Vol. 55 No. 11 December 2015 www.darlingtonvillage.org
Darlington Review - December 2015
Editorial
More markets please!
Words and images - the wrong way up
If endorsement for the national Shop Small movement was needed, it came with Darlington’s first ‘pop-up’ Christmas market. Within a matter of hours, Darlington Gallery and the forecourt of Darlington Post Office had been transformed into a market place selling everything from seedlings for the veggie garden, decorated Christmas wreaths, handmade toys, ceramics - and cupcakes that disappeared very rapidly. Our advertising manager is still lamenting having spent all her money without having acquired an irresistible koala. She keeps asking: ‘When’s the next one?” And that was the question on many lips because, let’s face it, how much more pleasurable is it to purchase gifts from a local market rather than those repetitious made-in-China offerings? It was clear locals loved this new initiative - so well done Donelle Wallis and Maya Bouchard - and it got people thinking ‘what’s next’ for this great little space and the even (greater) potential market space in the station reserve. “Some stall-holders sold out, and those who didn’t do so well had such a good time they said they’d definitely do it again because there was such a nice atmosphere and such great community support,” reported Donelle. Old-timers recalled that, way back, a resident who came from the UK started an occasional barter market in the station reserve, where people bought their excess homegrown or home-made whatever… to trade and to talk.
Daniel Oxenburgh has had multiple jobs but the one he likes best is being an occasional poet - in between jobs that bring in the dollars. “In reality I spend most of my time whipper-snipping, kicking lawn mowers and talking to magpies about the latest black-and-white fashion trends,” quips Daniel who runs Bilby Gardening Services. However, he already has an earlier book of poems, Quicksilver, to his credit and has also provided the verses that have accompanied several Mezzanine Art exhibitions.
Could Darlington have a once-a-week / month mini market on the reserve? Or evening markets with food on offer? Such ideas kept being exchanged at our first pop-up market - and what was clear is that many saw huge potential. So watch these spaces in 2016!
Recently the local resident enjoyed considerable success as a finalist in the Australian Poetry Slam and he has also been a Featured Poet at a string of poetry clubs and events.
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Darlington Review - December 2015 roads are becoming intolerable”, and residents feel that the lack of public open space has become critical.
Australia has a long tradition of poets whose take on life either amuses or provides us with insights, and that is what Daniel’s latest book “wrong way up” aims to do.
Campaigners don’t want to halt the development, they just want it to be reconfigured (with the loss of several blocks) so the wetland can be saved and, in future, enhanced. And it’s easy to see why they want to save it - Sue has counted more than 25 species of birds. You can see the Save the Lake website at: http://chevie350.wix.com/helena-valley.
Daniel met the book’s illustrator when he gave an informal poetry class at Wandoo Reintegration Facility where he was working as horticulturist. The class attracted a single student, Giles Graham, who had served in Afghanistan, been involved in a tragic accident, and was spending time in the facility. The class of two turned out to be fun and productive, and during his time in the facility Giles began to explore his talent for drawing.
“Eighty per cent of WA’s wetlands have been lost to development,” says Sue. “Those who want to save this wetland are volunteering to do whatever is necessary to upgrade it so that it becomes a community asset in an area that lacks public open space.”
When both moved onto the next phase of their lives, the pair briefly worked together in Daniel’s gardening service, and Giles produced the illustrations for Daniel’s volume. Giles is currently studying Town Planning and has just won a scholarship that will take him overseas, so production and launch of their book had to be accelerated.
Former South Ward Councillor Darrell Jones who lives in Helena Valley was one of many to put in public comment submissions. He points out that the 1990s rezoning from rural to urban was taken out of the hands of the Shire (it was approved by the then Minister for Planning) and ad hoc development, as one farm after another has been sold, has been the result.
Books like this don’t just appear; they’re shaped by lives and evolve. You can buy a copy by phoning 0416 855 335.
A lake, a habitat worth saving?
It is always inspiring to witness how the instinct to preserve a landscape feature - a wetland, a habitat - unites people, spurs them to action. You appreciate this when you talk to a determined band of Helena Valley residents rallying to save a small but pretty wetland that could all but disappear if a development proposal soon to be considered by Mundaring Council gets the nod.
“Our public open space runs down the edge of Helena Valley road - that’s our ‘oval’!” he says. “We want to maintain the rural ambiance but because there is no overall structure plan, no land has been set aside for recreational facilities.”
Drive down to the roundabout on Helena Valley Road and take a right that will eventually lead you to Carabeen Avenue and the prominent SAVE OUR LAKE sign overlooking the stretch of water where coots and black ducks enjoy the balm of a late spring afternoon and a long necked turtle basks on a log.
The former councillor is also concerned about the history of the site as a dump for asbestos, heavy metals, PCBs and other contaminants, and points to potential human and environmental threats posed by these - along with the challenges of rehabilitating a the contaminated site close to proposed residential blocks.
A few natural leaders generally emerge in a grassroots campaign such as this, and in this case their energy and enthusiasm has been vital because the wetland is not visible from the Helena Valley Road and those who walk or run in the area were largely unaware that most of the wetland could be lost if a development proposal for more than 60 homes gets approved.
He also opposes the proposed “four residential lots in the location of an open water body identified as capable of ecological enhancement and that has aesthetic/recreational value.”
Campaign coordinators Sue and Don McCann say that the proposal has galvanized the community on several fronts. The ad hoc subdivision with ever-smaller lot sizes that continues along this road (where a single development generates some 700 car movements a day) means that “the
What also disturbs the former South Ward Councillor, who is on the NRM board, is his belief that the proposal tends to pay ‘lip service’ to amenities issues “while delivering poor outcomes”.
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Darlington Review - December 2015 The public comment period ended on November 20 and the matter is likely to come before council in the coming months. Will this scenic swathe of water with its resident turtles and ducks survive? Could the council make up for the dearth of public open space by negotiating to acquire the wetland area for the benefit of Helena Valley residents? Such developer/council trade-offs have happened, and it would certainly address the lack of recreational land. Is there is room for optimism? The campaigners point to the fact that Mundaring Shire’s Environment and Natural Resource Policy aims to : “Actively seek opportunities for improved environmental outcomes including support for development which provides for environmental restoration or enhancement … to protect features significant as habitats …and the significant environmental, recreational and cultural values of water resources.” Should Mundaring’s councillors reject the proposal, the developers could take their proposal to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT). Whereas at a local government level, locals are able to speak to the issue from the public gallery when the council meets to vote, however, at SAT, lawyers face off (and the Shire is reluctant to go down the SAT path because of legal costs involved). Campaigners also take heart at the fact that this water body is recognized by both the WA Planning Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority. They’re hoping that the protections embedded in the policies of these State Government bodies will prove to be much more than ‘lip service’. The Save the Lake group is sparing no effort in trying to preserve their wetland, and - as with the original Helena Valley rezoning in the 1990s- politicians are getting involved, with Labor’s Michelle Roberts visiting the site to lend support and promising to present their petition with more than 880 signatures in Parliament. There’s a touch of irony in this given it was a Labor Minister for Planning who, way back, emphatically assured Hills residents that by giving a green light to a single cell urban development in a rural setting, his government was not unleashing a train of ad hoc developments down the road - as Mundaring’s Shire Planner and local campaigners had predicted. We’ll keep you posted.
A new president, a new committee
After Save the Lake reps had given their presentation, the Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Association (DRRA) AGM got under way - and it was great to see some new
faces, two of whom ended up on the committee. Having a proactive and efficient ratepayers association has multiple advantages and it was clear that the Helena Valley visitors were impressed with what they saw - and they clearly enjoyed themselves, staying on to join in the wine-andcheese windup. When the business of the AGM got under way, not unexpectedly (and with wide support) former vicePresident Phil Vile was persuaded to become President. Phil is involved in multiple community groups: Darlington History Group, Friends of Darlington Station, Darlington Arts Festival, Let’s Talk Rubbish, all of which are looking a bit worried because he has to drop something or the man will sink beneath his community commitments! Having worked closely with the impressive former president Poul Dahl, Phil has a good handle on issues and the need to maintain the strengthened relationship with Mundaring Shire officers. There were glowing tributes for the contribution of Poul Dahl, treasurer John Fryer, and Eva Marjanovic and Peter Horobin (who have served on DRRA for many years and can always be counted on when volunteers are needed) and long-term committee member Colin Staveley, and to local resident Peter Edwards who for many years has audited DRRA’s (and the Review’s) accounts. Gabby Houldsworth, a valued former DRRA Secretary, was unanimously voted into the role of Vice-President, David Shimmel, a strong contributor, takes on the role of Treasurer and Mike Jones and Tony Rees continue as committee members (both can be relied upon to clarify/ drive/enliven debates). They are joined by new committee members Marjan Martin (who has a long association with Marloo Theatre) and Grant Butler (who has been relentlessly nagged to join by many, including his motherin-law!)
Hats off to the Darlington Arts Festival 2015
When the marquees stood empty, the final artworks had been claimed by new owners and Festival kids were making the best of the unfettered freedom they enjoy when volunteering parents are otherwise engaged, the weary - but elated - Festival team gathered on the verandah of Darlington Hall. The wind-down ‘pizza and wine’ has become as much a part of the Darlington Arts Festival as the official opening and the kids’ water bomb battles.
Darlington Review - December 2015 As volunteers sank into chairs and exchanged notes, President Pete Nicholls and Vice-President Geoff Barker shared a bear hug and a look that said it all: “Mate, we did it!” And, as he rose to his feet to toast the 2015 festival, the President made it clear that “we” encompassed 80 amazing volunteers who should be feeling enormous pride right now. Not all were able to be there. Some had gathered up children and belongings and headed home, but everyone involved knew they had pulled off something special. When thanking his team, Pete Nicholls mentioned a single story that captured the essence of our annual community arts festival. A major award in the Junior Art Exhibition that attracted entries from across the Hills - went to a girl recently diagnosed with a learning difficulty. Her mum confided to organisers that her daughter had been feeling a bit down, but the prize acted as an inspirational spur at just the right time. Art was something at which she excelled. “This is my purpose,” she told her mum.
and the incredibly talented, just graduating Helena School singer Annika Moses (pictured below centre) who is clearly on the threshold of a big career. She sings, makes her own music and beguiles her audience, and not surprisingly she’s headed to WAAPA. We hope to see them all again in 2016. In all there were 40 entertainment acts, more than half on stage, the rest out and about. While the weeks leading up to the festival were hectic for all, at least two of the festival team had been working on the George Haynes retrospective since February. Special Exhibition coordinators Carolyn Staveley and George Grayston pulled together an excellent show. While the two Georges were old mates, Carolyn (pictured above), coordinating her second Festival retrospective, wanted to make sure she understood the artist being featured and made several trips down to the artist’s Spearwood studio. The consensus was that the visual, written and video material did justice to this high profile artist who launched his career in Darlington. And what an excellent idea it was to give over the lesser hall to this, rather than cram it onto the stage.
While winning (in that case) served an excellent purpose, it is the engagement with the arts - through painting, sculpting, potting, or performance - that lies at the heart of the Festival. “I don’t know how many lives this Festival touches, whether as participants or volunteers, but I do know that it is an extraordinary number because it is now THE biggest event of its kind in the Shire of Mundaring.” said Pete Nicholls. Wandering through the well-laid-out stalls (well done Brendon Thompson), picking up pottery bargains and early Christmas gifts, watching determined kids scale ‘the wall’ or creative kids produce a pot or a painting, it was easy to pick up the great vibe this festival generated - and entertainment was a great contributor to the festival feeling.
Of course there were a few hiccups caused by artists not reading the warning that there is no guarantee that submitted works in the Open Art Exhibition will be hung, and a few were miffed to find their work displayed not in the main hall but the pop-up gallery created on the verandah.
Making it all happen was Mr Entertainment Phil Vile who got the acts coming from choirs to ballerinas, and a familar face from the past Andrew Greenham. The one time Darlington Primary student who now has his own sound and light business. There were in all more than 40 acts, more than half of them on stage.
Coordinating the Art Exhibition Kell Barnes observed: “It was a question of space availability and size - and we wanted to give preference to those artists who had risen to the challenge of producing work on the theme of The Elements,” says Kell. “We believe the theme idea was successful and will be doing that again next year because it’s so interesting to see how artists interpret it.”
You could have spent the entire day ducking in and out of the entertainment marquee, but a couple of acts stood out: who can forget that gorgeous a cappella group Darling with their sassy to sweet repertoire (yes, they do events: www.darlingmusic.com.au); that endearingly funny juggler, Mr Ricochet who graduated from skittles to swords;
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Darlington Review - December 2015
“Darling” a capella group
era of study at uni or TAFE that could shape YOUR LIFE hereafter?
Helping to curate the exhibition was Curtin Art Gallery’s Cathryn Ross who mentored two volunteer curators Abby Donkin and Danielle Betty (pictured above). Both grew up in the Hills and are familiar with the festival and both are studying art history at The University of WA.
While schools offer career advice it is often given in a class situation rather than one-on-one. Everyone, from wellmeaning parents, relatives and friends, seems to have an opinion about your strengths and where they should lead you in terms of future study, so you stew about the preferences you selected in your tertiary education application (that closed in September) and wonder whether ATAR results (out in December) will see changing direction when you enrol in early January.
“It’s the first time we’ve had practical curatorial experience,” said the enthusiastic students who volunteer at art galleries. Twenty-five percent of artists with work in the Open and Youth Exhibitions had the satisfaction of seeing their work sold. The 2015 team was determined to put art in all its forms at the heart of this year’s festival, and festival patron (and Mezzanine Art founder) Mark Alderson reminded us all of the role it plays in our lives.
“It can be an anxious time,” says new Review advertiser and Darlington resident Caroline de la Harpe (Positive People) who runs Career Exploration Sessions.
“The elements is a theme which can be interpreted in so many different ways, and of course there is always an element of truth in all good works of art - and we the audience realise it instantly. It strikes a chord, moves us, evokes a memory, arouses passions, and each of these emotions speaks directly to us, yet evokes an entirely different response in the next person. This is art - and it defines our culture …”
“I have seen students get more and more stressed as the
Hats off to all those associated with Festival 2015.
Be vigilant! Firefighters from Darlington have been among those battling the recent Esperance fires and in his notes in this issue the brigade’s Ricky Harvey tells us that environmental conditions at play on our southern coastline were 11 per cent worse that those experienced during Victoria’s Black Saturday fires. The Darlington Volunteer Bushfire Brigade urges you to be vigilant about your own property, about arson, and to remember that we’re in the Prohibited Burning Period that will last at least until the end of March - so no burning of garden rubbish. Read his notes for more details.
year progresses,” she says. “Everything seems to come at once - that’s why I advise Year 11 and 12 students to have these conversations at the start of the year if possible,” says Caroline. “However, if uncertainty about careers options becomes a problem, we can ease the pressure by identifying options for them to explore that takes into consideration their strengths, interests and personalities. Essentially, it’s a good starting point.
The best or worst of times?
It can be the best of times and the worst of times. You’re heading towards the end of 12 years of school (yay!) but ahead of you lie the exams (groan!) and, for some, a welter of decisions about THE FUTURE. Do you opt for a gap year to accumulate funds or travel? Do you embark on another
“Sometimes because a student has been doing a selection of subjects at school, that is where their focus is, but it may not be where their strengths are or it may be that they’re
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Darlington Review - December 2015 the possibility of doing a PhD. And he’ll be an amazing social worker because of all that life experience. He had to do it in his own time and because of the path he chose he is engaged totally with his course, he communicates with teachers and study has been a totally different experience for him.
good at, say, physics and maths, but their interests and personalities draw them to the humanities. Perhaps they’ve done work experience in their chosen area and hated it and that creates another dilemma! “I also see quite a few university students who aren’t necessarily coping well in first year. Perhaps they’ve been spoon-fed through secondary school and are suddenly in control of their time management - and they’re floundering at a time when they expected to thrive and have fun while studying. We run workshops in January and February that provide time management tools, advice on accessing lectures on line and other survival tips.”
“Parent shouldn’t agonise! Even if a student leaves school without the score they want, there are lot of avenues that will open up, and there are counsellors to help them find a path that suits them - when they are ready, and that is the key.” Good advice from two perspectives, on your doorstep!
Caroline has a BA (Psychology) Counselling and is half way through a postgraduate course in Careers Education and Development. She also involves her daughter Sarah (former high achieving Helena College student who is in the final year of a psychology degree and about to embark on Honours). Having been there, done that, and survived in fact thrived - she provides good advice at workshops for those embarking on tertiary studies.
Sirens make a return visit
Remember the debate way back about the need for a Darlington fire siren to alert residents that there was a fire in the vicinity and they needed to check the FESA website and other sources of information? Well the subject re-emerged in discussion at the DRRA and at meetings of Bushfire Ready Action Groups, despite the memory of strong opposition to the use of sirens from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), the Shire of Mundaring and the Darlington Volunteer Fire Brigades.
After speaking to Caroline, I turned for advice to Jan
The matter has certainly been enthusiastically discussed by coordinators of Bushfire Ready Action Groups who are consulting with their streets. This time around, a siren run by locals rather than the brigade is being considered. While residents seemed to find the idea appealing, those sceptical of the need for a siren point out that, because Darlington falls within the Zone 2 response area, when a fire is reported, the minimum initial response is a Fire & Rescue station, a Bush Fire Brigade, a Department of Parks & Wildlife tanker and, during the contract period and daylight hours, two water bombing aircraft (usually helicopters).
Carroll (pictured above with son Patrick) who has seen six children (now aged 26 - 38) choosing different paths to study and work.
“In simple terms, from when a fire is reported you would have the sirens from at least four fire trucks moving through the area and aircraft overhead - and this doesn’t include sirens from other responding agencies,” explains a local with long experience of how fire-fighting on several levels happens in our area. “If the fire is escalating, the number of vehicle sirens would continue to increase accordingly, making the surrounding community more than aware that something was going on.
“The first four went from school to university to work, no gaps, no faffing around. But that was not going to be the path for the last two who are now 26 and 28 year olds. They faffed around no end and that was quite difficult as a parent having watched the first four. “The elder of the two enrolled in medicine, then deferred and went to Africa and worked to earn enough to live away from home. And she took a year off and went travelling and did an Art degree unit, so her six-year degree became an eight years of study. Who does that?
“As the incident grows and the impact of a fire becomes more serious DFES starts to implement community alerts using the Bushfire Warning System (Advice, Watch & Act, Emergency Warning). These community alerts will be published on the DFES website, Twitter feed and telephone Information Line. They are also broadcast regularly on ABC Radio 720 and radio 6PR.
“Her young brother Patrick on the other hand went travelling for five years, then came home saying: ‘I am ready now’ - and in record time he completed a mature age matric, volunteered, worked and announced that he was going to do a Social Work degree. “So after doing an amazing array of jobs, that included being able to run a commercial kitchen, he is now talking about
“If a fire is posing an imminent threat to life and property
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Darlington Review - December 2015 with three children under three and a husband working away. Kathryn counted herself lucky to be involved with DFP and she was a very resourceful president over many years.
the authorities can use the Emergency Alert telephone warning system, as they did in the Parkerville, Stoneville, Mt Helena fire of January 2014. This system sends emergency messages to landlines in a designated area, mobile phones whose service address is in a designated area and mobile phones connected to cell towers in a designated area.
Our playgroup has also been mobile, starting life in 1971 at Darlington Hall with a handful of kids, migrating to the United Church (12 families, and a Shireprovided sandpit and equipment), then Kathleen Skipsey Hall (68 families). In 1984 on becoming incorporated it purchased more toys and equipment through fundraising. Another move took the group to the Catholic Church’s site at the corner of Hillsden/Dalry and finally to Bilgoman House, its current home, in 1988.
“Finally; love it, hate it or consider it a necessary evil, there is always social media. There are numerous Facebook pages and groups that go crazy at the mention of a fire. An emergency vehicle with lights and sirens on heading up the highway, or a helicopter flying overhead can send these sites into a frenzy. Whilst much of the information is rumour, hearsay or erroneous, there are large groups of the community that can become aware of an incident in a very short period of time, without the need for any community based emergency warning device.” So that is the opinion of someone in the know, and it is clearly held by authorities however, in the last issue of the Review we quoted a Mundaring Shire fire officer who observed that during the Parkerville fires some residents were totally unaware that a ferocious fire was heading their way; they were indoors with the aircon on, watching DVDs.
This home leased from the Shire (and next to Bilgoman Pool) feels right and members have invested much time in landscaping the gardens, providing shade over the sandpit, a mosaic-tiled cycle path and stimulating toys.
Would a local siren have made a difference? Let us know what you think.
Shut the mouth!
Certainly there have been challenges along the way, but this is a resilient group. When in 2010 membership plummeted with the exodus of kids to kindy, there was more fund-raising, a radical revamp and by the following year membership was again climbing.
In cobbling together all the information about Darlington’s first pop-up market and related events at Darlington Dental, we inadvertently gave the wrong impression about the best way to breathe. Physiotherapist Pippa Windsor quite rightly points this out in a Letter to the Editor, so we’re taking a deep (nasal of course) breath, we’re keeping calm and we’re carrying on! Read Pippa’s interesting letter about this and how to rectify mouth-breathing.
Jane Bigelow says there are sessions every day, and that groups evolve: “At one stage we had a twins groups,” she says. “It’s very much up to members how each session is organised. Some are structured, with craft activities, nature walks and a morning tea roster; others are very relaxed a get-together for mums and free play for kids. So a new member can choose what suits them.
Playgroup’s success story
We’re a mobile lot in Australia, with more than a million of us living and working overseas, and families moving between states to chase jobs, particularly during resource boom times.
“Apart from mums, we have grandparents, stay-at-home dads, family nannies and au pairs, and we’re flexible - some children going to kindy become part-time members and we see more of them during school holidays.”
Relocating across our island continent - leaving family and friends - can be a wrenching experience, particularly for young mothers and kids used to having the blessing of nearby rellies.
And because it is well equipped, Bilgoman House is also a popular venue for members’ birthday parties. The playgroup, which now has 60 members, sits beneath the umbrella advocacy group Playgroup WA and is active in seeking grants. The shire provided funds for new air conditioning throughout and a St John of God Group’s community wellbeing grant recently provided some rustic musical instruments to the outdoor play area.
When Darlington Family Playgroup’s Review scribe Jane Bigelow arrived in Darlington, one of her first moves was to look for a playgroup - and of course she also found an instant circle of friends for herself and her three kids. Two of her sons have now graduated to primary school but for two-year-old Tom, playgroup sessions are a high point in the week.
As a long-standing member of the Review, DFP’s details are always listed in the back of the Review, so if you’re a new arrival in town and want to meet the locals, give them a call.
When writing an account for the group’s 40th anniversary in 2011, then president Kathryn Batchelor recalled the loneliness of her own mother, living in a sparse community
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Darlington Review - December 2015
A bird-eye-view of Darlington
hexcopter to the chief. “The next day we returned to film in beautiful early morning light and were amazed by the scene of the village forming a perfect pentagon in the desert landscape amongst dramatic mountain scenery.” The entire village turned out for a viewing of the footage on the iPad and the chief was highly satisfied with a framed photo of his village. What an amazing coupling of technology and tradition. John’s flying background and specialised knowledge gave him a head-start because meeting all the necessary regulations for operating a commercial drone are necessarily onerous -which is why the couple are amazed by the ease with which anyone can buy and use a drone non-commercially. “And they can be a menace, particularly around airports.” Colette and John hope that a licensing scheme - similar to that for boat skippers - will restore some order to our increasingly crowded skies.
Colette and John with their trusty Landcruiser which is now in Darlington
How about this birds-eye-view of the heart of our village, nestled among hills and bushland, taken during the two heady days when our oval became an art and craft marketplace and our hall an art gallery?
Calls for help with Christmas Carols Pauline Clark is once again busy preparing for Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve in front of Darlington Hall and she’s calling for volunteers to assist with setting up the stage at around 4pm and packing it all away around 9.30pm.
It was sent to us by John and Colette Gibbons who came to Darlington (like not a few locals) from Africa, where they had established their aerial filming and photography business using technically advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones).
This is a popular event and as regulars will know, it gets a little bit bigger each year. Pauline estimates that this year’s event will cost around $4,000, with lead singers and other performers being paid, an animal farm, new decorations etc. Earnshaw Real Estate is kindly donating $2,000 and the Review is contributing more than $800 for sound and light.
John, a professional photographer, holds a private pilot’s licence - and this combination of photographic and flying ability enables him to fly UAVs with much skill. “Plus,” observes his wife, “it is much safer and cheaper than his previous method of hanging out of a Cessna with the door off!” (Having flown with news photographers doing just this, we know the relief she must feel!)
So take your best voices and enjoy - and if you’re eating and drinking make sure you do the right thing and take all your rubbish home rather than filling the playground bins.
Theirs is a fine partnership because while John also edits footage and photographs to a client’s requirements, Colette is the UAV Camera Operator, capturing the required images from the UAV flight controls.
There are of course carols and other Christmas events planned by local churches, so check out the times in this issue.
Get that Santa mail in early
The couple, who have two children, migrated to WA from East Africa and almost immediately decided that Darlington was the place to put down roots and establish Skyworks WA. One of the first UAV operators, they now enjoy a solid reputation for footage of wildlife, sports, tourism and natural disasters in remote locations. They’ve covered Avon Descents for TV, the Northam hot air balloon championships and motocross events that can be viewed on their website: www.skyworkswa.com
Donelle tells us that Santa’s Mail Box is ready and waiting outside the post office. Australia Post anticipates that children will write more than 100,000 letters this Christmas, so it is encouraging them to attach a stamp to their letter and include a return address on the back of the envelope. Letters should be addressed to ‘Santa North Pole 9999’. As this is a busy time for Santa, it says responses should be received by the end of January.
Their most memorable assignment? Photographing a chief ’s kraal in Northern Kenya and demonstrating their
Trea Wiltshire Editor
Don’t forget our native friends over the hot summer months !
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Darlington Review - December 2015 This amazing Darlington Arts Festival 2015 photo thanks to Skyworks
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Darlington Review - December 2015 1. Space for teeth to grow
Letters to the Review
2. Space above for adequate nasal breathing and behind into the pharynx
From Michael Jones
Sometimes in order to make the switch we have to create some space to help the breathing. This is where early detection by dentist with expertise in the area comes in very handy. The Myobrace method encourages lip closure, correct jaw alignment and tongue positioning to create that space before the child has stopped growing.
During a recent visit to Queensland, my wife and I visited a children’s playground which had a highly effective shade arrangement (see photograph below). There was no sign of graffiti or vandalism, issues used as a reason for not having a similar arrangement at the local playground.
Then it’s just a matter of getting the nose into action and the body used to the feeling of less air and more resistance, with a whole lot of postural and movement advice too. That’s where I come in…!
Is it time for a re-think?
From Arlene Puddy/Beatty & Kenneth Irwin What an amazing day ... the book launch of “Gwalia” book in the Darlington Hall on Saturday 14th November. It was a very hot day but still 109 people came along to help celebrate. We were blessed with a MC who charmed the event and several guest speakers whose expertise was both entertaining and very informative. We would like to thank ALL who braved the heat to come and support us in a venture that is close to our hearts. The enthusiasm, sales and general enjoyment of the event was surprising. Please accept this letter in appreciation of your attendance and encouragement for our book.
SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
Community Notices
so says Pippa Windsor of Physio2Breathe I recently had a very entertaining chat with Trea at the Arts Festival where we realised that there had been a misinterpretation of information in last week’s Review regarding breathing.
Chart Toppers And Christmas Cheer With Swan Harmony Singers
So, to clarify, mouth breathing in children is highly UN desirable, is the most common factor in the breathing disorders I see in adults (anxiety, hyperventilation, panic attacks, sleep disordered breathing, asthma ) and can have many negative effects on both physical and mental health.
Date: Sunday 6 December, 2015 Venue: Salvation Army Church, 371 Morrison Rd, Swan View (opposite Swan View Primary School) Time: 3.30pm
We are nasal breathers from birth.
Tickets (including afternoon tea): Adults $20, Concessions $15, groups of 10 or more $150. Children under 10 free.
The nose is a highly specialised air conditioner delivering clean, filtered, warmed, humidified air into our lungs at the right volume and speed.
Advance bookings: Mundaring Community Bank 9295 6411, or Anna on 9299 7249, or get your tickets at the door.
Mouth breathing starts out of necessity to get air. This could be as early as sucking from a bottle, sucking off a spoon during weaning, a bout of ear/nose/throat infection, emotional stress, development of allergies.
The choir is looking forward to welcoming new members to our community choir at the beginning of 2016. So if you enjoy singing, now’s your chance. For more details, call Anna (see above).
Mouth breathing necessitates the tongue being down at the bottom of the mouth rather than up at the roof where, together with the cheeks, and lips it is responsible for forming the width of the upper jaw and shape of the face, allowing:
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Darlington United Church
Cnr Darlington Rd and Allestree Rd, Darlington Two of the subjects which are receiving a lot of media coverage at the moment are Christmas and refugees. Christmas, because that time of the year is fast approaching. Refugees because of the mass exodus of people from countries like Syria and Iraq fleeing to find a new life in Europe. At first the subjects of Christmas and refugees don’t seem to have much in common. Christmas is a time for celebrating with family and friends with lots of good food and drink and giving and receiving gifts. For Christians it is also a celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth over 2000 years ago. Refugees on the other hand are usually linked with suffering, separation from family, friends and their country and as people who have to rely on humanitarian aid for shelter, food and water. Refugees however, were very much part of the first Christmas. The Bible records Jesus as being born in a stable because his earthly parents Joseph and Mary couldn’t find any proper lodgings for the night. They had travelled to the town of Bethlehem to take part in a census and found all the accommodation taken. The keeper of an inn agreed to allow them to sleep in the stable out the back of the inn and that night Jesus was born. Far from home and in uncomfortable surroundings, what must Mary and Joseph have felt? Certainly joy at the birth of Jesus, especially as they knew he was a special baby sent by God, but I wonder if they also wished he could have been born in nicer surroundings. Often illustrations of nativity scenes make the whole situation look very pleasant and hygienic (and with a few halos thrown in), but the reality would have been far different – not too clean straw, a manger for Jesus’ bed and the presence of smelly animals. Worse was to come. When the “three wise men” as they are commonly known, came from the east to Jerusalem to look for “the one who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2: 2), they went to King Herod and ask if they knew where this king was. Herod pretended to want to go and worship Jesus, but in fact saw the birth of Jesus as a threat to his kingship. Furious when the men from the east outwitted him, he ordered all baby boys two years and under in
Bethlehem and the surrounding area to be killed. Jesus would have been killed too, but he and his family escaped because they had been warned by an angel to flee to Egypt. They became refugees, escaping in the night from their homeland to find protection in another country. It would have been an arduous journey through the desert before trying to make a new in Egypt. There would have been no UNHCR to help them. How is this relevant for us today as Christmas approaches? It means we know that Jesus understands what it means to be a refugee and be separated from one’s homeland. Even though he was still young when he returned to Israel, Joseph and Mary would have told him about the hardships they had to endure. He can identify with refugees because he too had to flee to safety. Perhaps we can try and imagine what is like to be a refugee and think about what we can do to help them. One way we can do this is to give gifts that will help those less fortunate that ourselves. Organisations like CARAD and the Edmund Rice Centre work with refugees in WA. These organisations I’m sure, would appreciate a monetary gift or donations of needed items to help make Christmas happier for those who have found refuge in Western Australia. Further afield Health and Development Abroad (HADA) supports work with Syrian refugees in the Middle East. They guarantee that all funds except bank fees will be sent to the refugee project. Again this year DUC will be putting together Christmas Hampers to help those for whom Christmas will be financially difficult. We want to others to be blessed just as God has blessed us. On Christmas Day we will come join for a short service to celebrate the birth of Jesus. You are most welcome to join us. The service will begin at 9.00am and finish by 10.00am. I wish you all have a joyous, safe and healthy Christmas and a very happy New Year. Denise Rhodes
Christmas Day Service: 9.00am-10.00am Regular Sunday Service time: 9.30am. Contact: Ray Hockley (Vice President) – 0403 790 380 Email: darlingtonunitedchurch@gmail.com Website: www.darlingtonunitedchurch.com.au
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Darlington Primary School Culture Through Puppetry Darlington Primary School (DPS) hosted Spare Parts puppeteer Chloe Flockart for Terms 2 and 3, with funding from the AIR (Artist in Residence) program at the Department of Culture and the Arts. The project involved every student across all year levels (K - 6) as they learned how to design, build and animate puppets; and elements of production such as storyline and script development, stage design and set construction. In addition to these, students learned much about working in teams to create something special, and had a lot of fun along the way!
Chinese Dragons by Year 3
China, Mexico, India, Nepal, Africa, Hawaii and the Early Learning Centre’s Wombat Stew. The show finished with the DPS Choir and all the students singing I Am Australian. The performance was a special and memorable evening for the school community and fitting completion to an engaging experience for everyone.
School community gathers on the oval to picnic before the puppetry show starts
The students drew on the theme of cultures of the world, with each class selecting a country and making a small show to tell a story about that country and its culture. All the shows connected together to tell a larger narrative about two girls who had lost their own home and embarked on a journey around the world to visit other people and their homes.
Greedy Chief Fable from Hawaii by Year 4 / 5
The months of preparation culminated in a big performance at the beautiful DPS outdoor amphitheatre on Fri 23rd October, when approximately 900 members of the school community came together to participate in or to see the show, Culture Through Puppetry. The audience were warmly welcomed by Traditional Owner Noel Nannup, whose family is from this area of the hills, and the Minister for Culture and the Arts, Hon. John Day MLA. The audience were entranced with the entertaining stories about the Pacific, Australia, USA, Spain, England,
13
Darlington Review - December 2015
Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre End-of-Year Celebrations as the KSP Writers’ Centre Turns 30 The heritage-listed Katharine Susannah Prichard (KSP) Writers’ Centre at 11 Old York Road in Greenmount is turning 30 this year, and will be holding a free community event on Sunday 6 December to celebrate. The property has a long literary and ANZAC heritage. First
built in 1910, the KSP Writers’ Centre is the oldest of its kind in Western Australia. It was formerly the home of successful novelist Katharine Susannah Prichard and her husband Captain Hugo Throssell VC. Today, the Centre runs as a vibrant support hub for writers. The annual events program is carefully crafted by a team of volunteers with the united vision to inspire and develop writers of all ages and at any level of their craft, assisted by long-term financial support from the Shire of Mundaring and the Department of Culture and the Arts WA. Dr Laurie Steed, a Patricia Hackett Prize winning author and current Editorial Board member for Margaret River Press, emphasises the significance of the Centre to Australian writers. ‘What started in 2004 with a short story commendation in the KSP Short Fiction Award has now blossomed into a career and an infinitely rewarding one at that. If that is not the most glowing endorsement I could find for the beauty of KSP and all that it provides to so many writers, then I do not know what is.’ This special 30th anniversary event is free to enter and will feature guided tours of the property, photographic exhibitions, commemorative displays and special guest talks, Q&A’s with experts, market stalls, books for sale, lunch and tea, competition awards presentations, birthday cake, champagne toast, and wandering Light Horses with uniformed soldiers from the Great War Living History Society. The current KSP Chairperson Tabetha Beggs invites everyone to attend. ‘I’d love to see a whole bunch of new faces. Essentially the Centre is about writers, but once you’ve been here you discover there is so much more to the place. Its history, its ghosts, its sense of community, its words.’ A schedule of the day’s events is listed on the KSP Writers’ Centre website. For further details please contact 08 9294 1872 or visit www.kspf.iinet.net.au
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Shire of Mundaring Library Service Storylines Workshop
Anna answered questions about the process of writing and publishing.
Much chatter, laughing, musing and storytelling could be heard when a group of local Aboriginal elders met at Greenmount Library on 17 November for a Storylines workshop. Storylines is a State Library of Western Australia project to explore, identify and return Aboriginal heritage material from or to its collections. The Storylines project teams meets with community members to identify people and places in photographs held at the J.S. Battye Library of West Australian History. The Shire of Mundaring Libraries looks forward to more workshops in the future.
The “Book Box” at Swan View Youth Centre Free pre-loved library books have been made available at the “Book Box” at the Swan View Youth Centre as part of a new initiative by Shire of Mundaring Libraries, Seen & Heard, and Shire of Mundaring. People can take books from the special shelving unit, however the books do not have to be returned, or can be passed on to someone else to enjoy. Little free libraries like this are operating worldwide and helping to promote literacy and learning by making books readily available. Although the “Book Box” was begun primarily for youths attending the drop-in centre, the selection has been expanded so anyone attending the centre can find something of interest. Emily, a keen reader,
Storylines Workshop
Writers in the Library Series It was a full-house for Anna Solding, our latest “Writer in the Library”. Anna was “Writer-in-Residence” at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre. Anna talked about her book, “The Hum of Concrete”, which is set in Malmo, Sweden. The book is a story of five people whose lives intersect, and is very much a story of the city itself. Emily at Swan View Youth Centre
offered to oversee and maintain the “Book Box” while staff will ensure that a good stock of items is available. Shire of Mundaring Libraries Christmas Hours The Libraries will close at 12 noon on Friday 11 December for the Shire Staff Christmas party and reopen on Saturday 12 December at 9am. The Libraries close for the Christmas period on Thursday 24 December at 12.30pm and reopen on Monday 4 January at 9am. Items can still be returned through the after-hours book chute.
Anna Solding
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Darlington Review - December 2015
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 •
Next Brigade meetings: Tuesday, December 8th 2015 and Tuesday, January 12th 2016, at the Darlington Fire Station.
The 2015/2016 fire season is now well and truly upon us, and along with it comes the Prohibited Burning period, which was introduced early this year, on Saturday November 7th. All burning activity is now PROHIBITED until at least the end of March 2016, INCLUDING the burning of garden refuse. A long, dry winter means significantly drier fuel loads this year and authorities Australia wide are predicting some of the worst fire conditions ever experienced. Conditions within the Shire of Mundaring are already so bad that in late October we were seeing environmental data that we would normally expect some 6 weeks later around midDecember. The environmental figures recorded during the Esperance fires set new Australian records, some 11% worse than the Victorian Black Saturday fires.
mitigation. With the extreme fire conditions experienced throughout the Esperance region recently, some of our members were deployed to the area over several days. Many of our firefighters were also on stand-by with task forces ready to deploy around the metropolitan area. The Darlington Brigade is proud to be able to represent our community while helping others throughout the state. The Bratwurst tent at the Darlington Arts Festival was once again a highlight of our community calendar, and we thank our community members for your support of the Brigade, as we compete with more and more commercial food stalls. We, as volunteers, are buoyed by the continuing physical, moral and financial support that the Darlington community gives us year after year. Thank you also to the local businesses that are very generous in supporting their local Brigade. And to finish the year on a lighter note, we’d like to remind you of a video that Brigade members made a few years ago to promote Bush Fire Action Week. See if you recognise a face or two and have a little giggle while getting a simple but important message. The video can be found on You Tube by searching “Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade”.
Fire breaks must now be in place and please continue to be proactive in maintaining your property throughout the summer, therefore reducing the potential for bush fire to impact your home. Establish your ‘building protection zone’ of 20 metres. Have your ‘Prepare. Act. Survive.’ plan in place, relevant to your specific property and family needs, and practice with your children. You should also prepare your Survival Kit and check for out of date items. Please be vigilant and report any sightings of smoke or fire immediately by calling 000. We also encourage you to report any suspicious activity to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. Don’t forget our doors are always open on Saturday mornings from 9am-10.30am and you’re welcome to visit and seek information on bush fire management and
We wish the Darlington community a Merry Christmas, a happy New Year and a prosperous 2016. “Man is the only creature that dares to light a fire and live with it. The reason? Because he alone has learned to put it out.” ~ Henry Jackson van Dyke Cheers, Ricky Harvey
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Darlington Residents and Ratepayers Association The Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc. (DRRA) held its Annual General Meeting in November and the new committee for 2016 is:
There are a number of projects still on the go for 2016 which shall be reported on in greater detail in the New Year Darlington Review but special mention was made of:
President:
Phil Vile
•
Vice President:
Gabby Houldsworth
Treasurer:
David Shimell
The proposed new bus shelter at the junction of Hillsden and Darlington road. The design is being worked on between DRRA and the Shire to compliment existing stoneworks in Darlington.
•
The Darlington and Surrounds Survey into Fire Alert Warnings and the possible need for Fire Sirens to become another tool to make residents aware of DFES Alerts and Warnings.
•
The issue of vehicles dangerously speeding along in particular Darlington, Lionel and Coulston Roads.
•
Dates for the Annual Bulk Green Waste Rubbish pickup to take place on a more logical month.
Committee Members: Tony Rees, Michael Jones and Grant Butler. Outgoing President Poul Dahl thanked the 2015 Committee for its hard work and commitment in not only continuing on with all of the day-to-day work but also introducing new programs and initiatives throughout the year. One of the many successes in 2015 was the introduction of the “Lets Talk Rubbish” campaign which continues on throughout the year thanks to the help of Darlington volunteers working on the last Sunday of every month to help keep Darlington litter and rubbish-free.
Please take the time to come along to the DRRA General Meetings which are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month (excepting December and January) and are held in the Lesser Hall, Owen Road, Darlington.
DRRA has also worked very closely with the Shire of Mundaring to ensure that street and junction modifications meet the requirements and expectation of the Darlington community.
Meetings start at 7:30pm. If you are unable to make the meetings then we welcome input via email or inwriting to P.O.Box 177, Darlington 6070.
In particular he thanked Shane Purdy, Toni Burbidge, Brad Thompson, Liam Noonan and Andrew Townsend for their hard work on Darlington’s behalf. Poul also made particular mention of the hard work done by Darryl Jones outgoing Councillor for South Ward and incoming Coucillor James Martin.
How can we better engage with the Darlington Community? Please give us some ideas. Until then all members of the 2016 DRRA Committee wish everyone a Happy Christmas! Phil Vile- President (philvile@iinet.net.au)
Incoming President Phil Vile thanked Poul Dahl and for his work and support throughout 2015.
“Let’s Talk Rubbish” CLEAN-UP DAYS
are always the Last Sunday of the Month. Meeting at 10am opposite “The Pines” HANDY PHONE NUMBERS: Report Graffiti:
9290 6629
Report Rubbish Dumping:
Report Damaged Road Signs: 9290 6666
9290 6629
“Let’s Talk Rubbish”: 0424 703 200 (Phil Vile)
Proudly sponsored by The Darlington Club, The Shire of Mundaring and Keep Australia Beautiful WA.
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Darlington Review - December 2015
1st Darlington Scout Group 2015 has been a really great year for the Darlington Scout Group we now have over 70 youth members & 12 leaders. On the 1st of November a service was held to commemorate the return of World War 1 Bugle to the Blackboy Hill Training Camp, 100 years on from when it was first played there by a Scout – Jack Waterhouse. On the 21st September 1915, Jack was given the Rank of Bugler, at just 16 years old, just 4 days on from his 16th Birthday. Jack was one of 30 Scouts from Ocean Beach* Scout Troop to serve in the First World War. (* Now Mosman Park). A replica of the original honour board was presented during the ceremony while the original bugle was played. On Remembrance Day (11th November) a sunset service was also held at Blackboy Hill. Service to the community and to others continues to be a strong theme in today’s Scouting movement. Research has revealed the names of 270 WA Scouts who mostly served in the Australian Imperial Force, with a few in the Navy and the Australian Flying Corps. Of this number, 59 did not return having been killed in action, died of wounds or disease. At least 60 were hospitalised due to wounds or serious illness, but recovered to return to Australia. This term our Joey Scouts (age 6-8) have been learning about different cultures and customs as they travel around the world stopping at a new country each week. So far they have travelled to Africa, China, America, and The United Kingdom and will
be stopping by the North Pole soon. A special thank you must go to our Joey leader Sarah Kaye who will be stepping down soon after 3 years. Our Cub Scouts (Age 8-11) recently attended Cubilee and an Adventure Camp. Cubilee saw over 2000 Cub Scouts from across Western Australia converge on Ashfield reserve for a day of fun and excitement. The fake wounds stand proved to be a real hit along with the dunking tank, air rockets, climbing walls and commando course. The Adventure camp was also a hit with 30 Cubs and leaders surviving on a particularly hot weekend. We even had a visit from some friendly Kangaroos at 11:00pm to eat the fruit and leftover cake from our bush kitchen! To top the year off our Scouts (Age 11-15) participated in a District camp at Lake Leschenaultia. The hot weather was a good excuse to fall off the Scout constructed rafts. It is pleasing to see the development in the Scout section. A record number of red cords and activity badges have been earnt over the course of 2015. As we prepare for a rest over Christmas and the school holidays - 5 of our Scouts plus our Group Leader will be heading off to Sydney for 12 days at the 24th Australian Scouting Jamboree with over 12,000 Scouts from across the country and region. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our hard working leaders and parent helpers for their time and commitment during the year. In 2016 and beyond we need more volunteers to be trained as leaders to make scouting available for more local families. For further information please email: gl.darlington@scoutswa.com.au. Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. Kind Regards Glen Stenton Group Leader.
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Darlington Theatre Players Inc. 2016 is our Diamond
album has sold over 15 million copies world-wide) this celebrated film musical now bursts explosively onto the stage at Marloo. The season will run 12 February to 12 March, Fridays, Saturdays, Wednesdays curtain up 8pm and Sunday Matinees 2pm. Adults $25, Conc/child $22, members $18, Family 2ad+2ch $80.
Jubilee year – 60 years! FOOTLOOSE will be Darlington Theatre Players’ first production in 2016. This vibrant musical is already in rehearsal with Joe Isaia as Director; Michele Acott, Assistant Director; Suzanne Kosowitz, Musical Director; Arianah Isaia, Choreographer.
Bookings: Gwyne 9255 1783 or www.trybooking.com/ JPGS
Pantomime
When teenager Ren McCormack and his mother move from big-city Chicago to a small town, he’s in for a real culture shock. Though he tries hard to fit in, Ren can’t quite believe he’s living in a place where rock music and dancing are illegal. But he finds some small pleasure – Ariel Moore, a troubled but sweet girl with a jealous boyfriend and a father who is also the town’s bible-thumping minister responsible for keeping it dance-free. With the senior prom around the corner, Ren and his classmates fight the no-dancing law in the hope of revitalizing the spirit of the repressed townspeople.
Dick Whittington 20 November to 12 December. HURRY! Still some seats left for this wonderful family show at Marloo Theatre. Fridays, Saturdays, Wednesdays 7.30pm curtain up; Sunday Matinees 2pm. Bookings: Gwyne 9255 1783 or www.trybooking.com/IOSJ
With its Oscar-nominated hit score (the film soundtrack
Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS) We are now ready to move into our Summer work.
Apart from plant and walkway maintenance we shall be rejuvenating our benches so you may see Gill Scott hard at work with her paintbrush.
This means that we are happy to see the end to those chilly mornings. They are gone for another 6 months.
Our new area close to the tennis courts shall also be coming in for close attention so as always we are happy to see:
It also means that we are going to get up an hour earlier and start work at 7am to avoid the heat. So no more sleep-ins either. Our plantings from last year are doing well and have established themselves and therefore will not need to be hand watered. For those of who like to take their fresh air by walking and cycling along the bridle path there will not be a need to dodge the hoses trailing everywhere. Please pause to take a moment to see how the commemorative plantings and plaques are doing that were put in earlier this year for Pauline McGuinn who has now turned 101 (I don’t think she’ll mind us giving out her age) and also Findlay Kidman who’s on 100. Pauline’s is situated at the Platform Reserve and Findlay’s close to the roadway at Owen Road. Both stainless steel plaques are nicely mounted on square posts made from Jarrah which in themselves would be well over 100 years old.
Do you have just 2 hours to spare even once a month? Then please email me on philvile@iinet.net.au Happy walking and Happy Christmas! Phil Vile FODS Co-ordinator.
The timber was kindly donated by Poul and Anne Dahl of Glebe Road, Darlington.
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Helena College
International Baccalaureate School The Darlington Campus (K-Year 5) currently has a few 2016 vacancies for our Early Learning Centre. The early years are such an important stage in the development of your child…. and the decision regarding which Kindy or Pre-primary to select for your child is a crucial one. At Helena we offer a unique four-day Kindy programme (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday). Come and have a tour of our ELC. See inside back page for the latest information. ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate / uni mountain, but there in the sand pile at school. These are the things I learned: * Share everything * Play fair * Don’t hit people
Everything you need to know about values education (at home or school or work) is in there somewhere - the basic guidelines for life and love and basic sanitation and ecology and politics and equality and just sane living. Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into our sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world or Helena College and it still holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had afternoon tea at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon and then lay down under our doonas for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess. Or if our children did! And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together. [Adapted from: ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN by Robert Fulghum] Our precious little Helena College baby elf wishes you (on behalf of Helena College students and staff) a Merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and a safe and restful holiday.
* Put things back where you found them * Clean up your own mess * Don’t take things that aren’t yours * Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody
In the two languages studied at Helena College… (in French) Joyeux Noël et heureuse année and (in Indonesian) Selamat Hari Natal dan Selamah Tahun Baru.
* Wash your hands before you eat * Flush * Warm muffins and cold milk are good for you
In the words of Oren Arnold…
* Live a balanced life
learn some and think some
draw and paint some
sing and dance and play some
and work every day some!
Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy - forgiveness To an opponent - tolerance To a loved one or friend - your heart To a customer - good service
* Take a nap every afternoon
* Be aware of wonder
Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup:
the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why,
but we are all like that.
To that you meet - goodwill
* When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together
To every child - a good example To yourself - respect. The best Christmas of all is the presence of a happy family, all wrapped up with one another. Julie Carlton, Director of Community Relations communityrelations@helena.wa.edu.au
* Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup -
www.facebook/ HelenaCollegePerth
they all die sometime. So do we. * And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned
- the biggest word of all - LOOK.
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Silver Tree Steiner School Silver Tree Steiner Playgroup
A candle is lit and a blessing is sung, before the children share healthy, nutritious food. A cake is baked if there is a birthday celebration, along with the telling of the birthday story.
The Silver Tree Steiner Playgroup is situated within the beautiful bush setting of Parkerville, located in the Perth Hills. It provides a sanctuary of safe play for children and an oasis of peace and friendship for parents.
After morning tea is finished, the children then go outside to play. Here they can play on our swings and slide, dig in the sandpit or play in the cubby house. This is also a lovely opportunity for parents to ‘catch up’ and chat.
The rhythm of the playgroup is consistent from week to week. We begin with indoor play, as this is a precious time for the child to enter into true, free creative play. Toys are made from natural materials as they have an inherent beauty, and most have been lovingly hand made.
We finish the playgroup with a story. This is a special time, where a simple, but beautiful story is told, often enriched with the use of puppets or dolls. The stories are chosen from all over the world. Sometimes fairy tales or seasonal stories or even stories written by the playgroup leader to suit the particular children within each group.
Indoor play is then followed by our pack away song and handwashing, in preparation for our breadmaking. This is one of the children’s favourite activities in which they make bread together, kneading and shaping the dough. The room is filled with the smell of bread cooking and when ready it is broken and shared.
The playgroup community is a warm, friendly and very welcoming group, where parents play a vital part of each session and are involved with every aspect. Our playgroup leader is experienced and passionate about early childhood. If you would like to come and visit us or experience a session for yourself please contact 9295 4787 or email welcome@ silvertree.wa.edu. The playgroup sessions run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9.30am – 11.30am and are suitable for parents with children from 2 to 4 years old.
Circle time is a beautiful part of the playgroup rhythm, where everyone joins together to sing seasonal songs and nursery rhymes. This is followed by morning tea.
COMMUNITY NOTICE Peaceful Pathways To Conflict Resolution
and prisons. We are receiving more requests from schools and prisons as they have proven to be so beneficial. We need more facilitators who could be available during week days or during weekends. The youth program has now been endorsed as a subject for yrs 10,11 and 12 in high schools.
We all have a potential for violence in some form or other (not necessarily physical). The Alternatives to Violence Project WA Inc. is running a Basic Workshop at Helena College Darlington on January 21st & 22nd 2016. This will be a low cost, experiential workshop covering AFFIRMATION, COMMUNICATION, CO-OPERATION, COMMUNITY BUILDING, TRUST and CONFLICT RESOLUTION. Following the Basic, participants could join in the Advanced level and then continue to a Training for Facilitators if they wished.
People who would like to do a workshop for their own benefit are very welcome and we would particularly like to hear from anyone who is retired or on flexitime who would like to train to be a facilitator and help us with this important work. With further inquiries or for a Registration Form please ring Sally Herzfeld 92996788 or Mark Newhouse on 9371 5407. www.avpwa.org
AVP WA is running workshops in schools, the community
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Darlington Arts Festival
The 2015 festival is slowly fading into happy memories and the festival committee already thinking of 2016, which will be properly in November (5th & 6th). So many contributed to make this year such a succes and to thank all individually would take up the rest of this page but special thanks for their hard work are due to the army of volunteers mustered by Julie Stuurstraat. The feedback from exhibitors, stall holders, entertainers, those who attended the free workshops or the many thousands, some of the biggest crowds ever, who simply enjoyed themselves at the festival, has been very positive. If public sentiment is any measure we can be proud of this year’s achievements. All four exhibitions attracted excellent patronage with many commenting on the quality of artwork. Entries for the Open Exhibition far exceeded the space available and some contributors understandably were disappointed. Unpackers’ Prize Spring tide Glen Fortunately the verandah space was Whisson available and once the humidity had dropped sufficiently on Saturday for it to be safe to do so, the exhibition team were able to display them. And talking of the exhibitions, special mention must be made of Sue
The people who made it happen (Missing - Ron Stuurstraat, Jody Oborne, Amanda Moore, George Grayston, Christina Lyall, Tamara Beers, Louise Denham, Adrian Eastwell & Pip Windsor)
Nicholl’s lovely arrangement of flowering tubs and baskets at the hall entrance - they were much admired. One young artist, Amelia Harvey, was especially delighted to be awarded first prize and Best in Show in the Junior Exhbition for her 3D work “Our Home the Earth”. Amelia had recently been diagnosed with dyslexia and the wins were a wonderful boost to her confidence. If you didn’t manage to see the exhibitions, photos of all the artworks which won first prize or special awards plus lots of general festival shots are on the website www. darlingtonartsfestival.org.
Darlington Chamber Music The 2016 season will provide a Here’s a great opportunity wonderful platform to showcase the to give a talents of our expanded ensemble: Jon Tooby (cello), Semra Lee-Smith loved one or valued friend (violin) and Graeme Gilling (piano) a Christmas are now joined by Sally Boud present of (viola) and Zak Rowntree (violin). inestimable value – a subscription The program includes works by Haydn, Puccini, Beethoven, Mahler, to our 2016 five-concert series. We are offering season tickets at the Rossini and Schumann, as well as a special concert by soprano Penelope discounted rate of $160 and $135 Reynolds and baritone Robert (concession), but must warn you that the offer will close on December 31. Hoffman. Left to right: Semra, Zak, Sally and Jon. Tickets are available from Ros Bannister: Looking to younger aficionados, rosianbannister@gmail.com; 9299 7343; 0439 927270. we have decided to offer high school students $10 tickets to concerts in 2016. Please spread the word among children, grandchildren etc.
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Treetops - A Montessori and International Baccalaureate School By the time this edition of the Darlington Review is read, the Darlington Arts Festival will begin to feel like a warm and happy memory. For Treetops, we are still celebrating the DAF success in various ways.
people who took advantage of our ‘unwind’ space was overwhelmingly positive. Quiet achievers are sometimes overlooked, and for this reason, we are taking this opportunity to sing the praises of our fabulously organised, easy to work with, and smart as a whip office angel, Kate, who organised the stall and all the volunteers for the weekend.
As has come to be expected, Treetops students performed brilliantly at the Youth and Junior Art Exhibitions, taking home multiple prizes for their artworks. Treetops has always been well known for its commitment to specialist subjects that fully integrate into our curriculum, and the Art program truly is one of the jewels in our crown. The triumph of our students at DAF is the result of a blossoming Art department lead by Zoe Neill, our long serving, talented, and passionate art specialist.
Finally, DAF provided us one of the most fruitful engagement weekends in recent history. Coupled with the leadership our new Principal has been providing this year, the satisfaction of our parent community and our increased involvement and exposure to the wider community, Treetops has been experiencing the highest number of enquiries, tours and enrolments in recollected history. We have had such a large enrolment response this Semester that we are expanding our Lower Primary for 2016. Teacher interviews are occurring as I write this piece, and the school community is excited to welcome a new class of students in the Primary area, new children into our Children’s House, and an influx of students into our High School.
For many years, the Treetops stand at DAF was the ‘go to’ place for strawberries and cream lovers. Several years after the evolution from food stall to relaxing space began, this year seemed the perfect mix of lemonade and treat stall, play space, couch area and quiet activity corner. We also showcased the talent of the Extension Art students who launched their own tee shirt line at the Festival. The School thanks the DAF organisers for working with us and our own staff for making this spot so welcoming. The feedback from
With the expansion of our High School offerings to not only include the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme but also new Vocational Courses, we are now ensuring that Treetops students can access a wide variety of secondary school options whilst still enjoying the benefits of small class sizes and individual guidance and support. But back to the DAF, we thank the seemingly tireless work of the local volunteers who organise this event and also for the opportunity to be a DAF Sponsor again this year. DAF really is a world class festival, and it’s right on our doorstep. We’re looking forward to 2017! Jay Crisp Crow Director of Communications
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Darlington Review - December 2015
The Darlington Club
It is hard to believe the year is nearly over and this will be our last contribution for 2015. We hope that you have enjoyed the events we have hosted in 2015; Music Trivia night, Stuff your Spud night, Pizza night, Uma’s famous Curry night, Oktoberfest, Sundowners, Fish and Chips night, Christmas in July to name a few. Oh, and of course our latest BIG project, the Darlington Arts Festival wine tent. We did keep our cards close to our heart with preparations for the wine tent, as we wanted to step it up, giving patrons something very different, with a wow factor. For those that were unable to attend on the day, I am sure you would have heard about the white picket fence, the unique red stretch tent over the beer and wine area, great rustic tables and huge umbrellas to give adequate shade. Then of course there was the champagne bar, complete with chandelier, red carpet entry and a working water feature. Patrons would have noticed there was a greater selection of beer, wine, cider and champagne. The selection of all on offer was done by way of blind tasting (complete with brown paper bag to ensure fair selection, it was a tough job, but someone had to do it. The band this year was Bedlam, Ben and the boys had the crowd on the floor, there were even a couple of members up there that had some very interesting moves. The committee acknowledges and thanks its members and even friends of members who took the time to assist in any way at any of our functions, but especially, those that worked tirelessly at the wine tent. It was a big undertaking, and we could not have done it without you. We would like to take this opportunity to wish not only our members, but also readers of the Review a safe and happy holiday season. For those that are not yet members, make it your New Years resolution to come down for a visit in 2016. Merry Christmas to one and all The Darlington Club If you have any suggestions or feedback, please contact Margaret Barker (Secretary) margaret@pmdwa.com
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Darlington Dibbler & Nyaania Guides Pool Party held at Bilgoman. A big thank you to all the parents who help and support our Guide Units throughout the year in so many ways. We couldn’t do it without you!!! Special thanks go to:
The last term has flown by at Girl Guides! The Darlington Girl Guides celebrated Halloween by collecting food from the community to be donated to Foodbank. A big thank you to all the wonderful people in Darlington who so generously donated to this cause. The girls then spent the evening celebrating a spooky Halloween at the Girl Guide Hall. The Nyaania Girl Guides have been indoor Rock Climbing as an end of year outing. The girls have also done lots of Christmas craft, had a crazy “feet night”, made and decorated Christmas cakes and lost more.
•
Treasurer - April Randell,
•
Hall Committee – Peter Jen & Glen Woods, Siv Subraniam
•
Fundraising Committee and Dave & Sarah Kelso,
•
Sewing – Megan Broad.
-
Pittendrigh,
Debbie
O’Neill
I would also like to express my gratitude and say a huge thank you to all the amazing women who work together to provide the opportunity to come to Girl Guides. Thank you to, Tessa Pittendrigh, Jessie Connor, Cathy Bayne and Shirley Huppatz. Sadly, Cathy has decided to not return in a leadership role next year, we all wish you well Cathy and will miss you. We are still looking for leaders so if you’d like to know more, PLEASE ring Tracey on 9299 6636.
We have held our annual Presentation night with the Lend-a-hand Shield being awarded to Talia Hobson. Congratulations! This award has been donated and supported by Jan Allen and her family in memory of her daughter Karon Bethuane. The award is given to the Dibbler Girl Guide who has done her best throughout the year and always tried to live by her Promise. Kelly Goodman has been presented with the Kinka Community Service Award, in memory of Wendy Pittendrigh. This award is presented to the Nyaania Girl Guide who has shown outstanding commitment to community service throughout the year, well done Kelly! Many girls also received badges that they have been working towards this year. Some girls said their Promise for the first time and a “moving on” ceremony was held for the Dibbler Guides who are moving onto the older Nyaania Unit. We also farewelled some girls who have decided to leave Guiding for the time being.
Batteries – Girl Guides are collecting batteries from cars, boats, planes, etc. as a fundraising project. These can be dropped to the Kathleen Skipsey Hall or directly to Girl Guides in Burswood. Look for Dibbler and Nyaania Girl Guides at Carols by Candlelight selling candles and songbooks. If you would like to know more about Girl Guides, call Tracey on 9299 6636. We, hopefully, look forward to seeing everyone in 2016 for another great year with all that Guiding has to offer.
All the girls celebrated the end of year at the traditional
Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Group Delegates at our November meeting unanimously agreed to change the association name to be an Advisory Group of the Shire of Mundaring. As stated last month this was to fit in line with Council requirements and remove many of the legalistic requirements when operating as a management committee.
recommendations to the Shire on capital items relating to recreational facilities within the Darlington precinct and to be a focal point and act as a link between the Shire and the local community. All recreational clubs; hall user groups ; oval user groups have the opportunity to become a member of DCRAG, as well DRRA , school group ; community representative’s and a local Councillor. The Council have also indicated that the Shire will provide administrative and executive support to facilitate the effective functioning of the Group. The Terms of Reference are now being reviewed and will be discussed at our next meeting in February, as well as election of office-bearers for 2016.
The overriding factor is that the groups role does not change, in fact it becomes easier to facilitate changes, but still maintains its main purpose of providing information and advise to the Shire on matters relating to the recreation facilities of Darlington; to assess the local communities recreation needs and wants and keep the Shire informed on these needs; to assist the Shire by providing recommendations on future planning of the recreation facilities in the Darlington precinct; to make
Colin James Secretary
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Darlington History Group Ah November, penultimate month of the year. How fast 2015 has travelled! And such a busy month starting, of course, with the Darlington Arts Festival. After a downpour on the Friday night the weather cleared and was glorious for the whole weekend, no doubt enticing the crowds of people who attended. So many of these visited the Group’s tent, filled as it was with all the books and bric-a-brac items so generously donated by so many of you throughout the year. Our sincere thanks go to all the donors and purchasers who helped us return a respectable profit. We must also pay tribute to our “pick-up man”, Reg Kelly, who works so hard during the year with his good mate, “Ernie 2”, and is always there to set up and to pack up afterwards. And, of course, it goes without saying that it is wonderful to have the support of the Darlington Review which is very much part of our village’s history and forms the ‘glue’ for many of our clubs and organisations. They have consistently supplied the Community Tent at DAF and we wish to thank them for their generosity. Then on 14th of the month our historical high-flier, Arlene Collings, launched her latest book about Gwalia. Despite the heat that day more than one hundred people turned up to the Darlington Hall to laud Arlene’s efforts and to purchase their own copies of this book with its absorbing text and accompanying illustrations by Kenneth Irwin. Arlene recently became a high-flier, quite literally, by accepting a dare to participate in a sky dive, emerging from the experience unscathed, smiling and vowing to do it all again. Copies of the book at $33 and prints from the illustrations at $12 are available by contacting Arlene at gwaliagold@gmail.com.
Caravan Park which existed on Victor Road. Val and her husband, Denis, have a vested interest in this site since their property is part of the original park’s acreage. Most of the cabins and outbuildings have long since disappeared, but a large wandoo tree at the side of the road still bears a metal triangle on which the Glen Doone name had been displayed. This property was just one of many established over the years to cater for city and suburban dwellers wanting a ‘hills weekend’. This event was the last of our General Meetings for 2015 as December’s will be our annual Christmas ‘knees-up’ for members and partners at Val and Denis’s residence. Past ones have been fun-filled and somewhat hilarious with the visit of a very Irish Father Christmas. Hope he’s getting his suit ready for this year! We have a planning meeting for 2016 scheduled for January, but our first General Meeting will not be until WEDNESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY AT 7:30 PM IN THE LESSER HALL, DARLINGTON. Please note that these meetings will now be held on the SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH. In closing we would like to wish you all the very best for a joyous Christmas and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in 2016.
Wednesday 18th November saw DHG members and visitors at the Lesser Hall for our monthly General Meeting at which Chairperson, Val Shiell, and Archivist, Lyn Myles, presented a talk about the former “Glen Doone”
Cheers for now! Judi Bracks Publicity Officer
LOCAL PUBLICATIONS
Contact Cliff Burns 9299 6696
$10 (60 pages) History, stories, fun
$15 (100 pages) Full of local history
$10 (74 pages) A very special story
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$10 (60 pages)
100’s of local kms
Free with the sale of any other book.
Darlington Review - December 2015
Mundaring Arts Centre 11 - 20 DECEMBER | Darlington artist Kath Stanwix’ gorgeous laser-cut and hand painted timber jewellery pieces meet the intricate detail of Helen Clarke’s lino cut and etching prints for a double celebration leading into Christmas.
Since her days as a student, the bush has been a recurring subject for mixed media artist Madeleine Clear, through its wide vistas and intriguing minutiae, as well as the creatures that live there. Being Here, her first solo show since her representative gallery Greenhill Galleries closed, has a retrospective element that demonstrates Madeleine’s development as an artist, her passion for her local environment and celebrates nearly 60 years of living in the hills environment through exquisite works in charcoal, pastel and mixed media.
These are MAC’s final exhibitions for 2015. We would like to thank all our volunteers, members and friends for their support and to wish everyone a safe and merry festive season. MAC will close on Christmas Eve, 24 December at 3pm, reopening on Friday 12 February at 7pm for the first exhibitions for 2016. Don’t forget, entries for the 2016 Shire of Mundaring Open Art Acquisition Exhibition are due 15 January. Download an entry form from our website or pick one up next time you are at MAC, 7190 Great Eastern Hwy in the heart of Mundaring. Entry is free and the Gallery and Shop are open Tuesday-Friday 10am–5pm; SaturdaySunday 11am–3pm (closed Mondays, Public Holidays and 24 Dec-12 Feb inclusive). For further information, please contact 9295 3991 or visit www. mundaringartscentre.com.au
Leading into the festive season, Gallery 2 presents a series of artists who ‘pop-up’ for a week each to offer an insight into their creative practices as well as offering small artworks perfect for gifting, with artists working in residence or presenting workshops during their stay (see website for workshop information.) 27 NOVEMBER – 6 DECEMBER | Kalamunda artist Mikaela Castledine (pictured right) installs her stunning collages and crocheted sculptural works – with a sneak peek at her next masterpiece for Sculpture by the Sea 2016.
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Mundaring Weir Gallery It’s not too late to choose a lovely handmade gift for your loved ones this Christmas ------- It is only a few weeks away! The Gallery could be THE one-stop shopping place for you. It offers a relaxing shopping experience for you. No loud music, No crowds, Friendly volunteer staff and lots of choice, from baby gifts to Grandparents gifts. This month, we have pictured some of our knitted toys by one of our longstanding members. Or you may choose from wall art by one of our potters. The ever popular owls and frogs and lizards. We also stock her functional pottery and they make welcome gifts, as do hats and handbags, scarves, woodworked platters and bowls, wooden toys and jigsaws, books and cards, jewellery, soaps and lavender bags, wall or garden art, lovely china painted items and so much more. We wish all our regular and prospective customers, and all staff at the Darlington Review a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you are an Artist or Crafter and wish to join the Gallery. Information can be obtained by contacting the Gallery on the email below or visiting the Gallery and speaking to one of our
volunteers. Please note; to join the Gallery you must be able to roster, as we are all volunteers, and share in the running of the Gallery. Please note we now have wheelchair access to the gallery. The Gallery welcomes you 11.30am to 5pm. Fri, Sat, Sun and Pub.hols. and is air conditioned for your comfort. Arrangements can be made to open other days for social groups and bus tours. Bookings to the Secretary At mwgallery@yahoo.com.au
Bushfire Ready Group As I write these notes it is raining…… just teasing us to think summer isn’t here yet……. but we have had some hot days and more forecast for the weekend……..but doesn’t alter the facts that we are in a system some 6 weeks earlier than we have been for years…… soil dryness levels exceeding 100. What is the one most important discussion you should have with your family……..your Bushfire Survival plan. ………. YES…..IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE. Your plan MUST include the triggers that tell you to leave your home or start defending it. This will of course depend on your informed decision whether you will leave for a safer place or stay and actively defend it. In case conditions change before you have time to implement your plan then plan B must also be available. Bushfires can be so unpredictable. When you have developed your plan , prepare and practice
it, and has it catered for any pets you may have at home. If leaving make sure you have those very essential items with you……medicines; passports; insurance certificates; photos etc. …and also if leaving Act immediately. Never wait and see what might happen. Relocating at the last minute on roads through Darlington could be quite dangerous. If you want to download a bushfire survival plan template go to www.dfes.wa.gov.au/bushfire safety/prepare/bushfire........ and follow link to Preparing a Survival Plan. Apology that the Bushfire Ready street contact list did not appear as indicated in last months Review, but it is in this one. Again if living in a street which has a contact, phone that person if wishing to know more about the program we run to help make Darlington a safer place to live in. If wanting more information from the many brochures or fact sheets available, then call down to the Fire Station on a Saturday morning between 9.00am and 10.00am and pick them up. Have a very merry Christmas and a fire safe one. Colin James, Coordinator…….ph 62980836
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Darlington Review - December 2015
St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church cnr Darlington Rd and Hillsden Rd, Darlington. 9299 7274
December at St Cuthbert’ s A service in the style of TAIZE Sunday 6 December at 7pm There will be no service in January; we will resume in February. A candlelit church, lots of silence, a reading and meditative chants. No church experience necessary!
A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols featuring choir and organ Sunday 13 December at 7.30pm Supper in the cloisters will follow Children’s Service with Christingle & Nativity, Thursday 24 Dec 5 - 6pm
Bringing children to the Nativity on Christmas Eve will help their understanding of the meaning of Christmas. Children will make Christingles, a traditional way of remembering that Jesus is the Light of the World. This is followed by a retelling of the Christmas story in the church, and Christmas carols.
Midnight Mass Sung Holy Communion with Christmas Carols
Thursday 24 December at 11.30pm
Christmas Day Eucharist Sung Holy Communion with Christmas Carols Friday 25 December at 9am
During January all Church programmes (except for Sunday services) will be in recess, resuming in February when school returns. Father Chris will finish his sabbatical and long service leave on 4 January. The parish whole-heartedly thanks The Reverend Judy Clay for being an outstanding locum tenens over the past six months. Services 9am every Sunday; 7pm on the first Sunday of the month EMAIL: stcuthberts@bigpond.com WEBSITE: www.hillsanglicans.com.au
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Seen and Heard About YOUth Heath Expo
Organising Committee, who met with Seen and Heard on a weekly basis in the lead up to the event. These young people helped plan and deliver the event, as well as making the morning tea for all those who attended and creating artistic pieces to be displayed at the 2015 expo, as well as future expos. Seen and Heard would like to acknowledge the hard work that they put into this event, as we couldn’t have done it without them. The Rotary clubs of Mundaring and Kalamunda greatly helped out this event with their kind donations, which went towards the food provided at the event. The day was a huge success with a total of 250 people attending. One stall holder quoted “The day was very well organised and the students were engaging and very respectful!”
Seen and Heard held their annual About YOUth Health Expo on Wednesday October 21 at the Parkerville Children and Youth Care Campus. The event was funded by the Local Drug Action Group of Mundaring. 170 students attended the event from Eastern Hills High Senior High School, Swan View Senior High School, Corridors Secondary College, Caversham Training and Education Centre as well as students from the Employment, Education and Training Programme based on the Parkerville Children and Youth Care Parkerville Campus. The day consisted of 6 workshops, as selected by the young people, to inform and engage the students on health matters that may be currently affecting their lives. Such topics were Sexual Health, Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol, Road Safety, Self Defence and Cyberbullying. The workshop that had all the young people talking was the Road Safety workshop facilitated by Keith from Paraplegic Benefit Fund. He spoke to the kids about his trauma after his accident, and how his choices in his own life affected everything about his future. Every student sat quietly as they listened to his story of life after the car accident. Along with the workshops, we also had 15 Information stalls that were held by local youth services. Some stalls included WA Aids Council, Young Carers WA, Red Aware, Swan City Youth Service, the Shire of Mundaring and the Shire of Kalamunda, Pregnancy Assistance and Polytechnic West. Young students were chosen from Eastern Hills and Swan View Senior High School to become part of the Student
Through the Expo, we aim to educate young people in the consequences of their actions and increase their awareness of the impacts they have, not only on themselves, but also to the broader community that will hopefully lead them to making better and more informed choices. Workshops touched on subjects that impact their health and future in the hope to reduce the potential harm to these young people and those around them and to help them make positive choices. We strive to provide valuable networking opportunities for the young people and the workshops and stalls. Each workshop and stall is interactive, so that the young people are able to take more away from the day. The About YOUth Health is an annual event, Year 10 Health students from local High Schools attend to help them transition into the next phase of their life, and also to let them know what local youth services are available. There were many fun activities to keep the students entertained during lunch time. There was Bucking Bull competition and a basketball shootout competition, where two winners were awarded an iTunes voucher. One stallholder organised an activity called “Feeling Jars”. Where young people would fill a jar with coloured sand, and identify moods with colours placed in the jar. This helped the young people understand how they were feeling on that day. Other fun activities included Sumo Wrestling, Totem Tennis and Stilts and Walking Planks. For more information, please contact Seen and Heard on 9255 2570 or email at seenandheard@parkerville.org.au. Seen and Heard is funded by the Shire of Mundaring and delivered by Parkerville Children and Youth Care inc.
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Mundaring Bahá’í Community conquer hate. How many seemingly impossible events are coming to pass in these days! Set your faces steadily towards the Light of the World. Show love to all; ‘Love is the breath of the Holy Spirit in the heart of Man’.
The Baha’is of Mundaring celebrated the ‘Twin Holy Birthdays’ on 13th and 14th of November with a fabulous festival. Local families, and friends from neighbouring communities, camped out in beautiful gardens in Mahogany Creek in a lively celebration of the births of The Bab and Baha’u’llah. Taking refuge from the heat under the shade of a large mulberry tree we enjoyed a music class for the little ones, story-telling, artworks, devotional programs, a hilarious magic show, with the weekend culminating in some smooth jazz from our own very talented musicians, Roushan on double bass and Ryan on the saxophone.
Take courage! God never forsakes His children who strive and work and pray! Let your hearts be filled with the strenuous desire that tranquility and harmony may encircle all this warring world. So will success crown your efforts, and with the universal brotherhood will come the Kingdom of God in peace and goodwill.
However, as we enjoyed our celebrations, on the other side of the world, Paris was reeling from a despicable act of terrorism. As news filtered through we heard that the nephew of one of our community members had been lost. We gathered in prayer and called to mind the words spoken by ‘Abdu’l Baha during his visit to the ‘City of Love’ in 1911. There is nothing so heart-breaking and terrible as an outburst of human savagery!
(Source: Abdul-Baha, Paris Talks, “The Pitiful Causes of War, and the Duty of Everyone to Strive for Peace,” October 21, 1911.)
I charge you all that each one of you concentrate all the thoughts of your heart on love and unity. When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love.
We warmly invite everybody to join us for ‘Prayers for Peace’ on Sunday, 6 December, 10:30am, Darlington. We will share prayers from the world religions followed by morning tea.
If you desire with all your heart, friendship with every race on earth, your thought, spiritual and positive, will spread; it will become the desire of others, growing stronger and stronger, until it reaches the minds of all men.
For more details on our monthly interfaith devotionals, children’s classes and information nights please contact Susheel: 9295 2839 or Sue: 9252 1010 or email: mundaring@wa.bahai.org.au. www.bahai.org.au
Do not despair! Work steadily. Sincerity and love will
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Mundaring and Hills Historical Society Inc END OF YEAR WRAP As we get word out about our Machines and Makers exhibition in July 2016, some interesting finds are coming in. We’ve had offers of a Sixties dress complete with matching shoes, linen thread on the original wooden reels and other sewing notions, and Vogue patterns from the Fifties. We’ve uncovered information about a shirt factory in Midland and a slipper factory in Northam. Browsing through Trea Wilshire’s A Place in the Hills, we discovered that the Fischer family employed the services of a dressmaker, Miss Campbell, who would come from Perth for a week twice a year and make the children’s clothes, an occurrence that was apparently more common than we expected in the Hills of the 1920s. We would be interested in finding the names of, or other information about, these
contract dressmakers. Further information about other industrial sewing enterprises like the shirt factory is also keenly sought. Collecting oral history from the various informants is an important part of developing a museum exhibition but trained interviewers always seem to be in short supply. Are there any oral historians in our community just waiting for an opportunity to interview someone? We are also toying with the idea of running a training session in the future and would be keen to have expressions of interest in doing such a course, which can also be applied to family history research. If you are interested in either conducting interviews or attending a course, email us at mhhs@iinet. net.au and we will put you on our list. Mundaring and Hills Historical Society offices will be closed from 24 December to 24 January, but look out for a small exhibition at Mundaring District Museum to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Swan View Tunnel. Best wishes to all for the holiday season!
Darlington Tennis Club Darlington Tennis Club is now affiliated with Tennis West which means we can have pennants teams – we already have 7 teams for this summer! There is also now supervised social tennis for kids age 12+ (with or without their parents) on Friday nights at 7.30-9.30pm so rock up and have some fun. The courts are available for public hire when they are not being used for club sessions, pennants or coaching. Current club session times are: •
•
Monday and Thursday mornings 9am – 12pm. Anyone welcome – format is mixed doubles and you will be assigned different partners during the sessions. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights 7.00 - 9.30pm – Darlington mixed social team competitions. Members are put in teams for their night for the duration of the
competition (usually around 2-3 months). There is a commitment to turn up every week or organize a substitute from the reserve list. •
Pennants teams are using the courts on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.
•
Coaching for kids is available on Saturday mornings, and Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Contact Lee Oliver on lolivers@bigpond.com for details.
•
At other times court hire is available through the Pines Shop opposite the courts for $5 an hour (free for members who show their tags) or $7 with lights. There is a $20 refundable deposit for the key. For after-hours bookings please contact Brendon on 0427 250 566.
For more information, including coaching inquiries, please go to the club website www.darlingtontennisclub.org.au or contact the club secretary alex.hoschke@gmail.com (ph 0439 976 672).
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Darlington Review - December 2015 how much we need to raise over the next 12 months. It is still intended to develop the project in stages so that the first stage is the common room or meeting/ gathering room which is central to the support of Darlington community and cultural activities. a.) It also means that we do not have to find a temporary facility for short term change rooms. 3. Pledges and current commitments amount to approximately $70,000 so far. 4. WE NEED AT LEAST $400,000 TO START. FINANCIAL DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY WELCOMED. So please keep it coming in to make it possible for a construction start next year. 5. The meetings and contact with the Shire of Mundaring continue to ensure progress is maintained. 6. We hope to have a regular Communications, Publicity and Marketing person in place after Christmas 7. We are still looking for someone to set up the Facebook page. 8. The Darlington Sports and Recreation Association [Now officially DaSRA (WA)] is due to be formally incorporated by the end of the year after some hiccups with the registration with its first AGM in the new year. BUT this does not hold up the campaign for financial donations and support. Anyone who would like to be involved or become a member of the organisation should contact Geoff Barker.
Darlington Pavilion Update November 2015: - Geoff Barker
9. A meeting with an accountant, experienced with securing Tax exemption, has been held with good advice being received about how to go about securing the building with Tax deductable donations.
The support for the Pavilion is growing. We continue to receive offers of assistance BUT we look forward to members of the community pledging/donating financial support and in-kind commitments.
1. Discussions are ongoing with the Shire of Mundaring about an agreement for a “host” organisation to plan, develop, and build the new facility. Further advice will be provided as soon as we have confirmed details.
10. Fund Raising The sporting organisations have got together and are coordinating fund raising activities. Their work has been extraordinary and so A BIG THANK YOU a.) We continue to look for Materials donations and a place to store the materials in readiness for the project to be commenced next year
2. A Quantity Surveyor has now been engaged to provide a detailed estimate so that we can specifically target
11. The status of the search for Specialist Professional Support is provided below:
Since August there have been several important developments which are summarised below:
1.
Structural Engineer
Confirmed
10.
Project Manager
2.
Civil Engineer
Confirmed
11.
Bushfire Protection Assessment – TBA
3.
Land Surveyor
To Be Advised
4.
Quantity Surveyor
Confirmed
Many of these will be at cost or substantially below cost subject to negotiation
5. Certifier Confirmed 6. Mechanical
Confirmed
7.
Being discsused
Hydraulic
8. Electrical Confirmed 9.
Architect
Matthews McDonald
Negotiations under way
All of these activities are underway but spreading the workload as evenly as possible amongst interested persons is critical so that we don’t burn out volunteers. Shire staff are committed to work collaboratively with DaSRA to ensure the project happens. This is at a critical stage where some early development work is needed. We are working on that.
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Darlington Review - December 2015
Darlington Social Cricket Club Inc “Slips, Stumpings Appeals & Silly Points” The end of October is the start of a busy period for members of DSCC. Once again a few of them smeared themselves with Aerogard in preparation for the onslaught of mosquitos while they slept in the hall to look after the art in the preceding week and the weekend of the Darlington Arts Festival. No doubt the odd glass of fermented grape juice helped somewhat as well. The arts festival weekend didn’t start on a good note for one prominent DSCC member. Early on the Saturday morning, he wished his wife and young son a good day and walked outside to his car. Full of beans and optimism for the weekend’s festival, he pushed the button to start the car only to hear that famous Simon and Garfunkel song, “The Sound of Silence”. It would seem that he hadn’t locked his door properly from the night before and the battery was very flat, dead in fact. After all, it was a beautiful morning and he enjoyed his quiet walk to the oval. A call to the RAC sorted his problem out later. The weather was great all weekend and there was heaps of people out and about enjoying and sampling the different tastes from the abundant amount of food stalls at the festival. It was a new position for DSCC this year, closer to the marvellous entertainment and the refreshing wine tent after a long stint cooking steak burgers and chips. Congratulations to Pete Nichols and everyone involved with Darlington Arts Festival. On the 25th of October, DSCC hosted the Darlington Junior Football Club Fathers. DJFC batted first and smashed the DSCC bowlers around the park. One notable contributor for DJFC was Josh Walsh who took a liking to the bowling of Matt Ellis and dispatched him over the boundary a couple times in an over to help DJFC finish with 7/242. Lindsay Earnshaw who recently had a new battery installed in his car, was the main wicket taker for DSCC, with 3/25. In reply, DSCC were bowled out for a meagre 125 run, with Sundries, Scrimshaw and Cambell Giles the main contributors with 30, 28 and 22 respectively. Unfortunately Emeco weren’t able to get a team together this year, so Misfits XI was put together by Stuy Misfit Aldred. DSCC batted first and amassed a fine score of 243 runs of their 40 overs. Ward, Lucas and Miller all scored 50’s while that ever reliable batsman sundries scored a patient 40. The Misfits started very slowly with Stodge Aldred opening the batting in reverse gear. Although Stuy made 62 runs, Corky who was skipper for the day, thought it was an easy victory coming up. It wasn’t till a young Mark Barnard strode to the crease and proceeded to despatch the DSCC pie throwers to all parts of the oval, mostly over the boundary on the full, that the game really hotted up. It was a nail bitting finish in the end as the Misfits fell 4 runs short, giving the Shearers Cook a well-deserved victory. The best bowlers for DSCC were Lucas with 2/9, Miller with 2/38 and Guscott, yes that’s correct Matt Guscott with 2/43.
Three generations of Giles - Terry, Kaleb and Cambell
On the 14th of November while Prince Charles was having a birthday bash down at Cottesloe, DSCC played against The Blackadder’s. It was a special match as three generations of the Giles family took to the field. Terry played for DSCC while Cambell and his son Kaleb, played for Blackadder’s. It was also good to see my good friend Knackered Knees Harding squeeze into his cricket whites and grace the field, albeit to make up the numbers for DSCC. It was billed as one of being one of the hottest contests of the season. The weather certainly was anyway and the players had to have numerous drinks breaks as the temperature soared to 40 degrees. The main run scorers for DSCC were Kieran Cork, Duncan Bell and Stuy Aldred all scoring 50’s. Lindsay Earnshaw was looking like settling in for a good innings until he had to duck a short pitched delivery. He fell to the ground clutching his left knee. Doc Bates and Craig Van Der Laan decided Lindsay needed to go off to hospital. Terry Giles got his chance to face his grandsons bowling and nearly snicked a short pitched ball to the boundary. DSCC scored 245 runs of their 40 overs, with Knackered Knees scoring a classy 10 at the end of the innings. In reply, Blackadder’s were all out for 170 with Mark Barnard scoring 50 and Ian Kirkaldy making 36. Best bowlers for DSCC were Stuy Aldred with 4/17 and Craig Van Der Laan with 3/22. Knackered Knees Harding who walked from 1st slip to first slip after each over, suddenly fell over after the 3rd ball of the 18th over. It seems he was suffering from heat exhaustion, nothing that couldn’t be fixed with a cool shower, a cold drink of water and a course of concrete pills to toughen up. It was a good turnout for the after match barbeque at Cambell and Tracey’s, with everyone having a good time. All the best to Lindsay who did suffer a very serious knee injury and had to have surgery to reattach the tendon to the knee cap. I’m sure that Kendall will look after him as he recuperates. Just keep ringing the bell Lindsay. As this will be the last exciting issue of Horse & Hound for this year, I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Stay safe. The Ferret.
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Darlington Review - December 2015 MEMBERS OF THE DARLINGTON REVIEW
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