

Darlington Review - May 2020 his project work can continue. “What has changed,” he observes,

“is this sense of autonomy that has slowly eroded over the years with layers of policy, guidelines, hierarchy, committees and well, more committees. “But right now, things that previously took two years to happen are taking two weeks! Not because people are being reckless, but because they’re being trusted to use their best thinking and just make it happen. Risk averse precision is no longer the expected behaviour… replaced instead with autonomy, trust and the freedom to use your judgement… all very refreshing. “For me, one of the best positives from the pandemic is one embedded in the idea of a hope for our future. I’ve loved the discussions with people about what life after COVID-19 could look like. Yes, I know there are plenty of (well founded) concerns … but also rays of optimism. “If the Government was actually willing to slaughter the most sacred of government cows (the economy) for the sake of a virus that targets the elderly – is it now finally willing to stop playing ‘the economy card’ and actually consider the long-term future of our children, the environment and hence, our children’s children? I really look forward to that discussion, almost as much as I look forward to the one about a four-day working week!” We think we hear a chorus of approvals echoing through Darlington. As you stroll through Darlington you’ll notice that the Shire has completed the playground’s footpaths (and, yes, the asphalt will turn brown), Alastair Taylor’s great mural is on the pavilion wall (another ‘gift’ to the community from this artist), the skatepark is about to get its half-pipe addition, and the oval is filled with more dogs than ever, joyfully socialising.

You’d have to say that dogs EVERYWHERE have been the outright winners during this time. The Oliver’s Mango (“time for another walk…?”) is not the only dog thoroughly enjoying having everyone home, extra walks and the hugs that are in short supply in the wider world. Our thanks to the many locals who responded to our call for positive stories. We thought it would be a difficult issue to pull together, but our loyal advertisers are here, and we received so much editorial material that we ran out of space. Apologies to those who missed out – we truly appreciate your input in this issue. Stay safe. Stay positive. Trea Wiltshire Editor

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Dream holiday becomes a nightmare by Darlington residents David and Fiona Grant Darlington residents, David and Fiona Grant , recently returned from a horror cruise around South America, after the drama of the Covid-19 pandemic turned a dream holiday into a living nightmare. The late night Qantas flight of Monday 2nd of March from Perth to Buenos Aires held promise of an amazing, colorful and memorable seven week, once in a lifetime experience. We had planned in minute detail our holiday in exotic South America with a visit to the spectacular Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina; a wondrous 31-day Holland America cruise from Buenos Aires along the east coast, around the formidable Cape Horn right up the west coast to Fort Lauderdale in Miami, Florida on MS Zaandam; and finally a challenging bus trip through Peru. MS Zaandam was under the control of Captain Ane Jan Smit. The cruise was to include thirteen port calls, visiting the Uruguay capital Montevideo; the remote Falkland Islands; Santiago in Chile; Lima the capital of Peru and gateway to the iconic Aztec ruins of Machu Picchu ; the Panama Canal and finally Fort Lauderdale.

Fiona and I had arranged to disembark shortly before the end of the cruise, taking a flight from Aruba in the Dutch West Indies back to Lima where we would meet our daughter, Tara, who was to fly from Perth to join us on a bold and exciting 16day, small-group bus tour exploring the amazing features of Peru, exploring the World Heritage site at Machu Picchu and an exhilarating flight to the Amazon for a trek through the forbidding jungle, a canoe up the river and a night in an eco lodge deep in the wilds. As we landed in Buenos Aires after an arduous 32-hour journey, little did we know of the vast disappointments that lay ahead, as the dreaded Covid -19 pandemic took hold world-wide and threw our holiday into total disarray. We had arrived five days before the cruise to allow time to explore the Argentine capital and take the short flight to the Iguazu Falls. Heartbreak number one! Our taxi to the airport was delayed by an accident en route to the airport resulting in the flight leaving without us. There was no chance to re-book, leaving us totally devastated. 10

Darlington Review - May 2020 On March 7 the Zaandam set out for Montevideo, then the long leg south to Port Stanley on the remote British territory Falkland Islands and then to Punta Arenas, a port on the south coast of Chile. From there we were to call at Ushuaia, the world’s southern-most city in Argentina, before tackling the unpredictable waters of Cape Horn and heading north along the continent’s west coast. But plans were plunged into disarray when Argentina closed all ports as Coronavirus escalated. Instead, we were to enter the Strait of Magellan and enjoy the spectacle of the Chilean fjords.

continue our confinement in our small cabin of four walls with no windows and no fresh air. Suffocating! Then, at last, some desperately-needed good news. The Panamanian authorities had reluctantly agreed to allow both Zaandam and Rotterdam to transit the Canal on humanitarian grounds. There were strict conditions to the approval. The crossing was to be at night, no external lighting and curtains were to be closed in all cabins. Panama was wary of causing anxiety and anger amongst the local population. On Friday 3 April, the ships reached Port Everglades, the shipping terminal for Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Florida. Again, we were forced to anchor while exhaustive formalities were processed to allow us ashore. In orderly fashion, wearing face masks and rubber gloves, passengers were bussed to a waiting aircraft chartered to take us to appropriate centres for international flights home, in our case, San Francisco. Even more drama! Our bus stood idling on the tarmac for more than an hour before we boarded the plane, where we sat for a further two hours while the passenger manifest was sorted. Finally, the five hour flight to San Francisco. From there, we were to board a United Airlines flight for home. Story over? No way!

During the night, another stunning blow. The captain had been forced to turn the Zaandam around and return to Punta Arenas. Chile had joined Argentina in closing all entry ports as protection against the spread of Coronavirus. Tragically, the captain informed us that Holland America was ceasing all cruises forthwith. Our voyage was over! We were to be disembarked and assisted in arranging flights home. However, in yet another fateful twist, we were banned from docking in Punta Arenas. The only option was to retrace the previous course and head north to the port of Valparaiso near Santiago. There, we would anchor and take on sufficient stores and fuel for three weeks. Captain Smit hoped to head for home port, Fort Lauderdale, targeting March 30 for the projected arrival.

Sitting in the gate lounge forty minutes before scheduled departure another hammer blow! The ship 135 Australian passengers were hit with the information that our flight had been cancelled. The flight crew had refused to fly us to Australia. We were tainted cargo. Instead, we were to collect our luggage, whereupon we would be taken to hotel accommodation until a flight could be chartered two days hence. There was massive dismay, almost an uprising. It was made even worse as there were long delays in recovering luggage, waiting in queues for accommodation bookings and lining up outside in freezing cold for a tiny courtesy bus to take us to the hotel small group by small group. Even there, more waiting as staff struggled assigning everyone to their rooms. Eventually, having disembarked the ship at eleven in the morning, we fell into bed at two o’clock the next morning, absolutely exhausted.

At this time, all the talk was Covid-19 with general agreement that the Zaandam was the safest place to be as there were no reported illnesses on board while the world succumbed to the virus. In the dramatic days to follow, how blind this optomism was to prove! It took three days to refuel and take on stores as again we were obliged to anchor off-shore and supplies were transferred to the ship on a small barge ,with one palette at a time laboriously hoisted into the hold. A tanker pumped 750 tonnes of fuel into holding tanks for the long trip to Miami. At least, we hoped so, as there was no certainty we would receive permission to transit the Panama Canal, nor for that matter, be allowed to dock at Fort Lauderdale.

On Sunday 5 April, again at San Francisco International Airport, we assembled for our chartered flight home. In great anticipation, the relieved Aussie passengers had been joined by a further 80 from another cruise ship, Coral Princess. As the United Airlines Captain and his cockpit colleagues and a dozen cabin crew filed through the gate lounge, the passengers stood as one and cheered and applauded them onto the aircraft. We later learned they had all volunteered to fly us home and the flight attendants were from the airline’ s management staff rather than dedicated cabin crew. They treated us with great care and attention and were applauded time and again for their service.

Then, after four days at sea, it started. The captain’s daily briefing informed us that “ a few illnesses had been reported amongst passengers and crew”. Then on 24 March, tragedy! The numbers were increasing markedly. Passengers were order to return to their cabins and remain there until further notice. Meals would be delivered to our cabin three times a day , left for collection with a knock on the door. The Zaandam was in lockdown! Next morning, we were told that the ship had altered course during the night to the port of Manta, Ecuador, for a clandestine air-drop of urgent medical supplies with illness escalating alarmingly. Sadly, four people had passed away overnight and there were now 77 sick people in the infirmary.

At last, we arrived in Melbourne to another round of relieved applause. Four hours of processing followed after which buses to a hotel where we would be quarantined for fourteen days as determined by the Federal Government. Not a confinement enjoyed but obviously past of the vital safety measures in place in this wonderful country. One more step, the flight home to Perth and yes, 14 days of home isolation. What joy. Our treasured home in the Darlington hills! We look forward to reunited with family and wonderful friends, who have supported us throughout our ordeal. To everyone, thank you!

There was still no definition of a final destination. Would it be Fort Lauderdale, or Mexico or even San Diego on the US west coast? Meantime, Holland America had ordered sister ship, MS Rotterdam, with no passengers but more than 600 staff, to rendezvous with Zaandam off the Panama Canal. The prime reason was to supply further stores, medicines and staff to assist the hard-working and rapidly tiring crew on the Zaandam. As the ships met, 800 “well” Zaandam passengers were transferred to the Rotterdam to ease the burden. Unfortunately, we failed the “transfer test” as Fiona had a slightly elevated temperature, just 0.3 of a degree over the pas mark, 37.5 degrees. We were to 11

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Councillor’s Column At a Special Council Meeting conducted via Webex Video Conference on 2nd April 2020, Council resolved the following: 1. Approves preparation of a budget for 2020-21 based on no rate revenue increase, in accordance with section 6.2 of the Local Government Act 1995; 2. Approves preparation of a budget for 2020-21 based on no increases to Fees and Charges; 3. Approves a write off of all lease payments receivable from local community organisations for a period of six months from 1 April 2020; 4. Approves a six month freeze on all lease payments receivable from commercial tenants effective from 1 April 2020, whereby the lease payments are still due and payable but not before 1 October 2020; 5. Considers requests for additional relief from commercial lessees on a case by case basis where demonstrable financial hardship can be verified; 6. Commits to not commencing any legal action for debt recovery for a period of six months, effective from 1 April 2020; 7. Commits to not commencing any proceedings to evict tenants from leased properties for a period of six months, effective from 1 April 2020; 8. Offers increased flexibility in payment options for all accounts receivable, including rates; and

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specific economic and social issues that could arise. Firstly the Shire of Mundaring Economic Relief and Recovery Committee (ERRC) with Cr Darrell Jones as Chair and Cr James Martin his deputy; and secondly, the Shire of Mundaring Community Relief and Recovery Committee (CRRC) with Cr Kate Driver as Chair and Cr Jason Russell as her deputy. At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on April 14th Council resolved to adopt Policy COVID 19 – Financial Hardship. The policy applies to outstanding rates and service charges as at the date of adoption of the policy and rates and charges levied for the 2020/21 financial year. It is reasonable community expectation, as the Shire deals with the effects of the pandemic that those with the capacity to pay rates will continue to do so. For this reason the Policy is not intended to provide rate relief to ratepayers who are not able to evidence financial hardship and the statutory provisions of the Local Government Act 1995 and the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1996 will apply. However the Policy is intended to apply to all ratepayers regardless of their status, be they a property owner, tenant, business owner etc. While evidence of hardship will be required, the Shire recognises that not all circumstances are alike and will take a flexible approach to a range of individual circumstances including but not limited to the following situations: 1. Recent unemployment or underemployment. 2. Sickness and recovery from sickness.

9. Cease levying any new penalty interest charges on outstanding rates for a period of six months, effective from 1 April 2020.

3. Low income or loss of income.

At the same meeting a new committee named The Shire of Mundaring Local Relief and Recovery Co-ordinating Committee (LRRCC) was formed to tackle the Shire issues surrounding the COVID 19 Crisis. Cr John Daw, Shire President, was appointed Chair and Cr Simon Cuthbert appointed his deputy.

For a full record of the Financial Hardship Policy and meeting proceedings please go to the Shire website or call the Shire Administration on 9290 6666 to speak with an officer. Also, please contact your Ward Councillors, mobile numbers are shown on the inside cover of the Review.

4. Unanticipated circumstances such as caring for and supporting extended family.

Cr David Lavell

Two sub committees of this new LRRCC committee were also formed to deal with

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Friends of Glen Park Friends of Glen Park: Tackling the Bridal Creeper

Last year we dug out the corms of a large amount of Bridal Creeper, and hope this year to follow-up with further tatics to remove this persistent weed. There are several ways in which you can do your bit to eradicate this particular weed if it is in your own garden:

Friends of Glen Park Reserve, are looking forward to another season of clearing invasive weeds from this precious piece of bushland in the midst of beautiful Darlington. This year, apart from weed removal, we are excited about beginning to revegetate areas along Nyaania Creek, in the Reserve, once dominated by weeds including Bamboo. Plantings near the creek will encourage invertebrates in the slower moving sections of the creek and also create more dense cover for the protection of wildlife.

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Digging out the ‘mat’ of corms that develop under the ground. This can is hard work, but is very effective.

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If you are time poor, snap off any new shoots that appear, and continue throughout the growing season. This method will take several years to deplete the energy in the corm.

•

Another method is to use a systemic spray such as glysophate, however, please use sparingly and according to instructions. By spraying the foliage gathered into a ball, less spray is used

Friends of Glen Park is a small group, and welcome new members. We meet on Tuesday mornings, however, we are open to starting up a group on another day or the weekend. Recommencement of work in the Reserve will be depend on social distancing rules, and we will be guided by the Shire as to when we can meet again as a group.

Our early work in 2020 will target Bridal Creeper that has already begun to shoot after the first rains. By Spring, plants will have developed berries which small birds eat, and eventually disperse in our gardens and bushland. Bridal Creeper has the capacity to smother and eventually kill native plants.

Contact Glenys on 9299 8347 or Leonie on 0400 217 293

Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre Autumn Season at the KSP Writers’ Centre COVID-19 Update

We are also inviting writers to enter our upcoming online short fiction and poetry competitions, or apply for a 2021 residency:

A lot has happened around the world since last month! On behalf of the team at the KSP Writers’ Centre, we hope that you and your families are keeping safe and healthy at this time.

KSP Writer-in-Residence Applications, deadlines in June, July and September The KSP Writers’ Centre is proud to support the development of literary work by hosting a number of annual residencies and fellowships. Some positions offer a salary and opportunity to present workshops. Please visit our website for criteria and application details.

As a cultural organisation, the KSP Writers’ Centre is now closed to the public due to government directives. However, just because doors are closed, it does not mean that the Centre is not available to the community. The Shire of Mundaring are kindly continuing to provide essential funding for the Centre, which means that admin staff can keep their jobs and continue to run services, as well as catch up on other projects such as maintenance of the heritage property.

KSP Writing Competitions, deadlines in September and October In 2020, KSP is offering two writing competitions in the categories of Short Fiction and Poetry. Entry costs for adults start at $10; youth can enter for free thanks to sponsorship from the Shire of Mundaring. Cash prizes and certificates on offer. For more details on any of these activities please visit the KSP website www.kspwriterscentre.com or email us on office@kspwriterscentre.com

We continue to offer a monthly e-newsletter which includes a regular column about the history of author Katharine Susannah Prichard written by local historian and biographer, Nathan Hobby. It also includes a free flash fiction competition, interviews with authors, and resource links. You can sign up directly through the website, or feel free to email us and we’ll sort it out for you.

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Friends of Waylen’s Landing (FOWL) FOWL weather and FOWL times this April but we are forging ahead for May.

water flow and reduce erosion. Please consider volunteering to work for an hour or so, it’s great for getting the kids out of the house and exercising. We will be able to continue social distancing while getting outside and still doing something wonderful for our community.

Registration of our new Friends group is official!

stones ready for the frogs to move in.

Other activities we are undertaking include mapping out our area and finding which local species of flora and fauna we have to save; Getting some mulch on site very soon so we can prepare it for weed suppression; application for Seedlings for Landcare has been submitted for winter planting in 2020, and; Mature grass trees have been offered by a local resident to be transplanted onsite.

This means we are now ready for you to come and make this area beautiful. The Mundaring Shire has already been on board helping to cut back the grass to open up the creek area. With your help we can have a beautiful flowing creek planted with native rushes and sedges and lined with granite

We have been seeking community involvement through local schools, however this much needed help has been put on hold in light of the extraordinary events. If your usual activities have been put on hold then give this a try within allowed restrictions so we can continue creating the kind of community that we want to be a part of. These are challenging times but it highlights the importance of our community strength and the value that comes from a resilient and connected community. If you would like to be involved in this rehabilitation and revegetation project please contact the Group Coordinator, Shannon Ward on 9252 1879 or hourglassdesign@icloud.com or join our Facebook group Friends of Waylen’s Landing.

This will require some community assistance in raking back dead matter from our creek line before the winter rains, moving a few unearthed tyres and creating some rills and rocky areas to slow the

Darlington Dibbler & Nyaania Guides COVID-19 continues to impact the community, including the way Girl Guide activities are conducted. Many of our members have been finding alternative ways to spread community spirit, by either rainbow chalk drawing, driveby Easter Egg deliveries or undertaking completing a badge at home through the Connect Badge online program. Campouts at home have also been hugely popular (with everyone, not just girl guides), and on 30th April, Scouts and Guides are joining in an attempt to set a world record for the Largest Virtual Campout (see Girl Guides WA or Scouts WA for more details). To thank families for their continued membership and support for Girl Guides WA, and to recognise the time of financial hardship for many, all memberships have been extended for a further 4 months. We will get through this and come out the other side a closer, stronger community than ever! In light of recent government recommendations for continued social distancing practises, Girl Guides WA has suspended face-to-face meetings until 20 July 2020. However we are switching to online Girl Guide Program delivery for Term 2! We are preparing for a term of online live meetings that are optional to attend, as well as a weekly email of activities that the girls can complete at home. If you have any queries regarding Darlington Dibbler Girl Guides please contact Jasmine on 0404 740 322.

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Group (DCRAG) Our next quarterly meeting due for Monday May 25th 2020, will be an E-meeting with secretary Colin James sending out an Agenda May 1st, then collating brief reports by Friday May 15th. Reports will then be distributed and comments should be in by Monday May 25th. A new way of working but important to know and share what is or will be happening in our area, and how local groups are adapting and planning for an unusual future.

The DaSRA Community Garden took its next step forward this month regarding lease for the land for the community garden next to the skate park. Sonja Parker, on behalf of the DCG committee, has been working with the Mundaring Shire to detail the lease document, which has now been signed by DaSRA, the State Government and the Shire of Mundaring. Thank you Sonja for all your work. Next major milestone is the Arbour!

Included this month is a diagram of how DCRAG works. All recreation user groups delegates meet formally once a quarter for a two hour meeting. This is a forum in which to discuss improvements, changes and deliberate on competing interests within the Recreation Area. This model has worked well and has been a catalyst for strong relationships amongst user groups.

Please note the produce trolley has been removed for the winter and due to CoViD19, hopefully to reemerge in Community Garden location in the future. Please do not leave any materials at the Pine tree.

Every November, recommendations for the SOM Capital works programs – DCRAG’s collective wish list, is presented to Council for consideration. Both short and long term projects are proposed and some lobbying of State and Federal Governments occur from time to time. Mostly, we liaise with SOM staff and Councillors to support those goals.

The Lower Recreation Area Masterplan (LAMP) project was a DCRAG initiative which has now been handed to DaSRA Inc. for implementation. The skate park upgrade is well underway, with a detailed design of pump track, arbour and landscaping ongoing.

The Shire’s work on the village pathways is now complete. Thanks to Nathania Dolman for working with the officers to achieve aesthetic curves and protecting the large tree root zone. The colour should fade to brown to match other pathways. Next phase will be reticulation and turf, and then a community garden project in front of the Hall. We hope to maintain this new village playground area to be herbicide free. Please “Weed 3” most every time you walk past this area. (see inside back page)

We thank delegates from groups and individuals who take the time, effort and interest to improve our neighbourhood. We have volunteers who provide pro bono expertise in architectural, engineering, drafting, report writing, arbour and tree management, and administrative areas. Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and everyone is welcome to be involved and or assist in community projects. If you would like to assist and aren’t sure how, please let Trish know your skill set and she will steer you in the direction of your interest. Trish Cook (Chair) 040 9479 551 Colin James (Secretary)

Key: Light green – Traditional and sporting groups Pink – Community representatives Light Blue groups Future group Yellow – subcommittees Purple – Council / Shire of Mundaring representatives.

Darlington Review - May 2020

1st Darlington Scout Group One of the core values of Scouts is resilience, and that has certainly been put to the test this past month! From 23rd March, it was determined by Scouts WA none of the scout sections were permitted to meet in person, in order to maintain social distancing requirements. However, even now during restrictions, Scouts all over the world are coming up with new ways to interact and keep Scouting. The scouting organisation has survived for 112 years and we want to see it continue to flourish beyond the corona virus crisis. The Scouts (11-14 years) have been ‘meeting’ virtually every week, connecting through online platforms, and having fun with quizzes, origami, virtual museum tours, and camps at home. There has also been a fun outdoor activity instigated by scout leader Kaa, called IsoCaching which is a low-tech variation of geocaching. This activity has been set up for the scouts to do when they are out doing their exercise and complying with the social distancing rules. Each week a cache is placed in a reserve close to Darlington, with online instructions and clues to it’s location. Scouts who find them write their name on the paper inside the cache and post a photo. Ever competitive, there has been a tally of which scouts will achieve the most points during the ‘Isolation Challenge’. The Venturers (15-17 year group) have had meetings via Zoom, allowing them to ‘catch up’ with their group and stay in touch. They were lucky enough to have an overnight camp and hike just before the restrictions began. This culminated in a morning tea to present one of the top scouting awards in the scouting program, the Queen Scout Award. Venturer Scouts achieve the Queen’s Scout Award through completing requirements in Outdoor Activities, Community Involvement, Leadership Development and Personal Growth. Congratulations to Isaac Wetherley on your achievement, and we enjoyed hearing the stories, highlights and friendships made on your journey.

During next term, the younger groups of Joeys and Cubs will also have activities to join in. The scout hall cupboard had some goods leftover from recent camps in the pantry, and we were very happy to share some of these with the Foodbank charity during their drive to update their stocks in March. To finish off this edition, one of the events that will be sadly missed is the vigil at Blackboy Hill for Anzac Day. Scouts from Darlington and around the district have for many years taken part in the Anzac Eve sunset ceremony, taking shifts to hold vigil until the Dawn service. Instead Scouts will be taking part on their own driveways at the 6am service, endorsed by the RSL. Please consider joining Scouts and thousands around the country: http://www.rslwa.org.au for details and radio broadcast information. If you would like to know more about scouts in our community, please contact us on For further information on any of the sections, please contact us at membership@darlingtonscouts.com.

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Mustard Seed - Discovering Computers An Historic Moment In the 20 years we have been in operation Mustard Seed has never closed its doors. Recently two factors have come into play. Many of our members are in that demographic most at risk from Covid19 and we have over 50 members attending our session weekly, and, as the photo shows, some presentations can be quite crowded. Here is the transcript of the bulletin we sent out on 14th March 2020 to all our members.

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In summary, we are closing the doors to our premises at 56 McGlew Road Glen Forrest and we will continue to operate using the conferencing techniques available within the technology we have – whether it be computer, tablet or smartphone. When one door closes another opens! Can I trust ‘The Cloud’? At Mustard Seed many of our beginners bring with them anxiety about using the internet, about Cloud storage and about video conferencing being dangerous because of issues with security. In a recent tutorial we learned that ‘The Cloud’ actually consists of huge buildings around the world packed with banks of Servers and Storage to which user’s data is saved – emails, pictures, videos, documents - in fact any piece of data that you wish to be conveniently accessible

“As you are all aware, the COVID-19 disease is a worldwide problem that is affecting every one of us. This is a very serious issue that is changing rapidly, and requires us to be diligent and flexible in our response

The largest “Cloud” services company in the world right now is actually retail giant Amazon, followed by Microsoft and Google. At Mustard Seed everybody has a Google Account, which means that email, contacts, pictures and more are all tucked away in Google facilities. But just how safe are they?

To this end, we have made the decision to temporarily suspend our weekly Tuesday and Wednesday sessions in Glen Forrest. This decision has not been taken lightly, and has been made after direct consultation with medical professionals in the infectious diseases field and with various Mustard Seed members

Cloud Services companies go to great lengths to keep your data safe and secure. In the same manner that storing your money in a Bank is (in most ways) far more secure than storing it under your mattress at home, storing your data in the Cloud is also safer, and more convenient, than doing it yourself in your own premises.

What happens during the temporary suspension?

In the Cloud, your data is saved in high-availability (it’s always there), highly redundant (it’s always backed up), and highly secure storage. Security techniques can include encrypted transfer methods to get your precious data from you to the Cloud, and storage sharding, where your files are saved in databases that are split up into smaller fragments spread across multiple storage units, affording you greater speed and security when accessing your data

•

Mustard Seed will continue to operate as normally as possible, but “remotely”. Our own website, Noodlebytes.com – which you are all familiar with – will be constantly updated with exercises, tasks, videos, and bulletins to enable you to “keep your hand in” during the temporary hiatus.

•

There will still be sessions - we will be activating webinars and videoconferencing facilities to allow you to connect in and attend our weekly Mustard Seed gatherings “virtually”

•

When you attend your normal session this coming Tuesday 17th or Wednesday 18th, we will be giving you the full information and training you need to be able to attend the next sessions virtually – so please bring along your device of choice (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to try it out!

•

What can I do to ensure I am not left out during the temporary suspension?

•

Ensure that your contact details - in particular your email address – are correct in our Mustard Seed records.

So, given that all your files on your computer device can be safely stored in ‘The Cloud’ how convenient is it that you can access your pictures or documents or emails or contacts on any computer or smartphone anywhere in the world? It is super convenient. When you visit Aunt Sally in London (post Covid-19) you can show her all your family pictures without having to cart your photo albums with you. Because all your books are stored in the Cloud, packing heavy recreational reading material is a thing of the past. Your favourite music or videos are always immediately available anywhere. Such convenience comes at a cost of course, and that cost is to be mindful or your own security procedures; your usernames and passwords are the “keys to the kingdom”, and you must therefore understand and practice good security hygiene to ensure the kingdom is safe!

Kalamunda Bridge Club The club was most fortunate to be able to run our annual congress on the weekend of the 14th and 15th March Just before the Corona virus restrictions took hold . It was a terrific weekend with almost 100 people attending both days. Continuous food provided from the Kalamunda bridge club members and our rostered kitchen staff kept everyone well satisfied. The Swiss Pairs on Saturday was won by Dave Munro and Deanna Wilson. The best Kalamunda pair being Steve Thyer and Joanne Payne. Sundays Teams was won by the Zhao team. The following day on the Monday evening we closed the Bridge club for an indefinite period. We did manage to run a couple of competitions in the early part of the year. The Individual competition was held in January over 2 weeks and the winner was John Ewing, 2nd place was Steve Thyer and 3rd place going to Cora Brown. The Daytime pairs was played in February and the winners were Joanne Payne and Diane Dwyer, 2nd place was Jackie Keir and Jim Steel. Third place went to Jane Pike and Margaret Mcrobbie. Congratulations to all our winners. Mention must be made of our Australia Day Bbq . As usual it was a social day of bridge however this year we had several raffles and all the money taken on the day was donated to the Bushfire relief . There were also some very generous donations from individual members taking our total to $2000 . It was a fun day with lamb cooked on the bbq, delicious salads and desserts brought in by the club members. See Photo! Naturally it is very disappointing to have to close the club down and also the planned Beginners lessons which will be deferred til nearer the end of the year when we can see our way clearer out of this nightmare which is covid 19.

Bahá’í Communityof Mundaring As we begin to resume our lives and consider what is truly important to us, we reflect on this recent message from the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the Baha’i faith, “However difficult matters are at present, and however close to the limits of their endurance some sections of societies are brought, humanity will ultimately pass through this ordeal, and it will emerge on the other side with greater insight and with a deeper appreciation of its inherent oneness and interdependence.”

At the time of writing our world has been shaken, our lives altered, we’ve felt both fear and courage, distance and connection and we’re beginning to look to the future, a new normal in the face of Covid-19 and economic uncertainty. As Christians have recently celebrated Easter and the resurrection and Muslims are undergoing the period of rejuvenation known as Ramadan so too the Baha’is are celebrating the spiritual springtime with the festival of Ridvan, which commemorates the beginning of the Baha’i faith and the latest of God’s messengers to mankind. Admittedly our celebrations have been tempered by physical distancing but the feeling of connection has certainly felt stronger. Overcoming technical reticence, we’ve embraced Zoom and have held not only community celebrations, but also weekly prayer gatherings, study groups and junior youth groups online. The junior youth have been creating digital art featuring uplifting Baha’i writings and writing letters to the elderly in the community. Our events are now held on an evolving schedule so do check our Facebook page for more details, all are very welcome to join, especially our regular prayers of healing for the world. These difficult and unprecedented times have brought into focus how society’s collective strength is dependent on the unity we can manifest, from the collaboration of nations down to the care and consideration shown amongst neighbours.

Mundaring Baha’i Community Western Australia

mundaring@wa.bahai.org.au

www.bahai.org.au

Darlington Review - May 2020

DARLINGTON COMMUN

YOUR NEW COMM

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Built in 2 Stages to create a new meeting room, public toilets, st club store rooms, chair store and upgraded club roo Want to see more photos? Visit the web

Above the completed Darlington Pavilion with its mural at the Pine Terrace end of the Pavilion. Also the view from the canteen Servery into the Meeting Room showing name plaques on the Foundation Members Wall (Limited number still available - see website)

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Darlington Review - May 2020

NITY PAVILION PROJECT

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Above clockwise: 1. New canteen with external and internal serveries. 2. Meeting room with chair store and internal canteen servery. 3. New club store rooms built at the rear of the old pavilion (Dividers yet to be installed) 4. Refurbished change rooms/abultions.

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Darlington Family Playgroup We hope all of our members had a safe Easter with their families and are keeping well during these times of social distancing. Due to Covid 19 Darlington Family Playgroup has suspended all sessions so we don’t really have any news to report on. Instead we thought we’d share some examples of inexpensive and easy activities that people can do at home or in the surrounding local area to help entertain their children whilst in self isolation. These are activities similar to those we do during our playgroup sessions. 1. Kitchen towel magic Fold a piece of kitchen towel, draw a simple design on the front cover in black marker pen or texta. Open the kitchen towel like a book and use markers to draw colour inside. Close and place in shallow bowl or dish of water to watch the magic unfold. 2. Fruit and Veg Sort Cut up examples of foods particularly fruit and vegetables from shopping catalogues or magazines. Ask children to sort them categories. Categories include colours, fruit or vegetables or for older children the five food groups. 3. Paper Planes Design and make paper planes with the kids. For older children ask them if they can improve their design to make planes that glide, loop or go further distances. 4. Rainbow Nature Scavenger Hunt Ask children to find all the colours of the rainbow in your garden or during a bush walk. Use them and some card and glue to make a fabulous piece of natural art. Or stick onto clear contact and make a beautiful natural sun catcher for your window.

5. Pasta Necklaces (Subject to pasta being available at your local shop) Using wool or string allow children to thread penne pasta onto it (great for fine motor skills) and then colour with markers or paint. Be warned you will be expected or they will expect to wear this beautiful necklace creation for the foreseeable future. Take care everyone and stay safe! We hope to see you soon!

Darlington Bushfire Ready Group Unfortunately, or possibly fortunately, obviously one of the benefits in having to stay at home, is that able to get out into the garden and carry out a lot of the things, needing to be done but never had time to do them. End result lot of fuel and cannot dispose of it unless by trailer to the Mundaring tip.

I know it is only May and the next fire season is some months away, but never to early to Prepare your Home………..and here are a couple of reminders of what to have in place……

Although April 1st was end of restricted burning season, and could burn during the day with right conditions on a permit, no permits are being issued under direction of the Shires CESM. You can still light up small piles after 6.00pm, abiding by the conditions as set out in the Fire notice accompanying your Rates notice.

•

Most homes lost in a bushfire are from ember attack—this is where burning embers carried by strong winds land on material that easily burns, such as vegetation close to the home.

•

Simple actions to take include pruning back trees, cutting long grass, clearing your roof gutters and removing rubbish from around your house.

•

A well prepared property has a better chance of surviving a bushfire. Colin James

So what for now………appears to be no change to that directive at this time, but if wanting to find out what you are able to do, go the Shires website or call 9290 6644. If permits are to be issued again will do so at the Darlington fire station, Saturday mornings between 9.00am and 10.30am.

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Darlington Review - May 2020

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A Montessori and International Baccalaureate School Our students (and staff) have been very creative with bush art! Students were asked to collect items from their gardens - leaves, pods, seeds, sticks - and see what they could make. Students then shared their fabulous creations in their online classrooms.

Karri students researched the British sculptor, photographer and environmentalist, Andy Goldsworthy. They were then tasked with re-creating their favourite of his land art installations in their own backyards.

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Darlington Christian Fellowship Cnr Darlington Rd and Allestree Rd, Darlington

What an extraordinary moment in time we are experiencing. At the end of the DCF article for the March Review, I wrote that regular church activities had resumed for the year. Now because of COVID-19, regular church activities are on hold – at least in their face to face format. Like all congregations who can no longer meet in church buildings we have had to change the way we do things. Our sermons have been recorded and available on our website for quite some time, but now we also post an audio of the service plus the notes and links to songs. On Sunday mornings we have a video conference morning tea together. This is providing fellowship as we share how life has been during the previous week and pray for each other. For those without internet access, service notes are dropped off at their homes so they can follow the service. I know there have been one or two “driveway” or “garden” morning teas with appropriate social distancing, as a way of giving older folk who can’t get out, some social interaction. We are also encouraged to keep in touch and support each other with phone calls. Some of you will have seen the banner (see photo) that was out the front of the church over Easter. A church member painted it to depict the true meaning of Easter – that Jesus died for our sins and rose to life again, opening the way for us to be reconciled to God. I think the COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in many people questioning what it is in their lives that gives them identity and security. Normal activities such as socialising with family and friends, participating in sporting activities, going to concerts, attending church and even some medical appointments have all been put on hold. Shopping has become a potentially hazardous activity (particularly if you after toilet paper!). Many have lost their jobs or businesses. More people are suffering mental health issues.

Sadly, according to an ABC report, Lifeline* received its highest ever number of calls on Good Friday - 3,200. Half were talking about the COVID-19 crisis. The question many are asking in these times is: “How is my life meaningful without the things that normally occupy it?” For me, the answer to this question lies in whether our lives are based on more than just the activities we do or our relationships with other people. Is there a deeper foundation we can stand on when these things are stripped away? As a Christian, I believe the answer is yes. Jesus Christ is my foundation and the one on whom I base my life. He gives my life meaning and hope. He is the one I turn to in good times and bad. Having endured both physical and emotional suffering Jesus understands when I experience fear, hurt, shame, pain and sickness. He forgives me when I confess my sins to Him. He is the one I can trust in life as He never fails me. He gives me peace and hope for the future, not just in this life, but for eternity. These times are uncertain and unsettling, but with Jesus as the foundation of our lives, the following verses can be true for us all. My foot is slipping, your love O Lord supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94: 18-19 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14: 27 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15: 13 Denise Rhodes * Lifeline’s number is 13 11 14 Sunday morning services at the church are on hold, but available on our website. Contact: Pastor Rob Merrells. Phone: 6153 0364. Email: robmerrells@optusnet.com.au DCF email: dcfincorporated@gmail.com www.darlingtonchristianfellowship.com.au

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Darlington Review - May 2020

St Cuthbert’s Anglican Anglican Church St Cuthbert’s Church Darlington Rd and Hillsden Darlington cnr cnr Darlington Road HillsdenRd, Road, Darlington

You’re welcome If you’re looking for a quiet place to hang out, or a lawn for the kids to play on, or free wifi and a shady place to sit then consider the grounds of St Cuthbert’s. It’s there for you. We find ourselves in a very strange Easter season. Instead of filling our church building with light and song, we have been sheltering at home doing our best to stop the spread of a new virus. But the central message of Easter has not changed, and our identity as a church remains the same. I think we are now settling in to a pattern for our parish life during lockdown. Each Thursday at 10.00am there is a ‘drop-in’ via Zoom. Each Sunday, we gather from 8.30 am via Zoom to check in with one another, then do some spiritual work together from 9.00 am. Can we all be aware that the Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees is in urgent need. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, CARAD has been inundated with calls from people in desperate need of support. The people seeking asylum that CARAD supports are not eligible for Centrelink and they may not have work rights or Medicare. Given that they do not yet have permanent visas, they are also ineligible for any of the financial assistance measures announced by the federal government. Like countless others in the community, many people seeking asylum who had work rights have already lost their jobs, rendering them unable to support themselves and their families. Please consider giving to CARAD’s Emergency Appeal at www.carad.org.au/donate I am still ‘working’ in the usual way. I’ve enjoyed talking to parishioners on the phone, and I’m happy to chat via Zoom (or Skype or FaceTime) so we can see each other’s faces. With the normal activities on hold, I have plenty of time, so please don’t feel embarrassed to get in touch. I am currently doing one day per week of ministry at Peter Arney Village in Como to assist the Amana Living Chaplaincy team. Monday will remain my ‘day off’. So TuesdayThursday are the best weekdays to be in touch. In solidarity,

In FebRuARy, tHe St CutHbeRt’S montHly book Club lookeD lIke tHIS:

In APRIl It lookeD lIke tHIS:

In May and June the Book Club will once again gather via Zoom on the first Monday of the month at 7.30pm. Monday May 4th - The Milkman by Anna Burns Monday June 8th - The Dickens Boy by Tom Keneally. Ring the Parish office on 6292 0074 for info’ on how to join in the discussion.

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

Parish Office: Email: Mail: Services:

6292 0074 stcuthberts@bigpond.com PO Box 77 Darlington, WA 6070 Australia 9am Sunday

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Darlington Review - May 2020

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Darlington Volunteer Bushfire Brigade •

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

•

For general Brigade enquiries please ring 9299 7217. Station hours: Saturday 9am-10:30am. Facebook Page: Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

As the COVID-19 pandemic has us all experiencing a strange and unusual period in our history, and many sectors of the community have had to modify their day-to-day activities, so too your local fire brigade has undergone some temporary changes. You may not have seen as much activity around our station as usual, as we adopt DFES and Local Government restrictions for the operating of volunteer emergency services. Currently there are no meetings, training, community engagements, social activities or recruitment taking place, and social distancing rules mean only a handful of people are allowed on station for important matters only. But, with all that in mind, the Darlington Brigade remains standing by to turn-out to any incident as required, as emergency response is still the priority for all volunteer emergency services. Despite the cooler weather, and recent periods of rain, the Shire of Mundaring is still in the middle of the Restricted Burning period. But our late summer and continuing soil dryness, coupled with the COVID-19 restrictions, has delayed the issuing of permits to burn for the time being, and despite the cooler weather fires can still burn easily in the bush. At the time of writing, permits were still not being issued for the Shire of Mundaring. If you would like to conduct a burn on your property, please contact the Shire or your local brigade to see if permits are being issued. Small piles of garden refuse no bigger than 1 cubic metre may be burnt after 6pm without a permit, but under strict conditions (including; only 1 pile alight at a time, keep a 5m clearance area around any fire, have a means of extinguishing the fire within reach, a capable adult in attendance AT THE FIRE at all times, and consider the impact of smoke on your neighbours). Please refer to the Shire’s website and/or ‘Fire & Burning Information Booklet’ for full conditions. If you are lighting a fire at your residence, please register your burn with DFES by calling 9395 9209. This may reduce the likelihood of a fire brigade turning out your burn. Due to permits not being issued, and the COVID-19 restrictions, the Brigade has had to delay its seasonal Hazard Reduction Burns programme. This, coupled with future rains and cooler temperatures means we may not have the opportunity to conduct many of the burns we have listed, and we apologise in advance if we cannot complete our promised burns. If you are a property owner and would like the Brigade to assist with a hazard reduction burn on your property you can call the Station on 9299 7217 to register your details. An authorised officer will arrange a visit to examine your property, discuss your requirements and provide a quote based on things such as area, fuel load, topography, access, time to burn etc. (note: the timing of HRBs are subject to weather and environmental considerations). When undertaken, HRBs are a great opportunity for our trainee fire fighters to enhance their theoretical and classroom training with practical, hands on experience with fire suppression in a ‘real fire’ environment. It also provides experienced firefighters

with skills refreshers and leadership development. After another successful summer of firefighting, the aerial fleet (including Helitacs, Erickson Aircrane, fixed wing SEATs, and the LAT) have now finished their contracts, ceased operations for the winter and moved on to other locations. It will be several months before these aircraft are seen and heard buzzing over the Perth Hills landscape again, and in the meantime the Darlington Brigade’s Collar Tank and Support operations will return to their training and maintenance activities.

Whilst most activities around the station have gone into hiatus, much of the structural work for our building extension has been completed. The nearly 2-year long project is finally starting to approach lock up stage, with some final work to be completed on the roof and walls. Once the external and construction works are completed, the last stages will see electrics, painting and fit-out completed. If the weather and COVID-19 restrictions are kind to us we are anticipating an opening ceremony later in the year. “I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the fireman has to do believe that his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save lives.” ~ Edward F. Croker Cheers Ricky Harvey

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Darlington History Group PEOPLE POWER!

CURRENT PROJECTS ON HOLD

History of the Darlington Arts Festival, Book

Significant progress has been made with all projects, but as DHG plans and developments are supported by fundraising, grants, and membership, all current projects have had to be stalled until life returns to . . . well, life. The projects postponed are:

DHG commissioned renowned author and Darlington resident Trea Wiltshire to research and record the history of DAF and its unique place in the community. The festival has grown considerably since its beginnings in the 1950s, and the publication will include the history of the festival and the artists and their families who shaped its development. The book has not been printed as DHG cannot secure additional funding to have it published, due to many funding bodies suspending grants during COVID-19. Our request to each household in Darlington is to please consider membership, at a mere $5 per person. There are approximately 1,500 residences in Darlington; if each household contributes just one membership there will be sufficient funds to print the book. Please consider this request in the spirit it is asked, and hopefully this beautiful book will be in print by Spring. You can download the membership form our website (dhg.org.au) fill it in, and post it to Val Shiell (address given on the webpage) or drop it off in the letterbox Payment for membership, or donations, may be remitted to : Darlington History Group Inc. BSB 633-000 Account 156049264

Darlington Heritage Walk Trail; Tribute to Early Years; Darlington Vineyards Siding reconstruction; Owen Railway Crossover reconstruction; Darlington Vineyard Gate; Waylenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing; Railway Reserve Heritage Listing and Interpretive Walk Trail; Uniform Municipal Signage; DAF book Research and exploration of Oral and Family History, significant personalities, and the history of streetscapes and buildings in Darlington, requires no funding and is ongoing. You can find comprehensive information regarding each of these exciting community-enhancing projects on the DHG website. ZOOM MEETINGS DHG have successfully implemented Zoom as a great way of conducting important ongoing meetings, whilst maintaining social distancing. So far, we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been Zoom Bombed! REMEMBERING OUR SOLDIERS Anzac Day will have passed by the time you are reading this edition of the Review. Although you may have taken time to reflect and remember the soldiers who have served in all the conflicts that Australia has been involved with, right up to the present day, DHG would like to introduce you to some of the Darlington residents who served in the wars. Please visit www.dhg.org.au click on History Resources > Soldiers

Images below: Charles Edmund Mumme, Darlington Honour Board, Arthur Edward Connop

SHARE THE HERITAGE BECOME A MEMBER | $5 PER PERSON! 38

Darlington Review - May 2020

Darlington Theatre Players Marloo Theatre The Darlington Theatre Players have suspended productions whilst the social restrictions apply. Like everybody else we all look forward to getting back to doing what we enjoy and to see all our friends again. In the meantime, we are able to continue with maintenance around the theatre which would otherwise disrupt rehearsal and show times. However, in our continuing efforts to entertainâ&#x20AC;Śyou may get a laugh. DTP was founded in 1956 and over the years so many Darlington residents have been on the stage, both in Darlington Hall and at Marloo Theatre after our move there in 1985. Here are just a few you may know, both from then and now.

Left to right Top line : Phil and Ena Harris in Harliquinade 1976, Alan Barker and George Grayston in ArturoUi 1974, Chris Durrant and Gail Palmer in Gas. 1977 Middle line: Chris Durrant as Billy in Billy Liar 1976, Andy Pearcey (Director) and Mike Hart in Lysistrata 1986 Bottom line: Caroline Grayston in Woman of no Importance 1979, Pip Colbourne in The Prodigious Snob 1988, Robert Juniper King Henry V111 A Man For All Seasons 1978 39

Darlington Review - May 2020

Mundaring and Hills Historical Society Inc Behind closed doors at the MHHS

In Victorian Britain there were prescribed periods of mourning, with widows expected to adopt mourning dress for two years. Queen Victoria, however, wore mourning clothes for 40 years, following the death in 1861 of her husband Albert from typhoid fever. While rituals surrounding death in 19th-century Australia were less strict than those in Europe, the wearing of mourning dress was still common.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all made changes in our home and work activities. At the Mundaring & Hills Historical Society with events and exhibitions postponed and the office closed to face-to-face visitors, we have been busy undertaking behind-the-scenes work. One vital task is checking our Museum Collection to ensure that our precious objects are still in good condition, packed appropriately, and showing no signs of insect activity. One of the oldest items in our Collection is a black silk ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mourning jacket dating from the late 19th century. It is an exquisite piece made of a fabric called bombazine, a mixture of silk and wool. Black lace decorates the neck line and lapels and continues around the bottom edges of the jacket. The back of the jacket is shorter than the front which would have allowed it to be worn with a crinoline - a stiffened or hooped petticoat designed to hold out a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skirt. The history of mourning clothes dates back over 500 years when wearing black signified bereavement in Europe and North America. Black was worn at funerals and for some time after the death of a loved one. Originally a custom for royalty and the aristocracy as an expression of grief, by the mid-19th century mourning dress had become a convention for all levels of society.

Our curator, Helen Brash, can be seen here checking the mourning jacket, and was delighted to find it was in excellent condition! Please note that MHHS staff are still taking phone calls and emails, so contact us if you have any queries about the history of the Shire of Mundaring.

Ken Wyatt - Federal Member for Hasluck In adapting to this new way of life we must always continue to focus on the positives. Take this time to learn something new or finish that qualification you dreamed of.

I would first like to thank all members of our Hasluck and broader community for their efforts this far to stop the spread. Over the Easter long weekend, across WA we witnessed the large majority of people adhering to the public gathering restrictions and social distancing measures. Our numbers in WA are promising, and across the Nation we are world leaders in stopping the spread. We have the best medical minds in Australia and Internationally providing advice to the National Cabinet. This advice is being considered in every decision, keeping the safety of Australians at the forefront of decision making.

A number of online education programs have been made available and I encourage everyone to take advantage of them. Both Higher Education Short courses and Online training courses have been made available through Government incentive programs recently. It is so important in these times to also keep physically healthy and fit. Going for a walk around your neighbourhood or to your local park is a perfect mid-week activity. I also encourage everyone to stay connected with family and friends via video and phone calls. It's so important that we keep in touch with each other and those in our community. Make a time each week to call those around you, check up on them and keep your social circles active online. Please contact my office if you need any support or help finding what support is available.

I understand that the thought of these measures being in place for 6 months is quite daunting. But we must come together, and only together we will get through this. Help is available in a number of ways. Whether it be financial assistance through the various stimulus packages for individuals and businesses or mental health and well-being support through Beyond Blue.

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP Federal Member for Hasluck Minister for Indigenous Australians Email: ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au Phone: 08 9359 0322 Website: www.kenwyatt.com.au 40

Darlington Review - May 2020

Darlington Retirement Accommodation Association (Inc) - The Glen In these strange and uncertain times all is well at Darlington Glen retirement units with the residents being well cared for by families and friends and checked on regularly.

concert of singing and guitar playing. The residents embraced the spirit of the day and dressed accordingly with men in black ties and the ladies in their best finery. The trip to the concert was short and on arrival they had the best seats in the house, as they had front row seats at the end of their driveways. Caitlyn entertained them from across the road. Well done Caitlyn, and on behalf of the residents of Darlington Glen thank you for this wonderful gesture and lovely singing. Also thank you Leueen for the photographs.

Strange times indeed when the Glen management team had to hold a ‘virtual meeting’ and business was successfully concluded after a couple of clicks. Unfortunately, with lockdowns and social and business distancing, the Wooroloo working party are unable to come and maintain the gardens in good shape. Hopefully it won’t be for too long. Meanwhile a locally based gardening team has stepped into the breach and has priced the service at a manageable level.

It is a strange thing that the more distant we are forced to be, the closer together we become. Unfortunately, we cannot test this proposition for a while. The annual Darlington Glen garden party has been postponed until this thing (I won’t mention the dreaded virus) is over. When this interruption to our lives is over, and it will be over soon, we will all come together like long lost friends. Meanwhile stay safe and hug those whom you are allowed to.

Out of adversity and unusual circumstances often comes a mountain of goodwill. This is particularly so in the Darlington community. The Darlington Glen residents were in receipt of such a gesture of goodwill from just the other side of the road. Helena College student Caitlyn invited the Glen residents to a

Also best wishes from the Darlington Glen Management Committee to the residents, families and everyone in these strange and uncertain times. Colin Merritt

Mundaring Arts Centre You can now purchase locally designed and crafted wares from the comfort of your own home with Mundaring Arts Centre’s new online store. Featuring a range jewellery, scarves, linen, cards, books, artworks and more from Western Australian artists and makers, you’ll find popular items from Mundaring Arts Centre’s shop now online, with more stock to be added over coming weeks. Get items delivered to your door or opt in for click and collect. Support Mundaring and Midland Junction Arts Centres during this time of uncertainty by becoming a member for only $48 a year and receive a great range of benefits across both venues. As a member you’ll receive a 10% discount on workshops, 10% discount in the shop and a 15% discount at Jacksons Drawing Supplies. Visit mundaringartscentre.com.au or midlandjunctionartscentre.com.au to explore the shop, see past exhibitions, become a member, and much more. Mundaring Arts Centre | 7190 Great Eastern Hwy (corner Nichol St) | 9295 3991 mundaringartscentre.com.au Midland Junction Arts Centre | 276 Great Eastern Hwy (corner Cale St) | 9250 8062 midlandjunctionartscentre.com.au

Darlington Review - May 2020

Darlington Bushwalking Series Contact Details

Phone: 9299 6696 Email: cliffburns@iprimus.com.au

To Walk or Not to Walk? – That is the Question….

The other question is……Where is my Crystal Ball? I must have left it somewhere. We plan to start the 2020 Walk programme on May 31, but that may all change and is dependant upon that nasty little virus that has tamed our personal activities. If it was tennis, it would be game, set and match to the virus. But there will be further matches to play.

Season 2020 Bookings still OPEN, but…..

Meanwhile the 2020 Walk Season is already heavily booked. We are still taking bookings on the understanding that the programme may or may not commence on May 31. Should the programme not commence as planned everyone who has booked will be notified.

Just a thought…. A Spanish politician was asked by the media why it was taking so long to find a cure for Coronavirus. She responded, “You pay some sports stars millions of Euros to kick or hit a ball and a biologist thousands of Eros to research. Go and ask the sports stars to find a cure”. Another thought…..My 70th birthday (ouch!!), due in April, has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Bushwalk News”

Ask to be placed on the “Bushwalk News” email list, and you will receive all the new information hot off the press.

Stirling Range National Park Weekend Adventures

Two separate weekends (August 28-31 and September 25-29). The September Weekend is fully booked with a waiting list. The August Weekend has very limited vacancies available. Full information by emailing Cliff Burns at cliffburns@iprimus.com.au.

It’s not the speed that matters, see you on the track. Cliff Burns (Organizer and Guide) 9299 6696

Darlington Bush & Variety Walk Series BOOKINGS NOW OPEN

(# indicates new walk)

Residents are invited - 18 Sunday bush and variety walks. First in, first served. Book as many walks as you wish.

Sunday mornings ($5 each) & Stirling Range Adventure Weekend. May June

July

Aug.

For programme, info. & bookings: Email: cliffburns@iprimus.com.au Phone: Cliff Burns 9299 6696

Sept. Oct.

Sun. 31 Sun. 7 Sun. 14 Sun. 21 Sun. 28 Sun. 5 Sun. 12 Sun. 19 Sun. 26 Sun. 2 Sun. 9 Sun. 16 Sun. 23 28 - 31 Sun. 6 Sun. 13 Sun. 20 25 - 28 Sun. 4 Sun. 11

# Mundaring Bushlands Loop Hudman Rd Bushlands / Quarries # Wooroloo Brook Loop # Series of 4 consecutive Sunday walks to complete the entire length of the Railway Heritage Trail. # Swan River at Point Walter # Ngangagurringgurring & Chauncey # Around the Bridges # Churchman Bushlands Loop South Darlington & Helena River # Kitty’s Gorge (WITH LUNCH) STIRLING RANGE ADVENTURE 1 # Wooroloo Regional Park # Lion’s Lookout Bushlands Loop # Wungong Gorge (WITH LUNCH) STIRLING RANGE ADVENTURE 2 # Red Hill Bushlands Loop # Xanthorrhoea Trail & WIND-UP

Darlington Review - May 2020

Shire of Mundaring Library Service Greg’s been helping one of our senior library members to use her iPad. She was so thrilled with his help, she phoned us saying, “He is absolutely gorgeous, a wonderful addition to your library services. You must keep him!” We certainly will!

So much has happened since the last issue! The libraries have been adapting to evolving conditions, working to ensure we can keep our wonderful community connected with the libraries. Our approach may be different, but we’re still here for you!

Greg is available on Thursdays by appointment. Call the libraries to book. Natasha Lester on Facebook Live

Click ‘n’ Deliver Library Service

If you booked for Natasha Lester’s event at Boya and were disappointed it had to be cancelled, we have the next best thing! Natasha Lester will be talking live on Facebook at 6.30pm on Monday, 25 May about her newly published and acclaimed novel, The Paris Secret. It is a memorable, beautifully researched novel spanning 80 years from 1939 to the present and covering England, France and Australia. If you love history, mystery, and haute couture, you will love this novel. Follow us on Facebook and don’t miss this event!

The Click ‘n’ Deliver nocontact home delivery service met with overwhelming response. Library members living in the Shire can register one adult per household for a monthly delivery of up to 20 items and 6 seed packets. To date, 4000 items have been issued and library staff have been delivering to every suburb in the Shire from Wooroloo to Bellevue. We’ve even had 30 new library members join online!

Virtual Story and Baby Rhyme Time with Morgan We know many of you have been missing Morgan and her weekly rhyme and story times. Great news! We are scheduling weekly Story and Baby Rhyme Times on Facebook, so make sure you follow us so you don’t to miss each new episode.

Additional eLibrary resources Many people have been accessing the eLibrary – Overdrive and BorrowBox for eBooks and eAudiobooks, RBdigital for eMagazines, and Kanopy for video streaming. Other digital providers have temporarily expanded access to services. These include Ancestry Library Edition available from home for a limited time to library members and Gale Health & Wellness which is automatically updated with the latest daily content from news articles, academic journals, reference, magazines, videos and audio.

Quenda Community Citizen Science Project Shire of Mundaring Libraries is partnering with this Project which aims to find out where quenda (bandicoots) live in the Shire of Mundaring. The Quenda Search Project team is seeking information about where and when quenda are seen. You can send an email about your sighting with the date, time of day, location (street or reserve name and suburb) and how many quenda you saw to backyard.bandicoots.perth@gmail.com. Photos are welcome! Information is collected from April through June so you can submit more than once. Using this information, a map will be created to show where quenda are sighted and results sent to participants. The Quenda Search Team has information and activity resources to help you learn about quenda which will be soon be available on the libraries’ website. A great “iso” activity for adults and children alike!

Phone Tech Help Greg, our infinitely patient and knowledgeable Digital Mentor, is assisting people by phone to use technology. Recently Greg assisted a local resident who lives with profound visual impairment to access eAudiobooks. Greg coached Tammy by phone until she was successful downloading and using eAudiobooks. She also learnt to use Kanopy video streaming, which she finds fantastic because she listens to the video audio even if she can’t see the video. Tammy said she has more independence and enjoyment, with access to “endless bits and pieces that I wouldn’t get through even in a whole lifetime!”

Library staff are available to answer phone queries between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Darlington Review - May 2020

Silver Tree Steiner School Class 4 at Silver Tree Steiner School One major themes of the Class 4 year is Norse Mythology. These gripping tales range from gods to giants to dwarves and to the Norse men and women. The stories burst with adventure, challenges, mischief and trouble, faith, respect, strength, and many more characteristics the children can relate to. In this same year, the children explore local geography, as it helps the children secure themselves in their immediate surroundings. They start at the classroom, slowly working out to their local surroundings. Looking at our environment directly from where we stand, as well as learning to view it from a map, plants the idea that life situations can be viewed from various perspectives. During English lessons, children work on more formal grammar and simple tenses through written and oral work. Additional

time is spent on creative writing, poetry, comprehensions, reading, spelling and vocabulary and drama. In Maths, fractions and long multiplication and division are introduced and work with the four operations is extended with larger numbers. As the themes for the year are so rich in beautiful description, artwork is usually inspired by themes the children work on during the year. Learning to draw animal forms, painting with light and dark, Celtic knot inspired drawings and work with cross-stitch are some of the inspirational artistic themes we practice in Class 4. The Torchbearers have settled in so well into Class Four. They work like warriors, sing like gods and goddesses and look after one another so beautifully. What a blessing to teach these Vikings!

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Darlington Review - May 2020

Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS) Happy 10th Anniversary to our FODS Group Along with so many other, maybe more important, celebrations, our planned celebration of 10 years as the current group who maintain the Station Reserve has been cancelled. So sad because, apart from being a bunch of hard working gardener types who turn out every fortnight to work on the Reserve, we are a social group and getting together and catching up socially is an important part of what we do. So we won’t be having a party and we will most likely not be meeting on the Reserve as a group every second Sunday most of this winter. Nature, however, has not been cancelled and so we will have to adapt how we do the work; where there is a will there is a way. It is worth looking back at this point in time to how work on the Reserve actually started, long before the FODS began. Some of you will remember Joan Crawford who, in 1999, registered a Friends Group with the Shire of Mundaring. There was so much to be done to turn what was effectively a piece of waste land where the station had been abandoned in the 1950’s, into what you see today. There were no tracks on which to walk; there were no areas of native plants between the tracks, no ‘Darlington’ sign, no seats or picnic table, no information shelter and no other structures like the terraces against Darlington Road all of which now make this our beautiful Reserve. What a huge undertaking and how hard they worked until 2008 when Joan resigned. After 2 years of neglect in 2010, our current group was named FODS and the new CO-Coordinators Mike Tooby and Ken Rich began the huge task of catching up on all the weeds, fallen branches, dead plants, earth works etc. of the previous 2 years. Many community groups pitched in, along with Helena College in recent years, and the issue of BMX bikes on the reserve, building the McDonald Steps and adding new plantings and seats were addressed over time. The group has never, however, lost track of Joan Crawford’s original master plan.

After Ken moved away and Mike came to the end of his time, Phil Vile took over coordinator duties until he too moved away last year and Jane Arnold has stepped up. We continue to plant, weed and clear up trees and branches as necessary every winter. and we have planted memorial trees and benches have been installed. More and more local residents, and I think more outsiders recently, seem to enjoy using The Station Reserve every year and current isolation rules have seen numbers on The Reserve serge. Happily there still seems to be socially distanced room for all with most users being courteous and friendly; a great place to NOT meet your friends and neighbours. I would just like to acknowledge a few of our longest- standing members in Gill Scott, Liz Dumont and Gail Gregson ( both now our esteemed CATERINGFODS) Marg Sayer, and many others who have retired from the heavy work or who have moved away. You are all still part of our story. If you would like to know more please contact: Jane on 0477 987 048 or arnoldmjtt@ gmail.com Stacey on 9299 8986 or Stacey. august64@gmail.com and Pauline who cares for the Mandoon Reserve on 9299 7039 or paulines191@ gmail.com I still might see you sometime on the Reserve Diane

Top two photos show “the before” and bottom two photos “the after” efforts in the Station Reserve

Darlington Review - May 2020

Darlington Social Cricket Club DSCC Does Mother India (well, maybe) Calling all optimists ….. The good news is, we are well down the track of planning for a cricketing whirlwind tour of the sub-continent in April/May 2021.

We’ve got them to take the accommodation down a notch. We’ve looked at places with the best tandoori chicken in India. We’ve sourced some ‘lightning bolt’ beer (labelled as containing ‘between 4 and 14% alc. by vol’).

Chasing all Unfortunates that have been run out for a “Diamond Duck” Looking for all players who have had the misfortune of being dismissed for a “Diamond Duck” There might be some awards at the Annual Dinner when it is finally staged. (Damn this virus!)

The better news is that we haven’t paid a deposit yet. So here’s how it breaks down so far….

Also, a detailed description how this unfortunate incident occurred, who was the dirty dog at the other end and what reprisals have occurred or are still in the wind.

After receiving the endorsement of your hardworking committee (Jonesy does most of the work, let’s face it), we have sourced four separate quotes for a 12 day, 11 night trip to India.

Ed. Just remember revenge is best served cold We’ve talked about running a ‘DSCC does India’ themed AGM.

The Honourable Past Captain’s (one Mitch Cork) toe protectors tm whenever he deems to bowl in a match Blasts from the past ( 2018 and back)

This takes in all the show-stopper sights (the Taj, the Red Fort, an IPL match, a bollywood fiasco etc…) across three major locations (New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), and including 2-3 official cricket games against some semiworthy opposition. We’ve explored traveller apps, group flight bookings, cheap cricket bats, tour jackets, fund raising, visas, and the trustworthiness of a proposed tour guide called simply, Raj.

Shay-D and helpers making cupcakes for Arvo Tea

We have looked at a range of accommodations (from 3-5 star), itineraries with and without flights.

- not sure if Shay-D’s cap is back in its rightful home yet! Then, alas, we got COVIDed. So…. We’ve done most of the backgrounding.

We’ve haggled!

Quotes come in at anywhere between $2,000 and $3,890 per person (twin share) for flights, some meals, cricket games, tour costs and accommodation for 12 days and 11 nights. But that’s all bye the bye…. The new reality is that we will have to go out for new quotes if and when the world resumes some kind of normal. So for now, although the dream remains as solid as a first-world stool, delivering on that dream is going to have a bit more ‘wait and see’ about it than we’d all like. Hopefully there will be more updates soon!

Five lunatics selling sausages

Darlington Review - May 2020

Matthew Hughes MLA JP - Member for Kalamunda I have been particularly comforted to hear how many neighbours are considerately and unobtrusively helping older members of the community living on their own and who do not have family to keep a watchful eye on them.

Our local WA pandemic response has curtailed my ability to have face-to-face contact with members of the community, so I have been phoning constituents across the Electorate at random to ask about their well-being and to provide a reminder that my still-open Office is available to provide help and advice. I am enjoying the opportunity just to chat; to let the conversation go where it goes.

While COVID-19 presents a very worrying and testing episode in our collective history, it will pass. Each of us will be able to look back on this experience and to draw strength and draw lessons from it. I believe we will emerge from this with a fresh view as to what is most important and of abiding value for each of us as individuals and collectively as communities of renewed purpose. We are all in this together and I believe the COVID-19 experience can change us all for the better.

I miss the whirl of fascinating events organised by clubs, societies, schools and diverse groups in my electorate, as well as the community forums, street meetings, formal lunches and morning teas that I organise. But in chatting on the phone I have been able to assure people that while my office will not necessarily be in a position to provide direct assistance, we will certainly be able seek clarification on most matters relating to the COVID-19 National and Western Australian response and to help people to obtain answers to their queries. I am pleased to get peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems and bugbears fixed and to appraise Mark McGowanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of the issues that are most live.

In many of my chats I have frequently been asked if I intend to run again at the March 2021 State Government Elections. My answer has been a very definite yes. There are two reasons. The first is that I have work begun in my first term as a member of the State Parliament that I want to bring to a conclusion. The second reason is that I think it important that voters be given the opportunity to pass judgement on my performance. Matthew Hughes JP MLA I State Labor MP for Kalamunda

In my conversations with people across the electorate it is very obvious just how self-sufficient and level headed people are. Friends are helping friends, and adult children are taking all precautions to ensure their elderly parents are able to maintain isolation. From my own experience, I know how painful it is not to be able to direct contact with our grandchildren living close by, and not to be able to travel to Pemberton this Easter to visit our grandchildren there.

PO Box 779 Kalamunda 6926 1/16 Mead Street Kalamunda WA 6076 PH: 08 9293 4747 Fax: 08 9257 1069 Email: matthew.hughes@mp.wa.gov.au

Support for Local Businesses Recently the Prime Minister announced the second stage of our economic plan to cushion the economic impact of the Coronavirus. Our plan includes practical measures to help businesses to continue to operate including: • Providing further payments of up to $100,000 for businesses with a turnover under $50 million. This will help around 690,000 businesses, employing around 7.8 million people; • Guaranteeing 50% of new loans for small and medium businesses under the new Coronavirus SME Guarantee scheme; and • Relief for financially distressed businesses. These measures build on the government’s first economic support package, which increases the instant asset write-off, provides accelerated depreciation deductions, supports apprentices and trainees, and provides targeted support for affected regions and communities. Our plan also supports households and individuals, with expanded eligibility for income support payments, a new time-limited $550 Coronavirus supplement, provides payments to eligible recipients and allows individuals in financial distress to access up to $20,000 of their superannuation over the next six months.

These are challenging times, but we will do all that is necessary to support Australians. Business owners can contact the dedicated business helpline on 13 28 46 to determine exactly what support their business can receive or if you need to discuss tax deferrals with the ATO, please call 1800 806 218. For additional information on support for businesses please visit: www.business.gov.au

Yours sincerely, The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, Federal Member for Hasluck, Minister for Indigenous Australians

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES THROUGH CORONAVIRUS Providing Small Business cash payments up to $100,000 Guaranteeing Loans for Small Businesses Increasing the insolvency and bankruptcy thresholds Paying 50% of Small Business apprentice wages to 30 September For more information visit: www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

KEN WYATT AM MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HASLUCK

9359 0322

ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au

kenwyatt.com.au

KenWyattMP

Authorised by Ken Wyatt MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Shop 10-12 Hawaiian’s Forrestfield, 80 Hale Road, Forrestfield WA 6058.

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