Federal Member for Hasluck Tania Lawrence MP - tania.lawrence.mp@aph.gov.au
Mundaring Shire South Ward Councillors: Cr Trish Cook CrCook@mundaring.wa.gov.au
Cr Luke Ellery CrEllery@mundaring.wa.gov.au
Justice of the Peace:
Shire of Mundaring
Southwell - www.wa.gov.au/service/justice
General enquiries/graffiti/vandalism shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au
Darlington Hall Bookings bookings@mundaringwa.gov.au
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EDITORIAL
Jayne Simpson | February Editor
Jayne has been a long-term teacher and parent in the community of Darlington. She and Bob emigrated to Australia in 1995 after a bike race that took them through the centre of Australia on a mountain bike tandem. They raised their two girls here in Darlington. Jayne has edited the February Review on two prior occasions.
Darlington in the Rear View Mirror
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year in 2025.
This will be my last editorial for the Darlington Review, and potentially my last year here in wonderful Darlington. We are chasing a slightly cooler, wetter climate and the subsequent chance to grow our own food more easily in our own harvested water, to enjoy new adventures and to down size a little on the half acre block of land we have bought in Witchcliffe, just South of Margaret River. But what will we see in that rear view mirror as we head out of Darlington, down the hill and South?
We were first attracted to Darlington by its village appearance and obvious strong community feel. At that stage we used only pedal bikes to get around and didn’t even have a car, having come recently from a somewhat crazy off-road 5,200km bike ‘race’ across Australia through the centre. This had inspired us to emigrate from Scotland where we were living, for a more outdoor all year-round lifestyle. Once we had discovered the fantastic Heritage Trail even those hills to ride up daily to get home did not put us off Darlington. We have never regretted our decision to move to this wonderful village.
Over almost 30 years here we have raised our two girls in a safe and friendly environment and given them the benefit of strong community based excellent schools. We too moved from teaching positions on the flats to long term positions in local schools (Treetops Montessori School and Helena College). At home we have all helped nature to create, from an almost bare backyard, a thriving eco system full of quendas, bobtails and other lizards and reptiles, a wide variety of birds including an occasionally nesting brown goshawk pair and a very familiar beautiful mob of kangaroos. We have already gone through the emotions of retiring from our teaching positions, and the girls leaving home to head off to various parts of the world, but my goodness this eco system will be hard to walk away from!
And then of course there are the people. We have had, and still have, some wonderful neighbours. We have lived somewhere where we cannot walk with a dog without the opportunity to chat with someone we know, or with someone new. We have lived with like-minded and inspiring people who care about each other and about the world in which they live, locally and globally. Our family has been part of cycling groups, running groups, horse riding groups, ballet groups, Scottish dancing groups, history groups. We have had friendly cafes within walking distance.
We consider that we have been very privileged to live in this unique place and we have cherished every day that we have been here. We have so many memories to take with us, but our house feels half empty now that the girls are elsewhere. It is time to let someone else enjoy this wonderful place which has helped to create and inspire our family. Much that has come to me this month as editor of the Review is an illustration of just how much we will be seeing in that rear view mirror.
The Hive Christmas Party Evening
In the week leading up to Christmas a new event occurred in Darlington – a Christmas Party evening at The Hive. Ranjana has long had the ambition of hosting more evening dinner events for the Darlington community and this was one such trial event. Readers will remember that last year The Hive also stayed open to support the substantial crowds that enjoy Darlington’s Halloween event.
The evening turned out well and was enjoyed by all who attended. Ranjana’s Mum and Dad, daughter and other family and friends were able to be present and her husband was the ‘mystery’ Santa! Some well recognised community members were there! Dorothy played the piano, as she does every Thursday.
Carols by Candlelight
The 24th December saw again the village gathered for the annual Carols by Candelight celebration in song outside the Village Hall. Picnics were eaten first and then the Whisson’s, who ‘rescued’ this event in recent years when it was at risk of not having a future, again organised music, songsheets and children’s lanterns.
Glenn played and led a community choir from the ‘stage’ of the hall balcony. The highlight for me was the size of the group of children who came up on stage this year for the carols that were
Ranjana explained to me that she has bigger ideas for next year, when she will have more time to plan. She also hopes to move closer towards her goal of regular evening dinner events, but has to first overcome the obstacles of planning and permissions from the Shire for toilet facilities, and adequate staffing.
most relevant for them, and their enthusiasm! Several did not want to stop and joined us singing on the balcony for the last few carols of the evening. This is such a warm, friendly event, with the chance to catch up with friends (for singing, not for loud chatter!) and Christmas in Darlington, I believe, would not be the same without it, whatever your religious or non-religious persuasion.
Photo credit Kevin Norris
Photo credits Kevin Norris
Darlington and Bushfires
The current season has already seen multiple and some longlasting bushfires in the Perth Hills, and nobody living in a fire prone area can fail to have been shocked by the speed and extent of the devastating bushfires in California. Please read Colin James Bushfire Ready Group Notes in this review, especially with regard to property preparation and the new DFES free app for Emergency WA.
Note on the right the solution from the Shire to the much discussed on social media issue of closure of Coppin Road local tip on Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban days.
Snakes, Rats, Bobtails and Owls
It is another 40+ degree day in January and I have headed down to the chook pen to check on the bubbler that is keeping the chooks cooler by creating puddles and giving them somewhere wet to stand in deep shade. Just as I am checking for potential broodies on the nest, there is a cacophony on the chook house roof and under the stilted floor. It sounds like a family of rats, but why are they running over the roof on a 40+ day? I quickly shoot down the open steps to see the mulberry tree move as something jumps into it. But then I hear rustling under the chook house, just behind the open steps that I have just come down. I squat down to have a look and a large dugite looks out at me as it coils away, deeper under the chook house. The chooks give a little warning sound, looking in the direction of the dugite, but continue feeding and drinking, unperturbed.
A year ago, I would have called a snake catcher. However, I have since read Tessa Esparon’s, (Tessa’s Reptile Services), articles on the importance of dugites in our eco system. I walk away so as not to disturb the dugite, knowing that a snake will not attempt to kill a fully grown chicken. Later I come back to find the dugite curled around a large adult rat. Since I was planning already for this Review edition to look at the urgent issue of the secondary poisoning of our owl population from rat baits, I contacted Tessa and also the staff from Kanyana.
Meet Strawberry. (Photo credit Tessa Esparon). Strawberry had her tail chewed down by a rat. Tessa was called to her in a changeroom in Mullaloo where she had taken refuge. When bobtails are cold, they cannot move away from their
Alternative waste disposal service during harvest vehicle movement ban days
Shire of Mundaring has arranged alternative waste disposal services for residents on days when a Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban is declared for the area. During these periods, Coppin Road and Mathieson Road Community Recycling Centres will be closed, but residents can take their waste to the Red Hill Waste Management Facility, managed by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC).
To access the facility, residents must present a valid entry pass issued by the Shire. The same terms and conditions that apply at the Community Recycling Centres will apply at the Red Hill Waste Management Facility.
Opening hours and further details about the facility can be found on the EMRC website: www.emrc.org.au.
Residents are encouraged to check opening times before visiting the facility to ensure they can access the service when required.
predators and rats are a major predator. Strawberry is in Tessa’s care now and should grow back the missing tail sufficiently to lay down a fat store for the Winter; with a little luck and great care. She is the eighth rat-damaged bobtail that Tessa has cared for during the last three months, from a 50 metre stretch of habitat!
During Spring and Summer dugites can consume 50 to 150 rats. Each dugite can therefore prevent up to 10,000 rodents being produced each year based just on stopping reproduction via the ones that it eats!
The growth of urban development and the incompatibility between venomous snakes and increasingly small house blocks is driving snakes away, or forcing them to be relocated. Tessa explained to me that developers in the past had to create or leave native wildlife habitation for 50% of the adjoining area to spaces that they were developing for housing. We know from the Save Perth Hills information that the proposed Satterley development in North Stoneville, if it is allowed to go ahead,
Photo credit Kevin Norris
will create a supposed nature relief zone over 180km away and therefore too far away for even our endangered redtailed cockatoos to reach, let alone the smaller creatures that inhabit North Stoneville. Our coastal sand dune areas are now abounding with non-native rodents that prey on the native wildlife still trying to live there. Remove more trees and bushes, become enveloped in an ever-spreading urban creep up to and into the hills, and this could become the future for Darlington.
This might cause you to want to reach for the rat bait, but Kylie Brinfield recently sent to the Review team a BirdLifeWA leaflet detailing the increasingly urgent issues for our birdlife, especially our raptors, of eating creatures that have been poisoned with rat bait. The greatest threat comes from Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs). By mid -last century rodents had developed some level of resistance to First generation (FGARs) and so Second Generation ARs were developed. These can stay in the body tissues for months or even years, thus presenting a much greater risk to predatory owls and other raptors because of the build-up of poison in their own bodies when they prey on creatures that have consumed the baits. There is a time lag between rodents eating these baits and them feeling unwell before bleeding out from the anticoagulant and so for a while they are wandering around like “walking time bombs” (BirdLife WA) – easy prey for our native raptors, for our scavenging birds, mammals, and also native reptiles. Have you noticed a reduction in Boobook owl calls in our area in recent years? A recent study in the South-West found evidence of AR poisoning in 73% of the samples tested of Southern Boobook owls.
So, what can we do?
Make our yard less attractive to rats by
• removing food sources such as leftover pet foods and chook food (we put leftover bowls of chook food into a metal bin at night)
• pick up fallen fruit
Check out the science: Lohr, M.T (2018) Anticoagulant rodenticide
Check out the science: Lohr, M.T (2018) Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in an Australian predatory bird increases with proximity to developed habitat. Science of the Total Environment 643: 134-144. For more information, please visit: https://www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison
Encourage
on
• replace palms, that are rat friendly, with native trees
• seal access points such as roof cavities
• avoid pavers, and other materials that easily can be nested under, in less disturbed places such as in chook pens, cubbies etc.
If at all possible, leave alone the dugites that quietly come through your patch to help remove the rat population. They are an apex predator, needed in the eco system that our quendas and bobtails thrive in. Consider only calling for their removal if they have become trapped in a building or other high-risk area. Teach all members of the family about snake awareness and about the benefits of snakes. Take part in snake avoidance training with dogs and keep cats inside.
Consider using spring traps as an alternative to poison, checking them regularly.
If you feel that you must reach for the rat bait, choose the First Generation (FGAR) with constituents such as Warfarin and Coumatetralyl. It may be potentially confusing that Second Generation, created more recently, does more harm to our wildlife, and possibly that is one of the reasons that so much very harmful SGAR is being found in the wild bird population.
Creating a fully functioning eco system helps to keep everything in balance. This quote from Tessa sums up, for me, what most of us wish to gain from living in our Darlington environment:I was pulling my boots off as I was checking the bobtails in the pre-release pit and I watched this beautiful female lapping at the water …. It was the smile I needed after a long day.
It’s these simple creatures and watching nature that make me feel blessed, nature has a beautiful way of grounding you to what’s really important in life and reminds you to just stop …. and just take in the moment sometimes when everything around you is so busy.
We need to keep nature around our homes.
DEALING UNINVITEDWITHGUESTS
DEALING UNINVITEDWITHGUESTS
DEALING UNINVITEDWITHGUESTS
if professional pest controllers come to your home or workplace, find out what products they use, and encourage them to operate in ways that reduce their impact on our native wildlife, and ask your local hardware and grocery store to stock alternatives to SGARs. If you come across sick or injured wildlife, call the Wildcare Helpline (08 9474 9055) to find your nearest vet or wildlife rehabilitator.
your local hardware and grocery store to stock alternatives to SGARs.
If you come across sick or injured wildlife, call the Wildcare Helpline (08 9474 9055) to find your nearest vet or wildlife rehabilitator. This brochure was developed with funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
This brochure was developed with funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
The most
.
and
The evidence against SGARs
Unwelcome visits from rats or mice can make us reach straight for the rodent bait. we ensure baits are put out of reach of children, pets and other animals, we rarely think about where rodents go after they have eaten baits. In fact, we probably try and think about it as little as possible. The most commonly- used rodent poisons are anticoagulant rodenticides These act as blood thinners, so rats and mice can consume lethal dose but not feel sick until later. Newer ARs, called generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) powerful enough that single feed can be lethal. But because of the time lag between taking a bait and feeling the effects, rodents can consume a more-than-lethal dose and be wandering around - like walking time bombs. Predators that naturally eat rodents, like owls and birds of prey, can then easily consume multiple poisoned rodents, turn becoming poisoned SGARs don’t break quickly – some can stay in tissues and organs for months, even years. Unfortunately this just makes it easier for these bigger animals get a lethal dose toxins. When we decide to rodent baits around homes and workplaces, choices can have a serious impact on the wildlife around us. But we make choices.
Unwelcome visits from rats or mice can make us reach straight for the rodent bait. While we ensure baits are put out of reach of children, pets and other animals, we rarely think about where rodents go after they have eaten baits. In fact, we probably try and think about it as little as possible. The most commonly- used rodent poisons are anticoagulant rodenticides . These act as blood thinners, so rats and mice can consume a lethal dose but not feel sick until later. Newer ARs, called generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) powerful enough that a single feed can be lethal. But because of the time lag between taking a bait and feeling the effects, rodents can consume a more-than-lethal dose and still be wandering around - like walking time bombs. Predators that naturally eat rodents, like owls and birds of prey, can then easily consume multiple poisoned rodents, in turn becoming poisoned themselves. SGARs don’t break down quickly – some can stay in tissues and organs for months, even years. Unfortunately this just makes it easier for these bigger animals to get a lethal dose of toxins. When we decide to use rodent baits around our homes and workplaces, our choices can have a serious impact on the native wildlife around us. But we can make better choices.
a lethal dose but not feel sick until later. Newer ARs, called generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) powerful enough that a single feed can be lethal. But because of the time lag between taking a bait and feeling the effects, rodents can consume a more-than-lethal dose and still be wandering around - like walking time bombs. Predators that naturally eat rodents, like owls and birds of prey, can then easily consume multiple poisoned rodents, in turn becoming poisoned themselves. SGARs don’t break down quickly – some can stay in tissues and organs for months, even years. Unfortunately this just makes it easier for these bigger animals to get a lethal dose of toxins. When we decide to use rodent baits around our homes and workplaces, our choices can have a serious impact on the native wildlife around us. But we can make better choices.
The link between SGARs and Australian birds was found when researching declining Southern Boobook populations. Almost 73% of samples tested from boobooks in southwest WA had detectable exposure to ARs. Of even greater concern, about 18% of all the boobooks tested had levels of exposure that were high enough to kill them directly. Almost all the toxins were identified as SGARs. These were found in both urban While other factors may also be impacting the decline of these small predators, the potential impact of anticoagulant rodenticides cannot be ignored.
The link between SGARs and Australian birds was found when researching declining Southern Boobook populations. Almost 73% of samples tested from boobooks in southwest WA had detectable exposure to ARs. Of even greater concern, about 18% of all the boobooks tested had levels of exposure that were high enough to kill them directly. Almost all the toxins were identified as SGARs. These were found in both urban
The link between SGARs and Australian birds was found when researching declining Southern Boobook populations. 73% samples tested from boobooks in southwest WA had exposure to ARs. Of even greater concern, about 18% of all the tested had levels of exposure that were high enough kill them directly. Almost all the toxins identified as SGARs. These were found in both urban While other factors may also be impacting the decline of these small predators, the potential impact of anticoagulant rodenticides cannot be ignored. The evidence against SGARs
While other factors may also be impacting the decline of these small predators, the potential impact of anticoagulant rodenticides cannot be ignored. The evidence against SGARs
How do I tell which is which?
Even at less-than-lethal levels, toxins still make birds clumsy and to respond to threats -making them less efficient hunters, and more likely to be hit by
Even at less-than-lethal levels, toxins still make birds clumsy and slower to respond to threats -making them less efficient hunters, and more likely to be hit by
The flashy packaging of rodent baits can make it difficult to tell exactly what they contain. However, the label will state the Active Constituents”, so look there for the FGAR compounds that are less harmful such as Warfarin or Coumatetralyl. If the bait contains more harmful SGARs like Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum,
How do I tell which is which? The packaging rodent make it difficult to tell exactly what they contain. However, the label will state the Active Constituents”, so look there for the FGAR compounds that are less harmful such as WarfarinCoumatetralyl. If the bait harmful SGARs Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Difethialone, or Flocoumafen, leave it on the shelf. Less harmful first Warfarincompounds: Coumatetralyl harmful second generationBrodifacoumcompounds: Bromadiolone Difenacoum Difethialone Flocoumafen
How do I tell which is which? The flashy packaging of rodent baits can make it difficult to tell exactly what they contain. However, the label will state the “Active Constituents”, so look there for the FGAR compounds that are less harmful such as Warfarin or Coumatetralyl. If the bait contains more harmful SGARs like Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Difethialone, or Flocoumafen, leave it on the shelf. Less harmful first generationWarfarincompounds: Coumatetralyl More harmful second generationBrodifacoumcompounds: Bromadiolone Difenacoum Difethialone Flocoumafen
Globally SGARs have been responsible for declines in many carnivorous mammals and birds. Here in Australia it is not just boobooks or other owls that are at risk. Other predatory and scavenging birds are also likely to be affected – from our eagles and falcons to our kookaburras, magpies, ravens, and currawongs. Native mammals like quolls and large reptiles like goannas and pythons are also likely to be affected.
Globally SGARs have been responsible for declines in many mammals and birds. Here in Australia it is not just boobooks or other owls that are at risk. Other predatory and scavenging birds are also likely to be affected – from eagles and falcons our magpies, ravens, and currawongs. Native mammals like quolls and large reptiles and pythons are also likely to be affected.
Globally SGARs have been responsible for declines in many carnivorous mammals and birds. Here in Australia it is not just boobooks or other owls that are at risk. Other predatory and scavenging birds are also likely to be affected – from our eagles and falcons to our kookaburras, magpies, ravens, and currawongs. Native mammals like quolls and large reptiles like goannas and pythons are also likely to be affected.
It’s not just owls, but other carnivorous and scavenging birds that could be suffering.
It’s not just owls, but other carnivorous and scavenging birds that could be suffering.
It’s not just owls, but other carnivorous and scavenging birds that could be suffering.
Elianie
Readers may remember that in previous Darlington Review editorials I have followed a theme of reporting on successful and interesting young people in our community. For this edition I am pleased to be able to tell you more about Elianie, a talented young local singer/songwriter.
I first came across Elianie when she sang at the newly fledged Mundaring Farmer’s market. I loved to stand and listen to her and I personally felt that some of the covers that she sang sounded better than the originals! Elianie told me that she has always loved music, playing the piano at home in Hovea and singing around the house. She was tutored and mentored by successful local musician Annika Moses, (the 2016 recipient of the Robert Juniper Award for the Arts and WAAPA graduate who has gone on to a successful music career including radio). By the age of 14 Elianie had released her first single, ‘Moonlight’, and was collaborating with her producer, Calvin Bennett, yet another local well known and successful music artist who grew up in Darlington. Recently Elianie has produced her first EP (Extended Play) album with five tracks, ‘Call my Own’ (interested readers can stream this online or buy as a CD).
Together with her band, Elianie has been playing festivals and venues in and around Perth. In the 2024 A Day in the Forrest
Save Perth Hills
As I write, red-tailed black cockatoos, with their feeding grounds becoming increasingly sparse through land clearing and derelict through forest collapse, are coming into our gardens in Darlington to feed on Marri and Cape Lilac. Save Perth Hills has been waging their battle against dangerous and destructive urbanisation, which will lead to the destruction of 60,000 trees in Stoneville and the loss of
(DITF) festival, Elianie’s timeslot was moved to the prime 5.30pm slot. Abigail Hall, one of the organisers, reports that she played to a large audience who at the conclusion of her performance, rushed to the merchandise tent to buy her CD. Abigail tells me that DITF has had a lot of positive feedback about the 2024 festival, much of it about Elianie! In November last year Elianie played her first headline show at YHQ Leederville to a packed venue, and with two support act bands playing before her headline performance. She took along 50 of her newly produced CDs and sold 40 of them –Elianie is going places!
I asked Elianie which elements of her Hills upbringing have inspired and supported her the most in her musical creativity. She explained that in the close-knit music community of the Hills it was relatively easy to have accomplished musician mentors supporting her journey – she did not have to go and find people. Apart from being surrounded by this successful creativity, she also described being surrounded by the bush and nature as a subconscious inspiration. Her song ‘Seasonal’ describes how she thrives in the Australian bush in the Winter. Elianie is taking a short break, travelling to Europe. We can look forward to hearing more from her upon her return.
cockatoo habitat, for 34 long years. The proposed Satterley development has been knocked back on bushfire danger and other serious grounds by every organisation at every level so far, and yet the battle still goes on. The campaign is reaching its final stages. Read Save Perth Hills piece later in the Review, and consider adding your support to the crucial rally in Mundaring on Sunday 23rd February at 10am.
Elianie and Calvin Bennett
Elianie and band at YHQ concert
Darlington Farmer’s Markets
As we go to print, two Farmer’s Markets have thus far occurred in Darlington. The first, on a balmy evening in December, was something of a try-out for Dave at CreateFootprints, the market organiser. There were many stalls filling what’s commonly known as the ‘little oval’ outside the Hall and they ranged from fresh produce to craft to dog treats to hair plaiting. Perhaps a bit of an Art’s Festival vibe and Farmer’s Market rolled into one!
The second, on January 18th had three large fresh fruit and veggie stalls amongst many other stalls, making it possible (for me at least) to do the entire fruit and veggie shop, including organic produce, for at least the next two weeks without needing to leave Darlington. Fantastic!
Monika and Gunter
Everyone loved the produce from Monika and Gunter in the first market. They have a property on Glen Road, and everything on their stall was harvested very fresh and sold at extremely low prices and with a great smile! Skye from Wooroloo was there in December, her fifth market so far. Her own dog Peanut was her inspiration for her home baked dog treats which began with the purchase of silicon moulds in dachshund shape! Skye and Mum do the baking, her sister prints the labels.
Heather from Lunarise Harvest will already be known to some of you who order her boxes of produce that are delivered to Darlington. Heather, Liam and their two daughters (who were helping with weighing and setting out produce) run a small-scale market garden in Wundowie, producing organic seasonal produce and delivering to groups and some shops in the Hills. Have a look at their website if you are interested and unable to wait until the next markets (markets are now planned to be fortnightly with the next being February 1st)! Heather’s website tells us about their farming practices:-
Gentle farm practices help us work together with nature to focus on enhancing the environment by building soil health. Practices such as minimal tillage, applying organic inputs (such as compost, seaweed, rock minerals) and using hand-held tools help us to create and maintain a living soil full of bacterial and fungal goodness.
credit Kevin Norris
Farmer’s markets have a much smaller environmental footprint than major supermarkets, and judging by the turn-out on both occasions, appeal to very many Darlington residents. Apart from the supply of seasonal produce and artisan products that don’t have to travel so far, a market tends to reduce packaging, have produce with a greater shelf-life since it is picked fresh and not cold stored for so long, and support local growers and makers, especially smaller-scale producers, by producing a lower overheads entry point, which helps to preserve local and rural livelihoods.
Photo
Farmer’s Market Lunarise Harvest
Skye’s dog treat poster
Deputations to Mundaring Shire Councillors Meeting
See Councillor Trish Cooks’s piece on updates regarding the proposed Childcare Centre application at 1 Amherst Avenue, opposite Darlington Primary. A second proposal was also made concerning Community Garden matters. Also see the Darlington Residents and Ratepayer’s Association notes by Chair Louise Stelfox and the Community Garden notes by Erin Grey. Some DRRA members, and members of the Community Garden, gave strong verbal support to Trish’s two proposals at the meeting, resulting in Council paying attention and voting in favour of a much-improved consultancy process and an extension of time to allow submissions before the Childcare proposal is considered by the planning authority. Her proposals regarding the Community Garden were also carried. It is great to see democracy in action through the raising of the public voice. Darlington residents can be assured that joining DRRA is an effective way of having concerns heard and acted upon to help to keep Darlington the special place that it is. All residents are encouraged to attend meetings, on occasion or each month.
Darlington Film News
Readers will be aware that Geoff Barker and DaSRA, alongside Darlington History Group and DRRA are producing a film–“Conversations about the Importance of Community –Darlington Our Special Place”. The film will feature local people talking about their life and involvement in Darlington and its organisations. It will present local landmarks, local environment, community events and community activities.
Great news! Just before Christmas, DaSRA were informed that Lotterywest have approved in full a grant for $45,000 towards this film. Together with Bendigo Bank Mundaring ($5,000), Shire of Mundaring ($3,000), and local organisations and individuals ($9,000), this means a current total of $62,000 raised towards the costs of the production.
Geoff asks that if you have any old films, which may include VHS or other formats, or other relevant material, please contact Geoff at geoffbarker52@gmail.com or call him on 0418 953 176. Geoff can arrange for your material to be digitised and a copy presented to you (and/or material returned), in exchange for use in the film. Your material will also be appropriately acknowledged in the film credits.
DRRA Meet the Candidates
With a State Government election looming, Darlington Residents and Ratepayers Association have arranged a ‘Meet the Candidates’ evening for their first community meeting of the year on February 13th in the Hall at 7.30pm. Greens, Labour, Liberal and National candidates have been invited. There will be time for questions from the floor, and Karen Gray (Secretary DRRA) hopes for robust discussion but requests no heckling or rotting fruit throwing!
New Years’ Resolutions
And if you have not yet formed a resolution that you think you can keep, note that there are two ‘Friends’ requests for help, from The Darlington Wetlands Rehabilitation Group, and from the Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (page 38). Contact details can be found in their articles.
Next months’ editor – Marie Sherwood
The Darlington Review has been praised in State Parliament. It is a well-loved institution informing and binding the community since the 1950s - and it’s the very best advertising option, along with word-of-mouth. The Darlington Review is delivered free to all local households and our low advertising rates makes it easily affordable. We have it on good authority from local tradies that it’s the only advertising you may need to do.
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Disclaimer: The Darlington Review’s Rules of Association (2012) read: “To produce and publish a monthly journal with the intention of fostering good relationships within the Darlington community and keeping residents informed about community issues.” Our Guide for Scribes invites members to submit notes "to inform members and the Darlington Community about past, ongoing and future activities…”. The Review accepts no liability for errors/omissions contained in articles, statements or advertisements published herein. The views expressed in Letters and Notes are not the views of the Darlington Review and we are not responsible for them. Members are requested to ensure their notes adhere to the magazine’s guiding spirit of fostering harmonious community relationships. The Darlington Review is available in digital format via Issu, the online website.
Representatives of the community garden
Our Place
Friends of Darlington Wetland
When, last winter, questions regarding Indigenous Heritage requirements halted the work of Friends groups in Darlington and beyond, it frustratingly came at prime time for winter planting and weed clearing for the newly-formed Friends Group for the Wetland Rehabilitation Action Plan (WRAP). Trea Wiltshire reports.
Thanks to networking by WRAP Coordinator Chris Arnold and Liz Dumont’s eye-catching poster near the wetland area, 20 volunteers turned up for the first two working bees last winter, but the halt saw that number dwindle to a handful of stalwarts. Undaunted, Kasia believes that the original momentum will build as people walk through the area where work has already begun.
“The wetland area had its best season for years,” laments Coordinator of the Friends of Darlington Wetland (FODW) Kasia Thomson. “The rains had created a wide running stream and the whole area was damp – but we couldn’t work for two months.”
These native frogs of Darlington are not the type that will live in a backyard frog pond. Where the frogs go when the wetland dries up is not certain.
“Most are burrowing frogs,” says Pepin, so she has designed a novel prototype ‘frog box’ to attract, protect and support them during rehabilitation of the site – and a drying climate. Pepin built a couple of prototype wooden boxes, of different sizes, styles and wood types, to install and monitor over the annual wetland cycle. Although early into the monitoring program, the results are positive and new to science.
“When the all-clear came, we were able to work on the upper tableland area and it’s looking really nice,” says Kasia. “We spread three truckloads of mulch, planted seedlings from the Shire’s seedling program and salvaged some native rushes. So, we’re looking forward to seeing all those who originally turned up when we start work again in April.”
Kasia has a background in environmental management, working with St John of God Hospital and, currently, with the City of Swan and she’s passionate about seeing the wetland become an important revegetated ‘nature link’ in the chain that stretches from the Super Block off Rycroft Road through the Heritage Trail to Greenmount National Park and beyond.
The Friends are delighted that the group’s youngest volunteer is Helena College student Pepin Kozak, who joined to pursue her own project: researching the variety of frogs that make use of the wetland and creating a frog-friendly habitat for them. The frogs in that area including Rattling, Quacking, Whooping and Squelching frogs are small, with clawed toes (rather than pads), so they’re unable to travel from the immediate area or swim.
“The last two years have seen the group submit several applications for funding grants, with some significant successes,” says Chris Arnold. “These funds have facilitated the first phase of contracted weed control, to create a palette for mass targeted plantings in and around the watercourse during 2025.”
Western Australia has a bleak history of wetland destruction, so it’s nice to know that, on a small scale, Darlington is taking on the challenge of restoring its link in a wetland chain, with strong support from the Shire of Mundaring. If you’re looking for a New Year’s Resolution that will really make a difference, contact Coordinator Chris Arnold at arnoldcg56@gmail.com.
Rally – To Help Save Perth Hills!
2025 will be a defining year for Save Perth Hills’ 34-year long fight against the bushfire dangerous and environmentally destructive proposed ‘North Stoneville’ urban development in Perth’s Hills.
And we're kicking off the year with what will be our BIGGEST AND BEST Community Rally - 10am, Sunday February 23rd, at Sculpture Park, Mundaring!
PEOPLE POWER has stopped this crazy plan for more than three decades with Save Perth Hills WA’s longest running single issue community campaign! Please! Join us on February 23, to help STOP ‘North $toneville’ – forever!
Our Rally is timed 2 weeks before the State election, and not long before the Federal election. Politicians and candidates from all sides have thrown their support behind Save Perth Hills. Many will attend the Rally and we’ll be asking them - how do they intend to safeguard our Hills Community – and protect our biodiverse environment, post-elections?
Not only has Satterley, Australia's biggest private developer, been granted Federal permission to bulldoze 60,000 Stoneville trees and DESTROY Endangered Black Cockatoo habitat, the Government has ALSO given Satterley an unprecedented 110 years' control on North $toneville to inflict its environmental despair!
Satterley’s planned ‘offset, to compensate for all the environmental loss at North Stoneville, is 184 kms away in the
Save Perth Hills
wheatbelt Shire of Williams! The good news - PEOPLE POWER has helped to persuade Federal Environment Minister Plibersek to reconsider the approval with a view to potentially revoking it altogether. Stay Tuned!
Meanwhile, ‘North Stoneville’ landowner, the Anglican Archbishop of Perth, continues her seven year silence on her Diocese’s plan to cram 3,000 souls into a known Extreme Bushfire disaster zone in a region where 150 Hills’ families have already lost their homes to bushfire.
And that’s despite the horrific winter fire destruction of Los Angeles’ volatile environment. The LA fires have delivered a terrible toll on people’s homes, belongings, and businesses. Tragically lives have been lost, and thousands more lives will never be the same again.
Now is the time to end North Stoneville - an outdated 1990s plan, symbolic of dangerous, destructive and profit-driven planning that puts people, and our environment, at huge RISK and RUIN. We’re back in the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) on February 4th to fight for the right to formally intervene in Satterley’s September 2025 appeal, that will ultimately decide if North Stoneville can proceed. If you can, please donate to our war-chest and legal fees:
Containers for Change: Save Perth Hills ID Number: C10307279
We’re so grateful for your support!
See you at Mundaring February 23 at 10am!
The
Labor Government is delivering real cost of living relief
Slashed $700 off power bills this year for Perth hills families – and $2,100 since 2020
$150 or $250 for every student through the WA Student Assistance Payment
Made 130 priority TAFE courses fee free
Karen Beale - Candidate for Kalamunda
KarenBealeKalamunda karenbeale.com.au
Doubled the KidSport vouchers program, helping parents cover the cost of kids in sport
Made public transport free for students travelling to and from school
$400 Seniors Safety and Security Rebate
DOING WHAT’S RIGHT FOR WA
SEWELL
Meet the Candidates
Invitation to Meet WA State Candidates for the Seat of Kalamunda
Hosted by the Ratepayers Associations of the Shire of Mundaring
The Ratepayers Associations of Mundaring Shire cordially invite you to an important event, giving you the opportunity to meet and listen to the five Candidates for the WA State Seat of Kalamunda. This is a unique chance to hear their visions and promises firsthand, and to engage with them by asking questions.
Please join us for this engaging and informative event.
Contacts for your local Ratepayers Associations in the Shire Mundaring Shire
Chidlow Progress Association
Darlington Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc
Glen Forrest Residents and Ratepayers Association
Hovea Residents & Ratepayers Association Inc.
Mahogany Creek Progress Association
Mount Helena Residents and Ratepayers Progress Association Inc.
Mundaring Residents and Ratepayers Progress Association Inc.
Sawyers Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc.
Stoneville and Parkerville Progress Association Inc.
Email: secretary.chidlowprogress@gmail.com
Next meeting date: Tuesday 28 January 18:00
Email: drra@darlingtonvillage.org
Phone: 0437 310 578
Next meeting date: 13 February 19:30
Where: Darlington Lesser Hall
Email: gfrpa@hotmail.com
Phone: 0410 605 356
Email: anil.subramanya@gmail.com
Next meeting date: 4th March 19:30
Where: Parkerville Pavilion
Email: secretary@mahoganycreek.com.au
Phone: 0401679827
Where: Mahogany Creek Hall
Email: mthelenaratepayers@yahoo.com
Phone: 0417778454
Next meeting date: 23 March 18:30
Where: Elsie Austin Pavilion
Email: mrrpa.wa@gmail.com
Phone: 0499444674
Next meeting date: 3 April 19:30
Where: The Hub of the Hills
Email: sawyersvalley@gmail.com
Phone: 0499444674
Next meeting date: 5 May 19:30
Where: Sawyers Valley Hall
Email: villes.progress.assoc@gmail.com
Phone: 0422491016
Next meeting date: 27 June 18:30
Where: Parkerville Pavilion
I have loved serving the people of Darlington. It has been an honour and a privilege. Unfortunately, a re-drawing of electoral boundaries has removed Darlington from the electorate of Hasluck and placed it within the new electorate of Bullwinkel.
On a positive note, I am able to introduce our Labor candidate for Bullwinkel, Trish Cook.
Trish has lived in Darlington since 2008. From 2018 to 2024, she served as chairperson of the Darlington Community Recreational Advisory Group. This included a year-long community consultation process; working closely with residents, volunteers and Shire staff on the Darlington Lower Area Masterplan.
She championed the community build of the Darlington skatepark extension, established the pump track and grand arbor, and co-founded the Darlington Community Garden.
Tania Lawrence | Member of
Trish also organised such events as the community Bonfire and youth skatepark competition, fostering community spirit and contributing to fire reduction measures. These projects were made possible by connecting community volunteers and securing $370,000 in federal funding.
She has been actively involved in establishing environmental restoration efforts, through initiatives like The Friends of the Native Triangle and the Darlington seasonal wetlands project at the west end of the skatepark.
Trish is currently serving as a tree waterer at Bilgoman Convict Wells. It’s another way to give back to a beautiful environment! Between 2013-2017 and 2021-2025, Trish served as a Councillor on the Mundaring Shire Council, where she currently holds the position of Deputy President; engaging with and supporting the wider Mundaring community.
Trish believes in putting community and environment ahead of bureaucracy and policy, working within the legal framework.
She enjoys her work alongside countless volunteers from Darlington and understands how vital it is to consult with the community on grassroots issues that matter most.
In a town filled with creative, caring, and innovative individuals who know what’s best for their future, she has contributed with commitment and enthusiasm.
Trish is also a well-credentialled registered nurse/midwife, with experience working in remote areas of Western Australia; including indigenous communities. With a Masters in OH&S, she worked as an occupational health nurse and safety consultant. Trish also operated her own nursing recruitment agency for ten years.
Since having a family, Trish has been a lecturer in nursing studies at TAFE and ECU; and is currently in the final year of her PhD, focusing on Patient experience of receiving homebased immunotherapy infusions for cancer and chronic disease. She continues to work intermittently as a GP practice nurse at Helena Valley and Forrestfield.
Coincidentally, Bullwinkel is named after the remarkable Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel, a WWII hero and giant in the nursing profession.
Trish has an amazing background and believes, as I do, that diversity of individuals and engaged communities strengthens our nation.
I’m very happy to recommend Trish Cook to the electors of the new electorate of Bullwinkel.
Darlington Retirement Accommodation Association (DRAA)
Our last committee meeting for the year was held on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, at The Glen. With all members present and no apologies, we zipped through our agenda in under 45 minutes – leaving plenty of time to enjoy the delicious afternoon tea that’s a hallmark of DRRA gatherings. Maintenance remains a top priority. Plans are underway to trim and clean foliage overhanging the gutters, and the garden continues to thrive thanks to the monthly visits from the dedicated team at Wooroloo Prison. We’re thrilled to report that our replacement trailer has arrived and is safely secured on site, with just the transfer of the license pending.
The Treasurer’s report was all good news, and we’re in the process of transferring our term deposits to Bendigo Bank for
better service. A few committee members will be making a trip to sign off on the paperwork soon.
You might have noticed a change in the voice of this update— I've taken over from Lindsay Earnshaw. Lindsay is a tough act to follow, but I’ll do my best to keep you informed in the same engaging style. Having spent years as the communications manager at Helena College, writing for the Darlington Review feels a bit like coming home.
Our next meeting is scheduled for February, but until then, the committee wishes everyone in Darlington a joyful and healthy start to 2025!
Tania Lawrence, Trish Cook and Mundaring local, Benji
Councillor's Column South Ward | Cr Trish Cook |
As I enter my eighth year as a Councillor, my dedication to our community, environment, and the improvement of Shire practices remains unwavering. During the December 2024 meeting, I presented a Notice of Motion urging Council to offer tangible support to the Shire's four community gardens located in Stoneville, Chidlow, Glen Forrest, and Darlington. I am pleased to announce that Council voted 4/3 in favour of my motion, agreeing to provide the following assistance:
1) Financial aid of up to $2000 per annum, non-accumulative, for water/waterwise initiatives.
2) Tip passes.
3) Educational opportunities aligned with the Shire's Friends Group. This decision brings great relief to the dedicated volunteers and members who often rely on their own resources and fundraising efforts to cover operational
What’s on at the Hub of the Hills for over 55’s in February
Shire of
expenses. I extend my gratitude to Kate Herren, Christel Mathelot, and the Community Garden supporters for effectively conveying the importance of practical support to the Council.
The planning proposal for the proposed Darlington daycare centre on Amherst Road has been granted an extension until March 2025. Historically, Council has been excluded from the planning process for developments exceeding $2 million, as applicants could opt for the decision to be handled by the WA Planning Commission (WAPC). However, at the December 2024 Council meeting, I proposed a motion that would allow Council to review such applications in the future, including the Amherst Road daycare center application, before submission to the WAPC. This initiative enables Councillors, equipped with local knowledge, to contribute to the State planning process.
Weekly activities return dates
Coffee Morning returns 4 February at 9.30am
Seniors Drop-In returns 5 February at 9.30am
Craft Group returns 6 February at 10am
Gadgets & Gizmos returns 6 February at 9.30am
Scrabble & Rummikub returns 6 February at 1pm
Cryptic Crosswords returns 6 February at 1pm
Open Eyed Meditation returns 7 February at 10am
Weekly activities already returned
Mah Jong Tuesdays 12.30pm to 4pm
Bolivia Thursdays 1pm to 5pm
The Hub of the Hills, 8 Craig Street, Mundaring 9290 6683 cso4@mundaring.wa.gov.au | Officer present on: Tuesday 8.30am to 11.30am | Wednesday 9am to 12pm | Thursday 10am to 2pm
NEXT EVENT
Book Cafe
Tuesday 18 March 9.30am - 11am
Purchase good quality pre-loved books and enjoy a home made morning tea. All welcome.
Erin Grey, Sui Johannsen and Cr Trish Cook are thrilled that Darlington Community Garden will receive assistance with their water costs, tip passes and Shire educational opportunities.
FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY
Includes drink on arrival, choice of entrée, dessert and mains
$65 for 2 courses
$75 for 3 courses
Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Association (DRRA)
“Preserving the character of Darlington and safeguarding the interests of its ratepayers and residents - Since 1909”
The last few months were busy as DRRA addressed concerns from residents relating to Briscola’s development application for a child care centre at 1 Amherst Avenue, opposite Darlington Primary School. As the application value is over $2million, Briscola opted to send its application direct to the Development Assessment Panel – Outer Metro Panel, which blocks the Shire of Mundaring from any decision making
The Shire advertised the application for public submissions for a 28-day period, closing on 10 December 2024. The Shire carried out traffic count surveys during the school term on Glen Road and Amherst Avenue.
The child care application is for up to 80 babies and infants, with, by the applicant’s admission inadequate on-site parking, inferred shared parking with Darlington Primary School, and a fire evacuation policy which involves vacating up to 80 babies and infants in chartered buses. DRRA opposed the application after hearing from ratepayers and residents at DRRA meetings in the Hall in November 2024. The applicant took questions from the community in the Hall on 21 November 2024 and left saying that they would not change the application in light of issues raised.
Representatives of the DRRA Committee attended Mundaring Shire’s Council meetings on 12 November and 10 December 2024. It became clear that the Shire did not have a policy to consider DAP applications at Council, DRRA lobbied our Shire Councillors, CEO and Planning Director and Cr Trish Cook raised a motion that the Shire’s Policy on DAPs be changed, such that all DAP applications are considered by Council. This brings another layer of transparency and accountability to the Shire’s processes, and ensures that Council may consider the community’s concerns in any future DAP applications. Council will debate the 1 Amherst Ave DAP in March 2025. Thanks to the following for making this campaign a success:
• DRRA Committee for successfully advocating on behalf of the Darlington community
• Cr Cook for raising the motion, Cr Ellery and attending councillors received DRRA’s calls and voted unanimously in favour of Cr Cook’s motion
• Residents from Darlington and Glen Forrest who supported DRRA and Cr Cook’s motion. Along with representatives from Darlington’s and Glen Forrest’s community gardens, we packed the gallery!
SAVE the DATES
The WA State election is on Saturday 8 March 2025. Darlington is in the State seat of Kalamunda and we have FIVE candidates standing.
DRRA Meeting
Thursday 13 February 2025 7.30-9:00pm Darlington Hall. Meet the Candidates. Bring your questions, we’ll dig into the detail
Hills Ratepayers and Residents Alliance Meeting
Thursday 20 February 2024 6:30-9:00pm Bendigo Room at Mundaring Arena. Meet the Candidates, an opportunity for you to ask more questions - for all residents in the Shire of Mundaring. For car-pooling please email Louise Stelfox at drra@darlingtonvillage.org or text 0437310578.
Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade
REMEMBER
000 is the ONLY number to ring for all fire and smoke sightings.
The ComCen will page our members who are on duty. For general Brigade enquiries please ring 9299 7217. Station hours: Saturday 9am-10:30am.
Web: darlingtonfire.org.au • Facebook: Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade • Instagram: dvbfb_ Next Brigade meeting: Tuesday, 11 February, 2025 at the Darlington Fire Station.
Firstly, “Happy New Year” and a belated welcome to 2025. From the members of the Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, we would like to wish our community members a safe, happy, and prosperous year ahead.
Prior to Christmas DFES launched their app version of Emergency WA for mobile devices. Emergency WA is a website and app which provides emergency information to the public including alerts and warnings. This information comes from a range of government entities and is the first and official source when it comes to bushfires, storms, cyclones, heatwaves, floods, earthquakes, hazardous materials, and smoke haze. And now this information is easier to access than ever before with the official Emergency WA app, available from the App Store or Google Play. App users can set custom watch zones to be notified about alerts and warnings near your home, children’s school, work, or family members, and opt in to receive push notifications. This is helpful for the community to receive information directly to their device and stay aware about hazards near them. Emergency WA also publishes Total Fire Ban (TFB) declarations and Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) to help communities prepare based on their level of risk.
Got 15 minutes to burn? Remember, bushfires are unpredictable, and the single biggest killer is indecision. Having a plan will help you take action and avoid making last minute decisions, so create a bushfire plan that outlines what you will do if a bushfire occurs. Prepare your property, pack an emergency kit, and learn the Bushfire Warning and Rating Systems. Consider what to do if you’re not at home, or your children are at school, plan for your pets and/or livestock, and have back up plans. Write down your plans, make sure everyone knows where they are, and practice them with your family. Visit mybushfireplan.wa.gov.au and make a plan today.
Although we haven’t had many fires in the Darlington area, our volunteers have been busy attending incidents in other areas. Since the beginning of summer our crews have been turned out to fires in Greenmount, Glen Forrest, Helena Valley, Malmalling, The Lakes (x3), Two Rocks, Bellevue, Gidgegannup, and Bailup.
DFES have again provided us with additional appliances for summer, and you may have seen our extra trucks around the district. One truck is a 2.4, can carry 5 fire fighters and holds 2000 litres of water, the other is a 2nd Light Tanker for fast attack, carrying 2 fire fighters and holding 500 litres of water.
With many large fires occurring around WA over the last few months, threatening lives and communities, they serve as a reminder that there is no reason to ignore the risks of fire, and the fire hazards present in our community. We encourage you to be pro-active around your property by maintaining your firebreaks 3m wide and 4m high, keeping a 20-metre clearance zone around buildings, and reporting any sighting of smoke or fire immediately to 000. Keep informed about Fire Danger Ratings, fire bans, and alerts and warnings in your area. Also, take note of any suspicious activity in and around bushland and report it to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Even with the onset of the fire season our volunteer fire fighters have been continuing with their training and our members have volunteered many hours behind the scenes in recent months to be ready to help the community. Activities such as monthly training nights, skills refreshers, appliance familiarisations, driver training, and hose drills help our fire fighters remain prepared. If you would like any information on bushfire preparedness, property protection, warning information, or Bush Fire Ready groups, please visit the station on a Saturday morning between 9am and 10.30am. For more tips and general information visit the DFES website (www.dfes.wa.gov.au). It’s a valuable information source for things like Bushfire Plan resources, Facts Sheets and How To guides, Total Fire Ban information, and other bush fire preparation resources.
We would once again like to thank all the families that came out and supported our Santa Run before Christmas. The Brigade loves driving Santa around Darlington to visit our wonderful community. It was a long, hot afternoon, so we really appreciate the positive responses and wonderful feedback we received.
If you haven’t joined us on-line yet, the Darlington Brigade has a Facebook page (Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade), and an Instagram account (Dvbfb_). These sites can provide you with information such as Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans and Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans, fire weather warnings, community engagement messages and bushfire mitigation information.
“You might be a firefighter if your kids are afraid to get into water fights with you.” ~ Author unknown.
Ricky Harvey
Darlington Bushfire Ready Group
In the last month there have been multiple fires in Darlington and Boya which have been quickly extinguished. This was not the case for the large fires in Wooroloo and Lakes which caused extensive damage, including the loss of a house. And of course the tragic fires seen on TV from Los Angeles with horrific scenes of fire behaviour.
These fires are a reminder of the need for vigilance in ensuring our properties are prepared – maintaining areas around our houses in low fuel conditions and reducing the fuel load in any bush areas we have. This will help reduce the ember impact if a fire does come upon us and makes saving your home easier. For fire danger ratings and information during a bushfire, emergency services will provide you as much information as possible through a number of different methods – www.dfes. wa.gov.au/emergency.wa.gov.au; phone DFES 13 33 37, Shire of Mundaring bushfire contact number 9290 6644 and 720 ABC
radio. The Shire of Mundaring also has a free SMS that you can sign up to which will send notifications about burning periods, fire danger ratings of extreme or above, burning periods etc –google ‘Shire of Mundaring SMS’ for link.
DFES has also just released a free app for Emergency WA. It has the same features as the Emergency WA website but also allows you to set locations – your phone will receive notifications of any warnings direct to your device. The app also allows you to customise the notifications so you can receive notifications of Total Fire Bans, Fire Danger ratings and other incidents. Stay alert to what is happening around you, and put your Bushfire Plan in place. If needing any information on what to do around your home, come down to the Fire Station on a Saturday morning between 9.00am and 10.00am.
Colin James, Coordinator | 0419 969 223
Stay alert to what is happening around you, and put your Bushfire Plan in place. If needing any information on what to do around your home, come down to the Fire Station on a Saturday morning between 9.00am and 10.00am.
Darlington Sports and Recreation Association Inc.
DaSRA's Future
The Darlington Sport and Recreation Association committee will continue while new Darlington Organisation arrangements are explored in 2025. We are looking for a Meeting Secretary so please contact DaSRA Chairperson Geoff Barker if you are interested – you’ll be supported by retiring Secretary, Cambell Giles. .
Darlington Film
Just before Christmas DaSRA was advised its application to Lotterywest for funding was successful which, added to existing funds from Bendigo Bank Mundaring, Shire of Mundaring and local organisations and individuals, totals $62,000 (see details in this month’s editorial) and enables the film to commence in earnest. Pre-production continues and we expect to start filming early 2025. A thank you ‘Morning Tea’ at the Pavilion on February 1st at 10.00am will be the official launch for the Production. All are welcome.
AND a reminder - If you have short films, VHS or other formats of Darlington in action: people, places and events, we need to hear from you. We’ll digitise the material and give the owner a copy in return for permission to access the material for use in the Film.
Buy-A-Brick:
Only two SPECIAL bricks remain AT THE TOP OF THE FOUNDATION MEMBERS WALL in the Darlington Pavilion. If you are interested in securing one or both, please let us know. The plaques could be specially designed to suit the purchaser’s request. Bids Welcome! Oh, and remember the famous BRICK SUIT? Well, it’s looking for a new future so we would love to hear your ideas!
RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS: NoiseBin and Bin Store (Water Fountain soon!)
We would love you to join us this year as a committee member or a Festival volunteer! We need your help! A few minutes or a few hours- let us know what you can spare.
Register to be a volunteer through our easy web form https:// www.darlingtonartsfestival.com/participate/volunteer/
Attend the Festival AGM on Monday 17th February at 7.30pm in the Lesser Hall and nominate for the committee. Joining the committee is a rewarding experience where you will be mentored and supported as a first-year committee member.
Darlington Arts Festival
Support comes in many shapes and sizes!
Darlington Arts Festival relies on grants, sponsorships, donations and fundraising events. Donations of any amount are very welcome, at any time in the year and you can even throw us a monthly or annual donation to set and forget! Help us keep this fabulous festival free and thriving by donating today https:// www.darlingtonartsfestival.com/support/donate/
See you at the 2025 Darlington Arts Festival!
Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers' Centre
2025 Spooky Stories Competition is open for submissions. Deadline: 13 March 2025 5pm AWST, Theme: The Call, Cost: $15 Adults, FREE youth
Are you ready to explore the eerie depths of fear? Spooky & horror story competition theme is “The Call.” What haunting secrets lie behind a late-night ring? Is it a warning from the beyond, a plea for help, or a sinister voice beckoning you into the darkness? Whether it’s a ghostly encounter, a psychological thriller, or a twisted tale of obsession, we want to hear your spinetingling stories. Get ready to answer The Call and show us what scares you most!
Categories and word counts:
Spooky Stories (PG rating) – Youth (12 years and under), 500 words max; Teen (13-17 years), 1000 words max; Horror Stories (R 18+) – Adult/Open, 2500 words max.
Become a KSP member:
Joining the KSP Writers’ Centre is a wonderful way to give back to the Australian writing community. Fees help support KSP’s general operations and ensures the sustainability of the Foundation. Membership also supports your individual journey as a writer by granting you significant discounts on KSP services and activities, as well as select discounts on services, products and events run by other WA writing organisations as part of the WA Writers United collaboration.
Membership Categories: Full Single ($80), Concession ($70), Family ($90), Country ($35)
Membership Benefits: Significant discounts on entry price to all events, readings, workshops, writing groups and other select events run by the Centre, WA Writers United discount on Westerly magazine subscription, opportunity to be published; many writing groups produce annual anthologies, Feel-good warm-fuzzies for helping to support the KSP Writers' Centre.
For more information on our residencies, competitions or other activities please visit the KSP website www.kspwriterscentre.com or phone 9294 1872. KSP Writers’ Centre is proudly sponsored by the Shire of Mundaring.
Darlington
February 2025
TAEKWON-DO ACADEMY
40 years in Darlington
Adults - Teens - Little Warriors - Families
Grand Master Dr Linda Low 9th Dan Chief Instructor
Community Event | Matching | Milestone Event grants
Eligible community groups can now apply for financial assistance to undertake community events and projects that involve and benefit the local community, and to hold events that celebrate a significant milestone.
Search for Community Grants on the Shire website for funding guidelines or phone 9290 6678. All applicants must discuss their eligibility, ideas and options with the Community Engagement team before submitting an application.
Applications must be submitted at mundaring.smartygrants.com.au by 4pm Friday 7 March 2025.
gmlinda.low@gmail.com
Santa at Square Leg
Rumour has it that in preparation for a festive night of chimney hopping on the turps, Santa watched on from the bar as the DSCC and Pony club went head-to-head in their annual last-game-before-Christmas fixture.
Long-time pony club traitor Steven “Jonesy” Jones finally made his long-awaited return to the field and bought a gaggle of children and grandchildren along for the ride. To the surprise of many, the Jones Gene pool has bred a great bunch of humans; what an absolute pleasure to play against.
Darlington Social Cricket Club
The contest was, however, as lop-sided as an over-baubled budget Christmas tree. New club champions Ray McDonnell and Jamie Lathwell combined with neo-stalwart Nigel Durkin to plunder the pony boys for 275 runs despite some lightning bowling from Cam Q. Cam starred for the pony botherers with the bat, too, but everyone’s heads and hearts seemed more focused on the post-match festivities as they were rolled for 146. After the game, the Earnshaws once again executed a ripper of a Christmas party. Better than ever this year with an abundance of delectable salads and potato bake that multiplied like the magic pudding. Just as well, too, as we had a massive turnout of about 70 current players, ex-players (some of them in denial and still playing) and their families. T’was a beautiful site; the pool was awash with kids - one of them was even spotted getting out of the pool to go the toilet (a club first). The highlight was when a vaguely familiar chap in a red suit made an appearance and started dishing out toys like Christmas had come early. Which of course it had.
There was also a cake and overly long speech from Elder Aldred (he’s probably still going) to celebrate club legend Ian “Scream Show” Scrimshaw’s 700th birthday. He really is a jolly good fellow. A great way to go into the Christmas break, full of cheer and goodwill – thanks Earnshaws (again!).
And what a way to start the new year! For the first fixture of 2025, we played against a brand new team - Byrnecut mining – that had been assembled by an old club favourite, Jarrad Quinn. And wow, they made a bigger impression than DSCC Santa. Bringing along 50 spectators and a marquee to house the overflow, the newcomers arrived bearing gifts of a weber barbecue for the club. Legends! I see many sausages in that little Weber-Q’s future.
In response to Byrnecut’s incredible display of generosity and goodwill, DSCC batted
first and smashed them to all parts. Despite Cam Giles certain century being tragically cut short by a hamstring niggle, the Darlington lads amassed a huge total of 325, largely thanks to Guy Thompson, Nigel Dirkin and Chris Rickard all scoring baahumbug 50s. In response, and not remotely put out by the DSCC’s sizeable total, Smithy and Quinny led the charge for Byrnecut with the bat, showing an appropriate lack of mercy for the DSCC’s ‘Williams twins’ bowlers. But as the scoreboard ticked over to 0-90, DSCC welcomed the reliable-as-Rudolph Cliff Burns to the crease. It was a post-Christmas miracle, with the always consistent Cliff “the metro-gnome’’ slowing the game down and taking 2/17 in the process. Ben Divine (Brown) and Ray McDonnell also helped sway the game to Darlington’s favour, but it was our newly esteemed President Daniel Ryan who took the game away. Dan unleashed his barrage of significantly less than medium paced unplayables and before anyone knew what was going on, he had bewildered the opposition into submission with a magnificent 3/26 - career best figures. It was an absolute crackerjack of a match, and great to start what we hope will be a long-standing celebration of cricket with the wonderful Byrnecut.
As always, if you want to be part of the Social Cricket shenanigan, please contact our Club Secretary, Cam Giles on 0418 936 544.
• Crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, full and partial dentures
• Crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, full & partial dentures
• Providing dental care for the whole family in a leafy, relaxed setting
• Providing dental care for the whole family in a leafy, relaxed setting
Hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year, and 2025 is a good year for us all.
The club will be opening on the 14th February, which is of course Valentine's Day. A great night to start and get together for the new year. We will celebrate with Champagne, good food and lots of fun.
Please see our newsletter for events coming up. Quiz night, bowling and lots more.
Forrest Darlings finished off 2024 with a bang by attending two events on the same day! On Saturday 14 December we started the day with a market stall at the Mundaring Garden and Farmers Market and finished by attending the new Darlington Farmers Market on the same evening. Thank you to everyone who supported our stalls by purchasing handmade gifts and tasty treats.
2025 kicked off with a social night which was also a belated Christmas celebration. We had a regifting circle and also collected donations of canned foods for donation to those less fortunate.
We will meet twice in February, starting with our AGM on Wednesday 19 February at Darlington Pavilion. The following week members will gather at a private address in Mundaring for an aqua aerobics class. New members and guests are always welcome – please contact us for location details if you would like to come along.
Forrest Darlings CWA
About your CWA Forrest Darlings Branch
Forrest Darlings is a friendly branch of the Country Womens Association which meets monthly at Darlington Pavilion. Guests and non members always welcome. Our focus is shared between crafts, community and catering.
Next meeting:
Wednesday 19 February 7pm, Darlington Pavilion
For more information follow Forrest Darlings CWA on Facebook or call Treasurer Jen Woods 0417 173 478.
HOSAC
Happy New Year from all of us at Hosca, we finished off 2024 with a wonderful Christmas season, we held our annual Christmas party which is always made a bit special with a visit from Santa. We had lovely activities at our centres as the excitement for Christmas grew, traditions upheld, baking gifts to share with some aged care residents ( we love engaging within our community and are proud to have strengthened our connections throughout 2024).
We made our own cards and gift wrap, ornaments for our trees and as always engaging in our garden. We had new tadpoles in our pond which we adore watching as they develop into frogs, which we are then excited to welcome into our garden. We have been harvesting a lot of produce from our garden, a testament to our green fingers and the love shared – a combined effort of Educators and children taking ownership, Cale making green tea for the plants, Edwin and Max checking on the growth, Tobias developing an idea for a garden shed for the kids to store all their tools and maybe our gumboots for winter, and fabulous Fi overseeing and loving our garden.
We are pleased to share Isabella’s latest newsletter. Isabella is a wonderfully talented 9yo who has taken on writing a monthly HOSCA newsletter, she is wonderful at asking her peers for any feedback to add into her Newsletter which is distributed to families, We think she is incredibly talented, we hope you agree.
Shire of Mundaring Library Service
Story and Rhyme Time Term One
Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time sessions recommence from Wednesday 5 February. Baby Rhyme Time is a time of language enrichment through stories, songs and rhymes for 0–2-yearolds. Story Time is a fun time of stories, songs, rhymes and craft for 2–5-year-olds. Baby Rhyme Time sessions start at 9.30am and Story Time sessions are on at 10.30am. Boya Library sessions are on Wednesdays and Fridays. Mundaring Library sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
LEGO Club at Mundaring Library
LEGO Club resumes for Term One on Thursday 6 February. LEGO Club is an after-school activity for children aged 6-12 years on Thursdays at Mundaring Lesser Hall from 3.30pm-4.30pm. No bookings are necessary. Children aged under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Minecraft Club at Boya Library
Minecraft Club recommences on Wednesday 5 February. Bookings are essential. The club is for children aged 7 to 17 years. from 3.30pm-4.30pm. Children aged under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Blossom in Bunuru with Simon Cherriman
Boya Community Centre, Monday 3 February, 6pm-7.30pm Learn about what the wildlife is up to during Bunuru with local wildlife ecologist Simon Cherriman. Bookings are essential for this free event at https://030225b. eventbrite.com.au
Birds of Broz Park and Beyond with Rachel and Mike Green
Boya Community Centre, Monday 10 February, 6.30pm-8pm Is Broz Park the prime bird hotspot in Mundaring shire? Discover fascinating facts about the Broz Park wetland and its birdlife with local bird boffins, Rachel and Mike Green. Bookings are essential for this free event at https://100225b.eventbrite.com.au
Planning for the Future with Office of the Public Advocate
Boya Community Centre, Monday 17 February, 10am-12pm If you are injured or become unwell and can no longer make decisions about your finances, property, lifestyle and health care, who would make them for you? Topics covered at this free information session include: Planning ahead – who will make your decisions if you are no longer able to; the differences between an Enduring Power of Attorney, Power of Guardianship and an Advance Health Directive; the responsibilities of an Attorney and Enduring Guardian, and more. Bookings are essential at https://170225b.eventbrite.com.au
Michael Trant and David Whish-Wilson in Conversation
Boya Community Centre, Thursday 20 February, 6pm7.45pm
Well-loved Australian crime writers, Michael Trant and David Whish-Wilson will be chatting with Elizabeth Lewis about
their latest gripping page-turners. From the remote Western Australian landscape in Blood and Gold to the deep, dark waters of Cutler, the stage is set for a great evening of conversation. Bookings are essential for this free event at https://200225. eventbrite.com.au
Creating Black Cockatoo Friendly Suburbs with Dr Christine Groom
Boya Community Centre, Sunday 23 February 11am-12.30pm Join us to hear Dr Christine Groom talk about her newly published book, Creating Black Cockatoo Friendly Suburbs. Dr Groom provides the ‘how-to’ in a user-friendly way to bridge the gap for planners, policy makers, scientists, home gardeners and naturalists to help the survival of Carnaby’s and other black cockatoos and enhance urban biodiversity. Bookings are essential for this free event at https://230225b. eventbrite.com.au
Kickstart Your Creativity with Sasha Wasley
Boya Community Centre, Monday 24 February, 10am-12pm (For adults) Do you want to write in 2025? Kick off the year with a creative boost session! Perfect for aspiring and experienced writers who are hunting for inspiration. Whether you're writing a novel, a picture book or a memoir, Sasha will take participants through engaging activities to inspire creative processes. We'll explore: unexpected places to find inspiration; freeing your creative brain; letting creative magic happen; and turning your ideas into story. Bookings are essential for this free event at https://240225b.eventbrite.com.au.
Library Social Groups for Adults
Do you love to knit or crochet? Or maybe, embroidery is your thing. Perhaps you love doing jigsaws or the art of mindful colouring. The groups meet weekly and offer you the opportunity to work on your projects alongside others. No bookings are necessary, and light refreshments are included. Details of when and where the groups meet are:
• Boya Library Knit and Crochet Group - Mondays, 10am to 12pm
• Boya Library Embroidery Group - Mondays, 1pm to 3pm
• Mundaring Library Knit and Crochet - Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm
• Mundaring Library Mindful Colouring and Jigsaw GroupWednesdays, 1pm to 3pm
Do you receive the Shire of Mundaring LIbraries eNewsletter? Sign up to receive library news about upcoming events and programs at https://bit.ly/MUNlibnews
Darlington Dibbler Girl Guides
Inspiring girls to develop leadership skills and make positive contributions to their community.
The Darlington Dibblers held a Presentation Night for Guides and family members. The girls were recognised and presented with the badges they had earned either individually or as a unit for the year. Each year we also present two outstanding guides with the Kinka Community Service Award and the Karon Bethune ‘Lend a Hand’ Shield. We are proud to announce the winners were: Community Service- Eve Barson and Lend a hand Shield- Lillian Gallemore.
What is World Thinking Day? Thinking Day is celebrated on Lord and Lady Baden-Powell’s joint birthday and is celebrated internationally by members of WAGGGS. It is an opportunity to connect with our global Movement and fundraise for over 10.8 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 153 countries. This year, Darlington Dibblers will be participating in a state event to help
Estate Law
Protect your family and plan your future.
Make a will, power of attorney or guardianship.
Look after a loved one who has lost capacity
Obtain Probate or Letters of Administration
Estate related litigation
celebrate WTD. We will enjoy activities from Egypt, Switzerland, Malaysia, India, Japan, Mexico, Ireland and more. Play games, do craft and enjoy activities, food, songs and dances from around the world while earning the World Thinking Day badge!
We would also like to extend a warm welcome to our two new leaders Michelle and Karen Porter. We are looking forward to a wonderful year ahead full of fun, adventure and friendship!
We welcome new girls aged from 7-12 years. We meet at Kathleen Skipsey Hall – on Glen Road, Darlington on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7.30pm during the school term. If you have any queries regarding Darlington Dibbler Girl Guides please contact Michelle on 0451 492 315 or enquire at Girl Guides WA.
Contracts & Agreements
Commercial Property Leases
Business Sales & Purchases
Conveyancing
Company Incorporation
Preparation of Trusts
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
Welcome back for 2025!
Scouting began in Australia well over 100 years ago, and while much has changed in this time, the core values have remained and we continue to provide opportunities for young people to learn new skills, develop friendships, challenge themselves and learn to become better global citizens.
Australian Jamboree 2025
In January, a group of our Scouts and Venturers, along with several leaders, spent 10 days in Maryborough, Queensland, joining nearly 9000 others from all over Australia at the 26th Australian Jamboree.
This was a life-changing experience for many, challenging themselves physically and mentally, and growing in themselves. They attended many activities on-site and off-site, including visiting Australia Zoo, sailing at Hervey Bay, archery, orienteering, cycling, abseiling, zipline, STEM activities, games, and daily entertainment including performances by Amy Shark, Sheppard, Budjerah, Dave Hughes, and more! Some very tired but happy campers, and an adventure they’ll remember for life.
Joey Scouts
ages 5-8
Cub Scouts
ages 8-11
Scouts
ages 11-14
Venturer Scouts ages 14-18
Rover Scouts ages 18-25
Adult Volunteers ages 18+
In the Community
Christmas Carols Sausage Sizzle
We were happy to once again join in the Glen Forrest Christmas Carols at Christmas time, where Scouts have been providing the sausage sizzle for 18 years! It’s a community event enjoyed by all ages, and we enjoyed meeting so many hills locals there.
A new year, a new challenge?
Lots of planning and fundraising made this possible for the youth and families, so thanks to all who have bought sausages, chocolates, raffle tickets along the way. Also our thanks for financial support from Community Bank Mundaring, and Rotary Club of Mundaring.
Darlington Scouts are open to boys and girls, comprising four sections:
Joey Scouts (age 5-8) Monday
Cub Scouts (age 8-11) Wednesday
Scouts (age 11-14) Thursday
Venturer Scouts (age 14-18) Friday
Do you know any young people that might be interested in joining a group in the hills for young adventurers? Scouts provides fun youth development activities, building resilient and confident boys and girls aged 5 to 25 in the Joey Scout, Cub Scout, Scout, Venturer Scout and Rover Scout Sections. We also welcome adult volunteer Scout Leaders. Scouts has opportunities for the whole family to be involved, and we have members from well beyond Darlington too.
The sections usually meet at the Kathleen Skipsey Hall on Glen Road, Darlington, in a lovely bush setting on the creek line, with a fire pit and ample opportunity for getting amongst nature.
The Scouts meet weekly during school terms, and there are often extended weekend and school holidays camps, hikes and other activities on offer. If you have a child that may be interested in coming along, you can have a few trial visits before making a commitment. We do ask parents to take turns in helping with activities, and this may be at their weekly session, or it may be helping with a camp or other weekend activity.
Contact membership@darlingtonscouts.com, or www.darlingtonscouts.com, or find our Facebook page.
Darlington Venturers also have their own Instagram page, so if you are over 14, and interested if what they do, please look them up: @darlingtonventurers
Home
Home
Outdoor
Wall
Window
New Year Resolutions!
Personally, I am not a fan of New Year Resolutions! I have made too many in the past and not succeeded in making the changes in my life that the resolutions were designed to bring about. Maybe the way to introduce a new element into your life with success, is to think about it often, plan how to implement it, think about the promised rewards and how you will enjoy the fruits of your efforts. This is different to the rush of blood to the head involved with New Year resolutions which may be lots of fun but may not achieve the results you are looking for.
If you have considered playing or learning bridge, what about if you reflect on the positive benefits that you could bring into your life from playing bridge: Many players really enjoy the mental stimulation of learning and playing a game that is challenging and never boring. Every hand of cards is different, and you never know the hand you will be dealt. If you have never played bridge you can learn at supported sessions where you can ask questions. If you enjoy competition, which is not everyone’s cup of tea, you can also play competitively. Social stimulation and the pleasure of new friendships is also a great positive benefit. Check out the picture taken at the bridge club recently. You can see on the faces of some of the players, it can be fun and enjoyable.
For beginners, a very friendly and supportive session is held on Wednesday mornings 9.30 to 11.30. People can learn to play from scratch, refresh skills, or just play socially without the pressure of competition. Regular bridge sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons
The Bridge club is located at the Glenforrest Sports Club in Mc Glew Road. Fees are very modest and include membership of the Sports Club.
Ronnie 0419961711 or Fred 0417 913 468 or check out the website Glenforrest.bridgeaustralia.org
Maybe this year will be the year you renew your interest in playing or learning bridge. We look forward to meeting you and playing bridge with you.
At our January Community Conversations coffee morning we gathered at the Darlington Lesser Hall for some more elevated discussions. We had a range of attendees aged from 15 to, ahem, a bit older than that, and were very grateful for the ceiling fans on a 40 degree day. Over croissants and fruit platters we discussed the theme of “Variety is the Spice of Life”. With a range of quotes from world religions, philosophers, and poets that reflected a profound respect for diversity and its role in fostering unity, growth, and harmony in life, we shared some very stimulating discussions.
Below are some of the quotes we discussed. See what you think. How has diversity enriched your life? Is a challenging (spicy) experience always negative? What could be the drawbacks of never stepping outside your comfort zone?
“The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.” Bahá’u’lláh
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. Variety is inherent in nature and brings
Community of Mundaring
enlightenment.” The Buddha
“Diversity is not a threat but an enrichment. Our differences are a treasure, as they invite dialogue and mutual respect.” Pope Francis
“The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.” Marcus Aurelius (Roman emperor and philosopher)
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Helen Keller (author and activist)
Our next Community Conversations will be held on Sunday 27 April at 10:30am at the Darlington Lesser Hall. Hope to see you then!
If you’d like to explore the Baha’i vision of unity and diversity, we hold regular gatherings at homes in Darlington, Glen Forrest, Mahogany Creek and Mundaring. These are welcoming spaces to study and have spiritual conversations with friends from diverse backgrounds. All are welcome. More details on our Facebook page and website.
GOT SOMETHING TO SELL?
A service like babysitting, handyman jobs, walking a dog or watering plants for someone travelling? Or that much-loved guitar that’s not seeing any action? Or last year’s school ballgown?
COST? Only $10 for four lines (40 words max). Special $5 rate for students.
It’s easy: Email your classified by the 20th of the month to: business@darlingtonreview.com.au AND deposit $10 (BSB 633 000 Acc No: 158788273).
Use your name and date of email as reference.
Classifieds with $$$ can also be placed in the Review box at Darlington Post Office.
GARDENING, pruning, weeding, mulching, whipper snipping, gutters cleaned, yard tidy up etc. Phone Geoff 0409 088 936.
60+ DANCE CLASS, MONDAYS 9.30am Darlington Hall, cost $15. All welcome, no experience needed. Contact Lynne 0409 520 023.
CARPENTRY & HOME MAINTENANCE: widely experienced and insured carpenter available for many tasks including installing doors, architraves & skirtings etc, wood floor repairs, plasterboard work, flatpack assembly & installation and much more. Phone Ken Fox: 0418 903 355
Darlington Theatre Players at Marloo Theatre
A Monstrous Campaign hits Marloo Theatre
‘She Kills Monsters’ Thrusts Dungeons And Dragons Into The Spotlight
In 1974, a table top role playing game revolutionised the industry and is now widely regarded as the initiative that kick started the modern role playing game industry. Dungeons and Dragons is now more that 50 years old and has delighted fantasy fans for decades. It has come to prominence in recent incarnations such as being featured heavily in ‘Stranger Things’ and the film adaptation ‘Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves’ starring Chris Pine. The epic campaign game is now the feature of Marloo Theatre’s first season of 2025, the action packed ‘She Kills Monsters’ which is set to hit the stage this month.
The play is described by Origin Theatrical as “a comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games”. The comedic fantasy drama tells the story of Agnes Evans (Candice Preston) as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly (Sophie Boyland). When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook, however, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly’s refuge.
Packed full of pop culture and designed to “unleash the Geek Warrior in us all”, ‘She Kills Monsters’ will kick off 2025 at Marloo Theatre with a bang. The play is being directed by Connie Wetherilt, who, last year featured onstage in ‘Young Frankenstein’ as Ziggy and has worked across the Perth Community Theatre scene as an Actor, Choreographer and Creative.
Wetherilt spent a long time reading through play after play before landing on ‘She Kills Monsters’. “The play was full of charm and made me laugh when reading almost every page” she said. “I also loved that the play has a majority female cast” she continued. “I have found over the years as a performer that there are not many plays and musicals with a majority of female identifying characters, especially ones who are not stereotypical and have such different personalities” she concluded.
As always, with any production, it takes a village to pull together all the element to stage a successful show. For this show, it has truly been a family affair. “The best part of the process has been collaborating with my Mum (Yvette Drager Wetherilt) and Dad (Gary Wetherilt)” Wetherilt continued. “This show has been no easy feat, but with Dad building the incredible set, props and creatures and Mum assisting with the props, creatures and foyer decorations, as well as designing wigs and makeup, I have been
able to see a wonderfully mystical world form in my own living room” she concluded.
So what can audiences expect from this epic adventure? “You will be blasted back in time to the 90’s in your own version of ‘Quantum Leap’ ” Wetherilt said. “Expect to be blown away by the amazing D&D style fight scenes and this show will be for theatre lovers and D&D lovers alike” she concluded.
So dust off your shield and take up the quest at Marloo Theatre this February as the Darlington Theatre Players presents ‘She Kills Monsters’.
‘She Kills Monsters’ Directed by Connie Wetherilt 7th-22nd February 2025
Marloo Theatre, Greenmount
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/CWANE
Photos: Chris McRae
Content Warning: ‘She Kills Monsters’ contains coarse language, stylised violence, mild sexual references and homophobia. Parental discretion is advised for Under 15’s.
Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS)
Happy New Year - let 2025 be another Opportunity in Darlington
We call this the 'Off Season' at the Station Reserve but some of us, and always Our Gill, are turning out early on Sunday mornings to water last winter's plantings. Thank you Gill for keeping this happening through summer.
I love walking through the reserve in Summer and even stopping for a sit down on the way. Our Station Reserve feels like a walk in the Bush to me: I can walk in the shade; admire the tough species of native plants that seem to be thriving the best and feel the peace of the place. Do you know what I mean? The hard work of planting and weeding and mulching is temporarily forgotten and we can all just enjoy. We are on holiday. I pick up fallen sticks, a habit that will never leave me. I look to see if there are cockatoos in the trees near the nesting boxes and I wonder what the coming year holds for our ‘baby' plants.
Photo 2- I still think you can’t kill a Hakea
There are things I DO know though: I do know that the faithful who can, will turn up once Easter has passed, ready to mulch, clear up and prune after the summer. I know that we will all be another year older and always hoping for new, maybe younger members to join our Friends group. So if you have 2 hours to spare every fortnight on Sundays ( 8-10am) between April, after Easter, and October, up to DAF,
please contact us; we are a very sociable group and we have great morning teas after our work, thanks this year to Susie . THANK YOU Susie.
Photo 1- End of 2024 windup morning tea.
I’m Diane and you can get me on 0423 007 501.
I look forward to meeting you on the reserve sometime.
St Cuthbert's Anglican Church | cnr Darlington and Hillsden Roads, Darlington
St Cuthbert’s joyfully celebrated the commissioning of The Rev. Peregrin Campbell Osgood
By most standards St Cuthbert’s is a tiny church but when it comes to a celebration it can seat 90 people and even welcome 120 as we saw at the commissioning of Peregrin Campbell Osgood last month. It was a warm welcome for a popular and highly regarded priest and the people of St Cuthbert’s are very grateful that he accepted the invitation to lead our congregation.
Peregrin was previously Assistant Curate at the Church of the Ascension in Midland. Prior to ordination he worked for the Anglican Diocese of Perth in the Social Responsibilities and
Anglican Church
EcoCare Commissions. Before training for the priesthood, Peregrin spent the bulk of his professional career working in a refugee agency and was involved in human rights work within a range of agencies. He is committed to exploring and sharing the overwhelming, reckless and never-ending love of God for all people and the Earth.
Peregrin is very much looking forward to being part of the spiritual life of the Darlington-Bellevue Parish and the broader communities.
Our 2024 Windup
The Hakeas rule!
Happy new year from the Darlington Community Garden
Activity in the garden is in caretaker mode as we help our plants survive the summer heat. With Birak moving into Bunuru, the hottest time of the year is upon us. Many of our native plants are coming into flower, providing nectar and pollen for the bees who have waited through a lean spring and may find relief in the abundant white flowers of the Marri, Jarrah and Ghost gums.
Meanwhile, Sue, Norm and Charles have ensured our worm farms stay alive through the hottest days by adding bottled ice for cooling. Many thanks to Sally, Erin and Sui for all their help watering as we continue to establish the gardens, which are thriving in spite of the heat. It’s fantastic news we can now water knowing Mundaring Shire will contribute up to $2000 water usage for Community Gardens. Thank you to Cr Trish Cook for proposing this change to Council, in addition to access to tip passes and waste collection. We are also grateful to our Chair Kate Herren, as well as Christel Mathelot from Glen Forrest Community Garden for their convincing deputations at the council meeting in support of the motion.
In other news, Erin has asked everyone to save the date on Sunday, July 27th for National Tree Planting Day, hopefully sponsored by Planet Ark Seedling Bank grants. Subject to Shire approval, we hope to beautify another nearby area. If it's anything like our creek planting day, it should be good fun, so make sure to pencil it in your calendars!
The goanna garden continues to take shape thanks to the periodic working bees of the Wooroloo Green Team. The Limestone pathways are going in next, then we will be on to the garden bed preparation and planting more bush tucker as the rainy season approaches.
In January we welcomed back Kangaroos to the garden and we are pleased that they are undertaking some weed control for us.
We encourage you to come visit the garden and see all the progress we've made. We are always looking for volunteers, so please get in touch if you'd like to be involved.
Stay cool and hydrated everyone!
NEW MEMBERS
www.darlingtoncommunitygarden.org.au/join-us-1
Keep in touch and have your say on our DCG FACEBOOK page www.facebook.com/groups/ 218148335647263
Treetops School 2024 Year in
great success for our Primary Students at the Mundaring Environmental Art Project Awards.
Treetops | A Montessori and International Baccalaureate School
2024 was an extraordinary year for Treetops, with great highs and challenging lows. In Term 1 2024, Treetops was recognised by the Association of Independent Schools WA (AISWA) and Independent Schools Australia (ISA) as an exemplar of schoolbased and embedded wellbeing for students. Treetops, along with just two other schools from across Australia, was chosen to meet with Minister for Education and Youth, Jason Clare.
2024 was an extraordinary year for Treetops, with great highs and challenging lows. In Term 1 2024, Treetops was recognized by the Associa�on of Independent Schools WA (AISWA) and Independent Schools Australia (ISA) as an exemplar of school-based and embedded wellbeing for students. Treetops, along with just two other schools from across Australia, was chosen to meet with Minister for Educa�on and Youth, Jason Clare.
Having engaged and happy students is the ‘Treetops normal’, and 2024 was no different. Last year we added to our diverse range of education programmes, creating new opportunities for students in Performing Arts and Food Technologies. We were proud to showcase our strong Arts Programme, with displays and performances at the Darlington Arts Festival, and great success for our Primary Students at the Mundaring Environmental Art Project Awards.
Having engaged and happy students is the ‘Treetops normal’, and 2024 was no different. Last year we added to our diverse range of education programmes, creating new opportunities for students in Performing Arts and Food Technologies. We were proud to showcase our strong Arts Programme, with displays and performances at the Darlington Arts Festival, and
The 2024 Secondary Japan Trip was an enormous success, with nineteen students travelling to Osaka, in our largest group yet! Complementing our Japanese language programme, secondary students had the opportunity to create Bunraku puppets as a part of a combined Visual Arts, Technologies and Japanese project. With support from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries via a $20,000 grant, students learned to create, animate, and perform Bunraku.
The 2024 Secondary Japan Trip was an enormous success, with nineteen students travelling to Osaka, in our largest group yet! Complemen�ng our Japanese language programme, secondary students had the opportunity to create Bunraku puppets as a part of a combined Visual Arts, Technologies and Japanese project. With support from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural
The ‘highs’ of 2024 were tempered by some notable challenges. We would like to acknowledge our staff who exhibited such resilience and support for each We extend our thanks to ng our fundraising effort for our Teacher, Hylton Hayes, as he faced a significant health crisis. We report that Hylton is recovering well and will be back teaching with us this year.
Treetops Office has now re-opened for 2025. We are excited to unveil our new Secondary kitchen and library renovations and look forward to other planned improvements this year!
The ‘highs’ of 2024 were tempered by some notable challenges. We would like to acknowledge our staff who exhibited such resilience and support for each other as we navigated these. We extend our thanks to the Hills Community for assisting our fundraising effort for our Teacher, Hylton Hayes, as he faced a significant health crisis. We report that Hylton is recovering well and will be back teaching with us this year.
Treetops is very well-placed to perform strongly in 2025, with our largest ever enrollment into the Interna�onal Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (ATAR equivalent). If you are interested in finding out more about Treetops School and our unique approach to educa�on, please contact our enrolments team, and join one of our small-group tours.
Treetops Office has now re-opened for 2025. We are excited to unveil our new Secondary kitchen and library renovations and look forward to other planned improvements this year!
Treetops is very well-placed to perform strongly in 2025, with our largest ever enrollment into the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (ATAR equivalent). If you are interested in finding out more about Treetops School and our unique approach to education, please contact our enrolments team, and join one of our small-group tours.
Newburn Accounting & Tax
We are an accountancy firm based in Darlington, Western Australia. Located not far off Gt Eastern Hwy, We provide accountancy and tax management services to a range of businesses and individuals.
While we are proudly Hills based, our clientele ranges from the Swan Valley to the wheatbelt.
Our highly effective team of business specialists and service providers work with best practices and state-of-the-art solutions.
Our professional ‘business service allows you to focus and remain on top.
We provide the following services :
To thrive and excel in today's business environment, you have to be able to focus on your core business.
Business start-up formation, for company,
Accounting software for business
Contact Us. We will be glad to help you!
admin@newburn.ch
email Bridie@newburn.ch
Ph. 0475 467 534 PO Box 25 Darlington WA 6070
Building and Renovation services for the Perth Hills
We take care of the numbers , allowing you to take care of your business.
Is Steiner Education right for your Family?
At Parkerville Steiner College, learning unfolds through a whole-class, collaborative, and relationship-based approach. Graduates are nurtured to develop emotional intelligence, creativity, social responsibility, resilience, and critical thinking.
Our curriculum integrates artistic, practical, and academic activities, enabling students to connect deeply with what they learn.
Steiner education fosters the holistic development of children by addressing intellectual, artistic, practical, social, and emotional growth. This balanced approach ensures academic achievement goes hand in hand with creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical skills.
Our teaching methodology values each child's unique qualities, focusing on nurturing their individual capacities. We emphasise artistic expression, outdoor learning, environmental awareness, and respect for nature and Indigenous culture, inspiring students to engage meaningfully with the world.
Parkerville Steiner College
Our approach to Learning
Through an experiential and phenomenological curriculum, students explore and discover alongside their teacher and peers. This academically rigorous and engaging method builds empathy, resilience, and a strong sense of self while fostering a meaningful connection to their studies.
Are we the right fit for your Family?
Discover how Steiner education can support your child's growth and inspire their journey toward a confident and fulfilling future.
Visit us on Facebook or Instagram or contact us via www.parkervillesteiner.wa.edu.au
All General & Emergency Plumbing 24/7, Blocked drains, Hot Water, Gas fitting, Leak detection & repair, Sanitary, Bathroom & Kitchen Plumbing , Retic, Pool/Pumps, Backflow Central Heating, Chimney Sweep
- Advice, supply, installation and maintenance - All types of electrical work, all jobs big and small - Servicing the Perth Hills and Metro area For a free visit to discuss your electrical needs, contact: Aaron Hearne Owner/Electrician
m 0408 930 458 e aaron@alphazetaelectrical.com.au
kalamunda@thepoolshopgroup.com.au thepoolshopgroup.com.au Dependable. Transparent. Traditional Service with a Modern Twist to Pool & Spa Maintenance.
For 16 years, we've been the go-to solution for pool owners in Perth Hills and surrounding areas Our services are fast, reliable, and friendly, covering everything from green pool restorations to ment repair and supply We specialise in troubleshooting pools, installing pool blankets, and offering expert advice pool cleaners Trust us to keep your pool in top condition you can enjoy hassle-free swimming all year round 19 Canning Road, Kalamunda Call Phil: (08) 9293 1356
The Pool Shop Group Locations and Service Centres: Mundaring. Floreat. Kalamunda. Ellenbrook
HELENA COLLEGE
GETTING READY FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Starting school is a significant milestone, and both children and parents often feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. We asked our Junior School teachers for their thoughts on they believe could help parents and children enjoy a smooth transition to school.
Emotional Readiness is Crucial
While academic skills are important, emotional readiness plays a huge role in a child’s success at school. Teachers want parents to know that if your child feels anxious or nervous about school, that’s completely normal. Talking openly about their feelings and teaching coping strategies like deep breathing can be helpful. Patience and reassurance go a long way during this transition.
Encourage Independence
School is all about responsibility and self-reliance. Parents can help children build independence by encouraging them to do simple tasks like getting dressed, packing their bags, and remembering routines. This fosters confidence and prepares children for the structure of the school day. And a little independence helps children develop valuable skills and a sense of accomplishment.
Foster a Growth Mindset
Consistency and Routines Matter
Children thrive on routine. Consistent sleep schedules, mealtimes, and morning routines are very valuable. A predictable routine at home helps children feel secure and ready to face the school day with confidence. Consistency at home mirrors the structured environment at school, making the transition smoother.
Open Communication is Key
Effective communication between parents and teachers is vital. If you have concerns or insights about your child, don’t hesitate to reach out. Knowing about any specific challenges, preferences, or strengths your helps the teaching team to make the in-class transition go well.
It’s important for children to understand that mistakes are part of learning. Focus on praising effort, perseverance, and problem-solving, rather than focusing solely on getting things right. A growth mindset helps children embrace challenges, become resilient, and develop a love for learning.
Social Skills are Just as Important as Academic Skills
Starting school is also about learning how to interact with others. Classrooms and playtimes help children expand on their social skills like sharing, cooperation, and resolving conflicts. Encourage your child to engage with peers, practice good communication, and develop friendships. These skills will help them feel more comfortable and confident in school.
Starting school is a big step, but with emotional support, routines, independence, and open communication, your child will thrive. By partnering with teachers and fostering a positive mindset, you’ll help your child succeed in this exciting new chapter.
READY TO THRIVE
Book your Helena College tour today.
Advertisement Specifications
The Darlington Review has been praised in State Parliament. It is a well-loved institution informing and binding the community since the 1950s - and it’s the very best advertising option, along with word-of-mouth.
The Darlington Review is delivered free to all local households and our low advertising rates makes it easily affordable. We have it on good authority from local tradies that it’s the only advertising you may need to do. If you are interested and want further information get in touch with our Advertising Manager
Technical Specifications*
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4. Images embedded (critical); and
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(*Contact Production Manager for any clarification of specifications.)
Ron Stuurstraat: 0451 662 917 advertising@darlingtonreview.com.au
For 16 years, we've been the go-to solution for pool owners in Perth Hills and surrounding areas. Our services are fast, reliable, and friendly, covering everything from green pool restorations to equipment repair and supply. We specialise in troubleshooting problem pools, installing pool blankets, and offering expert advice on robot pool cleaners. Trust us to keep your pool in top condition so you can enjoy hassle-free swimming all year round. with a Modern Twist to Pool & Spa Maintenance.
