Why I love Subiaco – Leanne Potter

Why I love Subiaco Principal of the Shenton College Deaf Education Centre Leanne Potter

WORDS | Gail Williams PORTRAIT | Matt Jelonek

LONGTIME SUBIACO RESIDENT Leanne Potter has worked her way into the Subiaco psyche in a variety of ways – being active at the Subiaco Primary School, her job as Principal of the Shenton College Deaf Education Centre and her stint on Subiaco Council.

She’s spotted regularly working out at the gym, meeting with a gaggle of locals at Brew Ha or enjoying a stroll through Theatre Gardens. We asked her what she loves about the suburb she and her husband and their two daughters have called home for over 30 years.

What’s your go-to place for a morning coffee? What do you order? For the past two decades you could find me on my morning ritual, picking up a takeaway skinny cap at Brew Ha, but lately I have been breaking out and enjoying other fabulous offerings at Boucla and Cafe Cafe.

You’re meeting friends for dinner – where do you head to? We are spoilt for choice in Subi but we love the new Cherubino City Cellar and the rooftop bar and restaurant, Storehouse, at Vibe hotel. The newly revamped Subiaco Hotel is also fabulous. I do miss Murray Gill from Juantia’s, and remember Murray coming to argue his case at council as to why we should support his unique small bar at the “Paris end of Rokeby Road.”

Where will we find you on a Friday night? Often at the Unicorn, our local bar.

What are some of the community events in Subiaco which you love? The Subi community is like that of a country town and I love the Sunday concerts at the Theatre Gardens and Lake Jualbup. I love that the council provides interpreters so deaf people can be included.

If you had to nominate a favourite Subiaco icon what would it be? There are so many Subi icons it is hard to nominate just one. The Regal Theatre springs to mind along with the beautiful St Joseph’s church and the historic Subiaco Footy gates.

I love to walk in the new Subiaco Common as well as the old Rosalie Park and Lake Jualbup – all iconic in their own ways. Like many Subi residents I appreciate the bird life that strays over from Kings Park. There’s nothing like listening to the birds in the Theatre Gardens to take the stress away.

And let’s not forget the great quality primary schools - Subiaco, Rosalie and Jolimont (and of course Shenton College, Perth Modern and Bob Hawke College for older kids).

Why is it important to preserve Subiaco’s history? It is vital to honour and look after our federation and art deco heritage. So few Perth suburbs have such important older buildings to protect, which highlight our history. I love our connection in New Norcia and have been to Subiaco in Italy – that’s history for you.