Swan Magazine February 2018

Happy Valentine’s Day to lovers everywhere

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BOOKS JUST OUT

Shifting Sands Title: The Life of a Doctor and a Game Title: Author: Jane Byrnes Ranger Publisher: Balboa Press Au Author: Christo Hanekom Title: Consciously Ascending from Publisher: Ex Libris Australia ISBN: 9781 5043 0941 7 Absence to Presence ISBN: 9781 5245 6158 1 Author: Dr Lamiaa Mousa Al-Madany hifting Sands provides lesson about Publisher: Partridge Singapore communication, Helen’s life of hard he book shares life of author as ISBN: 9781 5437 4362 3 work is interrupted by the arrival of medical doctor, game ranger in three young men – each different but all Namibia, South Africa. r Lamiaa Mousa AL-Madany believes Christo Hanekom meaning something to this independent that to be able believes a “man should do three Australian. to ascend with things and can then die happily. Helen is an outdoorsy woman who one’s consciousness A man must marry a good wife, lives a full and busy life in the Australian from absence to raise a child, and write a book.” country town of Carlisle. Her surroundings presence, one must are usually quiet and calm, and it’s not bad This is it. be able to identify having two gorgeous T h e oneself. young men in the house book is about This belief next door, Liam and Hanekom and prompted her to write David. his experience Consciously Ascending

Soon, her life as a medical from Absence to becomes complicated doctor, his Presence, a book that when a third man enters m e d i c a l guides readers on how the mix. Helen and her training, to control and manage friend Genevieve find his medical their lives whether at themselves battling practice in home or at work. the prejudices and Namibia The first part of the assumptions of the and South book will help readers residents of the town Africa while develop a clear vision she calls home. at the same and realistic picture about themselves. time how he became Eventually This will help them identify themselves, deeply involved with the the five young people identify how they react and interact with wildlife. become friends and their surroundings and become successful supporters. They form It shares how by motivating them through self-discipline. Hanekom and his family bonds impossible to The second part of the book will help enjoyed many years break. them to ascend with their presence toward experiencing the ups and Still, nothing is simple, excellence in life. especially in love. downs of medical life, “Many people think they know wildlife management “This is a book about a themselves, but after they read this and the full beauty of the Dr Christo Hanekom group of young people book, they will explore the dimension African bush. who communicate in of themselves, they will be able to know Hanekom says, “our experiences in their professions but much as they enjoy if they control themselves or it is being Southern Africa were all so unique they just each other’s company, they are not truly controlled by others,” AL-Madany says. had to be put down to paper—to be shared talking to each other,” says Byrnes. “It is “This book will help you to develop around like a good bottle of aged red wine, a book about how we can be distracted your goal, develop self-confidence, and sip by sip—so full of taste and tang, the by the outside world and forget to share a positive attitude and to get rid of stress smell and flavour blended together in an ourselves.” and negative thinking. It will enhance your aged old oak vat, and then poured into a Available at Amazon and Barnes & trust in yourself and in your surroundings.” memory-holding glass, filled to the brim . . . Noble Available at Amazon and Barnes & “I can only cry from the very deepest of Noble my soul and up to all those who have ears About the Author Jane Byrnes to hear: may God, who created About the Author was brought up by it all, protect our wild,” he Dr. Lamiaa Mousa AL-Madany works as concludes. conservation-aware a consultant in obstetrics and gynecology Available at Amazon and parents on family and serves on the Arab Board in obstetrics Barnes & Noble properties and lived in and gynecology. country towns for the AL-Madany has an MSC Quality and About the Author majority of her life.

Safety in healthcare management and Christo Hanekom was born Most of her professional is a certified professional in health and in South Africa and spent most life was spent in the hospital administration. agricultural field while of his life in Southern Africa Partridge Singapore, an imprint as a medical practitioner, operating a farm in in partnership with Penguin Random combining it with his love Queensland, Australia, House Singapore, aims to help writers for the bush and the wildlife with her husband and in Singapore, Malaysia, and the rest of of Southern Africa. He and kids. Now, with the Southeast Asia become published authors. his family now resides in the children grown, she and For more information or to publish a country town of Cootamundra her husband live on the book, visit www.partridgepublishing.com/ in New South Wales.

Queensland coast. singapore.

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IN THIS ISSUE PAGE

FEATURES Books and Writing

Books

KSP in February The Idler The Ute

Business

Business Card Board

Finance with Steve Networking

Community

Federal Notes Festivals Toodyay Moondyne Joe Toodyay Music Festival Jessica Shaw MLA Letters to the Editor Notes From Parliament People SAFE SVRN

Bike Week 2018 CoS Planning Free Workshops Volunteer for Excitement

2 4 23 17 44 38 39 12 8 9 15 14 13 22 42 40 41 40 40 41

PAGE The Queen’s Baton Tip-Top Tip Shop The Compassionate Friends What’s On Dining Out

Douglas Wineries & Dineries Food Swan Valley Gourmet

Entertainment

Finding Your Feet - Review Fringe World Reviews James Forte Kalamunda Here I Come - Kads Theatre with Gordon The Way of the World - Garrick TV With Chris

Leisure

Sport and Leisure House and Garden OkinawanRoots Bear Fruit Parlez-Vous Français?

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

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

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

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www.swanmagazine.com.au

Email: editor@swanmagazine.com.au Registered Address: 18 Tokay Lane, The Vines, Western Australia 6069 MARCH DEADLINES: Advertisements: 1st March Editorial: 1st March Copyright: Swan Magazine 2018 3

BOOKS AND WRITING KSP WRITERS’ CENTRE IN FEBRUARY SHANNON COYLE

YOUNG WRITERS GROUP: Scribe Tribe for ages 10-16 Weekly, during school term on Wednesday afternoons beginning 7 Feb, 4.00-5.30pm.

KSP’s Scribe Tribe offers games, exercises, encouragement and mentoring, as well as insights into publishing and instruction on writing across all forms.

Members of the Scribe Tribe are also offered publication in a professionally printed end-of-year youth anthology.

Costs from $10 per class; First class - free trial.

ABOUT KSP’S YOUTH GROUPS KSP’s dedicated youth groups, the Scribe Tribe and Homeschoolers Group, each operate on a weekly basis during school term under the guidance of a local author.

Each group functions to encourage creativity and teaches participants the craft of compelling story-telling and the many different pathways to publication, to ultimately launch a career as a writer.

The sessions includes term themes and interactive games, lessons on creativity and inventiveness, insights into publishing as well as writing across all forms, special guest author visits, end-of-term parties, plus the opportunity to have work published on the KSP blog throughout the year.

skills; seeking publication; and support networks.

Tickets from $35.

Literary Dinner – Summer Luau Tuesday 13 February, 6.00-9.30pm Enjoy Hawaiian tunes from 6.007.00pm while sipping cocktails on the verandah, followed by three summery courses and readings from WA Poetin-Residence Maddie Godfrey and SA Writer-in-Residence Emily Palmer, whose contemporary work features ‘bad-ass female protagonists’. BYO drinks.

O p t i o n a l Fancy Dress: Tropical. Dietary requirements catered for with notice.

Tickets from $35.

KSP SUNDOWNER SESSION FEATURING OPEN MIC W O R K S H O P : Friday 23 February, 6.30-8.00pm SO YOU WANT At KSP’s bi-monthly Sundowner TO … PERFORM Sessions guests can take the mic and POETRY perform a short piece of poetry or fiction at Saturday 17 the Balcony Bar, or sit back with friends and February, 3.00- enjoy the readings.

5.00pm Glass of complimentary wine on arrival In this thanks to our friends at Lion Mill Winery. workshop, KSP's BYO nibbles.

2018 NextGen Tickets from $5.

Writer-in-Residence Maddie Godfrey will use poetry to explore how the places we For more details please visit the KSP come from are woven deeply into our website www.kspwriterscentre.com storytelling practices.

Come along to polish your performance skills from a dynamic young poet who has performed sold-out shows at Perth Fringe Festival and stormed the stages of the Sydney Opera House and Royal Albert Hall.

Suitable for those aged over 12.

Tickets from $20.

WORKSHOP: So You Want To … Be a Writer Saturday 10 February, 1.00-4.00pm This interactive workshop from WA Premier’s Award local author Annabel Smith will provide an array of tips and tricks to get you started and keep you writing, as well as editing your own work.

It will cover such issues as: making time for writing; getting started; to plan or not to plan; overcoming self-doubt; selfediting and feedback; developing your 4

LEISURE PARLEZ-VOUS FRANÇAIS? DR ANNA EDWARDS

o you speak French? The incredible D benefits of learning a second language.

Research has shown that learning another language will boost your brain power whether as a child or later in adulthood.

You do not have to be fluent for it to make a difference; even minimal knowledge will help.

Speaking a foreign language offers proven benefits for memory, it can also increase intelligence and even delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

This article will discuss some of the many benefits of learning a second language and why you should choose French.

When children grow up learning a second language, research shows that they develop improved problemsolving and critical thinking skills, better flexibility of mind and memory, and raised multi-tasking ability.

Contrary to popular belief, learning a second language does not inhibit children’s English language proficiency.

In fact, they develop a better understanding of English language as learning a foreign language involves looking at: conjugations, grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure.

If children have dyslexia or a history of failure at school, being successful at learning a foreign language can help to enhance their self-esteem and give them a sense of achievement.

For teenagers and adults, speaking another language can increase the chances of getting their dream job or getting into a well-regarded institution.

Australian universities are aware of the crucial role of languages and offer bonus points to students who sit the year 12 examination in any foreign language.

Most importantly, learning another language opens people’s minds about other cultures.

If you don’t already speak another language, it is never too late to learn.

There is a common myth that it is too hard and why bother now that there is Google translator? Well, technology is often inaccurate and is no substitute for learning. All language teachers would agree as they are constantly battling against it in their classroom.

Now that we understand the many benefits of learning a language, which one should we choose?

French, for many reasons!

1. French is spoken all over the world: More than 220 million people speak French and it is the official language in twenty-nine countries.

French is the second most studied language in the world after English and is one of the top ten languages used on the internet. It is, along with English, the only language spoken on all five continents.

2. International career: French is used in a wide range of sectors (food industry, luxury goods, aeronautics, music, arts, etc.). Many multinational companies work in Francophone countries. French is also the language of International relations: United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts.

3. Study opportunities: Students with a good level of French might apply to study in Francophone countries. In France, the fees are a lot more affordable than in Australia even as a foreign student. Some grants and exchange programmes are available through the French government.

4. Dream destinations: France is the most visited country in 5

the world with 79,5 million visitors a year.

Paris and all the regions of France are fascinating and they all offer an insight into French history, culture and way of life.

From Australia, Reunion Island, Mauritius and New Caledonia are great places to visit!

5. Learning English: Around 40% of English words are derived from French! When learning French, students are amazed how much they learn about English (grammar, conjugation, etc.).

Courtesy of Destination France L anguage School

DINING OUT

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie SWAN VALLEY GOURMET

DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

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or some years Sas Jacobs and Dave Glossop lived in suburbia and dreamed of having a sustainable farm.

Then they bought seven acres in the Swan Valley at Baskerville and slowly crafted their dream into reality.

Once the self-sufficient farm was taking shape in Good Life style - bees buzzing, dam filling, pickles pickling - they turned their minds towards a longcherished goal, opening a cafe offering the foods Sas is so good at preparing.

And now, their dream child is taking its first baby steps into the sunlight - Swan Valley Gourmet Cafe. A rustic shed-style building overlooking the shady dam.

We visited this infant phenomena one warm and sunny day for lunch, my celiac sister and I. Normally Roxy has some difficulty with restaurants and cafes ensuring that the food is properly glutenfree.

Absolutely no difficulty at the Swan Valley Gourmet, where Sas has been cooking for her celiac mother for years and knows exactly what is entailed and how to make the best possible dishes for those unfortunate enough to be unable to digest gluten.

The cafe itself is still in the process of finishing touches, but is both rustic and charming, repurposed and recycled material being used wherever possible.

The panelling on the walls, for example, is made of old doors, something one doesn't immediately notice.

Lofty ceilings give an air of space and distance and the polished wood tables are widely enough spread to give the illusion of privacy.

The service, provided by Dave is friendly, even matey, and once you've ordered at the counter, one takes a seat and the food is delivered to the table.

I ordered a 200g scotch filet steak sandwich, which was tasty and tender, lashings of salad and an intriguing sauce.

This came with the house speciality of 6

DINING OUT

FOOD CAJUN SPICED SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN This recipe is a combination of the traditional Southern Fried Chicken with Cajun cuisine using their spice mix to give it an extra kick.

Ingredients 1 whole chicken cut into portions 300g plain flour 250ml buttermilk 2eggs 2 tablespoons Cajun spice mix 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon dried oregano Rice Bran oil to fry Approx 1 litre of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to soak chicken

hand-cut, triple cooked, skin-on, chips. Very crisp and tangy.

Roxy's Caesar salad was a hearty portion, entirely gluten-free, and delicious.

We ended with the most delicious glutenfree chocolate cake with a glossy chocolate ganache. Although full, I did order two spoons for the cake - just for reporting purposes - which I did test ... thoroughly.

This not a great choclate cake, for a gluten-free cake ... this is a truly great chocolate cake by any standards.

Tea and coffee was above reproach and the whole experience was most enjoyable.

In addition to the cafe portion, there is a providore section of home-hade jams, chillies, honey, relishes and pickles.

Sas's expertise with gluten-free cooking and baking means that the bread (gluten-free, spelt and sourdough) and cakes on sale is outstanding and available for purchase over the counter.

A welcome addition to the food charms of the Swan Valley.

Very Highly Recommended.

Method 1. Butcher the chicken by dividing into 2 drumsticks, 2 thigh, 2 wings and 2 breasts cut in half to make 4.

2. Traditionally, you would soak the pieces in the salted water for a couple of hours in the fridge.

3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk and Cajun seasoning.

4. In another bowl or deep tray mix the flour, paprika and oregano.

5. Drain the chicken, and dip in the buttermilk mix.

6. Then coat with the flour mix in the tray or shake in the bag. Do a few at a time to make sure they are well coated.

7. Fry in a good layer of oil in a big strong deep paella type frying pan or any big wide pan with a lid. Cover for the first few minutes.

8. Then when brown, turn and cover for another 5 minutes 9. After that cook uncovered for 20 minutes or so, turning occasionally to get an even brown crust, yet cooked through.

10. The key points here is to know your pan, adjust temperature accordingly, and if all else fails, finish in the oven.

11. Remove and place on kitchen paper before serving.

Courtesy of Brendan Murphy, Chef-Explorer

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COMMUNITY FESTIVALS THE ACT-BELONG-COMMIT TOODYAY MOONDYNE FESTIVAL 2018 TAIA SINCLAIR

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estern Australia's First and Foremost Colonial Festival. Sunday 6 May 2018 The legend of Moondyne Joe, the Avon Valley’s legendary bushranger transforms the picturesque historical town of Toodyay, Western Australia into a lively daylong festival.

A highlight of the day being the reenactment of Moondyne Joe’s various escapades throughout the town, his arrests and mock trials. Join in the fun with Moondyne Joe as he runs around town, robbing shops, escaping custody and being a general menace. Cheer on Joe’s gang, ‘floozies’, coppers, swaggies and the Town Crier.

This is a FREE Festival from 9am to 4pm. So come along and experience the community spirit in the centre of Toodyay, complete with street theatre, colonial village, entertainment, artisan and heritage crafts, healthy food stalls and loads of non-stop, amazing fun activities for all the family.

Everyone is encouraged to dress in pioneer period costume!

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COMMUNITY FESTIVALS TOODYAY MUSIC FESTIVAL TAIA SINCLAIR

F

ollowing the past years success this marvellous festival celebrating local music and musicians returns in March, on the 24 from 10am until 9pm.

This will be a vibrant exciting day of music from many genres to entice all lovers of music.

Toodyay’s two beautiful parks, Duidgee and Stirling, will each have a stage for bands and many artists to perform on throughout the day. Toodyay’s own St Stephens Church will be the place to showcase choirs and instrumentals.

There will be a great assortment of food stalls in Stirling Park to attract the hungry and other stalls for perusal and purchase of their wares.

Buskers will abound in the streets performing to shoppers and patrons of cafes alike.

In the evening Toodyays parks will be lit up like never before.

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LEISURE OKINAWAN ROOTS BEAR FRUIT

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LISA SKRYPICHAYKO

wan Hills Goju Ryu Karate has commenced training for the new year, building on skills and advancements in 2017.

Joining students from across Australia, twenty members of Sensei Bob Allen’s dojo recently returned from karate’s birthplace in Okinawa, Japan, where they learned from masters Shigetoshi Seneha Sensei of Ryusyokai Karate-do and Takehiro Gaja Sensei of Matayoshi Kobudo (traditional Okinawan weaponry).

As part of a rigorous two-week training schedule, several students and instructors were invited to test for their next rank.

All were assessed by their masters on their knowledge and application of karate basics, individual and partnered kata patterns, and fighting techniques, with their peers present to observe, encourage and learn.

Sensei Bob was promoted to higher instructor-level ranks, recognising his knowledge and contributions in both karate and kobudo.

Goju Ryu Australia students training in Seneha Sensei’s dojo (Photograph by Lisa Skrypichayko)

Swan Hills Goju Ryu’s sister dojo in Bridgetown, received his 3rd dan. Tony Wray, Warren Hope, Lisa Skrypichayko, Pru and Beau Ruthofer also received 3rd dans, and Melinda Brezmen was promoted to 2nd dan. Hope and Skrypichayko also received black belts in kobudo.

Sensei Bob Allen (2nd from L) and Takehiro Gaja Sensei (centre of front row) with students after Matayoshi Kobudo grading in Okinawa

Several of Sensei Bob's students who assist under his guidance with training and coaching also attained higher Swan Hills Goju Ryu students and Sal Ebanez, head of Goju Ryu levels, including senior students who stayed back to instruct Australia, in Seneha Sensei’s dojo in Okinawa (front row, L-R, Sensei classes at Swan Hills’ Midland and Mount Helena dojos, their Chris Papamarkos, Sensei Bob Allen, Shigetoshi Seneha Sensei, Sensei Sal Ebanez) promotions certified in Okinawa by Sensei Seneha.

Assistant instructors Ian Smith, Leo Spiccia and Wolf Konrad, promoted to 5th dan black belts, were recognised as All participants gained valuable skills and insight into Senseis within the Swan Hills dojo. Damien Bell, instructor at traditional Okinawan martial arts, developed greater awareness and appreciation of the unique cultural identity of the Ryukyu Islands in Japan's Okinawa prefecture, and made lasting friendships in Okinawa and across Australia.

Sensei Bob reflected on the achievements of the Swan Hills Goju Ryu students, saying: "I was extremely surprised and honoured to be promoted, but I’m even prouder of the achievements and standard displayed by my students. I have done the best I can to follow the tradition and show them the way, and the exceptional amount of time, spirit, and diligent practice they have put in has paid off. Concluded on the next page ...

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HOUSE AND GARDEN TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN WITH TREES MARION LOGIE

our series of trees for the C ontinuing Western Australian garden.

This month we’re looking at purely

Western Australian native trees, which combine beauty and shade together with ‘water-wise’ demands.

RED FLOWERING GUM (aka as Albany Red Flowering Gum and the Albany Redgum) (Corymbia ficifolia) provided it is not exposed to severe frost or sustained tropical damp. It is an ideal street tree as it is hardy, moderately fast growing, and rarely grows large enough to require pruning Corymbia ficifolia is a close relative of the West Australian Marri or Port Gregory gum (Corymbia calophylla). The Marri is widespread in southern WA. The two species can be very difficult to tell apart. There is no single reliable method: it is generally necessary to consider a range of factors, to be aware that they crossbreed readily, and to recall that species is an artificial human concept that nature does not always obey.

Corymbia Ficifolia

CHRISTMAS TREE (The Noongar names for the plant are moojar, moojerool, munjah and mutyal) (Nuytsia floribunda)

The tree typically grows to a height of two to ten metres but can reach up to fifteen metres with a width of five to twenty metres.

The tree can have a straggly habit.

The bark of the tree is rough, short-fibred, longitudinally furrowed and a brown-grey colour. The leaves are thick, dull green and with a prominent mid-rib.

The flowers are a brilliant red colour and the gum nuts are large, woody and urn-shaped. The large amount of blossom produced can completely obscure the foliage in summer.

Nuytsia floribunda In nature Corymbia ficifolia prefers infertile, sandy soils but it is readily The Christmas Tree is a hemiparasitic adaptable to most temperate locations, plant displaying bright flowers during the Christmas season.

Conclusion ...

The habit of the species is a tree up to ten “Our dojo is very fortunate to have metres high, or as a shrub. The rough bark such an outstanding wealth of knowledge is grey-brown. Flowers are a vivid yellowamongst our senseis, and I am pleased orange, appearing between October and to see our newer assistant instructors January. progress and take up the challenge to pay it forward as well."

Sensei Bob Allen is the WA head of Goju Goldfields Yellow Flowering Gum (aka Ryu Australia. He was a referee at the state Strickland’s Gum, Yellow Flowered Gum and national level for twenty-one years, and Yellow Flowered Blackbutt) and is one of the WA Karate Federation’s (Eucalyptus Stricklandii) senior kata coaches.

The habit of this species is a tree up Sensei Bob teaches students of all ages to twelve metres in height, but is more at his Midland and Mount Helena dojos. often seen between six and eleven, with Courtesy of Swan Hills Gojuryu a metre of dark, rough bark at the base of 11

the thick trunk and branches. Has bright yellow flowers occuring from December to January and often continueing into March.

This is a very drought tolerant species and flourishing in arid climates with rainfall of 180 to 250mm annually.

It is a robust species, fast growing and shapely. It will grow in sandy or loamy soils, and is tolerant of salt affected soils. Strickland’s gum is suitable for street planting, as a shade tree, or ornamental tree.

More next month ...

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

NEW YEARS WISHES

I

hope that all of the Swan Magazine readers and their families have had a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous start to 2018.

I hope you enjoyed the festive season with your loved ones and are looking forward to another year of adventures, new successes and milestones.

The Coalition Government is currently overhauling the child care system to provide better support for hardworking families in Hasluck.

We're better targeting subsidies, introducing our hourly fee cap to put downward pressure on prices and removing the annual rebate cap.

Nearly one million families will benefit as a result of our Government’s child care reforms and we’ll provide the greatest subsidy and financial support to the families who earn the least. Find out more: www.education.gov.au/childcare

amount of talent we have in Hasluck!

It is an absolute honour for me to continue serving our Hasluck community and I encourage you to keep in touch via ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au or by calling my office on 9359 0322.

JOBS The latest jobs figures show 403,100 more Australians found jobs in 2017. That’s the most jobs created in a calendar year on record! Of these 403,100 new jobs, over three-quarters (303,400) were full

time jobs. There have now been fifteen consecutive months of jobs growth. The last time that happened was in 1994.

The Government is working to deliver a stronger economy, to help secure a better future for you and your family. This includes backing small business, making record investments in infrastructure, pursuing export opportunities and ensuring reliable and affordable electricity. There is more to be done, but these jobs figures are good news. They show our economic plan is working.

CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION Thank you to all the wonderful students who took the time to create artwork for my 2017 Christmas Card Competition with the theme of ‘Christmas at my house’ and congratulations to the winners!

There were many fantastic entries and I was so pleased to once again see the

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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.

Ken Wyatt MP with Sarah, the winner of the overall upper primary category in Ken’s Christmas Card Competition 12

NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

COMMUNITY

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

THE QUEEN’S BATON KATE PHILLIPS

Hon Donna Faragher JP MLC Member for East Metropolitan Region

Happy New Year to all Swan Magazine readers! n Australia Day I had the pleasure of attending the City of Kalamunda’s Citizenship Ceremony which was held in Wattle Grove.

I thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony and was delighted to witness more than sixtyfive citizens make a valuable commitment and pledge to the Australian community and to the principles and values that underpin and strengthen our democracy.

Across Western Australia, sixty-seven citizenship ceremonies were held on

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A

Australia Day with approximately 2,700 people from seventy-seven countries becoming citizens - a step that over 4.5 million people from more than 200 different countries have already taken across Australia since 1949.

Australia owes much of its success as a nation to those who have travelled from all parts of the world and who now call Australia home.

Congratulations again to everyone who became citizens of our great country.

As always, if I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office.

ADVERTISEMENT WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Donna

FARAGHER

jp mlc

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

Here to help!

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

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choir made up of 120 local students will sing in the Queen’s Baton when it arrives at Stirling Square in Guildford on February 26, 2018.

The Baton is being carried through the City of Swan, as part of the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay before making its way to Karratha and back to the Gold Coast for the Games on April 4.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said the students from Woodbridge, Bassendean and Beechboro Primary Schools would serenade the crowd with three songs to signal the arrival of the Baton at the Square.

“Not only will we be able to give the Baton a personalised welcome, but we will be able to showcase some of the wonderful vocal talent we have in the City,” he said.

“It is fantastic that so many of our local students and young people have been able to be involved in the City’s celebrations, every step of the way.”

A highlight of the baton route is its journey along the Swan River, where the baton will be carried by former Governor Stirling High School student and Olympic bronze medallist canoer, Ramon Andersson, who will be joined by a flotilla of boats from Guildford Grammar, Governor Stirling High School and local rowing clubs.

Midland/Guildford Ward Councillor Ian Johnson said Governor Stirling Senior High School would also be putting on a performance to celebrate Ramon Andersson's achievements.

“The Governor Stirling Senior High School music students and the Moorditj Marman Dancers have spent months organising a very special performance which will take place prior to Ramon being accompanied down to the river by the students to join the relay," he said.

“The school grounds will also be opened up to the public, providing a spectacular river vantage point for spectators.”

The Baton will then make its way to Stirling Square, where it will be welcomed by the youth choir and delivered by community champion and Baton Bearer Michelle Dunlop.

The baton will also be greeted by a 140 strong contingent of local cadet groups who will form a human tunnel to welcome the batonbearer into Stirling Square.

For those wanting to follow the Baton's journey along the route, there are plenty of positions to get the best vantage point including a mini fair ad Woodbridge Park, and special events at Governor Stirling and Guildford Grammar Schools.

For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, please visit www.swan. wa.gov.au/QBR. Courtesy of the City of Swan

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir: World’s Greatest Shave turns 20 In March, the iconic Australian fundraising campaign World’s Greatest Shave will be celebrating its 20th birthday and to commemorate this milestone, the Leukaemia Foundation is calling on record numbers of Australians to register and join in the fun.

Over the past two decades, more than 1.9 million Australians have supported the campaign to help the Leukaemia Foundation’s continue its vision to cure and mission to care.

Every day, another thirty-five Aussies are diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma and.

Thanks to those extraordinary Aussies, blood cancer patients and their families continue to receive free emotional and practical support, educational resources and transport to and from vital medical appointments from the Leukaemia Foundation.

Your support also means regional families continue to be provided with free home-away-from-home accommodation near their treating centres.

Our commitment to fund research projects continues to help more Australians with blood cancer survive and live a better quality of life.

I’d like to take this opportunity to invite the Perth community to join us and register for World’s Greatest Shave in 2018 to help beat blood cancer. Let’s make this year the boldest and bravest year ever!

Register today: www.worldsgreatestshave.com Bill Petch CEO- Leukaemia Foundation Sir: Bill Shorten and other republicans are trying to bamboozle the people by saying that all they want is to replace the Queen with an Australian head of state and keep the Governor-General and everything else

as it is. Our constitution is established under the Crown of the United Kingdom itself always subject to the Australian Constitution in so far as Australia is concerned.

Whilst the Queen is the personification of the Crown, and is herself subject to the advice of her Australian ministers, our system of governance has no links whatsoever to the government or Parliament of the United Kingdom.

And as for being foreign, the Queen is above citizenship and is above party politics. Once she has appointed the Governor-General, it is he or she who assumes the role of our executive head of state. That means that that appointment is also above party politics. That is why our system works so well.

What Mr Shorten and republicans are talking about is to remove the Crown without saying what it is to be replaced with. The last referendum proved that nearly seventy changes would be needed to create a minimal republic.

Republicans may try and fool the people by saying these changes are insignificant, but the people know that any change to the constitution is a very serious matter.

Why can’t republicans be honest instead of trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes.

To top it all, when republicans say the flag will remain, we all know that they’re not telling the truth.

The Australian Monarchist League has always founded its arguments on fact and has never tried to pull the wool over people’s eyes.

Our existing constitution is based on the Crown, which is why so many changes are required to try to eliminate it. The Tippex proposal will only end up with an unworkable constitution and if republicans want their republic they need to rip up what we have and write a brand new constitution.

That’s what the United States did and they still had to pass twenty-seven amendments.

Also, why does Mr Shorten not tell us how much his republic is going to cost? We estimate that the proposed plebiscites and a referendum will cost around half a billion dollars!

Just think of how many hospitals and how many classrooms could be built with that amount?

Be honest, Mr Shorten. Tell the truth.

Philip Benwell National Chair Australian Monarchist League 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.

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COMMUNITY TIP-TOP TIP SHOP GRETA JASIAK

T

he City of Swan is giving new life to unwanted recyclable treasures by recovering, inspecting and selling them for a bargain.

Our new tip shop is now open at the Bullsbrook Recycling Centre from Thursdays to Sundays, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

The City’s tip shop keeps reusable recyclable items away from landfill by offering them back to the community at a low cost. Aside from being detrimental to the environment, sending material to landfill is expensive, with disposal fees costing the City $165 per tonne on top of transport costs.

By keeping salvageable items away from landfill, the City are saving ratepayer money and reducing the environmental footprint. Buying from the tip shop also means you’ll be giving other’s unwanted items a longer life, and who knows what treasures you might find!

The City of Swan Council officially endorsed the operation of the tip shop following the Ordinary Meeting of Council on December 13, 2017.

Items at the tip shop will typically be valued from $1 to $50, and any revenue will offset the operating cost of the facility.

The shop is already stocked with all sorts of items - from artwork to large pieces of furniture, gym equipment, barbeques, toys, dinner sets and knick-knacks.

The tip shop was open to all residents from the City of Swan and beyond. The tip shop is free to all City residents and non-residents. A small fee applies to nonresidents who wish to also dispose of their unwanted items.

You can check out the tip shop at the Bullsbrook Recycling Centre at 121 Stock West Road, Bullsbrook.

Don’t forget to take your identification and proof of address. For more information, call 9267 9267.

STANDING UP FOR SWAN HILLS BACK TO SCHOOL JESSICA SHAW MLA – MEMBER FOR SWAN HILLS

I

t’s Back to School time!

I hope everyone had a fantastic break and is looking forward to a great 2018 – including all those kids getting ready to head back in to the classroom for another year of fun, friendship and learning.

There are over nineteen schools in Swan Hills, with another two set to open. We have some of the State’s largest primary schools – with upwards of 800 students – right down to some of the State’s smallest, with around forty children.

Last year, I visited every school in the electorate and regularly catch up with our local Principals, P&C’s and board members.

I particularly enjoyed attending the many graduation ceremonies at the end of last year – it’s fantastic to hear about our young people’s achievements and their plans for the future.

Before school goes back, I wanted to provide a quick update on some of the things we’re working on locally in education that will have a big impact on our community.

NEW SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE There’s a lot of exciting work happening to deliver new schools and facilities for our kids.

On 9 February, Aveley Secondary College officially opened for year Seven enrolments. This school will have permanent facilitates for 1450 students in years Seven to Twelve, plus places for up to eighty-five students with disabilities and high needs. Principal Stephen Pestana has put a huge effort in to proactively engage local parents - I’m really looking forward to seeing how this school community develops.

I recently also visited the Aveley North Primary School site with Principal Chris Brackenreg – the playing space for the kids is going to be fantastic! Students from kindergarten to Year Six will attend from 2019.

The School will have five teaching blocks, an administration area, dental therapy centre, undercover area, a library

and extensive sporting facilities with multipurpose courts and an oval.

The McGowan Government has also provided $1.75 million for a new Child and Parent Centre at Arbor Grove Primary School. This will be the first centre in the entire North East Metropolitan Region and will provide much-needed support for kids and families in those vital early years.

There is no doubt this type of infrastructure is long overdue, especially in Ellenbrook.

I also secured $20,000 grants for P&Cs across Swan Hills. The ‘Local Projects, Local Jobs’ grants provide new shade sails, playground equipment, electronic signs and nature playgrounds.

We have also recently changed procurement processes for these types of projects. Schools and P&C’s will now be able to go ‘direct to market’ and source their own quotes. We hope this will control costs, generate jobs for local businesses and lead to better quality outcomes for schools.

SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS/CODING Recent research shows that 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries will require STEM skills and 90 per cent of jobs will need people with digital skills in the next two to five years.

Primary-age kids are already curious about the world around them, but don’t really start their formal science education until secondary school. The $12m Science in Schools program will foster our kid’s natural curiosity about the world around

them, while they’re still in primary school.

Across the State, 200 schools will convert classrooms into science laboratories and receive funding to purchase science equipment, such as measurement devices, dissection tools, circuitry equipment, 3D solar system and human anatomy models, digital microscopes, 3D Printers, virtual reality headsets, robotics kits, and renewable energy kits that include solar panels and wind turbines.

$2 million is also available to support the integration of coding into the curriculum, equipping teachers with a wide

range of IT skills.

Your Move: Addressing Congestion at Pick up/Drop Off Concluded on page 37 ...

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 8/31 Egerton Drive Aveley WA 6069

Postal Address PO Box 2265 Ellenbrook WA 6069

Standing up for Swan Hills Authorised by Jessica Shaw, 8/31 Egerton Drive, Aveley, WA 6069

15

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

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.

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/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.

Kalamunda Group meets fortnighly on a Thursday, 9:30-11:30am at the Maida Vale Baptist Church, Edney Road, High Wycombe. Contact Jenny 9252 1996.

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

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

Christine Hogan: 9279 8778 for a chat and a cuppa.

Email: madtattersmorris@iinet.Net.Au We are considering extending our days Website: madtattersmorris.Myclub.Org.Au to include Saturdays or evenings if there is enough interest.

MUSTARD SEED COMPUTERS

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DISCOVERING

Mustard Seed is a eighteen 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 $3 per session.

Classes are heldat 56 McGlew Road, Glen Forrest. To gain a place enrol now.

Phone: 0419 044 805 or E: mustardcomputers@gmail.com W: www.noodlebytes.com

SWAN WOODTURNERS GROUP

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.

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 THE HILLS CHOIR a very friendly lot, new members welcome!

Monday Evenings Do you enjoy singing and joining with For more information call 9296 1976 or others to make beautiful music? Come and enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre.com join the Hills Choir. We meet from 7.30 to www.swanvalleycommunitycentre.com 9.30pm at the Uniting Church on Stoneville SWAN HARMONY SINGERS Road, Mundaring.

Contact Margie on 9295 6103 for further Wednesdays Come and sing with us! Swan Harmony information.

Singers is a community choir that meets, 7-9pm, to sing music ranging from jazz ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY to pop, plus the occasional classic. No WEIGHT LOSS CLUB auditions. Join us at the Salvation Army Every Tuesday evening We meet from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at Church Hall, 371 Morrison Rd, (opposite the Woodlake Community Hall, Meeting Swan View Primary School), Swan View. room 1 Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Enquiries: call Anna on 9299 7249, or Chris Friendly support group at low cost. Male on 9298 9529 or 0435 062 728. and females of all ages welcome. Contact Shirley 9276 7938 shirleysardelich@aapt.

ELLENBROOK AND DISTRICT MENS net.au.

MORRIS DANCING

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

Tuesdays 7-9pm practice, Guildford Town Hall, cnr James St and Meadow St, Guildford.

And drinks later at the Woodbridge Hotel with live Irish music For more information please contact:

SHED INC.

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

Annual fees are low and members can do their own thing, participate in projects for the community or simply just come in 16

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE MUSIC CLASSES

Tuesday mornings Learn to play tunes on piano or keyboard immediately – the SIMPLY MUSIC method.

Play songs, chords, blues and classical in small groups at a reasonable price. Call Heather 9296 4181 for more details.

HILLS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP

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

Enquiries Terina 9572 1655.

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 by email to kebinsv@tpg.com.au.

EASTERN KNITTERS

DISTRICTS

MACHINE

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.

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.

FICTION THE UTE JOHN TAYLOR

CHAPTER 10 – THE MUSTER orning arced in early; Johnny had the M irrigation going in the night and the crew were rousing when Billy walked into

camp.

Lining up the strip in less than half light after having done a rundown; checking for livestock and other potential obstacles; powering off, up and around, away from the homestead, heading out as he’d headed out many times now, waggling his wings even though there was no-one to see.

Maybe she’d know and give a little wave and hug the kids as he went, wherever they may be, probably Auntie Pat’s.

She’d been out here and for that matter may other places often enough to at least know the procedure. He levelled out, adjusting trim, settling in for the long haul, first fuel stop in four hours, a small country town strip then on to the first of the Drummond properties.

Gonna need a stop soon. Billy reckoned on eating some tinned fruit from under the seat, his guts feeling a little queasy as he groped behind for a Sunshine milk tin in case of a spew.

His hand scrabbled for a welcome can of entirely cool Coke spraying forth as he cracked it, pouring an invigorating stream down his dehydrated throat.

Long day coming, Billy thought. Still, at least I’m on time. She’ll be right. I’ll get me second wind soon. Billy put down once on a clay pan before reaching the first strip; had a bloody good try at a spew, which only produced Coca Cola coloured foul tasting bile.

After a quick camp, a rinse and some tin dog he felt a bit more human and although not exactly hookin’ in, got the plane back in the air and on track, hoping he’d be able to get into the aero clubhouse and scrounge some coffee.

By and by the strip and buildings hove into view and, with a very cursory look at the windsock and generally deserted area, he put her down.

No other planes or vehicles visible; taxiing easy to the bowser. The fuel card worked; the clubhouse was open 24/7. Solar power provided energy for pumps, kettles and lighting.

Billy dosed himself up properly, leaving a generous donation for the Fying Doctor. Ya never know, he thought, been a good mob for a long time; ya never know.

In a very short while Billy was back in the air, water bottle

full of strong sweet coffee, helping him immensely: Ya never know, Billy reckoned, You really don’t!

On a northerly heading late morning, he thought the world was becoming his oyster. He was even considering a call home to Janey. Don’t know how to drive that Sat phone yet, and anyhow, it’s too noisy.

Billy was really perky now. Anyway, plenty of time for that later. The tin dog had hit the spot but Billy was hanging out for the first Drummond station, Mount Cole: Set on a decent steak. All going well we’ll make it. Gilbert would have steak or a good stew; might even score a junk of salt meat.

Late afternoon, farm country and black top roads long since left in his wake, following along on the main winding red dirt road up to Gilbert’s, cutting off big loops, utilising familiar landmarks, shortcutting the trip considerably.

Rapidly running out of daylight, when way off Billy spotted a reflection; Just going to make it. That’ll be coming off Gil’s homestead and shed. Be touch and go but I’m hungry and tired enough to go.

Twilight had turned pretty well dark.

Billy by now was fairly familiar with instrument flying and was picking up terrain aided by a bright full moon and clear skies, homing in on homestead and shed roof reflection.

Right on cue, as he lined up the strip, Billy’s world bathed in soft light. He pulled the small plane up and around, giving the

17

strip a quick inspection.

As he came around again, Billy noticed a motor vehicle heading down the strip throwing more light on the scene. Bringing the aircraft low over the parked car very low, touching down, applying brakes hard in case of wandering livestock.

Billy taxied diagonally across the parked vehicle towards where he knew the fuel dump to be, the driver following, providing additional light.

He shut down the engine within easy distance of drums and pump; a g’day from Gilbert as he handed the fuel hose.

“Lucky to catch me, young feller. Just outside for a leak and heard you coming.

That moon would have seen you right, though! Heard you’re going up the top.

Wouldn’t mind coming. Dunno if I could fold up enough to get into that thing.

Definitely have trouble getting out.

“That’ll do!” He said, referring to the fuel. “It’s just starting to bubble. Do the other wing tank and have a feed, eh. Got plenty of steak!”

Words rolled unchecked from Gilbert.

They fuelled up and Billy tucked into a big steak with some home-grown salad and wrapping some cold meat in a background for the trip, declining a rum, thankful the night had turned out well, opted for a quick camp.

He’d hardly hit the pillow on a verandah bed when he was fast asleep, out to it, before the light had a chance to go out as it’s said. Billy stirred early not much after 2:00am and anxious to be on his way; settled on a bottle of water rather than boiling up the kettle.

He walked down to the plane, held a quick pre-flight check, then cranking the engine to life taxied to the runway, all directions clear in strong full moonlight, zero wind; he pushed the throttle while adjusting the mix and life’s a breeze, engine roaring beautifully, levelled out at 3000 feet, Mount Cole and its good creek flat country falling rapidly behind.

Glen Dolan’s landmarks came and went; the homestead sped by underwing, still the moon beamed benignly down on all that’s well.

Coondoola’s features slowly shaped as on they went, Billy gnawing on salt meat, his pH slowly returning to normal, stomach settled after yesterday’s upheaval, aided by Gilbert’s steak repast.

Coondoola’s corrugated sheds gleamed in early morning light.

Touching down close by the fuel dump Billy grabbed a toilet roll, alighting as agilely as his firmly

clenched buttocks would allow, prop still flipping to a halt as he frog marched himself to a small stand of trees and dropped his jeans.

“Phew!” He remarked, rolling off a yard of toilet paper, “better out than in”, observing a motor vehicle heading his way, just in time emerging from the trees as the car’s occupant sticky-beaked around the plane.

“Morning!” Said Billy, startling the driver.

“Oh!” She said with a little start. “I thought”, she was about to say more but left it at that. “I’m Shelley. Would you like some breakfast?” She enquired.

“Gilbert phoned and said you might be arriving early. You must be very tired!”

More statement than question, Billy thought. S’pose I am a bit tired, he thought absently. It’ll be all right. How could I refuse such an invitation?

Billy gratefully accepted the offer of breakfast and glancing her way as they drove to the homestead marvelled at these beautiful young girls up in this country.

Probably Ernie and Sara’s granddaughter; bloody good looker; seems to drive all right, he thought as they pulled up at the cookhouse door.

Sara had everything organised including fruit and cribs for the remainder of the trip. No time to yarn, so shortly after a hurried breakfast, Shelley dropped Billy back to the plane, whereupon he topped up each wing tank, packed two jerry cans of petrol in the rear compartment, flipping switches and cranked the engine back to life.

Billy was on the last leg now, over familiar country, but wondering how Janey and the kids were. The sun was well up above the horizon. We’re making good time, Billy reckoned, pleased he’d pushed it a bit yesterday. Pays to get the miles up early.

He marked off the map, allowed a bit for drift, and waited for landmarks which, in the pleasant weather conditions, duly passed sedately beneath, altering course to the East slightly as weather conditions strengthened. Ti-Tree Station was his next stop, unless he required fuel.

Plenty of dry clay pans up here if I need to land, Billy observed about, still following the line of the Mungatawny ranges that extended down to Gilbert’s, sometimes running parallel for a short while, by the map, geographically part of the larger group that was already well astern on this run up to the gulf.

Mid-afternoon found Billy doing calculations regarding distance, time of day and fuel consumption, observing that winds had swung behind, providing him a very respectable rate of knots.

He leaned the mix right off, maximising his fuel whilst keeping a keen eye out for landmarks.

Towards dusk a smoke, not so big as bushfire smoke, caught Billy’s attention

a long way off and a little more easterly than his course to Ti-Tree.

Worthwhile checking out at this time of day, still plenty of clay pans to put down on if necessary and there was a few drams of rum under the seat, plenty of Sara’s tucker and a swag; in fact, nearly all the fun of the fair.

Fifteen minutes later, daylight receding rapidly, Billy baked over the smoke, a grin breaking wide, complementing himself on a good decision as he observed proceedings below.

Bull buggies, tents, cattle yards; all in a clearing amongst towering gums by a billabong on a wide sandy creek.

Windsock hanging limp one end of a twokilometre flat. Looks a bit like me, Billy assessed, banking round on approach.

He landed lightly, taxying towards another plane and fuel dump close to the camp. A vehicle approached and pulled up a little way off. The driver walked over.

Big bloke; not the happiest looking feller, Billy observed.

“You’d be the new bloke!” The big fellow commented. “Expected you tomorrow. Thought you were coming from the homestead. Sent a vehicle in to bring you out. Radio’s stuffed!” He added.

“Yeah, I’m Billy!” Billy replied. “Saw your smoke so I came on over. Probably wouldn’t make it Ti-Tree tonight anyway.”

They stood awhile, sizing up the situation or something. Billy had been warned about gulf blokes.

“Dunno what it is”, someone had said, “just the way it is with the gulf blokes”, they said. Old Gilbert’s not like this, though, Billy thought. Maybe he changed!

Billy was still dwelling upon this thought and: Knock me down with a feather, Billy reckoned later, this big bugger sticks out his hand and introduces himself as Gilbert (‘they call me Gil’), then invites me over to the camp and we spend half the bloody night drinking rum and him making mud maps of every nook and cranny from Darwin to Cairns via the Alice.

Then well before sunup next morning he’s up and off to the homestead in a Tojo telling me to meet him there soon. Nice young bloke, Giles. He’ll show the way.

So Billy and Giles, who apparently knew nothing about going home but did know where it was or claimed he did, fuelled up the plane.

Mind you, Billy took a good look at the map. There’s some Tiger country up this way, but no worries, the young bloke’s right on the mark, keeping a welcome intelligent enquiring conversation going.

An hour and they were landing at Ti-Tree homestead, such as it was, unimpressive as a homestead, but Giles was enthusiastic about Billy’s landing and volunteered to top up the tank after taking Billy on a tour of inspection.

Here’s a keen future pilot, Billy was thinking; one for his diary. When they arrived at the homestead there were horses and harness on yards and motor 18

cars, parts of planes, earth moving equipment and large earthmoving equipment with engines and tracks missing or stacked alongside.

All of this was wagon trained around a cool room and meat house and some dormitory type buildings with overhead fans that were flip flopping round with a bloody great gen set barking its guts out way out the back.

Harry wants me to run, in addition to everything else, half a dozen of these, Billy was exasperated. Mr Jones would have a seizure on the bloody spot. You reckon these blokes keep a diary or could attend an office in the big smoke? Not bloody likely! Billy reckoned.

Gonna be interesting in a very funny sort of way. Half a dozen men were industrially working on various machines and horses over at the yards, some of which were ready to be trucked to the musterers.

They waved to Billy but didn’t stop working. Gilbert took him past an ablution block to a donga and Billy was pleasantly surprised at the cool airconditioned room interior, comfortable bed made up; a real woman’s touch he speculated.

Giles returned in a minute with news that “Gilbert has been called away and would you like to come up to the homestead and meet Gilbert’s wife, Gina?”

Billy was most impressed with Gina.

These outback women never ceased to amaze him and he spent an enjoyable hour chatting over tea and homemade cake while Giles hotfooted back to the plane.

Billy was relieved when the rum didn’t come out at morning smoko, or lunch for that matter. These Gulf boys didn’t mind a yarn and black tea and stories fairly flowed at lunch. They got down to muster talk on several occasions, but always got sidetracked to machinery and repairs of which they were very capable.

By late afternoon Billy had seen and heard enough and straight out fronted Gilbert junior, as he had discreetly categorised Gil’, regarding the muster, who casually replied that it was happening now.

“The boys are on the case”, he said.

“We’ll go out tomorrow or the next day and have a tally. Draft off what you’d like to truck.” Billy did not like this approach to the job, always being hands-on and definitely not interested in ordering parts or being involved in repair of earthmoving machines. I’ve been shoved downstairs, a stunned Billy realised. Anyway, as they say, when in Rome.

So Billy sat it out another day, needing the rest and enjoying a leisurely lunch with Gina, aware that Gilbert required benefit of the doubt and going out to the camp could well set the cat amongst the pigeons.

They obviously had a close capable team and didn’t need another boss. Too many cooks spoil the broth, he supposed.

Billy had a mystical moment to reflect on the preparation and angst he had had for months, ready to shoe horses, ride in the muster, drive a bull buggy or fly a plane and here he was waiting for another cup of tea.

He suddenly wished it would be Janey that would walk through that door. The second morning Gilbert drove up to the homestead after talking to Gina and all of the men individually and finding everything satisfactory collected Giles and Billy with cribs and swags waiting patiently on the verandah and drove back out to the cattle camp.

It was a pretty quiet trip. Billy observed firsthand the harsh drought conditions from the ground. They drove around fences, mills and troughs that were all in reasonable condition with a fair few tracks.

Obviously quite a mob had been mustered. As they got in closer to the camp and yards, cattle tracks with buggy wheel tracks over them pockmarking the ground, indicating a large number of livestock, had been driven along. Further along, resting in a shady creek, two stockmen lounged casually, horses gaining a bit of pick nearby, as tailenders pushed their way through a clump of suckers on the creek bank, both men rolling a smoke, keeping an eye on the cattle.

Billy was impressed; these blokes knew what they were about, as they nodded briefly at Gilbert who was driving and Billy, then indicating towards the yards and camp as they drove by.

More stockmen and cattle were encountered on a big loop to the yards; the scrub was still fairly thick so it was hard to estimate the size of the mob. A plane made a brief appearance, radio crackling as it banked round. Gilbert fiddled channel and volume buttons in a vain attempt to communicate with it.

“Must be something out there”, Gil said, shoving the vehicle into four-wheel drive and up the roadside bank in the general direction the plane was taking when it was last spotted, slightly above, often amongst the gum-tree canopy, wings vertical, banking tightly on a closeknit mob of stubborn stock, propped in a thicket by a dry creek bed.

Cattle tracks, indicting little mobs fairly hooking in up front, scrabbling up creek banks, flattening thickets, the odd beast dropping back, holed up in scrub, pawing the ground as Gilbert and other vehicles raced round the lead.

The aeroplane banking steeply, climbing out to dive again and again until the wing of the breakaways had ben wheeled back, pushing themselves into the safety of the main mob which was coming slowly upon the long stockyard wing, hessian or shade cloth laid along a fringe of scrub, then steel panels onwards to gates, pushed back to accept the mob.

Horsemen and buggies holding back as leaders sniffed and snorted, moving

cautiously, starting to move through the yards towards troughs and scattered hay; more cattle pouring out from thickets and creeks in a continual stream along the wings through the big double gates, snuffling water and pushing about, their thirst and hunger slowly overcoming their fear of being crowded.

Billy was impressed: Would have to be six-fifty to seven hundred head of cattle, mostly in fairly good nick considering the drought. Only took ‘em a couple of days to put ‘em together, and they handled ‘em well coming through that thicket.

As the mob finally pushed into the yards, with a bit of buggy toing and froing and backfilling and stockmen hoying ‘em along, Gilbert roared up and closed the gates, Billy grabbing the other side, dropping the locking bar quickly into place.

Gil returned to camp, clipped the battery leads on the HF radio, tuned quickly to the local trucking company confirming twelve decks, followed asap by another twelve: Time for the second lift to be confirmed as he was unsure of how many would be turned back, although there were a large number of store cattle in the mob.

Billy and Gilbert had put their heads together and decided on an average of 28 per deck, six decks; 170 head per train.

“Twelve double-decks would get us on track”, with half a dozen singles for the bulls and larger cattle thrown in.

They reckoned a good yardstick on truck requirements for the remainder of this mob.

“By the time the first trucks would be due to return we’ll have another other mob walking in or yarded, plus what we’re tailing out, of course; keep those truckies moving awhile.”

All hands mustered at the yards, drafting weaker cattle and young calves off, bush-gating them into small mobs attended by a couple of riders who then herded them over to the next mill for a drink and let go; quietly grazing further out, their survival chances increased by fewer numbers.

19

Last draft on dark tallied up to another six decks, just to be comfortable Billy and Gil agreed; tried the radio but couldn’t be sure they got the message regarding additional decks over evening radio interference.

Then Billy remembered his satellite phone and with a fair amount of mucking around and some help from a young jackeroo they were soon speaking clearly to the trucking mob who confirmed the arrival of a truck mid-morning tomorrow.

Two other trucks would be in tonight about tenish, and “please load ’em; we’re bloody busy!” Gilbert already had the crew setting up floodlights, carefully positioning them so that shadows wouldn’t baulk the stocks as they moved up the race.

They’d not long finished tea when engine noise from an approaching truck revving up and down the scale and coming through creeks and bends homed in.

Then the first driver linked up to the stockyard loading race, yakking with stockmen as they set up batwings and drop doors on trailers, accepting the first cattle rattling up the race.

By midnight both road trains were loaded, drivers were fed, engines were idling building up air; last minute tension on wheel nuts and they were rolling, dust rolling off rims as they round off past the camp, sidelights lost in dust and the turn as trailers snaked quietly way.

Faraway the roar of motors echoed along creeks, through trees. Floodlights dimmed swiftly as gen sets shut down, quiet moved in; distant exhaust notes; faint reminders of cattle lowing in the yard.

Billy turned in, hardly dusting himself off: Happy to-date with proceedings; pleased he hadn’t made “a think” of the first two days. Still, don’t reckon Mr Jones would be comfortable up here, these boys move light and fast, makes Bob’s camp look like the Ritz.

Imagine race day or cut out with this mob were amongst Billy’s last thoughts as sleep surfed in. Clanking cooking utensils finally stirred him, sleep sloughed off

quickly, keen to be on with today, not actually here yet, but not far away.

The crew were up and about, horse tailer moving the plant back towards their picket line in dim light, removing hobbles as a horse made itself available, allowing the more frisky types to hop right back to the yard or line, waiting patiently for a bite at the biscuit of hay or handful of grain reward; tea boiled up.

Billy wandered off to the yards where a cursory inspection at the horse line revealed a well-shod line of fit stockhorses, munching contentedly as the tailer and several others removed hobbles and attended their needs: Billy leant on the cattle yard rails, dawn pinking as he appraised the mob, sipping tea, allowing the scene to absorb, his next move evolving, mentally jotting his diary.

Gilbert joined him. “Reckon that truckie’ll be here soon”, he noted. “He’s a good goer and I told him to be ready; our whole mob are keen to work. What if you and I take a recce in the plane? Could do with a freshen up on what’s what?” Gil remarked.

“Been playing with those dozers awhile, ‘bout since the drought kicked in, actually. More a heavy diesel fitter than a stockman these days! Pushed out some decent waterholes!” He idly remarked.

Billy and Gil ended up at the strip: Gil having instructed men to ready cattle for loading on arrival of the next truck and having had John the pilot from yesterday attend the plane to be ready for take-off on their arrival.

Billy piloting as Gil professed he was actually more of a horseman and diesel fitter than a pilot. Billy took the controls, after having completed a quick pre-flight check.

Obviously someone, probably John, was looking after this bird; noting neatly stacked av gas drums, filtered pump and engine oil container and bottle in a dust and weather proof box.

With a few engine run upstairs and gauge checks Billy eased the unfamiliar plane out onto the dusty strip, powering off into a light easterly and sun glare.

A few updrafts caused them to bounce before settling on a steady climb. A dust trail to the north east indicated traffic.

“Probably our truck. Too much dust for the mail,” Gil commented over the microphone. “We’ll be back before it’s loaded!” Billy and Gil completed an inspection of the cattle, mills and country out east, swinging northerly and back south to the yards on country previously untouched since a bangtail muster the previous year. Gilbert pointed out a large billabong in a creek.

“Cleaned that out about six months ago,” he commented, indicating thousands of cubic metres of sand stacked on the banks. “Still got plenty of water there; without that we’d be relying on windmills.

Some places still have feed but no water: Have to bunch the cattle to these tanks

we’ve dug,” he added, sweeping his hand out over the land ahead.

Gil reckoned, “There’d be the same, if not more cattle in this quadrant, and probably a few less, but still noticeable numbers, out of the south quarter.”

They winged their way back in view of the yards, where cattle were moving steadily up the race, tail tagged and penned off for the journey south.

Gilbert had a bit of a yarn with the truckie who, like most of their breed, was anxious to be off: cattle stamping around a bit in the crates; Gilbert filling out the manifest and agricultural board requirements for the interstate transport of stock, while checking out the truckie.

“New bloke”, he told Billy later, “Like ‘em to know we’re on the case, don’t want ‘em pulling up or losing cattle!” Mr Jones would like this bit. Billy could see Mr Jones nodding in approval at the tea drinking sort out as Gil topped the truckie’s pannikin and the truckie becoming more keen to move as Gil laboriously completed the paperwork, shoving it all in a large manila envelope handed it to the truck driver.

“If any authorities wish to see these papers, they must return all documents to the driver, as they’ll be questioned further along, and please don’t stuff up!”

He instructed the driver, “I don’t want to be hit up for quarantine fees!”

Then with a gentle “Take it easy, ‘eh, mate; ‘av a good trip!” he dismissed the driver to his road, load and responsibilities.

The truckie eased the clutch, rounding off past the camp on the exact same arc as the other transports, some cattle scrabbling a little for footing.

Same deal, Billy reckoned as his mind flew overhead way past the departing long bonneted Iron Horse, past the previous trucks still hopefully plying their way to the railhead; drivers contending with vagaries of the outback, mechanical and livestock possibilities. Billy came to with a bit of a start.

“Seems all right, eh, Gil!” Not expecting or requiring a reply, just a few words to get the show on the road, crew chucking tea dregs, shuffling about. Gilbert cleared his throat and announced, “Yeah, righto, you blokes, tomorrow we’ll head off around up north.

“Buggies first, up round the top and the horse mob meeting up about halfway. I’ll be in the air so keep your head pulled in, there’s a good mob out there and we can get ‘em easy!” “Whattya reckon, Billy?”

Gilbert enquired, away a little from the boys.

“You’d better get moving, eh? Wouldn’t like to rely on those railways boys to handle cattle, and those truckies will bolt soon as they’re unloaded, if it’s only to the pub. Drop you off at your plane, eh?” Billy nodded approvingly at this suggestion.

Still plenty of time in the day to accomplish this end; only an hour or so into the homestead. Have Gil mark off 20

some points on his map, bit of tucker and water and off to the next station via Mount Barndon railhead.

Billy was feeling very pleased with progress, keen to sit back and diarise the past few days and tally up some figures for Mr Jones, well aware the day was nigh that these would be called for: May fax them through, give him a little at a time, help balance things up.

There was no problem with Gilbert’s flying ability: he was just checking on mine, Billy reckoned, as they rounded off at the station strip, a little dust as the heavily laden plane waddled up to the homestead gate.

“Two people, a bit of gear and a quarter of beef pulls these little buggers up, eh, Billy; still, nice cool day, so plenty of lift!”

Gil commented, pecking his wife on the cheek as they met, quick hug as the cosy little threesome of Gil, Gina and the small hindquarter headed for the cool room leaving Billy a little morose and yearny.

He snapped back, reminding himself to ring Janey amongst everybody else, and after all most importantly, Janey!

She’d love it out here, bloody big country, plenty of cattle and they reckon they’re in drought? Wouldn’t know what a dry was! Billy calculated up all the water holes he’d sighted and had a big rethink on these bulldozers and parts of, lying around the area.

To date I’ve only seen part of one station and we’ve already trucked eighteen decks; big country!” He tailed off onto checking fuel and oil, packing the plane, yarning to Gil, but moving along out bush in his mind, niggling a bit on Janey and the kids; reminding himself to call her at the first opportunity.

All roads lead to Rome! Billy thought, probably from Mount Barndon being the centre of the universe on this patch, all roads and rail radiating out from there.

Be down there soon, in fact I’d better get into it; placing his tea cup in the sink and folding Gil’s map, thanking Gina for the junk of salt meat; he felt quite part of the family.

Gulf blokes are okay! Billy mused.

Quite a collection waved as he applied power, flying off on the next part of this ongoing saga. Harry must have had this lined up for some time, Billy reckoned, mind wandering out on a boring stretch of flight; bloody big deal, freight alone would break most banks, but not our Harry’s!

Billy headed straight to Mount Barndon, locating a strip right at the cattle yards a little before dark. No cattle in the yards; trucks can’t be far, though, he calculated, adding up the hours since the first two left.

No doubt a few problems and some sleep would be on the agenda. They do it pretty hard sometimes, out on the track, then you get those good days that makes it all worthwhile. Settling into the cabin of the plane to wait he had a go at bookwork; but with the cabin map light focussing on

the page he nodded off in the seat, until he finally chucked it in. I’m not thinking straight anyway. May as well camp up properly.

He’d fished the bottle from under the seat, already having had a couple of decent tasters, and laid himself out flat on the swag under the wing, drifting round sleep, a million stars and a Milky Way, cattle and homesteads, Mr Jones flicking in and out till Billy realised the latest, on this flickering melange of semi-conscious thinking wasn’t dreamtime lights, they were real spotties and they’d pulled up right by him and his plane near the stock race, engines idling, stock crates rattling as cattle pushed and stamped, odd kick from a cranky beast.

The drivers were already dropping the side loading door, swinging batwings, talking the cattle along, moving ‘em out to take their first tentative steps onto firm ground in thirty hours or so. Billy now up with the drivers, down in the rail yards penning off, checking on water and a little hay for each yard.

A couple of weak cattle finally wobbling off, left to their own devices a while, gathering their strength.

“Two dead from twelve decks of droughty stock ain’t bad going,” Billy commented to the drivers, wishing them well, making a mental note for his diary, and that he’d be in touch with their boss very soon as Gil would be mustering early tomorrow.

“Give you a chance to catch up on some well-earned sleep.” All going well they could return and reload.

“Rail trucks don’t seem to be a problem”, observing rakes of wagons on a spur line further down the yard.

Billy retired to his stargazing, barely noticing the road trains pulling out, idly wondering when they slept, until he crashed till dawn.

A stock agent pulled up as Billy rose; cheerful sort of bloke.

“Rod’s the name! Cover this country from Barndon to the coast and about as far as I want either way. You’d be Billy. I’ve spoken to your boss and a feller called Jones, somewhere down south.” He added, insisting he organise Billy with breakfast at the café.

Rod dispelled the myth of the gulf bloke and moving on in a very friendly and business-like manner.

He introduced Billy to the stationmaster who wished to load the cattle asap, Billy taking the opportunity to call the office, settling on a fax, writing it as he waited on a ringtone at home, finally diverting to the answering machine.

Billy, feeling pretty bad about things generally in his and Janey’s world, left a message which included cattle, trucks and planes which, of course, Janey would be well aware of anyway.

What am I gonna be like at the end of this run, Billy wondered, tangling up the facsimile message to the office with other

thoughts, now completely flustered.

Bugger the fax! He screwed up the page of nonsense. Mr Jones’d be in a spin if he received that. Come on, Billy boy, snap out of it. Get on with the job, he reminded himself.

“Hey, Rod!” He called. “Let’s load these cattle!” Heading out, buckling up as they drove downtown, Rod organising casual labour as they went. “They don’t get any more casual than this”, he observed, trying to pick the soberest in the mob from the park or pub verandah.

Three young men passed muster, the criteria being “lacky-side boots, big black hat and tight jeans with a rodeo buckle belt; all dressed the same, so I must be right!” Rod knew them.

“Good blokes; not long in from the bush: burn their cash and out they go again. Not much on with the drought and all: a few banktail musters; a bit of bull running.

Jump in, boys, we’ve got a bit to do!” Rod called.

He turned his attention back to Billy.

“This Drummond Pastoral business is the biggest round here for a long time. It’ll be interesting when it rains and this Harry goes to re-stock; from God knows where, but there you go.”

He applied the park brake at the rail yards, the crew nimbly clearing stock rails as they expertly assembled cattle into yards leading up to the race. Rod and Billy pinch-barred cars along the spur rail line to the race. Arduous work, each wagon singly barred up to the race, brakes on, loaded and barred on down the spur; eight wagons loaded by morning smoko.

The other road train arrived; six more decks; the boys kept at it. Rod conjured tucker from town, boiled up tea on the job, keen to complete loading, expecting a shunter at any time.

By dark the end of this lift was in sight; three or four rail cars would suffice.

Shunting started on spur lines near the station, indicating wagons being assembled: a few empty fuel tankers and some flat tops, then the engine moving to collect the cattle wagons, adding them to the train.

Billy and Rod filled out manifests and cart notes at the siding office, fixing cart notes to all wagons for the trip down; paid off the hired help, suggesting they stick around as loading wagons and tailing out stock was going to play a big part in this operation.

Billy booked into the pub. He tried to phone both home and the office, but between a very catch-as-you-can phone service and the time of night he received no response; eventually settling on a drink with Rod at the afterhours bar, food and sleep.

Tackle it all again tomorrow. They met at breakfast in the pub dining room, a little worse for the previous night’s session.

Rod fronts up well, Billy thought. Not a bad day yesterday, or night either for that matter. They adjourned to the office after 21

breakfast, Billy finally catching up on his diary as he waited on phonecalls to connect.

Janey answered but didn’t have a lot to say: kids’ well; touched on Auntie Pat, which tempted Billy to hang up. My, how he tired of hearing that woman’s name, but he remained polite.

The conversation tapered off into scattered showers. He was very doubtful if there’d be anything noticeable to report on for some time.

By direct contrast, Mr Jones was bubbling, asking questions across the board re operations, advising some contact phone number changes, mainly Royal Flying Doctor Service contacts and that Gilbert had another big wing of cattle yarded, currently waiting on trucks.

Mr Jones said he would be confirming rail and road transport in this instance.

Then would Billy mind moving onto the next station’s mustering: Remaining in contact as often as possible, reminding Billy of his satellite phone and the need to use it in a frugal manner and then wishing him a rather colourful, for Mr Jones, “bon voyage!”

“Looks like you’re it, Rod”, Billy remarked, hanging up the phone. “Make sure to give Mr Jones plenty of accurate detail, often! I’m moving on, got to catch up with these next couple of places, got ‘em on a map; Black Rock and Whellana, then another three stations, right up on the gulf.

Gonna be a big year; time this lot’s settled.”

Rod delivered Billy back to his plane and gave him a few hints and tips on land marks and characters on his way.

Billy thanked him for his help and proceeded with his flight check for takeoff; planning on refuelling at Black Rock, only a few hours flying time out of town.

A similar situation to Gilbert’s was occurring at Black Rock only that Black Rock did not have sufficient labour, a problem that the manager quickly pointed out to Billy on his arrival.

Bulldozers and ancillary earth moving gear were parked about the place and Billy had spotted some rather large billabongs pushed out on rivers, with quite respectable mobs of cattle watering, bolstering his thoughts on an efficient muster.

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

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

PEOPLE WOMEN RIDERS IN THE KIMBERLEY RACHEL DILLON

W

e women tend to let things go on and on and tell ourselves that one day, somewhere down the track we’ll take some time out for ‘me time’. For some, ‘one day’ never seems to arrive!

Meanwhile, we keep doing the things that are not right for us - trying to function on too little sleep, not looking after ourselves, letting our muscles tense up, squeezing exercise into unsatisfying corners of our schedule and perhaps looking forward to that happy hour glass of wine a little too much!

Then there’s the pressure to look good, keep up with birthdays, buy last minute gifts and keep in touch with our far-flung friends and family.

We’ve forgotten how to slow down and do something as basic as inhale, exhale. Sometimes we don’t even realise that we’ve gradually let go of the things that thrilled us when we were young – like horse riding.

Alida Woodland from Digger’s Rest Station and Rachel Dillon from On The Verandah understand all too well.

Both were horse riders in their youth and as women were craving a ‘horse riding fix’ and an escape from the daily grind when they first arrived (separately) at Digger’s Rest Station in the east Kimberley.

Their individual stints in the outback, living the exciting life of a jillaroo would prove life changing for both women.

When her old bomb Subaru broke down, Alida, who was travelling the Kimberley from her home in North Carolina, found herself stranded on the remote cattle station outside Wyndham.

With little choice but to wait it out until car parts arrived, she earned her keep by helping out the station owner Roderick with the horse treks and the cattle herd.

Before long Alida and Roderick fell in love.

That was over twenty years ago, she rarely leaves his side and they married in 2007.

Rachel discovered Digger’s more recently - thirteen years ago. She’d taken the opportunity to travel north when her boss (who’d taken out a second mortgage for his struggling research lab) asked if she could take unpaid leave while he decided whether the lab would close its doors.

Coming from Sydney to find a place like Digger’s Rest was a revelation to Rachel and she formed instant friendships with Roderick and Alida.

During her third season there Rachel found love too, in Roderick’s long-time friend, Andrew Kikeros who was staying and helping out like Rachel was. Rachel and Andrew now live in Perth and go back to Digger’s several times a year.

Rachel and Andrew still help out occasionally on horse treks with Digger’s Rest and, in 2014 they introduced adventure trips and creative workshops at Digger’s under their business name, On The Verandah.

Alida and Rachel realized a couple of years ago there was a need for a different kind of horse trek that operated out of

KIMBERLEY soul food for women HORSE RIDING ADVENTURE FOR WOMEN - 7 Days Horse Riding Heaven!

Ride our excellent, sure-footed horses. Come on your own or with friends. AUG 14 -20.

Enjoy daily rides out ~ Wyndham races ~ Champagne sunsets ~ No camping ~ Ride with the original and best Kimberley horse trekking co. ~ Fish for barramundi ~ Billabong swims. Early bird discounts available. Accredited Tour Operator.

www.ontheverandah.com.au Phone 0428 254 529

www.facebook.com/ontheverandah 22

Digger’s – one for women! For women who love to ride but who also want to see a bit more of the Kimberley outside of the saddle.

They also recognized that part of their love of life at Digger’s is due to the fact they can be themselves there without having to worry about how they look: the freedom of unbrushed hair, dirt under the nails (or a big sauce stain down the front of the shirt!)

Then there’s the satisfying feeling of getting things done for yourself.

You can’t help but feel strong and capable when you’re working in an environment like this with likeminded women. Alida and her staff will show you how to use the tack and gear and are always there for support but cinching up your horse for a ride out and forming that bond with him over the week is a priceless memory.

The usual Digger’s Horse trek is a bit hard core for those who haven’t ridden much in recent years – with up to eight hours in the saddle each day whereas this new trip has the option of only two to four hours of riding each day. (For any hard core riders who might be reading please go to the Digger’s Rest Station website for a selection of long distance rides).

With an On The Verandah women’s horse riding trip there is no sleeping in a swag on the ground. Guests have their own bush hut (think Safari Tent) or a shared room in the homestead complex.

We still sit around the fire at night and the guitars still come out under the stars, but the level of comfort is stepped up (think hot shower!)

We also get the ladies to have a go at some of the other activities that are the norm on a Kimberley cattle station like barramundi fishing, exploring, hiking, visiting rock art, crocodile spotting, kicking up your boots at the Wyndham Races, billabong swims and of course champagne sunsets beneath thousand year old boab trees.

The daily rides wind through the beautiful Kimberley landscape with ample opportunities to trot and canter out along the marsh. The days are full of incredible wildlife encounters, fun and laughter.

Non-riding guests are very welcome to join the trip – we guarantee they’ll have just as much fun as riding guests and won’t miss out on any itinerary activities.

The Women’s Horse Riding Adventure runs August 14 – 20, 2018 and is limited to 11 guests.

There are discounts available. Please refer to the website. www.ontheverandah.com.au.

THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind you may have to register to attend some their time in the sun; free events; The hugely popular Family Weekend has been extended beyond one day. Among other things there will be a family lounge, poetry land and plenty of old fashioned story telling; Naturally there’ll be the opportunity to purchase books, just don’t head to the undercroft as the book store has moved.

Yeoman was keen to highlight a couple of specific events including: Can Art Change The World? with Wendy Martin, Jude Kelly (UK), Nassim Soleimanpour (Iran); Miles Ahead. Breakfast with three female winners of the Miles Franklin Award; This Book Changed My Life with Gareth Evans; Writing The Land with Di Morrison.

He then took a seat to be on the

While the tents could be hot and sometimes the hum of the fan made it difficult to hear, they did add a certain atmosphere to the weekend.

Walking between tents also meant I met my daily steps quota rather than sitting all day long. The walk also provided an opportunity to run into friends. It will be interesting to see how this change plays out; More author readings is another interesting move as these can often be hit and miss. In the past I have decided not to GLENNYS MARSDON buy a novel because of a difficult reading.

I can imagine several introverted change is as good as a rest, or so they authors spending the next few weeks say. One thing’s for sure, 2017 festival either getting voice training, learning how director Katherine Dorrington definitely to calm stage fright or just panicking; deserved a break. Having delivered twelve I may be missing something but I can’t terrific festivals the baton has seem to see any writing courses now been handed on to a new in the program. In the past face, well new to curating the writers could brush up their festival that is. skills, learn new techniques and 2018 curator Will Yeoman compare experiences with local is an extremely well known or visiting speakers. face in WA writing circles, not

Over the past decade I’ve least of which as the Literary often found these invaluable, Editor at The West Australian. from short story, magazine Last week he finally got to and crime writing courses to a unveil his baby and what we wonderfully intimate session can expect this year. Here are learning from the likes of Leunig, a few highlights. a day I will always treasure.

It’s Yeoman and his team a shame if these opportunities have definitely not taken the have been lost. easy option of resting on the Perth Festival head success of previous years.

Wendy Marshall reminded us Right from the outset they’ve that there are roughly twentymade several big changes, two sleeps (even fewer now) until including: Will Yeoman at Perth Festival Writers Week launch at UWA © The the curtains open.

As the name suggests this Ponder Room

Guess I’d better start carb year the festival will be spread loading if I’m going to be match over a week, rather than fit, particularly for the crime crammed into one marathon weekend; receiving end of an interview about how walk through Northbridge.

First up though In another bold move some 80% of the he developed the program.

Unfortunately I’ll be spending several hours perusing proceedings will occur at the UWA Club, a I had to leave at that stage to claim my the program and juggling all the sessions stunning building nestled within the heart seat next door in the atmospheric outdoor I want to see.

Good luck everyone.

May the of the leafy limestone campus; Somerville Auditorium.

As I sat waiting for best planners win.

Anyone who’s been to previous years will be well acquainted with the large tents, the movie, The Square, to start I pondered: All the best to the Will Yeoman and his their petulant air conditioners and variable It’s extremely pleasing to see the team. Congratulations on an interesting acoustics. Well they’ve gone. In their place number of local authors included in the program. It’s a massive undertaking the sessions will be help in theaters, dining 2018 program. My heart swells for those I that’s always well received by the Perth halls, even intimate breakout rooms within know who’ve been working so hard to get community, readers and writers alike. the Club; Having said this a few events will be taking place in other parts of Perth, such as Fremantle and Northbridge; According to Yeoman this year the focus will be on story telling and literature rather than ideas; There will also be a greater emphasis on author readings, with the promise that most sessions will start with a short reading; One of the elements that has always set the PWF apart from those in other states is the number of free events. Thankfully these have remained as it means the festival is open to all, not just those who can pay.

Make sure you check the program as

WRITERS’ FEST

A

23

ENTERTAINMENT PERTH FRINGE WORLD - REVIEWS DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

Across the world in a toaster-powered bathtub Josephine! is an example of just what power theatre can wield over our imagination.

Written and directed by Scott McArdle it's described as a musical, but it isn't really.

It's an imaginative tale accompanied by music from a keyboard.

The story is simple - Josephine is a solitary girl whose aunt and guardian dies and she fades away and hides in the vents of her building, listening to the occupant's stories and finally making friends with a violin-playing William.

When William goes missing Josephine decides she must find him and sets off in a bathtub powered by a toaster, encountering pacifist pirates, a ghost and Amelia Erhart, among others.

The entire cast of about twenty-five are played by just four. Josephine is played by Rhianna Hall and the rest are taken on by Jo Morris, Tristan McInnes and Nick Maclaine.

The bathtub is played by an office chair which also doubles as a plane and so on.

The musical accompaniment, rather like that of a silent movie, echoes the action and heightens the enjoyment. Masterfully provided by Georgina Crammond.

The production is simply magical, making the very most of the four actor's very considerable skills.

on a beach, soaked and sandy after having been ship-wrecked.

All it takes is perfect timing, an immaculate script, great acting skills and smooth, imaginative direction coupled with boundless energy. Simple, really. And if you want to see all those skills in action, go and see Josephine! at the Blue Room.

Ostensibly for children, Josephine! can be enjoyed at any age, but certainly on opening night there were plenty of laughs form tiny bellies and rapture in their eyes.

Very Highly Recommended Indeed.

interrupted from time to time by her offstage husband in ever-increasing irritation.

One-person plays are notoriously difficult, claiming the audiences’ attention for a full hour without help or respite is a considerable challenge, one which Testoni easily conquers. Speaking in a low tone, rising and full of light and shadow, tempo and pitch, she held us all in the palm of her hand, spinning her tales in a totally believable world she created around and in us.

A complete tour de force of acting and story telling, The Beast and The Bride is ~oOo~ a triumph, if you love good acting, good Explore beastly stories away from Disney theatre or just a good night out, do yourself One of the joys of the Perth Fringe a favour and see it if you possibly can.

World is finding unexpected gems such as The Beast and The Bride is on at The The Beast and The Bride by new theatre Blue Room in the Perth Cultural Centre until the 17th of February. Tickets cost $26 and can be bought on-line.

Very Highly Recommended Indeed.

Clare Testoni is The Bride

Rhianna Hall as Josephine

I often remark that audiences want to be fooled, want to believe. All we have to do as actors is to help them along. At one level they understand that they're in a theatre, but are very willing to believe they're lying

company Bow and Dagger.

Bow and Dagger is an artistic collaboration between Finn O’Branagain and Clare Testoni focussing on femaledriven works and this is their first outing and a remarkable show it is.

Written and performed by Clare Testoni and directed by Finn O’Branagain the show opens with Testoni as a late Victorian bride in her crinoline gown (white, in tribute to the Empress Eugenie) seeking a few private moments before her marriage is consummated - a word, or more correctly, a concept that gives her pause.

She begins to talk about her fears, her life and her view of marriage, illustrated with light and shadow work, cut outs, even puppetry to illuminate her stories, 24

~oOo~ Shaken In an episode of The West Wing, President Jed Bartlett is decrying James Bond’s choice of liquor: ‘Shaken, not stirred. He’s ordering a weak martini and being snooty about it’.

He’s referring to the fact that ‘shaken’ breaks up the ice and makes it melt quicker diluting the gin and vermouth. It’s this kind of pedantry that’s makes being a nerd so much fun.

It’s also the kind of fun that Shaken creates. Billed as ‘A James Bond Cabaret’ it is a celebration of all things 007 by Erin Jay Hutchinson and Charlie D Barkle (not sure I entirely believe that name, mind you).

The two, both from Perth, do this by a mixture of songs, old and new, jokes old and new and huge heaping helpings of charm and deep dish nerdery knowledge of all thing Bond.

Both performers have splendid voices and belt out the theme tunes, not exactly

Erin Jay Hutchinson and Charlie D Barkle

ENTERTAINMENT mimicry, bur certainly channelling Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones and Tina Turner among others.

A delight of a show at The Ellington Jazz Club in Beaufort Street, Shaken runs until the 11th February. Tickets cost $25-$30, there’s a bar and comfortable chairs and small tables and table service - combined with a great show, what could anyone want more?

Tickets can be bought on-line.

Piaf’s personal life and relationships were chaotic and made worse by her addiction to painkillers and alcohol. She died at the early age of forty-seven of liver cancer, leaving a legacy of heart-breaking songs and the adoration of hundreds of thousands of fans.

Since her death her reputation has grown due to her recordings and the many biographies and films about her.

Her singing voice was distinctive and her vibrato gave her songs a richness and Both performers are appearing in pathos in which her sadness, desperation several other shows apart and together - I and love of love resonates. think it would be a good idea to search their This is the singer that Australian singer/ other shows out too. songwriter/actress Michaela Burger Very Highly Recommended Indeed. embodies in her one woman, one man show, Exploring Edith at Perth Fringe World.

With Greg Wain on acoustic guitar, ~oOo~ Burger interweaves Piaf’s life story with Every damn thing you do in life, you have to Piaf’s songs, in turns the singer herself in pay for - Piaf character, sometimes in her own voice as Edith ‘Piaf’, the Little Sparrow (born narrator.

Edith Giovanna Gassion) is one of the The seventy-minute show is an absolute triumph of musician and showman-ship.

By turns pathetic and desolate intertwined with joyousness and love of life.

La Vie en Rose, Milord, Padam ...

Padam and what is really her anthem Non, je ne regrette rien (No, I regret nothing) all epitomise the divine Edith and Burger’s amazing range and tone all evoke her.

The venue - St George’s Cathedral in St Georges Terrace, Michaela Burger with Greg Wain has the acoustics to do her voice justice, and world’s icons. The French cabaret singer/ the hardness of the pews go un-noticed songwriter is widely regarded as the voice in the strength of her and Greg Wain’s of France. performance.

Her personal life was a shambles, a Very Highly Recommended Indeed. tragic mix of circumstances and poor life choices. Born in 1915, she spent her early ~oOo~ childhood, while her father fought for Because bigots are the only ones with the France in the First World War, in the care rights to talk of her grandmother’s home, a brothel in Soup is a one act play devised by Deadly Normandy.

Entertainment and presented at Perth At fourteen she performed in public Fringe World. for the first time with her father, a street The play is being produced at the Supper acrobat. The minuscule Edith (4’8”) sang room in the Perth Town Hall, an intimate with her half-sister Simone as buskers venue well suited to the enterprise. I while the father performed. attended the first night and I’m still not When she was sixteen she fell in love for absolutely sure about my reaction. the first time and had a child a year later. The play opens in a small, even tiny, In 1935, when Edith was twenty she was flat shared by two women. Chelsea, who discovered singing in a nightclub, given the we find sitting on the couch with her elder name La Môme Piaf (The Little Sparrow) sister, Lisa. The dialogue quickly reveals and a job in a Paris nightclub by Louis us to the conclusion that Chelsea has just Leplee, who also told her always to wear had an abortion and Lisa is, asked, offering black. (He was later murdered). support, with a side dressing of judgement.

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Soup

Lisa leaves in a huff after making some soup (the title role) and Jess, a near neighbour, texts support (with a side order of condemnation) before being hung up on.

Then Chelsea’s lesbian flatmate, Kim, returns from her weekend down South and offers support because she sees the abortion as a political statement.

All of these duologue interactions are fraught and intense - nothing odd there, given the premise. What does make it unusual is that all the women are played by men - not in drag, not in falsetto voices, but as normal, some with quite heavy beards - Maximillian Strzelecki, Sean Crofton, Patrick McCarthy and Isaac Spike Powel.

This was apparently hysterically funny to the mainly young, mainly female, audience. Every time one of the actors said something like ‘I’m your big sister ...’ they fell about.

I frankly, have absolutely no idea what young women talk like when there are no men present, and will never know - but these conversations don’t ring true to me (or my sister, who is a woman) but perhaps we’re the wrong age. If I did not know the play was written by Ana Neves, a woman, I would have imagined it have been written, or at least workshopped, by men.

Where I have concerns is ... what is the purpose of the play? It is self-described as satire (a very dangerous device, open to all kinds of mis-interpretation) but who is being satirised? Men? Men’s attitudes?

If that’s so, I doubt it is best served by this device. Women? That seems closer to me, particularly the nonsense spouted in Kim’s final speech/diatribe, a veritable ideal of demagoguery.

So my suggestion is that you go and see the play and make up your own mind.

Certainly, it’s thought-provoking and stimulates discussion and that can’t be a bad thing.

Soup runs until the 4th February and tickets may be bought on-lin

ENTERTAINMENT A show about things that make no sense Michael Shafar is one of Australia’s rising stars of comedy. He writes for The Project, hosts on TV and performs standup.

2017 was a very good year for him, and 2018 is shaping up pretty well, too, beginning with his stint at Perth Fringe World with his show Kosher Bacon.

master of ceremonies, long-time Fringe favourite Terry North, ‘French’ master Marcel Lucont, Scottish born Struan Logan and Cornish Matt Price.

You may recall the old George du Maurier cartoon in Punch about the curate’s egg - : “I’m afraid you’ve got a bad egg, Mr Jones.” The curate, desperate not to offend his eminent host and ultimate employer, replies: “Oh no, my Lord, I assure you that parts of it are excellent!” - well, that’s this show - parts are excellent, parts ... not.

All three comedians had an individual and unique approach to their material, with differing results. Terry North, who is in a number of other Fringe shows, is the old-style. A Les Dawson, Bob Monkhouse and Bernard Manning kind of comedian. I think he’d have been funnier if he’d spent less time telling us how funny he was.

He was followed by Alexis Dubus’ alter ego, Frenchman Marcel Lucont, who was Michael Shafar absolutely delightful and very funny indeed, with a dry, laconic, As one might guess from the title the mordant humour heavily Gallicshow is ‘culturally-enriched’ by Shafar’s Jewish background. Perth’s Jewish community is small, and Yiddish hasn’t seeped into the community consciousness as it has is, say, New York, so some jokes had to be sort of explained, a further laugh.

Shafar is a man of great charm and carisma, delighting the near-capacity crowd with anecdotes ranging from his personal life (fianceé Amanda) family (Mom and Dad) and his time at university as well as some jokes, although on the whole the observational comedy was both fresh and original, seldom edging towards the purely adult.

The crowd loved him, taking him to their hearts to the point of asking questions while he was in mid-flow, a sort of heckle Matt Price he took in his stride and turned into more humour.

A very polished performer with material based and pointed in a flawless French ranging far and wide, appealing to all ages. accent.

Very Highly Recommended.

Then we were treated to Struan Logan, Scottish born, middle of the road, charming ~oOo~ and un-offensive in an affable sort of way, Laugh? I thought I’d never start he charmed his way through his shtick.

I have spoken elsewhere of my Rounding off the evening came Matt admiration for those who attempt stand- Price, a large (twenty stone, six foot three up comedy. It’s not easy but can be hugely in old money) who was hilariously selfentertaining if done well. deprecating while being incredibly rude Several venues are running comedy with some of the audience. His skill was cabaret collections and one such is The such that he skated the ragged edge of Game Sports Bar, who are hosting the All disaster with ease and hilarity. Sallies Star International Showcase and several were greeted with huge belly laughs and others. even while he berated us we laughed, and This particular group consisted of the laughed.

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A mixed bag of styles and genres, mostly highly entertaining.

All three are appearing in other shows and would be worth tracking down on the Perth Fringe World website.

The All-Star International runs at Fringe until the 11th February and tickets may be booked here.

Highly Recommended.

~oOo~ ABC - acrobatic, balletic and comic Most of the shows at the Perth Fringe World are for adults, some exclusively so, but a couple are mostly for children and one of these is the Trash Test Dummies.

Fortunately, the Trash Test Dummies can be enjoyed at many levels. It’s less easy to define them - comical? certainly.

Imaginative and fun? absolutely.

Acrobatic? amazingly so. Jugglers? just wow!

Drawing inspiration from The Three Stooges, Laurel and Hardy and the slapstick tradition combined with truly impressive athleticism and circus skills the three friends, Jamie Bretman, Jack Coleman and Simon Wright who make up the Trash Test Dummies, create a marvellous show of skill and charm.

If you want to know just how good they are, just glance at the children in the audience - their little faces were pictures of engrossed rapture and delight.

If you have a child, grandchild, niece or nephew, or a child you can borrow, do go along and see the Trash Test Dummies they were just marvellous.

They are performing until the 11th February - book now on the Perth Fringe World website.

Very Highly Recommended Indeed. ~oOo~ Make the Aussies laugh at themselves I love Perth’s Fringe World. I love the

ENTERTAINMENT vibrant, edge-of-the-world feel of it, the bustling, joyousness of it and, above all I love to laugh.

And one of the things that makes me laugh, while at the same time filled with awe at their courage, is stand-up comedians.

showed - reminding me again just how unwittingly ruthless an audience can be to any comedian, no matter how polished, whose material doesn’t quite meet requirements.

A fabulously funny evening overall, with some hilarious observational comedy and a bloody good belly laugh or two.

The venue and event was restricted to those over eighteen - rightly. Please don’t think they didn’t really mean it, they did. Adult themes and occasional coarse language.

Highly recommended.

Coming out, mental illness and brotherhood One of the prominent features of any arts festival is that it’s an opportunity to try something new, to expand our ideas about what theatre is. This is particularly true about the Perth Fringe World.

Dan Willis

It takes great courage and self-belief to walk out onto a bare stage, in front of an audience with a ‘go on, make me laugh’ attitude, armed only with a few jokes, some observations and heaps of chutzpah.

Best of British Productions have been bringing British comedy to Australia for fifteen years and are a great supporter of the Fringe since its inception, presenting the Best of British cabaret every year.

Past stand-up acts have included Jimmy Carr, Jimeoin, Jeff Green and Sarah Millican, so you can see the kind of quality you might get. You might also get someone with the humour level of your old geography teacher too, of course. But it’s not likely.

Certainly, the night I went, there was no danger of that. The show was held at The Court, that venerable gay bar in Northbridge, and don’t think it’s usual patrons didn’t get a mention or two during the night from the performers.

The master of ceremonies was the very funny Dan Willis, a smooth operator and highly professional. He engaged the audience - ‘Who here’s from the UK?’ - huge cheers from the audience. ‘Who here’s from England?’ Huge cheers from the audience.

‘Who here’s from Scotland?’ Huge cheer from me, the only one it seemed.

The roughly hour and a quarter show was very funny, although some of the humour didn’t entirely translate and it

Noah Way

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Much as the Impressionist painters rejected the conventions of the previous representational forms, so theatre expands and explores beyond the conventions of Drawing Room comedy and formal stories with a beginning, middle and end.

Five, Six by Nicholas Tan at Studio 411 in Murdoch University is one such experiment.

‘Play’ is not quite the word as it eschews the conventions of diction, dialogue, basic stagecraft and rhetoric.

Have you ever sat on a train and overheard two strangers talking about something when you don’t know their situations. This entertainment is like that - the actors speak as real people do - mumbling, repeating themselves and alluding elliptically to things unknown to us.

We were not so much an audience as a collection of voyeurs eavesdropping on the strangers in front of us - an illusion aided by the intimacy of the theatre.

The story, such s it is, is told in a series of vignettes, sometimes the lounge, watching footy on TV clutching an inflatable cactus, sometimes the Museum of Contemporary Art - a constant flux of movement and light, with the actors leaving and entering through the one door.

Young Joel (16) suffers from some form of OCD, while older brother Andy is a closeted gay man. His two friends Max and Toby are also gay, but happier about it.

The actors, one assumes students, are Noah Way (Andy), Calum Costelloe (Joel), Josh McGee (Max) and Stephane Latchman (Toby). Nicholas tan directed and produced as well as wrote the script, which seemed partially improvised. Production assistants were Leon Gianni, Zachary Tan and the sound was designed by Nathan Jamieson.

Five, Six runs until the 23rd February and tickets may be bought on-line.

ENTERTAINMENT FINDING YOUR FEET - FILM REVIEW DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

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obody does simple, little, low-budget, movies like the British. Just think of the Ealing comedies, Hand in Hand, A Private Function, Withnail and I, Mrs Henderson Presents and so on.

And yet each of these is a little masterpiece, succeeding on several levels including popularity and critical reception.

Part of the secret is the vast stable of British character actors thatcan be drawn on for these films.

Finding Your Feet is just such a gem of a film, starring Imelda Staunton, Joanna Lumley, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, David Hayman, John Sessions and Josie Lawrence.

The script, by Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard is pure joy and direction by Richard Loncraine is unobtrusively brilliant and immaculate.

Despite the fact that the film deals with death, betrayal, dementia and aging, it is a comedy, bubbling with life and the love of life.

The plot is hardly original with it’s theme of starting over, but treated as if it is, which makes it fresh and lovely.

The film opens with Sandra, Lady Abbott (Imelda Staunton) celebrating her husband’s (John Sessions with a Welsh accent) retirement from the police force as Chief Constable after forty years of marriage.

It all goes horribly wrong when she

discovers he’s been having an affair with her best friend for the past five years.

She storms off from her mansion in Surrey to her estranged sister, Bif (Celia Imrie) who she hasn’t seen for years in tower block London.

The two, one stiff, married, snobbish and dull, the other free-spirited, openminded and acccepting don’t really have a lot in common to start with except shared memories of childhood.

Sandra gradually, over the months, begins to thaw in the warmth of Bif’s affection and she joins in with Bif and her friends in dance lessons,

becoming close to Charlie (Timothy Spall).

The group of friends, all in their 60s, are warm, supportive, naughty and endearing.

Proof that life doesn’t end with youth.

As Bif puts it - ‘It’s one thing being scared of dying, it’s a whole different thing being afraid of living’ The movie is charming, touching, inspirational, aspirational, heart-warming and very funny indeed. Shot in some of the most iconic spots in London and Rome, the movie is life-affirming and proof, if proof were needed, that it’s never too late to take a leap of faith.

Very Highly Recommended Indeed.

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JAMES FORTE - REVIEWS

Finding Your Feet

OLDIES BEHAVING BADLY

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t is Friday night and you have had a hard day fighting corporate battles and making multi-million dollar decisions. You need two things – a gin & tonic (from the theatre bar) and a gentle comedy. This film is for you.

Finding Your Feet had a single viewing as the final-night feature for the recent British Film Festival at Cinema Paradiso.

Now it is back for a regular run.

No one does these movies quite like the Poms. Get a group of older A-list actors and give them rather ordinary characters to play and bung them in some country nursing home or exotic hotel in India. And see how the story develops.

The film opens with ‘Lady’ Sandra discovering her husband, a judge, has been less than upright in his relationship with her best friend. She leaves him and moves in with her estranged sister Bif - who lives in a council flat in a working-class neighbourhood.

Bif’s closest friend, Charlie, is a repairman living on a barge in order to afford a nursing home for his wife. Their social life is based on meetings with Jackie and a group of oldies at the local community dance classes.

That is it. No further concentration required. It is all very kitchen sink.

But this cast does it so well. Imelda Staunton as Sandra, Celia Imrie as Bif, Joanna Lumley as Jackie, Timothy Spall as Charlie.

A screenplay with small doses of pathos to accentuate the moments of ecstasy. The few dance numbers are rather good too – including a flash dance in the streets of London’s West End at Christmas time. (Incidentally, watch out for Imelda Staunton in Stephen Sondheim’s Follies – in the National Theatre Live series – which Luna Leederville is showing on 17th and 18th February.)

For me the standout was Timothy Spall.

I think I first noted his talents in Topsy Turvy and A Room with a View. Like Bill Nighy, he seems to be popping up in most Brit films at the moment. He was good as Churchill (The King’s Speech) and great in Mr Turner

as the artist. Here he outdoes those roles with a totally commanding performance.

(Another aside – Spall owns and really can sail a barge.)

The direction by Richard Loncraine has a quiet charm (he trained at the BBC) and the screenplay by Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard has an ending which will leave you gasping.

Put simply, this film is about ordinary people weathering the slings and arrows of everyday life. Timothy Spall has taken a three star film and made it into a four.

Finding Your Feet opens at Luna Cinemas on the 22nd February. ~oOo~

Lady Bird

HOMAGE TO SACRAMENTO

Let us start where we normally finish.

I am giving this film four stars. In this I am in agreement with the overwhelming majority of film reviewers.

Also with the nominations for the Academy Awards. So why am I telling you this? Because I hope you will keep reading as I plough through the bad stuff.

This film is overlong, has no real plot - being a series of vignettes of love-hate skirmishes between a mother and daughter – and has no neat ending (although to be fair, it is a comedy and it stops on an upbeat).

The main character has no strong objective other than to survive the final year of her convent high school. Sacramento is the capital of California and lacks the glamour and scenery of San Francisco or Los Angeles.

Just about everything about the town and the story is cheap and gritty.

Christine McPherson (played by Saoirse Ronan) rejects the name her mother gave 29

her and demands that people call her “Lady Bird”.

She is the only daughter in a lowermiddle-class family in 2002, living on the wrong side of the tracks in Sacramento.

Her father is out of work and suffering mild depression.

Her mother (Laurie Metcalf) is a nurse working odd shifts and trying to hold the family together – although with a particularly authoritarian and austere parenting style. Lady Bird is not particularly beautiful and has a somewhat abrasive manner. She attracts boys who, we know, will not be good, long-term prospects.

Against her mother, the nuns and the more privileged fellow students, life for Lady Bird is one long war.

She lives in hope of going to college – anywhere that is a long way from her hometown.

Greta Gerwig is well known as an outstanding actress. Here she has written and directed her first feature film. A significant proportion of the story is autobiographical and is based on her childhood - growing up in Sacramento.

It was only with the departure to college that the memories gained a happier tinge as she “remembers every turn in the road”.

Most of us are familiar with boys’ coming-of-age stories. Here we have the girls’ version. Lady Bird’s father is played

by Tracy Letts. He is perhaps better known as the author of August: Osage County and he seems to have passed the female angst from that story over to Greta.

Put simply, this film is perfectly cast.

Ronan and Metcalf are magnificent together for all the levels of love and hate in their relationship. The screenplay has a gentle humour. This is the essence of the film and it works brilliantly.

Lady Bird opens at Luna Cinemas on the 15th February.

TV WITH CHRIS MCRAE dysfunctional relationship betwen socially awkward teenagers James (Alex Lawther) and Alyssa (Jessica Barden).

Essentially, James is a borderline psycopath who is constantly plotting ways to kill Alyssa who is a free spirited misfit.

At times, it deftly deals with the awkwardness of blossoming teenage love and then flips rapidly to scintillating black humour, touching on murder, assault and sex, all whilst being held together by a intriguing ‘love’ story.

Dark, shocking, touching and a strong original series for Netflix.

WHAT’S HOT ON THE BOX IN 2018

back for its second season this autumn.

With the runaway success of the series upon original release in 2016, expect the new episodes to be bigger and better.

A highly original concept thriller, the show is set in a futuristic western themed amusement park, in which high status guests are free to indulge to their hearts content with the assistance of android ‘hosts’.

The striking visuals and high concept storyline was popular with critics and viewers alike. This is set to be an explosive season return and one to add to your watchlists.

WITH the growth of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Stan and Hulu and the continued popularity of pay TV network Foxtel, TV has never been better.

With a seemingly endless stream of new and exciting shows landing on our screens and even more ways to access entertainment (whether at home or on the go), get set for the biggest, best and most original shows coming to your screens and platforms in 2018 (even though it is a year without Game of Thrones).

Here are twelve bingeworthy shows to sink your teeth into this year!

THE END OF THE F***ING WORLD (Netflix) Starring: Jessica Barden and Alex Lawther Release: Season 1 now streaming With black comedy at the peak of its popularity and shows such as Black Mirror and 13 Reasons Why establishing the popularity of darker themed television, The End of the F***ing World is a short but brilliant comedy focused on the

THE GOOD PLACE (Netflix) Starring: Kristen Bell, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, D’Arcy Carden and Ted Danson Release: Season 3, November 22 2018 This sharp comedy from the creator of Brooklyn Nine Nine and Parks and Recreation leaps into its third season in 2018 and is well worth your time. (see review) This cleverly scripted and consistently funny series about the perils of a seemingly utopian afterlife has a strong ensemble cast which drives the laughter and the original scenarios.

WESTWORLD (HBO) Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris, Thandie Newton, James Marsden, Talulah Riley, Anthony Hopkins and Luke Hemsworth Release: Season 2, Autumn 2018 In the absence of Game of Thrones headlining the HBO slate for 2018, the science fiction western thriller (a combination that can often be very hit and miss) Westworld is 30

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS (Netflix) Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Patrick Warburton, Malina Weissman, Louis Hynes, K. Todd Freeman and Presley Smith Release: Season 2, March 30 2018 Riding the success of a brilliantly crafted first season, the ‘dreary’ A Series of Unfortunate Events returns for its second season this March.

Season 2 will pick up from where we last found the Baudelaire orphans Violet (Malina Weissman), Klaus (Louis Hynes) and Sunny (Presley Smith), at Prufrock Prepatory School.

We are set to be in for a plethora of new shenanigans from Neil Patrick Harris’ delightfully wicked Count Olaf. He will don every disguise under the sun in order

to capture the orphans and get his greasy hands on their family fortune.

This ten episode second season will (just like the first), dedicate two episodes to each of the next five books in Lemony Snicket’s dark series, The Austere Academy, The Ersatz Elevator, The Vile Village, The Hostile Hospital and The Carnivourous Carnival.

In the words of the deliciously dark theme song “this show will wreck your evening, your whole life and your day, so look away”. But really, don’t look away. It’s brilliantly clever television and you will love every miserable minute.

Little is known about this intiguing new series to date with plenty of the details being kept tightly under wraps. But with a high profile cast including Emma Stone and Jonah Hill alongside critically acclaimed director Cary Fukanga (Beasts of No Nation and True Detective) at the helm, this drama about an institutionalised man living an alternative existence in a fantasy dreamworld sells itself on reputation and personnel alone.

A remake of the 2014 Norweigen series of the same name, this is set to be original and a strong entry into the Netflix line up this year.

DOCTOR WHO (BBC/ABC) Starring: Jodie Whittaker, Tosin Coyle, Mandip Gill and Bradley Walsh Release: Season 11, August 2018 If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past six months, you would have no doubt heard that the beloved BBC sci fi phenomenon that is Doctor Who is set to enter a whole new era in 2018 with Jodie viewers are hooked on royal drama.

Victoria which follows the life of Queen Victoria will return for it’s third season in August.

According to show creator Daisy Goodwin, Season 3 is set to feature details surrounding Victoria’s ‘sex strike’, an action which it was suggested she took to avoid further pregancy. The sexual tension injected into the show could prove an interesting plot point for the ever dignified and strong willed Victoria.

With some liberties taken in favour of entertainment rather than 100% historical accuracy, this captivating period drama will continue to delight and intrigue audiences Whittaker being cast as the long running as Jenna Coleman brings the character and show’s first ever female Doctor.

For the thirteenth incarnation of the strength of Victoria to life! time lord (now lady), it looks like we are in for a bumpy ride. Whittaker made her MANIAC debut in the 2017 Christmas special Twice (Netflix) Upon A Time as fans farewelled Peter Starring: Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Jemima Kirke and Justin Theroux Capaldi’s Twelth Doctor.

His final words “laugh hard, run fast, Release: Season 1, TBC 2018 be kind. Doctor, I let you go” brought tears to many an eye as he then proceeded to regenerate into Whittaker’s thirteen. The special threw the potential plot lines wide open as the Doctor was flung from the Tardis and last seen falling through time and space into the unknown without her Tardis.

With a swag of new companions (Tosin Coyle, Mandip Gill and Bradley Walsh) set to be introduced in Episode 1, all we can say for now as we sit and wait is (to quote Doctor number thirteen), “oh brilliant”.

RISE (NBC) Starring: Josh Radnor, Auli’i Cravalho, Ellie Desautels and Damion J. Gillespie Release: 13 March 2018 Since the runaway success of musical toe-tapper Glee which ran for six seasons from 2009-2015 and then the unfortunately cancelled; Smash (2012-2013), the

VICTORIA (BBC) Starring: Jenna Coleman, Nell Hudson, Tommy Knight, Daniela Holtz, Adrian Schiller, Tom Hughes and Jordan Waller.

Release: Season 3, August 2018 It seems that along with The Crown, 31

concept of a series centering around the Performing Arts hasn’t been one which has been popular in recent years.

This looks set to change with NBC’s Rise. Focusing on true events, this drama follows the story of High School Drama teacher Lou Volpe (Josh Radnor) who, through plenty of passion and drive, establishes a vibrant Drama program at a disadvantaged school, leading to national and international attention.

Radnor has developed a decent fan following, having come from How I Met Your Mother fame and newcomer Auli’i Cravalho (from Disney’s Moana) is set to bring in a youthful audience for the series. If it plays its cards right, it could be a breakthrough hit of 2018 with chances for vibrant, dramatic and musical moments in abundance.

THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA (Netflix) Starring: Kiernan Shipka Release: TBC 2018 With teenagers being sent into a spin with the popularity of Riverdale and the series being executed particularly well, the Archie comic universe has turned its attention to witchcraft.

categories for Best TV Series (Comedy) and Best Actress for Rachel Brosnahan, a lot of people were left asking “who is this Mrs Maisel?” Set to be a breakout hit for Amazon with Season 1 released late in 2017 and a second on the way later this year, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel is a sharp, eccentric comedy from the mind of Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls) which follows a young Jewish woman who out of pure accident and necessity finds herself navigating the world of stand up comedy in the 1950’s.

It sounds like a concept which shouldn’t work but it absolutely does! A breath of fresh air and well worth the critical acclaim it is continuing to receive.

THE WORST WITCH (Netflix) Starring: Bella Ramsey, Meibh Campbell, Jenny Richardson, Clare Higgins and Raquel Cassidy Release: Season 2, Late 2018 A remake of the charming 1990’s/2000’s children’s show of the same name ‘The Worst Witch’ retains the endearing nature of the original whilst breathing In the 1990’s and early 2000’s, young colourful new life into the world of Cackle’s adults were hooked on Melissa Joan Hart’s Academy and the eventful lives of it’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch, a light comedy students and staff. ‘Game of Thrones’ scene series which followed a young witch with a talking cat living in the mortal world.

This is essentially a reboot but will serve more as a re-imaging with The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina being set in the same world as Riverdale and focusing on the darker elements of witchcraft including horror themes and links to the occult.

It will see the newly cast Sabrina (Kiernan Shipka) having to come to terms with her half witch-half mortal blood whilst dealing with the evil forces which surround her. Set to appeal greatly to the younger generation, this could well be another highly popular teen-fuelled drama!

THE MARVELOUS MRS MAISEL (Amazon) Starring: Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein and Michael Zeigan Release: Season 2, Late 2018 After sweeping the Golden Globe

stealer Bella Ramsey stars as the accident prone Mildred Hubble who manages to get herself tied up in knots at the best of times.

Add in magic spells and potions and it’s a recipie for disaster. Into it’s second season on Netflix, get set for more shenanigans, explosions and fun for young and the young at heart!

OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR: The Grand Tour (Amazon), The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (FX), Jessica Jones (Netflix), The Handmaid’s Tale (SBS On Demand), Roseanne (ABC), Altered Carbon (Netflix), Big Little Lies (HBO), Will and Grace (Stan) and Legion (FX).

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REVIEW THE GOOD PLACE (Netflix) THE concept of the afterlife and the distinction between heaven and hell has been frequenty tackled by both Hollywood and TV studios with mixed results.

From cringeworthy yet somehow endearing Hallmark telemovies to films centering around ghosts, spirits and other worldly beings.

The concept has always been a popular drawcard lending itself to fantastical plot lines with humanistic tendancies.

The Good Place is a recent offering from Netflix. Created by Michael Schur (one of the masterminds behind Brooklyn Nine Nine) it centers around young woman Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell), who dies and is sent to what is known as the ‘Good Place’, a seemingly perfect utopian afterlife neighborhood designed and run by neighborhood architect Michael (Ted Danson).

In the ‘Good Place’, she is treated to a lifestyle which is tailored to her every need and desire, is put up in a house specifically designed for her and is even introduced to her perfect soul mate Chidi (William Jackson-Harper).

The problem? Eleanor was a terrible human being during her time on earth and it is soon revealed that she does not belong in the Good Place.

She must disguise the fact that she is not the angel everyone thinks she is in order to prevent herself from being discovered and sent to the ‘Bad Place’.

The concept of someone who deserves to be in hell and ends up in heaven by mistake is one which is very cleverly handled by a talented and very comedic cast which is driven by Kristen Bell’s comedic timing and Ted Danson’s dry humour.

The talented support cast including William Jackson-Harper as the indecisive Chidi along with Jameela Jamil as socialite Tahani, Manny Jacinto as a mute Tibeten monk with a secret and D’Arcy Carden as robotic assistant Janet all do their part in adding to the comedy and eventual tangled web of double identities.

Creator and writer Michael Schur strikes a perfect balance between sharp humour and creating characters who are relateable and all possess their own quirks and endearing characteristics.

It is essentially the humour of Brooklyn Nine Nine meets a utopian society complete with millions of varieties of frozen yoghurt and soul-mates by the dozen.

Does it work? You bet it does.

Is it worth watching? Absolutely!

COMMUNITY THEATRE THEATRE WITH GORDON

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

- Helen K eller

On her last day of junior year, the loved and admired by all, Campbell Davis (Katie Price – superb), is about to become the cheerleader captain at the Nationals Championship for the prosperous Truman High School. However, the schools are re-zoned – but by whom? – And Campbell finds herself transferred to the poorly funded, multinational, Jackson High School. She leaves behind one of her close group, who is proud be a bitchy, brainless Barbie – Skylar (Asha Vivian – great acting), but also ‘knows’ that she is the most beautiful person on the

has always had ambitions to be in ‘The squad’, however, inevitably she ends up as the mascot. Bridget (Matilda Jenkins – great), stays loyal and enthusiastic despite rejection. She has been redistricted as well. The two girls look at the passing talent, there is Randall (Cooper Jenkins), one of the school’s heartthrobs, Cameron (Luis Barnes) and Bridget’s favourite – Twig (Ashley Garner) who gives her a special present.

earth! Another close friend is Kylar (Saskia Ware – wonderful), and the runt of the litter, the annoying, untalented, and arrogant girl of the year, Eva (Chloe Marlow) desperate to become the main cheerleader.

Campbell is also leaving behind her cute and worshipping boyfriend, Steven (Harley Dasey).

Jackson High do not have a cheer squad, all they do is hang around doing rap. Campbell now finds herself bottom of the heap and no longer respected. Danielle (Amy Cornel – flawless powerful voice), leader of a hip-hop dance troupe is reluctant to befriend her. The hard, Queen Bee Nautica (Ariana Vallejo) does not like the new ‘White Girl’ and their other pal is the crossdresser, La Ciénega – it means marshland! (Blake Jenkins – what a mover), who is easy going.

Then Campbell spots Bridget, another ex-Truman girl. Your heart will go out to this naïve but loyal and beautiful person, who

included Aaliyah Thompson, Aimee Samut, Bianca Thomas (Veronica and Truman Twin), Charlotte Bradford, Chloe Pibworth (Truman Swing), Christine Bethune, Corban Featon, Destiny-Rose Bradford, Emily Giglia, Evan Telcik (Truman Twin), Imogen Dearlove (Storm), Kate O’Connor, Liam Telcik (Truman Twin), Lilliana Pinkerton, Maddi Thomas (Brittney and Truman Twin), Mia Lupton, Tayah Abraham, The Jackson High Ensemble included Aidan Murray, Aliyah Gelmi, Ashley Elliott, Connor McCabrey (as Steele), Emma Downs, Holly Newton (Legendary singer and Swing),Lara Clarke, Liana Samut, Natallia Separovich (Dance Captain), Tamzen Yates, TaylorAnne Bright, and Zahli Ford.

Both ensembles were excellent, every person had a defined personality and each performer put heart and soul into their part.

The highly energetic, athletic and acrobatic Truman Ensemble

BRING IT ON - THE MUSICAL ring It On – The Musical is courageous B and impetuous show that was adapted

by Jessica Bendinger from Jeff Whitty’s

book. It was originally a major movie starring Kirsten Dunst.

It was then made into a stage musical in 2011, when Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s score had lyrics added by Amanda Green and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Broadway version went on to receive two Tony Award nominations.

This is the latest offering from the much admired Black Box Performing Arts team, a theatrical group dedicated to helping young performers reach their ambitions.

The set design by George Boyd and Katherine Freind comprises a rear wall cyclorama, with black drapes at the wings.

There were a few vertical lighting towers on and around the stage. There were several versatile symbolic, props, such as the lockers and the girl’s bedroom.

Set construction is a thankless task, when everyone expects quality but rarely does anything to help. I was therefore pleased to see the large list of names of the constructors. It included many of the young cast themselves.

This is true theatre fellowship, and many of theatre and cinema’s best directors have started life as stagehands or set builders.

Janene Zampino, George O’Doherty, and Evania Marlow carried out all of the scene changes quietly and efficiently, under the supervision of the stage managers Kelsey Zampino and Katherine Friend.

The show was lucky to have one of Perth’s two or three highly talented lighting designers.

Emma Brown operated Don Allen’s inventive lighting design. The tricky headpieces, the orchestra, and the sound effects all kept soundman, Ken Hay on his toes.

Every good show should have a quality programme, and Jennifer Mesquita Souza’s graphic design was excellent.

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Continued on page 37 ...

THEATRE

THE WAY OF THE WORLD - GARRICK THEATRE DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

N

ot until Oscar Wilde in the late 1800s and Noel Coward in the 1920s has any English playwright rivalled the language of William Congreve’s 1700 comic masterpiece, The Way of the World.

It is a baroque gem in the crown of English theatre. It is the greatest comedy of manners ever written and the subject matter of it’s most lustrous and elegant language? Treachery, trickery, lust for control and fortune, revenge, adultery, jealousy…. all very modern.

The century which led to this play was a time of immense political, religious and social turmoil in England. Puritanism closed the theatres in 1642 five years later King Charles I was beheaded and a chaotic civil war dominated the decade that followed until the restoration of the monarchy in 1661.

Then the world rapidly changed. Not only did the theatres re-open. For the first time women appeared on stage; women wrote for the stage. The Great Fire of London razed the city in 1666 and the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral rose from its ashes.

Everywhere was promise…

Garrick Theatre is graced by the generosity of renowned and venerable director Raymond Omodei who brings to us his fourth production (his first was in 1979) of this quintessence of Restoration Comedy.

A master director of the classics and modern classics, Raymond has professionally directed across Australia for almost

fifty years, and was for many of them Artistic Director of the Hole in the Wall Theatre in Leederville, Subiaco and Northbridge, being awarded a WA Citizen of the Year Award for his contribution to the Arts in 1982 and given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Equity Guild in 2010.

William Congreve’s The Way of the World is a witty, biting tale of treachery, trickery, lust for control and fortune, revenge, adultery, jealousy – yet ultimately of love, acceptance and justice.

Its characters are the idle and titled rich, recently freed from the strictures of Puritanism, charged by creative exuberance in a new world in which prodigality is the manifestation of generosity.

And it’s especially a new world for women.

The plot, and the plottings, are complicated: Mirabell, the play’s hero, wants to marry Millamant, but her aunt, Lady Wishfort opposes the match…and so, at the gambling table, does the intricate scheming begin…

For all involved this production is a massive challenge, demanding of talents and resources. Almost all of its fifteen male and female characters wear a wig - often of almost preposterous proportions – together with costumes which display their immense wealth.

We have been fortunate to gain the support of John Curtin College of the Arts and the West Australian Opera Company, together with the remarkable talents of Liddy Reynolds, Marjorie de Caux and others to realise an opulent visual feast from Raymond

Omodei’s costume designs, embraced by Jake Newby’s minimalist set and lighting.

Close study and rehearsal of Raymond Omodei’s revised script began in early November and will continue on-stage throughout January and February for the play’s March 1 opening.

The cast, initially somewhat daunted by the particularities of the Eighteenth Century dialogue, have devoted up to three sessions a week, and have, unsurprisingly, grown to love its elegance, rhythms, syntax, cadences and great good humour.

It is easy to see that their risks of stepping so deeply into unchartered theatrical fields will bring immense rewards both for the actors and for Garrick audiences.

The Way of the World opens on March the 1st at the Garrick Theatre and runs until the 18th. Tickets cost $27 ($24 concession) and may be booked b phoning 9378 1990 or on-line on TryBooking at www.trybooking.com.

34

ENTERTAINMENT

KALAMUNDA HERE I COME - KADS THEATRE DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

‘N

ostalgia ain’t what it used to be’ runs the old quip. But’s not a light-hearted thing - first believed to be a disease it means ‘home -ache’, a sentimentality for past time or happiness.

It is particularly vivid for expatiats and migrants for their youth or the ‘old country’.

It has been used many times as a theme in literature, novels, films and plays. One such is Kalamunda Here I Come, described as a sentimental comedy about a girl looking back on the day she told her family that she was leaving Dublin for Australia.

Now in Australia she remembers the good and the bad in a nostalgic frame of mind.

“This play was written on the surface in a comedic way, The cast of Kalamunda Here I Come in rehearsal but underneath is the subject of restlessness, the need to leave home Tickets cost $20 for adults (Concession $17) and may be booked for one reason or another and the sacrifices we make when we on-line at TryBooking here - www.trybooking.com/TPBB - Kads are leave our loved ones very happy to announce the return of their fish and chip supper for behind. one Saturday per production. This time the 24th February at a cost of “ M e m o r i e s $30 for the show and supper. remain, they are kind and we are drawn home, taken By arrangement with the author back to those we left By: Noel O’Neill behind and how we Directed by: Caroline McDonnell sometimes miss them At The Town Square Theatre and those mad times, the unimportant a r g u m e n t s and mundane conversations.” - Noel O’Neill, playwright.

Noel has appeared on the Hollywood screen in movies such as Salem’s Lot and The Great Raid, The ABC series Constructing Australia, based on the pipeline constructed in Western Australia Director Caroline McDonnell

by Irish engineer C.Y. O’Connor and most recently The Decadent and Depraved an Australian ‘Western’.

Director McDonnell has been able to collect a highly talented cast - Denice Byrne, as Mam together with Nathan Holland, Conor Rice, Noel O’Neill, Eims Ni’Hindeberg Baylor, Brian O’Donovan, Stan O’Neill and Ultan Kiely.

Kalamunda Here I Come was written by local playwright Noel O’Neill, who directed the original production with Sun Wed Thurs Fri Sat Tickets: Adults $20.00 February 16 17 Conc $17.00 the Irish Players. This production is directed by Caroline 18* 21 23 24 Fish & Chip Night $30.00 McDonnell, after considerable consultation with Noel.

March 25* 28 2 3 TryBooking www.trybooking.com/TPBB Curtain Up 8:00pm ~ *Matinées 2:00pm Group Bookings Linda Murray 0448 779 891 Kads continue their reputation for mounting productions Fish and Chip Supper - February 24th of local playwrights with Kalamunda Here I Come which runs Feb 14th to March 3rd. 2018 from February the 16th until the 3rd of March.

Kalamunda, Here I Come

35

SPORT AND LEISURE AUSSIES SET FOR PYEONGCHANG CHRIS MCRAE

I

n Australia, we may be in the middle of our trademark summer, but a contingent of Aussie athletes will be trading bikini’s and boardshorts for snow boots, skis and skates as the XXIII Olympic Winter Games get underway in PyeongChang, South Korea this month.

With the weather and conditions more suited to athletes from the Northern Hemisphere, Australia is generally counted out of contention in many events.

It was in Salt Lake City in 2002 that Australia became the first nation in the Southern Hemisphere to win a Gold medal at the Winter Games with Steven Bradbury claiming a now famous come-from-behind victory in the Short Track Speed Skating and Alisa Camplin taking out the Aerial Skiing title.

In total, Australia has only won a total of twelve medals at Winter Games (five Gold, three Silver and four Bronze). This tally may pale in comparison to powerhouse nations such as Canada, Finland, Sweden and the USA, but 2018 is shaping up to be a strong contention year for Australia.

As the games fly onto our TV in February, here are the events and athletes to keep an eye out for over the coming weeks.

She will be gunning for Australia’s first ever Women’s Moguls medal, following in the footsteps of Dale Begg-Smith who won Gold in the Men’s Moguls in Turin 2006 and Silver in Vancouver 2010.

SCOTT JAMES (Snowboard Halfpipe) Considered one of the most popular Australian athletes in the USA, Scott ‘Scotty’ James is another of Australia’s strongest medal chances at PyeongChang.

James competed as a sixteen year old at his first games in Vancouver 2010 and since then, he has gone on to boast an impressive record.

2017 was huge for James, winning the final of the Winter X Games in Colorado, the World Cup in Korea and the World Championships in Sierra Nevada. Suffice to say, Scotty James looks like the one to beat in the halfpipe and will be a thrill to watch for Aussie fans.

Danielle Scott

in twenty-six World Cup events, claiming two Gold and seven Silver Medals from these.

She enters PyeongChang having finished second in both the World Cup and World Championships and will prove a strong medal chance for Australia at the Games.

David Morris

ICE HOCKEY The decision to disallow professional NHL (National Hockey League) players from competing in the Olympics has thrown the Ice Hockey Tournament wide open.

The fast paced, bone crunching sport, considered the fastest in the world, is usually dominated by countries such as Canada, USA and Sweden.

However, nations such as Finland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic all boast strong squads. With Canada claiming the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and Sweden winning the 2017 IIHF World Championships, it’s anyone’s game.

The absence of NHL players will not mean a lack of excitement, with some incredible players from leagues around North America, Europe and Asia all taking part. One of the most exciting sports at the Games and well worth the watch.

DAVID MORRIS (Aerial Skiing) One of the veterans of the Australian team is Aerial Skiier David Morris, who still remains a strong medal contender.

Britt Cox Morris won Silver at Sochi 2014 and recently claimed bronze at the Aerial BRITT COX (Mogul Skiing) World Championships. He will be in the In the Moguls, Britt Cox is the current mix once again as he aims for his second BOBSLEIGH World Number One and heads to Olympic Winter Medal Even those who have never watched PyeongChang with a very successful 2017 the Olympic Bobsleighing event would in the books, having placed 1st at the World DANIELLE SCOTT (Aerial Skiing) Championships in Sierra Nevada. She is Aerial skiier Danielle Scott competed know the phrase “feel the rhythm, feel the one Aussie athlete who has become the in her first Olympic Winter Games in ride, get on up, it’s bobsled time” from cult benchmark in her event as World Number Sochi in 2014, placing ninth in the aerial classic Cool Runnings.

One and World Champion. competition. Since then, she has competed Continued on the next page ...

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Concluded from page 33 ...

With around two-dozen amazing songs, and a team of enthusiastic but inexperienced youths (aged between twelve and eighteen), the musical director Phoebe Jackson has had to encourage the cast to work hard.

The result however has been amazing.

Often with children’s shows, the quality can be very variable between songs, and the quality of the singers can range from heart-warming to cacophonous. In this show, every single youth can be proud. The choruses were smooth, and in tune.

Some of the cast had to sing soft and moving lyrics, and even these 14 or 15 yr. olds fully captured the emotion.

When Campbell changed school, the musical backing took on a Hispanic style.

The lead singers all had crystal-clear voices, with Katie Price, Amy Cornel, and Chloe Marlow showing a huge vocal range that was performed without signs of strain, even when plenty of power was required.

In front of the stage, in a real orchestra pit, were a youngish band of musicians, who perfectly captured the feel of the music, they were playing. On keyboards were Maddie Moulin, Shaun Davis, on guitars were Rob Anderson and Wei Chong, on the Bass was Kelly John McCarthy, Drums Liam Rock, and Percussion Thom Selim.

Concluded ...

The feel good hit about the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team brought attention to the sport and it is a thrill to watch.

The power and skill of the athletes in the Bobsled competition is a sight to behold.

Germany, Canada and the USA are the strongest squads with three teams in the four man event. Australia will compete in the Bobsleigh (and it’s neighbour event, the Skeleton).

A great spectator sport and the crew from Jamaica will be there once again!

FIGURE SKATING For those who prefer the more artistic events over the fast and ferocious, the Olympic Figure Skating competition is set to be one of the best with athletes from Australia taking on the world.

The glitz and glamour are coupled with strenght and agility in this sport which is undertaken in both solo and pair categories. Australian competitors Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya and Harley Windsor will be ones to watch after winning the Junior Grand Prix Final in Nagano, Japan in 2017.

Windsor will also make Olympic history by becoming the first ever indigenous Winter Olympian.

The Olympic Winter Games will be held in PyeongChang, South Korea from the 9th to the 25th February and will be televised across the screens of Channel 7 and connected devices. You can also keep up with all the Olympic action through the 7Plus app.

Add to the powerful singing, Shanice-Kalina Thompson’s energetic choreography routines, and we are really starting to stretch the cast’s capabilities.

Once again, no problems. The singers did not become breathless, the smiles were retained throughout, and the overall effect was most uplifting. Exactly what cheerleaders should be producing. The competition to become a cheerleader in the US is huge, but I am convinced half this cast could be chosen.

Phoebe’s choice of instruments was perfect, as they allowed soft incidental music to drift through a scene, and yet when Jackson HS demanded the power required for the South American style dancing, it was there. The balance of the instruments’ volume was particularly good, no violent drumming – often the drummer would simply play a hollow tube effect with his drumsticks.

To find how solid a cast is, I always check the back row of a dance routine that is where the weak members will be placed.

In this show, the dancers and acrobats kept interweaving so that there was no ‘back row’. Even in the highly complex, fast moving numbers, when arms, legs and even the shoulders were moving time to the music, there was never a single performer out of step. Tremendous work.

The dance routines covered several very different styles, including rap, reggae, hip-hop and techno (well done Aidan Murray). All at a blistering pace.

The costume changes were numerous, and with such a massive cast, coordination and constant reproducibility was supervised by the costume mistress / designer, Michaela Pavlov. Michaela had to produce two magnificent School Mascots that brought smiles to us all. Great work.

The WA Academy of Performing Arts graduate Katherine Friend with decades of experience (she is now over 21) is the brave – or mad – director. Joking aside, Katherine has a string of major productions on her résumé, along with several prestigious awards. Knowing the expression, ‘Never work with children’ Katherine has gone boldly in so many approaches. Throughout the performance, the cast really look as though they are enjoying themselves – the sign of a successful director.

Katherine had to train the youngsters to speak and sing with a mild American accent – all VERY successful. Had this show been a simple drama, then the main cast members would have proved themselves as first class actors. They had stage presence, very good facial expressions, and wonderful body language. Add to this that they had to sing, have good movement and complex choreography, and then this cast showed huge talent.

The whole demanding performance was immaculately rehearsed. The show ran for two and a half hours, but for the whole performance, not a single cast member showed loss of concentration, fatigue or ‘the big smile’.

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Behind every successful woman are usually a several more successful women, and one man. The seamless production team were Mel Vivian, Paula Garner, Michaela Pavlov, Evania Marlow, Donna Thomas, Jayne Dearlove, Jacqui McGarrity and Wendy Coe – and the man, Ryan Marlow. What a quality team.

If you get a rousing opening chorus, you know the show is going to be good.

This production had magical singing, great music, and wonderful choreography, accompanied with aerial twists and hands free cartwheels. The energy of this fabulous opening was maintained for the full 150-minutes.

A great show. Every single person on the stage can be proud of his or her performance.

~oOo~

Concluded from page 15 ...

A number of parents and local residents have raised concerns about traffic issues around our local schools at pick up/drop off time (generally about twenty minutes, twice daily).

Congestion, erratic driving, illegal parking and speeding all present a significant danger to children, parents, local residents and staff. Unfortunately, I’ve also heard of threatening and abusive behaviour towards staff, as they try to address parking issues at schools.

Local government is very aware of the problem, but there often is insufficient room at schools to build large carparks to accommodate the brief drop-off/pick-up period. As a community, we need to work together and take steps to improve the situation.

“Walking buses” and cycling are two great alternatives. The Department of Transport’s ‘Your Move’ program helps people swap a few car trips a week for walking, cycling and public transport.

These activities increase physical activity, improve health and reduce the environmental impact of car use. The yourmove.org.au website contains useful resources to plan alternatives, like starting a local ‘walking bus’. It also has a statewide leader board to track your progress against other schools.

Best of luck to everyone heading back to school – let’s stay safe, have fun and support our fantastic school communities!

FINANCE SUPER STRATEGIES TO BOOST YOUR SUPER STEVE BLIZARD

W

ith the new annual $25,000 maximum pre-tax concessional super cap impacting the high income earner in the family, couples may find it beneficial to restructure how they contribute to their spouse’s fund.

Being aware of the difference when contributing to super can result in substantial long-term tax savings.

income of $40,000.

First home savers can now stash their This represents a big expansion of this savings away towards a house deposit in entitlement. their super accounts The First Home Super Saver Scheme is CATCH UP CONTRIBUTIONS designed to help young Australians to build After July 1, 2018, fund members a home deposit more tax effectively. whose super balance is below $500,000 First home buyers will receive a tax on June 30 of the previous year can make saving of between $5000 and $6000 after tax-deductible concessional catch-up one of the government’s key housing contributions, often above $25,000 pa. affordability measures recently cleared TOP UP WITH NEW PERSONAL The measure will be effective from1 July the Federal Parliament.

DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS 2018, with the 2019/20 financial year as the It does this by allowing people to save Previous rules had made it difficult to first catch-up opportunity. up to $15,000 a year, and no more than top up super contributions to the $25,000 An example of how the system works is $30,000 overall, using their super fund, pa. tax deductible limit, including many shown in this table. where money is taxed concessionally. who switched from being a self-employed contractor to employee in the same year.

The new Personal Deductible Super strategy is a fantastic new initiative that allows a year-end tax-deductible contribution to super, including life insurance premiums within super.

The $25,000 cap also applies to employer salary sacrifice pre-tax super contributions, inclusive of any 9.5 percent SGC contributions, so check with your adviser first to ensure you do not exceed the annual tax-concessional limit, However, with Personal Deductible Contributions it means you no longer have to salary sacrifice to get pre-tax In the 2023/24 financial year (assuming TTR PENSION BOOST concessional contributions into super. a balance of <$500,000 at 30 June 2023), Despite legislative changes on 1 July 2017, an eligible member will be able to make a Transition to Retirement (TTR) strategies SPOUSE TAX OFFSET concessional contribution of $40,000 that remain a powerful retirement planning A tax offset is an entitlement to reduce is $15,000 from 18/19 plus current year of approach custom made for over 60’s. your income tax bill by a nominated $25,000.

TTR’s enables you to make extra amount, if you comply with certain rules. contributions to your super and take For instance, where a couple has one NON-CONCESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS advantage of the tax benefits of salary partner earning a low income, less than The three-year bring-forward super sacrifice, without affecting your current $40,000 according to the spouse tax offset contribution rule for eligible taxpayers take-home pay. rules and one member contributes $3000 under sixty-five years remains, but with a This strategy can be used by pre-retirees to their partner’s super, this can reduce $300,000 maximum, or $100,000 in non- to top up income, pay for travel, reduce their tax bill by $540. concessional (after tax) contributions if you working hours and cover their lower wages What is different about the new spouse trigger the three-year period after 1 July with super savings or pay down a home tax offset rules is that in the past an offset 2017. loan faster. entitlement was only available where a Calculations by CFS Technical show a spouse’s income was less than $13,800, USING SUPER TO HELP BUY YOUR FIRST 60-year-old with $250,000 in super and a which has now trebled to a maximum HOME $60,000 salary would still be $19,000 better off over four years from a TTR strategy under the new rules. Income payments from TTR pensions remained tax-free despite the rule changes.

SUPER WINDFALL FOR HOME DOWNSIZERS The new rules for putting the proceeds of selling a home into super take effect on July 1 this year.

If you are 65 years of age or over and meet the eligibility requirements, you will be able to contribute up to $300,000 from the sale proceeds into super.

If there’s two of you, that can mean a $600,000 contribution into super. Sale contracts need to change hands after that 38

BUSINESS - NETWORKING JANUARYITIS

O

ff to work - but first let me check Facebook…….

You run the business – getting the work done and making the decisions. However, one day there comes a time when you realise that no one is watching you. You answer to no one and no one is keeping tabs on your output.

Sounded great in the ads. Be your own boss – work your own hours. But then you realise what that looks like and he level of responsibility it entails.

I hear from many business owners in early January who find it a challenge to get ‘back into it’. They have let the wheels slow down over the traditional Australian extended Christmas break.

They soon find a week off has become a month. Things may not have stopped all together but have certainly slowed – especially for the solopreneurs whose entire business cycle starts and ends with them.

Even the ‘now self-employed’ who have come from a more structured work environment eventually realise they are ultimately unsupervised and therefor responsible for motivating themselves to get things done.

Keeping on track – staying on target.

Whilst they may be very good at the ‘thing’ the do, or the ‘thing’ they produce – organising oneself to get it done is an entirely different skillset. One they may not be suited to.

I visited a colleague just last week to collect an order – and was surprised to see that as he came out from behind the desk he was wearing thongs! In the office. It wasn’t even casual Friday!

He quickly realised I has seen his feet.

“Had to stay in the office today so I wore

SHARRON ATTWOOD

thongs” he offered, “I know I won’t go out in these”. I started to laugh and then confessed I had the same issue at times – and addressed it very much the same way.

Last month I had a deadline looming and knew those words just would not write themselves. I had run through the list of avoidance strategies and given myself a stern warning. I had to keep on task. So I made the decision to not blow dry my hair or wear make-up that day – confident that this would keep me at home and attending to the job at hand.

For the most part it works – though there are just as many distractions at home as at the office these days.

On the topic of all too easily accessed distractions – we must mention Facebook.

It’s the IKEA of the online world. Go in for one thing and come out two hours later with candles, napkins and having run into a few old friends.

A colleague once confessed to me that in order to stay off the Facebook whilst she completed a job – she had her daughter change the password and then not tell her what it was until she was finished! That’s control – or is it? Should we be able to just stay on task?

A myriad of apps and assorted software options also exist to keep us on task these days. They can block social media from your devices while you need to be working.

Limit email checking and you can even stop the phone from ringing and block messages or PM’s. So, we need to download an app, programme it and set it – all to do something a grown up should be able to do on their own.

Yet we can’t.

date and the money must hit the super fund within 90 days of settlement.

You can’t top up the amount to get it to $600,000 if the house sells for less but equally, you don’t have to down-size by buying a new place. You might decide to rent instead.

Of course, once it’s in super it can be converted to a completely tax-free income stream like an account-based pension.

A $600,000 combined amount would generate an income of at least $36,000 per annum for a pair of 76-year-olds, based on the minimum drawdown of six per cent of the account balance.

While downsizing is an issue for retired couples, this strategy is more likely to be of interest to someone wanting to reduce tax in retirement or, perhaps, would like to take advantage of death benefit payment rules that bypass their will and the need to go to probate when they die.

Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities 39

Try googling ‘productivity tips for self-employed’ and see the hundreds of thousands of hits you get. Tip list after tip list that reinforces what we always knew – it’s often hard to stay focussed without a ‘Boss’ watching or riding us.

Working for ourselves can feel like we have all carrot and no stick. Not earning money should be a good enough stick.

Angering our clients should be a good enough stick.

Yet any task that isn’t fun or covered in glitter becomes covered in avoidance strategies – blowing an hour task out to a day, nah actually I’ll do it tomorrow. Totally.

I’ll feel like it in the morning and will just smash it out.

My favourite productivity tip from all the lists is to ‘Treat your business like a job’ – set up the office, assign start and finish hours and allocate blocks of time to set tasks.

But then the same writers, in their other articles, sell us on the idea that being your own boss means we are free of these constraints. But should we be? Are we capable?

I’ve written many times how we can abuse ‘networking’, especially attending random events without purpose – when we kid ourselves into thinking it’s work. What we are really doing is just keeping busy to avoid work.

So what’s the answer? I’d love to help you but these Facebook statuses, Netflix series, Words with Friends, Candy Crushing and assorted events are not going to sort themselves out.

I just wish I had more time to do all the things my business demands.

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK CITY OF SWAN PLANNING “OUTBACK TAVERN” SUE HURT

S

VRN has received lengthy objections re: City of Swan Planning Report Response to Council on the 14th February 2018 This response, by a community and business leader, is typical: ‘I read with interest the recommendations of the City of Swan Planning Officers regarding the development application for the Outback Tavern on West Swan Road. This application was not supported by the Swan Valley Planning Committee who believed it did not meet the objectives of the Swan Valley Planning Act or the Interim Planning Policy (2014).

‘The development is a stand alone business with no connection to any traditional activity including viticulture.

Hence it is a purely retail business.

‘The City of Swan Officers have suggested: * This is a tourist business and would add value to the Swan Valley * Because it is a small lot size it suited to such a development * The design is rural in nature

C

* It won’t have any negative impacts on the rural amenity of the area ‘The Officers have also: * Considered the strong number of objections of local residents as misguided or wrong * Considered the WA Planning Commission’s Interim Planning Policy to have no effective standing ‘In my view, this is a slap in the face to community. I hope our City Councillors reject this view.

‘I believe that such a development is not within the spirit of the Swan Valley Planning Act, which seeks to preserve the rural character of the Valley whilst protecting viticulture and allowing compatible tourism. (And other suitable agricultural pursuits including most equestrian activities) ‘The Planning Committee supported another development on West Swan Road which will offer similar services but is ancillary to a larger agricultural enterprise.

‘So it is not simply whether or not we

have cafes and taverns, but are they going to contribute to the rural landscape and be a part of an integrated rural business, or are they going to be plonked on small lots with no particular connection to the predominant land uses in the Valley?

‘Will we end up with a strip of retail businesses along our major thoroughfares or will these facilities be integrated into larger properties also carrying out agricultural activities and presenting as rural?

‘It seems to me that this distinction should be a guiding principal. This principal is fundamentally that carried in the Interim Planning Policy which the City planners condemn.

‘I think that if the community shares this view – and I think many in our community do – then we need to tell our elected councillors we do not want any more of this type of stand alone retail outlet in the Valley.

‘We want them to observe the Interim Planning Policy of the Swan Valley Planning Act and make adjustments to the Local Planning Scheme if necessary.’

FREE WORKSHOPS

ity of Swan residents are hefty consultant fees being invited to attend one being paid for reports of two free workshops at the that got shelved, poor Swan Italian Club this month, planning decisions and set up to help people put pen to the city ignoring it’s own paper and improve the way local planning guidelines. governments are run.

But Ms Predovnik says Workshop organiser the event was not a CityRashelle Predovnik said the of-Swan-bashing exercise.

Local Government Act is being “This review is a great reviewed for the first time in opportunity to push for twenty years and this was a better transparency, terrific opportunity to push for accountability and some common sense reform. openness across the She said the review, which whole sector.” can be done online, is 136 pages “The workshops will be a long but most people wouldn’t fun and social event and have the time to trawl through it. you just need to bring a “So, I’ve condensed the pen.” online questions into a few L-R Vinceno Forgione, Tony Bottega, Rashelle Predovnik and Cosimo “The Swan Italian Club Coniglio say ‘cheers’ to a positive change. pages that will be easy to fill in.” has kindly opened its door Behind the bar at the Swan Italian Club: Pasquale Forgione and Carol “It’s also important for the to the community and its Hitchcock elderly and those without a facilities include a bar so computer to have their say.” you can grab a beer and management, which is timely as this year’s The workshop event will help rates will soon be set. refreshments will be provided.” people do submissions for the review She said ongoing calls for better The workshops will be held on Sunday, which in phase one will cover meeting financial management were growing February 18 from 2pm-5pm and Sunday, community expectations of standards and louder and Swan residents were continuing February 25 from 2pm-5pm. performance. to question the city’s ongoing rate hikes For more information call Rashelle on It also covers transparency, access to during the current economic downturn.

0468 849 344 and to confirm your attendance information, red tape reduction, recruiting Ms Predovnik said complaints from email rpredovnik@outlook.com although the chief executive officer and the CEO’s residents included reports to council people are just welcome to turn up. performance review. containing incorrect data and poor public For more information about the review, Ms Predovnik says phase two of the consultation. or to do the survey online, go to https://goo. review will cover improving financial Other common complaints included gl/rG5gS. 40

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK VOLUNTEER TO BE PART OF THE QUEEN’S BATON RELAY EXCITEMENT

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he City of Swan is looking for community champions to help give the Queen’s Baton a warm welcome when it arrives in the City on February 26, 2018.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Bailey said the City needed up to fifty volunteers to join their Swan Street Teams, to make sure the Baton received the right royal treatment.

“The Baton will begin its journey in Midland before being carried down main roads, through schools, along rivers and through hundreds of spectators, all the way to Guildford,” he said.

“So, we need your help to make sure the Baton’s journey is safe and of course, a big success.”

Midland/Guildford Ward Councillor Claire Scanlan said volunteers would play an integral role in the event; helping to make sure things ran smoothly and creating a vibrant atmosphere on the day.

“Our volunteers will be responsible for a variety of tasks including helping to keep the route clear, assisting the crowd and handing out information and giveaways, general event tasks and being the friendly faces that help create a continuous buzz from start to finish,” she said.

“Not only is this an opportunity to be part of the fun and excitement of a unique community event, but a once in a lifetime experience.”

Volunteers will also receive a Team Swan T-Shirt and goodie bag as a token of the City’s appreciation.

To express your interest in volunteering for the event, please email swan.volunteers@ swan.wa.gov.au or visit www.

BIKE WEEK 2018 RITA SAFFIOTI

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ike Week 2018 is set to be one of the most diverse and exciting to date, with grants totalling $30,000 being awarded to thirty-eight recipients to hold events encouraging people of all ages to get on their bikes.

The 2018 grants have been allocated to events that support and encourage people of all ages and abilities to explore their communities by bicycle.

With metropolitan and regional events ranging from breakfasts to community bike tours and workshops, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Bike Week 2018 will be held from Friday, March 16 to Sunday, March 25 and will be co-ordinated by WestCycle, with the support of the Department of Transport.

Riding a bike is a great way to travel for shorter distances, such as going to the shops or the train station.

For more than thirty years, Bike Week has played an integral role in promoting bike riding across metropolitan and regional WA and these grants will help to make Bike Week 2018 a fantastic celebration.

We are very pleased to support Bike Week as cycling complements the State Government's Metronet vision.

Over the next four years, $129 million will be invested towards new cycling network projects that will add ninetyfivekilometres to the network and a range of community cycling initiatives.

The funding includes a $55 million expansion of the current Principal Shared Paths, which are vital for encouraging safe cycling participation while easing road congestion.

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swan.wa.gov.au/volunteers.

For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, go to www.gc2018.com/qbr.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SAFE!

Fostering some ip hip hooray! of our kittens can It was SAFE’s be an amazingly birthday on the 1st r e w a r d i n g February, marking experience. Imagine fifteen years since coming home SAFE was founded in to this bundle of Karratha. cuddles after a We’ve rehomed day at work. The B in excess of 14,000 Kittens (f-b) Buny, animals and Buffy and Bumble now have twelve are two months branches around old and full of fun the state, including and affection. They Perth’s SAFE Metro are a mischievous – primarily set up as trio who are loving a branch to support exploring the world our eleven regional together. branches.

We also need Animals can foster carers for be flown from our rabbits like one year SAFE 15th Anniversary (Photograph by Emilie Cowell remote areas to old Rascal. He can Perth where they live up to his naughty have an opportunity foster care or even just on one occasion. name by breaking out of his room (the to be rehomed.

You will have ongoing support from SAFE We don’t need flowers or cakes for our whilst you have an animal in your care and bathroom) but he’s house trained so can birthday though. The best present we could you will be part of the placement process easily spend the day hanging out at home get is more loving foster homes in the Perth for your foster pet. It is a very fulfilling with his humans. He likes a bit of space area to assist with rehoming our animals. experience to be involved in enabling an though so isn’t a fan of big cuddles but will Have you got room for a cat, rabbit or animal who had little hope for the future to want to hang out wherever you are in your home. dog under your roof or know a friend or be placed in a permanent loving home. relative who could provide some temporary Foster care enables our animals to be Our animals are all vaccinated, desexed accommodation? Becoming a foster carer learn good house manners, interact with when old enough and microchipped. is a great way to help an animal in need by other people and maybe other animals too If you’d like to share your home with one opening your home to a cat, rabbit or a dog and generally gives them skills to make of our foster animals - kitten, cat, rabbit or dog call SAFE Metro on 0475 346 545. on a temporary basis. their transition into permanent homes This can range from a short to long-term smooth.

SAFE INC. AT A GLANCE SAFE is WA’s largest volunteer-based animal rescue and rehoming service using the foster care model. Our goal is to save homeless pets from unnecessary euthanasia by fostering, desexing and rehoming them.

We are a not for profit organisation administered by a skilled board of directors, meeting high standards in the charity sector. SAFE Inc. is a proud member of Animal Welfare League of Australia.

SAFE began in the Pilbara in 2003 and has grown to a network of 12 branches around the state, with an average of over 300 companion animals in care each month.

With more than 14,000 cats and dogs desexed and rehomed since our inception, we are making a difference!

Click on the link ~ Join our team of volunteers: safe.asn.au/volunteering.html Be a financial supporter:

safe.asn.au/Donate.html Look at our animals available for adoption: safe.asn.au/Pets_available 42

COMMUNITY Compassionate Friends of Western TwhoheAustralia strives to support families have lost a child, regardless of that

child’s age throughout WA. We are a non-profit, non-government funded charity that provide peer call support, group meetings, a drop in centre, sending out quarterly newsletters, Anniversary Cards, we hold Walk of remembrance and a candlelight service (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”.

We raise funds by holding events, charity drives and donation from our members and outside bodies.

Although this is fantastic, we still struggle with the cost of keeping our doors open so any suggestion on fundraising or donations are gratefully accepted.

WALK OF REMEMBRANCE HELD IN MARCH EACH YEAR Events like these above give the bereaved some hope of a life after the death of their child. They connect with others that have been through the same tragic experience.

In doing so its helps them to feel that they are not alone in their grief, that there is a worldwide connection to other suffering the same.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We are always looking for volunteers to help man Sausage Sizzles, Charity Shopping Centre Drives and other events along with peer support volunteers (bereaved parents) for telephone support and group meeting facilitation.

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. DONATIONS Donations allow us to receives no Government funding in any purchase stamps so we can way.

Rascal the SAFE rabbit is looking for a foster home 43

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

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

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Wattle Grove Shopping Centre, 338 Hale Road, Wattle Grove

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