Swan Magazine December 2015

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O N LY A N H O U R ’S D R I V E F R O M T H E c i t y

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EDITORIAL THE YEAR IN REVIEW

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s the year comes to its swift end at an everincreasing pace in a hectic round of Christmas wind-ups, parties, drinkies, cocktail parties, ‘a few drinks round our place’ and the decorations, gift buying and shopping for the gargantuan meals we’ll eat, I’d like to look back over what has been, by any standards, a momentous year.

Momentous professionally for the Swan Magazine, for Australia and for our monarch.

We changed our Prime Minister in a political coup, eerily reminiscent of Mr Rudd’s replacement in Labor’s first term in government.

And Australia is once again being governed by someone not in consideration as Prime Minister when the election took place.

Mr Turnbull’s elevation was widely acclaimed by those of leftish leanings and rejoiced in by the Greens and Labor, which is a trifle worrying if one is a Liberal or a conservative.

Mr Turnbull, his skills honed in his profession as a barrister, is a fluent and convincing speaker when facing a friendly audience and an excellent debater.

However, in the eyes of the Australian public, however wrongly legally, he is not a legitimate Prime Minister as he has not won an election and many, many conservatives regard him with deep suspicion. Ms Gillard suffered from the same distrust after her coup against Mr Rudd.

So far, despite saying he wouldn’t renege on any deals made or change any policies, Mr Turnbull appears to have weakened the LNP’s position on a number of issues while not actually issuing any policy statements other than vague generalities and a tendency to spend money the Australian economy doesn’t actually have (two billion dollars in the last two weeks).

He must now win the next election in order to gain legitimacy in the eyes of the Australian public. This election must take place before January 2017 at the latest, which means in terms of conventional wisdom in September or October of 2016.

Given Mr Shorten’s deeply unpopular regard this would seem to be an easy win. But there are several factors at play here which bear consideration.

Firstly, given the Labor Party’s short way with unsuccessful leaders it is highly un-likely that Mr Shorten will be leading the Labor Party at that point and Mr Albanese - the choice of the actual rank and file and only defeated by caucus at the leader’s election in 2103 - is likely to be the Leader of the Opposition.

Secondly, conservatives do not trust Mr Turnbull, as has been made amply clear by the recent by-election for Mr Hockey’s old seat which had a swing of 13.5% against the Liberal candidate, even without a Labor candidate standing.

That is considerably more than the swing against Liberal in the Canning by-election which saw Mr Hastie elected against an effective Labor candidate.

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Mr Abbott was widely blamed for the swing against the Liberals. But if that’s true, who then is to blame for the swing against Liberal this time if the PM is a significant factor, and certainly Mr Turnbull’s face was everywhere in North Sydney leading up to the election?

Thirdly there is a new and so far, untested, player in the mix - the Australian Liberty Alliance.

This party was only launched in October of this year and would appear to be aimed at disaffected Liberals, conservatives and anyone not currently served by the Big Two (and their little cousin, the Greens).

Their manifesto is to be found on their website: www.australianlibertyalliance.org.au and if you are at all concerned about Australian politics you should read it.

They will be fielding some strong candidates for the Senate - Major Bernard Gaynor, for example.

Frankly, I have no idea who will win the 2016 election, although I’m pretty sure that the result will be a very left-wing government, with just maybe a slightly right-wing senate - and that’s going to work out well, isn’t it?

My personal opinion of Mr Turnbull is that he is a man who will do anything, say anything, to achieve power. He is also, in my opinion, foresworn. He is the leader of the Republican Movement and has now gone on record as saying the monarchy has nothing to fear from his government (wide, sincere smile).

Evidently his Republican principles can be jettisoned at a moment’s notice to help cement his current position.

Make no mistake, I do not want a republic for Australia. I think there is too much to lose and nowhere enough to gain and so far the proposed replacement models do not attract.

But it seems to me that if Mr Turnbull’s desire for a Republic is sincere and he is committed to the issue, then he perhaps should have been just a little less quick to discard them. Because it makes me wonder what other principles and beliefs might also be so easily discarded.

And, speaking of HMQ, she is now the longest-reigning British monarch, although quite a long way behind the longest reign ever. She is, however, the oldest living monarch, and very

possibly the second oldest monarch who has ever lived.

The Egyptian pharaoh Pepi II is said to have reigned for up to ninety-four years, having come to the throne at the age of six. If he had reigned until he was a hundred, Pepi II may also have been the oldest monarch in history, though Abdul Momin, Sultan of Brunei until 1885, was either ninety-nine or a hundred when he died, the exact date of his birth being unknown.

These are interesting, but ultimately pointless, facts - what matters is that Her Majesty is in full control of her faculties and works as hard as many of her subjects do at a quarter of her age.

What will follow her inevitable death is the purest speculation, and long may it be delayed, but change is inevitable. The next monarch, elevated the instant his mother dies will be the current Prince of Wales, who is expected to reign as George VII. How he will reign and for how long is entirely unknown naturally, but we can say with certainty that things will be different for Britain, for Canada, for New Zealand, for Australia and The Commonwealth, of which we are a member and for all countries of which she is monarch.

SWAN MAGAZINE Here at Swan Magazine it has been a huge, definitive year of change for us - the decision, so difficult to make, so agonised over, whether to try purely digital publishing for the magazine was eventually trialled for a six month period, which will end with this issue.

It has been a huge success on many levels.

Firstly, it is now possible to determine exactly how many copies of the magazine are read. A hard copy gets taken, read and probably ends in the toilet where it may be read by several others, or may not, so the final readership is unknown.

A digital copy can be tracked, so we can say with certainty that 76,850 people have seen it on Issuu, it has been emailed to 1,984 people and read 1,245 times on Facebook. By my estimate readership has at least doubled since we went digital in July.

Secondly, we can expand at will - this edition, for example, is forty-four pages compared to the last printed copy of thirty-two pages.

Thirdly, we can insert live web links into text and advertisements, making interactive contact possible at the click of a button. Next year we shall be exploring the next stage in this evolution with ‘enhanced reality’ - watch this space, literally.

Fourthly, but by no means lastly, no trees were harmed in the production of this issue.

Have a safe, merry and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year and may your God be with you and shine his face upon you all.

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE

FEATURES

Annie’s Vintage Spot Art in the Perth Hills

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Books 22 Books and Writing 23 Business Card Board 39,40 Chef-Explorer 6 Christmas 14, 25, 26 Community Black Belts Honoured 24 Giving Chewsday 27 Hyperfest 2016 27 Dining Out

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Editorial Inside cover Education

32 Entertainment Next to Normal Review 30 Kookaburra Programme 30 Why Actors Act 31

PAGE Gordon the Optom

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Health Matters NOT - A Brief History Home of the Month

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Letters to the Editor

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Notes From Parliament

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Poetry 14 SAFE 37 Style by Kirsty 34 Swan Valley and Regional Network Pop Up Play 8 Proposed Service Station 8 New Foot & Cycle Path 9 Red Hill Auditorium 9 Check the Fruit

in Your Backyard 9

Finance 35

The Idler The Voice of Swan Hills Toodyay Feature

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Gardening Get Social with Jay

Weddings What’s On

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Front Page Photograph: Little Girl in a Santa Hat Photographer: Ievgeniya Zakharova Studio: 123RTF

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Publisher: Douglas Sutherland-Bruce editor@swanmagazine.com.au Editor: Jan Patrick office@swanmagazine.com.au Office: 14 Ridge Road, Glen Forrest, Western Australia Phone: 6296 5161 E-mail: office@swanmagazine.com.au Sales: Liane Cugley 0400 025 345 E-mail: office@swanmagazine.com.au Postal Address: P.O. Box 554, Mundaring Western Australia 6073 FEBRUARY DEADLINES: Advertisements: 25th January Editorial: 1st February Copyright: Swinburne Press 2015 1

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HEALTH MATTERS NOT - A BRIEF HISTORY

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eural Organization Technique (N.O.T) is a chiropractic-based technique developed by Dr Carl Ferreri during the 1970’s which incorporates the most recent developments in neuroscience.

It primarily deals with identifying and correcting faults within the nervous system.

Dr Ferreri found that traditional spinal care is not always sufficient for patients with complex clinical histories and began studying these patients to uncover the underlying cause of their ailments.

UNDERSTANDING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM The Central Nervous System (CNS) is made up of the spinal cord and brain, with nerves branching out into every part of the body. It forms a direct line of communication between your brain and your body through the regular transmission of nerve impulses.

The CNS is responsible for proper control of every function within your body, from digestion and sensory functions to correct heart rate and blood pressure.

Trauma, injury or stress can inhibit its ability to properly control these functions.

The aim of Neural Organization Technique is to reorganize restore and improve the function of the Central Nervous System therefore enhancing the function of the entire body. The theory of N.O.T is based on the understanding that the body is a self healing, self perpetuating and regulating organism. www.notaustralasia. org.

If you would like to receive a free copy of the new, expanded digital Swan Magazine sent to you electronically and save a tree’s life, send an email to: editor@swanmagazine.com.au with ‘Subscribe’ in the subject line.

HYPERLINKS You will notice in some advertisements and articles that some web addresses are blue. These are hyperlinks and if you click on that link your browser (Outlook, Opera, Firefox) will open that page for you providing you have permitted it in the browser’s ‘Preferences’. Try:

www.swanmagazine.com.au

THE N.O.T EXPERIENCE Dr Carl Ferreri D.C. PhC likened the body and its functions to a biological computer system. This system is compose of programs for everything we see, do and feel.

Some of these programs are built in while others develop over time. Just like a computer, if one program is corrupted it can affect the function of the entire computer. This damage may occur as a result of physical, emotional or chemical stresses.

Utilising the latest neuro-scientific research into the four main autonomic survival systems – Fight-flight, Immune, Feeding and reproduction - he began research and found the function of the body was highly dependent on the proper organization and integration of these four survival systems.

These four systems are controlled by the Central Nervous System.

DURING YOUR ADJUSTMENT Your Practitioner identifies which program is corrupted through gentle tests designed to assess how the body responds to various stimuli in the day and in the dark. Then he/ she will use non-invasive reflex, cranial and gentle spinal adjustment techniques to reactivate and reorganize the nervous system.

Courtesy of Helena Valley Chiropractic

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GARDENING THE AUSTRALIAN GARDEN COUNCIL

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ardening in Australia grew new leaves in Parliament House, Canberra recently with the launch of the first nationally recognised body for gardening - the Australian Garden Council.

The council is designed to reinstate gardening onto the national agenda by incorporating and promoting gardening, gardening tourism and gardening education into one not-for-profit charity.

The Prime Minister was joined by a dedicated group of nationally acclaimed gardeners and horticulturists, for the inaugural meeting of the Council.

The council was founded by Graham Ross, Australia's most respected and recognised gardener. At the launch he detailed how the Australian Garden Council will further domestic gardening, focus on professional horticultural recognition, improve secondary and tertiary gardening educational opportunities and attract inbound tourists through international garden tourism events.

"For too long gardeners and horticulturists, the essence of a multi-billion dollar domestic industry, have been ignored, taken for granted and undervalued in Australian business, government, educational and community circles.

“With Australia’s changing residential landscape, and the new digital age, our children are growing up without the opportunity of getting dirt under their fingernails, and we want the AGC to change that.”

The fact that students leave the beneficial and inspiring garden related atmosphere of primary school then arrive into a high school horticultural desert was another concern of several AGC members.

Internationally garden tourism was shown in a recent global report to attract over 300 million garden tourists of which Australia receives very little.

Australia has an extensive plant community, gardening history and horticultural expertise to celebrate and develop. We have a proud gardening history that began three days after the First Fleet arrived in 1788 and has included the cultivation of native and exotic ornamental plants for beautification and vegetable gardens for sustenance ever since.

We’ve exhibited gardens since 1879 and our national botanic gardens, nurseries and landscapers are of an international standard.

There is considerable potential under-utilised that could generate employment, income, national

health benefits and improvement to the urban environment.

The new century has not respected gardening's true status in society as the second most bby with over six million devotees spending billions of dollars annually on their hobby.

Horticultural education has dropped to its lowest apprentice numbers in history while ironically the demand for skilled gardeners and suitably qualified landscapers and nursery staff has never been higher.

"Comprehensive training standards, remuneration and integrated career planning all needs rethinking", Graham added. “Furthermore we no longer train Asia’s horticulturists as we did for decades last century.”

It was also observed that a lack of co-ordination in existing amateur and professional groups saw opportunities lost that should and could easily be remedied with increased consultation and support.

The Australian Garden Council www.gardencouncil.org

OLD SCHOOL SHEDS STILL THE BEST QUALITY

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here do you still find a shed builder that builds your shed in their own premises?

Where do you find an shed builder that is still family owned and operated?

Where do you still find a shed builder that still makes an Old School Shed with welded trusses and proper columns?

Unfortunately the trend in the sheds of today is sheds where the frames are made from C-section purlins. The Old School Shed's solid structural Frames has stood the test of time.

These new type C-purlin sheds unfortunately cannot say the same, just read through websites like www.sheddisaster.com.au for instance.

Coastline Sheds started way back 1996 and

was founded on the principles of commitment, quality, honesty, service, and competitive pricing!

They specialise in designing, engineering and fabricating all kinds of sheds, from farm sheds to smaller backyard workshops.

Their commitment to be the market leader in high quality sheds drives them to provide excellent workmanship and customer service for individuals who need customized needs for sheds.

That is why ninety-five per cent of their work is coming through word of mouth, so you know your shed will be second to none.

For more information visit them at their premises at 18 Keates Road, Armadale or call them on 9497 8832.

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CHEF-EXPLORER CHRISTMAS IN LONDON THIRTY YEARS ON BRENDAN MURPHY

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his December and Christmas I am reporting on Location from England.

I have decided to spend some time with my old family over here and also go in search of many a Christmas Market.

First however, we just had to spend some time in a city that is still considered the most ‘coolest city in the World’ by young travellers - London.

I cannot believe it has been twenty-six years since I last set foot there and exactly thirty years since I worked there as a Chef.

In an old story called Turning Green in London Town, I recalled how ‘green’ I was when I first qualified as a Chef in Manchester, and was awarded my first major job, in the centre of the City of London in 1985.

I was terrified because the hotel was so big, and well, this was the big time and I was in the city where it all happens.

But once I put into practice what I was taught at college then it all came together. I started as the Vegetable chef, which meant preparing anything from tricky skilful vegetable carvings for the exclusive a la carte Brasserie, to opening endless boxes of frozen veg to tip into the huge twentygallon vegetable boilers for the general busy Café lunchtime trade.

Not the most thrilling of prospects but never the less, a necessary piece of equipment for the commercial kitchens. Little did I know at the time that I would end up in the boiler too!

I learnt my meat carving skills there as we catered for many American tourists as well as local businessmen offering a wide choice of daily Roast meats and fantastic English Pies.

The hotel was called ‘The Great Eastern Hotel’, which was one of the old railway hotels that overlooked Liverpool station. As staff lived in, it was kind of soothing to go to sleep at night with a background station noise.

Alas, as I visit Liverpool Street now in 2015, it is no longer called the Great Eastern but it is still a hotel, though I have to say the revamp has removed all its old character, and wow, London City’s Financial Mile is buzzing and busier by far than I remember.

I looked up to the roof and remember vividly sat up there with legs dangling dangerously over the edge, drinking

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a beer after a busy shift and gazing over to the magnificent dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Somehow in 2015, I do not believe Health and Safety or indeed Security would allow a young trainee chef to be doing that!

Mind you, one supposes I was not allowed to do that then either, but I am sure I never asked permission!

I just loved London even thirty years ago, and still do, with all its ancient history and more modern thrilling nightlife in the likes of Covent Garden and Leicester Square, where its glittering Christmas tree now welcomed you into its great market.

It also still strikes me how brilliant the London Underground System is to get around. It always has been, but today it seems incredible how efficiently it whizzes around over a billion people a year, which is more than all the combined above ground train journeys in the whole country!

Furthermore, every station we passed or alighted onto is spotless and full of colour. Why can’t Perth aspire to be like this? In fact come to think of it did our dear Mr Buswell, ever check it out on our tax funded research trip, or did he get a Taxi?!

Anyway, back to ‘85, I recalled that if anybody of worth left to get a job elsewhere, that the rest of the ‘Kitchen Brigade’ would play a trick on them.

So I was wary of this when I informed my fellow chefs that after a great six months of experience there, I was leaving soon, because I had secured a job in Switzerland.

On my final day the Kitchen Brigade all stood in a solemn row to shake my hand, but they were also reminding me that I will be representing Britain when I go to cook in Switzerland.

Anybody would have thought I was entering the culinary Olympics! Some of them went on to say how Green I’d been when I first started work there and they were Green with envy about me getting a plum job in a ski resort.

I started to wonder why they kept mentioning the Green word, a cryptic Londoner way of saying goodbye? Suddenly, I found out why, as I was stripped down to my undies and dunked into that twenty-gallon boiler mentioned previous.

Not to be boiled for the soup, but instead into icy cold water and Green food dye as an added ingredient! I looked like the Marvel comic book Super hero The Incredible Hulk, but without the muscles!

And even worse, it took a few days and many a shower to finally wash the bloody stuff off!

I can never wipe the memory clean though!

On that note and back to today I am off for a Pint of English Ale and a nice piece of Steak & Kidney Pie in ‘Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese’, a wonderful medieval pub lurking in an alleyway off Fleet Street. Just so I can send you a recipe for the Pie you do understand!

For more of Brendan-Chef Explorer’s ‘Taste of the World’ true stories and recipes, go to: *There is SPECIAL HALF PRICE for Swan Readers etc. a great Xmas present.

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH STEAK & KIDNEY PIE (Serves four) If you or the kids do not like kidneys, then make it a steak pie in stead, by removing kidneys and increasing the quantity of beef to 600g.

Ingredients 2 tbsp oil 1 tab butter 1 onion chopped 1 clove chopped garlic 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 110 g bacon, chopped 500g chuck(stewing) beef steak, diced 3 tbsp plain flour 120g prepared lambs’ kidneys 400ml cups beef stock 225g ready made puff pastry 1 beaten egg, to glaze Salt and pepper to taste Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180c.

2. Heat the oil in a sauce pan, and fry the bacon, garlic and onion until lightly browned. Add the butter 3. Toss the steak in the flour. Stir the meat into the pan in batches and cook, stirring, until browned 4. Toss the kidneys in flour and add to the pan with the chopped parsley. Stir in any remaining flour 5. Pour in the stock, stir, cover and simmer.

Stew in the oven or on top of stove for two hours.

Season and leave to cool 6. Roll out the pastry to 2cm in larger than the top of 1.2 litre pie dish. Cut off a narrow strip from the pastry and fit around the dampened rim of the dish.

Brush the pastry strip with water 7.

Tip the meat stew into the dish. Lay the pastry over the dish, press the edges together to seal, crimp edges 8.

Make a small slit in the pastry, brush with beaten egg and bake for twenty minutes 9.

Lower the oven temperature to 160c and bake for further twenty minutes, until the pastry is risen and golden.

DINING OUT

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie

CURRY LOVERS

house that has the most polite, swift service combined with sublime curries at low cost.

This Mecca for curry lovers is in Woodlake and we dropped in on a Thursday night, without booking, but were fortunate to get a table. Curry Lovers does a brisk ‘take-away’ trade as well as sit down meals.

The menu is large, even vast, with all curries available as ‘mild’. ‘medium’ or ‘hot’. We chose the middle ground, but I found them milder than expected, so next time we’ll order ‘hot’.

A brief reminisce - 1960s, Durban, South Africa, the then open-air Indian market, with great piles of gloriously coloured and fragrant

DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

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urry Lovers, in some respects resemble coffee lovers. They are fanatical about quality, provenance and heat. Labels matter less than taste and price is pretty much irrelevant.

Personally I adore a good curry and although I don’t care too much for very hot curries, flavour is most important.

Having moved to Upper Swan some years ago now we have been looking, in a desultory way, for a good, local, inexpensive curry house.

Our search is over.

We have discovered a small, shop front, curry

spices and powdered curry, labelled ‘hot’, ‘very hot’, ‘extreme’ and ‘mother-in-law’s revenge’.

For our first course we chose a tasting plate the ‘Mixed Entree (for 2)’ ($13.95 take-away) This was two Tandoori Drumsticks (The chicken is marinated in yogurt and seasoned with tandoori masala. Cayenne pepper and often Kashmiri red chili powder is used to give it the typical fiery red hue. It is traditionally cooked at high temperatures in a tandoor (clay oven).

These were both tender and delicious. There were also two samosas, Pakora and two Sheek Kebabs as well as sweet chilli sauce and raita for dipping.

All were delicious, the samosas particularly good, I found, crisp on the outside, delicious and savoury on the inside.

For mains we could have had Tandoori, Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Goat, Seafood or Vegetarian curries all with a selection of the exquisite Indian

breads.

In the event Angela chose one of the specials - Mango Chicken ($16.95 take-away), boneless chicken with tomato and ground cashews, in a rich thick mango sauce.

For myself I selected an old favourite - Lamb Korma ($16.95 take-away). Korma as a dish was created for the Moghuls and is rich with yoghurt and ground almonds and spices, satisfying and delicious.

Korma is a dish capable of wide variations by individual cooks and Curry Lovers is particularly good.

We had lovely fluffy saffron rice as well as Garlic Naan ($3.95 take-away) and Masala Parantha ($3.95 take-away) which is the usual parantha layered with lightly spiced potato.

We didn’t have a sweet course for two reasons - I find Indian sweets a trifle heavy and secondly we were too full to even contemplate sweets.

We will return, and often I think, and there are riches to explore in the rest of the menu as well as the other traditional curries - vindaloo, subji, jhalfrezi, dhansak, madras, palak and makhan.

Interestingly, the vegetarian curries are not a hasty add-on for the growing vegetarian and vegan market, but a deeply thoughtout range for the true aficionado - Dal Makni, Kofta, Alu Gobi, Paneer Jhanfrezi, Mushroom Mattar, Dhal Tadka and more.

I do have to say that among all these authentic and ancient curry recipes there lurks an imposter - Tikka Masala, a curry invented, so the story goes in 1971 in Glasgow. A disgruntled taxidriver sent his curry back saying it was dry, so the chef tipped his own tomato soup into the dish, sent it back where it was declared delicious and more demanded, with the dish eventually ending up on the menu.

This story is almost certainly apocryphal, but who cares, it a great story and a great curry.

Certainly it is widely accepted that the dish was created in the 1960s or ‘70s in Scotland anyway, tomato not normally being a note in traditional Indian cuisine Curry Lovers is not licensed, but there is a Liquor Land in the complex and they offer a range of soft and the traditional lassi - mango, salty and sweet.

If I might suggest, beer goes well with curry, as does cider and the sweeter, fruitier whites.

Service was swift, the curries delicious and the prices moderate. It’s hard to see what any curry lover might want than Curry Lovers.

Very highly recommended indeed.

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SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK POP UP PLAY NEW FOOT AND CATH HEWITT CYCLE PATH ould you like to host a pop-up play in your take part in a short training session.

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City of Swan community?

Studies have shown that children who play regularly in natural outdoor settings are sick less often, tend to be more physically active, are more resistant to stress and play in more diverse, imaginative and creative ways.

The City of Swan would like to offer your community an opportunity to broaden the scope of play in the area by providing the location and equipment for two to three week period providing a non-conventional type of play space.

Any community group or not for profit is able to book the Pop up Play to go into an area of their choosing.

The City will provide the material, deliver it to the location and take it away at the end. Your organisation will need to inspect the site once a day to make sure the material stays on site.

As volunteers, you will need to be registered with the City's Volunteer Resource Centre and

As a member of the community and/or community group we invite you to make an application to the City of Swan.

The Pop-Up Play has been trialled in Ellenbrook with amazing success and community engagement and satisfaction.

This is a great initiative as now it is community led and managed, and will be available to everyone.

Please let me know if you are interested in booking a Pop up Play for your area. Hard copies of the forms are available from the City’s website.

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he City of Swan wishes to advise that it will shortly commence the construction of 2.5m wide dual use footpath on the western side of West Swan Road in Henley Brook.

Please refer to the map. The construction in 2015/16 Financial Year will be separated into two stages.

Stage 1 of the works commenced Tuesday 1st December 2015 and will be completed by midDecember 2015 Stage 2 of the works will commence in midJanuary 2016 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of March 2016.

Please note that the above dates are indicative only and project may be delayed depending on the weather conditions.

To ensure the safety of both the City's contractors and general public, it will be necessary to impose some traffic and pedestrian restrictions to the corresponding road during the works.

A stop/go traffic management will be implemented throughout the duration of the works. he City of Swan has received an application for planning approval of a new 7-Eleven Petrol Station During the construction of the path, every at Lot 2 and Lot 801 (No. 2131) West Swan Road, Caversham. This is the corner of West Swan and effort will be made to reduce any disruption to surrounding residents and business owner.

Benara Roads, Caversham. (Please refer to the plan).

The applicant has elected to have the application determined by the Metro East Joint Development However, there might be occasions where access to your property will be difficult.

Assessment Panel.

Traffic Controllers will be onsite during these The proposed petrol station includes: times to assist you if required.

Four petrol bowsers (eight petrol filling bays) underneath a 5.5m high canopy; A 200m2 retail building; Sixteen parking bays (including bays accessible to petrol powers) Signage, including two illuminated pylon signs (ten metres high), an illuminated roof mounted sign, window signs and internal directional signage; A 2.2m high acoustic wall along the western boundary and a vehicle servicing (including air and water) area.

It is proposed that vehicular access to the petrol station will be from Benara Road and West Swan Road.

Closing date for submissions is December the 18th, 2015. The reference number is DA823-1 and the responsible officer is Patricia Hirst.

PROPOSED SERVICE STATION

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SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK

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RED HILL AUDITORIUM

he City of Swan issued planning approval for the development of an outdoor entertainment venue at Lot 2 Toodyay Road, Red Hill in 2009 (Red Hill Auditorium). The land has been used for this purpose since 2010.

It has come to the attention of the City that some of the building work that has been undertaken at the venue falls outside of the scope of the 2009 approval. As such, an application for planning approval for the unauthorised works has been submitted to the City.

The application involves:

A modified stage, including artist areas;

Limestone seating area;

Modified access roads and parking area;

Ticket office, food and beverage service areas and seating areas.

The application is limited to physical building works and does not propose an increase to the total number of patrons permitted to be accommodated at the site at any given time.

Closing date for submissions is December the 16th, 2015.

Reference number DA263-15 and the responsible officer is Patricia Hirst.

www.redhillauditorium.com.au

CHECK THE FRUIT IN YOUR BACKYARD COLIN GORDON

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he Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), also called the Medfly, is a serious horticultural pest which attacks a range of fruit, including grapes, and some fruiting vegetables in Western Australia.

It is vital to bait Medfly early and often to control fly numbers before fruit and grapes ripen.

Begin foliage baiting of all fruit trees when fruit is about half size, and for vines just before berries start to soften.

The best Medfly control weapons are bagging fruit and bunches of grapes to prevent females from stinging them, or foliage baiting twice-weekly, installing lure and kill devices and spot spraying which is targeted and conserves beneficial insects.

The use of good hygiene practices will also break the Medfly life cycle through the year. Adult medflies lay their eggs under the skins of fruit, particularly where the skin is already broken.

The eggs hatch within three days, and the larvae develop inside the fruit.

The adults have a limited ability to disperse, but the global fruit trade can transport infected fruit over thousands of miles both to and from Australia.

In 2011, Japan banned imports of blueberries from Australia, because of “concerns they might be contaminated with Mediterranean fruit fly�.

When coarse droplets of protein laced with insecticide are applied to leaves, male and female Medfly are attracted and acquire a lethal dose of insecticide as they forage.

Lure and kill devices act in a similar way to spot sprays, killing Medfly by drowning or contact with insecticide in the device.

More information about Medfly A video with Medfly control strategies is bait and traps is available on the Department of available on YouTube by clicking here: www.

Agriculture and Food website agric.wa.gov.au youtube.com/watch?v=MMQ9-wcz7z0 9

WEDDINGS Want Vicky and Jason’s Wedding Style?

Photography: Verge Studio Videography: Tonita Video Hair & Makeup: Liz (a friend) Cake: Clare at Red Apron Flowers: The florist at Beaumaris Decorations: DIY Catering: Mindarie Marina Stationery: Steph at Pink Lily DJ / Band: Tonita Sounds Celebrant: Malcolm Jenkinson

10

WEDDINGS VICKY AND JASON BEANY n a gorgeous day, in September, two high school sweethearts tied the knot in a beautiful and family-oriented ceremony at the RAAFA Retirement Village Chapel in Merriwa!

Vicky’s dad officiated the ceremony, which was a beautifully unique element to the couple’s Big Day. After originally meeting in the Cadets ten years before, Vicky and Jason’s romance quickly blossomed, after Jason cooked a romantic dinner for her on Valentine’s Day. Vicky describes their wedding day as ‘Fairytale and sophisticated’, with a bold purple colour theme. They were inspired by their individual personalities, with the reception held for sixtysix guests (including family from England and Thailand) at the Mermaid Lounge, at Mindarie Marina. The couple says ‘It was very ‘Us’!”

After the ceremony, the elated couple took close family and their bridal party to the beach and a local park for a picturesque and memorable photo shoot.

One of the day's funniest moments occurred during the family speeches after dinner, when the Fremantle Dockers fans in the next room erupted into cheers as their team won that day's game!

Vicky made all their table decorations and place settings, and her biggest Money-Saving Advice for other couples is to “work out what’s important and what you’re willing to spend money on. Anything second-hand is great and also try making things yourself. Get your mothers and bridesmaids involved.”

Vicky wore a stunning white dress called Cinderella; part of the Disney collection by Alfred Angelo. It was flowing and glittery; the epitome of Princess!

After the Big Day, Vicky and Jason had a two-part honeymoon!

Part One was spent with family visiting from England. They went down south and had time to relax with family. For Part Two, the couple ventured to the Gold Coast, visiting all the theme parks and Australia Zoo.

All photographs courtesy of Verge Studio.

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HOME OF THE MONTH 31 MARNIE ROAD, GLEN FORREST

T

his rustic 1950’s four bedroom, two bathroom, cottage has been recently updated to create a unique family home with all the modern comforts whilst retaining a country-style feel essential to Hills living. There’s side access to the large powered workshop with room to store a boat or caravan. Walk to the gourmet cafe, sports club for a pint and shops and Midland and Mundaring are just a short drive away.

Featuring: • Oiled floorboards and leadlight windows • Study • Two separate living areas • Large, light-filled rear living area overlooking mature gardens • Vintage-decorated kitchen with Belling stove and Smeg dishwasher • Two renovated bathrooms – one with stunning free-standing bath • Five split-system air-conditioners, solar hot water • Large block with mature trees including mandarin, orange, cherry, quince and loquat • Three sheds, potting shed, chook pen • Side access to large powered workshop – or store your boat or caravan The large garden is very private and the mature trees offer plenty of shade for enjoying the outdoors.

This home provides a wonderful escape from busy lives whilst being close to everything that you need. Hills living at its best. This gorgeous home is for sale as the owners are moving East. Offers over $599,000.

Laura Grimes - Peard Real Estate Leederville - 0400 228 824 http://reiwa.com.au/31-marnie-road-glen-forrest-3714494/

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ANNIE’S VINTAGE SPOT 1950’S JEWELLERY ANNIE WILLIAMSON

T

he 1950s saw a great rise in the wearing of costume jewellery; so, for this article, we have selected only those pieces most definitive of the decade.

The first part of the 1950's jewellery styles were still reflective of the 1940's retro jewellery including pieces with Victorian design elements such as bows.

Grace Kelly in High Society (1956) and the earrings she wore, made by Joseff of Hollywood Castlecliff Green-Eyed Cockatiel Pin Brooch This handsome fella looks so happy on his perch. The cockatiel is fashioned in gold plated metal with various detailed textures and brushing alongside polished gold tone, always an attractive combination.

The green glass center matches the pretty boy’s eye. Although he's only 50mm tall, your friends will smile when they see him.

Soon the 1950's developed it's own definitive styles which include multi-strand beaded necklaces with much larger beads than seen in the faux pearls in previous years.

Lucite thermoset inserts of the '40s became the rage along with Confetti Lucite and embedded Lucite jewelry.

White jewelry was well-loved, especially for summer, and this trend continued into the 1960s.

Diamante (clear or crystal) rhinestone jewels, including necklaces and earrings sets were chosen for diamond-like sparkle without the price.

Modernist jewellery was available and

particularly loved by ‘beatniks.’ A style similar to Art Deco but not quite modernist also became fashionable - some dealers call this Art Moderne.

This style, like the Art Deco of the 20s and 30s, also made it's way into fine art and furnishings, such as the streamlined curved burl "waterfall" bed and dresser sets.

And, last but not least, lets never forget multistrand beaded necklaces and button earrings shipped from overseas after WWII! Almost everyone's Mom or Grandma had at least one set--and now jewels like theirs can be yours.

These lovely examples are typical of the period and can be found almost anywhere quite cheaply still. Op Shops, swap meets, second hand stores and shops speciallising in vintage and period goods are all fruitful hunting grounds for the collector.

The 50s are becoming very collectible and while prices are still reasonable, and even bargains are still to be found, they will rise and quite soon, I think.

Courtesy of A nnie’s Vintage Wonderland

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

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

Sparkling Glass Sugar Beads Necklace & Brooch Why buy just a necklace when you can have a necklace and a brooch! The combination of materials is so vintage elegant. The necklace is a four-strand wonder of delicate pink beads with tiny white knobs that make them look sugary.

The beads alternate with clear crystals and connect at ornate end pieces. The brooch is a real beauty - foliage enameled green and pink double layered flowers bright with coronet prong set fuchsia rhinestones!

Best of all you can detach the brooch and wear it separately, or the necklace by itself.

Neither piece is damaged because the pin stem goes through a piece of fluff to protect the sugar beads.

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CHRISTMAS A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS SUE WORTH

A

s I write this, Christmas is only a month away. Hard to believe. Already the shops are abuzz with families with trollies piled high in preparation for the big day.

No matter what your background, Christmas is usually a celebration, a happy time. Parents, children families and friends will get together and enjoy each other’s company, relishing the opportunity to catch up over a few days off.

Children will be building up excitedly to the special time of the year. Food, wine and presents will be bought and shared. It will be a happy time.

It is largely about the joy of children.

There is a different side to Christmas.

Tomorrow my husband Geoff and I will be preparing the mail out of Reflections, the quarterly newsletter of The Compassionate Friends, to our 350 members in Western Australia . We do this as volunteers every three months. It is always with a sense of sadness that we do this small task. I am usually shattered for a couple of days afterwards.

The realisation that we are helping others in just a small way gives us comfort.

You see, we belong to a group of bereaved parents, whose child or in some cases, children have died.

Compassionate Friends, is indeed that: a group of people who have lost a child and through compassion we offer a hand of friendship to others going through the same journey. It’s true that unless you have experienced grief of this extent, it is hard to comprehend.

In our group, the cause of death is irrelevant.

The age of the child is immaterial. It doesn’t matter what your background is. What matters is the fact that through our journey of grief we are able to support others in the same boat.

Our newsletter is sent to around 350 members. This is only the tip of an iceberg of gigantic proportions.

On a daily basis people die. You just need to open the paper or turn on the TV to be bombarded by death. They leave behind partners, siblings, parents, grandparents and friends and others who love them. These are plunged immediately into a grief of unimagined proportions.

There are many other newly bereaved parents and families out there that do not belong to our

organisation. They are still in deep shock. There is a long and hard journey in front of them. Some may never recover.

You never think it will happen to you.

It happened to us.

Our lives changed on Saturday 19th June 2010. Our beloved daughter Sarah died in our home during a visit from her home in Kalgoorlie to celebrate her 29th birthday with us.

She had a heart attack. She was found by her husband John. Despite the great efforts of paramedics she was unable to be saved. They had at the time two small babies, Ryan aged twentythree months and his sister Emily, eight months.

Every minute of every day Sarah is missed. As a family we have lived through five of her birthdays, five Mother’s Days and five anniversaries of her death. The coming Christmas will be our fifth without her.

Initially it feels like you are living in hell. There are no instructions, no books, no experience like it. Marriages dissolve, lives are ruined and sometime the grief is too much to bear.

The pain eases over time. Our two grandchildren, now aged seven and six are thriving. In a way it was good that they were so young when their Mummy died. We are blessed to see them and their wonderful Dad very often.

We tell them stories about their Mummy. We have photos of her everywhere. She is still part of our lives and always will be. Sarah’s sister Amanda has flown at least ten times to Perth from her home in Adelaide to help us and the kids. She has faced her own hell. In a recent visit we were able to laugh and celebrate how far we have come.

‘It is what it is, just different’, is a saying many bereaved parents say.

This December Reflections will advertise the approaching Candlelight Remembrance service at St. George’s Cathedral. The service is held every December. It’s been going for over twenty years now Families place a photo of their missing child or children on the altar.

Candles are lit to remember them. After the service we share afternoon tea and leave gifts for other children who may need them. It is indeed a time of reflection. Usually we have over a hundred people attend. Each has their own story.

Volunteering - ordinary people performing extraordinary tasks to help others There are so many opportunities for you to help those in our communities!

Call us now on 9278 9690 to make an appointment. For more information, contact: Swan Volunteer Resource Centre (Midland) 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday (closed Wednesdays) swanvolunteers@swan.wa.gov.au www.swanvolunteers.com.au 14

Ellenbrook Pop Up Volunteer Centre 9297 9600 10am-3pm, Wednesdays

The Christmas service is an important of part of our calendar. It acknowledges that we have lost a child, or children and we haven’t forgotten them. They are still part of us.

Importantly it also celebrates in a way that we have survived the loss. We have survived and we are getting stronger. We all share a deep bond that is hard to understand by others.

In closing, I’d to thank Douglas SutherlandBruce and the Swan Magazine for the opportunity to write this article about our different Christmas.

If it makes a difference to only one person over this Christmas period, I will be happy.

The Compassionate Friends has an excellent website: www.compassionatefriendswa.org.au

POETRY SOMETIMES COLLEEN RANNEY

Sometimes I catch a glimpse, In softened waves of blue My child, my heart ...when I see a smile I can't help but think of you Sometimes these waves fill oceans.

And feelings string on every shore A collections of each memory And every way I wish for more Sometimes I watch for answers Because each day I call to you I ask for faith and courage And strength ...to help me through Sometimes I ask for bravery Like dolphins in the deep Because time moves oh so slowly And some times the road is steep Sometimes I want to scream This was not what I had planned Why you ever suffered A mom can't understand Sometimes I hear your laughter And remember you at play But My Child I always miss you Not sometimes, but everyday

I wrote this poem in response to a request from a mother who lost her child. Since then I have decided to share it with any parent out there who has lost a child. May this bring comfort to you.

Colleen

January 2012

Colleen Ranney is a polymath - an author, artist and poet whose delightful and intriguing website can be found here: http://www.colleenranney.com

CHRISTMAS YOUR CHANCE TO BE SANTA

B

e someone’s Santa Claus this Christmas by donating to the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas appeal.

City of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said the Swan Valley Visitor Centre would be a local donations collection point again this year.

“Christmas is a magical time of year but for some people Christmas doesn’t look so bright this year,” he said.

“The Salvo’s food drive and toy appeal is a great way that ordinary Australians can help spread some Christmas cheer to those less fortunate.

"Christmas is a time of giving and a time to think of those around us.

“While we are making plans for a great Christmas, whether with family or friends, there are some people worrying about whether they can afford a Christmas dinner or a present for their child.

“This is a great way to share the Christmas spirit of giving.”

Swan Valley/Gidgegannup Ward Councillor, Darryl Trease, said the Salvos were asking for gifts of toys and food.

MEGAN DOLLING "The toys will become gifts for children this Christmas and we're asking for people to donate them unwrapped," he said.

"This allows parents to personally select a gift which will be suitable for their child.

"We are also requesting that the toys be new because, for some children, the gift you donate will be the only present they receive this Christmas.

"In term of food, the Salvos are looking for staples, like tinned vegetables and rice or pasta, as well as Christmas treats like chocolates, Christmas puddings or other festive foods like tinned ham and long-life or boxed custard."

This is the tenth year the Visitor Centre has

been a collection point for the cause.

The Swan Valley Visitor Centre is open seven days a week (excluding Christmas Day), from 9am to 4pm and is located at the corner of Swan and Meadow Streets in Guildford.

Donations need to be received before 12noon on December the 14th.

THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS WA Commonwealth Bank BSB:066-001

Account No: 1010-7668

Some of the wonderful volunteers at The Compassionate Friends WA with Founder Canon Simon Stevens

VOLUNTEERING The Compassionate Friends WA is an organisation run solely by volunteers.

We have volunteers in all sorts of roles from group peer-support leaders to office administration. If you are interested in joining us in their work, please call our office on 9486 8711 or send an email: info@ compassionatefriendswa.org.au.

We are currently seeking people for Fundraising

Newsletter Submissions

Newsletter Editing

HOW WILL THE FUNDS BE USED? TCF is not funded by any Government Department and relies solely on donations and fund raising by the volunteer group.

This money is used to pay rent of our premises, telephone calls to bereaved parents, posting out of grief cards and also our quarterly magazine, Reflections; purchase of library books and other grief related resources; producing and printing our quarterly TCF WA newsletters and printing informational brochures on grief As well as awareness raising activities in the community; running events such as The Walk of Remembrance; holding candlelight services and establishing support groups in regional and metropolitan areas of Western Australia.

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE Whether you've suffered a loss or simply want to help those who have, TCF offers a variety of ways you can get involved.

Supporting families who've suffered the loss of a child requires understanding and training that we can help provide.

DONATING TO TCF WA TCF WA rely upon the generosity of their Whether you’re looking for resources contributors to help provide support to families or would like to start a new chapter, TCF is who've suffered the loss of a child and donations prepared to help you continue our mission. at any level are greatly appreciated.

Such gifts allow them to provide many vital The Compassionate Friends WA services for grieving parents across the country. City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi Street, West Perth WA 6005.

The TCF WA banking details are:

Folding Newsletters

Telephone Support (Open to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings only, full training provided)

15

TOODYAY CONNOR’S MILL and 1975 the building remained vacant. In 1970 Toodyay Shire Councillors Mac Wroth and Ted Davey persuaded their fellow councillors that the building was worth preserving. It was saved from certain demolition.

In 1975 the building was renovated back to Connor’s Mill, and the Toodyay Tourist Centre was established in the ground floor. A National Estate Grant from the Australian Heritage Commission was used to restore the building. Funding from O’Connor Quinlan Estates also helped to open the mill as a tourist facility.

In April 1976 the Honourable Alan Ridge, MLA, opened Connor’s Mill and Tourist Centre. In 1994 machinery donated

by Weston Milling was installed in the mill and a working mill was recreated.

Today, this museum displays working historic machinery and an interpretative display of the mill's operations and life.

Connor's Mil will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day. New Years Day and Good Friday.

Opening Times: 7 days a week: 9am - 3.45 pm Admission Fees: Adults: $3.00; Family pass: $10.00 (two adults, two children). Free Entry on Australia Day Enquiries and Bookings: 9574 2008 Connor’s Mill today (Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons) Guided tours can be provided (for a minimum of ten people) on weekdays at no extra charge however prior booking onnor's Mill, on the corner of Stirling Terrace and Piesse Street, is an (minimum 48 hrs) is essential. icon of Toodyay and the legacy of one of the town's most prominent businessmen, Daniel Connor.

It is testimony to Toodyay's busy agricultural industry during the developing years. Connor's Mill, with its historic machinery, demonstrates for visitors the process of turning wheat into flour. It retells the stories of the AGE FRIENDLY TOODYAY many families whose lives revolved around this grand convict era building. Date: 16 December The building operated as a steam-powered flour mill for around fifty Venue: Toodyay Community Centre Contact Details: RSVP to Kristee Jolly 9574 2133 or email: eso@toodyay. years before being converted to a power house in the 1920s.

The Mill was built in 1870 for entrepreneurial convict expiree Daniel wa.gov.au Connor. It was built by George Hasell, who also built many other buildings The Shire of Toodyay in partnership with the State Government and Localise are working together to make our community age friendly. We want in the area.

The triple-storey and brick mill was originally a stone mill, with wheat to hear from the members of the community and those providing services to seniors, about what they think of the services, access, social inclusion, being milled between the movement of a top stone on a base.

It was the third steam mill in the district at the time, although it quickly transpor etc. became the only viable mill. Connor’s Mill produced flour of a high quality, SESSION 1: Seniors and Careers 9am - 11am SESSION 2: Service Providers 1.00pm - 3.30pm even winning an award at the Melbourne Exhibition in 1878.

Upon his death, Connor’s estate sold the mill to his former miller Charles Refreshments will be provided Marris in 1902. Marris converted the mill to a roller mill, a new technology at the time. In 1917 Charles Lukin bought the mill, and began to operate it as a CAROLS IN THE PARK power station as well as a mill.

Date: 20 December Its name changed to Toodyay Roller Flour Mills. By 1921 it was owned Venue: Duidgee Park by the Western Australian Insurance Company Limited and the Toodyay Contact Details: Toodyay Baptist Church Electric Lighting Company operated out of the mill.

0438 412760 The power station provided light for the town between 7pm and Come down to Duidgee Park and join in the true spirit of Christmas. midnight. In 1922 the power service became the responsibility of the Free entry. 7.30 pm to approximately 9 pm Toodyay Road Board and light was provided between 4pm and midnight, Donations towards the Salvation Army may be placed unter the seven days a week.

Christmas Tree. There will also be an opportunity to place a Christmas The power station continued in operation until 1955. Between 1955 decoration into the tree as a remembrance of a loved one that cannot be present.

Christmas Day service at ‘The Factory' will be at 8.30 am.

A Valley for All Seasons

TOODYAY FARMERS MARKET Date: 20 December Venue: Stirling Park Contact Details: Karla Hooper 0421 288 805 Come and experience the wonderful array of unique local and regional artisan and fresh produce stalls from around the Avon and Wheatbelt areas. Do all your Christmas shopping.

O N LY A N H O U R ’S D R I V E F R O M T H E c i t y

A proudly plastic bag-free event.

V i s i t w w w. t o o d y a y. c o m f o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n o r c a l l ( 0 8 ) 9 5 7 4 2 4 3 5

C

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TOODYAY CALENDAR

TOODYAY 2015 WA BUSH POETRY FESTIVAL

K

eith Lethbridge (Cobber) scooped the pool winning all sections at the 2015 WA Bush Poets and Yarnspinners State Championships. Making him this year’s Bush Poetry, Yarnspinning and Poets Brawl Champion.

Despite Keith’s clean sweep, competition was extremely close with Peter Blyth and John Hayes taking very close second and third positions.

Keith is widely acknowledged as one of the best Bush Poets in Australia, not only for his performances but also for his written poetry.

He won the WA State Championships in 2005, and has also won the coveted Bronze Swagman trophy in 2009 with his poem Gallipoli. His poems about the Gascoyne shearing team and the legendary “Mother McQ” are always popular.

Members and supporters of WA Bush Poets from across the state made the most of the opportunity to meet together socially as well as competitively to enjoy an entertaining weekend of quality poetry, laughter and camaraderie at the WA Bush Poets and Yarnspinners State Championship.

This was held in conjunction with the Act, Belong, Commit Toodyay Bush Poetry Festival, the free event offers a high standard of poets presentations, workshops, a fun bush dance and wind up BBQ /sing-along and is held annually in Toodyay, on the first weekend in November.

This year’s event was held October 30 - November 1st.

A written competition was held in conjunction with the Championships both serious and humorous categories were won by Terry Piggott.

Terry has been winning competitions across the country for many years now, and has recently released his second book Call of the Outback.

Terry’s first book, Around the Campfire won the ABLA Golden Gumleaf at Tamworth in 2013 for the best book of Bush Poetry.

This year Terry won the Bronze Swagman, which is awarded each year at Winton, and is recognised as the premier competition for written poetry.

Writing for a competition requires strict adherence to rhyme and rhythm, and to maintaining the established pattern throughout the poem.

Several Toodyay district residents as well as a many WA Bush Poets took advantage of the opportunity to learn from two accomplished writers Terry Piggott and John Hayes at a very informative writer’s workshop on the Friday afternoon. Their focus on this aspect of writing and on different rhyming patterns was particularly helpful.

Judges for the performance competitions, Rod and Kerry Lee and Jeff Swain are foundation members of the WA Bush Poets & Yarnspinners Assn and it was good to be able to renew friendships and enjoy a performance by Rod and Kerry.

Rod commented on how much the standard of performance had improved in the two years since he last judged and the difficulty they had deciding the winning poets. WA Bush Poets are some of the best in Australia.

The WA Bush Poets & Yarnspinners thank the Shire of Toodyay for their continued support of our Festival and sponsors - Healthway Act, Belong, Commit program, the Govt of WA Road Safety Community Grants Program, Makit Hardware Toodyay and the Toodyay Lions Club.

Mark 5th, 6th &7th November, 2016 in your diary, book your accommodation and start writing and practicing because we want you in Toodyay for our 2016 Festival and State Championships.

Check out the group’s website www.wabushpoets.asn.au and ‘Don’t forget to Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride’.

If you would like to see Cobber in performance and see his hilarious election speech bush poem at the Alverstoke Farm ‘Festival of Yarns’ in October, 2009 go here: www.youtube.com/ The Bronze Swagman Award watch?v=fxscb3uzs7k

Keith Lethbridge (Cobber), 2015’s Bush Poetry, Yarnspinning and Poets Brawl Champion (Photo: Clancy Oopow)

17

THE VOICE OF SWAN HILLS THE BOUNDRIES THEY ARE A-CHANGING

L

FRANK ALBAN MLA

ast month the Office of the Electoral south-west of Upper Swan are ceded.

Distribution Commissioners announced Those communities moving to the seats the final Electoral Boundary Review. of Darling Range, Kalamunda and West Swan Our state is divided into fifty-nine – a move that certainly highlights just how electorates and six regions. The Swan Valley diverse Swan Hills has been as an electorate! and its surrounding areas are part of either There has been some change since the the electorates of Swan Hills or West Swan, 2015 proposed boundaries were announced and those electorates are within the East in July and the name changes for Swan Hills Metropolitan Region. (to Salvado) and West Swan (to Mann) were Simply put, the aim of the review is to also omitted from the final boundaries. ensure that the number of electors within For more information on the recent each district as comparable as possible. announcements and how it effects With the last review in 2011, coming into electorates across the state, you can visit effect at the last state election, the suburb of www.boundaries.wa.gov.au where the Ellenbrook was moved from Swan Hills to Commissioners’ 2015 Final Boundaries by the neighbouring electorate of West Swan Region and District is available in full. and to compensate, the boundary for Swan Interactive maps are also available, Hills expanded further into Perth’s hills. enabling you to view the final boundaries These new boundaries come into effect against either the proposed or current at the next State election in March 2017. boundaries. It is certainly interesting to view With the 2015 review, Ellenbrook returns how our population growth and distribution to Swan Hills, however to compensate, the Shauna Alban and Lara Alban with her award has necessitated the new boundaries. communities of Baskerville, Glen Forrest, Gorrie, Herne Hill, Hovea, Mahogany of Belhus (south of West Swan Road), part of Red Creek, Malmalling, Millendon, Mundaring, FAMILY Parkerville, Stoneville, The Lakes, the remainder Hill (north of Toodyay Road), part of Sawyers It is at this time of the year that we think about of Middle Swan, the remainder of Swan View, part Valley (south of Great Eastern Highway) and the our near and dear, those that perhaps due to our

The 2015 Final Boundaries for Swan Hills 18

work load and the distractions of life we may not have prioritised as much as we should have.

As some of you may know, back in September my wife Shauna was had an accident with her horse, where she was kicked in the head.

Thankfully, she is on the road to recovery but it really is during times like this that you take stock, are thankful for what you have and are reminded just how important your family is.

When Shauna had her accident, our then eleven-year-old daughter Lara was with her and called the ambulance, flagging them down in the dimly lit Valley with the torch on a phone.

Last month, Lara (now twelve) received the St John Ambulance Community Hero Award for her efforts that night and I can honestly say I’ve never been prouder than to be with my wife watching our daughter being presented with such an honour.

I wish you and your loved ones peace and joy for this festival season and a successful 2016.

NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT HON ALYSSA HAYDEN MLC Member for East Metropolitan R egion

T

SJOG MIDLAND PUBLIC HOSPITAL OPERATIONAL

he East Metropolitan Region is the benificee of a strong State Government, receiving funds for long awaited infrastructure projects.

Personally, it has been very pleasing to tick off many completed projects, one of which is the new Midland Public Hospital.

It is certainly an outstanding icon for Midland and will deliver great outcomes for patients, families and communities. The hospital is also seen as a key part of the ongoing vitalisation, growth and development of Midland as a major regional centre.

The St John of God Midland Public Hospital was officially opened by our Premier, the Hon Colin Barnett MLA. The hospital became operational on Tuesday 24th November at 7:00am when the Emergency Department opened.

By 8:00am the first patient, Mrs Margery Short, made history when she was transported from Swan Districts Hospital to the first new

a more convenient service to them, their families and carers.

The hospital will employ about 1,500 people when fully staffed, with a strong Aboriginal representation, creating a comfortable environment for all. SJOG are committed to respect the diversity of the catchment population.

St John of God Midland Public Hospital is an integral part of the State Government’s $7.2 billion investment in health infrastructure.

It has 307 public beds, eighty per cent of which are in single rooms, six theatres and two procedure rooms and a large emergency department with dedicated paediatric areas.

The new hospital offers a broad range of expanded services including maternity, paediatrics, general medical and surgical and mental health.

The WA Liberal Government has recognised the continued growth and development in Perth’s

Unit 8 Vale Town Centre 31 Egerton Drive Aveley WA 6069 Phone: 9296 7688

Email: frank.alban@mp.wa.gov.au Advertisement

Your local Liberal East Metropolitan Members of Parliament

Here to help!

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hon Helen Morton MLC Ph: (08) 9452 8311 Fax: (08) 9452 8366 helen.morton@mp.wa.gov.au

Hon Donna Faragher MLC Ph: (08) 9379 0840 Fax: (08) 9379 0845 donna.faragher@mp.wa.gov.au

Hon Alyssa Hayden MLC Ph: (08) 9274 8484 Fax: (08) 9274 7874 alyssa.hayden@mp.wa.gov.au Authorised by B.Morton 2/12 Parliament Place,West Perth WA 6005

Dr Glen Power CEO SJOG Midland Public Hospital, Dr Kim Hames Minister for Health, Hon Alyssa Hayden MLC Member for East Metropolitan Region and Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health; Tourism and City of Swan Councillor Daniel Parasiliti at the opening of Hospital.

hospital in the area in more than fifty years.

Margery was the first of eighty-three patients successfully transferred during the day. An added celebration on the first day of operations was the birth of the first baby.

The total project is a credit to the passionate and committed people, including the large team from Brookfield Multiplex, Hassell architects and their many contractors and consultants whose professionalism and skill helped deliver this outstanding facility on time and on budget.

The new public hospital is beautifully designed, will offer a fantastic range of new and expanded secondary hospital services and is an integral part of the reinvigoration of the Midland Railway Workshops precinct, which is growing into a first class medical hub.

More patients will be able to receive the treatment they require closer to homes offering

eastern suburbs and announced the establishment of a new Health Service from July 1, 2016.

The rapidly expanding populations and demand for health services in high-growth areas such as Ellenbrook, Forrestfield and Canning Vale were prime factors in establishing a new service which will be responsive to the needs of those communities. The East Metropolitan Health Service will include Royal Perth Hospital, along with the newly-opened St John of God Midland Public Hospital and the Bentley, Kalamunda and Armadale Hospitals.

Having a dedicated East Metropolitan Health Service means communities in Perth’s east will have a health service covering every heath care need, enhancing the delivery of services into East Metro.

As always, keeping you in touch with my activities.

19

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GET SOCIAL WITH JAY

DON’T MESS WITH FACEBOOK RULES - 101 JAY CRISP CROW

W

atching new clients finally getting enthusiastic about their Facebook Business pages is something I’ll probably never get bored of.

Those first few nibbles of engagement, that first time someone ‘likes’ your page that isn’t a family member, that first all-important actual business related message that comes through – it’s all golden.

Facebook is an epically important and fabulous forum for small business (and big business) to get your story told. In a digital world where there is so much noise, Facebook helps you deliver your carefully crafted message into the lives of those you want to target.

After all, there’s absolutely no point in having an amazing website without a platform to share it with.

“Creating a beautiful and well considered website and then not delivering it via social media is like painting a masterpiece and leaving it in the shed”.

Yes, I just quoted myself.

However, Facebook is one of those women you just don’t want to get on the wrong side of.

Break her rules, and she does have a few, and you’ll find yourself with no friends and with little communication from your squawks of indignation.

It ‘blanks’ you, like a scorned ex-bestie.

Do you remember back when you first signed up to have a Facebook account? You ticked the box that said ‘Agree’ at the bottom and then, whoosh, on your way into Facebook land. You will have also ticked a similar button when setting up your Facebook Business Page.

What you agreed to was a tidy set of pretty legalese Terms and Conditions Facebook expects Business Page owners to abide by. You can choose to hope they won’t affect you but the risk is pretty high – loss of your page with not much recourse to get it back along with all your faithful, hard won followers.

Let’s not even think about the prospect of being sent a bill for an image you may have used without it belonging to you.

If you have a Business Page, follow a couple of rules:

USE ORIGINAL CONTENT Facebook LOVES new content. Your readers and followers love new content. This should be reason enough to create some.

If content belongs to someone else (like, one of those funny but true cartoons you’ve seen flicking around social media) you cannot post it as if it’s yours.

This means, if you do see something that you think will add value (even just a belly chuckle) to your readers, ‘SHARE’ it directly from the page it is on. This references the content back to its source and is not intimating that the image belongs to your business. (Good practice for your website, too).

Practically, this means if you are right clicking, downloading images and then uploading them again to your Facebook page, you’re delivering that content as if it’s yours. Don’t do that anymore.

Agreed?

promotions are only good for the few weeks you’re running them.

People in it for freebies are probably never going to buy from you anyway. So, why risk it for the freeloaders?

Facebook constantly updates their algorithms.

To a mind that likes literature and not statistics means flibberdeegibitese until you read the ‘How will this affect me’ description. From the clever folk who study Facebook algorithms for a living, there’s some great research online.

A resounding theme through all of them is that CONTENT IS KING (or Queen, as I like to suggest, as she’s just better).

This means that great writing, engaging images and original content add up to better engagement than flaky, against the rules Facebook flimsy. Awesome news for us ethical Queen type folk.

Final Note: If you see a ‘Marketing Expert’ doing any of the above, please keep specialist shopping.

DON’T RUN COMPETITIONS I happen to know a great content creator with a (Unless you’re completely compliant).

Please don’t take on the running of a specific social media savviness in these here Hills competition on Facebook unless you’re pretty of Perth. confident you know what you can and cannot do according to the Facebook T&C’s.

Did you know that it’s against Facebook’s T&C’s to make it a requirement to share a photo onto your page in order to win a competition?

It’s even against their rules to make it a requirement to tag another person in the image.

So, those Like and Share promotions you see on Facebook regularly? They’re breaking the FACEBOOK LAW! Here’s where new clients usually squeal “BUT! EVERYONE does that!” Yes, sometimes they do.

It’s only because they don’t realise, or they think it doesn’t apply to them. But it is in the T&C’s, which is available at any time, just by Googling. Don’t be the one that’s caught.

Just like the lotto, Facebook has requirements about what you say about them to ensure they are indemnified against your competition. If you play Someone hasn’t been reading by the rules, you can use Facebook as a platform Jay’s column and taking her advice to run a competition. But you must know what the rules are and you must abide by them.

MAKE CONTENT THE ETHICAL QUEEN Just because your competitor does it does not make it a good strategy for your business. Also, don’t we want to run more ethical businesses? If your competitor wants to risk their six thousand followers (that they may never get back, if caught) to get a bit of bogus traffic onto their page, good on them.

Let’s tackle engagement instead. How? By being engaging!

Target your story and your message to the right market.

Short cuts will come back to bite you. In addition, Like and Share 21

BOOKS REVIEWS Title: Author: Publisher: Reviewer:

BANKER JOHN

FOR SALE

Copies are for sale of this charming autobiography written by local identity John Edgecombe. $20 plus postage and handling.

Phone: 9296 7780 Email: edgecombejn@eftl.net.au Web: www.swanmagazine.com.au/books

Have a book to publish?

R Family History R Non-Fiction R Autobiography R Biography R Fantasy R Fiction R Poetry Get expert advice on layout, editing, costings, publishing and marketing from professional editors First consultation free Free quotes

Swinburne Press (founded 1989) P: 6296 5161 E: douglassb@iinet.net.au

22

Never Look Down Warren C Easley Poisoned Pen Press Karen R Treanor

t the end of my review of Easley’s previous book last year, I said “This is a fast-moving readable adventure which has a lot of action but no gratuitous gore. I’ll be looking out for the third book in the series.”

The third book is now available, and it does not disappoint. The story starts with the frightening experience of a teen-age street artist, who climbs buildings to leave her mark.

Kelly is way up a brick wall with her spray cans when she witnesses a murder in the alley below.

The killers become aware of her but she escapes by the proverbial teeth-skin, and then has to live with the increasing weight of guilt about what she knows.

When her friend Rupert is killed because he won’t tell who or where Kelly is, she knows she has to do something.

Using an anonymous email account on a public computer, Kelly lets lawyer Cal Claxton know a bit about what she knows. Cal is desperate to meet her, but she’s understandably jumpy about anyone being able to identify her.

A bit of brain work leads Cal to Kelly’s step-mother, with whom she has been living sporadically. Unfortunately the bad guys find Veronica’s apartment too, but Kelly is able to get her out of town and out of danger.

Cal has already been involved in the murder case from another angle, because the dead woman in the alley was the fiancée of his friend Nando. Cal’s intent on solving the murder if he can, before Nando does something stupid that will get him jailed for life—or worse.

This is another fast-moving readable adventure from Easley which switches smoothly between the various protagonists and gives you a ‘crime in the round’ story.

A good book to take along on a long, boring plane or bus trip, or just to read on the back porch with a pitcher of something tasty by your side.

R eview courtesy of NewMysteryR eader.com Title: Tower of Thorns Author: Juliet Marillier Publisher: Pan Macmillan Reviewer: Karen R Treanor

stopped reading fantasy novels some years ago, not as a conscious decision but for some reason I just fell out of the habit.

Last week I was doing prosaic errands, buying cat litter and coat-hangers, when I spotted Tower of Thorns. I recognised Juliet’s name as also being a member of the KSP Writers’ Centre.

“Writers should support each other,” I said to myself, giving permission to spend money on a book. (They weren’t very nice coat-hangers anyway.)

Putting aside several more urgent jobs, that evening I started reading the book. I only intended to read a chapter or two, but I was at once drawn into the partly real, partly fictional world of post-Roman Ireland, where there’s a very thin wall between ordinary hard and gritty reality and the world of faery.

The protagonists in the story are Saorla, now known as Blackthorn, a wisewoman who is a skilled herbalist and healer—and perhaps a bit more—and her companion and guardian, a huge man going by the name of Grim.

The two were prisoners of Mathuin, a particularly wicked regional chief who was responsible for the deaths of Blackthorn’s husband and son.

Escaping prison with the aid of Conmael, an otherworldly being, Blackthorn has been bound to live seven years in the kingdom of Dalriada, doing what good she can for the local community, and forswearing vengeance on her persecutor.

Life looks pretty boring and humble, but bearable, when something happens to change events.

Blackthorn’s patroness Lady Flidais and her husband Prince Oran must go to court to take care of business while his father the king attends an important meeting. Flidais is expecting a child and won’t travel without her healer, so against her will, Blackthorn packs and accompanies her.

While they are at court, Gelais, the Lady of Bann, comes begging for help—the sort of help that is Blackthorn’s speciality. At first she refuses, but after the sudden appearance of a very old friend with an interesting secret agenda, the wisewoman relents and they set off for the Tower of Thorns.

In this tower there is a being which cries and howls hour after hour all day long. The local people are being driven mad by the noise, crops and cattle do not thrive, and Gelais feels responsible.

Just how responsible Blackthorn only discovers when she is in peril of an unspeakable doom.

A 200-year-old spell is broken, only to rebound on the breaker. Only one special work of magic can bring the evil spell undone, and it has to come from a source Blackthorn would never have imagined.

This is a wonderful bit of escapism, and it’s the cure for a case of the blahs, should you be so afflicted. The forests and streams of Dalriada, the half-glimpsed wee folk, and the clear night skies undamaged by sodium street lights will refresh your imagination.

It’s a rousing adventure tale that never resorts to gratuitous violence, pointless profanity or sloppy English. It would be a wonderful Christmas gift for any reader, teen or adult, on your list.

BOOKS AND WRITING BRONZE QUILL WINNERS

T

hirty-eight people attended the annual Bronze Quill Luncheon at the Gallipoli Restaurant, ANZAC House, Perth, hosted by The Society of Women Writers WA. Special guests included the Society's Patron, Ruth Reid OAM, Lennie McCall, Chairperson of the Royal Western Australian Historical Society Inc. and William Yeoman, Books Editor and West Weekend Staff Writer, who judged the entries in the Bronze Quill Literary Competition for Articles.

The comments on each of the winning entries below are his.

The official winners of the Bronze Quill Award are:

thank William Yeoman for his comments.

Congratulations to the other winners and to The Society of Women Writers WA." Runner-up Helen Iles, has twice previously won the Bronze Quill Award for short stories in 2007 and in 2010 says, "The fun part of entering the Bronze Quill Award is to always come up with an original idea, or put a different slant on an old one – something that will hit the Judge and keep them thinking about the story and characters long after they have read it.

“Then make the grammar fluent and perfect."

1st Prize: Maria Bonar of Ballajura "For an article as impeccably written as it is completely captivating, for her judicious balance of facts, figures and commentary, for her wry humour and for her willingness to take seriously Ruth Reid and Helen Iles a much-maligned genre, Maria Bonar wins the 2015 Bronze Quill Award for her seductive In giving his insightful and entertaining history of erotic fiction in our own time, What She Judge's report on the articles submitted, William Needs is a Good Read."

Yeoman said "The subject matter must either be arresting or significant enough to write about in Runner-up: Helen Iles of Oldbury the first place. And if it is, or even if it is not, the "For her unashamed feast for the senses, for author must bring a fresh and unusual perspective her delicate humour and for her ability to fuse to it." history, anecdote and description in a highly The full judge's report can be viewed on the engaging and informative style, Helen Iles Society's website: www.swwofwa.com. receives the Runner-up prize for her delightfully The winner, Maria Bonar says "I am delighted quirky Christmas Island travelogue, Island Time." to have won the Bronze Quill Award 2015 and Highly Commended: Jan Altmann of Duncraig "For her subtle grasp of the relationship between gender, identity and society, Jan Altmann receives a Highly Commended for her amusing short history of cross-dressing, Genderqueer."

Highly Commended: Rose van Son of Burswood "For her deft interweaving of biography, love and poetic practice while recounting the tragic story of World War One poet Edward Thomas, his wife Helen and his friend and mentor Robert Frost, Rose van Son receives a highly commended for Edward Thomas - A Story of Love and Words."

Commended: Astra Warren of Albany "For her moving and compelling story of post-World War Two immigrants Anna and Jan in which she so clearly, simply and powerfully portrays the courage and determination of those so-called ordinary people who help define Australia's national identity, Astra Warren receives a Commended for Hearts that Made a Nation."

Commended; Tina Hentisz of Mount Lawley "For her sheer exuberance and optimism, for her sense of hope and possibility, for her recognition of reality and the importance of the imagination and her subtle use of symbolism, Tina Hentisz receives a Commended for Throw me a Rose."

T

Ruth Reid, Maria Bonar and William Yeoman

WORDS OF WISDOM

o celebrate Seniors Week, Helen Iles of the Society of Women Writers WA ran writing two workshops for Seniors on 14th November 2015.

Forty-nine people attended the Life Writing workshop in the morning and twenty-four attended Publishing Your Life Story in the afternoon.

Helen Iles, President of the Society, says "This is the fourth year the Society has offered these popular workshops to older people who wish to write a memoir for publication, or simply want to record their life stories for their children and grandchildren.

“There are many seniors in the community who want to do this, but who are unsure where to begin, or how to organise their material. We were thrilled to assist so many in commencing, completing and working towards publishing their family stories and memoirs."

As usual, participants were enthusiastic about Helen's sessions, the handouts provided and the confidence they gained

to work on their life writing projects. They came from as far afield as Rockingham, Bakers Hill, Geraldton and Harvey to attend the workshops, which are now a fixture on the Society's calendar.

The next Life Writing workshop is planned for Saturday 9th April 2016.

The Society of Women Writers WA meets on the third Tuesday of the month at Citiplace except in December, when the committee has a wellearned break. Visitors are always welcome.

For enquiries about future events, workshops or membership, please telephone 0415 840 031, or visit www.swwofwa.com.

23

COMMUNITY BLACK BELTS HONOURED

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LISA SKRYPICHAYKO

Dear Sir:

Back Row L-R - Warren Hope, Tony Wray, Sensei Damien Bell, Paul Crabtree Front Row: Lisa Skrypichayko, Sensei Bob Allen, Sensei Chris Papamarkos, Leo Spiccia, Wolf Konrad (photo by Mitchell Evans)

S

wan Hills Goju Ryu Karate Club presented senior students their fifth, fourth and second degree black belt certificates, at a celebratory dinner held recently at 7th Ave Bar & Restaurant in Midland.

WA head of style for Goju Ryu Karate Australia, Sensei Bob received his own Sixth degree (dan) ranking during his last visit to Okinawa, Japan, the birthplace of karate.

"I am extremely honoured to have been awarded this very special rank, and will continue to do my best to follow the tradition of those who have gone before me", said Sensei Bob, adding "I hope that my senior students will do the same, and pass along the valuable knowledge and spirit of karate in turn".

The certificates, prepared and signed in Okinawa by world head of style Shigetoshi Seneha sensei, were presented to the recently promoted black belts.

Sensei Bob congratulated the group, reminding them how rare it is for a student to attain their black belt in the first place, and that only a very select few of these individuals continue through to higher rankings.

Chris Papmarkos, now recognised as a sensei in his own right, received his Fifth dan certificate.

Leone Spiccia and Wolf Konrad of Mundaring, and Paul Crabtree of Swan View were recognised as 4th dan senior instructors, making a total of five across the Midland and Mount Helena dojos.

Sensei Chris observed, "I have been practicing karate for thirty years, and this is a very significant moment for me", adding "I'm proud to support Sensei Bob and our dojo, and I think it's remarkable that between Sensei Bob, myself and our senior instructors we have over two hundred and twenty years' experience to offer the students".

Damien Bell (sensei at Swan Hills Goju Ryu's sister dojo in Bridgetown), Tony Wray, and Warren Hope and Lisa Skrypichayko of Stoneville, all received their Second dan certificates.

Sensei Bob Allen teaches students of all ages at his Midland and Mt Helena dojos, and is a senior kata coach for the Western Australia Karate Federation.

(L-R) Shigetoshi Seneha and Bob Allen, senseis (photo by Lisa Skrypichayko) 24

Who is really bothered about what people said in 1999?

There has been much raking over old coals and gossip on what may and may not have been said in the lead up to the 1999 Referendum, including tittle-tattle attributed to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Obviously the Palace would have been left wondering what the result of the referendum would be when faced with the almost totality of the media pushing a republic.

We should also not forget that a lot of people talking to Palace authorities on behalf of the Australian government were republicans and would therefore themselves have presented a biased picture.

When I was in London in 1999 I myself was asked what I felt would happen and my answer was that the people would come forward and reject a republic. “You’re mad” I was told “everyone says you will be a republic.”

In a later meeting the (very) senior person who had said this apologised and said “you were right and we were wrong.”

However, whatever anybody said in 1999, including the Palace, is irrelevant today.

In Australia, under the Australian Constitution, it is the people who are supreme. Not the Prime Minister, nor any politician and not the Queen. All are subject to the will of the people.

That is the beauty of our system. We use the Queen as a protector of our constitutional rights, not the other way around.

By having an unelected monarch, politicians along with their financiers and lobbyists are blocked from assuming total and absolute power and authority. All are subject to the Crown which itself is subject to the people. That is why our system works and republics don’t.

Philip Benwell National Chair Australian Monarchist League 0419 417 097

CHRISTMAS

The Publisher, Editor and Staff of Swan Magazine wish all our readers Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year Please note our office is closed until Monday, January 11th 2016

ADVERTISEMENT

Ken Wyatt MP Federal Member for Hasluck

ris tm as Wi sh ing yo u a Me rry Ch an d a Ha pp y Ne w Yea r!

Authorised by K Wyatt, 10/12 Forrestfield Marketplace, 80 Hale Rd, Forrestfield WA, 6058.

Would like to thank all our customers for their patronage during the year and wish you a

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year

Ellenbrook

Wish you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

A CHARITY DATE ROXY CALLAHAN

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he well-known Swan Valley photographic artists, The Verge Studio, consisting of Kate Sanders-Tye and Megan Ziersch have put their hearts where their skill is and producted two stunning 2016 calendars - one of ‘Perth Country Boys’ and another of ‘Retro Housewives’, both in aid of charity.

The calendars cost only $25 each and part of the proceeds from the ‘Boys’ calendar go towards The Black Dog Institute, a not-forprofit organisation and world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

The institute is named after Sir Winston Churchill’s famous name for his fits of depression ‘the black dog’.

As well as buying a calendar, we’d like to suggest a visit to their website which is both interesting and informative: www. blackdoginstitute.org.au The ‘Housewives’ calendar’s part proceeds go towards supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Research Program.

Details of the Program’s excellent work

can be found on their website: hwww.nbcf.org.au To order either of these delightful calendars either drop into the Verge Studio behind Taylors Art Studio and Cafe (and maybe have a coffee, too), browse through the displays and pick up your calendar or order one on line here: www. vergestudio.com.au/packages/calendar in either case be sure not to miss out on the perfect gifts and give three times - to the lucky recipient, to a local business and to a worthwhile charity.

25

CHRISTMAS OH LOVELY, SOCKS. AGAIN

I

think we can all agree that Christmas loses something of its gloss about the time we go from putting carrots out for Santa’s reindeer to worrying if the turkey will be big enough for all the family.

Having said that, there is still enough of a small child inside all of us at the sight of a gaily wrapped present with our name on.

It would take a pre-reformation Scrooge to push a present to one side with a ‘bah, humbug’

LESLIE HERBERT without a surreptitious squeeze to see if it really is a book or maybe a box of chocolates.

The pressure is on at this time of year to spend, spend, spend. But on what? Surely Dad doesn’t want Argyle socks again? Mind you he must love them, he has so many pairs.

And maybe Granny may not want yet another bottle of 4711 Lavender Water, despite her big smile when she opens it.

Most of these gaffes can be avoided with just a little more thought, and a little less running around like a turkey at the approach of Thanksgiving.

An aspect to consider is that by buying local you’re not only giving to the receiver, but to a small, local business as well, making a happier Christmas all round.

Book collectors are the absolute easiest - book tokens. Forget the idea that the gift’s impersonal impersonal is very much better than getting your fifth copy of Fifty Shades of Grey (a hairdressing manual, I am given to understand).

If the intended recipient of the gift you think would like something computer-y, you cannot do better than visit the website www.thinkgeek.com which has everything for your favourite geek from Star Wars Glowing Lightsabre Ice Popsicle makers to the Bat’leth Letter Opener (a Klingon sword, thank you very much) and a Death Star tea infuser.

For the more family minded, a group family portrait is a gift that gives forever. Time goes by so swiftly that in the blink of an eye that toddler today becomes the Iron Man star tomorrow and a family man with children of his own next week.

A family photo now keeps that memory green for all time. Verge Studios have the hugely talented Kate Sanders-Tye and a sitting costs less than you would expect.

For the more traditional gift of an ornament or decoration unusual gifts can be found at Willow House in Sawyers Valley where they specialise in the unusual collectable and shabby chic.

Wine lovers are easy to buy for here in the Perth Hills and Swan Valley. Good boutique 26

wineries abound and you can have a great deal of pleasure shopping and browsing through what’s on offer. In addition many of the wineries have art for sale, and craft, too..

Craft markets are a great place to find unique, good quality, handmade gifts for Christmas and best of all you’re supporting local businesses and artisans.

There’s nothing worse than walking around a shopping mall all day looking for “the perfect present” only to buy some generic meaningless gift that will likely end up in the back of a cupboard somewhere.

Everything we have spoken about so far costs actual money, but as my old mum used to say, ‘The best gift you can give is your time’. So if money is tight, or even if it isn’t, think about giving your loved ones certificates redeemable for ‘a back rub’, or ‘a trip to the beach’, or even ‘a hug’.

For elderly relatives the offer of a shopping outing once a month is of far more use than a new toaster or a chocolate fountain.

Home-made gifts are not a cheap way out, but for every stitch in a home-made jumper, or every line in a drawing of the family dog, the person creating it has been thinking of you.

The one thing you should never, ever buy as a surprise gift is an animal. Never give anything alive as a gift without discussing it

with the person you’re giving it to, understanding that a ‘kitten isn’t just for Christmas’.

And if you have discussed it and they really want, and will look after, a companion animal, do please think about a rescue animal, rather than buying from a pet shop. SAFE and the Cat Haven have a very wide range of lovely animals looking for homes.

But whatever you do, however much or however little you spend, please be kind to one another and remember those who do not have a family at this, the most family time of the year.

Be safe, happy and have a wonderful festive season.

Photographs courtesy of Willow House Country Living

COMMUNITY

G

GIVING CHEWSDAY

iving Tuesday - the global day dedicated to celebrating generosity and giving back – will have special significance this year for the team at PetRescue, Australia’s most visited charity website.

December 1, 2015 marked the start of the animal rescue organisation’s Christmas campaign – Giving Chewsday - which will run for two weeks with the aim of helping 5,000 homeless pets across Australia to find their forever home by Christmas Day. And for animal lovers willing to make a donation of $10 or more to support PetRescue’s lifesaving work during the event, a free voucher for a bag of ‘Yours Droolly’ dog treats will also be sent to one of the charity’s registered foster groups, pounds or shelters, for a homeless hound to enjoy while they’re patiently waiting for their new family.

PetRescue Co-founder John Bishop says every cent counts towards helping to find 5,000 homes for pets in need this Christmas.

“Last year PetRescue helped to find more than 4,500 homes across Australia for animals in need between December 1 and Christmas Day. And this year we’re on a mission to top our personal best and help to get 5,000 pets currently in foster care, pounds or shelters a home

by Christmas day.

“To help us with this campaign, we’re really stoked that our friends at PETstock, and their supplier Masterpet, have donated $25,000 worth of ‘Yours Droolly’ dog treats, which will mean that every animal lover who makes a donation over $10 will also be ensuring a pack of delicious treats is

delivered to a dog waiting patiently for a new home this Christmas.”

PetRescue’s statistics show that an estimated 75,000 pets have already been adopted via the website in 2015. However, in Australia, around 25% of dogs and 56% of cats that enter pounds and shelters are still killed because homes aren’t found for them.

“Our vision is to create a ‘no-kill’ future for Australian rescue pets in shelters and pounds,” adds Mr Bishop. “And with the support of animal lovers across Australia, the team here at PetRescue

is relentless in our pursuit to help another 5,000 homeless pets before the end of the year.”

The GivingChewsday campaign will run between December 1 and 15. To donate, go to www.petrescue.com.au PetRescue provides free support to assist rescue groups in their mission to save homeless pets from being killed in Australia’s pounds. The organisation now helps around 900 individual groups rehome more than 6,500 pets every month.

Photographs by K9K ate Pet Photography

HYPERFEST 2016

S

ydney based metal-core heavyweights Northlane and Brisbanites, Ball Park Music and DZ Deathrays will be joined by The Love Junkies, The Brow, Horror My Friend, Marksman Lloyd, Pat Chow and more for an aural assault on Midland Oval this February.

Fresh from their successful Australian tour of their ARIA chart-topping and genre-defying third album Node, Northlane will tear apart Midland Oval with exciting new tracks Rot, Impulse and Obelisk.

Ball Park Music join us after a hugely successful eighteen months following the release of their third studio album, Puddinghead, countless tours and festival appearances.

Celebrate and rejoice in the love, loss and banalities of suburban Australian life with crowd favourites She Only Loves Me When I’m There and Everything is Shit Except my Friendship with You. DZ Deathrays have come a long way from the first house party gig that they formed for.

In the past few years, the ARIA Award winning, indie/thrash two-piece has toured overseas relentlessly, winning loyal fans the world over with their roof-lifting live show, debut album Bloodstreams and their 2014 release Black Rat. Perth’s biggest and best drug, smoke and alcohol free all-ages festival, HyperFest, will feature two live main stages, foam dance pit, sideshow alley market, live art battles, silent disco beach party chill out stage, gourmet food vans, water slides, dunk tank, photo booth, games, rides, live graph wall, merch and signing tent for all of your favourite artists.

City of Swan Mayor, Mick Wainwright, said HyperFest provided many opportunities for youth development.

“The Hyper Team of volunteers, under the direction of City staff, should be commended for the great job they do in bringing this event to fruition and it is great to see their success in continuing to build the festival,” he said.

Midland/Guildford Ward Councillor, Mark Elliott, said local bands would also be given an opportunity to shine at HyperFest.

“This year more than a hundred and fifty local bands and forty DJs applied to secure a spot on the HyperFest line-up, with bands from all over Australia applying to play at the gig,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to announce that locals The Hunting Birds, Surroundings, Young Robin, Dropbears, Jamboo, Ratking, Dan Cribb and the Isolated, Iceage Sugar, Solution, Small Town Heroes, Ready to Fire and The Keeblers are joining our amazing top order on the day.”

Local DJs will also be on the decks all day in the silent disco beach party, with the line-up including Branxy, Teflon, Madzz, Boston Switch, Valour, Willco, Crumbd n Seasond, Gambol, Mat Frankland, DJ Didier, Mikonic, Six Sense and DJ Rich.

HyperFest will take over Midland Oval on Saturday 20 February from 12am to 9pm.

27

GORDON THE OPTOM THEATRE REVIEWS

operated smoothly by Stephen Marr and James Glasson. Julie Hickling and Alexis Marr’s sound design was clever with subtle low-level bird sounds from the auditorium speakers – placing the audience in the garden.

Three aging members of a world famous operatic quartet have fallen on hard times and, thanks to charity support, now live at Beecham House.

Despondent baritone, Reg (Kim Taylor) sits fuming Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. at Matron’s (Lesley Broughton)

- Helen K eller control on his eating habits – especially breakfast.

He consoles himself by uartet is a hilarious and poignant play by silently doing a jigsaw. Across renowned British playwright, Sir Ronald the room, dippy but loveable ‘Ron’ Harwood. The play opened in London’s soprano, Cissy (Kerry Goode) – West End in 1999 and ran for an incredible four who was a bit of a girl in her months. time – sits with her eyes closed, Then in 2000, the play opened in Helsinki, listening to her CD player unaware that becoming the most popular play in Finnish the wickedly funny larrikin, Wilf (Douglas theatres of the decade, every show being sold out Sutherland-Bruce) lusts after her body. In for years. fact, the tenor of the group, Wilf hungers after This Kalamunda Dramatic Society’s two and every woman. However, Cissy much prefers a half hour performance starts at 8.00 pm at the lithe young men like Nobby (Jason Millman) Kalamunda Theatre, Barber Street, Kalamunda – the gardener. Wilf seems to receive most affection and attention from Bobby Swanson (Les Marshall), still struggling after 60 years to come out of the closet.

Cissy returns from a wander around the home, searching for the latest gossip. She has just learnt that there is a new inmate in the house, non-other than the fourth member of their quartet, feisty Jean (Anita Bound). Jean was the contralto star of their group, but she is now a broken and miserable woman.

Cissy’s surprise news brings mixed feelings to the group, Wilf is happy but Reg is horrified, because Jean and Cissy (Anita Bound and Kerry Goode) Jean was his only wife and love.

50 years later, he still has trouble be warned the car park has disappeared, being coping with their breakup. Perhaps if they replaced by a tasteless concrete monolith. join in the retirement home’s celebration, by The time is early October 1993, the one reforming their quartet and singing together, hundred and eightieth anniversary of Verdi’s their ‘good old days’ may return. birth. The scene is a sitting room / music room in Beecham House, a retirement home set up As the promotional material said, ‘this is a for elderly, famous musicians and singers by Sir script that could be an inert embarrassment if performed by less accomplished players’, how Thomas Beecham.

The carpeted room has pale green and peach very true. walls. With a fine collection of props (Jason The script demands, humour, tragedy, Millman), it looks the genuine article. There are sadness, even a little lust – and so the list goes posters of famous classical concerts on the walls. on – but with the magnificent cast breathing life The furniture comprises a writing desk and a into every second, the play comes alive. solid oak sideboard, with several comfortable You don’t have to be old to appreciate chairs and a settee. Various musical instruments the predicament of the inmates. Lonely and frustrated they fight in their own way with their are lying around.

The apron of the stage represents a paved aging bodies, whilst determined to have fun and veranda garden outside the music room’s French attempt to regain their much admired youth.

The director is Terry Hackett, one of WA’s doors. Set design Rose Weighell and Jan Taylor.

The lighting design was quite simple, but most competent leaders; she has been recognised

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Wilf (Douglas Sutherland-Bruce)

numerous times in the Finley Awards. Terry has chosen an outstanding cast, whose names also appear frequently in the nomination and winners’ section of the awards.

KADS is a small theatre, around seventy seats, but Terry has employed every inch of the stage and turned the auditorium into ‘a busy garden’, this made the whole action much more exciting.

Clever skilling.

Poor Douglas lost a very good friend on the morning of the show I saw, but like the true trouper that he was on the stage, with a performance that was both hilarious and flawless.

His heartfelt delivery of the foibles of old age had many audience members nodding sympathetically.

Kerry Goode was given the bubbly, excitable part of Cissy. One minute, as the Alzheimer’s took over, she was hugging her friends on their arrival home, when most had not even left the room; then totally confused, she would fall asleep, drugged, in the chair. Kerry excelled in the last scene.

Anita Bound had a complex part, upset at the quartet’s proposed reunion, whilst optimistically trying in her stubborn way to unite with her ex-husband. Anita had passages of fast moving dialogue, and next she would be struggling with her aging body, trying in her mind to find some logic. A very moving performance, with a superb final act.

Kim Taylor, as the shunned husband, had hilarious, well-timed, wild outbursts – mainly at Matron – and yet still he manged to show his deep love for his long lost wife. In one scene Kim had to give a bold and assured monologue, before crumbling back to his usual withdrawn state.

This stage play seemed far funnier and possibly bawdier than the film, whether the scripts were different or was it the enormous skills of the director and her outstanding cast?

The pace, chemistry, comedy delivery and sad passages were all performed with colossal skill.

I suspect there will be even more Finley Award nominations from this production.

[Photographs by Bewley Shaylor of Czar Photography]

THEATRE REVIEWS

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abes in the Wood is one of the oldest and most loved children’s pantomimes. The Graduate Dramatic Society is at the comfortable Roleystone Theatre, 587 Brookton Highway, Roleystone presenting Stephen Quinn’s adaptation of the story, in the traditional style.

Stephen was brought up – even dragged up – in south London, taking an interest in theatre from a young age. He is one of WA’s leading directors covering many serious genres, and yet his pantomime scripts have all the madcap, dry, doubleentendres of the much-loved, old style UK productions.

The two and a half hour performances commence at 8.00 pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights until the 19th December; there are also matinees at 2.00 pm on the Saturday afternoons.

The opening scene is a colourful village street, with a cottage centre stage. The proscenium arch and the side flats are beautifully painted, woodland scenery. Set design and construction by Jonathan Beckett, with set artwork by Rebecca MacKinlay.

We join the villagers of a small hamlet near Nottingham as they celebrate at their summer fayre. The lively chorus enjoy their Maypole dancing (Choreographer Glynis Best), whilst the engaging and flamboyant, Dame Martha (Barry Park) and her talking, multitalented dog, Woofy (George O’Doherty) introduce us to the locals.

There is Lady Marian (Sarah Courtis) who is the governess to Sir John’s children, Jane (Sienna Freeman) and Jeremy (Charlie Martin). Sir John’s wife vanished years ago, and sadly, now Sir John himself has disappeared.

The evil Sherriff of Nottingham (Kerri Hilton) has the task of sorting out Sir John’s affairs and his Will, and the Sherriff has decreed that in the meanwhile the children should stay with their mercenary and miserable uncle, Sir Jasper (Grant Malcolm).

When Jasper discovers that he will inherit all of his brother’s money if the children die, he hires two layabouts Abbott (Neale Paterson) and Gillard (Fiona Johnson) to take the children into the forest and kill them. Luckily, the fairy of the forest, Titania (Lis Hoffman) sees what is happening and sends two magical robins (Eliza Malcolm, Mercy Anthony) to guard them.

Two of the villagers, the Old

Crone (Lynda Butler) who works for Sir Jasper, and her friend Smith (Steele Fitzsimmons) hear from a poor girl, wearing a tattered dress, Rags (Neve Havercroft) of Jasper’s dastardly plan.

Suspecting that Jasper and the Sherriff may be working together, they avoid the Sherriff’s guard (Glynis Best)

a’ Dale (Sarah Callahan), the confused Will Scarlett (Julia Anthony) – or is he another scarlet? Their young helper, ‘the Kid’ (Hannah Horsley), accompanies them.

Director Stephen Lee obviously knows the true traditional pantos inside out. His hilarious script was cleverly written on two levels, one for the kids to appreciate and the other full of groan-worthy jokes for the broadminded parents.

Stephen has obviously captured the respect of the cast, as they gave the show their all. Not for a second did even the youngest chorus member look bored or miss a cue, the cast was one strong unit.

A Dame to love and a nasty person for everyone to boo and hiss are essential; Barry Park’s ‘Dame’ was magnificent, immediately winning the affection of the audience.

Grant Malcolm’s ‘nasty uncle’ was brilliantly conceived, with an eye patch – that changed sides throughout – a deformity, scruffy clothes and a weird walk – topped off with a booming rasping voice that invited numerous ‘boos’. Great teamwork.

Thigh-slapping Mel Kay, with her subtle costume ‘problems’ (a bow and quiver that never seemed to be in quite the correct place), was perceptive, subtle humour.

Her singing, along with that of Sarah and Rags, was beautiful.

One of the stars of the show was young Felix Malcolm, who could project his voice, change accents and act confidently – admirable.

Likewise, the two ‘babes in the wood’ and Rags can be very proud; all three had great stage presence.

It seems almost unfair to name some of the actors, as they ALL sang, danced and lived their parts wonderfully. There was even a brief slapstick piece, and some adventurous aerial atre e T he n o t s work. ly o R y of Stage manager Daniel Ramsell, assisted ur tes o c s gr ap h

by ASM Rod Padget and a sizeable crew, were quick Photo and look and efficient. for the help of the forest The lighting effects were very good, congrats to dweller, Robin Hood (Mel Kay). operator Jamie Cook and his Follow Spot operator

Soon Robin has gathered his Merry Nina O’Doherty. Perhaps dim the lights when the Men. There is Friar Tuck (Bill Connellan), set changes are taking place? the small but brave, Little John (Felix The sound design by Ian O’Doherty is very Malcolm), flour covered, Much the Miller good, with numerous ‘boom booms’ to emphasise (Sharon Malcolm), the musical, Alan the corny punchlines. The backing music (musical arranger Nick Choo) was at a sensible level for the cast to sing comfortably, without battling an earsplitting band.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Merri Ford and Maddy Connellan’s costumes GORDON THE OPTOM were colourful and creative. Hideous outfits for the Gordon is widely recognised as one Dame, and beautiful for Marian. Woofy’s big black of the most prolific theatre reviewers and white dog suit must have been crippling to in Perth. He patrons all kinds of live wear, but George was still amazingly acrobatic. theatre productions, from professional A fun show for all of the family. Very clever, to amateur, and has probably been to great to see the panto traditions being carried on more opening nights than The Queen. with such finesse.

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ENTERTAINMENT NEXT TO NORNAL - REVIEW

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rought to you by Black Swan State Theatre Company, Next to Normal is a Tony award winning musical which has riveted audiences across the world and now makes its Black Swan debut in Perth.

With a cast of prodigiously talented actors, Next to Normal (directed by Adam Mitchell) deals with the troubles of family life coupled with the problems of bipolar and depression.

Diana Goodman is a normal wife and mother who ultimately tries to keep her family together despite her crippling mental illness which include hallucinations.

All in all, I found that this was a great production with truly talented actors coupled with a fantastic production crew which helped to bring this award winning musical to the Perth audience. The set was minimalist and did not require much furniture to convince me that it was a suburban home but the amazing part was yet to come; it came complete with two revolving floors; one within the other.

This was an extremely clever way of creating a sense of movement during songs without incorporating elaborate dance sequences and allowed a swift and unique exit and entrance point for actors to use. A live six piece band provides music for the performance and they played beautifully.

Unfortunately some technical issues throughout the night disrupted the audience’s enjoyment, but apart from these small issues, the

CHANTELLE PITT performance was definitely outstanding.

If I had to choose stand out performers, I would send a large congratulations to Shannen Alyce (Natalie Goodman) and James Bell (Gabe Goodman) whose performances were compelling to say the least but every actor in this production was equally as amazing and I send out my congratulations to each and every one.

In Next to Normal there are plot twists within plot twists and I can say that I had to fight back tears on more than one occasion. I could not recommend this production more than I do but I will definitely try.

This is a play that will tug at the heartstrings and entice you to journey along with this ‘far from normal’ family.

Photograph courtesy of Gary Marsh Photography

KOOKABURRA DECEMBER PROGRAMME Irrational Man (M) Comedy/Drama Screens: Friday 18th December only Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Parker Posey.

Philosophy professor Abe Lucas (Phoenix) is at rock bottom emotionally. Soon after arriving to teach at a small town college, Abe gets involved with two women: Rita Richards (Posey) a lonely professor who wants to be rescued from her unhappy marriage and Jill Pollard (Stone), his best student, who becomes his closest friend.

While Jill loves her boyfriend Roy (Jamie Blackley) she finds Abe’s tortured, artistic personality and exotic past irresistible. Even as Abe displays signs of mental imbalance, Jill’s fascination grows. Everything changes when Abe and Jill overhear a stranger’s conversation and become drawn in.

Oddball (G) Family comedy Screens: Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th, Monday 28th December Stars: Sarah Snook, Alan Tudyk, Coco Jack Gillies, Deborah Mailman, Terry Camilleri, Shane Jacobson A delightful Australian movie and true story about Swampy (Shane Jacobson), an eccentric chicken farmer who, with the help of his granddaughter Olivia (Coco Jack Gillies), trains his mischievous dog Oddball to protect a wild penguin sanctuary from fox attacks in an attempt to reunite his family, keep his daughter Emily (Sarah Snook) close by, and save their seaside town.

Woman In Gold (M) Drama Screens: Saturday 19th December only Stars: Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl, Katie Holmes.

Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family. (Based on a true story) Parkerville Amphitheatre: Sets, Bugs & Rock N Roll Screens: Sunday 20th December only From it’s opening in 1971 until it closed in 2001, the Parkerville Ampitheatre was the brainchild of artistic visionary John Joseph Jones who dedicated the space to providing a platform for alternative art, music and performance in Perth.

This now all but forgotten phenomenon, overgrown and derelict, has been brought back to life by exploring the personalities that inhabited this special place.

The producers will be present to provide a short commentary prior to the screening.

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5 Flights Up (M) Screens: Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd January Stars: Diane Keaton, Morgan Freeman A husband and wife spend a hectic weekend pondering the sale of the apartment they’ve shared for more than forty years.

ENTERTAINMENT WHY ACTORS ACT

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here is a story that when Sir Lawence Olivier and Dustin Hoffman were working together on Marathon Man, at the wrap-party Hoffman asked Olivier ‘Why do we put ourselves through this torment?’

Olivier put his hands on the table in front of Hoffman, leaned in and said ‘Look at me, look at me, look at me!’

And to a degree there is, must be, a degree of show-off in every actor but there is so much more that drives dedicated actors and directors.

The simple truth is that theatre’s origin and only real reason to exist is to educate and entertain, from Thespis, the first actor to speak on stage in Greek drama, through the Morality plays to modern cries of anguish of the oppressed and disenfranchised such as those penned by Athol Fugard, Augusto Boal, Harold Pinter, even Samuel Beckett.

Entertainment is the sugar that coasts the bitter gall of education and instruction and the more skillful the writer, the less the medicine shows.

But make no mistake, plays can illuminate problems, shine light in places goverments would prefer remain in darkness and change lives. I well remember the first time I saw Fugard’s play Boesman and Lena, in an illicit performance in a basement, powerful and revelatory.

Even plays we think of as pure fluff and nonesense often have a kernel of truth at their heart - My Fair Lady, or more properly Pygmalion,

DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE the original play, has some serious things to say about class and perception.

The common thread in powerful and moving plays as well as the light and fluffy is that they require good acting and good direction to make them work. Both of these are very greatly aided by costumes, lighting, sound and all the other luxuries of modern theatre.

But Macbeth is a powerful play in broad daylight without props or wardrobe. I ahve seen it performed by Zulu actors in the Zulu language and traditional dress, and it was, if possible, even more powerful than usual.

So what are the tools that an actor has at his or her disposal? Firstly the methods of delivery - voice, body language, stance, tone, accent and projection and the stagecraft to best present this to an audience.

Secondly the work that gets done before an actor is ever seen by an audience; reading the script, understanding what the author intends and means, presenting it in the way in which it will be most clear and intelligible for an audience in the most effective way of conveying the emotion or information to its viewers.

This, of course, includes film, but bear in mind film is a restrictive medium in that the director choses what the viewer sees, whereas in the theatre the viewer decides what they are going to look at - which actor they’ll watch, which action they’ll focus on and the viewer decides which action is important, as distinct from a

film’s director’s vision with camera angles, focus, background music and the like.

In one way this makes it harder for a stage actor, but another it is essentially freeing in that you have fewer limitations, more and greater scope.

Bette Davis famously said ‘Old age isn’t for sissys’, but neither is acting. To get good requires hard work and dedication and training.

Anyone can learn lines and stand on a stage and recite them, but learning which words to stress, how to make them heard at the back, to discover their true meaning and best present them to an audience is an intensely rewarding, temporary, shared experience.

For all good acting is just that, a compact between actors and audience that exists for the period of the performance. At it’s best, it is a shared experience unique, fleeting and intimate.

The skills required to be an actor are also very much those required for a whole range of other occupations - model, speaker, salesperson, lecturer and so on.

In addition there are other benefits, clarity of thought, self-confidence, self-possession and improved understanding of texts. Life skills, really that help you better understand yourself and others.

If you’re looking for fame, for recognition, for applause, for awards they may come, they may not. But if you want to be an actor for only these things, don’t.

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EDUCATION

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ART IN THE PERTH HILLS THIS MONTH AT MAC CLARE STROUD

EXHIBITIONS GALLERY 1 BEING HERE - MADELEINE CLEAR Until 20th December 2015 Since her days as a student, the bush has been a recurring subject for Madeleine, through its wide vistas and intriguing minutiae, as well as the creatures that live there. This retrospective demonstrates her development as an artist, her passion for her local environment and celebrates nearly sixty years of living in the hills environment, through exquisite works in charcoal, pastel and mixed media.

GALLERY 2 GIFTED - ARTISTS IN FOCUS Until 20th December 2015 Leading into the festive season, Gallery 2 continues our Artists in Focus program with Gifted. Artists ‘pop-up’ for a week each to offer an insight into their creative practices as well as offering small artworks perfect for gifting.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING Christmas is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to visit MAC in preparation.

Over the coming weeks our Shop will have lots of new objects arriving just in time for Christmas preparations. Here is just a small selection of gorgeous gifts in beautiful blues!

Narayani Palmer ceramic vessels $85 each, Shelley Cowper 'Misty Morning' unique state silk screen and mono print $650, Vibe Ceramics Studio bell bowls $20 each and geo mug $35, Trudi Pollard shibori silk scarf $92, Three Poppys enamel and sterling silver earrings $115 and necklace $220, Silvana Ferrario Colours of WA - 5 glass bowl $385.

WOWA PERFORMANCE 2015 The Worn Out Worn Art 2015 Wearable Art Performance was as amazing as ever this year.

The combined creative talent of students from Kalamunda Senior High, Helena College, the Mundaring Girl Guides and Jessica Jubb’s school holiday Amazing Head Dress Workshop gave us a fiesta of the recycled.

Students created their costumes in workshops with local artists exploring themes including the harmful effects of drug use on the body, environmental issues, architectural forms and fashion styles of the 30s and 50s.

The parade was opened by local musician

Annika Moses performing a soul capella medley on the loop pedal. More than sixty-five students followed, parading their costumes made from discarded materials.

The event was a celebration of imagination, creativity and inventiveness. Thanks to everyone who took part and the teachers, volunteers and

artists who helped make WOWA 2015 a huge success.

ADVANCE NOTICE Shire Of Mundaring Open Art Acquisition Exhibition. 18th March to 17th April 2016 The Acquisition Exhibition for 2016 is an open event, for which artists are invited to respond to the theme of Migration and Settlement by making works that tell their stories of connection to place.

Referencing earlier histories, influences and the changing nature of the area, artists with a close regional connection, or with Indigenous or multi-cultural heritage, are encouraged to interpret the impact on land and people of these rich cultural backgrounds and its’ bearing on the Hills we now know.

Individuals with a close connection to the Mundaring community, as well as those who have made a contribution to its character are welcome to participate.

For all the details, to complete an online entry or to download an entry form visit our website: www.mundaringartscentre.com.au MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOW DUE Help us continue to provide community arts services to the region and become a member of the Mundaring Arts Centre community for only $48 per annum.

In addition to knowing you are contributing to a not-for-profit membership based arts organisation and supporting local artists, you will receive a great range of discounts including 10% discount in our Shop, on our workshops, event invitations, information and exclusive offers.

2015/2016 Memberships are now due and are valid until 31 October 2016.

MUNDARING ARTS CENTRE Come in to discover the latest exhibitions and a wide range of locally made, hand crafted pieces, many of which are exclusive to the Mundaring Arts Centre Viewing Hours

10am - 5pm Tues – Fri 11am - 3pm Sat & Sun Closed Mon & P/Holidays + 25 Dec-13 Feb

7190 Great Eastern Highway (corner Nichol Street) Mundaring WA 6073 | T: +61 8 9295 3991 www.mundaringartscentre.com.au

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STYLE BY KIRSTY A VERY STYLISH CHRISTMAS

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KIRSTY NOAKES $100, they are an ideal gift for a stylish mum. www. jessicabratich.com

Love Christmas. It’s the time we tend to stop and take check of the year that was.

We say thank you to the special people in our lives and we even reach out to help Deon Dane Watches those we’ve never met and will never meet.

Many of us will choose It’s a time for giving. Giving of your heart watches as gifts this and, well it’s the truth, giving of your Christmas, so this wallet. year choose Deon We’re going to spend this month Dane’s modern so let’s stop for a minute and have a minimalistic, unisex think about where we’ll be opening our designs from right here in wallets this year.

Perth.

The shops in the mall aren’t going to These watches are miss a few dollars here and there. But to a stunning and retail at only local small business owner, your Christmas $139 with free shipping. The watch bands dollars mean the world.

I like to think of it this way… when I buy are made from Kangaroo hide, the strongest yet locally I’m giving two presents, a gift to someone softest leather – who knew? My favourites are the I love (of extraordinary value and quality) and a marble face ones. Fab! www.deondane.com gift to the local designer who made it – investment in their brand and their future.

The beauty of this story is that some of the most stylish gifts this Christmas come from our very own back yard. Given the choice, I would still pick these brands because of their style, quality and price point.

It is my absolute greatest pleasure to make it easy for you to buy local this Christmas. Here’s my guide to a Very Stylish Local Christmas…

Jessica Bratich Handbags I’m head over heels for vegan handbag designer Jessica Bratich.

From evening clutches to work satchels Jessica’s designs are as stylish as they PET are functional and I want every one of them!

Even Mel B has some! Retailing from $30 – I love Perth designer Storm Wyness and her label PET. Apart from the amazing resort wear on offer, these gorgeous pj’s pictured are perfect for Christmas. Available through www. thecliquearcade.com.au the home of all things Australian designer.

Wishful Thinking Clothing My new favourite men’s wear label! This is the Australian version of Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren. It’s more of a culture than a label, a lifestyle not an outfit.

This is a label designed for men, by men and you can tell. With cool T’s from $30, stunning polos and business shirts from $60 and $70 the style is right and so is the price.

I’ve already ordered mine for my hubby . www. wishfulthinkingclothing. com

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Something Special Did you know that right in our very own Swan Valley we have a designer who has shown in Paris, London, Vancouver and New York and appeared in Vogue?

Eco Fashion designer and artist Zuhal Kuvan-Mills works from her Alpaca farm in the Valley and travels all over the world with her collections for Green Embassy.

Recently Zuhal added men’s silk ties to her current collection Silent Rainforest.

If you’re looking for something extra special for that man in your life a one off silk tie may just do it. www. greenembassy.com.au And last but certainly by no means least, Monique Morley is a young and exciting designer pushing the envelope on designer lingerie. I love this lady for her energy, vivacity and style. If there is a special lady in your life and you’re after something unique and divine, choose from Monique’s amazing lingerie label Intimates by Monique. www.intimatesbymonique. com I hope that I’ve given you some inspiration to buy locally this year. Remember, it’s not just fashion, there are plenty of stores, boutiques and markets selling local fare. As a new mum of gorgeous little twins I truly understand the pull of the big malls and one stop shopping.

This year, for my home, my family and these amazing small businesses that I believe in so much, I’ll take some extra and give the gifts that give in more ways than one. I hope you do too!

Merry, merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Much love to you for a stylish, safe and heartfelt Christmas xox.

FINANCE GRATTAN’S MARCH OF FAIRNESS STEVE BLIZARD

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ince Malcolm Turnbull ascended to the Prime Ministership, we’re been repeatedly told that "everything is on the table".

We are to be "agile" and flexible on policy, open to all sorts of new ideas.

New Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison, has led the charge that with the collapse of revenue bases the government needs to restrain spending.

One think-tank that’s increasingly coming to the rescue of the Treasurer is the Melbourne-based Grattan Institute.

Billed as Australia's answer to the prestigious US Brookings Institution, the Grattan Institute began with two $15 million endowments from the Rudd Labor Government and Victoria’s Bracks Labor Government.

BHP Billiton also provided $4 million, and the institute enjoys rent-free floor premises from the University of Melbourne, in a nearby building just off Grattan Street in Carlton.

The institute is the brainchild of ex-Victorian public service scion Terry Moran, who was picked by Mr Rudd to head the Prime Minister’s Department after which the Institute got the green light for Federal Labor funding.

The Institute’s board controls the endowment, with funds invested and income derived to fund twenty-nine staffers and researchers.

Headed by ex-McKinsyite, John Daley, Grattan is indisputably Australia’s richest think-tank, with its current asset holding valued at just over $40 million.

For the year ended 2014-15, the institute’s operating expenditure as running at $5 million annually.

Notable Board members include the Prime Minister’s wife, Lucy Turnbull, ABC TV’s Geraldine Doogue, BHP Billiton’s CEO Andrew McKenzie, and Mr Chris Eccles, secretary of the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Eccles held senior executive positions in the NSW Labor State Government during 2011-14, and South Australia’s between 2009 and 2011.

The institute's backers have claimed that its main point of difference would be its level of funding and absence of, and freedom from, a guiding ideology.

However, in recent years, this claim that the institute would remain free of government influence, despite the substantial start-up funding provided by the Labor-run state and federal governments, have begun wearing thin.

higher super incomes”.

The fact that most retirees have paid all forms of tax all through their working life, in addition to somehow finding the funds to outlay for GST, health insurance, medications, rates and Government charges in retirement, appears to have escaped Daley’s attention.

The institute proposed limiting pre-tax annual contributions to superannuation accounts to a meagre $11,000 per person, and to tax investment earnings in retirement.

Economist and columnist, Professor Judith Sloan, shone a spotlight on this contention with the following cute response: “and how dare people die with assets intact, including some of their superannuation. Evidently we should ask ourselves whether we want tax-preferred super to become bequests.”

Apparently “old people are self-serving, silly old duffers who bizarrely want to leave something to their children” she continued.

balance sheets and supposedly cut the federal deficit.

Nowhere in the report was it suggested that cuts be made in government spending.

COSTELLO WARNING In a recent newspaper column, Former Treasurer Peter Costello has labelled the Liberal MPs advocating for fifty percent increase in the GST, as “hotheads”, and warned Mr Turnbull against such an increase to the next federal election.

Mr Costello said a GST increase would swamp every other election issue and urged caution about targeting superannuation tax concessions.

"It would make 2016 the fourth election over GST," he said.

"The Coalition is flirting with higher tax on superannuation.

“The longer it does, the more it will give ground to Labor on the issue".

Clearly Costello is challenging the political wisdom of allowing everything to remain “on the GRATTAN’S AGED PENSIONER HIT In December 2014, Grattan Institute released table”. its “Wealth of Generations” report which proposed greater alleged “fairness” through tighter targeting REDISTRIBUTION of the Age Pension, reducing superannuation tax One could be facetious and suggest that concessions and a shift to increase taxes on assets Grattan, a recipient of $30 million of taxpayers in order to redress the balance. funds should share in this unfair largess by As further evidence of it growing influence distributing say $20 million of that amount to over Coalition policy, guaranteed by a deal with privately funded think tanks such as the Institute the Greens, the 2015 Federal Budget essentially of Public Affairs, the Centre of Independent implemented these proposals.

Studies, and the Brisbane based Australian Self-funded pensioners who worked hard to Institute for Progress. accumulate assets over $500,000, are set to be That would be real fairness. hit with massive Aged Pension cuts, legislated to Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities commence 1 January 2017.

GST REDISTRIBUTION – GRATTAN STYLE On December 6th, the institute released its GST reform package, designed to raise more revenue.

Grattan proposes boosting the GST to 15 percent so as to raise an estimated extra $27 billion to help the poor, made “fair” by boosting welfare payments.

This increase would also provide income tax cuts, allocate $11 billion to boost state government

COMMANDEERING COALITION SUPERANNUATION POLICY In a December 3rd opinion column in The Australian, Grattan’s John Daley boasted that “Scott Morrison is now on board, declaring that the purpose of superannuation should not be to facilitate estate planning or allow millions to be squirrelled away tax-free in retirement”.

He went on to say that it was unfair that “younger wage earners on $40,000 a year are paying far more tax than retirees do on much 35

THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind Each week approximately 600,000 of us, me disappointments.

included, plonked down on our couches and spent an hour watching ten families, sitting on their couches, watching television. Worm hole anyone?

With news of a third season being commissioned I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hadron Collider was rebooting this very second, cranking up for another big bang in the hope that we might get it right next time.

March saw the extraordinary feat of Australia being invited into the Eurovision Song Contest.

Represented by the immensely talented Guy Sebastian (another product of Reality Television), GLENNYS MARSDON we not only made it into the grand final we finished fifth, fifth! What’s more, having shared ecember signals summer, last minute panic and hopefully a few moments of reflection. As I ponder the year that was, I find myself thinking of 2015 as the Year of Reality.

2015 arrived in the wake of the sad passing of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes and the unfathomable actions at the Lindt Café. Two events that defied belief. Life had changed and as the New Year’s Eve fireworks dissipated, we hungered for a better year. We craved a place of peace and kindness for all. But where could we head for solace in our toys and played nicely with the other the meantime? countries, we were invited back.

The answer came from an The year was off to a good start. unlikely source … television, More importantly in March the Lindt particularly Reality Television.

Café reopened its doors and we Across the nation we ran away from rejoiced as normality took its first our lives and into the mind-numbing tentative steps back in. escapism of Reality Television.

Three months later we were In February 1.9 million of us beside ourselves with joy and watched the premier of I’m A Celebrity Crocodile Dundee like possibilities, Get Me Out Of Here. A show that pitted as we watched firsthand the reality of a handful of celebrities against the African Mick Fanning surviving a shark attack. Our chests juggle. Watching people cope with the threat of snakes, bungee jumps, and indigestible tucker puffed, buttons straining with pride. trials, was far easier than facing the growing By October we were ordering larger shirts as Fremantle, yes Fremantle, was ranked in the top terrorism concerns mounting across the globe.

Thirty one episodes later 1.1 million of us ten of Lonely Planet’s ‘Cities To Visit In 2016’. Sure the world knows of Australia, and many make the were still tuning in to watch the finale.

February also saw the birth of Gogglebox trek to cuddle a koala in Sydney, but how often Australia. Forget spending millions of dollars on do we hear mention of Perth let alone Fremantle? scripts, sets, actors, special effects and augmented 2015 was proving to be a very good year.

However the year was not without reality, Gogglebox had arrived.

2015 A YEAR OF REALITY

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The producers at Granada Television steadied themselves for the public backlash when a 37-year-old Englishman was crowned winner of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

An Englishman deemed better than Australians at surviving in the bush, that can’t be right. And not just any Englishman, Freddie Flintoff, the former English cricket captain who mercilessly robbed us of cricketing glory on more than one occasion.

Next thing they’ll be telling us a lone Round-the-World yachtsman has sailed through our underbelly waters without the aid of the Australian Navy. Thankfully Flintoff’s cheeky, humble, slightly flawed character, made him perfect fodder to take the reins from Tom Cruise, as a much loved adopted son.

In June bedfellows Cadbury and Kraft consummated the relationship with the production of vegemiteflavoured chocolate.

Given the crushing success of salted caramel ice cream, salted caramel donuts, salted caramel …well anything really, you could see where the designers were heading. Sadly, early reviews hinted that the union was as doomed as that of Geoffrey Edelsten and Gabi Grecko.

In September the nation was back in the international spotlight … displacing our leader, again. Are we incapable of picking a leader who will last longer than twelve months? More of an international scandal though was our treatment of Johnny Depp’s dogs, Boo and Pistol. Oh the shame.

Two months later the end of the year was upon us again.

In the countdown to the December 31st fireworks there was no indication that the year would end with a very different kind of bang.

A bang reaching us all the way from Paris … a reality that we simply couldn’t ignore and prayed wasn’t true.

Here in Perth, the most isolated capital of the world, we mourned with the rest of the world. We can try to distract ourselves with reality television as much as we want, sooner or later we have to remember that we live in a shared reality, one in which all global citizens have a role to play.

While you enjoy the holiday break, keep safe, cherish your loved ones and take a moment to think about those experiencing loss for the first time this Christmas.

On a personal note I’d like to thank you for reading my scribblings, it’s a real privilege and I look forward to musing about a positive year ahead.

saves rehomeable animals from euthanasia.

We have twelve branches around the state and we’re always in need of donations to pay vet bills.

If you’d like to donate, information can be found on: www.safe.asn.au/How_to_help/

CHRISTMAS PETS

I

f you are looking to add an animal to your family this Christmas have you thought of adopting instead of buying?

We always have healthy, well socialised animals in our program looking for permanent homes.

The upcoming festive season is always a busy time of year at SAFE. Christmas and New Year coincide with the peak of kitten and puppy season in Western Australia meaning SAFE branches traditionally have a high number of young animals looking for permanent homes.

Adoptions tend to slow down as everyone gears up for Christmas celebrations and, in our more remote locations, finding foster carers can also be a challenge.

Phantom and Biscuit are two gorgeous youngsters who recently arrived at SAFE and are looking for permanent homes.

Eight-week-old brindle boy Phantom and his brothers and sisters have a special story.

They were part of two litters with two mothers brought down from a remote community to SAFE Broome - eighteen pups in all. The litters hadn’t been separated, so were all mixed up with the pups feeding from both mothers. Many people were involved in the puppy rescue including two volunteers who drove them from Broome to Karratha, sharing the load by meeting in Port Hedland.

Phantom is a calm but playful and cheeky pup who would be wonderful for a family as he has been in foster care with four children.

Eight-week-old Biscuit is a beautiful kitten. He’s very placid and just loves to be held and cuddled. He’s used to living with children and loves to play with them.

If you hit the bottom of his food tin with a spoon, he’ll come running from wherever he is in the house.

As with all of SAFE’s animals Phantom’s and Biscuit’s adoption fees will include de-sexing, micro-chipping and up to date vaccinations.

At SAFE we can fly our animals almost anywhere in WA or interstate thanks to our sponsors at QANTAS Air Freight and the Toll Group.

You can feel confident adopting with us as our animals come with a “lifetime guarantee” which means if for any reason they are no longer able to stay in your care we will take them back without hesitation.

If you’re not in a position to adopt this Christmas, please consider helping us financially so that our work can continue.

SAFE is a not for profit organisation that

Donate.html

If you’d like to #adoptdontshop this Christmas, please look at the beautiful animals on our website http://safe.asn.au/index.htm or you can phone us at SAFE Karratha on (08) 9185 4634.

GREAT SAYINGS

BY WOMEN

T

he hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy.

Helen Hayes (at 73)

I refuse to think of them as chin hairs. I think of them as stray eyebrows.

Janette Barber Who ever thought up the word “Mammogram”?

Every time I hear it, I think I’m supposed to put my breast in an envelope and send it to someone.

Jan King Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse.

Lily Tomlin A male gynecologist is like an auto mechanic who never owned a car.

Carrie Snow Old age ain’t no place for sissies.

Bette Davis

A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. A woman must do what he can’t.

Rhonda Hansome Every time I close the door on reality it comes in through the windows.

Jennifer Unlimited Whatever women must do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.

Charlotte Whitton Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.

Caryn Leschen I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once. Jennifer Unlimited If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.

Catherine Aird SAFE Saving Animals (SAFE)for When I was young,From I wasEuthanasia put in a school was founded Hedley in 2003.

Since I retarded kids for by twoSueyears before they realized then had SAFEa hearing has developed andME actually loss ... andbranches they called networks across the state. slow!

Kathy Buckley SAFE’s dedicated work has had a positive impact on people, pets and wildlife.

SAFE’s innovative foster care program provides temporary care for animals until a permanent home is found. This means there are no cages or time lines on an animal’s life.

Your donation or bequest can ensure SAFE can continue its life saving work.

Have a look at our website:

www.safe.asn.au

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WHAT’S ON IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN EVENT LISTED IN THIS COLUMN RING OUR OFFICE ON 6296 5161 Entries for non-profit entities are free, commercial entries are welcome at $10 per fifty words.

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.

With a diverse and unique array of locally handcrafted products and produce, there will be something of interest for all. From garden ornaments, homemade jams and relishes to handmade soy candles, cards, bags, cushions, children’s toys, bears, baby and children’s wear.

Individually designed and crafted glassware, jewellery and beautifully made wood products and so much more to tempt you.

Make a day of it, stroll around the markets and then take the time to wander about the heritage listed town of Guildford. Enjoy a picturesque Heritage Walk Trail or pay a visit to the antique, art and craft shops along the cafe strip.

Enquiries: Bromwyn, 6278 4252.

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.

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

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

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

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

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 Kalamunda Group meets fortnighly on a drinks later at the Woodbridge Hotel with live Thursday, 9:30-11:30am at the Maida Vale Baptist Irish music Church, Edney Road, High Wycombe.

For more information please contact: Contact Jenny 9252 1996.

Christine Hogan: 9279 8778 Email: madtattersmorris@iinet.Net.Au Northam Group meets each second Tuesday of Website: madtattersmorris.Myclub.Org.Au TUESDAY BADMINTON CLUB the month at the Bridgeley Community Centre, Tuesdays Wellington Street, Northam 10am to Noon.

Join us for Social Badminton from 9am - 11am BASKERVILLE FAMILY PLAYGROUP Fourth Tuesday each month at Toodyay Playgroup, EMPTY SESSION – at Brown Park Recreation Centre. Beginners Stirling Terrace, Toodyay. Noon to 2pm. Please Friday Mornings Welcome. Contact Miriam 9274 5058. phone Louisa 9574 0229.

Baskerville Family Playgroup has a free session on Friday mornings in a ‘ready to play’ SWAN HARMONY SINGERS HILLS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP facility, great toys and resources as well as a Wednesdays 1st Wednesday of each month fenced playground. Set in lovely rural surrounds, Come and sing with us! Swan Harmony Singers is a Hilltop Grove Estate, 1645 Jacoby Street, at Baskerville Memorial Hall, Baskerville. community choir that meets, 7-9pm, to sing music Mahogany Creek. Morning tea provided, between Normal playgroup costs apply. ($25 per family/ ranging from jazz to pop, plus the occasional 10.30 - 12.00 noon. term, $30 annual insurance fee to Playgroup WA) classic. No auditions. Join us at the Salvation Army Enquiries Terina 9572 1655.

Phone 9296 1976 or 0419 922 791 or check our Church Hall, 371 Morrison Rd, (opposite Swan webpage www.swanvalleycommunitycentre.com View Primary School), Swan View. Enquiries: call Anna on 9299 7249, or Chris on 9298 9529 or THE HILLS CHOIR MUSTARD SEED - DISCOVERING COMPUTERS 0435 062 728.

Monday Evenings Do you enjoy singing and joining with others Mustard Seed is a non-profit organisation to make beautiful music? Come and join the Hills and caters for all aspects of everyday computing. ELLENBROOK AND DISTRICT MENS SHED Inc. Choir. We meet from 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Uniting Ability levels from beginners onwards. Do you Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Church on Stoneville Road, Mundaring. Contact want help with Windows 10? Have an iPad and We are open at 4 Transit Way Ellenbrook from don’t know what it will do? We can help. Cost is 10.00am to 3.00pm. Potential members can turn Margie on 9295 6103 for further information. $3 per session. To gain a place enrol now. Forms up on those days and there will be someone to explain what we do and give membership and information are available.

SWAN VALLEY SQUARES – ELLENBROOK details. Annual fees are low and members can Phone 9299 7236 or 0416 815 822 or Every Friday Night do their own thing, participate in projects for the E. mustardcomputers@gmail.com Modern Australian Square Dancing from community or simply just come in for a chat and a 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm Woodlake Community Hall, cuppa. We are considering extending our days to 1 Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly, fun and ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY include Saturdays or evenings if there is enough low cost. No previous experience necessary. All WEIGHT LOSS CLUB interest.

Every Wednesday evening Welcome. Contact Greg Fawell 0417 912 241 or We meet from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at the www.swanvalleysquares.weebly.com Woodlake Community Hall, Meeting room 1. HILLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S END OF Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly support YEAR CONCERT GUILDFORD MARKET group and low cost. Male and females of all Saturday, November 28 Third Sunday of every month Hills Symphony Orchestra’s final concert for At Guildford Town Hall, Corner of James and ages welcome. Contact Shirley 9276 7938 the year will be held at 7.30 pm at the Midland shirleysardelich@aapt.net.au.

Meadow Streets. 9am - 3pm.

Town Hall. The best features from the previous Situated in the heart of Guildford, within five fiveconcerts held in 2015 will be featured. minutes walking distance from the Guildford SWAN WOODTURNERS GROUP Tickets $10 adult, $5 children.

Train Station, a visit to the Guildford Market is The group meets in the rear hall of The Senior Bookings 9295 6411, or Citizens’ Centre, The Avenue, Midland, at 1-00pm. 9293 4313 A/h. sure to please.

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BUSINESS CARD BOARD ACCOUNTANT

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FOR QUALITY & FRIENDLY SERVICE

• Wedding & Evening Dresses • Doonas & Blankets • Curtains • Woolens/Silks etc • Alterations and Mending

Phone 9295 1488

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Specialising in Brickpaving & Soakwells

FREE Quotes No job too big or too small Call Larry: 0431 057 124 or 6278 2301

EDITOR

Need an editor?

Get expert advice on layout, editing, costings, publishing and marketing from a professional editor.

First consultation free. Free quotes.

Swinburne Press (founded 1989) P: 6296 5161 E: douglassb@iinet.net.au

CARPET CLEANING

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DOG TRAINING

GARDEN SERVICES

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BUSINESS CARD BOARD GLASS

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Just Trees Your Affordable Local Tree Service Pruning - Lopping - Removals - Mulching

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~ Fully Insured

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MARKETS

Guildford Town Hall, James Street 9:00am ~ 3:00pm

TUITION

Bromwyn 6278 4652

CALL FOR A FREE ASSESSMENT ELLENBROOK - 9297 3654

PUBLISHERS

TV ANTENNA

Held on the third Sunday of each

Have a book to publish?

v Family History v Non-Fiction v Autobiography v Biography v Fantasy v Fiction v Poetry

Swinburne Press (founded 1989) P: 6296 5161 E: douglassb@iinet.net.au RUBBISH REMOVAL

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