Swan Magazine October 2016

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

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

䴀攀氀戀漀甀爀渀攀 䌀甀瀀

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

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

㌀ 挀漀甀爀猀攀 洀攀愀氀 䰀椀瘀攀 漀礀猀琀攀爀 猀琀愀愀漀渀 倀漀瀀 甀瀀 䌀漀挀欀琀愀椀氀 戀愀爀 䈀攀攀礀 吀爀愀渀 昀愀猀栀椀漀渀 猀栀漀眀 倀爀椀稀攀猀 昀漀爀 䈀攀猀琀 䐀爀攀猀猀攀搀 愀渀搀 猀漀 洀甀挀栀 洀漀爀攀℀

吀甀攀猀搀愀礀 ㄀猀琀 一漀瘀攀洀戀攀爀 ㈀ ㄀㘀 ㄀ 㨀㌀ 愀洀 琀漀 ㈀㨀㌀ 瀀洀 ⨀吀攀爀洀猀 ☀ 挀漀渀搀椀琀椀漀渀猀 愀瀀瀀氀礀

吀伀 䈀伀伀䬀 䌀䄀䰀䰀 ⠀ 㠀⤀ 㤀㈀㜀㤀 ㄀㄀㘀㜀

䔀䴀䄀䤀䰀 爀攀猀琀愀甀爀愀渀琀䀀挀愀瘀攀爀猀栀愀洀栀漀甀猀攀⸀挀漀洀⸀愀甀

䘀伀刀 䴀伀刀䔀 䤀一䘀伀 嘀䤀匀䤀吀 眀眀眀⸀挀愀瘀攀爀猀栀愀洀栀漀甀猀攀⸀挀漀洀⸀愀甀

圀椀渀渀攀爀 ㈀ ㄀㔀㬀 䰀椀挀攀渀猀攀搀 䌀愀猀甀愀氀 䐀椀渀椀渀最 圀椀渀渀攀爀 ㈀ ㄀㐀㬀 䰀椀挀攀渀猀攀搀 䌀愀猀甀愀氀 䐀椀渀椀渀最 䘀椀渀愀氀椀猀琀 ㈀ ㄀㔀㨀 䰀吀栀攀 䌀䤀䄀 䜀漀氀搀 倀氀愀琀攀 嘀攀渀甀攀 䌀愀琀攀爀攀爀猀 䄀眀愀爀搀 䘀椀渀愀氀椀猀琀 ㈀ ㄀㐀㬀 吀栀攀 䌀䤀䄀 䜀漀氀搀 倀氀愀琀攀 嘀攀渀甀攀 䌀愀琀攀爀攀爀猀 䄀眀愀爀搀

1

COMMUNITY MEMBERS SOUGHT

P

eople working, studying or volunteering in the local youth sector are being sought to be part of a new Reference Group.

Shire President David Lavell said Shire of Mundaring was gearing up to review the current Youth Strategy and youth services model.

“Every few years the Shire reviews our services and strategy to make sure we are delivering consistent results in our community,” he said.

“Youth services are delivered by the Shire’s Seen and Heard Youth Program who are based in Swan View but engage with young people aged twelve to twenty years throughout the entire Shire.

“Young people are the next generation of residents and it’s important to gauge their views, provide productive outlets and cater services to their needs.”

Cr Lavell said the Reference Group would guide the review of the strategy and service and have input into the consultation plan.

“We are seeking members who would be able to commit to a maximum of four meetings between October 2016 and May 2017. Whether you are a young person, student, parent, teacher, youth group leader, sporting club office holder or pastor, this is a great opportunity to get involved.

“Your input will ensure the Shire's resources support our young people to thrive in life and complement the tireless efforts of local organisations, churches, schools and clubs.”

The first meeting of the Reference Group is scheduled for Thursday 13 October at 3.30pm.

For more information contact Erin Money to express your interest on 0411 613 909.

2

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE

FEATURES Art & Leisure

Gardening MAC in October Darlington Arts Festival Collectors’ Corner Books and Writing

18 17 19 2

Books The Idler Writing

Writing Group Turns Twenty Halloween at KSP The Ride Across Australia

30 36 34 31 31 32

Business Card Board

Finance with Steve

40 29

Community Halloween Notes FromParliament Federal Notes SVRN Fire Hazard Notice Stallholders Wanted Another Bloody Breakfast The Compassionate Friends What’s On

2 8 5 5 6 6 7 7 37 9

Business

Community

W

SWAN MAGAZINE

PAGE The Idler Speaks 10 KSP’s Big Quiz Night 10 Supermodel of the Year 11 Letters to the Editor 22 St Barnabas’ Fete 23 SAFE 39 Entertainment

Hills Festival Results Looking at the Alps Triumphs The Importance of Being Earnest Little Voice at KaDS Theatre Reviews with Gordon WA Bush Poets Festival

24 24 22 25 26 27

Douglas’ Wineries & Dineries Food Trivia Chef-Explorer

21 21 20

Listen to the Kookaburras Song of the Cattle Hunters

35 27

Style with Kirsty Weddings

14 12

Food & Wine

Poetry

Style & Fashion

WEBSITE:

www.swanmagazine.com.au

Email: editor@swanmagazine.com.au Registered Address: 18 Tokay Lane, The Vines, Western Australia 6069 OCTOBER DEADLINES: Advertisements: 25th September Editorial: 1st October Copyright: Swan Magazine 2016

herever you see this symbol you will be able to get more information by scanning it with your smartphone, laptop or iPad. The relevant can be downloaded free from your App Store.

Front Page Photograph: Karla and Friend Photograph: Brett Easton See story on page 2.

1

COLLECTORS’ CORNER STAMPS WITH IAN

T

he majority of enquiries I receive here at Ian Boulton Stamp Dealer are from individuals who have discovered a stamp collection during a cleanup or have been given, either recently or when a child, by a family relative.

The truth is very few of these collections are worth more than the album or even container these are housed in at a few tens of dollars at most.

Most non-collectors and quite a few amateur collectors for that matter believe that the age of a stamp means rarity and that the quantity adds up to great riches.

The fact is scarcity means rarity and only quality can lead to that fortune. Frequently it is overlooked that many of the early postage stamps were issued over a long period of time and hence there were literally millions produced, remember there was no email or mobile phones!

Millions of low face value stamps such as the 1/2d or 1d, which was the common postage rate of the day, were released and used to send the majority of messages, whether a one line postcard or a full page letter through to advertising notices not to mention numerous financial transactions, again no internet banking back then.

So it is these stamps that form the basis of these old collections, often in very poor condition.

The lucky people are those given or inheriting collections that have been carefully assembled by the serious collector who knew and studied their collecting field, frequently purchasing from stamp dealers and auction houses and spending a lot of money in the process.

This is reflected in the quality examples, often in complete sets to the top value such as $20, 20/- or £2 and presented in quality albums. They usually also centre around one or two countries only or focus on a particular reign.

However this is the exception with most collectors obtaining their stamps from the daily mail envelopes, cheap packets from a newsagent or by swapping stamps with people of a similar collecting mindset.

The early collector rarely invested in literature to study the hobby and thus missed changes in watermarks, printings or perforations.

Non-collectors frequently visit sites like Ebay to make comparisons with stamps that are priced highly because of such specialist varieties and then ring me to tell how they have the exact stamp and it is my lucky day to be offered such an item, in fact they have fifty of them!

In addition these collectors rarely bought mint stamps and relied entirely on used stamps, so the odd specialist item is often of poor quality.

Back in the day, packets of stamps were often bought to fill numerous gaps in an album devoted to every country in the world, a feat that even back then was nigh impossible. These are commonly referred to as “schoolboy” collections but not wanting to be sexist lets add “schoolgirl”!

One page was often given over to popular

2

IAN BOULTON

countries and up to ten of the lesser known countries were squeezed into the last few pages.

Thus it is best to work on the assumption that collections housed in such albums are of little value.

It is rare, after thirty years in the industry, that we will be proven wrong and having valued literally thousands of such collections counting the fingers on one hand, the number of times a gem has been found.

Buying a catalogue without a keen knowledge of stamps is a waste of time and money. I have seen catalogue values running into thousands of dollars but frequently the wrong stamps have been identified and the condition has not been taken into account.

Remember the catalogue price is the “selling” price by a full time dealer often in a large capital city such as London with massive overheads and numerous staff so your dealer in Perth is not going to selling at those prices, let alone buying at those prices!

If I do end up viewing a collection, do not be surprised by my quick glance through such albums to first reveal the type of collection. This is often determined by the quality of the album before I even open the first page.

For example, no serious collector is going to store their quality purchases costing hundreds of dollars in a Chinese made stock book they bought from Coles for $5!

If the album contains a cross section of used from many different countries with no regard for sets, mixing mint and used combined with damaged examples then I can be sure it is of little value.

Our only hope is that the collector accidently acquired a stamp of some rarity buy as I say this is highly unlikely, this is what makes a genuine scarce stamp scarce!

Quality always comes into the equation even

with so called rare stamps. Torn or damaged stamps whether mint or used are usually worthless.

Likewise stamps that have stains or have brown spots or mint without gum all fall into the same category.

If having read this you still believe you may have a collection worthy of an appraisal by a stamp dealer, then contact an APTA (Australian Philatelic Traders Association) registered dealer to conduct this for you.

The majority will do an initial valuation at no charge however should you require a written valuation or a more detailed examination, then like all professions, a fee will be charged.

I never charge for the first half hours valuation, preferring to educate the seller as much as possible as to what they have and the options available for its sale if this is a route they wish to pursue, however I would prefer you took up this amazing hobby!

I always provide what we call a “buying” valuation which is the highest price I am willing to pay there and then to purchase the collection outright.

Never will I “cherry-pick” the best items and you should always avoid such a proactive from a dealer otherwise the eyes will be picked from what could be a very nice collection.

You are never obliged to sell to the dealer, whether it is a free valuation or not. Another alternative to selling is to place them in an auction.

Like all options, there are swings and roundabouts.

If you wish a clean, immediate sale with no comeback, then sell outright to a dealer but for potentially a greater return on your collection, consider the auction route but be aware you may have to wait longer for your funds, have some of your lots unsold and if there are faults that have not been identified then the items could be returned with no payment received.

However with a low 15% (plus GST) commission, you may well walk away with a more generous cheque than selling outright.

Courtesy of Ace Stamp Auctions

ACE STAMP AUCTIONS PUBLIC AUCTION SALE No. 20

29th & 30th October 2016 ESTIMATES FROM $20 2500 lots consisting of box lots, World collections, Australia & States with Kangaroos & KGV, varieties & errors, PNC covers, Framas, Airmails, strong WA incl postmarks & postcards, AAT & Territories, Commonwealth, Great Britain incl pre-stamp. Also catalogues & accessories, coins & banknotes.

Send for your free catalogue now or visit:

www.acestampauctions.com ENJOY A FRESH APPROACH TO STAMP AUCTIONS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT IAN BOULTON

PO Box 2076 Ellenbrook, Western Australia, 6069

ADVERTISEMENT

HISTORIC FIREFIGHTERS LEGISLATION We welcome the historic passing of legislation to provide compensation to current and former volunteer firefighters, Parks and Wildlife firefighters and former Fire and Emergency Services firefighters who cance contract a prescribed cancer.

Western Australia is the first Australian state to pass presumptive cancer legislation for volunteer emergency services personnel.

This legislation was a key election commitment and reflects the Liberal National Government support for all voluntary services workers who selflessly protect our communities.

Like the 2013 Amendment Bill, the new legislation recognises that firefighters placed themselves in a unique position of risk through their exposure to carcinogens which it is known can cause certain types of cance cancer.

Under the legislative amendments, current and former volunteer and Parks and Wildlife firefighters and former DFES firefighters who contract one of 12 prescribed cancers will be entitled to compensation.

FERGUSON RECCOMENDATIONS SUPPORTED BY STATE GOVERNMENT I am extremely supportive of all these recommendations, but especially recommendation 15 - which is with regards to the establishment of a Rural Fire Service. This news will be most welcome for our volunteer fire fighters throughout the electorate of Swan Hills.

3 Authorised by F. Alban, Unit 8, Vale Town Centre, 31 Egerton Drive, AVELEY, WA 6069

4

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

MISCELLENY

2016 PERTH AIRPORT AHA WA ACCOMMODATION AWARDS he annual AHAWA Accommodation Awards (sponsored by Perth Airport) were recently held in Perth during the 2016 AHAWA Devil’s Lair Gala Ball.

These awards highlighted WA’s leading hotel venues, their staff and their commitment to building the State’s reputation as a tourism destination.

Congratulations to all the participants and winners, especially to Seashells Managing Director, Paul King who was the 2016 inductee into the AHA Hall of Fame for his forty plus years of service to Western Australia’s hotel industry – a well deserving recipient of such recognition.

T

GOINGS-ON IN PERTH There has certainly been a lot going on in Perth lately and I wish to catch you up on some of the tourism and development related activities.

Qantas - Our Liberal Government and Qantas signed a $7.2 million deal to jointly promote travel to Western Australia both domestically and internationally.

Inductee Paul King with Alyssa Hayden

A three-year agreement is expected to attract thousands of visitors from key tourism markets including New Zealand, USA, Singapore and wider Australia. Qantas’ Singapore-Perth flight has expanded to a year-round service, currently operating ten flights per week. This will increase to double daily for the upcoming DecemberJanuary peak travel period. Qantas’ seasonal Auckland-Perth flight is also very popular.

Abhrolos Island Development - The Liberal Government will create the Abrolhos Islands National Park to ensure the unique environment and heritage of the Abrolhos is protected while promoting tourism opportunities.

The National Park will cover about 90% of the unoccupied islands with the rock lobster fishing interests and aquaculture operations continuing.

This will provide significant tourism potential for the islands as well as Geraldton being the ideal base for visitors.

Elizabeth Quay – The first sod has been turned at the $400 million development which will comprise a 204-room five-star Ritz Carlton hotel and 379 residential apartments in two towers adjacent to the Bell Tower. This development will create 1,200 jobs and bring luxury accommodation, dining, entertainment and retail options to Perth’s waterfront.

Yagan Square – The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority is investing $73.5 million in this development, being built by Doric Constructions.

Forrest Chase – ISPT will spend $100 million to overhaul Forrest Chase and surrounding walkways.

Raine Square - Charter Hall has asked the City of Perth to approve its extensive $150 million overhaul.

As always, keeping you in touch with my activities.

FEDERAL NOTES HON KEN WYATT AM, MP

Member for Hasluck, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care

F

amily support service CLAN Midland has received a Federal Government grant that will help its youth literacy program ‘Paint the Swan REaD’.

The funding is part of the Federal Government’s $45 million dollar Stronger Communities Program, set-up to help community, and not for profit groups, fund small capital works projects which will deliver social benefits.

CLAN Midland will use the funding to buy a number of tents that will create a fun environment to encourage kids to read.

The Federal Member for Hasluck Ken Wyatt AM MP said he was delighted that CLAN Midland

PAINT THE SWAN REaD

was one of four community groups in Halsuck to receive funding because they provide such an important service.

“CLAN Midland supports young families when they need it most, and plays a vital role in helping children learn to read,” said Mr Wyatt.

“As a school teacher I know just how important it is that kids can read. Literacy opens the doors of opportunity and introduces us to an infinite world of knowledge,” he said.

“Reading to our children helps them understand the world and develop their imagination. CLAN Midland is doing a great job engaging children and encouraging them to be lifelong readers,” said Mr Wyatt.

Three other groups in Hasluck received between $5,000 and $20,000 in funding. These include • The Kalamunda Bowling Club – for construction and maintenance of their new bowling green.

• The Kaarakin Cockatoo Conservation Centre – to build a new education centre and footpaths to allow disability access.

• The Kalamunda Church of Christ – to upgrade current community kitchen facilities.

Mr Wyatt said he is proud to support notfor-profit groups that help make our Hasluck community a vibrant and great place to live, work and raise a family.

ADVERTISEMENT

KEN WYATT MP Federal Member for Hasluck 9359 0322

ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au

kenwyatt.com.au

kenwyattmp

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

5

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK

6

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK ANOTHER BLOODY STALLHOLDERS WANTED FOR TWILIGHT FESTIVAL JENNA WHISTLER BREAKFAST

T

he City of Swan is once again supporting the Swan Valley Community Centre to host the Twilight Festival.

The Twilight Festival is a free community event for residents of Swan, showcasing local talents, community groups and businesses.

In 2015 the event attracted over 2000 local residents and provided an opportunity for local community groups and sporting clubs to promote themselves and attract new members.

This year the event will take place on Sunday the 11th of December over four hours from 4:00pm to 8:30pm at the Baskerville Oval, Memorial Avenue, Baskerville.

The event will include an on-stage program from local schools, choirs and other demonstrations; free bouncy castles and bumper

balls, face painting, craft activities, community stalls, market stalls; traditional Carols by Candlelight and a visit from Santa!

If you are involved in a community organisation that might be interested in having a stall at this wonderful local event and chance to showcase and network your team/group/association.

Please note that not-for-profit community

organisations DO NOT have to pay the stall holder fee. The fee for commercial seller is only $25 for a three metre by three metre space - bring everything you need.

Entry is free for the public.

If you or your club are interested now is the time to register your interest. Applicationforms can be obtained from the City of Swan Rural Place Office on 9267 267.

Any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact me on 0427 163 317.

D

id you know.. one in four people die from causes related to thrombosis. It’s a leading cause of global death and disability.

Professor Ross Baker presents Another Bloody Breakfast – Thrombosis hosted by Channel 7’s Peter Vlahos.

Come and listen to The Perth Blood Institute’s mission to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood, by promoting research, clinical care and education in haematology.

The event takes place on Thursday 20th October 2016 from 7:30am to 9:00am at the University Club of Western Australia, Hackett Drive, Crawley. Enter by Hackett Entrance No. 1.

Tickets cost $45 eachand as seats are limited, you should book soon.

For ticket sales and any further information, please contact Adriana Filippou on 9200 4904 or adriana@pbi.org.au.

7

COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN MARION LOGIE

T

he Catholic Church allocates days to celebrate specific saints - St Barnabas is the 11th June, for example. Traditionally the day is either the date of their birth or death.

However as the number of saint exceeded 365 Saints’ Days were moved around a bit. The total number of saints varies by definition and sect but it ranges between 810 and several thousand.

Pope John Paul II alone canonised 110 individuals, as well as groups of martyrs from China, Mexico, Vietnam and others.

8

But only day celebrates all saints in the Christian calendar, logically called All Saint’s Day, or All Hallows Day. It is celebrated on the 1st of November each year.

The day before is the Eve of All Hallows, or ‘Hallow ‘een’. The horror aspect of the modern Halloween harks back to the religious function of the celebration, which is dedicated to remembering the dead.

Many of the Halloween traditions are widely believed to have been incorporated from the Celtic Harvest Festivals such as include trick-or-treating include trick-or-treating (known in Scotland as guising), attending Halloween costume parties, decorating, carving pumpkins into jacko’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing and divination games, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories and watching horror films.

In America, widely misunderstood as the home of Halloween, trick or treating began in the 1920, while guising has been going on in the UK since the 1500s.

But the biggest aspect of Halloween is the dressing up for parties or door-to-door. Whether this is for celebration, religious observance or any other ostensible reason, we all really know why it happens - its fun.

Have a safe and happy All Hallow’s Eve.

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.

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

Tuesdays 7-9pm practice, Guildford Town Hall, cnr James St and Meadow St, Guildford. And drinks later at the Woodbridge Hotel with live Irish music AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOC. For more information please contact: Discussion groups, guest speakers, morning Christine Hogan: 9279 8778 tea. Free breastfeeding counselling. Expectant Email: madtattersmorris@iinet.Net.Au mothers, mothers, babies and children welcome. Website: madtattersmorris.Myclub.Org.Au National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 2686 is a 24 hour 7 days a week service.

MUSTARD SEED - DISCOVERING COMPUTERS Mustard Seed is a fifteen year old non-profit Swan/Mundaring Group meets every Monday, organisation and teaches all aspects of everyday 9:30-11:30am at the Gumnuts Family Centre, computing. Ability levels from beginners 8 Mudalla Way, Koongamia. A qualified ABA onwards. Want help with Windows 10? In need counsellor is present at each meeting to give of instruction with your Mac computer? Have an confidential information and support on iPad or Android tablet and don’t know what it will breastfeeding issues. Contact Natalie 9572 4971. do? We can help. Cost is $3 per session. Classes are heldat 56 McGlew Road, Glen Forrest. To gain Kalamunda Group meets fortnighly on a a place enrol now.

Thursday, 9:30-11:30am at the Maida Vale Baptist Phone 9299 7236 or 0478 604 163 or Church, Edney Road, High Wycombe.

E: mustardcomputers@gmail.com Contact Jenny 9252 1996.

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

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

TUESDAY BADMINTON CLUB Tuesdays Join us for Social Badminton from 9am - 11am at Brown Park Recreation Centre. Beginners Welcome. Contact Miriam 9274 5058.

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

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

We are considering extending our days to include Saturdays or evenings if there is enough interest.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE MUSIC CLASSES Tuesday mornings Learn to play tunes on piano or keyboard immediately – the SIMPLY MUSIC method. Play songs, chords, blues and classical in small groups at a reasonable price.

Call Heather 9296 4181 for more details.

HILLS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP 1st Wednesday of each month Hilltop Grove Estate, 1645 Jacoby Street, Mahogany Creek. Morning tea provided, between SWAN WOODTURNERS GROUP The group meets in the rear hall of The Senior 10.30 - 12.00 noon.

Citizens’ Centre, The Avenue, Midland, at 1-00pm. Enquiries Terina 9572 1655. on 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Tuesday, and at 7-00pm. on 2nd Tuesday of each month. A demonstration FEEL THE RHYTHM and cuppa are the norm. Men and Women are Sunday, October 16 Swan Harmony Singers take the stage at 2:00pm welcome. Enquiries to Ted 9295 4438. in Darlington Hall, Owen Rd, Darlington, with a programme of upbeat rhythms, jazz evergreens, TALKING HORSES an Irish blessing, Simon and Garfunkel classics Wednesday evenings 6:00pm The WA Horse Council equestrian radio and much more – plus a delicious afternoon tea. program is now in its seventh year. The Tickets (including afternoon tea) cost $20 (Adults), programme is broadcast on the Community Radio $15 (Concessions), groups of ten or more $150.

Station 91.3 SportFM. To ensure that your club, Children under 10 free. event, breed or business gets coverage, call Diane More details: Anna Wright 9299 7249, Bookings: Mundaring Community Bank 9295 6411.

Bennit 0409 083 617.

THE HILLS CHOIR Monday Evenings Do you enjoy singing and joining with others to make beautiful music? Come and join the Hills Choir. We meet from 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Uniting SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE Church on Stoneville Road, Mundaring. Contact Monday Mornings Margie on 9295 6103 for further information.

The Art Group meets at Baskerville Hall from 9am – 12pm for just $5.00 per session.

SWAN VALLEY SQUARES – ELLENBROOK The group leader is Gilly, she can help and Every Friday Night advise with most media. Feel free to come and Modern Australian Square Dancing from have a look and meet our local artists – they are a 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm Woodlake Community Hall, very friendly lot, new members welcome!

1 Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly, fun and For more information call 9296 1976 or low cost. No previous experience necessary. All E: enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre.com Welcome. Contact Greg Fawell 0417 912 241 or W: www.swanvalleycommunitycentre.com. www.swanvalleysquares.weebly.com SWAN HARMONY SINGERS ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY Wednesdays WEIGHT LOSS CLUB Come and sing with us! Swan Harmony Singers is a Every Wednesday evening community choir that meets, 7-9pm, to sing music We meet from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at the ranging from jazz to pop, plus the occasional Woodlake Community Hall, Meeting room 1. classic. No auditions. Join us at the Salvation Army Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly support Church Hall, 371 Morrison Rd, (opposite Swan group and low cost. Male and females of all View Primary School), Swan View. Enquiries: call ages welcome. Contact Shirley 9276 7938 Anna on 9299 7249, or Chris on 9298 9529 or shirleysardelich@aapt.net.au.

0435 062 728.

MIDLAND MEN’S SHED Every Tuesday morning We meet socially every Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am in the Bellevue Baptist Church Hall and each month we have a guest speaker on a wide range of topics.

We also go on excursions to various places of interest (e.g. HMAS Stirling, Aviation Museum, ALCOA, etc.). There is the chance to also do some woodworking or metal work at external sites.

Our music and art groups are functioning extremely well and welcome new members. For more information please contact Kevin Buckland on 0417 961 971 or by email: kebinsv@tpg.com.au

9

COMMUNITY THE IDLER SPEAKS

S

eptember marked the inaugural Rockingham Writers Convention held at the spacious and wonderfully decorated Arts Centre.

The full day event saw fifteen industry experts descend on Rockingham to share their knowledge about research, editing, copyright, preparing a manuscript, poetry, crime fiction and marketing. Some participants had the unique experience of sitting down one on one with a publisher, something which sets this Convention apart from others.

The day ended with a fascinating panel discussion with publishers Serenity Press, Twelfth Planet Press, Wild Eyed Press, Fremantle Press and Alex Adsett.

Swan Magazine contributor Glennys (The Idler) Marsdon gave some excellent pointers on the role of social media and what should be included in an author’s Marketing Toolkit.

She followed this up with a keynote address about the Future of the Publishing Industry, which left the audience with plenty to think about, as witnessed by the lively discussion on the way out to drinks.

All in all an extremely well organised, thought provoking, incredibly worthwhile Convention that the Rockingham Writers Centre should be extremely proud of. Looking forward to next year.

KSP’S BIG QUIZ NIGHT SHANNON COYLE

K

Douglas and Emily in action last year

KSP’s Big Quiz last year 10

SP is hosting another BIG QUIZ to help cover general operating expenses for 2016.

A cash bar will be on hand and games will be played in between ten rounds of themed quiz questions, including a Halloween round, where teams of six to eight people will compete for pride and prizes aplenty!

Suitable for ages twelve and upwards.

Tables are $100 payable upon booking. (This equates to $12.50 each if you get eight friends together. Cheaper than a night at the theatre!)

The quizmaster will be Douglas SutherlandBruce who did such a great job last year.

Douglas is a wellknown identity n the Perth Hills literary scene and an awarded actor and director in community theatre.

COMMUNITY AUSTRALIAN SUPERMODEL OF THE YEAR

T

he Australian Supermodel Of The Year competition has finally hit our shores!

The competition has been designed to source Australia’s best talent and give them a chance to kickstart their careers on a national and international level.

The organisers are looking for somebody that has a versatile, unique look, a passion for modelling and a thirst for gaining life experience.

This is not a typical beauty pageant.

They are looking for somebody with a unique look, vibrant personality and individual style.

Contestants are judged throughout the competition on their photographic skills, runway walk and overall image.

Over the course of the year, there have been a number of auditions across Australia, looking for talent to compete in the national final of Australian Supermodel Of The Year.

Twelve lucky contestants were selected from the auditions to make up the final top 1twelve.

These contestants, plus up to five wildcard contestants, will then be flown to Bali to compete against each other for the title of ‘Australian Supermodel Of The Year’.

The twelve finalists will be notified by the end

during my spare time.

She has two major sponsors she’d like to thank sincerely. Ebony and Ivory hair and beauty who she says have ‘moulded me into the young lady I am today’.

Her second sponsor is Kidzucate the anti-bullying charity, Kidzucate has given her a platform and she acts as their Teen Advocate.

Her life goal is her hope to inspire young girls to try to take the lead to stop self harm in young teens.

of October.

There are two contestants from the local area - Olivia Patmore and Alicia Tavani.

OLIVIA PATMORE Olivia is studying Sports Science and Exercise and Health Science at UWA. She has taken a semester break to pursue her modelling, which is keeping her very busy, and she is travelling our beautiful state at the moment.

Olivia is eighteen and is very adventurous and loves all things outdoors! She is very committed to anything she does in life. She’s an honest, hardworking and very happy person!

Asked about her goals in life, she says “I have many goals in life including; completing my degree at UWA and becoming an accredited Exercise Physiologist. Pursuing a successful acting and modelling career and traveling the world.”

ALICIA TAVANI Alicia is only fifteen but she has dreams to become an international model, during which time she still want’s to continue with fundraising plus her advocacy and volunteer work that she does

11

WEDDINGS WEDDING ETIQUETTE MEGAN ZIERCH

The wedding etiquette nobody actually elements: the host line, request line, bride and groom line, understands, but everybody wants to know. date and time lines, location line, and reception and R.S.V.P. WEDDING INVITATION ETIQUETTE ou can never give too much notice! Save-The- lines.

Dates typically go out three to four months Although every invitation prior to the wedding, but if guests are spread should have all these lines, far and wide—or you’re throwing a destination they can be worded and arranged in countless ways to wedding—more notice is better.

No one will complain about having extra reflect the style of the occasion leeway to plan. Send invitations six to eight weeks and the changing times. beforehand, with an R.S.V.P. request of two to Tricky Wording? Sorted three weeks prior to the event so you can get a Two phrases are the most final head count. traditional; one indicates the ceremony will be in a house of K.I.S.S (Keep It Super-Simple) Wedding invitations should include the full worship, the other that it will names of the couple marrying and those of the not. hosts (if they’re different), the place and time, and But informal wording is becoming very common. Just that’s it.

“No children” isn’t included on the invite; it’s be sure that whatever phrasing implied by the names on the envelope. Nor should you choose indicates that you list registry information on the invitation— guests are being invited to family and attendants can spread the word when a wedding ceremony or the asked about it, or you can provide it on your reception only: At a Place of Worship: website.

Request the honour of your presence…

Titles Do Matter Informal Ceremony: Would This applies to all events, but particularly for be delighted by your presence formal functions.

If the wife is a doctor, her full name comes at the marriage of their first, as in “Doctor Sharon and Mr. Gary Lawrence.” children…

Informal Reception Only: When the husband is a doctor, the titles appear as “Doctor and Mrs.” and if both husband and wife Invite you to join them at the are doctors, the envelope should say “Drs. Sharon wedding reception of… and Gary Lawrence.”

R.S.V.P A single woman (unless she’s a doctor) should be addressed as “Ms.” If she’s under twenty-one, Brides today generally include paper, envelope, and stamp to encourage guests to use “Miss.” respond to their invitation in a timely manner, even though traditional etiquette doesn’t actually Anatomy of an Invitation A typical invitation includes certain customary call for them. It’s not rude to omit these, but it

Y

12

might be risky.

R.S.V.P. Line on the Invitation: It goes in the lower left corner; you can also include mailing address, phone number, email address, or website.

On a Separate Card: A traditional fill-in-theblank version provides the first letter of Mr. or Mrs.; or try a single line, such as “Please let us know whether you will join us,” with space for writing.

WEDDINGS want? For guests who want to go off-registry, perhaps a gift certificate to a special restaurant, or maybe a night at a nearby bed-and-breakfast.

Never try to get a piece of art for the newlyweds.

And what if you’re regretfully not attending the event? On this point, opinions differ. Some are fine with forgoing a present if you aren’t Paper matters

It’s simple: RSVP by the date attending a wedding, while others believe you indicated on the invitation. If a date should always, always, get the couple a gift— isn’t provided, just reply with your regardless of whether you are able to go or not. answer as promptly as possible.

Keep your behaviour in check And what if there isn’t a response card? Then the rule is Everyone agrees: the guiding principle is that you should send your RSVP never to outshine the bride.

Aside from the obvious—don’t get drunk— on your own stationary. there are other ways to be less-than-well-behaved guests.

About that plus-one Regarding plus-ones, under “One of my friends got proposed to at a no circumstances can you ever wedding, and people spent the rest of the evening ask for one. You’re essentially congratulating her instead of celebrating the asking the couple to pay for an couple getting married.”

“Someone I knew got on stage with a pashmina extra person. on their head and started singing with the band.”

While it might seem obvious, it’s worth stressing Gift-giving basics A wedding is the one time that it’s always a good idea to avoid the stage, you can give a couple what and to stay as far away from the microphones as they asked for, so why not possible. just give them what they Courtesy of Verge Studio

ceremony after 6:00pm should be strictly cocktail.

What about the old rule that red is also off-limits? Red is fine, just don’t show up looking like Jessica Rabbit.

Extra! Extra!

Where To Put The Other Info? If your event won’t include a full meal, it’s courteous to inform your guests. Use phrasing such as “and afterward for cocktails” instead of the classic “at the reception.”

If you want to stress the importance of the style of dress — black tie, for instance, or casual attire — place that information in the lower right corner, or on the reception card.

The only thing that should not be included anywhere on your invitation — not even as an insert — is your registry information.

GUEST ETIQUETTE We’ve all been invited to plenty of weddings, but there is still some confusion regarding the protocol around how to handle the invitation.

The hidden dress codes Everyone knows the golden rule: don’t wear white.

Sometimes, though, when a wedding takes place in the summer, guests are drawn to their lineup of breezy ivory dresses as potential options.

“I have a whole closet full of white dresses that don’t look at all bridal, but why wear one and potentially hurt someone’s feelings?” Many agree, but there is room to play with.

If it has a print on it or a motif that isn’t too overwhelming, then it’s fine. Still, don’t push the limits.

If the dress code is confusing to you, play it safe. If a wedding is taking place at 4:00 or 5:00pm, you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any All photographs courtesy of Verge Studio.

13

A C T I V E

A T T I S ‘

STYLED BY KIRSTY

www.shopandstylespecialists.com

14

ummer is almost here! We’ve had a wonderful winter roasting marshmallows by the fire.

Some of them made it into the hot chocolate, but most of them went straight into our bellies. Now they’re on our hips where our bikinis are supposed to go.

There’s no hiding from it. It’s time to hit the gym.

Motivation – Look Hot Doing It!

So who better to talk to about gym gear than WA activewear designer Hayley McNeil, founder of DS Flex.

When I sat down with Ms McNeil I discovered that through her fitness label, designed to be practical but still stylish, she had done all the hard work for us.

McNeil spent almost an entire year researching and trialing manufacturers before making the brand’s first bulk purchase back in 2015.

W E A R Photographer -­‐ Alana Blowfield Photography

T U D E Here are Hayley’s top 5 tips for choosing the best activewear:

1. Fit -­‐ Choose activewear that fits you properly and is comfortable.

Buy the size you are, not the size you want to be.

You need to be able to move. The smaller sizes will fit when you work hard enough for long enough. Yep, I said that.

2. Design -­‐ Look for reinforced bands to prevent slippage.

Hayley has listened to feedback from her clients and this is her most common request.

3. Quality -­‐ Choose moisture wicking / quick dry material.

Quality garments like DS Flex are made with the latest fitness technology used by all the leading activewear brands. Don’t settle for anything less.

4. Personality -­‐ Show your true personality and have fun.

Workouts can suck, but your style doesn’t have to. You can be bold and bright whether you’re in the gym or pounding the pavement.

5. Keep Motivated Mix and max your activewear to keep it fresh and fun.

Looking forward to throwing on your activewear every day will keep you motivated to train on a regular basis. Or maybe even slip in an extra training session.

I was absolutely inspired after speaking with Hayley. I’ve definitely ordered my new seasons activewear from DS Flex.

I found the price point better than the big name brands and even better than many fast fashion stores. The patterns and styles are fit for the fashionistas among us. Cool colour blocking and funky mesh inserts.

If you’re not familiar with the term ‘athleisurewear’, get used to it. It’s the new name for wearing our gym gear as day wear.

And if you’re already into it, you’ll love ‘X Marks the Top’.

Check out all the designs and what’s on sale at DS Flex on www.dsflex.com.au

I’m not afraid to say it’s my new fave.

Swan Magazine

15

16

ARTS MAC IN OCTOBER

T

hings are heating up again this month at MAC with the opening of our latest exhibitions Fire Works and Returning to the Garden.

Exhibiting artists Sandie Schroder, Nick Statham and Caroline Lyttle drew a huge crowd of friends, family and well-wishers to two fabulous shows, on display until the 6th of November.

Sandie will be in the Gallery most weekends if you want a chance to talk to her about her fascinating pyrography techniques.

There has also been a flurry of activity as creative kids stretched their imaginations at our school holiday workshops and interactive art activities at Trek the Trail.

October is an important month in the MAC calendar as all memberships are due to be renewed. If you haven't renewed already - or perhaps you have been meaning to join up October is the perfect month to do so.

Looking forward to seeing you at MAC soon!

EXHIBITIONS

GALLERY 1 FIRE WORKS until the 6th November Sandie Schroder and Nick Statham Responding to their bushland environment and the ever present threat of bushfire, Sandie creates her work by burning cotton paper to express vulnerability and beauty. Nick’s background in Landscape Architecture, design and love of wood is portrayed through his natural and geometric sculptural forms.

GALLERY 2 Caroline Lyttle (Artist In Focus) until the 6th November Reflecting on life experiences through the lens of the garden, using paint and mixed media

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS Whimsical Bird Sculpture Wednesdays, 12th October to 2nd November from 10am - 12.30pm at Midland Junction Arts Centre With Daniel Iley As part of our FUSION workshop series, sculptor Dan Iley will take participants on a whimsical journey to create three-dimensional artworks. Using papier-mâché, air dried clay and

found objects to create and paint a feathered friend, this fun and informative 'whole of community' workshop will include design development and construction techniques.

Costs: $40 or $36 MAC Members. Free for People with Disability & Support. Materials supplied.

Suitable for ages sixteen years and over.

into amazing wearable art costumes in anticipation of this years’ Worn Out Worn Art Parade at the Darlington Arts Festival.

Young people aged five to eighteen years have reflected and discussed topics such as peer group pressure, environmental and social issues relevant to their age group in school workshops with artists in residence and during the during the April, July and October school holidays.

The time has come to finesse and finish off these wearable creations to be in the running for some great prizes and to be in time to parade them for the public to enjoy at the free Worn Out Worn Art Performance at the Darlington Arts Festival 5.45pm, Saturday 5 November 2016! (more details on page 19).

Submit your completed entry form (with a photograph of the entry attached) to info@ mundaringartscentre.com.au or as a hard copy to Mundaring Arts Centre, 7190 Great Eastern Highway Mundaring 6073, by 21 October, 2016.

An awesome and highly visual celebration of community and individual identity, Worn Out Worn Art - WOWA - is run annually by MAC with Indigo Blue – ‘Shibori’ Textiles the support of Act-Belong-Commit, Mundaring Tuesdays 15th November to 6th December from Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank, 10am - 12.30pm at a venue to be confirmed. and the Local Drug Action Group to encourage With Sarah Zel Chescoe participation and an appreciation of arts.

As part of our FUSION workshop series, designer, artist and visual arts educator, Sarah Zel Chescoe is holding dynamic and creative hands-on ‘whole of community’ workshops to explore the magical, traditional Japanese cloth-manipulation technique of Shibori.

Participants will learn a range of methods to create unique patterns and designs on cloth by binding, wrapping, smocking, stitching and folding natural fibres. At the end of the series they will have created handmade Shibori cloth to take home and have contributed to a collaborative Community artwork.

Costs: $40 or $36 MAC Members.

Free for People with Disability & Support. Materials supplied.

Suitable for ages sixteen years and over.

WOWA AT DARLINGTON 2016 Calling all wearable art creators. Entries for the Worn Out Worn Art Parade are due 21st October.

All year, young creators have been transforming recycled and found materials

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

17

GARDENING SPRING HAS SPRUNG

W

inter’s old is melting away and it's time to get back into gardening. If you have young children, gardening can be a fun activity you can enjoy together as a family.

Gardening projects can teach kids about nature, encourage bonding time with parents and allow children to get a little dirty. Try these spring gardening ideas for young kids.

For little ones, you can start gardening indoors. It's an easy way to teach them about seeds and how plants sprout. They can see the daily progress of their gardening project, and eventually you can transfer the plants outdoors.

You can make a seed starter using any type of container. However, a cute idea begins with a egg carton.

What you'll need: 4-5 cups potting soil Water Spoon Turkey baster Egg carton for a

dozen eggs Pencil Bean seeds Directions: Moisten potting soil and spoon it into each pocket of the egg carton until each pocket is twothirds full.

In each pocket, create a hole in the soil with the pencil and drop three seeds in the hole.

Cover the seeds with soil. Repeat in all twelve pockets.

Place it on a North-facing window sill. This will allow the seeds to get great indirect sunlight.

Using the turkey baster, kids can water the seeds daily (or according to the package directions) to keep the soil moist.

Within one to two weeks, the seeds should sprout.

Even if you don't have a big yard, you can grow tomatoes in a window box. Grow the tomato plants from seeds in small pots indoors and then transfer them outside once they've sprouted, or you can skip the seeds altogether and buy young tomato plants that are already sprouted and then plant them outdoors right away.

Whatever you do, you need to wait until the weather in your area is warm enough that there's no frost at night before transplanting them outside.

Choose a sunny location and dig a hole in the ground (or in a planter or large pot) that is deep enough for all the roots and about thirty centimetres wide.

Help your child carefully take the plant from its original container and transfer it into the hole.

Pack soil in the hole and around the plant. Check the moisture level every day and water the plants as necessary.

If you have any questions about how much water or sunlight your tomato plants need, visit your local gardening center and ask the staff.

You don't want the plants to get too heavy and fall over. Therefore, when they reach about TRY YOUR HAND AT 25 cm high, you will TOMATOES need to provide them Tomatoes are the perfect choice for spring gardening with young children. They are sturdy with a little support. Put a wooden stake into the soil right next to the plant and tie it with a and not too particular about the quality of soil. string or binding wire. Alternatively buy wire tomato cages at Bunnings or a gardening center to provide the support your tomato plants need.

Your kids will love checking the plants every day to see them turning from green to red. When the tomatoes are red and ripe, your children can gently twist them to pick them from the plant.

From seeds to harvest, talk to you kids about the growth process and all it takes to nurture the tomato plants and help them thrive.

Gardening is a fun experience for young kids and the whole family.

18

LEISURE DARLINGTON ARTS FESTIVAL CHRIS PEMBERTON

T

he Darlington Arts Festival is near - get ready to join us!

With the Festival now so close we are all excited that the hard work will pay off in what is shaping up to be a wonderful weekend.

Exhibition entries are flowing in, the entertainment programme is full, stall bays are going like hot cakes, Children and Adult workshop tutors are lining up ready and there are some

excellent prizes to be won in theFestival Raffle.

There are some new and different food and craft stalls this year and look out for the 'Pavlova Tent' - entertainment for kids in a tent dressed as a pavlova - that should be fun.

Quick Flicks, the three minute videos produced by hills youth through Seen & Heard, will have a special premiere showing on the night of Friday 28th October in Darlington Hall.

We are looking forward to seeing the videos - there are some really talented young film makers around.

We are delighted that major and premier sponsors have come on board.

Their support is so important, however it is individuals and small businesses that really make the difference by sponsoring art prizes, donating raffle prizes or providing general financial support.

No matter how you choose to support the Festival you can be sure that whatever you can contribute will be greatly appreciated.

But the most important support you can provide is to let friends and family know and join us in Darlington's great event - we look forward to seeing you there.

19

CHEF EXPLORER THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER his month’s article is a very fishy story! Or should I say it’s all about Seafood.

The reason being is that I have been teaching my Cookery students a lot about seafood lately and it has been all the more interesting because they are International Students and we all have one thing in common; we all love to eat Seafood.

I was teaching them what Australia and Western Australia has to offer so took them on a visit to Kailiss Brothers in Leederville to really learn about what has been caught right now and from where.

We purchased fresh whole fish and seafood so we could fillet them and use the bones to make stock and sauces and so forth.

We also had to learn about the mollusc in the title, and I must admit I had had a bad experience

(you can buy a shucker at Kitchen Warehouse, Jerry recommends the French Sabatier, which I promptly went to buy) or ask your supplier to shuck them fresh.

Now eating the freshest of the best changed my opinion completely, they are so delicious, that I have been feasting on them ever since, inviting mates round to consume them Au Natural with a pint of Stout or champers. I am now addicted!

Which brings me to the well-known saying in my story title; why do they say that, “The World is your Oyster?”

Well, my research revealed to me that the saying actually goes back to Shakespeare, in a play that generally means that you have the advantage.

Or of course it could well be one could find the pearl so therefore the oyster could be symbolic of making your fortune, or at least the world is there to extract it.

Mind you, if that definition could also mean ‘extracting’ fresh seafood from the many oceans and rivers around the world, then I have to confess that I may know how to cook seafood but I am actually hopeless at catching them!

I used to go on fishing weekends with my friends up to places like Kalbarri and not catch a one, ending up in the local Fish and Chip shop

in the past so was not a great fan.

That is until I asked the help of an old colleague of mine the ‘King of Oysters’ himself, Jerry Fraser, who is well known throughout the best restaurants around Perth, Australia and indeed the world.

His website is well worth visiting and reading: www.oystershucker.com.au/ He was only too willing to come and show all my students how to properly shuck fresh oysters and inform us all about this tasty mollusc.

And what a revelation, forget about buying half shell shucked oysters, which have been washed (and half ruined) in Perth tap water and stored too long!

Either learn how to shuck them yourself

instead. Or go out on fishing boats with my family off the coast of Malaysia for example and still be the only one not catching one or even getting a bite.

I have some great old pictures of even my young son catching fish by the bag load, with me alongside him catching - zilch. I would grumpily swop places only for he, yes, you guessed it, catch even more in the place where I just stood!

You see, he explained to me, that he actually believed he was going to catch a fish, whereas I obviously did not!

So I suppose with the power of belief ‘The World is indeed his Oyster’ and as long he can still catch ‘em, I believe my role is to mainly cook or shuck ‘em!

BRENDAN MURPHY

T

20

It is an easy recipe for you this month, you can of course cook oysters, but why not try them Au Natural with a variety of perfect seasonings as below.

OYSTERS AU NATURAL 1 dozen fresh oysters 1 whole lemon cut into wedges or French Vinaigrette 20g finely diced shallot (or red onion) 1 level teaspoon of Dijon mustard 100ml olive oil 40ml red wine vinegar Pinch of ground pepper 1 teaspoon chopped parsley or A Bottle of chilli sauce Freshly shuck oysters and loosen the meat.

Either eat fresh with tits natural salty ocean juice or squeeze a little lemon juice over it.

Or try it with the vinaigrette, which you can make by whisking the mustard, oil and vinegar to taste, and flavouring with the shallot, pepper and parsley. You should make in advance and keep in a bottle to just shake when needed For an extra kick try with a touch of chilli sauce.

DOUGLAS’ WINERIES AND DINERIES

I cook in your kitchen

I will prepare seasonal, wholesome, personalised meals from scratch in your own kitchen for around $10 per serve

0449 002 037

www.icookinyourlitchen.com.au www.facebook.com/nofussytastymeals/

FOOD TRIVIA R The white potato originated in the Andes before seen in France were soon being served mountains and was probably brought to Britain using utensils instead of fingers or daggers.

She is said to have introduced spinach (which à

by Sir Francis Drake about 1586. la Florentine usually means) as well as aspics, R The world’s first chocolate candy was sweetbreads, artichoke hearts, truffles, liver produced in 1828 by Dutch chocolate-maker crépinettes, quenelles of poultry, macaroons, ice Conrad J. Van Houten. He pressed the fat from cream, and zabagliones. roasted cacao beans to produce cocoa butter, to R When honey is swallowed, it enters the blood which he added cocoa powder and sugar. stream within a period of twenty minutes.

R Truffles, or mushrooms that grow below the ground, are one of the world’s most expensive R Watermelon, considered one of America’s foods. One variety, Tuber melanosporum, can favorite fruits, is really a vegetable (Citrullus lanatus). Cousin to the cucumber and kin to the cost between $800 and $1,500 per 500g. gourd, watermelons can range in size from 7 to R Watermelon is grown in over 96 countries 100 pounds. They are over 92% water by weight. worldwide. Over 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown worldwide. There are about 200 R When potatoes first appeared in Europe in the seventeenth century, it was thought that varieties of watermelon throughout the US. they were disgusting, and they were blamed for R When Catherine de Medici married Henry II of starting outbreaks of leprosy and syphilis. As late France (1533) she brought forks with her, as well as 1720 in America, eating potatoes was believed as several master Florentine cooks. Foods never to shorten a person’s life.

R When Swiss cheese ferments, a bacterial action generates gas. As the gas is liberated, it bubbles through the cheese leaving holes. Cheesemakers call them “eyes.”

R Vanilla is the extract of fermented and dried pods of several species of orchids.

R Mayonnaise is said to be the invention of the French chef of the Duc de Richelieu in 1756. While the Duke was defeating the British at Port Mahon, his chef was creating a victory feast that included a sauce made of cream and eggs.

When the chef realized that there was no cream in the kitchen, he improvised, substituting olive oil for the cream. A new culinary masterpiece was born, and the chef named it Mahonnaise in honor of the Duc’s victory.

R The word vegetable has no scientific definition, so it’s still acceptable to call a tomato a vegetable.

21

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

It’s high time the red tape "work" test was scrapped.

Steve Blizard Mahogany Creek Editor: For the latest position on Superannuation, see Mr Blizard’s article on page 29.

Dear Editor While appreciating Ben Harvey’s easy to understand explanation on the state of play of superannuation, it is disappointing that the Coalition Government has broken it’s election promise to get rid of the so called “work” test, thereby harmonising the super contribution rules from age 65 to 74.

More so, considering the work test doesn’t even apply to anyone unemployed with a super fund, between ages 15 to 65.

The Coalition’s proposed changes make the work test unnecessary, because from 1 July 2017, individuals with over $1.6 million in super contributions cannot make additional nonconcessional (after tax) super contributions.

Tragically the work test imposed on 65 to 74 year olds continue to hit low income recipients & divorcees, trying to save a little bit more before full retirement.

The work test is of little concern for the wealthy businessperson contributing up to $100,000 pa into super, who can fit in ample fishing and golf while semi-retired.

However the work test remains an annoying impost on the financially disadvantaged who are unable to line up a "work arrangement” with a relative or friend, just for the privilege of squirrelling away say $10,000 a year, over ten years.

Dear Sir: On behalf of the Stroke Foundation I would like to thank the thousands of Australians who helped us educate the community about the importance of knowing the signs of stroke this National Stroke Week.

National Stroke Week is our annual campaign to shine the spotlight on stroke, raising awareness of the devastating impact of this insidious disease.

Stroke Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about stroke and how they can reduce their own risk. I am confident there are thousands of people in the community who now know about the FAST message thanks to the more than 2,500 activities that were held across the country.

With Stroke Week now wrapped up for 2016, it is vital we remember strokes don’t just happen one week of the year. Every ten minutes an Australian has a stroke. Every ten minutes someone’s life changes forever.

Stroke is shockingly common in Australia. Yet despite the devastation it causes, this disease is largely unrecognised by the broader community – until it happens to a loved one, a friend or a colleague.

Stroke is largely preventable, but we know that almost 50,000 new and recurring strokes will happen this year. Stroke is treatable but again we know that many stroke patients will miss out on lifesaving treatment because they don’t get to hospital on time.

Stroke strikes suddenly and often without any warning. When it does happen, every minute

counts. Time is brain. For every minute that parts of the brain are left without oxygen, brain cells are dying.

A speedy reaction to stroke can mean the difference between life and death or permanent disability. Stroke doesn’t have to be a death sentence, it is treatable but people need to know the signs of stroke and get to hospital fast. Every stroke is a medical emergency.

Thanks to our incredible supporters we were able to spread this message far and wide this Stroke Week, reaching a record number of Australians. But our work doesn’t stop here - it is our mission to stop stroke, save lives and end the suffering caused by this devastating disease.

It will take the combined efforts of the community, health professionals and governments to achieve this mission. I know together we can prevent, treat and beat stroke.

Sharon McGowan Chief Executive Officer Stroke Foundation Melbourne Dear Sir: There’s good reason why a banking Royal Commission would be better than an annual interview of banking executives by MP’s.

For the annual interview, the banks trot out a pet executive, coached in what to say and especially what not to say.

A Royal Commission will be able to drill down into matters and interview people who would otherwise not have been allowed to speak and who want to tell the whole story.

Following the recent banking scandals and a bank’s mea culpa and hand-wringing, it seems to me that banks think the sin is being caught. Give us a Royal Commission.

Tony Jackson Rockingham

RID

T

he City of Swan has launched a new project to help fight against the illegal dumping of waste.

City of Swan Mayor, Mick Wainwright said the new program, called Reduce Illegal Dumping (RID), was part of the City’s commitment to stop the illicit act.

“Not only does illegal dumping harm our wildlife and create potential fire hazards; it costs rate payers close to a million dollars a year to clean up”, he said.

“This is why we are calling on the community to take a united stand with us against illegal dumping.”

The RID program allows anyone who spots illegally dumped waste to report it through an online reporting system or over the phone.

Once a report is received, City staff will quickly locate and cordon off the waste, and investigate accordingly.

Councillor John McNamara said the new online reporting feature allows residents to make a difference in their community in minutes.

“By lodging an online report not only will you be helping keep our communities clean and safe, you could help the City catch illegal dumpers in the act,” he said.

22

KATE PHILLIPS The City will also install a number of overt and covert surveillance cameras across the City’s illegal dumping hotspots to help catch those responsible in the act.

Illegal dumping can be prosecuted with maximum fines of $62,500 for individuals and $125,000 for businesses.

The City will also continue to work with the Keep Australia Beautiful Council to run a ‘Clean Schools Program’ to foster positive behaviour change.

If you see illegally dumped waste, report it online at www.swan/wa/gov.au/RID or by calling 9267 9267.

F

S. B

BOOK

S

t Barnabas, born Joseph, was an early Cypriot Christian, one of the prominent Christian disciples in Jerusalem. According to Acts Barnabas was named an apostle. He and Paul the Apostle undertook missionary journeys together.

He is the patron saint of Cyprus and his feast day is June the 11th. As a probably martyred Apostle he is eminently suitable as the patron of the lovely hills parish in Kalamunda.

Under the rectorship of the Revd John Ward, the church is very active in the local community, not least with their annual grand fete put on to celebrate the approach of Christmas, to showcase the church and its workings and also to raise funds for various good works.

A few years ago, for example, the church supported the charity Friends of Kids in Zimbabwe.

The church also raises funds for particular projects the church needs - heating the church was one a couple of years ago.

The fete, a feature on the local calendar has lots of attractions stalls selling plants, food, cakes, Devonshire teas, books and a white elephant stall.

In addition there are kids activities including a bouncy castle.

9th NOVE 1 , Y A D R SATU 1P COMMUNITY 9:30AM – nd Spr ST BARNABAS FETE a y a w il a Cnr R ALAN RAYCRAFT FOOD. LI .

E L T As well as there is a wide range of live S CA entertainment, from solo singers – rock n. roll BOUNCY RGAINS A B .

S K O dancers – gospel singers as well as country/rock . BO ‘n roll singers. . CURIOS So, come along on Saturday the 19th of November from 9:30am to 1:00pm at St Barnabas, on the corner of Railway and Spring Roads, Kalamunda.

For further information contact me on 0418 901 120.

ST BARNABAS ANGLICAN CHURCH, KALAMUN

ST BARNABAS ANGLICAN CHURCH

FETE

SATURDAY, 19th NOVEMBER 2016 9:30AM – 1PM Cnr Railway and Spring Roads th Saturday, 19 November 2016 . BOUNCY CASTLE . FOOD. LIVE MUSIC. PLAN 9:30am to 1:00pm . CURIOS . BOOKS. BARGAINS . KIDS ACTIVI

CNR RAILWAY AND SPRING ROADS, KALAMUNDA

FETE

n Bouncy Castle n Food n Live music n Plants n Curios n Books n Bargains n Kids Activities n Free entry 23

ENTERTAINMENT HILLS FESTIVAL OF THEATRE RESULTS ROBERT WARNER

T

he Darlington Theatre Players again presented the Hills Festival of Theatre which was held over the weekend of 16th to 18th of September.

Fourteen plays were submitted and performed over four sessions culminating in a BBQ on Sunday, followed by the adjudication.

This year’s adjudicator was Dr. Douglas Sutherland-Bruce who by his own words was thrust into so many difficult decisions by the quality of the plays and the excellence of the direction and acting.

It was good to see so many original scripts being performed at the Festival. Another very successful Festival and our thanks go to Rachael Vonk, who co-ordinated the weekend, Adrian Ashman who stage managed the event, our technical and backstage crew, front of house and of course a huge thanks to Douglas who had all our sympathy in having to adjudicate such excellent work.

The results of the adjudication were: Best Production: The Last Waltz by Johnny Grim (A Lad Insane) Best Director: Sarah Christiner for Moby Dick by Michael Green (Old Mill) Best Actor: Marcelle Weber for The Last Waltz by Johnny Grim (A Lad Insane) Best Actress: Kylie Isaia for Instructions for Two or More Players by Michiko Parnell (DTP) Best Locally: Written Script Instructions for Two or More Players by Michiko Parnell (DTP) Adjudicator’s Certificates: The Last Waltz for technical excellence The cast of Moby Dick for excellence in ensemble work The PA System in Hush, Little Celia, Don’t Say a Word Sienna Freeman in Bitten for snaky excellence for comic vignette Andrew Busher for Consistency of Accent Callum Vinsen for making the very most of his role Suzy June Wakling for being a good sport Encouragement to the cast of Hush, Little Celia, Don’t Say a Word Tim Prosser for theatrical excellence Brodie Masini for theatrical excellence Trish Farrell for theatrical excellence Noel O’Neil for theatrical excellence Johnny Grim for theatrical excellence

LOOKING AT THE ALPS TRIUMPHS LESLIE HERBERT

T

heatre on Norfolk Island began in 1793. On the slopes of Flagstaff Hill in Kingston the first theatre in Australasia to produce regular entertainment was started and a play was put on once a month.

During the Second Settlement a theatre was built with the Old Military Barracks compound and the soldiers and officers formed the Corps Dramatique and acted all the parts.

In early 1980 the Arts Council of Norfolk Island decided to re-form the Dramatic Society and this time round it was given the name NATS – Norfolk Amateur Theatrical Society.

Eric Williams became the first president of NATS. In the 1980’s the Society was very active and this was largely in part to the enormous effort put in by Roy Shaw who co-ordinated many of the productions.

In 1998 NATS took over the organisation of the Norfolk Island Theatre Festival and it is an annual event. Theatre in Paradise is held in September each year and NATS welcomes entries from all amateur theatre groups and audience members from both Australia and New Zealand.

The first ever Western Australian entry was the KaDS production of Yvette Wall’s Looking at the Alps, a two-hander written for two towering bastions of WA’s community theatre - Terry Hackett and Dee Howells, two of the founders of KaDS. The play, especially written for the two doyens by local playwright Wall, is the story of two long-time friends was well-received when it debuted in KaDS one-act season earlier this year, but went over really, really well in the Norfolk Island Theatre in Paradise Festival.

Looking at the Alps won Best Production and Dee Howells won Best Female Actor. This an impressive debut from WA and we are sure that if there had been an award for playwriting, Ms Wall would have got a gong as well.

Congratulations to all involved in the production, cast and crew of Looking at the Alps and to the ladies vast support network.

24

ENTERTAINMENT LITTLE VOICE AT KADS DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND-BRUCE

J

im Cartwright (born 1958) is an author, playwright and novelist perhaps best known for his Lawrence Olivier Award-winning 1992 play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, but many of his works have won awards, including the Samuel Beckett Award.

The film of Little Voice, which starred Sir Michael Caine, Brenda Bethyn and Jane Horrocks, scripted by Cartwright was nominated for ninteen awards alone. Jane Horrocks created the role of Little Voice on stage, directed by the great Sam Mendes.

This the play coming to Kads theatre this November, directed by veteran Terry Hackett, doyen of Community Theatre directors.

The plot is simple, deceptively simple. A mother (Mari), aging and desperate for a man and security has a withdrawn and introverted almost silent daughter, dubbed sarcastically by her mother ‘Little Voice’ or LV for short, is desperately longing for her dead father.

She spends her days alone with her father’s LP records of the great singers of he 40s, 50s and 60s - Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Shirley Bassey and Marlilyn Monroe. Gradually she finds a voice by singing along with the records, faithfully reproducing very note, modulation and timbre.

Director Terry Hackett Mari’s latest man friend is Ray Say, a low grade agent desperate for a ‘find’ to make his name and fortune. Mari, surely the worst stage

mother since Mama Rose persuades LV to perform at a night club.

The plays revolves around the conflicting desperate desires of the three main characters, not all of whom can, or will, get what they want.

Hackett has brought together a remarkable cast, featuring Madeleine Shaw as Little Voice, Sandra Sando as Mari, Keith Scrivens as Ray, Rose Weighell as Sadie, along with newcomers, Stephen Marr as Phone man/dad, Derek Russell as Mr Boo and Jack Williams as Billy.

This is a warm, engrossing comedy with dark undertones and wonderful characters, and should not be missed. Occasional coarse language.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice runs at 8:00pm from the ‘Little Voice’ Madeleine Shaw 11th of November until the 3rd of December at Kalamunda Theatre, Barber Street, Kalamunda.

Tickets cost $20 for weekdays and $30 for Saturdays. (Saturday performances include a fish and chip supper). Tickets are available from the Lucky Charm Newsagency, Kalamunda Central - 9257 2668.

For advanced and discounted group bookings, please contact Terry Hackett on 9293 4746.

25

COMMUNITY THEATRE REVIEWS THEATRE WITH GORDON

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

- Helen K eller

S

SKYLIGHT

an eighteen-year-old student whom she has not seen for three years. Kyra gives him a peck on the cheek. Edward is the son of Tom (Gino Cataldo), a wealthy businessman with whom this much younger woman had a six year affair.

Edward tells Kyra that his bedridden mother has now died; and that his father has not been the same since Kyra left their household. Before leaving, he pleads for Kyra to come back.

No sooner has Kyra finished her bath, but her doorbell rings. It is the highly charismatic, but manipulative Tom, come to work his spell on Kyra – or will she see through him and his dubious ideologies this time?

It takes a special kind of director to make a psychological drama interesting to the audience, and James Hough-Neilson certainly succeeded.

It also takes tremendous skill to carry out what is virtually a two-hander for 130 minutes. Emma was on stage the full time, and Gino for a large portion.

All three actors were exceptional, portraying full depth to their very different characters.

Jacob set the scene with his ‘little boy lost’ dialogue, hinting to us what a lonely childhood he had experienced. Then Gino came in, showing us the self-centred restaurateur, who felt that throwing money at a situation was always the answer and that people did not really matter.

Both Gino and Emma conquered the mountain of dialogue, mingled with several challenging monologues. They incorporated the subtle changes of mood, and the personality swings wonderfully. Emma was flawless as the poor ‘sponge’, mopping up all of the muck flying around – magnificent performance.

The language of the play was at times quite crude, and I heard some of the older members commenting on it. However, the script was beautifully written and structured, so the language was appropriate to the situation.

An admirable presentation of a very difficult and thought-provoking play.

kylight is a psychological drama, written in 1995 by three times Tony Award nominated playwright, Sir David Hare. In America he was twice nominated for Oscars.

Hare’s plays tend to be wordy with virtually no action, and this is typical of his genre.

That doesn’t mean that his plays are boring.

Far from it, he has a great talent for giving huge depth to his characters. He often leaves the audience squirming as his beautifully structured dialogue exposes the personalities.

This two and a quarter hour play is being presented by the Limelight Theatre Repertory Company, at the Limelight Theatre, Civic Drive in Wanneroo.

The performances are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8.00 pm until 8th October.

It is a freezing November evening in 1995.

Robert and Susie Benson-Parry have completely captured the semi-squalor of this post war residence – built to a budget.

The scene is Kyra’s downmarket, top-floor flat, in Kensal Rise situated in the Borough of Brent – one of north London’s most deprived areas. There is a cramped, shabby dinette, with a single bedroom leading off the room. Well fitted out with Carryn McLean’s props.

Stage managed by Pearl Jensen and Dayle Seaman. Wardrobe advice from Shelley McGinn.

THE BIG BAD WOLF The show was given the mood of the film A Brief Encounter, with well-chosen music by Alan The Big Bad Wolf is a sophisticated children’s McPherson. The sound techs were Patrick McGinn play, written by the NIDA trained, film and TV and Kim Elford, with lighting by Zachary Ozlins. actor, Matthew Whittet.

Matthew was born in Hastings – Victoria, not 1066 England. With Wesfarmers’ Awesome Arts Shivering schoolteacher, Kyra Hollis Productions, and the ‘AWESOME International (Emma Shaw) is home after a gruelling day, Arts Festival for Bright Young Things’, Whittet of educating disinterested kids in East Ham. brings us this fun Windmill Theatre Co production Her flat seems even colder than the bleak of the much-loved, children’s tale. weather outside. She puts on woollen mitts, This fifty minute show designed for primary and plugs in her ineffective, one-bar electric school children, can be seen in the Heath Ledger fire.

Theatre, within the State Theatre Centre of Kyra rushes through to the bathroom to Western Australia, 174-176 William Street in Perth, run an ache-easing bath. When she comes The set is stunning. Designer Jonathon back into the sitting room, a young man is Oxlade, who studied illustration and sculpture standing there. He is Edward (Jacob Turner),

26

at Queensland University, has produced a semisymbolic, forest of trees, logs and bushes, all built of unadorned, pine plywood, and yet it looked more realistic than the usual highly adorned, artistic representation.

Little Red Heidi Hood’s delightful A-frame house is presented in cross-section, so the audience can see the house interior. Upstairs is the bedroom, and below a sitting room with a large, ‘talking’ armchair.

The house is colourfully furnished. The Lighting Designer, Chris Petridis is from South Australia; he produced great dramatic effects without being too frightening for the children.

Harry Covill’s soundscape was first class, but perhaps replayed at times, a little too loudly, slightly overpowering the dialogue.

The whole appearance is that of a vibrant page, straight from a fairy-tale book. Very clever.

The television reporter, (Ellen Steele) with microphone in hand, introduces us to the living forest, pointing out Little Heidi Hood’s isolated house in the woods. We can see Heidi (Emma J Hawkins) is still in bed. Living in such an isolated place, she has a lonely existence; in fact, she has no friends.

The reporter explains that the wolf who lives in the wood is not ‘bad’, just misunderstood and very shy. We are introduced to the wolf (Patrick Graham), who is a badly dressed, normal man but with fluffy ears and fangs for teeth. He lives in the forest with his obnoxious, overpowering mother (Ellen Steele).

Poor Wolfie has no friends; in fact everyone seems frightened of him. As the Wolf wanders towards Heidi’s house, the ‘wolf detection system’ starts. Alarms flash and loud horns bellow.

What will happen when poor Heidi actually meets Wolfie?

This is fun-packed, with an inspired script that is verging on pantomime. The show has real magic – the kids gasped, dancing, acrobatics, ‘a baddie’ – boo hiss, a loveable heroine and plenty of fun.

There is colour and enchanting music.

Director Rosemary Myers has been nominated numerous times for Helpmann Awards. The 2015 movie Girl Asleep, which was also written

by Matthew, won several Film Festival awards.

This show really sparkled. The children really empathised with the poor downtrodden wolf, who even had sympathisers shouting advice to him.

The entertainment literally bounced along, with the energetic movement and choreography designed by Carol Wellman Kelly. At around 3 feet high, Emma (Heidi) surprised the children in the audience when she did several fast moving dance routines and acrobatics. Emma’s warmth and cheeky expression won over every heart in the house.

This show is certainly for six or seven year olds upwards, but everyone left the auditorium with a large smile. The children deserve and recognise such quality. Great show.

ENTERTAINMENT WA BUSH POETS FESTIVAL BILL GORDON

T

he best bush poets in Western Australia are heading back to Toodyay for their fourth annual Act Belong Commit Bush Poetry Festival on 4th – 6th November.

The festival incorporates the annual State Championships and is held in the memorial hall over the weekend. The festival starts on Friday 4th with a poetry writing and performance workshop conducted by Rob Christmas.

Rob is an accomplished poet from Sydney, and she will be one of the judges for the competition.

The workshop is free, and is open to all interested persons, poets and supporters alike. It will be in the CWA hall, starting at 1pm.

The Festival and Championships are being held in Toodyay, mainly in the Memorial Hall Friday 4th – 6th November 2016.

The event will feature some of the best Western Australian Bush Poets including previous W A Championship winners, Keith Lethbridge, Peter Blyth and Christine Boult.

The WA Bush Poets & Yarnspinners Assn. Inc. are keeping alive the Australian tradition of Bush Poetry including the works of Banjo Patterson, Henry Lawson and others of their era.

They also write and recite poems about events and issues in society today including many humorous and often embarrassing situations.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of this style of poetry, not only in its writing but in performing the works of both the traditional masters as well as that of many outstanding modern poets.

Names like Marco Gliori, Murray Hartin, Melanie Hall and Susie Carcary have become synonymous with both performance and writing excellence. The skilful poet is able to fully captivate the listener with their story which may or may not be true, or may be embellished beyond belief.

A condensed timetable for the event: Friday 4th Poetry writing workshops then Dinner with the poets at Jennacubbine Tavern.

Saturday 5th Morning: Junior and Novice Performance Competition, Afternoon: Novice Classics Reader, Yarn Spinning and Contemporary Performance Championships.

Evening: a family Bush Dance plus ballroom dancing with Dave and Elaine Smith from Collie. The winning poems in the written competition will be presented at the bush dance.

Sunday 6th Morning: Poets Breakfast, then Traditional and Original Serious Performance Competition.

Afternoon: The final Competition category, Original Humorous, along with the award presentations.

All events are FREE including a fun night for all the family at the Bush Dance on Saturday night.

Further information including entry forms may be found at www.wabushpoets.asn.au.

The WA Bush Poets and Yarnspinners Assn Inc wishes to acknowledge the generous support from Healthway, CBH and Roadwise as well as Toodyay Shire, Bendigo Bank, Makit Hardware and Toodyay Holiday Park.

POETRY SONG OF THE CATTLE HUNTERS HENRY KENDALL (1839 -1882 Kirmington, NSW)

hile the morning light beams on the fern-matted streams, And the water-pools flash in it's glow, Down the ridges we fly, with a loud ringing crydown the ridges and gullies we go!

And the cattle we hunt, they are racing in front, with a roar like the thunder of waves, As the beat and the beat of our swift horses' feet Start the echoes away from their caves As the beat and the beat Of our swift horses feet Start the echoes away from their caves.

Like the wintry shore that the waters ride o'er, All the lowlands are filling with sound: For swiftly we gain where the herds on the plain Like a tempest are tearing the ground!

But we follow them hard to the rails of the yard, over gulches and mountain-tops grey, Where the beat and the beat of our swift horses' feet Will die with the echoes away Where the beat and the beat Of our swift horses' feet Will die with the echoes away.

27

28

FINANCE COMMON GROUND ON SUPER STEVE BLIZARD

A

fter five months of needless uncertainty and confusion created by the Federal Coalition and Treasury, the major parties have finally found common ground on superannuation.

Individuals will be allowed to hold up to $1.6 million in the tax-free pension phase, concessional (tax deductible) super contributions will be reduced to $25,000 a year for all ages, and non-concessional (after tax) super contributions will be reduced to $100,000 per year.

However, with the existing super rules set to remain in place for the next nine months, there are some handy strategies to consider before 30 June 2017.

Now the ridiculous $500,000 lifetime nonconcessional super cap has finally been consigned to the dustbin of history, those wanting to boost their super have a limited window to make large contributions to their super fund.

BRING FORWARD RULE Until 30 June, the annual non-concessional contribution limit remains at $180,000, and if eligible, you may be able to bring forward three years’ contributions by contributing $540,000 in one lump sum.

For a couple with unused caps, it can mean a combined maximum one-off non-concessional contribution of $1,080,000 between them.

However, special rules are proposed where the three-year “bring forward” period has already been triggered in the 2015-16 or 2016-17 tax year but not used up, prior to 1 July 2017.

This could occur if, for example, you contributed in excess of $180,000 but had not done so for up to the full amount of $540,000.

In these scenarios, it is proposed that the following transitional arrangements will apply.

If the “bring forward” was triggered in the 2015-16 tax year, the cap will reflect two years of $180,000, and one year of $100,000.

Therefore, the transitional “bring forward” cap will be $460,000.

If the “bring forward” was triggered in the 2016-17 tax year, the cap will reflect one year of $180,000 and two-years of $100,000.

Therefore, the transitional “bring forward” cap will be $380,000.

Where the “bring forward” provisions have been triggered and the cap has been reached, no further non-concessional contributions may be received into the fund until the three-years has elapsed since the “bring forward” was triggered.

From 1 July 2017, three-year bring-forward provisions will remain unchanged but will be based on the lower cap of $100,000 pa (maximum bring forward of $300,000).

No further non-concessional contributions will be allowed once the proposed $1.6m transfer cap has been reached.

Just ensure that you take tax advice before proceeding, as there can be penalties for getting the rules wrong.

passing a work test. Those over age sixty-five to seventy-four who are in the position to make extra contributions to their super, it is still possible to qualify for the work test by lining up some casual work.

The rules are simple – just forty hours of work in thirty consecutive days in the financial year.

Generally speaking this isn’t too difficult for a resourceful senior to organise.

However, the Coalition’s proposal to do away with the ridiculous work test was a reasonable initiative, sidelined for now.

CATCH UP CONCESSIONAL SUPER CONTRIBUTIONS In the May Budget it was announced that individuals with super balances of $500,000 or less will be allowed to access their unused concessional cap space to make additional catchup concessional (before-tax) contributions.

The Government has announced that this measure will now only commence from 1 July 2018.

Individuals will be able to access their unused concessional contributions cap space on a rolling basis for a period of five years.

Amounts carried forward that have not been used after five years will expire.

Only unused amounts accrued from 1 July 2017 can be carried forward.

FUND REBALANCING Given the future $1.6 million limit in pension phase, if a couple’s fund has a large balance, all skewed to one member, it might be worth investigating making a tax-free withdrawal, and then use the current window to make a large nonconcessional contribution to the other partner’s fund.

Attempts to balance up the fund will minimise the risk of exceeding the $1.6 million per member limit in addition to substantially increasing the non-taxable component of the fund.

Note that withdrawal is commonly prevented by preservation rules.

This strategy can result in much lower death tax if a member dies, leaving the proceeds to the DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES fund non-dependent beneficiary.

The Government has proposed to link a $100,000 cap as a pension payment from a defined CONCESSIONAL CONTRIBUTION CAPS benefits scheme to the $1.6m transfer balance cap.

For those fifty or over, the concessional super In other words, if you receive a $110,000 contribution cap will remain at $35,000 a year pension, $100,000 will be received tax free and until 30 June. $10,000 will be taxed at the individual’s marginal In some situations, this strategy may also help tax rate. reduce capital gains tax that could arise when If you receive a lump sum from a defined selling shares or property. benefits scheme, then the transfer balance cap After June 30, the concessional super cap rules apply. will drop back to $25,000, with no further Older Government employees still able to contributions permitted should your individual take advantage of additional salary sacrifice fund balance exceeds $1.6 million. contributions to a second super fund, will close Disappointingly, Labor has opposed proposals off after 1 July 2017. to allow those aged between sixty-five and However, the draft legislation still retains the seventy-five to contribute to your super without current exemption of defined benefit employer contributions from penalty tax, when employer contributions to constitutionally protected funds and unfunded defined benefit schemes exceed the new lower $25,000 concessional contributions cap.

This means that existing members of constitutionally protected funds and unfunded defined benefit schemes will still be able to make salary sacrifice contributions above the concessional contributions cap without these contributions being treated as excess concessional contributions.

Just keep in mind that the agreed legislative changes are still in exposure draft form and may be subject to some minor tweaking.

Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities

29

BOOKS JUST OUT Title:

Author: Publisher: ISBN:

M

False Flags - Disguised German Raiders of World War II Stephen Robinson Exisle Publishing 9781 5144 9657 2

any Australians think of WWII as a conflict fought on foreign soil, and in remote oceans. Now a new book, False Flags, turns that assumption on its head, telling the spine-chilling story of how disguised German raiders brought the war right to our doorstep.

Four German raiders. the Orion, Komet, Pinguin and Kormoran sank or captured sixtytwo ships. Among them was the Sydney which was sunk off Western Australia, killing all 645 souls on board.

While most will have heard of the story of the Sydney, few will be aware that her sinking was part of a far reaching campaign waged by German raiders in our waters.

Though armed and extremely dangerous these raider ships sailed under false flags masquerading as harmless freighters. They hid their lethal armaments, and painted their hulls at sea to mimic merchant ships, even constructing false funnels from plywood to fool passing ships and aircraft.

From Albany to Onslow, with their true colours disguised, these raiders terrorised the waters of the West. They slipped breathtakingly close to shore, mining the

Have a book to publish?

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

Get expert advice on layout, editing, costings, publishing and marketing from professional editors First consultation free Free quotes

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

30

approaches to our major ports and shutting down shipping lanes while the Australian Navy hunted them.

Now the story of this forgotten naval war is told in its entirety for the first time, detailing how the raids were managed and giving an insight into the fate of the men, women and children who endured captivity on board the raiders as prisoners of the Third Reich.

About the Author: Stephen Robinson studied Asian history and politics before working at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs researching British atomic weapons tests and as a policy officer in the Defence Department.

An officer in the Australian Army Reserve, he has also instructed at the Royal Military College.

-oOo-

Title: Author: Reviwer:

REVIEWS

SPQR Mary Beard Karen R Treanor

f you have enjoyed the several television documentary series about Rome presented by Mary Beard, you need to get her newest book also.

SPQR is a big fat paperback chock-full of fascinating information about one of the great empires of the Western world.

Using many lesser-known primary sources, Beard gives us a book that is definitely not “the mixture as before”.

To quote from the Wikipedia article about her: “Beard is noted for two aspects of her approach to sources: she insists that ancient sources be understood as documentation of the attitudes, context and beliefs of their authors, not as reliable sources for the events they address, and secondly, she argues that modern histories of Rome be contextualised within the attitudes, world views and purposes of their authors.”

In this age of outrage is seems mandatory for people to be offended on behalf of other people about everything, without regard to cultural or temporal context.

“Slavery is wrong” in the context of the modern world, but it was an integral part of social structure in former centuries, and it took a long time for what we now call human rights to develop.

Beard shows us how the Romans lived and thought in their own context, and examines the rise, growth and decline of their civilization. She examines a wide range of topics, from slavery to women’s’ place in society to border control

and daily life, and she does it by giving us the opinions and beliefs revealed in the documents of the people who lived during the long history of the empire.

Beard investigates many of our fondly-held myths about Rome. Were Romulus and Remus really suckled by a shewolf—or were they nurtured by a prostitute, known by the same noun?

Was Cicero the heroic figure who saved Rome from the evil Catiline as most of us learned in Latin class (in the days when it was mandatory to take that course) or did he have his share of human failings?

Summarily executing opponents without trial could be considered somewhat more than a mere failing—but it secured a sort of political stability for a while.

Like Churchill after the Second World War, Cicero was chucked out without ceremony by a not-so-grateful populace, and when he finally came home from self-pitying exile, found his house demolished and a statute to liberty in its place. As Beard puts it, “His career never fully recovered.”

Some characters will seem very familiar, perhaps not under their names, but under their types. For instance, Cicero’s close friend Titus Atticus: “…a wealthy man who never entered formal politics but often pulled the strings from the sidelines…”

Beard informs us of matters of historical importance we may have forgotten—or never knew. For instance, that the Emperor Caracalla (he of the famous baths) who at the stroke of a stylus made all freemen within the Roman Empire citizens of Rome, once an exclusive club, but now open to all.

Nothing like it happened again until the British Empire in its twilight years opened its borders to all from its far-flung realm. For less than $20 from your favourite bookstore, this is a book you should treat yourself to before the year grows older. (Trust me: I majored in Classical Civ, and I wish I’d had this book to hand then.)

Mary Beard

WRITING WRITING GROUP TURNS TWENTY

T

he Writefree Women’s Writing Group, one of the first groups launched at the not-forprofit KSP Writers’ Centre in Greenmount, is set to publish their twentieth anthology Platinum Ladies this October, celebrating a milestone platinum anniversary.

All nineteen copies of their past anthologies are currently on display at KSP as part of a special exhibition.

The group formed in 1996 with the aim to encourage women writers to work alongside other creative people and ultimately have the opportunity to be published.

Over the past twenty years, this philosophy brought together would-be writers from all backgrounds – poets, artists, mothers, musicians and grandmothers. In the 2000s the group became so large the Centre launched two spin-off groups.

One of the original members, Brenda Berrisford, says ‘We have had so many interesting people passing through over the years.

But we are proud to boast that five of the original members are still with us: Jill Southgate, Shirley Taylor, Dawn Abrahams, Verna Moses and myself. Also, we have many others who have been with the group for over ten years.’

The success of the group is not limited to its impressive longevity. Since joining, many Writefree members have become competition winners and published poetry, short stories, memoir essays and fiction novels.

The group even has their own logo and music, composed by one of the members, and made

an appearance on the television programme Postcards.

Writefree’s first anthology The Journey featured photocopied and stapled pages that were hand-collated by the members.

Today, while the group has advanced to a more sophisticated printing process, the main production of the book is still done ‘in-house’.

Luckily, there is no shortage of talented cover designers, type-setters, editors and proof-readers within the group.

The group is set to launch Platinum Ladies on Sunday 23 October 2016 from 2.00pm at the KSP Writers’ Centre.

Sumptuous afternoon tea is provided. All are welcome to attend with the opportunity to purchase a book, view the exhibition and learn more about the group.

Please RSVP for catering purposes to the Writefree group facilitator Jane Wallis on email: wallis.jane00@gmail.com or 0438 901 689.

HALLOWEEN AT KSP WRITERS’ CENTRE SHANNON COYLE

T

he volunteers at KSP are still on a high from the roaring success of the Spooky Stories Night held last month to celebrate winter!

This October, the KSP Writers’ Centre is continuing with the popular theme by hosting three community events with a Halloween twist.

Are you brave enough to book?

The first big event is the Literary Dinner featuring Writer-in-Residence Chloe Higgins on Tuesday 25 October, from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

This unique event features a sumptuous threecourse meal and performances by a special guest author.

Dinners offer a casual, friendly, communal atmosphere with a long table format. We highly encourage spooky dress for this Halloweenthemed event! Bring your own drinks. Suitable for ages 18 and over. Tickets from $35.

The second big event is the Big Quiz Night fundraiser, Friday 28 October, 6.30-10.00pm, Bassendean Football Club.

A cash bar will be on hand and games will be played in between ten rounds of themed quiz questions, including a Halloween round, where teams of six to eight people will compete for pride and prizes aplenty! Tables are $100 payable upon booking.

CHLOE HIGGINS is a third year Creative Writing student at UOW and CoEditor of UOW’s student magazine, Tertangala. She writes a bit of everything, but currently has a soft spot for 600 word short stories. Her work has appeared in Tertangala, ZPlatt (online), and Kiama Independent, Lake Times. Her first e-book, Copy Paste Guide – Get a Band 6 in HSC English Creative Writing, was published in December last year.

31

WRITING THE RIDE ACROSS AUSTRAIA RAY SPENCE

T

he Ride Across Australia undertaken by Ray and Richard from 14th -24th May 2016.

The ride was suggested by Richard in 2015 as a fun thing to do while also providing a means of bringing his new Yamaha motorbike from his good mate Garth’s place in Sydney.

The delay was due to Richard taking a year’s leave of absence. After packing all our gear onto the bikes ; Richard, using his iPhone (mounted in his tank-top bag as a GPS) led the way to the A1 motorway, where after half an hour we stopped for fuel and food.

The day was fine but the road was crowded. Once we left the motorway it was a very pleasant ride. We noted that there were many motorcyclists also enjoying the day.

We stopped in Kangaroo Valley for lunch in what was called The Kangaroo Valley Pie Shop, advertising “The Worlds Best Pies” As we continued the ride we found at least another two places also advertising the ‘worlds best’ pies.

For the record; the pies we had were not the best in the world; I know they are only available in WA. We arrived in Batemans Bay on the coast of NSW at about 5:00pm after a very pleasant 246 km ride. We entered the town by crossing the famous lifting span bridge over the River Clyde. We booked into a motel close to the river mouth.

The motel did not have a restaurant but the manager recommended the RSL Club just ten minutes walk away.

We went to the RSL club at about 6:30pm where we had to sign in with our names and addresses. It is an amazing club, more like a casino with all the pokies, flashing lights, dance floors and dining facilities. The food was not bad and the beer cost only $5.25 a pint.

We had an early night followed by an early start; the target was to reach Bairnsdale 470 km away. Still following the A1 but well away from the coast. A little cold but riding through some beautiful countryside.

As usual we had a bite to eat at the first petrol stop and then carried on riding on beautiful, quiet, well made roads.

We stopped at a beautiful viewing site near Warrnambool to take photographs at 11.0 am.

We stopped at 1:00pm for lunch at Eden.

Quite a pretty place. Richard informed me that yachts that retire from the Sydney to Hobart race usually head for safe anchorage in Eden.

We crossed the boarder into Victoria soon after leaving Eden and arrived in Bairnsdale at 5:30pm where we found a beach-side hotel.

We set off early as usual, the target being Aireys Inlet; but by-passing Melbourne by taking a ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff a mere 400km.

In order to save time,Richard navigated us

32

Richard and Ray

along the A1 to the M1 and then by some divers route via Tooradin to the M11 and south to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsular. The weather was cold but dry and the scenery much like some remote areas in WA.

Inlet where we booked into a nice motel called the Light Keepers Inn.

We had a pub meal just across the road from the motel, where we enjoyed our beer (still at just over $5.00 a pint) and listened to the rain hammering on the tin roof.

Richard wanted the next leg to be to Mount Gambia but events prevented that ambitious plan! Wearing our wet weather gear we started early, without breakfast as usual.

We stopped for breakfast at Apollo Bay at 11:00am. The weather was wet and cold; a great pity as this is the most spectacular section of ‘The Great Ocean Road’.

We were not making a lot of progress as the road was narrow, wet and extremely twisty with lots of blind bends, steep hills and worst of all, road works every ten or fifteen kilometres.

I was having a little difficulty handling these conditions; just a little afraid that the bike would slide from under me on these treacherous roads.

Also there were a lot of tourists in cars that insisted on being no more than ten feet from my rear end; I was constantly accelerating away from them.

We had to leave the main road and head south through ‘The Great Otway National Park’ in order to visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse. This is the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia.

It stands on towering cliffs where Bass Straight and the Southern Ocean meet. I would not have seen it if Richard hadn’t sweet talked the attendant

Sea Road Ferries – Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsular

We arrived in Sorrento just after lunch so decided to eat a snack on the Ferry. The ferry trip to Queenscliff took just forty minutes and was educational (reading posters on board) and enjoyable.

It was a short ride in cold drizzle to Aireys

into allowing us to ride inside the perimeter fence because I was not prepared to risk my gammy legs on a kilometre walk in the conditions prevailing; cold as Siberia and windy as Antarctica.

Continued on page 33 ...

Continued from page 32 ...

In Portland we turned into the wind going north on the A1. It was better to have the wind head on instead of on the side, especially so for Richard with his small windscreen.

We were travelling through some of the most extensive pine forests that I have ever seen. Every now and then a road train carrying logs toward Portland would nearly blast us off the road.

In Heywood we decided to take the scenic route to Mount Gambia; taking in several National Parks. It was very nice scenery and didn’t cause us too big a delay. We crossed the border into South Australia in the Myora Forest Reserve .

We rode to the coast at Kingston on the B1 then followed the coast to Murray Bridge.

motorbike parts shop opposite the museum that kept us amused until 10.00am. The museum was surprisingly interesting but why it is placed in Birdwood so far from anywhere defies logic.

We had to get on so only spent an hour in the museum. The day was pleasant, cloudy with bursts of sunshine but the scenery was rather dull.

After passing Snow Town we saw some pink lakes and took photos.

We stopped in Port Pirie to top up and also to buy a tent and blow-up beds in case we had to sleep rough in the Nullarbor. I was insistent that I was not even going to attempt to sleep in a tent.

Richard had calculated that we had only 150 km to go to Kimba but he later found that it was

Richard at the Cape Otway Lighthouse

I even climbed to the top platform and braved the bitter wind to view a sea that I would be very reluctant to sail on. It was well worth the visit.

Just after Prince Town we called in to see The Twelve Apostles; the car park and tourist centre was full of tourists. There were so many Chinese among them that we could have been somewhere wet, windy and freezing cold in China.

From the viewing platform we could see (over the heads of twenty Chinese) maybe four of the eight apostles that are still standing.

If the weather is like it was then for more than four months of the year there will be nothing to see in the next few years.

At this stage we were hoping to reach Portland but on reaching Warrnambool we decided to call it a day. We booked into The Best Western Maritime Hotel; quite expensive but very comfortable.

We had a few beers and dinner in the bar.

I had Whiting and Richard had Lamb Pie; very nice.

We set off at 7.0 am intending to reach Murray Bridge about 550 km away, which would be the longest ride to date and a warm-up for the longer rides expected across the Nullarbor Plain.

The ride to Portland in rain and high wind was amazing in that for most of the way between Port Fairy and Portland we could see wind turbines on the top of hills to the south. In the north another higher range of hills occasionally provided a little respite from the wind.

I later discovered that the wind farm is one of Australia’s largest; expected to generate more than 500GWh annually.

There were lots of ships anchored off Portland. We later surmised that they were probably loading grain and timber because of the number of lorries carrying timber toward Portland and the grain silos seen in Portland.

The Big Lobster in Kingston South Australia

Strangely the scenery was flat and dull with few views of the ocean.

We left the Park lane Motel in Murray Bridge at 7.30am in clear weather. Richard was anxious to be in Birdwood to investigate the National Motor Museum. We arrived too early at 8:20am; it doesn’t open until 10.00am.

We found a cafe and had coffee; I also had the most horrible ham and cheese croissant that I have ever tasted. Happily we found the most amazing

actually 250 km.

It was going to be after sunset when we could expect to be in Kimba; not a nice idea when we both knew that Kangaroos could be a big problem.

It was too late to take photographs when we arrived in Kimba but light enough to see a sign close to a seven meter tall Galah declaring we were halfway between the east and west coasts of Australia.

Continued on page 34 ...

The Kimba information board 33

Continued from page 33 ...

We stayed in the Kimba Roadhouse, which was run by Indians; I had a curry dinner, not bad.

The roadhouse room in Kimba had the noisiest air conditioning unit in the world, much

like the throb of a large ferry.

We were up early and set off at 7:30am. We stopped at the edge of town to take photos then rode to our first stop in Ceduna where we had lunch and filled up the tanks. I had the worst beefburger in the world and a pretty lousy coffee.

It was not a bad day; cold in the morning with the wind strengthening during the day.

During most of the ride there were huge open fields for cereal farming with the occasional homestead surrounded with trees. Most of the fields were littered with limestone cricket ball size rocks.

As we progressed towards Nullarbor the large fields began to peter out and small attractive trees started to dominate.

Believing we were already on the Nullarbor Plain I mentioned to Richard that the Nullarbor didn’t look too bad. A few km later the trees disappeared; a few more km and a notice advised that we were at the eastern end of the Nullarbor Plain.

After another hour or so we arrived at the Nullarbor Roadhouse at about 4:00pm. From this position there was not a tree to be seen for 360 degrees around the place.

Apparently the Nullarbor was named by combining two Latin words; nullus, “no” and arbor, “tree”.

We now had to plan on filling up at every petrol station; something that we failed to do later in the ride.

The food here was quite good - I had pork chops. The accommodation was also not bad, I slept like a baby until woken by Richard blowing his nose at 7:00am.

The target this day was Caiguna another 600 plus km. ride. We had a nice clear sky and a forecast for temperatures to rise to 25 -27 C. Unfortunately we also had another very strong northerly wind. Although the road on this section is very close to the coast there are only glimpses of the ocean.

34

We were riding straight but leaning into the northerly wind. Richard was suffering badly; not getting much respite from the wind

with his small windscreen, I could see his head wobbling as if it was mounted on a weak rubber stalk.

At times I had the impression that but for my chin strap my helmet would blow off. Road trains passing on the way east were blowing us to the side of the road and then pulling us into their draft to the centre line as they finally passed, all in a matter of a second or so.

A few hours after leaving Nullarbor we reached Border Village where we filled up our tanks. Shortly after crossing the boarder we noted that we were not seeing any caravans anymore.

The explanation was soon evident when we pulled into one of the few rest areas that were protected by trees. There were caravans everywhere. A couple of caravan drivers asked us how we were coping; they said it was too dangerous for them to be on the road and were prepared to wait it out.

We battled the wind for the rest of the ride with nothing but the treeless plain to see. When we stopped in Madura for fuel with 380 km showing on my tripmeter, I saw that Caiguna was still 333 km away. There was no way we would make it in the conditions.

At 2:00pm I forcefully called a halt in Cocklebiddy, a little over half way to Caiguna. We stayed at The Wedgetail Inn (there was nowhere else to stay). I had bangers and mash for dinner.

We left Cocklebiddy very early; but it’s difficult to peg the time there because Cocklebiddy has its own time, forty minutes before Perth time. We had set Norseman as the target, only 450 km.

We were both sore around the shoulders due to the previous days beating from the wind.

Fortunately the wind had eased and changed into a 30 km/hr head wind.

Shortly after passing Caiguna we reached the beginning of the longest straight stretch of road in Australia; 147 km long.

By pushing into a high head wind at 112 – 120 km/hr since we started, we were chewing up fuel fast. In our haste to make progress, we had not stopped to fill-up at Caiguna and I found myself on reserve when it was still 75 km to the next roadhouse in Balladonia.

When we finally reached Balladonia at 10.30 Perth time I had only one litre of fuel left in the tank; enough for 20km. We bought a few stubby coolers there.

Leaving Balladonia after being re-fuelled, we pushed on at the same high speeds to Norseman where we arrived at

1:00pm. It was too early to stop for the night so had lunch and agreed to go straight for Esperance.

The ride to Esperance was quite pleasant; we had good roads and little traffic but the wind, still blowing at over 30 km/hr was now from the side.

The countryside was as pretty as that we saw when riding from Kimba to Nullarbor with huge fields for grain and cattle and scattered woods and hedgerows.

At 4.30 pm we arrived in Esperance and booked into one of Richards favourite hotels.

Favourite because right next door is a great pub with good food. The beer though is back to WA prices -more than $10.

Richard woke me early in order to take me to see a beach that is populated by kangaroos before visiting the car dealers that he usually sees every couple of weeks. He said It was a 40km ride. It was bitterly cold but I didn’t dress up for such a short ride.

I blew my top when after 40 km we still hadn’t reached the beach. After a further 10 km I spat the dummy and turned round and went back to Esperance. This diversion added a further 100 km to an already lengthy drive.

After patching up our differences Richard went off to buy cars and I went for a well earned breakfast.

I looked around Esperance for a while but I had been there before. I met Richard at one of the car dealers whose manager was surprised to see Richard riding a motorbike and even more so when he realised that we had just ridden from Sydney. His longest bike ride was 200km.

Richard thought that the longer route to Albany via the Sterling Ranges would be the most scenic and the wind for a large part of the ride would be behind us, even though it meant we would arrive well after dark.

We started the ride at 11.30am. Richard elected to show me the beautiful Great Ocean Drive out of Esperance as we left for Albany and it is very beautiful.

with all roads into and out of Albany so was able to safely navigate us to another favourite hotel of his; Hotel La Grand.

Unknown to me he had booked a two room apartment with a bath so that I could relax my aching joints after the battering they had taken.

What a guy.

I slept well after my hot bath and was able to relax while Richard did his work as Richard had arranged a late check- out. It was raining slightly as we set off in our full wet weather gear at 10:15am .

After first filling up the tanks Richard showed me WA’s Great Ocean Road. It is equally as stunning as Victoria’s Great Ocean Road albeit a lot shorter.

We pushed on to Williams where we filled up for the last time. The weather was improving all the time. The roads were drying out as we diverted to Pinjarra via Quindalup where we stopped at ‘Ye Olde English Inn’ for lunch.

It was lovely riding from Quindalup to Perth; we were on roads that both of us were very familiar with.

We were home safe at 4:30pm. It is now two weeks since we completed the ride; the bikes are Exactly as Richard had predicted the road clean but unridden since then. eventually headed south and the wind became Was it a worthwhile trip? I think so. less of a problem for us.

We filled up at the Ravensthorpe Roadhouse Ray is a seventy-five year old retired and pushed on in worsening weather. As we Instrumentation Engineer and Senior QA progressed it began to rain and we were riding in Engineer, primarily in oil and gas. He’s been the very dangerous twilight and nightfall period interested in motor bikes since he was able that motorcycles should try to avoid. to ride and writes poetry as a hobby.

Richard, fortunately, is intimately acquainted

POETRY LISTEN TO THE KOOKABURRAS RAY SPENCE

hen I hear the Kookaburras, it always makes me smile Their echoing human laughter makes me stop a little while To recollect the many things that makes my life so good And to ponder things I’d like to do, if I ever could.

I like to listen to the Kookaburras each and every day And I always hear the Kookaburras, though they’re very far away So my days are always punctured, with a moment of reflection When I stop a while to think of those, for whom I have affection.

I listen to the Kookaburras, and imagine what it is they say If it’s not to greet a partner or to greet a brand new day I like to think they’re saying, “stop and think a little while” Of things that made you glad, or made you break a smile.

If when you listen to the Kookaburras and I enter in your mind I won’t know that you have thought of me; that you have been so kind But rest assured you often figure, when I reminisce about the past Or when I listen to the Kookaburras; as they noisily fly past.

Their name is from the Wiradjuri’s imitation of their call But their crazy laughter grants me; the happiness of recall Maybe they talk of happiness; at being alive and free Or are they perhaps just having fun, flying tree to tree?

Australia and New Guinea is the only place they’re found So here in Australia we are blessed to hear the sound Of the Kookaburras crazy laugh, and the beating of their wings That hopefully will make us pause, and think of pleasant things.

It may not be scientific fact, that laughing keeps us young But I’ve read that people who’re unhappy, or even highly strung Don’t live as long as those that smile, and do away with strife So listen to the Kookaburras and bring laughter to your life.

Listen to the Kookaburras even when you’re fast asleep Or when your mind is troubled, enough to make you weep Remember all the good times and the people that you’ve known Who’ve brightened up your life; whose love for you they’ve shown.

35

THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind

don’t know if it’s just me but recent events in TV land have left me very confused. Last week it got so bad that I wondered about booking in for an early onset Alzheimer’s check-up. My source of confusion … the encore.

I’ve been to quite a few music concerts over the years including the Rolling Stones and ‘Mr Entertainment’ Robbie Williams, both of whom performed about five encores.

For all of the music shows I’ve seen the encore is usually the highlight of the evening, the moment when the artist plays that handful of songs that you’ve been waiting for all evening.

Never have I known them to simply repeat a song played earlier, although with Guns N Roses I can’t be one hundred per cent sure.

When I noticed that the whole of Sunday afternoon was dedicated to encore performances of Channel 7’s Home and Away, I realised that this was now ‘a thing’, a trend that had snuck into popular culture without anyone batting an eyelid, not even a Bachelorette’s false eyelash (which incidentally is also repeated at a later

Last week I sat down to watch the premier episode of the much promoted new series Doctor, Doctor on Channel Nine. A few days later I noticed the show listed in the TV Guide again.

Twice in one week they must really want to push this series through, I thought. Not wanting to judge a show by its initial episode I sat down to enjoy the second, but a few minutes in, a cloud of deja vu descended over my vegetable pasty dinner.

Maybe it was a scheduling mistake?

Being a big supporter of Australian drama, I also tuned in to watch the premier of The Wrong Girl on Channel Ten only to find it listed on another day too. This time I didn’t bother tuning in.

date, the show, not the eyelash).

There was only one thing to do, head to Google. Clearly someone had changed the definition of encore.

According to the Cambridge dictionary encore is something ‘shouted at the end of a performance to get the performer to sing or play more.’ See that

ENCORE ENCORE

GLENNYS MARSDON

I

36

‘more’ not ‘the same’.

The Urban Dictionary says it’s an ‘additional performance due to an audience’s demand’. Note ‘additional’ not ‘repeat’.

Other definitions talked about ‘a standing ovation usually worth waiting for’ or ‘the performers returning to the stage to give an additional performance’.

Better still its French origins state the word means ‘some more, or another’.

Then I found an article stating that in the 18th century arias that were well received by the audience were repeated, ‘almost doubling the length of each performance’. The premiere of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro was cited as an example. Can you imagine? You’d need a really big box of Maltesers to get through that.

Perhaps devoid of Maltesers, or in charge of a weak bladder, in 1786 Emperor Joseph II of Austria ordered that encores be limited, and by the mid-19th century they were banned altogether in Italy, for fear of causing public unrest.

H e r a l d e d conductor Toscanini spoke of his dislike of encores saying they changed the pace of the opera and focused too much on one artist instead of the work.

There was another article stating that Elvis Presley’s manager wouldn’t let him play an encore, believing it was better to leave the audience wanting.

Interestingly, phrase ‘Elvis has left the building’ was used in his early years to let the audience know when his set was over, and the headline act would begin. Later when he was the main event his refrain of ‘thank you and good night’ also signalled there’d be no encore.

So the question remains. What’s going on it TV land, what’s behind this strategy?

I remember reading something about TV channels having to show a certain percentage of Australian content. Is this just a cheap way of achieving their local content quota? Will the future see Home and Away repeated over and over on an endless loop? Oh hang on.

While I can’t imagine the financial controllers stopping this strategy any time soon, I’d like to suggest that whatever you do, do not, I repeat do not call out ‘encore, encore’ during the upcoming Bruce Springsteen concert, which has been known to last for four hours.

Well not unless you’ve smuggled in a packed lunch, a colostomy bag and cancelled all your appointments for the following morning.

I’m off to take refuge in Channel Two, with its Midsomer Murders, Australian Story and Grand Designs. Hmm, well at least they have the decency of listing them as repeats.

COMMUNITY

T

he Compassionate Friends of Western Australia strives to support families who have lost a child, regardless of that child’s age throughout WA. We are a non-profit, non-government funded charity that provide peer call support, group meetings, a drop in centre, sending out quarterly newsletters, Anniversary Cards, we hold Walk of remembrance and a candlelight service (nonreligious) at Christmas.

We are run by volunteers and bereaved parents that are further along in their grief and wish to help others who have suffered this tragedy. Although everybody’s grief is different it helps to talk to someone who has actually had this tragedy happen to them.

They WON’T say “I know how you feel” as no one can, but they will say “I don’t know exactly

CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE

Drop in Centre Mondays and Wednesdays 10am – 2pm Please call first.

City West Lotteries House 2 Delhi Street, West Perth

9486 8711

Although this is fantastic, we still struggle not alone in their grief, that there is a worldwide with the cost of keeping our doors open so any connection to other suffering the same. suggestion on fundraising or donations are gratefully accepted.

Meetings: Fremantle & Heathridge Please contact office for dates and times.

Call Support also Available VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We are always looking for volunteers to help man Sausage Sizzles, Charity Shopping Centre Drives and other events along with peer support volunteers (bereaved parents) for telephone support and group meeting facilitation.

WALK OF REMEMBRANCE HELD IN MARCH EACH YEAR Events like these above give the bereaved some hope of a life after the death of their child.

They connect with others that have been through the same tragic experience.

In doing so its helps them to feel that they are

DONATIONS Donations allow us to purchase stamp so we can send our booklets and other information to the newly bereaved, community groups, doctors surgeries and hospital throughout Western Australia. They help us cover advertising cost in newspapers throughout Western Australia, pay for our office and utilities allowing us to have Peer Support Workers come in and contact to bereaved that wish to have contact, help pay for meeting and coffee mornings.

what you are feeling but this is how I felt when my child died”.

We raise funds by holding events, charity drives and donation from our members and outside bodies.

37

This i s the Swan Valle y Time to get cosy with a glass of Swan Valley Red

COS02019

38

PROFILING POTENTIAL PETS

L

et’s face it, those puppy dog eyes, happy smile or wistful look are what draw you in every time you’re scrolling through the SAFE website.

At first it’s only the photos of the animals you’re interested in but then you wonder, what’s the story behind that larrikin grin or why do those sad eyes tell you “ I need a gentle cuddle”.

That’s where our SAFE Volunteer Profile writers work their magic. Every SAFE animal needs a profile so we can tell their unique stories to potential new adopters.

Profile writers can be based anywhere in the country as all it takes is a phone call to a foster carer to find out an animal’s special character traits. Is he/she good with other animals and with children? Does he/she love the water, smooches, walks, the beach or playing with a favourite toy?

Does he/she need a little help with training? Is there anything a potential new owner would need to know about that cute little face before they welcome them in to a permanent home?

Sometimes our volunteer photographers double as our profile writers or at least help us keep the profiles up to date as they get a first hand glimpse of an animal during the photoshoot.

The voice of the profile is important too. Most are written in the third person but when you’ve got a pup as sprightly as Eddie, first person is the best way to promote his gorgeous personality.

“I’m a fun-loving kind of pooch that just wants to please. My kind and gentle nature makes me great with children and other dogs.

I’m friendly and easygoing, but I like to keep life interesting by experiencing new

me off the lead at the park and I will give myself all the exercise I need.

I’m lover, not a fighter, so I won’t make the best guard dog, but I will make a loyal and easy-going best friend and family member.

I’m toilet trained, de-sexed, vaccinated, micro chipped and for a reasonable cost can be flown almost anywhere in WA or interstate, thanks to our sponsors at QANTAS Air Freight.

You can feel confident adopting with SAFE as our animals come with a lifetime guarantee which means that, if for any reason he is no longer able to stay in your care, we will take her back without hesitation.

Eddie is desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and toilet trained and currently in foster care with his mother Ettie who could come with Eddie to his new home.

Although Ettie, a black Labrador, is not officially available for adoption she does need a place to stay. They make an excellent duo!

If you’re looking for a loving and clever addition to your family adorable Eddie may be the dog for you - contact SAFE Karratha on 08 9185 4634.

things and getting up to a little mischief.

I don’t mean to brag, but I’m pretty clever (ok yes I do, I’m also remarkably good looking). I’m well trained so you can let

Can you help SAFE by writing animal profiles?

SAFE is currently in great need of volunteer profile writers to ensure our animals have the best possible chance of finding their permanent homes. Profiles can be written from anywhere in the country, with the stories being sourced via phone and email. If you’re able to meet the animal before writing then that’s a bonus but not a necessity.

SAFE is a not for profit organisation that saves rehomeable animals from euthanasia. We have eleven branches around the state and are always in need of volunteers in many different roles to help our animals into foster and permanent homes.

As well as profile writing we have many roles filled by volunteers working from all over the country.

Our overheads are kept small as we rely on our volunteers to care for the animals, take photographs, write profiles and stories for publication, website content management, do public relations and administrative work. Email and internet makes volunteering possible from anywhere.

We’d also love to welcome more foster carers to our network in Perth and across the state.

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.

We are always in need of donations to pay vet bills - every rescue animal is desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. Volunteer fundraisers and marketers are needed 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 and foster carers, please email safehq@safe.asn.au or phone us at SAFE Headquarters (08) 9185 4634.

39

BUSINESS CARD BOARD ACCOUNTANT

ELECTRICAL

BRICKPAVING

EDITOR

Specialising in Brickpaving & Soakwells

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

40

Need an editor?

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

First consultation free. Free quotes.

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

CEILINGS

GARDENING

WEB DESIGN

GARDEN SERVICES

DOG TRAINING

HOLISTIC HEALTH

BUSINESS CARD BOARD GLASS

SHEDS

MAINTENANCE

TREE SERVICES

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

9274 3236

~ Fully Insured

~ Call for a Free Quote

7B Bushby Street, Bellevue, WA 6056

MARKETS

TUITION

PUBLISHERS

TV ANTENNA

Have a book to publish?

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

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

WEB DESIGN

Your business could be here being seen by more than 90,000 readers for only $40.

Ring 6296 5161 41

42