EDITION No. 66
Thursday, January 20, 2022
$2.50
Muja transition:
Upskilling for 60 as deadline looms SHIRLEY FULFILLS ALAN’S DREAM
TWENTY-TWO percent of Muja Power Station’s workforce has upskilled in preparation for the staged closure of two of four operating units from October. Of the 271-strong workforce, 60 employees have completed formal qualifications and of those two have diversified their skills and chosen to move to the gas side of Synergy’s operations, according to Synergy’s manager of thermal generation, Mick Hill. “We now have a 60-year-old operator who has formal qualifications which have opened new opportunities for him,” Mr Hill said. “He said he had to learn how to learn again and, with support, he was able to do so. So basically, he is set to continue until he is ready to retire.” Mr Hill said the company started planning the transition of its workforce in August, 2019 as part of the Just Transition process. This process focuses on the
period from 2021- 2025 with the primary goal of supporting affected workers and communities in the transition away from emissions-intensive industries. Mr Hill said he is committed to ensuring staff affected by changes are provided with new opportunities, not only through the WA Government’s Just Transition Plan. “Our senior people have worked with the unions,” Mr Hill said. “We also got an on-site group of 42 volunteers, plus eight to 10 senior people together, and when we looked around at the people in that room, we realised we had about 1500 years of experience in there. “We didn’t want to waste all that experience.” Although there will be a reduction in the size of the workforce at Muja, the power station will be required to continue operating for another 10 to 12 years. Continued page 20
Heated pool push MORE than 600 people signed a petition last week calling for a local indoor swimming pool to be built. - Page 3
$2.5m. spend up OVER $2.5 million was spent during Collie Chamber of Commerce’s Buy Local Christmas shopping competition. - Page 6
Changes at Bulletin
PUBLISHED: Shirley Worroll has achievEd a long time dream of her late husband, Alan, by having her book “The Gumnut Brothers and the Gnome” published. See story page 20.
THERE have been staff changes at the Bulletin, including the arrival of a new advertising and administration consultant. - Page 7
2 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
Lupin project moving into pilot plant testing phase THE Lupin Co. is in the initial pilot testing phase of its project to extract protein isolates and soluble molecules from lupins for supply in powder form. Managing director David Fienberg said the company wants to confirm its trial plant can manufacture the product and has potential to increase volume to a commercial scale. “The project is developing and shows good promise,” said Mr Fienberg. “We’re continuing to invest money to extend the technology as far as we can and it’s going really well. Mr Fienberg said the company would have more information on the commer-
Emergency planning
All new e-edition now available @
www.colliebulletin.com.au
COLLIE Shire Council is today (Thursday) holding a community consultation meeting on its local emergency management arrangements. It starts at 6pm in council chambers.
HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS/SPORT News and sports contributions are welcome. Simply email your contributions to: editorial@crvbulletin.com SPORT DEADLINE: Monday 5pm HOW TO BOOK AN ADVERTISEMENT Advertisements can be booked by ringing 9734 1024 or by emailing bookings to: advertising@crvbulletin.com DEADLINE: Monday 12 noon HOW TO LODGE A CLASSIFIED Classified advertisements can be lodged at 1B Collie Park Shopping Centre (opposite post office) or by email to: classies@crvbulletin.com DEADLINES: Tuesday 4pm (lineage) | Monday 1pm (display classifieds)
ADMIN
Megan Creemers Office Manager | 9734 1024
EDITORIAL
Amy Dorozenko Journalist | 9734 1024
SALES
Leonie Davey Sales | 0408 294 597
Printed and published by Joe Italiano, 52 Bucktin Street, Collie, WA, for Collie Community Publishing Pty Ltd., 1B Collie Park Shopping Centre, Collie
COLLIE FUTURES FUND UPDATE cialisation aspect of the project in mid2022. The company got $98,000 from the Collie Futures Small Grants Program (CFSGP) in December, 2020. Quantum Filtration got $100,000 from the CFSGP to establish a research and development laboratory to support the commercialisation of new technology in the water-treatment sector.
The project is nearing completion and has developed a purpose-built, water-testing laboratory containing industry-standard testing equipment. Wellington Dam Kiosk received $100,000 to expand and cater for larger numbers of patrons in an all-weather environment. They are currently finalising negotiations with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to begin the work. Aquatic Life Industries, who initially received $41,000, withdrew their project after a “change of direction” for the business, said Aquatic Life Industries chief executive officer Steven Davies.
COLLIE FUTURES FUND PROJECTS Applicant/Project
Funding
Westrac Autonomous Training Facility Bluewaters Farm Holdings autonomous training operations Renergi Bio-economy waste project JTSI Fund administration National Trust Roundhouse Collie Ridge Motel Expansion Cannaponics Limited cannabis plant Holista Colltech medical colagen International Graphite Micronising Plant Collie Synfuels fuel cell Infrastructure Collie Synfuels H2 expert option Plan West distillery project Quantum Filtration Medium Pty Ltd Frontier Carbon renewable diesel Leschenault Catchment Danju Jobs Smargiassi Superfund Trust rezoning for Lot 51 Patstone Road Global Marketing hay pressing plant Dam Fish demonstration marron farm WA Hemp Growers processing facility business plan Lupin Foods Pty Ltd protien isolate Collie Electrical electrical hardware store Living Legacy Forest Pty Ltd forest expansion project DC Two modular data centre Harris River Estate winery expansion Black Diamond tourism feasibility Collie Cycle Club cycling classic TraaVerse recreational tourism The Humble Horse horse trails CI, JI & LA Riley river trails farm stay Donnybrook Tourism Association connecting to Collie-Preston Retired Mineworkers’ pit pony Kiosk at the Dam extension Australian Heritage skills project Fraser Family Trust weed control Collie Cycle Club 2021 Labour day fest Toscas Boutique coffee shop Federal Hotel Kitchen redevelopment
$2 million
Jobs to date
7
5
$777,650 $2 million $450,000 $998,532 $589,825 $2,000,000 $501,250 $2 million $50,000 $50,000 $90,000 $99,745 $100,000 $75,000
31 Not started N/A 35 Not started 2 Not started Not started 1 1 1 1 1 8
30 20 N/A 10 56 36 13 65 1 1 1 5 1 7
$43,500 $80,000 $75,000
Not started 1 10
2 1 10
$35,000 $98,000 $100,000
2 Unknown 6
2 10 5
$30,000 $200,000 $40,000 $70,000 $8000 $85,550 $20,780 $45,500
3 Not started 5 5 34 2 4 Not started
7 4 1 2 34 2 3 4
$50,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $41,900 $50,000 $45,800 $75,325
1 4 Not started Recently started
1 1 2
1
2
30 Unknown N/A
Ongoing Jobs
20 2 15
Over 600 want heated pool
MORE than 600 people signed a petition last week calling for a local indoor swimming pool to be built. “We still have four sheets to come back, so it is likely to be around 800,” said heated pool spokesperson Beth Peters. The group will keep the petition going, asking for signatures at Woolworths today (Thursday), Friday and Saturday in an endeavour to take advantage of the momentum built up by the petition. The petition calls for a 25metre indoor heated swimming pool to be built at a location in Wittenoom Street that currently houses the community radio station. “The indoor pool will be used for therapy and children’s swimming lessons, so people don’t have to continue travelling to Donnybrook and Bunbury to access their pool.” Mrs Peters said a handful of people were concerned the outdoor pool will be closed to make way for an indoor pool but this was not the case. “We want both pools to coexist. The indoor pool will be used 12 months a year, while the outdoor pool will be used during summer.” People spoken to by group members were generally very positive about the pool with some saying they “can’t wait” and “it should be here by now”. To keep costs down, the group is looking at sustainable ways they can operate the indoor pool. Once the petition has run its course, the group will take the petition to Collie Shire Council to be considered by councillors. Council has previously balked at the proposal due to the cost involved.
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 3
INDOOR POOL: Indoor heated pool advocates Ann Briggs and Beth Peters.
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4 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
Work on social housing units underway
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 5
WORK on units at 50 Ogden Street has begun. The State Government allocated $816,000 in 2021 to refurbish the six vacant Government Regional Officers’ Housing (GROH) units to help meet social housing demands for couples and small families. “My focus now is to get these works completed as soon as possible, so the homes can be put to good use,” Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said. Property and facilities maintenance company, Workzone, was awarded a $523,000 contract to under-
take internal refurbishment; and south west company PSA Construction was awarded a $293,000 contract for external works, including car park repairs. The units were built in 1982 to house government workers, including teachers and police, as part of the GROH program. “These GROH units will get a new lease of life and provide accommodation for six vulnerable families in the Collie area,” said Housing Minister John Carey. The refurbishment work is expected to be completed mid-2022.
Granny flat title change A RIVER Avenue homeowner has requested that a notification on his Certificate of Title be removed. When an ancillary dwelling (a “granny flat”) was relocated to his property in December, 2006, a condition of the Land Transfer Act was the requirement that it could only be inhabited by someone related to the occu-
pant of the main dwelling. This is no longer a requirement. Collie Shire Council agreed to authorise the removal of the condition from the title. Extra dwellings such as “granny flats” can now provide an alternative housing option, and can be rented out separately.
NINTENDO CHAMPIONS: Isaac Shaw, Keith Ambrose and Jeb Slapp in action at the Collie Library’s Mario Cart championships. Looking on is Abel Slapp.
Mario karters off and racing at the library SIXTEEN Mario Kart enthusiasts battled for glory in Collie Public Library’s popular school holiday Mario Kart Championship last Thursday, January 13. The racers, of varying ages,
signed up for the Championship and there were eliminations after each race. There were six races in total. The final was a close and tense affair, with racers contending with
the infamous Rainbow Road track. With cheers echoing throughout the library, Logan Shaw came up trumps, taking first place followed closely by Willow Masters in second.
6 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
Suspended term for animal cruelty THE discovery of a dead dog and a severely emaciated puppy at a Collie house has led to animal cruelty convictions for a local couple. Michael John Strahan, 22, from Collie and Chelsea Carstairs, 22, who now lives in Carey Park, were sentenced in the Bunbury Magistrate’s Court on Friday after pleading guilty to two counts of animal cruelty by way of failing to provide sufficient food or water. Strahan was hit with a conditional eight-month jail term, suspended for 12 months with program and supervision requirements, along with an order to undergo medical assessment for autism spectrum disorder. Carstairs was fined $8000. Both were ordered to pay $350.70 court costs and were banned from owning or taking care of animals for five years. RSPCA inspectors went to the offenders’ home, then in Jones Street, in May 2019 after receiving a cruelty complaint about two young Staffy-cross breeds whose hip bone, spine and rib outlines were clearly visible. The complainant said the dogs had been on the “leaner side” for the past five months, but their body condition had worsened. Inspectors found an “extremely underweight” white and tan puppy, aged about seven months,
with “dry and empty” food and water bowls. The inspectors could not see a second dog. Inspector manager Kylie Green said inspectors cautioned Strahan, who told them the dog, Charlie, had passed away the day before. Strahan told inspectors the female dog, Lily, had had a “rough stomach” for the past couple of weeks, but he hadn’t taken her or Charlie to a vet. He also told inspectors he had had memory problems for eight months and would feed the dogs every night, if he remembered. A post-mortem on Charlie at Murdoch University revealed he was severely emaciated at the time of death and was suffering a syndrome caused by malnutrition. His stomach, oesophagus and mouth confirmed he had dry food before his death. However, the food had become stuck in his airway with the vet ruling asphyxiation as the final cause of death. An initial examination of Lily by Collie Veterinary Services found she was suffering extreme emaciation and had the lowest body condition score possible – zero out of five. After three months of care and treatment at the RSPCA in Malaga, Lily had reached ‘ideal body condition’. She has since been adopted and is in a loving home.
LUCKY SHOP: The winning ticket was obtained from Doran Thomson of Thomson’s Auto Parts in Forrest Street.
Over $2.5 million spent in ‘Buy Local’ campaign OVER $2.5 million was spent during the Collie Chamber of Commerce Buy Local shopping competition run over the Christmas period. The Chamber runs this competition to encourage shopping locally by giving consumers the chance to win a substantial shopping spree, while participating business owners can win a marketing package. And to be exact – an incredible $2,513,950 worth of
raffle tickets were bought from the 42 participating businesses between November 8 and December 30, 2021 with Collie Chamber president Peter Harms drawing the competition’s three winners while live-streaming on Facebook. Darryl Coutts took top honours, with Stephanie Slapp drawn second, and Bec Pipe third. Mr Coutts won $3000 worth
of Chamber Christmas gift vouchers, giving him access to over 50 shops at which to spend his prize. Stephanie Slapp won $700 worth of vouchers, and Bec Pipe rounded out the placegetters and won $500 worth of vouchers. The winning ticket was obtained from Thomson’s Auto Parts, which won the business a $6,300 print and radio advertising package.
Apply now for Semester 1, 2022
Train for the job you really want. Classes start from 31 January.
1352
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See courses with half-price fees under the Lower fees, local skills program at southregionaltafe.wa.edu.au/LFLS Collie Campus, 43 Wittenoom Street | 6371 3900 or FREECALL 1800 621 445 | collie@srtafe.wa.edu.au | RTO Code 52790 southregionaltafe.wa.edu.au
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 7
Library’s help for vax ID certificates
COLLIE Public Library staff are helping people to access their COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination certificates. Residents seeking help will need identification (a driver’s licence, for example), Medicare card, passport (if available), MyGov login details, email login details, or details of the last medical appointment for those who have not linked their Medicare card to a MyGov account. Library staff can also help to create a MyGov account for anyone who does not have one. This service can be accessed (Thursday) and Friday from 8.30am to 12noon and 2pm to 4.30pm. Staff will still be on hand to help anyone needing assistance after this week. Roche Park Recreation Centre staff are assisting anyone needing help to set up the ServiceWA app. This can be done at Roche Park from Monday to Thursdays, between 11am and 4pm, or on Fridays, from 9am to 12noon.
Double vaccination rate at 90 percent COLLIE is expected to hit 90 percent for double COVID-19 vaccinations this week. As of Monday the double dose rate was at 89.6 percent. Over 95 percent of people in the shire now have had a single dose. Vaccines continue to be available at the Collie River Valley Medical Centre, Collie Medical Group, Terry White Chemmart and the Italian Club hub on Tuesdays.Children aged five to 11 years old are now eligible for the vaccine.
Victorian student’s bomb hoax threat
NEWCOMER: Leonie Davey, the Bulletin’s new advertising sales and administration consultant, with newly promoted office manager Megan Creemers.
New staff join the Bulletin’s team IT HAS been a busy start to the new year for the Collie River Valley Bulletin. The company has welcomed new staff, including a new advertising sales and administration consultant, Leonie Davey. Leonie recently moved to town from Busselton to be closer to family. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to work in an
office,” said Ms Davey. “I can use my brain a bit more with this job.” Ms Davey worked in hospitality before moving to Collie, recently working at the Harvey River Estate. “It’s so nice to be away from booze and food,” Ms Davey said. “It feels so good to be working in the Collie community with locals.” Also joining the Bulletin is
Community Bank Collie
Sta fundrrais sing $39 9,,000 When you choose to bank with Bendigo Bank, good things happen in your community i y. Lik ke e the $39 9,,000 raised by our sta ff for breast & prostate cancerr and leukemia. And when you belong to one of Australia’s biggest bank b s, good things happen with your banking too. Fe F eel good about who you bank with. Find out more. Call 97 73 34 7 74 411 or search Bendigo Bank k Collie.
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Hayley Skwirowski, as bookkeeper. Administration officer and graphic designer Megan Creemers has been promoted to the position of office manager. “The last year has been very rewarding, and I look forward to whatever new challenges and rewards are coming our way,” said Mrs Creemers.
POLICE have spoken to a juvenile male from Victoria about a hoax bomb threat made to a Collie school. Collie Senior High School received the hoax call on November 25, 2021. The juvenile made full admissions to the police, who opted to guide and educate him rather than lay charges. During the incident students were evacuated from their classrooms, taking refuge in the school gym. They were kept out of classrooms for some three hours while police searched the rooms and school grounds. The juvenile was not known to the school and no reason for making the call to Collie has been ascertained by police..
8 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
SEDDON on THURSDAY
It sure is hot but we’ll survive it!
Keep your kids safe There are plenty of places for kids to have fun in the water around Collie, but please remember to stay vigilant around water. All swimmers need to be watched around water: it only takes a minute to drown, so let’s keep them safe. In particular, if you have non-swimmers, they should be within arm’s reach. Also, remember to “slip, slop, slap” and have them wear a hat, as the UV index is high. If kids are on bikes, teach them to wear their helmets and watch out for cars. When walking, kids must remember to look left, right and left again before crossing roads. Learn to earn Today at the Collie Family Centre from 10am to 12 noon, is the “Learn to Earn” Youngpreneur session for kids. Scitech visit A free Scitech session for kids aged 4 to 8 is at Roche Park, Saturday January 22, from 10am to 11.15am; and 9 - 12 year olds 10.45am - 12pm. Movies in the Park On Saturday, January 22, the film Mary Poppins Returns will be shown in Central Park, and on Wednesday, January 26, Buckley’s Chance. Take your chairs, blankets and some snacks or a picnic for a good, free night out. Australia Day breakfast Thanks to the volunteers who have put their hands up to help cook and serve the breakfast at this year’s Australia Day Shire of Collie awards ceremony. In past years, Lions have done a magnificent job of supplying the breakfast, so thanks to them for a sterling effort. This year however, they are unable to do it, so without the response from the volunteers, the breakfast was at risk. Now it is up to the pub-
lic to make the volunteers’ efforts worthwhile by going along to Central Park from 7am onwards for Australian music, the presentation of Citizen of the Year awards, and the breakfast which follows. Australia Day mass St Brigid’s Catholic church has organised a mass to be celebrated on Australia Day, Wednesday, January 26 at 10am. Feast of St Brigid mass To celebrate the Feast of St Brigid, the parish patroness, on Tuesday, February 1, a mass will be celebrated at 6pm followed by a shared supper. Parishioners are asked to bring a dish to share. Coffee or tea and cool drinks will be provided. Collie Bird Sale The annual South West Avicultural Society bird sale will be held at Collie CWA Hall on February 12. The sale will extend from 9am to 1pm. Interested bird keepers will be able to pick up beautiful birds and aviary accessories. Opening up The Anglican Op Shop is open again following a Christmas break and refurbishment to the building. The shop in Noyes Hall is open from Tuesday to Thursday each week from 9am to 3pm. Bingo Collie Eagles bingo starts again on Thursday, January 27. Doors open at 6.30pm that night, with eyes down at 7.30pm. All are welcome. Send it in This column offers free publication of events for not-for-profit clubs and organisations or for items of social news. If you would like to have details published in this column, send copy to nola.crvbulletin@gmail.com by 5pm on Fridays, or pop a note in Nola’s letterbox at 87 Jones Street.
Rested and ready I RECENTLY returned from a family holiday in Busselton and am feeling rested and ready for a new and undoubtedly busy year. The announcement of the recent arrival of the Omicron variant in WA has made many people feel nervous about their own health and those of family and friends. What we can be sure of is that in WA we have taken a careful approach since COVID first appeared back in March 2020. A high rate of vaccination means that we are less likely to catch COVID, and if we do we are less likely to become very sick and require treatment in an ICU. A high rate of vaccination also means we are far less likely to transmit the virus to others and reduce the risk of them also becoming very unwell. By expanding the categories that require proof of vaccination to be shown, we also help keep our loved ones safe. The new ServiceWA app is a “one-stop-shop” – for the Safe WA check-in, proof of ID, proof of vaccination and the G2G pass system all in one app. Some people, including me, have not found the process easy, though I must admit it was the myGovID system (managed by the Federal government) which is the hardest part. For those who don’t have “smartphones” you can still go “old school” and use printed copies of your vaccination certificate (or medical exemption) and show ID to check-in at venues requiring it. There are lots of places you can get help if you need it with installing the ServiceWA app. Contact the Roche Park Recreation Centre for available times, the Collie Public Library or my office on 9734 2073. There is also a COVID assistance line you can call for help with the app on 13 33 WA (13 33 92). Late Monday afternoon, the South West was included in the mask mandate due to the recent locations in Margaret River being added to the exposure list. Just like everything else we have done so far with COVID, if we work together to help each other we will keep our community safe.
I CONSIDER myself to be a realist, particularly about my own tolerances. Yet every year around November I kid myself that this summer will be different. This will be the year that I embrace the warmth, gleefully discard the shackles of all those winter clothing layers and wile away long summer evenings sipping ice cold drinks out on the patio. By early December things are not going too badly. I’m congratulating myself for being on the front foot Christmas-wise and am only mildly frazzled when there are no shady spots left in the car park. The sun is rising pleasingly early and it’s delightful to be able to enjoy the cool of the morning before the sun gets up. By mid December the pot plants are starting to look a bit peeved and my good intentions are skating on thin ice. All my favourite TV shows have gone into hiatus. Heretofore unknown presenters are dredged up from the bowels of the ABC and thrust blinking into the spotlight to read the news. And look, far be it from me to pass judgement, but there’s an awful lot of human flesh on display. Some people clearly have less qualms about forsaking decorum for comfort than others. Personal hygiene has obviously gotten the better of a portion of humanity too, to the extent that you know there is somebody in the next aisle of the supermarket before you round the corner. By Christmas the wheels of my good intentions have fallen off completely. All bets are off. I officially despise summer. The heat, the glare, the baking hot bitumen, the mozzies, the flies. The summer of cricket is scant consolation when a five day test match barely makes it to two and a half days. The cat and I wallow around the house together in abject misery. He sprawls on the floor with barely the energy to cajole for food. I can’t even be bothered getting a snack for myself, let alone him. Drinks on the patio are foiled by the incessant slapping away of insects. Harriet has even left us for cooler climes. There was a brief sighting of her on Christmas Day. She had taken refuge inside a door mechanism but has since silently and enigmatically departed. Outside the sun continues to beat down. The vinca plants that have spent the winter reaching out hopefully for a glimpse of sun now recoil in horror from its merciless heat. I know how they feel. The thrill of being out in the cool morning air is negated by the notion that a long hot evening is sure to follow. Autumn seems a long way away, but I’m buoyed by two things - the magnificent red flowering gums that are putting on an amazing show right now, and the tennis that is just cranking up. We’ll survive.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor are welcome. Send to:
editorial@crvbulletin.com or post or drop off to
Shop 1B, Collie Park Shopping Centre, Steere St, Collie, 6225
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 9
The
BYSTANDER
oo Around Looks
Gender imbalance There is a local business (well, ok, confession, it is ours) which has a decided gender imbalance. The females outnumbered the males from the start, four to two, then this shifted to five to one as one of the two left, then six to one as another female appeared. Since then, the total number of staff has grown, with only one more male briefly appearing on the list before fading away. Thereafter it has always been more females. The current ratio is eight to one, but the one is resisting suggestions we be called Joe’s angels. Ageism? A born-and-bred former local lady is in the process of converting her research job into a PhD. Filling in the PhD application form, she was asked: “What level of education did your parent or guardian reach?” She found this question quite amusing but was unsure how to answer, as she is 57 years old. On tap A group of tourists were seen on Sunday having lunch in the car park near the Visitors' Centre. They obviously wanted a drink of water, and there was a tap close by. Unfortunately, when they tried to turn it on they discovered it was locked. They looked around further and found a tap near the dump post. Our informant said they had a drink and washed their hands. He wasn’t sure whether or not this was unsanitary, but he was sure that it would be unsavoury due to associated odours. While understanding why council would not want a tap which could be left on and waste a lot of water, he thought that a timer on the tap would surely be better than a lock. He felt this was not the way to welcome visitors.
George’s Gems
No stroke of luck for Bill People: NOLA GREEN
EARLY in December, 2013, the Vernon family of Hull Road was preparing for Christmas. Bill, the head of the family, was a fit 53 year-old miner who rode his bike to work at the Premier Mine. On December 2, he was water skiing and enjoying life; little did he or his family know that everything was going to change forever in just three days. “Bill used to do everything for me, and he was a huge mentor to our kids,” his wife, Denny, said. “I didn’t realise it at the time, how much he did for me and the family.” For Bill Vernon, life changed in the blink of an eye, in the beat of a heart – in a stroke.
FIT: Three days before his stroke, Bill Vernon was water skiing. It also changed for his wife, Denny, and for his five children – and it will never be the same. Bill was literally struck down at home, at 1.15am on December 5, and Denny immediately called an ambulance. Some ambulances in major cities carry lightweight brain scanners, so patients can get a scan immediately to determine if a stroke has been caused by a clot or a bleed. Different medications are needed, and if administered
AT HOME: Bill at home on the farm with his dog, Miss Vivian, who never leaves his side. straightaway, make a world of difference to a patient’s recovery. Within 25 minutes of his stroke, Bill arrived at the Collie hospital. Stroke patients at remote country hospitals have a much harder time than those with access to well-equipped and well-staffed major city hospitals. Collie is classed as a remote country hospital. “Bill was not diagnosed immediately. Minutes are important in strokes; you need to be diagnosed quickly,” Denny said. “If I had known what was going to happen, I would have spoken up - if I had known then what I know now. “We need to educate people – and that includes doctors – what the signs of a stroke are. GPs are supposed to know everything, but they don’t. “Bill was in hospital within 25 minutes, but he was left overnight. He was sent to Bunbury the next morning, and they transferred him to Royal Perth Hospital immediately. “He was admitted to the intensive care ward at RPH. He was left paralysed, and could not speak or swallow. “He had to learn to walk again, and learn to eat. “Having a stroke is like getting a filing cabinet and tipping it upside down, and then trying
to put it back together again. “It would have been less serious if he had had a needle straight away.” While Bill was still in intensive care, a bed became available at Shenton Park Hospital and Bill was sent there. He was an inpatient for almost four months, then for the next eight months, he was an outpatient. “We stayed in a rental house,” Denny said. “We had people coming to see Bill, as he showed progress – far more than was expected. “As a family, we have always worked hard together to get Bill to where he is today. As a mum, watching our kids cope has been a struggle, knowing that their mentor will no longer mentor them. Now they are his mentors, teaching him about life all over again. “We have been very, very lucky, and Bill has worked so hard. He is inspiring – he never complains. “His life before is a blank to him: he couldn’t remember his kids’ names. “It’s hard to watch the kids knowing how much they miss their Dad – yes, we still have Bill and we are so grateful, but we grieve ‘my Bill, their Dad’.
“Bill is not the man I married,” she said sadly. Bill continues to work hard on rehabilitation, going for walks every second day. “When we first came home, people would see him and pick him up and bring him home,” Denny said. “The dog always goes with him, and if anything happened, the dog would come and get me. “He walks to mum and dad’s place in Denton Road. “He goes to exercise at Terresa Briggs’ senior fitness class. When he first went, it was all women.” Denny has learnt a lot since Bill had his stroke, and she wants to pass her knowledge on to others. She is an advocate with Australian Stroke Alliance, taking part in two or three zoom meetings a year. “I am another voice, to tell Bill’s story. I got pushed forward into this role,” she said. “We are on a stroke journey.” For more information about the work of the Australian Stroke Alliance and their aim to address major gaps in health outcomes for Australians in rural, remote and Indigenous communities go to: https://austrokealliance.org.au/
I have some racing geese for sale. Let me know if you'd like to take a quick gander. ❏❏❏ Just bought the exwife an electric typewriter for Christmas. Now looking for a chair to match.
FAMILY: Liam, Kiri, Bill, Denny, Axel, Temily and Teke Vernon.
NEXT GENERATION: Bill and Denny Vernon with 12 of their 15 grandchildren: Leni, Charlie nursing Wilde, Lace, Keet, Coah, Brax, Salv, Jimmy, Quade, Steele and Jagger.
10 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
Saturday night at the movies
THE summer sunset movie series continued on Saturday night with the screening of the “The Dry”. A crowd of about 100 turned out for the evening at Central Park to socialise and enjoy the film. The next movies are “Mary Poppins Returns” this Saturday night, followed by “Buckley’s Chance” on Wednesday for Australia Day.
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COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 11 BUSINESS IN FOCUS
Collie Electrical and Hardware’s Nerelee Sweeney with some of the new store’s wide range of electrical and hardware products.
Collie Electrical and Hardware now open for business COLLIE Electrical and Hardware opened their shop at 24 Forrest Street last week. “We can cater for all electrical needs, including maintenance on evaporative air conditioners, ovens, hot-water systems, pumps, bores, and solar-inverter replacements,” said owner/operator Mrs Nerelee Sweeney.
“We also install safety switches, smoke alarms, ovens and hotplates, reverse-cycle air conditioners, range hoods, television points, power points, and lights.” In addition, Collie Electrical and Hardware co-owner Paul Sweeney can wire sheds and houses plus conduct wiring inspections.
Quotes for projects are free of charge. Currently on sale are fans, lights and globes, hot-water elements as well as high-tensile nuts and bolts, with Mrs Sweeney confirming that they will keep expanding on what they already have. As part of the Sweeneys’ enterprise is the stock feed sec-
tion of the old Ted Britten and Sons shop which has been open to the public for the past 12 months. The team is also working to expand on the lines they already have, branching out into pet food and supplies. “Paul wanted to supply the things that people can’t get in Collie and meet the demands
of his customers for a while now,” Mrs Sweeney said. “We’ve finally been able to make that happen.” The opening of Collie Electrical and Hardware was made possible through $100,000 in funding they received from theSouth West Development Commission’s Collie Futures Small Grants Program.
12 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
2022 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS Central Park - Wednesday, January 26
Nominations for outstanding citizens THE Shire of Collie 2022 Australia Day awards will be announced at the Australia Day breakfast in Central Park next
Wednesday, January 26. This year, there are four nominations for Citizen of the Year, two for the Young
Citizen of the Year
Citizen of the Year, three for the Community Group or Event of the Year, and two for the Environment Award.
Breakfast is on A HEARTY breakfast will be served immediately after the Australia Day Citizen of the Year awards next Wednesday. The Lions Club of whose Collie, have members cooked and served Day Australia breakfasts for many years, are unable to do so this year, but breakfast will still be served thanks to volunteers who have put their hands up to help.
The Lions Club will still have an involvement on the day as their equipment will be used and an experienced member of Lions will supervise the cooking and serving of breakfast. For the cost of just $5, you will receive a egg and bacon burger and fruit. Celebrations continue in the evening with the screening of the film Buckley’s Chance from 7.30pm in Central Park.
Trudi Curran at a Collie Senior High School art exhibition.
Marie Hicks has been a prolific worker for the St Brigid’s Parish. Mark Paget Mark Paget is nominated for his work in many areas of the community. Mark was co-ordinator for the 2020 Labour Day celebrations, which were a huge success, and was on the committee for the 2021 celebrations. He was a member of the Museum Advisory Committee which set up the management mechanisms to take over the running of the Coalfields Museum. He has served on the management committee since 2017, and is on the restoration sub-committee. He is a presenter at the radio station, and is deputy chairperson of the management committee.
Trudi Curran Trudi Curran is nominated for her contribution to the arts in Collie. She was one of the original art gallery committee members who worked to establish an art gallery for Collie. She became chairperson of the art gallery committee in November 2015, a position she still holds. Trudi presided over the technical side of setting up standards and procedures during the early period at the gallery, and also training of volunteers. She has played a huge part in the success of the Art Gallery awards, and also organises the annual high school art exhibition. Marie Hicks Marie Hicks has been a prolific worker and volunteer in Collie. She acts as secretary for St Brigid’s Catholic Parish and is a member of the Parish Finance committee and Parish Pastoral Council. She provides pastoral care for people in ValleyView, or at home if required. She is a member of the Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre and assists as a volunteer. She also assists the co-ordinator of the St Vincent de Paul Op Shop. Mark Paget coordinated the Labour Day celebrations, volunteers at the museum, community radio and at his church. As a competitive cyclist for many years, Mark has helped in the organisation of the annual Donnybrook cycle race and other major road races, and assists his wife with the cycle museum in Throssell Street. He is an active member of his church and takes an active role in ministry in the church.
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 13
2022 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS Central Park - Wednesday, January 26
Citizen of the Year Greg Pye Greg Pye is nominated for his work related to the Collie mountain bike scene for at least three years. He has been the key person for setting up the pump track project at the Roundhouse; setting up the drop zone project at the town trail; and assisting with long weekend mountain bike events such as the Collie River Valley 50 event with marshalling, marking and clearing the course and clean-
Environment Award
ing up after the event. Greg has been involved in the Monadelphous project, recycling and repairing bikes for PCYC at-risk kids, and has organised group rides for these children. He is a presenter with Collie Community Radio, and promotes mountain biking and other sports on the radio. Greg always seems to be involved with community groups, especially those relating to underprivileged kids.
Carol Gale Carol Gale has continued her work in clearing litter from the back road to Worsley, a road which now bears her name as being responsible for removing litter. She made it her retirement project to clean it up from the Harris
ADVER RTISEMENT
Greg Pye on one of Collie’s mountain bike trails.
HAPP H APPY A Y
Young Citizen of the Year Georgia Moloney Georgia Moloney is nominated for being an inspiration to young people in Collie, overcoming an adverse event, and showing courage and resilience. Georgia suffered horrific injuries in the life-changing incident, and since that time , has had to endure many surgeries, but she has con-
tinued to display an incredibly positive attitude. She has been helped by the unswerving support of her family and friends, but is a wonderful example to local youth and to the people of Collie. Georgia bravely gave the keynote address at the 2021 Collie Senior High School Year 12 graduation.
Georgia Moloney has been an inspiration to young people despite an adverse event which has impacted her life . Liam Shepherd Liam Shepherd is nominated for his contribution to the Collie Swimming Club as a coach, and as an inspirational leader and speaker. Liam was a champion swimmer until his competitive career was cut short by a car crash which left him confined to a wheelchair. During this recovery he has continued to
act as senior coach for the young swimmers at the Collie Swimming Club. He attends coaching sessions at the pool, and accompanies swimmers when they go to competitions outside Collie. He has been a speaker at road safety events and has been part of the Heart Hub. Liam Shepherd has been a tireless worker, as a coach for Collie Swimming Club.
Environment Award Friends of the River Friends of the River is nominated for the Environment Award for its ongoing work of revegetation along the Collie River. The organisation holds regular planting days, and when they have finished planting, members clean up litter from the area. While they have some support from the Shire of Collie, the majority of their efforts are done by volunteers from a wide range of ages. Their work includes educating the community about the need to look after the River. The improvements they carry out also improve the amenity of the river, and make it attractive for both residents and visitors to the town.
Friends of the River pictured at a clean-up.
River Road all the way to the South West Highway. Carol has also helped out in other litter pickups and maintained an interest in Tidy Towns. Carol has been involved with the Collie Show and has volunteered with St John ambulance.
Au Au us sttrral alia a lia a Day Congggrrraaatulations atulationns to t ever e ryyyone onee nominate nominat nom ed for the the Shir Shhirre of of Collie C Col ollie i Awar a ds d
Jodie Hann
MEMBER FOR COLLIE-PRE
14 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
Collie’s ghost stories - fact or fantasy?
MUSEUM MORSELS Contributor: TOM REARDON IN 2002, storyteller extraordinaire Glen B. Swift penned a story entitled “The Ghost Sheep of Collie”. I recalled reading this story on one of my visits to Collie before settling here. The Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre (CMHRC) has in recent times received visits from four people asking about certain buildings in which they say people have experienced paranormal experiences while in Collie. However, before we look at the experiences of these people, let’s recall the story of the ghost sheep. The oldest story involves the first train to run along the new line from Brunswick Junction to Collie in 1898, and the train driver, Mr. Brennan, may have made the first sighting of a ghost in Collie. As the train ran down the slope from Allanson, he says he saw a mob of sheep on the track accompanied by an old shepherd, yet the blast of the train whistle brought no reaction from either sheep or man, and he felt sure he must have run down several of the sheep. As the train was running too fast to stop, he continued on his journey and reported the accident to the stationmaster. On the return journey in the early evening, he looked out for
blood on the tracks, or signs of the carnage, but saw neither dead sheep nor any sign or trace of them. Swift continues the railway theme with another story of sightings of sheep on the railway line. On January 12, 1906, a train coming into Collie from the Lucknow Timber Concession ran out of control when the steam regulator failed, eventually jumping the rails at the Harvey Street crossing, with a person who leapt from the speeding train killed. The driver and guard both stayed with the train until it stopped, receiving only a severe shaking and both reported seeing sheep on the track before the mechanical failure. Swift goes on to mention that on the night of the great fire in Throssell Street in 1914, which burned all the shops on either side of the Federal Hotel, sheep were reportedly heard and seen in the distance against the pall of smoke. He then asks the question: So, why would Collie have Ghost Sheep? The answer may be part of the story of the discovery of Coal in Collie. Swift, in his story, went on to explain that the area was farmed in the 1880s by Arthur Perrin from Brunswick who employed George Marsh to take care of the sheep. Marsh reportedly built a fire with black rocks that burned all night and these rocks were ash in the morning. When he reported this to Perrin on his monthly visit with provisions, Perrin scoffed at the idea, telling Marsh everyone knew that there was no coal up the Collie. According to Swift, the story goes that Perrin used to walk along the riverbanks and throw any black rocks back in the river determined to keep the secret to himself. Perrin eventually went into partnership with Hay and received the reward for discovering coal in commercial
GHOSTLY: Sheep in the mist quantities. The assertion appears to be that because George Marsh was not recognised, his spirit roams the area with a flock of sheep. Fact or fiction? Let’s now turn to the questions the visitors to CMHRC were asking. Recently a lady visited asking for information about the history of a certain building in town. She told us that a male friend of hers rented this building and has been woken a number of times by the voices of children. Last week, a man staying in another old building in Collie told of his experiences of edges of a shag carpet mat being moved while he was not in the room. After some investigation and a series of tests, he was convinced that there was some form of paranormal force in the room. While staying in the building with him, a workmate reported feeling arms encircle him while he was cleaning his teeth one morning. After chatting to other people connected to the building, he was told the following story. A couple of years ago a contractor took a room in this build-
ing. Strange happenings started to occur: a few days after he arrived, he came home to find all his clothes taken out of the wardrobe and packed neatly in his suitcase. He immediately left the building and would not return. Those who follow this column would have recently read the article on the historic Colliefields Hotel by Lori Hart. In it she writes: “As with many older buildings, the Colliefields has its share of spirits other than the drinking variety. “Many visitors have heard and seen a small boy, possibly the spirit of a lad who passed away while at the hotel. “One clairvoyant suggested that this young boy jumps between the Colliefields and the Museum. “A young girl had also been seen, but not in recent years. “In 2015, the day of the opening of the juice bar, a ‘merry old gentleman’ sat next to a guest and had a conversation with her. He said that he liked being at the hotel and didn’t want to leave, then vanished. “Another spectre is that of a
gentleman known as ‘Bob’. He has been seen many times upstairs near the guest rooms. “A woman named ‘Mary’ has been seen, also by a clairvoyant. “Michelle, the owner, reports that these are very friendly spirits and are enjoying their extended stay at the Colliefields.” So, there you have it, a small smattering of the many ghost stories in Collie. And although I cannot say if these events happened, other people believe they did. I was present when the man told of his experiences about the shag-wool mat being in different positions. He was not intimidated by the experience, but rather curious to find out more. For the other people who shared their experiences, we can only accept what they state they have experienced because to them the experience was real. However, back to the Ghost Sheep of Collie. I think Glen Swift’s title as a storyteller extraordinaire gives the reader a clue to the authenticity of the story. Maybe this ghost story about a shepherd and his sheep is just that – a story.
Wonderland to town in new exhibition ARTIST and printmaker Shana James will bring her latest exhibition, Down the Rabbit Hole Again, to Collie Art Gallery on Saturday, January 29 (from 2pm to 4pm) for a month-long stay. Through her work, Ms James reimagines the story of Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, with metaphorical images that prompt viewers to comprehend their own reality and that of Alice in a new way. The artwork does not seek to illustrate Alice in Wonderland but uses images and symbols from the story to investigate
ideas concerning decision making, choice, direction, judgement, letting go and ultimately the self-actualisation of an individual. Alice in Wonderland is not just a story for children but a story rich with symbolism, metaphors and meaning. Ms James is an award-winning Western Australian artist, with a life-long interest in visual storytelling. She has exhibited widely over the past 30 years and this is her 11th solo exhibition. The exhibition will close on Sunday, February 27.
Letters and diaries – news from the front
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 15
SALUTINGTHEIR SERVICE Contributor: GRAHAME OLD SOLDIERS at war eagerly awaited letters from home. This news momentarily took them home, away from the horrors of war. When time permitted they wrote back, with some painting a mundane picture of their lot in an attempt to shield their loved one from the actual carnage while others write on a more personal note. The following are two extracts from copies of letters home from soldiers on service during WW1.
Major John William Hamilton. A Last Letter Home On the eve of the landing on Gallipoli Peninsula, soldiers penned last-minute letters to their loved ones at home, such as this letter written by an officer of the 6th Infantry Battalion AIF to his wife: “We are on the eve of landing on the Peninsula. Dearie, this may be my last (letter) to you. But cheer up and if I fall tomorrow morning, well, I will be one of the many brave fellows who have died trying to do their duty for God and Country. “We are about to land in the face of the enemy. I have your testament in my hand and as I gaze at our little daughter Boyne, I think I have been a brute to you all for this life with all its danger, but I don’t know,
I can’t explain, the only thing I can say is that if I didn’t come I wouldn’t be worthy of my name. “I must say goodbye to you my darling wife. I trust that the Almighty in His mercy will guard my life and bring us together when we will live a holy and happy life till He us two part in twain. “Goodbye love and God bless you and my darling little Boyne. “Your loving and true hubby, Jack.” Major John William Hamilton died in action the next day, April 25, 1915, near Lone Pine, Gallipoli Peninsula.
Brigadier General Pompey Elliott. A Brigade Commander in tears Australia’s famed 15th AIF Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Harold Edward (Pompey) Elliott, was a prolific writer. His biography is told through his letters home to his wife in which he describes the horrors of war, the failures of higher command and his love for his soldiers. Elliott had argued aggressively against the decision from British High Command to attack the firmly entrenched enemy at Fromelles, France in 1916. He insisted that the plan was flawed and would result in a “bloody holocaust”; however, he was overruled and the attack took place. The following is an extract from a letter written to his wife following that disastrous Battle of Fromelles: “The battle is over. My brave boys have done all that man could do. “We are going to send out rescue parties tonight. It has been impossible during the day to get
men out as the Germans have been shelling us badly. “Many must perish slowly and miserably for want of attention in that no man’s land. God help us all, it is cruel indeed. “The casualties will be worse I fear than even the landing at Gallipoli. “I must stop now, dear love, for I am very weary and there is still much to do to help my boys.” Fromelles was, as Elliott had predicted, a disaster and remains the worst 24 hours in Australian military history. The AIF 5th Division lost 5,533 casualties with 1804 from Elliott’s 15th Brigade. Pompey Elliott was “distraught” - he had predicted the result, tried to prevent it and had to deal with the aftermath. He greeted survivors with “tears streaming down his face”.
Private Edward Francis Lynch. Diaries There were many diaries kept by soldiers during war – some held in museums, some still held and cherished by families. Soldiers often recorded their daily activities, their anger, their sorrow and their longing for home. Many diaries were wellwritten accounts of the war from a soldier’s perspective and were later turned into best-selling novels. 2207 Private Edward Francis Lynch, from NSW, enlisted in the Army for WW1 at just eighteen years of age. He served with the 45th Infantry Battalion and survived terrible conflict. Lynch kept a diary of his service and after the war he turned his devastating experiences on the Western Front into the historical novel “Somme Mud”. The
novel is considered among the best written war experiences of an Australian Infantry. The following are extracts from the novel: 1916: “It’s the end of the 1916 winter and the conditions are almost unbelievable. We live in a world of Somme mud. We sleep in it, work in it, fight in it, wade in it and many of us die in it. We see it, feel it, eat it and curse it, we can’t escape it, not even by dying.” April 27, 1918: “We are marching in platoons to the front, we are to go in at Villers-Bretonneux. We know that our 13th and 15th Brigades took the village back from Fritz on the 25th, just two days ago. We’ve been told that Amiens can be seen from Villers-Bretonneux and therefore Fritz will be sure to have a go to retake it, so we expect fireworks. “Near the village now, we are halted near a crossroad. A large crucifix stands here bearing a life-size figure of Christ, all shot about by shrapnel. Within a radius of thirty yards we count eleven dead men of some British Regiment and four dead Aussies. These crossroads have been a death-trap. “Men have bled and died here. Christians killed by Christians and over their poor bodies, the gigantic cross of Christ! A shrapnel-torn, bullet-marked symbol of the cross upon which Christ died for men. We look at the cross and those fifteen bodies lying so still around it and wonder, thinking queer, halflogical reasonings we can’t well express”. Same evening: “Snow touches my arm and nods towards the ground. A young Australian boy lies dead at our feet. Still clasped in his two hands is a letter he has been reading as his life ebbed away - opening and reading a letter with death approaching to dim his eyes forever. Poor little chap! His dying thoughts were centred on his letter and its beloved writer back in Australia”.
Gallipoli through the eyes of a ‘Collie Boy’ 1593 Corporal Thomas William McNamara 11th Infantry Battalion enlisted in September 1914. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Ellen Elizabeth Clarke, of Sheffield, England. He went ashore at Gallipoli with
WA’s own 11th Battalion. Badly wounded at Gallipoli, Thomas McNamara went on to serve in France but was later deemed unfit for further service and sent home to Australia in 1917. He returned to Collie working as a hairdresser, and lived in Wittenoom Street. Thomas McNamara was a talented writer who kept a diary during his WW1 service. The following extracts are from his diary published in the book “Game To The Last … 11th Australian Infantry Battalion at Gallipoli” by James Hurst. Description of an Anzac Morning: “The soft warm sun of early morning dispersing the mists around Imbros; and casting a glistening sheen on the glass smooth waters of the Aegean Sea. The brightly coloured hospital ship rides serenely at anchor; two destroyers are making a leisurely inspection. Farther out the sun’s rays pick out the transports, and the warship”. Report on Gallipoli Action: “The first shell of the morning bursts with a crash and a whine of shrapnel, whilst the white acrid fumes float away on the morning breeze like a fleece of freshly scoured wool, and the smell of wild thyme and dead men is borne on the air”. Effects of enemy shelling on a fatigue party with orders to carry ammunition to the line: “Without pause, for what seemed an eternity but was really only the space of about five minutes, the shells - one, two, three, four; one, two, three, four - exploded with deadly accuracy. The air became thick with clouds of choking smoke to which was added the dust churned by the spattering bullets. “Nose caps and shell-cases struck the ground with sickening thuds to rebound aimlessly into the air and then fall back to rest. “The men at the head of the column got through safely and those at the gully-mouth sought cover under low cliffs. “As to the remainder, most, alas, lay across or near the boxes they were bearing, some tossing or writhing in agony, others perfectly still in the grotesque, huddled attitudes common to those who are violently blasted to death.” Lest we Forget
Local cleaner appealing for respect for amenities Premier declares mask mandate for the South West region LOCAL amenities cleaner, Dave Swan, has urged residents and tourists who use the public toilets in town to be more respectful of the amenities. In recent weeks, Mr Swan has witnessed toilets clogged with toilet paper, needle
bins ripped off walls, and even human waste dumped on floors. Fresh rolls of toilet paper have also been mysteriously disappearing from their holders with this causing an increase in how many he has been having to order just to
keep up with the losses. The pressure to clean facilities to high hygienic standards of course increases with the added number of tourists in town during the holiday season, but Mr Swan urges locals and tourists alike to be extra
vigilant of unacceptable behaviour and help him to maintain amenities that are normally clean and appealing. “I would like people to treat them (the public toilets) better and stop making such a mess,” Mr Swan said.
On holiday? Out of town? Want to keep up with the news? Get the Bulletin e-edition. Visit www.colliebulletin.com.au
A MASK mandate for all indoor public settings was introduced at 6pm on Monday in the South West. Indoor public settings will include workplaces as well as, for example, aged care facilities and hospitals. This was in response to a growing number of exposure sites in the region. “Locals are urged to wear their masks, in accordance with the public health order,” said Premier
Mark McGowan. It has been revealed that a COVID-positive person was in Margaret River on January 13 and had then travelled to a number of locations. For further information for those who may have been at exposure sites, the Healthy WA website www.healthywa.wa.gov.au lists sites and times, and the health advice that is required to be followed by all residents of the South West region.
16 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
Opportunity awaits you CAN’T decide between town convenience and peaceful farm living? Have both with this beautiful property at 1068 Coalfields Highway, Worsley. 70 acres (approximately) of land containing four paddocks, a dam and a well-loved home just waiting for someone to take full advantage of this panoramic location. The house is filled with an abundance of natural lighting with exposed beams and leadlight features throughout. Each room overlooks vast paddocks and natural bushland which just adds to the rustic feel. If you have been waiting to indulge in a secluded country lifestyle, now is your chance. WHY BUY ME: ►Lounge area with carpet underfoot and ceiling fan; ►Kitchen with wood stove; ►Family area featuring cosy log fire, ceiling fan and sunroom; ►Master bedroom featuring jarrah ceiling and carpet underfoot;
►Queen-sized minor bedroom with carpet underfoot and curtains; ►Single-sized minor bedroom with carpet underfoot; ►Fourth minor bedroom located upstairs featuring carpet underfoot, decking, French doors and leadlight features; ►Main bathroom boasting shower and bath combo, vanity, slate flooring underfoot and jarrah ceilings; ►Outdoor bathroom with shower and toilet; ►Paved patio entertaining area; ►Granite rock walls; ►Open four-bay carport; ►Three storerooms; ►Solar hot-water system with electric booster; ►Four paddocks; ►Lemon tree; ►Dam; and ►Surrounded by State Forest on three sides. Land Rates: $1703.78 pa (approx) Land Size: 66.79 acres (approx) Zoning: Rural
HOME FACT FILE Location: 1068 Coalfields Hwy, Collie Price: Expressions of Interest Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Cars: 4 Contact: Mitch Davidson 0408 910 337
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 17
Priced to sell
THIS excellent weatherboard/fibro home sits on a 1104m2 block, overlooking the southern skyline. The property is within walking distance or a two-minute drive to all local facilities and community amenities. It is in a great location within the busy and vibrant central business district. There is a double lock-up garage at the front, full-width patio at the rear, and the convenience of side and rear access. It could be subdivided, subject to shire approval. Collie is quickly growing in popularity due to the close proximity to many of the South West region’s numerous tourist attractions, sporting facilities, wineries, coastal beaches, restaurants and retail stores. Hence, this property is an excellent opportunity for first-home buyers who want to add their personal touches or make improvements, or investors to add to their property portfolio. PROPERTY FEATURES: ►Three large bedrooms, two with built-in robe; ►High ceilings and jarrah floorboards throughout the home; ►Entry hall leads to the open-plan kitchen and dining area; ►Kitchen has ample cupboards, electric cooktop and new wall oven; ►Log fire and inverter reverse-cycle air conditioner; and ►One bathroom with a shower and vanity, separate toilet and a spacious laundry.
HOME FACT FILE Location: 62 Clifton St, Collie Price: $169,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Cars: 2 Contact: Charles Pinto 9780 0524 or 0419 389 455
18 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
Looking back...
20 years ago ... Contributor: KYM SAUNDERS From the Collie Mail, January 24, 2002 Heated pool closer Collie's long mooted heated swimming pool came a big step closer - but was still a long way off- after the Shire Council did an about-turn and voted to apply for a $250,000 State Government grant towards the project at their January 2002 meeting. Wilfire spate kept crews under pressure A spate of bushfires kept local Wellington District staff of the Department of Conservation and Land Management under pressure. Local staff from the two authorities were called in to deal with 26 wild fires over a period of just a few days - half as many as they would normally deal with in a year. Centre damaged in arson attack The Collie Day Care Centre suffered about $10,000 worth of damage when somebody set it alight. It was lit at 6pm, Wednesday 16th January, and spotted by ambulance officers at the neighbouring depot. They tried to put the fire out. Firefighters arrived shortly afterwards and extinguished the blaze. Muja cleaning contract raises wide concerns Collie MLA Mick Murray, the Collie Business Enterprise Centre and the Collie Chamber of Commerce said the governmentowned Muja Power Station breached the State Government's "buy local" policy when they opened a tender contract for cleaners without advertising it. Dockers' day out About 100 Fremantle Dockers fans turned out to meet the then-new coach Chris Connolly at a barbeque lunch time affair that was held in Collie.
CHURCH NOTICES ALL SAINTS’ ANGLICAN CHURCH: 46 Venn Street. Church Services: Every Sunday at 9am. Morning tea after the service. Holy Communion: First and second Sundays of each month. Morning prayer: All other Sundays. Enquiries to warden: Gwen Molnar. Phone 9734 4020 or mobile 0439 375 598. Op shop: Open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Secretary email: collieanglican@gmail.com Website: www.allsaintschurchcollie.org BAPTIST CHURCH: Cnr Prinsep and Elouera Streets, North Collie. Church Enquiries: Pastor Timothy van Aarde 0450 880 775. Sunday Service : 9.30am Visitors Welcome. Sunday School during Service. Ladies Bible Study Group: Tuesday 9.45am in school terms at the Church. Prayer Meeting: Monday 5pm-6pm at the Church. CHURCH OF CHRIST: 165 Prinsep Street. Minister: Dave Carr, 9734 1361; 0416 784 146. Elder: Evan Mandry 9734 1354. Sundays: 9.30am, Family Service and Kids Church. Thursdays: 9.30am, Craft & Friendship – Phone Heather 9734 4066 Saturdays: 7.30am, Periodically, Breakfast – Phone Evan 9734 1354. Weekly Bible studies on various days. All enquiries welcomed. Vision Radio (87.6FM) is a Ministry of our Church. Please direct enquiries or outages to Dave Carr. COALFIELDS BAPTIST CHURCH: An old fashioned, independent Baptist Church. You are warmly invited to join us for our worship services, Sunday, 10am and 2pm, CWA Hall Throssell Street. Enquiries Pastor Chris Manessis 9797 0056, 0439 970 059. pastorcbcaustralind.com FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH: 46 Johnston Street, Collie. All are welcome to join with us in fellowship. Friday: Food Ministry 10am-12noon, Prayer meeting 7pm Sunday: 10am morning service. Sunday School during service. For enquiries phone Pastor Garry Fisher on 9734 3796. ST BRIGID’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Parish Priest: Fr. Gerald Tan Secretary: Marie Hicks. 0414755054 Office 97342183 email: collieparish@westnet.com.au Weekend Masses: Collie: 6.00pm, Saturday, 10.00am, Sunday Darkan: 8.00am, 1st and 3rd Sunday each month. Confession/Reconciliation and Baptisms by request. St. Vincent De Paul shop: 97345664. Shopping hours 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH: Cnr Wittenoom & Steere Streets You are welcome to fellowship with us, we meet every second and fourth Saturday. Bible Study 9.30am, Service 11am. WEST ARTHUR: The Uniting Church meets on the first and third Sunday of the month at 9am. KYB is held on Tuesday at 9.30am at the Old Duranillin School. The Catholic Church meets on the first and third Sunday of the month at 8am. The Anglican Church meets on the following days: Second Sunday of the month at 8am at Darkan Fourth Sunday of the month at 8am at Darkan Third Sunday of the month at 8am at Arthur River.
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 19
AIR CONDITIONING
CANVAS WORK
AUTO AIR CONDITIONING
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Publishing dream now a reality THE Gumnut Brothers and the Gnome, a collection of stories written by local Shirley Worroll, is out now. Mrs Worroll self-published the book after her late husband, Alan, left her money to chase her dreams after he passed away. Her writing always began after waking up to feed a possum she had rescued. She would then spend a few hours each day immersed in her stories. “Alan would read and check pages for mistakes each morning after he woke up,” Mrs Worroll said. Before she knew it, she had
written many stories about the adventures of the gumnut brothers, enough to make a book. “Alan suggested that I get it published once I had written a few,” Mrs Worroll said. Mrs Worroll tried two publishers before making the decision to selfpublish the book and have it printed through the Bulletin. She would like to write a sequel about the adventures that the gumnut brothers encounter as adults. The book is available from Reubens Newsagency or you can pick up a copy from Mrs Worroll herself.
AUTHOR DREAMS: Shirley Worroll with her book The Gumnut Brothers and the Gnome.
Supermarket product limits to help calm panic buying LIMITS have been placed on the purchase of toilet paper, meat and poultry, and analgesic products at Collie supermarkets Woolworths and Coles as well as across the state due to an increase in panic buying. Local shoppers will have noticed supply shortages for rice, pet food, tinned meat and vegetables, baked beans, toilet paper, noodles, long-life milk, meat and poultry, and fresh produce in recent weeks.
Woolworths director of stores Jeanette Fenske said that the limits were a precautionary move following recent food and grocery supply-chain constraints and pockets of increased demand across select categories. “We encourage everyone to be mindful of others in the community and to continue shopping in reasonable quantities,” Ms Fenske said. Customers are now only able to purchase two packs of each category
to ensure fairer access for all. “We will continue to closely monitor product availability across our stores, with stock continuing to be sent to stores daily,” Ms Fenske said. “Customers will notice some gaps on shelves but we’re doing all that we can to meet demand. “We understand this is an anxious time for our customers across the country but we will remain open and operational as an essential service.”
The all new Bulletin e-edition now available @ www.colliebulletin.com.au
Continued from front page. “We will have fewer workers, so we will have to work smarter,” Mr Hill said. “We want to have improved technology as we have to have a safe and sustainable situation for our station and our workforce. “We looked at which roles will be redundant, and which needed to be upskilled. “We knew transition was inevitable, that there would be a staged retirement of our equipment, and the announcement came that Unit 5 would be retired in October, 2022, and Unit 6 in 2024. “Our method is people first, so we adopted an approach of talking individually to the workers, and to their families too, to see what their needs, their hopes and dreams might be. “Muja C has 70 people choosing to leave, and we want 100 percent happiness. We wanted to know whether people were ready
to retire, if they were, did they need help with their superannuation arrangements, or did they want to upskill. “Talking one-to-one, we worked through individual situations.” Mr Hill admitted those working for contractors had been overlooked in the initial stages of the process. “We got caught out with them to be honest,” he said. “There are about 100 long term contractors and some of them have been on site for 20 years plus. “They understand our needs and are committed to our operations, so we needed to engage them. “We are using the same approach with them as we did with our workforce.” Mr Hill said Synergy is keeping in touch with the Collie community during the Just Transition period, with two members on the State Government’s Just Transition group, and through the work of the company’s community engagement officer, Vanessa Glover.
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 21
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PUBLIC NOTICES
FIREWOOD: Chopped jarrah firewood delivered to Collie. Phone Mumballup Organics 0417 322 007. LIME and FERTILISER: Bulk ag lime and fertiliser delivered bulk to Collie and surrounds, call Mumballup Organics 0417322007. SHEEP MANURE: $12/100L bag, minimum 10 bags per order. Free delivery to Collie. Call 0417 322 007. E-BULLETIN: An electronic version of the Collie River Valley Bulletin is available. Subscribe at www.colliebulletin.com.au.
EMPLOYMENT Government of Western Australia Western Australia Police Force
Children’s Crossings Unit
VACANCIES - TRAFFIC WARDENS Children’s Crossings The WA Police Force are looking to establish a pool of applicants to fill current and future vacancies in the Collie area. Duties: The position of Traffic Warden is to ensure safe pedestrian access of essentially primary age children across carriageways at children’s crossings.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Emergency Management Arrangements The Shire of Collie is in the process of reviewing its Local Emergency Management Arrangements and it is important that this document reflects the community for which it is written. We are inviting residents to assist in the process so that there is a shared understanding of what is important to protect and respond to in the Collie community. The Community Consultation will take place in Council Chambers, 87 Throssell Street, Collie at 6pm on Thursday 20 January 2022 For further information please contact Chris Widmer on 0477 691 114 or by email to planitwaconsulting@gmail.com . Stuart Devenish Chief Executive Officer
PUBLIC NOTICES GUITAR TUITION: Guitar tuition enrolments open now. Beginner to performance. Experienced teacher. Positive learning environment. Bookings phone 0401 053 517. COLLIE AG SOCIETY AGM: February 1, 2022, 6pm. At showground pavilion. COLLIE WOMEN’S HOCKEY ASSOCIATION: The Executive position of President is available for the 2022 season. Please forward written nominations or any questions to the secretary at cwha@live.com.au. Nominations close February 4th 2022 COLLIE WOMEN’S HOCKEY ASSOCIATION: The CWHA are opening up for nominations for a SWL team for the 2022 season. We are seeking players, coach and manager for the team. Please email secretary at cwha@live.com.au for a nomination form. NOMINATIONS WILL CLOSE FEBRUARY 6TH 2022 MINING SCENE PHOTO COMPETITION: $3,300 in prize money. Contact secretary, Collie Ag. Society: secretary@collieag.org.au
COLLIE AG SOCIETY AGM: February 1, 2022, 6pm. At showground pavilion.
Working Conditions: • School Days, Monday to Friday. • Contract: casual contract opportunities are available. (Terms and conditions of employment are those provided by the Western Australia Police School Traffic Wardens Agreement 2011). • Standard Children’s Crossing Hours: 1 hour in morning and 1 hour in afternoon • Hourly Rate: $25.58 per hour, which includes 20% loading in lieu of payment for public holidays, annual leave and sick leave. • Laundry Allowance: $0.70 per week. • Motor Vehicle Allowance payable under certain conditions. • Full training and uniform provided. For Further Information and Application Package Telephone: Traffic Warden State Management Unit on (08) 6274 8731 or email Traffic.Warden.State.Management.Unit@police.wa.gov.au PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must have a current WA driver’s licence and use of a motorised vehicle. Applicants will also be required to complete a health assessment, integrity and criminal check and if successful, will be required to apply for a ‘Working with Children’ card. The cost of the Working with Children Card and up to $70 towards a health assessment will be reimbursed after working one month. WAP_5652
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Reeves in 18-hole stableford blitz GOLF TERRY Reeves blitzed the field of 66 players to record an impressive win in last Saturday’s 18-hole stableford at Collie Golf Club. Reeves posted 45 points to win the annual “Mafia”event sponsored by Joe Italiano. Visitor Ron Coppock, from Narrogin, had 41 but was not eligible for a trophy and picked up a voucher, with Greg Moyle, on 39, receiving the runner-up prize. Vouchers winners were: Phil Warburton, Naomi Dorrington 37, Ron Annandale, Colin Giblett, Graham Williams
36, Doug Crowe, Eric Annandale, Vicki Graham 35, Gary Old 34, Peter Wutchak, Greg Bell 33, Max Thomas, Peter Coombs, Fred Bronickis, Joe Italiano, Gary Weston, Ken Tate, Alan Kent 32. Ten novelties were on offer on the day and went to: Nearest third shot, Peter Wutchak (No. 1); Nearest the pin, Gary Old, Margaret Whipp (4), Patt Law (12), Max Thomas (7), Steve Edwards (14); Longest first putt, Greg Bell (6), Steve Edwards (9), Wayne Waywood (18); Long drive, Steve Edwards (15). David Carter and David Laird
won a sleeve of golf balls each for having the best scores on the front and back nines respectively. CHRIS Mead led the field of 30 all day with a fantastic score of 44 points when winning last week’s Tuesday leisure day 18hole stableford from his wife, Jann, on 39 points. Colin Giblett also scored 39. Others to do well included Terry Reeves, Steven Ireland 36, Kevin Ireland and Greg Moyle 34. Best vet on the day was Rodney Simmonds with 38. Novelties were won by Rodney Simmonds (No. 4), Jann Mead
(7), Chris Mead (9), Rodney Simmonds (14) and Peter Coombs (18). LAST week’s Wednesday ladies nine-hole stableford was won by the ever improving Naomi Dorrington with 24 points from Bev Moyses 19. Angela Ireland, Lynette Simmonds, Dot Sullivan, Pat Booth and Rhonda Annandale scored 16. Novelties were won by Angela Ireland (Nos 4 and 9), whilst the only birdie was recorded by Naomi Dorrington (No. 4). LAST Thursday’s nine-hole scroungers event was won by Gary Old with 20 points in a
field of 35 players. Bruce Jackson, Kim Metcalfe, George Dorozenko 19; Jeff Crowe and Ed Riley 18 also did well to win vouchers. Novelties were won by Bruce Miller (No. 1), Frank Battista (4), John Williamson (6) and Rick Shea (9). THIS week’s events Today (Thursday) nine-hole scroungers; Saturday 18-hole stableford sponsored by Jayden Ellery and Hayden Fogarty; Tuesday 18-hole stableford; Wednesday, Australia Day, fourball-best-ball stableford mixed pairs competition, sponsored by Neil and Lesley Motion.
Swimming success at country championships T H I R T E E N swimmers from Collie Swimming Club competed in the 2022 WA SunSmart Country Championships last week. The team competed swimmers against from 37 country clubs, all from Western Australia, in four relay events where the open men’s four by 50 metre freestyle relay team of Jye Smith, Chaz Roney, Zac Smith and Lachlan Stiffle finished in the top 10. the Overall, swimmers collected 25 personal bests and 10 medals including two gold, two silver and six bronze. Ava Roney came home with a WA Junior state qualifying time in her 50 metre freestyle with a six second cut to her personal best time. The junior squad
was consistent with their personal bests with all swimming better final times. Chaz Roney managed to beat his previous personal best by seven seconds in his 50 metre breaststroke race. Latham Tiffany had a great day, competing in the 50 metre backstroke and freestyle, and 200m individual medley. Jye Smith was selected to represent the south west region in the open regional four by 50 metre freestyle and medley relays, winning both races. Katy and Jye O’Brien will represent Collie in this develweekend’s opment camp. They will compete in the inaugural Collie and Harvey Open as part of the region squad.
SPECTATORS: Lynlee and Darcy Stiffle cheered on the Collie Swimming Club team at the 2022 SunSmart WA Country Championships.
Members step up to counter heat From back page. LOSING the greenkeeper in the middle of a heatwave is the worst possible situation for a golf course but that has been the case following a recent resignation at Collie Golf Club. Club president Lesley Motion said the timing was very unfortunate for the club and she was extremely grateful to members who have stepped up to fill the breach. “We’ve had many members come out and volunteer their services for watering, mowing and other works around the course,”she said. “It has been tremendous.” Mrs Motion said the volunteers had enabled the course to be maintained in its pristine condition before the club’s new greenkeeper starts work next Monday.
24 COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
SPORT Ladies go down in pennants clash ALL THE GOOD SPORTS ARE IN THE BULLETIN
BOWLS THE Collie Bowling Club’s ladies pennant team started the second half of the season against Eaton Green, at Eaton, last week. Despite Lyn Mitchell, Kath McElroy, Kath Cluning and Penny Valli recording a good 20 to 15 win in their game, Collie went down one point to three overall, with the team of Karina Snow, Rose Colgan, Eileen Hindle and Rose Godfrey going down 17 to 31 in their clash. The Cheeky Squirrel sponsored event will be played today and next Thursday. Pennants and social bowls will be on as usual on Tuesdays. DUE to insufficient numbers, there was no meat pack played on
January 12. Members are asked to check the notice board for all club events. A GAME of twilight bowls was played last Friday (January 14) using scroungers scoring. Rink winners were Ric Daniel, Rod Garner, Max Cubic, Neil Roberts, Ian Bushell and Vicki Daniel. The three going into the final, in winning order, were Ric Daniel, Rodney Garner and Max Cubic. The highest scorer was Vicki Daniel and consolation winner was Carol Gale. A BIG field of players turned out for scroungers last Sunday. The six rink winners, going into the semi final, were Peter DeBondi, Neil Roberts, Hans Wiggers, Ric
Daniel, Max Cubic and Chris Sanford. The final winners, in order, were Neil Roberts first, Max Cubic second and Hans Wiggers third. The highest scorer was Max Cubic and the consolation winner was Jeff Wright. AS OF January 31, all club members and visitors must show proof of double Covid-19 vaccinations. Anyone with a medical exemption must show this to the club representative on arrival. Any players unvaccinated will not be allowed on the premises or any other bowling club. Anyone with queries should contact Bowls WA 9340 0800.
Email your sporting stories and photos to: editorial@ crvbulletin.com
Members step up
PITCHING IN: Hard working volunteers Steven Ireland and Trevor Lawrence are among the many members who have pitched in to maintain the Collie Golf Club’s course before the arrival of the club’s new greenkeeper next Monday. Story page 23.