Horizons 2016 December/January

What’s on in WA + Member Benefits + 10 of the best

Your RAC magazine December 2016 / January 2017

Car sharing Could it work in Perth?

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Your own DongaraPort Denison holiday see page 40

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Discover Dongara and Port Denison

We reveal the

TOP 10 SAFEST USE D CARS under $15,000

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4 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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Let us Remember for you! ® WEBSTER-PAK SERVICE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT THAT GIVES PEACE OF MIND The Webster-Pak® Service is a convenient method for those who require assistance with taking their medications.

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Horizons

Inside

WIN!

Your RAC magazine December 2016 / January 2017

Your own Dongara– Port Denison holiday

Editor-in-Chief Will Golsby

A beguiling duo

Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Managing Editor Lucy Siebert

Design Glenn Moffatt Advertising Des McNamara (WA only) tel: 08 9388 7844 des@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane tel: 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com.au

see page 40

Discover delights in the towns of Dongara and Port Denison.

Publisher Christine Dixon

34

Horizons is published for The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc)

by Hardie Grant Media Building 1, 658 Church Street Richmond Victoria 3121 Australia hardiegrant.com.au

CAB audited as at March 2016 is 526,564 Australia Post ISSN No 0810 8285.

The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.

Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.

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Fuel essentials

Car sharing: the next frontier

New car reviews

Filling up with the wrong fuel can be costly.

What you need to know.

It’s growing in popularity, but would you share your car with a stranger?

We put the Kia Carnival Si and three other new cars through their paces.

4 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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Inside

your Horizons 60 Member Lounge

19

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park; festive season crash rates; classic car insurance; home burglaries on the rise and win a copy of Red Dust Racers.

31

Elephant in the Wheatbelt

The safest used cars

43

Must-know air travel tips

27

65

Dirk Hartog Island rescue

Member Benefits

Regulars

Travel

Move

7 President’s message Welcome from new President Tony Evans.

8 Mailbox

16 What’s on

19 Elephant in the Wheatbelt

Events around the state.

Locals embrace the campaign.

34 Dongara and Port Denison

22 A look at car sharing

Seaside fun abounds.

Could it work in Perth?

Members’ letters.

40 Win a WA coastal holiday

31 Used car safety

9 Exchange Sharing your views.

12 Snapshot News from the RAC.

82 The 10 best Summer festivals.

The best of two towns.

Show your card and save on everything from vehicle maintenance to groceries, entertainment and travel.

Download our free Member Benefits app

The safest used cars around.

43 Air travel guide

57 What’s new

Tips for your next flight.

The latest news in motoring.

50 Travel brief

59 Car doctor

News from RAC Travel.

Your questions answered.

to discover where you can save with exclusive member offers.

Log on today and make the most of your RAC membership rac.com.au/memberbenefits

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 5

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President’s message

The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth.

GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839. tel: 13 17 03 rac.com.au RAC Member Service Centres Metropolitan Carousel: Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. West Perth (Head Office): 832 Wellington St. Regional Albany: 110 Albany Hwy. Bunbury: Shop 32, Stirling Centre, Stephen St. Geraldton: Shop 29, Centro Northgate Shopping Centre, Chapman Rd. Kalgoorlie: 51-53 Hannan St. Mandurah: Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Wy. RAC Travel Centres Applecross: Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley St, tel: 1300 657 681 Carousel: Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Joondalup: Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre (external), Shop E24, Boas Ave. tel: 9308 1600 Midland: Shop 100, Midland Gate Shopping Centre, 274 Great Eastern Hwy. tel: 6150 6468 Mandurah: Shop SP037 Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Wy. tel: 6150 6456 Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. tel: 6466 2300 West Perth: 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830 Deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au RAC contact numbers Roadside Assistance 13 11 11 Battery Services 13 11 11 Membership 13 17 03 Motoring Advice 13 17 03 Vehicle Condition Appraisals 1300 797 078 Insurance 13 17 03 Finance 13 17 03 Travel 13 17 03 Touring 13 17 03 Security Services 13 17 03 RAC Auto Services 1300 135 667 Corporate Enquiries 9436 4111

Growing our future together and helping to create a better Western Australia Over the past 12 months we have welcomed many new members to the RAC community, while others have continued their long association with RAC – for many families this commitment has continued for more than a generation.

RAC’s commitment is to focus on meeting the needs of all members, now and into the future.

This includes helping to create a better world of transport and mobility in Western Australia, the delivery of new and improved services provided by RAC, giving back to our community through key advocacy initiatives, and providing a variety of benefits to assist members every day.

One key area of focus is the changing landscape of transport services. Beyond traditional transport options, more consumers will begin seeking on demand services, providing transport where and when they need it.

Shared use mobility is emerging in cities all over the world and has the potential to change our approach to vehicle ownership and therefore our roads.

In Europe, for example, we are already seeing the popularity of car sharing increasing, with the global market estimated to grow by 27 per cent per annum between 2014 and 2019.

Alongside this new world of transport technologies, we also need an increased focus on the impact of road trauma including the urgent need to improve WA’s unacceptably high road fatality and serious injury rates.

It is a timely reminder that WA once had the lowest road fatality rate in the nation. We are now consistently one of the worst performing states.

Based on population count, in 1990 WA had the lowest road fatality rate of any state.

By 2013, WA’s rate was well above other states and the national average.

In 2014, WA’s rate had increased to 7.2 deaths per 100,000 persons. In 2015, it was 6.2.

The past 12 months has seen this devastating trend continue and at the time of writing, WA has not had a year-to-date road fatality count this high, since 2008.

The impact on the community is devastating.

While the community needs to urgently act on road safety, the State Government and the Opposition must also act. This includes the allocation of funding from the Road Trauma Trust Account, which at the end of July 2016, confirmed that $95 million was available to allocate to road safety initiatives.

RAC has a strong commitment to making it safer, easier and more sustainable for its members to move around our state and as we lead into the festive season we can all make a difference by driving safely on our roads.

As I start my term as RAC President, I would like to acknowledge the commitment and leadership of my predecessor, Esme Bowen, and I look forward to the privilege and responsibility of representing and working with RAC members to grow our future together and help to create a better Western Australia.

On behalf of the RAC Council and all the dedicated staff of the RAC, I wish you, your families and your community a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2017. l

Tony Evans RAC President

Your RAC Council Club Patron Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia President Tony Evans Senior Vice President Jacqueline Ronchi. RAC’s Vice President and Council will be published in the February/March 2017 edition of Horizons.

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Contact the editor

Mailbox

Email editor@rac.com.au or write to The Editor, RAC Horizons Magazine, GPO Box C140 Perth WA 6839.

Join the discussion about the RAC and the magazine rear vision mirror or mirrors attached to their vehicle.

The Code doesn’t specify how that view is to be obtained, but extended mirrors are a logical method.

Rest stop shortage

Our winning letter Charging convenience

Helping fellow drivers

Seeing in the mirrors

Thank you RAC for your support of the RAC Electric Highway®. Our family, which includes four-year-old and two-year-old boys, used the [electric vehicle] fast chargers to travel to the South West. It is encouraging to see a big player behind this movement. This is the main reason I’ve chosen RAC Insurance for my Nissan Leaf. These fast chargers are conveniently located in places where our family can take a break from driving. I can’t wait for the day when every country town has these fast chargers installed.

We enjoyed our stop in Harvey since we’d never been on that route before.

It’s actually nice to stop along the way, instead of hurrying to the destination.

I do envy our neighbours in New Zealand importing second hand electric vehicles (EVs) from overseas without any hassles. If Australia adopted the same policy there would be more EVs around by now.

I recently had a rough trip back from Walpole while towing a water tank and stand to Capel. About 50km from Walpole I experienced a sudden lurch from the trailer.

Fortunately it happened on a straight stretch where there was room to pull onto the verge. The brakes on the trailer had locked up and were smoking hot. I cracked the brake line to no avail and took the wheels and hubs off to release the brake slippers.

We were out of mobile phone range, but, fortunately, had the tools to complete the task. About 40 vehicles passed us in both directions and not only did none of them stop to offer assistance, but they also did not slow down to go past us. We arrived home in one piece, thankful, because we were well prepared for a mishap and also glad that it wasn’t raining at the time we were broken down. I have lost faith in the motoring public but that won’t deter me from offering assistance to others in the future.

I always believed that when towing a caravan it was compulsory for the side rearvision mirror of the car to be extended out far enough so that the driver had a view of any traffic behind. Recently, I made a trip from Albany to Manjimup. There were five caravans in front of me and when we came to a straight bit of road where I could see it was clear ahead, I decided to pass the first caravan.

Just as I started to pass, the car and caravan started drifting towards the centre of the road. It was quite clear the driver could not see me trying to pass him.

I gave a blast on the horn and he moved over enough to let me pass. When I drew level with his car I could see that his mirrors were not extended enough to be able to see what traffic was behind him.

Rusdy Simano

Name and address provided

Des Moore

RAC response: The Road Traffic Code says that a driver must have a clear reflected view of every overtaking vehicle in the

My partner and I are part of the ‘grey nomad’ brigade and are currently doing a caravan road trip travelling the country highways in Western Australia from Perth to Kununurra and across the Northern Territory to Darwin.

What has amazed us is the lack of 24-hour rest areas and parking bays, particularly from the Pilbara through to Kununurra and to Darwin.

This is a vast country with nothing to offer between the large towns. Motorists are encouraged not to drive tired but are not given many options for resting.

Name and address provided

WIN free roadside assistance for one year

Each issue, the author of the best letter will win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance that gives motorists additional peace of mind by offering a range of extended benefits.

For assistance or more information

call 13 17 03 or visit rac.com.au.

Terms and conditions on page 83.

Published letters may be edited for style and length. While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

8 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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Exchange Feedback, opinion and fast facts RAC ONLINE POLL RESULT

CAR SHARING

% 27

Should road rules be changed to allow Segways on shared paths across WA?

YES

% 65

Do you think road rules should be changed to allow Segways on some footpaths as well?

YES

The global market for car sharing will grow by 27% per year between 2014 and 2019.

55%

Find out where and how car sharing could work in Perth, page 20.

MINDLESS DRIVING

RAC ONLINE POLL

IBIS World Industry Report: Car Sharing providers in Australia, 2013

Tell us ‌

15-20% of all driver distractions appear to involve interaction with technology.

Driver Distraction: Theory, Effects and Mitigation, 2009

facebook.com/racwa

twitter.com/racwa

Ahead of the 2017 State election, how confident are you that WA’s major political parties have plans in place to deliver adequate transport projects for the future?

Take our poll at rac.com.au/exchange Poll closes 6 December 2016

Exchange your views by email: editor@rac.com.au December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 9

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Snapshot News in brief from the RAC & beyond

RAC finds 150 motorists a month using wrong fuel A survey by RAC has found about 150 Western Australian motorists per month are putting the wrong fuel in their vehicles.

RAC Manager Vehicles and Fuels Alex Forrest said this survey was undertaken after RAC Roadside Assistance staff noted the high number of motorists calling for help after they had put the wrong fuel in their vehicles.

Of the 135 misfuelling-related calls to RAC Roadside Assistance over a 19-day period, 56 per cent of calls were motorists putting petrol into diesel vehicles, seven per cent were diesel into petrol and 37 per cent were uncertain of the nature of the misfuelling.

“Overall, this equates to about seven motorists per day who have called RAC Roadside Assistance for help with misfuelling incidents,” Mr Forrest said.

Mr Forrest said these mistakes were due to motorists either not knowing the fuel required for their vehicle, or differences in the way fuels are marketed and labelled at fuel retailers, including variations in colours used on pumps.

“Clear and consistent fuel labelling across fuel brands would go a long way towards reducing that,” Mr Forrest said.

!

RAC members who have Roadside Assistance and have pumped incorrect fuel into their vehicle can use their free towing entitlements to move their car to an RAC Auto Service Centre to have the problem fixed.

RAC Auto Service Centres have specialised pumps to drain the incorrect fuel and get your car back on the road on the same day.

“There are seven different types of fuels for sale in Western Australia and filling your car up with the wrong one can cause significant damage to your vehicle, which could cost thousands.

“Accidentally putting a higher octane petrol into your petrol vehicle will cost you slightly more than you intended to spend, however the potential for catastrophic engine damage ramps up significantly when petrol is put into a diesel vehicle,” Mr Forrest said.

Unfortunately, motorists accidentally putting petrol into diesel vehicles comprised the majority of misfuelling calls to RAC Roadside Assistance.

The RAC urges motorists to pay careful attention to the type of fuel they are putting in their vehicles, and to ensure they use the fuel recommended by their vehicle’s manufacturer to avoid unnecessary extra costs. l

12 Horizons December / January 2017

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Snapshot

Five of the highest double demerit offences Penalties for offences covered by the Road Traffic Code are continually being assessed, and while some demerit point and dollar-based fine amounts may be increased from time to time, on some occasions they are also decreased.

As an example, some of the offences related to overtaking increased from two to four points in September 2014. In the same set of changes, one of the congested intersection penalties decreased from three to two points.

Penalties for mobile phone offences have increased significantly as the issue has become more relevant from a safety perspective, while

Speeding by more than 40 km/h Points // 14 Fine // $1000

Speeding by 29 to 40 km/h Points // 12 Fine // $850

traffic offences relating to animals being on roads have decreased and, comparatively, are very low.

During the Christmas and New Year break, when our single longest double-demerit period is in force, many drivers find themselves facing a new year without a licence with one offence enough to erode the remaining points of a driver who has already lost points. Some double-demerit offences can wipe out a complete set of demerit points.

Here are five offences that carry the highest demerit penalties for fully licenced drivers and how they could affect your licence and back-pocket during a double demerit period:

Driver not wearing a seatbelt Points // 8 Fine // $550

Mobile phone offence Points // 6 Fine // $400

Red light offence Points // 6 Fine // $300

*Note: This list of Road Traffic Code offences does not include drink/drug driving as this is covered by the Road Traffic Act

!

Double-demerit period from

23 December 2016 to 8 January 2017

Towing a caravan or trailer this summer?

Remember – the maximum

speed at which you can tow your caravan or trailer is 100km/h.

For more information about towing visit transport.wa.gov.au and search for “safe towing’

Your chance to name WA’s riskiest roads In 2014, RAC asked WA road users to name the roads and intersections they believed were the riskiest in the state.

We received more than 5000 nominations from motorists, riders and pedestrians of all ages.

While some of the named roads and intersections have since been improved, there is still more work needed on the state’s most dangerous roads In 2016 we’re once again asking for your Risky Roads nomination.

Included with this edition of Horizons is a nomination form for you to complete and post to RAC. Alternatively, you can provide us with your Risky Roads nomination online by simply visiting riskyroads.com.au.

RAC uses the information gathered from the Risky Roads campaigns to inform and lobby the relevant road authorities to help deliver safer roads for the WA community. l

December / January 2017 Horizons 13

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Snapshot

P.A.R.T.Y program Over the past 12 months RAC has proudly supported the reality education program, P.A.R.T.Y (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth) at Albany Health Campus.

Local students in Years 10–12 receive insight into the impact of road trauma through powerful presentations by emergency services personnel, trauma doctors and physiotherapists. They also go behind the scenes of the emergency department and are shown procedures used to stabilise trauma patients.

Themes explored during a P.A.R.T.Y day include the life changing outcomes of brain and spinal injury, the effects of alcohol and drug use, peer pressure and personal safety.

P.A.R.T.Y focuses on the importance of informed decision making and encourages young people to consider risks and their potential traumatic consequences.

Dr Helen Van Gessel, A/Director Population Health, said P.A.R.T.Y was an important health promotion initiative to prevent deaths and serious injuries on

The RAC Electric Highway® is Australia’s first networked series of electric vehicle fast-charging stations and was progressively opened in 2015.

Charging stations include West Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury, Harvey, Busselton, Nannup, Margaret River and Augusta, with a Bridgetown station expected to be in operation by the end of 2016.

Using the RAC Electric Highway® electric vehicle owners can now travel from Perth to the South West without concerns about running out of charge and with the convenience of using fastcharging stations. RAC also hopes to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the regional areas serviced by the Electric Highway®.

The RAC Electric Highway® is part of RAC’s commitment to providing safer, easier and more sustainable mobility in WA.

Great Southern roads.

“We know that young people are overrepresented in local road crashes and the reality education approach of P.A.R.T.Y has proven it can reduce the likelihood of young people taking unnecessary risks.”

North Albany Senior High School Health Coordinator Kylie Rennie said she had noticed the impact of P.A.R.T.Y on her students.

“I’ve seen how the program has started conversations between peers about dangerous situations and the potential consequences,” Ms Rennie said.

Following a successful 12-month program, which involved more than 160 students, the Albany Health Campus has received further funding from the WA Country Health Service – Great Southern, to deliver the program for an additional three years. l

40 C 0

The interior of a parked car can be up to 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.

It’s never safe to leave children or pets unattended in a car for any period of time and in warm weather, it can be dangerous.

The RAC Electric Highway ®

2223 sessions The total number of charging sessions on the RAC Electric Highway® during the first year of operation.

14 Horizons December / January 2017

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What’s on

 Events around the state in December and January Donnybrook Food and Wine Festival 26 November This free event showcases wines and ports produced in the South West. A range of local produce will be on sale, vintage cars will be on display and kids’ activities will include bouncy castles and face painting.

15–17 December His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth Reimagining TV Christmas specials of the ’50s, Australian musical theatre star John O’Hara takes to the stage with Gillian Cosgriff and Anthony Harkin to perform festive favourites.

donnybrookfoodand winefest.com.au

ptt.wa.gov.au

RAC Christmas Pageant

RAC Christmas Pageant

A Very Merry Christmas Cabaret

3 December The 45th RAC Christmas Pageant, supported by Channel Seven, The City of Perth and The West Australian returns this year, bigger and better than before. The streets of Perth will light up with an exciting display of new floats, old Christmas favourites and entertainers. The pageant begins at 7:30pm at the corner of William Street and St Georges Terrace and makes its way down St Georges Terrace to Ozone Reserve. RAC has been a proud sponsor of the annual Christmas Pageant since 1998 and we look forward to you and your families joining us to enjoy the magic of the night.

RAC WA Sports Star Awards 17 December Tune in for the 2016 RAC WA Sports Star Awards on Channel 7 on Saturday 17 December. The awards celebrate WA sport; from elite athletes to community clubs and include the presentation of the inaugural John Gilmour Medal to the winner of the RAC Insurance Beyond Sport Award. visit rac.com.au/sponsorship

rac.com.au/pageant

Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut (KOTC)

Ocean Ride for MS 4 December

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia is hosting its seventh annual cycle for MS, taking riders along the coastline from Fremantle to Hillarys.

All riders, from elite cyclists through to weekend riders and families, can compete in any of five distances, which range from 10km to a 90km challenge. oceanrideforms.org.au

3 December Australia’s premier stand-up paddle boarding event sees Australia’s top competitors face off over 24km along the Peel coastline. This year includes ‘The Half Cut’, a shorter 10km race option held the following day.

Hopman Cup 1–7 January Perth Arena Sit courtside and see some of the world’s top tennis players battle it out in Perth’s annual international mixed-team tournament. RAC members save up to 20 per cent off tickets.

supwa.com.au

hopmancup.com

Vasse Felix Festival

Lancelin Ocean Classic

9–11 December Join a three-day festival of music, wine and culinary delights in Margaret River for a weekend featuring the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). aco.com.au/whats_on/event_ detail/vasse_felix_2016

12–15 January Held in the stunning and perfectly windy pocket of Lancelin, the four-day Lancelin Ocean Classic sees the world’s best windsurfers and kitesurfers compete in a 25km race from Ledge Point to Lancelin. lancelinoceanclassic.com.au

16 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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Dongara Port Denison Visitors Centre 9 Waldeck Street, Dongara Ph: (08) 9927 1404 E: tourism@irwin.wa.gov.au Facebook: Dongara Port Denison

ale Summeerr S Summ Sale

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at RAC Parks & Resorts at RAC Parks & Resorts

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Call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au

Parks & Resorts

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 17

* Terms and conditions apply. Sale starts 21 September 2016 – 31 January 2017. For travel during 1 October 2016 – 31 March 2017. Block out dates apply.

Subject to change and availability. Sale only valid for RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Ningaloo Reef Resort. For full terms and conditions visit www.racparksandresorts.com.au.

16-17_WhatsOn.indd 17

3/11/2016 10:36 AM

Finally, professional and friendly support Anyone who worked for as long as I did, some 30 years, in the oil and gas industry in the 1970s will know that doing 12 hour shifts, drilling wells and listening for diesel engine performance wasn’t going to work out well in the long-term for my hearing. Unbelievable in today’s workforce, but at that time it was felt necessary to know what was going on below through our very own “down-hole eyes”.

So when my wife Susan and I moved to a magnificent rural environment in Toodyay in 2005, it wasn’t too surprising that I wasn’t able to hear the blue wrens’ or red-breasted robins’ sounds around the property. Maybe along the way I just got used to missing out on conversations and joining in on the jokes at gatherings. But by that time, I wanted to get back into life, to really participate in the country social scene and to start enjoying myself. For that, I needed to do something about my hearing.

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Needless to say, the fitting and follow-up with Brad went extremely well and I am very confident in recommending Brad’s clinics to those who want the support of a genuine and professional team of audiologists. If anyone with hearing problems wants to talk to someone who’s found a great audiologist, then please give Brad’s office a call for my phone number and we can have a chat.

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3/11/2016 10:45 AM

ig op ng ve of be

Road safety

Words Lachean Humphreys

th nd an nd ce me th y. I in th ry All us an ds

nt ng ne th a my

#ItsMyElephant

inspires Wheatbelt communities RAC’s Elephant in the Wheatbelt campaign, which highlights the region’s unacceptably high road-fatality rate, has inspired three creative locals to highlight the initiative in their communities.

L

ast year, the RAC launched its Elephant in the Wheatbelt campaign to raise awareness about the unacceptably high road-fatality rate in the Wheatbelt. A life-size elephant sculpture made from wrecked cars, which has been touring the region, represents the silent “elephant in the room” – the region’s high rate of road fatalities. Over the past year, the campaign has continued to draw attention in communities across the region.

In 2015, when the Elephant campaign was launched, the Wheatbelt’s roadfatality rate was six times that of the Perth metropolitan area and four times the state rate. Speed, drink driving and inattention contributed to 65 per cent of crashes; 73 per cent of fatal crashes involved a single vehicle running off the road.

Tragically, throughout 2016 the road fatality rate in the Wheatbelt has once again increased, leaving no doubt about the urgent need to continue working with local communities to address the

devastating impact of road trauma across the region.

The Elephant in the Wheatbelt campaign has gone into its next phase with the launch of the #ItsMyElephant initiative. This calls on the community to foster ideas for road-safety initiatives, and individuals throughout the Wheatbelt have stepped up to the challenge, becoming ambassadors for road safety.

Here are three Wheatbelt locals who are spreading the road safety message: December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 19

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Road safety

ELEPHANT ART

KAREN DUCAT Karen Ducat has a lifelong passion for animals, and is actively involved in caring for local wildlife and mistreated domestic animals in need of new homes. A china pincushion in the shape of an elephant – a gift from her grandmother when she was young – kindled her 60-year-strong interest in the majestic mammals.

On her property Swan Hill Farm, near Northam, Ms Ducat uses different recycled materials to create paddockart elephants. Ms Ducat has close to 700 elephants, which range from mere millimetre-tall miniatures to models that are metres long.

When she received two corrugated-

iron elephants from her daughter as a birthday present, she was inspired to use her own creative flair for the RAC’s road safety project.

“After seeing the brilliant RAC Wheatbelt elephant, I decided they [her elephants] needed a makeover,” she says.

Many of Ms Ducat’s brightly painted elephants include road safety messages – such as ‘stay sober’ and ‘belt on, phone off’.

The design process starts with a template, which is then cut out of either corrugated iron or flat metal before being painted and decorated – often by people who visit Ms Ducat’s farm for workshops. Many are adolescents and children who are keen to spread the road safety message.

Ms Ducat’s brightly painted elephants include road safety messages – such as ‘stay sober’ and ‘belt on, phone off’.

Ms Ducat ’s paddock-art elephants are placed along Jennapullin Road and are a vibrant reminder to stay alert. She hopes to see her artworks displayed throughout the Wheatbelt region as continuous reminders to motorists to drive safely.

QUILTING CLASS

LYNDY RICHMOND Lyndy Richmond, principal at Moorine Rock Primary School, was looking for a cross-curriculum project that would cover literacy, health and the visual arts. Ms Richmond heard about the Elephant in the Wheatbelt campaign and recognised it would be a great way to inspire students to get involved in an important road safety initiative for their region.

“It was colourful, exciting and sure to catch their imaginations,” she says.

All 16 students from Moorine Rock’s Year 4 to 6 classes were involved in the project. The students drew their elephant designs onto individual pieces of calico and painted them with melted crayon. After the ‘Elephant in the Wheatbelt’ slogan was outlined and secured using needles and a tacking stitch, the squares were joined to make the colourful quilt.

In addition to the creative process of putting the quilt together, the project covered parts of the school’s health curriculum; students were encouraged to talk about why road crashes happen.

“We looked at statistics; we looked at why the Wheatbelt had so many more [fatalities] than anywhere else in the state,” Ms Richmond says.

As well as capturing the imaginations of students, the school project ignited discussion about road safety. The students were fascinated with the inclusion of real seatbelts, wheel trims and car doors on the RAC’s Elephant when working on their designs.

“The children’s understanding of road safety has increased incredibly since we did the elephant project,” Ms Richmond says.

She also encourages everyone in the community to get involved in #ItsMyElephant.

“Road safety in the Wheatbelt is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone needs to take their role seriously and not only rely on local and state governments to make the roads safer.”

20 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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3/11/2016 10:45 AM

Road safety Get involved!

To share your #ItsMyElephant ideas, go online to: @elephantinthewheatbelt facebook.com/elephantinthewheatbelt elephantinthewheatbelt.rac.com.au

The children’s understanding of road safety has increased incredibly since we did the elephant project.

A COUNTRY WAVE

PETE BYFIELD

I wrote The Country Wave to encourage people to bring back the one-finger wave.

Pete Byfield is a singer and songwriter from Grass Valley who also runs a music store. Mr Byfield has channelled his creative talents into songs and performances that raise awareness of road safety in the Wheatbelt. One of his songs is about looking out for others on country roads by acknowledging them with what’s known as the “country wave”.

Mr Byfield says he frequently sees dangerous driving behaviour and has sadly also seen many cars running off the road.

“I continue to witness drivers with their heads down as they pass me on the road; I have observed clear evidence of people using their mobile phones while driving,” he says.

“I wrote The Country Wave to encourage people to bring back the one-finger wave. Doing the country wave (one finger raised off the wheel) ensures that people are looking ahead at all times and are demonstrating respect for fellow road users.”

Mr Byfield has performed at music festivals, large and small, to spread the road safety word and The Country Wave’s message.

He’s also performed his song at schools in the Wheatbelt area. “I presented The Country Wave at a school recently and we analysed the lyrics.” He says children often admit to seeing adults using their phones while driving.

“Starting with future drivers may help – they are good educators of their parents and siblings.” ● December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 21

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3/11/2016 10:45 AM

Transport

Words Jayne D’Arcy

CAR SHARING: THE NEXT FRONTIER

The sharing economy means people are using technology to share everything from household tasks, to rooms in their homes and even their cars. Could car sharing change how we move around Perth?

I

f you own something that’s in demand there’s probably an app to connect you to someone who needs to borrow it.

Enabled by technology, collaborative consumption or the short-term sharing of our property, assets or skills with others has created what’s become known as the sharing economy.

You can rent out a room in your home to travellers, rent out your parking space or pick up a parcel for someone who doesn’t have time. You can even share your car with others when you’re not

using it, and for the average car owner that can be up to 96 per cent of the time, according to international research.

RAC has been exploring the role of car sharing in Perth and researching both the benefits it can deliver, based on what it has achieved elsewhere, and its potential here. Car sharing is a relatively new concept that’s reshaping the way we look at car ownership and usage. Essentially, it’s giving communities an option other than private vehicle ownership.

For many of us, our cars are our pride and joy. Owning a car, or several cars, is

something most of us are very used to and often put a lot of effort and money into.

In fact, owning and running a popular mid-size SUV in WA costs an average of $11,200 per year.

Plus, changes in our lifestyle, such as using a bicycle for transport or our children using public transport to get to school, may mean the car sits in the driveway for much longer than you thought it would. And if it’s not parked at home, it may be parked in a car park all day while you’re at work.

22 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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3/11/2016 10:50 AM

Transport

The culture of car ownership But what if you could drive a car when you needed to without having to own one or buy a second car? Or what if you could make some money from your car when you weren’t using it? Welcome to the brave new world of car sharing. It’s not in Perth yet, but if the growth experienced in other Australian cities is anything to go by it could be coming soon. In its paper Exploring the Role of Car Sharing in Perth, RAC has researched its viability in the city.

A survey conducted as part of the research found that 57 per cent of respondents hadn’t heard of car sharing, but despite that, half found the concept appealing.

Would you lend or rent out your car to others? Would you give up your own car, or your second car, and join a car sharing service that allows you to access one only when you need it? It might feel like a foreign concept but many people are already doing just that. Think of the home sharing phenomenon through companies like Airbnb. In just a short space of time, millions of people have become receptive to renting out their spare rooms, or entire homes, to strangers.

Collaborative consumption – essentially the sharing of our things – is becoming more common. “There is a growing consumer trend towards sharing rather than ownership of assets,” Sarah Macaulay, RAC Manager Transport Planning, says.

“It’s not just in the transport or mobility space – it’s broader than that.”

after, for use by their members for twoway trips, so the cars are returned to the pickup spot. Members can be individuals or businesses, which use the service instead of company-owned fleet vehicles.

Customers of car sharing services in Melbourne and Sydney, for instance, pay an annual membership, and, when they need to use a car, they book one, typically for short periods. There are a variety of plans, but usually members pay by the hour (and sometimes kilometre) and all other car ownership and usage costs are taken care of in the rates.

Local councils can support car sharing by allocating free, dedicated parking spaces in prominent locations like busy commercial areas and residential streets.

Lending your car to strangers Another car sharing model is peer-topeer, or customer-to-customer, which involves the use of what we already own.

For example, if you take public transport to work each day, you could list your car with a peer-to-peer service and allow others to use it when you’re not.

“The peer-to-peer model is beneficial because it’s taking existing assets and using them more effectively,” says Ms Macaulay. “And it’s getting money for individuals who are allowing their cars to be used in that way.” But Ms Macaulay admits that this takes a real change of mindset for car owners. “For some people, the model might be harder to adjust to because it relies on trust and that can be difficult when you’re lending one of the most expensive things you own to someone you don’t know,” she says.

The concept of the sharing economy is however being embraced by Generation Y (those born after 2000).

While many in Generation X excitedly went for their driver’s licence upon turning 18, Generation Y is not necessarily seeing it as a rite of passage.

Millennials (Gen Y) are delaying getting their licence and some won’t bother buying a car at all. The result? Fewer cars on the road (less congestion and CO2 emissions), increased public transport use and reduced parking pressure. They’re benefits we can all share.

Technology and the sharing economy Technology has played a big role in making it easier to share, particularly through the use of mobile phone apps. We can book accommodation, register our own homes or rooms as accommodation or employ other people to perform home and office tasks – and the same applies to sharing cars.

RAC points out that there are a few different models of car sharing in operation around Australia and the world (it originated in Europe). Some car sharing operations involve a company providing a fleet of cars, which they own and look

Car sharing is a relatively new concept that’s changing how we look at car ownership and usage.

Essentially, it’s moving communities away from private ownership and into a sharing experience.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 23

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3/11/2016 10:50 AM

Transport below: Likelihood of using a car sharing service in Perth by postcode area (percentage).

Where car sharing might work in Perth RAC identified that car sharing is most suited to those who drive less than 15,000km annually as it is more costeffective than car ownership for this group. Families might also consider car sharing instead of buying a second car along with people who do not rely on their car for daily journeys. Locational characteristics such as areas with higher population densities, areas with a mix of land use types (such as residential, commercial and education), parking pressures and access to public transport are also important in supporting successful car sharing services.

The RAC paper identified areas where car sharing might work best. “We’ve looked at criteria or ‘success factors’ that we’ve identified from services operating elsewhere,” explains Ms Macaulay.

“While car sharing is never going to work everywhere in Perth, as is the case in every city where it operates, there are pockets where we feel there’s real potential for it to work.”

Based on RAC’s research, the top three areas where residents expressed a high level of interest in car sharing were the East Perth, Bentley and Northbridge / Highgate postcode areas. The report says that based on the level of interest expressed by respondents in each area surveyed and the total residential population of those areas, there seems to be potential for car sharing to attract thousands of members.

Two local governments in Perth already have car sharing policies – the City of Fremantle and the City of Vincent. These policies would facilitate a rollout should an operator want to provide a service in these areas. Ms Macaulay is enthused. “Local and state government support will be crucial.

These local governments are actively seeking to encourage car sharing now and are working to provide the right conditions to help make it a success.

Hopefully it won’t be long before we start to see car-share vehicles on our streets.” ●

"T

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6014

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6008

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6151

6009

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6102

F Key 6000 6003 6004 6005 6007 6008 6009 / 6907

6160

10

6014 City (inc. Kings Park area) Northbridge / Highgate East Perth West Perth Leederville Subiaco / Shenton Park Nedlands / UWA

6050 6100 6102 6013 6151 6160

North of Subiaco, in the Town of Cambridge Mount Lawley Victoria Park Bentley Rivervale / Belmont South Perth Fremantle

25

30

35

46

26

24

19

20

17

29

17

44

28

25

8

Total

6000

600310

6004

600510

6007

6008

6009

6014

6050

6100

6102

6103

6151

616010

Caution small sample size

“While car sharing is never going to work everywhere in Perth, as is the case in every city where it operates, there are pockets where we feel there’s real potential for it to work.”

A r l A s n

C s b b e

a c s l n -

S

T a b o T ( r

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24 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

22-24_Car Sharing.indd 24

a s

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3/11/2016 10:52 AM

RAC Rescue helicopters

Words Jane Hammond

Sea rescue Conditions were ideal as four men set off in their runabout early one morning for a fishing adventure near Dirk Hartog Island.

But a sudden change in the weather turned a perfect day on the water into an unimaginable crisis.

T

he weather was calm when Mat Lyons, his father Wayne and friends Angus and Aaron Gibson took to the ocean for an idyllic day’s game fishing off Dirk Hartog Island on Saturday November 23, 2013.

The group of four was well into a 10-day fishing and camping holiday at Steep Point in Shark Bay and had been chasing Spanish mackerel in their large aluminum runabout. The holiday was something of an annual event for Mat and Wayne Lyons so they knew the area well and the best places to catch the popular fin-fish.

But they also knew how the ocean could suddenly change.

The group was well prepared with sufficient life jackets, a satellite phone with a special waterproof casing and an emergency beacon. Their captain Wayne Lyons (60) was especially cautious and regularly monitored the weather for any signs of change.

Engine stall and stormy seas They had previously settled into a routine of fishing in the early morning when the ocean was at its calmest and returning to shore before the winds picked up at around 9am.

But on this particular Saturday, events suddenly took a turn for the worse.

The engine stalled just as they were thinking of heading back to shore.

The group dropped anchor and stripped the engine apart to repair it but soon after it started, it stalled again and after a second rebuild stalled a third time and could not be fixed.

“We were pretty close to the edge of Dirk Hartog Island where the Spanish mackerel start to come through near the edge of the Continental Shelf,” Mat Lyons explained.

“We were about 400m from the island when we started to experience engine December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 27

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RAC Rescue helicopters

●

(anticlockwise from left): Mat Lyons, at sea close to where the group ran into trouble, just a few days before the accident; the island is known for its treacherous cliffs; the RAC Rescue helicopter in action.

All in a day’s work The RAC Rescue helicopter went from attending a fatal shark attack in the Margaret River region to rescuing the men on Dirk Hartog Island.

Dirk Hartog Island

●

Geraldton

PERTH

●

Margaret River

problems. It’s quite a brutal area; there are 60m cliffs that go straight up.

“We put out an anchor and took the engine apart and it started okay.

But, within about two minutes it had stalled again. We then knew we were in trouble.”

Unable to get a signal on the CB radio and with no other boats in the area, Mat Lyons called his wife in Perth on the satellite phone and asked her to call the island’s ranger for assistance.

The weather was picking up and before the ranger could reach them they were swept towards the remote and treacherous cliffs of the island.

They were attempting to put out the anchor in the increasingly rough seas when a large wave knocked the boat over, tossing all four occupants into the sea, with the vessel hitting three of the men. Fortunately they were wearing life jackets and Wayne Lyons had taken the precaution of tying the satellite phone to his body before being knocked overboard.

The RAC Rescue helicopter was attending a fatal shark attack near Margaret River. As soon as the crew received a call they were back in the air and making their way north.

Emergency situation By now they had activated the Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) and soon the message had been received in Canberra that a vessel was in trouble off the island. Help was on its way, but it would take eight hours to reach them.

“We should have been worried about sharks as they had been taking fish off the lines earlier but none of us thought about that, we were more worried about the waves,” Mat Lyons said.

The group was washed towards the rocks and cliffs and three of them

managed to scramble to the safety of one small rock. Covered in cuts and coral abrasions, Mat Lyons, Aaron Gibson and Wayne Lyons could only watch on in horror as Angus Gibson (58) was washed back and forth in the massive waves bobbing like a cork in the growing seas.

He called out to the others saying he could not feel or move his legs.

“Angus had blood rushing out of his head and was yelling to us that he had hurt his back. He was being washed in and away from us. He was in complete shock.

28 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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RAC Rescue helicopters

“The swell and waves coming through were pretty high. There was nothing we could do but watch him coming in and out.”

Eventually Angus Gibson was washed up onto the rocks and the group called again for help using the satellite phone.

But the weather was turning rougher still and the tide was coming in fast. The ranger and State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers were still hours away and were telling the men they had to get to high ground as soon as they could.

Mustering all their strength and courage they managed to heave Angus Gibson across the reef and to a small cliff where they sought refuge away from the rising tide.

He had obvious spinal injuries and moving him any further up the sheer cliff face was not possible. Exhausted, the four could only wait for help to arrive.

Helicopter rescue The RAC Rescue helicopter was attending a fatal shark attack near Margaret River.

As soon as the crew received a call they were back in the air and making their way north to save the stranded and injured fishermen.

In the meantime, the ranger managed to reach the area near the men by boat, however due to the hazardous seas he was unable to reach the shore.

Fortunately, the RAC Rescue helicopter was able to land on the small flat clearing near the men and successfully rescued the four. Angus Gibson was flown to Geraldton and then on to Perth while the others were treated at the scene and then flown to Denham.

It was a big group effort with WA Police, SES volunteers, the RAC Rescue helicopter, the Steep Point ranger and the EPIRB emergency services.

Making a recovery After months of rehabilitation and a year unable to return to work as a pilot, Angus Gibson made a full recovery and is back flying and is again fishing with his mate Wayne Lyons.

“We were the luckiest, unlucky guys out there. For us to be washed up on a place where we could climb to an area that was out of the water was quite lucky.

“We did everything right except that we didn’t have a spare engine. When the boat flipped it was insane. We are very lucky to have survived. We now take a spare motor with its own fuel supply.

“All of the emergency services were fantastic. It was a big group effort with WA Police, SES volunteers, the RAC Rescue helicopter, the Steep Point ranger and the EPIRB emergency services.

“The RAC Rescue helicopter was crucial. It was so isolated on that island and we couldn’t get back down to the water because it was too dangerous to get on a boat. It was a big walk; there were no roads or vehicles that could come to us. The only way out was a helicopter.” ●

Safe boating this summer WA coastal waters can be treacherous and conditions can change quickly. Boat owners should ensure they carry all mandatory safety equipment on board in good working order.

Requirements can vary according to the distance travelled from the mainland and includes items such as EPIRBs, a sufficient number of life jackets, distress flares, fire extinguisher, radio and bilge pump.

Skippers should also check the latest weather forecast before setting out.

Visit transport.wa.gov.au/imarine for more.

About the RAC Rescue helicopters Within 15 minutes of receiving a call out, an RAC Rescue helicopter can be in the air and on its way to deliver life-saving aid to people in emergency situations.

From car crashes to sea search-andrescues, mining or farm incidents, and essential hospital transfers, WA’s only 24/7 emergency rescue helicopter service covers more than 95 per cent of the state’s population.

Managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), the helicopters are staffed by a pilot, an air crewman and a critical-care paramedic, who can provide assistance to patients in the critical first few hours after a major injury.

The service was launched in 2003 with a helicopter based in Perth. This was extended in 2016 to include a second helicopter based in Bunbury.

As of October 12, 2016, the RAC Rescue helicopter service had flown 5000 missions, responding to a range of emergencies throughout WA including major traffic crashes, undertaking searches and cliff and sea rescues.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 29

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3/11/2016 10:52 AM

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3/11/2016 10:54 AM

Motoring

Words Toby Hagon

Playing it safe There are more great value, safe used cars available than ever before, but choosing the right one can still be a minefield.

A

ustralians have never had so many safe used cars to choose from, according to the latest Used Car Safety Ratings, compiled

by Monash University Accident Research Centre and published by RAC. Of the 294 individual models analysed – each incorporating data from at least 400 real-world crashes – 67 get a 5-star rating, which translates to “excellent” occupant protection. Of those, 28 are ranked as a ‘Safe Pick’, representing the pinnacle of safety for used vehicles.

Plenty of choice Safe Pick recommendations include everything from hatchbacks and sedans to SUVs and even a people mover.

For the first time, five commercial vehicles – one ute and four vans – receive the top recommendation, indicative of the safety improvements made to tool-oftrade vehicles that often spend many hours on the road.

The only category not to have a Safe Pick is light cars – those smaller vehicles typically confined to city driving duties.

The RAC’s Manager Vehicles and Fuels, Alex Forrest, says size plays a key role in a vehicle’s occupant protection.

“If you’re in crash in a large SUV there’s a reasonable chance you’re going to hit either a smaller vehicle or another large SUV and therefore your chances will be a little bit better in that car than if you’re in a small car or a light vehicle,” Mr Forrest says.

Despite those size challenges, the Ford Focus and Hyundai ix35 SUV are examples of smaller vehicles with excellent safety credentials.

Reworking their ratings Mr Forrest also pointed to the fitment of more safety features and general improvements to occupant protection.

It means some cars that previously stood out with a top rating have lost that Safe Pick recommendation.

“As the general fleet becomes safer, we’ve seen some vehicles which in previous years have scored quite well be overtaken by other vehicles,” says Mr Forrest. “Their rating relative to the others has evened out and they don’t stand out any more.”

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 31

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Motoring

Top 10 safest used cars under $15,000

Ford Focus

2009–2012 From: $8400 All Focuses, except the base CL, came with stability control and side curtain airbags.

Throw in a strong 2.0-litre engine and the Focus is a fantastic purchase that is both safe and affordable.

Hyundai iLoad

2008–2014 From: $14,800 The sizeable iLoad van had dual airbags standard, although stability control was only fitted to newer models. The gruntier diesel made it the better bet, but most buyers chose the more affordable 2.5-litre petrol engine.

It’s all about refining the ratings and ensuring buyers are armed with the latest information on which cars will likely protect their occupants and other road users better.

Affordable and safe Mr Forrest says the vast improvements in vehicle safety in recent years were now trickling down to affordable used cars, which was a win for consumers.

“It’s possible to make a really good or a really bad choice when it comes to buying a used car and the Used Car Safety Ratings help consumers make the best choice they can for the amount of money they have to spend.”

According to the ratings, a driver in a 1-star-rated used vehicle is some seven times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than those driving one of the Safe Pick vehicles. Mr Forrest credits additional safety features, such as side curtain airbags, better body structures and improved crash avoidance technology

Isuzu D-Max

2008–2013 From: $9800 All D-Maxes but the basic EX only came with dual airbags and a decent crash structure.

Later models picked up side airbags and stability control.

Audi A4

2001–2008 From: $7100 Despite its age, even 15-year-old A4s were fitted with stability control and side airbags on all models. With a choice of economical engines, it makes for good value used motoring with a touch of prestige.

– especially electronic stability control (ESC), as life savers.

“If you’re in a side-impact crash into a tree or larger-fronted vehicle and you don’t have side airbags, your chance of sustaining a serious head injury is 98 per cent. In a vehicle with side airbags, the chance of a serious head injury goes down to one per cent,” says Mr Forrest.

“It’s reflective of how far vehicle safety has come in the past 30-odd years.”

Age a major factor Indeed, the age of a vehicle plays a huge part in the vehicle safety it provides to the people in it. The focus by manufacturers on improving safety – in line with tougher regulations and higher customer expectations – means newer vehicles tend to rank higher than older versions of the same car.

The Ford Falcon is a prime example; the AU model that arrived in 1998 gets a 1-star UCSR score, for a “very poor” rating, whereas the FG released in 2008

Hyundai ix35

2010–2014 From: $13,800 Side airbags and stability control ensured all ix35s came comprehensively equipped with high levels of safety.

And, with a five-year warranty, many will still have factory-backed peace of mind.

picks up a five-star Safe Pick for its excellent safety. No car from the 1980s or 1990s is ranked as having the top level of safety; the oldest cars to score a Safe Pick rating are the BMW X5 and Audi A4, released in 2001.

“Safety features come into new cars all the time and as a general rule we found there’s a significant gap between cars built after 1996 and cars built before [then],” says Mr Forrest.

“That’s around the time two airbags became reasonably common.”

Yet in some cases buying a used car with a Safe Pick rating can mean better safety than buying a new car.

A Holden Caprice from 2013, for example, gets a reversing camera, blind-spot warning, forward-collision alert and reverse-traffic alert, all of which can help avoid a crash. Those technologies aren’t available in many new city cars and small cars.

As Mr Forrest points out: “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a reasonably safe used car.” l

32 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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3/11/2016 10:54 AM

Motoring ★★★★★ To find the safest car for your budget and needs, the full list of Used Car Safety Ratings can be found at rac.com.au/safercars.

Mazda CX-7

2006–2012 From: $11,500 Six airbags and stability control made the CX-7 a winner on the safety front. Turbocharged models can be thirsty, though, so consider the 2.5-litre petrol models that arrived late in 2009.

Ford Falcon

2008–2014 From: $8400 Big car for a big country, and Ford’s locally made Falcon also brought big levels of safety, including four airbags and stability control.

G6E versions and later models included curtain airbags.

Mazda CX-9

2007–2014 From: $13,900 One of the few seven-seat SUVs of its day with curtain airbags covering all three rows, all CX-9s also came with stability control. The V6 is smooth and punchy, but can be thirsty.

Honda Odyssey

2004–2009 From: $11,700 With seating for up to seven, the Odyssey is good-value big-family motoring. Splash out on the luxury model and you get curtain airbags to complement the frontal ones.

Toyota Kluger

2007–2013 From: $11,000 Big and powerful was the sales pitch, but the Kluger also arrived with good safety credentials; ESC was standard, as were seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and curtains covering all three rows.

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) Shopping for a used car can mean buying into other people’s problems.

Little wonder it can be stressful.

But there are checks you can do to minimise your exposure. An RAC vehicle inspection can help identify problems beneath the skin; excessive oil use, gearbox problems, worn hoses and wheel bearings, even whether it has suffered flood damage.

Consumable items such as tyres, batteries and brake pads will also be checked to see if they need replacing.

If you’re in a serious side-impact crash into a tree or larger-fronted vehicle and you don’t have side airbags, your chance of sustaining a serious head injury is 98 per cent.

Assuming the car itself looks good and drives well, there is one other check you should pop on your checklist – a check through the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

A search on a car on the government’s PPSR website (ppsr.gov.au) costs only a few dollars and can give peace of mind that the car you’re looking at is not under finance or likely to be repossessed. A PPSR check is included with an RAC vehicle inspection.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 33

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3/11/2016 10:54 AM

Travel

Words Mark Irving

Dongara–Port Denison

A beguiling duo These two coastal towns along the Indian Ocean Drive are a perfect stopover for those driving further north, or are destinations in their own right too, with plenty to see and do.

34 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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Travel (facing page): Family fun at Port Denison; (below): Sunset over Port Denison marina; South Beach, Port Denison

Heading north

Tourism WA

W

hen you think of Western Australia’s Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef immediately springs to mind.

Monkey Mia and Shark Bay are two other iconic destinations along this magnificent stretch of WA’s coastline, which runs more than 1100km from Cervantes to Exmouth.

But the Coral Coast also boasts some other gems that have their own unique character.

Dongara-Port Denison is one such jewel.

Separated by the Irwin River, these twin towns are situated an easy four-hour drive from Perth, north along the Indian Ocean Drive.

Caravans and camper vans welcome There are few more pleasant roads than the Indian Ocean Drive and just before the road merges into Brand Highway there are two camping sites that are perfect for drivers of recreational vehicles (RVs) seeking a spot for the night.

Thirty minutes south of Dongara, Cliff Head North and Cliff Head South, separated by only a few hundred metres, are an integral part of the Shire of Irwin’s “recreational vehicle friendly” policy to promote tourism.

Adopted in 2014, and supported by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia, it allows RVs to spend up to three nights in any 28 consecutive days free of charge at several sites.

Tourism WA

On the way to Dongara-Port Denison, Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Green Head, with stunning Dynamite Bay, are all worthy of a visit, as are the Pinnacles.

This forest of limestone formations lies only a few metres off the tarmac and 100km from Perth, but it could inhabit a different planet.

Almost as imposing are the huge sand dunes between Lancelin and Cervantes.

Driven by the sou’ westerlies, the sand is moving slowly northwards (it’s been calculated that the largest, south east of Wedge Island, is travelling at 12m a year).

This policy extends to yachters, allowing them to stay the first night free when mooring at Port Denison’s recreational jetty.

A covered picnic area, toilets and a fire pit have recently been installed at Cliff Head South as part of State Government funding to help Mid West shires upgrade caravan and camping facilities.

At the time of writing, Cliff Head North was soon to undergo its own facelift.

Both sites offer fantastic parking with million-dollar views – and plenty of room to turn around a caravan.

Dongara and Port Denison, though joined at the hip, have different characters.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 35

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Travel (below anticlockwise): The Royal Steam Roller Flour Mill; sculptures along Indian Ocean Drive; Church Street Lookout overlooking the Irwin River; The Little Starfish Cafe at South Beach in Port Denison; wildflower wonders; the Rock Lobster Statue.

Take your time and there’s a lot to see on your way up the coast and on your way down.

Discovering the two towns Dongara takes its name from the Indigenous word Dhungarra, meaning “meeting place of seals”. There are no seals to be seen when I arrive late in the afternoon, but it’s hard to miss the hundreds of cormorants nesting in the sheoaks along the banks of the Irwin River.

Port Denison’s naming is rooted more in the European tradition. Originally called Port Irwin after Major Frederick Irwin, the Commandant of the Swan River Colony, its name was changed to Denison to honour Sir William Denison, whose many roles pre-Federation included Governor-General of Her Majesty’s colonies of NSW, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

Heading to Port Denison along the Indian Ocean Drive I pass a row of marching soldiers – life-size twodimensional steel silhouettes of soldiers, that is. They look suitably weary, as if

returning from the battlefield. The Shire and Dongara RSL commissioned the sculptures as a poignant tribute to the ANZAC Centenary.

My resting spot for the night is another free site – the Town Oval. RVs need to be self-sufficient and there is a Waste Dump Point. Conveniently, the oval is only a short walk to shops and the Dongara Hotel Motel.

Dongara and Port Denison, though joined at the hip, have different characters.

The former exudes history; the latter exudes a more contemporary feel with a distinct marine flavour.

Walking Dongara Much of Dongara’s heritage can be explored by foot and a booklet is available from the Visitors Centre that details a route that takes in 28 buildings.

This walk includes two churches that are well worth a visit, including St John.

Apparently some of its pews were made by a Dongara wheelwright, Mr Hope, from scavenged driftwood.

Russ Cottage is a very modest workers cottage built in the 1860s by Titus Russ.

Edward Hamersley, the early settler who became a noted pastoralist and whose surname has lent itself to many parts of the state, employed Mr Russ.

Dongara’s main street, Moreton Terrace, is well named, enclosed as it is on both sides by impressive Moreton Bay figs. They were planted by the far-sighted Roads Board in 1906 for the princely sum of 16/4 (about $1.40) and are heritage listed.

I park my Apollo Campervan off the main street (there’s plenty of room for parking RVs next to the Dongara Hotel Motel) and enjoy a coffee at the Season Tree café, which is overshadowed by a particularly magnificent Moreton Bay fig bearing a plaque: The Coffee Tree.

36 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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WA tours tailored for RAC members

Travel

If you’d like to visit Dongara and Port Denison and discover more of what the Coral Coast has to offer, RAC Travel is taking expressions of interest for an RAC member-exclusive overnight tour of the area, staying at the newly renovated RAC Cervantes Holiday Park. To register your interest go to gottagowa@rac.com.au.

Best for wildflowers The wildflowers of 2016 came early and in abundance, thanks to plentiful rains in autumn and winter.

But, whatever the rains (and season), visitors have a few options to view the native flora between Perth and Dongara–Port Denison.

Though the Indian Ocean Drive is the favoured route, better options for viewing wildflowers are arguably the two inland roads: Brand Highway and the Great Northern Highway.

More than just fishing The marina at Port Denison dominates the foreshore, which is overlooked by a striking obelisk built as a navigational aid to guide ships through the reef, which claimed the Leander in 1853.

These days, the area is famous for its crayfishing and the town is sometimes called the Lobster Capital of Australia.

Recreational fishing is also popular, and Dave Kennedy of Beach Sand and Land Tours organises fishing for beginners and experienced fishers alike.

He says early mornings are best. “It’s a nice way to start the day – have a coffee, fish and if nothing else, watch the sun come up,” Mr Kennedy says.

“I arrange fishing early in the morning, then surfing at 9.30 and sandboarding in the afternoon.

“We also go to fishing places that visitors wouldn’t know existed, down four-wheel drive tracks on the coast.”

Alternatively, visitors can hire fishing gear and go when and where it suits.

I tell Mr Kennedy that a Geraldton resident had described Dongara as “Geraldton’s Margaret River”.

He replies that the region’s raw beauty often takes people from the state’s south – and international visitors heading to Shark Bay and other notable spots – by surprise.

So, too, does the area’s variety of attractions and recreation possibilities.

“Most people drive up the Brand Highway and think Dongara is nothing more than a couple of petrol stations,” he says.

“But if you enter via Kailis Drive (further south), then you’ll see a different Dongara and Port Denison.”

Mr Kennedy also runs night tours, wildflower and bush tours, and surfing schools where visitors can learn from a certified instructor.

Both pass through some stunning wildflower country that abound in the towns of Moora, Coorow, Carnamah and many more.

Some 90 minutes to the north of Dongara lies Mullewa, home to the famous wreath flower. North east is the Coalseam Conservation Park, noted for its displays of everlastings as well as the sedimentary layer of exposed rock.

The Lesueur National Park, located north-east of Jurien Bay, is home to almost 10 per cent of the state’s known flora.

Acacias, hibbertias, melaleucas, gastrolobiums and orchids make up some of the 900-plus species that can be spotted. An 18km one-way sealed road in the park has lookouts and picnic stops.

The Western Flora Caravan Park, located in North Eneabba, is famous for its wildflower displays. Daily walks, weather permitting, are held during the season for visitors to take in the orchids, hakeas, wattles, banksias and other species along the 12km of walking tracks. l December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 37

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Travel (below): Kayaking on the Irwin River; Moreton Terrace, Dongara; The Priory Hotel in Dongara.

RAC members special offer!

Explore with Apollo Motorhomes

Mark Irving

Tourism WA

Apollo Motorhomes has the largest camper rental fleet in Australia, with vehicles suitable for up to six people.

Campervans give you the freedom to move between destinations without packing and unpacking.

Apollo’s latest addition is the Apollo Overlander, which is a four-wheel drive able to sleep up to five people.

Plus, RAC members save 10 per cent.

To find out more and book, visit rac.com.au/apollo.

“Dongara’s a great place to bring the family. It’s extremely safe, you’ve got the walking paths, skatepark for the kids and you can go to the drive-in in the evening.”

The drive-in: a retro attraction Dongara’s drive-in (open from September to May) is said to be the oldest still operating in WA. To celebrate its 50th birthday, the newly created Dongara Retro Festival will be held on 8 April 2017.

The day will comprise retro markets, a roller derby and roller-skating and a retro afternoon tea, as well as a screening at the drive-in that evening. The plan is to hold a retro festival every two years.

As for walks, there are six designated trails ranging in length between 3–9km.

A fine 18-hole reticulated golf course with grass greens also welcomes visitors.

My final night’s stay is on the edge of the Indian Ocean at Dongara Tourist Park, where I hook up my campervan on a powered site next to a row of brightly painted cabins overlooking the sea (said to be a couple of degrees warmer here than at Perth).

While my campervan is ideal for remote places, with its amenities of shower, toilet, TV and cooking facilities making it a home from home, it’s also nice to spread out once in a while. The park provides a delightfully peaceful setting for my last night in Dongara-Port Denison before the drive back down to Perth.

A word of advice from Dave Kennedy comes to mind: “Take your time and there’s a lot to see on your way up the coast and on your way down.” l

Where to stay Besides the free camping sites for RV vehicles, Dongara-Port Denison boasts a wide variety of accommodation for travellers, from units and holiday homes, B&Bs and four caravan parks.

The Breeze Inn has refurbished train carriages (and a heap of gear for hire, such as snorkels, bikes, kayaks and golf clubs).

The Dongara Hotel Motel

serves breakfast from 7am, and Southerly’s is a restaurant bar that has won several awards.

The Priory Hotel is an

imposing two-storey building and has undergone myriad uses since it was built in 1881, but is back to its original purpose – a hotel.

38 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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3/11/2016 11:06 AM

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2. PHONE: Toll-Free 1300 725 103

8am-5pm E.S.T Mon – Fri

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quoting promotion code: 88766

For Christmas delivery, order online or call by Wednesday, 14th December 2016. If responding by mail, we must receive this coupon by Wednesday, 7th December 2016 and your first instalment by Wednesday, 14th December 2016. *Express Delivery available on phone orders only for an additional flat fee of $10 – call 1300 725 103 to order. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.com.au. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box.

q

3/11/2016 11:06 AM

Win! A five-night getaway to Dongara and Port Denison RAC Travel, Thrifty and local tourism operators within the Shire of Irwin are giving you the chance to win a five-night getaway for two people to explore and enjoy Dongara and Port Denison.

See our travel feature on page 34 and follow the itinerary for yourself or create your own adventure as you enjoy these peaceful seaside destinations.

40 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

40-41_competition.indd 40

3/11/2016 11:08 AM

Your prize includes: l Five-nights’ accommodation for two

people at Sunset Deck Coral Coast l $80 credit towards a powered site

or Deluxe Ocean View Cabin at Dongara Tourist Park l 18 holes of golf at Dongara Golf Club l Golf cart and club hire from Breeze Inn Traveller’s Lodge l Guided sandboard tour for two with Beach, Sand & Land Tours l Thrifty car hire for six days.

To enter:

Visit rac.com.au/dongara and complete the online entry form, or send your name, address, phone number and membership number to: Horizons/Dongara giveaway GPO Box 2948 Perth WA 6800 See page 83 for terms and conditions.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 41

40-41_competition.indd 41

3/11/2016 11:08 AM

TASMANIAN

DRIVING HOLIDAYS 11 Day Tassie Explorer

person, from $1273* per twin share

10 nights staying with Discovery Parks around Tasmania 10 days all inclusive economy automatic car hire with no hidden extras Award-winning Peppermint Bay Hotel Lunch Cruise National Parks Pass - unlimited access into parks Valid for travel between 10/02/17 – 30/04/17 - ask for a quote outside these dates

15 Day Tassie Road Trip

from $1606*

per person, twin share

14 nights staying with Innkeepers Discovery Inns around Tasmania 14 days all inclusive economy automatic car hire with no hidden extras Entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Tamar River Cataract Gorge Cruise National Parks Pass - unlimited access into parks Valid for travel between 10/02/17 – 31/03/17 - ask for a quote outside these dates

EXCLUSIVE RAC MEMBER BONUSES

EXCLUSIVE RAC MEMBER BONUSES

$100 flight credit, a visitor guide and touring map and free car upgrade to compact automatic vehicle

$100 flight credit, a visitor guide and touring map and free car upgrade to compact automatic vehicle

Members save up to $204 per couple!

Members save up to $244 per couple!

*Terms and conditions apply. Please contact RAC Travel for a quote if traveling outside the promoted period. Rates are based on per person, twin share. Prices quoted are for land content only, quoted in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST. Specific accommodation properties and room types may apply to qualify for these rates. Car hire rates include airport surcharges, daily registration recovery fees and administrative fees, excess reduction and unlimited km’s. Flight credit is limited to only one $100 credit per booking, based on two people booking together on advertised departure dates. Credit cannot be transferred, exchanged or redeemed for cash. Flights must be booked by TasVacations and offers may be withdrawn at any time. TasVacations ABN 23079978199. Lic. No. TAS029.

42 Horizons October December / November 2016 / January 2016 2017

Air travel

Words Lucy Siebert

Air travel:

INSIDER TIPS

T

Before you book your next flight, get up to speed with these three airline trends.

heir very nature means airlines never stand still and are constantly changing their products, routes and coming up with new products and services.

When it comes to this fast-moving industry, expert travel consultants are your best source of up-to-date information and special deals, and can help to give you the inside track on the best flight options for your travels.

RAC Travel consultant and resident air travel expert, Marifil Lopez shares her top three air travel tips:

1 Premium economy

If the thought of flying long-haul in economy class leaves you cold, but stumping up for a business-class fare isn’t an option for your budget, opting for premium economy – an ‘in-between’ class – could be a solution.

Ms Lopez explains that premium economy is a separate cabin, located between economy and business class and offers more legroom and comfort.

“Some airlines also have a dedicated crew, different menu or even more baggage allowance [for passengers in premium economy],” she says.

Mixed-class fares allow you to travel in two different cabin types on the two different flight sectors.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 43

Air travel Travel news

Sign up to RAC Travel e-news to receive the latest news and best flight deals, at rac.com.au/travelenews.

2 Low-cost carriers

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Airlines offering premium economy cabins from Perth are Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific and China Southern.

However, even if you are travelling with a different airline from these three, you may still be able to fly part of your journey in premium economy.

Mixed-class fares allow you to travel in two different cabin types on the two different flight sectors, when connecting onwards through a hub airport.

“Mixed-class fares mean that you can fly a short-haul flight in economy, for instance to Singapore with Singapore Airlines, and then opt for a premiumeconomy seat on the onward long-haul flight [for instance, to Europe].

Premium economy

Is it for me?

More legroom Separate cabin More expensive than economy but a more affordable way to travel between economy and business class. Often different crew, meals and baggage allowance Mixed-class fares allow for a combination of cabins 44 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

Australians have taken to the low-cost travel trend with relish and local nofrills airlines are backed by some of the biggest names in aviation, with Jetstar owned by Qantas and Tiger by Virgin Australia. Both offer reasonably priced fares all over Australia, to Bali and in the case of Jetstar, regionally throughout South East Asia and beyond.

South East Asian low-cost carriers AirAsia and Scoot also each fly to Perth.

The Singapore Airlines-owned Scoot flies the high-tech B787 Dreamliner on the route, which promises to reduce jetlag.

If you are looking to save dollars on your flight, flying with a low-cost airline could be a great option.

There are, however, a few things to consider.

“You are just paying for your seat and then you add on any extras that you need, like checked bags, meals or entertainment,” says Ms Lopez.

If you are connecting via another hub airport, you may have to pay for your bags to be transferred or have to collect and recheck your bags, which will incur another cost.

Plus, remember to factor in the booking, transaction and credit-card fees. “These are per person; per flight,” says Ms Lopez. For a family, this could mean it is cheaper to book with a full-service airline.

The airport experience could also be different from what you are used to.

Low-cost carriers usually don’t board passengers via air bridges. You are likely to either walk onto the tarmac, or, at bigger airports, you may take a shuttle bus out to the aircraft, and then board via stairs.

Remember, if you would like to request any special services, such as airport wheelchair assistance, it is always best to first check with your airline. “These sorts of things are on a request basis only, so make sure to first ask, as a low-cost carrier may charge extra for that,” says Ms Lopez.

Low-cost carriers

Is it for me?

Reasonable fares Variety of destinations Pay extra for baggage, drinks, meals, baggage transfer and entertainment No ticket changes allowed Pay booking and credit card fees Walk or bus onto tarmac to board via stairs Less comfortable for longer flights

Cheap-as-chips

Air travel

Good to know

Need more info?

To find out more about flight options and specials, contact RAC Travel on 1300 655 179.

Doha

Early birds

Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Guangzhou

Europe and North America early bird deals from September–November.

Bangkok Kuala Lumpur Singapore

Peak vs off-peak

Fares fluctuate throughout the year.

Christmas Is Cocos Is

Limitations Cheaper tickets tend to be non-changeable.

3 When to book Unlike retailers, airlines don’t have set times of the year when their fares are on special. Tickets become available about 10 to 11 months ahead of the scheduled flight and Ms Lopez says it can be a tricky balancing act deciding when to book.

“If you are happy with the price, go ahead and book, because it could go up or the flight could get booked up, and then you could end up paying even more or having to be more flexible with dates or airlines,” she says.

Early bird season, when the best deals are available for the following year’s summer in Europe or North America, runs from September to November. Peak holiday seasons, including Christmas, Easter and school holidays, are always more expensive.

Overseas events, such as Chinese New Year or the Formula 1 in Singapore, can also affect fares.

“A travel consultant can advise you about fares that have just been released or they could suggest an alternative airline or better connection. They can also explain the fare conditions, such as tickets that are non-changeable, and ensure you have the correct travel insurance,” says Ms Lopez.

Airlines occasionally offer limited numbers of seats for quick sales – your travel consultant will be the first to know about these, so sign up to receive RAC Travel alerts. l

Depasar

Mauritius Johannesburg Brisbane

PERTH

Deals Travel consultants are first to know about deals.

Kota Kinabalu

Jakarta

Peak times, such as Christmas, are expensive.

Variance

Hong Kong

Your boarding call

Adelaide Sydney Melbourne Hobart

Auckland Christchurch

We may live in one of the most isolated cities in the world, but geographically Perth is well placed for international air travel to a variety of destinations.

Words Lucy Siebert Are you hankering to explore South East Asian cultures, experience the majesty of the African wilderness, savour Cantonese cuisine in Guangzhou, hit the slopes in New Zealand or blow the budget on Rodeo Drive?

The good news is that wherever you want to go, Perth’s geographic location means Western Australians are able to fly to numerous domestic, regional and international destinations in a single flight, and hundreds more with one stop.

Plus, travellers can choose to fly in a manner that suits all budgets – whether tucked up in a luxurious lie-flat bed or on a low-cost airline.

The Middle Eastern Airlines have radically changed the way we travel and millions of Aussies now connect to other global cities through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and other Middle Eastern airports.

Emirates, Etihad and Qatar each fly to Perth, offering competitive pricing and high-service levels. Emirates currently operates two flights a day to Perth with the evening service to Dubai aboard the A380 – the only airline to fly the superjumbo to WA. Meanwhile, Etihad flies the high-tech B787 Dreamliner, which helps combat jetlag through clever lighting and higher humidity levels, from Perth to Abu Dhabi. Other airlines flying a Dreamliner to Perth include Air New Zealand (to Auckland), China Southern (to Guangzhou), low-cost carrier Scoot

(to Singapore) and Thai Airways (to Bangkok).

Asian airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines, offer excellent international connections through their hub airports and remain a popular choice with WA travellers.

For Western Australians heading to North or South America, good options include connecting via Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane with Qantas or Virgin Australia and their partner airlines such as United, or through Auckland with Air New Zealand to Los Angeles. From there, there are numerous flight connections throughout the US, Canada, South America and the Caribbean.

To Africa, there are direct flights with South African Airways (SAA) to Johannesburg (11 hours), with onward connections to most of the continent.

Plus, Air Mauritius flies to Port Louis (eight hours), with good European connections to either Paris or London, as well as flights to other parts of Africa including Kenya and Madagascar.

Of course, Western Australians love to explore their own backyards too, and there are plenty of flight options and a variety of travel styles to choose from.

So whatever you want to experience or see, a convenient flight from Perth will get you there. l December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 45

Air travel

Words Jessica Zoiti

Sweet dreams

With its all-black livery, Air New Zealand’s 787-9 Dreamliner, which flies daily between Auckland and Perth, demands attention.

A

ir New Zealand’s B787-9 Dreamliner promises a whole new air travel experience.

The aircraft’s windows are larger than most commercial aircraft, the LED cabin lighting softer, and the journey more silent.

Boarding my flight between Auckland and Perth, I was filled with anticipation.

Would this aircraft live up to its stellar reputation?

46 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

I turned to squint into the morning light, which flooded the cabin through oversized windows. What may seem like a subtle design change makes a big difference. The windows are so large that from every angle – regardless of seat or class – passengers can see the horizon.

To block the light, passengers simply push a button, which dims the tint.

The effect is a more open, airy cabin – a comfort to nervous fliers, like me.

The Dreamliner also promises to help with jetlag. Pressure inside the cabin sits at around 6000 feet, rather than the average 8000 feet of other aircraft, meaning there’s more humidity and oxygen in the air, which helps to alleviate lethargy and dry eyes.

On the Auckland–Perth route, Air New Zealand offers passengers a choice between business, premium economy and economy seating, including the famous Skycouch. This New Zealanddesigned economy-class product sees three seats convert into a flat surface.

“The Skycouch has transformed the flying experience for economy customers travelling both trans-Tasman and those going on to North and South America,” explains Kathryn Robertson, Air New

Air travel Did you know?

12 painters took five days to complete the all-black paint job on the 787-9, using about 350 litres of paint.

Fast facts Perth to Auckland Number of weekly flights

Daily between 12 December 2016 and 29 January 2017 and then six-times weekly throughout the year. A twice-weekly flight from Perth to Christchurch runs between 9 December 2016 and 28 April 2017.

Flight time

6h 15m

Most popular connections

Long-haul: Los Angeles.

Domestic: Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, New Plymouth and Napier

Aircraft

B787-9 Dreamliner

In-flight entertainment

Skycouch ... is a world-first that has proven popular with young families ... and couples who want to stretch out and relax.

Zealand’s Regional General Manager Australia. “It is a world-first that has proven popular with young families looking for extra room for the kids to sleep and play, and for couples who want to stretch out and relax.”

It’s just one of the airline’s unique products, with it being recognised worldwide as an industry innovator.

Take its quirky safety videos, for example.

As my Dreamliner flight taxied quietly down the runway, adventurer Bear Grylls filled my 11-inch touchscreen TV, navigating his way through the New Zealand wilderness, while presenting the safety information.

“The interest in [the safety videos] has been phenomenal and collectively they’ve attracted more than 83 million

views online,” says Ms Robertson.

It’s this fresh approach to flying that makes Air New Zealand a popular choice for West Australians flying to New Zealand and onwards to North and South America. That, says Ms Robertson, and the fact that it is the only airline to operate direct services year-round between Perth and Auckland.

“We provide seamless connectivity via Auckland to exciting long-haul destinations across North and South America, USA and Canada, Pacific Islands, UK and Asia,” Ms Robertson says.

My flight into Perth landed earlier than scheduled and after disembarking I felt less dehydrated and jetlagged than usual. For all the hype, the Dreamliner didn’t disappoint. l

Personal inflight entertainment systems (IFE) with more than 1700 hours of movies, TV, music and games

Classes

Business Premier, Premium Economy and Economy, including the Skycouch

In-flight meals

Seasonable ingredients with a Kiwi twist, accompanied by premium New Zealand wines.

Famous inflight safety videos and ads To view Air New Zealand’s quirky safety videos and advertisements, visit youtube.com/user/airnewzealand December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 47

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*Conditions apply. Prices are per person (pp), AUD, twin share and include port charges. Prices are correct as at 17 October 2016, but may fluctuate due to changes in availability, surcharges, fees or taxes. Please enquire for more details. Prices based on AFZ17: June to October 2017 departures (Balcony cabin – Zambezi Queen). ALL OFFERS: Offers are valid until 31 January 2017, unless sold out prior. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. A limited number of offers are available on selected departures. DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS: non-refundable deposit $3,000 is due withinport7 days of booking. payment is due 100 days thefluctuate tour’s departure date. Allinairavailability, may be ticketed upon receipt the first deposit. $500 AIR CREDIT PER COUPLE: $250 ppJune airfare credit is2017 baseddepartures on two passengers *Conditions apply. PricesAare per person (pp), AUD,oftwin shareppand include charges.

Prices areFinal correct as at 17 October 2016,prior but tomay due to changes surcharges, fees or of taxes.

Please enquire for more details. Prices based on AFZ17: to October (Balcony travelling togetherQueen). on AFZ17, to October credit2017, cannotunless be redeemed cashOffers and isarenotsubject transferable.

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DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS: A non-refundable deposit of $3,000 pp is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment is due 100 days prior to the tour’s departure date. All air may be ticketed upon receipt of the first deposit. $500 AIR CREDIT PER COUPLE: $250 pp airfare credit is based on two passengers travelling together on AFZ17, departing June to October 2017. Airfare credit cannot be redeemed for cash and is not transferable. Flights are with South African Airways and must be booked by APT. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd. ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825. APT4989

48-49_DPS ADS.indd 48

3/11/2016 11:24 AM

R15364-12

with RAC Travel Insurance

» Cover for your family: Your kids and grandkids are covered for free^ » 24/7 emergency assistance » Benefits for luggage and travel delay » Cover for rental vehicle excess » New for old luggage replacement » Simple and hassle-free claims process with no complicated forms with our Australian based team

Call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/travelinsurance Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please refer to the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about this insurance.

This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. Its managing agent, Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty. Ltd. ABN 69 004 488 455 (TMMA) is authorised to act on behalf of Tokio Marine & Nichido to issue its policies and handle and settle claims in relation to those policies, subject to the terms of the authority. ^Children & Grandchildren are covered at no extra cost, provided they do not require a medical assessment.

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8 nights » Inside cabin from

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$

*

per person twin share

11 nights » Inside cabin from

2,468

$

*

per person twin share

Includes » 3 nights at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide » 2 day Best of Kangaroo Island tour with SeaLink, includes lunch » 1 night at the Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn » Ultimate Adelaide & Hahndorf Tour » 3,4 or 7 night Cruise on the PS Murray Princess including all meals, entertainment and selection of onshore tours.

11 night package includes free Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour

Call 1300 655 179, go to rac.com.au/travel or visit your local RAC Travel Centre * Terms & conditions apply. Prices advertised are per person, twin share (twin beds) in an Inside Cabin and includes member discount. Deposit for $200 per person due within 48 hours of booking. Upgrades to Outside Cabin or Stateroom available for an additional price. Packages are land only, airfares additional and subject to availability. Single supplements apply. ^Blackout dates apply 23/06/17 - 06/07/17 and 08/12/17 - 21/12/17. Triple share available on request. Package not recommended for children. Subject to Sealink’s standard terms & conditions, for details visit www.sealink.com.au. Credit card fees up to 2.5% may apply.

Applecross 6150 6459 » Carousel 6150 6454 » Joondalup 9308 1600 » Mandurah 6150 6456 » Midland 6150 6468 » Morley 6466 2300 » West Perth 9436 4830

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48-49_DPS ADS.indd 49

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 49 24/10/2016 2:27:58 PM

3/11/2016 11:24 AM

Travel brief COOL PLACES TO BE ON NEW YEARS EVE This New Year’s Eve, make a resolution to spend your next one somewhere extra special.

Here are seven unforgettable New Year’s Eve experiences.

Northern Lights, Reykjavik.

Red Square, Moscow.

NYE Ball Drop, Times Square Join one of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve gatherings in New York City’s Times Square, and wait for the massive illuminated ball to descend and mark the new year.

Samoa, one of the first to welcome the New Year Start the countdown ahead of the rest! The idyllic South Pacific Island is one of the first countries in the world to welcome the New Year.

Times Square, New York.

Red Square, Moscow Experience New Year’s Eve in a winter wonderland. Against a backdrop of magnificent architectural landmarks, the clock ticks over in Red Square as breathtaking fireworks light up the sky.

Hogmanay Street Festival, Edinburgh This world-renowned festival takes place over three days with a

number of major events including the Hogmanay Street Party. The celebrations start on 30 December.

Victoria Harbour Fireworks, Hong Kong Always a dazzling spectacle at night, Honk Kong’s Victoria Harbour lifts the bar even highter for New Year’s Eve with an unforgettable pyrotechnic display set to music.

Sydney Harbour For the biggest party in the country make your way to Sydney and find a spot on the harbour or book a cruise. Special events and entertainment around the harbour precede the massive fireworks display at midnight.

Reykjavik and the Northern Lights, Iceland Head to Iceland’s capital Reykjavik for a magical start to the New Year with a night’s celebration in this vibrant city. Plus, if you’re in the coutryside, there’s the chance you could witness the Northern Lights.

Save on maps and atlases It’s time to start planning your holiday travel adventures. To help you, RAC Travel has taken up to 25 per cent off maps and guides in the lead-up to Christmas.

Included in the sale is a range of Michelin and Marco Polo guides, atlases and maps.

If you’re travelling in WA, around Australia or New Zealand our HEMA maps, guides and atlases are

perfect to take with you on the road. For those taking the backroads, we have a comprehensive range of four-wheel drive and camping atlases, caravan and camping guides.

Pick up your maps, guides and atlases from an RAC Travel branch or RAC member service centre, or buy online at rac.com.au/ onlineshop.

Sale ends 16 December.

50 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

50-51_TravelBrief.indd 50

3/11/2016 11:26 AM

News and information for travellers

Summer Sellout!

Savings on all Scooters

Events in regional WA

 Save $600

Regional events we recommend during this festive season.

Capital of Christmas lights Peel / 1–31 December

At Christmas time, the canals of Mandurah shimmer with over 200 houses illuminated in festive lights. Watch this spectacle from a cruise and dress for the occasion while singing along to Christmas carols.

Kalbarri Christmas markets Mid West / 19 December, 8am–2pm

Purchase unique Christmas gifts including local produce, arts and crafts, plants, jewellery and much more. There’ll be food stalls, plus activities for the kids.

The markets are at Sally’s Tree on the foreshore.

Save $1,200 Mini Cutie

Carols and the lighting of the Christmas tree Pilbara / Various dates

Christmas activities across the Shire of East Pilbara include the Lighting of the Christmas Tree held in Newman, Nullagine and Marble Bar, and Carols by Candlelight at various locations.

All festive activities will be posted on the Shire of East Pilbara Facebook page.

Save $1,500 Vita

Kununurra Christmas Markets Kimberley / 2–3 December

You’re sure to find something extra special at Kununurra’s Christmas Markets, with an array of local produce, arts, crafts and other local handiwork for sale.

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival

Vita S

South West / 10 December

Celebrate the diversity of fresh produce in Manjimup and the Southern Forests region with fabulous food and local crafts. There’ll also be activities and entertainment for all ages and interests.

...more models available

Live at the Hayshed Wheatbelt / 10 December

Enjoy Christmas Carols at The Hay Shed – a permanent music venue located 15km away from Kellerberrin on a farming property. Camping on site and accommodation is available in nearby Kellerberrin.

Save $2,060

St Barbara’s Festival Goldfields / 1–4 December

Saint Barbara’s Festival celebrates the great partnership that exists between the mining industry and the local community of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

9242 7333

www.blueskyhealthcare.com.au December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 51

50-51_TravelBrief.indd 51

3/11/2016 11:26 AM

Test drive Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars on our roads.

Kia Carnival Si

U

nlike a regular SUV, the Kia Carnival won’t make you look like the outdoor type.

However, it is the best in the business at moving people and a lot of their gear. This is largely because the Carnival isn’t trying to do too many things at once.

Compared with an SUV, the Carnival is lower to the ground, there are no mechanicals running to the rear of the vehicle, and the rear section of its roof is not swept downwards like those of many SUVs. One of the Carnival’s most impressive features is its huge luggage capacity behind the third row of seats. With that row of seats up, there is 960 litres of space – almost twice the volume of a Commodore’s boot.

The interior is roomy and designed specifically for the needs of large families. Seat comfort is excellent, including in the third row, and its practicality is excellent, too.

There are eight seats, 10 cup holders and four bottle holders, for goodness sake!

The trade-off is the size of the vehicle. It’s long and wide, so you do need to be aware of that when manoeuvring.

The sliding side doors (powered on the SLi and Platinum models) are fantastic for fuss-free entry and egress when parked in tight spots.

Launched in February 2015, this Carnival was a completely new design, apart from the drivetrains, which include the options of a 2.2-litre turbo diesel or a 3.3-litre V6.

Kia Carnival Si specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

Having driven both engines, we would recommend the 2.2-litre diesel. In a mix of urban driving interspersed with long country runs, the diesel needed an average of only 8.8L/100km. The diesel also has plenty of grunt at low revs, which is exactly what you need in a load carrier such as this.

The traditional image of people movers is that they are

from $38,900 drive away 2.2-litre turbo diesel 147kW @ 3800rpm 440Nm @ 1750–2750rpm 7.7L/100km 199g/km ★★★★★

uncool symbols of suburban conformity.

Yet, paradoxically, you’re far more of a conformist if you buy an SUV, given their towering sales compared with people movers.

That’s a pity, because not only is the Kia Carnival bold, and even stylish, for such a big box, it’s also exceedingly good at its job. l

52 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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Test drive It’s good to see a much less fussy dash layout than in past models.

For more car reviews, visit rac.com.au/carreviews

Honda Civic

M

ore than 40 years ago, the Civic was the car that catapulted Honda onto the shopping lists of new car buyers worldwide.

However, over the past decade, the Civic fell behind the pack. Paradoxically, the model that made Honda, is now the brand’s make-or-break car.

Honda says the team that developed the new Civic was given the mission to deliver a “dynamic rejuvenation” of the Civic.

The new Civic’s two biggest rejuvenations are its bold and completely new styling, and, under the skin, its peppy new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

It’s longer and wider than the previous Civic, with its

appearance determined in part by aerodynamics and the need to minimise wind noise.

There are five different model grades in the Civic range, starting with the VTi at $25,420 drive away. One up from that is the VTi-S at $27,582, which brings alloy wheels, keyless entry and Honda’s Lane Watch rear camera function.

For $31,100 you’ll get the VTi-L, which introduces the 1.5-litre turbo engine, followed by the VTi-RS ($35,420) and the VTi-LX at $37,380.

Safety gear comprises front, side and full-length curtain airbags in all variants across the range. Honda’s Lane Watch system is surprisingly helpful and is available on the range’s top four models. The system displays a view behind

Honda Civic specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

the passenger side of the car, thanks to a camera under the left exterior mirror, and is great for keeping an eye on what would normally be a blind spot.

Features such as autonomous braking, lane departure warning and active cruise control with a low-speed following function, only come with the top-of-therange VTi-LX. The interior’s build and finish is excellent and it’s good to see a much less fussy dash layout

$35,420 drive away (as tested) 1.5-litre turbo petrol 127kW @ 5500rpm 220Nm @ 1700–5500rpm 6.0L/100km 140g/km ★★★★★

than in past models.

You get digital radio in the top three variants, and it’s also equipped with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, both of which consumers are increasingly expecting in new cars.

The new Civic sedan is a far more convincing argument than its predecessor. And, if the new hatch follows suit when it arrives in 2017, the Civic will be back in the game. l

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 53

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Test drive

Holden Captiva

E

ver since it was introduced in 2006, the Holden Captiva has been a price leader. Some early Captivas suffered electrical issues that tarnished the vehicle’s reputation, but, in the long run, the Captiva has consistently been a strong seller.

In the first eight months of 2016 in WA, the Captiva was the third-biggest selling vehicle in the Large SUV segment.

It sat behind only the Toyota Prado (albeit quite a different vehicle) and the Toyota Kluger.

But, it was also comfortably ahead of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Outback and Ford Territory. Another reason the Captiva sold well in its early days was its option of a diesel engine. Its main competitor,

the Ford Territory, didn’t get a diesel until 2011.

By today’s standards, the interior plastics are hard and the handling is vague. However, the Captiva is still reasonably well featured and its low price continues to win over customers. The seven-seater Captiva starts at $30,490 plus on-roads. By comparison, the cheapest Hyundai Santa Fe seven-seater is $38,490 plus on roads. The closest-priced seven-seater SUV is the Nissan X-Trail ST, which costs $31,990, but this is a smaller vehicle.

In December 2015, Holden gave the Captiva a facelift, including a revised front end and the addition of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto – a very commendable addition given many luxury brands still

Holden Captiva specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

don’t offer this as standard.

At the same time, the slightly smaller Captiva 5 model was dropped from the range, making for a more simplified model line-up.

If you’re willing to live with five seats and a manual gearbox, the Captiva can be had for as little as $26,490 plus on-roads.

Clearly, the Captiva’s price-forsize equation is its calling card.

The Captiva absolutely does deserve points for the technology it has, such as the

from $26,490 plus on-roads 2.4-litre petrol 123kW @ 5600rpm 230Nm @ 4600rpm 8.8L/100km 209g/km ★★★★★

aforementioned smartphone connectivity. The standard rear camera, rear parking sensors and daytime running lights are credible inclusions, too.

However, much of the Captiva’s competition in the large SUV segment does have considerably sharper handling, along with more refined engines and better interior quality and functionality, such as air vents in the rear.

That said, the sales story doesn’t reflect that one bit. l

54 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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Test drive

For more car reviews, visit rac.com.au/carreviews

Alex Forrest

The XC90 also has two world-first safety technologies.

Volvo XC90

T

he all-new Volvo XC90 has a lot resting on its wheels, and we’re not talking about its mass.

From its launch in 2015, the XC90 needed to continue the success of its predecessor, which had been around since 2003, while forging new paths in the areas of vehicle safety, efficiency and technology.

There is no doubt that, in addition to all the improvements one might expect of a new model, there has been another step-change.

Where the previous XC90 was positioned as a European alternative for those who couldn’t quite stretch to one of the other premium large SUVs, this new XC90 is now clearly positioned to take sales off those brands.

We have no doubt that it will.

The most striking change brought by the new XC90 is its build and finish, and you can see it in the details.

These include the diamond patterned finishes to the switchgear, the frameless rear view mirror and the crystal glass gear lever.

Other touches are nods to Volvo’s heritage, including the front grille’s vertical bars, which echo those of the Volvo 1800ES of the early 1970s, and the tiny Swedish flags sewn into the sides of the seats.

Far less subtle is the enormous touchscreen in the centre of the front console, which controls the ventilation, audio, communications and navigation systems.

It functions like an iPad, and

Volvo XC90 specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

is surprisingly intuitive to use.

Volvo claims the XC90 also has two world-first safety technologies, one that can stop you turning into oncoming traffic at an intersection, and another that includes energyabsorbing seats designed to protect occupants in the event the vehicle runs off the road.

The D5 comes with a turbo diesel with 165kW and 470Nm (the engine we test drove), while the T5 is a 2.0-litre turbo

from $89,950 plus on-roads 2.0-litre turbo diesel 165kW @ 4250rpm 470Nm @ 1750-2500rpm 6.2L/100km 162g/km ★★★★★

petrol 235kW and 400Nm. Both these are all-wheel drive.

The top-of-the-range XC90 is the T8 Twin Engine, which is a plug-in hybrid.

This uses an electric motor that works in conjunction with a petrol engine, which is both turbocharged and supercharged.

This is the most powerful drivetrain in the range, yet the most efficient, at a claimed 2.1L/100km. l

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 55

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R15332

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Essentials (minor service) Essentials Plus (major service) Logbook servicing Free wash and vacuum^

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Present this voucher when you drop off your car and we’ll give you $40 off your service

Call 1300 134 642 or book online at rac.com.au/as *With the exception of RAC’s 10% member discount, this offer is not to be used with any other offer. This promotional discount applies to Essentials, Essentials Plus and Logbook servicing only and is available to all members.

Simply call to request additional vouchers for other members in your household. Offer valid for car services conducted before 31 January 2017. Discount voucher to be presented at time of service. RAC 10% member discount applies to all labour costs performed by the RAC. ^Floor/carpets of the vehicle only. Service provided by RAC Automotive Services P/ MRB 935. Promo Code: HORIZONS1216

Book at any of our nine Auto Services centres 56 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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What’s new

The latest news from the motoring world

Remote controlled seats

C

elebrity adventurer Bear Grylls was called upon by Land Rover to demonstrate one of the most obscure vehicle technologies we’ve ever seen. The legendary four-wheel drive manufacturer has come up with a system that allows owners to remotely fold the seats up or down using a smartphone app. It’s called Intelligent Seat Fold technology, and in his typically extreme style, Mr Grylls used a phone strapped to his arm while skydiving to remotely fold the seats of a Discovery, which was parked on the ground below.

Autonomous anniversary One of the world’s best-known self-driving cars is Herbie, and 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the classic 1977 movie, Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. Of course, Herbie was autonomous, thanks only to movie magic, and to make it appear that there was no one driving it, the car was modified to accommodate a stunt driver sitting down below the window line. The same “driverless” stuntHerbie had earlier been used in the 1974 movie, Herbie Rides Again. This car, complete with its modifications, sold at auction in the US during November 2015 for the equivalent of $112,000.

WA’s ups and downs

Skoda Kodiaq

New car sales in WA continue to slide, compared with the rest of the country, with a 3.7 per cent decline in sales over the first nine months of 2016, compared with the corresponding period in 2015.

WA’s decline in sales compares with a 2.8 per cent overall increase in new car sales nationally. Heaviest hit in WA was the large luxury car segment, which was down by 29.3 per cent compared with last year. It’s not all tales of woe though – sports cars costing less than $80,000 were up 23.8 per cent, while the seemingly evergreen medium SUV segment was up 19.9 per cent.

A new large SUV called the Kodiaq will be bearing the weight of Skoda’s expectations in the segment in Australia in 2017. Named after the Alaskan bear but with different spelling, the Kodiaq is Skoda’s first foray into large SUVs, and will be based on parent company Volkswagen’s MQB modular underpinnings. That said, it’s not simply a VW Tiguan in Skoda clothes. The Kodiaq will have the option of seven seats and it will usher in a new seven-speed DSG transmission, designed to handle up to 600Nm. The Kodiaq roars into Australia in the third quarter of the year.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 57

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Ask the car doctor You should check your car’s tyre pressures at least once a month.

Our experts answer your questions

manager and he told me about a reset operation that involved turning on the lights and pumping and holding the brake pedal. Unfortunately, I did not record the details and Centre Ford has gone out of business. I would really appreciate being told how to perform the reset.

Ray Wyatt, Swanbourne

A:

Q

Conventional wisdom suggests that one should rotate tyres regularly to even out the rate of wear. Assuming some tyres do wear faster according to their position on the car, if I constantly rotate the tyres, it means that at one stage – just before new tyres are required – all my tyres are down to their minimum tread depth. On the other hand, if I allow the tyres to wear at different rates and replace them (when required) in pairs of front or rear tyres to maintain side-to-side balance and even braking, it means I only have two tyres down to their minimum tread depth and two others that have tread to spare. Presumably, this would give better traction than having all four tyres with minimum tread. It also means that I am not slugged with a large bill to replace five tyres all at once.

What is your advice?

Joan Tuffin

A: Rotating the tyres will help

all of the vehicle’s tyres wear at the same rate, which will keep the tyres performing equally

on all four corners. This helps maintain the vehicle’s original handling balance and grip over a longer period. To get the maximum life of your tyres, we recommend that you rotate your tyres every 10,000km.

The pattern of the tyre rotation will depend on whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear drive or all-wheel drive.

When rotating, the wheel alignment should be checked.

Furthermore, you should be checking the tyre pressures on at least a monthly basis.

Q

We bought a new Ford Fiesta Econetic in April 2010. Because we don’t do that many kms in a year, I have the vehicle serviced every 10,000km. If the computer is not reset, the car displays the warning message ‘Oil change due at next service’, which goes soon after taking off, plus the oil warning light remains on. This means that if there were a malfunction, I would not have any warning.

When the dealer did not reset the computer after a service, I rang the service

To reset the oil change warning light please follow these steps. Turn the key ignition on (not the engine) then hold down the brake and accelerator for 20 seconds. The warning light should then turn off. If this doesn’t work, it would be best to visit an alternative Ford dealer.

Q

My query relates to the storage of premium fuel and petrol in general. I normally use 95 RON or 98 RON. As a backup I sometimes keep a jerry can full of petrol and may not use it for several months.

Is it true that the octane rating declines over time i.e. does 98 RON eventually “degrade” to 95 RON or lower? My vehicle has a minimum requirement of 95 RON and I would not feel comfortable using any fuel that has been degraded in this way.

Lawrence Chong, Carine

A:

Fuel does degrade after a period of time. How fuel is stored will determine how quickly the fuel will degrade.

The octane rating will decrease and other additives that are added to enhance the fuel will also degrade. This includes corrosion inhibitors, metal deactivators and any cleaning agents. Fresher fuel will be a better quality. We recommend not using any fuel that has been stored for longer than four months.

You can be a winner If your question is published you will receive a copy of the UBD Gregory’s 2017 Perth and Surrounds Street Directory from RAC Travel, which includes new streets and suburbs, petrol station locations and more.

See page 83 for terms and conditions of entry.

Send your questions to: The Car Doctor RAC Horizons GPO Box C140 Perth WA 6839 or email: editor@rac.com.au Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number with your query. If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery.

Contact

US If you have a motoring question, don’t forget that RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line.

Call 13 17 03 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm to speak to one of our experts.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 59

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3/11/2016 11:32 AM

Member Lounge People, places, prizes and RAC news

Fresh new look for RAC Cervantes Holiday Park The redevelopment of RAC’s Cervantes Holiday Park (formerly known as Pinnacles Holiday Park) has been completed and bookings are open for the summer holidays.

Save up to

The expansion and upgrade of the beachside property included the addition of a swimming pool, children’s playground, recreation room and camp kitchen.

Eleven self-catering cabins and an amenities block were also added.

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park is one of five RAC Parks and Resorts properties, which includes RAC Busselton Holiday Park, RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Ningaloo Reef Resort.

20%

60 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

Members are encouraged to book now to secure accommodation for the school holidays at these properties. Members can save up to 20 per cent off room rates and sites at all locations.

Through its parks and resorts, RAC is committed to providing quality, value for money accommodation in iconic locations within WA.

To book a stay at RAC Parks and Resorts call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au.

As part of RAC’s exciting new partnership with Mastercard Hopman Cup, RAC members will enjoy up to 20 per cent off tickets to the tournament.

Taking place at Perth Arena from 1–7 January 2017 members can watch 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer as well as some of the world’s top ranked tennis players battle it out for their country.

For more information on the discounted tickets and exclusive event day experiences, visit rac.com.au/hopmancup.

Member Lounge

Worst dates for vehicle write-offs Over the past three years in Perth, the highest number of crashes where the vehicle was declared a write-off occurred between December and January, according to RAC Insurance claims data.

My classic car To celebrate the launch of RAC Classic Car Insurance, we asked RAC staff to share stories about their own classic cars.

Here’s RAC’s Andrew Plunkett on his beloved Lotus Elan: “I’ve been fascinated by Lotus and, particularly, Lotus Elans since childhood.

A car dealership I used to walk past on the way to school sold Lotus during the mid-1970s. Plus, there was the glamour associated with 007 and the Lotus Espirit that converted to a submarine.

“I have had my car – a 1972 Lotus Elan – for three or four years. It turned up for sale in Perth, was advertised one Saturday morning and was safely housed in my garage soon after.

“Owning and driving a 40-plus-yearold Lotus is an enveloping experience, definitely not suited to ‘set and forget’

Win

driving. There is ongoing maintenance and improvements. Fortunately, internet information resources are good, as is the capacity for parts suppliers to ship parts to Australia. You definitely need an accommodating mechanic, unless you go DIY. “However, the driving experience far makes up for the reliability issues.

The feeling and sound when you are encased inside, with this incredibly close relationship to the engine and the mechanical components is intoxicating.

“The attention you get from those in other vehicles on the road is an experience; heads turn, some smile in appreciation; others in confusion.

“When you park the car, pedestrians stop and look, cross the road to stare, pull out cameras and walk into posts on occasions.”

Find out more about RAC Classic Car Insurance at rac.com.au/classiccar.

Do you own a classic car?

For your chance to win RAC Classic Car Insurance for 12 months, email a short story about your car, along with an image, to editor@rac.com.au.

Your story could be featured in Horizons.

See page 83 for terms and conditions.

The most vehicle write-offs occurred on 23 December each year over the three-year period examined. Two other dates – 18 December and 15 January – recorded the second and third most write-offs.

As 23 December is the second-last day of the preChristmas shopping period,

shopping precincts and the roads around them experience some of the year’s highest volumes of traffic. It can also be a busy time for people driving between pre-Christmas social engagements.

With many families travelling to and from holiday destinations and other activities during the mid-December to late-January school holiday period, RAC Insurance General Claims Manager Andrew O’Hara reminds members to be extra vigilant on the roads during this period. “We encourage all Western Australian drivers to be patient, drive courteously and don’t speed around car parks, particularly at such a busy time of the year.

“It’s also a good idea to stay alert and be extra cautious when reversing out of car parks,”Mr O’Hara said.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 61

Member Lounge

When do most home burglaries occur?

With home burglary rates increasing year on year, RAC Security is reminding members that warmer weather can provide opportunities for thieves, with windows and doors often left open and unlocked and homes left unoccupied during summer holidays.

A monitored home alarm can guard your property 24 hours a day, both while you sleep and when you’re away. For more information about home alarm systems, contact RAC Security on 1300 132 735 or visit rac.com.au/security.

Day

SAT Day for most break-ins

SUN Day for least break-ins*

Home burglary rates increased

11% from 2014/15 to 2015/16**

Month

AUG Worst month for break-ins

FEB Month with least break-ins*

RAC claims data for the year to June 2016 showed that most burglaries happened on a Saturday. While the worst month for break-ins was August, overall the school holiday months of December and January were the peak time for home burglaries with consistently increased levels from October through to January. The single worst day for home break-ins during the period was 20 May 2016, followed by Australia Day. *Source: RAC Insurance lodged home claims data 2015/16 **Source: WA Police

62 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

WIN a copy of Red Dust Racers

The Centenary History of Lake Perkolilli and the emergence of motorsport in Western Australia.

This is one of the most important books about WA’s motoring history ever written.

Launched in August 2016, this new publication brings the forgotten history of the state’s oldest and greatest race track to life. From 1914, a dusty clay pan hosted record attempts, as well as all manner of car, motorcycle, bicycle and aircraft races. This is the centenary history of Lake Perkolilli, the Brooklands of the West.

Two decades in the making, this beautifully bound, gilt-edged, hard-cover book by motoring writer Graeme Cocks features 1200 photographs, most never before published, packed into 488 pages with all the race results and the legendary stories of Lake Perkolilli. Only 1000 copies of this substantial new coffee table book have been printed and they are individually numbered.

To enter For your chance to win a copy of Red Dust Racers visit rac.com.au/reddust Complete the online entry form, or send your name, address, phone number and membership number to: Horizons/Red Dust Racers GPO Box 2946 Perth WA 6800 See page 83 for terms and conditions.

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Call 1300 655 179, go to rac.com.au/travel or visit your local RAC Travel Centre *Terms & conditions apply. Prices advertised are per person, twin share (twin beds) in an Inside Cabin, includes member discount and earlybird discount of 15% valid for Off-Peak cruises only departing 9 June, 14 July, 11 August 2017 and 12 January & 16 February 2018. Deposit for $200 per person due within 48 hours of booking. Upgrades to Outside Cabin or Stateroom available for an additional price. Packages are land only, airfares additional and subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Triple share available on request. Package not recommended for children. Subject to Sealink’s standard terms & conditions, for details visit www.sealink.com.au. Credit card fees up to 2.5% may apply.

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Call 1300 655 179, go to rac.com.au/travel or visit your local RAC Travel Centre *Save up to $1380 per couple based on the Blue Mountains and Sydney Explorer package, Travel Perth - Sydney. Prices are based on twin share of a Gold Service Twin cabin. For new bookings from 16 November 2016 to 31 January 2017 for travel 1 April 2017 - 31 August 2017. Fares are subject to availability at time of booking and may not be available on the date first requested. Blackout dates apply. ^Blue Mountains and Sydney Explorer, Rail blockout dates: (PERTH - SYDNEY) 23 Apr 17, 21 May 17, 25 Jun 17, 23 Jul 17 & (SYDNEY - PERTH) 26 Apr 17, 10 May 17, 12 Jul 17. Full payment required within 14 days of booking. 100% cancellation fees apply 14 days after booking date and the fare is non-transferable. Credit card fees may apply. Not available with any other offer. Timetables and Off Train Excursions are subject to change without notice. Kalgoorlie not available when traveling Sydney to Perth. For booking and travel conditions please visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au.

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64 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

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For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Save up to 30% off Rottnest Island ferry tickets We’re serving up to 20% off tickets R15375

Receive exclusive discounts on single session adult and concession tickets. 20% off AM, 10% off PM & final sessions, plus 10% off premium packages to Mastercard Hopman Cup 1 to 7 January 2017.

For more information, visit rac.com.au/hopmancup

rac.com.au/rottnest

*Transaction fees may apply. For Full terms and condititions visit rac.com.au/hopmancup

R15354

353-12 - Member Rewards_Horizons Ad QPFC Hopman.indd 1

Terms and conditions apply visit rac.com.au/rottnest

25/10/2016 375-124:16:27 - Member PMRewards_Horizons Ad QPFC Rottnest.indd 1

28/10/2016 10:37:49 AM

Win 1 of 50 in-season family passes to Disney’s “Moana” Disney’s animated adventure follows Moana, a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. Starring Auli’l Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, Disney’s “Moana” sails into cinemas 26 December 2016.

IN 3D AND

WaltDisneyStudiosAUNZ

DisneyStudiosAU #Moana

Enter now rac.com.au/moana *Terms and conditions apply. Visit rac.com.au/moana for more details

66 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017 15354-12 - Member Rewards_Horizons Ad HPFC Moana.indd 1

25/10/2016 1:29:03 PM

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Member benefits

Make savings while the sun shines That’s the power of membership

Exclusive prices for RAC members with up to 50% off movie tickets, 30% off Rottnest Island ferry tickets and heavily discounted entry to Adventure World and much more.

RMEM0273

Visit rac.com.au/summer Member benefit terms and conditions apply visit rac.com.au/mb for details

RMEM0273 Rottnest Ferry Horizons ad 227x185 Art_1.indd 1

27/10/2016 9:19 am

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 67

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

SAVE 10% ON SMÖRGÅSBORD AND NEW HOTEL PACKAGE OFFER Restaurant Special December: Breakfast & Dinner Festive Smörgåsbord Mon – Thur January: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Smörgåsbord Sun – Fri Please present your valid RAC Card on arrival to receive the discount for your entire group. Only one payment per table. Reservations are essential.

Hotel Special December & January: Get 10% off our “Getaway Treat for 2” Bed, Breakfast & Smörgåsbord Dinner Package!

97 MURRAY STREET PERTH

Call 9325 3900

or email hotel@missmaud.com.au Discounts apply to DIRECT BOOKINGS ONLY. Valid 1 Dec 2016 – 31 Jan 2017. Excludes 24, 25 & 31 December.

Not valid with any other offer.

SAVE UP TO 45%* ON ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR BLINDS AND CURTAINS WITH VISION DECOR

Free

installation for RAC members

We specialise in all types of interior and exterior blinds & curtains all custom made to measure in our factory in Malaga.

Contact our friendly staff for a quote today!

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE PLEASE

Call 9248 6160 *Terms and conditions apply

2/19 Exhibition Drive Malaga WA 6090 www.visiondecor.com.au

Show Your RAC Membership Card & Save At Specsavers, RAC Members can now choose from a range of great offers, including 25% off one pair of glasses complete with standard single vision lenses from the $149 range or above*. Simply head in to your nearest Specsavers store and show your Membership Card.

*Price complete with standard single vision lenses with scratch resistant coating. Multifocals and bifocals also available at an extra cost. Extra options not included. Price for other lens types may differ. Price correct at time of print. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer including 2 pairs for 1 low price. Valid auto club card must be presented at time of purchase.

68 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 69

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Do you hear but not understand?

Now start at only

This Invisible Hearing Aid is virtually undetectable!

1,495ea

$

after discount

Free

Hearing test & otoscopic examination

Why miss words if you don’t have to?

This hearing aid works for your ears how a contact lens works for your eyes: improves your hearing without anyone knowing it’s there.

Introducing a hearing aid that was designed in the USA and is custom made here in Australia. It’s so small it fits right inside your ear canal, and that makes it virtually invisible for anyone else to see.

reduces those sounds while amplifying the speech directly around you, making conversations much clearer.

Packs a Punch Despite its miniature size, the processor inside the “InvisibleIn-Canal” hearing aid is so powerful it supports the most sophisticated advances in digital hearing technology to date.

The microprocessor is so fast, that it samples the listening environment 20,000 times per second and makes automatic adjustments to the sound it delivers to your ear. Some models in the range are designed to identify non-speech noise and the steady hum of background conversations then

Hearing Loss Specialists Hearing Clinics Are offering complimentary hearing consultations to RAC members to determine whether you are a candidate to wear the Invisible-In-Canal hearing aids. We invite you to call today for an appointment. Your visit will include a hearing test (with otoscopic examination), a personalised consultation to determine the correct level of technology that is required for your individual hearing loss.

30 DAY EXCHANGE GUARANTEE

LATEST TECHNOLOGY WITH NATURAL SOUND

Are You Missing Too Much?

Don’t let your hearing loss rob you of the things you enjoy most in life: the relationships with your friends and family.

You can get help now without suffering the stigma of yesterday’s technology hearing aids.

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS & PENSIONERS & FREE HEARING TESTS

VISIT US ONLINE

WWW.HEARINGLOSS.NET.AU

Exclusive Offer for RAC Members: You will be eligible for $500* off the regular price on each hearing aid. $1,000 discount for both ears.

Trust the Hearing Aid Specialists with 30+ years experience in Western Australia.

All Clinics 9350 6311 Main Clinic: 12 Pattie Street, Cannington Balcatta Cannington Rockingham Subiaco

www.hearingloss.net.au

70 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

*Not valid with any other promotion **Conditions apply

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

15344-12

Visit bikemore.com.au Call 9380 6580 or visit us in-store at 356A Rockeby Rd, Subiaco

Terms and conditions apply. 15% off full priced items and 5% off discounted items. Valid RAC membership card must be presented at time of purchase.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

15344-12 - PublicPolicy_Bikemore Horizons HP Display.indd 1

e WA Dealer v i s u l c x E Caravans When only the best will do. Since 1984.

See our 5-star quality luxury caravans.

TravelMax

31/10/2016 1:59:11 PM

• Large range of new & used caravans and campers • Galvanized trailers single and dual axle • One stop shop for all your new & used caravan needs • Come and visit our new spare parts & accessory supermarket

Campers

RAC members Members receive receive

Exclusive proud suppliers of Travel Max campers.

Full off road hard floor campers.

6 Todd St, Bellevue (Cnr Roe & Great Eastern Hwy)

9250 1755 A/H: Jake 0433 353 927 caravancampermegastore.com.au

DL17069

$500 worth of caravan

Worth of Caravan accessories* e th Accessories ly n o When best will do! *

* When you purchase a caravan

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 71

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

SAVE ON FLOREAT PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS

10% DISCOUNT ELITE POOL COVERS

If purchasing or selling your home or rural property, Floreat Settlements offers RAC Members $550 settlement fees for Sellers and $880 settlement fees for Buyers plus government fees.*

· Cut Water Evaporation by nearly 100% · Save on Water Bills · Swim longer in a warmer pool · Save Water

LIMITED TIME ONLY. REGISTER NOW.

Don’t buy until you have seen Elite Triple Cell Solar Pool Blanket

Call 9240 2262

Call 9245 4822

(Country call: 1300 136 696)

or email admin@floreatsettlements.com.au www.floreatsettlements.com.au

or visit our factory showroom, at 10 Cressall Road, Balcatta

Award Winning Triple Cell

*Offer available until 31 Mar 2017. Factory direct sales only. Not valid with any other offer or if Elite has to measure pool.

SAVE Save$390 $390with with Garden GardenWater WaterBores Bores

Receive 10%* off full house gutteR Replacement • Gutters and Downpipes • Roof Restoration • Ridgecap Re-pointing • Skylights • All General Roof Repairs • All work guaranteed

Call 0439 707 578 or 9398 9861

www.roofrenewals.com.au

receive $150 off installation and a Free 3/4˝ tap and receive $150 off installation and a Free 3/4” tap and pressure release valve worth $240 with all new bores. pressure release valve worth $240 with all new bores.

Call 734300 300oror 0411 Call 1300 1300 734 0411 511511 611611

We willy beat an! quote

also alsobore boreand andreticulation reticulationservice serviceand andmaintenance maintenance

SAVE 10% off CArAVAn ACCESSoriES Ken Peachey caravan rePairs

300mm

360mm

Fully installed

Fully installed *Conditions apply

$185 ZINC $195 COLORBOND

Metro-wide retic and bore installation and repairs

$210 ZINC $220 COLORBOND

insurance, servicing, modification, accessories and canvas work.

Call (08) 9277 1381 or Email info@kenpeachey.com www.kenpeachey.com 194 campbell street Belmont Wa 6104

Licensed repairer MRB1167

RAC Members receive

15% off

regular prices Or 5% off discounted prices

It’s amazing what a little snooze can do. snooze.com.au

For more information visit rac.com.au/snooze *15% saving applicable to the regular retail prices of all products for RAC members or a 5% discount may be applied to already discounted items when you show your current RAC member card at the point of purchase.

72 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

E

X OF T F E E N R D E D

!

Enjoy your alfresco in style all summer long

40% OFF ELECTRIC ROLLER SCREENS*

RAC members receive a free remote control upgrade with every electric roller screen purchase External Roller Screens are an effective way to give your home the lifestyle and comfort you deserve.

Conveniently operated from anywhere in the home at the touch of a button, Nu Style Roller Screens allow you to control the amount of sunlight and ventilation with complete privacy without sacrificing your view.

Your NuStyle Roller Screens can be functional all year around. Keeping your alfresco warm in winter and even cooler in summer. By fully closing the screen you will benefit from up to 85% light control and shade cover, with an outstanding up to 95% heat control and UV block. It not only drastically reduces the harsh summer heat but also reduces your cooling and energy costs.

CALL 1300 798 776

or email info@nustyleshutters.com.au For a free measure and quote in metro areas 179 Beringarra Avenue, Malaga

www.nustyleshutters.com.au *Offer ends 31st of January 2017. T&Cs apply. Visit our webpage for more info.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 73

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

The CSIRO recommends annual termite inspections

Save

$165

Plus, 15% off all other services*

RAC Members Exclusive Offer only $190* (Normally $355) Offer only available once per household

*RAC member discounts and offers are not applicable to warranty renewal contracts or other Termico offers. Offer only applicable in metro and selected country areas (Bunbury and Busselton).

Spider treatment not available with pre-purchase inspection. Offer available once per household.** To approved customers only.

For more member savings visit rac.com.au/memberbenefit s

74 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

70

08.13

www.rac.com.au

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

10% OFF * AT REPCO

Garage Door Needing Attention?

NEW NEW DOORS DOORS REPLACEMENTS REPLACEMENTS SERVICES SERVICES SPARE SPARE PARTS PARTS

RAC Members receive

10% O parts*

As an RAC member you’ll get 10% off* a wide range of parts, accessories and lubricants.

And if some Repco Know How is what you need, our friendly, expert staff are always ready to share their knowledge to help you get the job done. Repco has over 90 years of motoring Know How supplying parts, accessories and advice to millions of Australian drivers and motoring professionals. So if it’s time to change your oil or give your car a little extra care get into Repco.

We install, repair and service all makes and models of doors & motors

www.repco.com.au

9303 9334

Don’t forget to show your card & save.

Unit1/5 Quantum link Wangara WA 6065

*10% off applies to full retail price and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount, including catalogue lines. Discount does not apply to purchases of transmissions, satellite navigation devices, automotive, marine & deep cycle batteries, engines & cylinder heads, equipment, gift cards, any trade purchases and Trade Workshop Equipment. Discount does not apply to purchases from the Repco Authorised Service network.

www.edenrocgaragedoors.com.au *Must show or quote your member number atDiscount time of booking.

Discount applies to door garageparts door parts *Show RAC card atRAC time of booking. applies to garage onlyonly.

See your home in a new light

R537386

Improve your mood today!

Skylights & Roof Ventilation Solutions Showrooms at Balcatta, Bunbury & Albany PERTH DAYLIGHTING servicing all regions in WA Units 5 & 6/1 Halley Road (cnr Geddes Street), Balcatta

RAC members receive a

7%

discount off selected products with

Perth Daylighting

Call 9240 4045 Bunbury ext 7013

www.perthdaylighting.com.au • www.skylightswa.com.au December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 75

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

BEAT THE HEAT

40

%

E

X OF T F E E N R D E D

!

0ff

CALL NOW to protect your home and block out the summer heat with our fantastic summer special, with a massive 40% off every Nu Style Roller shutter purchase. Aluminium shutters are the perfect product for your home if you are looking to ● reduce the Perth summer heat, ● protect and secure your family, ● save on energy bills, ● block out light and minimize noise.

Backed up by a 10 year warranty, Nu Style Shutter are built to last and protect your home, all year round.

RAC Members receive

a further

10%

with every electric shutter purchase^

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE IN METRO AREAS 179 Beringarra Avenue, Malaga, 6090 *Offer ends 31st of January 2017. T&Cs apply. ^A further 10% off the already discounted price. Visit our webpage for more info.

76 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

From

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 77

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

STORE BALCATTA BUNBURY BUSSELTON CANNINGTON CLAREMONT JOONDALUP MALAGA MANDURAH MIDLAND MINDARIE O'CONNOR OSBORNE PARK ROCKINGHAM SOUTHERN RIVER SUCCESS

STREET ADDRESS UNIT 2B, 39 ERINDALE RD UNIT 2, BLOCK E 69 SPENCER RD 57 STRELLY ST UNIT 10, 1451 - 1463 ALBANY HWY UNIT 2, 213 STIRLING HWY UNIT 3B, 3 WINTON RD UNIT 2, 1924 BEACH RD UNIT 1, 17 GORDON RD UNIT 2, 201 GREAT EASTERN HWY UNIT 6 & 7, 70 PENSACOLA TCE SHOP 7A, CNR SOUTH ST & STOCK RD UNIT 2, 278 SCARBOROUGH BEACH RD UNIT 3, 15 ENTERPRISE WAY SHOP 7, LOT 712, RANFORD RD UNIT 3, 640 BEELIAR DR

SUBURB BALCATTA BUNBURY BUSSELTON CANNINGTON CLAREMONT JOONDALUP MALAGA MANDURAH MIDLAND MINDARIE O'CONNOR OSBORNE PARK ROCKINGHAM SOUTHERN RIVER SUCCESS

RAC Members receive

20% off RRP PAINT

STATE WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA

PCODE 6021 6230 6280 6107 6010 6027 6090 6210 6056 6030 6163 6017 6168 6110 6164

PHONE 08 9204 1711 08 9721 3988 08 9752 1666 08 9350 9099 08 9385 5222 08 9300 2711 08 9209 3043 08 9581 8555 08 9250 3751 08 9407 9194 08 9314 1399 08 9444 7544 08 9527 5711 08 9398 2577 08 9417 4981

* Discount only available at Solver Professional Paint Centres in Western Australia. Offer only available to RAC members on presentation of membership card. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 30 September 2017.

78 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

BUILDING RENOVATING REPLACING

oom thr Ba hen c Kit ndr y Lau

EXPERT ADVICE / EASY-TO-VIEW SHOWROOMS / EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE / MASSIVE RANGE

RAC Members receive

*Excludes Some Products & Specials

15% off* RRP

BALDIVIS P: 9997 3278

BUNBURY P: 9792 4224

OSBORNE PARK CANNING VALE SUPER STORE MANDURAH P: 9244 4486 P: 9456 2299 P: 9583 3900

MIDVALE P: 9274 8677

MYAREE P: 9330 1500

WANGARA P: 9302 4533

www.sinkwarehouse.com.au December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 79

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

OUTDOOR KITCHENS 10 ON DISPLAY INCLUDING CUSTOM MADE RRP $7098

RRP $7000

RAC price

RRP $2789

RAC price

$5790

RAC price

$5480

$1499

Everdue 6 Burner Kitchen

Sunco Asipre

Everdure 4 Burner Island

Stone look 2 door. Fridge with Mixer tap.

Bonus cover 24ov Rotisserie + Build and deliver value $480.

6 Burner with 4 Modules including fridge, sink, mixer tap, work and drawers. Bonus Rotisserie + cover FREE Build and deliver. $480 value.

304 grade stanless steel internal lights.

Includes cabinet at no extra charge.

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal 5 colours to choose from RRP $799

RRP $999

RAC price

RRP $1799

RAC price

$749

RAC price

$949

$1749

FORCE

FURNACE

HUB

2 burner EURO style BBQ, easy to clean, nothing to rust, choice of colours. Plus pizza pack.

3 Burner euro style BBQ, easy to clean, nothing to rust. Plus pizza pack.

Charcoal BBQ with electric start, 40kg motor rating, designed for suckling pig. Plus free cover.

Trolley BBQ’s 50 to Choose From RRP $869

RRP $899

RAC price

RRP $1649

RAC price

$749

RAC price

$799

$1199

Everdure Figura

Grand Hall premium 6V

Sunco SC60

4 Burner BBQ with lights and glass window.

Bonus cover and pizza pack. $160 value.

6 Burner BBQ, 2 x flat plates, 1 x grill, Super Hot BBQ. Bonus cover and toolset. $100 value.

Top of the range. Full stainless BBQ including stainless plates and grills.

BARBECUEBAZAAR OPEN MON – FRI 9-5PM SAT 9-4PM SUN 1-3PM www.barbecuebazaar.com.au

80 Horizons December 2016 / January 2017

Balcatta 30 Erindale Rd Telephone: 9240 7188

Cannington 1399 Albany hwy Telephone: 9458 5724

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

SHARING IS CARING SHARE SHOFER WITH YOUR FRIENDS TO BOTH GET DISCOUNTS ON YOUR NEXT RIDE.

By sharing our free SHOFER app with your contacts, you and your friends will receive discounts on your next SHOFER ride.

Your friend will get 25% off their first SHOFER ride*, and you’ll get 20% off a SHOFER just for sharing the love.

RAC members receive an extra

10%* off

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP FOR YOUR SHOFER EXPERIENCE. 1. Download the SHOFER app 2. Book your SHOFER ride 3. Press the RAC members tab on home page and follow the prompts to receive your 10% discount.

We’ll then deploy a SHOFER to arrive on time, every time and safely.

shofer.com.au SHOFER – we’ll treat your right. *Some conditions apply. See shofer.com.au for more.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 81

Contact

US

The 1 best Western Australian Circus Festival

Do you have an idea for The 10 best?

Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au.

lunch held among cherry orchards (luncheon tickets are limited).

WA Festival of Cricket 13 DECEMBER

This is a chance for cricket fans to interact with some of the legends of the game in a relaxed festival-style atmosphere, when Adam Gilchrist’s Legends XI take on the Perth Scorchers at Aquinas College, Salter Point. Joining ‘Gilly’ in the Legends team last year were the likes of Glenn McGrath, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden.

Festival of Busselton 14–22 JANUARY

Summer festivals

For more than 50 years this festival has entertained locals and visitors with a popular street parade, the Petticoat Lane market stalls through Busselton’s main streets, as well as special children’s activities. The festival concludes on Sunday 22 January with a beachfront concert and fireworks.

Fringe World Festival East Fremantle Festival 4 DECEMBER

East Fremantle’s charming hub George Street will once again be the location for the annual East Fremantle Festival on Sunday 4 December from 1–7pm.

This free street festival will feature music, food, an artisans market and free kids’ entertainment.

George Street’s shops and businesses will also be open.

St Barbara’s Festival, Goldfields 1–4 DECEMBER

This iconic Goldfields event is a celebration of life in Australia’s largest regional outback city and recognises the contribution of the mining

sector to the KalgoorlieBoulder region. The event features a colourful parade down Kalgoorlie’s Hannan Street, where floats range from massive pieces of mining equipment to Christmas characters.

The Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival 10 DECEMBER

Now in its 15th year, this festival celebrates the picturesque Manjimup region.

Along with stalls, displays and children’s entertainment, event highlights include the Southern Forests Food Avenue with cooking demonstrations and tastings from local producers, an outdoor evening concert, plus the signature long table

20 JANUARY–19 FEBRUARY

Fringe World has grown into one of the largest annual events in WA and is now the world’s third largest fringe festival. The festival brings performers from WA, Australia and the world to venues across the Perth metropolitan area with comedy, circus, theatre, music, dance and more.

Fringe also includes many free events and family entertainment.

Western Australian Circus Festival 27–29 JANUARY

The 10th WA Circus Festival is a three-day event showcasing international and Australian circus performers, bands and DJs. Set in a

spectacular environment of big tops and magical outdoor venues, there’s circus, comedy, cabaret and music from midday until midnight. Enjoy the circus workshops and markets stalls and camp on-site over the weekend.

Perth International Arts Festival 10 FEBRUARY–5 MARCH

WA’s premier arts festival and the longest-running arts festival in Australia will once again showcase some of the world’s greatest artists and performers in festival venues, on our streets, our beaches and in parklands across Perth and the Great Southern region, including free festival events.

Lotterywest Film Festival 28 NOVEMBER–16 APRIL

Part of the Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF), the Lotterywest Film Festival runs before and after the official PIAF festival period. The film festival features an extensive program of films from around the world and our region presented in stunning outdoor cinema venues where film-goers can picnic under the stars.

Boyup Brook Country Music Festival 16–19 FEBRUARY

Each year, WA’s country music capital brings together some of Australia’s leading country music bands and artists in a great familyfriendly environment.

The main festival venue is on the banks of the beautiful Blackwood River with performances also taking place around the town. Camp and caravan sites are available for those attending.

82 Horizons December / January 2017

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3/11/2016 11:50 AM

Terms & conditions

Winning Letter page 8 Entrants may submit more than one entry. One entrant (winner) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance valued at $174. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their cover runs out. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid.

The winner will be notified by email, phone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in December/January Horizons must claim their prize by 11 January 2017. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn, at the absolute discretion of the Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Dongara/Port Denison getaway page 40 The competition begins on 16 November 2016 at 9am (Australian Western Standard Time) and ends on 24 January 2017 at 5pm. Up to one entrant (winner) may be awarded only one prize as follows: Holiday for two people including accommodation for five nights at Sunset Deck Coral Coast; $80 credit towards a powered site or accommodation in selfcontained deluxe ocean view cabin at Dongara Tourist Park; 18 holes of golf at the Dongara Golf Club, including golf cart and club hire supplied by

Breeze Inn Traveller’s Lodge; and a guided sandboard tour for two with Beach, Sand & Land Tours. The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 31 January 2017 and notified in writing.

When the winner is notified of their prize, they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 14 February 2017. Prizes must be claimed in person, unless a winner is otherwise advised.

Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required.

Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Car Doctor page 59 Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a 2017 Perth and Surrounds UBD Street Directory, valued at $39.95. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid.

The winner will be notified by email, telephone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in December/January Horizons must claim their prize by 11 January 2017. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the

prize may be withdrawn, at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

12 months’ classic car insurance page 61 The competition begins on 16 November 2016 at 12am (Australian Western Standard Time) and ends on 28 December 2016 at 11:59pm.

Up to one entrant (winner) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: 12 months RAC Classic Car Insurance (subject to underwriting criteria, up to a maximum value of $500).

The winners shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winners will be drawn on 29 December 2016 and notified by writing.

When the winners are notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 25 January 2017. Prizes must be claimed in person unless a winner is otherwise advised.

Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required.

Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

entrants (winners) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: Red Dust Racers book.

The winners shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winners will be drawn on 12 January 2017 and notified by writing. When the winners are notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 20 January 2017. Prizes must be claimed in person unless a winner is otherwise advised.

Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required.

Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

More info

Red Dust Racers book page 62 The competition begins on 16 November 2016 at 09:00 am (Australian Western Standard Time) and ends on 11 January 2017 at 12pm. Up to five

Full terms and conditions for each competition are available at rac.com.au/competitions.

For details of winners from our past promotions, visit rac.com.au/horizonswinners.

December 2016 / January 2017 Horizons 83

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3/11/2016 11:50 AM

Some things only get better with age Introducing RAC Classic Car Insurance

At RAC, we’ve been insuring cars for almost 70 years, so we’ve met a few motor enthusiasts in our time. That’s why we’ve decided to provide insurance tailor-made for your pride and joy.

RINS0555

RAC Classic Car Insurance covers your vintage or classic car against accidental and malicious damage, storm, fire, flood and theft. Plus, you’ll also get cover for any modifications or enhancements, as well as full salvage rights if your vehicle is a total loss and is over 30 years old.

Call 1300 736 143 to get a quote 84 Horizons December / January 2017

RAC Classic Car Insurance is issued by Famous Insurance Agency Pty Ltd on behalf of Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) SE trading as Great Lakes Australia. Check the PDS to see if the policy is right for you.

RINS0555_RAC Classsic Car Insurance_Horizons_202x270mm.indd 1 82-84_TenBest.indd 84

20/10/2016 12:21 pm 3/11/2016 11:50 AM