Swan Magazine April 2019

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IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES ANZAC

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10th Light Horse Statue Hugo Throssell VC Play Honours War Widow The Final Fear Books and Writing

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Autumn Activities at KSP 6 Just Out 3 My KSP Retreat 5 Poetry 11 The Idler 39 Reviews 3 Winner - Marathon Writing 6 Business

Front Page Photograph: Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo Photograph courtesy of 123Rf See article on page 11.

Business Card Board

Finance with Steve Networking

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$40,000 in Grants Annie’s Collective Wonderland Coal Power Stations - New Study Federal Notes Glennys Wins the Rona Okely Hypervision Now Open Notes From Parliament

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Community

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SAFE 46 Standing Up For Swan Hills 10 SVRN 44 The Compassionate Friends 47 What’s On 12 Leisure

House and Garden Entertainment

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Dining Out 22 Douglas’ Wineries and Dineries 24 Film 26 Women at War 26 Water Lilies of Monet 26 Footnote People in History 18 Theatre 28 Animal Farm

28 Back 33 Company 31 Managing Carmen 29 On Our Selection 30 The Wonderful World

of Dissocia 32 Star Quality at Garrick 34 TV With Chris 36 Wine 25 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.

SWAN MAGAZINE WEBSITE:

www.swanmagazine.com.au

Email: editor@swanmagazine.com.au Registered Address: 18 Tokay Lane, The Vines, Western Australia 6069 MAY DEADLINES: Advertisements: 1st May Editorial: 1st May Copyright: Swan Magazine 2019 2

BOOKS AND WRITING JUST OUT Title: Author: Publisher I.S.B.N:

same name, and puts the city of Perth Western Australia (once voted the most boring city in the world), at the centre of a postapocalyptic dystopia.

When Messenger isn’t putting pen to paper or pretending to be someone else in front of an audience, she lives with her partner and daughter in the city with the most trees per capita.

Luckily for Messenger, she believes boredom is overrated and loves to live where she can see lots of trees out her window.

The Night Guardian Jessica D Messenger Jessica D Messenger 9781 0912 1752 2

Ithe 21st century in the t’s the second half of

world’s most isolated city, Perth capital of the Republic of Westralia. The Pulse has been and gone, leaving wrack and ruin in its path as a result of the Big War - society has broken down and the new government needs a figurhead to spearhead it’s law and order programme.

Chosen because of her special gift, Ellen Smith is the Night Guardian.

Jessica Messenger’s debut novel.

REVIEWS Title: The Night Guardian Author: Jessica D Messenger Reviewer: Douglas Sutherland-Bruce

Fisolated capital in the world. Duncan ew novels are set in Perth, the most

Kyle set two thrillers here in the late 80’s. (The Honey Ant and Exit). Fewer still are postapocalyptic with caped crusaders, but that is what local author Jessica Messenger (known to her friends as ‘Jess Mess’) has given us – a novella of considerable charm and thoughtfulness, beautifully written and deeply engaging.

I defy anyone to read just twenty pages and then stop. This is a novella to be read at a single sitting and then re-read to appreciate and admire the neat touches and flourishes she has deftly inter-woven into the narrative.

Developed and adapted from her play of the same name, The Night Guardian is a compelling story of good and evil set where we work and play in Perth.

The titular Night Guardian, Ellen Smith, is a paranormally gifted police officer in a super-hero costume, taken as a small child from her parents and trained and brought up to be a tool of the State – chief face of the Police Force, superior in intellect, ostensibly devoid of feelings, but as Hamlet remarked ‘I could … count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams.’

While absolutely not being derivative in any way, the book is a true original, it does have echoes of Orwell’s 1984 in its depiction of absolutely total State control and just the tiniest hint of Walter Miller’s A Canticle for Leibowitz, as indeed do most dystopian novels.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, devoured it at a gulp and am left hungry for more.

I look forward with eager anticipation to Ms Messenger’s next work. Already an admirer of her stage and improvisation work (Sense and Spontaneity) I am astounded at the range of her skills.

The Night Guardian is available as a paperback and kindle edition from Amazon.com.

Very Highly Recommended Indeed. ~oOo~

About the Author:

Jessica Dianne Messenger is a Western Australian playwright and performer known for her work with Jane Austen comedy company, Sense & Spontaneity. She has a Master of Arts in Writing from Swinburne University and recently started adapting her play scripts into novels.

Her first novel, The Night Guardian is adapted from the play of the

Title: River of Salt Author: Dave Warner Reviewer: Chris McRae

Tmusician and screenwriter Dave

he latest from Australian author,

Warner, River of Salt adds yet another accomplished entry to the Aussie’s growing list

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of achievements.

Winning the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award for Fiction for City of Light in 1996 and the Ned Kelly Award for Best Australian Crime Fiction in 2015 with Before It Breaks are just some of his literary accomplishments.

He is also a renowned musician, being named a Western Australian State Living Treasure and has been inducted into the WAMi Rock’n’Roll of Renown.

Warner’s tenth novel brings together his talent for writing gripping crime fiction with the ruggedness of the Australian coastline. River of Salt kicks off in 1961 Philadelphia as Blake Saunders and his brother Jimmy work as hitmen for the Philadelphia mob.

When a double cross by Blake’s brother leads to betrayal, Blake flees the country and arrives on the shores of fictional coastal town, Coral Shores.

With the Australian coast proving a haven, Blake soon leaves his past behind, opening a local bar, the Surf Shack and playing guitar to pass the time.

Coral Shores is as far from Philly and his mob past as possible. However, when a local girl is discovered murdered, one of Blake’s employees is installed as the prime suspect. Blake must work to prove the innocence of his friend and is placed on the other side of the crime veil.

The story is fascinating and is overall, a gripping crime story with plenty of twists and turns. Warner provides insights through the eyes of the fascinating and multi faceted Blake as well as other characters pivotal to the crime and development of the case such as Surf Shack manager Doreen, town cop Sergeant Nalder and local teenager Kitty, all of whom provide a different and much needed perspective.

Splashing a grizzly crime thriller against the chilled coastal backdrop of coastal Queensland is a fantastic juxtaposition of mood and is very effective in setting up the drama. Although starting a little slow, the story really starts to grab your attention and is a fascinating and entertaining read.

River of Salt is available now from book stores and online from Fremantle Press.

novel, a crime story called City of Light, was published in 1995. It was the winner of the Best Fiction Work award at the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards in 1996.

In the same year his second book, Footy’s Hall of Shame also came out, featuring cartoons

by Steve Panozzo.

In 1997, Warner’s second crime novel, Big Bad Blood was published. He then wrote the first one in a series of humorous crime novels in the style of Agatha Christie, Murder in the Groove.

Published in 1998, the book featured Andrew “The Lizard” Zirk, a former rock star turned detective. In the same year were also published Racing’s Hall of Shame (co-written with Nicolas Brasch), Cricket’s Hall of Shame (again with cartoons by Panozzo) and 25 Years of Mushroom Records.

The second novel featuring “Lizard” Zirk, Murder in the Frame, was published in 1999. In 2000, Warner published eXXXpresso, a novel about an ex-criminal who intends to build a chain of prison-themed cafés, and Murder in the Off-Season, the third “Lizard” Zirk novel. ~oOo~

About the author: Dave Warner was born in Bicton, Western Australia in 1953. He attended Aquinas College and then the University of Western Australia where he graduated with a B.A. (Hons.), majoring in psychology.

In 1973, he formed the band Pus, which was influenced by radical 1960s New York activist band, The Fugs. Warner describes this band as “Australia’s first punk band”.

In 1982, his revue, The Sensational Sixties written and produced by Warner, was successful. In 1985, Warner wrote and appeared in a musical, The Sixties and All That Pop.

The first feature film written by Warner, Cut (2000), was a teen slasher starring Molly Ringwald and Kylie Minogue. He followed up with Balmain Boys and Garage Days (both 2002) and then Ravenswood (2006)

He was one of the chief writers of the drama TV series Going Home, as well as writing more than ten episodes of McLeod’s Daughters.

Warner has written both fiction and non-fiction. His first 4

BOOKS AND WRITING MY KSP WRITERS’ RETREAT SID WALLS

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arrived at KSP on a public holiday with a set of instructions for accessing the cabin photographed on my phone.

I passed the gate, unlocked the key box, wound down the pathway past the four fairy tale cabins in a still, gumtree scented heat, speculated if there was anyone else on the property.

I felt relieved that the key did what it was designed to do, I appreciated the sweet welcome treats, I admired the size of the desk, I arranged my laptop, my notebooks and pens, read through the cabin instructions with particular attention to potential snake encounters.

With flat leather sandals as my main walking shoes I reminded my inner shoeless Kiwi that this sort of thing just wouldn’t fly in snake country and I’d been in Australia too long to still believe sandals were an all-purpose footwear.

At some point I braved the chance of snakes meeting feet and ventured out of my cabin to the main house, the heat pushing my brain out my ears almost immediately.

I would think this strange until I noted the temperature was 40 degrees, around 7 degrees higher than I’d expected. I encountered another soul in the kitchen. She seemed warm, personable, and I also had the impression she had one foot in another world, that the realities of this one might slide off her like lesser concerns.

That wasn’t particularly accurate, or at least may only have revealed a fragment of the whole, as a rather incisive personality was eventually revealed, with quite an appetite for subversive humour, not the ethereal floater I’d first assumed, but it amuses me to record this first impression, quite possibly born from her stunned state at having also arrived from a colder city into this liquid heat.

We shared intended fellowship projects, and after this I spent the evening in my cabin. Truthfully I spent the first evening freaking out. While solitude with an en suite is my picture of heaven, I was hit by first night jitters that I was not ready for two weeks with my writing as primary company.

Due to the heat I hadn’t explored the neighbourhood as I would normally do to ground myself the instant I arrive in a new place, so was not sure how far I could escape on foot if needed. I was convinced I had arrived with writing fatigue and was in for two weeks of cabin fever, and felt like a waste of space in the face of an amazing opportunity most writers would die for, which I was about to squander.

Then I started reading Zadie Smith’s NW and forgot about myself, which is usually the best state we can hope for in this world. Then came the first night storm, and me forgetting to lock my cabin door.

In the morning I worked through the first chapter of my first draft and attended the Writers Circle. Lisa Holt was a charming and hilarious host. Afterwards Shannon Coyle provided gracious advice about staying at KSP.

It was either the second or third day that I fell into a frenzy of second draft edits that wiped out all memory of cabin fever fears and lack of productivity. Each day reached sunset before I’d even stopped to think. Normally a restless person who must wander for large periods of each day to stay sane, I left the cabin little. I also didn’t feel homesick once, which was unexpected, normally it would have occurred about once each week for a short period.

KSP was set up perfectly to allow me to dive into these maniacal edits - comfortable, private, beautiful, welcoming, and very obliging in providing companions. I met the other properly a few days into the residency, she was buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm for her work, and was admirably open and embracing, not interested in hiding behind the usual social disguises people try to protect themselves with.

I very much enjoyed us three, including the whispered final conversations of the night which would occur outside a cabin and the trips to Fremantle and the pub with the pet kangaroo.

The conversation and the jokes their company provided was a true pleasure and I hope we cross paths again. Additional highlights included the Thursday Night Group – the best kind of crew is a motley one, I wish I could return for the warm inclusion, the stories and the humour; and the delicious Literary Dinner and interesting readings and attendant conversation about place and belonging, which was wonderfully hosted by Elizabeth Lewis, Lisa Holt and Lisa Wolstenholme and the rest of the team.

And lastly that wide sky which would fill up with an unpredictable array of colours every evening, first casting gold light on the gums, morphing through pinks violets and oranges for a few hours, and finally thinning to a few streaks of oily red behind the cityscape, before being swallowed by the black.

Those evening skies were cherished, whether I returned to KSP under their colours after a wander, or watched them from the window of my cabin.

The stay at KSP was a true pleasure, and I thank everyone who helped to make it that way. Your charm and kindness meant a lot, and helped create a great environment for a productive fortnight of writing.

Places like KSP are rare, are necessary, don’t happen by accident and take much dedication.

Sidney Walls is an emerging writer, currently working on two first manuscripts - The days when life was lived in the air, a YA novel, and The Parisites, a tragicomedy.

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BOOKS AND WRITING AUTUMN ACTIVITIES AT KSP WINNER - MARATHON WRITING SHANNON COYLE COMPETITION

his April we have a swingin’ 60s literary dinner, full day school holiday workshop for young writers, deadline to book for a poetry workshop in May, and an Anzac special sundowner session.

SWINGIN’ 60S LITERARY DINNER

Tuesday 16th April From 6:00pm to 9.30pm

Join the members for an evening of groovy food and poetry readings from visiting Writer-in-Residence Les Wicks.

For forty years Les has been a substantial figure in the Australian literary community. He has been a guest at most of the nation’s literary festivals, toured widely and been published in over 350 different newspapers, anthologies and magazines across twenty-nine countries in fourteen languages.

His most recent publications are Guide to Sydney Rivers and To End All Wars (P&W, 2018), and Belief (Flying Islands, 2019).

HOLIDAY HUB

Thursday 18th April From 9.30am to 5.00pm

This full day adventure as part of National Youth Week will have young writers aged ten to twenty unleashing their creative minds with games, writing sprints, editing workshops, book craft and more.

All attendees will have the option of having work published on the KSP blog and/or in our end-our-year anthology, and will receive a participation certificate.

Tickets from $40 for Shire of Mundaring residents. BYO lunch.

Helen Iles and five time winner Amber Berriman

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welve people attended the Marathon Writing Competition hosted by the Society of Women Writers WA on Saturday 23 March 2019 at the State Library of WA.

All produced a rich source of stories or poems to take home with them.

The reigning champion, sixteen year old Amber Berriman of Gidgegannup, once more won the trophy. A Year 11 student, this is Amber’s fifth time as a marathon winner with a score of 59 from a possible 60.

Jude St Clair of Mandurah came second with a score of 49.

She has now won a place in eight marathons, having won the trophy twice, been placed second five times, and third once. Jude is a crime novelist who spent a year in New Orleans, researching and writing her stories.

Author and blogger, Melinda Tognini of Perth came third, with a score of 44.

POETRY WORKSHOP

Saturday 4th May From 10am-4.30pm

One of the country’s leading poetry facilitators, Les Wicks, will be giving a workshop in Perth at the KSP Writers' Centre.

You’ve worked hard, those poems of yours deserve a wider audience. This workshop will give you a unique set of strategies for polishing your work and getting it published regardless of whether you are new or developing voice.

Les' programs are known for their constructive and friendly orientation. BYO lunch. Tickets from $100.

Deadline to book: Friday 26th April.

SUNDOWNER SESSION

Friday 26th April From 6.30-8.30pm

This Anzac edition of KSP’s sundowner series features special guests Valerie Everett and Paul Bridges, who will launch the second edition of Blackboy Hill is Calling, the first comprehensive history of WA’s largest WWI military training camp. The event includes a talk about camp life, and insights into the process of creating the book. Tickets just $5 at the door for KSP members ($10 others). Complimentary wine on arrival thanks to Lion Mill Winery.

To book or for more details on any of these activities please visit the KSP website www.kspwriterscentre.com or phone the office on 9294 1872.

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SWAN COMMUNITY $40,000 IN GRANTS GRETA JASIAK

of a South Sudanese or African background through a series of activities.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said the two groups could now bring their great community ideas to life.

“Many community groups and organisations need grant funding to get their projects, activities and initiatives off the ground,” he said. “The City is delighted to support Indigo Junction and the South Sudan Community Association of WA to support their fantastic community-enriching initiatives.”

Whiteman Ward Councillor Adam Kovalevs said the Proactive Grants program aims to fund projects aligned to key focus areas. “This year’s Proactive Grants program focuses on three key areas, all aligned to City of Swan strategic objectives, which identify some of the most important community needs,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing the Community Connect and Youth Pro-Active projects achieve great outcomes for our City of Swan Community.”

For more information about available grants and funding under the City of Swan’s Community Funding Scheme, visit www. swan.wa.gov.au/availablegrants.

The City of Swan has awarded more than $40,000 in grants to two local groups undertaking invaluable community projects.

Indigo Junction, a not-for-profit organisation based in Midland, has been awarded $24,583 to implement its Community Connect project which aims to provide a safe space for individuals to express themselves, share their stories and feel a sense of belonging.

South Sudan Community Association of WA has also been awarded $20,000 to implement its Youth Pro-Active project, which aims to directly engage 200 young people (aged 12-25)

HYPERVISION NOW OPEN GRETA JASIAK

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he City of Swan is seeking entries for this year’s HyperVision competition and exhibition. HyperVision is delivered annually by Hyper, a team made up of a group of young volunteers and supported by City of Swan staff.

Artists are invited to submit work across photography, sculpture, traditional media, fashion/jewellery, short film, and experimental categories for a chance to win prizes and be exhibited at Midland Junction Arts Centre.

There will be major prizes awarded for each category and an overall winner will take home the grand prize of $1,000 cash.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said this year’s contest asks artists to submit works that discuss, display and explore the concept of Impact.

“Every year, the work submitted is incredibly inspiring and demonstrates the sheer level of creative talent in our young community,” he said.

“The City is proud to support the delivery of such a fantastic arts initiative through the Hyper Series, which aims to provide greater access to music and other contemporary arts experiences for young people in our region.

“I look forward to seeing what will be inspired through this year’s theme.”

Artists this year are encouraged to consider what impacts their lives; what impact they make on the planet, their world, their community, and other people.

They are also asked to think about what impact means to them, and what impact they think they should be they trying to achieve.

Applications for HyperVision are open for West Australian residents aged between 12 and 25. Entries close at 4pm on Friday, May 31 and successful finalists will be notified on Monday, June 10.

Finalist artwork will be exhibited at Midland Junction Arts Centre for four weeks from July 6 to August 9.

For more information, visit www.hyperfest. com.au, www.facebook.com/hypervision, call 0409 895 251 or email simon.oleary@swan. wa.gov.au.

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NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT BIKE RESCUE AND OTHERS Hon Donna Faragher JP MLC Member for East Metropolitan Region

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ach week I am fortunate to meet many individuals, groups and schools making a difference every day and the students from the Cyril Jackson Senior Campus Education Support Centre are one such example.

By participating in the Centre’s Bike Rescue Programme they learn about all aspects of bike maintenance and restoration while gaining important team building and other life skills. Giving back to the community is a key part of the programme with restored bikes being donated to a range of community groups and schools within the local area.

Bike Rescue relies on the donations of old bikes so if you have a bike, big or small, that you would like to donate to the programme, I would encourage you to make contact with the school.

Cyril Jackson’s Intensive Learning Centre also delivers a comprehensive swimming programme for their students. Many of these students are teenagers and young adults who have recently arrived in Australia on humanitarian grounds.

For some of these students the swimming programme provides their first ever opportunity to learn how to swim. I was therefore delighted to support the school’s recent donation drive to enable more students to access these swimming lessons.

Swimming forms a big part of Australian life so the importance of learning how to swim and understanding water safety cannot be underestimated. It was fantastic to chat to some of the students about

the value of this programme and to leave them with towels and other swimming equipment for the school to use next term.

Over the years I have also been a supporter of Rail Heritage WA and in March I attended their 60th anniversary celebrations at the Railway Museum in Bassendean.

Established in 1959, this volunteer-based organisation has long played a significant role in ensuring Western Australia’s rail heritage is preserved for current and future generations.

Their collection spans the entire spectrum of our State’s railway history and includes locomotives, rolling stock and various

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Donna Faragher JP MLC

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Member for East Metropolitan Region

Here to help!

Contact Donna 9379 0840 | faragher.eastmetro@mp.wa.gov.au donnafaragher.com.au DonnaFaragherMLC Ground Floor 108 Swan Street, Guildford WA 6055

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Authorised by S.Calabrese, Liberal Party, 2/12 Parliament Place, West Perth WA 6005.

items of railway memorabilia.

The Museum is open on Wednesdays between 1 and 4pm and Sundays between 1 and 5pm.

On Sunday, 5th May, as part of the Australian Heritage Festival, the Museum will be celebrating the centenary of their narrow gauge Dining Car AV425 through a Food on Rail event with guided tours highlighting how food was prepared, cooked and served in dining cars.

To find out more, please contact the Museum at events@ railheritagewa.org.au. It is sure to be a great day.

If you would like assistance on any State related issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office on 9379 0840.

FEDERAL NOTES MORE MONEY FOR MEDICINE

HON KEN WYATT AM, MP Member for Hasluck , Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health

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(NDIS) Appeals providers nationally, offering more advocacy and support for people with disability.

Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher has announced additional funding of $71,000 to Midland Information Debt and Legal Advocacy Service (MIDLAS) to assist NDIS participants and applicants in the Midland area to ensure National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) decisions are fair and robust.

With the additional funding there is now over $10 million in funding in 2019-20 provided to advocacy agencies to provide the support person services.

While the focus of NDIS Appeals is advocacy support, funding for legal services is available for cases with complex legal issues, or where the applicant does not have the capacity to self-represent.

I welcome the Morrison Government’s funding to much needed assistance and advocacy support in the Midland area.

These services can include explaining the review process, helping to prepare documents and providing advice and skills for better representation, and MIDLAS has the capability to perform these functions well and efficiently in order to build a stronger local community.

More information on NDIS Appeals can be found on the Department of Social Services website.

he Liberal National Government is investing $150 million to advance stem cell research that could potentially grow kidneys, repair damaged spinal cords and cure dementia for patients in Hasluck.

The establishment of the $150 million 10-year Australian Stem Cell Therapies Mission, funded through the Government’s landmark Medical Research Future Fund, will enable the momentum around stem cell science to continue.

Funding from this mission will accelerate the investigation of the use of stem cells from fat, cord blood, bone marrow and foetal tissue as possible treatments for spinal cord injuries.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said, this mission will also find new hope for patients with dementia as stem cells can grow into brain cells and as a result may have the potential to repair brain damage caused by neurological conditions.

“Stem cell treatments applied through regenerative medicine, precision medicine and synthetic biology will provide new, targeted and more effective treatments,” Minister Hunt said.

“They will reduce the burden of disease on patients and carers. They will enhance equity in health care by addressing unmet clinical needs.”

“Human stem cells are also currently being used to develop kidneys with functioning tissue as an alternative for renal replacement. This mission could fast-track the use of these kidneys in humans.”

With one in ten Australians having chronic kidney disease, one in three children having inheritable disease, and approximately 53 Australians dying every day from related kidney disease, stem cell medicine’s benefits are not only about individual health but the economic potential immense.

It has been estimated that if Australia were to capture a five per cent share of the burgeoning regenerative medicine market, this would represent $6 billion in annual revenue and create approximately 6,000 jobs.

Stem cell medicine is poised to become a core part of mainstream health care. It will transform and save the lives of people with incurable diseases.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the establishment of the Australian Stem Cell Therapies Mission is the first step in a coordinated effort to stimulate regenerative medicine research and industry in Australia.”

“Our Government is able to provide unprecedented levels of support to health and medical research because of our strong economic management.” Minister Hunt said.

“This funding is made available through our landmark Medical Research Future Fund —an endowment fund which will mature at $20 billion, providing a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research.”

It is the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history.

Since 2013 the government have provided $506.6 million for stem cell research through the National Health and Medical Research Council.

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KEN WYATT MP Federal Member for Hasluck 9359 0322

ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au

kenwyatt.com.au

NDIS

The Morrison Government has announced over $5 million in additional funding to National Disability Insurance Scheme

kenwyattmp

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

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STANDING UP FOR SWAN HILLS STANDING UP FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT JESSICA SHAW

CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME

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lastic pollution is a real problem for the environment and has devastating impacts on wildlife. It was truly heartbreaking to see the recent story of a juvenile whale starving to death off the coast off the Philippines, after eating forty kilograms of plastic bags.

National figures from 2014–15 show WA had the highest rate of waste generation per capita in the nation, and the equal second lowest rate of resource recovery. This has to change!

That is why we are introducing a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).

The CDS will provide a 10 cent refund for all eligible beverage containers including soft drink cans and Advertisement

Jessica Shaw MLA LOCAL MEMBER FOR SWAN HILLS

@JessicaShawMLA Jessica.Shaw@mp.wa.gov.au 9296 7688 HERE TO HELP Aveley, Bailup, Belhus, Brigadoon, Bullsbrook, Chidlow, Ellenbrook, Gidgegannup, Melaleuca, Mount Helena, Sawyers Valley, The Vines, Upper Swan, and Wooroloo.

Office Address 13/31 Egerton Drive Aveley WA 6069

Postal Address PO Box 2265 Ellenbrook WA 6069

Standing up for Swan Hills

bottles, bottled water containers, juice boxes and flavoured milk cartons.

The CDS targets beverage containers that are generally consumed away from the home and most commonly seen as litter. Containers will need to be returned to a refund point, where all containers will be recycled. None of the containers will be disposed of to landfill!

The CDS is very well supported by the community, with 97% of survey respondents supporting the scheme. It will result in 706 million fewer beverage containers being littered, and 5.9 billion fewer containers sent to landfill over twenty years. 500 jobs will be created at container sorting facilities and refund points. Local kids will be able to exchange bottles, cans and even juice boxes for some extra pocket money and fundraising activities.

The scheme (which will start in early 2020) has many benefits including:

• protecting the environment

• reducing litter

• increasing recycling rates

• protecting fauna from the harmful effects of plastic in our natural environment

• reducing the amount of plastic going to landfill

• creating local jobs

• assisting charities

The CDS will be consistent with schemes across other states in Australia, so the community have a consistent experience and it will assist in minimising implementation costs. The scheme will be coordinated through a not for profit organisation. Designed to provide business opportunities for social enterprises and help charities and community organisations raise money to fund vital community work.

Recycling has a number of positive economic benefits, it creates more jobs than sending waste to landfill. Every 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled creates 9.2 full-time jobs compared with 2.8 jobs when the same amount of waste is sent to landfill.

Concluded on page 52 ...

Authorised by Jessica Shaw, 13/31 Egerton Drive, Aveley, WA 6069

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COMMUNITY GLENNYS WINS THE RONA OKELY AWARD

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eaders of the Swan Magazine are familiar with Ms Marsdon’s regular monthly column of insight and observation The Idler.

But less well known is her help to consumers about their rights through education and advocacy.

The kind of behavior that is recognised by the Consumer Protection Awards with a framed certificate and a cash prize.

Among others The Rona Okely Award is given to an individual who has given their time, energy and experience for the betterment of others.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said the awards present a golden opportunity for people working in this area to have their tremendous efforts recognised.

“There are many individuals and organisations in the community who work tirelessly to assist consumers, including tenants, by providing them with advice, education and advocacy services,” Mr Hillyard said.

“Included in the awards are those who are dedicated to improving product safety and for journalists, producers and media outlets who are crucial in our efforts to raise public awareness of consumer issues.”

The Awards were presented at a breakfast function at The University Club by the Minister for Commerce and Industrial Relations Bill Johnston.

Glennys was presented with the Rona Okely Award. For thirty years Glennys has researched and advocated for Western Australian consumers across a wide range of issues. In three years on Consumer Protection’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) Glennys has reviewed issues regarding retirement villages, will banks, student housing, overseas cruises, funeral plans, caravan parks and the Residential Glennys Marsdon with her Rona Okely Award Tenancies Act.

Glennys alerted CAC to large scale professional ‘get rich quick’ seminars and even attended several of the vulnerable period after a funeral. Her book was taken up these day-long events to report on the sales techniques. by the Australian Red Cross, Solaris Care and has been used by

As a result, Consumer Protection wrote to event organisers counsellors during the Victorian Bush Fires and the New Zealand to make them aware of their legal obligations and placed staff Pike Mine disaster, continuing to sell today. outside the events to distribute leaflets warning consumers.

She has also run workshops on how to avoid being

Glennys’ 2005 book 50 Ways To Grieve Your Lover scammed when self-publishing. reminds widows to be especially aware of scammers during

Her column, The Idler, can be found on page 39.

POETRY A DEVIL OF ANY COLOUR

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D VAN ROSS

t is Devilish behaviour When a body with lots of money Enters Paradise as Saviour, Strips its green, takes its honey; Poisons land and waterway Leaves indigenés manage how they may.

TRACKS

P Gods land,

DF BROND

uny, engrossed, formulaic human creatures are we Most intent on leaving personal marks on

Indeed, some whimsical notions have been left to see From imminent writers, with a ghostly prescient hand.

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WHAT’S ON IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN EVENT LISTED IN THIS COLUMN RING our office on 0418 934 850 Entries for non-profit entities are free.

SWAN WOODTURNERS GROUP

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.

The group meets in the rear hall of The Senior Citizens’ Centre, The Avenue, Midland, at 1-00pm. on 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Tuesday, and at 7-00pm. on 2nd Tuesday of each month. A demonstration and cuppa are the norm. Men and Women are welcome. Enquiries to Ted 9295 4438.

AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOC. Discussion groups, guest speakers, morning tea. Free breastfeeding counselling. Expectant mothers, mothers, babies and children welcome. National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 2686 is a 24 hour 7 days a week service.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE

Monday Mornings The Art Group meets at Baskerville Hall from 9am – 12pm for just $5.00 per session.

Group leader Gilly can help and advise with most media. Feel free to come and have a look and meet our local artists – they are a very friendly lot, new members welcome!

For more information call 9296 1976 or enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre.com www.swanvalleycommunitycentre.com

Swan/Mundaring Group meets every Monday, 9:30-11:30am at the Gumnuts Family Centre, 8 Mudalla Way, Koongamia. A qualified ABA counsellor is present at each meeting to give confidential information and support on breastfeeding issues.

Contact Natalie 9572 4971.

EASTERN DISTRICTS MACHINE KNITTERS

Kalamunda Group meets fortnighly on a Thursday, 9:3011:30am at the Maida Vale Baptist Church, Edney Road, High Wycombe. Contact Jenny 9252 1996.

Friday - second and fourth We meet from 9:00am to noon at 10 Brockman Road, Midland.

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

For more information contact Pat 9309 3260; Liz 9572 7074 or Pat 9295 2793.

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.

SWAN HARMONY SINGERS

Wednesdays Come and sing with us! Swan Harmony Singers is a community choir that meets, 7-9pm, to 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.

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.

THE ZONTA CLUB OF SWAN HILLS

Wedneswday, March 20th at the Mallard Duck.

Zonta, an International Service organization works to improve the lives of Women and Girls locally and internationally.

Projects include Studies Assistance Grant to two girls at Cyril Jackson and Let Us Learn Madagascar a program that encourages girls to attend school, ensuring there are suitable toilets and girls have access to sanitary items. Teacher training is provided. Guests are welcome. To find out more about these and other projects or if you wish to be a guest please contact Ruth (08) 9272 9442 or email ruth@amsaustralia.com.

Find us on facebook on www. zonta.org

ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY WEIGHT LOSS CLUB

Every Tuesday evening We meet from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at the Woodlake Community Hall, Meeting room 1 Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly support group at low cost. Male and females of all ages welcome.

Contact Shirley 9276 7938 shirleysardelich@aapt.net.au.

HILLS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP

1st Wednesday of each month Hilltop Grove Estate, 1645 Jacoby Street, Mahogany Creek.

Morning tea provided, between 10.30 - 12.00 noon.

Enquiries Terina 9572 1655.

MORRIS DANCING

ELLENBROOK AND DISTRICT MENS SHED INC.

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: Christine Hogan: 9279 8778 Email: madtattersmorris@iinet.Net.Au Website: madtattersmorris.myclub.org.au

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.

12

WHAT’S ON MUSTARD SEED - DISCOVERING COMPUTERS

Mustard Seed is a nineteen year old non-profit organisation and teaches all aspects of everyday computing. Ability levels from beginners onwards.

Want help with Windows 10? In need of instruction with your Mac computer? Have an iPad or Android tablet and don’t know what it will do? We can help. Cost is $2 per session.

Classes are held at 56 McGlew Road, Glen Forrest. To gain a place enrol now by phoning 0491 044 805 or emailing: mustardcomputers@gmail.com W: noodlebytes.com

TALKING HORSES

Wednesday evenings 6:00pm The WA Horse Council equestrian radio program is now in its seventh year. The programme is broadcast on the Community Radio Station 91.3 SportFM. To ensure that your club, event, breed or business gets coverage, call Diane Bennit 0409 083 617.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE SWAN VALLEY HOMESCHOOL FAMILY PLAYGROUP

Thursday mornings 9:15am to 11:15am Older siblings welcome to join playgroup in a rural setting in the Swan Valley. Normal playgroup guidelines apply for children zero to five years old.

Baskerville Hall, 129 Memorial Drive, Baskerville. For more information ring 0419 922 792 or email enquiries@ swanvalleycommunitycentre.com

MIDLAND MEN’S SHED

Every Tuesday morning We meet socially every Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am in the Bellevue Baptist Church Hall and our usual attendance is around fifty-five. At least once a month we have a guest speaker on a range of topics.

We also go on excursions to various places of interest (e.g.

HMAS Stirling, Aviation Museum, Fremantle Ports, ALCOA, etc.).

Our workshop with wood working and metal working is in Midvale and for the opening hours and further details please contact Rob Cutter on 0419 967 873. Also in operation is our music group – the Rockin’ Shedders which is going from strength to strength and their repertoire of songs increases each week.

For more information on the Shed please contact Kevin Buckland on 0417 961 971 or email: kebinsv@tpg.com.au.

THE HILLS CHOIR Mondays We practice on Mondays from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Uniting Church in Stoneville Road, Mundaring. We are looking for Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses over the age of sixteen to join us. We sing a range of sacred and secular music in four parts.

Please phone Margie on 9295 6103, email the thehillschoir@ gmail.com or visit their website www. hillschoir.org.au.

MUNCHKINSMUZIC A BRAND NEW MUSIC PROGRAM FOR 2-4 YEAR OLDS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS IN THE SWAN VALLEY Grubb Run by Margaret ialist ec Primary Music Sp

$100 Per Term 9.30am -10.10am or 10.30-11.10am Thursday

Email now to secure you r place

129 Memorial Drive Baskerville www.swanvalleycommunitycentre.com enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre.com 9296 1976 (leave a message) 13

ANZAC THE FINAL FEAR GEORGE BROOK

H

is medals clinked as he turned in at the school gate. Pausing, he surveyed the quiet panorama of sports fields stretching down to the eucalypts at the river. The air was crystal clear and the sky astonished with that deep blue that Australians yearn for when they are overseas.

But there was that first autumn chill in the air and his polished shoes scuffed through fallen leaves and slashed twigs.

He mused that black cockatoos and machine guns had the same effect on foliage.

Accustomed as he was to making speeches, this was something new. He felt uncertain about the few notes he had jotted down. It had seemed easy at the party, on his fourth glass of Shiraz, to agree to the headmaster’s suggestion. As an old boy, he should address the school for ANZAC day. The head was certain he would give a good speech.

But the headmaster had been on his fourth glass too.

He was greeted at reception and ushered into the staff common room. The conversation over morning coffee centred on the thousand small changes one saw upon returning to an old haunt. And then it was time for the assembly and he followed the headmaster onto the stage. Looked out at the ranks of students.

There was a short introduction on the purpose of the assembly, apparently to commemorate Australia’s military history. After a brief, glorified biography of one of the school’s eminent former students, he was invited to approach the lectern.

The sound of the polite applause died and he looked down on the hundreds of expectant faces. Just dots on a Seurat canvas.

He realised that their image of him would be a splotch of formal grey, with a few bright spots of colour next to the jacket pocket.

He hesitated and noted the slight movements before him. A whisper here, a giggle there, a snigger somewhere else.

Normally he would have started with a few jokes. Lighten the atmosphere and get the audience on side. Bugger that, he thought. I don’t really feel like jokes today.

“Let me start by assuring you of something. Our army today is not so very different to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps of 1915. It still depends on people, with all their fears and hopes and ambitions.

“When you see the ANZAC parade, think about each person as being just like you. They once went off to war with very mixed up feelings about what might happen. A soldier’s life is full of fears. And each one of those fears has to be overcome. I’d like to try and explain five of those fears.

“The first fear was typical of the thinking, at the start of the First World War. Australia was a long way from anywhere.

The young soldiers were worried things would be over before they got there. The war was a great chance to get away from the humdrum of life on the farm or in the factory. They feared they’d miss out on the adventure and excitement. Remember that up to that time, wars were usually short affairs fought by small professional armies. 1915 changed all that.

“I don’t think anyone worries about missing out any more.

An airliner can take you to some place close to the front line in a few hours. Nowadays we’re scared of getting there too fast – before we’re properly equipped and trained. An army has to fight with what it’s got – not what it should have. And if your gear was designed for the last war, well, that’s about par for the course.”

“The second fear is something rather more serious. It’s

the fear of losing the war. It’s the fear of what life would be like, if there were foreign soldiers marching down your street. It was that fear that drove the Turks to fight so hard at Gallipolli.

They weren’t worried about great strategic ideas. They simply hated the idea of British and French and ANZAC troops parading through Constantinople. That is the essence of war. You keep fighting because you can’t live with the alternative.

“Politicians emphasise that feeling in order to boost recruiting. But the army concentrates on a third fear. This is the soldier’s fear of letting his mates down. The Australian army drills into its recruits the idea that you will never, never leave a mate on the battlefield. You need them. They need you. Simple as that.”

He paused. He could feel some fidgeting of the teachers.

This was not the speech they had expected. But he did have their total attention.

“However, it is nothing like as simple as that. I guess every soldier goes off to war believing deep down, that nothing really bad is going to happen. The next guy might get hurt but he himself will come through OK. If he believed otherwise, he wouldn’t go.

“This feeling lasts until about ten seconds into your first contact with the enemy. And suddenly you know you’re not immortal. It takes great strength to keep going. Having your mates with you helps. In the Second World War, the Australian aircrew, as part of the bomber offensive over Europe, kept flying.

It was night after night, year after year. In the face of the most appalling casualties. Similarly the German U-boats continued to put to sea in the last year of the war. Despite the high likelihood of being sunk.

“So the fourth fear is the one we all recognise. It’s the fear of dying or, perhaps worse, being maimed. War is long periods of total boredom, stuck in a desert or jungle or mountains.

Somewhere you don’t want to be. This boredom is punctuated by short periods of intense terror.

“In Hollywood films, when the hero is wounded, he curses and applies a field dressing. Then he resumes fighting. Let me tell you, it’s nothing like that. When you’re hit, you go down and you stay down. The battle no longer matters. Often you become unconscious from the shock. If you stay conscious, your muscles no longer work properly and you start shaking all over. You scream and scream from the pain. All you want is to be safe at home and lying in a nice warm bed.”

He paused to let that blunt truth sink in.

“Today, as you can see, I’m wearing my medals. Not one of them is for any sort of bravery. They are known as campaign ribbons. All they really signify is that I was involved at some time in defending this country. But, remember. All the campaign medals you see in the dawn service, or the ANZAC parade, are well earned. They involve overcoming your fears and doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.

“The winning country is usually the one whose common folk are sufficiently determined to keep going. The most important bravery doesn’t give in to the fatigue and fears.”

The audience was now totally silent. Looking down, he thought a few students in the front row looked a bit pale. Maybe time to wrap up the speech and go home.

“Which brings me to the fifth fear. At the end of each war, the servicemen and women come home. To family and friends 14

ANZAC who have little idea of all the ghastly details. Generally the veterans don’t talk about their experiences. Why not? Because there are no words to describe the horrors, to people who weren’t there. So they keep it light and tell jokes about the boredom or the fun times or the idiocies of military life. On the realities they mostly stay silent.

“And that is when the last fear kicks you in the guts.” He paused again for dramatic effect. “It is, of course, the fear of you, and everything you tried to do with all your mates, being totally forgotten.”

He stopped. This was a good place to stop. Lest We Forget.

The core message of ANZAC Day. The whole auditorium was giving him its total attention. You could hear the proverbial pin drop. The students were not going to forget this speech anytime soon.

And yet there was something else. He was coming to the realisation that there was an issue even greater than the fifth fear. He took a deep breath.

“I started this speech by assuring you of how alike you are to that generation, who went into action on the 25th April, 1915. And how alike the world is with so-called leaders who are still prepared to push nationalism and religion and other philosophies. They do it to increase their personal power and to dominate other peoples and cultures.

“So we commemorate ANZAC Day, to keep the memory of all that misery alive. My generation knows that we can depend on you because you are so much like us. And we, who somehow overcame all those fears, are now absolutely terrified. For if it is all forgotten, then we will have to ask you to do it too.”

The End

New Zealander Squadron Leader Les Munro, the last surviving pilot of the famed Dambuster’s Raid. Photograph taken shortly before his death in 1915 at the age of 96. He is shown wearing almost all his medals, not including the French Legion of Honour he was awarded in 2015

HUGO THROSSELL VC

H

ugo Vivian Hope Throssell Hugo Throssell was born in Northam, Western Australia on 26 October 1884, the son of former Premier of Western Australia, George Throssell, known widelky as ‘The Lion of Northam’.

He was educated in Adelaide where, nicknamed "Jimmy", he was a noted athlete and captain of three intercollegiate sports teams. At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Throssell joined the Australian Imperial Force and was allotted to the 10th Light Horse Regiment. As a second lieutenant Hugo Throssell fought at Gallipoli.

According to the Australian Dictionary of Biography:

He wanted to avenge the 10th L.H.R. which, like so many of the Anzac troops, was battle-worn, sick and depleted.

His chance came later that month at Hill 60 during a postponed attempt by British and Anzac troops to widen the strip of foreshore between the two bridgeheads at Anzac and Suvla by capturing the hills near Anafarta. Hill 60, a low knoll, lay about half a mile Capt. Hugo Throssell VC from the beach. Hampered by confusion and lack of communication between the various flanks, the battle had been raging for a week with heavy losses.

On 29–30 August 1915 Second Lieutenant Throssell, although severely wounded in several places, refused to leave his post during a counter-attack or to obtain medical assistance until all danger was passed, when he had his wounds dressed and returned to the firing line until ordered out of action by the Medical Officer. By his personal courage and example he kept up the spirits of his party and was largely instrumental in saving the situation at a critical period.

For these actions he was both Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry available to any serving soldier.

Whilst recuperating from his wounds in London he was introduced to Katharine Susannah Prichard, an Australian journalist who had recently won a significant novel competition and would go on to be a famous author and socialist. He eventually returned to active service, rejoining the 10th Light Horse in the Middle East where he fought in a number of engagements, and achieved the rank of captain. He returned home in 1918 and in 1919 married Prichard.

In the following years Throssell was an outspoken opponent of war, and claimed that the suffering he had seen had made him a socialist. His stance on the futility of war outraged many people, especially as it was being expressed by a national war hero and the son of a respected and conservative former premier. His very public political opinions badly damaged his employment prospects, and he fell deeply into financial debt. On 19 November 1933, he killed himself .

He was buried with full military honours in the Karrakatta cemetery. A statue of Throssell was unveiled in the Avon Mall in Northam on Anzac Day 2015.

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ANZAC PLAY TO HONOUR WAR WIDOW SHANNON COYLE

A

short play will capture the unlikely friendship between distinguished author Katharine Susannah Prichard and renowned Australian concert pianist David Helfgott which was forged in the late 1960s.

Katharine, who was in her 80s at the time, and David, who was just a teenager, enjoyed Friday night chats at Katharine’s home on Old York Road in Greenmount, where she lived for most of her life and which is now the site of the KSP Writers’ Centre.

David’s life, including this friendship with Katharine and struggle with schizoaffective disorder, inspired the Academy Award-winning film Shine.

Sometimes David became so enchanted by the conversation with Katharine that he would miss the last bus home and spend all night walking twenty-one kilometers to his family home in Highgate.

David’s sister Louise Helfgott, a writer and nominee for the 2018 Dorothy L-R: Elizabeth Lewis (Chairperson, Katharine Susannah Hewett Award, has written the script, Prichard Writers’ Centre), Douglas Sutherland-Bruce (Director, called Potchnagoola, which will be Potchnagoola), Louise Helfgott (Playwright) and Shannon Coyle produced by local director Douglas (Director, Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre).

Sutherland-Bruce and has been endorsed (Photograph

by David Baylis)

by David Helfgott, who now lives in NSW with his wife Gillian. from Northam who had just received a Victoria Cross medal

Katharine gained international recognition when her from King George V at Buckingham Palace.

1915 novel The Pioneers won the Hodder and Stoughton All

Both Katharine and Hugo lost brothers in the Great War, Empire Literature Prize for Australasia. Not long after receiving which affected them greatly. They went on to become pacifists this award, she was introduced to her future husband Hugo and anti-war activists.

Throssell, a strapping young Captain of the 10th Light Horse

Sadly, Hugo could not overcome his memories of battle and tragically took his own life in 1933.

‘Katharine didn’t work for a long time after Hugo died,’ says KSP Writers’ Centre director Shannon Coyle.

‘Losing Hugo left a hole in her heart that could never fully repair. Coming to terms with this grief, though, through literature, music and an unlikely friendship with David, is beautifully explored in Louise’s play.’

The play will have a one day run at the KSP Writers’ Centre as part of the Colours of Katharine community event on Sunday 6th October. The event is a commemoration to honour Katharine for the 50th anniversary of her death, and is supported by the WA state government.

A strictly limited number of tickets for the play will go on sale in the next few months through Eventbrite. The L to R: Hugo Throssell VC, unknown, unknown and Katherine Colours of Katharine event, including Susannah Pritchard. tours and activities, is free.

Taken at Wandsworth Hospital, England 1916 16

ANZAC 10TH LIGHT HORSE STATUE SCOTT STIRLING

F

ederal Member for Hasluck, Ken Wyatt MP, has said that he is pleased that the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Defence Personnel and Minister Assisting the PM on the Centenary of ANZAC, Darren Chester MP, agreed to visit Stirling Square in Guildford as part of Mr Wyatt’s ongoing campaign to fund a 10th Light Horse Statue.

Ministers Wyatt and Chester met with the 10th Light Horse Statue Committee, a group of passionate locals familiar with the historical contribution of this region to the Great War, to unveil to the Minister for Veterans Affairs a model of proposed statue.

“The statue does not pay tribute to any one man L-R: Councillor Charlie Zannino, the Hon Ken Wyatt and the Hon Darren or horse, but rather honours Chester with the model of Charles Robb’s proposed statue all those who played such a significant role in the First

“In future, our support will extend into assistance with World War.

“The 10th Light Horse Regiment AIF was the only AIF light project management, installation supervision and ongoing maintenance at the memorial site in the years to come.” horse regiment established in Western Australia during the

The Committee is made up of City of Swan representatives First World War,” Mr Wyatt said. including Councillor Zannino, community representatives

In August 2018 Mr Wyatt participated in a ceremony to from the Guildford Association and Swan Guildford Historical unveil the winning design by sculpture artist Charles Robb.

Society and military historians.

Committee Chairman and Swan Valley/Gidgegannup Ward

According to the Australian War Memorial, the regiment Councillor Charlie Zannino said the City of Swan proudly was raised in October 1914 when it became apparent that supports the memorial project.

“The City has to date contributed $100,000 from its Public Western Australia could provide more than a single squadron of mounted soldiers. The regiment joined the 3rd Light Horse Art Reserve toward the completion of the sculpture,” he said.

Brigade in Egypt and served dismounted at Gallipoli.

“In addition to our financial contribution, the City has The regiment's most famous actions were the charge at coordinated the entire tendering process for the procurement the Nek on 7 August 1915, and Hill 60 on 29-30 August. It was of the artist. in this last action that Lieutenant Hugo V.H. Throssell performed the valorous deeds for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

He was the only Australian light horseman to be so decorated during the Great War. Mr Wyatt stated that he was proud to have been involved thus far in the project and congratulated the Committee on their tireless advocacy.

“The 10th Light Horse is an iconic regiment particular to Western Australia, with its origins in Guildford. It is very important to recognise its embryonic growth and its continuance in the history annals of military campaigns.

“The project has already secured funding from the City of Swan, and now is the right time to honour these brave soldiers with The proposed statue by Charles Robb federal funds,” Mr Wyatt said.

17

FOOTNOTE PEOPLE IN HISTORY MAJOR AUDIE MURPHY (1925 - 1971)

A

udie Leon Murphy was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. He received every military combat award for valour available from the U.S. Army, as well as French and Belgian awards for heroism.

Murphy was born, the seventh of twelve children, in 1925 to Texan sharecroppers of Irish descent. (His headstone states ‘Born 1924’, but that was wrong, as we shall see)

As a child, Murphy was a loner with mood swings and an explosive temper. Murphy dropped out of school in fifth grade and got a job picking cotton for a dollar a day to help support his family; he also became skilled with a rifle, hunting small game to help feed them after his father abandoned the family.

His mother died in 1941 and authorities placed his three youngest siblings in an orphanage. The loss of his mother stayed with Murphy throughout his life.

Murphy had always wanted to be a soldier. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, he tried to enlist, but the Army, Navy and Marine Corps all turned him down for being underweight and underage.

Murphy’s older sister helped him to falsify documentation about his birthdate, amending it to 1924 in order to meet the minimum-age requirement for enlisting, and in June 1942 he was accepted into the US Army. During basic training he earned the Marksman Badge before being sent for advanced infantry training.

In 1943 Murphy was shipped to Casablanca in French Morocco. When the 3rd Infantry landed at Licata, Sicily, on 10 July, Murphy was a division runner. On a scouting patrol, he killed two fleeing Italian officers.

Murphy participated in the September 1943 mainland Salerno landing. While on a scouting party along the Volturno River, he and two other soldiers were ambushed; German machine gun fire killed one soldier. Murphy and the other survivor responded by killing five Germans with hand grenades and machine gun fire.

While taking part in the October Allied assault on the Volturno Line, he and his company repelled an attack by seven German soldiers, killing three and taking four prisoner.

Murphy was promoted to sergeant in December and staff sergeant the following January.

He was unable to participate in the initial landing at the Anzio through illness but returned in time for the First Battle of Cisterna, being promoted to platoon sergeant following the battle.

He returned to Anzio where they remained for months.

Taking shelter from the weather in an abandoned farmhouse, Murphy and his platoon killed the crew of a passing German tank. He then crawled out alone close enough to destroy the tank with rifle grenades, for which he received the Bronze Star.

Murphy continued to make scouting patrols to take German prisoners before being hospitalized with a second bout of malaria. Sixty-one infantry officers and enlisted men were awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge in 8 May.

During the first wave of the Allied invasion of southern France, Murphy received the Distinguished Service Cross for actions taken in August 1944 - after landing on Yellow Beach Murphy's platoon was making its way through a vineyard when the men were attacked by German soldiers. He retrieved a machine gun that had been detached from the squad and returned fire at the German soldiers, killing two and wounding

Audie Murphy photographed in 1948 wearing U.S. Army uniform with full-size medals one.

Two Germans exited a house about 90 metres away and appeared to surrender; when Murphy's best friend responded, they shot and killed him. Murphy advanced alone on the house under direct fire. He killed six, wounded two and took eleven prisoners.

Murphy's first Purple Heart was for a heel wound received in a mortar shell blast in September 1944 in northeastern France. His first Silver Star came after he killed four and wounded three at a German machine gun position in October.

Three days later, Murphy crawled alone towards the Germans at L'Omet, carrying a radio and directing his men for an hour while the Germans fired directly at him. When his men finally took the hill, fifteen Germans had been killed and thirtyfive wounded. Murphy's actions earned him a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for his Silver Star.

In October of that year he was awarded a battlefield commission to second lieutenant, which elevated him to platoon leader. While en route to Brouvelieures in October, the platoon was attacked by a German sniper group. Murphy captured two before being shot in the hip by a sniper; he returned fire and shot the sniper between the eyes.

At the Hospital the removal of gangrene from the wound caused partial loss of his hip muscle and kept him out of combat until January.

18

Murphy received his first Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for his Purple Heart for this injury.

The Colmar Pocket, some two thousand square kilometres, in the Vosges Mountains, had been held by German troops since November 1944. On 14 January 1945, Murphy rejoined his platoon, and moved with the 3rd Division to the town of Holtzwihr, where they faced a strong German counterattack.

He was wounded in both legs, for which he received a second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for his Purple Heart. As the company awaited reinforcements on 26 January, he was made commander of Company B.

The Germans scored a direct hit on an M10 tank destroyer, setting it alight, forcing the crew to abandon it. Murphy ordered his men to retreat to positions in the woods, remaining alone at his post, shooting his M1 carbine and directing artillery fire via his field radio while the Germans aimed fire directly at his position.

Murphy mounted the abandoned, burning tank destroyer and began firing its .50 caliber machine gun at the advancing Germans, killing a squad crawling through a ditch towards him. For an hour, Murphy stood on the flaming tank destroyer returning German fire from foot soldiers and advancing tanks, killing or wounding fifty Germans. He sustained a leg wound during his stand, and stopped only after he ran out of ammunition.

Murphy rejoined his men, disregarding his own injury, and led them back to repel the Germans. He insisted on remaining with his men while his wounds were treated.

For his actions that day, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. The 3rd Infantry Division was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions at the Colmar Pocket, giving Murphy a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for the emblem.

On 16 February, Murphy was promoted to first lieutenant and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service from January 1944 to February 1945. He was moved from the front lines to Regimental Headquarters and made a liaison officer.

Brigadier General Ralph B. Lovett and Lieutenant Colonel Hallet D. Edson recommended Murphy for the Medal of Honour for his actions at Holtzwihr.

When asked after the war why he had seized the machine gun and taken on an entire company of German infantry, he replied, “They were killing my friends.”

Murphy received every U.S. military combat award for valour available from the U.S. Army for his World War II service.

The United States additionally honoured Murphy's war contributions with:

American Campaign Medal,

The European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with arrowhead device and nine campaign stars,

The World War II Victory Meda,

The Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp and

Good Conduct Medal

France recognized his service with the French Legion of Honor – Grade of Chevalier,the French Croix de guerre with Silver Star, the French Croix de guerre with Palm, the French Liberation Medal and the French Fourragère in Colours of the Croix de guerre, [the lanyard shown in the photograph over his left shoulder] which was authorized for all members of the 3rd Infantry Division who fought in France during World War II. Belgium awarded Murphy the Belgian Croix de guerre with 1940 Palm.

He was discharged with the rank of first lieutenant at a fifty percent disability classification in September 1945 and transferred to the Officers' Reserve Corps.

Since his military service, Murphy had been plagued with insomnia and bouts of depression, and he slept with a loaded

pistol under his pillow. A post-service medical examination in June 1947 revealed symptoms of headaches, vomiting, and nightmares about the war.

Post-traumatic stress levels exacerbated his innate moodiness, and surfaced in episodes that friends and professional colleagues found alarming. Murphy briefly found a creative stress outlet in writing poetry after his Army discharge.

His poem The Crosses Grow on Anzio appeared in his book To Hell and Back, but was attributed to a fictitious character.

In an effort to draw attention to the problems of returning Korean War and Vietnam War veterans, Murphy spoke out candidly about his own problems with posttraumatic stress disorder. It was known during Murphy's lifetime as "battle fatigue" and "shell shock", terminology that dated back to World War I.

He called on the government to give increased consideration and study to the emotional impact of combat experiences, and to extend health care benefits to war veterans.

When actor and producer James Cagney saw an issue of Life magazine depicting Murphy as the "most decorated soldier" in 1946 ,he brought him to Hollywood although nothing eventuated until Hollywood writer David "Spec" McClure befriended Murphy and used his connections to get Murphy a bit part in Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven. And in 1949 he had the lead in Bad Boy compelled by the film’s financial backers.

Universal Studios signed Murphy to a seven-year studio contract. His first film for them was as Billy the Kid in The Kid from Texas in 1950 and he played the lead of ‘The Youth’ in the 1951 The Red Badge of Courage, and his career was assured.

Although Murphy was initially reluctant to appear as himself in To Hell and Back, the 1955 adaptation of his book directed by Jesse Hibbs, he eventually agreed and it became the biggest hit in the history of Universal Studios at the time.

During the early 1960s, Murphy donated his time and otherwise lent his name and image for three episodes of The Big Picture television series produced by the United States Army.

He received the 1960 Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for his cooperation in the episode Broken Bridge, which featured his visits to military installations in Germany, Italy, Turkey and New Mexico to showcase the military's latest weaponry.

Murphy bred quarter horses at the Audie Murphy Ranch in what is now Menifee, California and the Murphy Ranch in Pima County, Arizona. His horses raced at the Del Mar Racetrack, and he invested large sums of money in the hobby.

Murphy's gambling left his finances in a poor state. In spite of his financial difficulties, Murphy refused to appear in commercials for alcohol and cigarettes, mindful of the influence he would have on the youth market.

He was interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, where his grave is one of the most visited.

In May 1971, , shortly before his 46th birthday, Murphy was killed when the private plane in which he was a passenger crashed. The pilot and four other passengers were also killed.

His widow, Pamela, moved into a small apartment and took a clerk’s position at a Veterans Administration Hospital in Los Angeles, where she remained employed for thirty-five years. In 1975, a court awarded Murphy’s widow, Pamela, and their two children $2.5 million in damages because of the accident.

Murphy was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. It is the cemetery’s second most-visited gravesite, after that of President John F. Kennedy.

The headstones of Medal of Honour recipients buried at Arlington National Cemetery are normally decorated in gold leaf. Murphy had requested that his stone remain plain and inconspicuous, like that of an ordinary soldier rather than one of the most decorated American veterans of World War II. 19

COMMUNITY ANNIE’S COLLECTIVE WONDERLAND DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

you drive around the UK, if you’re at all interested in old, ACentresantique and vintage you will see just about everywhere ‘Antique - 60 Dealers. Places like Leominster (pronounced ‘Lem-stir’)

seem to have huge buildings convered into collective antique stores with the dealers taking turns to man the counters or even hiring a manager.

This means that you can see specialist collections and dealers, rents are shared, and dealers have time to source new (old) material while business continues. We don’t seem to have the same concept here in Australia yet. Or we didn’t until Annie had a very bright idea when Swan Settlers Markets was floated as a concept.

If you love vintage, retro, antique, flea markets, shabby chic and just plain quirky, I expect you already know about Annie’s shop at Taylor’s Art House - Annie’s Vintage Wonderland. If you don’t, immediately put it on your ‘To Visit’ list.

But the shop at Taylor’s, even with knocking into the next building is too small for Annie’s wonderland of wonders, so she has joined up with Swan Settlers Markets and rented a huge area in it, acting as a collective with a number of other dealers and suppliers.

She even has her eye on an expansion within the markets, which would double the area and dealers’ spaces available.

Annie has moved some of the more portable items from Taylor’s, raiding her large stock from the warehouse and buying in new old stock. ‘New’ seems like an odd word to use, but ‘old’ seems less accurate - perhaps ‘odds and ends’ might be better. A sampling of her goods might include, vintage jewellery and clothing, collectable stamps, matchbooks and boxes, suitcases, tins, Australiana, toys, books, walking sticks, 50’s furniture and she is one of only five Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint stockists in Western Australia.

Annie is a real person, unlike Betty Crocker, and is on hand to talk, deal and her happy cheerfulness is a huge asset to her shop.

The collective is open from Thursday to Sunday, plus Public Holidays from 10:00am to 3:30pm, but if you ‘like’ her on Facebook facebook.com/AnniesVintageWonderland/ you can shop on her ‘Annie’s Vintage Wonderland Online Wonders’ pretty much all the time as treasures are photographed and posted in batches.

Prices are open to negotiation, so now’s the time to call in and have a browse, make an offer and collect something you’ve been

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COMMUNITY

seeking for ages - be it a 1963 Beano comic, a matchbook from the Playboy Club, a plastic soldier originally found in a Cornflakes packet, a street name or a dresser in peppermint green with orange trim.

Whatever it might be - Annie may well have it, will get it, or knows where there is one.

And while you’re there, you can browse the vast range of other stallholders at Swan Settlers Market - the newest addition to tourism in the Swan Valley.

If you’re a dealer looking to open a low-rent shop-front, talk to Annie - she can probably help.

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DINING OUT

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie

MY DAY WITH DOROTHY DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

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or those of you, gentle readers, who have taken part in the Great Margaret River Gourmet Escape, or who are well aware of the best of Western Australian wine, may well know of the new(ish) winery Fraser Gallop.

Owned by Nigel and Dorothy Gallop who planted the vines in 1999, Fraser Gallop’s first vintage was at the early age of 2002, with the range of wines now widely expanded, while maintaining the rule of ‘no imports’. Every grape used in Fraser Gallop is grown on the property.

Nor are Nigel and Dorothy absentee landlords. They live on the property in a house they designed and built and which looks like a Georgian Manor House scooped up from Bath by a giant hand and nestled in the rolling downs of Margaret River.

Surrounded by extensive lawns, formal box design herbaceous borders, wide terraces and shaded by luscious English trees overlooking an artificial lake that might have been created by Capability Brown himself, the home is formal, charming and still welcoming and homey.

The perfect setting for the long table lunches thrown annually in a huge white marquee for the Great Escape.

The kitchen of the house is overseen and used often by Dorothy, one of the area’s best known hostesses. She designed it around the stove, which was made specially in France and imported to have the kitchen built around it.

Both Nigel and Dorothy give generously of themselves and their time to the local community and share their good fortune with others hospitably.

Now, Dorothy is what in our restrained way, we food writers call ‘a damn good cook’. Never formally trained she has a natural flair and love honed by frequent training courses at some of the best culinary schools and chefs in the world.

So when she offered a short one day cooking class for a

Dorothy Gallop starting to prepare her orange, chilli and ginger sauce limited number, the tickets were snapped up within minutes.

Because of the small number of places available and the fact that this is not a commercial kitchen no attendees with dietary requirements could be accommodated, which ruled out my coeliac sister. Consequently I was invited in her stead by her partner, who also happens to be my oldest friend in Australia Tony, a passionate foodie.

The morning began slowly with an introduction, some mini muffins fresh from the oven, some delicious coffee and and meeting everyone. There were eight of us, in crisp white aprons emblazoned with ‘Fraser Gallop’, the charming Dorothy and her hard-working assistant Suzie - known apparently as ‘Suzell’, from everyone saying ‘Sue will do it’, shortened to ‘Sue’ll’.

I suffered from a severe case of kitchen envy once I looked round Dorothy’s charming, well-designed, well-appointed kitchen (with it’s own cool room!) but unlike many people with flash kitchens, Dorothy actually uses everything often and well.

The plan was that we’d spend a few hours preparing and cooking a four course meal, then eat our labours, accompanied by some choice Fraser Gallop wines.

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The menu consisted of some deceptively simple dishes - Salmon Pate, Asian slaw with spicy ginger dressing, Tempura battered whiting with coriander and mint sauce, Confit duck with spicy orange sauce finished by Mango mousse.

The first thing that strikes one about Dorothy after her charm, is her powerful passion for food. A passion she has had from childhood and which communicates itself in every action, from the way she touches the produce, prepares it and talks about it.

Deeply knowledgeable about the local produce she chatted away, imparting gems of information, answering questions all the while her fingers flew peeling, cubing, slicing and dicing.

A few of the less challenging tasks, like peeling the fresh ginger and slicing the green beans were farmed out to us, but honestly the real appeal of the day was listening to Dorothy and watching her work.

She has a number of short cuts that she imparted, but corners were not cut on either quality or freshness. Oranges, lemons and limes from her own garden, whiting fresh from the fishermen that morning, herbs that had been growing only hours earlier and while we made or watched the food made, some really cannot be done in the time.

For example, salmon pate, which we made, needs to cool overnight, so Dorothy had prepared one the day before. And confit of duck, prepared traditionally, takes three days. So we did get ‘here’s one I prepared earlier’, but I was so pleased to watch the process, because I had made Duck Confit not long before to less than satisfactory results - but I shall do better next time with Dorothy’s hints and tips.

The day was marvelous, made so by Dorothy and the fact that the eight of us were united in our love for food and we went together harmoniously, despite that we came from all walks and degrees of expertise.

I have been to several of these days in various kitchens before and they always go well and are great fun, not to mention the knowledge gained and new things tried.

We left, replete and happy, with our copies of the menus and recipes, filled with determination to ‘go forth and cook better’. Well fed and awash with the best of Fraser Gallop’s wines, which are very good indeed.

It is my understanding from Dorothy that more of these ‘Cooking with Dorothy’ days are planned with the next one in spring on Moroccan foods.

Keep an eye out and, trust me on this, book early.

Very Highly Recommended Indeed.

Tony having a go on ‘that’ stove 23

DOUGLAS’ WINERIES AND DINERIES

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

The hidden gem of a bar in Bassendean 77 Old Perth Road

OPEN Wednesday - Thursday 5-10ish Friday 5 - 10:30ish Saturday - Sunday 12 - 10:30ish HAVING A FUNCTION? - FULLY CATERED & NO HIRE FEE

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WINE SMALL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR 2019 SCARLETT LI

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Riverbank Estate Senior Winemaker Digby Leddin (left) with Director Eric Lembo sample some of the produce of the ‘Small producer of the Year’

iverBank Estate Winery, a small family owned and operated boutique winery in Swan Valley, has been awarded “Small Producer of the Year” in The West Australian’s 2019 Wine Guide by leading wine writer Ray Jordan.

Since the purchase of the venue by the Lembo family in 2017, the business has rebranded and amassed over eighty awards and medals for its very own Rebellious and On The Run wine range in competitions across Australia.

These wines are all warm climate varietals and Swan Valley Estate fruit.

Ray Jordan: “This small Swan Valley producer was one of the finds of the tasting for this guide. RiverBank Estate was first planted in 1988 and now has nearly thirty acres of low yielding vines, producing exceptional fruit that is hand-crafted into regional, varietal wines, vinified and bottled on-site. The results are mighty impressive.”

Senior Winemaker, Digby Leddin, said that Ray Jordan’s acknowledgement of the venue’s wine style means big things for the Swan Valley region.

“We believe Swan Valley is reinvigorating itself with the quality of wine being produced in the area. Alternative varieties will definitely play a big part in this, and we’re happy to be at the forefront of this change,” said Digby.

Director, Eric Lembo, said that everyone at RiverBank Estate Winery are both humbled and excited to receive such a prestigious title.

“The Lembo family prides itself on making their own wine.

With this accolade from Ray Jordan, we have even bigger and better expectations for our newly released Eric Anthony range,” said Eric.

Eric Anthony was released in November 2018, and includes méthode champenoise Pemberton Chardonnay Pinot Noir, Margaret River Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Frankland River Shiraz. These wines are all handpicked parcels from the state, and aged in new French oak.

RiverBank Estate Winery has also experienced major success with their restaurant this year, winning Gold Plate for Restaurant within a Winery three times in a row – from 2016 to 2017 and 2018. Another win in 2019 would mean being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

For more information about RiverBank Estate Winery and their wine, go to the website at www.riverbankestate.com.au or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

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REVIEWS Film: Director: Reviewer:

FILM startling yet enriching surreal overlay. At key moments of the story a jazz trio (piano, bass drum, tuba) or three Ukraine folk singers in national costume appear on the mountainside to support, encourage and entertain our heroine. Even if she cannot see or hear them.

Halldora Geirharosdottir gives a memorable portrayal of the quirky Halla. Athletic, smart, resourceful and daring – she is a Wonder Woman or Robin Hood for the 21st century. Basically,

Woman at War Benedikt Erlingsson James Forte

Surreal Epic ven in summer, the Iceland countryside looks majestic, cold, forbidding, rocky and barren. You need to be tough to survive. Even those Icelanders living in Reykjavik, the capital.

Meet Halla. By day, a gentle, single, fifty-year-old choir mistress. In her spare time, ‘The Mountain Woman’. Wearing a Nelson Mandela mask and dodging security drones and helicopter patrols, she is an environmentalist.

Her mission? For years, she has been crippling the aluminium smelter over the mountains – one electricity pylon at a time.

It may be by shorting out the power lines, Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir and Margaryta Hilska in Woman at sawing through wire support guys or by War. (Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures) packing semtex around the base.

Now screenwriter Olafur Egilsson introduces a subplot. Hella has long ago this is a one-person film (Halldora also plays her own sister), applied to adopt a refugee child. She is informed that a young although there is a fine supporting performance by Johann orphan girl in the Ukraine has been allocated to her. Would she please go and collect her? But the police are closing in. And they Sigurdarson as a sheep farmer.

Sounds weird? Regular readers of this column will know I are watching for her at the airport. am currently in love with Scandinavian films. Maybe a tad short

Director Benedikt Erlingsson has given this epic tale a of Border or The Guilty, this is still a totally engrossing tale with some marvelous twists. It is in Icelandic with English subtitles.

As with Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Guilty, an English language version is being made in America with Jodie Foster as Halla. Go and see the original first.

Whether you are a greenie, approving of her mission, or not – this is an intelligent film with depth and humour – well worth your evening viewing. Bouquets to the Icelandic film industry.

Woman at War won a critics award at Cannes.

It opened at Luna cinemas on April 4th.

Four stars. ~oOo~

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Film: Director: Reviewer:

Water Lilies of Monet Benedikt Erlingsson James Forte

Sublime biography

Rule one: Never begin a magazine article with a sentence containing the word ‘I’. It is the textual equivalent of screaming ‘look at me’. My apologies for the apparent egocentricity, but I cannot think of a better way to start this review.

Many, many years ago (I was then in my twenties and I am now in my seventies) I was alone and had a spare morning in Paris.

The day was grey and the Louvre looked forbidding so I dedicated the time to the French Impressionists. This was long before the Musée D’Orsay was converted from a railway station and the best collection was housed in the Jeu de Paume at the other end of the Tuileries.

Sadly, it was closed. I shrugged – this is Paris - the Orangerie museum next door had bright modern art. I spent a pleasant morning looking at early twentieth century masterpieces 26

and was about to leave when I noticed a door with a hand written sign: Aux Nymphéas.

This opened to a narrow dark staircase which led down, much like Alice’s rabbit hole, to two long oval rooms. (I am happy to report that L’Orangerie has been totally renovated since and the staircase no longer exists.)

The two rooms were quite empty. I was alone with eight huge panels – the largest of Claude Monet’s 250 paintings of the water lilies in his gardens at Giverney. No one else came in for over an hour.

This was long before they were featured in all the Paris guide books as an absolute ‘must see’. They are still there – better lit - but now you must peer over the shoulders of crowds.

Or; you can go and watch this film. Water Lilies of Monet (subtitled ‘The magic of water and light – from Giverney, Claude Monet in his studio in 1923. (Photo colourised by Dana Keller) Musée D’Orsay, Orangerie and Marmottan) is a biographical water and had several large lily ponds (with a Japanese bridge) documentary of his paintings. constructed.

Elisa Lasowski (Game of Thrones, Versailles) guides us

The water lilies were the major subject of his paintings from along the Seine from the estuary at Le Havre to Giverney and 1899 until his death in December 1926. For the last ten years he Paris. As we go, we explore the developing style of Monet’s had cataracts affecting his vision. paintings and his fascination with the changes in light

Water Lilies of Monet is the most recent (end of March) of throughout the day or the seasons. These led to something the series of films on art being shown by Luna Cinemas. Watch approaching abstract art. out for re-showings of this film and check the next in the series,

He laid out a garden in beds of flowers graded according on Tintoretto, which opens on 27th April. to the warmth of their colours. But he was fascinated by light on Five stars.

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THEATRE REVIEWS Production: Producer: Reviewer:

George Orwell (real name Eric Arthur Blair) was born in Bengal in 1903, to a father who was a pillar of British rule. By his teens he became a morose rebel and changed his name to Orwell – the name of a river near his home in East Anglia.

Like Kipling, Orwell was sent to an English prep school aged only eleven. Then six years At Eton where Aldous Huxley was one of his teachers. Orwell then returned to India, where at the age of nineteen he became a senior police officer.

Five years later, embarrassed by the social inequality of India, Orwell returned to the UK and lived in the slums of London’s East End.

On seeing a young boy thoughtlessly whipping a carthorse it struck Orwell that if animals could be aware of their strength, humans would have no power over them; likewise, the rich exploiting the impoverished in Indians.

As courageous as ever, Life on Hold Productions go for the plays that others avoid. They are presenting this radical comedy at the Victoria Park Hotel, 605 Albany Highway, Victoria Park.

This production can be seen on Wednesday 27th, March and Friday 29th then Saturday 30th and Saturday 6th and Friday 12th April at 7.30 pm

The Sunday matinees are at 2.00 pm on 31st March and 7th April. The performances on 3rd and 10th April are at the earlier time of 7.00 pm, as they will be followed by a ‘Q and A’ hosted by the Communist Party of Australia.

Animal Farm Life on Hold Productions Gordon the Optom

Animal Farm the book, was originally called Animal Farm, a Fairy Tale. It is a political allegory it is also a deep multi-layered story which, like a pantomime, can be construed on several levels.

A twelve year old would enjoy this presentation, but the older members of the audience who know Russian history will observe the many parallels. The true interpretation has a real sting, but this ‘moved reading’ needs no prior knowledge to really enjoy the performance.

This satirical stage play was adapted by the American science fiction author, Nelson S. Bond from one of Time Magazine’s list of the world’s most respected books. The story was written in the three winter months between 1943 / 44 by the democratic socialist – George Orwell – who described in animal form the events leading up to the 1917 Russian Revolution and the start of a reign of terror by the brutal dictator, Stalin, that led to the formation of the Soviet Union.

Taking part in the Spanish Civil War, Orwell learnt how effective propaganda could be and this was a main driving force in writing this story.

During the Second World War the Brits thought Stalin was a wonderful chap, as with his red Army had helped defeat Hitler; and so, the publishers held back publication until the end of the War.

The book has never had a Preface. Incidentally, the first choice of publisher, Jonathan Cape, was warned off by a civil servant called Smollett in the Ministry of Information as too anti-Russian – he was later found to be a Soviet spy! Faber and Faber’s director, TS Eliot, also turned the book down and called Orwell a Trotskyite.

The scene: 1912 at Manor Farm in the English countryside.

The set: Five years ago, BBC Radio 4 presented a dramatisation read by Tamsin Greig (of Black Books fame). With music stands, and highbacked bar stools this could have been the same radio studio.

John Spurling’s simple but effective mood lighting matched the AV presentation.

The sound design and recording quality was exemplary.

The gun shots, normally muffled and distorted, were crisp and threatening. The animal sounds matched the situation extremely well. Good work by Daniel Toomath and Sarah Christiner.

Two large screens behind the seated cast showed the dozens of pictures and video. The photos were superb, both in clarity and choice of situation. The venues depicted were perfect for the story. Some shots had a great deal of seamless photoshopping, the animals’ dream sequence brought a smile.

Pure magic from Rosalyn Anderson and Sarah Christiner.

The lights and AV were precisely operated by Callum Hunter and Kolbe Burgoyne. Many of the effects had to blend in with the script. Flawless.

The narrator (Petrina Harley) steps forward and explains that instead of being beaten, starved and overworked, if only the farm animals stood together against their masters, they could effectively rule the world.

One day, the ancient boar on the Manor Farm, Old Major (a blend of Marx and Lenin, played by Philip Lord), summons the animals for a meeting. Major then teaches the animals a revolutionary song called ‘Beasts of England’ (c.f. the

The cast of Animal Farm 28

work of Vladimir Mayakovski). He explains that being in his dotage that he is about to die, and would like to pass on his Animals’ Commandments: – 1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

7. All animals are equal. Later modified to ‘…. but some animals are more equal than others.’

On Major’s demise, his skull (like Lenin’s body) is put on public display. Two young pigs, the intelligent Snowball (depicting Trotsky, AJ Lowe) and a bullying Berkshire boar, Napoleon (Lenin, Philip Lord), assume command and plan for a Rebellion. The animals’ revolt, and drive the drunken farmer, Mr. Jones (Russian Tsar Nicholas II? AJ Lowe) and the other humans off the farm, then rename it ‘Animal Farm’.

Snowball declares that now ‘All animals are equal’. He then teaches the animals to read and write.

Very quickly the pigs become the leaders and help themselves to bigger food portions, so much for ‘all are equal’. Jones and his farmhands attempt to recapture the farm, but Snowball and the animals ambush him in the ‘The Battle of the Cowshed’. The animals defeat the men by launching a surprise attack as soon as they enter the farmyard. Snowball’s popularity soars. Napoleon is furious and jealous.

The green ‘Horn and Hoof’ Flag shown in the AV is based on the Communist hammer and sickle symbol.

The ‘costumes’ were simple black outfits, of black trousers and of course black shirts (a reference to Oswald Mosley?). The singing of the animals’ song was surprisingly good.

The Director Sarah Christiner (her best play yet) was assisted in the directing by AJ Lowe, well thought out and a magnificent cast.

This is a two-hour show, but the audience’s attention was held throughout, time flew. Highly recommended, some nights are almost sold out so check with TAZ entertainment. ~oOo~ Production: Producer: Reviewer:

Managing Carmen Harbour Theatre Gordon the Optom

Managing Carmen is a hilarious, fast moving comedy about an AFL superstar. It was written by David Williamson in 2012, and is being presented by the Harbour Theatre, in the Camelot Theatre, Mosman Park.

Williamson’s plays and comedies had a few years when the humour was quite political, and one felt that he was driving a message; this play however is light-hearted and very funny, he is back to the madcap situations we learnt to love in the 70s.

The scenes: The footie club’s publicity officer’s office. The player’s flat. On the stage apron were a few brief pub passages and a beach scene.

Snowball announces he is going to modernise the farm, but Napoleon has his dogs chase Snowball off the farm; then he declares ‘his’ ideas to modernise.

Napoleon has a young porker named Squealer (Molotov, Josh McGee) who becomes ‘the’ voice and Minister for Propaganda. Napoleon rewrites recent history, and any animal that disagreed or showed admiration of Snowball was killed by Napoleon’s dogs (c.f. Great Purge of Grigori Zinoviev). Already, some animals are now convinced that they were better off under Mr. Jones.

The animals build a windmill, but neighbouring farmer, Mr Fredrick (Josh McGee) destroys it. The loyal carthorse, Boxer (Paul Cook) becomes injured, and collapses.

Napoleon pretends to send for a caring vet, but a donkey who has learnt to read knows this is the knacker’s van, and that Napoleon is fooling them. Squealer lies to them.

Behind his fellow animals’ backs, Napoleon then befriends Mr Fredrick (Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact).

On Boxer’s death, the two other horses, the white mare Mollie (Meredith Hunter) is adorned with ribbons, whilst clever Clover (Rosalyn Anderson) grieves.

Can the animals be winning? Will Napoleon become the ideal leader?

Managing Carmen by Harbour Theatre The set: (designers Peter Kirkwood and Ann Speicher): The set was painted in pale pastel shades. The office had lemon walls with grey furniture (some furnishings convincingly painted onto the back flat). There was a smart desk and comfortable chairs.

The flat’s sitting room had white leather chairs and a drinks trolley. Thanks to scenic artist Melissa Bassett, on one wall was a framed team guernsey, on the other a contemporary portrait 29

of a young woman. Good solid and smart set built by Brian Mahoney, Matt Cuccovia, Grace Hitchin, David Eggleston, Jim Davies, Phil Redding and Kit Leake.

The stage manager, Charlotte Weber, was assisted by Brian Mahoney (as Geoff) and Solonje Burns. This team also acted as extras for crowd scenes. There were quite a few scene changes, but the team worked superbly, and rarely took more than five or ten seconds.

Jarrod had to move in with a tall pedestal, bar table and look ‘casual’ by the time the lights came back on. He had this move several times and was never caught out – the audience loved it. Above the rear flat was a projection screen for the video and photographs by Guido Nigri.

The lighting was designed by Rob Tagliaferri and operated

by Jane Sherwood or Callum Hunter. The lighting had to cover a bright beach scene, dim street lighting and a pulsating nightclub. Vanessa Gudgeon’s fine sound design had good sound effects and a great choice of music.

The first Act opens with dual Brownlow medallist, Brent Lyall (Declan Waters), already a National AFL hero at 22 yrs., speaking into a commercial camera – for their fortieth take! He is trying to promote some vitamin formula. Irrespective of the acting instructions that he receives, his voice retains the same disinterested and boring tone.

With this advertising contract worth multi-millions of dollars, the team’s foulmouthed promotions manager, Rohan Swift (Gordon Park) decides to engage a psychiatrist, Jessica Giordano (Jess Lally) to find out why Brent is so apprehensive in company. The manager also hired a young woman, Clara (Stacey Broomhead) a local scrubber, to hang onto Brent’s arm at the Awards Night.

A famous but disreputable sports journalist, Max Upfield (Jarrod Buttery) is out for a scandalous scoop – but can he get it? What is Brent’s problem?

Jim Chantry as Dad in On Our Selection On the 150th Anniversary of Queensland, despite Davis having been the son of a convict Welsh miner, he was named one of the 150 most influential Queenslanders.

A film was made in 1932. The stage show was revived in 1979 and starred Geoffrey Rush as Dave, along with and Mel Gibson and Noni Hazlehurst. Another film followed in 1995, again with Geoffrey Rush, who was joined by Joan Sutherland and Leo McKern. Essie Davis of ‘Miss Fisher Mysteries’ starred as Kate.

This light-hearted fun evening is being presented by ARENAarts at the new Roxy Lane Theatr, Maylands.

Declan Waters and Jess Lally both proved their immense acting talent by playing major parts in Henry V (a mammoth four hour play), both winning an award; now they are in a wild comedy and just as capable. Many congrats.

The makeup which had to be applied very rapidly for some scenes, was the clever work of Solonje Burns. All the actors, thanks to talented director Ann Speicher, were very well rehearsed and had fabulous chemistry coupled with a natural comedic delivery.

Every member of the cast had superb timing and incredible amusing movement. Very much recommended. The season has now finished. ~oOo~

The scene: A small Queensland land holding in 1912, after years of drought. There are four Acts.

Despite no funds, the impressive sets were designed and constructed by Jim Chantry with Don Weaver. The rear wall was a six metre rundown farmhouse veranda. To everyone’s amazement, on the small dimmed stage, this was rotated by brute strength through 180 degrees in one piece, to show the farmhouse interior complete with a glowing fire in a brick fireplace. Great work.

There were three scenic flats in each wing, artistically painted with outback scorched earth scenes. A new outhouse was added later. A huge amount of work ensured it was superbly fitted out with wash tub, and rustic furniture. Being in a new venue with minimal resources, the production team of Christine Ellis and Charlotte Weber did very well to get everything drawn together.

The Stage manager was Marina Delborello who was aided by Sheree Barber. They are to be congratulated on their collection of antiques and period props.

The lighting and sound tech was Eric McGrechan – if any one has any lamps to spare, I know this enthusiastic company would be most grateful. Good job with available electronics.

Simon James’ ‘in house’ programme was well-designed and easy to read. He has wisely included details of the group’s programmes for a full year ahead; this captures the audience for future shows. It is surprising how few theatres go further than the next show.

Production: On Our Selection Producer: ARENAarts Reviewer: Gordon the Optom On Our Selection, a play based on a collection of Dad and Dave stories.

Dad and Dave comes filled with Steele Rudd’s granddadjoke humour and honourable social messages. They are short stories about life in Queensland’s Darling Downs. With the help of his friend, Beaumont Smith, Rudd tried to adapt his stories for the stage; however, the result was poor, and so this work of On Our Selection was developed by Bert Bailey and Edmund Duggan, and still are based on the 1912 stories about Aussie battlers. With Steele Rudd having twelve siblings, he knew precisely what ‘battlers’ were all about.

Steele Rudd was the pseudonym of tall, ruddy faced, Arthur Hoey Davis (1868 – 1935). By the age of twenty-one he was writing articles for a rowing magazine – his pseudonym was later abbreviated from ‘Rudder’ to Rudd.

30

Dad Rudd (Jim Chantry) and his loving wife, Mum Rudd (Julie Holmshaw) are a family of pioneer subsistence farmers, in yet another year of drought. With years of inbreeding, their children are varied in talents. The elder daughter, attractive and intelligent Kate (Keri Neale) helps run the homestead. Then there is Dave (Garry Davies) a few sheaves short of a haystack, and his equally dim brother, Joe Rudd (Blake Hughes).

As Joe and a farmhand, Cranky Jack (Mike Moshos) are sawing logs, the haughty and heartless neighbour, John Carey (Tim Mitchell) calls around to collect a dubious debt, so has brought with him the Bailiff (Christine Ellis).

Poor Dad has nothing, and so more of his stock is seized as compensation. Cranky Jack regularly tends to go off in a daydream and imagines strange happenings in the woods.

When the Reverend Mr Macpherson (Jeremy Darling) calls around, panic arises, there is no food in the house.

The mad Irishman with a dry sense of humour, Maloney (Don Weaver) has a few suggestions, but as he is seldom sober, no one listens. Dad’s brother, ‘Uncle’ (Jeremy Darling) works hard – when pushed – but has an aversion to soap and water.

Kate is endlessly stalked by Carey’s hot-blooded, creepy son Jim (Jay Overington), but handsome Sandy (Rob Jackson) always seems in the background. When the wealthy, Mrs White (Lis Hoffmann) and her alluring daughter Lily (Federica Longo) move to the area, Dave fancies his chances.

The youngest daughter, Sara (Jade Woodhouse) is full of teenage hormones and is desperately in love with dim Billy Bearup (Jay Overington), a slow but caring romantic who struggles to reciprocate.

Can this loving family with a fighting spirit ever find an answer to their poverty?

Keri Neal oversaw the costumes, and she was assisted by Christine Ellis. All the costumes were correct for the 1912 era, great work.

This a large cast, and as with most ARENAarts productions, the producers like to give newcomers a chance and so the acting was a little variable. Director Peter Nettleton was named best director at the 2013 Hills Festival of Theatre and Dramafest for his inspired production of Ionesco’s absurdist work, The Bald Prima Donna. Peter then returned to acting with the Graduate Dramatic Society, the Blue Room and Garrick Theatres.

Director Peter and his assistant Lis Hoffmann had the cast well trained, word perfect, good movement and prompt with entrances. A newcomer that I thought showed particular promise, was Jade Woodhouse as Sara.

The two-hour play was a very pleasant, easy-going night out, with a clear and moving view of life in the bush one hundred years ago. ~oOo~ Production: Company Producer: WAAPA Reviewer: Ruby Westral

Composed by Stephen Sondheim, book

by George Furth Company was directed by Andrew Lewis and performed by 3rd Year Music Theatre students at WAAPA.

When Sondheim and Furth first wrote this musical, first performed in New York in 1970, it was among the first musicals to deal with adult themes and relationships.

Robert (Bobby) has reached his 35th birthday, and his relationship with five other Manhatten couples sets the scene for this musical. According to the programme notes, these couples don’t form any sort of social set - the couples have no direct interaction with each other. Sondheim explains that when they get together to surprise Bobby on his birthday, the effect of juxstaposing these starngers is meant to be surreal.

Bobby himself has avoided any sort of romantic commitment, and instead chooses light affairs with different women. As the musical progresses, we see Bobby searching for the truths behind long lasting relationships, why they work despite seeming irreconcilable differences, and why that is something to yearn for.

The most recent version of Company on the West End has, with Sondheim’s approval and rewrites, cast Bobby as a female,

AREANarts new home, the Roxy Theatre with On Out Selection 31

and has rewritten the other couples to include gay relationships. In this way, we see that although Company was written with a rather restrictive set of New York types in mind, it can be expanded to include all or any of us, and for each of us to identify with any character we see fit.

In the pivotal role of Robert (Bobby) Conor Neylon was an appealing personality.

Mr Neylon has been blessed with a very beautiful voice which makes listening to him a very easy experience. Sometimes that bordered on bland, however.

The first married couple, Sarah and Harry were played with gusto by Ciara Taylor and Ethan Jones. This particular couple, while battling their own addictions to food (Sarah) and alcohol (Harry) descend to physical warfare , much to Bobby’s astonishment. Both Ms Taylor and Mr Jones sang and acted to great effect. One could almost believe they had been married for years!

The second married couple, Susan and Peter were played by Tahra Cannon and Larry (Luke Wilson), Harry (Ethan Jones), Peter (Alexander Landsberry), Alexander Landsberry. Ms Cannon’s Southern Robert (Conor Neylon), David (Benjamin Barker) and Paul (Jed McKinney) in Company (Photograph by Jon Green) Belle Susan was particularly effective although Mr Landsberry’s Peter was less intersting, due in with effective lighting design by Rhys Pottinger. part to his ambiguity of character.

Sound design by Noah Ivulich was thankfully understated

The third married couple, Jenny and David, were played by and dry, a nice reprieve from the over splashy sound sometimes Isabelle Davis and Benjamin Barker. This couple were the only used in WAAPA productions. couple with offspring referenced and reacted to, although we

Monique Doubleday designed some amazing costumes, never saw the children in question. Certainly, their dabbling in not least of which was the red suit for Ethan Jones’ Harry, and dope was amusing but more telling was their telling Bobby to Luzita Fereday’s deft touch with accents and voice coaching was grow up and put “that stuff” away. evident. Always welcome was Andy Fraser’s fight choreographry,

The fourth married couple were not actually married……. especially evident in Sarah and Harry’s scenes, played by Ciara but on the eve of their wedding. Amy, played by Annabelle Rosewarne and Paul, played by the golden voiced Jed McKinney, Taylor and Ethan Jones. ~oOo~ are about to be married after some years of cohabitation.

Something that disturbs the neurotic Amy very much. She Production: The Wonderful World of Dissocia launches into to famous patter song I’m Not Getting Married today while Susan (Tahra Cannon) soars ecstactically in soprano Producer: WAAPA Reviewer: Ruby Westral over her hysterical outpourings and Paul (Jed McKinney) lusciously exclaims his happiness.

The Wonderful World of Dissocia by Anthony Nielson and

And the fifth married couple are the gritty Joanne (Victoria directed by Michael McCall was performed by 2nd Year Music Graves) and her third husband Larry (Luke Wilson). Ms Graves Theatre students at WAAPA. was an absolute powerhouse in her pivotal Ladies Who Lunch

The Wonderful World of Dissocia is a complex and scene in Act 2, with Mr Wilson providing excellent support. challenging play, which centres around Lisa Jones who suffers

Of the three ladies Robert has relationships with while we from dissociative disorder. The first half of the play is an insight help him celebrate his 35th birthday, Grace Collins as April is into her state of mind as she attempts to find her missing hour. perhaps the most defined. An Air Stewardess, April is sexy but

We are taken with her on a fantastical ride to the land of not altogether bright. Ms Collins personified the elegant sexual Dissocia, which is at war with the Black Dog King. This fun and nature of April, while retaining a humanity that is sometimes amazing place is not unlike Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole, and our heroine Lisa meets many strange, amusing, threatening and missing in this role. downright dangerous beings that thwart her attempts to find her

As Marta, Sara Reed was energetic and handled the demands of the infamous song Another 100 People with aplomb. lost hour.

The second half of the play is stark and unrelenting as we As Kathy, the girl who ‘got away” , Rose Shannon-Duhigg was join Lisa is her hospital ward, having treatment for her mental adequate. disorder.

Craig Dalton as Musical Director held Sondheim’s

The treatment of mental health disorders has come a long complicated score together, even while his piano was way since the days of Bedlam, but we as a society still have a lot being climbed over and he was being pummelled with a to learn and understand about how mental health issues affect bridal bouquet. His band, made up from talented WAAPA different people. The sensitivity of the subject matter is met full instrumantalists, was well trained and the balance with the on with empathy and challenges the audience in a demanding singers was good. and unrelenting fashion.

Brought to the intimate venue, the Enright Studio at WAAPA,

Choreography by third year MT student and ensemble this production by the Second Year Music Theatre students, member Caitlin New was crisp although sometimes fussy. The sensitively directed by Michael McCall with lighting by Katrina set was open and stylish and was designed by Ashlea Langsford, 32

With the introduction of Jane, things took a decidedly darker turn and Ms Fraser was completely up to the task of that transition.

David Duketis as the “Goat” was intrinsic in that change of pace, moving from pathetic to completely dangerous in a heartbeat, and from dangerous to disgusting without losing a beat.

Jordan Tomljenovic was perhaps underpowered as the dual roles of Black Dog King and Vince (Lisa’s long suffering boyfriend). Ruby Voss was a heartwarming “Bear” but one feels her talents were under-employed in this production.

In the pivotal role of Lisa, Tiana Catalano was eye opening.

Breathtaking in her ability to inhabit the complicated mind set of Lisa, Ms Catalano was equal to every dramatic demand placed upon her. It’s interesting to remind oneself that this woman is a Second Year Music Theatre student, not a Third Year Acting student, such was the depth of her portrayal.

We understand that Music Theatre is the ultimate Triple Threat, but when one sees acting of this luminescence, revealed pain and emotional trauma, we understand further that the Music Theatre course is producing artists of enormous capabilities in all the usual triple threat categories.

I cannot speak highly enough of Ms Catalano’s performance of Lisa, beyond what anyone would expect from a student performance.

Congratulations to WAAPA for challenging their Second Year MT students with such an extraordinary play. And kudos to those Second Year students who not only rose to challenge, but exceeded expectations. ~oOo~ Production: Reviewer:

Lisa (Tiana Catalano) in The Wonderful World of Dissocia (Photograph by Jon Green)

Johnston, moves with great dexterity between the extraordinary in the first act and the utter tedium of Lisa’s hospitalisation and treatment in the second act.

Original music material by Charlotte McInnes, who was also in the ensemble, was appropriate.

Jack Martin, as Victor, the son of the Swiss watch maker Lisa has tasked with fixing her errant timepiece, adopted a gravitas and seniority impressive in someone under twenty years old.

The “Insecurity Guards” played by Charlotte McInnes, Douglas Rintoul, Emily Wood, and Louise Panagiotidis displayed good comic timing. The costume designs by Annie Rose Reilly really enhanced the characterisations of these particular characters.

“Oathtaker” Dierdre Khoo was convincing in her intimidating persona, supported by Jack Keen, Jordan Tomljenovic and Hannah Royle.

Sadly hilarious as the saxophone playing “Hot Dog” (literally, a saxophone playing hot dog!) was Jamie Smith and the whole Hot Dog scene was enlivened by Georgia Kennedy as “Britney”, Aiden Hawke as “Ticket”, Lauren Cheok as “Laughter”, Liam Wigney as a buff, topless “Argument”, and notably, Campbell Braithwaite as the tattooed, incomprehensible “Biffer”.

Lucy Fraser displayed exceptional accent skills as Jane, moving between a very convincing Welsh accent (while on a pogo stick) and a strong RP English accent as called for in the script. Her appearance marked a turning point in the story line, which was, up until then, amusing in it’s weirdness.

Back Chris McRae

Beloved musical comedy export Tim Minchin is back on home soil after twelve years living abroad and carving his name as one of the country’s most successful musical theatre and comedy performers and composers.

Minchin, who has now relocated to Sydney after time spent in London and Los Angeles is thrilled to be back on home soil and is currently touring the country with his live show Back which is also known as Old Songs, New Songs, F**k You Songs.

The Perth born musician, composer and performer first hit the big time when his musical comedy show Dark Side took the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm, netting him the Best Newcomer Award. His unique style, controversial humor, scintillating wit and incredible musicianship captured hearts and minds both here in Australia and around the world.

Since then, Minchin has gone on to perform on some of the world’s biggest stages including the Royal Albert Hall, the O2 Arena and the Sydney Opera House.

His unique brand of comedy covers everything from family life and religion to social and political issues and and tackles some hard hitting issues in musical form with remarkably clever (and extremely wordy) lyrics. And it’s brilliant!

His complex lyrics and musicianship transferred to the musical theatre stage in 2009 when he was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company to write the music and lyrics for the stage version of the beloved children’s story Matilda by Roald Dahl. There were some initial concerns when Minchin became attached to the project due to his reputation for adult oriented (and at times controversial) content.

However, what resulted was the work of pure genius. The musical has won eighty-five international awards including sixteen for best musical, seven Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards.

It has been performed consistently around the world since premiering on the West End in 2010 and has toured the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Alongside musical comedy, Minchin has had the chance to 33

After four years of investment in the film and an all star cast including Hugh Jackman and Margot Robbie lined up, the rug was pulled by Universal after they acquired Dreamworks.

Several new songs in Minchin’s wildly entertaining and dynamic new show directly target his difficult and trying experiences in the US and (in true Minchin style) he pulls no punches when it comes to no holes barred comedy.

Alongside his new songs, including the social media inspired 15 Minutes which was released in January, were a plethroa of vintage Minchin tunes including Prejudice and Mitsubishi Colt alongside songs which were premiered back in 2011 for his orchestra tour such as the Pope Song and Thank You God.

What was unique about this incredible two and a half hour experience was not only the insanely entertaining new and old musical thrills but the intelligent and socially relevant insights from Minchin in-between songs.

He addressed the controversy surrounding his 2016 release Come Home Cardinal Pell which was penned in an effort to prompt the Australian Cardinal to return home to face the Royal Commission. Due to the progress of the case recently, Minchin offered some very measured and insightful opinions on the case which expanded the concert into not only being entertaining but informative.

From a performance perspective, he was spot on and pitched both his songs and monologues perfectly to his audience. The appreciative crowd was varied in age right through from eighteen year olds (whom he added he hated due to their youth and to whom he had to actually explain what a Mitsubishi Colt was) through to more mature members of the audience. He kept us in the palm of his hand for the entire evening and rightly so.

Minchin is still thrilling his Australian fans around the country in his first tour since 2012 and he feels comfort in being back on home soil. He will be seen next in the Foxtel series Upright, a story of two Aussie misfits who attempt to get a precious piano across the Nullarbor.

For those like myself who have been longtime Minchin fans, it is a true joy to see one of Australia’s most talented contemporary performers rediscover his ‘mojo’ and the thrill he gets from live comedy, making music and making people laugh, cringe and cry all at the same time. Minchin is back!

Tim Minchin’s Back tour will be making its way to New Zealand (April) and the UK (October/November) in 2019.

Upright will be released on Foxtel in 2019.

branch out into film and television and his screen credits include everything from Australian TV Drama such as The Secret River (for which he won a Logie in 2016) through to a guest role on Californication and playing Friar Tuck in the latest big screen adaptation of Robin Hood.

In his latest tour, Back which recently landed at Perth’s Crown Theatre, Minchin lamented his time spent living in Los Angeles’, claiming America zapped his mojo.

This was due in part to the ill fated animated musical film Larrikins which had Minchin at the helm as co-director as well as lead songwriter.

THEATRE STAR QUALITY AT GARRICK DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

S

ir Noel Coward's short story Star Quality, was published in 1951, a wickedly observant story about theater veterans putting on a show.

In 1967, Coward reworked it into a play, but the result made little impact. Actor/director/writer Christopher Luscombe immediately perceived the problem as being one act too many, eighteen speaking parts and innumerable locations.

Luscombe’s 2001 adaptation triumph is a sparklingly sophisticated production about to be staged at WA’s oldest community theatre, Garrick Theatre.

The plot is fairly well trodden - a theatre company putting on a show. Think Curtain Up, On Monday Next, Noises Off, Critic’s Choice, the Little Grimley sagas and so on.

What gives Star Quality its edge is Noel Coward’s long and intimate association with the stage and its stars. Stars such as Gertrude ‘Gertie’ Lawrence, who he first met when he was fifteen. According to Coward she “gave me an orange and told

me a few mildly dirty stories, and I loved her from then onwards.”

It’s not impossible that the female lead from Star Quality, Lorraine Barrie, a bitchy but outrageously talented actress, is based on Gertie.

Star Quality is the story of a new young playwright Bryan Snow (Alan Gill), having his first play, Dark Heritage, directed by legendary director Ray Malcolm (Alan Morris) and starring Lorraine Barrie (Kath Jones). Starting by being thrilled Hayden rapidly finds himself in the middle of a battleground of warring egos.

Directed by community theatre doyenne, Lynne Devenish, the Garrick production has attracted some talented actors, both experienced and newly on the boards. As well as those already mentioned, Susan Meikle, Alan Shaw, Ben Lowther, Chris Kennedy and introducing Monty as Bothwell, Lorraine’s pampered pooch.

The reason Lynne selected Noel’s play was two-fold ‘I have 34

L to R: Ray (Alan Morris) and Bryan (Alan Gill) rehearsing for Star Quality with Marsha Holt in the background (Photograph by D Sutherland-Bruce)

Noél Coward caricatured

by Al Hirschfield

never done a Coward play and I was attracted to its sparkle and truly witty dialogue. At one point Lorraine refers to another actress as “All gong and no dinner” - very Coward and very funny.’

Star Quality opens at Garrick Theatre, 16 Meadow Street, Guildford on Thursday the 2nd May and runs until Saturday the 18th.

Tickets cost $25 for adults ($22 concession). Bookings are now open and may be made through TryBooking.com or by ringing Elaine on 9378 1990 or emailing bookings@ garricktheatre.asn.au.

Bothwell (Monty) brings the star to Star Quality

Photographer Michael McAllen working with Kath Jones (seated) and Marsha Holt (Photograph by D Sutherland-Bruce) 35

TV WITH CHRIS APRIL 2019

effective way.

The Order has moments in which it feels like another young adult drama with similar relationship dramas and angst but it does have entertainment value and will please horror and thriller fans.

Season 1 is streaming now on Netflix.

A

pril is set to be a huge month for television and it will be Netflix and Foxtel who will be dominating the small screen this month.

The second instalment of the captivatingly dark The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is streaming on Netflix now and April 14th will see the long awaited and highly anticipated (perhaps a bit of an understatement) final season of the juggernaut that is Game of Thrones kick off on Foxtel. Keep your eyes peeled for these reviews next month.

Title; A.P BIO Network: Stan The beauty of modern streaming is the ability to discover small, little known independent releases (Sick Note, Miracle Workers to name just two). Yet another little gem has surfaced in the form of A.P Bio.

Glenn Howerton (of cult comedy It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia fame) stars as former Harvard Philosophy Professor Jack Griffin, who begrudgingly accepts a job teaching Advanced Placement Biology at a high school in Toledo Ohio.

Faced with an eclectic and eager young bunch of high flyers and self confessed geeks, Jack has no intentions of teaching any form of biology, instead using the teens to help him seek revenge on those who have wronged him in his personal and professional life.

What results is often cringeworthy, amusing and at times endearing.

Although not laugh-a-minute comedy and containing some slow moments, A.P Bio is very likeable with the relationship between Jack and his bemused but highly amusing student group gradually developing into one which is quite comical and oddly endearing.

Patton Oswalt is also in his element as the clueless Principal Durbin and teachers will get some good laughs out of the relatable comedy which results from the hapless teaching and support staff of the school.

Where the series does succeed is in the the hilarious and often elaborate plans to get back at Jack’s plethora of enemies. Orchestrated predominantly by the students, booby traps, set ups and all manner of mischief come into play and prove very funny.

A.P Bio is a good easy watch and fans of more independent, dry humour will enjoy every minute.

Season 1 is now streaming and Season 2 episodes stream weekly on Stan.

In the meantime, check out these new releases from Netflix and Stan.

Title: THE ORDER Network: Netflix Following in the footsteps of the wildly popular and unashamedly gothic reboot of Sabrina, Netflix offering The Order possesses a similar feel and tone to the witchy thriller.

College student Jack Morton (Jake Manley) is accepted into the prestigious Belgrave University, an institution steeped in tradition and with dark rumours swirling through its history.

Soon Jack is embroiled in the dark secrets of the university and discovers the enigmatic secret society known as the Hemetic Order of the Blue Rose. He becomes entangled in a war between the forces of dark magic and werewolves.

Horror is translating to the smaller screen more and more often (Black Mirror, American Horror Story and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and is carving a niche as intelligent and chilling drama.

The Order does much of the same with moments of slick horror and eerie chills, thanks in part to the production design and aesthetics of the gothic style setting. Then there are moments which bring in the young adult angst which has become synonymous with series such as Riverdale.

What sets The Order apart is it does not shy away from the dark aspects associated with traditional dark magic myths and the terror that is associated with werewolves. The depiction of werewolves is not friendly and the war between them and the magical secrets of the university is depicted in a particularly

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SWAN VALLEY

SWEET TEMPTATIONS

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handcrafted artisan produce

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ley.COM.A

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COMMUNITY COAL POWER STATIONS - NEW STUDY

M

odern coal-fired power stations produce more ultrafine dust particles than road traffic and can even modify and redistribute rainfall patterns, a new fifteen year international study shows.

The study indicates filtration systems on modern coal-fired power stations are the biggest source of ultrafine particles and can have considerable impacts on climate in several ways.

In urban areas, road traffic has long been considered the main source of small particle emissions which have the potential to adversely affect health and the environment.

However, long-term measurements carried out by two scientists, Professor Wolfgang Junkermann from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany and Professor Jorg Hacker from Airborne Research Australia – who are affiliated with Flinders University – have revealed a source that particularly affects regional climate: modern coal-fired power stations.

In the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, the researchers report how coal-fired power stations clearly emit large amounts of ultrafine particles (UFP) through filtering technology of exhaust gas. The key findings of the long-term study are:

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Stanwell Power Gracemere

“In this way, we found that fossil power stations have for many years become the strongest individual sources of ultrafine particles worldwide. They massively influence meteorological processes and may cause extreme weather events, including intensive rain events.

“By redistributing rainfall events, this can lead to drier than usual conditions in some places and to unusually heavy and persistent strong rainfall elsewhere,” Professor Hacker says.

With a diameter of less than 100 nm, UFP have an enormous impact on environmental processes, capable of influencing the properties of clouds and precipitation, the paper says.

“The UFP offer surfaces for chemical reactions in the atmosphere or may influence the properties of clouds and precipitation,” says Professor Junkermann.

In open nature, forest fires, dust storms or volcanic eruptions produce fine particles, but mostly not in the nanometer range.

Modern coal-fired power stations emit more UFP than urban road traffic UFP can harm human health UFP can affect rainfall distribution on local to regional scales by increasing the condensation nuclei count UFP can be transported in layers with high concentrations for hundreds of kilometres and then lead to localised “particle events” (dramatic spikes in short-term particle concentrations on the ground) far away from their source.

The research also found UFP concentrations have increased continuously since modern coal-fired power stations were commissioned in many locations around the world.

For the measurement flights in Europe, Australia and even Mexico and Inner Mongolia, the research team used two rather unusual small research aircraft, the world’s most comprehensively instrumented motorglider in Australia and a ‘trike’ developed in Germany - believed to be the smallest manned research aircraft worldwide.

The flying laboratories are equipped with highly sensitive instruments and sensors measuring dust particles, trace gases, temperature, humidity, wind and energy balances.

“Our two research aircraft are particularly suitable to follow the plumes from the smoke stacks downwind for hundreds of kilometres and study their behaviour in great detail,” says Professor Hacker, who is based at Airborne Research Australia (ARA) in South Australia.

The scientists then linked these data with meteorological observations and used dispersion and transport models to trace back their origin.

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THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind

six foot and with the physique of a Rugby Prop Forward, it would be easy to imagine him leaving her in his wake, as he outran any pursuers.

The pairing was incongruous, like something you’d see on a Fringe Festival stage, and yet the female guard didn’t hesitate a moment before responding to his quest.

My mind reeled with ideas about how she’d subdue any would be attackers. Phrases like “oh come on now, don’t be silly”, and “you’re a big boy know you should know better”, or the all-purpose “go to your room”, came to mind. The later sure to flummox a severely intoxicated wouldbe perpetrator, as he looked around for a structure resembling his childhood den.

As I pondered this, I giggled out loud which drew the attention of the other guard I’d been chatting to.

“You’d think he’d be able to handle himself, wouldn’t you? At least more than …” I hesitated to finish the sentence.

Also female, and similarly proportioned, the second guard laughed too.

She went on to explain that in her experience at concerts such as these, many gentlemen folk in distress preferred to seek the assistance of female security personnel. She too thought it was somehow related to their motherly persona, adding that women were able to quickly diffuse an emotional situation using their soft skills.

Evidently the past thirty years have seen considerable change in the industry. There’d been a broadening of roles undertaken from guard work, to crowd control and more recently cyber security. Consequently, security personnel no longer needed to be tall and strong.

Nowadays around one in ten security personnel in Australia were female, with 14% in Tasmania and Queensland. Given our heightened concerns about security, and in the wake of the recent events in New Zealand, I can only imagine this will be a growing profession for both genders.

From what I read the main challenge to women entering the profession was the stereotype that it’s only for ex-police and military personnel. Other challenges were flexible working arrangements for mothers, and getting the female voice heard in a predominantly male workforce. So, no different to any other profession then.

It was suggested that any women interested in joining the profession should start by looking for a mentor, enquiring about guard work at the airport and contacting the Australian Women In Security Network.

Personally, I’d love to see more female security officers outside events, after all we all know that being on the receiving end of “the look” from your mother, is infinitely more commanding than anything an ex SAS or police officer can dish out.

SECURITY

GLENNYS MARSDON

L

ast month I went to the Eminem Concert. Well when I say “went”, I cycled around the perimeter of Optus Stadium until I found the listening sweet spot. The spot changes with each concert depending on the conditions, and on this occasion, the conditions included an unexpected encounter with security.

Although the concert started around 4:00pm I arrived at 9:00pm just as the headline act was getting into full swing, or should that be full hip, or hop, oh never mind.

Anyway, it wasn’t long before I drew the attention of two security personnel, as you do when you’re riding laps around an entertainment precinct on an adult tricycle. Less interested in me and more focused on my bike, we got chatting.

The intel for the evening included that it was extremely hot inside the stadium, hardly surprising given the 30+ degree day.

Trouble was a lot of people had arrived early and consequently the mosh pit was fast approaching Bio-hazard levels. It followed then that there’d been a lot of “throw outs”, which was technical speak for suggesting certain patrons’ traverse to the nearest exit.

Our conversation was soon interrupted by one young gentleman who politely interrupted (which was the first shock of the evening), to enquire whether someone could walk with him to the taxi rank, some distance away. A quick scan of the man told me he was neither intoxicated nor disabled so why the request?

His concern was that a band of gentlemen inside had taken a shine to him and had signalled their intent to follow him outside to further debate their ideologies of life.

My companions had no issue with the request, indeed one of them seemed quite keen for a late-night stroll to break up the tedium of standing in one place. And so, I watched on as their two outlines disappeared into the empty darkness.

Nothing unusual about that you might think. But what if I tell you that the security officer fading from view was female?

Again, nothing unusual, especially if you’re envisaging a five foot ten, Lara Croft type, kitted out in a black spandex and leather, with military boots and a tool belt full of implements.

Ah, no, not quite.

The figure disappearing before me was more of a five foot four, middle aged outline, dressed in nice black work trousers, an orange high-viz blouse, and Kmart black shoes. The type of female you’d expect to find patrolling a kindergarten playroom rather than a rats-tail infested Eminem concert.

What’s more the male figure, now disappearing out of sight as they rounded the corner, towered over his escort. At 39

HOUSE AND GARDEN BIOHAZARD ALERT - BMSB

T

he Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are asking businesses and residents in Bibra Lake and Spearwood to help with surveillance for Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), following detection of one in a Bibra Lake industrial area.

This serious pest is not established in Australia. It can cause major damage to agricultural crops, nursery stock and backyard plants. It can also invade homes and buildings in their thousands.

Efforts need to be taken to ensure there are no further BMSB in the area, to prevent potential spread.

The pest was found during routine trapping and surveillance by the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). This detection follows on from a detection in December 2018 at the Fremantle port.

Swift and effective response measures have been put in place, including increased surveillance and additional specialised traps.

grapes or citrus, the insect may taint the entire batch of juice with a bad taste and smell, making it unsuitable for sale. Once established in a cropping situation, effective control is difficult.

BMSB is not a risk to human health, but can be a nuisance, with up to thousands of bugs entering vehicles, homes and factories for shelter over winter. It has a foul smelling odour when crushed or disturbed. The bug’s ability to hitchhike, fly and feed on a wide range of plant hosts enables it to spread rapidly when it is introduced to new areas.

Anyone living in the above areas should look out for BMSB and immediately report any suspect sightings to the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on 9368 3080.

You can also take a photo and send using MyPestGuide™ Reporter (download the app or make online report) or emailing padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.

HOW IS IT GETTING HERE?

BMSB are an increasing threat due to the spread of the pest in Europe and the United States, and their tendency to hitchhike in shipping containers coming from overseas.

BMSB are highly mobile and during the colder months in the northern hemisphere (between September and April) it is common for BMSB to take shelter in cargo, as well as vehicles and machinery.

It has the ability to survive for long periods in cargo by remaining dormant. They can be found within the goods in the container, including boxes and packaging.

In 2017-18 there was an increase in BMSB detections around the country, which included a detection in Jandakot in Perth and in New South Wales.

In 2018-19, there has been a further increase in detections, both in WA and other states, on a variety of imported cargo. Both live and dead bugs have been found.

POTENTIAL IMPACT

BMSB needs to be kept out of Australia, as it causes major damage to fruit and vegetable crops and ornamental plants.

It feeds on a wide range of more than 300 plant species and its saliva causes significant damage to plant tissues and to fruit and seed production, reducing both yield and marketability.

If present on fruits produced for juice extraction, such as 40

WAREHOUSE WORKERS / TRANSPORTERS / IMPORTERS

Anyone who works around or receives imported goods should look for BMSB and report. This includes anyone working in and around freight, transport, warehouses and industrial areas. If you see something take immediate action, and call the national See/Secure/Report hotline on 1800 798 636.

If you see a suspect insect:

· Don’t remove the contents of the container. Shut the doors and reseal.

· Don’t allow the container to be moved – especially to an area outside if it’s in a warehouse.

· Collect any dead or live specimens so our entomologists can confirm the species.

· Any live bugs should be held in a container that prevents them from escaping.

BMSB will stow away inside shipping containers, and they can be found within the goods in the container, including boxes and packaging. They also seek shelter in break bulk cargo including vehicles and machinery.

Businesses that deal with imported goods that are typically stored outside should be particularly vigilant, to prevent spread of BMSB into outdoor areas. These include:

· Car dealerships or distribution centres that receive vehicles and machinery once clear at the border.

· Agriculture machinery and equipment distributors.

· Building suppliers.

· Garden product suppliers (those that sell pots, garden ornaments and equipment).

· Tile and ceramic distributors.

· Distributors of imported electrical goods and components.

· Other businesses that are in receipt of imported goods,

particularly from Italy.

PURCHASING GOODS FROM OVERSEAS

Anyone who purchases goods online from overseas needs to be aware of BMSB and its potential to arrive as a hitchhiker pest within packages.

Particular attention should be paid to second hand goods or items that may have been in storage for some time. If you receive a package that has live bugs inside, you need to take immediate action.

Re-seal the box or package to prevent further bugs escaping. If bugs have already escaped, try to catch them and put them in a sealed container. If you can, take a clear photo and immediately make a report to the national See/Secure/Report hotline on 1800 798 636.

GROWERS AND GARDENERS

Look out for BMSB in your crop or backyard. The most effective way to detect BMSB is by visually inspecting host plants. They are large bugs that emit a foul odour when disturbed. They are attracted to light and may be found in spider webs.

If you find something, contact the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 9368 3080.

You can also take a photo and send using MyPestGuide™ Reporter (download the app or make online report) or emailing padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.

our international border and manages the risk of BMSB arriving in Australia. To address the emerging risk of BMSB, stringent response measures are in place, which are reviewed each year.

2018-19 import measures are outlined below, and apply for the period between 1 September 2018 and 30 April 2019.

They apply to specific sea cargo arriving from France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Russia and the United States, where we know BMSB is present.

Measures include:

1. Targeted high risk goods receive mandatory treatment for BMSB.

2. Goods identified as a risk will be subject to random on shore inspection.

3. High risk break bulk cargo and goods that are not in a six-sided shipping container must be treated off- shore. Only fully containerised cargo has the option of being treated off-shore or on-shore.

4. Goods coming from target risk countries must be treated by a provider that is approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

5. Where goods are subject to a random inspection on arrival, the container’s seal must be intact and the goods must be inspected in the presence of a biosecurity officer.

6. Heightened surveillance for cargo vessels and additional pre-arrival reporting for vessel operators, who are required to undertake daily checks of their vessels and cargo for biosecurity risks.

7. Vessels that are reported to have live BMSB on board may not be able to enter an Australian port, or could be directed back out to sea if they are already here.

Visit the DAWR web pages to learn more about these measures, including extensive information on target high risk goods and countries, treatment options and providers, import requirements and forms, approved arrangement sites and container management.

ABOUT BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG

BMSB can be confused with a number of other brown coloured stinkbugs that are present in Australia, but have the below distinctive features.

· BMSB are larger than other stink bugs (12–17mm long).

· They emit a foul odour when disturbed.

· They are mottle brown coloured, shield shaped, and have five nymph stages that range from less than 3mm to 12mm long.

· The white bands on its antennae are a distinguishing feature, along with distinctive black and white banding around the outer edge of the abdomen.

· Look for unusual aggregations of stink bugs in or on buildings once the weather cools down.

· They are attracted to light, and may be found in areas that are well lit at night.

See the website (www.agric.wa.gov.au/plantbiosecurity/brown-marmorated-stink-bug-declared-pest) for comprehensive identification information.

If you UNSURE, report it anyway.

FEDERAL IMPORT MEASURES

The Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) is responsible for Australia’s biosecurity at 41

FINANCE AN ELECTION BUDGET LIKE NO OTHER STEVE BLIZARD

I

He has sought to up the ante with a competing i­ ncome tax plan, promising bigger cuts for workers earning less than $40,000 annually.

Labor claims there are about 2.9 million taxpayers earning less than $40,000 and 57 percent of these are women, including part-time working mums.

Shorten argues that a retail worker on $35,000 a year would get a tax cut of $255 a year under the Liberal plan, but $350 under Labor’s original plan.

“Make no mistake, this is a Liberal Party tax on working mums,” he said.

n a bid to neutralise Treasurer Josh Frydenburg’s election budget handouts, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has promised to extend personal tax cuts to three million more low-income workers.

Labor will match the Coalition’s tax cuts for people earning up to $126,000 a year and increase them for those earning less than $40,000.

However, if elected, Labor would not adopt the government's stage two tax reform for low and middle income earners, which begin on July 1, 2022.

Nor will it back stage three which starts on July 1, 2024 which would have seen 94 percent of workers paying no more than thirty cents in the dollar.

This means Labor will lock workers into a future tax bracket squeeze.

LABOR’S SUPER HIT

However, Labor proposes four new or higher taxes on superannuation, scooping in up to $19 billion over a decade, from approximately a million workers.

Mr Shorten’s claim that the Liberal Party has launched an attack on working mums is mystifying, given Labor’s plan to abolish concessional super catch-up contributions.

In doing so, 230,000 people would be impacted, including both mothers and fathers who choose to take parental leave.

Labor also plans to remove deductions for personal super contributions, which would hit around 800,000 workers, including self-employed tradies.

STARK CONTRAST

In an electoral battle pitched to win the hearts and minds of middle Australia, the Opposition Leader faces a Coalition ­attack depicting Labor’s election platform as a socialist redistribution of wealth, set to burden the economy with $200 billion in new taxes.

The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said there was a stark contrast between the Coalition and Labor on taxes.

"Under our government, there is a point in working hard in this country, there is a point in having a great business and SUPER WORK TEST REMOVAL working hard in that business and investing in your future.

People approaching retirement will

“Under a Labor Government, there be able to boost their superannuation would be no point in working hard balances, with those aged 65 and 66 years because the harder you work, the more able to make voluntary contributions they punish you." without satisfying the work test, from July

To reinforce his case, Mr Frydenberg 1 2020. released a sixteen page brochure ­titled,

Currently, people aged 65 and above Labor’s Tax Bill. must work a minimum forty hours over a

It targets the so-called “retiree tax”, 30-day period. crackdowns on negative gearing, capital

Mr Frydenberg said this budget gains tax and discretionary trusts, Labor’s reform measure, benefitting about 55,000 “electricity tax” as well as higher income people, will align the work test with the taxes. eligibility age for the Age Pension, due to

Putting essential services at the rise to 67 years from July 1, 2023. centre of his budget-in-reply speech, Mr

People aged 65 and 66 will also Shorten launched a campaign to shift be able to access the “bring forward the battle­lines to a fight over universal arrangements” to make three years’ worth The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP healthcare. of non-concessional contributions (capped at $100,000) to their super in a single year.

The age limit for spouse contributions will be increased from those aged 69 to 74 years.

However, in addition to the selective removal of franking credits, Labor further intends to hit retirees by reducing the non-concessional super contribution cap amount from $100,000 down to $75,000.

This reduced cap further impacts women wishing to make additional catchup super contributions after re-entering the workforce.

Concluded on page 42 ...

42

BUSINESS - NETWORKING NETWORKING WORKS IF YOU DO ...

SHARRON ATTWOOD

T

he backbone of networking for business owners, weather they admit to it or not, is referrals – knowing who we can refer others to – and in turn having those in our network refer others to us.

It can provide us with a much better return on investment (ROI) than any other form of marketing – if only we’d treat it that way- demanding and expecting great results.

Sounds simple enough – but is it working for you? If not, why not?

Studies have shown that whilst business owners place a high value on Networking many admit they are not getting the quantity or quality of referrals they require and expect.

Yet they persist, knowing the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over yet expecting a different result.

I recommend my clients have a networking plan – in the same way as they might/should have a marketing plan or a business plan. Networking has a place as a marketing tool – an education tool – a don’t go crazy doing business on your own tool! It deserved some respect.

I find that what lets so many would be networkers down is the lack of a concise message and no clear call to action or plan.

I hear from people attending every event in town yet nothing happens – because, it turns out, they were only ready for nothing to happen!

What do you do the day after an event? Are your profiles ready for connecting? I often get people telling me they aren’t ready to connect with me on LinkedIn just yet – as their profile isn’t up to date. How on earth are they prioritising attending events ahead of updating their LinkedIn profile?

Why keep meeting people? It’s a bit like filling up a bucket that’s full of holes. Or a bucket that’s full and the new connections just flood over the edges as you never properly connect with them. You may really enjoy the socialising and feel validated in putting a big tick in the ‘I did work today’ column. Yet you can’t really claim it as work, can you? It didn’t work and neither did you!

Showing up and attending events is a mere third of the task when it comes to building your network this way. There’s a before and an after to consider if you truly expect to see results and to support the people you meet in a meaningful way. It’s not just about you.

I love the question, ‘How would I recognise the right person to end your way?’ and use it regularly to ensure I know how to help others in my network. Unfortunately, many people stumble with their answer.

On the flip side, you need to have a good answer to ‘So what do you do?’ – one that invites conversation and ensures that the listener files away your details – in their memory – ready to refer you as soon as the opportunity arises.

Confusing people or being too beige ensures they will just forget they met you – at least in a professional capacity. They may well recall chatting with you but remember little about what you actually do. How many people have you met, and perhaps known for ages through business networking – yet know very little about their business?

Consider who you work with and what you do for them.

What is their pain and how do you take it away? How do others talk about you? What are you famous for or known as? Often others do a better job introducing us than we do.

I recently spoke at an event and was excited to see they had also booked a colleague that I’d been keen to present with. On the night, the organiser realised she’d forgotten the introduction notes we provided.

My colleague and I decided to introduce each other! It was fascinating – hearing what she chose to share about me and just what I chose to share about her. You can soon see if your message is landing properly. How would a friend introduce you?

I have also identified a lack of a call to action or a plan, as an issue. What do you do the day after you meet someone?

When is too soon to call or message? Having had someone connect with me on LinkedIn whilst they had been availing of the facilities mid event – too soon.

Sitting in the carpark after the event – still too soon, yet standing in front of me is just fine. Can you leave it too long? It gets harder after an extended period, only because you worry they may have forgotten you. It also makes it difficult if you offered to send them something as they may have been waiting.

But don’t give up! We all get busy and maybe they were too.

Once you reach out, stay engaged.

I’ve written before that calculating an ROI for networking events is nigh on impossible if you try to factor in your time as well. Building relationships takes time and multiple touchpoints. You may not see a direct referral link from a particular event or connection, yet it serves as a great touchpoint, leading in the right direction. How do you value that?

I feel that when it comes to building our networks, via face to face events or online interaction you need to look at the ROI of the entire effort – where is the work coming from? Then hold yourself accountable, because it works if you do.

43

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK HERITAGE COUNCIL NOMINATIONS OPEN

JUSTICE JANINE PRITCHARD APPOINTED PRESIDENT

A

ttorney General John Quigley has today announced the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Janine Pritchard as President of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) for a fiveyear term, beginning on June 4, 2019.

Justice Pritchard is a highly experienced judicial officer who was admitted to practice in Western Australia in December 1993.

In 1991, Justice Pritchard joined the then Crown Solicitor's Office (now the State Solicitor's Office) and worked in that office until her appointment to the bench.

Her primary areas of practice were administrative law, constitutional law, freedom of information and privacy law, industrial law and prosecution of regulatory offences.

Justice Pritchard previously served as Deputy President of the SAT after her appointment to the District Court of Western Australia in June 2009.

She was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia in June 2010 and as a judge of the Court of Appeal in September 2018.

Justice Pritchard will maintain her commissions as a judge of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

Attorney General John Quigley: "I am delighted a jurist of the calibre of Justice Pritchard will steer the SAT well into the next decade, giving the community renewed confidence in the Tribunal which plays a central mediation and arbitration role in issues of great importance to ordinary Western Australians.

"Justice Pritchard will become the first woman to serve as President of this crucial arm of Western Australia's justice system since the inception of the Tribunal fourteen years ago.

"Justice Pritchard will join other women at the helm of the State's justice system, including Justice Gail Sutherland at the Family Court of WA, Judge Julie Wager at the Children's Court and State Coroner Ros Fogliani.

"I would like to also thank both of the existing Deputy Presidents of the Tribunal who have continued to provide dedicated service to the State in the period since the former President, Justice Curthoys, returned to the Supreme Court.

"In particular, I acknowledge Deputy President Sharp as Acting President during that time."

T

he Minister for Heritage is calling for nominations from experienced and qualified individuals to join the new Heritage Council of Western Australia.

The Council is the State’s expert body on matters concerning places of cultural heritage significance. The Council will be responsible for fulfilling a range of functions under section 17 of the Heritage Act 2018.

The new Council will be established upon the Heritage Act 2018 being proclaimed by the Governor of Western Australia and will comprise up to nine positions (a chairperson and up to eight members). Appointments will be made for terms ranging between two and four years.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be received by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage by 5.00pm on 3 May 2019. Late applications will not be accepted. The nomination form is available here: www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au/docs/generalpublications/hcwa-nomination-form-2019.

Applications can be emailed to SHOinfo@dplh.wa.gov.au or sent to:

Director General

Attn: Ben Harvey, Executive Director, Heritage Operations

Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage

Locked Bag 2506, Perth WA 6001 The application must include:

• A completed nomination form.

• A copy of your curriculum vitae.

Applicants should note that background checks will be undertaken during the assessment of nominations.

Further details on the membership of the Council can be obtained by contacting Ben Harvey, Executive Director Heritage Operations on (08) 6552 4122 or SHOinfo@dplh.wa.gov.au or from the website here: www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au/docs/ general-publications/hcwa-nomination-info-sheet.pdf

44

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK ADULT MEASLES VACCINATION

W

estern Australians born in or after 1966 who are not fully vaccinated against measles can receive a free vaccine through a new State Government funded program.

The number of measles cases in Western Australia has been increasing in recent years, with the cause linked to international travel. This announcement comes ahead of the Easter break and school holidays, with many families planning travel overseas.

There were thirty-six reported cases of measles in Western Australia in 2018, the highest figure since 2014. So far, sixteen cases have been reported in 2019.

Naturally occurring measles has been eliminated from Western Australia for about twenty years, but small outbreaks do occur due to the infection being brought into Western Australia by tourists and residents returning home from overseas trips.

Approximately thirty per cent of measles cases require a hospital admission and about one person in every 1,000 will develop encephalitis - an inflammation of the brain.

The new free vaccination program addresses an important gap in the community's protection against measles, as people born prior to 1966 are usually immune to measles due to having the illness as a child, and people ninteen years old and younger are already eligible for the free vaccination through the

The new program will be funded through existing vaccination program funding - it has been prioritised to respond to a growing number of reported measles cases in Western Australia. To learn more about measles or the free adult MMR vaccination program, visit the HealthyWA website (www. healthywa.wa.gov.au).

Health Minister Roger Cook: "Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral illness spread by tiny droplets released when infected people cough and sneeze. Complications from measles can be serious and in about ten per cent of cases result in pneumonia.

"Prevention of measles is simple so I urge anyone who is not fully immunised against measles to take advantage of this free vaccination program, especially if you are planning a trip overseas. We want to stamp out measles and prevent future outbreaks of this serious disease in WA.

BE YOURSELF ON WHEELS

F

or its twenty-third year Bike in the Valley will take place on Sunday 28th April 2019 starting from Lilac Park, Caversham (West Swan Road).

Registration begins at 9:00am and The Ride starts at 10.00am.

They are three possible routes offering options: Short 8kms Medium 20kms Long 30kms

The Sag Wagon will follow riders and coffee vans and a Lions Sausage Sizzle will also be available.

Grab your friends family neighbours and community and participate while having fun for this years’ BIKE IN THE VALLEY

Please contact Simona Willis on 9207 8555 or email: simona.willis@swan.wa.gov.au.

This is a family event.

National Immunisation Program.

Of the thirty-six measles infections last year, nearly threequarters (73 per cent) occurred among people aged 20 to 49 years of age.

The symptoms of measles generally appear about seven to fourteen days after a person is infected.

Measles typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).

Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth.

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out.

It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.

Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots. The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 40°C.

People not sure if they have had two doses of measles vaccine, should see their doctor, immunisation provider or travel health immunisation clinic for the free vaccination. While the vaccine is free, there may be a fee for the consultation.

45

PHOTOGRAPHS: TINA NEVILL

#AdoptLove

IS KENNEY YOUR PAWFECT MAN? Kenney is a cheeky, smoochy, big cat.

He’s great company! He’d like to have plenty of time with his Loved One(s), and if you’re a cricket tragic, he’ll join you and watch every match.

He’s interested in anything that happens around the house and will supervise while you do your chores.

Kenney is three years old and confident with visitors. He’s house trained, desexed, microchipped and up to date with vaccinations. His adoption fee is $300 and he’s ready to fly from his foster home in Karratha to his new home in Perth for an airfare of just $50. A few hours flying is absolutely worth it for animals who are located remotely if it means they have the opportunity to be adopted.

If you’d like a pawfect new man about the house, call SAFE Karratha on 08 9185 4634 and apply to adopt Kenney.

Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (SAFE) is an animal rescue organisation that has saved and rehomed more than 23,000 homeless animals since its beginnings in 2003. It has grown to be WA’s largest volunteer-based animal rehoming organisation using foster care instead of cages. SAFE has 12 branches state-wide. In 2018 it was the national winner “Outstanding Rescue Group” in the Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards. SAFE is the Western Australian arm of Animal Welfare League Australia (AWLA).

FOSTER CARE means animals live the lives of normal pets, with no time limits, enjoying love in their place of care, and socialisation in the home and community. Their carers’ knowledge of how they respond to different situations means SAFE can make a great match.

Would you like to help animals on their journey to a new life? To become a foster carer, the first step is to contact our SAFE Avon Valley branch on 0409 000 259 or our Perth-based branch, SAFE Metro on 0475 346 545 or 0448 893 033.

VOLUNTEER: https://safe.org.au/volunteer/

DONATE: https://safe.org.au/donate 46

ADOPT: https://safe.org.au/find-a-pet/

COMMUNITY he Compassionate Friends of Western Australia Tregardless strives to support families who have lost a child, 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 (non-religious) 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”.

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.

DONATIONS Donations allow us to purchase stamps so we can send our booklets and other 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 bereaved that wish to have contact.

The Compassionate Friends of WA Inc. receives no Government funding in any way.

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.

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.

54 Simpson Street, Ardross 6107 6257

47

Concluded from page 10 ...

Concluded from page 42 ...

The McGowan Government is working hard to protect the environment with other initiatives, including the introduction of Waste Avoidance and Resource Strategy 2030, which will help guide the State in becoming a more sustainable, low waste circular economy, the ban on lightweight plastic bags, the move to the three bin Food Organics and Garden Organics system and the Roads to Reuse Program (which uses recycled construction and demolition waste as road base).

Here in Swan Hills we are fortunate to have the City of Swan’s, Bullsbrook Recycling Centre which includes a fantastic reuse shop. Approximately 10,500 tonnes of recycled road base and 35,000 tonnes of recycled sand was utilised in building the Recycle Centre. The estimated cost savings for using these recycled materials was $170,000.

Recycled goods can be dropped off by local residents, free of charge, with 13,047 residents taking advantage of this facility in 2017/18, diverting 2,812 tonnes of rubbish from landfill. The City is currently undertaking investigations to establish a plastic recycling hub at the Centre. The Bullsbrook Recycling Centre is an excellent facility and a great place to fossick for a bargain!

Pundits warn that Australia’s property markets are facing a “day of reckoning” if Labor wins the election and follows through with its plan to scrap negative gearing benefits for landlords.

The Opposition plans to scale back the tax benefits, saying it would make property more affordable for first-time buyers and boost construction of new housing.

But the property industry is concerned Labor’s plan to scrap negative gearing on existing housing will instead detonate house prices, sparking a catastrophic flow-on effect across the national economy.

The loss of negative gearing — except for investors who buy newly built dwellings — will lead to plummeting house values and rising rents, said Dominique Grubisa, of investment consultancy DG Institute.

In his Budget reply speech, Mr Shorten said the Government was cementing an “intergenerational bias” into the tax system which was preventing first home buyers and young Australians from getting onto the first rung of the property ladder.

Yet, millions of Australians remain i­ gnorant of Labor’s

OTHER WASTE REDUCTION INITIATIVES

NEGATIVE GEARING CHANGES

WASTE WISE SCHOOLS

Waste Wise Schools is another fabulous environmental initiative funded by the State Government. Since 2002, more than 600 Waste Wise Schools grants worth around $1.6 million have delivered educational resources for about 162,000 students from 365 schools.

In 2017 Waste Wise schools recycled almost 200,000 kilograms of paper and diverted nearly 90,000 kilograms of fruit and vegetable scraps from landfill through worm farming and composting. What a fantastic effort!

Here in Swan Hills our local schools are doing a great job to reduce their waste and I’m proud to support their environmental initiatives.

• Anne Hamersley Primary School has set up a worm

farm and garden beds to re-use the worm castings, after

being granted $2,200.

• Bullsbrook College was granted $4,352 to set up fridge

worm farms and recycling bins.

• Aveley Primary School was granted $4,400 for a green

canteen, including a dishwasher, reusable bowls and

cutlery, shelving, trollies and materials to construct

compost bays.

proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax for property investors, with only a third of voters claiming they understand the measures.

Pollster JWS found that only 53 percent of respondents were aware of Labor’s plan to restrict negative gearing tax concessions to buyers of new residences. When made aware of the change, about 40 percent of respondents said they opposed it, while only 26 percent declared support.

PLAYING TO BASE

Sky News host, Laura Jayes, has warned there could be trouble ahead for Mr Shorten if he continues 'playing to his base' of low-to-middle income earners.

To be successful, a prime minister elect needs to be a leader for all, not just a few.

Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities

THREE-BIN FOGO COMING SOON!

All Perth and Peel households will have a third kerbside bin for Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) by 2025. Under the three-bin FOGO system, food scraps and garden organics are separated from other waste categories and reused to create high-quality compost. The three-bin system can more than double kerbside waste diversion rates compared to the two-bin system.

Waste avoidance is a priority for the McGowan Government, which means we strive to avoid the unnecessary generation of waste and all do our bit and work together to help our precious environment!

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.

48

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