Swan Magazine June 2016 by Douglas Sutherland-Bruce

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

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

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT JACARANDA DANNY VAN ROSS

n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was the World and with God who was also the Word and the World and He/She/It said to the Word “Multiply, Procreate and Increase, Create and Fulfil the dimensions of every Mind.” And the Word demanded notice for it made Mind Pictures and Sounded and Rhythmed to the Worlds that it Was and Made. Words, according to God’s plan spread everywhere – on streets, shops, buses and trains, junk mail, newspapers, magazines, lolly wrappers, plastic shopping bags, car yard bunting, on tall buildings, and in houses – everywhere on radio and television. Making thousands and thousands and thousands of pictures. Everywhere is the deep snow of words. And in a world of snow that’s all you think. And behind the snow, in the sense of back grounding it, is winter, mountainous terrain, a shift of the sun to another hemisphere. Some huge, co-ordinate of causes for what you’re tramping through. Not the ultimate reason of course. No, that has a universal, possibly Biblical aspect. And Words, spreading everywhere, give your life Style, Presence, Interest, Innovation – Constantly. Words, Words, Words. Pictures, Pictures, Pictures, Words-Pictures-Words-Pictures-Words-Pictures – sliding in and out of the one mindspace. So many Pictures – each saying a thousand words and all have become flesh and bone and Brain Tissue, Neurological/Electronic LighteningSpeed Connections. Like TV in your house. Colourful. State of the art presenter beauty. The old, fat guys giving way to the blonde babe with the body and lips telling scripted words of encyclopaedic scope and subliminal Turkish delight.

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Three or four TVs in each house firing on different channels. Take your pick who you want to be. But Choice is illusory. You’re drugged, predetermined, screened in. And a hundred radio channels smashing music on the evolving ear, and chat and inter chat (phone in for your prize – sms your quiz answer). And news on the hour. Like graffiti in downtown L.A, the Bronx – any urban inner space, you try to break out but re-offend. You search, Find a history – yes. A psychology – yes. A commerce – yes, yes. A politics –yes, yes, yes. But you’re still not there. It’s not YOU. Too much complication; too much explanation put these imperious vocal visual beyond understanding. Anything could be this, that or the other. No YOUR conviction. You need just one firm hand hold that others have used to swing your whole weight. Democracy values opinion. And each is a just and fair viewpoint and qualifies for equal status. But some viewpoints spin more money than others – Rumplestilskinian viewpoints. And if those viewpoints want more money, they buy the magic words and pictures to do their work. They can show you things that shock, intrigue, excite, titillate, command attention. They have divine power to exhilarate and reexhilarate your world a hundredfold with the aric demands of greed. Wealth and power to make more and more billions of dollars, euros rupiah, yen. Government’s, economies, entrepreneurs, C.E.O’S, shareholders – all visions tunnelled, everyone playing loto luck; hopeful for the money super fix. And the worlds of words and pictures on billboards, busus; the signs, logos, emblems, super catch phrases in shops, magazines, tv and radio –

bright by day and brighter by night seduce into labyrinthian worlds of buildings, streets, freeways (with the metallic company of cars, utes, vans, trucks, trucks – logoed and bumper-stickered) so blank, so bleak with the hot glare of summer on them; so stark with bright heat, that air has to be reconditioned wherever you are within walls or motor car with music and advertising pouring hot and live into your head, your heart, your history… …all too far from the purple, bubbling blush of jacaranda glorying in wordless breezes in a pale sky with evening light. 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’.

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

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE

FEATURES

Art in the Hills June at MAC Books Business Card Board

14 15 30 40

Chef-Explorer Community Ken Wyatt Australia Liberty Alliance Thank You Australia’s Teen Queen Fracking in the Valley Celebration of Ability Award Transition Town Guildford Computers

Education Blood Sacrifice Exhibition Entertainment Shirley Valentine at KaDS

2 7 7 22 23 23 39 32 28 29 24

Finance 33 Fiction 31 Food - Cheese Barrel 19 Food for Thought Inside Front Food Trivia 20 Gardening 38

PAGE Get Social with Jay 25 Humour 32 Notes From Parliament 5 Poetry Utopian Dream Reviews Gordon the Optom The Flickers with James

30 26 27

SAFE 37 Styled by Kirsty 10 Swan Valley and Regional Network Honour for Former Mayor 16 The Universe Has Spoken 16 Rates Set to Rise 17 Secrets of Swan Competition 17 Small Business Networking 17 Swan Valley Progress Asociation 18 The Idler 35 Toodyay Feature 8 Weddings Wining Out What’s On Writing A Bit of Fluff Seeking Young Writers

12 19 34 31 31

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COMMUNITY HASLUCK TO SHARE IN $20 MILLION FOR AGED AND HEALTH CARE THE HON. KEN WYATT AM MP

asluck will share in $20 million for local drug and alcohol rehabilitation services as part of the Government’s plan to combat the scourge of ice in communities across the country. The funding will help to reduce demand for ice and reduce addict-based crime by supporting local rehabilitation services to help get addicts off ice and out of the drug market. Member for Hasluck Ken Wyatt, welcomed the new funding which will help to combat the devastating impact that ice is having across the region. “The scourge of ice across the east metropolitan region is raised with me constantly while I am out and about in Hasluck,” Mr Wyatt said. “This drug devastates families. I’m very proud to be a part of the Turnbull Government’s national ice strategy to ensure we’re doing everything we can to curb the use of this deadly drug.” While treatment delivery is traditionally the responsibility of state governments, the Federal Coalition Government has recognised the urgency of this situation and acted. The funding for local services is part of the Coalition Government’s

response to the National Ice Taskforce report, which was handed down in December last year. The WA Primary Health Alliance Limited will be responsible for commissioning services with the funding, which will flow from July 1. Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the boost was for community-based help and comes on top of the multi-million dollar investment already made in policing our borders and our streets to block the supply of ice. “While a law enforcement response is vital, the Taskforce made it clear that if we don’t reduce demand for ice, our communities will remain a lucrative market for the crooks that peddle this misery,” Mr Keenan said. “Our law enforcement agencies are making record numbers of busts as demonstrated just last week with the joint Commonwealth State organised crime task force, established under the Coalition Government, undermining a $200 million ice importation off the WA coast. “But I’ve said all along that we can’t arrest our way out of this scourge. We have to stop people from using the drug, and we have to help current users quit. “This means getting the right mix – making sure the right

type of help is available, services are effectively targeted and our frontline workers, including law enforcement, health professionals and educators, have the tools they need to combat this scourge.” Minister for Regional Development, Regional Communications and Rural Health Fiona Nash said ice was ruining lives, destroying communities and does not discriminate. “Importantly, this funding will reach regional communities which we know dealers are targeting. “Getting people off ice is what this initiative aims to do,” Senator Nash said. “To break the drug dealer’s business model, we have to smash the demand for their insidious product and this funding will help to do just that.” In addition to funding for rehabilitation services, local volunteer groups will soon be able to access grants from the Federal Government to deliver local education and prevention programmes across the community. The Coalition is also providing support to more than 1,200 community sporting clubs to deliver prevention messages about ice with a focus on regional Australia. These programmes are part of the Coalition Government’s comprehensive $300m plan to tackle ice across Australia.

KEN WYATT MP Liberal Member for Hasluck

Building a stronger local community! Contact Ken 9359 0322 ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au kenwyatt.com.au kenwyattmp 2

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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

The Taming of Toodyay Road Toodyay Road is a major local arterial road, on average 4,000 vehicles, 12% of them, heavy vehicles use the Swan Hills section of this road each week day. As a result of a head on collision in July 2013, tragically resulting in the deaths of three people, near Noble Falls Tavern, as well as a visit by the Minister for Transport Dean Nalder; a series of funding priorities for Toodyay Road have been successful. This campaign was undertaken with community support, and resulted in the establishment of the Toodyay Road Liaison Committee. The Noble Falls Tavern locality was granted $5 million for the construction of new passing and turning lanes. Key features included: Guard rails on both sides of Toodyay Road and upgraded street lighting Right and left turning lanes onto Noble Falls Road, and to Noble Falls Tavern, With Minister Dean Nalder, Sally Block, Improved sightlines and visibility with road John Mangini, and Cr Darryl Trease realignment, and clearing This will now include a further $3 million for works from Noble Falls to Aspen Road Now completed these improvements will allow vehicles to turn off Toodyay Road without impacting through traffic, reducing the likelihood of head-on or right angle crashes. This work has been boosted by a recent State Governments announcement of a further $10 million for the following. The intersections of Toodyay Rd and Stoneville Rd as well as Reen Road will be receiving $8 million for upgrades. Lilydale Road intersection on Toodyay Rd has also been allocated $2 million. Some of the improvements to these roads will include: road widening, audible line edging, and rope barriers. This is part of a record $145 million that has been committed to improving safety on W.A. roads. These considerable upgrades are designed primarily for safety on a road that has in the past been less than ideal. While there is always more room for improvement, this road with a reputation is now on the way to being tamed.

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

nce again, I welcomed our Premier, Hon Colin Barnett MLA to our east metro region. The occasion this time was to officially open the newly refurbished Guildford Hotel. The restoration of the Guildford Hotel has been an important project for me since I became a Member of Parliament and I have supported and championed it every step of the way. Eight years on from the devastating fire on 1st September 2008 that gutted the historic hotel, it was time to celebrate the rebirth and stunning restoration of this iconic significant building, standing grand in the centre of Guildford once again. Built in 1886 and traded as a hotel up until it was destroyed by fire, the building was added to the State Heritage Register in 1992 and was described as “a fine example of Federation Free Classical architecture demonstrating the prosperity and development of the Guildford area at the turn-of-the-century.” I congratulate the owners, Luke and Dominic Martino for persevering with their vision for a rebuilt hotel. The redevelopment has taken time and a significant amount of money, but the results are amazing. The Guildford Hotel is operated by The Publican Group, a well-established professional and innovative hospitality and business development company. Established in 2008 by directors John Ahern and Steve Garcia, The Publican Group specialises

GUILDFORD HOTEL REBORN they relish the return of their “local”. Certainly our Government’s primary objective was to see the Guildford Hotel appropriately restored and returned to the community and I, along with successive Ministers for Heritage have been working alongside the owners to achieve a positive outcome and protect the heritage of the hotel. I also commend the efforts of the Heritage Council and the City of Swan for assisting with the project. Nearly eight years after the last beer was poured, the Guildford Hotel now stands tall once again as the jewel in the

in providing expert services to a portfolio of restaurants and bars across Victoria and WA. WA venues include The Aviary, The George, The Public House in Perth, The Byrneleigh in Nedlands and now the Guildford Hotel. I commend the Publican Group on the meticulous fit-out of the hotel. Old materials were restored and recycled such as the tiles that were discovered in the clean-up and incorporated in the design of the new bar. Even burnt wooden beams and old photos were retained and featured. The end result is an absolute credit to The Publican Group’s team and I wish them every success as they take the Guildford Hotel on a new hospitality journey into the future. I also acknowledge the community’s concerns and their various protest activities of socks and banners that were a constant reminder for the need to rebuild the historic 130-year hotel. Their support, patience and tolerance for the owners is well recognised. I am sure the local community will be regular patrons as

crown of the town. The 25th May 2016 marked another historical milestone for the Guildford Hotel as it takes its place once again amongst Guildford’s significant historic and heritage attractions. It is great to see an important piece of community and tourism infrastructure and part of Western Australia’s history, reopened to the public. I encourage everyone to visit and discover the new Guildford Hotel and celebrate its second chance at life. This journey has certainly made us a stronger community. For more information on The Guildford Hotel's trading hours, function packages or food and drink menus, please visit www. theguildfordhotel.com.au.

Join Australia’s Most Courageous Political Party Join Australia’s Most Courageous Political Party Join Australia’s Most Courageous Political Party Join Australia’s Most Courageous Political Party Join Australia’s Most Courageous Political Party We stand for ‘Smaller Smarter Government’

WeWe stand forfor ‘Smaller Smarter stand ‘Smaller SmarterGovernment’ Government’ We stand for ‘Smaller ‘Smaller Smarter Government’ Government’ We will stop the Islamisation of Australia We for Smarter Westand will stop the Islamisation of We will stop the Islamisation ofAustralia Australia We will stop the the Islamisation of Australia Australia We will restore Australia’s freedom of speech will stop Islamisation of WeWe will restore Australia’s freedom We will restore Australia’s freedomofofspeech speech We will will restore restore Australia’s freedomto oftheir speech We will return public schools and universities core function We Australia’s freedom of speech We We willwill return public schools and universities to their return public schools and universities to theircore corefunction function Wesay will“The return public schools and and universities to must their core core function We right of foreigners to purchase land be reciprocal” We will return public schools universities to their function We say “The right of foreigners to purchase land must be reciprocal” We say “The right of foreigners to purchase land must be reciprocal” We say say “The right of foreigners foreigners to purchase purchase land must must be be reciprocal” reciprocal” We reject censorship and will reform We “The right of to land We reject censorship and will reformpublic publicbroadcasting broadcasting We reject censorship and will reform public broadcasting Wewill reject censorship and will will reform public broadcasting We restore civil society by supporting our police We reject censorship and reform public broadcasting We will restore civil society supporting our policeforce force We will restore civil society byby supporting our police force We will will restore restore civil civil society society by by supporting supporting our our police police force force We

For Formore moreinformation information For more information For more information information www.vote1ala.org For more www.vote1ala.org www.vote1ala.org www.vote1ala.org 1300 1300993 993557 557 www.vote1ala.org 1300 993 557 1300 993 993 557 557 1300

Australian LibertyLiberty Alliance Ltd. Authorised by R Schumann. 150 Albert RoadRoad - South Melbourne VICVIC 3205 Australian Alliance Ltd. Authorised by R Schumann. 150 Albert - South Melbourne 3205 Australian Liberty Alliance Ltd. Authorised by R Schumann. 150 Albert Road - South Melbourne VIC 3205

Australian Liberty Alliance Ltd. Authorised by R Schumann. 150 Albert Road - South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australian Liberty Alliance Ltd. Authorised by R Schumann. 150 Albert Road - South Melbourne VIC 3205

COMMUNITY AUSTRALIAN LIBERTY ALLIANCE DEBBIE ROBINSON

ustralian Liberty Alliance celebrated its official launch in Western Australia on the 20th October 2015. The party is secular with a conservative philosophy and twenty key policy areas. In a nutshell we stand for individual liberty, small government, Western values, social fairness and an integrated multi-ethnic society. We want to return Australia to the values of self-reliance and leave no legacy of debt to future generations. We welcome Australians from all walks of life as members. We are aiming for the Senate at the next Federal election and will stand two candidates in each state. The founders of the party are ordinary Australians and include my husband WA orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Anthony Robinson, Ralf Schumann from Melbourne together with Susan and Andrew Horwood of South Australia. Our backgrounds are in medicine, health, information technology and business respectively. Prior to the formation of the party, four of the founding members spent five years working with the Islam-critical group Q Society. Q society was established in 2010 to educate and raise public awareness about the problems associated with Islamisation. We wrote submissions, lobbied politicians and organised public events. Eventually we realised our efforts were falling on deaf ears and a better way to effect change was through the political process. ALA is not a one-issue party. However, any party that does not have a policy on Islam is out of touch with reality. We believe our leaders and intelligentsia are committing a serious disservice to this country by refusing to acknowledge there is a problem with Islam and multiculturalism.

Europe is experiencing first hand the effects alternative for disillusioned and conservative of mass immigration and the lack of integration of voters. Australians may be afraid to speak out – certain groups into their societies. fortunately they are not afraid to vote. A series of factors have contributed including For more information: www.vote1ala.org. political correctness, cultural relativism, a declining education system, multiculturalism and biased media reporting. Combine the aforementioned with a loss of pride in our heritage, culture and values and it becomes a recipe for disaster. The complexities were the catalyst to formulating the Manifesto. It took two years of meticulous preparation to organise this new political movement It’s vital, before it is too late, to discuss and address the problems in a civilised manner via the democratic political process, without fear of reprisal. We discuss every other religion and ideology, be it Communism, Fascism Nazism, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and every other ism you care to mention. The party continues to grow and has quadrupled membership numbers since lastOctober 2015. Following the Turnbull / Abbott leadership change, views on our social media site skyrocketed from 38,000 a week to 809,000 in 24 hours. Debbie Robinson On a final note, Australian President , Australian Liberty Alliance Liberty Alliance offers an Senate Candidate for Western Australian

THANK YOU

SHARON MCGOWAN - CEO, STROKE FOUNDATION

hank you to all our supporters who took part in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check. On behalf of the Stroke Foundation I would like to thank the thousands of Australians who helped take the pressure down this April by participating in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check. During April, the Stroke Foundation, in partnership with Priceline Pharmacy, aimed to deliver 50,000 free blood pressure checks around the country and raise vital awareness of the risks associated with stroke. With your support we exceeded this total, delivering more than 56,000 checks across the country. Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about stroke and how they can reduce their own risk. I am confident that there are thousands of people in the community who are more informed

and can take control of their health after the campaign. In fact, one in three of those who completed the stroke risk rating were found to be at urgent high risk and referred to their doctor for advice how to lower their blood pressure, reduce their risk of stroke and improve their health. With Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check coming to a close it is vital we remember strokes don’t just happen one month of the year. Every ten minutes an Australian has a stroke. Every ten minutes someone’s life changes forever. However, there are many things we can all do to help protect ourselves, like being aware of and managing our blood pressure, getting more active, maintaining a healthy diet, stopping smoking, reducing our alcohol consumption. Stroke is scarily common in Australia – it is still a major killer and a leading cause of adult disability in the community. Last year alone,

an estimated 50,000 strokes occurred in the Australian community. But it does not have to be this away. Thanks to our incredible supporters more Australians are aware of their stroke risk than ever before. But our work doesn’t stop here - it is our mission to ensure everyone understands what a stroke is and what they can do to avoid having one. As we head towards the federal election, our major parties have a real opportunity to join with us and help us to beat stroke. Take this opportunity to ask your local candidates what they will do for stroke. Join with us to call on party leaders to set aside political difference and commit to national plan to stop stroke, save lives and end suffering. It will take the combined efforts of the community, health professionals and government to achieve this mission. I know together we can fight stroke and win. 7

TOODYAY INFORMATION ABOUT TOODYAY

he Shire of Toodyay, bordering the north eastern edge of the Perth metropolitan area, spans an area of 1683 square kilometres and lays claims to some of the most magnificent examples of natural and cultural heritage in Western Australia. The name Toodyay is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word duidgee which means ‘place of plenty’, referring to the richness and fertility of the area and the reliability of the Avon River. The townsite of Toodyay is located approximately eighty-five kilometres east of Perth in the picturesque Avon Valley. Founded in 1836 and declared an historic town by the National Trust in 1980, the town today still displays fine examples of 19th century history, with architecture reflecting the early convict era. Historic buildings include the Old Courthouse (Shire Administration Centre), the Mechanics’ Institute (Toodyay Library), Connors Mill and the Old Gaol. Connors Mill, a working display, and the Old Gaol Museum are open to the public for a minimal admission fee. Toodyay provides residents with quality retail outlets and services, such as bank and ATMs, post office, telecentre, library, chemist, hardware, super m a rket, garage, gift stores, bakery, hotels and restaurants. The town has first rate sporting facilities including bowling greens, tennis courts, equestrian and skate parks, as well as cricket, football and hockey fields. Flowing through Toodyay is the beautiful Avon River on which the world’s longest whitewater race, the Avon Descent, is held each year. Residents and visitors can enjoy a peaceful picnic at Toodyay’s Duidgee Park where there are barbeque facilities, children’s playgrounds, public toilets and a miniature railway. Also located within the Shire are the Avon Valley National Park and numerous Reserves that become a blaze of colour with magnificent displays

of wildflowers during the spring months. The Shire of Toodyay forms part of the Western Australia Wheatbelt region and a significant proportion of the land is

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used for agricultural activities, particularly sheep, cattle and grain. Extracts Industrial Park is located approximately five kilometres from Toodyay and currently accommodates various light industries. A future industrial area has also been identified that will have the capacity to accommodate the future long term industrial needs of the Shire. Tourism is a growing industry that has significant potential to expand, with visitors being attracted to the dramatic landscape, significant heritage values and country lifestyle. There are many artisans in the region, as well as a wide selection of venues that offer quality accommodation. The Toodyay Visitor Centre, with an online booking service, is the ideal source for obtaining information about places of interest. The Shire of Toodyay continues to experience a migration of people from the Perth metropolitan area who are seeking an alternative semi-rural lifestyle, resulting in unprecedented demand for property and development. With a commuter train service available, more people working from home and increasing numbers of fly in fly out workers in the mining industry, Toodyay is a popular location for people looking for an alternative home base that is a safe place for their families. It is advisable to start any exploration of Toodyay by visiting the Visitor Centre where maps and brochures of the main features of the area are available free of charge. Toodyay - a Valley for all Seasons.

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Swan Magazine

STYLED BY KIRSTY www.shopandstylespecialists.com

Styling Your Bridal Whether you’ve been dreaming about this dress since you can remember, or you’re a modern bride looking to show your individuality, this will be the most beautiful dress you ever wear. So it’s important that you get it right, right? I know many of my personal styling clients don’t like shopping at the best of times, so shopping for a wedding dress is just far too stressful! I sat down with Perth couture wedding dress designer Angelina Arcaro of Arcaro Couture, and asked how she would help a bride who wanted to be original, elegant and breathtaking on her wedding day… ‘I believe there is one dress for every bride, and a bride for every dress. That’s why I make one off, original designs that are affordable and unique,’ said Arcaro when we sat down in her Victoria Park home studio. ‘I’ve always designed m y brides’

dresses to accentuate the body areas they love. I automatically create silhouettes that elongate a woman. This makes her look taller and thinner, a reaction to being height challenged myself, I’m sure,’ tells Angelina. Arcaro Couture the label was established in 2003, although Angelina has been living and breathing fashion for over 40 years. With so many years experience, I asked Ms. Arcaro how she helps brides create their unique bridal vision. ‘My brides always have a lengthy consultation with m e first. We talk about what they want to look like, their style of wedding, what they do and don’t like about their bodies. Sometimes they bring three or four inspiration pictures that we piece together. I start drawing designs for them and they see their vision come to life. ‘ ‘This is the time where I really get

Moment

to know m y brides and exactly who their dress will be,’ she said. A true bridal moment begins with a stunning dress. Materials are all-‐ important and can be the difference between looking incredible and looking second hand. I asked Arcaro how she h elps brides make the right decisions about the materials they’ll use in their m ost important dress ever. ‘It is true that the materials used are crucial. I always have fabric samples on hand. From European silks to French laces, it’s a bride’s dream to choose from.’ How important are the fittings? Angelina explained that, ‘as you are fitting a couture gown you are literally moulding the gown to the brides body. It’s being built specifically for her, for her special day.’ ‘Whether the bride is a size 8 or a size 18, a couture bridal gown will fit like a glove.’

D esigner: A rc aro C outure, A ngelina A rc aro Models: E llenor Jones & A shley Radalj H MU A : Rac hael C ampbell S tylist: Kirsty N oakes Photographer: Tristan Jud Photography 10

“…whether the bride is size 8 or size 18, a couture bridal gown will fit like a glove…” With so much attention to detail, I wondered if an Arcaro Couture gown is only for brides on big budgets. ‘Actually no,’ says Angelina. ‘Arcaro Couture gowns are in a very affordable $2,000 to $6,000 range.’ It’s one of the reasons I love Perth designer fashion so much. It’s affordable and accessible, and the quality is impeccable. If you think you’re the kind of bride who wants that incredible, couture, one off, designer wedding gown contact Angelina through her website at www.arcarocouture.com.au Perfect for bridesmaids and mother’s of the bride too!

Swan Magazine 11

WEDDINGS

DELPHINE RICHARD MEGAN

ne of the most in-love couples you’re ever likely to meet, Delphine and Brian wanted to make their wedding day fun, relaxed and unconventional. The lovebirds tied the knot at a morning ceremony at Brookleigh Estate, with twenty of their closest family and friends, before a cocktail reception at Stewart’s at Brookleigh. “It was important to keep it all simple, laid back, earthy, natural and local.” They said. “We sourced all the services from around the Swan Valley.” Delphine’s gown perfectly mirrored her bold personality, a bright red cocktail dress and a black fascinator! She walked down the aisle with her dad, and upon reaching Brian in the gazebo, the joyful laughter began (and didn’t stop throughout the day!). The newlyweds say “The wedding was a casual catch-up with our friends and family, where we declare & promise our love for one another in front of them all.” Facing each other to pledge vows of love, it’s incredible to realise this couple first met nine years earlier, through online dating! When Brian proposed two years ago, it was at Brookleigh, so the venue choice was obvious for the Big Day! Brian had the engagement ring custom made by a creative jeweller, and it resembles a rough gold nugget bearing a beautiful diamond. Whilst planning, the couple says “we did not expect the planning to be so stressful when we

Want Delphine & Brian’s Wedding Style?

All photographs courtesy of Verge Studio. 12

Ceremony & Reception: Brookleigh Estate Celebrant: Nina Guelfi Photographer: Verge Studio Florist: Blooms at The Shops, Ellenbrook Makeup Artist: Makeup Artistry (Shelley) Entertainment: Chris Murphy

WEDDINGS

D AND BRIAN KANE ZIERCH

deliberately kept it small!” During the ceremony, Delphine recalls Brian got teary-eyed. “He is not an emotional guy and I loved it as it confirmed to me our love for each other.” The cocktail reception was very relaxed & informal, with a solo musician strumming his guitar and singing, whilst the guests enjoyed the delicious food and mingled with good friends. “It was a perfect day!” Says bride Delphine. “There were two main aspects of the wedding that we did not want to compromise on: venue & photographers, because after all, those photos are going to be forever!” “We did the invites ourself. I even created andprinted the menus on the computer as well. As we are into recycling, re-using and reducing waste, we also got the decorations from some friends of ours who used those at their wedding! Staying local, we sourced all the services from around the Swan Valley. Our best advice for other couples is that weddings are such a personal thing. Just remember it is your day and you don't have to feel obliged to invite everyone you know. It is your day and you invite who matters to you. Delphine and Brian honeymooned in beautiful Fiji; purported to be a paradise of bright sun, clear turquoise water and sandy beaches. Despite experiencing a category 2 cyclone, flooding and quarantine, the couple have promised to return to the island soon for a second honeymoon.

ART IN THE HILLS

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 14

ART IN THE HILLS JUNE AT MAC CLARE STROUD

ur FUSION Art Project exhibition opened last week with a large crowd stomping, whooping and singing under the direction or emerging singer/songwriter Annika Moses, who invited everyone to come together for a communal performance in keeping with the spirit of this inclusive project’s aims. On the same night Aleisha Mafrici took up residency in Gallery 2, transforming the space into her print studio with her atmospheric works on paper and a print press on loan from DADAA. Be sure to visit Aleisha on Tuesdays and Fridays during her residency to gain a unique insight into her practice. Then come by for her exhibition of new works which opens on Friday 24 June 7pm for the final weekend of her residency. FUSION and Aliesha Mafrici's residency continues June along with action packed workshops ready to help you Make Your Mark, with Peter Dailey (painting), Garry Zeck (ceramics), Bethamy Linton (jewellery), Jude Taylor (linoprint) plus heaps for the kids so make sure you book in quick. With all these happenings, MAC will close for a quick breather from 27 June to 8 July. EXHIBITIONS Until the 26th June in GALLERY 1 FUSION Celebrating the FUSION Art Project and the collective works created in this series of ‘whole of community’ workshops for all abilities, including people with high support needs over the past year. Until the 26th June in GALLERY 2 Artist In Focus, Aliesha Mafrici

Nominated by Edith Cowan University lecturers as a student with exceptional potential, Aliesha explores the fragility of time, memory and understanding through photography, print and mixed media. WORKSHOPS & EVENTS EVENING PAINTING WORKSHOPS With Peter Dailey Woodbridge sculptor and painter Peter Dailey has been making artwork for over thirty years. Well known in Midland as instigator and coordinator of the exceptional (but sadly closed) art and environment courses at Midland TAFE, Peter is a much loved and respected teacher. Do not miss this opportunity to create your own painting under Peter’s guidance. Participants will work from a still life in acrylic and /or oil paint and explore: Colour theory, limited palette and composition Glazing and various techniques to apply paint Dailey’s commitment to encouraging and guiding students is matched by his dedication to his own art practice. In these workshops he will share his knowledge of the benefits of using various brushes, palette knifes, scrapers and the difference between painting on board or canvas. If you have a half completed painting at home which you just can't finish, bring it along and let’s resolve it! Suitable for Adults. There are two sessions: Wednesday the 8th and and Wednesday the 15th of June at 6.30pm to 9.00pm at the Midland Junction Arts Centre Costs are $160 or $144 for MAC Members.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE – ART DEMONSTRATOR

ur Art Group is hosting a guest Demonstrator on Monday June 20th 2016. Maryann Devereux is a popular artist who lives on the coast, hence much of her work is ocean related, although she does also paint still life and figures. She works mainly in acrylics and incorporates collages of paper, tissue, pieces of cloth, even seashells and sand which she glues to her canvas to make beautiful textures. Her work is impressionistic but not abstract and has a sense of wildness about it due to free, loose brushstrokes and joyful use of paint. Her demonstration at Baskerville Art Group will definitely be interesting and not to be missed! The demonstation will run from 9:00am to noon at Baskerville Hall, Memorial Ave, Baskerville. Creche available, cost $5.00. All welcome! For more information phone 9297 1676 or email: enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre. com.

Garry Zeck

LARGE FORM CERAMICS With Garry Zeck Learn the fine art of creating a large ceramic form utilising a combination of techniques

including throwing, coil and hand building to create a magnificent stoneware vessel. Renowned ceramist Garry Zeck will guide participants through the creative process whilst sharing his vast knowledge of form, surface and structure to create a memorable work of art. A workshop on surface design can be taken the following weekend to continue the creation of your masterpiece. Suitable for adults. The workshop is on Sunday the 12th June, from 10:00am to 5:00pm at Zeck Studios, 72 Fergusson Close, West Swan, Costs are $120 or $108 MAC Members. Materials are supplied, bring your own lunch. QUILTING AND TEXTILES 5-8 Years With Louise Cook Wild, Wonderful Garden 2 Join Louise to explore your imagination and the micro world of the wild, wonderful garden. As part of this workshop participants will learn sewing, quilting and fabric painting skills, make a garden bag, their own Pom Pom Rabbit to take home and love, as well as an amazing quilted vegetable or potted cabbage pin cushion. Suitable for children of 5-8 years old. The workshop is on Saturday the 18th June, from 11:00am to 2.30pm at Midland Junction Arts Centre. Cost is $15 or $13.5 MAC Members. Materials are supplied, bring your own lunch. ANIMATION WORKSHOPS 9-12YRS With Steven Aiton Make a brief stop-motion animated film using the latest digital technologies including iPads and laptops. Participants will be using a layered 2D cutout style animation using a selection of new and recycled materials. This workshop will potentially help you configure your own animation set up at home. There will be a screening of the work at the end of the session in which family and friends are welcome to attend. Participants can enrol in this class or attend both Sat and Sun with the Sunday class extending their previous work. Suitable for 9 – 12 year old students. The workshop is on Saturday the 18th of June, 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Grapevine Community Centre, Ellenbrook. Cost is $45 or $40.5 MAC Members. Materials supplied, bring your own lunch. 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’. 15

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK RARE HONOUR FOR FORMER MAYOR

he highest civic honour the City of Swan can offer any citizen is making them a Freeman of the City. It is also one of the rarest. In a recent ceremont the City conferred the honour on three worthy recipients - former Mayor Mr Zannino, former Councillor Mel Congerton and current Councillor Maria Haynes in recognition of their exceptional service to others. Freemen are entitled to attend all civic events and have their portrait hung in the council chambers. Mr Zannino’s certificate reads: HONORARY FREEMAN OF THE CITY OF SWAN

Former Mayor ‘Charlie’ Zanino and his wife, Sally with his certificate

Awarded to Mr Charlie Zannino on 7th May 2016 “The title of Honorary Freeman of the City of Swan is the most prestigious form of honour or recognition the Council of the City of Swan can confer upon an individual. Such title is only conferred in rare and exceptional circumstances. Charlie Zannino has rendered outstanding service to the City of Swan and its residents over many years through his contribution to the economy, planning and culture of the Swan district and its citizens. During this period, Charlie Zannino gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues, associates and citizens of the Swan district by the enthusiasm with which he devoted himself to community well-being. Council recognises the outstanding contribution Charlie Zannino has made to the community. As a lasting symbol of appreciation of his leadership, commitment, wise counsel and support, Council confers on him the title of Honorary Freeman of the City of Swan and is proud to record this testimonial.”

THE UNIVERSE HAS SPOKEN – AGAIN

he opening of an unprecedented new window on the universe will be the focus of the next meeting of the Guildford Association on Tuesday 21 June, 7.30pm, at the Mechanics Institute, 20 Meadow Street, Guildford. All welcome. Experimental physicist Professor David Blair will give an overview of gravitational waves, their momentous discovery, predictions of future discoveries, and also a brand new recent discovery. Professor Blair spent more than forty years working towards the discovery of gravitational waves, and all that time he was living in Guildford. A century after Albert Einstein predicted

gravitational waves these ripples in the fabric of space-time were detected by scientists. It required extraordinary ingenuity and dedication by well over 1000 physicists over many decades to invent gravitational wave detector concepts and then to refine and improve them, to enable designs for practical detectors. Professor Blair developed the first southern hemisphere gravitational wave detector NIOBE, and the Sapphire Clock. In 1998 he led the development of a fifty kilometre squared site at Gingin for a proposed southern hemisphere laser interferometer gravitational wave detector.

Professor Blair is Winthrop Professor at The University of Western Australia and is the Director of the Australian International Gravitational Research Centre at Gingin. CHILDRENS CORNER Please note the Association provids toys and colouring materials a t the rear of the Mechanics Hall for children that may attend meetings with their parents.

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK SECRETS OF SWAN COMPETITION RATES SET TO RISE NATALIE TURNS

here’s little doubt the suburbs in the City of Swan are rich with history, culture and beautiful places, some of which we are yet to discover. In fact, we suspect there are could be many hidden secrets and they may even be at the end of your street! Chief Executive Officer Mike Foley said the Secrets of Swan competition coincided with the City of Swan’s new Instagram account, launched recently.

“If you know of a place that is beautiful, memorable, quirky or somewhere that is special to you and worth sharing with others, then we encourage you to get snapping!,” Mr Foley said. The photo from each of the five place areas that receives the most number of “likes” will win $250 prize money. The location, in which the winning shot was snapped, may also feature in the City’s 2017 Community Calendar. An additional seven photos will be selected by the City of Swan for inclusion in the calendar so there’s a chance for others to be an Insta winner! It’s easy to enter. Post your photo on Instagram with the hashtag #Secretsofswan and also include a hashtag with the suburb the photo was taken in (eg #midland). It will automatically be entered into the competition. Read the terms and conditions and grab your camera or your phone. We can't wait to see the #secretsofswan that you discover. The competition closes on Thursday June 30, 2016 at 5:00pm.

ates in the City of Swan look likely to increase by 3.25 per cent in next financial year. Councillors resolved to seek public comment on a rate rise, as required by the Local Government Act 1995, which states councils must advertise proposed rate changes for comment by the community. The motion was put forward by Cr Kevin Bailey and seconded by Cr Daniel McDonnell, who said the increase was necessary; “A rise of 3.25 per cent will allow the City of Swan to provide extra services that are needed in the community. It means the difference of about $20 per month for a commercial property and $1.25 for residential.” Cr David Johnson proposed a 2.95 per cent increase, but the higher increase of 3.25 per cent won in a tight 7-5 vote. Swan Chamber of Commerce senior vicepresident Graeme Harris pleaded with the council to make the rates as low as possible. “Given the hard economic times we’re in, the City of Swan needs to realise we don’t want to stunt business growth in the area, please look at that and take into account that a large rise will put the City of Swan at a great disadvantage.” Mr Harris said there would be consequences if rates were not kept at an absolute minimum. “We are trying to attract new businesses and investors into the area and it will not happen if rates increase significantly.”

SMALL BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT

DENNISE OMA

he Swan Chamber of Commerce is putting on “Showcase your Business” and you’re invited to be part of this networking event. The event is hosted by Shanks Pony Tours with wonderful food provided by Acclaimed Catering and will take place on Tuesday the 21st of June from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the Midland Town Hall, 39 Old Great Northern Highway, Midland. Free entry for members, $50 for a display table Members and non-members of the Chamber are all welcome. You’re encouraged to attend this event by taking part and securing a table (thirty-six places available) or by attending and supporting your local small business operator. The Chamber are expecting approximately a hundred and fifty local business people and invite other small business operators such as Plumbers, Carpenters, Office Fit-out People, Electricians, Mobile Mechanics, Smash Repairers, Air-conditioning Installers Service and Repairers, Trimmers, House and Commercial Painters, Lawn Mowing Contractors, Office Cleaners, Security Alarms, Carpet Cleaners, Sign Writers, IT Providers, Internet Service Providers, Finance Brokers, Insurance Brokers, Computer Repairs, Business Coaches, Communication Supplies, Repairs and Service, Recruitment Agents, Refuse Disposal, Accountants, Solicitors and the list goes on. See you there. Enquiries and further information from 9374 5000. E: dennise@swanchamber.com.au. 17

SWAN VALLEY PROGRESS ASSOCIATION

About Us The Swan Valley Progress Association is the Community’s direct link to all those institutions and organisations at Local, State and Commonwealth levels, which can impact on the future of the Swan Valley. Its aims are to promote, advance and secure the special and general welfare, interests and opinions of persons resident or owning land in or around the locality of the Swan Valley. The Swan Valley Progress Association will: represent views and concerns of ratepayers, residents and business at all levels;  work with likeminded associations, other groups or community bodies and contribute comment to government to the benefit of members;  uphold the objectives of the Swan Valley Planning Act 1995 (as amended) and represent changes to the Act as seen to be necessary;  be non-sectarian and apolitical.

Swan Valley

The Swan Valley is a unique and valued part of Perth’s natural and cultural landscape. Its rivers, fresh water lakes and fertile soils at the foot of the Darling Escarpment sustained local Aboriginal communities for thousands of years, and provided ideal conditions for the establishment of one of the oldest wine producing regions in Australia. Today the Swan Valley is recognised not only for its heritage and viticulture, but also 18

for its rural character, its varied agriculture, and its attraction to visitors and tourists as a welcome escape from the city. In 1995, the State Government established the Swan Valley Planning Act to protect these characteristics and ensure the area is preserved for future generations. It is now estimated that the Swan Valley attracts more than one million visitors per year and contributes $211 million annually to the Western Australian economy.

Website

Our new website has been designed to deliver a more dynamic, engaging, content rich and mobile friendly medium for our community and committee to use. In short, it allows people to post their views in relation to the categorized topics posted on the website utilising the very best of intuitive software functionality. The main aim being to encourage as much community interaction and discussion as possible. All comments posted are moderated before being committed to the website to ensure website integrity is maintained. We value your comments in relation to any of the topics posted on our website so please feel free to make comments as you see fit, just click on the ‘Leave a comment’ link at the bottom of each topic and start typing.

Feature Topics

1. Pipeline Outcome

As a direct result of our Vice Chairman, Mr Harry Gratte and the Swan Valley community working together with the Today Tonight current affairs television program produced by the Seven Network, the Planning Minister, Donna Faragher

released a ministerial statement advising that the proposed pipeline location was inappropriate and therefore, an alternate route would be found.

2. Tourism Study

AEC Group Pty Ltd (AEC) was engaged by the WA Department of Planning to conduct a Tourism Infrastructure and Spatial Distribution Study for the Swan Valley.

3. Land Capability Report

A report on the land capability of irrigated agriculture in the Swan Valley produced by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) identifies opportunities and constraints to agricultural production in the area.

4. Council Rate Revenue

A website to compare how councils stack up against others or the State average has been launched by Local Government Minister Tony Simpson. As already mentioned please feel free to have your say on any of these topics or any other topic posted on our new interactive website:

www.svpa.com.au Become a SVPA member

A strong progress association can only be effective with an active and involved membership! Until our next AGM in October 2016, memberships are now being offered for FREE! Therefore, please be quick to take advantage of our free online membership. Please note that the Swan Valley Progress Association’s area of interest covers the Swan Valley legislated area and the immediate surrounding locations. e.g. Brigadoon

FOOD

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie

CHEESE BARREL

DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

‘A

ndrew Jackson, in the main foyer of his White House, had a big block of cheese, the block of cheese was huge—over two tons— and it was placed in the foyer of the executive mansion as part of Jackson’s broader practice of opening his doors to those who wished an audience.’ This is according to Leo McGarry in The West Wing. Historical fact* is slightly different but one thing the writers got spot on was the convivial nature of eating cheese. Here in the Swan Valley we are very fortunate to have The Cheese Barrel, who may not have a two ton block of cheese, but certainly look as though they have two tons of various cheeses. The Cheese Barrel is part of the Olive Farm complex but is operated separately from it, although they routinely conduct wine and cheese paired tastings. It’s part cafe, part providore and part advice bureau. Run by Sarah and Kylie with the aid of several delightful helpers the experience of walking into the airy French-windowed area overlooking green sward and trees is delightful. There are tables inside and out on the balcony and a vast glass cabinet filled with cheeses of every kind and description, from the familiar through the ‘I think I’ve heard of that’ to the ‘nope, never heard of it’. Cheeses are local, interstate and international; hard, soft, sweet and dry - cows, goats, sheep and, for all I know, Venezualan Beavers. The Cheese Barrel offers cheese tasting platters that vary pretty much daily and the menu provides for a selection of platters so you can really tuck into the ones you like best. A Board of three premium cheeses will set you back $37.50 and the ‘Ultra-premium’ $45.00.

these are both beautifully presented and a range of beverages, including glasses and bottles of the lovely Olive Farm range. The tastings change frequently but to give you some idea these are what were on offer the day I dropped in - Fermier de Jouvence (France), Asiago (Italy), Nullaki (West Australia), Forme d’ambert (France), Fior D’Arancio (Italy) and Reydenear VSOP (Netherlands). A couple of these fell into my ‘I dunno’ range, but I can say they were all good and a couple were outstanding as the charming Hayley led me through them - the Reydenear VSOP, for example is matured for two years before being sold and as a version of Gouda it has an intense flavour with creamy hints of butterscotch and caramel. The cheeses are adorned by Kylie’s efforts in the miniscule kitchen - Fig and Quince Paste, jams and jellies of all sorts and there is a wide variety of biscuits and breads as well. An ideal place to visit, sample and leave or decide ‘to hell with the rest of the tour, let’s just stay here.’ The Cheese Barrel also hosts various cheeserelated events such as the up-coming ‘Blues Night’ where not only the music, but the cheese will be blue. Very Highly Recommended Indeed. *The Cheddar cheese wheel (four feet across, two feet thick) was a gift he couldn’t eat, so he threw a party for Washington’s citizenry and the cheese was gone in two hours, although the smell lingered for months.

CHEF-EXPLORER

AN ENGLISHMAN IN HONG KONG BRENDAN MURPHY

s the Chef-Explorer I teach lots of Cookery and Travel related courses with my theme of ‘A Taste of the World’ that also links into my writing and books. However, I have also spent many a happy year teaching academically too at Technical Colleges like TAFE specializing in preparing Apprentice Chefs for a career in Commercial Cookery and the Hospitality Industry. Which made me think back to when I first actually started teaching, and it was not in the classroom or where you would think, but actually in a downtown humid library of Hong Kong, and furthermore it was the English language that I was teaching, to a Chinese Nurse! I believe the year was 1989, and I had just arrived in HK from Bangkok, recovering from a nasty bike accident on the Island of Koh Samui. These were my own ‘apprentice Travel days’, and I was always falling off things, like motorbikes and mountains (look back to my past story Another Screw Loose from last year describing how I broke my leg ski-ing in Switzerland). The thing was that my leg wound would not heal in that humidity and my wallet was also wounded from the costs of the bike being fixed in Thailand. It basically wiped out my finances and all I had left was an air ticket to Hong Kong. I had planned to work as a Chef, but that was now impossible, so I had to try and find alternative work. In the meantime, despite my hobble I still had to explore, so I found myself hobbling around

in another new country staying in an area called Kennedy Town. Hong Kong is a massive Metropolis with a real cosmopolitan mix of British and Chinese. Ever the Asian Tiger, with its bustling shopping streets and skyscrapers, dominating the skyline around Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, the place just buzzed with life. The first thing I learnt though was how to catch a bus. Well, you see, in Hong Kong there is a certain knack you have to learn to catch a bus, including how to use your elbows! As an Englishman who had had much experience in the well-ordered bus queue in England, (we are good at queuing up in a polite manner, it is one of our national past times), I was in for a bit of a shock in how it is done in Hong Kong.

With a large population using buses, long queues were the norm, until the bus arrived and all hell broke loose! Even though there had been a calm queue behind me beforehand, it was everyman for himself when the bus arrived! Though I towered above many of the little Hong Kong folk, they still successfully elbowed me out of the way. It took this well-mannered Englishman three missed buses until I learnt how to look back, just in time as the stampede started, so as to use my own elbows to finally board the bus! Meanwhile, besides getting buses to get around I had to live on cheap noodles and many a

Dim Sum as I tried to find work. It was only by good fortune that whilst having my leg cleaned and bandaged every day at the local hospital that the nurse asked me if I knew of a good English teacher? I mean, she spoke fairly good English already, but went on to say that she was studying for further nursing exams and wanted to leave Hong Kong when it returned to China the following decade. Now being a cheeky Mancunian and in desperate need of cash I suggested myself! Well, I have been an avid reader all my life and I had studied languages myself, so why not? Anyway, she said yes, and we agreed to meet at the library where she literally paid me in cash (more Noodle and Dim Sum dishes for me to check out!), under the table, after each session. This went on for a few weeks whilst my leg was recovering, but the thing was that I absolutely loved it! Even with no academic teaching qualifications then, I had always found it easy explain the meaning of words in different ways, and at the end of the three weeks she exclaimed I was the best teacher she had ever had. That made me really happy and also determined one day to get in to the teaching profession. Then within six months of arriving in WA in the summer of 1990, I was hired by TAFE and have never looked back. Well, unless I was in Hong Kong and there was a bus coming! DIM SUM (CHINESE DUMPLINGS) (Makes about 20)

FOOD TRIVIA

Ingredients 125g Wonton wrappers* 150g can bamboo shoots 4 Spring onions 250g lean minced pork 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh root ginger 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg white 2 teaspoons Soy sauce Plum or chilli sauce for dipping (*Won ton wrappers can be purchased from Asian food shops)

R A honey bee must tap two million flowers to R Louis XIV (1638-1715), was recorded to eat make 500g of honey. "four soups, a pheasant, a partridge, a plate of salad, sliced mutton with garlic, two lumps of R An etiquette writer of the 1840’s advised, ham, a plate of pastries, fruits and preserves" at “Ladies may wipe their lips on the tablecloth, but one sitting. not blow their noses on it.” R Mushrooms have no chlorophyll so they don't R California’s Frank Epperson invented the need sunshine to grow and thrive. Some of the Popsicle in 1905 when he was 11-years-old. earliest commercial mushroom farms were set up in caves in France during the reign of King Louis R Chocolate manufacturers currently use 40 XIV (1638-1715). percent of the world's almonds and 20 percent of the world's peanuts. R Potato chips were invented in Saratoga Springs in 1853 by chef George Crum. They were R Goulash, a beef soup, originated in Hungary a mocking response to a patron who complained in the 9th century AD. that his French fries were too thick.

Method 1. Finely chop the bamboo shoots and the spring onions. 2. Combine these vegetables with the pork, ginger, salt, egg white and soy sauce. Mix together will. 3. Put one heaped teaspoon of this mixture on each won ton square, keeping the unused squares covered with a damp piece of absorbent paper. 4. Squeeze the pastry around the filling to resemble a moneybag. 5. Place Won tons in an oiled bamboo-steaming basket. 6. Steam over boiling water for twenty minutes. 7. Serve hot with plum sauce or chilli for dipping.

WINING OUT

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie

ENTOPIA WINES

DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

ll up and down the valley of the Swan River are tiny boutique wineries offering sublime wines in jewel-like settings. One such is Entopia Wines owned and run by married couple Brian and Heather Hunt. Entopia is just off the Great Northern Highway, but once there you might be in Provence, for all the noise you can hear is the faint hush of a breeze and the occasional chirp of a bird. Brian is a retired town planner, which explains the name Entopia, town planningspeak for ‘an achievable good thing’. It’s both inspirational and actual. When Brian and Heather bought the property in 1998 it was, to be polite, a ‘fixer-upper’. The house was dilapidated, the ten acres filled with broken down fences, sheds, used tyres, corrugated iron past its best and so on. Not a single vine, although there was, and is, an aged apricot tree, gnarled with age into a perfect corkscrew. This is now the vineyards’ proud mascot - an example of what perseverance can achieve in survival to changing conditions. After cleaning up the Hunts first task was to plant the basis of the fruit stock that would form the backbone of the coming winery. This was, in 2000, some 1800 Shiraz vines, the following year 500 chardonnay and 1200 Cabernet Sauvignon. The soil is rich and loamy, with a heavy yield of excellent fruit - some fifteen tonnes from the now roughly 3,500 vines. The first vintage was Shiraz in 2003, followed in quick succession by the others. After some experimentation with various styles and blends the Hunts settled on some Swan Valley classics - Chardonnay, Verdelho, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port - red and white. The wines are all very reasonably priced at roughly $20 a bottle (barring the presentation boxed Dynamic Dylan at $30). Dylan is a much-loved grand child, as is Georgia, for whom the Golden Georgia Verdelho Chardonnay is named. They also produce some rather pleasant rosés which

a r e currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. For me, one of the chief joys of touring cellars is that you get to meet and talk with the grape growers and wine makers and can learn the thinking behind the choices they make and discuss the wines with these, who know the wine so intimately and so passionately. Brian and Heather are perfect examples of this, charming, knowledgeable, old-worlde polite and superb hosts. The cellar door at Entopia is an octagonal building of considerable charm overlooking the ruler-straight lines of vines extending down towards the Swan River at the bottom of the property. In addition there is a vast balcony on the house itself where Entopia hosts wine clubs, long lunches and the occasional art class. My favourite of the Entopia wines was the Shiraz earthy, warm, soft, enticing and forgiving. A lovely wine. The wines are available from their website, but you’d much better visit and have a sample and a chat with two of the nicest vineyard owners in the Valley. Very Highly Recommended Indeed. 21

COMMUNITY AUSTRALIA’S TEEN QUEEN

ustralia's Teen Queen will be the fifth pageant in which local Vines teen Tia DeVries will have competed. She recently just came back from the Gold Coast competing in the Miss Teen Galaxy Austrlia Pageant where she came third Runner Up. A few weeks after being back in Perth, her director offered me the opportunity to compete in the Australia Teen Queen pageant. She thought it would be an amazing opportunity, no matter the outcome. Tia says ‘I'm excited for another opportunity to help, inspire and make a difference! ‘I feel like sometimes pageantry can be overlooked. People looking in from the outside sometimes only see the glitz and glamour. I want to change that. I want to share with as many people as I can about the heart of soul of beauty pageants, especially my pageant. ‘I believe being kind, humble and genuine are some of the most important things and I want to share this message. A big dream of mine is creating my own organisation to help underprivileged children and teens in Western Australia - creating a home of equality, love and safety. I believe Miss Teen Galaxy Australia will give me the platform, voice and stepping stone to do so. ‘ I want to bring Australia Galaxy Pageant into the limelight, I want to share our ethos, showing the depth of my pageant and I think Australians will take kindly to that.’ This will be the first year that the Australia's Teen Queen pagent will be held. The inaugral National Final will be held in Perth at the end of June 2016, and should be a fabulous event, full of sparkles, fun and gorgeous girls! Australia's Teen Queen will win an enviable prize package, including a beautiful Czech crystal crown, sparkle encrusted satin embroided sash, $1000 in cash, $250 voucher for Showstoppers Boutique, $100 voucher for The Bejewelled Boutique, fast-track place in the National Final of Miss Teen Galaxy Australia 2018, photoshoots with renowned Australian photographers, amazing opportunities to travel around Australia, plus more. The areas of competition are Fun Fashion - This is the round for contestant's chance to show off their personality whilst on stage! Cocktail dresses, high-low dresses, sparkly rompers - there'll be lots of fabulous outfits on stage! Beach Babe - Steering away from the stereotypical swimsuit section in pageantry, in the Beach Babe section of Australia's Teen Queen, contestants are invited to wear a beach themed outfit! Evening Gown - Elegance, beauty, poise and grace - what every beauty queen should possess. The evening gown category is where contestants wear a gown of choice to showcase their personality and character. The chosen charity for the pageant is Kidzucate! Kidzucate is the anti-bullying charity, to help create a happier world for our children and youth. Contestants will be encouraged to raise awareness and fundraise for Kidzucate throughout their Teen Queen journey! Australia's Teen Queen allows young Australian women to have the opportunity to grow and be confident in any goal they set their mind to. Whist it is a competition, the young ladies who participate also learn to help one another and create a network of friends on which to draw support.

COMMUNITY TEEN RECEIVES CELEBRATION OF FRACKING IN THE VALLEY? JANETTE HUSTON ABILITY AWARD fter watching the movie Frackman, I was incensed that the Australian

Shire President David Lavell with Shire of Mundaring’s Celebration of Ability Award winner Eimile Humphreys

Sawyers Valley teenager has been recognised for her efforts to include everyone in the community. Eimile Humphreys (18) was resently presented with Shire of Mundaring’s Celebration of Ability Award y Shire President David Lavell whop said the Celebration of Ability Award was an initiative of the Inclusion and disAbility Access Advisory Group which has been running for eight years. “The award acknowledges individuals, community groups and businesses that provide positive initiatives and activities for people with disability, their families, friends and carers,” he said. “Eimile is an extremely worthy winner of this award and it is fantastic to see a young person so insistent on inclusion for everyone.” Cr Lavell said the young Sawyers Valley resident was an active participant in the Seen and Heard Youth Program including CREW meetings, drop-in sessions and events. “Eimile is always eager to volunteer her time and effort to benefit the program and all young people,” he said. “She has exceptional communication skills when interacting with Seen and Heard CREW members who have a disability and she guides all members to be respectful and inclusive. “Eimile empowers and inspires young people with disability.” Eimile was presented with a certificate and trophy at the Council Meeting. The Celebration of Ability Award trophy was made by the Mundaring Community Men’s Shed.

Government would allow such a damaging enterprise such as hydraulic fracturing to take place in our beautiful and fragile country. I then found out that it has headed our way and that already my northern neighbours are marked with exploration licenses. Let me fill you in on what this is all about. Vast areas across the northern WA, the Mid-West and even the Southwest wine region contain shale gas targeted for risky fracking or hydraulic fracturing to remove what is called ‘unconventional gas’. The process of removing the gas is this: Wells are drilled hundreds to thousands of metres deep. Fractures are created by pumping large quantities of fluids at high pressure down a wellbore and into the target rock formation. Hydraulic fracturing fluid usually consists of water (around eight Olympic swimming pools per frack), proppants and many chemical additives that open and enlarge fractures within the rock formation. These fractures can extend several hundred metres away from the wellbore. The proppants - sand, ceramic pellets etc hold open the newly created fractures. Once the injection process is completed, the internal pressure of the rock formation causes fluid to return to the surface through the wellbore. This fluid may contain the injected chemicals plus naturally occurring materials such as brines, metals, radionuclides, and hydrocarbons. The fluid is usually stored on site in tanks or pits before treatment, disposal or recycling. In many cases, it is injected underground for disposal. Once the earth is fracked there is no repair job - ever. While drilling has only commenced in a small number of places, fracking exploration licenses have been issued over many groundwater aquifers, including the Yarragadee north (Swan Coastal Plain to Geraldton) and south aquifers, which supplies Perth and the southwest with drinking water. The license area also includes Bullsbrook, Walyunga National Park and the Great Northern Highway to the Swan Valley. Fracking represents a major risk to the quality of our drinking water, as well as sustainable industries like farming and tourism. It has the potential to tear communities apart and massively increase Western Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. So knowing all this, I decided to join the Knitting Nannas against Fracking – Perth Loop (get it? Loop – knitting loop? – took me a while…) to do my bit of passive activism. Look us up on facebook. Our next “Knit In” along with Lock the Gate, and Frack Free Future will be the #Water4Life National Highway Action opposite Swan Christian College on Great Northern Hwy from10.00-2.00 on Saturday June the 25th. If you don’t want fracking near you, come and join us. For more info call me on 0458 128 006.

Map showing where the closest fracking lease comes into the Swan Valley - literally covering the Great Northern Highway and going into Walyunga National Park and not far from the Gnangara Water Mound 23

ENTERTAINMENT SHIRLEY VALENTINE AT KADS DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

alamunda Dramatic Society’s next production is by Willy Russell, a BAFTA and Olivier Awardwinning dramatist, lyicist and composer who ought to be far better known and appreciated than he is. His work is well known and much-loved, but the reclusive playwright shuns the limelight and buries himself in his work. Born in 1947 Russell’s first play (1971) was Keep Your Eyes Down, followed by the delightful play about The Beatles - John, Paul, George, Ringo ... and Bert. In 1980 he released his first smash hit - the semi-autobiographical Educating Rita, followed in quick succession by the musical Blood Brothers and the solo performer masterpiece, Shirley Valentine. Shirley Valentine, played by the luminescent Pauline Collins opened in London’s West End in 1988 and has seldom been off-stage since. Somewhere in the world someone is watching the movie (also starring Ms Collins) or a stage production. Memorably in Australia the one-woman show was performed by Amanda Muggleton. The play takes the form of a monologue by a middle-aged, working class Liverpool housewife, focusing on her life before and after a transforming holiday abroad. Wondering what has happened to her youth and feeling stagnant and in a rut, Shirley finds herself regularly alone and talking to the wall

while preparing an evening meal of egg and chips for her emotionally distant husband. When her best friend wins a trip-for-two to Greece, she packs her bags, leaves a note on the cupboard door in the kitchen, and heads for a fortnight of rest and relaxation. In Greece, with just a little effort on her part, she rediscovers everything she had been missing about her existence in England. She finds so much happiness, in fact, that when the vacation is over she decides not to return, ditching her friend at the airport and going back to the hotel where she’d been staying to ask for a job and to live a newly self-confident life in which she is at last true to herself. Speaking as an actor of some experience, I can tell you that one man plays are exceptionally difficult. The audience has nothing else to focus on but you and your performance. There is no respite, no easing of the pressure. Even Shakespeare gives every leading part a ‘breather’ to recover. But with a one-hander there is no rest, no ease so it requires skill and stamina of the highest order. Fortunately, in this case KaDS has been able to get Jenny Howard McCann for the part of Shirley. In the interests of full disclosure, Jenny is a personal friend. I have acted with her and directed her and I can say that in all my years I have never worked with so dedicated or versatile a performer in community theatre.

I haven’t seen any rehearsals, but I know this will be an outstanding performance and one I’m really looking forward to. Directed by Jenny’s long-time friend Jodi Cant, Shirley Valentine opens at the Town Square Theatre on Friday the 8th July and runs until the 30th. Performances are at 8:00pm and cost $20 for weeknight shows. Saturdays cost $30, but include a fish and chip supper at the interval. Tickets are available from the Lucky Charm Newsagency - call in or ring 9257 2668. I would book early as this show will sell out fast - no one who loves good theatre and acting will want to miss it.

Jenny Howard McCann plays Shirley Valentine

GET SOCIAL WITH JAY all the CONTENT was, they replied with “Oh, content is YOUR job. We just provide the website.” Therefore, copy usually ends up somewhere distantly down the line of online presence priorities. Here’s why it should be near the top: Bad copy is bad manners. When you put in the effort, it shows. Using thrown-together-at-the-last-minute copy on your website makes your prospective client feel as if they aren’t really important to you. You’ve wooed them with pretty graphics and a snazzy site, and now you’re not really telling them anything that’s compelling or engaging. It’s

WHY DIY COPY SOMETIMES MISSES THE MARK

ords have power, and we all know that. If you’re a new business owner, you’ve probably been lured into a sexy new website along with some snappy Facebook advertising and a social media presence. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for those too. But just words. copy is the doozy. Without good copy, you’re not It’s similar to giving out tissue paper as saying much at all (except; I just spent a truck load business cards at a networking function or refusing to speak to anyone. of dosh for these pretty pictures). Commercially, the power of the written word Good manners means good personal brand, which equals referrals. directly translates into dollars. As “The Father of Advertising”, David Ogilvy WEBSITES HAVE A PURPOSE says; “When I write an advertisement, I don’t want Websites have one job: to attract, to generate you to tell me that you find it creative. I want you interest, to plant a desire, and to invoke action to find it so interesting that you buy the product.” (the AIDA principle). That, in short, is exactly what copywriting is Most websites don’t do that. Apart from being slow, unattractive, vague, supposed to deliver for your business. So why would you DIY? Or trust to your VA or and unresponsive, they don’t even communicate. Your visitors do “visit” and then they do their best social media girl? to leave. Please, don’t. Technology means that creating yourself a Even with slick design, website today is a fairly simple process. WordPress expensive typography, opt ins, (my favourite) is Google friendly, has endless funnels and good navigation, themes that make drag and drop a possibility, and uninteresting copy will mean there are fantastic articles online on how to do a quick exit back stage left for website visitors who turn up just about anything you like. Making the website WORK for you is a and find you’ve nothing to say. different prospect. You want your cash register What did you say (write) to be ringing so hard it jumps off your desk. again? Don’t have a website that does nothing but hogs Consider this: you are out server space and costs you a recurring fee each year. Every day I work If you would like to receive a with business owners who believed that the free copy of the new, expanded digital Swan Magazine $599 Package Deal they purchased through a sent to you electronically and company was going to put save a tree’s life, send an email: them on the map. editor@swanmagazine.com.au I’ve literally been on the phone with a client who was with ‘Subscribe’ given back a framework, in the subject line. when she questioned where

socialising and you’re making good use of the bar stools. You sit there with a glass of red and there’s this “someone” who shows up right next to you. He sits, places an order, and initiates small talk. Now, what he says or the questions he asks will determine what happens to the relationship. You can relate to that. First impressions matter. Good copy, at least to begin with, is interesting, purposefully written, and gets things going in the right direction. THE WRONG FOCUS Poorly written content that focuses only on “you” -- as a business -- is the equivalent of a narcissistic drunk slob at a bar who talks about himself all day long. (We’ve all met one of these). Too many websites have copy that go on and on about themselves (I challenge you to visit any random “About” page, right now). “We are the largest producers of craft supplies in Perth…” “At Crunchy Law Associates, our firm has a collective experience of 120 years helping clients manage their cases – from criminal to corporate liability…” Your customers don’t care. What they need to know straight off the bat is: How can you help them? How can you solve their problem? What’s it about you that makes you special? Why should they not cozy up to your competition? It’s easy (and almost tempting) to skimp on the cost (and the effort) it takes to produce good copy. But when you do it right, you’d have set the stage for profitability, for years to come. Sure, have a crack at it yourself the first time round. Then, when you’re ready, bring in a professional. Courtesy of Crisp Crow Communications

COMMUNITY THEATRE REVIEWS THEATRE WITH GORDON

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. - Helen K eller

ou’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown is a 1967 award winning musical, based on Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts. The playwright was John Gordon (this is thought to be a joint pseudonym for Gesner and the cast), he shows us a day in the life of Charlie Brown and his Peanuts gang. On the advice of the producer Arthur Whitelaw, Clark Gesner added the music and lyrics later. It took Gesner about five years to get use of these copyright characters for his play. The show ran for 1597 shows over four years. This updated show has had extra dialogue added by Michael Meyer, and lyrics modified by Andrew Lippa.

This two-hour, bright, lively, light-hearted spectacular is brought to you by a cast of young adult actors (fourteen to twenty-ish), and is presented by the Garrick Theatre Club, at the Garrick Theatre, 16 Meadow Street, Guildford. The curtains go up every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8.00 pm, and Sunday afternoons 5th and 12th at 2.00 pm. The Garrick has a three-hour class (TAG – teens at Garrick) once a month for youngsters who want to learn stage skills. The set is a wonderful copy of the cartoon we all love. A background of blue skies, clouds, a path through the grass and a lone fir tree, all painted in primary colours (Nicole Tonkin, Cherie Tucker, Lisa Johnston). There is a big, red kennel with a flat area on the roof – for Snoopy to sleep. Each character has a wooden box, painted in their colour, adorned with their faces (artwork Annette Underhill). The set construction was by Brad Hassett, Dave Stevens, Mirekle and Jennifer Bejr and Clayton Reichert. Amber Southall, who along with Celeste produced the colourful programme, also put a great deal of work into the foyer display of Peanuts cartoons and drawings. Today is a good day. Everyone seems to like shy, insecure Charlie Brown (Liam Gobbert), but is he really a ‘Good Man’? Most days he is obsessed with the red-haired girl whom he sees each lunchtime. Some day he may have the courage to sit next to her.

Music student, Schroeder (Caleb Stevens) is obsessed with Beethoven, playing the ‘Moonlight Sonata’ on the piano, day in day out; but adoring Lucy (Brittany Isaia) doesn’t mind, she just watches him and drools – fanaticising about how, some day, she will become a Queen and marry Schroeder. Snoopy (Liam Borbas) does not talk much; he prefers to lie on top of his kennel, gazing at the clouds. Genius Linus (Charlie Darlington) – Lucy’s brother – wanders past clutching his security blanket. He may be intelligent, but he is a dreamer and child at heart. His schoolyard friends try to steal his blanket, but in a delightful scene, he sits and imagines all the security blankets coming alive and dancing. Charlie’s attractive but dumb sister, Sally (Tania Morrow) shows everyone her latest sculpture, made from coat hangers! Why did she only get a ‘D’? Snoopy dreams and fanaticises of the years he was a fighter pilot in World War I and how he defeated the Red Baron. We spend a few days with Charlie and his friends, enjoying their adventures and ‘living’ many of his cartoon strips. The costumes (Celeste Underhill, Fran Gordon, with wigs by Lynda Stubbs) were colour co-ordinated and beautifully finished off. Clayton Reichert and Brad Hassett’s lighting was well planned and operated. Ben Anderson and Alexander Fleckner capably operated Geoff Holt’s fun sound design. The cartoon syndicate and copyrighters supplied the quirky, lively music. Krispin Maesalu, Karl and Christina Dietrich gave the cast vocal and singing guidance. The cast were all very talented singers, who could belt out the song perfectly whilst dancing and smiling. Amber Southall precisely taught the New York accents. Even though the director, Celeste Underhill, is a talented dance teacher and experienced director, for this unusual show, she had to find a cast that could speak with an American accent, sing well, dance gracefully, and have good stage presence, whilst displaying exuberance and energy throughout the show. Finally, an excellent comedic delivery was essential. With young actors, having one of these talents is admirable, but to find half a dozen players with all of these talents is amazing. This cast had huge chemistry, and engaged the audience from the opening scene. This is a feel-good show for all of the family. Six to ninety-six year olds will love it. Great fun.

‘THE FLICKERS’ WITH JAMES FORTE HIGHLY STRUNG

In Praise of the Luthier

ow here’s a good idea. Let’s make a documentary about a lovely lady from Adelaide, Ulrike Klein, who wishes to purchase four magnificent antique instruments for our premier music ensemble, the Australian String Quartet (ASQ). Scott Hicks, who was nominated for an Oscar for Shine, will direct and look after the photography. It will take a year, following the ASQ’s national and overseas recitals, the purchase of the instruments and the making of a new cello in Italy. For me, the work of the luthier (who makes and repairs string instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars) is the first theme and the high point of this film. We observe the selection of the wood and the slow handcrafting and tuning of the cello soundbox. One can only marvel at the dedication and skill which goes into the six-month long creation of such an instrument. Most people are familiar with the names of Stradivari and Guarneri who made Cremona the world centre for fine violin production. Guadagnini was also an Italian luthier of the 18th century and his violins now sell for fantastic prices. It does not matter that scientific experiments have shown that even experts cannot distinguish between these antiques and the best of modern instruments – as noted in the film. Collectors want the original articles and are prepared to pay for them. And so the second theme takes us to London and the search for - and purchase of - four Guadagnini instruments – first and second violins, a viola and a cello, dated 1784, 1748, 1783 and 1743 respectively. This matched set, worth around six million dollars, is now used regularly by the ASQ. From Adelaide, Cremona and London, the film, jarringly, moves to New York and a look at the Carpenter family of musicians. Full of chutzpah, they want to glue large diamonds into their Strads. There is a short but awful scene of them buying expensive clothes and shoes for their next stage appearance. Which brings us to the third theme. The ASQ is based at the University of Adelaide and tours the country several times a year. When I last saw them in 2011, it was an all female line-up which had been together since 2000. Sadly, over the last four years there has been a high turnover of members. The film opens with the recruiting of new second-violin and cello players. The ASQ can afford to be very choosy in who it takes. The first surprise occurs five minutes into the film when everyone discovers that the first and second violins know each other very well. So well that they are about to get married. Ask any project manager – having a clique within the team is high risk. Soon artistic differences in the performance, style and the selection of repertoire surface. Scott’s focus on the introduction of the Guadagninis is derailed as he tries to explore the temperament of a string quartet which is imploding.

The four members clam up and we are left with several awkward interviews which say little. Trying to edit this film in post-production must have been hell and it is possible the section on the Carpenters in New York was added as filler to replace the expected footage from a cancelled ASQ recital. Fairy tales do not happen in real life. We hope for a climax of the film in some sublime

performance (perhaps of a Beethoven quartet) on those fabulous instruments. And we get a taste in the delicious fourth movement of the Brahms Piano Quintet by the augmented ASQ. It is not enough. See the film for the work of the luthiers. See the real thing the next time the Australian String Quartet (in their new line-up) are in town. Highly Strung opened at Cinema Paradiso on May 19.

The Australian String Quartet

ANGELS IN AMERICA - PART ONE

fter nine years as artistic director of Black Swan, the State’s premier theatre company, Kate Cherry is leaving us - with a big-budget, spectacular production of one of the most-praised plays of recent times. Tony Kushner is a gay, Jewish New Yorker who drew on all three backgrounds in writing this play. It won him a Pulitzer Prize and two Tony Awards. Before we continue, some warnings: it contains coarse language, full-frontal nudity and two men having sex. This is a dark drama about homosexuality and AIDS. The production also has fine acting (Jo Morris and Will O’Mahony are outstanding), great lighting (Matt Scott), slick scene and set changes (without any dimming of the lights - as specified by the playwright) and some spectacular effects – the burning book (Andy Cross) has the audience gasping. There were some minor imperfections. In retrospect, I cannot see how the Rabbi’s long initial monologue added to the play. And there is humour of relevance to today’s presidential elections when it asks if voting Republican is as embarrassing as being gay? The setting is New York in the Reagan era. Louis and Prior are lovers and Prior has just been diagnosed with HIV. Louis works in the same building as Joe

whose sexuality is ambiguous. Joe is married to Harper, a woman who is addicted to Valium and experiencing hallucinations. He is also the protégé of Roy (based on the real Roy Cohn), Republican powerbroker and lawyer. Roy denies his homosexuality and demands that his doctor record his AIDS diagnosis as “liver cancer”. All this is framed within a religious fantasia of visions and angels. The imminent millennium may herald the second coming and a new American golden age. The signs are there: the decline of the Soviet Union, Israel triumphant in the middle-east, Africa emerging from colonialism and Apartheid, the decriminalization of homosexuality. And then the icy shock of AIDS, a disease which might be divine retribution targeting gays and drug users - for which there is no cure. Kate was living in America at the time and notes: “and then suddenly beautiful young men were dying of a disease that nobody understood”. And just around the corner were 9/11, endless desert wars, massive Muslim migration, global warming and a self-inflicted financial crisis. So before we get too depressed, we should note that the scourge of AIDS has now been beaten with containment and anti-retro-virals and the lessons learnt deployed against SARS and Ebola. Continued on page 31 ... 27

EDUCATION

EDUCATION BLOOD SACRIFICE EXHIBITION NOW OPEN generation. The exhibition is open from 9-4pm daily at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre on the corner of Meadow and Swan Streets, Guildford until the end of July. Entry is free. The exhibition is supporting the launch of the website for WWl soldiers leaving Guildford area. Barbara Dundas, who was instrumental, also organised the Poppy trail around Guildford listing a hundred and sixty houses connected with WWl. Five groups in Guildford were awarded Federal money to honour WWl.

he Blood Sacrifice exhibition by the Swan Guildford Historical Society honours the Australian Army Nursing Service and the Field Ambulance of the Australian Army Medical Corps during World War I 1914-18. See rare uniforms and equipment from the conflict that changed a

An Australian Army Medical Corps unit at Blackboy Hill Camp in 1915

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Concluded from page 29 ... So why this production? And why now? This play is dated but is notable as the vanguard of GLBT theatre in America. It has been successfully converted into a film, a TV series and an opera. The only other influential gay theatre prior to this was the 1973 French comedy La Cage au Folles (which gets a mention in the play). Angels in America has humour and hope. And like all good theatre it provokes you into taking sides. It opened at the State Theatre Centre on the 1st and runs until the 19th June.

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Title: Mindful Wellness Author: Carolyn Farrugia Publisher: Xlibris AU he Anxiety and Depression Association of America cites anxiety disorders as one of the most common mental health problems on college campuses. Forty million U.S. adults suffer from an anxiety disorder and seventy-five percent of them experience their first episode of anxiety by the age of twentytwo. Author Carolyn Farrugia has been through the depths of depression and anxiety and has been successful in coming back to the light. She shares her journey to Mindful Wellness, her debut book. Farrugia has been both a patient and a therapist where depression is concerned. Falling ill to depression has given her firsthand experience into the world of mental illness and her work with people diagnosed with a mental illness allowed her to discover some missing link in their development. Through experience and research, she puts together a manual that guides people from the tunnel of darkness towards the proverbial light on its end. She also highlights in her narrative the removal of stigmas on people who suffer from mental illness. She cites such action as a helpful step towards recovery. The unique dual viewpoint offered by this book will undoubtedly aid both the

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POETRY UTOPIAN DREAM RJ ELLE

’ve trudged many roads…flown across skies Sailed over seas and oceans so wide Journeyed to seek just where I belong Nowhere called home…just drifting along Utopia’s fields they beckon to me Where sun’s setting blaze is doused by the sea These visions of mine as wondrous they seem Are merely a part of all that I dream Utopian dream my true journey’s end But dreams let me down again and again Waking to find ‘tis no place for me Utopia’s far more than somewhere to be For what is a place where beauty abounds How can that be when you’re not around Nowhere on earth…no matter where Is Paradise found if you are not there I’d only be happy wherever that be With someone to share Utopia with me For that is the place to truly call home Yet nowhere to be if there but alone

mmmmmmmmm

WRITING A BIT OF FLUFF ... KAREN R TREANOR

“…And sat down beside her…” hings you don't want to see while driving at 100 kilometres per hour down a major highway in Tasmania: a humongous Huntsman spider running around the dashboard of your car. Readers may recall my previous story about adventures with these spiders when I was living in Western Australia. I try not to kill them, because they are useful beasts that eat bugs, and besides, if you whack them they leave blobs of spider nougat all over the place—they really are big; many would cover a salad plate from toe to toe. They are interesting creatures—in the right place. http://australianmuseum.net.au/ huntsman-spiders So there I am beetling along on a downhill slope when the spider comes from nowhere, leaps over the passenger headrest and lands on the dashboard. She stops to get her breath in her primitive book lungs, then starts towards my side of the car. What to do?

Tap brakes, put on signals, pull into breakdown lane, lower all the windows, and slide out carefully onto the road. Traffic whizzes by. Run around to the passenger door. Spider scuttles up onto ceiling of car, I use a shopping bag to chiv v y it out the window. Run back to driver's side, slide into seat, hit 'close' buttons on windows. Drive away happily thinking spider will blow off soon. Get to Hobart, slow down to drive through city to reach appointment. Stop at red light, spider runs across windscreen-fortunately outside. Get to a parking space and sit in hot car for a long time before daring to leap out and feed the meter. Check for spider. No spider. Have meeting, return to car, check for spider. No spider. Drive to Kingston, do shopping, come out to stash bags in back of car, open hatch: Argh! Spider

folded up in the flange of the door. Ill-advisedly try to move spider; spider moves INTO the car and inserts itsself in the slot that holds the seat belt. (Get strange looks from man in next parking bay who hears me muttering "Get away you bastard!") Stuff rags into slot of seatbelt and drive home looking in rearview mirror constantly. Reach home after a nervous forty minute drive; pull out seat belt, no spider. Spray seatbelt with bug spray, let it snap back, shut door and cross fingers. Check next morning and find dead spider in back deck of car, belly up. Sorry, spider, but it was you or me -- or both of us if I'd driven into a bridge abutment when taken by surprise some day. Somebody has probably crunched the numbers to determine what size a spider in your car has to be before you panic at the sight of it. I could have tolerated one of those little striped grass spiders, or a tiny jumping spider— but the gigantic Huntsman with its velcro feet?— no, sorry: I’ve got a bowl of curds and whey to protect.

SEEKING YOUNG WRITERS

he KSP Writers’ Centre is running a brand new Press Club for young writers in the school holidays, beginning this July. This full day adventure for tomorrow’s media moguls will have young writers aged between eleven and seventeen writing up a storm and creating a news zine. The idea of the program is to show the different avenues available to make a career out of writing, and to have fun while learning to work in a team. The excitement begins on enrolment when participants will be posted an exclusive VIP Access All Areas Press Pass on a lanyard which must be brought on the day to gain entry. PICK A FAVOURITE TOPIC Horoscopes? Weather? Poetry? Advertisements? History? Sport? – and be guided through the process of creating a news column or feature piece. It doesn’t need to be non-fiction, either! Create fictional characters to spice up your story. Meet and interview special guest author Goldie Alexander who will also lead a workshop on writing catchy titles. Spend time with fellow Press Club friends to film short ‘on location’ news segments. The program includes lunch and afternoon tea and will finish with the filming of a specially branded news panel featuring all the articles created during the day, which parents and siblings are invited to come and watch. All members of the team will become published authors and will receive a complimentary copy of the zine to take home. They will be emailed a digital copy of the edited film afterwards.

SHANNON COYLE The program is limited to twenty participants so get in quick to ensure you don’t miss out. Press Club will take plae on Tuesday 12 July, from 9.30am-4.30pm at KSP Writers’ Centre, 11 Old York Road, Greenmount. The cost is $65 non-members, $60 KSPmembers, $55 for residents in the Shire of Mundaring. For more information or to book contact

Shannon on 9294 1872 or visit http://www. kspwriterscentre.com. The Katherine Susannah Pritchard Foundation is dedicated to providing a Writers’ Centre and related community activities at Katharine’s Place, the heritage-listed former home of Katharine Prichard, internationally celebrated author of Coonardoo, Working Bullocks and many other novels, stories and plays.

The participants of a previous holiday writing camp 31

COMPUTERS LIVING WEBSITES JESS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE B.W.

wrote last month about the opportunity for an ever-changing, ever-updating website that I referred to as a living website, but can also be referred to as dynamic content. For the most part, we’ve seen these dynamic content sites in the extreme as big business sites, such as Facebook, Netflix or Amazon, that understand the information that you give them and customise the user experience. A living website is something much smaller and more intimate and less about customisation to a singular person. Living websites are not for all. They require a lot of time and patience and work (or money if you want to subcontract out the writing). Essentially, the website needs a full time writer to keep the content coming. But don’t be discouraged, it’s completely worth the effort. Such living websites are great options for anyone who has a sales orientated website, or a timeline orientated website. A smaller sales orientated website is an e-commerce business, that sells their wares either off the site, or off social media, or both – a larger version is a chain that has physical store locations, keeping an online catalogue and maybe ordering system in their website. A company such as this needs a living website, so that customers can be aware of changing stock and evolving lines. A timeline orientated website is time based, such as event site, author or artist sites, a community event that has an outcome, or even one that holds writing workshops or classes, that people may need to know more about how things are changing or what’s going on lately. A living website is especially useful to those who already have high traffic or want high traffic through their site. The constant updates enable viewers or readers to spend that little bit of extra time

perusing the website looking for the new content. your Twitter feed, or as (not)complicated as a few photos of something happening recently and a small spiel about just what in a kind of mini-blog HOW TO IMPLEMENT A LIVING WEBSITE Blog. Having a blog implemented onto your format. existing website is number one way to create a Events that are happening locally that you are involved with, specials coming up, sales, or living website. The blog is an amazing tool that gives viewers introducing new staff – there is always something an opportunity to get to know you and your happening in your business. It’s a great way to business. This does require a little more work on break down the corporation barrier and give your part, but if you can do it, it’s highly beneficial. people a look at the beating heart of what’s If you decide to implement a blog, a little underneath. preparation goes a long way. Start small, designate one or two days to post, and keep it regular. If you’re the spontaneous type, use it; if not, make a plan and keep to it. Knowing what you want to write about is the biggest step other than just sitting down to write it. SOCIAL MEDIA A lot of businesses have social media set up and used frequently. They are a brilliant tool for small, local businesses, one that is only showing the tip of the iceberg with how effective they can really be. What people haven’t clicked yet, is that those social media pages can be (very easily) integrated into the website. Social media can be a great alternative to website aspects. For example, you don’t want to maintain an online gallery or you add visual media frequently, Instagram is the interface for you. Or perhaps you feel you don’t have the time to regularly maintain a blog, perhaps a Facebook timeline or Twitter feed would be more your style. Both can appear embedded on pages, and save you the time and trouble updating two different things, social media and a website, while making both look used more often. NEWS Most of us really don’t have the time or the inclination to maintain a good blog, and a sloppy, uncared for blog is worse than having an old, uncared for site. Some of the time you just don’t have content to write about on your blog, but you can do something a little simpler. News. News is an easy way to show people that the website hasn’t been abandoned, that you care about your business and that your website users are up-to-date and informed, and that you are really look after every aspect. It can be something as simple as integrating

HUMOUR

n case you need further proof that the human race is doomed because of stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods. On a Myer hairdryer: "Do not use while sleeping". On a bag of Chips: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. On a bar of Palmolive soap: "Directions: Use like regular soap". On some frozen dinners: "Serving suggestion: Defrost".. On packaging for a K-Mart iron: "Do not iron clothes on body". On Boot's Children Cough Medicine: "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication". On most brands of Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only". On Nobby's peanuts: "Warning: contains nuts". On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts". On a child's superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."

FINANCE SENSIBLE SAVERS AWAKE TO POLITICAL THREAT AGAINST INVESTORS STEVE BLIZARD

s part of their election platforms, the Turnbull government and the Shorten opposition have unveiled policies that would reintroduce a tax on earnings from super accounts in the retirement phase for people with large balances. All retirees have been entitled to tax-free earnings from their super since July 2007 after former Liberal Treasurer Peter Costello quite wisely abolished the old reasonable benefit limits (RBL) scheme in the 2006 federal budget. In a shock budget move, Treasurer Scott Morrison said that if re-elected, the Coalition would introduce a $1.6 million cap on the amount of money people can transfer out of their superannuation account into a tax-free private pension from July 1, 2017. People who have more than $1.6 million in super will be allowed to keep it in their accumulation account where earnings are taxed at the concessional rate of ffiteen percent. Many Liberal Party supporters perceive some of the proposed changes to super as an attack on Liberal values. They say the changes promote a dependency on government pensions and dissuade people from planning sensible retirement savings. Labor's plan, announced last year, would start taxing retirees' earnings from super once it exceeds $75,000 a year. In a practical sense this would have an effect similar to introducing a tax on retirement balances of $1.5 million – assuming an annual investment return of five percent. HOW THE POLICIES COMPARE Analysis by actuarial consulting firm Rice Warner shows that voters who have been fortunate enough to build up $2 million or more in their super fund will be better off under Labor's policy in years when investment market returns are six percent or less, but could pay more than three times as much tax when returns are more than eight percent. For example, a retiree with a $2 million balance earning six percent would pay $24,000 in tax under the Coalition, but would pay $45,000 under Labor.

In contrast, an investor with $2 million earning only two percent would pay $8,000 under the Coalition, but would pay no tax under Labor. The Rice Warner research also shows that under Labor, retirees with super balances of about $1 million could be hit with a tax of $5,000 on their earnings in years when their investment returns were eight percent or higher. In contrast, a retiree with $1 million would pay no tax under the Coalition plan. However, Labor's approach to taxing larger super balances in retirement also provides more flexibility for self-funded retirees to rebuild their pension balance if markets go south. Treasurer Scott Morrison has received wide levels of criticism about the proposed $500,000 superannuation cap, which prevents retirees topping up their funds during market downturns. Deloitte Private partner John Randall said: “If markets were tanking, people with high balances would probably be better off under Labor's policy; and if markets were going gangbusters they would do better under the Liberal's policy”.

BORROWING IN THE FUND The problem with a super capping policy is that it has no regard to the investment life cycle of many investors. So when an individual or a couple eventually have some spare cash to save for their retirement, the likelihood is there won't be enough time or savings opportunities to do this effectively.

So using leverage to buy growth assets like property, shares and even managed funds is almost certain to attract more attention among smarter investors looking for ways to deal with the restrictive nature of super contribution-capping policies. Providing care is taken in the investment cycle as to when borrowing is undertaken, canny investors can buy growth investments using borrowed money and over time the increase in value of the investments assists the bottom line of an SMSF. SHARES OFFSET INCREASED EARNING TAX With both major parties likely to cut down on superannuation contribution opportunities and removal of the transition to retirement [TTR] earnings tax break on pension funds, this is set to bring a renewed focus on capital growth strategies. The tax free nature of TTR pension funds, after preservation age was reached, meant there was less need to worry about tax planning within the fund. Up until now cash based investments within the fund were not impacted by the fifteen percent earnings tax. However, the imposition of the earnings tax until full retirement will prompt investors to increase fund weightings to Australian shares. Shares provide franking credits, which are then used to offset the earnings tax. Only after full retirement in the pension phase, will the earnings tax revert to zero. While canny retirees are already implementing new strategies to overcome the socialist Green-Coalition policies of capping super contributions and penalising self-funded retirees from saving, overseas investors impacted by the ultra-low interest rate policies of the world’s central banks are also growing equally creative. Foreign investors, with the help of one big bank, have found a way to get around the central banks negative interest rates. The German bank Commerzbank is looking at the possibility of hoarding billions of euros in vaults, rather than paying to park the funds with the ECB. Such a decision by the bank, which is partly owned by the German government, would be the most flagrant bank protest against central bank policy yet seen. BUT IT'S NOT THE ONLY ONE Already, the head of German insurer Munich Re has signalled intentions to store at least billion euros ($15 billion) of its reserves in cash. As revealed here and abroad, smart investors will continually find innovative ways to get around the endless socialist policies that penalise them from saving. Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities 33

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 Monday Evenings MUSTARD SEED - DISCOVERING COMPUTERS 0435 062 728. 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 Margie on 9295 6103 for further information. don’t know what it will do? We can help. Cost is 10.00am to 3.00pm. Potential members can turn $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 details. and information are available. SWAN VALLEY SQUARES – ELLENBROOK Annual fees are low and members can do Phone 9299 7236 or 0416 815 822 or Every Friday Night their own thing, participate in projects for the Modern Australian Square Dancing from E. mustardcomputers@gmail.com community or simply just come in for a chat and a 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm Woodlake Community Hall, cuppa. 1 Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly, fun and ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY We are considering extending our days to low cost. No previous experience necessary. All WEIGHT LOSS CLUB include Saturdays or evenings if there is enough Welcome. Contact Greg Fawell 0417 912 241 or Every Wednesday evening www.swanvalleysquares.weebly.com We meet from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at the interest. Woodlake Community Hall, Meeting room 1. Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly support SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE STIRLING SQUARE MARKET group and low cost. Male and females of all MUSIC CLASSES Third Sunday of every month Tuesday mornings At Stirling Square, Corner of James and ages welcome. Contact Shirley 9276 7938 Learn to play tunes on piano or keyboard shirleysardelich@aapt.net.au. Meadow Streets. 9am - 3pm. immediately – the SIMPLY MUSIC method. Play Situated in the heart of Guildford, within five songs, chords, blues and classical in small groups minutes walking distance from the Guildford SWAN WOODTURNERS GROUP at a reasonable price. Train Station, a visit to the Stirling Square Market The group meets in the rear hall of The Senior Call Heather 9296 4181 for more details. is sure to please. Citizens’ Centre, The Avenue, Midland, at 1-00pm. 34

THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind businesses fail, and it’s clear that the good old Aussie ‘have a go’ attitude isn’t enough. So what can help you survive? As I pondered this a few weeks ago I ended up with twenty questions that’d show me whether freelance life was for you. Being the good researcher that I am I kept pondering and ended up with enough ideas to fill three eBooks, the first of which sets out an introductory Action Plan to get you started. So whether you dream of jumping off the corporate treadmill and running free into the GLENNYS MARSDON freelance life as a designer, writer, artist or management consultant, here’s an extract from y this time of year I’ve usually received a the first eBook - four home truths about what it handful of calls from people wanting to takes to live a successful freelance life. chat about my strange freelance existence. Last month I received my fifteenth call so I thought maybe it was time I lifted the lid a little wider What are your expectations of freelance and let people in on a few of my freelance life? As I said earlier most people have unrealistic secrets. I’ve been extremely lucky to list my expectations of days spent in their pyjamas. The occupation as ‘freelancer’ for nearly twenty first thing to do is make sure your expectations years, so I guess I can’t blame people seeking are realistic. me out, but I still find it a little baffling as the Freelance life usually involves more hours, lifestyle now seems quite normal to me. The more responsibility, more stress not less, especially when you’re starting out. calls usually go something like this. ‘Hey why don’t we catch up for a coffee it’s Okay some of you may not read any further, been months, I can do next week, anytime, my that’s fine, but I’d rather be honest up front than companies started restructuring so I’m going to have you yelling at me later on. So first up talk to people already doing what you plan to. use up as much sick leave as I can?’ Or the slightly more honest … ‘I’m pretty sure I’m about to lose my job, can I pick your How good are you at setting limits? While freelance life conjures up images of brain over a coffee?’ When we meet up the person across the freedom, the reality is you this won’t happen table from me usually arrives with starry eyes if you don’t set limits for both yourself, and about mornings spent lying on the beach, lunch your clients. Would you think of calling your in front of Dr Phil and afternoons at the movies mechanic, accountant or hairdresser at 8pm on with the odd bit of work thrown in. Reality is a a Sunday night during MasterChef? No? Rightly so, and yet when I started out many little different. According to the Australian Bureau of of the clients knew that I worked from home, Statistics, Australia has the largest proportion of consequently some conducted all their work people starting up small businesses compared during business hours, always leaving me until to almost anywhere else in the world, aside after 7:00pm or the weekend. from the US. In 2013 - 2014 Australians started While you might be thinking ‘how rude’, over 280,000 small businesses, no doubt many years later I realised that I only had myself to blame. I should have set limits at the outset just of these began as sole traders or freelancers. Sadly, nearly two thirds of all small like any normal business would. What will your businesses shut up shop within the first three business hours be and how will you ensure you years of operation. Combine this with the well- stick to them, especially when you’d willingly known Forbes finding that eight out of ten sell your first born to get that first client?

SECRET OF A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE LIFE

How much do you need to earn to survive twelve months? It’s highly likely that your initial years will be a case of feast or famine, and not just your initial years. The famine can happen at any time, making it essential that you have a clear idea of your annual expenses. What does it cost you to live each year after all, and I mean all, of your expenses have been taken into account? Be honest there’s no point lying to yourself. What is your magic annual expenses figure? And whatever you do don’t forget including a decent birthday present for your partner who has, maybe unwittingly, joined you on this journey. Do you know who to listen to? Perhaps you’ve already started telling people your plans, if you haven’t you should, but that’s another chapter. Perhaps you’ve noticed that everyone has an opinion. If so, the issue becomes one of, who do you listen to and who do you ignore? This issue continues throughout your freelance life. There are two groups of people to avoid. First up the naysayers. They like to tell you you’re mad and point out all the things that could possibly go wrong. If I’d listened to them I’d never have tried half the things I’ve attempted and come to love. Be wary of their intensions. Are they the type of person who’s negative about everything, or do they usually provide well balanced opinions? Be incredibly thankful for any well-informed negative advice you receive, but don’t get sucked in by negative Nancy. On the flip side there are the cheerleaders out there who no matter what your idea is they ‘like totally agree’ with you. While it’s nice to have your ideas accepted they might simply be people pleasers. Their own need for social acceptance outweighs their duty to tell you their true feelings, that your idea is actually really stupid. Ask yourself will they be there when you’re standing in line at the soup kitchen having lost all your savings? Hopefully these four points have given you an initial look into freelance life. More importantly, I hope they haven’t turned you off. A lot of people dream of getting off the corporate treadmill, and I can tell you that the absolute hardest thing to do is to take that initial step. Once you do you’ll make adjustments along the way to keep you heading in the right direction, if you really want it. So stop day dreaming about what could be. Have faith in your idea and yourself. If you’ve completed the groundwork, the research, been patient, flexible, prepared to take a risk, put in the effort and really want it, it will happen. You won’t regret it and remember you can always go back to your old life as long as you haven’t burnt your bridges. Continued on page 43 ... 35

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This i s the Swan Valle y

         

Time to get cosy with a glass of Swan Valley Red

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  

COS02019

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SPICE UP YOUR LIFE WITH CARDOMAN

oster carers play such an important role for VOLUNTEERING INFORMATION animals that come into SAFE’s care, enabling SAFE is a not for profit us to place future family pets in loving homes organisation that saves rehomeable prior to their adoption. animals from euthanasia. We have Our foster carers often change the lives of ten branches around the state and these dogs and cats by providing food, shelter are always in need of volunteers and regular training, especially important for our in many different roles to help our younger animals. animals into foster and permanent Sweet Cardoman came to SAFE from homes. Carnarvon as a young pup, very underweight and Marley will be going to her new a bit nervous of his new surroundings. permanent home soon thanks to Now six months old he has thrived in his SAFE’s network of volunteers. foster care and is more ready than ever to find a After she came into our care, permanent home. branch workers found her a loving Cardoman loves other dogs and can often be foster home and shortly after, on a found curled up fast asleep under his carer’s big regular vet check-up appointment it French mastiff’s chin! was discovered she was pregnant! He follows his carer or her dogs everywhere Due to complications Marley as they make him feel SAFE. He’s grown out of his had her pups via c-section with initial shyness, loves running and playing and has only two surviving. Then, to pay for started making new friends with dogs of all sizes mounting vet costs and care for the at a park-based dog group. pups, our volunteer social media He’s good on and off a lead and looks forward gurus set up a crowd-funding to his regular walks. Nautical Cardoman is even campaign. a regular passenger on his foster carer’s boat The pups are now thriving and, touring around the Pilbara coast and isn’t scared of leaping off the side for a swim in the ocean. Cardoman has a long list of things he’s learned in foster care: he sits on command and waits for his dinner, gives “paws”, responds to his name and is toilet trained. He stays outside in the garden all day but waits at the gate to greet his carers home from work and settles in to sleep inside. Cardoman has been vet checked, desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and toilet trained. If you’d like to share your life with this well trained, happy pup and open his eyes to even more adventures email karratha@safe.asn.au or phone (08) 9185 4634. Cardoman (Photograph by Jenna Washer)

thanks to our talented volunteer photographers, SAFE has found both Marley and her pups permanent new homes. If you’d like to make a difference and join our team of volunteers and foster carers, please email karratha@safe.asn.au or phone us at SAFE

Marley (Photograph by Leigh Gillis)

Karratha at (08) 9185 4634. Email and internet makes volunteering possible from anywhere, across Australia. If volunteering isn’t for you, but you’d like to support our work, you can donate at http://www. safe.asn.au/How_to_help/Donate.html.

Volunteering - ordinary people performing extraordinary tasks to help others There are so many opportunities for you to help those in our communities! For more information or to make an appointment, call us now on 9278 9690. Swan Volunteer Resource Centre (Midland) 9278 9690 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday (closed Wed)

Ellenbrook Pop Up Volunteer Centre 9207 8787 10am-3pm, Wednesdays

swanvolunteers@swan.wa.gov.au www.swanvolunteers.com.au 37

GARDENING WINTERTIME IS WEED TIME

inter rains lead to winter weeds - in garden beds, on pathways, between the paving bricks and in all sorts of places where you don’t want them. Have a look at these two photographs. The first was taken Saturday afternoon, just moments before they wwre sprayed with a cheap, straightfrom-the-bottle, store-brand white vinegar. The second is what all that greenery looked like Sunday morning. Those weeds are deader than dead. And that’s why you should use vinegar as an effective, eco-friendly answer to Roundup. Roundup is neither biodegradable nor environmentally friendly (https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Glyphosate). The next time you want to murder your weeds, why douse them with something that will remain in the soil for who knows how long? Try vinegar instead. It’s cheap and easy to use. Use a pump-sprayer to apply vinegar. Always

rinse the sprayer after use, to keep metal parts from corroding. Vinegar works best if sprayed on warm, sunny days (at least 25oC). Will vinegar kill every weed it touches? That I can not say. I only know that it has kept my pathways free of unwanted growth. Annual weeds are killed instantly, because they can not survive without their foliage. Perennial-type weeds need

repeated spraying until their roots give up. Some sunny day, I hope you’ll give vinegar a try. Maybe it will prove an eco-friendly (or least not eco-horrific) weed-killer for you, too. Note: Vinegar is not selective; it can potentially harm plants you wish to keep, if you accidentally spray them. Use vinegar only on walkways, where grass and ornamental plants are not an issue.

HAT TRICK FROM COASTLINE

wner René from Coastline Sheds called me all exited. They have won the 2016 Service Award for the third year in a row. Is that a hat trick or what? Coastline Sheds received five star reviews from their customers throughout the year as they provide a high quality old school shed with welded trusses combined with old fashioned personal service. One of their customers comments was: “The team at coastline sheds have been fantastic, always helpful and ready to answer my questions. Service has been A1 with the quality to match from the point of contact, I would defiantly recommend Coastline Sheds its been a pleasure.” More then 90% of their work comes through

Word of Mouth. And all their testimonials are run and checked by a company called Word of Mouth Online. Coastline Sheds is also unique in WA as they still fabricate the sheds here locally in WA, instead of kits that are brought in from overEast or Overseas. They have staked a claim as a main player in providing structural steel sheds, with industry experience stretching more than sixty years. As owner René says: “we used to build the sheds for the fathers, now we are building them for their sons and the grandsons are already following too”. Contact them on ww.coastlinesheds.com.au or 9497 8832

COMMUNITY TRANSITION TOWN GUILDFORD PETER LANGLANDS & ELLE ARCHER

e’ve been hearing for some time now warnings – not just about climate change, but about general disconnectedness in the community, dissatisfaction with the consumer society, chronic loneliness and fear for the future. These are real issues, with real consequences in our society. If we’re not prepared to let this happen, if we want to live in a strong community where people take care of each other and sharing of resources for the greater good is the norm, there are steps everyone can take. And this is where the Transition Town movement came from. For anyone not familiar with the term Transition Town, it started in the UK around 2005, the first official town being Totnes in Devon, in the SW of England. Since then it has mushroomed around the world with thousands of groups joining the global

Concluded from page 39... That’s another secret to freelance success, your current boss could be your best client in the future, seriously. As an example of how strange and exciting freelance life can be, I’m amazed to say that the first introductory eBook created from this pondering has led to me now running workshops and mentoring on this topic, who knew that would happen? To see the sixteen more questions, check out the book on Amazon called Freelance Life: An Action Plan To Help You Become A Successful Six Figure Freelancer here’s the link. Good luck https://www.amazon.com/Freelance-LifeSuccessful-Freelancer-experience-ebook/dp/ B01DSUHDQ2

movement. We have nine groups in Perth and at least another six in regional WA, with Transition Town Guildford (TTG) the first to start in the metro area in mid-2010. Serendipitously, Guildford residents Peter Langlands and Rod Mitchell met at a climate workshop and saw there was an opportunity to make a real difference in their community. While Peter was initially motivated by his passion for addressing climate change, he became aware that Transition Towns are all about building local community and resilience - the ability to bounce back from challenge or adversity. By focusing on the strengthening of local community’s resources and self-sufficiency, Transition Towns seek to build capacity for any future challenges we may face, whatever the cause (climate change, peak oil, economic uncertainty etc.). The Transition Town movement developed rapidly overseas, particularly in the UK and Europe, after the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. Necessity led many communities to develop complimentary forms of trade/ currency and highlighted the importance of local business and support networks. Transition Town Guildford has as its vision: “A strongly connected community and a healthy environment”. Over the last few years it’s been running a large variety of events, everything from fairy door-making workshops for the kids, to pedal-powered movie nights for kids of all ages and there is a lot more to come. If you’d like to come and meet some new

friends, TTG’s regular event is a movie night and dinner at the Stirling Arms Hotel (second Tuesday of the month, 6pm for dinner, movie starts at 7pm) and everyone is welcome. Transition Town Guildford has a number of action groups focused on a particular topic. They bring together people who share that passion and then it’s up to them what they do. The Kitchen Gardeners group has been going the longest, offering workshops on growing food, keeping chickens, basic apiary, making jams and pickles and all sorts of other food-related skills and interests. TTG’s other groups are Transport (Cycling), Sustainable homes, Be Prepared, Verge Gardening, Waste and Recycling, and Playbourhood. TTG’s most recent and very successful initiative has been to start a Produce and Garden Share at the monthly Stirling Square Markets in Guildford. The idea is simple: bring along your excess produce, seeds, seedlings, cuttings or similar that you’re willing to give away. Everything is placed on a table and people take what they need and want. It’s an opportunity to reduce food waste – all those lemons sitting on the tree/ground – as well as a chance to learn and share gardening knowledge and tips. Lots of people found out about Jerusalem artichokes at the first share in April, along with lots of other gardening tit bits. Our next share will be Sunday 19th June, 10-11am, at the Stirling Square Markets. Bring something to share or just come say hi!

Transition Town Guildford end of year picnic celebration 39

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