Swan Magazine July 2017 (Vol 33 No 1)

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SWAN VIEW TOY LIBRARY PRESENTS

FUN PLAY DAY

Location: Brown Park Community Centre, Swan View Pitter Patter Music Together will be joining us to sing, dance, rhyme, move & play with instruments, scarves & much much more.

Connect with your little ones through song and dance at session times: 9:30am or 10:15am So come on down & enjoy the fun!

Struggling to find a school holiday activity? ........................................

Bring the kids for ◆ Rollercoasters ◆ Play gyms ◆ Kitchenettes ◆ Ride-ons ◆ Baby section ◆ Toys of all sorts large and small ........................................

Browse the library and see all we have on offer.

9am till 11am SATURDAY 15th JULY

FUN DAY Promotion - $1 Membership*

Take out a trial membership and see what it is to be a part of our library.

*Trial includes up to 3 months membership with full borrowing entitlements, finish date is 15th October 2017 no matter when you join. The completion of one voluntary roster shift (2hrs) is a requirement and date must be chosen when joining. Full training is provided during the shift and you are welcome to bring your children. A security fee of $50 is required to activate a membership, this will be refunded when your membership expires. Alternatively we invite you to continue your membership with two 12 month membership options. Security fee will transfer over should you continue your membership after promotional period. address:

Brown Park Community Centre, Salisbury Road, Swan View WA 6056

Opening hours: Saturday & Tuesday's 9:30-11am email: swanviewtoylibrary@gmail.com web: swanviewtoylibrary.wixsite.com/swanviewtoylibrary facebook:

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www.facebook.com/SwanViewToyLibrary

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE

FEATURES

PAGE

Books and Writing

Books 34 On Being Good 27 The Idler 33 The Ute 9

Business

Business Card Board

Finance with Steve Networking

Community

40 29 28

Ellenbrook Community Collective 20 Federal Notes 4 Hypervision Winners 11 Mahogany Creek Hall 3 Mount Helena Doings 2 Notes From Parliament 5 Out and About With Sharron 6 SAFE 39 SVRN 30 Honorary Freemen of the City 30 Over 55’s Expo

30 Pop Up Play Back 31 Swan Park Visitors Win 31 Vollies Turn 60 31 Pets 39 The Compassionate Friends 37

What’s On Entertainment

8

Film Reviews with James Get Vocal at Youth Out Loud Relatively Speking at Garrick Steve Parkin Swan Harmony Singers Theatre with Gordon

24 18 21 13 18 22

Domaine d’Auriac Douglas’ Wineries & Dineries Food Trivia

16 15 17

New Tricks for Swan Hills July at Mac

35 36

First Impressions

35

Food & Wine

Leisure

Style & Fashion

Front Page Photograph: Mother Duck & Ducklings Photographer: Anatol Adutskevich

DISCLAIMER The information in this publication is of a general nature. The articles contained herein are not intended to provide a complete discussion on each subject and or issues canvassed. Swan Magazine does not accept any liability for any statements or any opinion, or for any errors or omissions contained herein.

Annie’s Vintage Wonderland Your One Stop Vintage Prop & Decor Shop 0430 456 586

Shop 3/121 James St., Guildford www.anniesvinatagewonderland.com

SWAN MAGAZINE WEBSITE:

www.swanmagazine.com.au

Email: editor@swanmagazine.com.au Registered Address: 18 Tokay Lane, The Vines, Western Australia 6069 AUGUST DEADLINES: Advertisements: 25th July Editorial: 1st August Copyright: Swan Magazine 2017 1

COMMUNITY MT HELENA DOINGS Mt Helena’s Residents and Ratepayers TtheheAssociation had it’s Annual General Meeting at Elsie Austin Pavilion.

Present were Jessica Shaw (State Member for Swan Hills and a member of the Mt Helena Resident & Ratepayers Association) and David Lavell (President of the Shire of Mundaring Councilors) and Patrick Bertola (Deputy President and one of our councilors for the East Ward).

Elections were held for the executive officers of the Mt Helena Resident and Ratepayers Association. The results were: President Joan Quinn Vice President John Bell Secretary Krys Lancaster Treasurer Andrea Southam.

The year 2017 has been an enlightening and involved year for the Residents and Ratepayers Association of Mt Helena. Some highlights have been: • Mundaring Matching Grant for $500. This money was used to have Meet & Greets in Pioneer Park. Although the grant has ended the idea is starting to grow and each meeting is getting better except when it rains on our parade.

• BBQ with the Mt Helena Fire Brigade supported by the Residents & Ratepayers of Mt Helena and the Shire of Mundaring. Pamphlets were available to residents & ratepayers along with support on what can be done to help prepare for bush fires.

• Public Meeting for Resident & Ratepayers of the Shire of Mundaring’s Rates and Services Proposal • The outside night lights at the Elsie Austin Pavilion has been fixed and the residents and ratepayers can now see where they are going.

• Our revegetation program off of Alison Street & Parakeet has been started. It’s weeded, mulch has been spread and plants obtained. Next is the planting.

• Our revegetation of the store front in our Mt Helena Town will be limited to the very front of IGA. There are many exciting changes, additions and improvements taken place in this area. As a result, some of our plans will need further negotiations with the new business owners.

• Revegetation of the Memorial in the Pioneer Park in planning.

• Hopefully, the verge further up on Alison Rd, off Gregg Street will be revegetated.

• Summer Movie Night in Elsie Austin Park • Youth Informing Strategy 2017-2022 • Special Thank You to the Bendigo Bank for helping us with designing posters and copies. This is a great support 2

JOAN QUIN

which is greatly appreciated.

• Sausage Sizzle for the Whim at Bunnings Earnings for the day raised over $2,000. Thank You to Bunnings and all the great volunteers of the day!

• The Whim Festival is October 29 • A grant of $100,000 for improvement in the Mt Helena Skate Park given to us by Jessica Shaw. Thank You for your support to improve our skate park for our youth. If you have any ideas or want to support the Skate Park project just let us know.

• Attending and contributing to the Residents & Ratepayers Network Forums.

The Resident & Ratepayers are still working on improving: • Providing opportunities to learn about Bush Fire Safety • Working with the Shire of Mundaring to provide more egress to residents by clearing established tracks, so residents & ratepayers will have access during the threat of bush fires.

• Tip passes continue to be a concern of residents and ratepayers. The possibility of more tip passes for residents with larger properties?

Could there be tyre and white goods collection?

• Working and collorating with other Resident & Ratepayers of Mundaring to improve transparency and discussion. Improve and strengthen the East ward by combining and incorporating roles.

• Police availability at night time should be encouraged. Our local community businesses are being vandalized during these times. What are the possibilities of working with the police based in Wundowie instead of waiting for the police coming from Midland.

• Improving Elsie Austin Oval and its flooding problems Any ideas?

• Questionnaire to be developed to find out what Residents & Ratepayers are thinking with regard to ideas of ways to improve their Mt Helena Community.

• Lighting on GEH and other roads should be updated to energy efficient lighting. Is there a plan to do this and address the noise pollution to families living near the main roads?

• Support our local Mt Helena Play group to become recognized and established.

All these things, happenings have been done with a team effort!

A community of people who live in Mt Helena and each and everyone is making it a great place to live and be. Thank You from your present Vice President, John Bell, Secretary, Krys Lancaster, and treasurer Andrea Southam and myself Joan Quinn.

The Mount Helena Whim Festival is happening.

Join us in delivering and celebrating this year’s event.

It is being held at Pioneer Park on 29 October and we still are looking for volunteers, stall holders and community groups to help make it the boldest and brightest festival yet.

Promote your group, product or service by becoming a stall holder. Sell your local produce, run a food stall or information stand. Some conditions apply as we strive for a high level of ethics, so please contact us for clarification (no multi-level marketing etc.).

Along with providing an opportunity for local suppliers of goods and services to connect with the community, the Festival aims to encourage community involvement in various activities.

There will be a photo competition – My Family and Other Animals is this year’s theme , a climbing wall and laser tag. Share your ideas with the committee and make the activity happen.

On the day, listen to local music while enjoying a bite to eat and a drink.

There will be two stages with the high school bands and great acts such as BluesConfusion, Ben Buller, Storme and Rodney and the Rockets playing.

Local wine makers and brewers will be there too.

We need volunteers for the day to help with setting-up, running the photo booth, parking assistance, security etc. We are also seeking donations for raffles and prizes; another great way to promote your business.

The Mount Helena Residents and Ratepayers are looking forward to being able to provide you with this opportunity and we will work with you in an attempt to meet your needs.

Please feel free to contact Hannah Dyer directly on 0421 748 107, or e-mail whimfestival@gmail.com to book at stall or find out how you can get involved.

COMMUNITY MAHOGANY CREEK HALL M DENT

feel, as one of the few surviving citizens who instigated the Ishould creation of the Mahogany Creek Hall and Tennis Facility, I write what I can recall of that period.

To most residents here today the history of the facility is unknown and the same applies to the Shire. As the years have rolled by and the make up of the Shire changed, poor little Mahogany Creek Hall has become something of a Cinderella, exploited by the Shire.

I hope this account will induce people of the district to decide if it is worth fighting and working to keep these facilities in our hands or to allow them to become a memory to us.

The Mahogany Creek Progress Association was formed about 1949 mainly through the efforts of a Mr Len Smith who built and ran the local store. The object of forming the Association was to improve the lifestyle of the district and be a watch dog for the community.

It has been very successful over the years. Through its effort we were serviced with electricty years before it was scheduled, roads were upgraded, street lighting installed and water services vastly improved.

Early in its existence moves were made to erect a hall so that some social life could be enjoyed by the Creek. In due course it was decided to erect a modest building to suit our needs.

Then came the problem of the site. The Roads Board was unco-operative as they had no land available, however Mr Smith had set his eyes on a three cornered piece of land situated on the corner of Jacoby and Strettle Roads. It seemed to be un-owned and used chiefly as a place to deposit rubbish. Mr Smith made approaches to the Lands Department to make it available to the Progress Association.

Through sheer persistence and harassment the Lands Department eventually agreed to create an A Grade Reserve vested in the Roads Board out of this piece of land.

No time was lost in applying for a permit to start a modest hall building on condition that no assistance would be provided by the Roads Board.

Fund raising began in a frenzy of enthusiasm. A ladies’ auxiliary was created with great success and every fund-raising activity was organised and conducted by them. The main fund-raising was by way of fortnightly Bridge evenings held in various homes in the district, open air concerts using the railway station as dressing room and stage, also helpful donations were forthcoming from local citizens.

The station concerts were a scenic stop-over for the train from sawyers Valley to Midland. On these occasions it was always delayed at least half an hour before arriving at its destination.

The railway engineers showed their appreciation by mighty hoots on the whistle. The only lighting was that provided by myriads of hurricane and pressure lamps, an inspiring sight on a Saturday night.

Probably the best remembered function was the grand Old English Faire held in the grounds of Mr Smith’s farm and the paddock was dotted with stalls decorated with Zamia palms fronds, tree branches and other local material. A prize was awarded to the best-decorated stall. A fine crowd attended on the big day, parliamentarians, councillors, churchmen and locals all mingled, many dressed in period costume.

Funds mounted slowly and the hall seemed a long way off, when Mr Alec Smith suddenly offered a share in the proceeds of a chocolate wheel at the Royal Show.

Ladies from the auxiliary manned the wheel for the week. Well sunburned and brown when they finished the group’s share turned out to be nearly sveen hundred pounds, which together with the three to four hundred already raised, seemed to have the hall ready to go.

At probably the most satisfying progress meeting held it was decided to build a pre-fabricated steel frame asbestos clad building . This was carried by a small majority. The opposing position was for a brick building, although that seemed a forlorn dream.

Things now moved quickly.

Immediately Hassells Engineers of Osborne Park were contacted and they agreed to erect the steel frame work and clad it for the agreed price of four hundred and sixty pounds (I think).

This structure mushroomed up in a single day.

At this point the Roads Board made a grant of two hundred pounds and things were looking good. The Association held a series of working busy bees installing Wandoo flooring, cement brick frontage, making and installing doors, digging and installing septic, lining the walls and painting.

It should be noted that this was the very first hall of its kind in the Hills.

Greenmount’s followed quickly so the Association was re-assured their decision was sound.

Continued on page 14 ....

Eastern Districts Machine Knitting Group invite you to our

OPEN DAY

on Friday 25th August 2017 at Valley Church of Christ 10 Brockman Road, Midland Free entry morning or afternoon tea $5.00 B.Y.O. Lunch

Enquiries to:Liz 9572 7074 Pat 9309 3260 Pat 9295 2793

Open 9a.m.-3 p.m.

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FEDERAL NOTES HON KEN WYATT AM, MP

Member for Hasluck, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health

THE 2017/18 BUDGET

June was a special month in Hasluck and brought awareness for such an important cause. with it lots of exciting events.

I look forward to welcoming you back next year for the second Hasluck n June 16 I had the Community’s Biggest Morning incredible honour Tea. of being a part of the If you know of an initiative Inaugural Ken Wyatt or event that I could assist Cup hosted by Yule with or support please call my Brook College and the office on 9359 0322 or email Wirrpanda Foundation. on ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.

au.

The event is not only

Federal Treasurer, Scott providing a pathway for Morrison, came to visit young women to succeed Hasluck last month and as athletes, it is also, together with Federal Member through employment for Swan, Steve Irons, we presentations, continued our discussions encouraging them to about what can be done to fix achieve anything they the GST situation in WA. set their mind to.

GST reform is a top priority There were and the WA Liberal team will seven local schools continue its unrelenting push participating in the women’s cup playing AFL and for reform of the entire GST and Commonwealth we hope to grow bigger and better each year. grants system.

I am extremely proud to champion this event In other news the Coalition Government and to be a part of encouraging and empowering is inviting community groups, organisations young women to pursue their career goals. and individuals to start their own tree planting On June 9 I hosted the Hasluck Community’s projects by applying for grants under Grant Biggest Morning Tea as part of the Cancer Council Round Three of the WA’s Biggest Morning Tea initiative. Thank you to those who attended, it was wonderful for our 20 MILLION TREES PROGRAM community to come together and raise funds and The 20 Million Trees Program will see twenty

O

million trees planted across Australia by 2020!

Applications close on 15 August 2017.

If you would like more information on the 20 Million Trees Program please contact my office in Forrestfield on 9359 0322 or go to www.nrm. gov.au/20-million-trees.

I am currently running mobile offices around Hasluck to ensure that those in my electorate are able to communicate important issues.

If you would like more information once again please feel free to contact my office on phone or email.

KEN WYATT HONOURED

Left to right - Malcolm Turnbull, Anna Wyatt, Minister Ken Wyatt and Artist Mary Moore

Member for Hasluck, Minister for Aged FKenederal Care and Minister for Indigenous Health, Wyatt, has been honored as the first Indigenous Australian elected to the House of Representatives and the first Indigenous Federal Minister with his portrait hung in the First Galley at Parliament House in the Historic Memorials Collection.

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Western Australian artist, the highlyaccomplished and renowned, Mary Moore, was inspired by Ken Wyatt’s maiden speech to Parliament and aimed to capture the strength, passion, hopefulness and sadness of his work.

The painting itself has taken over six years to complete, hundreds of hours and features over sixty layers of paint in some areas.

The portrait recognizes Minister Wyatt’s strong indigenous heritage, his leadership, and his belief in his work and his country.

It was unveiled by the Prime Minister with over 100 guests in attendance, some of whom were the Minister’s friends and family that had travelled from Perth to be at this historic occasion.

Minister Wyatt said he was lost for words and that it was one of the most humbling and proudest day of his life.

“I cannot truly express my pride, my joy, my gratefulness and how humbled I am. Words cannot do it justice” said Minister Wyatt.

Minister Wyatt thanked his wife Anna and his sons Brendyn and Aaron as well as the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Leader of Opposition Bill Shorten for their presence.

“Thank you to all my Parliamentary friends and colleagues for being with me today, especially my fellow Indigenous Members and Senators: Linda Burney, Patrick Dodson, Malarndirri McCarthy and Jacqui Lambie” said Minister Wyatt.

Minister Wyatt thanked the people of Hasluck and said he has never felt more honoured to be their representative.

“I will never forget this day” said Mr Wyatt.

NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

COMMUNITY HYPERVISION WINNERS

HON DONNA FARAGHER JP MLC

Member for East Metropolitan Region, Shadow Minister for Education; Training; Women’s Interests

he winner of the 2017 HyperVision art Topening competition was announced at the exhibition’s ceremony.

NORTHLINK WA ON TRACK

Donna Faragher MLC with Federal Member for Pearce, Christian Porter discussing the Northlink Project.

massive $1.12 billion Northlink WA road Tit isheinfrastructure project remains on track and pleasing to know that construction has now

commenced on the central section.

With significant funds invested by both the Australian and former Liberal-led State Governments to deliver the project, NorthLink WA will provide a non-stop road transport route between Morley and Muchea.

The overall project is being built in three stages – Southern Section; Central Section and Northern Section.

Significant works commenced last year on the Southern Section which involves the construction of a freeway-standard, free-flowing link from Collier Road through to Reid Highway via the Tonkin Highway with new interchanges at Collier Road and Morley Drive as well as a flyover at Benara Road.

Works are also now underway on the Central Section which includes a major freeway-tofreeway interchange at the Tonkin Hwy/Reid Highway intersection and bridged intersections at Marshall, Gnangara and Beechboro Roads, Hepburn Avenue and The Promenade.

When completed in 2019, NorthLink WA will take the pressure off the Great Northern Highway and is expected to greatly reduce congestion on local roads, improve journey times and, from a safety perspective, eliminate four of the State’s most dangerous intersections.

While the significant road works currently underway are inevitably causing some disruption for motorists, I am sure you will agree that the benefits in the longer term through improved safety and reduced traffic congestion will be well worth it.

City of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said Alice Nixon-McIvor took out the top spot against 116 other young finalists who also received recognition for their creative pieces of work.

“Congratulations to Alice Nixon-McIvor for winning this year’s competition with her visually inspiring traditional piece Just Breathe,” he said.

“Alice was among a shortlist of 116 submissions, which were judged and narrowed down to the top sixty-one entries.

“There were over thirty artwork submissions received from young City of Swan artists, with others submitted from around Perth and beyond, including one entry all the way from Broome.”

Altone Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor David Lucas said this year’s theme, instability, encouraged young people to think outside the box.

“Participants were encouraged to think of ways they could share their views on the community, personal relationships and what they deemed as stable and unstable in their own lives through art,” he said.

“Art battles, running alongside the exhibition on Thursday nights at Midland Gate Shopping Centre, will also give young artists the opportunity to explore the theme of instability.

“The 2017 Youth out Loud competition in August will also share the same theme, where young public speakers will be asked to speak out about their own experiences with instability across a range of topics.”

The top HyperVision artworks will be exhibited until July 23rd at Midland Gate Shopping Centre.

For more information on the exhibition, visit www.hyperfest.com.au or contact Simon O'Leary (0409 895 251) or simon.oleary@swan.wa.gov.au.

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Donna

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

FARAGHER

jp mlc

Member for East Metropolitan Region Shadow Minister for Education; Training; Women’s Interests

Here to help!

Ground Floor, 108 Swan Street Guildford 6055 9379 0840 | Faragher.eastmetro@mp.wa.gov.au Authorised by D.Faragher, 108 Swan Street, Guildford WA 6055.

KEN WYATT MP Federal Member for Hasluck 9359 0322

ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au

kenwyatt.com.au

kenwyattmp

Authorised by K.Wyatt MP, Shop 10-12 Forrestfield Marketplace, 80 Hale Road, Forrestfield WA 6058.

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH SHARRON

SWAN WOMEN IN BUSINESS

May’s meeting was hosted

by Stewarts and featured a lovely lunch and tour of their accommodation and day spa.

You can find SWIB on Facebook or connect with Swan Chamber.

Run by the Swan Chamber of Commerce, Swan Women in Business meets bi-monthly at venues within the City of Swan and offers members the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and network with local business owners and operators.

Josie Daniel welcomes the group and introduces Andy Kahle who shared how she kept her business running through a major health issue

Councellors David Lucas and Patti Williams with Josie Daniel (Vice President Swan Chamber of Commerce)

Holly Buglass, Leather Hunt and Kate Baraywanath 6

SOCIAL EDITOR SHARRON ATTWOOD Photograph by ShaBo Studio

OUT AND ABOUT WITH SHARRON

Sharon Gerschwitz and Councellor Cate McCullough

Rosalba Velletri , Huyen Tran, Anne-ten Seldam, Jennifer Dunham and Marie Otty

Jennifer Dunham, Lisa Barnett-Taylor and T’Anne Mills 7

WHAT’S ON IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN EVENT LISTED IN THIS COLUMN RING our office on 6296 5161 Entries for non-profit entities are free.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Glen Forrest Group Every Monday evening We meet at 7.00pm at the Glen Forrest Uniting Church, Mc Glew Rd, Glen Forrest. Call Dermot 0488 905 211 or John 0448 074 536 or the Perth Office (all hours) 9325 3566.

MORRIS DANCING

All welcome. It’s like bush dancing, with sticks and bells. It’s aerobic exercise and great fun!

Tuesdays 7-9pm practice, Guildford Town Hall, cnr James St and Meadow St, Guildford. And drinks later at the Woodbridge Hotel with live Irish music For more information please contact: AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOC. Christine Hogan: 9279 8778 Discussion groups, guest speakers, morning Email: madtattersmorris@iinet.Net.Au tea. Free breastfeeding counselling. Expectant Website: madtattersmorris.Myclub.Org.Au mothers, mothers, babies and children welcome.

National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 2686 MUSTARD SEED - DISCOVERING COMPUTERS is a 24 hour 7 days a week service.

Mustard Seed is a fifteen year old non-profit organisation and teaches all aspects of everyday Swan/Mundaring Group meets every Monday, 9:30- computing. Ability levels from beginners 11:30am at the Gumnuts Family Centre, 8 Mudalla onwards. Want help with Windows 10? In need of Way, Koongamia. A qualified ABA counsellor instruction with your Mac computer? Have an iPad is present at each meeting to give confidential or Android tablet and don’t know what it will do? information and support on breastfeeding issues. We can help. Cost is $3 per session. Classes are Contact Natalie 9572 4971. heldat 56 McGlew Road, Glen Forrest. To gain a place enrol now.

Kalamunda Group meets fortnighly on a Thursday, Phone 9299 7236 or 0478 604 163 or 9:30-11:30am at the Maida Vale Baptist Church, E: mustardcomputers@gmail.com Edney Road, High Wycombe.

W: noodlebytes.com Contact Jenny 9252 1996.

Northam Group meets each second Tuesday of the month at the Bridgeley Community Centre, Wellington Street, Northam 10am to Noon.

Fourth Tuesday each month at Toodyay Playgroup, Stirling Terrace, Toodyay. Noon to 2pm. Please phone Louisa 9574 0229.

TUESDAY BADMINTON CLUB

Tuesdays Join us for Social Badminton from 9am - 11am at Brown Park Recreation Centre. Beginners Welcome. Contact Miriam 9274 5058.

THE HILLS CHOIR

Monday Evenings Do you enjoy singing and joining with others to make beautiful music? Come and join the Hills Choir. We meet from 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Uniting Church on Stoneville Road, Mundaring. Contact Margie on 9295 6103 for further information.

SWAN VALLEY SQUARES – ELLENBROOK

Every Friday Night Modern Australian Square Dancing from 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm Woodlake Community Hall, 1 Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly, fun and low cost. No previous experience necessary. All Welcome. Contact Greg Fawell 0417 912 241 or www.swanvalleysquares.weebly.com

ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY WEIGHT LOSS CLUB

Every Wednesday evening We meet from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at the Woodlake Community Hall, Meeting room 1.

Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly support group and low cost. Male and females of all ages welcome. Contact Shirley 9276 7938 shirleysardelich@aapt.net.au.

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ELLENBROOK AND DISTRICT MENS SHED INC.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday We are open at 4 Transit Way Ellenbrook from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Potential members can turn up on those days and there will be someone to explain what we do and give membership details.

Annual fees are low and members can do their own thing, participate in projects for the community or simply just come in for a chat and a cuppa.

We are considering extending our days to include Saturdays or evenings if there is enough interest.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE MUSIC CLASSES

Tuesday mornings Learn to play tunes on piano or keyboard immediately – the SIMPLY MUSIC method. Play songs, chords, blues and classical in small groups at a reasonable price.

Call Heather 9296 4181 for more details.

HILLS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP

1st Wednesday of each month Hilltop Grove Estate, 1645 Jacoby Street, Mahogany Creek. Morning tea provided, between SWAN WOODTURNERS GROUP 10.30 - 12.00 noon.

The group meets in the rear hall of The Senior Enquiries Terina 9572 1655.

Citizens’ Centre, The Avenue, Midland, at 1-00pm. on 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Tuesday, and at 7-00pm. MIDLAND MEN’S SHED on 2nd Tuesday of each month. A demonstration Every Tuesday morning and cuppa are the norm. Men and Women are We meet socially every Tuesday morning from welcome. Enquiries to Ted 9295 4438.

9.30am to 11.30am in the Bellevue Baptist Church Hall and our usual attendance is around fifty-five.

TALKING HORSES At least once a month we have a guest speaker on Wednesday evenings 6:00pm a range of topics.

The WA Horse Council equestrian radio We also go on excursions to various places program is now in its seventh year. The of interest (e.g. HMAS Stirling, Aviation Museum, programme is broadcast on the Community Radio Fremantle Ports, ALCOA, etc.).

Station 91.3 SportFM. To ensure that your club, Our workshop with wood working and metal event, breed or business gets coverage, call working is now in Midvale and for the opening Diane Bennit 0409 083 617. hours and further details please contact Rob Cutter on 0419 967 873.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE Also in operation is our music group – the Monday Mornings Rockin’ Shedders which is going from strength to The Art Group meets at Baskerville Hall from 9am strength and their repertoire of songs increases – 12pm for just $5.00 per session. each week.

The group leader is Gilly, she can help and For more information on the Shed please advise with most media. Feel free to come and contact Kevin Buckland on 0417 961 971 or by have a look and meet our local artists – they are a email to kebinsv@tpg.com.au. very friendly lot, new members welcome!

For more information call 9296 1976 or EASTERN DISTRICTS MACHINE KNITTERS E: enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre.com Friday - second and fourth W: www.swanvalleycommunitycentre.com.

We meet from 9:00am to noon at 10 Brockman Road, Midland.

SWAN HARMONY SINGERS Feel welcome to join us for morning tea and Wednesdays see how easy it is to make your own garments.

Come and sing with us! Swan Harmony Singers For more information contact Pat 9309 3260; is a community choir that meets, 7-9pm, to Liz 9572 7074 or Pat 9295 2793. sing music ranging from jazz to pop, plus the occasional classic. No auditions. Join us at the Salvation Army Church Hall, 371 Morrison Rd, (opposite Swan View Primary School), Swan View.

Enquiries: call Anna on 9299 7249, or Chris on 9298 9529 or 0435 062 728.

FICTION THE UTE JOHN TAYLOR

CHAPTER TWO - THE JOURNEY illy and Janey made it out onto the highway.

Janey didn’t seem too perturbed about the drive, or should I say slide, Billy thought.

Probably thinks I’m pretty good. She’s not bad either.

He glanced casually across to the passenger’s side; Janey, dozing lightly, long tanned legs propped against the dash, going right up just past her short frayed cut-off jeans.

Early morning light silhouetted her profile against the horizon as they travelled past dense scrub on to higher stretches of road. Increasing light diminished the background contrast of darkness and firm tanned flesh.

“Hey!” Billy exclaimed, braking hard and steering onto the verge as a kangaroo sped, head down in front of the ute. A whack on the roo bar reminded him there were still a few around.

Startled, Janey recoiled against the bench seat, fending off the dash, legs crooked beneath her, right hand firmly grasping the steering wheel as Billy turned the wheel against a slide, caused by evasive action with the kangaroo.

“Let go! Let go!” Billy yelled as the vehicle skidded sideways, biting into the gravel verge, skittling white posts and finally coming to rest in the spoon drain.

Janey landed right on top of Billy, all arms and legs, the ute canting, driver’s door down, petrol dripping from the filler cap. Toolbox and miscellaneous articles straining against the tonneau cover. Could be worse, Billy thought, feebly struggling under Janey’s weight, petrol fumes finally spurring him into action.

They extricated themselves from the ute via the passenger window, adjusting clothing and generally viewing the predicament. Janey had corked a thigh muscle in the incident and was limping around.

Better give that a bit of a massage later on, Billy thought. Being something of a horseman he carried liniment and miscellaneous medical gear.

He found a shovel and dug and scratched dirt away from the downside tyres, one tyre being pushed off the bead. Hope it’s okay, Billy thought.

Only bought them with that last cheque. She should roll back somewhere near level.

“Hey, Janey, give us a hand to unload. Come on. Stop prancing around. We’ll run out of fuel soon!”

Fortunately, a four-wheel drive with two local stockmen came along the main road and Janey smiled and chatted as they threw a strap over the ute and pulled them back straight, not before Billy had unloaded the ute. The place looked like a bomb had hit it. Billy called to Janey who was waving their benefactors goodbye.

“Give us a hand; stop prancing around like a wounded brolga!” Billy bit his lip, annoyed that Janey had caused an accident to his beloved ute.

Ah, well, there’s no harm done and there was the damn roo and I was driving.

He’d nearly finished packing when he remembered the horse liniment. He rummaged

B

through the gear and indicated to Janey to lie on the swag he’d chucked on the bonnet.

“Hang on. Hang on. Just a moment. I’ll change this tyre first, then we can bolt….straight after I fix your leg.”

Janey, having already jumped up on the swag gave a sigh and patiently waited, flexing he leg against the pain while he changed the wheel.

Unreal, she thought. What’s more important, me or the ute!

Billy applied liniment and himself with a passion to Janey’s upper leg, strong hands massaging kinked muscle into line, totally immersed. Janey buried her face in the swag, realising the rather rough treatment was best in the long run. Billy massaging her back and firm buttocks, pushed her light check shirt up over her shoulders, exposing a glimpse of breast, unencumbered by straight-laced brassiere devoid of white strap marks on lightly tanned flesh, fumbling with belt and button when out of nowhere a voice called.

“You all right, mate?”

Billy stopped dead. Janey turned and sat bolt upright, clutching crumpled clothing.

Half an hour later, driving down the road, they laughed and laughed. How, in the heat of the moment, Joe Blow tourist - caravan, boat on the roof rack, mum, kids and all - had idled in, pulled up noiselessly on the bitumen, rolled the electric window down and enquired, “You right, mate?”

Yeah, right! Billy thought. You mongrel! Why didn’t you keep driving? Bloody good Samaritans!

Where are they when you want them? Still, the

other blokes pulled us out; ah, she’s right!

Janey tentatively rubbed her leg, quietly eyeing Billy off as they drove: Maybe another massage!

“Where’ll we go, Billy?” Janey enquired.

“Dunno. Have you got any ideas?” Billy pondered. “Nice to be out of that little joint back there. Reckon it’d be the same on the menu

tonight. Old Straunie seemed okay. As for the rest of them, reckon I could take it or leave it. Anyway, we left. Got any family to contact, Janey? We’d better keep an eye out for a job! Race round’s on; the squatters will be in town drinking up. You any good at cooking, Janey? We could go bush.”

About dark they pulled up and lit a fire. Their billycan was a bit dented and the cooking gear chucked about, but it wasn’t long before a couple of tins of Irish strew and spag were simmering near the coals, handle lids bent back from the heat. Billy had rummaged a bottle from under the seat, offering Janey a nip which she declined until he reminded her of the leg and the medicinal advantage.

Rum feels good going down, Janey thought.

Certainly warming! It wasn’t long before Billy kicked the fire out and they were back on the road, off into the night.

Janey woke just on daybreak, mouth a bit cobwebby, leg fairly tight but otherwise warm and comfy, head propped on a pillow, body draped in a large coarse rug on the ute front seat.

Crocodile Dundee was snoring soundly in his swag a little way off. He’d offered another massage when he pulled up, but Janey had not responded, so he’d found some gear and tucked her in, taking a final taste before turning him himself some 500Ks onwards from the roo incident. Bit of a Slim on the cassette and a nip now and then had kept him going in the early hours.

Janey had limped around, getting a fire going and generally tidying up long before Billy crawled out grasping for a Coke which was still fairly cool in a carton in the back of the ute.

“Cactus cutter!” He exclaimed. “What’s around for brekkie?” Billy held a large pannikin out for tea and knifed the top off a tin of baked beans, edging it into the fire by the bent lid, observing the paper wrapper flame and shrink as it heated.

Seconds later he swooped the tin out, a piece of rag protecting his fingers from the heat. Janey thoughtfully topped up his pannikin, gratefully accepting a burnt bread and baked bean sandwich.

“Not much traffic out here.” Billy observed, rolling his swag, packing up their gear. They dowsed the dying embers and move out, on down the road.

“Better check the oil and water soon. Should have filled a couple of jerry cans in case”, he berated himself just as a five-kilometre service station sign appeared.

“Ah, she’ll be right. They’ll probably want a bloody fortune out here for juice, may as well keep going.” Janey indicated the servo. Billy pointed up the road. Janey gave a wry sort of wouldn't-mind-dropping-in look to which Billy, after a few more little hints, picked up on and wheeled onto the servo apron. Janey made a beeline for the toilets.

Ah, so that’s it! Wonder why she didn’t go in the bushes back there, Billy thought, or just 9

say outright “I want to go to a dunny”? Still, we didn’t know this joint was here and jeez, was I right. Juice is dear. Better put some in, I suppose.

Getting a bit short of the readies! Wonder if Janey’s got any. Probably got a plastic card, Billy hoped.

These birds are normally pretty well organised. Jeez, it gets boring out here, miles and miles of nothing. Well, maybe not nothing, but nice range over there. Be a good bit of creek country coming off it. Still, if you didn’t know, it’s bloody boring! Suppose it’s all about understanding your country.

Should give these tourists a lecture, video talk on the bus about the ramifications on that range over there! They’d probably nod off; only interested in the gorge or the rock, creeks or whatever’s on the brochure. Imagine that country after a decent wet; be knee-high in tucker!

A couple of car loads of ringers pulled up while they were at the service station, obviously having some days off, pulling stubbies from an esky in the back of a battered Toyota, oblivious to people staring at them and their rather over the top garb for this fairly civilised area: bull belts, rifles and large hats coupled with booze, rough motor cars and a tendency to break into Aboriginal-English when speaking is a great come-on for a cameratoting tourist; police have also shown an interest.

Some minutes after the newcomers’ arrival, Billy was seen leaning against the old Toyota, hat pushed well back drinking his first stubbie for the day.

“Races, mate!” The ringers said. “We’re off to the races. You coming?”

“Naw. Don’t worry about ‘em much.” Billy fended. “Enough to do with horses in the cattle camp.”

“Anyway, we’re off”, the ringers reckoned.

“Need to get off the main drag before too many more stubbies. Cops’re okay generally, but you never know. May see you there, eh. Second turn past Willerie Creek. Be a sign: Willerie Creek Races. Go in about 20 ks. Camp with us if you like!”

At this particular point of embarkation by the boys Janey emerged from the roadhouse, tucking paper in her purse, pausing beautifully in midstride, removing the top from an orange juice, dispensing the lid in a recycle bin. With a smile and a wave to Billy she moved towards the ute.

“She with you?” The ringers exclaimed as one, exhaling low whistles. “Hey, mate, you definitely camp with us! That’s a class act. Legs, mate, legs all the way! Want another stubbie? Come on, mate, introduce us!”

The ringers had gathered by Billy’s ute before Janey had finished with the juice and purse sorting and made it to the welcome shade. Noone said anything, just nuzzled on their stubbies, eyes shaded by their large hats, spare hand fumbling with belt or pocket. Two months in the stock camp had tied their tongues; too much too soon.

“Jesus, have a look at it, would you!”

Someone went back to the Tojo for supplies. The rest stayed; finally, “How you going?” came from the group.

“Not bad.” Janey brightly replied, declining a stubbie.

“Where you lot going?” she asked. This 10

brought on a flood of invitations, mud maps and offers of food and accommodation at the races.

Janey handled them by draping herself casually against Billy. Billy choked a little on his tilted stubbie in utter disbelief at this demonstration of affection by Janey.

They hadn’t been this close since the ute nearly rolled, Billy thought, as Janey’s armed lolled across his shoulder, plucking bits of cotton, planting a little kiss on his cheek. Then she stood erect, leaving him to reply. Most of the ringers had drifted a little after this display of affection.

“Suppose we’ll go to the races, eh, Billy!”

Janey said. “It’ll be all right. If we don’t like it, we’ll leave!”

Billy took a little while collecting himself.

One minute I’m laid back enjoying a coldie with the boys, next thing I’m smack on the frontline, making decisions for both of us. What’s wrong with just wandering along?

Phew! She’s a bit different. Split those ringers up when she comes my way. Fancy straightening my collar! I’ve seen it all now. Half of them done a runner straight out! Those few others who stayed - only looking for another charge. Their mates just bolted with that Tojo.

Janey sat closer, touching a little, past events from incidents at Straun’s too now bonding them.

“Thanks, Billy”, Janey said, nuzzling into his side. “Can’t stand those boys ogling. We’ll be in our camp. There’ll be quite enough of them at the bar and races.”

Races were good; bit of money around, horses okay, most of the favourites won. Still a few outsiders came in. Good shady camp by the creek and what with the company, who’d want to leave.

No hurry, Billy thought. Could get a start with that contract musterer the boys talked about.

See how we go when we’re all steadied up. Janey will come along I think. You never know. Don’t want to say anything just yet; you never know!

Race day ball was a beauty; everybody dressed to the nines. The Calcutta roared, bids coming out of the woodwork, locals, tourists and ring-ins joined up for a resounding night; band rocked on till the early hours.

The morning star appearing as Janey and Billy made their way to camp, buzzing with excitement, balanced by footsore and fatigue from food, dance and drink.

Uncertain of the hour but sure it was time to rest, oblivious of the morning star amongst the millions crowding their night, swathed in light from a barren moon hanging above an invisible horizon, soon to be starkly in view in the new light of day, Billy and Janey locked in a dancing sway, shedding clothes, as piccaninny dawn blushed on the creek tree-lined horizon; comfortably embracing as the sun commenced its climb; still cool and dark; swag, tarp and creek bend shielding its ascent; river gums spreading shade across dry creek beds width.

Stayers, swaying to and fro to a cassette’s country and western tune, relieving themselves on the opposite bank, unaware Janey had woken and observed.

Gently moving from Billy’s embrace, she recovered her clothes, moving quietly among the tangled tree roots to find them: Clothed, Janey laid back in the comfortable swag against Billy’s

hard naked body, rolling his jeans for an extra pillow and quietly fell asleep as daylight swept in amongst the trees, slowly exposing their shaded river bank camp.

Billy woke, easing himself from the swag, taking care not to wake Janey, tossing up between a cold Coke and getting started or staying put awhile; finally, deciding it was time to at least think about tomorrow, buttoning up as he moved towards the main camp, pausing by a communal water tank for a quick rinse.

Campfires were being stirred to life by oilyeyed individuals hanging out for a cuppa. Could do with one myself, Billy thought. Where the hell’s this contractor’s camp? Around this end here somewhere. The odd generator was being started, popping a little till settling down to a steady purr on load; the chorus being taken up by other camps as he walked the lines.

Finally, Billy found the contractor’s camp, swags rolled out on and under trucks and utes, gen sets purring in the background; couple of young blokes still tottering around, drinking Bundies, a welcome billy of tea sitting just back off the fire.

“How you going?” Billy’s intro ran, picking a pannikin from a wash up line indicated by the box: Or I suppose he’s the boss, Billy thought, tipping tea and adding sugar as it poured.

“Bob!” He called out. “Bob’s the name,” extending his hand.

“Yeah!” He said, straightening his arthritic back and pouring a pannikin. “Seen you looking around, yeah”, he added.

“All mine, all them busted arse trucks and buggies, and if I stop paying them drunken bums of ringers, I’ll own them utes as well. Handy, ‘eh.

Fancy guaranteeing that motor vehicle. Only one guarantee you’ve got with them is they’ll clean out the bloody rum! Got to work tomorrow. What’s me chance with this motor vehicle of escapees?

Pilot’s pissed off. Lover boy pilots! Prima-bloodydonnas the lot of them! Swan around as if they own the run! What about you, fella? Up to much?

Passing through or what?”

Billy had heard all this before, pretty close to the mark in a lot of cases, old blokes letting off steam, knowing bloody well they wouldn't be mustering tomorrow and the pilot’s a wanderer from way back they say.

“Yeah!” Billy replied. “Been holidaying; looking for a start.”

After a drink of tea Billy and Bob had covered a number of topics and country, culminating in a casual arrangement regarding employment for Billy and subject to Janey agreeing on the terms, she may be included.

“Cooking or tailing cattle; that’s if she can ride, of course. Never thought of that, did you!”

Bob exclaimed. “Fancy trying to get the girl a start and you don’t even know if she can ride or not. Let me know what’s going on. Even if she can ride a bit it’ll be okay.”

Afterwards Billy had made it back to camp through the maze of vehicles, swags and electrical extension cords, accompanied by the incessant hum of generators as the whole camp stirred into gear, some commencing packing, others lounging about, contemplating extending the celebration of the annual bush race meeting.

Billy found their camp still in deep shade

shielded by riverbank and dense scrub, well away from main camp activities, birds calling and the occasional thump of a kangaroo hopping through the bush clearly audible.

Pausing, sniffing the cool morning air and moving on, a large bungarra moved slowly to water, tail scraping, scrounging food scraps as it progressed, stopping in its tracks as Billy raced into camp shouting for Janey, surprised to find her still asleep, shaking her shoulder, telling her about the contract musterer, asking if she could “ride a horse, even a little”, assuring her she’d “be all right, she’d learn” and that he knew she was a “good cook”. Janey sat upright in the swag, confused by the bustle, Billy half rolling the swag before she rose, anxious to pack and join the new crew.

“Billy!” Janey exclaimed. “Settle down! What on earth is going on ?”

“Come on, pack up”, Billy repeated. “We’ve got a start!”

“What?” Are they leaving on the next train?

Janey retorted. “Down, Billy. I’m quite comfy.

All this go-go has been wearing me down. The cyclone, the travelling, the ball last night and m'hmm. Billy, relax a bit. Make some tea! What’s this about riding? Course I can ride: show jumping, dressage; don’t know much about stockhorses.

Of course, I’ll have a go! One thing, Billy, if I’m cooking, everybody helps with the wash-up!

“Why don’t we both have a talk with this Bob. Just a little sugar, please, Billy. No milk. I don’t like condensed. Just black; a little sugar will be fine. Right! Now, where were we? This Bob fella.

I gather he’ll be working around here somewhere or rather we’ll be working,” Janey added.

“What’s wrong with camping here until everything’s decided? Nice and quiet, no generator, although they are handy, this beats the hubbub up river!”

Billy quickly saw sense in the plan. Bob’s mob probably wouldn't sober up today, let alone pack; pilot’s on a pink-eye.

“Yeah, no worries. We’ll go see him shortly”, he said, casually chucking food scraps to the bungarra, enticing him into camp.

Janey, nervously gathering blankets and swag tarp around her, unsure of the lizard’s nature, shuffling her cocoon behind Billy, pleading with him to stop encouraging the wildlife, Billy teasing, nearly handfeeding the reptile as it inched closer; Janey clutching his shoulder, clasping the swag as a child’s security blanket, mouth forming unuttered words, speechless in her concern over the proximity of the reptile, now rocking on its hind legs and tail, rearing its head and body, straining to achieve the prize, a piece of meat Billy had secured on a metre-length of number ten fencing wire.

Without moving its body any closer than absolutely necessary, the lizard poised to escape at the slightest hint of danger.

Billy suddenly flicked the wire right under the bungarra’s nose, causing it to rear higher, scrabbling with its stumpy, croc-like front legs.

Billy simultaneously rolled sideways, exposing Janey to a momentary frontal view of the rearing reptile, lunging at the airborne food scrap.

Janey previously speechless, screamed as Billy grabbed her in a bearhug and rolled off the swag, onto the coarse river sand bed, laughing

uncontrollably at her plight. The bungarra, lashing its tail in a powerful balancing arc, turned away and raced for the riverbank and safety, food scrap clamped in its jaws. Sand flicked as the couple grappled, Janey punching, connecting ineffectually on Billy’s writhing body, breathlessly abusing him as he crowded in, absorbing and shielding, grabbing her fists and arms until she quietened. Fear of the rearing reptile receding as physical exhaustion and Billy’s restraining embrace and body contact relaxed her thrashing limbs and racing mind, tension draining as they lay.

“Better get going”, Billy said, gently nuzzling Janey’s ear and neck. “Got a bit of an audience and it’s not that bungarra!”

A few of last night’s revellers had risen, attending their toilet on the opposite bank when the action had commenced and were now applauding noisily, appealing for an encore. Janey sat bolt upright at this intrusion on their privacy, glanced briefly at the crew, cracking early starters on the riverbank, waved and crawled back over to their swag, straightening the tarp and blankets, motioning seductively to Billy to join her in shade afforded by the riverbank and scrub. Billy baulked at this offer, his mind a tizz, until Janey firmly patted the swag and commanded him to join her, planting a lingering kiss on his chapped lips as he sat beside her, after dragging his feet back through the sand, his mind blank, ears ringing with calls from the growing group rousing on the opposite bank.

Jesus! Billy thought, responding more to Janey’s attention, massaging her firm body through and under her light shirt. Jesus! We’re going to have a rerun of last night at this rate. Fumbling buttons, oblivious to the yakking from the opposite bank, head buzzing with excitement, Billy suddenly realised Janey had gone quiet.

“That ought to do them”, she said, shifting abruptly on the swag, gently pushing him back a little, and staying in control of the situation.

A feeble “don’t worry about them what about me” from Billy, hardly registering with Janey, staring out across the creek, calmly assessing the situation to date.

“It could be all right. Let’s have a cuppa, Billy”, Janey said. He’ll have to smarten his act up a bit though. Stop him mucking around with those boys and what they think and do. This drinking is unbelievable!

Billy had stirred the fire, his mind flicking back through the sequence of events. Suppose I earned that bungarra bit; must have frightened the hell of out her.

Could be alright, she thought, accepting a pannikin of black tea. Just need to tune him a bit.

“Shall we talk to that contractor?” Janey enquired, aware it was an area in which she had limited knowledge apart from basic horse riding and cooking indoors. Her work experiences were limited, although she was keen to have a go.

Billy wanted to talk to Bob as it was the last day of the meet and people often made last-minute decisions, but his head was still in a spin from last night and the previous twenty minutes’ of events and he was enjoying his drink of tea and company, thinking: This is how it should be: need a bit of a camp for a start, still a bit of shade. In a few seconds Billy had fallen fast asleep, leaving Janey to pick up the few bits of cook and camping gear,

carting lighter bits up to the ute.

Within ten minutes Billy had sprung into gear, rolled the swag, grabbed the tuckerbox and camp oven and steamed full ahead up the bank to the ute, calling for Janey as he went, finding her applying face cream and blockout in the vehicle mirror. Billy pulled up just inside the scrub line, admiring Janey’s curvaceous body bending over, concentrating on the mirror, and chap stick lightly smearing her full and sensual lips; pearly white teeth reflecting clearly in the mirror.

Neat gap, Billy thought as Janey flashed a dazzling smile his way. Funny how some people’s teeth are spaced. Billy packed gear into the ute and pulled the cover.

“Better get going, eh, Janey”, patting her affectionately on the buttocks. “Don’t want to miss this Bob bloke”. Janey gave a little start at the attention, pushing Billy’s ribs, heading for the passenger door.

As they drove towards the camp a number of vehicles drove out, some to the rubbish tip, others making for home. Billy watched anxiously for Bob’s plant, in a way regretting the past hour or so’s shenanigans, but a chuckle escaped his lips, followed by a wide smile as thoughts slipped back, tickling over good times in the past week.

“Bugger!” He exclaimed as they arrived at the spot. Bob’s mob had decamped. All the vehicles had one. A few oil stains where they’d sat these past few days and a wisp of smoke emanating from half-buried coals were the only signs, otherwise totally evacuated, swept down till next year.

“Bugger it!” Billy said again, slamming the ute door. “Bob probably thought we’d left. He must have stirred the mob along to move this fast. Still moving’s their game.”

As Billy walked around the deserted site another person wandered in, well-dressed to the extent his jeans were ironed. Neat creases clearly visible, light elastic-sided boots, highly polished this morning by the look and a long-sleeved light shirt rolled at the cuffs, topped off with a hairdo from a city nightclub. Eyes shielded by oval shaped Ray Bans. Must be a tourist, Billy thought.

Have a bloody look at it, would you!

“How you going, mate?” Billy asked.

“Don’t know”, the toff replied.

“And what the hell were you doing with Bob’s mob in that getup? I know! The escapee pilot!”

Billy exclaimed. “Where the hell you been? The drycleaners!”

The newcomer stuck his hand out, introducing himself.

“Kevin’s the name and you’re right about that last bit, the cleaners. Flew in Thursday afternoon after two months straight in the stock camp, met this beautiful looking bird out from town. Went back into town with her after the first race. Been there ever since.

“Got a lift back out this morning on a shire truck. Couldn't find her or my wallet! Had a bloody good time, but Bob’s going to be spewing. Should have been mustering this morning. He must have flown the plane back; doesn’t like flying. Mate, there’s trouble apart from my wallet -anyway, that’s gone! Might just keep going. He’ll be bloody wild when I catch up….if I do!”

Billy had sussed the situation by this time, standing back thoughtfully in the shade, listening 11

to Kev’s story and now Janey had joined him. Kev, after introducing himself, had embarked on a con job that beat all.

Unfortunately, he’d already spilt the beans and Janey was well aware he was just a bustedarse, heavy drinking, womanising bush pilot with no money; quite likely no job and for all his fancy clothes and charming smile, not even a stockman.

“Better jump in”, Billy nodded towards the back of his ute. “You know where to find old Bob, I suppose?”

Some decision and scratching maps in the dirt followed, then Kev reluctantly jumped up, leaning comfortably on a swag, dying for a drink.

He burrowed in as best he could, pulling the tarp around, deflecting the breeze, thinking of better ways, flying, for example, to travel the outback.

Don’t quite know how to take the young bloke, Kev thought. She sure gave me the cold-shoulder.

Still, you never know. Got to keep trying. Far as this riding round on the back of a ute, it’s not my scene, but there’s no-one back at that race meet to give me any more than a lift to town, so here’s hoping there’s a drink when we get there. Could be worse. Kev thought.

Going to be bad enough when we catch up with Bob, particularly if he’s been out flying all day. He’s had more prangs than Evil Knievel. If he wasn’t holding back on my dollars and now my gear, I’d pull the bloody pin. Ah, shut up you whinging bastard. He absently addressed himself. She was a bloody good sort and there wasn’t much in that wallet anyway.

They reached town just on dark, Janey dozing, Kev out like a light in the back. Billy had stopped a couple of times, once to change a tyre and neither had stirred. Marvellous, he thought as heads started bobbing upon reaching the town limit.

That Kev will be looking for a drink for sure.

Bet those eyes are like ratshit both sides when he takes those sunnies off. They pulled up at the service station opposite the pub as it was shutting down for the night with a $20 afterhours fee looming.

Kev jumped off the ute, hit Billy up for twenty bucks and was heading for the pub in the same stride, gasping for a drink, pulling up halfway to assure Billy he’d “pay back the twenty and chip in for fuel first cheque!”

“Gentleman to the last”, Billy mumbled, “that is, if there is a cheque”, poking the bowser nozzle in the tank and shaking a few jerry cans on the back: Better fill ‘em, I suppose. No knowing where to next. A dollar bloody ten is a bit rich, though!

Kev had not returned after the fuel and a few bits and pieces had been purchased. Billy and Janey were considering leaving, finishing off their hamburgers and coffee in the now darkened street.

The servo proprietor, Kev and the majority of the town had adjourned to the pub. Billy instinctively knew Kev one way or another would find his way and was quite capable of handling the situation when he got there. Pity I couldn't fly, he thought. Could have been the main actor.

Ah, better, find Kev and get him back.

“Watch the ute, eh, Janey?”

As he approached the pub he noticed a 12

considerable amount more activity inside than vehicles outside would denote. Cautiously pushing the batwings, eyes adjusting to light and smoke, he looked around the room for Kev amongst the pack of people crowding the bar and pool tables.

Overhead fans lazily pushed smoke around the room. Race club members’ tickets stuck in hats and pinned on shirts. One for the road after the races; all the race mob were here, cars parked around the back or at friends in town.

Cops must be a bit keen. Better keep an eye out.

Kev must be out for a leak.

“Hey, mate!” Billy enquired of the barman as he hurried past. “Seen a well-dressed bloke, mop of hair, sunnies; probably drinking Jim Beam or something?”

“Yeah”, he replied. “That’s Kev.” He said with a grin. “Back in a mo’. What are you drinking?”

Billy ordered a beer, already a bit pissed off with the crowded smoky situation he had lobbed into.

Pissed off with Kev, realising he would be handy and could be worth waiting a few minutes for.

Janey will be okay, he thought; well, he hoped, anyway.

A few minutes later Kev appeared, sunnies still on, looking a little rumpled, followed by an equally rumpled young lady who was promptly asked by the barman where the bloody hell she’d been and would she mind getting back on this side of the bar and start pulling a few beers.

“Bloody impossible!” He muttered to Billy.

“Bugger off whenever they like and turn up expecting everything to be rosy. That bloody Kev can piss off back bush tonight as far as I’m concerned. Every time we get a half-decent barmaid he fronts up and trots ‘em off. Where the hell to, I don’t know. Believe old Bob’s got the plane. Kevy must be a good pilot. Bob would never put up with him otherwise.” Kev had sat beside Billy by this time, shoving a fifty along the bar and ordering a round: “There’s that twenty, mate, and some for fuel!”

This loosened Billy up a bit. “How did you get a quid just like that out of the blue?” The sunnies annoyed him, but you get that, he thought.

“Vera went to see her folks the other day, brother came through town. She didn’t realise my wallet was in her bag. Reckon the money was right too. Wouldn't really know. We had a good time! Good worker, Vera. Hey, Vera, meet Billy.

What about a round?”

The publican was sitting back a bit, rolling a smoke, observing the crowd, eyes causally panning past the cash register, mentally dipping beer barrels and tallying ice, cans and bagged chips; flicking momentarily to the cigarette stand.

Ten bucks a pack! A bloke could do dough here real quick way this mob smoked. Paying up front for everything sure helps. Whatever happened to the good old days? Better pull a few, I suppose.

Vera’s about shagged. Good enough for her. On with every half-baked would-be if they could be, then work a full shift; can’t keep it up. It’s okay for the likes of Kev; the bloody prima donna does bugger all when he is working. Gets into the booze, though. Never seen him without those sunnies.

“Hey, young fella, got a motor car? Better park round the back. New cop on the go!”

This bit of advice startled Billy as he and Kev had been doing a bit of mustering at the bar and he’d forgotten about Janey and the ute. Still, it wasn’t long.

“Back soon, Kev. Keep my seat, eh?” Billy made his way through the mob, across to the servo, jumping straight in behind the wheel. He started her up and was driving round behind the pub before he realised Janey had spoken.

“Yes”, Janey repeated. “And where may you have been this last hour or so?” Billy took a while to answer, what with parking the ute and future prospects crowding his thoughts, keen to get back with the mob and knowing full well his future with Bob, for a short while anyway, was set.

“Young blokes with Kev about having just pulled the pin, got a start on some other run. Kev reckons we’d be right anyway. People coming and going all the time!”

Race day brings these changes, spur-of-themoment decisions.

“Come on, Janey. Let’s go. The ute will be alright here!”

Janey reluctantly climbed out of the vehicle, trailing Billy to the bar. After a few small beers she perked up; smoky atmosphere rollicking along to country and western tunes. The doubles were having a big effect on Kev as he stumbled against the bar, sloshing rum and Coke down Janey’s shirt front, fumbling a bar towel to dry her shirt; intent on fondling her firm breasts more like.

Change, cigarette packs and several drinks hit the floor, patrons juggling cans six feet along as the bar towel conveyed out. A big ringer stormed through the crowd demanding a refill as Kev applied the towel to Janey, sunnies falling forward on his face.

Billy turned as the twosome, propelled by the irate stockman, lurched onto him causing another spill. Kev grasped Janey’s shoulder for balance, gangly arms flapping like a wounded galah, fright registering in his alcohol-hazed eyes. Amorous thoughts dashed as he scrabbled his sunglasses back on his face, feet pumping as he was shoved doorwards.

Jesus! Billy thought, a little hazy himself in the half-light and smoky atmosphere, half a dozen quick middies blurring his faculties, topping up a residual level from race day. Trouble follows this bird. He simultaneously fended off the ringer, allowing the dickhead plane driver a few seconds’ chance at the door. Suppose I need him awhile; haven’t caught up with Bob yet. There’s Vera out looking for the poor useless bastard. Ought to leave him to her. Just be a good pilot, or very good for something. Who’d put up with the prick otherwise?

The show rolled on accompanied by a mouth organist launching into Danny Boy, picked up by the raucous crew with repetitive verse until they’d finally dropped to a few diehards too drunk to know the show was over.

Last drinks had been called and the shutters went down. Billy thought about booking a room quickly, considering the cost against his rapidly diminishing cash. Wonder how the card’s going?

He thought, stowing this thought as quickly as it came. Janey’s business is her business; mind

you, it’s been a bit of mine lately. Why not give it a burl?

“Hey, Janey", he enquired brightly, “shall we book a room?” Janey fielded this question by reaching over for a drink, giving her a little time to consider, aware of the dollar value, coolness of the night and Billy’s dwindling cash supply. In the same causal blink of an eyelash she replied.

“Why not! Do they take plastic out here? I’ll need to get my toothbrush and stuff.”

Billy immediately offered to fetch the gear, found toothpaste and dillybag, aware that towels and bedding would be available, checking his swag and rifle were securely locked in the ute cab.

Meantime, Janey had gone through the booking procedure and was waiting in the hotel foyer. Together they proceeded upstairs, touching briefly on the wide old-fashioned stairway, fumbling the lock on room five, distinguishable by braille in the darkened corridor.

Janey flicked a light on and opened the only window, allowing a chill desert breeze access to their stuffy room. At this time the cool room compressor automatically started, clacking away for the next few minutes.

“Jesus!” Billy exclaimed. I wonder if that bloody publican is still awake. Suppose he’s booked out. No chance of another room. Anyway, shut the window, Janey. That’ll help. I’m off to the dunny. I’ll leave a light on for you. Look at the time. Breakfast bell will be going soon.”

With that he disappeared towards the ablutions, stumbling on a swag or bag as he went, leaving Janey peering into the gloom. Shortly, a light appeared at the end of the passageway so she proceeded, clutching her toilet bag and towel.

When Janey arrived back at room five Billy had already slipped into bed and was quietly snoring, the fridge compressor rattle marking time, moonlight arcing through the closed window and lacework blinds. Janey flicked the quilt back and joined Billy, jeans and all; oblivious to the creaking old pub and rattling compressor, sleeping through dawn and beyond till road noises stirred them and hunger drove them from their hidey-hole.

Hot showers, breakfast and a bright blue sky encouraged and rejuvenated interest in their quest for Bob, or perhaps another enterprise.

“In fact, Janey”, Billy said, “If this Kev keeps mucking us around, we’ll leave him and find Bob ourselves. Wish I could fly.”

Janey trailed along, absently wondering if she really needed all this. Certainly at times it was fun, remembering the drive after the cyclone, the skill Billy demonstrated getting them through; quiet nights on the road, just a camp oven and swag, perhaps the radio in the background if they happened to be in range.

The ABC generally came through. Then, of course, there are always those stupid musical pips at 5 am announcing the news and Billy always waiting, insisting she have a drink of tea.

Five am! It’s too early. It’s still dark, she’d complain to no avail. God, how she hated those pips! Maybe it’s race days and drinking, she mused, but we’ve certainly been jamming a lot into this past week or so. This Bob thing had better happen soon or I’m out. That Kev is a germ!

“Billy!” Janey said. “When we find Kev he sits in the back, okay? He makes my skin crawl and

clutching me last night was the last straw. I wish that big ringer had have got him properly; would have talked his way out of it anyway, the rat he is.

He’ll get his one day!”

This announcement eased Janey considerably and she was pleased Billy had supported her.

“In fact”, he added, “If things don’t start coming together soon, we’ll move on and forget about Bob! Okay, Janey?”

The publican offered the use of his washing machine, commenting on their much travelled clothes. Billy and Janey grabbed a large bag of washing from the ute, dumping it into the pub’s machines, returning to the ute for a cruise around town and to look out for Kev. With nothing much to do, having fuelled up the previous night, Billy struck up a conversation with an interesting stockman looking type who was checking tyre pressures and replacing some very knocked about four-wheel drive tyres.

Billy mentioned Kev’s name and his possible whereabouts. Janey just lolled about, looking very beautiful in cut off shorts and T-shirt, rubber thongs and Billy’s hat.

She’s rocked him properly, Billy thought, watching the stockman’s gaze wandering as conversation came and went as on shortwave radio reception. The poor bugger’s nearly spluttering at times. What the hell is she doing, a striptease back there? Billy grinned.

“Yeah, Kev, mate, yeah, I know. I know Bob too.” The stockman said. “Works around this country, mustering and station work. Yeah, sure. I know where he is. He’s out at my place, Mungatawny Station; camped there waiting for Kev and a few crew that haven’t fronted after race day.

“Doing a bit but haven’t started properly: Bob’s pretty toey!” The stockman confided. “Kev goes on a bender any chance he gets. Don’t know why Bob keeps him on. Pay’s okay, tucker’s good in the camp. Bit of a hard case, but he’s okay. Nah, mate. I haven’t seen Kev or Bob in a long time.

Talk to him over the Flying Doctor now and then.

“They’re camped a fair way out from the homestead, when they come on my run. Bloke I knew worked for him awhile back, good with stock. Reckoned he grabbed an electric prodder off a truckie once and chucked it in the trough.

Told him if he needed one of those to get his stock to market; don’t load ‘em. Yeah, Bob’s okay. Don’t know his surname, you know. Known him for years. Works around here! Where did you find her, mate, Playboy magazine?”

“Hey, Janey, meet – what’s your name, mate?”

“Clyde!”

“Funny name for out this way, mate. No worries, Clyde. Meet Janey.”

Clyde stopped dead in his tracks, fumbled his hat, patted his hair down, licking his dry lips carefully, eyes darting every which way as Janey walked towards him, hand extended.

“Pleased to meet you, Clyde. Nice name, Clyde.” She repeated, breezing past into the deli, emerging a few minutes later, unscrewing a bottle of water. Clyde, still standing as if rooted to the spot, hat in hand as she’d left him. Sit boy, Janey thought as she passed, smiling a nice “hey Clyde” as she returned to the ute.

“What do you reckon, Janey?” Billy asked quietly.

“Do you think Clyde here would give us a guided tour of the country on the way to finding our Bob if you asked nicely? I think you could order him to find Bob and deliver him back here!

Hey, Clyde!” Billy called. “You alright?” That tyre must have a hundred pound in it. Watch it! Come on, Clydie, careful.”

Within a few hours, tyres all pumped and repaired, wet washing flapping from tie-off points on the ute, the happy couple headed bush, following Clyde’s white four-by-four laden with supplies, with a promise to indicate the turn off to Bob’s Mungatawny ranges and provide a mud map for the remaining fifty odd ks in a happy crew with no Kev in their company.

They’d proceeded a hundred odd Ks down the bitumen, when the Toyota slowed and pulled over.

Clyde emerged from the driver’s door as Billy and Janey pulled up, carefully patting his hair down, replacing his stockman’s hat squarely on his head, dusting off his moleskins and shirt.

Must be going to make an announcement, Billy mused as Clyde advanced towards the ute.

Pretty serious looking type.

“What do you reckon, Janey? This looks a bit like a showdown!” At this point Clyde had reached Billy’s window, bent over and said in a conspiratorial whisper.

“Like a stubbie? We turn off here. No cops off the black top. Them that are, generally want a drink too.”

Billy was quite relived by this offer as Cylde’s actions did look a bit O.K. Corral-like in the waning light, so they gratefully accepted a coldie from his esky. Clyde had thoughtfully packed G&Ts for Janey, though she opted for a beer.

“What a man”, said Billy. “Who else would pack a G&T sixpack other than our Clyde?” Patting Clyde affectionately on the back, “Imagine, way out here, who else but Clyde? Got another Clydie?

That hardly touched the sides.”

Another round appeared and another for the road, upon which they set off into the faint evening light, headlights hardly making an impression, apart from reflecting on dust billowed by Clyde’s ute. Billy backed off to avoid the dust, narrowly missing a roo bounding in front, ears back, fully extended, intent on the other side of the road.

“Have a look at it!” Exclaimed Billy. “A million bloody acres to disappear in and the poor silly bugger’s got to run between us!” Carefully taking a sip on his stubbie.

“Better watch out; right time of night for them.” Janey had pulled a jumper on and slipped into a pair of jeans, directing the car heater onto her bare feet. “Pass us a jumper, Janey, and you’d better put some boots on”, he added. Scorpions get around out here; too bloody cold for a snake.”

Janey rummaged amongst gear on the seat and floor, selecting a jumper.

Kneeling on the seat she placed it carefully over Billy’s head, allowing him to shrug his arms in, controlling the vehicle one-handed as he did so.

Not completely happy with this minor diversion she clasped his head tenderly in her hands, blowing warm air on his chilled ear, sucking gently on Billy’s left earlobe, igniting a very warm desire in this young man otherwise engaged in dodging kangaroos and attempting to keep the 13

Concluded from page 3 ..

The official Opening was set for November 1955 and work was speeded up to try and meet the deadline, but as time moved on the money began to run out and a piano was still required for the Opening Day ceremony. The Association decided to canvas the neighbourhood, which was quite successful, raising ten pounds. The remaining hundred and fifty pounds was lent by the Roads Board and repaid at two pounds a quarter.

Opening Day arrived and the hall was declared open by Mr Robinson, Chairman of the Road Board. It was a great success, a splendid tea was provided by the ladies and the dancing went on until past midnight.

As time went on the hall was well and frequently used for dances, square dancing, concerts, Christmas Tree events, meetings and all the social events of the district until the advent of TV around about the sixties. From then onwards it became much more difficult to organise public entertainment. Improvements were still being made to the hall, the kitchen was built and equipped solely from funds raised by the Association. The patios and cloak rooms were funded dollar for dollar with the Shire.

In the 1970’s moves were made to get a tennis court at the Hall. This was greeted with an emphatic ‘No’ from the Shire at they declared there was insufficient space and they had lans to develop courts on land up in Robinson Road. They

clearly felt we had no future and the hall was an eyesore.

Then commenced the most difficult fight of our existence. We had raised a fair amount of money towards the project. The Government gave us a grant of $1500 and we strongly believed that the Hall was the logical place for the courts to be situated.

There were arguments and counterarguments galore and it is a credit to both us and the Shire that the whole debate went on in such a amicable atmosphere.

Our argument was based on logic, convenience and early establishment. The Shire’s on town planning. I think, had we given up, the tennis courts would still be in planning.

Well, eventually things began to turn our way, We had tremendous support from councillors Claude Burgess of Glen Forrest and Don BarrettLennard, who admired the self-help attitude of Mahogany Creek and was, I think, a sympathetic President.

Eventually, the Shire decided to chip in on the project. They purchased some land next to the Hall from Mrs McKay, did the earthworks and surfaced the courts. The Progress Association, now the Sports and Recreation Committee, carried out the fencing, installed the lighting, built the practice wall, built and furnished the clubroom and the grandstand, supplied nets and built a barbecue.

All these have been maintained and the hiring

arrangements conducted by the local committee.

During this period many amazing successful dances were held to keep the finances healthy. It was at this time we changed the electricity from single to three phase at our expense.

It is our opinion that the facility has been a great success for Mahogany Creek. The Hall gave us social independence, a place for the young people to have their dancing tuition etc.

The courts, as well being used for tennis, are used as a venue for the netball club. A playground has been developed for the children.

Over the years since the hall’s establishment there has never been a lapse of the Progress Association. It has never had to be bailed out of a financial situation or any other. Funds have always been kept in good order.

It should also be borne in mind, that if we wanted trees, we planted them, and when we needed a bus shelter we built one ourselves, attached to the hall.

We older residents are very proud of what we have put into the Mahogany Creek Hall and feel our little piece of heritage should be preserved for the benefit of the whole community.

Let’s keep Mahogany Creek on the map.

vehicle taillights up front in sight.

Torn between giving up the chase and pursuing this flanking attack, which he was quite sure would prove much more rewarding than chasing Hopalong Cassidy in the Toyota, he’d nearly given up on the drive as firm hands gently worked under his shirt while the hottest mouth applied a warm moist massage to his neck and earlobes attempting deep, passionate kissing until Billy, in desperation, turned, steering with his face averted, shoulder bearing the onslaught of Janey’s desires.

Billy’s jumper and shirt had been partially removed, the wireless nudged onto full bore by a knee and Billy’s free arm moving sensually under Janey’s clothing; rock and roll pouring into the vehicle. Billy was getting the balance right by this time, keeping the vehicle moving at a reasonable pace while enjoying being enjoyed by this extremely nubile young lady, all but performing handstands in the ute.

“Jesus!” Billy exclaimed. “All we need now is a bloody great boomer to rock up. Clyde’s not rushing it. Oh, shit! He’s stopping. The bastard!

Janey! Janey! For Christ’s sake, come up for air!

He’s stopping!”

Janey was giggling uncontrollably at this stage, nibbling Billy with little kisses and swirls, slowly drawing away, pulling his shirt and jumper over, deftly throwing her clothes on, simultaneously adjusting the radio down to a comfortable level, nuzzling into Billy’s side as their vehicle drew alongside Clyde’s which was strongly illuminated by the roo shooter’s spottie hanging off his tie rail.

“Young’un gone to sleep?” Clyde enquired.

“Yeah!” Billy replied.

“Another stubbie, mate?” Clyde offered.

“Yeah, right! Better keep going, eh?” Billy just followed along. Did it happen? He thought, taking a decent pull on his stubbie, affectionately draping his arm across Janey’s inert form. My bloody word it did! And it was good!

About 2 am Clyde stopped. He had been wandering a bit and suggested they should camp soon and get going at dawn; apparently easy striking distance to Bob’s camp; be there for breakfast. He dished out another couple of stubbies and proceeded down the track, followed along by the not so able Billy.

Fortunately, the roos had by now retired or become very slow with the bitter cold.

Fortunately…..as Billy had almost completely detuned, wishing only to pull up and relax with his beautiful companion.

Groundspeed had reduced dramatically this last 20Ks and they were required to lump along some creeks in gaps through ranges; Janey oblivious to proceedings, Clyde waiting patiently at the opposite side of every creek or gap to lend a hand and offer a stubbie; Billy, too proud to refuse, becoming more and more muddled regarding direction, avoiding rocks and gutters by luck rather than good management. Clyde finally stopped on a flat for another leak and look around.

“Not another stubbie”, Billy breathed. “Not another bloody stubbie, for God’s sake, man. Go to sleep!” Whereupon Clyde, without saying a word, swung his swag from the Tojo and nearly beat it to the ground, wrapped up in an enormous mound of rug and canvas, floating on a bed of foam, protected against a bitter wind chilled and dune ridges rippling eastward and westward home.

Billy shut the ute down and slumped behind the wheel, Janey comfortably against him.

“Thank Christ for that”, he mumbled to himself, shoving his legs gently across the passenger side; Janey accommodating his efforts, leaning beautifully. “What a life. Shame we didn’t know the way. Could have camped earlier. What a night!”

Chapter Three will be in August’s issue.

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The author, Mr M Dent, was a President of the Mahogany Creek Progress Association and wrote a potted history of the Hall in 1985, from which this extract has been taken, was submitted by Ms Lorraine Williams, Mr Dent’s daughter.

The Ute is a story by John Taylor set in the Australian outback, telling the story of life, love and the hardships of mustering cattle amidst the endless characters unique to Australia.

Primarily a poet, John Taylor describes himself as ‘an outback Aussie character befuddled by our “economic rationalised, daylight-saved and quality assured” Australia. Is all this really happening? Have we all lost sight of the big picture? Truckie, Scrounger and Poet Downunder – John Taylor has ranged the outback of Western Australia for more years than he can care to remember.

Living and working under the harsh but strangely beautiful conditions of the Australian bush, JT (as he is known to his closest friends and readers) appreciates the spirit of those hardy souls that have survived the modern challenge.

If you would like to read the whole novel, it can be purchased as either an epub for kindle or iPad. Go to John’s website - www.poetdownunder. com or www.lulu.com/shop/john-taylor/the-ute/ ebook/product-22566720.html or on the Apple store www.itunes.apple.com/au/book/the-ute/ id1086709294?mt=11

DOUGLAS’ WINERIES AND DINERIES

These are the restaurants and eateries, casual and formal, and wineries that I personally reccommend and eat at for pleasure.

Fully Licensed Lunch & Dinner A Great Family Friendly Restaurant Only Minutes From Home!

Hours: Mon, Tues & Pub Hols Closed Wed & Thurs 5:00pm – 9:00pm Friday 5:00pm – 9:30pm Saturday 11:30am – 9:30pm Sunday 11:30am – 9:00pm

9453 9698 BOOK ONLINE

quills.com.au

Wattle Grove Shopping Centre, 338 Hale Road, Wattle Grove

Licensed Premises Thursday to Monday and all Public Holidays 12 noon to 9.30 pm (last orders) Bookings highly recommended Phone: 9757 3232 Email: katch-up@katch-up.com.au Hw Margaret River 2/151 Bussell Hwy, www.katch-up.com.au

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DINING OUT

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie

DOMAINE D’AURIAC DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

hen I was a young lad at school on returning W from a break we would be required to write an essay on the topic of ‘What I did On My Summer Holidays’ while the teacher got on with marking.

This would usually result, after much chewing of pencil, in something like ‘We went to the beach. It was fun. I had an ice cream. It was good’.

This past June my wife and I stayed with friends in the south of France for the northern hemisphere summer as a much-delayed holiday and we went to a Michelin-starred restaurant.

It was fun. I had magnificent food. It was good.

Both English teacher Miss Vigar, and I am sure you, gentle reader, demanded more detail, so let me tell you about Le Domaine d’Auriac. a one-Michelin star restaurant just outside the French walled Medieval city of Carcassonne.

The restaurant was the brain child of the doyenne of the Famille Rigaudis, who at the age of sixty-nine, decided that she need a further occupation so she opened a hotel and restaurant in the family’s sixteenth century chateau.

Her son, Bernard Rigaudis loved the Languedoc where he worked as a chef and winemaker, creating the style the restaurant now enjoys. His daughter, Marie-Héléne Rigaudis-Calvet, is the current Maîtresse de Maison.

That was many years ago now, and the original building, with its sweeping Georgian grandeur lines has been tastefully and sensitively expanded out the back to accommodate two restaurants - the formal Bernard Rigaudis and the more casual Le Bistrot d’Auriac.

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We called in a happy and eager party of four on a bright and sunny day and chose to eat out on the enclosed verandah overlooking the sweeping lawns shaded by huge trees into dappled light.

We were seated with ceremony and skill with a server each holding our chair.

The menu was

presented with a flourish, only the men’s menus having prices on. I say menu, it was actually a collection of menus, each most carefully thought out.

For example, Tony chose the lobster menu, where each dish was a variation of the delicious crustacean, whereas the rest of us sort of mixed and matched from the remaining six or so menus.

As host, Tony got to choose the wine and a vast leather tome was wheeled out for him to make his selection. He did what I do on these occasions, decide the style of wine and ask for a suggestion. The sommellier, after all, knew the wines of the region far better than we did.

In the event we ended with a delicious crisp Voiginer locally grown and made.

The meal, which took four hours in the finish, began with the flourish of a complimentary amuse-bouche of a

morsel of smoked Scotch salmon on a bed of Lentilles du Puy (confusingly these French green lentils are actually slate grey, turning deep black when cooked). This came with a dab of aoili and a caramelised shallot and was exactly right and delicious.

The menu was mostly in English, but with a French accent - for example, my actual starter, was described on the menu as ‘Green asparagus, smoked over beech wood Brook trout from “La fageolle” farm, blinis and candied lemon cream.’ (29 Euros = $45) The smoked trout was delicate, delicious and simply melted in the mouth, wound in long strips around the perfectly cooked asparagus.

Each course came with a sort of palate cleanser, or accompanying snack that complimented and balanced each other to a nicety.

The fish course (Poissons & Crustacés) - one man’s fish is another man’s poisson - included such delicacies as ‘Cuttlefishes from small fishing vessels grilled a la plancha, saffron flavoured fregola sarda with sweet pepper and chorizo, garden peas emulsion’ (38 Euros = $59).

After the first course, for instance, we were given a small Asian selection of mouthfull bites, neat and tasty, each in a tasting spoon.

My next ordered dish was the meat course ‘Pays d’Oc lamb saddle and chop, goat cheese with olives cannelloni, courgette variations déclinées, flavoured with bear garlic. (40 Euros = $60).

Each course was carefully designed to titillate and tease the palate, with exactly enough of the dish to satisfy without cloying or making it impossible to complete the full range of courses.

We ate, and ate, and drank and enjoyed our way through the not inconsiderable menu until arriving at the sweet course which for most of us was a sweet souffle.

Much has ben written about souffles - the right way, the wrong way, the difficulty and so on, but I can now say, hand on heart, that I have eaten the very best souffle it’s possible to make.

This airy confection of sweet nothingness was floating on a bed of hot orangey-Cointreau poured in and eaten in silent worship.

This we followed with coffee and petit four taken at a table on the lawn to the sound of late afternoon birds rounding off a perfect meal.

A few points to make about our lunch. Firstly, the price. It was not low. I was a guest, so I don’t know exactly, but gauging by the prices I saw, there wouldn’t have been much change from a thousand dollars for the four of us. While high, this does represent excellent value for money.

Secondly, I’d like to say the service was impeccable - friendly and efficient, dedicated to giving us the best possible experience.

Finally, if you’re ever near Carcassonne, do try Domaine d’Auriac - Very Highly Recommended Indeed.

FOOD TRIVIA R The tea bag was introduced in 1908 by Thomas Sullivan of New York.

R The tall chef’s hat is called a toque.

R Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.

R In South Africa, termites and ants are often roasted and eaten by the handful, like popcorn.

R Every time you lick a stamp, you consume 1/10 of a calorie.

R Pearls dissolve in vinegar.

R “57 Varieties.” This catch phrase has nothing to do with the actual number of varieties produced by H. J. Heinz, though, which by 1896 when the slogan was introduced totaled over sixty (including plum pudding, strawberry preserve, India relish, olive oil, spaghetti, euchred pickle, currant jelly, chili sauce, peanut butter, and celery soup). Rather, Heinz was riding a train when he spied an advertising placard in the train car promoting “21 styles” of shoes; struck by the concept, and recognizing that catchiness and resonance were far more important qualities for a company slogan than literal accuracy, Heinz cast about for the perfect number to use for his own company’s version of the phrase, settling on fifty-seven.

R Marmite was first introduced into the UK in 1902.

R The ancient Greeks chewed a gum-like substance called mastic that came from the bark of a tree.

R Honeybee workers must visit two million flowers to make 500g of honey.

R The fear of vegetables is called Lachanophobia.

R Almonds are a member of the peach family.

R If you boil beetroot in water, and then massage the water into your scalp each night, it works as an effective cure for dandruff.

R In the United States, lettuce is the second most popular fresh vegetable.

R Grape growing is the largest food industry in the world as there are more than sixty species and 8000 varieties of grapes.

R The average person eats four kilos of grapes each year.

R There are more than 7,000 varieties of apples grown in the world.

R A cluster of bananas is formally called a ‘hand’. Along that theme, a single banana is called a ‘finger’.

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ENTERTAINMENT GET VOCAL AT YOUTH OUT LOUD SWAN HARMONY SINGERS BRING GRETA JASIAK WINTER CHEER

are now open for enthusiastic young communicators to take RLoud.egistrations part in the City of Swan’s annual public speaking competition, Youth out The contest is open to young people aged seven to twenty-five who

L-R: Sue O'Sullivan, Anna Wright, Chris Durrant, Serena Van Der Kuil, Ronnie Wood

hen Swan Harmony Singers and the Martini Lounge Trio take the stage W in Darlington Hall on Sunday 23 July, their Christmas in July concert will be designed to bring festive cheer to the coldest, wettest winter afternoon.

As well as rousing numbers like We Need a Little Christmas and Glad Tidings of Joy, the choir’s program will include favourite carols to encourage the audience to sing along.

The Martini Lounge Trio (Paul Peacock, Avalon Jack and the choir’s musical director Richard Braham) will perform seasonal favourites like Baby it’s Cold Outside and Winter Wonderland.

Paul Peacock is a seasoned London performer, having sung in West End productions, including the 20th anniversary performance of Les Misérables.

Avalon Jack sang solo at the United Nations 70th Anniversary Concert; she performs at corporate events and is currently recording her own original songs.

Date: Sunday 23 July Venue: Darlington Hall, Owen Rd, Darlington Time: 3.30pm Tickets: $25 (includes afternoon tea) Advance bookings: Mundaring Community Bank 9295 6411, or Anna Wright 9299 7249.

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live, work, attend school or belong to a club in the City of Swan.

The theme for the event changes every year, and in 2017, it’s all about instability. Contestants will be asked to discuss what they consider stable or unstable in their own lives.

City of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright, who has previously sat on the judging panel, said he was a strong supporter of the event.

“Youth Out Loud gives young people in our community the opportunity to discuss issues affecting them and bring them to the forefront”.

“Past speakers have made a real impact and have even had some of their ideas put into action by the City’s youth leadership group, Youth Power.”

Ballajura Ward Councillor and former competition winner Adam Kovalevs said Youth out Loud was a great platform for young people to advocate directly to decision-makers.

“The contest is a forum for young people to step up and have their voices and opinions heard, regardless of their academic ability, social or educational status” he said. “The range of topics contestants can speak about is diverse, ranging from social media, to the community or even their own personal relationships - as long as it can be linked back to the theme.”

The competition will be divided into four age categories and separated into heats to be held throughout August and September.

The local Toastmasters Public Speaking Clubs will also be holding training workshops to provide advice on how to prepare and deliver a winning speech. Contestants can sign up for the workshop by checking the box on the entry form.

Registrations for Youth Out Loud close on Friday, July 28. To enter the competition or for more information, visit www.swan.wa.gov.au/ youthoutloud

ENTERTAINMENT RELATIVELY SPEAKING AT GARRICK Ayckbourn (knighted 1997) has written Splays.irandAlanproduced more than seventy full-length Major successes include Absurd Person

Singular (1975), The Norman Conquests trilogy (1973), Bedroom Farce (1975), Just Between Ourselves (1976), A Chorus of Disapproval (1984), Woman in Mind (1985), A Small Family Business (1987), Man Of The Moment (1988), House & Garden (1999) and Private Fears in Public Places (2004).

His plays have won numerous awards, been translated into over thirty-five languages and are performed on stage and television throughout the world.

His involement with the theatrical world began immediately after leaving school at seventeen by joining Sir Donald Wolfit’s company as actor and assistant stage manager.

He began writing almost immediately, plays, monolgues and collabratively with Tommy Cooper and Ronnie Barker. His first few plays were acceptable, but not successful, until 1965 when Meet My Father was produced.

It was a massive success and really launched his career as a playwright. The play was later renamed as Relatively Speaking.

And it is this early work by Sir Alan that Garrick Theatre has chosen to present as it’s next offering, directed by well-known comedy director Ken Harris (Get Smart, Two for the Road and many more).

The play has a cast of four - Ginny (A young woman with a chequered past), Greg (Ginny’s current boyfriend), Philip (Ginny’s former employer and ex-lover) and Sheila, Philip’s wife.

The plot is very much of a type - the British

DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

Bedroom Farce, so well exemplified by the works of Ben Travers and Ray Cooney.

The action of Relatively Speaking takes place during a summer weekend in the bed-sitting room of Ginny’s London flat and on the garden patio of Sheila and Philip’s home in Buckinghamshire, outside London.

The play opens in the flat of sexually innocent greg and Ginny, his rather more experienced girlfriend. Greg finds a strange pair of slippers under the bed and is too besotted to believe they might have been left by another man (which would also explain the bunches of flowers and boxes of sweets filling Ginny’s apartment).

Ginny (his girlfriend) says she is going ‘to visit her parents’ but Greg isn’t convinced. Ginny is actually going to visit her older lover, Philip, but only to break up with him.

Greg decides to secretly follow her. When he arrives at her ‘parents address’ he mistakes the soon to be ex-lover and his wife for Ginnys parents. When Ginny turns up later, it further compounds an already wildly hilarious situation.

Ken has brought together some very experienced actors to bring the play to life - Rhett Clarke (Greg), Jennifer McGrath (Ginny), Michele Accott (Sheila) and the always hilarious Rodney van

Groningen as Philip.

Relatively Speaking runs from July 20th at 2:00pm (for matineés) and 8:00pm at the Garrick Theatre, 16 Meadow Street, Guildford until August the 5th.

Tickets cost $22 ($19 Concession) and may be booked by phoning 9378 1990 of online at Trybooking - trybooking.com/book/ event?eid=282533.

Don’t delay, book today - tickets will sell fast.

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ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE WHO ARE WE? CATE MCCULLOUGH

a brunette and a red head walk into Abadblonde, a cafe… it sounds like the prelude to another joke but for the community of Ellenbrook it was the beginning of something special.

A small group of people from different backgrounds, walks of life and other local community groups with a desire to see the local Christmas Markets and Pageant continue to be an annual event for the area, decided that a group such as this was the way to go and from this, Ellenbrook Community collective was born.

The initial conversations in the establishment of Ellenbrook Community Collective were all around how we could establish a unique group that would creatively and strategically connect all aspects of our incredible community.

People are at the centre of a strong community and the support and encouragement that we have had from local people, groups and businesses for this newly Incorporated Community Group has confirmed that our Community is alive and well!

Our Community Values are Integrity ~ Engagement ~ Inclusion ~ Connection .

There are always questions that Community leaders have on their lips at any given time…

How do we connect community effectively and for the long term?

How can we initiate conversations between community groups and facilitate strategic connections that benefit everyone?

How can we best foster transparent and open relationships between groups that provide a platform to grow our community to be the best it can be, to maximize engagement of as many individuals as possible and provide a sense of ‘settledness’ amongst us?

Ellenbrook Community Collective has five main objectives: * to run significant and meaningful local events for and within our local community * to support and promote other local community group events * to inject the funds we raise in various ways back into our community * to champion the cause of local community initiatives * to support people in need in various ways within our local area

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The Collective aims to provide answers to these questions in very real and practical ways!

WHO ARE WE? We are a group of local people passionate about making a difference in our community and committed to thinking outside the box when it comes to how we do this.

The Collective is growing organically… we don't know how it will look at any given time as our community’s needs are always changing.

The exciting thing is that we get to be an integral part of what’s going on and if we can assist, initiate or support in any way, then we have done our job!

The Collective is keen to connect and work closely with local business and community groups to pool resources, skills and knowledge and create a unique model of what a successful community catalyst group should look like.

It is also committed to providing a central point of reference or a 'community hub' for the community as a whole. Strategically linking residents, community groups, sporting groups, businesses and organisations may further assist community collaboration, cooperation and long term health.

ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE WHAT ABOUT YOU? Facilitating and nurturing open channels of communication that allow all parts of our community to engage, plan and deliver beneficial outcomes for the area can only assist in further creating a healthy, liveable, likeable and sustainable community.

We are always looking for members and volunteers who are passionate and enthusiastic about making our community a better place to live.

Any existing community group representative or individual living or working in Ellenbrook and surrounding areas can contribute towards the vision, planning, marketing and running of The Collective's notfor-profit community events and initiatives.

The Collective would love to see a strong cross section of our community contributing to the groups conversations around community health and wellbeing.

The Collective aims to reach all ages of the local community (young children, primary aged children, youth, adults and senior citizens) and demographics as well as local businesses.

Facilitating strong connections between all ages, cultures and aspects of community will provide a solid foundation on which we can build some amazingly unique and valuable events in our area. Vulnerable individuals and families, disadvantaged and marginalised people are also a priority.

The Collective caters to all areas of the community and supports local schools, other community groups, organisations and local small/ home businesses. We are dedicated to improving community inclusivity and building stronger networks between groups by working together on projects and initiatives.

THE CHRISTMAS PAGENT A main highlight for Ellenbrook Community Collectives is our Ellenbrook and Surrounds Christmas Festival and Pageant.

Originally started a few years ago by LWP and some other community groups, The Collective has committed to building this event into a significant event that attracts people from all walks of life.

The event is a significant highlight of the Collective’s year as it provides a family friendly

midday until 6pm and will include over a hundred market stalls, a great range of community group stalls, rides, entertainment (majority being local community groups and local artists) displays, cooking demonstrations, cultural presentations and more.

The Christmas Pageant will begin @ 4pm and will include approximately forty to fifty different participant groups.

Applications will be open soon for our Markets, Pageant Participants & Stage Performances so stay tuned and keep an eye on our Facebook Page: facebook.com/ellenbrookcommunitycollective/ There is too, a Facebook page for the stallholders: facebook.com/groups/1474680025891300/ The launch of The Collective’s website is not far away so be sure to subscribe for updates, information and direct links to application forms for the Festival.

Putting the ‘Elf’ in Elfenbrook

and low cost/free day out for residents in the wider community.

It also enables patrons to connect with other members of the community, local community groups & local businesses.

Facilitating connection and relationship between community members can only help to further improve strong community connection and identity.

The event has sparked a lot of interest from across Perth and will continue to highlight Ellenbrook as a great community to live, work and play in!

The 2017 Festival will be held on Saturday 9th December from 12

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COMMUNITY THEATRE REVIEWS THEATRE WITH GORDON

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

- Helen K eller AND THEN THERE WERE NONE nd Then There Were None is an enthralling mystery play from the world-renowned playwright, Agatha Christie. It is considered her masterpiece, and according to the lady herself, was her most difficult book to write.

Originally published in November 1939 (when Dame Agatha was forty-nine.) it was entitled Ten Little Niggers, a name unsuitable for the American market; so, it was adapted and reprinted as Ten Little Indians – not surprisingly, this was not too popular a name in Canada either, and so now we have ten little soldiers.

It is the world’s seventh best-selling book.

This gripping two-and-a-half-hour drama from Modicum Theatre Perth Inc., a not-forprofit Perth theatre company run by passionate performers, bringing you enjoyable and pioneering theatrical productions.

This play was on at the comfortable Nexus Theatre, near car park 3, Murdoch University, South Street.

A

The setting is Soldier Island, off the coast of Devon, in August 1930.

The scene is a huge and lavish sitting room, with quality furniture including winged armchairs, a sofa and quality wooden bookcases and tables. The rear wall has an antique fireplace at one side with ten china soldiers, dressed in regimental scarlet jackets and busbies on the mantlepiece; at the other side of the stage, was a set of patio doors overlooking the Bristol Channel.

The doors – not surprisingly for a theatre set – had no glass, but one actor put a hand around the glazing bars to close the door, the audience laughed. There was no set ‘outside’ the patio doors. Not even a white or blue flat, just a black drape. When the cast referred to the stunning view and beautiful day, there was no light, no plants, nothing – just a black drape. Disappointing, especially if poor Joel Armstrong was left to build and find props for the set by himself.

The play opens as the butler, Rogers (Ryan Partridge), and his henpecking wife, Ethel the cook (Andrea Kendrick) are checking the food 22

The cast of And Then There Were None in rehearsal

Stephanie Ferguson, should take a firmer hand with the cast – they may be your friends, but in the theatre ‘the show’ is more important, so don’t be shy in getting strict.

One actor had no idea how to say the name ‘Ogilvie’, another did not know how to pronounce ‘Salisbury’ and one actor used the word ‘ingenuous’ instead of ‘ingenious’ and this was not a fluff.

The General and Miss Blunt are both elderly, a little makeup, a beard (for the General), glasses or hair whitening would have emphasised their age. The General remembers back to his young wife of twrnty-five, when he still looks under twenty-five himself. Costume design by Hannah Bardsley was good and matched the characters well.

The cast knew their lines well, so were word perfect, but lacked guidance.

I am sorry if this review seems tough, but the play was lacking in so many areas.

Even if you have seen this play half a dozen times, there are so many red herrings that I am sure you will still have trouble recalling the killer.

During the interval, I saw the stage manager Beck Thorman removing a soldier, so I guessed that she was the murderer, however SPOILER ALERT: The murderer was aargh …. gasp ….. Sorry but the reviewer has also succumbed.

Audiences love a good thriller, and this is one of Agatha’s very best. A little sloppy, but still definitely worth seeing for the good value, whodunit style and the suspense. The audience, who may never have seen this style of play Christie has precisely created and written before, really loved it. It is even suitable for eleven very different characters. The butler ‘thinking’ ten or twelve year olds. ~oOo~ is a domineering man and his wife a nervous, downtrodden person.

The Secret Garden – the Musical Lombard is a flirtatious but cruel mercenary and so on, but not in this show. Each person’s This musical is based on the 1911, children’s personality is specifically designed to create red classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The herrings, and throw the audience off the scent. book was written with Burnett’s visits to Buile Hill Role play is essential in this genre of theatre; Park – near her home in Salford – in mind, along however, the cast took almost an hour to get with the stunning gardens of Great Maytham Hall in Kent that inspired the secret garden itself. their chemistry going.

Continued on the next page ...

Director Laura Hodges, who was assisted by supplies for a private gathering. The couple were hired by Mr and Mrs Owen, a couple of weeks earlier, to clean and prepare the newly purchased, remote island house and to look after their guests.

As there is no ferry to the island, a local fisherman, Fred Narracot (Amber Jantjies) transports any guests and domestic requirements to the house. Today, on his first voyage, he has brought a young schoolmistress, Vera Claythorne (Hayley Lyons) and a couple of men. The first is flirtatious Phillip Lombard (Jonathan Maddocks) a mercenary, military officer who has just returned from Africa; he is accompanied by a reckless, self-centred young student, Anthony Marston (Steven Correia).

On his second crossing, Fred has ferries the mysterious South African, Richard Davis (Sean Wcislo), the semi-senile, war hero General Mackenzie (Jordan Baynes) and the religious zealot, the elderly prim, Emily Brent (Em Dickinson). The last two guests to arrive are a heartless, retired judge, Justice Wargrave (Hannah Anderson) and an alcoholic Harley Street medic, Dr Armstrong (Ryan Nicholson).

Rogers announces that their hosts have been delayed and won’t be arriving until the following day, but that the guests should all make themselves at home in the meanwhile.

However, when a cryptic recording is played to the gathering, it seems that they all have sordid pasts and because of that, each one may well die over the next 24 hours.

Concluded from the previous page ...

In autumn 1910, the story was initially serialised in an American magazine. Although the book is still 15th in the 100 best children’s books, in Burnett’s lifetime The Secret Garden was rarely mentioned, her far more popular novels coming to the fore.

Possibly, because of the confusion as to whether this book was for adults or children. This story was also the basis of the nursery rhyme ‘Mary, Mary quite contrary’.

Since the copyright ran out thirty years ago, many versions of this book have been presented as fun fairy stories; however, the initial book was very dark.

This 1991, American, musical by Marsha Norman is adapted around the original text. The lyrics of the two dozen songs are informative and interesting, but I found Lucy Simon’s music a little dull and at times even dirge like. Having said this, the musical was nominated for several Tony Awards, so obviously different people have different tastes.

This production starts with about half an hour of quality, ‘opera-style’ vocal delivery.

Whilst much admired by the older members of the audience, it was possibly a little tiresome

like a ballet, the result was the set changes were hardly noticeable.

At the end of the play, the flowers were strikingly brought back to life most effectively with numerous silk and plastic plants, enhanced by special lighting patterns.

Production assistant Jacqui McGarrity, along with stage manager Janene Zampino and her hard working assistant Briana Dunn, were faced with a large cast to manage and dozens of set changes – great work.

Michelle Sharpe had the difficult task of sourcing a variety of army uniforms and sumptuous dresses, well done.

Don Allen’s clever lighting design employs a dozen ‘lime lights’ along the front edge of the stage; these LEDs gave a real feeling of the play’s early 1900s setting.

The lighting operator, Barbara Lovell did not miss a cue on this technically complex production.

It is 1901. Mary Lennox (Christie McGarrity – understudied by Sophia Matthews) is a sickly 10-year-old girl who was born in India to wealthy British parents. Her mother Rose (Erin Craddock) and her military father, Captain Lennox (James Massey) never wanted her.

Christie McGarrity as Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden - The Musical

for the children under twelve. These youngsters probably went to the theatre expecting to see a light-hearted show, perhaps even a pantomime style interpretation, similar to Burnett’s Little Princess presented by Stirling Theatre last year.

This two-and-a-half-hour presentation, which was created for the Melville Theatre Company, has curtain-up at 8.00 each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at the Melville Theatre, Stock Road in Palmyra until Saturday 15th July.

George Boyd’s set design was quite ingenious, with a series of flats individually mounted on castors so that they could be rotated or moved into the wings by the stage hands hidden behind.

Even the beds, including a four-poster bed and one with a mosquito net over it, moved like magic around the stage. The choreography of the props and cast throughout the play was almost

She becomes a spoiled, aggressive, and selfish child, giving her servants - Ayah (Roshni Kaila) and Fakir (Cooper Jenkins) a great deal of stress.

A cholera epidemic kills her parents, and in 1906, Mary is sent to Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire to live with her widower Uncle Archibald (Justin Freind).

Archibald’s wife was Lily (Meesha Williams) who died giving birth to their son, Colin (Joshua White). Because Uncle Archibald has a spine deformity and a hunched back, his brother Dr Neville Craven (Ross Burford) confines young Colin to bed in a special jacket, to stop him becoming like his father.

Neither of Mary’s mother’s brothers have any interest in caring for Mary, so they have their head housekeeper, Mrs Medlock (Andrea von Bertouch) take over. She confines Mary to

her room, where she is attended by Martha (Niamh Nichols) a caring but slightly loopy maid. One day, Martha tells Mary of her aunt’s beautiful secret garden.

Eventually, whilst wandering around the grounds of the manor, Mary meets Martha’s brother, an apprentice gardener called Dickon (Jesse Watts) who works with the elderly head gardener, Ben (Rex Grey). Mary finds a high wall, overgrown by ivy and other plants, she is told that this is her aunt’s Secret Garden, and that since her death, Archibald has not allowed anyone to enter.

Mary nervously asks Uncle Archibald if she can plant seeds in an ‘unwanted’ area of the grounds. Lord Craven gives his permission and then leaves on a long trip abroad.

Mary is now left in the hands of her new teacher, Mrs Winthrop (Briana Dunn) – but thanks to Mary’s ‘attitude’ – the tutor does not stay for long.

Can Mary eventually prove to her cousin that he is not ill?

There were ‘Dreamers’ who appeared throughout the play. They were the ‘ghosts’ and memories of people of Mary’s past. The parts of the Dreamers were played by Sophia Matthews, Matilda Jenkins, Blake Jenkins, Grant O’Neil, Sarah White, Ronald Macqueen, Penelope Colgan, and Matthew Little.

I must emphasise that this group were not simply extras, but they were expected to sing and perform throughout the play. They also acted as stage crew, moving the props and flats silently as others performed. Great multitasking.

The leading adults were superb vocalists, with clear diction; but as they say, ‘never work with children’, because the star was fourteen years old Christie who was magnificent; she had true stage presence and is obviously is looking at a great future. Likewise Joshua was most impressive.

Katherine Freind’s direction was superb.

Ideas like dropping red handkerchief indicating another Cholera victim. having the sets moved whilst the action continued. This worked extremely well and kept the pace moving nicely.

The direction was most graceful.

Musical director, Ross John Burford, assisted

by Justin Freind, produced some wonderful singing.

Some actors were obviously operatically trained, others were simply very good amateur singers who worked their hearts out.

Lea Hayward’s accompaniment was perfectly matched to the action, with special effects like tintinnabulations, the robin’s message to Mary and a musical box, all worked perfectly.

Early in the play, the accompaniment could have been a little softer, as some of the singers may have had a little problem of singing projection due to nerves with the packed house.

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FILM REVIEWS WITH JAMES

London’s West End in Perth ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD s many theatre lovers are aware, it is now Aproductions possible to see the finest current London - from “the best seat in the house”,

featuring the world’s greatest actors - here in Perth.

You can avoid those tedious seventeen hours cooped up in a metal cylinder and all that weird airline food. Afterwards you can discuss the show over dinner and good wine and be tucked up in your own little cot that night.

In 2009, National Theatre Live commenced filming performances of West End shows and broadcasting them to cities around the world.

In Britain they are seen immediately, in other countries there may be a few hours delay according to time zone. You, the viewer, are effectively a part of the audience of a live play. The sound and vision are everything one could wish. Just don’t expect to be able to smell the greasepaint.

Name-dropping to work colleagues becomes easy. Over the last year or so, I have seen Helen Mirren in The Audience at the Gielgud, Tom Stoppard’s The Hard Problem at the National Theatre and James Corden in One Man, Two Guvnors.

In Perth, the plays are shown at special screenings by Luna Cinemas. Apart from drama,

they also have series of operas and ballets.

On the 24th June, they showed a revival of Sir Tom Stoppard’s first masterpiece (1966), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead from the Old Vic. The play has been described as an absurdist, existentialist tragi-comedy. As is well known, it makes the point that we are all characters in important stories by relating the history of Hamlet from the point of view of two courtiers.

While Hamlet is avenging his father’s murder somewhere in the wings, these two characters are desperately trying to work out what the hell is going on.

This new production, directed by David Leveaux, stars Daniel Radcliffe as Rosencrantz - showing he can act as something more than a wizard schoolboy.

Joshua McGuire is equally convincing as Guildenstern. But, to me, the acting honours are stolen by David Haig as The Player – the leader of the troupe of tragedians hired by Hamlet to depict the murder. He has many great lines concerning the lives of actors. Need a quote on the theatre?

Go to this play.

The stage is bare and at irregular intervals,

a long way upstage we see important characters wander on, utter a few lines from Shakespeare’s play and wander off again. Such is life.

The absurdity is emphasised from the wonderful opening lines as Guildenstern spins ninety-two coins in succession – all coming up heads, to be won by Rosencrantz. The end uses the lines from Hamlet to confirm the play’s title.

Our two courtiers have simply disappeared.

There is a steady stream of London theatre being brought our way. Coming up on 29th July is Jude Law in Luchino Visconti’s Obsession from the Barbican and on 19th August we have James MacDonald’s production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf from the Harold Pinter Theatre.

For the latter you can compare London with the Darlington Theatre Players’ production at Marloo a month ago. (And be impressed at how well we did!)

For more information, Google: “National Theatre Live” or “Luna Cinemas”.

See you in the front row of the stalls at Covent Garden sometime soon. ~oOo~

Lane, Coppola and Viard on set. Photo courtesy of Toronto International Film Festival Seduction with food PARIS CAN WAIT

‘Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand thus, but use all gently ...’ Hamlet.

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This French comedy, written and directed by Eleanor Coppola, is based on a simple idea: Wouldn’t it be fun to eat your way across France?

The perfect holiday.

The opening shot is typical of the whole film: a view from the balcony of a luxury hotel on the beachfront at Cannes. Anne (played charmingly

by Diane Lane) is the nearing-forty American wife of movie producer Michael (a brief appearance by Alec Baldwin), in Cannes presumably for the filmfestival.

He has to jet off to Hungary and Morocco for his latest project. She however has a severe ear-ache which precludes flying – and the idea of hanging around film locations has lost its appeal.

She plans to take the TGV train to Paris and meet him there.

Continued on the next page ...

Concluded from the previous page ...

At this point, Jacques (Arnaud Viard), Michael’s roguish French business partner, steps in. Why take the train when one can drive across Provence and Burgundy?

The only way to see France is from the road. Even if it is in his antique and defect prone Peugeot 504 - with the back seat full of flowers. Stop taking life so seriously. “Do what makes you dance in the street.”

Needless to say, Jacques is intent on getting Anne between the sheets. And he is prepared to employ all the history, sights, sounds, perfumes and, most of all, the tastes of France to do it. We are kept entertained with the speculation. Will she or won’t she? Best of all, his finances are in disarray and he will use her credit card to do it.

And so we sit back and enjoy a series of vignettes – mostly in top restaurants, which Jacques just happens to know – many with local ladies who greet him with enthusiasm. And in each a fabulous meal – with the wine and cheese of the locality. First stop is Châteauneuf-du-Pape with its wonderful red wine. The food is… (My apologies, this is meant to be a film review).

The story slows a little as they approach Paris (via Vézeley – where we learn that from here, Richard the Lion Heart left on the Third Crusade – it is that sort of film).

As an aside, it is worth mentioning that the story is partly autobiographical. In 2009, the seventy-three year-old Eleanor was with her husband Francis Ford Coppola in Cannes when a cold influenced her decision not to go with him to Budapest, but head for Paris airport and home.

A local charmer offered to drive her there and the seven-hour trip turned into a three-day sybaritic progress through French cuisine.

If you have had a sausage and mash type of day, when it should have been Filet Mignon, then go and see this piece of Gallic fun. Take a glass of pinot noir in with you.

Paris Can Wait opened at the Windsor Cinema on July 20th.

Recommended, trois étoiles .

Greatness Examined CHURCHILL This film, Churchill, was made on a very small budget. Small even by television standards.

Alex von Tunzelmann is an Oxford-educated modern historian who, presumably, was unable to get the funding she wanted when she first wrote the screenplay. Perhaps it is just as well; the film appears to be based on a major misconception.

She set out to write a story about one of the towering figures of the twentieth century. And to get past the symbolic nature of

Sir Winston Churchill, rallying Britain at its darkest hour and then leading it to victory, she has dug into his personal life and depicted him, warts and all.

So far so good.

The problem is that Scriptwriting 101 states that you must have tension and conflict; a crisis to show your protagonist’s mettle.

She has chosen the three days leading up to D-day, 6th June 1944, the greatest invasion in history. When, over the period of a week, one million men, a thousand warships and several thousand aircraft were hurled against the strongest army of the time, entrenched along the coast of France. The future of the world is at stake. The subject is epic.

And she portrays Churchill as a weak and vacillating leader.

In the First World War, he had championed the Gallipoli landings which had been a major disaster (not just for the ANZACs but for British and French troops as well).

This film asserts that he simply did not have the stomach to do another beach landing. It portrays him as trying and failing to stop the generals going ahead (something which as Minister of Defense, he had the power to do) and kneeling and praying for bad weather to halt the invasion.

Yes, he smoked heavily, was an alcoholic, suffered bouts of depression and was a workaholic.

But lacking in courage? All the records of the time

clearly indicate he was the principal advocate of the invasion. If you are going to make a historical film, then you must get the history right.

D-day was to open a second front, invading Germany from the west while the Russians attacked from the east – threatening to overrun all of Europe. The Russians? They are never mentioned. Five great armies landed on the beaches: American, British and Canadian. The Canadians? They are not mentioned either.

A small budget does not imply a bad film.

Brian Cox is excellent as Churchill, stalking deserted beaches. It is something which Churchill never did in those three days, but the beaches are at least symbolic for the potential tragedy.

When Churchill decides to visit General Montgomery’s headquarters to address the troops, the best the film can do is assemble ten soldiers to stand around in a clearing and listen.

Did I mention a million men? Then again, ten men were all Shakespeare gave to Henry V at Agincourt.

The problem with the budget is that the company apparently could not afford even basic advice on the culture and behaviour of the time.

On dozens of occasions, the film gets it wrong with the details – each time jarring your attention away from the story. King George VI gets out of his car and salutes the doorman. Churchill signs documents with a ballpoint pen (he used a Conway-Stewart fountain pen throughout the war, ballpoints did not become available until the 1950s).

Several internet articles can be found listing the things the film gets wrong.

So should you see this film? The acting is good (Miranda Richardson makes an inspiring Clementine, Winston’s wife).

With the above qualifications, Australian Jonathan Teplitzky does a professional job of directing. But the problems with the screenplay are just too great. Stay home and read a book about Churchill and the invasion.

Churchill opened at Cinema Paradiso on June 8th.

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Make sure you ‘like’ his pages!

YouTube ~ youtube.com/user/TheSteveParkin/featured Facebook ~ facebook.com/steveparkinmusicman/

* Steve has a great combination of encyclopaedic musical knowledge, a tasteful sensibility and an enthusiasm that keeps the session inspired and fun. - Josh Pyke * Working with Steve has been one of the most useful and rewarding experiences of my musical career to date. He always brings a positive attitude and some creative genius to every session! - Josh Johnstone * Steve has an incredibly welcoming nature, that instantly put me at ease during our first co-writing session. We have since had many more sessions with productive results. He is always positive and sensitive to thenerving process that co-writing can be. - Gossling. * Steve Parkin is so in tune with the creative process. He's got an ear for what really works. - Jasmine Rae * I had a great time songwriting with Steve in Melbourne. Sometimes it's a really awkward process rocking up to someones house and going 'hey, I don't know you but let's get creative together"….! With Steve, he was really welcoming, funny and gave me the space to explore all of my ideas. It was a really collaborative process that ended up with a roughly recorded track I could take home with me. Would certainly love the opportunity to work with Steve again if he comes back to Melbourne. - Emmy Bryce

Steve Parkin and long-time collaborator and friend Kav Temperley at Fremantle Festival 26

WRITING ON BEING GOOD

BELLEJAR Writer Naomi Schulman, whose mother m I good? Am I good? But am I good was born in Munich in 1934 and who enough? grew up Nazi Germany, commented a Good is a word that children hear early and few months ago on the word ‘nice’ and often. how it's being applied to Trump voters A child probably hears the phrase "be who, you know, don't actually hate the good" - as an exhortation, a command, a Muslims or the gays or the women. plead - several times a day from several “Nice people made the best Nazis, different adults. They might hear it so wrote Schulman. "My mom grew up often that they won't really be sure what next to them. They got along, refused good means except to know that they to make waves, looked the other way categorically aren't. when things got ugly and focused on By the time I was in kindergarten I happier things than 'politics'. They thought that goodness existed as part of a were lovely people who turned their binary, in the sense that either you were or heads as their neighbors were dragged you weren't.

It didn't away. You know who weren’t nice take me long to figure out what side of the people? Resisters.” equation I fell on; no matter how hard I I've seen a few people share these tried to keep my thoughts to myself, to stay words with the commentary that we at my desk, to model myself after the prim should be good instead of nice, and yet little girls who sat so still and so silent at The author, age 5, ready to punch a Nazi and/or talk your I'm not sure that good is much better. circle time, it was never enough. ear off Good only means whatever passes for I could see that goodness came good by the lights of the person who naturally to some people - I felt that there must be a great well of it inside them that they enthusiasm, my talkativeness, my sociability - said it - and so many of us disagree right now on what, exactly, good is. drew on throughout the day, keeping their faces were less than desirable. smooth and calm and allowing them to wait to be It took me a long time to realize that what's So I'm giving up on being good. Instead, I'll called on instead of just shouting out the answer. sold to children as goodness is really more like be a resister. I'll be rowdy. I'll be loud. I'll be passivity. It's obedience. It's silence. It's never passionate. I'll be a fighter. I'll be someone who And me?

Well, I tried so hard to be like those other questioning authority. It's learning facts by rote believes in basic human rights no matter who that kids, but my nature always shone through sooner and then regurgitating them. It's being easily human loves or what they believe or where they come from. or later. And so it wasn't long before I realized governable. Easily controlled.

Good is the margarine of words - oily, I'll be a safe space. I'll be an advocate. that inside of me I had a hot core of badness.

I imagined it as kind of flaw on my very soul, chemical, not quite what it's pretending to be - in I'll be anti-racism and anti-transphobia and which I pictured shaped like a white egg roll the same way that nice is. It can mean whatever anti-misogyny and anti-homophobia and anti(mostly because soul and egg roll rhymed) with the speaker wants it to mean - moral and upright, Islamophobia and anti-any-other-kind-ofall the parts of me that would eventually go to or labile and pleasing. I would wager a guess that harmful-hate. I'll be a Nazi-puncher. I'll be on the Donald Trump's definition of a good citizen and my right side of history. heaven tucked inside of it.

I imagined some kind of mark there that definition of the same are greatly different, even In short, I'll be everything my grade school teachers tried to quash out of me. couldn't be rubbed out. This distressed me, if we might use exactly the same words. because I wanted desperately to be good both for goodness' sake and also because I saw that things were easier for the good kids. They were never chastised for speaking out of turn.

They didn't get sent to the office. Their parents never got calls from their teachers.

Every night I would wish to wake up good the next morning. Every morning I would promise myself that this would be the day that I was good.

Every day my self-imposed goodness wore off an hour or so into the school day.

I never did learn to be good. All I ever learned was that the traits that made up the core of my personality - my

A

27

BUSINESS - NETWORKING FIRST IMPRESSIONS SHARRON ATTWOOD

impressions? How I have met you way F- “Youirstbeforehave I meet you. When meeting face to face seven seconds to make a great first

impression” or so they saying goes.

However, new recent research show it’s now more like three to four seconds as we increase our expectations – wanting a fast paced way of communicating – expecting our needs met quicker than ever. We make our minds up fast.

If your site doesn’t load fast enough I’ll bounce – and this has certainly affected how we judge not only all aspects of technology but also extends into how we assess people and their potential to meet our needs – or for us to be of value to them.

Sounds harsh? We all like to think we don’t judge others – but wouldn’t it be more accurate to say we try not to judge too harshly or too quickly?

Whatever our conscious mind would have us believe, it’s our subconscious that is doing the work when it comes to first impressions. And it gives no mercy.

But - Is that first face-to-face meeting – the chance to make a traditional first impression – really the first chance? Not these days and not by a long shot!

A big part of your personal brand, the impression you make, is what precedes you.

What are people expecting when they meet you?

Do you meet those expectations? What’s your reputation?

The ability to build your brand and commence building rapport before meeting someone face to face is a powerful opportunity often misused or missed out on, by many people when building their networks and networking.

Networking at events or even one on one meetings sees us leveraging our personal brand – which we have previously defined as whatever someone says about you after you have left the room. So what have people heard?

When it comes to first impressions or an attempt to build quick rapport – your personal brand has to sing!

A first face-to-face meeting is often just a touch point on the way towards building a relationship – in business, love or life.

Very often the ‘first impressions’ advice revolves around how we look – as most of that first face-to-face impression is based on visual communication. I agree with that – it’s science.

But let’s also now add in the bias people bring with them – the good and the not so good – based on what they already know of us.

Is how you look congruent with the images you utilise online? Whilst your profile photos should look like you ‘on a great hair day’ rather than 28

the ‘just finished work, run the kids around and made dinner’ - version of you – it needs to be recognisable.

Not a pic edited out of your wedding photos or you wearing sunglasses hiding half your face.

In business I’d also advise that profile photos are of just you. No kids, no cats.

A powerful profile image goes a long way towards giving a great impression. A skilful photographer can produce an image that says a lot about you and it’s worth investing in great photography.

But then you meet – in real life – and this needs to be a continuation of your rapport building efforts. Do you look like you? Have you suddenly aged fifteen years? Does your ‘look’ make sense?

Ideally meeting in person is a continuation of rapport building – not a shock that sees someone doubting their idea of you- doubting their sense of your personal brand. What a lost opportunity that would be. It’s often quoted that the confused mind always says no – so don’t confuse people about who you are.

Before that face-to-face encounter, chances are people have heard of you, seen you around social media, read something you have written, or even been told you were in the room.

When you are being introduced to someone, what is it that the introducer has chosen to say about you? What highlight of your brand do they share?

Your opportunity to make a great first impression starts way before a face-to-face encounter. It’s the way your reputation, your brand, precedes you.

It’s how you build your brand, what you have said, the content you produce and the images you share or are part of. This is where it starts and it’s worth investing more than seven seconds on.

Then you meet – and it’s a continuation rather than the start of something. I’m not saying you should put less effort into making great first face to face impressions – but you do need to look at where they sit in the cycle these days and realise that we may have met way before we meet.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE SUSANNE O’DONOGHUE

experts in women’s fashion and Awillcknowledged one of the biggest threats to women’s health be guest speakers at a Making a Difference

seminar in Perth in August.

The 47th RotaryWA Ladies Seminar and Luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Saturday, August 19, from 8.30am to 3.30pm.

It will feature Western Australian fashion icon Liz Davenport and breast cancer researcher Professor Alene Chan.

Andrea Burns, award winning journalist, accomplished presenter and course facilitator, who is a familiar face to Western Australian audiences, will manage our day as MC. As a TV journalist, Andrea has reported on some of the biggest stories to have made news over the past two decades.

Our keynote speakers include: Professor Arlene Chan: Medical Oncologist and winner of the Western Australian of the Year Awards “Professions Division” in June 2016.

Mrs. Jenny Ethell: School Principal Perth College. Jenny encourages girls to strive for their personal best, to challenge themselves, to keep their feet firmly on the ground, and to remember they are privileged to attend Perth College. Jenny will speak about her belief that with this privilege comes a responsibility to help, serve others and make a difference in the community.

Mr. Richard Offen: Executive Director of Heritage Perth. Richard is a popular lecturer and has been a regular broadcaster on both radio and television.

Professor Mel Ziman: Associate Dean (Research), School of Medical and Health Sciences, is world-renowned in the field of Melanoma research. Mel will speak about the work of the Edith Cowan University Melanoma Research Group and the development of a blood test that can revolutionise the way melanoma is detected and treated.

The Rotary Ladies Seminar and Luncheon has been an important event on the Perth social calendar for forty-six years, with attendees from all over Western Australia, including Rotarians and members of diverse and ethnic clubs.

In a world-first, Liz Davenport will parade her latest range of travel-friendly outfits, which will be available for sale. She will also take part in a special “Q and A” session with MC Andrea Burns.

Perth Upmarket will offer a bespoke array of gifts and handcrafted wares for purchase.

Bring your friends, colleagues, daughters and sisters for a day of fun, interesting conversation – and delicious food and wines. All profits from the event will aid local and international Rotary projects aiming to Make a Difference.

For further details of speakers and the latest programme information visit www.goo. gl/YANBW4 where you can also subscribe for updates.

Tickets including luncheon, wine and soft drinks are $125 per person or $1150 for a table of ten.

Book through Try Booking: trybooking.com/ pnqv

FINANCE WHAT CAN AUSTRALIA LEARN FROM NZ? PROFESSOR ROSS GUEST AND KIRSTEN MACDONALD

The lack of means testing in New Zealand means fashion to a tax — once your income or wealth Kiwis have more incentive to work and save. rises above a threshold level, your pension is The Conversation Magazine June 2017 gradually reduced.

The lack of means testing means New Zealand he Australian and New Zealand retirement Super is available to all New Zealanders over systems both feature public pensions and sixty-five, subject to residency requirements. private superannuation.

Hence even rich New Zealanders are entitled But there are things to learn from the to the pension, which is arguably less fair than differences between the two systems. the Australian system.

W hile Australians may end up with more savings in retirement, New Zealand’s system is MORE CHOICE IN SUPERANNUATION simpler and offers more freedom.

The New Zealand superannuation system, In Australia, contributions to the KiwiSaver, puts more control over retirement superannuation system are both compulsory and saving in the hands of the investor than the higher, and you cannot make withdrawals or stop Australian system. contributing except in exceptional circumstances. This allows New Zealanders to vary the The Australian pension is also better targeted amount they save over their lifetime as their at those with greater need. needs change.

In New Zealand, saving for retirement is not KiwiSaver is an opt-out model. This means compulsory, so those on low incomes are not employees are automatically enrolled when they forced to make contributions. are first employed, but they can choose to opt The aged pension is available to all New out.

Zealanders, so people don’t need to game the If you do not opt out, you and your employer system to maximise their pension. each contribute three percent of your income to The New Zealand superannuation system KiwiSaver. is also more straightforward when it comes to But individuals can choose to contribute at taxation and administration. higher rates of four percent or eight percent and Finally, the New Zealand retirement system make voluntary lump-sum contributions. offers more freedom.

KiwiSaver also allows members to suspend Its super system allows people to opt out, to their contributions for between three months stop making contributions for a certain time, and and five years after one year of membership. to withdraw funds for housing.

Funds can also be withdrawn to buy an owneroccupied house, provided certain requirements INCENTIVES TO WORK AND SAVE are met.

While New Zealand’s pension, New Zealand The need to opt out and default contributions Super, is less equitable than the Australian age tend to nudge employees towards saving for pension, it probably provides more incentives to retirement, thereby providing a balance between work and save throughout a working life. unfettered choice and the more rigid Australian This is in large part because, unlike in system of compulsory 9.5 percent super Australia, New Zealand Super is not means- contribution. tested.

It does not take into account a pensioner’s NO ‘LOST SUPER’ AND BETTER TAXATION income and assets when deciding whether and KiwiSaver funds are linked to individual tax how much they are entitled to. numbers and employer contributions are made The absence of means testing in the pension through the pay-as-you-earn tax platform. system provides more incentive for New Switching between schemes or providers Zealanders to save and work. doesn’t bear the same risk of “lost super” as This is because means testing acts in a similar found in Australia [as your Australian super can

T

disappear into consolidated revenue].

Also unlike in Australia, KiwiSaver contributions and returns are taxed the same as other savings.

This means there is no reason to limit taxpaid contributions, to claw back taxes after an investor dies, or to prescribe a minimum contribution.

This is arguably a more straightforward and fair system.

SIMPLICITY AND FLEXIBILITY There is no simple answer to which system is better.

Even though the Australian system may lead to more in retirement, and is better targeted to those in need, there is a lot to learn from the design of the New Zealand retirement system.

The New Zealand system is a lot simpler than Australia’s.

Because of the way superannuation is taxed and the lack of means testing for pensions, New Zealanders have less reason than Australians to try to game the retirement system.

The lack of means testing also means New Zealanders have more incentive to work and save throughout their working lives.

And the freedom to vary their superannuation contributions, and even suspend or withdraw their contributions to pay for a house, gives New Zealanders more flexibility to react to financial events throughout their lives.

Ross Guest is a professor of economics and a National Senior Teaching Fellow at Griffith University Kirsten MacDonald is a lecturer in the Griffith Business School at Griffith University.

Reprinted with permission https://theconversation.com/what-australiacan-learn-from-the-new-zealand-retirementsystem-77719 Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities

Professor Ross Guest Dip Education, B Arts, M Higher Education, M Commerce, PhD 29

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK HONORARY FREEMEN OF THE CITY he City of Swan announced its two newest TMayoral Honorary Freeman of the City at its annual Dinner.

Mrs Barbara Dundas and Mr Ron Carey were conferred the prestigious title for their outstanding contribution to the community and the City over four decades.

City of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said Council was delighted to be able to recognise their exceptional work.

“Mrs Dundas has delivered outstanding service to the City of Swan and its residents through her contribution to heritage, community and culture for more than forty years,” he said.

“Not only has she been a long serving and dedicated member of The Guildford Association, she has been instrumental in a number of significant projects including the Centenary of Artillery Commemorations, Talbot Hobbs Gate and Guildford ANZACs walk trail,” “She has also been a member of many committees including the Guildford Primary School, Stirling Square Working Group and various Swan advisory groups.”

In 1992 Mrs Dundas also received the Shire of Swan's Heritage Award and in 2017

was jointly awarded the City of Swan Citizen of the Year Award.

Mayor Wainwright said Mr Carey was had also spent most of life devoting himself to his community and had made significant contributions to community care, planning and culture across the City.

“Mr Carey has not only spent time on the City Council advocating for the community, he has been looking

HEALTH & WELLBEING

OVER 55S

EXPO

after them in his capacity as a volunteer for more than thirty years,”

“To name just a few of his achievements, Mr Carey has been a volunteer driver with Swan Community Care Services for more than seven years and President of their Advisory Committee for the past three years,” “He is also a keen advocate for residential aged care within the City of Swan and successfully lobbies key stakeholders including local, state and federal government.”

In recognition of his volunteering efforts, Mr Carey was presented with the Premier's Australia Day Citizenship Award in 2016.

Free event!

featurin

g

OVER 55’S EXPO AT BASKERVILLE HALL

from Los Perth t

is free for all participants and includes a beautiful free morning T heteaLearnExpo provided by the Bullsbrook and Districts CWA. more about how life gets better with age at the Over 55s Expo in

Warren Duffy

Learn more about how life gets better with age at the Over 55s Expo in the beautiful Swan Valley.

The City of Swan and Swan Valley Community Centre in partnership with the Ellenbrook Senior Social Space, Bullsbrook and Districts Country Women’s Association and the Swan Valley Rotary, are hosting this year’s expo.

Date Time Location

The theme of this year’s expo is ‘Health and Wellbeing’ and will be a showcase of the local and regional programs, activities and services available to over 55s in the City of Swan.

There will be information stalls, exercise and a healthy cooking demonstration, speakers, activities and much more on offer!

A free shuttle bus service will be provided from Ellenbrook, Bullsbrook and Gidgegannup.

For more information or any enquiries on the expo, please contact the Swan Valley Community Centre by email enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre.com.au on via phone 9296 1976.

CoS_03902

www.swan.wa.gov.au 30

Friday, August 4, 2017 9am–12noon Baskerville Hall, Memorial Ave, Baskerville (plenty of parking onsite)

the beautiful Swan Valley.

The City of Swan and Swan Valley Community Centre in partnership with the Ellenbrook Senior Social Space, Bullsbrook and Districts Country Women’s Association and the Swan Valley Rotary, are hosting this year’s expo.

Date Friday, August 4, 2017 Time 9am–12noon Location Baskerville Hall, Memorial Ave, Baskerville (plenty of parking onsite) The theme of this year’s expo is ‘Health and Wellbeing’ and will be a showcase of the local and regional programs, activities and services available to over 55s in the City of Swan.

There will be information stalls, exercise and a healthy cooking demonstration, speakers, activities and much more on offer!

A free shuttle bus service will be provided from Ellenbrook, Bullsbrook and Gidgegannup.

For more information or any enquiries on the expo, please contact the Swan Valley Community Centre by email: enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre. com.au or via phone 9296 1976.

T

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK POP UP PLAY BACK SWAN PARK VISITORS WIN he City of Swan will be installing Pop up Play unconventional and freeform play spaces in our

spaces in Bullsbrook and Ballajura continuing the popular community initiative.

Non-traditional playgrounds contributes to the wellbeing and development of young community members. Unstructured play has been proven to help develop curiosity, confidence, imagination and problem solving skills in children,.

The City provides simple, everyday materials including tyres, logs, cable drums and planks nearly all of which have been recycled - to create

parks and reserves.

These spaces are designed to encourage kids to be creative and experimental with things they might not normally interact with, while gradually allowing them to build resilience by introducing some risk.

For more information about the pop-up play spaces, or to provide feedback on the initiative, visit www.swan.wa.gov.au or contact one of the City’s Place Offices.

VOLLIES TURN 60

he Swan Park Leisure Centre has seen a Trespect decrease in risky behaviour and an increase in for the rules thanks to its new ‘Rewards

and Recognition program’.

The program, which encourages visitors to take responsibility for their behaviour and safety when using the pool, was launched at the start of the year.

City of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said the program was a great example of using positive reinforcement to encourage and foster cooperation.

“The program involved Centre staff recognising visitor’s good behaviour, such as following the rules, showing respect for others or keeping a close eye on their children, then nominating them to be part of a major prize draw,” he said.

“Those nominated are now in the running to win some great prizes including iPads, Fitbits and prize packs donated by Coca Cola, which I know the nominees are very excited about.”

New pool rules and supervision signage was also rolled out across the centre, which helped to reinforce the program’s message.

“As a result, centre staff saw a real shift in attitude towards the centre and its rules,” Councillor Daniel Parasiliti said.

“Not only has it helped to build stronger relationships with visitors; it has played a big part in reducing risky or anti-social behaviour which is a great result.”

Prize winners will be notified by Centre staff.

est Swan Volunteer Bushfire Brigade recently celebrated its 60th W anniversary with more than a hundred emergency service volunteers and career firefighters taking part.

The brigade became officially registered in 1957 and has since been involved in fighting some of WA’s most devastating bushfires.

Captain Rudi James said the brigade was “A family with a good sense of comradeship.

“The brigade is a regional resource – we have been as far north as Carnarvon, south as Margaret River and as far east as Toodyay to help other brigades with fires.”

Captain James thanked members past and present, as well as the support from local career firefighters and sister brigades.

“We’ve got around sixty members and we probably have one of the youngest brigades, with an average age of thirty,” he said.

Join the facebook page to support our Vollies: facebook.com/806014526103666/videos/1246560565382391/ BACKGROUND In the last year alone, volunteers were involved in the response to more than 8,700 incidents.

DFES coordinates volunteers from the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, State Emergency Service and the Volunteer Marine Rescue Services, with support also provided to Local Government Bush Fire Brigades.

The Volunteer Sustainability Strategy 2016-2024​is available on the DFES website. avbfb.org.au/future-of-volunteering-in-fire-and-emergency-services People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to consider volunteering.

Visit dfes.wa.gov.au for more information on volunteering or call your local BGU. 31

swanva COS03324

32

COM. . e l a d n a r e lleycid

AU

THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind

CAFÉ AGE LIMIT

Glennys Marsdon

had to happen. I knew the day would come but ISadly,tthought I might’ve had a few more years yet.

I’ve begun to realise that perhaps I’m too

old to frequent certain types of establishments.

Sure, you might be thinking underage latenight discos, rave parties or skateboard parks.

Who am I kidding I was never right for skateboard parks. No, I’m talking about the far more innocuous pastime of lounging around in a certain type of cafe. You know the ones, they’ve been popping up all over Perth with what has become an annoying regularity … hipster cafes.

As a freelance researcher and writer my job often sees me out and about conducting interviews with all and sundry, from multi-drug users to CEO’s who are sometimes one and the same.

My day usually involves racing into a nearby café for a quick cuppa, a peruse of the paper and if I’m honest, a warmed-up chocolate brownie. The other day it was time to check out an uber cool, hole-in-thewall café, that I’d been eyeing off for several weeks.

Although it was only two o’clock, as I ventured into said café I was confronted with an atmospheric gloom reminiscent of a dank cave that would’ve been a perfect hiding spot for Osama Ben Laden prior to his demise.

Thankfully my eyes adjusted just in time to make out the bearded (naturally) gent positioned behind the slick black counter patiently waiting for my order. Tea ordered and paper retrieved

from the wooden wall rack it was time to find a seat.

A waist height wooden share-table ran down the middle of the café, ten iron and leather stools on either side.

My high jumping days ended abruptly in school, shortly after the Fosbury Flop replaced the step-over scissor kick, neither seemed appropriate today and so I bypassed this option.

Squinting towards the back of the café I could just make out two tables and chairs of regular height, however they were occupied by three beards and their obligatory op shop designer-clad praying mantis companions.

To my right I noticed a small wooden knee height square box nestled against the distressed brick wall. At first I thought a permanently disenchanted delivery boy had left it behind, but on further inspection I noticed two toadstool like ‘seats’ on either side. It was my only option.

I dropped my folded newspaper and handbag onto the ‘table’ thereby covering its entire surface, and began my descent onto the stool, a descent I’d been successfully performing all my adult life.

Yet on this day I quickly found my celluliteriddled derriere gliding towards the polished grey concrete floor. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to stop yourself mid-sit but I can tell you, once commenced there’s no means of stopping said trajectory.

The resulting thud saw the barista rush from behind the counter to see if I was okay (and not contemplating a law suit at all in any way no

doubt), while the three beards and praying manti looked up momentarily, then returned to their mumblings.

In my defence, the leather cushion on top of the stool had been polished to within an inch of its life, and the stool was positioned hard up against the ‘table’ leaving only a quarter of the sitting surface available to catch descending derrieres.

I quickly regained the newspaper that had accompanied me on my fall, but not my composure, that would take a little longer. As I perched half-on half-off the stool I pondered whether some cafes should come with an age limit? The question was quickly answered.

With the ‘table’ too small to house the paper I resorted to sitting side-saddle on the stool, my back against the wall for support.

When the tea and brownie were placed down any thoughts of whiling away my afternoon sipping tea while reading the paper evaporated.

Even a lifetime member of Cirque de Soleil wouldn’t be able to pull of these two feats given this configuration.

I gave up reading the paper and faced the table. On doing so though it became apparent that in order to get close enough to reach the brownie I had to straddle the ‘table’, my legs spread wider than in birthing stirrups.

No doubt this configuration is no problem for beards in jeans. In fact I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen said ‘presenting’ position, particularly during business meetings where perceived, if not actual, power is important.

However, this position presents an entirely different range of problems for women. Should I be wearing a slimline pencil skirt it would have been impossible.

Undeterred I resumed my side-saddle position, ate the brownie and attempted to read the paper. At first glance I was shocked to see that Perth was underwater. Only to realise that the café gloom had rendered my tried eyes useless.

Placing the paper at arm’s length revealed that there were a few more years before this would happen. I contemplated using the torch on my phone to read the rest of the news but one look at the scowling praying mantis stopped that.

Tea drained in record time and paper not read I gave in. It was time to leave.

As I moved to stand I sensed the barista halt his tap, tap, tapping on the coffee machine as the other patrons held their collective breathes.

Attempting to rise from one of the deepest squats I’d ever performed took all of my powers, the strongest being my intense hatred of embarrassment. Turns out the gods were lenient that day and somehow made I up in one go. I could almost hear the applause.

The barista smiled and bid me farewell as I exited the café. I wasn’t sure if this was a wellmeant salutation given to all patrons, or a sign of relief on his part, but it was enough to encourage me to continue to fight the good fight against dim lighting, milkcrate stools and ageism.

Wish me luck.

33

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uthor Greg Hahn has always been fascinated with conspiracy theories.

In his debut novel, he explores the concept and plays in some rich Australian history.

The book is the first of a planned trilogy.

The plot: 60’s Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt is murdered by the same people who kill geologists associated with the establishment of the ultra secret base at Pine Gap in Central Australia.

Kate Austin uncovers this when she becomes involved with their descendant’s handy work when an arms shipment theft is linked to multiply murders in the Northern Territory in the present day.

Kate must cut through prejudice and preconceptions to solve an increasing old mystery. Can she understand the archives she uncovers that lead her all the way back to the Second World War? An excerpt from the book: Mary leant forward and picked up a small stick. She began to make circles in the sand.

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Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author

Greg Hahn is a physics and mathematics teacher. He has a love of all things science including geology. He is married to Kathryn and the couple has two girls and three grand children. Hahn has travelled extensively in remote Australia and lives within view of the bridge at Koondrook. ~oOo~ Title: The Little Grey Tractor Author: Jannah Meredith Publisher: Balboa Press Australia ISBN: 9781 5043 0498 6 by the stories her father Ibushnspired and grandparents told of the fires that ravaged Southern

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hat was the magic of Ross Hutchison?

What was so special about him that made his reputation last so long and what did he do that made people remember him as “magic”?

How did he change the lives of the many people who came across his path? And what were the influences that led him to choose his various vocations?

In The Sky Is Not the Limit: Talent Is Only the Beginning, Richardson narrates the life story of Ross Hutchison, a man whose work in television, theatre, film, cabaret and radio has been seen and heard in Australia and around the world.

For many years, he was a dancer and choreographer on Bandstand, both for Brian Henderson and the Daryl Somers Series.

Hutchison was also a choreographer and dancer for the great Benny Hill. During his career, he has danced with Sammy Davis, Liza Minnelli and numerous other stars.

His work with Bernard King on TV and in cabaret/theatre restaurants and pantomimes is legendary. In later life, his love of horses reignited as a need to learn to drive harness racers. But that did not shift his focus from his ministry and support of those in need.

The many who have used his private alternative medicine clinic and those who lean on his foundation for support will never forget this magical man.

“Today’s underground society is moving toward a more spiritual base with churches open to shared beliefs and open doors,” Richardson says. “Ross is a leader in that movement.”

By publication of this biography Richardson hopes to make readers realize that they can achieve anything in life if they have the passion and are willing to work at it. It reflects the story of one man who put love for everything he does and fills his life with activities while learning and helping the less fortunate.

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Tasmania in 1967, Jannah Meredith wrote the children’s story, The Little Grey Tractor.

Set in Margate, Tasmania, the book illustrates the adventures of a little grey tractor that lives on the Meredith apple orchard.

The tractor is used to many tasks like planting crops and carrying wood until one summer that was hotter than usual. Fires spread out of control and reached the home of the little grey tractor. The tractor was forgotten and burned in the confusion, but he was repaired when the Meredith family began rebuilding.

Although the story is enjoyable and full of hope, “in February 2017, it will be fifty years since the bushfires devastated Southern Tasmania,” Meredith says. “In Australia, during summer, there is quite often the threat of bushfires.

In 1967 they first came into suburbia - and we have seen since then in other areas of Australia, the devastation that they cause. It is important that we do not grow complacent, and that we remember.”

About the Author Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble Richardson is a Kiwi-born Australian with a love for the written word. She has one About the Author Jannah Meredith is a retail industry published poetry book, The Dance Goes On, and professional who has been writing poetry and two published textbooks, Starting a Business in Australia and Starting and Surviving in Business prose on and off her whole life.

As a young teen, Meredith wrote stories to in Australia. Her work has also been seen in amuse herself and get good grades in English. Australian Women’s Weekly, various anthologies In between her work, sewing and reading she and newspapers. This is her first biography.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KIRSTY MILLIGAN any of us would like to ignore what we've heard about first impressions and be comfortable in the knowledge that people don't judge and our work in the future will speak for itself.

The problem with that thinking is it doesn't recognise the basic functionality of our brains.

So let's look at how the brain works and why first impressions, and indeed ongoing impressions can make or break our business, our pleasure and our ability to be successful in both.

Our brains are receiving so many 'bits' of information each second that we would just explode if we had to respond to them all. And there simply isn't time to.

So how do we avoid becoming completely overwhelmed by the onslaught of colours, shapes, textures, sounds, smells and internal thoughts? Well the answer is quite DIPI. Our brain categorises things into what's critical and what's not. We prioritise by what's Dangerous, Interesting, Pleasurable and Important - DIPI. That's why in a room full of noise you'll still hear someone call your name, it's recognised as 'Important'.

What's interesting is anything that doesn't fit into DIPI won't draw our attention. So in any given situation there'll be parts that we don't really think about and therefore won't react to.

Now let's just quickly say that none of us are considering looking Dangerous to draw attention.

Needless to say, that sends a negative message, not a positive one.

Our instinct is to move away from danger, not to make a relationship with it, business or otherwise.

When you're networking or in group meetings have you noticed that the people receiving the most attention are the ones perceived as Interesting, Pleasurable and Important?

Leaders who are interesting i.e. know things we don't; pleasurable i.e. we feel inspired being around them and Important i.e. who stand out from the crowd as influencers, draw our attention whilst the others we don't really think about and therefore don't react to.

As a professional in business, and even in your personal life if you're not considering how your visual image is capturing attention from our busy, busy brains then you may just end up being the one we don't really think about and therefore don't react to.

Remember, the goal is to stand out for the right reasons, not just stand out in a room. Bright colours, flashy clothes and styles that don't fit with your brand personality or business image won't bring people to you. They're more likely to be seen as a Danger because they don't fit in with our regular concepts.

Dress with a sense of influence, authority and approachability that is conducive to your service offerings and business branding.

Then you can stop chasing new clients, hold your space and they will come to you.

Courtesy of Kirsty Milligan Executive Image Stylist

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LEISURE NEW TRICKS FOR SWAN HILLS LISA SKRYPICHAYKO

of Sensei Bob Allen's Swan Hills Goju Saretudents Ryu Karate club in Mount Helena and Midland learning some new tricks.

Courtesy of the Shire of Mundaring’s Quick Grants program, they now have specialised equipment to add some heat to their winter training.

"Once again, we’re grateful that the Shire has assisted us in obtaining new equipment to support our karate curriculum" said Sensei Bob, adding "These items give our students a variety of new options to supplement their training."

The Shire of Mundaring grant funded the purchase of speed bags to replace worn out equipment, and resistance bands, which are used by athletes in many sports to improve their performance.

“I understand well the need to keep things

fresh for my students”, remarked Sensei Bob. “We are always looking at new ways to help our students develop their strength, speed and grounding, which are fundamentals of good karate.

“Specific training equipment like this provides a fun way to help them become the best that they can be.”

Sensei Bob Allen is the Western Australian head of Goju Ryu Australia. He has been a referee at the state and national level for twenty-one years, and is one of the WA Karate Federation’s senior kata coaches.

Sensei Bob teaches students of all ages at his Midland and Mount Helena dojos. For more information, please ring Bob on 0419 922 609 or email bob@swanhillsgojuryu.com.au .

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ART AND ARTISTS JULY AT MAC LOUELLA HAYES

undaring Arts Centre is celebrating the M second half of 2017 in style with the opening of two new exhibitions.

Annika Moses and Shannon Lyons' Five Point One and A Piece of Four by Two engages gallery visitors to become performers in the work, stirring up conversations about how sound affects the way we perceive art.

Marisa Tindall has taken up residence in Gallery 2, creating new works alongside an exhibition of her recent completed works.

Seen and Unseen explores sense of place and belonging; the artist working with materials such as wax, resin and charcoal, sourced directly from the local landscape.

Mundaring Arts Centre is delighted to announce that the Habits of Horses community project has begun!

HABITS OF HORSES Habits of Horses invites the community to celebrate and explore our relationship with horses, learn new art skills from senior artists and artisans, undertake new experiences, express creativity and get up close and personal with these beautiful animals that have been such an important part of our history.

With a huge lineup of events, exhibitions and workshops visit the MAC website to find out more about this exciting project.

With so many huge community events planned for Habits of Horses, MAC want YOU to get involved. Register your interest to volunteer with them for the Open Day on Sunday 20 August and the Cultural Celebration Day on Sunday 10 September, by email at info@ mundaringartscentre.com.au.

EXHIBITIONS Five Point One And A Piece Of Four By Two

By Annika Moses And Shannon Lyons Gallery 1 until 6th August Young composer and singer Annika Moses and visual artist Shannon Lyons create an installation that explores manipulation and engagement with sound in a tangible way. By responding first to the architectural environment of the MAC gallery space Moses and Lyons produce new site-specific works that straddle the interstice between sculpture and sound.

Seen And Unseen

By Artist In Residence - Marisa Tindall Gallery 2 until 6th August Through objects that are ground, dissolved, embedded and stitched, Marisa Tindall explores the concept of landscape in relation to the interconnectedness of our existence and the geographical isolation of Western Australia.

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS WEEKLY LIFE DRAWING SESSIONS The MJAC life drawing sessions will be untutored, with a model provided each week.

Bring your own drawing materials and we’ll 36

supply the rest. Newcomers welcome!

MJAC will provide easels, boards and A1 cartridge paper (up to five sheets per person per session). Tea and coffee also provided.

Purchase a five session workshop pass and collect your card when you attend your first life drawing session to be punched off each week you attend.

Workshop passes are valid for six months.

These sessions are casual and bookings week to week are not required. Venue - Midland Junction Arts Centre.

Suitable for adults Wednesday nights from 6.30pm to 9.30pm Thursday mornings from 9.30am to 12.30pm Cost: $90 for the five sessions (MAC Members $81 for five sessions) HABITS OF HORSES WORKSHOPS SANDBOX ANIMATION With Steven Aiton Saturday 22nd July from 10:00am - 2:00pm Steven will teach stop motion animation techniques, exploring the movement of horses using a light-box filled with sand. In the session you will create your drawings in the sand and, using an ipad camera, capture still frames. These images will then come to life with fluid motions transformed into a short film. Venue - Midland Junction Arts Centre. Suitable for 16 years plus Cost: $45 (MAC Members $40.50) Materials supplied.

HORSE DRAWN DROP-IN For groups of five to fifteen participants on Thursdays 31st August, 7th September, 14th September and 21st September.

During the Horse Drawn and Vahana exhibitions MAC invite groups to book a free session and visit the local and international potters in residence.

It's easy: simply choose a session, call or email our Education Manager and discuss a time that works for your group. You can select from the following workshops: CHARCOAL SKETCHING Using the subject matter of the Horse Drawn exhibition as guidance, participants are provided

with an easel, paper and charcoal to create imaginative equine forms.

INK AND CONTE CREATION Create a multi-layered mixed media artwork using ink, drafting film and conte crayons. In this conceptual session draw on personal experiences with horses and mood, and watch your style evolve.

GUIDED TOUR Organise a group visit to MJAC for a guided tour of the exhibitions and take a sneak peek into our international artists in residence studio as Kasirajan Subbaiah, from India, works to create a large-scale terracotta horse.

CERAMIC PINCH POTS With Lee Woodcock Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th August Hills-based potter Lee Woodcock will discuss his residency at MJAC and guide participants in creating their own foal inspired pinch pot to take home. All materials will be provided. Lee is also available for talks and demonstrations.

Free, Materials supplied. (Bookings essential) TOTEMIC TERRACOTTA With Bernard Kerr Sat 26, Sun 27 Aug & Sat 2 Sep | 9am - 1.30pm Join internationally renowned ceramist Bernard Kerr for a three day hand-building ceramics workshop to create your own terracotta horse. Participants will explore how Indian, Hindu and Chinese cultures have reinterpreted the horse as a symbol and a metaphor and learn construction techniques for their own personal expression.

The course will cover: cultural interpretation, pinch pot construction, rotating core and joining techniques, sculpture construction, smoothing and finishing as well as decoration techniques (adding texture, sprigging, incising, impressed texture, slips, underglazes and sgraffitto).

Venue - Midland Junction Arts Centre.

Suitable for 14 years plus.

Cost: $150 ($135 MAC Members) Materials andfiring included.

MUNDARING ARTS CENTRE Come in to discover the latest exhibitions and a wide range of locally made, hand crafted pieces, many of which are exclusive to the Mundaring Arts Centre Viewing Hours

10am - 5pm Tues – Fri 11am - 3pm Sat & Sun Closed Mon & P/Holidays + 25 Dec-13 Feb

7190 Great Eastern Highway (corner Nichol Street) Mundaring WA 6073 | T: +61 8 9295 3991 www.mundaringartscentre.com.au

COMMUNITY Compassionate Friends of Western ThaveheAustralia strives to support families who lost a child, regardless of that child’s age

throughout WA. We are a non-profit, non-government funded charity that provide peer call support, group meetings, a drop in centre, sending out quarterly newsletters, Anniversary Cards, we hold Walk of remembrance and a candlelight service (nonreligious) at Christmas.

We are run by volunteers and bereaved parents that are further along in their grief and wish to help others who have suffered this tragedy.

Although everybody’s grief is different it helps to talk to someone who has actually had this tragedy happen to them.

They WON”T say “I know how you feel” as no one can, but they will say “I don’t know exactly what you are feeling but this is how I felt when my child died”.

We raise funds by holding events, charity drives and donation from our members and outside bodies.

Although this is fantastic, we still struggle

with the cost of keeping our doors open so any suggestion on fundraising or donations are gratefully accepted.

WALK OF REMEMBRANCE HELD IN MARCH EACH YEAR Events like these above give the bereaved some hope of a life after the death of their child.

They connect with others that have been through the same tragic experience.

In doing so its helps them to feel that they are not alone in their grief, that there is a worldwide connection to other suffering the same.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We are always looking for volunteers to help man Sausage Sizzles, Charity Shopping Centre Drives and other events along with peer support volunteers (bereaved parents) for telephone support and group meeting facilitation.

information to the newly bereaved, community groups, doctors surgeries and hospital throughout Western Australia.

They help us cover advertising cost in newspapers throughout Western Australia, pay for our office and utilities allowing us to have Peer Support Workers come in and contact to DONATIONS Donations allow us to bereaved that wish to have contact. purchase stamps so we can The Compassionate Friends of WA Inc. receives no Government funding in any send our booklets and other

After all, what could possibly go wrong?

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The Royal Western Australian Historical Society Inc. Annual State History Conference of Affiliated Societies 8th to 10th September 2017

Wanneroo Where History Meets Today

Program Friday 8th September – Civic Reception Saturday 9th September – Conference Conference Dinner Sunday 10th September – Tours, Lunch and Closing

Proudly Hosted by Wanneroo Historical Society Inc.

Registrations now open Contact: margaret@Inet.net.au or birchmont21@hotmail.com

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PETS GIVING TABLETS NYLA, NOVA AND YOU?

rom time to time your dog or cat will require Fantibiotics. medication such as worming tablets, or Giving tablets to your pet can be tricky business so here's a few tips that can help make medication time less stressful for you and your pet.

GIVING YOUR CAT A TABLET 1 Refer to the instructions given by your veterinarian, and double check that you have the correct amount of medication.

2 Have your cat in a sitting position and place one hand on top of the cat's head, over the ears.

3 Tilt the head backwards so your cat's nose is pointing to the ceiling. This will cause their mouth to open slightly.

4 Hold the tablet between your thumb and index finger of your second hand.

5. Open their mouth with the fingers of your other hand.

Nyla (left) and Nova (Photograph by Tina Nevill)

foster care model is essential for ShomesAFE’s ensuring all our animals are placed in caring where they can learn the ropes of ‘real life’

before being adopted into their new permanent families.

Fostering also means SAFE’s animals aren’t in cages while they wait for adoption and we are able to assess their personalities and match them to the best new homes.

It gives the animals a great opportunity to meet other animals and children and to experience everything from noisy houses to quiet houses, trips out and about and all sorts of other activities, which make the transition into a new home pretty straightforward!

Many of our puppies get to live in foster care with older dogs where they can learn the skills of good behaviour while lots of kittens start their lives growing up with dogs.

Four-month-old siblings Nyla and Nova have blossomed from shy kittens into confident, playful youngsters while in foster care. They love to snuggle with each other as well as their foster carer’s dog and their favourite humans.

Nyla likes a quieter household away from boisterous children while Nova is more likely to join in on all the fun. This cuddly duo could be adopted together or separately, as we at SAFE know they are now ready and equipped to adapt to their new permanent home with or without each other. They are both desexed, microchipped and up to date with vaccinations.

Can you offer a home to these two cuddly youngsters? Call SAFE Karratha on 08 9185 4634 or visit our website http://www.safe.asn.au to see more of their beautiful photos.

Are you interested in foster caring for SAFE? Have you thought about volunteering for

SAFE as a foster carer? We’d love to welcome more foster carers to our network in Perth and across the state. Fostering is a vital role as it provides rehabilitation, training, caring and loving of animals to prepare them for their new lives with permanent owners.

SAFE is a not for profit organisation that saves rehomeable animals from euthanasia. We have volunteers working effectively from all over the country performing an array of tasks.

Our overheads are kept small as we rely on our volunteers to care for the animals, take photographs, write profiles, coordinate photographers and profilers, do website content management, write stories for publications, do public relations and administrative work. Email and internet makes volunteering possible from anywhere. We are in need of volunteers in all fields.

We are always in need of donations to pay vet bills - every rescue animal has to be desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. Volunteer fundraisers and marketers to help raise these much needed funds.

If you’d like to donate, information can be found on: www.safe.asn.au/How_to_help/Donate.html If you’d like to make a difference and join our team of volunteers and foster carers, please email karratha@safe.asn.au or phone us at SAFE Karratha at (08) 9185 4634.

6. Drop the tablet into the back of the throat.

7. Close their mouth and rub the neck.

8. Ensure the tablet has been swallowed.

GIVING YOUR DOG A TABLET Refer to the instructions given by your veterinarian, and double check that you have the correct amount of medication.

1 Have your dog in a sitting position.

2 Place your hand over your dog’s muzzle.

3 Place your thumb and forefinger behind the large fang tooth.

4 Hold the tablet between your thumb and index finger of your second hand.

5 Open your dog’s mouth with your fingers of your second hand.

6 Place the tablets at the back of the throat and close the mouth.

7 Rub their neck.

8 Ensure that the tablet has been swallowed and give your dog lots of praise and reinforcement for swallowing.

Still no luck?

If you are unable to get your pet to take the tablet, try disguising it in something they love such as cheese, peanut butter or tuna.

However make check with our veterinarian first as some medication should not be given with food.

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