Swan Magazine March 2016

l Sp ec ia Gu i ld fo rd

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

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

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EDITORIAL PERCEPTION AND REALITY

M

y little Scots granny used to say ‘It doesn’t matter how things are to most people, it only matters how they appear to be’.

I have been thinking about this quite a lot over the past month or so with the current hysteria about Cardinal Pell, Peta Credlin, Maria Sharapova and Malcolm Turnbull.

Now these may not seem to have anything obviously in common, but in each case their actual persons are far removed from their public image and personas.

I’d like to talk about this for a bit because I think it’s important to distinguish between the two and look past the media coverage and howling pack of ‘he/she’s a witch, burn her/him’ Or in Turnbull’s case ‘He’s a saviour, anoint him’.

Maria Sharapova was recently the best female tennis player in the world and is still the seventh best, her earning run into millions. She has been an inspiration and an ideal for women for years.

Now she’s been suspended from tennis for two years and branded a ‘drug cheat’ and some of her sponsors have made leaving noises.

But what has actually happened? Firstly let us disabuse ourselves of the idea that she’s a female Lance Armstrong. Nothing could be further from the truth. She failed a test for the drug meldonium, which is a medication used in the treatment of angina. She has been taking the drug under medical advice for ten years.

It was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency from the 1st of January this year, which means it was permissible to take it up until the 31st December, 2015 - eight weeks ago.

There is absolutely no evidence that it enhances performance. The reason it was banned was because some athletes think it improves their performance for which belief there is no empirical evidence. Unlike caffeine, for example, which actually does improve performance but is not banned.

Just think about that for a moment. The WADA has banned a drug which doesn’t enhance performance but because it may have a placebo effect. Are these the people we want running sport?

Should she have read the list of updated banned drugs more carefully? Probably. Is a twoyear suspension a massive over-reaction to a very minor transgression? Most assuredly.

And as a final note, who will suffer more, Maria - who can now retire to count her money, or tennis as a sport which has lost one of its brightest and most inspiring stars?

By stark contrast the ground swell of adoration surrounding Mr Turnbull after the leadership coup was always illusory - past bitter experience of Turnbull as leader in opposition should have warned the Liberal party, but, caught up in the general panic and low opinion polls Turnbull seemed the saviour to all those desperate to hang on to power at any cost.

His persona, widely trumpeted by his supporters to anyone who would listen, was that of a genuine leader who would consult and confer while being in touch and supporting a republic,

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a Carbon Tax and fast internet for all. It wasn’t suggested that he could walk on water, but it was hinted that was only because he’d never tried.

Now that the honeymoon between he and the press is coming to an end, as it was inevitably going to do, and his much-vaunted communication skills laid bare for all to see in its waffling, digressive, meandering, interspersed with asides, caveats and digressions shallowness it would seem he may have another record to break. The only Australian Prime Minister to lead a one term government before being defeated.

“Malcolm was given the opportunity of a lifetime and in five to six months it appears he has blown it.” - Jeff Kennett, former Premier of Victoria.

Given the dubious charms of Mr Shorten, this is a massive come-down for Mr Turnbull, who sacrificed every belief he had, every political tenet to gain power, only to have it crumble under his hand.

He may scrape through, although my prediction is that the National Party will see massive gains in seats and the ALA, a completely unknown quantity, draw a lot of Conservative votes into the Senate and he will require a shaky alliance, possibly even another minority government to govern.

Cardinal Pell is another case where he has been made the visible and obvious face of the

Catholic Church’s many failings to those children surrendered into its uncaring care.

He has been accused of being a paedophile himself on no evidence whatsoever, accused of covering up the crimes of paedophile priests when the exact opposite is true.

He was vilified for not testifying at the Royal Commission and ‘facing justice’ when he had in fact appeared twice before this latest, February hearing. He has also been accused of ‘faking’ the illness that prevented him flying from Italy to testify when his heart disease has been well documented since 2010 when he was hospitalised.

And in any case his evidence to the Commission would be the same if he were in the room or on video link - and no one who saw the Cardinal can say he was less than painfully honest.

As for Peta Credlin, the unsubstantiated gossip being peddled under the guise of ‘journalism’ is so vile and so obviously a revenge attack that it doesn’t bear repeating save to say that the book has been written by a woman who has boasted of her ability to lie and to harbour grudges against those she does like: “As a journalist I lied often, usually about my sources, but about other things, too.” - Niki Savva

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

our suburbs, many are within 1km radius of alcohol sales outlets.

A recent study undertaken in the Public Interest Assessment for Liquorland in a particular suburb listed its ‘primary object’, ‘as to regulate the sale and consumption of liquor’; and then contrary to this it stated its ‘objects were to minimise harm or ill-health due to the cause of the use of liquor.’

In my view then, this would be easy by not having any alcohol available in the first instance.

But then further into this submission is was noted ‘that there were no indications of alcohol related problems’ within this particular suburb; well naturally, as there is not yet a liquor outlet, of course there is no problem.

My logic tells me that if we establish an outlet available for the purchase and consumption of liquor, we will have an anti-social behaviour and an increase in crime, it goes hand in hand.

But unfortunately the profits of many corporate organisations do not take into consideration the impact of their sales upon the community, not the least the children of our future, they are only concerned for their shareholders, not the people of the streets.

This is one and possibly the first step in preventing crime develop beyond our control, before leading into the harder and synthetic drug use, instead of blaming the Police and their administration.

I thank you for your time and support.

Terrance Weston JP Secret Harbour

Dear Sir, As a volunteer servant of this government and following the recent controversy of increased crime statistics and the investigation as to how to further prevent or lessen criminal behaviour, I believe we only need to look at the root cause of much of our maligned society.

Not to be blaming one another or blaming the Police and their Departments.

We can only do what we can with the resources we have, ultimately the responsibility is of the consumer and the general public.

The blame also can be squarely placed upon the proliferation of alcohol outlets and the ease to which a juvenile could obtain this product, and yes, this will eventually develop into the use of drugs, but let us start from the beginning of why.

Parental supervision and mentor direction, of the consumption of Alcohol and the subsequent abuse.

I have undertaken a study of this problem within our society and it has taken me into the void of population to discover the number of children of Perth's suburbs and the proximity of alcohol sales outlets, of the many schools within

‘It doesn’t matter how things are to most people, it only matters how they appear to be’.

Smart woman, my granny.

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE

FEATURES

Art in the Hills 19 Business Card Board 43,44 Chef-Explorer 22 Community Adopt-A-Spot 7 Arts Awards Winners 7 Kate Wins Again 6 The Rewards of Choir Singing 6 The Power of Ceremony 42 Computers 29 Editorial Inside front cover Education

34 Entertainment Film Reviews 32 Kookaburra March 33 Orchestra Hits Right Note 33 Finance 37 Food Humane Food 20 CWA Cooking Classes 21 House of Honey Meadery 23 Gardening 18 Get Social with Jay 28 Guildford Special 8 Guildford Heritage Festival 9 Annie’s Antique, Vintage

& Collector’s Fair 12 Cultural Fusion 13

PAGE 14 15 16 17

Stirling Arms Brockman’s House Guildford Village Potters Guildford Pantry Health Matters Double Ton Celebration 2 Helena Valley Chiropractic 3 Letters to the Editor Inside cover Notes From Parliament 5 Poetry Footslog 28 This Dog 42 People Vince Gareffa 35 SAFE 41 Style by Kirsty 36 Swan Valley and Regional Network Bus Depot 24 Upgrade Complete 24 Midland Outdoor Cinema 25 Literary Competition 25 The Idler 39 The Voice of Swan Hills 18 Toodyay Feature Tidy Town Toodyay 26 2016’s Festival Attractions 27 Weddings 30 What’s On

38 Writing 40

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HEALTH MATTERS DOUBLE TON CELEBRATION

L to R: Nurse Caris, Chris and Peter Robinson and Nurse Helen

“I don’t mind giving a reasonable amount, but a pint! That’s very nearly an armful!”

Tony Hancock in The Blood Donor

by Galton & Simpson

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.

www.strategies4life.com.au 2

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most unusual event occurred at the Australian Red Cross Blood Transfusion Centre in Midland last month.

During the afternoon of Monday 22nd February, father and son, Peter and Chris Robinson both gave their 100th blood donation.

Peter has given whole blood ninety-eight times and this was his second plasma donation.

Chris, who gave his first donation in Northam on the same day as Peter’s fiftieth donation, mostly donates plasma.

Peter Robinson first gave blood in 1966, in response to a general call out for donors in the Boyup Brook shire.

The ladies from the Bunbury blood bank were overwhelmed by the response at the time. They had a dozen or more old steel framed wire mesh beds with kapok mattresses. No fancy electric lift and tilt recliners in those days. It took them all day to take blood from everyone.

That first donation was only a few months after the introduction of decimal currency but well before weights and measures were changed in 1970. This meant that each donor gave a pint of blood. Nowadays it is 470 mls.

During the 1980s when the ‘aids epidemic’ had everyone scared, the blood bank had a scheme where you could donate blood for a specific person.

Peter was the first person at the Bunbury blood bank to avail himself of that service for his baby daughter’s operation. The operation was successful and the blood was not needed for her, so was used for someone else.

Whole blood can only be given once every

three months, whereas plasma donors can give every two weeks.

Don’t tell the ladies in Midland, but Peter gave whole blood in Sydney only three weeks after doing the same in WA in 1980, when each state still had its own registration system.

Chris is well known at the Midland blood bank as he is there nearly every second week.

Peter and Chris both have blood type O+, the most common, which means it is also the most required.

Giving blood is easy, does not take long and does not hurt. You fill out a tick box questionnaire, get weighed, your blood pressure taken and a drop of blood from a finger to check haemoglobin level.

It then only takes between six to ten minutes to fill the 470ml bag. There are TV’s to watch, although most people seem to be on their mobiles these days. At the end of the process there are self service refreshments available.

Both Peter and Chris feel happy about doing their bit to help others.

Why don’t you contact the blood bank and see if you are eligible to be a donor? The national number is 13 14 95.

Ig you’d like to make a donation the Midland Donor Centre is at 233, Great Eastern Highway, Midland. An appointment recommended, they accept Corporate Club and Team donations and a courtesy bus is available to group bookings.

Parking is available and there is wheelchair access. The centre conducts plasma and whole blood collection and is accessible by Public Transport.

Hours: Monday - Tuesday 11:00 - 18:15

Wednesday 07:30 - 13:15

Thursday 11:00 - 18:15

Friday 07:00 - 14:15

HELENA VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC ANKITA CHAVDA b.h.m.s DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

I

t’s a tremendous truism to say that the Indian and Australian cultures are very different. We all know it, but until it’s forcibly brought home, you don’t realise it.

Five minutes talking to Ankita Chavda, (pronounced Un-keetah) homoeopath and scenar health professional at the Helena Valley Chiropractic clinic and you learn a few, quite important things.

Firstly, how deeply committed she is to being the very best she can be in her chosen profession.

This passion runs deep and can be traced back to a single event when she was ten years old. She and her family lived in a small town in India and one evening her father was returning from a city by private vehicle.

The car was involved in a multivehicle crash in which eighteen people died. Ankita’s father’s leg was broken in eight places and one arm in three help was late in coming and he had to flag down a ride to the nearest hospital, which wasn’t that close.

The sight of her father covered in blood and in pain made such a huge impression on the young Ankita that the memory of it brings her to tears even now, many years later.

It also gave her an unshakeable desire to become a healer.

In India this gave her a choice of several traditional paths. For the past two thousand years most of the Indian population have chosen Ayurveda, (a Sanskrit word meaning ‘lifeknowledge’), a system of medicine with historical roots in the mid-first millennium BCE and with eight divisions.

The divisions are general medicine, medicine of the body; the treatment of children (paediatrics); surgical techniques and the extraction of foreign objects; treatment of ailments affecting ears, eyes, nose, mouth and so on; pacification of possessing spirits, and the people whose minds are affected by such possession (psychology); toxicology; rejuvenation and tonics for increasing lifespan, intellect and strength and lastly aphrodisiacs and treatments for increasing sexual pleasure.

Homoeopaphy is historically not an Indian discipline. It was introduced in the early 19th

century. It flourished in Bengal at first, and then spread all over India. Mahendra Lal Sircar was the first Indian who became a homeopathic physician.

A number of allopathic doctors started homeopathic practice following Sircar’s lead.

The Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College was established in 1881.

In 1973, the Government of India recognised homeopathy as one of the national systems of medicine and set up the Central Council of Homeopathy to regulate its education and practice.

Now, only qualified registered homeopaths can practice homeopathy in India.

At present, in India, homeopathy is the third most popular method of medical treatment after allopathy (conventional Western medicine) and Ayurveda.

Homoeopathy was Ankita’s choice, although she has read widely in Ayurveda just to increase her knowledge.

Homoeopathy as a discipline covers the major subjects of Anatomy, Physiology, Micro-biology, Pathology, Forensic Medicine, Preventive and Social medicine, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Surgery,

Medicine, Materia Medica, Organon (the standard collection of Hanemann’s works) and Repertory (in this sense ‘the entire stock of things available in a field’).

The course takes five and a half years and Ankita completed that comfortably with the support of her entire family.

Secondly, Ankita is in Australia almost by chance. Her husband, the result of an arranged but happy marriage, is a mechanical engineer and contracted to Western Australian interests and so here she is.

In the three and half years Ankita has been here she has completed her Australian accreditation as a homoeopath and has set up a part-time practice under the wing of mentor Robin Clark at the Helena Valley Chiropractic clinic.

Secondly, Ankita loves Australia and Western Australia in particular. She says she feels safe and the people are so friendly: ‘If you ask someone the way and they don’t know they will stay with you until you’ve found it.’

Her family, while upper middle-class by Indian standards are not rich, but they have managed to educate all of their children.

Ankita is the youngest child, and a woman to boot, but has still received an excellent education is a culture that even now values women less than men and her family are progressive in their thinking as regards education.

Ankita is softly-spoken with an obviously Indian accent, nevertheless her English is excellent - certainly far, far better than my Tamil or Urdu.

Her slight frame and diminutive stature should not fool you into thinking she is weak or indecisive - her passion for her work shines bright and burns fiercely in her.

She would like at some stage in the distant future to serve humanity in some bigger way, a safe haven, aimed largely at women and children and concentrating on womens’ issues.

As she says ‘I want to do best for woman and children in India, maybe I will do here (Australia) if I get chance.’

But that’s a long way in the future. Right now you can book an appointment to consult her or any of the highly trained professionals at Helena Valley Chiropractic clinic in Helena Valley.

Courtesy of Helena Valley Chiropractic

www.chiropractic-homeopathy.com.au 3

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Advertisement

y a s r

Better public transport to the new Midland Public Hospital

The new world-class public hospital in Midland is now open.

Our growing communities in Aveley, Ellenbrook and the Vines need a better public transport link to the new hospital and I need your help in securing it.

If you too believe improved public transport to the new Midland Public Hospital is required, please email me at frank.alban@mp.wa.gov.au or call my office on 9296 7688 to help me fight on your behalf.

Frank Alban mla Your Member for Swan Hills

Frank Alban MLA 4

Your Member for Swan Hills Authorised by F Alban, 8/31 Egerton Drive, Aveley WA 6069.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT HON DONNA FARAGHER JP, MLC Member for East Metropolitan R egion Parlimentary Secretary to the Premier

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EARLY YEARS Support is also being provided to families through existing programmes such as the successful Better Beginnings programme delivered through local libraries.

KindiLink is based on evidence that engaging young children and their families in high quality learning programmes in the early years helps ensure children are better prepared for school and future learning.

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and these initiatives form part of an overall early years’ education strategy to support more young children across Western Australia.

Donna Faragher MLC with Education Minister Peter Collier and Member for Southern River Peter Abetz MLA at the opening of the new child and parent centre located at Gosnells Primary School

T

he early years of a child’s life has a critical influence on their future learning and wellbeing.

The Liberal-National Government has long recognised the importance of early childhood development.

In addition to significant additional funding being directed to the early school years from Kindergarten to Year 3, a key component of the Government’s commitment is the establishment of child and parent centres on school sites across Western Australia.

Through an investment of $48.7 million over five years, twemty-one child and parent centres are now operating across Western Australia at schools including Gosnells Primary School, Westminster Junior Primary School, Middle Swan Primary School and Challis Primary School in Armadale.

These centres, which are managed by nongovernment organisations, deliver a range of vital early childhood education and health services for families and their young children up to eight years of age. Services include parenting workshops, child health services, playgroups, early learning programmes and family support.

Another new early years’ education initiative which has commenced this year is KindiLink, a voluntary Kindergarten programme for three year old Aboriginal children and their families.

The new programme is being piloted in thirtyseven schools across Western Australia including Lockridge Primary School and Gwynne Park Primary School in the East Metropolitan Region.

The KindiLink pilot programme, which provides one year advanced access to kindergarten, involves a variety of play and learning sessions and is being delivered by qualified teachers.

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COMMUNITY KATE WINS AGAIN MEGAN ZIERSCH

T

he Swan Valley has been home to Kate Sanders-Tye and her company Verge Studio Photography since 2009, and now, for the second consecutive time named in the Nifnex Top 100 Most Influential People of Perth!

As a peer-nominated award, this is especially humbling, as the recognition comes directly from the public.

“I’m so overwhelmed by the generosity and support of my clients, friends and other industry professionals. I love my job and couldn’t imagine doing anything else, so it’s really amazing to receive this recognition in such a competitive industry!”

Clients book Kate for her unique and fresh approach to photographing people and animals.

Her team at Verge Studio love weddings, families, babies, teens and even pets, but Kate’s biggest passion is her now renowned Boudoir Photography.

“I love creating beautiful images for people, and find the work extremely rewarding, especially when I can help a woman celebrate body positivity and boost her self esteem. Seeing the transformation of these beautiful ladies is incredible.”

After Kate and her team photographed his son’s wedding, Douglas Sutherland-Bruce wrote

“I’ve never seen such professionalism, so deftly applied, so unobtrusively brilliant.”

With over twenty years experience in the industry, Kate’s journey spans the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia, giving her a unique edge in the photography market of Perth. Her quirky, fun and memorable photo shoots are available in her Swan Valley Studio, or out on location.

“Being a small business, it can be difficult to sustain constant growth, but I’ve based my reputation on being genuine with my clients, and providing great value for excellent quality work. I think that’s why we have grown such a loyal following.”

“Small business really is the backbone of the Perth economy and it’s important for us all to support one another. I am so proud to have won this award, and grateful for the support of my peers.”

Run by Zeeshan Pasha, the Nifnex Influential 100 Awards night was held at Ascot Racecourse, with the theme ‘Angels in Business’, and was attended by hundreds.

THE REWARDS OF CHOIR SINGING MAUREEN DE LA HARPE

P

sychologists and scientists give a host of reasons why choir singing is good for your health and wellbeing, but what do the singers themselves have to say?

Members of the Swan Harmony Singers, who meet weekly in Swan View, have definite ideas about the benefits.

Bruce Ridley of Gooseberry Hill admits frankly that because male singers are so scarce ‘you’re welcomed with open arms – it makes you feel wanted’.

Having a gifted musical director who expects a high standard is a real plus, and he enjoys the variety of songs selected.

‘I’m always pleasantly surprised at how good our collective voices sound – none of us is a star individual performer, but when all our voices are blended together, it’s definitely a case of “the whole being greater than the sum of its parts”.’

Meeting a diverse group of people and enjoying a sense of belonging are among the pluses for Sue Robson of High Wycombe.

‘It’s fun and stimulating on many levels – and giving enjoyment to the community through our concerts gives a great sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.’

Heather Lynch of Middle Swan appreciates the positive energy created within the group – the ‘warm fuzzies’, and goes home feeling uplifted, energised and happy.

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L-R: Swan Harmony singers Serena Van Der Kuil, Bruce Ridley, Anna Wright and Sue Robson

‘Singing helps me forget my woes and I enjoy feeling creative. It’s good for my soul.’

Sue O’Sullivan of Darlington discovered a choir was much more sociable than singing in the shower – and saved water as well.

In Swan Harmony Singers, ‘I found I could sing glorious harmony songs with a friendly bunch of like-minded others.’

The choir meets on Wednesdays (7-9pm) at the Salvation Army Church, 371 Morrison Rd (opposite Swan View High School), and welcomes anyone interested to come along one evening.

Led by Musical Director Richard Braham, the group is starting a new repertoire of songs so now is an ideal time to join. For more details, call Anna on 9299 7249.

COMMUNITY ARTS AWARD WINNERS

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and admires the skills of the artisans of old: ‘I’ve always liked the idea of a piece of furniture being valued by a family and passed down the generations because it’s strong enough to last for years.’

Jack is equally at home exploiting the benefits of state-of-the-art materials and technology and is currently working on a range of tables and chairs, which he hopes to exhibit in Copenhagen next year.His award is timely as it will help meet the costs involved in the design, prototyping, materials, marketing and freight of his new range to Europe.

UK-born artist Cherie Tucker, who also grew up in the Shire, has been drawn to art for as long as she can remember. She loved copying the faces in her mother’s magazines, but it wasn’t until Year 7 that she realised she had talent and began taking it seriously. ‘I always loved portraits,’ she said, ‘and I used to do pictures of my friends for their birthdays.’

Graduating from Curtin University with a teaching degree majoring in art, she now teaches art at Swan Christian College.

A fascination with Africa, combined with her love for children have taken Cherie to orphanages in Cambodia and Tanzania, where she met her Kenyan partner. Back home, she donates part of the proceeds from her portraits of the orphans she worked with to children’s charities. She paints from photos MEGAN DOLLING rather than life – ‘because I enjoy the challenge of capturing a moment in he City of Swan has partnered with Keep Australia Beautiful to support time’.

For more information about the arts awards visit the website: www. the Adopt-a-Spot litter program in Perth’s eastern region.

City Mayor Mick Wainwright said the initiative encourages local mundaringarts.org. communities to come together to look after their local area.

“The Adopt-a-Spot program, facilitated by Keep Australia Beautiful WA, encourages community-focussed organisations and individuals to keep their local environment clean by adopting a site in the local area to look after and keep litter-free,” he said. “Participants adopt a site to keep litter-free for two years and agree to do three to four clean ups per year. There are currently 575 registered Adopt-a-Spot groups, with about 14,000 people involved across WA. “Research suggests that littered areas are more likely to attract other antisocial behaviours such as graffiti and vandalism so tackling the littering issue is important for community safety as well as environmental health.”

Clean up materials (bags, gloves and tools) an adoption certificate, insurance and safety information will be provided to the groups or individuals by KAB. Keep Australia Beautiful Council Chairperson Michael Aspinall commended the City of Swan for putting a focus on creating cleaner suburbs and encouraging residents to get involved.

“Having the ongoing support of local governments like the City of Swan is an important factor in changing littering behaviour,” he said. “Our research shows that when people start picking up litter, they also start talking about it with other people and become role models for positive behaviour.”

Swan Valley/Gidgegannup Ward Councillor Rod Henderson said the City will work with the KAB to distribute clean up packs to adopting groups or individuals.

“By encouraging community involvement and ownership, this program supports the City’s efforts to keep the local environment clean and safe,” he said. “We are looking for community minded groups and individuals keen to give back to their local area by getting on board with this program.

“It only takes a few days each year and you can make a big difference.”

To register, follow the link to the Adopt-a-Spot program on the City of Swan website: www.swan.wa.gov.au/Adoptaspot or call the Adopt-a-Spot Program Coordinator on 6467 5339. designer and a portraitist are the winners of the 2015 arts awards presented annually by the Mundaring Bicentennial Scholarship Trust to assist young local artists to develop their talents.

Mundaring furniture designer Jack Flanagan, whose work is regularly exhibited in Melbourne, London and Perth, won the prestigious $9000 Robert Juniper Award for the Arts, and visual artist Cherie Tucker received the Robert and Trish Juniper Art Prize of $1000.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Mundaring.

Growing up in the Perth Hills, Jack Flanagan initially studied engineering (he was motor racing at the time), but his fascination for the way things worked prompted him to switch to industrial design and he graduated in 2012 from Perth’s Central Institute of Technology.

‘I started off designing hospital equipment and then moved on to designing furniture for a company in Fremantle,’ Jack said.

In his Mundaring studio, he enjoys using traditional techniques like wood turning and sand casting,

ADOPT-A-SPOT

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The 2016

F D O L R I D U G HERITAGE FESTIVAL

SUNDAY APRIL 3

RD

Stirling Square 10AM to 5PM VINTAGE, VETERAN & CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW Annie’s Antique, Vintage & Collectables Fair Art & Handcraft Market TRADE & HOBBY DEMOS

Historical Exhibitions CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

Vintage Machinery, Cycles on Display DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES

PLUS

USIC LIVE M ut the day

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througho

Proudly presented by The Guildford Heritage Festival Council Inc

A 1 7 5 YE RS

www.facebook.com/guildfordheritagefestival

GUILDFORD GUILDFORD HERITAGE FESTIVAL

H

ooray! It’s come round to that time of year again when the quaint and the curious; the delicious and the unusual; the beautiful and instructive all collect together in historic Guildford for the Heritage Festival.

This year this much-anticipated festival of all things interesting is being held on Sunday, April the 3rd.

Guildford identity and Fesival Organiser, Bromwyn Facer and her small but dedicated band of helpers have put together a cracking group of participants, many for the first time and representing a wide and varied range of interests.

Photograph courtesy of Peter Roebuck - a speedway photographer for over fifty years, whose collection is considered the largest and best in Western Australia

W.A. CLASSIC SPEEDWAY ASSOCIATION The world famous Claremont Speedway commenced operation on May 14th 1927 and was recognised as the longest running dirt track in the history of the sport in Australia and the world when the last race was held there on March, 31st 2000.

Speedway enthusiasts from the W.A. Classic Speedway Association preserve, restore, and demonstrate historic speedway cars, bikes and memorabilia for future generations to appreciate.

The association will bring along a piece of this W.A. history to the Guildford Heritage Festival with a display of cars, bikes and memorabilia.

THE BUS PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF WA The Society’s collection of buses, artefacts, memorabilia, historical records and images have been assessed by the National Library of Australia and has been classified as a collection of National Significance Featured here is the 1950 Guy Arab, half cab bus that entered service in 1950 with the Western Australian Government Tramways.

Go along to the Guildford Heritage Festival and see these on the day along with an exhibition that showcases transportation throughout Western Australia.

THE WA HISTORICAL CYCLE CLUB Founded in 1999, the WA Historical Cycle Club brings together collectors and cyclists with an interest in preserving and repairing bicycles from the mid 19th century to present day to ride and display.

See them at the Guildford Heritage Festival Sunday from 10am - 5pm.

Visit them on Facebook or on their website at http:// www.historicalcycleclub. com.au.

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GUILDFORD GUILDFORD HERITAGE FESTIVAL JOHNNY YOUNG Raised in the hills suburb of Kalamunda, Johnny Young became a household name not only for his contribution to Rock 'n' Roll as a performer but a songwriter to many renowned Australian artists Johnny Young and the Strangers formed in 1964 and had number one hits with Step Back and Caralyn followed by Let It Be Me and All My Lovin’.

In 1971 Johnny became the host of Young Talent Time which launched the careers of numerous Australian performers.

Having recently reformed, you can catch Johnny Young and the Strangers at this year’s Guildford Heritage Festival, rocking and providing "that beat" for their leagions of R 'n' R fans.

So come along and relive some of those memories with Johnny, Peter Slatter, John Eddy, Al McCowat and Warren Daly live on stage.

Have a look at the news of the reforming of the group here on You Tube: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=KC93TfW2YDo THE ROSE SOCIETY OF WA The Rose Society of WA was established in 1932 to help foster the appreciation for and the cultivation of the rose.

Regular shows and workshops are held throughout the year, visit www.wa.rose.org.au for details of when and where.

The Garden History Society (WA Branch) brings together people from diverse backgrounds, united in their appreciation of and concern for our parks, gardens and cultrual landscapes. More information can be found on their website: https:// www.gardenhistorysociety.org.au.

Come along to the Guildford Heritage Festival to meet their members and find out the history behind these societies along with a few helpful hints on how to look after your garden or grow the perfect rose

AUSTRALIAN MODEL RAILWAY ASSOCIATION - WA You'll be amazed at the skill of the members from the Australian Model Railway Association - WA who specialise in scale/gauge ratio modelling and the research and modelling of prototypes from Australia and overseas.

Take a look at these to scale models of the old Swan View, Station and Tunnel which was closed in 1966. Looking forward to seeing their displays in action at this year’s Guildford Heritage Festival.

You can see more of their displays by visiting: www.amra-wa-branch. asn.au

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GUILDFORD

THE TROUPADORES Perth band the Troupadores burst on to the music scene way back in August of 1963.

Firmly cemented as one of the most popular bands in WA they were the first Perth band to tour the Eastern States where they soon became a household name across Australia with their sell out performances and regular television appearances.

Their return to Perth in 1980 saw a change in the lineup and then again in 1983, yet their popularity kept growing as the band frequented many of Perth's favourite night spots including the Herdsman and he Raffles Hotel The Troups as many refer to them today have stood the test of time, their bodies may be aging yet their energy remains the same.

We can not wait to have one of Australia's greatest showbands perform live on stage at the Guildford Heritage Festival where they are sure to win over a whole new generation with their harmonies, comedy and choreography.

They will be performing alongside Johnny Young and the Strangers.

If you’d like to see a teaser, there is a clip of the Troupadore’s 50 Anniversary concert here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=l3FdPehHyx8.

VINTAGE, VETERAN & CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW To keep an eye on what's going to be on show at the Vintage, Veteran & Classic Motor Show at the Guildford Heritage Festival, visit the Facebook event page.

Post and pre war cars, hot rods, military vehicles, motorcycles and engines on show.

If you belong to a club or are a private owner of an original vehicle pre 1975, no matter the condition and would like to display your pride and joy on the day then email ghf1829@gmail. com for details on how to register.

Park up and enjoy what the festival has to offer, plenty for those of all ages and interests Free entry, all activities on the day are free including amusement rides Let us know if you’re coming along and invite your friends along as well.

RAIL HERITAGE WA is looking forward to attending this years Guildford Heritage Festival and having the chance to talk with people about the states railway history.

So many families have railway links that there is always something new to share.

2016 is the 50th Anniversary of the Avon Valley railway line and the new standard gauge line - this will be part of the focus of their display this year.

Duing 2016 Rail Heritage WA are compiling a tribute to the railway men killed on duty and are interested in scourcing any photos or details about them.

A list of those people can be found on their website.

WA CRAFT BOOKBINDERS GUILD The Western Australian Craft Bookbinders Guild was formed in 1984 to promote and exhibit the art of the hand-bound book, whilst maintaining the traditional craft bookbinding skills. See them at their craft at the Guildford Heritage Festival.

For details on upcoming workshops visit www.wabookbinders.org.au 11

GUILDFORD ANNIE’S ANTIQUE, VINTAGE & COLLECTORS FAIR

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nnie Williamson, well-known Guildford identity and proprietor of Annie’s Vintage Wonderland in Guildford is a prominent sponsor of the Guildford Heritage Festival.

This year she has also, in conjunction with Annie’s Vintage Market and The Golden West Collector’s Fair set up a special Antique, Vintage and Collectors Fair on the Sunday as part of, but separate to, the Guildford Heritage Festival.

And that’s important because in the last couple of years the vintage and antique stalls have been scattered throughout the Festival and this year they will all be congregated in one area, which will be a ‘step back in time’ with the stall-holders all dressed up in colourful or historic costumes.

Among the stall holders are some familiar faces and some first-timers for this year ...

HORATIO AND AGATHA’S VINTAGE SUPPLIES

TWO SHILLINGS AND A SHED The photo shows Jo from Two Shillings and a Shed showing some of her goods at a market day in Maida Vale.

Horatio and Agatha’s is situated inside the Bon Marche Arcade, 80 Barrack Street, Perth.

Step inside and you will find a treasure trove of charming, eclectic and interesting range of vintage, home wares and collectables.

You’ll get the opportunity to see some of their treasures at the Guildford Heritage Festival.

FLURO SUGAR If its authentic vintage, rockabilly, pinup or alternative fashion, jewellery, accessories and gifts you are looking for, then a stop by the Fluro Sugar stall is a must do on your list.

Check them out at www.facebook.com/ flurosugarvintageaustralia

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

Shop 3/121 James St., Guildford www.anniesvinatagewonderland.com 12

RETINA AUSTRALIA (WA) The Guildford Heritage Festival is proud to be a supporter of Retina Australia (WA) Retina Australia (WA) is committed to raising funds for research that will enable the treatment, prevention and cure of retinal diseases.

We are thrilled to announce that the annual Golden West Collectors Fair will be held in partnership with Annie's Antique, Vintage & Collectables Fair on Sunday, 3rd April.

PLEASE NOTE: Although the Golden West Collector’sFair is being held over two days - the 2nd and 3rd of April, the Guildford Heritage Festival and Annie's Antique, Vintage & Collectables Fair is held on Sunday April 3rd only and not on the Saturday.

GUILDFORD CULTURAL FUSION OVER THE MOON CHRISTINE HOGAN

H

The Mad Tatters meet in Guildford Town Hall for training

ow did a bunch of gwailos end up singing the famous, Chinese, Kang Ding Love Song in Mandarin as part of a traditional English Morris dance?

As always stories sometimes twist and turn over time. Back in 1981, there was a very active Hong Kong Folk Club. Christine and Steve Hogan

were living in Kowloon and played in the Rusty Wok Ceilidh Band and worked at the Hong Kong Polytechnic by day.

Irene Sie, a Chinese lecturer in Social Work taught Christine the Kang Dong Love song and together they performed at the Hong Kong Folk Club. Irene sang in Mandarin and Christine

played the yeung kom or ‘foreign sounding instrument’ (which originated in Persia and spread to China and in England is known as a "hammered dulcimer.)

In 2013, the Mad Tatters Morris Team were invited to apply to perform at a Shanghai.

Discussion occurred on how to engage with the Chinese audiences. Would they like our unruly type of dancing?

Christine found her music of the Kang Ding Love Song and searched on the internet. On searching the internet she found a very moving, classical rendition performed in concert by opera singers: Song Zuying and Placido Domingo accompanied on the piano by Lang Lang. If you’d like to view it, it’s on YouTube here: http:// chinablog.cc/2010/09/kang-ding-love-song-storiesinside-and-outside-the-music/ The first verse was song by Song Zuying then a short piano include and the camera turned to Pacido Domingo who sang lovingly in Mandarin.

The Chinese audience broke into applause, they obviously appreciated the fact that the foreigner had taken the trouble to learn the song in Mandarain rather than English.

The chemistry between the singers was electric, a wonderful fusion of east and west.

Both the song and the dance are about celebrating the full moon. The English Dance is about hunters using the full October moon to go hunting and poaching game to feed their families during the winter.

The Chinese song is about how the full moon inspires lovers. Now comes the interesting part… both tunes are in E minor The idea was put before the "Mad Tatters" team members. As usual a lot of discussion took place. Eventually it was decided to dance on as hunters in our usual noisy fashion.

But then to stop, face the audience and sing the beginning of the Kang Ding Love Song in Mandarin. And 'yes' the audience is surprised and often join in with us.

At Tubs Gourmet Gelato we serve locally hand made gelato straight from the Helena Valley. Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, so its texture stays silkier and softer. Because it has a lower percentage of fat than ice cream, the main flavour ingredient really shines through. And this is very true of Tubs’ gelati, made locally from the freshest local ingredients.

Try the Chocolate, Cherry Ripe, Coccomi, Cookies and Cream, Peppermint Choc-chip, Dark Chocolate (and that’s your actual, real dark chocolate melted into the gelato - smooth, rich and delicious), Bacio, Fig Strudel, Salted Caramel, and Vanilla - made with vanilla beans and entirely perfect, not ordinary or boring at all, which is what most people think of as ‘vanilla’.

As well as the gelati, there’s Tropical, Strawberry, and Lemon Sorbet, and a Passionfruit Yoghurt for your icy pleasure.

The sorbets are just delicious, light and crisp, with a refreshing as well as a cooling effect. As well as the cold treats, Tubs serves muffins, waffles cooked while you wait, served with syrups, cream, and ice cream.

Both Hot Chocolate and Coffee is available, and the gelati are available to eat on the premises, walk away and eat, or take-away and eat much later.

Tubs is open from about 11:00am weekends, 2:00pm each weekday, except Monday when it’s closed, until late.

Very Highly Recommended.

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DINING OUT IN GUILDFORD

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie

STIRLING ARMS

DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

shady courtyard sipping cider while tucking it - there are a lot worse ways to pass time.

My main was a Steak Sandwich ($18) - Scotch fillet, tomato, lettuce, caramelised onions, bacon ($2 extra and well worth it) with a serve of beer-battered chips.

We accompanied our mains with a Garden Salad ($7) and a basket of Chunky Potato

T

he Stirling Arms in Guildford is a pub that has been recommended to me several times over the years and yet I have never visited it.

This Angela and I rectified this week with a Monday night drop in unbooked and unannounced.

The building itself is what I would call 50s Utilitarian Style, blocky and with simple, clean lines.

One orders at the bar counter and the server brings it out to you, either in the largish bar or outside in the the al fresco courtyard.

The menu is very firmly in the Pub Grub range with a menu offering favourites and comfort food at moderate prices.

The selection is comparatively large and broken down as ‘Tastes’ (or entrees), ‘Pub Classics’, ‘Steaks’, ‘Mains’ and ‘Sides’.

We had a happy ten minutes browsing through the well-used menu before settling on a simple meal - beginning with Garlic Bread ($6 for two slices) - this was as good as I’ve had anywhere - toasted to perfection and crisply garlicky.

We also ordered a Bruschetta ($12 for two slices), which was basically the garlic bread with a melange of fresh tomato, feta cheese and herbs with a particularly good balsamic vinegar.

The tastes menu has a nice feature - if you choose three plates they’re $11 each; four are $10 each and five will cost only $9 per plate.

For a group wanting tasty nibbles or who don’t mind sharing, this is a lovely idea - not exactly tapas, as the portions are pretty big, but a similar idea.

And some of the dishes are rather elegant - Duck Spring Rolls; Korean style Pork Belly; Seared Scallops; Smoked Chicken and Spinach Pancake and the dish Angela had in a mains course size - Chilli Garlic Prawns.

This was outstanding - the sauce creamy and light, the rice perfectly cooked and not too much, the balance between garlic and chilli judged to a nicety.

My only caveat with these was the fact that the tails were left on - I don’t know why cooks do that when they’re not being used as a handle - which in a cream sauce is not the case.

We chose to eat outside in the cool, in the

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I would strongly suggest that you give the Stirling Arms a go.

The prices are reasonable, the food quality very high, the service impeccable (I felt so sorry for the server - she worked so hard and practically ran everywhere) and the surroundings undemanding.

As well as the standard menu there is a special for each weeknight and $15 luncheon specials every weekday.

Wednesday Nights, for example you could have a ‘Steak and Sherbet’ - a 300g rump steak with chips and salad plus a middy of Ale or a soft drink or glass of wine between 5 and 9pm for only $18.

Thursdays is ‘Parmi and Pot’ and so on.

Worth a try.

Very Highly Recommended.

Wedges ($8) with Sweet Chilli dipping sauce and sour cream.

All of these were generous portions and delicious - well above what one would expect. Yet another lesson in not judging a book by it’s cover if one were needed.

We absolutely could not have eaten dessert for a bet - but they did look good; Banoffee Pie, Créme Brulée, Baked Cheesecake, a dark Chocolate Basket filled with a white chocolate mousse and honeycomb, Peach Mousse Terrine and Key Lime Pie. And if those don’t get your juices going, well, I just don’t know.

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GUILDFORD BROCKMAN’S HOUSE

n December 1st, 1876, sixteen year old Grace Bussell became the heroine of the SS Georgette shipwreck, on the coast near Yallingup.

With her servant she repeatedly rode her horse into the surf to rescue around fifty people, many of whom may otherwise have drowned.

She was awarded the Royal Human Society’s Silver Medal, and was voted a gold watch and chain by the British Parliament for her heroic efforts.

In Guildford, Frederick Drake-Brockman, son of local pioneer, William, heard of the bravery of the ‘Grace Darling of the West’ and rode his horse the 270km south to meet her. The pair fell in love, married and moved into 143 James Street, Guildford.

The original simple four room brick and iron dwelling was build around 1860, but was later added on to, including a significant expansion

Mrs Frederick Drake-Brockman

Brockman’s House - line drawing currently owned by pHaccts and used with their kind permission

to accomodate Grace and Frederick’s seven children.

Over the years, the house has had several incarnations, before being transformed in 1998 to office space for pHaccts accountants and business advisors (previously Peter Edwards & Associates), a business service company.

Grace Bussell DrakeBrockman lived on in Guildford until her death in 1935 aged seventy-five. She is buried in Guildford’s cemetery.

GIFTS WITH PANACHE SHANE ARMITAGE

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Because of the high turnover of these desirable goods, the photo depicts more the style and fashion of items available

he minute you walk in the door at Panache Living, your senses go into overload. There is so much to take in.

Panache really is the place where you can buy a new outfit from head to toe and a gift to take with you for yourself or someone special.

Exquisite jewellery from Turkey, Israel and France, leather goods from Italy, hand looped

rugs from India and Australian designed and made fashion are just some of the delights on offer at Panache Living.

Merchandise of distinction and style is sourced from around the world by local proprietors, Sue and Shane Armitage. Panache Living is truly a unique shopping experience in Guildford.

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GUILDFORD GUILDFORD HOTEL REDUX

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he Swan Valley locals have long held a soft spot for the Guildford Hotel.

The once burned and now resurrecting hotel has been in its current location on James St since 1883, but there have been a few versions of the Guildford Hotel since as early as the 1830s.

The grand facade was completed in 1889.

Local historian Barbara Dundas says the first Guildford Hotel was licenced in 1831 and was located where the Fish Market Reserve now is.

However, the then owner Dr Coucher fell foul of the government and the hotel was shut down.

Four years later, the Guildford Hotel reopened in near the Guildford Grammar School.

Guildford was planned as the terminus for the rail line, and it changed the way people travelled to the town.

Visitors no longer had to go by boat along the Swan River. The construction of the railway station also altered the town design - a plot of land was advertised with a hotel in mind, so much so they said it would be perfect for the Guildford Hotel.

In 1883, the present Guildford Hotel was built. Barbara Dundas believes this earlier date is contrary to common belief that it commenced trading there in 1886.

In September 2008 the building suffered a fire. The owner of the Guildford Hotel, Domenic Martino, vowed to rebuild after the historic pub was gutted.

Continued on the next page ...

GUILDFORD VILLAGE POTTERS

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nlike the ceramics available in the large retail chains, the products offered by Guildford Village Potters are colourful, original, and made in Western Australia.

Both functional tableware and decorative ceramics are made by the members.

Ceramics are a weatherproof way of decorating al fresco living spaces, and the Potters’ gallery in Guildford displays a wonderful variety of sculpture for walls and gardens.

Guildford Village Potters began in 1981. To provide an outlet for their work, twenty-one potters established a co-operative in what had been camel stables at the back of the Rose and Crown hotel.

The tasks involved in operating the premises were evenly distributed and regularly rotated, with everyone having a say at monthly meetings.

By sharing expenses, the Guildford Village Potters’ Club was able to ensure that all of its members had access to even the most expensive items of pottery equipment.

Experienced potters are invited to apply for membership.

After seven years, the potters moved to their present premises in what had been the policeman’s residence, at 22 Meadow Street in Guildford.

There is sufficient space there to keep the

for ceramic sculpture and homewares

Guildford Village Potters

GALLERY HOURS Mon–Fri: 9.30am–3.00pm Public holidays and weekends: 10.00am–4.30pm www.guildfordpotters.webs.com

22 Meadow Street Guildford

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9279 9859

Pottery teacher, Bernie Wakefield, surrounded by ceramic pieces made by Guildford Village Potters."

largest room for exhibitions of the work of artists in other media, and there is the regular appearance of new and interesting art works to see and buy.

Artists wishing to exhibit there are encouraged to contact the club on 9279 9859.

The extra space, and the erection of a large

shed in the backyard of the house, allows the Guildford Village Potters to offer pottery classes to adults on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 9.30pm; and on Saturday mornings from 9.00am to 12noon.

In both cases the terms are eight weeks long.

GUILDFORD GUILDFORD PANTRY

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ne of the problems we face as responsible cooks and buyers of goods would be almost unknown by our parents and grandparents.

Where does our food come from? Quite recently Supermarkets have been compelled to show exactly where their produce comes from and it has been, I am sure, a revelation - asparagus from Mexico, oranges from Eqypt, strawberries from the Argentine and so on.

Consumers - you and I, that is - are becoming ever more conscious about the miles and miles of travel these foodstuff have to cover before they end up on our tables.

Two years ago in Guildford a small bunch of like minded people were wanting to start a food hub where nothing was imported and the buyers were supporting Aussie farmers and producers Initially the enthusiasm ran very high, but the mums had to return to work, another member left to pursue global warming so that just left Amanda Carey.

The result of this passion and locavore commitment was the Guildford Pantry.

As she says ‘I was feeling far too passionate to quit I just had to keep kicking on!

‘I’m very very passionate about what I do and feel very strongly about supporting local industry.’

Most of the goods Guildford Pantry supplies is priced at cost plus 10% as they are not the business this to make any money and by having such a small mark up people can afford to buy local.

Guildford Pantry are registered as a not-for-profit group.

Most goods supplied are from Western Australia. At worst the rest of Australia. Juice, dairy, flour, nuts and amazing bio dynamic organic vegetables all derive from this wonderful state.

Organic sultanas, white, brown and raw sugar and tea come from Queensland and NSW and so on.

The big picture is a sense of community and support for all those farmers and producers out there trying desperately to competing with often inferior imported foods from many countries including China.

The conditions Aussie farmers work in and battle against is quite frightening and the margins on which they operate so slim that they need all the support we can give them.

And at the same time we can get low-priced ingredients that we know are local, fresh and delicious.

These are the principles Guildford Pantry was founded on: * Buying as local as we can and buying direct from the grower/producer to cut down middle man prices. * Wherever possible we buy organic or using as few sprays and chemical nasties as possible. * Buying in bulk so we get wholesale prices and save time and money in the long run * Minimal packaging is important and re-using what is already in your kitchen helps reduce waste * Supporting our local growers, producers and businesses. By supporting them we are giving them a fair deal so they can enjoy quality of life, and we are building a more resilient community.

0b1pMQlhwVTZj/view and order what you need from the price list.

Every item has a specific Source Area so you know exactly where it hails from.

For example: A Seasonal Vege Box costs $55 and comes from the Morangup, WA area 1.1litres of Michael Brothers Raw Cloudy Apple Juice costs $5.50 and comes from the Chittering Valley, WA Chickpeas cost $5.25 a kilo and come from the Ord River area, WA Capel Butter is $5.30 and comes from the South West of WA The full list runs some thirty-five items, mostly organic and once you’ve order what you need, you pay by EFT into the Guildford Pantry account on receipt of invoice.

Orders must be in before 9:00am of the Tuesday of the pick up Saturday week - every second Saturday - the dates are on the website.

The next will be the 21st March and every fortnight thereafter.

Pick up is at the pop-up in Swan Street between 9am-10am. Bring your own containers, boxes, recycled bags or bottles.

Guildford Pantry has a loyal, dedicated ORDERING The way Guildford Pantry works is this - you following - don’t you think you should join them, go on the website: https://drive.google.com/file/d/ grab a bargain, help the Aussie farmer and give 0B1QjHurpAKLGNzI5OTdFM3B2Q3g4YzNlQlR your family the best possible produce?

Concluded from page 16 ...

While the hotel’s facade remained intact, the roof and interior were destroyed, leaving only a shell of the former building.

Mr Martino said the damage to the hotel, estimated by Fire and Rescue crews at $1.5 million, was “far worse than I could have ever imagined”.

“The plan would be to get it back up and running again, but it’s a big job,” he said.

He had no idea just how big! Since September 2008 until now, eight long years later, when the restoration is so close to completion we can start to feel the excitement in the air there have been protests, plans, starts, trips and falls, re-planning and every day the cost of the truly superb restoration work goes on and costs more.

The work is being done with meticulous attention to detail and as the cupola was lowered gently by crane onto the belvedere on Sunday 28th February there was a collective sigh of satisfaction from the small crowd assembled to see the historic event.

There is still a great deal to do, of course, but the outside of this grand Old Lady of the Valley is beginning to look a lot more as we remembered her as the scaffolding and black netting comes down revealing the amazing work of the many, many tradesmen involved.

It will be a long time before we prop up the bar and admire the interior while sinking a wellearned pint or two - but it’s a lot closer than it was in the long years of devastation.

The owners are to be commended and Suite 2, 106 Swan St, Guildford complimented for not taking short-cuts or Telephone (08) 9279 8727 skimping on the fabric and I look forward to the Email: swisse_oz@hotmail.com.au day it’s all finished.

Arlena’s General Store Hours : Tuesday to Friday 8:30am - 500pm Saturday 8:30am - 1:00pm

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GARDENING AUTUMN MAINTENANCE GRACE AHERN

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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’.

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utumn is upon us! With the cooler weather, it’s a great time to give your pond a good cleanout before winter and cut back any decaying plant leaves.

During this time you can give your pond a freshen up, with a partial water change (twenty five per cent).

With Autumn comes the annual shedding of the exotic trees to aid our nemesis Algae in his attempt to take over our ponds.

Stopping it can be a nuisance, but we have a couple of tricks to foil his plans for our ponds.

Leaves in our ponds cause an imbalance in the natural health of the pond when they break down and contribute to the excess nutrient which in turn can add to algae growth.

Continuing with a regular dosage of bacteria will aid in converting excess nutrient so it is then eliminated from the pond.

Putting bird netting over your pond will help to catch any troublesome leaves, otherwise you will need to manually scoop out any leaves with a fish net.

foods, such as Clearpond’s Gro Mix or Pondmax’s All Seasons. Both are enriched with higher quality ingredients for easier digestion resulting in reduced pond pollution.

Just like fish, parasites and pathogens will go into dormancy during Winter, making their immune systems vulnerable coming into Spring.

So in saying that, giving your fish an allround treatment before winter, will help stop any pathogens from regenerating rapidly and give your fish that extra boost coming back into the warmer weather.

Pond Salt is a good all-round treatment that can be used. It can reduce fish stress, add essential electrolytes, improve gill function, improve recovery from injuries or disease and help protect them from nitrite toxicity.

But take note; once in the water salt does not go anywhere so you have to be careful not to overdo it.

Salt will not be evaporated out, nor will it be filtered out. You can only remove salt by doing a partial water change, which won’t remove all Again adding to that waste build-up will be the salt, so again you have to be careful if you are any un-eaten food. With the weather getting thinking of doing a re-dose. cooler, you can start to reduce the amount you Courtesy of the Pond Shop are giving the fish, as they become less active.

They may try that whole, “I’m starving! Why are you doing this to me?” act, but trust me they don’t need it.

Or you can even try feeding them lighter

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 – 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 19

FOOD HUMANE FOOD

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hat exactly is Humane food, and why should we care? Humane Food is food that’s produced with the welfare of the animal as a priority.

Put simply, it means animals have a better quality of life and are respected as living, feeling creatures. It means layer hens, meat chickens and pigs are free to socialise and express natural behaviours.

And we know it is a big deal for our customers, as they are increasingly questioning where their food comes from and how it is produced.

We’re proud to say the Swan Valley has been crowned the first Humane Food region in Australia. Our chefs are a compassionate bunch who have committed to producing and serving humane food in their restaurants and cafes. You can expect fresh cage-range eggs, mouth- watering free-range chicken and succulent free-range pork from animals living happier, healthier lives when you dine at a Humane Food Region restaurant or café.

Does eating humanely really matter, why should you even care? Well for a few reasons.

First and foremost, animals are capable of experiencing fear, pain and stress. Raising animals in surrounds where they are respected and treated kindly is simple decency.

Then there is the matter of quality and taste. We’ve all heard chefs roll out the line “we only use the best, freshest ingredients”, but talk is cheap. If it’s not fresh, it’s past its best – possibly inedible or dangerous to consume. As for “the best” what can be better than giving farm animals a better quality of life?

And as for taste, today’s diner is increasingly savvy. Research shows that 77% of people agree that when eating out it is important that meat, eggs and dairy products served come from animals farmed in a humane and ethical way. They not only notice the difference in taste, they find it more enjoyable to feast in the knowledge that the animals lived a happy, healthy life.

Be part of the revolution, support those Swan Valley businesses who choose wisely, who choose to serve humanely produced food.

Participating businesses are identified in the regions promotional materials and on www.swanvalley.com.au and nationally on www.choosewisely.org.au.

COS02019

20

FOOD CWA COOKING CLASSES DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

T

he CWA gets made fun of a lot - from being called the ‘Crazy Women’s Association’ to being ridiculed in the ABC’s The Games.

But like many another institution made fun of, the CWA is widely respected and does a great deal of quiet good.

In South Africa the similar group is called the Women’s Institute, a scion of the UK group of the same name all descended from The Women’s Institute founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada by Adelaide Hoodless in 1897.

I have a copy of their Cookbook that my mother bought shortly before she married my father in 1950.

It is much loved, has pages stained by cake mixture brushed off, has notes in my mother’s hand correcting an amount to one she preferred or the odd comment - ‘Douglas’ favourite’; ‘Alastair hates this’ and ‘Gave this recipe to Mom’ (my grandmother.)

This is in every sense a family cook book and it offers sensible, low cost, simple recipes for all levels of skill. And that pretty much is what the CWA Cooking Classes each first Tuesday of the month is all about.

The CWA and WI have a much, much wider brief to improve the lot of women in the world by making available opportunities and education not previously possible.

But part of that is reviving skills that our mothers took for granted.

We, who cook for the family, rely perhaps too much on quick, pre-packaged meals, or high-priced take-aways.

This class is aimed at teaching attendees to cook a home-made meal for four people for under $12.

CWA Midland has been running these classes for two years with the aid of grants and the support of the City of Swan who make the commercial kitchen in the Town Hall available.

I attended what I was assured would be a ‘Scone class’. The classes are a sort of floating, rotating, group of about twenty with ten or so at each class plus the demonstrator and her helpers.

Our cook tutor was a charming, motherly woman called Maureen, who has almost certainly forgotten more about home cooking than I’ll ever know.

The classes are very convivial and collegiate with all participants contributing their thoughts and asking questions and they made me and the other first timers feel very welcome.

Maureen whipped up two batches of scones - family and cheese. Her hands working swiftly and surely while she talked

and imparted tips born of her long experience.

Always use butter, never margarine; work quickly, get them in the oven as soon as the added liquid is mixed in; use a round-tipped knife with a cutting motion and when placing them on the baking tray nestle them close so they help each other to rise - a high sided baking tray will do the same.

For the family scones Maureen used as raising agent sifted self-raising flour, baking powder and lemonade.

Maureen brushed the tops with milk lightly (I prefer beaten egg myself as I think it makes a glossier finish) and baked - in a new fast oven this should bake in about twelve minutes.

While this was cooking Maureen made up a batch of Cheese Scones - using Mersey Valley Pickled Onion cheese, which was wonderful.

You can actually taste the pickled onion in the finished scone - which we all sat around a long tables with cups of tea and coffee and ate our way steadily through the fruits of Maureen’s labour accompanied by home-made strawberry jam and rich cream.

The family scones were light and fluffy, the cheese savoury and delicious.

I left, clutching my copies of the recipes in my hot hand and keen to try them out asap.

The classes cost $5 and you get to eat your work communally afterwards. Next time the subject is ‘Interesting things to do with sausages’. I can’t miss that one.

Very highly recommended.

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CHEF-EXPLORER YE OLDEST PUB IN ENGLAND BRENDAN MURPHY

Y

ou may recall, dear reader, that I spent December and Christmas reporting on Location from England, and I wrote my last story for the Swan Magazine from London.

Following on from the big City, I was on a quest: to find the oldest pub in England!

No mean feat for a country that has literally thousands of pubs. In fact, 48,000 according to the latest figures (which is a bit of a worry for a pub lover as there were 69,000 registered in 1980).

My research from the trusty Guinness Book of Records pointed me in the direction not that far from London in the neighboring county of Hertfordshire in the historic town of St Albans.

We decided to forget driving there, as per usual in England, there is too much traffic, but luckily the tube and railway station was only a short walk away from our apartment, so we jumped on a train that only cost six pounds return and our new adventure began.

From the station we walked into the Central Square with its mediaeval 15th century clock tower presiding majestically over it. St Albans is an ancient market town, so it was good to see the busy markets in full gear along streets just oozing with houses and pubs of medieval charm and the seasonal mulled wine stalls led us astray with its winter warming aroma and spicy liquor. Now this is more like it.

Supping on our mulled wines we made our way to the Christmas market, which was located in the shadows of the magnificent St Albans Cathedral. For history buffs, the cathedral was originally an Abbey and the first draft of the ‘Magna Carta’ was actually drawn up there.

Honestly, it was a sight to behold, magnificent markets to wonder around perusing modern arts and crafts with a huge old Cathedral looking over ones shoulder. It was, well, very Christmassy!

However, all this walking and shopping gave Mr Murphy a super thirst and I was eager to get to this pub. And the pub in this case is Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, that claimed to be England’s oldest pub.

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Now I have to admit to visiting many old English pubs in my lifetime and I'll say right now this just has to be the best ever!

Inside it just took our breath away.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks dates back to the 8th century, although the pub you can see today was built in the 11th century. It got its name because cock fighting took place in the main bar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The main structure is freestanding and has an octagonal appearance. Although it has been added to over the years the original timber-framed structure is clearly visible.

We noticed that, as with many old buildings, the inn has quite low ceilings as well as intriguing nooks and crannies, and the pub

menu including a delicious platter of deep fried local seafood including Sprats (small forage fish, sometimes young herrings) cooked in their crunchy beer batter.

Devouring that with home made chips washed down with delicious Ale, in England’s oldest pub after a long walk in a medieval town is my idea of heaven on earth’!

In fact I am not one to drink much in the afternoon but four pints later I tottered out a very happy man indeed.

St Albans is a fantastic place to visit and experience some real ‘Olde’ England at its best.

However avoid looking in the more modern real estate windows on the way back to the station, as the price of the properties may leave you rather shocked. Or in our case, the realisation that we can only ever visit my idea of heaven, as we can’t afford to live there.

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH BEER BATTER

landlord told us that the huge oak beams had originally been salvaged from medieval ships.

Its foundations also incorporated part of the Palace of Offa, King of the Mercians and dated from around 793CE. It is even reputed that Oliver Cromwell, slept at the inn for one night during the English Civil War in 1642CE. It was also originally located close to St Albans Cathedral (when it was St Albans Abbey) and was moved to the present site after the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539CE. I was also fascinated to learn that there are tunnels stretching from the beer cellar to the Cathedral, apparently used by the monks.

As I perused the beer menu, I had a vision in my mind of a Mad Monk sneaking away along a tunnel for a swift one in the beer cellar (However, my wife reminded me that I do have a vivid imagination!) And talking about the beer cellar, what about the modern beer?

Well, I was very happy to sample a locally brewed Ye Olde Black Ale that was to die for! Like a rich old Porter full bodied, nutty, treacle, Yum! They also offered a nice but reasonably priced

Ingredients 10g dry yeast 120ml warm water 1 x 375ml bottle of beer 1 1/4 cups flour, sifted 400g plain flour 1/2 t-spoon salt Pinch of pepper

Method 1. Sieve the flour with the salt and pepper into a bowl 2. To prepare beer batter, combine yeast and warm water into a separate larger bowl. Let stand about a minute at room temperature until yeast starts to foam slightly.

3. Whisk in the beer 4. Gradually ‘rain’ in the flour by shaking through a sieve onto the liquid whilst mixing with a whisk until you get a smooth batter 5. For deep frying: 6. Dip pieces of fish or seafood into separate seasoned flour then into the batter and carefully into your deep fryer 7. Remember to always remove when golden brown onto a tray with kitchen paper to absorb oil before serving.

FOOD

The Thoughts of an Ageing, Balding Foodie

HOUSE OF HONEY MEADERY

DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

M

ead is almost certainly the oldest alcoholic drink ever made. Pottery vessels containing the residue of a mixture of honey, rice and fruits along with organic compounds of fermentation dating back to 6500-7000 BCE were found in Northern China.

The oldest recipe for mead in Columella’s De re rustica, about 60 CE. ‘Take rainwater kept for several years, and mix a sextarius of this water with a pound of honey. The whole is exposed to the sun for forty days, and then left on a shelf near the fire. If you have no rain water, then boil spring water.’

Nothing in there you’ll notice about fermentation. Which isn’t surprising as it really wasn’t understood for another fifteen hundred years or so.

The House of Honey know all about fermentation, fortunately, which makes them able to produce the most sublime mead in a small but expanding range of delicious beverages.

The meadery has been in the planning stages for about two years but in Kim and Rupert’s mind for a lot longer. It’s now a reality and attached to the Shop and Sticky Spoon Café.

The mead is divided into two kinds - traditional mead and the so-called ‘stickies’ or dessert wines.

Mead was fantastically popular as a drink

until overtaken by the cheaper grape-based wine.

And House of Honey’s mead explains why this was so. Currently there are four labels: Classic Mead ($25 a bottle) This is delicious, with an elusive, delicate nose, with very little overt traces of honey. It is in the melomel style (‘Meli’ means honey’ in Greek) of a mixture of honey and fruit juice - in this case, grape juice.

This drink would be perfect on its own or with a spicy meal - curry or Thai, for example.

Spiced Mead ($28 a bottle) This is absolutely outstanding - again delicate, balanced and lightly spiced and herbed. There are four ingredients I guessed three of them - ginger, cinnamon and cloves, but couldn’t for the life of me pick the fourth. You may do better.

It’s an outstanding drink, far richer and more complex than one might expect and the spices give a memory of Christmas and joyeousness that’s hard to beat.

Both of these have substantial amounts of honey, but are not in any sense ‘sweet drinks’.

And on to the two stickies, named after the two kinds of honey used - Banksia and Parrot

Bush. I have written elsewhere of the huge, enormous, difference that occurs in honey depending on the flowers they draw their nectar from.

This is then translated into the two meads ($35 a bottle) Each shows a distinctive complexity quite unique and different one from the other.

The Parrot Bush is rather darker and has had three months on French Oak, which lays a further overlay of complexity to the nose and taste.

Both of these are genuine after-dinner drinks and would go wonderfully over crushed ice with cheese or dried or fresh fruit.

The House of Honey is open for tastings and if you love wine, honey or your stomach I’d strongly recommend you drop by for a sample.

And while you’re there I’d stay and have their famous scones with honey, too.

Very Highly Recommended.

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SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK BUS DEPOT SUE HURT

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or many of you who regularly drive along West Swan Road – you will have seen a lot of activity on a property facing West Swan Road, nearest corner Woollcott Street, Henley Brook.

You would have seen: · Industrial fencing installed around the Property · Double Industrial Gates · Hard Surface · And now a depot for buses · At times yellow equipment on trailers, or stand-alone – parked overnight · Cars parked – assuming for bus drivers · Numerous Buses (commercial) Bus Numbers – Confirmation of number of buses required. At times, nine and others have reported as many as twelve large tourist buses – all white.

As I understand there is No Use of a Bus Depot under the Commercially Parked Vehicle Policy under the City of Swan Planning By-Laws.

A number of residents in the Swan Valley, have contacted the City of Swan of objection and query of status of Bus Depot.

SVRN is receiving calls daily on the issue, and these people have been directed to the City of Swan Planners, and Swan Valley-Gidgegannup Councillor Darryl Trease.

If anyone has a comment please forward to SVRN. For those who would like to know about the Commercially Parked Vehicle Policy – one can find the information on the City of Swan Website here: www.swan.wa.gov.au/ Services-support/Property-environment/PlanningBuilding-Engineering/Planning/Frequently-AskedQuestions/Commercial-vehicle-parking Do I need planning approval to park/garage a commercial vehicle on my property? Yes. Note: The City of Swan Commercially Parked Vehicle Policy was initiated by the communities of the City of Swan, after several years of community and individual consultation.

UPGRADE COMPLETE

K

en Wyatt MP, Federal Member for Hasluck and Nathan Morton MLA, State Member for Forrestfield have welcomed the completion of the $45 million fully grade-separated interchange at Berkshire Road and Roe Highway.

The Federal Government’s contribution of $27.2million to upgrade the intersection, coupled with the Western Australian Government’s reallocated cash savings from other joint-funded road projects, means the risk to motorists has been significantly reduced as well as removing the need to fund and construct further upgrades at the site in years to come.

“The completion of the overpass at the Berkshire Road and Roe Highway intersection is wonderful news for the local residents of Maida Vale, Forrestfield and High Wycombe who have to use it daily,” Mr Wyatt said.

“I had been fighting since my election in 2010 to get this black spot fixed and I am delighted to see that it is now open in all directions.”

The innovative ‘tennis ball’ design, which has been used on Berkshire Road will greatly improve road user safety. It will also help to alleviate congestion for the 40,000 vehicles that travel through the intersection on a daily basis.

“A fully grade separated intersection is the best possible outcome for this former blackspot, which previously experienced an accident once every ten days,” Mr Morton said.

“This is truly a great result for the Forrestfield community.”

Mr Morton has advocated strongly for this upgrade since being elected in March 2013, liaising with the Minister for Transport’s office on an almost weekly basis.

He thanked Transport Minister Hon Dean Nalder MLA for hearing his calls for action, while Mr Wyatt thanked outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport Warren Truss, who visited the intersection with him on several occasions.

More information regarding the completed interchange can be found at: http://gatewaywa.com.au/news/latest-news/all-movementsopen-at-roe-highwayberkshire-road- interchange/ 24

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK MIDLAND OUTDOOR CINEMA

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ew release blockbusters, cinematic classics and family favourites will light up the centre of Midland once with the Midland Outdoor Cinema kicking off last weekend.

The City of Swan and Ace Cinemas have partnered for a second time to bring a bumper season of films to the big outdoor screen.

Community members can bring along a picnic and a low lying deck chair and enjoy the films under the stars.

City of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said the outdoor cinemas received overwhelmingly positive feedback during the first season.

“The outdoor cinema allows residents and

visitors to enjoy an experience under the stars in the heart of the CBD, transforming an unused open space within the area,” he said. “It is great to partner with Ace Cinemas to bring back the atmosphere and magic of the outdoor cinemas.

“Events such as the outdoor cinemas complement the City of Swan’s ever growing calendar of cultural, food, wine and experiential events that promote the region throughout the year.”

Ace Cinemas General Manager Jeremy Pye said Ace Cinemas was looking

forward to bringing the Midland Outdoor Cinema to life for a second time.

“The first season of the outdoor cinema was extremely well received by the community, with numbers of punters gathering to experience the nostalgia of an outdoor cinema growing every week.”

“We are looking forward to helping the outdoor cinema becoming a staple in the summer events calendar in Midland.”

Tickets for the Midland Outdoor Cinema can be purchased through Ace Cinemas in Midland Gate, online at www.acecinemas.com.au, or at the gate on the night. Gates open at 6.30pm, with the films starting at 7.15pm.

Pack your picnic or grab a movie snack and non-alcoholic drink from the candy bar. BYO food and alcohol (for over 18s) are permitted.

Sunday 6 March 2016 Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie Friday 11 March 2016 - Zoolander 2 Saturday 12 March 2016 - Goosebumps Friday 18 March 2016 - How to be Single Saturday 19 March 2016 - Kung Fu Panda 2: Kaboom of Doom Thursday 24 March 2016 - Deadpool The season runs until the to 23 April 2016. *If the session is rained out please hold onto your ‘print at home confirmation form’ and present at another Midland Outdoor screening or at Ace Midland Gate Cinema to redeem for another film.

LITERARY COMPETITION WHITNEY SLATER

T

he City of Swan invites you to write a poem or short story about road safety.

Blessing of the Roads is a state-wide community road safety campaign which aims to create a positive road safety culture in local communities.

There are age restrictions: Primary school students - Kindergarten to Year Six Secondary school students - Year Seven to Year Twelve (youth aged under eighteen).

The rules are simple: All poems and short stories must be original work Poems should not exceed thirty-two lines in length Short stories should not exceed 250 words The entrant’s name and age must be included with poem or short story - please also include entrant or guardian’s contact phone number.

The closing date is 5pm, Monday 14 March 2016.

Entries can be posted to the City of Swan, 2 Midland Square, Midland Western Australia 6056. Please mark it ‘Attention Whitney Slater’.

Alternatively, please email to Whitney.

Slater@swan.wa.gov.au.

The winners will be invited to attend the Blessing of the Roads function at Altone Comes Alive on the 20 March, and will be presented with a gift voucher for Ace Cinemas. Entries may be displayed at the Blessing of the Roads function.

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TOODYAY TIDY TOWN TOODYAY

I

f you think you are going to have a quiet, relaxing life style in a small country town you may be in for a surprise.

Toodyay, like so many of our rural communities across Australia, is a hub of dedicated people working hard for the betterment of their town and its people.

The opportunity for involvement at a range of levels is there for the taking. It seems “boredom” is not a word the people of Toodyay know.

Every worthy cause from emergency services to conservation, to caring for others will welcome those willing to help in whatever way they feel they can contribute.

Within our communities there is often a whole range of activities and initiatives occurring without the rest of the community knowing about them.

It often comes as a surprise when one hears about the achievements and awards of groups and individuals in their own town.

Of course most of these people do not seek recognition or accolades but just want to contribute.

Toodyay was a classic example of this at least until the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities competition came along.

The Tidy Towns Committee was formed primarily to drive change and improvements in certain target areas.

However, in the process of writing submissions in order to enter the competition most of the good work was brought together to form a very impressive list of projects and partnerships.

So impressive in fact that the town was awarded the title of Australia’s Tidiest Town for 2015 at a ceremony in Sheffield, Tasmania.

The Toodyay contingent came home flushed with pride determined to continue striving towards their aim to be a Litter Free, Sustainable Community. There is no doubt in any one’s mind that Tidy Towns has brought the Toodyay community together in a very special way.

Everywhere one can see the results. It might be re-furbished signage, the new entry statement, environmental projects, improved picnic facilities, water wise and energy efficiency or fluro-clad

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volunteers out picking up litter. The list goes on.

Now, the town has the honour of hosting this year’s Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Communities National Event on the 17th and 18th March whereupon they will hand over the title to the 2016 winner.

There is an air of expectancy in the community as the town prepares to be put on the National stage and welcome delegates from all over the country.

Although Toodyay Tidy Towns came from

A

Valley

for

community grass roots, it quickly expanded to include the Shire with projects such major roadside litter pickups and environmental projects drawing in partners and interest from far and wide.

The over-riding message throughout this amazing journey has been Toodyay is a community that cares about its community and appearance but most importantly, its future, a sustainable one. That is a message the whole world needs to hear.

All

Seasons

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

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

TOODYAY ATTRACTIONS AT 2016’S MOONDYNE FESTIVAL

A

s we move ever closer to the big day when all of Toodyay goes en feté, inviting all any sundry to this tiny sleepy rural town, throwing open its doors and hearts to the thousands of visitors for the day the various attractions are putting their final polish onto their gear.

One group putting more elbow grease, spit and polish into their presentation than most is the Perth Volunteer Rifle and Artillery Regiment 1860, a re-enactment club of muzzle-loading enthusiasts in period uniforms.

The Regiment began as an outgrowth of the Perth Muzzle Loading Club which first started doing shows in 1985. Just prior to the Australian Bicentennial Celebrations, the PMLC was approached to lead the parade.

The members realised there was a distinct lack of pomp and ceremony in Perth. It was decided then to reform the Perth Volunteer Rifles of 1862 with an Artillery Detachment and so evolved the Perth Volunteer Rifle and Artillery Regiment 1860 of today.

We still carry on the same traditions of the Volunteers of yesteryear in that we elect our officers and NCO’s and, as before, if they wish to advance the officers can purchase their next rank.

Like the original unit, the members of today purchase their own equipment including firearms which can at times be anything up to $2500 and sometimes even more. Some of the firearms alone can cost $1500 each. The Regiment was originally raised to represent at typical unit in the 1860’s and this is our sentimental home.

The Regiment has performed since its conception over 300 performances including several before vice regal personages (Sir Francis Burt, Major General PM Jeffery and Lt Gen J Sanderson), the army and other government bodies.

The 1860 Regiment are a wonderful sight dressed in the old uniforms of the era. Throughout the day they line up and fire their black powder guns as in the old ways of the 1860’s.

It was a period, following the departure of British troops, when men of all walks of life enrolled to defend the then Colony from perceived - and sometimes real threats, both local and overseas. Our displays feature the uniforms, kit, firearms and drill of the period.

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GET SOCIAL WITH JAY cousin of your social media – your website is your guts and glory, your Facebook is your relationship building and Instagram is where your new client or customer goes to see if they like you.

WHY INSTAGRAM?

B

ecause, if you’re not on, you’re missing out.

Your competitor is either onto this or about to realise they should be.

Instagram is a mobile photo-centric social network using square, Polaroid looking photos.

In 2012, Facebook purchased Instagram from its original creators and the app boomed to more than 300 million users.

The biggest move up the 2015 marketing ladder was video and visual marketing. Social media sites responded by making it much easier to access the content.

Instagram goes a step further to allow you to share directly to Facebook and Twitter. You can also embed onto your website.

Since early 2016, Facebook has made it simple as pie to advertise on Instagram via their paid advertising elements.

So many of us are ‘visual’ buyers. We often can’t touch what we purchase anymore so looking at it is the very next best thing. Instagram does ‘visual’ beautifully.

Instagram is also perfect for brand building.

Every post adds another chapter to the story of your company. Think of Instagram as the fun

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SO LET THEM SEE YOU! 80% of us check you out online before we buy from you. We want to know if our ideals and ethics align with yours and to get a feeling for if we like you.

Instagram makes this easier.

And it’s not just for business selling products.

Instagram is great for product based businesses because of the snazzy filters and visual base of the app, but companies who provide services should also be on Instagram.

Think about what you’d like to know about your chiropractor – that he eats organic veggies, that she volunteers for the local Girl Guides, that he loves the same yoga you do.

I share photos of projects I’m working on, client spotlights (with their permission!), workshops I’m attending (so my clients know I’m constantly updating my knowledge), my home office and my family as part of my family business.

Shopify reports that the average online purchase when referred by Instagram was upwards of $65 in 2015. So we aren’t just checking out your chicken run, we are also buying your products.

Unlike Facebook, there are little pesky algorithms to deal with (except for new sponsored posts.) Everything you post, your followers see.

Post at a good time for them and chances are: they’ll read it.

Lastly, Instagram is fun. Out of all the social media you will manage for a business, this is a treat!

WHO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS AND WHAT DO YOU THEY WANT? Like every time you sit down to plan marketing, first identify who your customer is and what they want. This will assist your entire plan to run more smoothly. What does your customer value? How can you show them that this is part of your values system too?

If you are a midwife, recognising your ideal client is fairly straightforward.

Some Facebook targeted marketing will allow you to see that pregnant women and mothers use social media later in the evening, after the kids have gone to bed and after husbands have settled in for the evening. (They also mostly check their phones first thing in the morning too, so that’s something to consider.)

Make a few notes about what they want – do they want information, inspiration, networking, products, services?

There are a few things that all people checking us out online want to see: to know you are trustworthy – show them testimonials, to see your products or services before they get in touch, and to feel a connection with you – so show a bit of life in your posts.

MOST IMPORTANTLY The crucial aspect is to ensure you are providing relevant and valuable content to your ideal client (who you’ve already targeted). If you just kept doing this and nothing else, eventually you would accrue a loyal following.

Telling your story through showcasing your products or services will build this emotional connection and you’ll be Instagramming like the best of them.

For more tips and tricks (including why the heck you have to use hashtags!) you can come along to one of my Instagram for Business workshops or connect with me online.

Courtesy of Crisp Crow Communications www.facebook.com/CrispCrowCommunications

POETRY FOOTSLOG DF BROND

egardez vous the ‘umble foot the nadir of our anatomy not renowned for aesthetic look a pair perhaps unlovely.

But what are we of beauty scarce whilst through the world in tandem, they carry us with little fuss plus excess weight we endow ‘em.

In and out of numerous doors along tortuous ways of strife, one step at a time, rung by rung, they tread the ways of life.

The best is always forward the other is dragging behind, and plain to see the imprints left for critical heirs to find.

On through life, one after another at times they struggle to carry, at last to teeter, one in the graveis it here they wish to tarry?

Should they take the final step across the last frontier, greet their maker-pas de deux? or get the ‘ell out of ‘ere!

When given the choice the ‘umble foot affords the ultimate projection, for nimble minds, Sine Die, shy away, but the foot ever points the direction.

COMPUTERS YOU NEED A WEBSITE JESS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE B.A.

Why you need a website, and you need it now!

W

hen you think business websites, normally you think of big businesses that have them, or small businesses that need them, or hipster businesses that want them and have every trend under the sun.

And if you think these are the only businesses that should have a site, you’re so very wrong! And that’s okay, but it means you and your business are going to be hurting for it.

While such a cliché, we live in the Digital Age, and as such, there are multitudes of avenues that people are still not exploring to promote their business, and majority of them are online.

Now let me put it this way, generally speaking, every mobile phone on the market has internet connection.

This means that everyone who owns a mobile has access to portable and on demand internet, and considering the numbering of pockets that hold mobile phones… it’s not a hard concept to follow.

EASE OF ACCESS I’m going to let you in on a secret. I’m twentyfour, female, newly married. I also study and if I were ever crowned valedictorian, Google would be up there in my list of ‘thanks for all the help’.

Now the thing about Google is, it’s magic!

Literally (figuratively, but Google’s algorithms are so crazy hard, it’s like magic math). BUT, if I want to know something, and I want to know it now, I’m a Googling it!

And it’s the one BIG thing that if businesses haven’t got in on, they need to! Being online and high on Google’s ranking is the money maker.

If you’re not online and on page one, you’re missing that client who offhandedly searches for a massage therapist because their back is giving them grief again, or in their lunch break searches for electricians, and emails in a query form, because god-forbid another phone call!

INFORMATION. ALWAYS. ALL THE TIME Unlike us, a website has no off button. It’s there, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with virtually no supervision.

So that a person, like myself, who Googlethinks at all hours of the day or night, has the information they need to make a decision about whatever they want.

It’s also a great place to advertise yourself or your business. Its displays the integrity of your business and the pride you have showing off your information to your clients.

It’s the perfect method of communication to those passive customers, that haven’t quite made up their mind, and it’s a great way to advertise your prices. That old adage of ‘if you have to ask, you can’t afford it’, still hasn’t been thrown out the window and stomped on, so keeping honest and open about your prices just became a step up.

ALLOWS YOU TO COMPETE If you think you do or not, if your competitor has a website, you need one too! Perth is a small town, and those who want to pick up business, need to be able to compete with all the other businesses that want to also pick up more business.

It also gives you professional credibility. For one, it shows you’re invested in your business.

When I was in the early stages of planning my wedding, a friend approached me and asked what I was doing for my cake.

She was in the early stages of setting up a cake business, and was known for having a rapid changing personality. My immediate response was ‘no way in hell’, and I phrased it with a very polite, ‘I just can’t trust that you’ll be in business by then’.

She took it the right way and in the space of two weeks, she’d become a trustable business with an ABN and a website. She didn’t make my wedding cake, but she did my hen’s.

And two, a new website revisits your businesses ideology and allows you to gain new insight of your business goals. It may be business plans that are out of date or void, or new goals that will be added to or opened with a new venue for advertising. It becomes fresh and new and ready for the next five years.

of being given a link and saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got a website!’

DIY websites have made it easier (and harder) to be on the web than ever before.

Easier in the sense that you could do your own plumbing, but there is the possibility you may flood your house as well. Better to call a professional.

If it’s the content control that you require, ask your local web designer to add in a Content Management System (CMS) that does just what it says, allows you to manage your content, and is as easy as working in a Word document.

Courtesy of Hawk’s Workshop www.hawksworkshop.com.au

IT’S COST EFFECTIVE The main excuse I hear when I ask a business why they haven’t got a website is either ‘It’s too expensive’ or ‘I’m not very good with technology’.

And the crazy part is that it doesn’t have to be that expensive and it can be made as simple as you need it to be. Even if that’s to the point 29

WEDDINGS

JELENA & PAVLE t was a beautiful sunny day when Jelena and Pavle ‘Pav’ tied the knot in front of hundreds of friends and family.

A contemporary Serbian Orthodox wedding, the day seamlessly blended old and new traditions, with the ceremony at the beautiful Serbian Orthodox Church of Sveti Sava, followed by a night of dancing at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

The day went by in a blur, according to Jelena, who wore a custom-made gown by Steph Audino.

“We did the morning celebrations at my house ... where Pav’s family had to ‘buy’ me off my family.

The band played a big part in the morning.” There was an abundance of Serbian dancing, which Jelena had to teach Pav before the Big Day! Amidst all the morning preparations, when a bunch of gorgeous roses were delivered to Jelena, she was utterly surprised, and as she read “the sweetest note” from her husband-to-be, she discovered that the delivery held a hidden romantic meaning; 10 Roses, on the 10th day, of the 10th month. Jelena says “he made me cry How romantic is he?”

They can easily recall the day they first met, at the Goldbar in Subiaco. The connection was instant, like something from a fairytale! Every night for the next fortnight was spent in each other’s company, and within weeks they knew it was love!

When Pav popped the question in Hawaii two short years later, Jelena says “It was just like a movie scene”. After a day swimming with dolphins, Pav got down on one knee on the balcony overlooking the ocean. As Jelena said ‘Yes!’, a white dove landed beside them and it began to rain.

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All photographs courtesy of Verge Studio.

WEDDINGS

E KUVEKALOVIC When it came time to plan the Big Day, the couple chose a classic colour scheme, of black and white, with a hint of silver!

Jelena’s bouquet was created with elegant white roses, and they had a white stretch Hummer to whisk the bridal party of eight between locations around Perth!

Jelena’s favourite part of the day was “when Pav and his family arrived at the house. Seeing Pav for the first time through the window got my heart racing and I knew at that moment that he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with!”

Jelena admits the funniest part of the day came during the ceremonial crowning; a very sombre and gracious process...and the main thing the bride remembers is praying that the heavy golden crown wouldn’t topple off her head!

After the ceremony (and more dancing of course) the couple travelled to the Trustee Bar and Bistro, and Hyde Park for a fun and romantic photo shoot, before arriving at The Pan Pacific for their Reception.

Jelena and Pav chose Adore you by Miley Cyrus as their first dance song and had the room decorated with cherry blossom centrepieces, giant light-up love letters, a candy bar and a delicious seven tier cake, with a blinged-up base!

Jelena and Pav’s best advice for future brides and grooms is to start planning early!

“I listed all the key elements of the wedding and ticked each section as I booked a supplier with their details and price.”

Jelena & Pavle were treated like royalty on their two week honeymoon in Singapore, Koh Samui and Phuket; fulfilling all their needs for shopping, relaxation and adventure!

Want Jelena & Pavle’s Wedding Style?

Ceremony: Serbian Orthodox Church

of Sveti Sava Bridal Gown: Steph Audin Reception: Pan Pacific, Perth Photographer: Verge Studio Videographer: Launch Productions Floral Designer: Helen in North Perth Cake Decorator: Dani’s Delights Make up: Tahlia Jayde Hair Stylist: Tina - Koko Blaq Coiffeur DJ: Steve Patino

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ENTERTAINMENT FILM REVIEWS JAMES FORTE

DARK ACTING Film: The Daughter his is an actors’ movie. If you are interested in a career on stage or in front of the camera or are inspired by watching characters pushed to extremes of emotional misery - then this powerful film is for you.

It is dark. Not just tragic but dark as in someone has put sunglasses over the lens and forgotten to take them off.

The credits note: “Inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s The Wild Duck”. However the screenplay has made a long journey from that original script.

Written and directed by Simon Stone In 2011, as artistic director of Belvoir, Simon

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and meets his wife Charlotte (Miranda Otto) and daughter Hedvig. Oliver works at Henry’s mill. Charlotte used to work for Henry and his first wife. Oliver’s father (Sam Neill) was Henry’s partner and went to prison over some dodgy finances. All have embarrassing secrets.

This is the sixth film of The Wild Duck. The photography and direction are competent and the acting is brilliant.

Rush, Otto, Neill and Schneider produce performances which are on a par with their best work to date.

But the honours go to Ewen Leslie as Oliver and Odessa Young as the daughter.

The climax in the car park will stay with me for many years.

The Daughter opens at Luna Cinemas on March 17th.

HOLLYWOOD INTROSPECTIVE Film: Trumbo ne should never forget that Hollywood is not so much about Art as about Show Business.

They entertain us in order to make very large amounts of money. But, every now and again they stray across the line and produce a film which invites us to THINK. The biographical Trumbo (Jay Roach) is such a work. It portrays the Tinsel Town of the 1940s and 50s and, through the depiction of a series of movie personalities, who lacked courage or plain common sense, flays itself.

To this day, Hollywood is a dominant factor in spreading American culture and values to the world. But in 1950, it was the fear that films would spread a communist message to the domestic population which spurred witch-hunts throughout the industry. A fear of foreign cultures that still reverberates with us today.

It stars Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) as communist Dalton Trumbo – one of the most sought after screenwriters after World War II. Sought after, that is, until he was blacklisted and imprisoned by the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Upon release and unable to get work, he started paying friends to submit his screenplays under their own names. Later he set up a secret courier network to get scripts under pseudonyms to the studios.

Slowly word started to leak out that several Oscar winners (notably Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck) were the work of Trumbo. Finally he was rewarded with public commissions for Spartacus and Exodus.

The acting, particularly from Cranston, is first class. Although the facial and vocal similarities are limited, a series of actors bring John Wayne,

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Stone converted it to modern idiom, set it on a blank stage and claimed it as his own.

It won many awards and has toured to international Ibsen festivals in Oslo, the Netherlands and the Barbican, London - to wide acclaim.

Now we have a further transformation of characters and setting onto the big screen. Only the duck’s lines are unchanged.

The theme is straightforward. A young man believes “the truth will set you free” and is so determined to expose long-kept secrets that he is prepared to mortally wound friendships and families.

For those who love the original, the second theme of Ibsen’s - on how we all need a “life-lie”, a pet illusion to maintain our sanity, does not get much exposure. Simon keeps the focus on the angst.

The story is complex. The setting is a Tasmanian timber town and the mill is about to close. Henry (Geoffrey Rush), the mill owner, is about to remarry (to someone half his age) and his son Christian (Paul Schneider) returns after many years in order to be best man.

He reunites with an old school friend Oliver 32

Edward G Robinson, Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger back to life.

Elle Fanning is noteworthy as Trumbo’s daughter who sets her own socialist agenda. And then there is Helen Mirren, enjoying every minute as the commie-hating, power-wielding, gossip columnist.

The real Dalton Trumbo

And a bonus. One gains some vivid insights into the process of writing, 1950s style. “Cut and paste” was literally that and a draft looked like some ancient scroll of bits of paper sticky-taped together. From the physical effort of pounding a manual all day to the first electric typewriters.

Look out for the huge cast-iron IBM monster.

Ultimately Trumbo is a story of revenge.

When you watch the Oscars ceremony, remember Trumbo’s words: “That small worthless gold statue is covered with the blood of my friends”.

Trumbo opened at Luna Cinemas February 18th.

ENTERTAINMENT ORCHESTRA HITS RIGHT NOTE ELLEN MANGAN

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embers of the Hills Symphony Orchestra are busy rehearsing for their next concert on March 12.

Now in its 35th year, the group has grown from humble beginnings to become a much loved part of the hills community.

The Hills Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1981 and consisted of twenty-three local music enthusiasts under the baton of Mr Leo Arnold, the Director of Music at Guildford Grammar School at the time.

Thirty-five years, nineteen conductors and countless concerts later, the orchestra has grown to include over fifty passionate musicians and the group now performs regularly at the Midland Town Hall.

Mr Shaun Fraser took over as conductor and musical director of the orchestra in 2004 and has now conducted the orchestra for a record eleven years.

Under his baton, the group has continued to improve musically, as many regular audience members will attest.

The orchestra’s March 12 evening performance is all about transport and features music from Titanic, The Great Escape, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé.

Tickets are $10 ($5 for children) and can be booked by calling the Mundaring Community Bank Branch, Bendigo Bank Administration Office on 9295 6411.

KOOKABURRA MARCH PROGRAMME

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ring your picnic basket and enjoy a meal Joy (M) US Drama under the stars before the show. Blankets and Screens: Fri 8th April. cushions advisable if cool...

Director: David O. Russell Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Man Up (M) UK Comedy

Bradley Cooper Screens: Fri 18th, Sat 19th, Sun 20th March The emotionally compelling and often Director: Ben Palmer comedic journey of a woman who triumphed over Starring: Lake Bell, Simon Pegg, Rory Kinnear personal and financial challenges by inventing the Nancy (Bell), who is constantly being set up on “Miracle Mop”, which she sold on QVC and went dates by her friends, is mistaken for his blind date on to become a hugely successful entrepreneur

by Jack (Pegg) and decides to play along with it, let the evening unfold, roll with the consequences, 45 Years (M) UK Drama and see if one crazy, unpredictable, complicated Screens: Sat 9, Sun 10 April night can bring these two messy souls together.

Director: Andrew Haigh Starring: Charlotte Rampling, Tom Courtenay Snoopy & Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie As their forty-fifth wedding anniversary (G) US approaches, Kate Mercer discovers startling Screens: Fri 25th March. revelations about her husband’s former life.

Director: Steve Martino An intimate, moving and beautiful portrait The gang is back in the big-screen debut under of a marriage shaken to its core by things left the control of Charles M Schultz’s son Craig, and unspoken. grandson Bryan, to ensure that it honours the quality of the originator’s work. Charlie Brown Program Info Line 9295 6190 still hankers for the little red-haired girl and Email: kookainfo@dodo.com.au Snoopy dreams of being a WW1 flying Ace. Web Page: www.kookaburracinema.com.au Gates Open: 6.30pm The Belier Family (M) France Comedy Adults: $15 Children: $10 Show Starts: 8pm Screens: Sat 26th, Sun 27th March Freshly Brewed coffee at the Kiosk Director: Eric Lartigau Thanks for your support this season.

Starring: Karin Viard, Francois Damiens,

Eric Elmosnino, Louane Emera,

Roxanne Duran Sixteen year old Paula (Emera) acts as indispensable interpreter for her parents and younger brother, who are deaf, especially in the running of the family dairy farm. The close bond to her family is challenged when it is discovered that she has an extraordinary talent for music. France’s most popular film of 2015.

Not to be missed.

The Lady In The Van (PG) UK Comedy Screens: Fri 1, Sat 2, Sun 3 April Director: Nicholas Hytner Starring: Maggie Smith,

Alex Jennings,

Jim Broadbent,

Frances de la Tour

Based on Alan Bennett’s iconic memoir and honored stage play, it tells the tale of Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins, who “temporarily” parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for fifteen years.

Another brilliant performance by Kookaburra favorite Maggie Smith.

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EDUCATION

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PEOPLE VINCE GARREFFA ALLEN NEWTON

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nglewood butcher Vince Garreffa is neither shy, nor retiring.

He’s fond of saying it’s hard to get too grandiose about himself because his life’s work ends up in the toilet.

But the boy from Calabria who came to Western Australia as a fiveyear-old and battled through life, starting out in Northbridge in the late 1950s, has for years regaled friends and customers with stories about his life that have made them laugh and cry.

Vince has been urged to sit down and put these stories on paper for a book to be called The Flesh in My Life that combines recipes and tales from his childhood.

“While I’m neither shy, nor retiring, I’m also not wealthy in money – but very wealthy in everything else,” Vince chuckles.

“So to be able to tell this story, my family urged me to get the book crowd-funded.”

The response to Vince’s call for funding was well received, although he is still looking for additional contributions which will benefit his charity Mondo Community Warriors, which he runs with Lifeline Patron, Graham Mabury.

Crowd funding involves people investing small amounts of money in the project, which has already raised enough money to bring the book to fruition.

People can pre-buy the book which will virtually be donating directly to charity at https://www.mondo.net.au/orders/book.

With fifty years as a butcher, the founder of Mondo di Carne butchers and multi awardwinning White Rocks Veal, Vince has been the supplier to most leading restaurants in Western Australia and many of the leading restaurants in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

He counts all the great chefs in Australia as his clients.

He has cooked Australian lamb for the Australian Governor General at the Vatican City in Rome and has a customer base for White Rocks Veal which ranges from New York to Singapore In WA people are familiar with the celebrity butcher through his past and present food columns, regular radio and television appearances.

He is hoping some of the people who have enjoyed following him will be prepared to invest a small sum of money to help publish the book and help those who benefit from Mondo Warriors.

One hundred dollars invested in this project will get supporters a personally signed copy of the book, an invite to the spectacular launch

party and the satisfaction of having donated to a worthwhile charity.

The first person account through Vince’s eyes will tell some of the humorous stories he has become much loved for and on into his adolescence and butcher’s apprenticeship, his early 20s when he meets his wife Anne, starting their family and opening Mondo di Carne, their butcher’s shop, together.

The photography and styling in the book will be simple and inviting to suit the delicious, homestyle cooking which is close to Vince’s heart and comes alongside his very personal story.

The book will include beautifully illustrated educational segments on cuts of meat and meat preparation, with step-by-step images and illustrations to further readers’ knowledge.

The idea is to take Vince’s memories of the food he associates with a fascinating childhood and to present some of the recipes he’s developed to show off that food.

He remembers dishes like his Dad’s Christmas chicken prepared in a very Italian way and going to school surrounded by Aussie kids who bought their lunch from the tuck shop when his lunch was a traditional crusty loaf filled with fried capsicum and potatoes with loads of garlic and olive oil.

Many of these memories revolve around being

a child from Italy, surrounded by others from a host of different cultures and finding it hard to communicate.

Food became the common language.

At home in Northbridge the garden was big enough to produce tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums, zucchini, beans and eggplants.

The family kept bees and there were chickens, pigeons, rabbits and the odd goat so home grown food was something Vince grew up with.

While looking back it seems obvious that Vince was destined for a career in food it took him a while to get there in a journey that took him from newspaper delivery boy to hairdresser before taking on an apprenticeship at Frank Torre & Sons Butchers in 1965.

It was then that a light bulb went on and Vince began his lifelong career in food.

The book will also cover the other love of his life - his family – with stories about falling in love with Croatian lass Anne and the births of his children.

And the story ends in 1979 with the opening of his butcher shop Mondo di Carne.

The tales from that adventure, Vince is saving for the next book.

BE A PART OF VINCE’S PASSION Celebrity butcher Vince Garreffa of Mondo di Carne in Inglewood has worked with Australia’s best chefs and is a tireless worker for charity.

From humble beginnings as an Italian immigrant, Vince has battled his way to the top of his profession. Now he wants to tell that story and needs your help to write his story - The Flesh In My Life All money raised by pre-orders before June 30, 2016 will go to Vince’s Mondo Community Warriors charity with Graham Mabury.

For $100 contributors will receive a signed copy of the book and an invitation to the launch party.

For more information:

https://www.mondo.net.au/orders/book 35

STYLE BY KIRSTY YOUR VIP PASS TO AW16 KIRSTY NOAKES

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utumn Winter Collections for 2016 are smoking up the sewing machines of designers all over Perth.

As we speak garments are being hemmed and finished, models are being dressed and photographers are setting up to shoot our favourite Perth labels.

Consider this your invite to the VIP section of two of Perth’s top designer collections. I sat down with Jonté Pike from Jonté Designs and Intan Zuhuri of Siss on BARE to find out what we’ll be craving in warm winter fashions this coming season.

The label Jonté Designs was launched in 2012 after showcasing at Perth Fashion Week.

The show was so successful that this is where the label obtained its first stockists. The label includes amazing eveningwear, unique and super stylish ready-to-wear and stunning accessories.

The thing I love most of all about Jonté Designs is the wearability. I’ve dressed many of my personal clients in Jonté Designs for everything from book covers to special events, high teas and picnics. My clients always look incredible and fall in love with this label.

I asked Jonté what she was expecting to see this season and Ms. Pike said, ’We’ll be seeing plenty of layering and many designers are playing with lengths and contrasting textures. There will be a lot of play with tonal colour palettes too.’

Jonté’s Galvanised collection for AW16 revolves around elements of minerals and rock faces.

Ms. Pike said she played with contrasting an industrial feel with natural elements from rock formations and crystals. Colours to be on the lookout for this season are cool greys, metallic

finishes, black and hand dyed marbled fabrics. Jonté Designs are renowned for 3D hand beading and embellishments that add edgy playfulness to the collection. If you’re looking for empowerment in your wardrobe this winter season, then this is the label for you.

I’m certain by now you’re itching to see the designs, and let me tell you, so am I. For this deadline the label is securely locked away and being carefully guarded for a mid March release.

But I’ll certainly be bringing you pictures of the collection post launch and letting you know where you can buy these amazing pieces at the end of April.

One Perth Designer who has gone for an earlier collection release is Intan Zuhuri from Siss on BARE. This label was established in Perth in 2011. I nearly lost my marbles when I first saw the designs.

They are just so stunning.

Intan has created collections that are stylish, elegant and luxurious. The label is the perfect partnership of contemporary design and structural simplicity.

It’s the colours and patterns that Intan so creatively and sensitively chooses that are so striking about this label. I’m simply in love with it.

The Siss on BARE AW 16 collection is as provocative and elegant as Intan’s previous collections and is ready to wear.

I asked Intan what her inspiration for this collection was and she replied, ‘our upcoming collection was inspired by two different styles, 36

military and equestrian. We were excited to see what we could create by combining these two elements’.

Ms. Zuhuri said that in designing the collection she was inspired by the mix of tailored gold trims from the military aspect and the very pious, clean cut, feminine elegance of the equestrian style.

The collection launched on the 25th of February to rave reviews from both fashion insiders and fashion lovers alike. The show was bold and exciting.

The Perth City Marching Band set the military tone and the show that ensued was simply spectacular. A far cry from the muted mundaneness we often see on runways at this time of year. It was such a welcome and refreshing change.

Intan’s designs are very proudly limited editions. This ensures that Siss on BARE clients have a sense of elegance and sophistication that can’t be emulated by everyone. It is an elite brand for an elite woman.

Both of these Perth Designers go in my feminine but fierce category. As well as amazing designers, they are also inspiring businesswomen.

Discover and purchase their amazing designs here: Jonté Designs: Jontedesigns Suite 1/231 Balcatta Road, Balcatta - www.jontedesigns.com Siss on BARE: www.cliquearcade.com.au All photographs are from this season’s collection for Siss and BARE called ‘Indie R egiment’.

FINANCE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO NEGATIVE GEARING TOUTED

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n Australia, “negative gearing” allows private market investors’ to claim a tax concession against their personal income for losses incurred on a rental investment property.

It is estimated that the federal government provides approximately $8billion pa in tax concessions in order to subsidise rental housing costs.

In a substantial policy change, the Federal Labor Party has unveiled plans to limit the negative gearing tax break to newly built housing and end it for existing homes.

At the NSW ALP state conference in Sydney on 13th February, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said if elected, a Labor government would make changes to negative gearing and to the capital gains tax discount to ensure a “level playing field for first home buyers competing with investors”.

The tax break has been criticised as giving investors an unfair advantage over first home buyers.

“We will put the great Australian dream back within the reach of the working and middleclass Australians who have been priced out of the housing market for too long,” promised Shorten.

Bill Shorten cited rising house costs as the basis for Labor’s policy move, saying that “Thirty years ago, houses cost around 3.2 times average income — today it’s 6.5 times average income.”

Labor’s proposed changes include: · Negative gearing will only apply to new housing from July 1, 2017: Investments prior to this will not be affected with taxpayers eligible to deduct net rental losses against their wage income. · Capital gains tax discount to be reduced from fifty per cent to twenty-five per cent: The capital gains discount will be halved for all assets purchased after July 1, 2017 but will not affect investments made by superannuation funds.

Shorten says the changes, while grandfathered for existing investors, would still result in future budget savings of $32.1 billion over a decade.

However Labor fails to explain how the new changes will produce a more efficient

STEVE BLIZARD

rental supply outcome compared to the existing HM Treasury will be phasing in changes which unconstrained free market system. will see landlords pay tax on the entire rental income they generate from their properties, while no longer able to deduct the cost of mortgage THE US EXPERIMENT In his recent column in The Australian, interest. economist Henry Ergas writes that Labor However as UK landlords structured as emphasises its proposals would align our tax companies are exempt, property investors are system more closely with the US which in 1986 actively arranging to restructure as investment eliminated negative gearing and increased the tax companies.

This is a foretaste of what could occur in rate on capital gains.

Hence there is already a “natural experiment” Australia if gearing laws change. against which Labor’s plan can be more closely assessed.

RENTS CAN FALL UNDER GEARING Ergas makes reference to the analysis of the While housing supply issues in Sydney and US experiment conducted by James Poterba, Melbourne are well reported, according to Professor of Economics at MIT, who found that analysis by property data company CoreLogic, in the 1986 changes did not only decrease home the year to February 2016, average rents remained prices and housing investment, while raising unchanged across all Australian capitals at $485 rents; they did so to a much greater extent than per week. anticipated.

Notably, under existing negative gearing US Tax policy, designed to subsidise less rules, people living in Darwin have been the efficient rental schemes in preference to private biggest beneficiaries of regional downward trends investors, has resulted in a worsening US rental with rents slashed by 13.3 per cent. affordability crisis.

Costs have tumbled in Perth by 8.4 per cent and by around one per cent in Adelaide and Brisbane.

REZONING AND LAND RELEASE The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) President Neville Sanders said while there was a housing affordability crisis in Melbourne and Sydney, changing negative gearing was not the answer.

"Zoning issues and land release is a problem," he said. "In Melbourne and Sydney there are good quality housing estates in outer suburbs.

The cost of transport and other issues do, however, come into play then."

The American Community Survey (2014) Mr Sanders said changing negative gearing similarly found that half of all renters in the US would lead to turmoil in the market and live in housing considered unaffordable. exacerbate the affordability problem.

More than eleven million US residents pay more than half their income for housing, up from COMPETITIVE RENTALS NECESSARY seven million at the start of the century.

While negative gearing is blamed for housing supply problems, both Labor and the Coalition UK TAX CHANGES DUE fail to identify the high levels of stamp duty on the From April 2017 UK small “buy-to-let” family home as a major disincentive for today’s investors will also be hit by new tax changes. mobile workforce to buy instead of rent.

REIA’s Sanders said that "Baby boomers are sitting on blocks that could be developed, however, the cost of them downsizing is a problem, including stamp duty.

300,000 retired baby-boomers have also been reluctant to downsize and free up housing supply, as this will see their government age pension further slashed under the new Centrelink Asset Test set to take effect from 1 January 2017.

While recognising the substantial tax subsidy provided to private investors, Treasury has neglected to report analysis of the on-going cost to Government of the alternatives in boosting rental supply, including the subsidy cost of building more public housing, should gearing be curtailed.

Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities Pty ltd 37

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Glen Forrest Group Every Monday evening We meet at 7.00pm at the Glen Forrest Uniting Church, Mc Glew Rd, Glen Forrest. Call Dermot 0488 905 211 or John 0448 074 536 or the Perth Office (all hours) 9325 3566.

AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOC. Discussion groups, guest speakers, morning tea. Free breastfeeding counselling. Expectant mothers, mothers, babies and children welcome.

National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 2686 is a 24 hour 7 days a week service.

Swan/Mundaring Group meets every Monday, 9:30-11:30am at the Gumnuts Family Centre, 8 Mudalla Way, Koongamia. A qualified ABA counsellor is present at each meeting to give confidential information and support on breastfeeding issues. Contact Natalie 9572 4971.

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

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

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

Enquiries: Bromwyn, 6278 4252.

on 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Tuesday, and at 7-00pm. on 2nd Tuesday of each month. A demonstration and cuppa are the norm. Men and Women are welcome. Enquiries to Ted 9295 4438.

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays 7-9pm practice, Guildford Town Hall, cnr James St and Meadow St, Guildford. And Kalamunda Group meets fortnighly on a drinks later at the Woodbridge Hotel with live Thursday, 9:30-11:30am at the Maida Vale Baptist Irish music Church, Edney Road, High Wycombe.

For more information please contact: Contact Jenny 9252 1996.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every Wednesday evening Welcome. Contact Greg Fawell 0417 912 241 or We meet from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at the www.swanvalleysquares.weebly.com Woodlake Community Hall, Meeting room 1. Hills Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of the Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly support year will be held on Saturday March 12th at 7.30 STIRLING SQUARE MARKET group and low cost. Male and females of all pm at the Midland Town Hall and will feature Third Sunday of every month an evening of transport-themed light classics At Stirling Square, Corner of James and ages welcome. Contact Shirley 9276 7938 including music from Titanic, The Great Escape shirleysardelich@aapt.net.au.

Meadow Streets. 9am - 3pm. and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Music Situated in the heart of Guildford, within five to move you! minutes walking distance from the Guildford SWAN WOODTURNERS GROUP Tickets $10 adult, $5 children.

Train Station, a visit to the Stirling Square Market The group meets in the rear hall of The Senior Bookings 9295 6411, or 9293 4313 ah.

Citizens’ Centre, The Avenue, Midland, at 1-00pm. is sure to please.

38

THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind ‘Good food is the vessel that connects you to He stressed that 80% of the products in a

CUCUMBER AND CONSCIENCE

GLENNYS MARSDON very year I make a point of going to the Perth Writers Festival, the inspiration and knowledge gained from the diverse collection of writers, artists and activists always exceeds my expectations.

This year one of the themes was Paddock to Print, but having overdosed on cooking shows during the summer break I was all set to give this a miss.

Thankfully a last minute decision saw me attend not one but three sessions, the result of which left me pondering about how consumers think about food.

Paddock to Print explored themes including food styling, food writing, and food trends such as sustainability, vegetarianism, and community gardens.

Underlying all this talk about kale and quinces was a fascinating discussion about what I’d like to call the rise of the conscious consumer.

No I don’t mean rising from the dead after that final floodgate opening wafer, I mean the rise of a consumer who ponders his or her own actions well before lifting fork to mouth.

Paul West, of River Cottage fame, began the discussion spinning yarns about his first attempt at cooking fried rice as an eighteen-year-old when, much to his flatmates disgust, he started frying up uncooked rice.

A few years later while labouring on an organic farm he picked a pear from a nearby tree, and like Adam before him, one single piece of fruit sealed his fate. His passion for fresh produce and sustainability combined with a natural storytelling ability soon bought him into our lounge rooms. For Paul food is a vital element of any community.

E

place, to people, to self,’ he explained.

Simon Bryant, best known from the Cook and the Chef, also talked about sustainability and the need for current attitudes towards food preparation to change.

He explained that in restaurants chefs plan their meals striving to minimize the amount of waste generated, but the same cannot be said in our homes. Simon reminisced about how previous generations used to plan out the weekly meals, stretching every dollar as far as they could.

‘Our nanas used to reuse their oil, and use the scraps to make stock. We’ve lost the ability to plan, as a result we throw a lot in the bin the next day,’ said Simon.

He lamented the days when we had been ‘better consumers’ and called for people to think about ‘how to eat better with a budget’ to focus on being ’more conscious about what they’re doing as a consumer.’

Well known Australian actor turned activist Damien Gameau, also pressed the need for us to be more conscious about what we consume, particularly our sugar intake.

By now you’ve probably heard about his highly successful sugar film, which details his experience of eating forty teaspoons of sugar a day for sixty days. The results, an eight and a half kilo weight gain and early fatty liver disease were alarming, especially considering his sugar intake was from ‘hidden sugars’, in so called ‘healthy’ foods, not ice cream or chocolates.

supermarket contain sugar and that an Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory has the dubious honour of recording the highest sugar consumption in the world, the world.

Consequently, he urged us all to be mindful of the World Health Organisations recommendation of just six teaspoons of sugar a day.

Valli Little, food editor for Delicious magazine, was another big advocate of consumers being more conscious, especially about minimising waste.

She outlined a number of trends emerging in Sydney including food delivery systems whereby consumers receive the ingredients for a specific dish, such as one celery stick, an onion, two carrots and a steak, rather than buying a whole bunch of celery, half of which usually gets thrown away.

She also supported the notion of community gardens, which she thought helped foster more conscious shopping experiences.

‘At a community garden you can have a conversation about food with the producer, it’s not just about pushing a trolley around a store in Sydney.’

Indira Naidoo, who you may remember as an SBS presenter was also a convert to community gardens having recently turned her apartment balcony into a veritable orchard.

‘40% of the food we buy we waste,’ explained Indira which is a sobering statistic.

When asked what was driving the attitude shift towards community gardens Indira put it down to a combination of two things. She thought people were becoming more distrusting about where food comes from, and they wanted to save money. Another benefit was the gardens ability to grow community connections and decrease social isolation.

As I took a break half way through the day I bumped into an old friend, as you do at a writers festival, who suggested we grab something to eat.

We sat down on a bench under the branches of a slowly swaying tree then delved into our handbags sheepishly pulling out cling wrapped homemade sandwiches.

Hers leftover roast beef, mine vegemite and a cucumber that had seen better days. For some reason I felt like a naughty school girl and was compelled to explain why I’d packed my own lunch, rather than partaken in the time honoured tradition of handing over cash, and burdening a complete stranger with the dubious task of scraping a butter laden knife over a small square of bread.

Would the consumer gods strike us down for not conforming to societal norms of consumption?

While my decision was more to do with avoiding the long queues and ensuring I could attend as many sessions as possible, a little part of me felt like I had at least made a conscious decision to use a cucumber that would surely have been thrown out in a cafe.

I was doing my bit. Maybe next year when I bite into my sandwich my lunch guest will hear the resplendent crunch of a home grown cucumber.

Time will tell.

39

WRITING MELINDA TOGNINI KSP WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE

P

erth author Melinda Tognini has always been a scribbler of stories, and cannot imagine a life without words.

But – as is often the case with writers– she has also lived many lives, having worked as a pharmacy assistant, youth worker, chaplain and teacher.

This February, she is adding another cap to her collection as the first 2016 Emerging Writer-in-Residence at the KSP Writers’ Centre.

Tognini recently completed a Master of Arts in writing, which formed the basis of her first book Many Hearts, One Voice: the story of the War Widows' Guild in Western Australia, published by Fremantle Press in November 2015.

Her feature articles, travel writing and personal essays have appeared in magazines and anthologies in Australia and the United States, and she will be speaking at the 2016 Perth Writers Festival on the tradition of oral story-telling.

Tognini is passionate about telling 'invisible' stories - those stories absent from or sidelined in the dominant narratives of our history - and empowering others to

Creative Writing Workshops Saturday 9 April 2016 Venue: Citiplace Community Centre Perth Railway Station Concourse, opposite top of Platform 9.

find their voice.

Learning how to find these ‘invisible stories’ was the subject of her workshop at the KSP Writers’ Centre Writing from the Margins. ‘I will teach participants how to explore the use of family history, newspaper archives, historical documents and our own lives to uncover invisible characters and the events that sit alongside them,’ Tognini says. ‘When we use these stories as our subject matter, not only does our writing benefit, but we create space for fresh and diverse voices.’

Whilst in residence at the Centre, as well as working on her next novel, Tognini is looking forward to meeting the local community at a Literary Dinner to be held in her honour.

T

SHORT STORY COMPETITION

he Peter Cowan 600 Word Short Story competition commenced on Friday 12th February 2016.

The competition has an open theme and is open to all writers currently residing in Australia.

Entries must be unpublished works and not have won prior recognition.

Entrants may submit up to five stories with a word limit of 600 words per story. Entries will close on 1 April 2016 (must be postmarked by this date, or submitted via online entry).

This competition includes a number of categories including an Open category with a $200 First Prize, $100 for Second Prize and $50 for Third Prize.

The Novice Award is $50 and the Julian Cowan Youth Award, donated

by Mrs Diana Cowan, is also $100. Four, Highly Commended and four Commended certificates will also be awarded in the competition.

The entry fee is $10.00 for a single entry; $20.00 for three entries and $30.00 for five entries; Students’ entries $5 per entry.

Supporting writers of all ages and abilities

The Peter Cowan 600 Short Story Competition was launched by our centre in 2010 in honour of our namesake Peter Cowan (1914–2002), one of Western Australia’s most esteemed writers and academics. It is fitting that the competition celebrates short story writing as Peter Cowan published several volumes of short fiction and is well known for writing in this genre. Peter was the recipient of several major writing awards, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987. He was named a Western Australian State Living Treasure in 1999.

Writers are now invited to submit entries for this year’s competition Entries must be unpublished works, and not have won prior recognition PROSE:

Maximum 600 words per story

THEME:

Open

PRIZES:

1st prize $200

Open

Writing Erotic Fiction for Women 1pm - 4pm There is a growing market in erotic fiction for women, with an increasing number of paperbacks and eBooks published in the genre. Maria Bonar, winner of the Stringybark Erotic Short Fiction Award, will show you how to write quality erotic fiction which will make your writing stand out from the rest.

Morning and afternoon tea provided. Bring your lunch, or there are nearby cafes.

Cost $35 per workshop for Society members, $40 for non-members.

Seniors Card Holders $20 per workshop For bookings, contact the Society of Women Writers WA at swwofwa@gmail.com or telephone 0415 840 031 www.swwofwa.com

40

2nd prize $100

Novice Writer Award $50

3rd prize $50

Julian Cowan Youth Award (12-18 years) $100

Maria Bonar

Memoir Writing and Publishing 9am - 12md This workshop will help you explore creative ways of writing and structuring your memoir. Conducted by Helen Iles, award winning author and poet who is also the editor and publisher of Linellen Press, which produces Memoirs and a range of other books. She will then guide you through a variety of ways you can set up your book and publish it economically.

PO Box 239 Joondalup WA 6919 Tel: (08) 9301 2282 Email: cowan05@bigpond.com Website: www.pcwc.org.au

2016 Peter Cowan 600 Short Story Competition Entries Close: 1st April 2016

AGE:

Helen Iles

Peter Cowan Writers Centre Inc. (not for profit organisation) Edith Cowan House Building 20 ECU Joondalup Campus 270 Joondalup Drive Joondalup 6027

Four x Highly Commended certificates Four x Commended certificates

$10.00 each entry $20.00 for three entries

ENTRY FEE: CLOSING DATE:

AWARDS DAY:

$30.00 for five entries

1 April 2016

5 May 2016

Please refer to the attached Rules of Entry and Entry Form

Contact Peter Cowan Writers Centre on (08) 9301 2282 or e: cowan05@bigpond.com for any queries

REMOTE AREA RESCUE

O

n a visit to Karratha in the 1990s, Prince Charles likened the North-West town to the planet Mars.

Although we don’t find life here quite as barren and lonely as outer-space, operating SAFE from such a remote location can have its challenges.

Karratha earns most of its living from mining, oil and gas and has a highly transient population which in turn reduces the chances of finding permanent local homes for our animals.

In recent times the mining downturn has seen people leave and economic hardship has resulted in many animals being surrendered to SAFE. As Karratha adjusts to its future our focus is increasingly on developing support networks in Australia’s urban communities for everything from fostering, adoption and fundraising to distance volunteering.

Over 70% of our recent adoptions were flown out of the north-west region, with one as far afield as Brisbane and we’re keen to grow these numbers.

Nearby to Karratha there are also many remote communities where animal de-sexing rates are low resulting in an increasing number of homeless cats and dogs. SAFE has been working in partnership to educate on the need to desex and is offering programs to “desex and return” or “desex and rehome” animals in these locations.

Astro, as his name suggests, is a cat from the planet of Karratha who wouldn’t mind becoming a city-slicking urban feline! This three-and-a-half year old’s favourite place in the house is sitting inside on the front window sill like a little cat guard.

He’s affectionate, friendly, energetic and loves playing with the other foster cats that he lives with. He loves kids of all ages and just hanging

out with people in general, getting cuddles and love. Best of all he enjoys curling up in peoples’ laps and having a pat and a nap.

Astro has been vet checked and is desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and toilet trained. If you’d like some Astro-cuddles email karratha@safe.asn.au or phone (08) 9185 4634.

If you are interested in helping SAFE develop our urban networks and help us overcome the challenges of remote area rescue there are many ways you can get involved.

Have you considered volunteering? We have volunteers working effectively from all over the country performing all sorts of tasks. Our overheads are kept small as we rely on volunteers to care for the animals, take photographs, write profiles, coordinate photographers and profilers, do website content management, write stories for publications, do public relations and administrative work.

This article was reviewed by our communications expert in Melbourne and written by our Karratha based photographer.

Email and internet makes volunteering possible from anywhere.

We’d love to welcome more foster carers in Perth. Fostering is a vital role as it provides rehabilitation, training, caring and loving of animals to prepare them for their new lives with permanent owners.

SAFE is a not for profit organisation that saves rehomeable animals from euthanasia. We have twelve branches around the state and are always in need of donations to pay vet bills - every rescue animal has to be desexed, vaccinated and microchipped.

We are in need of fundraisers and marketers

to help raise these much needed funds.

If you’d like to donate, information can be found on: www.safe.asn.au/How_to_help/Donate. html If you’d like to make a difference and join our team of volunteers, please email karratha@safe. asn.au or phone us at SAFE Karratha at 9185 4634.

SAFE Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) was founded by Sue Hedley in 2003. Since then SAFE has developed branches and networks across the state.

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

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

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

Have a look at our website:

www.safe.asn.au

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

Call us now on 9278 9690 to make an appointment. For more information, contact: Swan Volunteer Resource Centre (Midland) 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday (closed Wednesdays)

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

swanvolunteers@swan.wa.gov.au www.swanvolunteers.com.au 41

COMMUNITY THE POWER OF CEREMONY CAROL ASTBURY

On the day when death will knock at thy door what will thou offer to him?

Oh, I will set before my guest the full vessel of my life – I will never let him go with empty hands.

All the sweet vintage of all my autumn days and summer nights, All the earnings and gleanings of my busy life will I place before him At the close of my days when death will knock at my door.

R abindranath Tagore

Y

es – there is ‘power’ in a good funeral ceremony. Power because the ceremony has been crafted with integrity, love and compassion.

It has true meaning, the ability to heal the soul and lift the spirits of those who grieve. I have watched the bereaved family and friends at the end of a funeral ceremony – their faces are softer, their heads lifted and their step lighter.

What makes a ceremony powerful? There are many ways we can all contribute to crafting a meaningful ceremony. A skilled celebrant will ask questions to encourage the bereaved family to share memories and relate the story of their loved one’s life.

An important quality each celebrant must have is the ability to truly listen to the responses to ensure the ceremony will faithfully reflect the life that was lived.

Participation by family and friends, no matter how simple, is very important and cathartic.

Encourage children to express their feelings by drawing a picture or writing a short ‘goodbye’ letter.

Tributes made with love – from simple baskets of rosemary snippets, lavender posies and cut flowers; to hand-made memorial quilts, each panel created from the loved one’s repurposed clothing.

Every action, whether simply lighting a candle, placing a flower, to the complexity of writing and delivering the eulogy, is an act of honouring and respecting the one you have loved.

This in itself is a step towards recovery.

The eulogy, well written, is a mirror to your loved one’s life and a gift of remembrance to the living, helping them through their grief. Verbal tributes are valuable, particularly favourite poems, literary extracts, much-loved expressions which bring a smile of remembrance.

Your Final Word

by Carol Astbury A practical guide for planning a meaningful funeral

$17.50

includes postage within Australia

9299 7770

E: info@qualtrain.com.au 42

For example, this is a short piece I wrote for my Mother’s funeral:

‘Trim the lower leaves off the sprig, dip in honey, plant in a pot and very soon, you How do we say ‘goodbye’ to our will have something Mother? from Tom’s garden How will we prepare ourselves growing in yours – for to go on without her? remembrance.’

Another lovely We all know it’s unavoidable, idea to encourage but somehow we don’t think the participation is to time will ever come. provide a silk scarf in Then suddenly the moment is the favourite colour of upon us – the inevitable has the deceased. transpired.

Before the service Visions, unending waves revolve begins, offer a finethrough our minds. tipped black felt pen The hands that picked us up; and ask family and nurtured us and healed our friends to write words hurts ~ of love and farewell on the scarf. Then take the The voice that beguiled us; shared laughter; scarf and place it around the loved one before the scolded and soothed our fears ~ coffin is closed.

The eyes that captivated; ever watchful; bright A very effective symbol is the ‘bowl of and shining; sometimes, blurred with tears. collective tears’. Family members and close Recalling memories we forgot we had friends each step forward bringing a small phial Of her stories – so many of them – of her of water. adventures, her quests, her history.

They speak their words of love and farewell The music she loved and how she danced, one before pouring the water into a bowl. After the hand on the mantelpiece – her swing partner. service, the water is shed onto the ground or into The ‘green fingers’ we didn’t inherit – hedgerows the ocean, or wherever is most significant, where of lavender and rosemary. the blessings are held for eternity.

Her love of birds, blue skies and broad I have offered only a glimpse into the power of Australian sunsets. ceremony – there is so much more.

Shall we pepper our grief with guilt of things unsaid and undone?

Be it subtle or looming, peace and acceptance will fill our troubled hearts.

Adieu Maman.

RABINDRANATH TAGORE Rituals and symbolism are also potent in ceremony. The herb, rosemary, has been used very morning this dog, very attached to me, for thousands of years as a symbol of both Quietly keeps sitting near my seat remembrance and love.

Till touching its head Traditionally, sprigs of rosemary are placed in I recognize its company. a basket; the mourners are invited to step forward This recognition gives it so much joy during the service to place a sprig on the coffin Pure delight ripples through its entire body. and say a silent farewell.

Among all dumb creatures When the sprigs have been cut from the It is the only living being deceased’s garden, I suggest to the family that That has seen the whole man they allow the mourners to take the sprigs away Beyond what is good or bad in him with them, rather than leave them on the coffin. It has seen For his love it can sacrifice its life It can love him too for the sake of love alone Train to become a For it is he who shows the way To the vast world pulsating with life.

Marriage/Funeral Celebrant When I see its deep devotion Quality Training based in WA The offer of its whole being QUALTRAIN AUSTRALIA I fail to understand RTO pn 51465 delivering By its sheer instinct What truth it has discovered in man.

CHC46208 CIV in Celebrancy By its silent anxious piteous looks www.qualtrain.com.au It cannot communicate what it understands Enq: info@qualtrain.com.au But it has succeeded in conveying to me Among the whole creation Carol Astbury 9299 7770 What is the true status of man.

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   

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

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