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IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES
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Books and Writing
Just Out 3 Poetry 43 The Idler 37 Winter Activities at KSP 5 Winter Writing Workshops 5 Business
Front Page Photograph: Miss Galaxy Australia - Alicia van Schoonhoven Photograph Galaxy Australia See article on page 6.
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Business Card Board 49 Finance with Steve 42 Networking 41 Community Annie’s Collective Wonderland 20 Hills Choir 31 Less Salty Streams 9 Miss Galaxy Australia 2019 6 Notes From Parliament 11 Rabbits More Destructive Than Climate 7 SAFE 46 Standing Up For Swan Hills 10 SVRN 44 The Compassionate Friends 47 WA Reefs Show Record Low Coral Cover 8 What’s On 12
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Leisure
House and Garden Entertainment
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Douglas’ Wineries and Dineries 20 Film 22 Aladdin 25 Gauguin in Tahiti 23 John Wick 3 22 Spitfire 24 Food Goodbye, Farewell and Amen 20 Apple Pie Footnote People in History 16 Theatre 26 100 Reasons for War at The Actors’ Hub 35 Grease at Don Russell 34 Oliver! at Koorliny 32 Popcorn at Garrick 33 Reviews Chopin and Friends 30 Unrule 26 The Kitchen Sink 27 The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui 31 TV With Chris 38 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.
Swinburne Press (founded 1989) P: 0418 934 850 E: douglas.guvnor@gmail.com
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:
properly, we need to look beyond its on-field manifestations to the country it is being played in. Both were developing at the same time (which was no accident), and both had a big impact on the other. If you pick up a copy of this book, you can find out exactly how and why.”
A Far Off Land: Australian Football and the Birth of a Nation John Devaney
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About the author I have been interested in Australian football, and in particular its history, for well in excess of half a century. During the 1960s I lived in Australia, and my passion for the game derives from this time. Between January 2001 and December 2011 I ran a website called Full Points Footy which was devoted to the Australiawide history of the game. Much of the original Full Points Footy content can now be viewed on Australian Football, a website maintained by Adam Cardosi with a similar agenda to Full Points Footy. I continue to update the club entries on Adam’s site on an annual basis. My latest website, Footy Flashbacks, explores Australian football history all across Australia on a year by year basis. Content is restricted to the twentieth century, which I firmly believe will come to be regarded as football’s pre-eminent era. All of my work is thoroughly and meticulously researched using mainly primary source material so as the better to capture the spirit of the time being written about. ~oOo~
ritten by Brit John Devaney, who has an absolutely, barking-mad obsession with Australian rules football (to the tune of writing over a dozen books and maintaining multiple websites on the sport!), A Far Off Land: Australian Football and the Birth of a Nation takes readers on a journey through the first quarter of the twentieth century. But this isn’t just bog-standard history, with everything framed from behind the goalposts of Australian football, the social/political events that surrounded them – and how it ultimately shaped everything the country stands for today. During a stint living in Australia in the 1960s, Brit John Devaney has never let Australian football leave his heart…his mind…his mouth…or his pen! To be blunt, Devaney is totally nuts about the sport and its history, and has since become a world authority on it. Synopsis: A Far Off Land: Australian Football and the Birth of a Nation provides a chronological overview of the history of Australian Rules football during the first twenty-five years of the twentieth century, a period which also represents the first twenty-five years in the history of Australia as a nation, a time of political confusion, rapid social change, and the gradual shaping of a national identity. A key aspect of this identity was an obsession with sport. As far as Australian football was concerned this manifested itself in increased attendances and participation rates, the first moves towards professionalism, and the implementation of more and more sophisticated tactics and strategies. These developments are highlighted by focusing on individual matches, of varying standards and significance, from all across Australia. Each chapter also provides a discussion of key social, political, technological and military developments, both in Australia and across the globe. These details serve as a backdrop to the main content of the book which is a chronicle of the evolution of Australian football as a reflection of an emerging national identity. Match reports combine with player biographies and background information to trace football’s slow but discernible transformation from leisure pursuit to lucrative business. “This book will of course be of immense interest to many people in Australia; a nation that is passionate and vocal when it comes to sport - to put it mildly!” explains the author. “The indigenous Australian code of football is a sport boasting a thrill, excitement and gameplay unlike anything else on the planet. I wanted to write something that would keep its early history alive, and ensure the sport’s story can be preserved for future generations.” Continuing, “Of course, to examine the sport’s impact
Title: Author: Publisher:
The Vanished Bride Bella Ellis Hodder & Stoughton
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he year is 1845, and Emily, Charlotte and Anne Bronte are sat around the dining room table, laughing merrily as the rain of their Yorkshire summer falls outside. When their brother, Branwell, returns from The Bull Inn, he brings with him the most shocking revelation: that Elizabeth Chester, wife of Robert Chester and mistress of Chester Grange has gone missing – but the bloody scene found in her bedroom suggests she may have been murdered. The governess at Chester Grange is Matilda French, a close friend of Charlotte’s, who resolves to pay her a visit the following day. At Chester Grange, the sisters make the acquaintance of Robert, a rumoured cruel man, who is suspected of having driven his first wife to suicide. Determined that he should be brought to justice, the sisters throw themselves into solving the case. As everyone knows, solving a murder requires sense, morals and a very good imagination – qualities which these sisters have more than enough of… About the author Bella Ellis is the Brontë-esque pseudonym of Rowan
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Coleman, an acclaimed author of numerous novels for adults and children. She first visited the former home of the Brontë sisters when she was ten years old. From the moment she stepped over the threshold she was hooked, and embarked on a lifelong love affair with Charlotte, Emily, and Anne; their life; their literature; and their remarkable legacy.
Street Journal and The Washington Post, is an experienced public speaker and has given interviews on Radio 4’s Today Programme and NBC’s Today Show. He was born and brought up in London before graduating from Newcastle University, in 2002, with a First in History. After university he spent twelve months making and selling paintings across the Middle East, followed by several years working for an art gallery and a theatre production company, and had a brief (and not very successful) career as an artist. He began to write full-time after the release of his first book, in 2007, Misadventure in the Middle East. Today he lives in London with his wife and two children. ~oOo~
~oOo~ Title: Our Man in New York Author: Henry Hemming Publisher: Quercus
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he extraordinary story of a propaganda campaign like no other: the covert British operation to manipulate American public opinion and bring America into the Second World War. When William Stephenson – “our man in New York” – arrived in the United States towards the end of June 1940 with instructions from the head of MI6 to secure aid for Britain and ‘organise’ American public opinion, Britain was on the verge of defeat to Nazi Germany. Surveys at that time showed that just 14% of the population wanted to go to war against Germany. But over the months that followed, public opinion in the US began to shift… Those campaigning against America’s entry into the war had many theories about who or what was behind this shift in public opinion. The American aviator Charles Lindbergh, by 1941 the chief spokesman for the isolationist America First Committee, referred to a British-led plot to bring the US into the war. Others believed that the British were somehow manipulating the American media, that the government was riddled with British stooges, and that the British were meddling in US politics and using dirty tricks to smear prominent anti-war politicians. These claims were shocking, wild, even paranoid: they were also true. That truth is revealed here for the first time by bestselling author Henry Hemming, using access to hitherto private and classified documents, including the diaries of his own grandparents, who worked for Stephenson’s organisation. Stephenson – who later saved the life of Henry Hemming’s father – was a maverick figure of unique brilliance and daring whose work changed the course of the war, and can now be told in full.
Title: 3 Hours Author: Anders Roslund & Börge Hellström Publisher: Quercus
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he explosive third novel in the Ewert Grens-Piet Hoffmann trilogy, which began with Three Seconds. Stockholm, Sweden. Seventy-three refugees have been found dead, suffocated in a container at Varta harbour. Niamey, Niger. Ewert Grens arrives in a city he’s never heard of, in search of a man he never thought he would see again. Piet Hoffmann has again got himself in too deep, infiltrating a West African trafficking ring. He thinks he has two weeks to extricate himself, but will learn that his life, and that of countless defenceless people, now hangs on his actions during three desperate hours.
About the authors: Roslund and Hellström are Sweden’s most acclaimed fiction duo. Award-winning journalist Anders Roslund is the founder and former head of Kulturnyheterna (Culture News) on Swedish television, and for many years worked as a news reporter – specializing in criminal and social issues – and as an Editorin-chief at Rapport and Aktuellt, Sweden’s two foremost news programmes. Börge Hellström is an ex-convict who brings a unique insight into the brutal reality of criminal life. He now works with the rehabilitation of young offenders and drug addicts, and is one of the founders of the crime prevention organization KRIS (Criminals Return Into Society). Their DCI Ewert Grens novels have won the Glass Key Award, the Best Swedish Crime Novel award, the CWA International Dagger, appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, been translated into thirty-one different languages, and sold over two million copies worldwide. Visit them at www.roslund-hellstrom.com.
About the author: Henry Hemming is the bestselling author of five books including M, published as Agent M in North America, the Dolman Travel Award-shortlisted Misadventure in the Middle East and the New York Times bestseller The Ingenious Mr Pyke. He has written for The Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Times, The Economist, FT Magazine, The Wall 4
BOOKS AND WRITING WINTER ACTIVITIES AT KSP
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SHANNON COYLE
his June the Katherine Suzanna Pritchard Writer’s Centre have a number of activities.
Susi is a crime and thriller writer and regional GP. Her first novel, a psychological thriller titled Mine, was published in 2018 by Penguin Australia and internationally. She is currently immersed in writing her second novel.
How to Write a Thriller Workshop Saturday, 15 June 1.00-4.00pm Thriller writers are particularly adept at keeping their fans reading well into the night. Yet the techniques these writers use to maximise suspense are not limited to the thrillers, and can be utilised by writers working in any genre to maximise their story’s impact and thrill. In this workshop, participants will gain insights into the craft in order to create an unputdownable manuscript. Whether writing romance, literary fiction or sci-fi, the skills and exercises participants will learn and practice in this workshop will assist them to write manuscripts and stories that maximise page-turning well into the night. Target audience: Beginning and emerging novel or short story writers, any genre. Tickets from $35.
KSP Writer-in-Residence Applications Deadlines in June, July, August, September and October The KSP Writers' Centre is proud to support the development of literary work by hosting a number of annual residencies, mentored retreats and fellowships for writers. Some positions offer a salary and opportunity to present workshops. Please visit our website for criteria and application details. KSP Writing Competitions In 2019, KSP's is offering three writing competitions in the categories of Spooky Stories, Short Fiction, and Poetry. Spooky Story deadline: 19th July, 2019 Short Fiction deadline: 27 September, 2019 Poetry deadline: 11th October, 2019. Entry costs for adults start at $10; youth can enter for free thanks to sponsorship from the Shire of Mundaring. Cash prizes and certificates on offer. 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.
Film Noir Literary Dinner Tuesday, 18 June 6.30-9.30pm Join us for a Gatsby-esque evening of food and readings from visiting Writer-in-Residence Susi Fox.
WINTER WRITING WORKSHOPS
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he Society of Women Writers WA is offering a mixed bag of writing workshops on Saturday 6 July 2019 at the Goldfields Room, State Library of WA, Perth. Social Media for Authors is from 10.15am to 12.15pm. Author of Sci Fi, Fantasy, Romance and Children’s books, Rebecca Laffar-Smith will outline effective ways to promote yourself and your writing using social media.
Winter Writing Workshops Saturday 6 July 2019
Venue: Goldfields Room, First Floor State Library of WA, 25 Francis Street, Perth
Social Media for Authors 10.15am – 12.15pm Author of Sci Fi, Fantasy, Romance and Children’s Books, Rebecca Laffar-Smith will outline effective ways to promote yourself and your writing, using social media.
Writing Children’s Picture Books for Non-Artists is from 12.45pm to 2.45pm. Author, publisher and editor, Helen Iles will help you format your story, explore various ways to develop your own illustrations (even if you can’t draw), then show you how to self publish internationally.
Rebecca Laffar-Smith Writing Children’s Picture Books for Non-Artists 12.45pm – 2.45pm Author, publisher and editor, Helen Iles will help you format your story, explore various ways to develop your own illustrations (even if you can’t draw), then show you how to self publish internationally.
Writing Erotic Fiction for Women is from 3pm to 5pm. In this lively and entertaining workshop, Maria Bonar winner of the Stringybark Erotic Fiction Award, will demonstrate how to write quality erotic fiction for women readers. Cost is $35 per workshop for members of the Society; $40 for non-members. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Please email swwwabookingofficer@gmail.com or telephone 0415 840 031.
Helen Iles
Writing Erotic Fiction for Women 3pm – 5pm In this lively and entertaining workshop, Maria Bonar, winner of the Stringybark Erotic Short Fiction Award, will demonstrate how to write quality erotic fiction for women. Maria Bonar
For information about the Society of Women Writers WA, visit: www. swwofwa.com.au.
Cost: $35 per workshop for SWWWA Members. $40 per workshop for non-members. For bookings, contact: swwwabookingofficer@gmail.com or telephone 0415 840 031 For further information about the Society, visit: www.swwofwa.com.au
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SWAN COMMUNITY MISS GALAXY AUSTRALIA 2019
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t the beginning of May 2019 local Alicia Van Schoonhoven was crowned Miss Galaxy Australia 2019. Miss Galaxy Australia is a pageant focused on selfdevelopment and charity work. It encourages women of all ages to volunteer for causes and work to make a difference in their community. Alicia has always been passionate about helping people and has always strived to live a life where she was able to make a difference in the lives of others. Her childhood dream was to be involved in a pageant and in 2013 she entered her first. She says “This was an incredibly empowering experience for me and it exposed me to the world of volunteering and charity work. I continued to enter more pageants over the years and I first entered Miss Galaxy Australia in 2015. “I fell in love with this pageant system because of its strong emphasis on community work and volunteering. I loved being involved in something, where I was able to make a significant impact on the lives of others and meet like-minded women who were just as passionate as me, working hard to make our world a better place. In 2015 Alicia went through to the National Final of Miss Galaxy Australia and was placed in the Top 10 in Australia. She returned for the Australian title in 2017, where she placed third Runner-Up and again in 2018 when placed 1st Runner-Up. In 2019, after six years in the pageant world and four attempts at the Miss Galaxy Australia title, it was an overwhelming, exciting and rewarding moment when her name was announced as Miss Galaxy Australia 2019. Since starting pageantry in 2013 Alicia has supported and volunteered for thirty-five different not-for-profit organisations, including The Ronald McDonald House, Starlight, the Cancer
Council, Food Rescue, Food Bank, Variety, Women and Infants Research Foundation and many more. Australia Galaxy Pageants Director, Lucinda Ferguson: “We aim to provide the motivation and tools for all delegates to become the best possible version of themselves, to become role models to their peers, their family and their community, be that through charity work, involvement within the community, volunteering, overcoming fear or gaining more confidence. We consider our delegates family, and encourage them always to reach their potential, whilst creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime.” Alicia: “There are many things I hope to achieve as Miss Galaxy Australia 2019. In August this year I will be travelling to Orlando, Florida in the USA for the international final where delegates from all over the world will come together to compete for the international title. “ In the lead up to the international final and throughout the year of my title, I will be involved in a range of charity work and I have plans to be involved in some overseas humanitarian projects. “I have learnt so much over the years being involved in pageantry and I truly believe that hard work and persistence pays off. I aspire to inspire as many people as I can during my year as Miss Galaxy Australia 2019 through my consistent hard work and dedication to my community. “I feel so grateful for the opportunity I have been given to represent my country on the international stage and I am so excited for the journey that lies ahead.” The good wishes of her family, friends and supports go with her in her venture. Watch this space ... 6
COMMUNITY RABBITS MORE DESTRUCTIVE THAN CLIMATE DAVID SLY
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abbits have been identified as the culprit behind historical damage to the vast dune system that flanks South Australia’s Coorong. A long-term study of vegetation cover on Younghusband Peninsula’s transgressive dunes by Flinders University researchers shows that rabbits have been the most destructive factor affecting dune stability, ahead of wind, temperature fluctuation or rainfall - and recent reduction of the rabbit population has greatly improved the stability of these dunes. “We had stopped Bunny culling in the early 1900s in South Australia the natural evolution of the dune system. With the a combined virus in 2018, which has had 40 per cent effect on introduction of rabbits, we destabilised a natural, functioning already low population numbers. ecosystem and compromised the stability of the dunes,” says The paper – Changes in vegetation cover on the Professor Patrick Hesp, Strategic Professor in Coastal Studies at Younghusband Peninsula transgressive dunefields (Australia) Flinders University and co-author of the new study. 1949-2017, written by Martim Moulton, Patrick Hesp, Graziela However, Martim Moulton, PhD student working with Professor Hesp, Dr Graziela Miot da Silva and others found that the release of viruses to kill rabbits have turned these results on their head. Aerial photographs of the peninsula from 1949 to 2017 show that vegetation cover has significantly increased in recent years, and stabilised the dunefields, since the rapid decrease of rabbit populations. “Convention would suggest that strong vegetative growth is the result of increased rainfall and reduced winds, but that simple notion doesn’t apply in the Younghusband Peninsula. The wind records are too variable, for starters, so something else had to be a key contributing factor to significant changes in vegetative growth – and we found out that it’s all about the bunnies.” Historical records show that strong rains during spring accelerate vegetation growth in the Younghusband Peninsula dune system, but they also boost rabbit populations – which, at their worst, reached an alarming twenty-six rabbits per hectare and resulted in a critical reduction in vegetation coverage of the dunes. Subsequent peaks in vegetative growth on the dunes through more than sixty-five years of records corresponds with the introduction of specific viruses that dramatically reduced rabbit populations – myxomatosis in 1952, the rabbit flea in 1968, Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease in 1995, and 7
COMMUNITY WA REEFS SHOW RECORD LOW CORAL COVER EMMA CHADWICK
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he most extensive report into the state of Western Australia's coral reefs, led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, shows many reefs have the lowest coral cover on record. Western Australia’s coral reefs, comparable in extent and diversity to those on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, have been seriously affected by heat stress and cyclones. This latest study of WA reefs was undertaken through the collaboration of twenty-six researchers from nineteen institutions, and included important marine observations from regional managers, tourist operators and Bardi Jawi Indigenous Rangers in the Kimberley. Marine scientist Dr James Gilmour said it was the first study of its kind to establish a long-term history of changes in coral cover across eight reef systems and the extent of coral bleaching at 401 survey sites. Dr Gilmore : “Despite their extent and diversity, there are few published accounts of the condition of Western Australia’s reefs. Coral reefs make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy and identity through associated fisheries, tourism and recreation, so we are formally assessing their condition following the third global coral bleaching event in 2016 and establishing a baseline for future change.” WA Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions marine scientist, and co-author in the research, Dr Shaun Wilson said a heat wave in 2016 had its greatest impact
in the north-west but had relatively little effect on those reefs south of the Pilbara, such as Ningaloo. “However, these reefs were affected by heat stress in La Niña years, particularly the 2011 heat wave, so over the past ten years, few reefs have escaped bleaching,” Dr Wilson said. University of Western Australia physical oceanographer and co-author Dr Rebecca Green said to assess changes to reef systems, the team had linked site-specific data since 1990 on the coral’s exposure to damaging marine heatwaves and heat stress, with mean changes in coral cover. Dr Gilmour said for seventy-five per cent of reef systems with long-term data of between five and twenty-six years, coral cover is currently at, or near, the lowest on record. “Full recovery is unlikely if heat stress and cyclone disturbances continued to intensify, however, at some reefs, coral cover has remained relatively stable or has increased in recent years. “Within all reef systems, the condition of communities based on their exposure to disturbances, was varied. We have started identifying coral communities least susceptible to disturbances, which show some capacity to adapt to future warming, and investigating how their coral larvae connect between reefs following coral spawning. The capacity for coral larvae to disperse between reefs and expand their distribution would be important for future research and management.
Concluded from the previous page ... Miot da Silva, Camille Bouchez, Muriel Lavy and Guilherme Fernandez – is published in journal Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. The findings have significance for international concern about the protection of vulnerable coastlines, with Professor Hesp saying this study underlines the need to examine the prevalence and impact of introduced plants and pests in an ecosystem. “We’ve shown that removing the introduced species will greatly help the stabilisation of an affected coastal dune system,” he says. While Professor Hesp notes the Younghusband Peninsula
dunefield is currently in a good state, the system is still fragile and vulnerable to further damage if rabbits return to the area in large numbers. “We can see the impact they have made on the environment, so we have to make sure that the bunnies don’t come back – because we now know what the consequences will be,” says Professor Hesp. “We must keep a close eye on rabbit population growth, because they are the trigger to vegetation destruction in the dunes.” Courtesy of Flinders University
An aerial view of the dune vegetation coverage 8
COMMUNITY LESS SALTY STREAMS DAVID SLY
Discovering how a local stream became less salty
Mr Anderson says evidence of a catchment returning to the original salinity levels before European settlement is exciting news for farmers, as southern Australia continues to face great hardships from salinity issues.
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ryland salinity is a devastating problem in Australian agriculture, causing ongoing environmental and economic problems. Now, Flinders University researchers have discovered that a stream in a deforested Adelaide Hills catchment shows a decreasing salinity trend over the past twenty-eight years, pointing to possible long-term remediation of salt-affected land. Flinders PhD graduate Tom Anderson led a study of Scott Creek, a high rainfall area, that shows the combination of time and volume of water flow has resulted in salt regression through it being flushed from the water table. He believes the methodology could have wide application across Australia – especially reading areas where streams and rivers have been affected by high salinity. Dryland salinity occurs after deep-rooted native vegetation (mainly gum trees) has been cleared and replaced with shortrooted agricultural crops, which allows more rainfall to infiltrate into groundwater and subsequently raise the water table. Historical salts built up over thousands of years can therefore discharge into surface water, but a finite mass of historical salts mean that streams become less saline as salt is eventually flushed from the system. In the case of Scott Creek, reaching a return to salt equilibrium is happening faster than expected - within about 300 years of this area being deforested, noting that continued rainfall and drainage are key factors to ensure continued change. Flinders University researchers documented this desalinisation in a paper published in Hydrogeology Journal - Salinity balance and historical flushing quantified in a high rainfall catchment (Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia), by Thomas Anderson, Erick Bestland, Ilka Wallis and Huade Guan. It can be read online at www.rdcu.be/bgbxr. Mr Anderson says the results came as a surprise, emerging as an important side-project into his examination of salinity trends. Now, he believes this new way of assessing existing highresolution data will reveal fresh insights to a range of waterways in different locations across Australia. “Now it’s time to go into other areas to apply the same testing methodology – in areas of lower rainfall, and subject to more extreme salinity damage,” says Mr Anderson. “Fortunately, for the interest of future studies, many rivers throughout South Australia and around the world contain such data.” Theories of reaching a new salt equilibrium have been conceptualised by scientists since the 1970s, but this is the first study to reveal a statistically significant trend that shows a stream returning to a new salt equilibrium. A twenty-eight-year record of flow and salinity in Scott Creek (between 1989 and 2016) was analysed, based on monthly data. Salt deposited in rainfall compared to salt exported from Scott Creek, determined that approximately three times more salt was leaving the catchment. Over the time period investigated, salt load exported to surface water decreased by, an average 6.4 tonnes annually due to catchment freshening. The stream could reach a new and lower salinity level by 2090 if this trend continues at a constant rate.
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KEN WYATT MP Federal Member for Hasluck 9359 0322
ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au
kenwyatt.com.au
kenwyattmp
Authorised by K.Wyatt MP, Shop 10-12 Forrestfield Marketplace, 80 Hale Road, Forrestfield WA 6058. 9
STANDING UP FOR SWAN HILLS STANDING UP FOR WA JOBS JESSICA SHAW MLA - MEMBER FOR SWAN HILLS
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y former career in industry, and my family’s own experience in local small business, means I know how important job security and economic prosperity is to our local community. The McGowan Labor government has put job creation and economic management at the heart of its agenda. That is why we introduced the WA Jobs Act, one of the McGowan Government’s key election commitments. We have committed to creating 150,000 jobs by 2023-24, meaning that 1,485 million people across WA will be employed. We’ve also introduced a range of measures to support small businesses – particularly in the building trades.
HOUSING
The housing construction sector is the largest employer in Swan Hills. Over one third of our local small businesses are in the building trades. Government action to stimulate new homes construction directly translates into local jobs. The McGowan Government has committed $394 million to the METRONET Social and Affordable Housing and Jobs Package. We will build new homes right across the metropolitan area, close to new public transport precincts like Ellenbrook. Keystart will also drive new home construction, offering
finance for people striving to buy a home in WA. By providing home loans with low deposits and shared ownership options, Keystart enables first and subsequent home buyers to purchase the home of their dreams. Keystart has a total loan book of over $4.8billion. Since it was established by the Labor Government in 1989, more than 66,700 loans have been approved, helping 102,000 people. In 2017-18 alone Keystart supported 1,700 jobs and generated $670 million in economic activity. Almost 80 percent of homes in the Keystart program were new builds. In the 2019-20 State Budget, we have expanded access to Keystart by temporarily increasing the income limits by $15,000 for singles and couples and $20,000 for families. Keystart is one of the main reasons why WA has the highest percentage of first homebuyers in the nation and extending its loan book is an important way to deliver more home ownership for WA households and more jobs into our local economy.
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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
WA INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION SCHEME
The State Government spends $27 billion on goods, services and works a year and I believe local businesses should have the opportunity to win these contracts. The WA Industry Participation Scheme (WAIPS) will require Participation Plans for all State Government contracts worth over $1 million (or $500,000 in regional WA). Businesses tendering for work with the McGowan Labor government will have to identify how they will use local businesses to fulfil the contract, including how many local workers, apprentices and trainees will be employed. The Premier can also designate “Strategic Projects”, irrespective of value. The METRONET Railcar Program is the first example of the ‘strategic project’ approach, with the Midland railcar manufacturing facility.
Postal Address PO Box 2265 Ellenbrook WA 6069
WA INDUSTRY LINK
Tender processes can be complex, so we’ve also set up WA Industry Link to help local businesses bid for more work. This includes the Industry Link Advisory Service, Local Content Advisers and WA Industry Link portal. Concluded on page 48 ...
Standing up for Swan Hills Authorised by Jessica Shaw, 13/31 Egerton Drive, Aveley, WA 6069
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NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK Hon Donna Faragher JP MLC Member for East Metropolitan Region
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ational Volunteers Week is our annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of Australia’s volunteers. As part of this, I have been meeting with a variety of organisations supported by amazing volunteers. Starting Over Support, a community initiative of People Who Care. Based in Bayswater, this fantastic organisation supports vulnerable individuals and families transitioning from crisis to independent accommodation. Last year, Starting Over Support gave a helping hand to over 500 individuals and 1,500 children who left the security of a shelter or refuge. With a particular focus given to women and children escaping family and domestic violence, the organisation
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provides free household items and essential furniture to help them make a fresh start. I look forward to supporting Brad, Kathie and their team of volunteers in the future. If you would like to support this amazing group through donations or any other support, please visit www.startingover.org. au/. This month, I also took the opportunity to catch up again with the team at the Bus Preservation Society of WA. Located at Whiteman Park, this volunteer-based organisation works to restore and maintain a large collection of heritage buses. One of their latest projects is the restoration of a 1930 wood-framed Thorneycroft Charabanc Bus complete with a soft top roof. I can’t wait to go for ride when it’s all finished. The Bus Preservation Society is Metropolitan Region passionate about the restoration and preservation of buses and the history of bus transport in Western Australia. Thank you to Tom and the team for taking the time to show me around their fabulous workshop again. A big thank you to all volunteers across the East Metropolitan Region for the dedication and commitment that you give to support so many within our community. If you would like assistance on any State related issue, please do not Contact Donna hesitate to contact my office on 9379 9379 0840 | faragher.eastmetro@mp.wa.gov.au 0840. donnafaragher.com.au DonnaFaragherMLC
Donna Faragher JP MLC Member for East
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Here to help!
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.
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.
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HOUSE AND GARDEN WINTER GARDENING IN PERTH MARION LOGIE
W
ith the rains approaching and temperatures dropping, many of the plants in our gardens are slowing their growth rates and eventually will become dormant but this is not the case for every plant. Weeds will be growing more than ever! Winter is also a great time to prune your trees and shrubs and plant annual bulbs, but also is good for planning for the next season and checking your reticulation system is in good shape.
to the seeding stage. This can be achieved by manually pulling out the weeds or by chemical treatments – we recommend chemicals as the last resort. Weeds in the lawn area can be managed by regular mowing (before they grow flowers and seeds), manual action when the invasion isn’t too bad or by chemical treatment. If you have no other alternative to chemicals, we recommend using a professional who will use the right chemical in the right quantity- so won’t pollute more than necessary. Another alternative (and this is our favourite) is to make it hard for the weeds to grow. For this you have to understand how weeds (and other plants) grow. A seed will only sprout when the conditions are ideal, telling the plants that the chances of survival are optimal, when the conditions are not good the seeds will stay dormant until they are in a comfortable position to thrive.
WEED CONTROL
During the winter months in Perth, weeds are becoming more of an issue and, when it comes to weeds, the best thing is to be proactive. Most weeds are annual plants which means that they have a short life cycle; growing from seeds, flowering, creating more seeds and spreading them around. With that in mind, you understand that we have to act prior
Those conditions may be: Adequate light Favourable temperature The right amount of moisture The right amount of oxygen Growing media suitable for the species With this in mind, we are aiming to remove some of those germinating factors by: Mulching: (at least 50mm or 5cm thick, and must be chunky mulch) which will prevent the light from reaching the seeds but also makes it harder for the seedlings to anchor themselves and reach out into the open. Creating competition: for instance on lawn areas, promoting a healthy lawn growth will make it much harder for weeds to grow. On garden beds, planting ground cover and promoting their growth will achieve the same result. Weeds may still grow but will be weak and easily manageable.
WHAT NEXT?
Now that we have the weeds under control let’s have a look at the other tasks needing attention in June: Shrubs, Trees & Climbers Trim trees and shrubs to allow sunlight to reach plants and lawn below Plant bare-rooted shrubs and trees For smaller gardens, the deciduous crabapple and crepe myrtle trees can be planted now Add a layer of straw around the base of newly planted roses to protect the young stems against the cold Bulbs, Perennials & Annuals Plant lilium bulbs as directed and hippeastrum bulbs with the top of the bulb protruding from the soil Divide out day lilies and spread to other parts of the garden Prune back asangua camellias once the flowering has finished Tubs & Containers Reduce the amount of water given to any indoor potted 14
plants and move them away from heaters. Occasionally mist with water to maintain their humidity Lawns & Hedges It is now probably too late for fertilising your lawn or any plants that will go dormant over winter. Most plants are slowing down during winter and fertilising will just leach into the soil, wasting your budget and may pollute our fragile ecosystem. Treat any weeds and pests to stop them from taking over during the colder weather Gather any fallen leaves and debris to allow sunlight to penetrate and to avoid disease caused by rotting vegetation June is the month to make your citrus tree selections and get them planted. Talk to your local nursery or gardener for expert advice on the best varieties to suit your needs and your specific location
GENERAL TASKS
Keep the leaves off the lawn area – it is a good idea to use the fallen leaves as a mulch in your garden beds, if you haven’t got proper mulch, as they will decompose and nourish your soil. Alternatively, you may want to put them in the compost bin. Get your mower blade sharpened and ready for next season, and maintain all your gardening tools. Keep weeds at bay Get your reticulation system checked to make sure it’s ready for
the next watering season and also beat the crowd. Most retic companies are quiet in winter which will ensure a fast response
PRUNING
Most flowering plants are now slowly going into dormancy and their last flowers are losing their former glory. Take a pair of secateurs and prune all the spent flowers Your Frangipanis are starting to lose their last leaves and it is now time to think of pruning them back to improve their density and create a beautiful shape. Your roses will need a harsh pruning once they go dormant (end of July-August) – see next month’s article. Shape and prune all deciduous trees.
FERTILISING
With winter, most plants are going in dormancy so fertilising will just be a waste of resources and will eventually leach and pollute our water tables. We recommend to wait for the active growing season to fertilise your plants. This being said, citrus plants are actively growing and will need to be fed with specific citrus fertilisers. Keep warm and dry and enjoy your garden. Courtesy of Perth Gardening
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FOOTNOTE PEOPLE IN HISTORY CAPTAIN SIR MANSFIELD SMITH-CUMMING (1859 - 1923) e all know ‘M’, boss of Bond, James Bond. Depending on W your age you imagine kindly pipe-smoking Bernard Lee or steely-eyed Judi Dench signing memos in green ink and being
clever. But the real ‘M’ was called ‘C’, based on how he signed his memos (in green ink) and although the real head of MI6 is still callled C, it stands for ‘Chief’ and they still write in the traditional green ink used by Captain Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming. Mansfield Smith, son of Colonel John Thomas Smith of the Royal Engineers was born on 1st April 1859. He came from a moderately prosperous landed and professional family. After attending Dartmouth Royal Naval College, he served as sublieutenant in HMS Bellerophon. Smith saw action in the East Indies and was decorated for his role in the Egyptian campaign of 1882. Smith suffered from poor health and in 1885 was placed on the retired list as "unfit for service". He married the extremely rich May Cumming and as part of the marriage settlement changed his name to Smith-Cumming. In 1898, while still on the Royal Navy retired list, he was recruited by the foreign section of the Secret Service Bureau, the organization which had responsibility for supplying intelligence to the Admiralty and to the War Office. In 1907 Major Vernon Kell become Director of the Home Section of the Secret Service Bureau with responsibility of investigating espionage, sabotage and subversion within and without Britain. Cumming was fifty and in semi-retirement when he received an unexpected letter from the Admiralty. “Boom defence must be getting a bit stale...” it read. “I have something good I can offer you and if you would like to come and see me on Thursday about noon, I will tell you what it is.” The letter was signed by Rear Admiral Alexander Bethell, director of Naval Intelligence, and dated 10 August 1909. It was to mark the beginning of an illustrious new career for Mansfield Cumming. This organisation eventually became known as MI6. Cumming’s first office was established in London’s Victoria Street, opposite the Army and Navy Stores, where it was to operate under the guise of a detective agency. The location was not ideal, largely because C kept bumping into friends who wanted to know what he was doing there. To preserve his anonymity, he rented a private flat in Ashley Mansions on Vauxhall Bridge Road and moved most of his operations to this unassuming new headquarters. An office, he would say, arouses interest and curiosity, “but a private dwelling calls for no comment.” He would later move again, to the eaves of an Edwardian mansion at Number Two, Whitehall Court. This was a labyrinthine collection of offices close to the centre of government. Potential agents were led up six flights of stairs before entering a warren of corridors, passageways and mezzanines. Keith Jeffery, the author of MI6: The History of the Secret Intelligence Service (2010), argues: "Cumming was an inspired choice. Not only did he grasp the essentials of secret service work from the very beginning, but he proved to be sufficiently robust and independent-minded to ensure the continued autonomy of the fledgling service." Vernon Kell was appointed as head of MI5, investigating espionage, sabotage and subversion in Britain. Cumming feared that Kell would eventually become head of a unified intelligence
‘C’, Captain Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming unit. On 1st November 1909 he wrote: "I am firmly convinced that Kell will oust me altogether before long. He will have quantities of work to show, while I shall have nothing. It will transpire that I am not a linguist, and he will then be given the whole job with a subordinate, while I am retired - more or less discredited." The historian, Professor Christopher Andrew, has pointed out: "Between 1909 and 1914 he recruited part-time casual agents in the shipping and arms business to keep track of naval construction in German shipyards and acquire other technical intelligence. He also had agents collecting German intelligence in Brussels, Rotterdam, and St Petersburg." In the summer of 1914 Smith-Cumming and his only son, Alastair, were on a driving holiday in Europe. They were driving at high speed through woodland in Northern France when Alistair lost control of the wheel. The car spun into a roadside tree and flipped upside down. Alistair was flung from the vehicle and landed on his head whereas Smith-Cumming was trapped by his leg. Compton Mackenzie later explained: "The boy was fatally injured and his father, hearing him moan something about the cold, tried to extricate himself from the wreck of the car in order to put a coat over him; but struggle as he might, he could not free his smashed leg." Smith-Cumming then used his pocket knife to hack away at his mangled limb "until he had cut it off, after which he had crawled over to the son and spread a coat over him." Nine hours later, Smith-Cumming was found lying unconscious next to his son's dead body. Keith Jeffery points out "he was back to work at his office in London within about six weeks testifies to very considerable powers of resilience and fortitude." Edward Knoblock, who worked for Smith-Cumming, recalls 16
that after he acquired a prosthetic limb made of wood, he used it to theatrical effect during interviews with potential agents. "He would terrify potential recruits by reaching for his sharp letter knife and raising it high in the air. He would then slam it through his trousers and into his wooden leg." According to Knoblock, if the candidate winced, Smith-Cumming told him, "well, I am afraid you won't do." Working closely with Vernon Kell of MI5 and Sir Basil Thomson of the Special Branch, Smith-Cumming helped to arrange on the outbreak of the First World War the arrest of twentytwo German agents. Eleven men were executed, as was Sir Roger Casement, who was also found guilty of treason. The government was so pleased with the work of Cumming that on 17th November 1915, he was given the title "Chief of the Secret Service" and was given "sole control" of "all espionage and counter-espionage agents abroad" and of "all matters connected with the expenditure of Secret Service funds". Smith-Cumming employed a highly skilled team of cipher men in London who were constantly changing the codes in order to minimise the chance of them being decrypted. George Alexander Hill explained in Go Spy the Land (1933) that he used one of these codes while an agent in Russia: "It had been invented by a genius at the Secret Service headquarters in London and of the many I have seen it was the easiest and safest for a secret service man to carry." Hill said that SmithCumming had an extensive range of gadgets available to his agents: "Secret inks, tiny cameras the size of half a crown and not much thicker, photographs reduced so that their films can be concealed in a cigarette." Edward Knoblock wrote in Round the Room: An Autobiography (1939): "He (C) had a passion for inventions of all sorts and being a rich man, he often bought the rights to them, such as strange telescopes, mysterious mechanism with which to signal in the dark ... rockets, bombs etc." Smith-Cumming had a particular fascination for invisible inks. He hired the services of the distinguished physicist, Thomas R. Merton, who conducted ink experiments with many different chemical solutions. These included potassium permanganate, antipyrine and sodium nitrate. Spies were also advised to make invisible ink from semen. However, this was eventually abandoned because of complaints about the smell from those receiving the letters. It was during the war Smith-Cumming's unit became known as MI6. Agents who worked for the unit during the war included John Buchan (later Lord Tweedsmuir), Valentine Williams, Edward Knoblock, Paul Dukes, Compton Mackenzie, George Alexander Hill and Somerset Maugham. Cumming’s most remarkable, though not his most reliable, agent was Sidney Reilly (‘Ace of Spies’) in St Petersburg, the dominating figure in the mythology of modern British espionage. Reilly, it has been claimed, “wielded more power, authority and influence than any other spy”, was an expert assassin “by poisoning, stabbing, shooting and throttling”, and possessed “eleven passports and a wife to go with each”. The reality, though far less sensational, is still remarkable. Knoblock later commented: "He (Cumming) did us all
almost endless kindnesses, as not only the men but the girls who worked for him will remember to this day." Williams was also complimentary, claiming he "had nerves of steel ... In the darkest moments, it was a tonic to his staff to see him at his desk, calm, affable, humorous, unafraid". Keith Jeffery has argued: "A large part of Cumming's success stemmed from his cheerful and equable personality. Whatever professional disagreements he may have had with fellow officers, he always seems to have been able to maintain good relationships on a personal level." Another agent, Paul Dukes, later recalled "woe betide the unfortunate individual who ever incurred his ire ... but the stern countenance could melt into the kindliest of smiles, and the softened eyes and lips revealed a heart that was big and generous". In July 1919 Cumming was awarded a KCMG, in the prestigious Order of St Michael and St George, normally reserved for ambassadors and colonial governors. This was a clear public recognition of the high esteem in which he was held and the service he provided during the First World War. Despite this acceptance of the important work of MI6 during the war, the government cut back on expenditure on the Secret Service and as a result Cumming lost stations in Madrid, Lisbon, Zurich and Luxembourg. Christopher Andrew has pointed out: "Like the rest of the British intelligence community, the post-war SIS was drastically cut back. Cumming succeeded, however, in gaining a monopoly of espionage and counter-intelligence outside Britain and the empire. He also established a network of SIS station commanders operating overseas under diplomatic cover. “To the end of his life Cumming retained an infectious, if sometimes eccentric, enthusiasm for the tradecraft and mystification of espionage, experimenting personally with disguises, mechanical gadgets, and secret inks in his own laboratory." In 1919 the War Office suggested that MI6 should amalgamate with MI5. Cumming argued strongly against this proposal. He saw clearly, as his successor Stewart Menzies was also to do twenty-five years later, the absolute necessity of keeping domestic and foreign intelligence work separate. Anticipating the possibility of a Labour government, and managing to do so in an admirably unhysterical way, Cumming asserted that combining his organisation with M15 and getting involved in secret service against domestic political targets could jeopardise the effectiveness of foreign intelligence work by prompting public and parliamentary attacks on the intelligence machine as a whole. As with his passion for motor cars, speedboats and aeroplanes, Cumming, a nineteenth-century Victorian with a lively twentieth-century interest in technological advances, may have been more prepared to accept political change than many of his contemporaries. Or he may simply have appreciated that the active espousal of anti-left-wing politics could damage the work of his beloved Bureau. Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming died suddenly at his home on 14th June 1923, shortly before he was due to retire. 17
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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FOOD GOODBYE, FAREWELL AND AMEN CHARLOTTE AND JULIE
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – A.A. Milne
I
t is with the heaviest of hearts that we share this news with you. Monday the 3rd June 2019 was the last day of service for Swan Valley Cafe. At 5pm the doors closed forever. You may be asking: why? Well, after many months of trying, our lease has not been renewed and we have been asked to vacate. We nearly made it to nine years! We are both so very grateful for all your support over this time. We will miss you all so much. We have certainly been through a lot personally on this journey…Charlotte & Ray married at the café. We have both lost members of our family and welcomed new ones. We have lost staff to illness. Both of our husbands have had serious health issues. On this note we want to just say that our husbands Ray and Max have been our biggest supporters and our love and gratitude goes to them on so many levels.
We thank our amazing staff, past and present. You all came to us for a reason and left with more knowledge about yourselves on personal and professional levels. We love you all and are so grateful for giving us your support above and beyond. Charlotte and Julie started off as friends and work colleagues and now we are forever friends. We will get through the next month or so because we have each other. Our gratitude and thanks goes out to you all. Love and blessings.
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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FOOD KETO SPINACH AND RICOTTA LASAGNA SM COLES
T
he ‘newest’ diet sensation is the “Keto Diet”, a variation on the low-carbohydrate high-protein diet that first shot to prominance as the “Drinking Man’s Diet” in 1962 (a year before Weight Watchers was founded), and then again nine years later as the Atkins Diet. Fun fact: Robert Cameron the author of The Drinking Man’s Diet died ten years ago at the age of 98. The diet is not for everyone and any diet/change of regimen should be discussed with your GP or dietician but it is certainly becoming popular. Vegetarian recipes can be a bit of a challenge on Keto, but this Keto Vegetarian Lasagna will have you licking the plate and looking for more. Vegetarian keto recipes can be few and far between, because so many dishes rely on meat for fat and protein. This take on a Keto Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna (‘lasagna’ used loosely…) is packed full of flavour! Perfect for a meat-free dinner and great reheated for lunches. The first time I made this recipe, I was trying to cut corners and didn’t cook the eggplant slices first. Big mistake. Huge. Chewy, rubbery, biter eggplant followed.
KETO SPINACH AND RICOTTA LASAGNA Serves six
INGREDIENTS
1 or 2 large eggplants sliced as thinly lengthwise as possible 600 grams ricotta drained 800g fresh baby spinach leaves, steamed and then dried in a towel (or 200 grams frozen spinach thawed, water squeezed out) 2 tablespoons dried parsley 2 tablespoons dried basil 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 lemon zest and juice 1 cup tomato pureé 1 cup grated cheese I like 1/2 tasty, 1/2 parmesan
INSTRUCTIONS
1 Preheat the oven to 200C0 and grease a deep casserole dish. 2 Slice the eggplant as thinly as you can, and lay the pieces out on a cookie sheet. Brush with olive oil and bake for 15 - 20 minutes, flipping once, until tender. Alternatively, you could grill them in batches in a frying pan. 3 While the eggplant is baking, in a large bowl combine ricotta, drained spinach, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, nutmeg and lemon. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices. 4 In the prepared casserole dish, begin with a layer of cooked eggplant, then top with 1/3 of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers of eggplant and ricotta until all ingredients are used up. 5 Top with the passata and sprinkle on the grated cheese. Cover with tin foil and bake for 30 - 40 minutes until piping hot through, removing the tin foil for the final 10 minutes so the cheese gets nice and crispy. Prep Time 25 minutes Cook Time 40 minutes Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes ~oOo~
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REVIEWS Film: Director: Reviewer:
FILM
John Wick 3 Chad Stahelski Douglas Sutherland-Bruce
Blood-thirsty murder and mayhem like action movies. I enjoy thriller novels. I am a fan of imaginative fantasy like Sir Terry Pratchett. Theoretically therefore the film series on John Wick would be right up my street, or dark mean alley. The world John Wick inhabits is not our world – it looks very much like our world, but is run as a criminal enterprise ruled by the ‘High Table’, a cabal of criminal masterminds ruling with total tyranny through a series of hotel/sanctuaries world wide. They hold power with Medieval fealty based loosely on the Feudal system. They are omnipotent and omnipresent. They are supreme - except for the ‘One Above the High Table’. And presumably in films to come in the franchise, ‘The One Above the One Above the High Table’ or the ‘Few Overlords Above The One Above The High Table’. Because there have been three films so far and the third John Wick – Chapter 3 – Parabellum ending with a very definite lead-in to a fourth instalment. John Wick is written by Chad Kolstad and the films are directed by Chad Stahelski, who has said that the influences on the plot and writing are films such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly , Point Blank, Le Cercle Rouge, and The Killer. Although I feel that perhaps the main stimulus might have been the novels about Mike Hammer, Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne and Keller. Anyway, the series starts with a retired contract killer, John Wick, who bought his retirement with blood, and his wife, who dies pretty tragically. Shortly after her death a puppy she has bought him to keep him company arrives. He names her Daisy and not to drag it out the puppy gets killed by a group of thugs who break into his home to steal his car – admittedly a pretty cool ride.
I
Skipping lightly over the incongruity of a world renowned killer getting knocked out by a group of punks, this triggers Mr Wick and he spends the next two hours wading through revengesoaked blood. John Wicks 2 and 3 are more of the same. Wick is played with brooding intensity by Keanu Reeves who acts with much the same emotions as Buster Keaton, and with a good deal of that gentleman’s stunts. The series is incredibly violent of the not-very-real kind, even though it is graphic to a degree. It is obvious that no one really gets hurt, despite the truly tedious number of times they get shot, stabbed, knifed, blown up, tortured, maimed, thrown off buildings, garroted or pushed through glass display cases
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housing priceless treasures. Aided, in chapter three, by Halle Berry and Lawrence Fishburne and patronised by Anjelica Huston and Ian McShane (a staple of the three films) John Wick must fight. Endlessly. The film runs about two hours of which at least one hour and fifty-five minutes has John (I call him John, because we’re friends – or at least I wouldn’t want to call him an enemy) either killing or running. The death toll is ridiculously high. Countless numbers of black-clad warriors both in armour and in slippers get shot through the head. Or stabbed. Or both. One fight takes place in an antique weapons store simply for the variety of edged weapons available for use. All the assassins get in close to wreak close-action kung-fu work, getting tossed airily around before bouncing off something lethal. I don’t know why they do because this is someone you’d want a very long sniper rifle’s length away from you. If you get close, you die. Numberless thugs discover this the hard way. It is a fantasy, a violent fantasy – if you’ve read the original Grimm Fairy Tales, you know the sort of imaginative cruelty and violence I’m talking about. The people who like this sort of thing, will find this the sort of thing they like. Entertaining nonsense. Recommended. ~oOo~ Film: Director: Reviewer:
Gauguin in Tahiti Edouard Deluc James Forte
Paul Gauguin in 1891 in Brittany, Martinique, his two trips to Tahiti and his final stay in the Marquesas islands. The film, directed by Edouard Deluc, is mostly in Spanish with some French. There are English subtitles. In a sad richesto-rags tale we follow Gauguin’s life - through his paintings in a dozen (mostly American with some European) galleries. Actors represent his companions (mainly young girls in French Polynesia!) Gauguin was born of middle-class parents and had a successful career on the Paris Stock Exchange – making a small fortune – before taking up painting as a Sunday relaxation. He married Mette-Sophie Gadd, a Danish girl and they had five children. Sadly his comfortable existence brought him no real happiness. He took up painting full time, his works did not sell and, as they descended into poverty, Mette took the children to her parents in Copenhagen.
Painting Paradise s noted in previous reviews, the Luna Cinema chain is the place to go for all the new high-definition films of plays from London’s West End or of visits to art exhibitions of the world’s great galleries. The only thing better than these films is personally visiting the place – and even then you will not get the detailed and expert commentary. Gauguin in Tahiti covers the life and development in painting style of Paul Gauguin (1848 to 1903). With his friend Van Gogh, Gauguin is the best known of the post-impressionist painters. Actually the title, suggesting a focus on his few years on Tahiti, is not quite right. The film covers his whole life including his painting in Paris,
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Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going? 23
In his quest for the meaning of life, Gauguin began looking for happiness in societies untouched by modern lifestyles. He painted Breton peasants and then in 1891 took ship for Papeete. Even this small colonial outpost was tainted by European conventions and he moved to small villages on Tahiti. With food aplenty, he saw little need for money – but happiness eluded him. The painting he himself considered his masterpiece was Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going? - now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The composition is explained at length in the film. An art dealer in Paris recognized his talent and sent him funds in return for regular shipments of his paintings. He died in the Marquesas. The film is engrossing and a fine approach to understanding an unhappy artist. Gauguin in Tahiti was shown at the Luna Leederville in May. Watch out for encore screenings. Four stars.
“Special Events” on the Luna Cinema website has details of other films on the arts. Have a look at The Prado Museum (showing July 13 to 16) for one of the world’s great art collections. They are highly recommended. ~oOo~ Film: Directors:
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Spitfire David Fairhead and Ant Palmer Reviewer: James Forte Inspiration of a Nation n January 1931 Lady Lucy Houston, put up the astronomical sum of one hundred thousand pounds to fund an engine and aircraft for Britain to enter in that year’s Schneider Trophy races. The resulting Supermarine S6B provided Reg Mitchell with the experience necessary to design the Spitfire. Of even greater importance, the work brought Rolls Royce back into the aircraft engine business. This at a time when their car manufacturing was being badly hit by the Depression. From the ‘R’ engines which they developed, came the reliable Merlin. And it was that which powered Britain’s most important aircraft of the war years – the Spitfire, Hurricane, Mosquito and Lancaster. If the Spitfire was a critical factor which changed the course of World War II – and it was – then that donation by Lady Houston was a turning point in history. Please remember that, the next time you are considering giving a donation to charity. It was the people that mattered, those who financed, designed, built and flew those beautiful machines and this film records a small part of their story. It is part documentary, part archival footage and part oral history from the few surviving wartime pilots such as Geoffrey Wellum. It also has a great deal of stunning, new, air-to-air photography of this graceful icon. Even if the icon did have a slightly ridiculous name, one which Mitchell hated. The film also looks at the propaganda value of the Spitfire. It showed not just the British people, but also the neutrals like the Americans, that British engineering could stand up to the might of the Luftwaffe.
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It also had an impact on the Germans. There is the famous story of how Goering asked Adolf Galland what he would need to win the Battle of Britain and the ace replied “A squadron of Spitfires”. Probably the most famous aircraft ever made, more recognizable than the Wright Flyer, this 100-minute film shows it in all its glory. Spitfire is directed by David Fairhead and Ant Palmer. Among the narrators is Charles Dance. The previously mentioned ace photography is by John Dibbs. Ah! Perhaps I’m biased. Like any schoolboy of the 1950s I filled the margins of my textbooks with sketches of Spitfires. Spitfire was included in the recent British Film Festival at Luna Cinemas and has also had a separate release since. It is now available to be downloaded or on DVD. This is one for the history buffs, the aviation enthusiasts and anyone who admires fine engineering. Four stars. Editor’s Note: One of the wartime pilots interviewed, Geoffrey Wellum, was also a writer and actor who died, aged 96 three days after the release of this film and another, Mary Ellis of Air Transport Aillary, died aged 101 six days later. ~oOo~ Film: Directors: Reviewer:
Aladdin Guy Ritchie Chris McRae
Inspiration of a Nation n the latest Disney classic to receive the live action treatment, director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) has taken the classic tale of the loveable street rat, the shapeshifting genie and the magic lamp and given it new life for a new audience. The question is, does it work or is it simply another tired reboot? The story follows street urchin Aladdin (Mena Massoud) who survives day to day by pickpocketing and stealing on the streets of Agrabah. A chance encounter and thrilling escape with the disguised Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott), daughter to the Sultan (Navid Negaban), leads Aladdin to what feels like love at first sight as he pursues who he thinks is the princess’ handmaid. He soon lands himself in the clutches of the evil Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), Visir to the Sultan, who is seeking an all powerful magic lamp hidden in the Cave of Wonders. Aladdin discovers the lamp and its hidden powers as an all powerful Genie (Will Smith) is revealed and takes Aladdin on a journey beyond his wildest dreams. Firstly, the build up to the release of this film has been littered with unfair predictions and comparisons between the late Robin Williams’ iconic vocal performance as the Genie in the original and Will Smith’s modern interpretation. Smith’s Genie is memorable and entertaining in its own right and should not be compared to Williams’ performance. Smith morphs between a jolly blue giant and a human form wisecracker in a highly energetic and entertaining turn as the iconic shapeshifter. There are moments of pure dazzling magic and during the sequence of A Friend Like Me, it is impossible not to smile. Overall, the characters in this modern reboot have been well cast with both Massoud and Scott well placed as Aladdin and Jasmine respectively. Each have their
moments to shine and both carry their subsequent songs with strength. Massoud brings an appropriate swagger to the ‘urbanised’ One Jump as he leads the thrilling chase (complete with Guy Ritchie-esque slow motion) across the rooftops of Agrabah. Scott has a natural beauty and brings fresh energy to Princess Jasmine, a headstrong and fierce character. Her moment to shine comes in the new song Speechless, which, despite its strength as a character song and Scott’s soaring vocals, feels a little out of place when compared to the middle eastern style of the accompanying music. Marwan Kenzari plays the villain of the piece with suitable menace, although it takes him a while to warm into this. Also solid in support are Navid Negahban as the Sultan, Nasim Pedrad as Dalia, the Princess’ handmaid and Billy Magnussen in a very funny turn as potential suitor Prince Anders. The film itself is a dazzling spectacle of colour and culture and the attention to detail is something to behold. From the sensory overload that is ‘Prince Ali’ to Aladdin’s escape attempt from the Cave of Wonders, there is so much visually to love about this film. Although it will no doubt receive plenty of comparisons to the original, Ritchie’s colourful and highly entertaining remake of the classic story well and truly stands on its own two feet. There are elements that are familiar coupled with injections of fresh energy, music and characters. It is pure entertainment and well worth the watch for those who want to be swept away to a whole new world.
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THEATRE REVIEWS Production: Producer: Reviewer:
Joe Lui and operated faultlessly by Sally Davies. The music and sound effects were some of the best that I seen in any provincial theatre. The ingenious A/V provided effects such as the shower water, birds, subtitles for songs and dialogue. The sound effects at times were loud, threatening and scary, then rapidly followed by light-hearted fun music.
Unrule Hey Precious and The Blue Room Theatre Gordon the Optom
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nrule is an amazing and daring new play by the multi-talented creator Michelle Aitken, in with collaboration with her lateral thinking ensemble of Rhiannon Petersen, Alicia Osyka, Chelsea Gibson and Mani Mae Gomes. Finding a producer for such shows can be difficult, thankfully however, Noemie Huttner-Koros has come to the rescue. This energy packed seventy-five minute show is presented at 7.00 each evening in The Blue Room Studio in James Street (opposite the Central Library in Northbridge) until Saturday 15th June
A middle-aged woman (Alicia Osyka) sits and explains her monthly discomfort. She receives ‘understanding’ advice from a well-meaning friend (Rhiannon Petersen). It becomes obvious that these are no simple aches but are dysmenorrhea at its worst and yet, even from professionals, she gets the same ‘get over it’ advice. In the background, using wine glasses, methods of relief are suggested. Then there are the other hormone-controlled complications. One poor thirteen-year-old girl (Chelsea Gibson) in ‘Carrie’ style encounters her first period. All the suggestions and explanations from her mother are irrelevant where the pain is concerned. The young girl’s final scene that showed her unusual winged friends leaving was reminiscent of Tippi Hedren in Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’.
The Set: which was designed by Olivia Tartaglia must be one of the best in the past decade. Other than last year’s Night Club I can think of no other that comes anywhere near this design and construction. The seating is cabaret style – with nibbles at the end of the show. On entering the theatre, everyone was stunned at the quality and complexity of the set. Centre stage was a cast iron bath and the theatre walls were tiled with black and patterned white tiles. In the corner was a two-metre shower curtain. There were stools with orange locks of hair hanging from the seat. Dozens of sanitary towels and tampons were an integral part of the décor. A candelabra hung from the ceiling. Sounds a weird mix, but this is a bizarre show. The complex lighting, music and sound were designed by
Another girl (Mani Mae Gomes) has leaking boobs – but she is not pregnant – sounds simple to fix, but like the dozen other complaints there is little interest from doctors or specialists, leaving the patient with deep seated anxieties. Although Director Michelle Aitken graduated from WAAPA with a Dance degree, over the years she has proved to be an allround, adventurous participant in theatre. With such a stunning result as a first-time director, one can only wonder what magic
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the future will hold. Michelle was helped and advised by Blue Room veteran, Dramaturg Alexa Taylor. The exceptional cast were on stage for seventy-five minutes non-stop in this frantic fast-paced show. There was lively choreography combined with times of deep depression, and yet the cast flowed flawlessly from one mood to another. Recently Rhiannon has specialised as a lighting designer, but here she reminded us of her wonderful acting ability. The ladies in the audience will see the show as a presentation of many of their very private personal experiences and sufferings. Perhaps a little too near to home for some to really enjoy? Many men may recall the times they have said to partners, ‘toughen up’, but are now highly embarrassed at their total lack of care or understanding. The show did not pull punches whilst driving the message home and yet it was still hilarious. I admit at times I had a conscience at laughing. Every good show should end with a rousing finish and this highly talented cast gave us a delightful song and dance. One of the year’s top shows for sure. Highly recommended. ~oOo~ Production: Producer: Reviewer:
the interlude. The scenic artist was Melissa Bassett, who gave us a fantastic and instantly recognisable portrait. The fine lighting and perfectly cued sound came courtesy of the ‘inseparable terrible twins’ Rob Tagliaferri and Vanessa Gudgeon who have been Harbour Theatre techies for decades. With fourteen scenes, the stage crew must be extra well organised and onto the stage within a couple of seconds of the lights dimming. If scene changes take twenty seconds, then that means the audience must sit in the semi-dark for a total of almost five minutes watching the transformations. Struggling in the kitchen is Kath, the Mum (Ann Speicher) who helps make ends meet with her job as a school dinner-lady and a traffic lollypop woman. Finances are tight and so the kitchen plumbing is not what it should be, but Kath seems to find mental relief by belting the tap with a hammer. Young Billy (Alec Fuderer) who is a shy, nervous but talented artist has a Dolly Parton fetish. He is sitting at the dining table worried about the finishing touches of his artwork. The door bursts open and furious Sophie (Solonje Burns) enters. Sophie is Kath’s daughter, who has her ju-jitsu black belt examination coming up soon.
The Kitchen Sink Harbour Theatre Company Gordon the Optom
Like most days she struggles with failure and rejection and her screeching wakes her Dad, Martin (Jarrod Buttery). Martin is a struggling milkman, proudly serving the community which is turning to the new supermarket. Sophie’s friend Pete (Liam Crevola) looks after his Gran. He is an ambitious young man but lacks the self-
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he Kitchen Sink is a five-star award winning play, written by comedy actor Tom Wells when he was thirty-five yrs. He was declared the Most Promising Playwright of the Year when this show about domestic life had its 2011 London Premiere. Wells is also a dancer, stunt man and movement advisor. He often combined all three as part of his ‘Dangerologists’ act to an amazing result. He hails from a tiny hamlet in East Yorkshire called Kilnsea. Being twenty kms east of Hull, Kilnsea is one of the most remote villages on the coast of England. The local church, St Helens, lost its graveyard to sea erosion. Later, the church itself fell into the water. The town is famous for having a curved concrete block which acted as an early amplifier warning system for approaching German planes. It is understandable how a man with such an isolated childhood can produce such a detailed insight into a closed community. The script’s inventive turn of phrase has been likened to Alan Bennett’s work, in its truthful portrayal of a family’s life that most of us can recognise. This dramatic character study with smatterings of humour is brought to you by the Harbour Theatre Company. This dramatic presentation can be seen at the Camelot Theatre within the Memorial Hall at 16 Lochee Street, in Mosman Park.
The Scene: Probably 1980. A single interior setting (dinette / kitchen) in a working-class home at Withernsea in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The set: Was designed, built and painted by Brian Mahoney, Peter Kirkwood, Phil Redding, David Eggleston, Jim Davies, Tina Barker and Grace Hitchin. The set was realistic and strongly built. Wow, it had a linoleum floor. The props: A pine table and matching chairs on the left. A backdoor lead straight into the kitchen. A well-worn kitchen unit, with a temperamental sink was on the rear wall. A lace curtained window showed the housing estate outside. A fridge (with glass milk bottle) and a large electric oven. Stage manager Bronwyn Hammond, along with Jo Sterkenburg and Grace Hitchin produced some great props. The special effects were admired by quite a few at 27
mounting such a production; besides America was still neutral at that time. Revised by Alistair Beaton the play was eventually performed in Stuttgart, Germany in November 1958 and in then English in 1961. This production has been skilfully brought up to date to make it more acceptable by a younger and more modern audience. This powerful, energy packed and disturbing adult play can be seen at the new Hayman Theatre, Curtin University Campus, Bentley.
confidence to carry out his dreams. This is a beautifully written piece that is very true to life. It has tender moments mixed with personal ambitions, dreams and desperation – well done Ann and Solonje. Thanks to skillful direction by Grace Hitchin, the cast knew precisely their characters, and all conquered the Yorkshire accent impeccably. Unfortunately, at times the accent was too good, making the dialogue a little difficult to understand; so, for the first time ever may I say congratulations, but you are too defined so perhaps ease off slightly with the inflection. There were a few laughs as Mum tried to bring the latest ‘in’ foods to the dinner table. The acting was cleverly underplayed, with hidden frustrations subtly boiling up inside the actors. Likewise, moments of confused undeclared love added a poignancy to their lives. Very well presented and acted. Congratulations. ~oOo~ Production: Producer: Reviewer:
The scene: A dark alley in the mobster area of Chicago, 1930s. However, in Brecht’s mind Chicago was Germany and Cicero represented Austria. The set: was amazing. Designed by Chloe Pallister and Cameron Norton the high walls across the wings were black and covered in graffiti. Several flaps in the walls opened at various levels, to act as windows or work surfaces. A sliding metal grid protected the front door leading into a night club. A TV monitor was mounted on the top of each wall, showing the interior of the club or acting as a source of information for the audience. The rear wall was of a huge symbolic contemporary painting of a cauliflower. The white cauliflower’s florets acted as a screen for the A/V projection. The AV Design by John Congear was unrivalled; he must have spent hours researching appropriate clips of videos. Cleverly, the projector was masked to ensure the projected picture was a perfect fit for the cauliflower backdrop. The very many unusual properties were sourced by Tina Al Eidani. David Cooper’s Lighting Design covered scenes of frantic rap dancing with lights flashing, through to the hushed and creepy death scenes when Sound Designer John Coughlin brought in a chilling wind effect, the lights would go moonlight blue and those just murdered would slowly rise, exiting like zombies. Stage Manager, Gabriella Munro and her Deputy SM Shelby McKenzie had full control of the actors who carried out the scene changes; this ensured that the whole play kept up its cracking pace. The mammoth production was perfectly managed by Stephen Carr.
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui Hayman Theatre Gordon the Optom
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he Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (originally called Ui) is an allegory (metaphor) written by the Christian Marxist, Bertolt Brecht in 1941-2, just after he escaped to America from Norway as the Nazis invaded. Written in the style of a Renaissance historian, the play was translated from German into English by George Tabori. Like Animal Farm there is a dark underlying story, this too is about politics and the rise of a madman, Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party prior to World War II. In his writings, Brecht referred to Hitler as der Anstreicher (the housepainter) so he was sought by the Nazis supporters. As a result, Brecht found that no one in America would risk
The story is written on two levels, a semicomical, light-hearted look at Chicago mobsters (the Fascists) and the dark evil attitudes and ideals of Arturo (Hitler). The Nazi characters portrayed by each player is shown in brackets along with the actor’s name. It is late at night in the rough part of town. Club doorman (Nelson Fannon) spruiks to the passing crowds. The Gangsters are around. Roma (Malek Domkoc – Röhm), Dockdaisy (Jasmine Valentini), Giri (Alex Comstock – Göring), Givola (Taylor ‘Mutta’ Beilby – Goebbels) and Greenwool (Christian Dichiera) arrive. The Club welcomes them in and the doors close. In the street is Arturo Ui (Tim Lorian based on Adolf Hitler – amazing) and his business friend, Dogsborough (Sebastian Boyd – von Hindenburg) are approached by the female leaders of the local Cauliflower Trust (subsidized Prussian landowners). They are – in mauve, the Clerk (Clodagh Berryman – von Papen), in pink, Butcher (Kailea Porter) and Mrs Bowl (Emily Bell). It 28
seems a new set of entrepreneurs, the Vegetable dealers (middleclass businessmen) led by Fish (Bryan Chin – Dutch Communist, van der Lubbe) and Crocket (Jack Blumer) are moving into the Cauliflower area. Can Arturo help these ladies? Fish is arrested and put in front of a corrupt Judge (Thomas Bach). Fish’s Counsel for Defence (Emily Bell) tries to save him, but within seconds of recognising Arturo, he is dead along with a fellow worker (Sacha Emeljanow). Arturo discovers that he has been double-crossed by a politician – Dullfoot (Sebastian Boyd – Chancellor of Austria) so he has him assassinated. His poor wife, Betty Dullfoot (Kyra Belford-Thomas – brilliant) hopes for a quiet funeral, only to find Arturo’s mob there. The troubles begin. *’Dock Aid scandal’ is based on the 1933 Eastern Aid scandal when Germany sent a huge amount of financial help to East Prussia, where it was then wasted by Dogsborough (Sebastian Boyd – von Hindenburg) and Dullfoot (Sebastian Boyd – Chancellor of Austria). * The play’s ‘warehouse fire’ mirrors the burning of the Reichstag (Germany’s Parliament) With many shows to her name, Kiri Siva as Costume Designer has again excelled. You can see the huge amount of work that Kiri along with her Costume Assistants Jane Tero and Pauline Rosman have spent lovingly constructing the garments. Choreographer Jade Woodhouse had several spontaneous bursts of dancing performed at a breath-taking pace. With an
empty stage, even before the first bar of the music had ended, the cast many of whom would be standing or sitting around would leap into position and the dancing would instantly commence. Some of the cast were ‘dancing naturals’, but everyone had to join in at some point – even the least likely members – who received a massive cheer at their unexpected flawless performances. The gruesome Special Effects Makeup was convincingly applied by Tiahna McBride. Over the years, the part of Arturo Ui has also been played by Griff Rhys Jones, Hugo Weaving and even Al Pacino. The play has many salutes to Shakespeare throughout. Just as Midsummer Night’s Dream has a comical tale within the story, the audience laughed as Arturo employed a Shakespearean acting coach (Nelson Fannon – fantastic) to train him how to project and carry himself. At times the script had rhyming couplets, then there was a repeat of the ghostly visits of Macbeth’s victims. The play ended with a meaningful monologue by Dunsborough’s nephew (Calum Christie) advising the audience to beware tricksters. The Direction by Leah Mercer, who was assisted by Rebecca Penn, was magnificent. The cast were charged up and gave every ounce of strength to the show. Even though the performance was 150-minutes long, with most of the cast on stage throughout, no one flagged nor did the pace faulter. Despite the length of this play, thanks to the singing, dancing, fights and wonderful strong characters, the time flew by. I am sure that many of the audience would think of the story had been a simple gangster play and would still have loved it. Those who knew the hidden meanings had them presented clearly by a superb cast. Very clever and admirable. Great acting from this student cast and a top-class production.
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Chopin and Friends Polonia WA Inc Ruby Westral
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hopin and Friends” Gala Concert review presented by Polonia WA Inc featuring Christopher Malek (piano), Magda Lisek (soprano), Tommaso Pollio (accompanist) and Elisa Wilson (MC) at Government House Ballroom, Perth. This beautiful concert, presented by Polonia WA Inc. at the magnificent Government House Ballroom, was an exciting evening of exquisite Chopin piano solos, balanced with soprano songs and arias. Marking the important 228th May 3rd anniversary of the signing of the Polish constitution in 1791, this concert was a celebration of Polish culture and achievements. As one of Poland’s most famous sons, Chopin’s piano music is challenging for the pianist and on the occasion, they were fortunate to have Christopher Malek as the soloist. One of Australia’s finest international pianists and best known for his interpretation of Chopin and Liszt, Christopher Malek was in fine form for this concert. His deftness and agility was hinted at in the opening number, the so-called Heroic Polonaise (Op.53 A flat Major) although some trouble with the lighting state clearly caused a little trouble with the keyboard being in semi darkness. That problem was put to one side though as the programme progressed. Soprano Magda Lisek is a young soprano, recently graduated from the WAAPA post-grad course in classical singing.
Christopher Malek
She presented a variety of songs and arias, beginning with two songs by Chopin, Zyczenie (A Maiden’s Wish) and Smutna Rzeka (The Sad Stream) from his small collection of vocal music. The Polish languge was lovingly used by this bilingual singer, and Tommaso Pollio’s sensitive accompaniments could not be faulted. Chopin’s development of the Nocturne form was demonstrated with much intelligence and dexterity by Malek in the Nocturne in E flat Major, Op,9 No.2 and his version of the Ballade No.1 in G minor Op.23 indicated more of the sensational control and deep understanding of the composer’s intentions. Lisek rounded out the first half of this beautiful programme with performances of Vaga Luna by Bellini and a bravura performance of Caro Nome (Rigoletto – Giuseppe Verdi). The Government House ballroom is the ideal venue for a performance of this kind, as much of this music was written to be performed in an intimate setting rather than a grand concert hall. Large enough to accommodate the more grand selections, intimate enough to pay honour to the intentions of the chamber qualities of the more reflective pieces and sumptuous in its presentation which ennobles every function with a sense of importance, it’s difficult to imagine a more perfect setting. In this concert, members of the Polish community, gorgeously arrayed in national Polish costume, acted as ushers and added to the event much authenticity. The second half of the concert began with piano fireworks courtesy of Malek and Chopin, the Grande Valse Brillante Op.18. One felt Malek shift into another gear, exploring Chopin’s more extroverted side. Lisek balanced these heightened emotions with two very exposed and searching songs, Dwa Serduszka (Two Hearts) by Sygietynski, in duet with Donata Ostrowska and the more well known Przasniczka (The Spinner) by Moniuszko. I cannot iterate often enough what an absolute joy it is to hear Polish songs of this calibre sung by native Polish speakers. The Polish language is a notoriously difficult language to sing in for non speakers and it is very rare in Australia to hear performances of this music at this standard. L to R: Tommaso Pollio, Elisa Wilson, Magda Lisek, Malek further impressed with his performance Donata Ostrowska, and members of the Polish community of Chopin’s Fantaisie- Impromptu, Op.66, and one 30
COMMUNITY HILLS CHOIR ANNE-MARIE KEIGHTLEY
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he Hills Choir has been singing in the Perth Hills now for over thirty years. The choir was founded by Mary Marsland in 1986 from her home in the hills. We have had a number of wonderful conductors over the years and Storme Reeves is our current musical director who took over in 2017. Storme comes from a very musical background studying voice and music since High School. She is a highly accomplished performer in her own right as well as a warm and fun loving person whose aim is to bring out the best of each singer’s talent. In Storme’s own words, she “wants to provide a source of joy and inspiration for the love of singing in unison and in harmony
in a community group”. In turn, our vision is to be a choir that sings beautifully and contributes to individual and community wellbeing. We sing a range of sacred and secular music in four part (SATB), some of it a capella, and we have a mixed classical and popular music repertoire. The choir stages two concerts a year. One in winter and again at Christmas. These are held at the Eastern Hills Senior High School Auditorium, Keane Street. The next concert is Sunday 1st December 2019. If you would like to try choral singing, come along one evening and meet us, even if you are not sure if you have a good enough voice! We all share a common love of singing. New members are always warmly welcomed and you are not required to audition. Sight reading of music is desirable but not essential. Annual fees are very modest for a community choir. The choir practices on Monday evenings from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Mundaring Uniting Church on Stoneville Road, Mundaring. For more details, contact The Secretary, The Hills Choir, PO Box 699, Mundaring 6073 or Telephone: AnneMarie Keightley on 0423 114 256 or email thehillschoir@gmail.com
The Choir in 1917 could feel the pace of the concert accelerating towards an impressive finale. Singing operatic standards Deh Vieni Non Tardar (The Marriage of Figaro) - Mozart and O mio Babbino Caro (Gianni Schicci) – Puccini, Ms Lisek demonstrated her command of the standard operatic repertoire. As pleasing as these arias were, and accompanied so sensitively by Tommaso Pollio, I must say it was her performances of the Polish songs that most stood out for me. Perhaps because it is so rare to hear this material so well sung in its native language, but also because Ms Lisek’s connection with the text is so profound and so clear. As a finale Malek pulled out all stops and wowed the audience with his performance of the Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, Op.22. So rare to hear a pianist of this calibre with such an intimate knowledge of the Chopin repertoire at his fingertips, the capacity audience was left breathless, mesmerised and in awe of his performance. As the compere for the evening, it was hard to imagine a better choice than Elisa Wilson, who was informative and challenging with her introductions. Her ability to morph through the different languages on display was impressive and her Polish pronunciations were impeccable. Encores from Malek and Lisek closed off this evening, which was a tremendous success for Polonia WA Inc, who promotes the Polish diaspora in the Western Australian community. You can find more details about them on www.facebook. com/poloniawa.
SWAN VALLEY HOMESCHOOL FAMILY PLAYGROUP THURSDAY MORNINGS BASKERVILLE HALL 9.15-11.15Am Older siblings welcome to join playgroup in a rural setting in the Swan Valley Normal Playgroup guidelines apply for children 0-5 years
Baskerville Hall: 129 Memorial Drive Baskerville Ph 0419 922 791 Email enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre.com
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THEATRE OLIVER! AT KOORLINY GREG JONES
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onsider yourself at home – Maida Vale resident Sophie Byrnes is appearing in the award-winning Broadway musical Oliver! at the Koorliny Arts Centre, ideal for audiences of all ages. Presented by Laughing Horse Productions and directed by Adam Salathiel, the show is based on the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist and follows the adventures of a young orphan in 19th century England. The title character encounters numerous setbacks in his quest to find security and happiness, after being sold from an orphanage to a cruel undertaker and then falling in with a gang of young pickpockets. Byrnes plays Bet, a loyal friend to Nancy, Bill Sikes girlfriend : “In their line of business, they need good quality friends to confide in to get through it all and Bet provides a friendly ear for Nancy. Bet doesn’t always agree with what’s going on but she does what she has to for the benefit of the kids and Nancy.” Another challenge of Byrnes’ role is as one of the “Nancy Girls”, a dancing ensemble. “I have never danced in a musical before and cannot wait to perform for the audience,” she said. “I have always dreamt of being in a full musical and the moment is finally here! It’s been really challenging but I have absolutely loved every moment of discovering myself more as an actress.” First acting as a fourteen-year-old, Byrnes landed a part in Pride and Prejudice and has performed numerous song-and Sophie Byrnes (in yellow), Tara Butt, Abbey Allen, Lili Thoms, Edan Frazer, Val Geeves, Eve-Scarlett Trower, Kelly Salathiel, Mishka Miller and Kelsey Morand (sitting). [Photograph by Zoe Jay]. dance numbers at various events over the years as well as in the musical 1916: A Love Story at Marloo Theatre. “Oliver! appealed because it’s a classic,” Byrnes said. “I love the story it tells because it’s got a lot of depth, which makes it really enjoyable as an actress.” Director Adam Salathiel said, from the moment Oliver Twist utters the time-immortal words “Please sir, can I have some more?” until the final scene, audiences will be transported back to the streets of Old London. “While working on a number of shows for Laughing Horse Productions with young performers, I went looking for a similar production that could showcase their talents – but also have senior performers to help guide the younger ones,” he said. “Oliver! met that requirement and, after listening to the music, how can someone not fall in love with Oliver singing thee question Where Is Love? or tap their toe to Oom-Pah-Pah? “It’s one of those shows that everyone can enjoy, despite it being set in the dark macabre world of 19th century London. “It has some quite dark moments but also some amazing touches of love and compassion that will take audiences on an amazing emotional roller coaster journey.” Oliver! opens at 7.30pm on July 12th and runs until the 20th July with 2pm matinees on July the 13th and 20th. Tickets are $25, $23 concession and $20 children – book at www.koorliny.com.au/oliver or on 9467 7118. The Koorliny Arts Centre is on Sulphur Road, Kwinana. 32
THEATRE POPCORN AT GARRICK DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE
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en Elton, the well-known Fremantle resident, stand-up comedian, author, playwright, actor, director and writer, is something of a comic legend. He was a founder of London’s alternative comedy movement in the 1980s, achieving fame with left-wing political satire. In television he is responsible, alone and with Richard Curtis and others, for such gems as The Young Ones, Blackadder, The Thin Blue Line and Filthy Rich and Catflap. Most recently he wrote the David Mitchell vehicle Upstart Crow. Over the years he has been accused of being too left-wing and for being not far enough left-wing - the sort of thing that, one imagines, causes satirists to giggle uncontrollably. He has written fifteen novels, musicals and three West End plays, including the 1996 classic Popcorn, Garrick Theatre Club Proudly Presents
An explosive comedy for adults by Ben Elton Directed by Siobhan Vincent
Tickets:
$25 - Adults $22 - Concession $20 - Members Booking: 9378 1990, www.TryBooking.com bookings@garricktheatre.asn.au
Thu Fri Sat Sun JULY 4 5 6 7* 11 12 13** 14* 18 19 20 **There are two performances on Saturday the 13th Curtain Up ~ Evenings 8:00pm *Matinées 2:00pm
Caution: sexual references, coarse language, adult and violent themes.
An Amateur production by arrangement with Origin Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French Ltd
4th to 20th July, 2019 33
which is the latest production from acclaimed theatre company Garrick Theatre Club Inc. Directed by theatre stalwart and much awarded Siobhan Vincent, last seen at Garrick as Edith in Raymond Omedai’s Salonika earlier this year. Popcorn is very representative of Elton’s black comedy, with vicious jabs at his chosen bloated targets of privilege, prejudice and abuse of power. Director Siobhan Vincent: “Described as “Bloodcurdlingly funny” and awarded the 1998 Olivier Award, this comedy is a rollercoaster ride that is thriller, satire and social commentary. “The plot is that Bruce Delamitri, a Tarantinoesque Hollywood film director, is preparing for the Oscars. There follows an action packed comedy that raises the ugly aspects of the movie industry, touches upon the #metoo debate, and queries the effect of violence in film upon impressionable minds. “Faced with the monster he creates, who is to take responsibility? Elton deliberately intertwines his own commentary with Delamitri’s questionable ethics and we, as voyeurs, do not walk away unscathed. It is intellectual and stimulating entertainment at its best. Hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gents, it is one wild ride!” Popcorn opens at the Garrick Theatre, 16 Meadow Street, Guildford at 8:00pm on the 4th July and runs until the 20th, with matinées on the 7th and 14th at 2:00pm. Tickets cost $25, ($22 concession) and may be booked by ringing Elaine on 9378 1990, by emailing bookings@garricktheatre.asn.cu or booking online at TryBooking: www.trybooking.com/BCWXQ. Caution: sexual references, coarse language, violent and adult themes.
THEATRE GREASE AT DON RUSSELL ANDRO ZANI
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igh Wycombe resident Megan West is taking a trip back in time to Rydell High and getting ready for some summer loving and greased lightning this July. She’s appearing in the ever-popular musical Grease at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, presented by Art in Motion Theatre Company and directed by Roleystone resident Lys Tickner. Set in 1959, Grease follows the senior year of ten teenagers as they navigate the complexities of peer pressure, politics, personal core values and love. At the heart of the story is the romance between gangster Danny Zuko and sweet new girl Sandy Dumbrowski – after a secret summer affair, their chance of continuing love is more complicated now they’re back at school. West plays Jan, one of the Pink Ladies. “She’s someone who is always unapologetically herself and very proud to be a member of the gang,” she said. “Although she isn’t the prettiest, skinniest or smartest in the group, Jan is a loveable goofball and the Pink Ladies wouldn’t be the same without her. “Jan provides a lot of comic relief throughout the show and has a lot of great one-liners. “My challenge is to not outshine my fellow cast mates with my character’s big personality.” First performing at the age of ten, West made her stage debut in The Admirable Crichton at Garrick Theatre in 2009. She has gone on to appear with Roleystone and Midnite Youth Theatres in High School Musical, Annie and Silas Marner. In 2017, West was named best actress at the Garrick Theatre
awards for her lead role in Cocky’s Crossing. “Grease has always been one of my favourite musicals and when I heard the Art in Motion Theatre Company was putting it on, I knew I had to audition,” she said. “I had previously worked with director Lys Tickner on High School Musical and am thrilled to be working on another one of her shows.” Tickner said most people will have, at some point, in their lives seen the 1978 movie based on the musical. “The main difference with the musical is that Sandy is not from Australia – but it still has all the popular tunes that everyone can bop along to,” she said. “The challenge with this show is to do something different while maintaining the integrity of the original script and score. “Grease has been done many times so you don’t want to just end up with another version of the same thing. “When people come to see Grease, they often have the movie front of mind so it’s important to maintain a relevance to the film while having one or two moments in the show that are completely unique to this production.” Grease runs from at 8pm July 4th, to the 6th. There are matineés on at 2pm on July 6th and 5pm on July 7th. Tickets cost $30, ($25 concession) – book at www. trybooking.com/BBZZD. The 2pm performance on July 6th is a fancy dress sing-along show with audience members encouraged to dress up in their favourite Grease outfits and join in with the popular songs. The Don Russell Performing Arts Centre is at Lot 13, Murdoch Road, Thornlie.
L to R: Megan West, Erin Craddock, Jayden Payne and Stacey Hollings are the Pink Ladies in Grease. (Photograph by Montanna Tickner) 34
THEATRE 100 REASONS FOR WAR AT THE ACTORS’ HUB BEN FLETCHER
Glen Forrest resident explore reasons for war and peace
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len Forrest resident Laura Goodlet is appearing in a chaotic, mind-opening work that leads to numerous questions about the state of humanity – and our individual role in it – at The Actors’ Hub. Written by award-winning playwright Tom Holloway and directed by Ella Hetherington, 100 Reasons for War was originally commissioned to mark the 100th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in World War I. The play takes a tangential look at the reasons societies often find themselves in terrible and tragic conflicts. Funny, moving and provocative, 100 Gillian Mosenthal, left, Tia Cullen, Talia Hart, Laura Goodlet, Reasons for War questions the multiple Ricky Anderson, Anna Rettay, Ava Layas and Ricky Melwani put and complex reasons why war has become themselves through the paces for 100 Reasons for War such a prominent feature in the history of humankind. “We need to think about the current state of the planet – “It’s a play grappling to find an answer, knowing full well there is no reasonable solution,” Hetherington our actions as a species and as individuals. “We are at war with the climate, each other and even said. “Don’t expect your regular sort of play! ourselves but, at the same time, we’re on a quest for world peace, as well as peace in our homes and peace within. “The peace business is booming with meditation apps, sustainably-sourced yoga mats, essential oils, turmeric lattes and luxurious tranquility on remote islands retreats. “Yet these wars with the world and in ourselves rage on, so are we really more peaceful?” The main challenge, according to Hetherington, is finding character and drama in the open, post-dramatic text. “But it’s also important to remain true to the non-linear form and absurdity within it,” she said. Originally training under Annie Stainer at Total Theatre, Hetheringtonhas been working professionally across genres as a performer and writer, nationally and internationally, since graduating thirteen years ago. She has worked with Black Swan, Barking Gecko and ERTH Physical and Image Theatres, Force Majeure, Legs on the Wall, La Fura Del Baus, Bizircus, Renegade Productons and KDMindustries. 100 Reasons for War appealed to Hetherington because it was like nothing she had read before. “It begins with the direction ‘Characters: who knows’ and ‘Setting: don’t ask me’ so, even before reading it, I loved it,” she said. “I love a good bit of playwriting anarchy and the feeling only grew. “It is immensely challenging and offers a perfect text to explore the role of movement.” 100 Reasons for War opens at The Actors’ Hub, 129 Kensington Street, East Perth at 7:00pm on June 27 and runs until the 29th. Tickets are $30, ($25 concession) and may be booked online at www.trybooking.com/BCXZH. 35
SWAN VALLEY
SWEET TEMPTATIONS
TRAIL
handcrafted artisan produce
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THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind
RETURN OF THE TEA LADY GLENNYS MARSDON
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hose of you privileged enough to have grown up with a school dinner lady, may recall suppers doled out with all the gusto of a bored prison guard. I missed out on that experience however, I did witness the vagaries of the office tea lady. Given these experiences I must own up to a moment of trepidation when I stumbled across the latest technological advancement in this area. Tea ladies first appeared in British factories, hospitals and offices during World War II. As the years passed by their pleasant demeanours and sweet smiles evaporated. Taking their place was an air of authority as they became guardians of morning tea hierarchy. Come 10:00am offices across the world reverberated with rattling tea trollies. A sound that heralded the imminent arrival of a Scotch Finger or Iced Vovo, if you were lucky. The chosen ones would be handed their drink with a knowing smile and a sideways nod to the Tim Tam, or other chocolate morsel, resting on a separate plate on top of a delicate serviette. Should the recipient be on the phone or deep in thought, the offering would be discretely placed on the corner of their desk, before the deliverer backed out of the office. Please note the word “office”, for most on the receiving end of this elevated treatment resided within an office, their delicate sensibilities not fit for the cesspit of the open plan congregation. Those at the other end of the tea trolley dichotomy, those who may have offended a tea lady or one of their chosen ones in the past, would have their sustenance plonked down on the
desk without comment or nod. There’d be no side plate, just a cup of tea or coffee with a plain biscuit cowering lemming-like half on, half off, the saucer. If it was a particularly bad day the plonking action would be done with just enough movement to create an overflow that’d render the biscuit soggy. There was much skill to this slight-ofhand. Too much liquid and it would be too obvious, not enough and it would not have the desired effect. There had to be just the right amount of spillage so that the unsuspecting recipient would think the cup still full, thereby delaying the heartrending realisation of the soggy mess languishing on the saucer, until after the cup was lifted. The aim was to maximise the horror, by minimizing the recipients’ comprehension of the structural transformation. Picking up one edge of the biscuit and raising it to their mouth, the skullduggery would only be realised when the morsels compromised structure came adrift at the point of no retrieval. Done correctly this was usually directly over a white shirt or blouse. For some this experience was repeated at 3:00pm for fear that workers might fade away through deprivation of sustenance. I say “sustenance”, but this hides another deception. A cup of drowned International Roast coffee crystals stewed for hours in a stained urn, and a plain biscuit held together by sugar crystals to hide its lack of taste, would send todays Heart Foundation tick straight to rehab. Perhaps I’m being a little harsh. It must be said that not all experiences were this bad. The outcome was a complicated function of which tea lady was rostered on, how they’d been treated them in the past and whether they were having a good. Adding a further layer of complexity was whether the office temp had raided the biscuit jar, not grasping the motivational significance of a well timed chocolate chip biscuit. Regardless of your position in the tea lady pyramid it was a sad day for anyone in the office when their demise was announced. It was these thoughts that came flooding back to mind when I witnessed the modern-day equivalent of the tea lady. Having visited a friend in hospital I was on my way out when I ran into Peaches. No higher than my waist and carrying a full load of evening meals, she looked every bit the Everest Sherpa, but with the aura of a three-year- old clambering onto a set of monkeybars for the first time. A merry continuous beep announced her imminent arrival. You couldn’t meet a happier employee. Further on down the corridor I ran into Ginger who, having delivered her load was heading back to her point of origin. Concluded on page 48 ...
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TV WITH CHRIS JUNE 2019
character arcs being wrapped up as if preparing for eventual death. What follows in Episode 3 is pure carnage, as one of the inter is traditionally a good TV viewing biggest battles ever put to screen takes place. In an almost season. Cold nights, heaters and some operatic moment, Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) sacrifices his life seriously good shows make earlier evenings to save Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) from the Night King an attractive proposition. before Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) plunges a dagger into the Drama, feminism and classic theatre frosty villain. The death of one of the series’ greatest villain’s is humour all feature in this month’s ouvre. sudden but ultimately satisfying. The series most controversial moment and episode comes Title: GAME OF THRONES as the fight for the throne draws closer. With Jon Snow (Kit Network: HBO/Foxtel Harrington) exposed as a true Targaryen, dragon-riding Queen, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) is threatened and cracks begin to show. ** The Following Review Contains Major Spoilers With Cersei (Lena Heady) waiting calmly in Kings Landing for the for Game of Thrones Season 8 ** storm to come to her, Daenerys embodies the true spirit of the fter eight years, eight seasons and seventy-three gigantic Targaryen ‘Fire and Blood’ motto and burns Kings Landing to the episodes, television’s biggest and boldest event series Game ground, taking women, children and countless innocent lives with of Thrones has come to a fiery end. After moments which wowed, it. shocked and thrilled audiences around the world, Westeros is This is both shocking and unexpected and has been met with now in the rear view mirror. criticism from many. However, the Mother of Dragons inevitable However, Season 8 proved to be the most controversial turn to the ‘mad’ side was something which has been coming since season to date with fans outraged at the rushed writing, Season 2 and provided one of the season’s biggest shocks. destruction of character development, sloppy editing and As for the iron throne, the pivotal scene sees Kit controversial plot choices. Harrington’s Jon Snow kill Daenerys in a heartbreaking moment Since mid season, a petition has been running to remake as Drogon burns the throne and reduces it to nothing more than the season (which many of the Game of Thrones actors have a melted mess. With Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) giving up his title as come out and labelled as insulting) and show runners David hand of the Queen and arrested as a traitor, he fronts the leaders Benioff and D.B Weiss along with author George RR have been of the noble houses of Westeros in order to seek his freedom and forced to make statements to defend the Season 8 choices. name the leader of the seven kingdoms. Building to the battle for the seven kingdoms and the final In another move that has been widely criticised, Bran Stark, fight for the Iron Throne, the season does feel a little rushed once the three eyed raven is named King of the Six Kingdoms at a mere six episodes but I (unlike many other viewers and as Sansa (Sophie Turner) opts to reign in the North, keeping reviewers) can see the merits in this final season. Winterfell an independent Kingdom. Jon returns to his roots with The first half of the season builds up to the Battle for the Knight’s Watch and returns to live freely with the Wildlings Winterfell and the inevitable showdown with the Night King and and Arya sails far from Westeros, taking on the life of an explorer the Army of the Dead. Episode 2 is a bittersweet gem with pivotal as the sun sets on the Game of Thrones. characters confined inside Winterfell, saying their farewells and So what is the verdict on such a bold season? For many, it was a slap in the face. But art, whether it is television, film or literature should not be fan service. The internet and social media has made criticising media more easy and accessible than ever. Yes the season felt a little rushed and there were storylines that could have benefited from several extra episodes. But was it a bad season? No. It had its moments of shock value and sequences which left me on the edge of my seat. As for the ending itself, it put key characters right where they should of been. Bran as a leader, Sansa as Queen in the North, Jon with his people and Arya exploring the world off the map. Many may not have Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) and Emelia Clark (Queen Danerys) liked it but it felt right. in Game of Thrones There will be
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nothing like Game of Thrones again. It has been a wild ride and will remain an iconic smash that will not be rivalled for a long time to come. ~oOo~ Title: THE BOLD TYPE Network: Stan
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n a world in which equal rights are celebrated and key companies and brands are being spearheaded by females, new series The Bold Type has arrived at just the right time. Based loosely on the story of Cosmopolitan editor Joanna Coles, the series focuses on BFF’s Jane (Katie Stevens), Kat (Aisha Dee) and Sutton (Meghann Fahy) who all work in the world of fashion magazine Scarlet. Under the watchful eye of ‘firm but
on at Garrick Theatre) comes a very cleverly scripted British satire which possesses scintillating wit and laugh out loud moments. Upstart Crow follows the bard himself William Shakespeare (David Mitchell) as he navigates the theatrical minded town of Stratford-upon-Avon, writing what would become some of the most famous plays in history. On his writing journey, Will must deal with his rival Robert Greene (Mark Heap) who will stop at nothing to drag his reputation into the mud as well as wannabe actor Kate (Gemma Whelan) who is determined to give women a go in the theatre in a historically male arena. The title of the show is from a quote by the historical Robert Greene: “an upstart Crow, beautified with our feathers”.. The great thing about Upstart Crow is that its tongue is very firmly in its cheek with brilliant comedy and a very strong cast. David Mitchell possesses fantastic comic timing as does Gemma Whelan (recently seen as Yara Greyjoy in Game of Thrones) and the two have some particularly funny scenes and the running gag of Juliet (aka Julian) and the famous balcony scene is particularly good. Hindsight is also something which works in this series’ favour. Many gags are set up and rely on the audience’s knowledge of current theatrical elements and culture. An episode in which Will attempts to ‘invent’ musical theatre includes a joke referencing what would eventually be the popularity of London’s West End Musicals hundreds of years later. There are plenty of moments which reference and set up jokes based around future events and developments and theatre and literature fans will especially appreciate this. Upstart Crow has a Black Adder vibe to it and that definitely works in its favour. Those who appreciate theatre, literature and black comedy will feel right at home with this one! Upstart Crow Seasons 1-2 are now streaming on Stan.
fair’ boss Jacqueline Carlyle (Melora Hardin) the three ambitious millennials face the day to day battle of remaining true to their own ideals whilst navigating the challenging world of fashion and the harsh nature of viral media. The Bold Type is exactly that…bold. It tackles feminism head on and advocates the role of strong females in the worlds of contemporary fashion and media, something which is refreshing and energising. The series, as well as being highly relevant for a modern audience does not shy away from inclusivity, equality and gender roles, giving plenty of exposure to issues and themes related to race, stereotypes, religion and sexuality. In this sense it is not only entertaining but informative viewing. As for the story itself, the stories of Jane, Kat and Sutton are all contrasting but are held together by the power of strong friendship as the three deal with professional and personal triumphs and failures. Love is found a lost and ambition turns to disappointment which gives the storylines a realistic edge. The Bold Type is relevant and engaging and successfully combines an entertaining plot with important messages and themes. Seasons 1-2 are now streaming and Season 3 episodes air weekly on Stan. Title: UPSTART CROW Network: Stan
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rom the comedic desk of Ben Elton (The Young Ones, Black Adder and the recent All Is True, as well as Popcorn shortly 39
TELEVISION THE DOC IS IN SESSION CHRIS MCRAE
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n a television world full of large scale action blockbusters, contemporary hits and comedy juggernauts, it is easy for longstanding classics and beloved independent series to fly under the radar. A series that has flown under many radars since its premiere fifteen years ago in 2004 is the ITV (ABC in Australia) ratings success and beloved ‘dramedy’ Doc Martin. Martin Clunes stars as the titular character Dr Martin Ellingham, a brilliant medical mind, who trades the world of London surgery to act as GP for the seaside town of Portwenn and its quirky local residents. Cornwell’s Port Issac (Port Wenn in Doc Martin) After developing haemophobia (a fear of annually. Developers of the show have produced a fund for the blood) and known for his brusque and abrupt bedside manner, Martin struggles, at first to accept the town and connect with the village which has raised £134,000. Series’ like Doc Martin unfortunately do go unnoticed locals. However, as the story progresses, he begins to realise the importance of relationships and belonging, especially with local regularly with other British series such as Midsomer Murders (twenty seasons and commissioned for a twenty-first) and Death teacher Louisa (Caroline Catz). In Paradise (eight seasons and commissioned for seasons nine Long-standing cast members include Ian McNeice and and ten) still enjoying strong runs. Joe Absolom as Bert and Al Large, a father and son pair with an Good quality storytelling, strong characters and eye for business (although not always successful), Selina Cadell identifiable locations make Doc Martin and others like it, as the slightly unhinged local pharmacist Mrs Tishell, John worthwhile. With streaming giants gradually adding more and Marquez as the bumbling but endearing local police officer more longstanding shows to their stocks, it is good to know that Joe Penhale, Eileen Atkins as Ruth Ellingham, Martin’s Aunt and quality shows will not be going anywhere anytime soon. retired forensic psychiatrist and Jessica Ransom as Morwenna As for Doc Martin, Season Nine is due to air later this year Newcross, the surgery receptionist. and if past seasons are anything to go by, the ABC will most likely The characters and their exploits provide the series with much of its drama, heart and humour. At the core of the talented pick up the British favourite. At the end of Season Eight, Martin found himself under cast is Clunes, whose poker faced doctor is simply brilliant. scrutiny from a medical examination board which put his What begins as a representation of a cold and uptight position as Portwenn’s GP in jeopardy. academic develops into a character who possesses his With plenty of drama still to come, the return of Doc Martin own struggles with illness and social disassociation. The will be a welcome one indeed. development of his character and his connection to both the town and its people is excellent and elements of tenderness and care begin to show as the series has developed. After fifteen years and eight successful seasons, Doc Martin is currently in the process of filming its ninth (and possibly its last) season in the Cornish town of Port Isaac. All filmed on location, the picturesque town is perfect to act as the sleepy fishing village of Portwenn and the perfect backdrop for a quirky and loveable cast of characters. Clunes himself was quoted as saying “we love going to Cornwall to make Doc Martin, and we miss it when we are not there. The county is so beautiful, and the people have been so warm and welcoming to us. It is the best job in television.” (www.deadline.com). The show has provided a tourism boom for the Cornish town with visitors flocking in their thousands to Port Isaac Caroline Catz and Martin Clunes in Doc Martin 40
BUSINESS - NETWORKING START AS YOU INTEND TO GO ON SHARRON ATTWOOD
‘Start as you intend to go on’ they say – and you do – until you don’t.
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see too many business owners, hell bent on conquering the ‘online’ world, start with a flurry of excited posts – proclaiming their plans and intention. An intention to post and share and build their brand. Very often, at this point, they will also commit to every face to face networking event they can find. Then – nothing. The smoke clears – the dust settles – reality kicks in. They don’t hang in there long enough to build the habit or their brand and as such see not only no positive result, but may see a negative result. They look inconsistent, unreliable, untrustworthy, tired and a little jaded. Probably blaming algorithms and a lack of support. I see this a lot – people launching programs, groups and events. Attending every event and course on offer. Opening an envelope? They’ll be there! Perhaps they have no goal, gather no momentum, have no plan or no way to convert any traction they do garner. They tell me it got too hard or failed to achieve the results they expected. But what were these expectations based on? Do you water a random seed and then stop when it doesn’t bear fruit the first day? We expect growth to take time as we consistently water it – ensuring it has ample light, good soil and nutrition. We also need to have started watering the right seed for the fruit we want. The same can be said of business owners unsure of their audience. They will be forever tweaking their offering – their
language and even their business name trying to appeal to a market they have yet to even identify. Are you planting the right seeds? How can you start as you intend to go on? Know your market and understand what it is you actually do! I work with clients every week who struggle to concisely announce what it is they do. They waffle – thinking that if they use enough words they may stumble upon the right ones for the client they are yet to identify. It’s more akin to chumming the waters than baiting your hook with the right bait. It also runs the real risk of alienating a potential client by making them do all the work. As consumers, as humans, we crave certainty. Offer us certainty and we will listen. Get clear on what it is you do – what you really do! Not the line on your business card or the qualification on your degree. What is the pain you take away? How would I recognise your ideal client? How are they expressing their issue? How are they describing the solution they seek? Who is your ideal client? Perhaps they struggle to articulate you being the solution to their problem? Then you need to know! This way you can consistently address their needs – speaking their language and building rapport. Building trust. You will also find your voice on social media as it becomes more and more clear with each post – what content works. You will build a following – a tribe – referrals and influence as you exhibit consistency in your message. Giving us certainty. This shows confidence, which is readily transferred to the potential client. We see you having confidence in you and we will come to also have confidence in you. It’s comforting – its attractive – to be around people who know what they are doing. You really can’t ‘fake it till you make it’ – we can tell. Know your product and know your people – the content will flow, making it easier and more effective to maintain the momentum on social media and even with face to face networking. So, before you launch anything with a fanfare, fireworks and a flash of glitter – take a step back to avoid the inevitable fizzle. Understand your client – identify the who. Get clear on your offering – identify the what. While you are at it get some clarity around your why as well. Understand yourself, your motivation and any limitations. Prepare the soil, select the seed. Start strong and as you intend to go on, and on, and on. Courtesy of Brand Ettiquette 41
FINANCE MANCHESTER BOOM SURPRISE STEVE BLIZARD
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owena, my wife, and I toured Germany and the UK, celebrating our thirtieth wedding anniversary, visiting clients, and our daughter, who is on exchange at the German Sports University in Cologne. However, the city that surprised me most was the northern metropolis of Manchester, which the global accounting and consultancy firm Deloitte recently named as one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. Manchester is also a city of contrast, where some of the UK's most deprived and most affluent neighbourhoods can be found. The suburb of Alderley Edge is home to many top footballers, often spotted driving their expensive sports cars down to their local pubs. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manchester has been awarded the accolade of the Rolls-Royce Regional Dealer of the Year for 2018. Bright forecasts overall.
a place to live, work, invest and conduct business. So why is Manchester one of Europe’s fastest growing cities? Manchester is a very attractive global brand, enjoying a good reputation across Europe. Ranked number eight in the UK, Manchester University is the most over-subscribed European tertiary institution, something that is reinforced by student attraction to its nightlife, culture, and low living costs. Cultural hubs such as its Northern Quarter and Salford have gained worldwide recognition, which is, in part, boosted population growth in the region.
LOW BUSINESS COSTS
Office rents and business venture start-up costs in Manchester are some of the lowest in the country. Commercial property remains cheap, while utility bills for businesses are affordable for the new wave entrepreneurs who are seeking the lowest priced utilities for their operation. Housing costs in Manchester are a mere fraction of those in London, the average price of a Manchester home is just over $266,000 while it is $873,000 in London. Prior to the global tech revolution, the latter may have been seen as a price worth paying to be close to a global centre of business and culture. But London’s costs of living are now seen as outweighing the benefits.
BRIGHT FORCASTS OVERALL
While Brexit uncertainty has temporarily dampened growth, overall, the Greater Manchester economy remains strong with annual Gross Value Added growth running between 2.5 percent and 3 percent, so far outstripping growth across the UK as a whole, which is languishing at 1.2 percent. The population of the Manchester region has soared with close to 100,000 new arrivals since 2015, amid a building boom of 11,000 residential units and approximately one million square feet of office space currently under construction within the city’s limits. Like many parts of the UK, Greater Manchester is faced with a growing housing shortfall. The region is home to 2.8m people; and that figure is projected to reach 3.2m by the late 2030s. In order to house the future population – and with it, the workforce – the construction sector will need to sharply increase its output, and additional infrastructure will need to be put into place. This growth positions Manchester as one of the most dynamic cities in the UK and Europe.
GLOBAL DIVERSITY
Manchester is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, with over 200 languages spoken across its region, making it the most linguistically diverse city in Western Europe. And the proportion of foreign-born living in Manchester continues to grow, adding to its hugely vibrant cultural scene as job creation continues expanding for long-time residents and newcomers.
BETTER-CONNECTED
Manchester Airport is now one of the busiest airports in the world, with new routes being added each year. The airport just added a direct route to Mumbai, bringing the total number of destinations to 199, thus making it the 13th most well-connected airport in the world. Work on a $1.82 billion transformation programme, which is set to see its Terminal more than double, continues at pace. Over 700 workers are undertaking this programme. Manchester Airport has emerged as one of England’s largest employment hubs, employing more than 22,000 people directly on site and supporting another 48,000 jobs across the surrounding region.
BEHIND THE BOOM
There are manifold reasons for Manchester’s phenomenal growth, and there have been a number of distinct changes over the past several years which have enhanced its global appeal as
EDUCATION AND HIGH-TECH SECTOR
Manchester leads in the knowledge economy, with some of the biggest and most highly-ranked universities in England, all located within the city limits, in addition to a booming high42
tech and science sector south of its CBD. Twelve percent of Manchester’s residents are employed within this knowledge sector, in addition to its 72,000 students, making the sector one of the largest and most robust in Europe. Amazon, the hi-tech and distribution behemoth has confirmed it will be opening a major new office in the city centre later this year, therefore adding 600 new technology and research jobs.
Words of Wisdom
MANCHESTER ATTRACTIONS
New jobs and wealth generated has boosted the number of award-winning restaurants that cater to all cuisine and budgets levels. Manchester boasts more art galleries and museums that reflect its role during Great Britain’s industrial revolution. Its famous Bridgewater Hall, home to the Halle Orchestra, was successful in recruiting as its CEO Western Australia’s highly experienced Andrew Bolt, who’d headed Perth’s Concert Hall. Our daughter was invited to hold the Premier League Football Cup at the National Football museum in Manchester’s CBD. With so much on offer, it becomes obvious why so many are deciding to make Manchester home. Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities
POETRY THE CATTLE ARE CHIPPED JOHN TAYLOR
The cattle r chipped n the troughs are checked by monitors on the old mill, still straddling’ the bore ‘cause we hadn’t the time for the shift, when we solared the run. The cattle are chipped and we know where they are at and it’s worrying when it hasn’t rained. We know the bank manager and ATO’s plotting our course on the screen. There’s cattle trains bogged and livestock ships anchored off whilst the stockmen are feedin’ the mob and we’re hopin’ next tide to get on with the job n head on outback for a load. Out on the road back out for a load where there’s people been musterin’ the mob. Attending their buggies, horses n bikes, makin’ time. Riding lonely night watch. The cattle are chipped Each days got its plot Subtle changes on flickering screens.
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SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK GLUTEN FREE ACCREDITATION
O
n a gluten free diet and missing all your café favourites? Not anymore! Swan Valley Gourmet Farm Café now has Coeliac Australia accredited gluten free options - so house made gluten free gnocchi and triple cooked hand cut chips are back on the menu! Nestled in the heart of the Swan Valley just outside Perth, the sustainable, recycled cafe and working farm is the second business in Western Australia to be accredited gluten free by Coeliac Australia. Everything on the menu is either gluten free or has a gluten free option and all desserts including ice creams are gluten free. Dairy free, vegetarian and vegan meals are also available. Business owner Sas Jacobs is gluten intolerant and was inspired to create Swan Valley Gourmet Farm café to provide a ‘worry free’ dining experience for people on a gluten free diet. Sas said: “Eating out should be a joyful and safe occasion for everyone but I’ve experienced first-hand how this can go dreadfully wrong! “Swan Valley Gourmet Farm Café is a place where people with coeliac disease and food intolerances can dine with their loved ones without the worry that often accompanies eating out.” People with coeliac disease can’t eat gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. One of the biggest concerns for people with the autoimmune illness is finding genuine gluten free options when eating out. Coeliac Australia Chief Executive Officer Michelle Laforest said: “We congratulate Swan Valley Gourmet Farm Café for taking the initiative to join our accreditation program. “There’s a large and growing market of Australians who want gluten free options that they can trust. Sas and her team have met our requirements, including laboratory testing, on-site audit and training to become accredited by Coeliac Australia.” The gourmet paddock to plate café has been open for eighteen months, serving a range of breakfast and lunch meals as well as local wines and gluten free beer! Sas said: “Coeliac Australia accreditation gives our customers with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance that extra level of comfort that they can eat here with confidence.” Sas has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from her customers. “We love the smiles that we get from our young visitors with coeliac disease and their parents when they realise they can have the same food as everyone else.” While the café specialises in preparing gluten free food, the owners want people to choose Swan Valley Gourmet Farm Café first and foremost for the delicious meals. “As a working farm, we use our own produce wherever possible in our meals, including our own eggs, honey from our own hives, olives, seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs. We also make our own gluten free breads, jams, relishes, sauces and all desserts,” Sas said.
“Our focus is very much on being sustainable and we have zero food waste thanks to the animals with whom we share our farm. In addition to the food, there is a large grassed outdoor area where visitors can see our ducks and chickens as well as hand feed our goats.”
HAVE YOUR SAY NICKY MUNRO
T
he City of Swan Strategic Community Plan was reviewed in 2017 and since then the City has been measuring community perceptions and its progress against the Plan. The City has asked Research Solutions to conduct their 2019 Community Perceptions Survey. This survey gives you the opportunity to give feedback on the Plan and provide information to help the City make decisions about the types of events that they hold. Any information you provide will remain confidential. The survey will take about ten to twelve minutes. To start the survey click on the link below. You don’t have to complete the survey in one sitting and can leave the survey at any point and come back to where you left off by clicking on the link again. https://survey.websurveycreator.com/s.aspx?r=44090fa3-28b64677-a4d2-484ff2147105 If you can’t click on it, please copy and paste it into your browser. It will take you straight to the first page of the survey. The survey must be completed online by 12th June. If you have any questions please contact the Managing Director of Research Solutions, Nicky Munro, at nicky@ researchsolutions.com.au or in the office on 9225 7772.
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SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK SECURITY PATROLS RETURN
SWAN VALLEY CAR BOOT SALE AND MARKET DAY
WHITNEY SLATER
A
security patrol service for The Vines will recommence this July after community feedback. The service will operate from 7am until 2am, seven days a week within the suburb of The Vines, and will be funded by ratepayers within The Vines only, from a $196.25 security levy on rates notices. The City's priority is to ensure the community feels safe and secure, and this service will be a visible safety presence in the area. The surveillance patrols will be extra eyes and ears to assist Police, and includes reporting suspicious persons or vehicles, responding to anti-social behaviour issues and proactively reporting vandalism and damage. The security patrols service previously ran in Ellenbrook and The Vines until 2018, and was partially funded by property developer contributions which have since ended. In June 2018, Council resolved to end the patrol service in Ellenbrook and The Vines after community consultation, however following this decision, a petition was received from some residents to reinstate the security patrols within The Vines. Council considered a number of security service options and resurveyed The Vines community to understand willingness to fund the service. After carefully considering the options and community feedback, Council decided to reinstate this service in The Vines for three years, and residents will be surveyed again in two years to confirm if the service continues beyond 2022. The service for Ellenbrook will stay on pause and residents will be re-surveyed in September this year to confirm if they would like the service to return or stop completely. Across all areas, the City will continue to support local crime prevention initiatives including working with the WA Police and local community groups to prevent local crime issues and monitor trends. If you have witnessed a crime or have security concerns, call Police Assistance on 131 444 or Police Emergency on 000. For more information about the security patrol service visit www. swan.wa.gov.au
P
lease help Renee Brown raise some much needed funds to help other Pompe Disease patients get to a patient conference next year. Organisers are hoping to fly in specialist doctors and patients together to learn about this rare disease and help as many of us as possible gain access to clinical trials and "best practice" treatments available until a cure is found. So clean out the tack shed, house or if you have a business you would like to promote...I am hoping our wonderful Swan Valley can pull together to make this a terrific (and fun!) event. Vendor Space $20 Trestle tables $5. Buyers entry - gold coin donation. Vendors - Horse tack items, local producers, businesses welcome. Food stall, tea coffee and wine sales available for purchase on the day. Loads of indoor space available if weather is wet. Dogs on leads welcome. Venue: Priory Park Equestrian 336 Padbury Avenue, Herne Hill When: 23rd June 2019 From 11am to 2pm Sellers admitted: 10.00am Buyers admitted: 11.00am to 2.00pm Please contact Renee Brown for further information – Mobile 0432 070 420 Proceeds to the Australian Pompe Association.
POMPE DISEASE
Pompe disease is a rare, inherited neuro-muscular disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. Pompe disease is also known as: Acid alpha-glucosidase deficiency; Acid Maltase Deficiency (AGM); Glycogen Storage Disease Type 2 and Lysosomal alpha-glucosidase deficiency. Pompe disease can occur between infancy and adulthood, and affects both men and women equally. Approximately one-third of people with Pompe disease are infants (infantile-onset) while the other two thirds are children or adults (late-onset).
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#AdoptLove
IT’S TIGER TIME! BANDIT
Here are mini tigers for adoption in all sorts of stripey colour ways! We love our tabbies because they look so much like tigers with their amazing stripes.
BUGGLES
When you closely examine their coats, even a common brown tabby has beautiful “ticking” at the tips. The cat world has lots of different types of tabby and those in our care at the moment tick just about every box. Grey tabby, brown tabby, tabby and white, tortie tabby and tabby pointed - with blue eyes too! With kittens, cattens and mature cats whose personalities are fully developed, we’ve got you covered.
Snuggly & Cheeky Bonded Brothers 6 months
Super Chill Lap Cat
All of these tabbies are being cared for in peoples’ own homes as we use a foster care model. We know their personalities so can make great matches to our potential adopters. We aim for the win-win of “happy cat, happy adopter”. If you’re a cat lover, and would like to enjoy the hilarious, loving, unpredictable, playful, regal, perceptive and yes, devoted (you’ll realise this if you understand cat language), companionship that only a cat can give, email us at metro@safe.org.au.
Cuddle Bug
Cuddly & Dog Friendly
PHOTOGRAPH: MEGAN CASAS
LUCY - 6 months
NICKI - 21 wks
SONNY - 21 wks
Eyes Like Jewels
LIZ - 2 years
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
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Concluded from page 10...
Concluded from page 37... Trouble was someone had left a wheelchair in the hallway. I watched on as she took one step to the left and back again. You could almost hear a weary sigh. If she’d taken two steps left, she’d have cleared the obstruction and been on her way, but that didn’t seem to register. Consequently, she appeared trapped, doomed to perform a one-sided square dance for all eternity. I was surprised that she didn’t let out a warning beep for assistance. Instead the path was eventually cleared when a human figure came to remove the impasse. Intrigued I followed Ginger until she reached the lift area. There she commenced a jittery pirouette until midway through she came to a complete standstill. She was looking directly at me. Wearing a pair of Dame Edna glasses, she did not look impressed to see me. With no action taking place it seemed I was the problem. “Sorry Ginger,” I heard myself say out loud as I stepped to one side. Unpleasant obstruction removed Ginger completed her turn and shunted forward until her nose was almost pressed against the lift doors. “Calling lift,” acknowledged the lift as Ginger waited patiently for the doors to open, followed by “doors opening, step aside.” As I watched this modern-day marvel trundle over the threshold and disappear it was clear to me that while technology can make amazing breakthroughs that enhance our lives, it has yet to master the inevitability that comes with undertaking repetitive tasks. Even automated tea ladies becoming embittered over time, or so it would seem. Footnote: In case you’re concerned about the gender stereotyping of tea ladies, I read a notice in the lift introducing the male version, Basil. Sadly I’ve yet to see him materialise.
SUBCONTRACTOR SUPPORT AND PROTECTION
It’s simply unacceptable that when small businesses put in the hard yards, they’re either paid late, short-changed or sent to the back of the queue when head contractors go bust. Coming from a family of tradies, I know how important it is to support and protect our local subcontractors. That is why we have increased payment protections on Government projects. We will now require Project Bank Accounts (PBA’s) for Government projects with a total value of works exceeding $1.5 million. Head contractors on Government-led projects should not be able to fob off their responsibilities. They will pay funds into PBAs and small businesses will then be paid from these accounts: on time and in full, for the work they’ve done. PBA’s provide better protection to subcontractors, reduce the financial stress on them, their employees, suppliers and families. PBA’s will improve the speed of contract payments and increase transparency in the payment process.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
I’m proud to be part of a government that immediately froze TAFE fees, after 500% increases under the previous Liberal government. We’ve now introduced “Priority Start”, to increase apprenticeship and traineeships in the building and construction industry. Head contractors are now required to meet training targets across their internal and subcontracted construction trades workforce. We have also introduced a new Employer Incentive Scheme which provides additional rebate incentives for businesses to take on new traineeships and apprentices, linked to payroll tax reforms. Business also has access to the Construction Training Fund, which provides incentives up to $25,000 for companies to employ an apprentice or trainee. We want to develop a sustainable local supply of skilled workers for the building and construction industry, encouraging contractors to invest in the employment of local apprentices and trainees. We have also introduced Jobs and Skills Centres, one stop shops for vocational training that provide an online jobs board, connect jobseekers with employment opportunities and help employers attract and recruit employees.
SCHOOLS - DIRECT TO MARKET PROGRAM
The McGowan government has recently changed the rules to allow local schools to directly procure works under $20,000, bypassing often expensive and complicated bureaucratic processes. The Direct to Market program allows public schools to select their own service providers at the best price possible. This supports local jobs by encouraging schools to connect with local contractors. I am proud to be part of a McGowan Government that is committed to creating jobs and a strong economy for the people of WA. These initiatives are just the start – we’re going to continue focusing on sound economic management and increasing employment opportunities. If I can provide you with any more information on any of these initiatives, please drop me a line! 48
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