Esperance Tide July 2020

ISSUE 63

FREE MONTHLY FRIDAY JULY 3, 2020

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: @OSPREYCREATIVE

Welcome back to another great issue of your favourite local rag.

It seems business is back to (semi) normal, with fewer restrictions and regional borders re-opening. We’ve been busy talking to local businesses, checking in to see how they’ve coped with the ongoing changes and we’ve been delighted with some really great success stories. See page four for more details.

With more happening now than what we have seen in the last couple of months, Culture Pops is back! The calendar may be small but if you look closely you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s so bloody great to see Kyza and Co. back in action. We’ve missed you. Head to page 13 to see what’s on this month.

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UP N EXT The Book Box

Well done, guys. You’ve weathered one month into winter, two more to go. We’ve hand-picked a few of our winter relevant items from around town (page 15); maybe treat yourself to a tax-time pressie.

You’ve earned it!

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C a n yo u h e l p f in d S a m m y t h e s eal?

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REC IPE Vegan Ramen

5 MIN UT ES WITH Paige Valentine

He's hiding on one of our pages.

4 - DAY W E AT H E R F O R E C A S T SATURDAY 4

SUNDAY 5

Woody anyone?

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MAX

20

MONDAY 6

Monday blues.

#blessed MIN

10

MAX

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TUESDAY 7

MIN

10

MAX

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Light drizzle.

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W E ATH E R F O R E C AS T BR OUGHT TO YOU BY ELPHA

P U B LI SHER

WE A R E ON L IN E

Esperance Tide

esperancetide.com

Bronte Vincent

/esperancetide

ABN 46 838 497 722

tideandco.com.au

bronte@esperancetide.com

@esperancetide

CO N TR I BU TO R S

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Karli Florisson

Kyron Smithson

Hannah Siemer

Antoinette Vincent

ES PERANCETIDE . CO M

Anna Swan

tagged in town FOLLOW @ESPERANCETIDE ON INSTAGRAM & HASHTAG #ESPERANCETIDE TO BE FEATURED

@L O ZZA_ 23

@ WA_ DRO N EPHO T O GRAPHY

We had the best time showing My beautiful mum around Esperance.

This place still takes my breathe way!

Having a whale of a time

@C U RI OU SPAT H S

@ AT ISHEREN O W

@ TAAAV9 3

Who said you couldn’t afford a house?

Action at the cover this morning!

Stairs To The Heaven

TAG G E D I N TOWN I S S U P P O R T E D B Y

Gentle Dentistry with Your Comfort in Mind 8 Dempster St, Esperance 9071 5888

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@ SA L TY . TRACK S

B U SI N ES S NOT AS US UAL

Adapting To Change In Unprecedented Times

BY KARLI FLORISSON

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COVID-19 has had a huge impact on local business forcing some to adapt in surprising and innovative ways.

Local business is the lifeblood of the Esperance community.

Being as isolated as we are, we rely on local business to provide essential services, special treats, and a new pair of socks when your last pair wears out and you need new ones right now. While online shopping is on the rise, there are some things you can’t buy online, such as freshly baked bread, locally grown produce, a hot coffee, or a friendly smile from someone whose kids go to the local school. You also can’t try things on, check things out before you buy, or get advice on where to try out your newly purchased fishing rod. Local businesses are important for providing local jobs, and they keep money in our community. They sponsor our local sporting teams and give apprenticeships to local kids. More than that, local businesses provide colour, options, convenience, and personality to our town.

The recent pandemic has hit our local businesses hard. With many businesses forced to close for a time due to social distancing requirements, some local business people had to make some tough choices. But Esperance business owners are a resilient bunch, and some have been able to find innovative solutions to keep their businesses running during our times of social distancing and isolation. Of course, not every business has the flexibility to change their way of operating, and things have been difficult for businesses across the board. But the silver lining during these tough days for some businesses is that they’ve been pushed out of their comfort zones and had to find new ways of operating, some of which will be beneficial in the long run.

New Technology For the owners of Downtown Espresso Bar, one of the solutions for COVID-19 times has been a new phone application. The app, called Bopple, offers customers a way to order and pay for their coffee remotely.

Downtown also installed a small coffee hatch to allow for customers to pick up their coffees while still observing social distancing. The app has been a great hit with customers. ‘I order in my driveway, and by the time I drive downtown, my coffee is ready for me,’ reports one of the customers. As business owner Nicola Sime says, ‘Using the app made it possible for us as business owners to re-open our business but still protect our team, ourselves and our customers from risk.

We’d considered using an app in the past, but hadn’t taken the time to program and implement it. The unprecedented time created an opportune time to introduce the initiative.’ As social distancing restrictions are lifted, and things go back to normal, Downtown will be keeping the app, which has been a great success.

WE ARE re-opening on july 8th!

Tuck into some of our cosy new spots and enjoy some great food and wine.

Bookings are essential during the school holidays.

to book a table for lunch or dinner Text 0457232039

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Online Platforms For Anna Swan, owner of The Swan Effect, restrictions on indoor exercise classes meant that she had to stop running classes from the yoga studio. Anna had always wanted to have an online platform for yoga classes but never had the time to get it up and running. During the pandemic lockdown, Anna set up a membership platform on The Swan Effect website. ‘We’ve had a really good response,’ Anna says. ‘We’ve had current members join

up, and also people who are out on farms, or other places around the state. It’s a way that people can still practice with us even if they’re not in Esperance.’ It’s been a big learning curve, but one of the big benefits for Anna is that teaching remotely means she can share the teaching load. ‘It means that I can use some of my favourite teachers, no matter where they are.’ As restrictions lift and people are able to come back into the studio, Anna plans to keep running the online platform.

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New Ordering Systems

Online Stores

When restrictions during the height of the lockdown forced Bob & Jim’s General Store to temporarily close their doors, Tiff Brown of Bread Local found herself without one of her main distribution points. She realised that her options were to either stop baking or make a change to the way she was operating. She took a week off baking, and during that time she was able to get a website up and running so that people could place orders with Bread Local directly. ‘I’ve been meaning to set up a website for two years,’ says Tiff.

‘So COVID has really brought about some major changes for the business.’ As things return to normal, Bread Local will continue to supply both Bob & Jim’s and Aurelia’s, which is their other major distribution point. Customers will also be able to continue to place orders directly with Bread Local through the website, with Tiff operating a Friday afternoon pickup shop for preorders through the website. In addition to these changes, Tiff has also introduced a new range of delicious baked goods, which she will be continuing to sell as things return to normal.

Sarah Earle, owner of B Naturally You, had been planning to set up an online store to sell beauty products and other goods through the business’s website. When the salon was completely shut down during the lockdown, she took the plunge. With the increasing popularity of online shopping, Sarah could see that making a change was inevitable. The extra time that she had meant Sarah was able to add a range of clothing to the website store. It was a big learning curve, and Sarah found that getting some help was really important. As the salon is able to resume providing beauty and wellness treatments, the online store will provide an extra diversity to the business.

B U S I N ES S NOT A S U S U AL

New Appreciation

During the time of lockdown, many businesses in town offered contactless home delivery. Customers could order by phone, email, or on social media or website, and have goods delivered from businesses such as The Toy Station, B Naturally You, or The Book Box, among others. Bread Local was one of the businesses that offered home delivery. Thanks to family members who volunteered to help, customers could order from Bread Local’s new website and have bread delivered to their door. ‘We were doing up to 80 deliveries in a delivery run,’ says Tiff. As well as deliveries, local restaurants and cafes were also offering takeaway meals when dine in options were not available. From the Taylor Street Quarters to the Pier Hotel and the Esperance Café, there were takeaway options to suit all tastes. For many businesses, home deliveries are not sustainable, and they won’t be continued as things return to normal – but they were a way for businesses to look after customers in a time of increased risk.

Having options for home delivery and takeaway was very important for some local people who had to take extra precautions during these times.

For many business owners, going back to ‘business as usual’ will bring with it a new appreciation for things being ‘normal’. This includes a fresh appreciation for those who have helped out during COVID-19 times. As Tiff Brown of Bread Local says, ‘I feel so fortunate that I had family members who were able to help out during these times. I was also fortunate that the business was able to adapt, as often it is hard for small businesses to adapt and change quickly.’ This sentiment is echoed by other business owners who are grateful for the help that they received during difficult times. For Nicola Sime of Downtown, the silver lining to the tough times has been the kindness shown by family, friends and customers.

‘Running a business during a pandemic has tested our skills and brought home the importance of health in our community.’ Sarah Earle said that she spoke to locals whose income was not affected by the pandemic and so they were making a real effort to support local businesses by going out of their way to spend money at local businesses. ‘Without people like that we would have really struggled. The kindness of the locals was amazing.’ The Esperance community has pulled together to weather this storm. Our local businesses will continue to need our support as we return to normal.

Aurelia’s Ice Creamery & Café would like to say thank you!

Over the past months in these trying times, Ian, Katherine and the team here at Aurelia's are humbled and appreciative of the support and encouragement given to continue serving Esperance and surrounding districts.

So again, thank you!

From Ian, Katherine & the team at Aurelia's

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

(08) 9072 0002 Cnr The Esplanade and Emily Street Esperance

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Deliveries & Takeaways

U P NEXT

The Book Box 8 / E S P E R A N C E T I D E / J U LY 2 0 2 0

BY KARLI FLORISSON

The Book Box is a little business with a big personality. Originally located in the old Esperance Railway Ticketing Office, the tiny little shop seemed magically larger on the inside, managing to stock a huge range of books in such a small space.

From children’s books to cookbooks, biographies, self-help, a large range of fiction, and even some giftware and prints, The Book Box has something for everyone.

The Book Box was started in 2015 by Esperance local Donna Hutcheson. Before that, Donna was selling books at the Museum Village Markets as a way to make some extra money to get her daughter to Perth for her TAFE studies. With no book shop in town at the time, Donna realised there was a gap in the market, and The Book Box was born as a part-time venture.

Donna was delighted to be able to fulfil her dream of owning a bookshop, and she loved her time running the small business.

When Donna and her family left town, local Tammy Hough, felt that having a bookstore in town was really important, and she wanted to see the business continue. She bought The Book Box, taking over in April of 2019, with Donna very pleased to see her business continue in good hands.

The Book Box is an ideal fit for Tammy, whose unique experiences give her a solid understanding of the Esperance community. After moving to Esperance from Bunbury with her family in her early twenties, Tammy has worked in a range of different businesses, from Elders to Bankwest and the Port Authority. Her most recent role, working as a local business advisor for Esperance Chamber of Commerce, gave her a good insight into the unique challenges and rewards of owning a small business in Esperance. Despite this solid knowledge, Tammy says that owning a small business is like having a baby. ‘You can read all of the books on how to do it, but the only way to really learn is to experience it for yourself.’

Over her first year of running the business, Tammy has learnt a lot and found her feet. ‘It’s been a really great starter shop and has helped me to find my confidence.’

With The Book Box moving to its new premises in the Old Courthouse building in the Museum Village, the little shop is set to expand and take on new challenges including becoming a member of Leading Edge Books, who support independent booksellers. Tammy is excited about being a part of the Museum Village community, and about having more space for stock.

‘One thing that has surprised me about the shop is the diversity of people’s interests.’ She plans to get in a bigger range of books to cater to the wide-ranging tastes of Esperance people.

Independent bookstores are a common feature of fiction and movies, although Tammy hopes that The Book Box is much more ‘Notting Hill’ than ‘Black Books’.

While many people dream of owning a bookstore, the reality is that it takes a lot of grit and determination to run a successful business of this type in a small town. Tammy credits the Esperance community with the success of The Book Box. ‘People have been so supportive. They’ve championed the cause – they want to see the bookstore succeed.’

The Book Box undoubtedly adds to the personality of Esperance. Local book lovers will be excited to see how the little bookstore’s big personality continues to grow and expand in the new location. Tammy is excited that she gets to continue bringing the unique magic of The Book Box to our town.

FIN D T HE B O O K B O X The Book Box is now located at the Museum Village on Dempster Street. You can find their most recent opening hours on their Facebook page.

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When Tammy took over the business, she couldn’t have imagined that some of her challenges would have included a global pandemic and lockdown. ‘People in Esperance have been so awesome through this situation,’ Tammy says. She has been able to continue operating The Book Box during the lockdown, taking orders online, and arranging no contact deliveries around Esperance. Tammy has noticed that the town’s reading habits have changed slightly during this crisis.

She’s selling more cookbooks and lots of feel-good fiction. ‘I’ve found that people are just much more appreciative of all the things that are good in life at the moment,’ she says.

FI VE M I N U T E S WIT H

Paige Valentine

BY KYRON SMITHSON

Paige Valentine released her latest single 'Pure' on June 5, that same day I gave it a share to my Instagram story. You would not believe the volume of music that is released in this day and age. Artists are able to record and launch quality material with relative ease. I listen to many great songs, and many great songs get lost in the sheer volume of digital releases. This track grabbed me from the first listen, Paige’s vocals on the track are encapsulating. Layers melt away leaving you with the stunning tone of her voice, bold lyrically and beautifully captured.

The timing worked well for the release, the music industry was and remains shaken. A number of artists have held back releases due to their inability to tour. Restrictions had just started to show signs of shifting and suddenly 'Pure' was launched. Paige’s live performances are unforgettable, and perfectly suited to the intimate atmosphere the music industry adapted to in early June. Within a week, Paige had a golden run of shows, extended to include a July 4th performance in Esperance. I was unsure of where to hold the event until I was contacted by the crew at Woody Island Eco Tours. In this instance, the stars were truly aligned with Paige set to launch her new single 'Pure' to Esperance set to the stunning backdrop that is Woody Island. In the lead up I caught up with Paige to gain some insight into her latest release, songwriting and life in general.

'Pu re ' is a stu nning tra c k , did yo u initia l ly write a nd p e rfo r m the p ie c e so le ly o n a c o u stic guitar/ k e ys?

Thanks so much. The song was originally written on guitar, the chord progression of the chorus was really the first part to the song then it was built around that.

Then I played it on piano by ear without really learning it properly for a video on YouTube. Live, it is predominately piano and guitar-based, I love stripping the song back to how it was written.

O v e rtime did yo u sta rt to g e t a n ide a o f h ow a finishe d stu dio v e r sio n ma y so u nd?

I was very lucky to work with Dylan Oliverre from the money war After doing some preproduction in Sydney.

We both wanted this song to be very sparse in the beginning so the vocals felt raw much like batt for lashes or longing grammar just making it really ethereal and lots of space. The production on it was really an organic experience I got to play an old upright piano that’s semi out of tune and we both wanted a really lived in kind of song that built at the end and was uplifting.

Q&A

W ha t is the mo st me mo ra b le mo me nt o f the tour thu s fa r ?

Collaboration is a wonderful tool for me because I tend to write in the same keys on the piano and guitar, so when you’re working with someone else’s mind and their comfort zone usually it’s out of yours and some great things can happen. Co-writing during COVID particularly, it was a really comforting experience to do a lot of co-writing over the phones.

Probably playing piano at The River in Margaret River.

I wrote a song about seeing my parents leave in the driveway at my Freo house before we were separated by the borders for three months and it was quite a scary time for me living alone. So I got to play the song with my parents in the room and a sold-out crowd and it was a really electric and apparently, tear-jerking moment.

Ho w h as your wr it in g s t y l e e vo l v e d a c ro s s yo ur ca re e r ?

Ho w do e s p e rfo r ming in Esp e ra nc e c o mp a re to o the r p a r ts o f Au stra lia ?

I’ve definitely become a lot more honest with what I think my songs should sound like and how they should be written rather than trying to chase a style or sound external to me

Esperance is hands down my favourite regional place to tour in Australia. The crowds are incredible, the vibe is always high and it’s such a beautiful road trip down and holiday If you get enough time to stay.

Key in f l ue nce r s on th e wa y yo u w r i te ?

W ha t is the p ie c e o f a dv ic e fo r yo u ng wo me n b e g inning the ir jo u r ne y within the W e st Au stralian mu sic indu str y?

The biggest influence on the way I write is probably from growing up listening to a lot of singersongwriters and constantly writing poetry or lyrics.

If I'm moved by a book or movie, or political issue. It can really come from anywhere. I’m deeply inspired by nature and was lucky to grow up in the bush and down south. Esperance has always been my goto place to spend many months of the year in the isolation and incredible beauty of the coastlines there.

M a y was a s haky m o n t h f o r t h e m u s i c i nd u st r y , how did t h e c u rre n t s i t u a t i o n i m p a ct yo ur la unch of ' Pure ' ?

I think the timing was really instrumental. 'Pure' is a powerful song that came out at a powerful time where a lot of people were feeling nostalgic for better times in their lives and being introspective.

Music became a big crutch to help people get through isolation so I think there couldn’t have been a better time to set it free.

Be yourself. Like your songs, enjoy performing them, collaborate, stand true to what you think is good for your direction and form strong relationships with your supporters/fans. It’s a powerful time to be a female artist.

I’m really enjoying watching the growth and careers of many WA artists and excited for the ones to come.

W ra p p e d to ha v e yo u he a ding ov e r to W o o dy Isla nd o n Ju ly 4, ha v e yo u b e e n b e fo re ?

I’ve never been, I think it might just be my favourite tour experience ever. Cannot wait.

L IST EN T O ‘PURE’ You can listen to Paige Valentine’s latest track on both Spotify and Apple Music platforms as well as Triple J Unearthed. Show your support by giving them a follow and don’t forget to play on repeat!

PHONE CONSULTS & FACE-TO-FACE EXAMINATIONS AVAILABLE Dr Graham Jacobs (Full-time) Dr Brenno Becker (Full-time) Dr Kane Della Vedova (Part-time) Please book a phone consult if you are unwell with a cold/cough/flu Call 90711511 or book online

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Ho w h as col la borat io n i m p a c te d yo u r so ng writ ing?

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THE BRIDGE Days wind away as we move towards better times. I could not have foreseen the pace at which Western Australia has returned to a level of normalcy. Three months ago feels like three years past. As I get older life seems to gain pace, the absolute opposite is true of the last three months. Has the spin of the earth slowed and each minute become slightly, ever so much longer? WA has flicked the switch and acceleration is returning, time is once again becoming a scarce commodity. No sooner have we grown accustomed to a new level of living a new phase of operating, that the gears shift and we have to once again reinvent ourselves. If WA is an island within an island, then Esperance is an island within an island within an island, and a brilliant place to be given current events.

Though we keep a sound level of vigilance, we are still in this, Australia is still in this, and the global community is most certainly in this. Take caution, and connect with your friends and family wherever they may be around the world, from Esperance with love.

Live music has been slowly but surely regaining momentum, in a changed and charged environment.

Acoustic sets at Lucky Bay Brewing have been a dream, with several local artists performing over the past six weeks. Changes in restrictions have allowed for a steady increase in audience numbers and activities. Acoustic sets continue at the brewery with Joe Quinlivan and Mary Leske set to perform on Friday, July 3 from 4.30pm and Sunday, July 5 from 3pm. Both artists are brilliant with their styles providing an entertaining contrast across two afternoons of music.

Joe Quinlivan playing at the Cannery Arts Centre PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: JONTY SCOBLE

Woody Island is a true gem amongst the Recherche Archipelago, and I must say I’m rather excited for this weekend’s event, Winter Warmer, on Saturday, July 4. Paige Valentine returns to Esperance in support of her new single Pure, a stunning and well-rounded composition. Paige is joined by Campbell Garratt, Rachel Vibart and yours truly, a classic lineup. Head to Woody Island Eco Tours’ Facebook page for full details.

And some super exciting news. I love kicking back with a refreshing ale listening to acoustic tunes, a relaxing environment to wind away the hours, though there is a point where you just want to shake yourself out of that chill zone and jump around, a little bit at least. I’m talking about Aint No Party Like an Op Shop Party, and I’m wrapped to announce one lies just around the corner.

Join Grand Casual, Echo Run, Dr Yoshiro and (more yet to be announced) in The Pier Hotel Night Club from 9pm on Saturday, July 25. Come dressed in your best, or your worst Op Shop, as there is a Kyza Presents double pass to a show of your choice on offer for the best dressed, so dig deep into your op shop style repertoire. DJ sets will kick on following the bands, rounding out a late one in Esperance’s only nightclub. Tickets are on sale now head across to kyzapresents.com for full details.

KYRON SMITHSON

JUNE

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Not Separate: The Tamed and the Wild, is a solo exhibition by Esperance based artist Esti Nagy on display at the Cannery Arts Centre running up until July 19. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, except Mondays. Art pieces are available for purchase. Head to canneryartscentre.com.au for all the details.

Head down to Lucky Bay Brewing for some Friday night drinks and woodfired pizza with acoustic sets featuring Joe Quinlivan and Mary Leske. Music starts at 4.30pm.

JULY

Jump on a boat and head to Woody Island for Winter Warmer featuring Paige Valentine as she showcases her new single, ‘Pure’. Local artists Kyza, Campbell Garratt and Rachel Vibart join this awesome lineup, making it a day not worth missing. Bookings are essentials - for more information head to Woody Island Eco Tours’ Facebook page or call 0484327580 to book your ticket.

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Morning Melodies is back! Between 11am - 1pm, bring your lunch and $5 to the Esperance Civic Centre for some live music featuring Mary Leske. Tea and coffee available.

JULY

The Cannery Art Centre’s Kickarts Program is on again this July school holidays, with four different workshops for kids aged 6 to 12 years. Bookings are essential. For all the important details and to book your child in, head to canneryartscentre.com.au.

JULY

The Pier Hotel and Kyza Presents are putting on an ‘Aint No Party Like an Op Shop’ party, starring Grand Casual, Echo Run, Dr Yoshiro and more artists yet to be announced. This will be in the good ol’ night club, kicking off at 9pm. Come dressed in your best, or your worst opshop attire with prizes for best dressed.

Tickets are on sale via kyzapresents.com.

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Sunday Session at Lucky Bay Brewing featuring acoustic sets with Joe Quinlivan and Mary Leske. Brewery opens at 12.30 with music playing from 3pm onwards.

Learn more about what’s on in Esperance by visiting esperancetide.com/whatson

PLEASE NOTE LIMITED SEATING ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASE ADVISED

CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR SESSION DETAILS esperancefenwickcinemas.com.au PHONE 08 9072 1344

Dempster St, Esperance

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JULY

JULY

AR T S & CU L T U RE

Not Separate: The Tamed and the Wild

BY HANNAH SIEMER

“When I was painting the Scout Hall, I’d have full sun in the morning so the paint would almost dry on the brush and by midday, there’d be a full-on south-easterly and it’d be freezing cold!”

The Cannery Arts Centre has recommenced onsite programming. To begin is emerging local artist Esti Nagy’s first solo exhibition.

Despite their challenges, Esti said she loved painting murals, though she also loved being in her “own little world,” painting smaller pieces such as those on display in her exhibition.

For as long as she can remember, Esperance-based artist Esti Nagy has felt a deep connection with animals and nature. Nothing is more evident in her first solo exhibition, Not Separate: The Tamed and the Wild, now on display at the Cannery Arts Centre.

Esti has previously contributed a number of pieces in group exhibitions at the Cannery but said the idea of holding a solo exhibition had always been at the back of her mind. She said over the years she had felt an increasingly strong pull to make art, and finally succumbed when she left her career as a landscape architect five years ago.

Originally from Hungary, Esti moved to Mauritius with her family at the age of 10, before moving to Perth for university in her early twenties. She has called Australia home ever since and has spent the last two years living in Esperance.

Esti’s dynamic work can already be seen around town, having painted several colourful murals during her short time here. She is the artist behind the inquisitive kangaroos on the Scout Hall and the dreamy marine scene at the end of Andrew Street. Esti is also responsible for murals at the high school and the hospital, the latter a collaboration with artist Pauline Bonney.

“Painting murals is very physically challenging, especially in Esperance where you experience a range of temperatures and strong winds,” she said.

“Working as a landscape architect, I’d have a long commute to work and all I could think of was that I wanted to paint,” Esti said.

“Nothing else makes me feel as fulfilled. My soul was screaming at me to do this.”

Not Separate: The Tamed and the Wild is a reflection and celebration of Esti’s deep connection with nature and other living beings. Her paintings are primarily in oils and acrylics, and are in a mix of styles, displaying her versatility as an artist. Bursting with life and colour, the exhibition is a vivid opening act to the recommencing of the Cannery’s onsite programming, post-COVID-19.

Not Separate: The Tamed and the Wild is on display until July 19.

T I D E PI CKS

Winter Warmers EMU Mayberry Sheepskin Slippers $59.95

Ace of Something Lollapalooza Boater $89.95

Luna & Sage

White Sands Gallery Fressko Glass Tea Flask $41.95

Will And Bear Levi Beanie $50

Innertube Surf Shop

Bowl & Mug Set $39.95

Daniel Hechter Knitted Jacket $140

Knots & Wares Co.

Clobberz

Being Black ‘n Chicken, & Chips by Matt Okine $30

The Book Box

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Naturally Esperance

Cassie Leather Boots $249.95

E.S.P.

Happy Society Native Candle $49

Tide & Co

iKOU Essential Oil Trio Pack $69.95

B Naturally You

Museum Village EsperanCE • 0415 388 420

Italian Clothing, Shoes, BirkenstockS, Souvenirs, Novelties, Delicious Lollies & Fudges And Much More!

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 1pm (or by appointment)

PRE-LOVED CLOTHING

Located at Tide & Co in the Museum Village WE ARE OPEN WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 1PM

Premier Scaddan visits the area

5 MI N U T E H I S T ORY

Scaddan

BY KARLI FLORISSON

The small town of Scaddan and its farming community was born as a result of Western Australia’s gold rush that began in the 1890s.

Due to the huge numbers of people travelling from Esperance to the goldfields at Norseman and around Coolgardie, the WA government installed a series of condensers to provide water for travellers and their livestock along the road. The condensers used a system of pipes to purify salty water from wells so that it was drinkable. These condensers could produce over 11,000 litres of drinkable water a week, which cost one penny for a drink for a camel, sixpence for a horse, or ten pence for 100 gallons (about 450 litres) to take away. As the trip from Norseman to Esperance took two days by Cobb and Co coach, and up to ten days on foot or bicycle, these condensers were important stops along the way.

One of these condensers was known as ‘Thirty Mile’, as it was located thirty miles from Esperance. The settlement that sprang up around Thirty Mile eventually became the town that we now know as Scaddan.

Outside the Temperance Hotel

As the gold rush began to subside, the government began surveying land between Esperance and Norseman and offering it as farmland. Successful applicants began arriving in Scaddan from 1910, taking up the 1000-acre blocks which were offered as ‘conditional purchase’, meaning that the farmers could buy the land after twenty years if they had undertaken the required work. Before long, there were fifty farms in the Scaddan area, with the new farmers setting up camps in tents or shacks made from tin, hessian, and bush timber. A post office was set up in a tent on the Bretag’s farm. The government sank a dam near the roadside, complete with a pump and water trough, and the area became known as Scaddan, named after the Premier of Western Australia. John ‘Happy Jack’ Scaddan became Premier of WA in 1911 at the age of 35, the youngest ever person to take that position. Scaddan was an advocate for a railway between Norseman and Esperance, which was seen as vital for the success of the region.

F IVE M I NU TE H I S TORY

The early farmers of the Scaddan area faced a great many difficulties. There was a bushfire in 1913 that burnt through the entire district. No lives were lost, but many people lost their camps and provisions. The years 1914 and 1915 also brought severe drought.

Many of the farms in the area had soil with a high salt content, which made farming very difficult.

The distance to Esperance, along with the poor condition of the road, also made it difficult for the farmers to transport their

produce for sale, and the costs of freight were high. Freighting goods between Esperance and Norseman required teams of horses that could negotiate sections of the road such as sandy Six Mile Hill, and a stretch of clay known as ‘Glue Pot Hill’. The promised railway line did not eventuate until 1927. All of the farms in the region benefited from the railway line, but for some, it was too late. In the depression years of the 1930s, the district lost around 75 per cent of farmers, with many just walking away from their land.

Despite the difficulties, the town of Scaddan continued to thrive, and church services, socials, picnics and sports days were all regular occurrences. A church building was purchased and transported from Norseman in 1925 for use as the Scaddan Agricultural Hall.

The grand opening of the hall was celebrated with a gala ball. A piano was purchased for the hall, and the cost of 105 pounds was paid off at two pounds a month. A school was opened in West Scaddan, called Lake Echo School, in 1934.

This school ran until 1949 when it closed due to decreased numbers.

School children from the district had to travel to Salmon Gums to attend school.

Phil Hogan Optometrist Examining in Esperance Monday, August 17th - Thursday, August 20th AT WHIMSICAL LODGE

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With new farming methods and equipment, things began to improve for farmers of the district, and in 1960, new land releases were opened up in the area. The 1960s and 1970s saw close to 100 new families move to the area. In 1970, a new school was opened in Scaddan. In 1978, electricity was finally connected to farms throughout the district. The small town also developed a tennis club, a country club with a bowling green, and a nine-hole golf course.

In 2006, the Scaddan Pioneer Park was opened, commemorating the pioneer families of the district.

In 2008, drilling began east of Scaddan for lignite coal, which could be used to produce diesel.

In 2010, the town held centenary celebrations commemorating one hundred years of farming in the Scaddan district.

Thanks to Lorraine Bale for providing information and photographs included in this article.

Conveyancing Specialists ADDRESS 20 Andrew Street, Esperance WA 6450 PHONE 08 9071 3866 EMAIL kirsten@settlementhubwa.com.au WEB settlementhubwa.com.au

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In 1915, Fred Gilmore was granted a one-acre business lease along the main track through Scaddan.

He had plans to move his ‘Way Side Inn’ from Lake View, which was half-way between Salmon Gums and Norseman, to Scaddan, and open a Hotel. After the Inn at Lake View had been dismantled and was being rebuilt at Scaddan by a local farmer, Gilmore received word that his hotel licence was being revoked because no alcohol was allowed to be sold on crown land. Gilmore turned the Inn into a store. Mrs Gilmore and her daughter offered accommodation and meals, and the building became known as the Temperance Hotel. The post office was also moved into this new building.

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CHAPPY’S POINT

GOOD TIDEA!

Chappy’s Point is an opinion piece open to public submissions. We invite you to send yours to hello@esperancetide.com

Do you have a Good Tidea for Esperance? Send your thoughts to hello@esperancetide.com

The arts degree has to be the most misunderstood tertiary degree that universities offer. When I was at uni, I would dread people asking me what I was studying in fear that they just wouldn’t get it. By the final year of my degree, I’d begun telling people I was studying nursing. It was so much easier. No further questions ever ensued. In reality, I was studying a Bachelor of Arts, with a double major in Studies in Religion and American Studies. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me what job my degree would get me, I’d own a penthouse apartment in New York City by now. I’d explain I wasn’t studying to get a job, I was studying for my own personal interest and growth. This was usually met with crickets. I would often be left feeling belittled and somewhat inferior to my peers who were studying degrees that fit nicely into every universities’ favourite tagline, “job-ready.” Since graduating, I’ve grown to be proud of my degree and can dismiss the eye-rolls more easily than I could while I was studying. I’ve never had much trouble getting a job and find my intense curiosity, untiring willingness to learn, and critical thinking skills are in demand by prospective employers. However, the recent announcement by the Federal Government that the cost of humanities degrees will increase by 113 per cent would have you think otherwise. According to the Government, these degrees are not “job-relevant” and so, to funnel students into courses that supposedly are, the cost of them will go up. I am all for seeing the cost of uni courses plummet, as agriculture, teaching, nursing and IT degrees, amongst others, are about to. But I cannot fully support this if it means burdening those who choose to study something other than what the Government decides to be “job-relevant.”

As the National Union of Students stated after the Government’s announcement, the reduced fees will create a “positive opportunity” for many prospective students, but at the expense of countless others whose degrees are not deemed “worthy.” I’d love to sit down with Education Minister Dan Tehan and have him explain to me the worthlessness of learning to challenge your thinking, learning to criticise your worldview, learning for the sake of learning.

I have little doubt Mr Tehan and I would have a colourful discussion because, like me, he too is an arts graduate. He surely knows the value in these degrees, however, that won’t get him votes. Jobs get votes. Jobs, jobs, jobs. I’ve had a job or two. And I have an arts degree.

The longer you live in Esperance, the more of a beach snob you become. Having grown up here, I’m personally unable to visit any beach outside of this region without saying, “Mmm, it’s nice but it’s no Esperance.” Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate the individual beauty of a beach when I visit it. From the pebbled shores of Nice to the black sands of Bali, I can comprehend the hype, however, I will never, never concede that Esperance has anything but the best beaches in the world. What I do find frustrating though is the fact that most of our beautiful beaches are completely inaccessible to many within our community. Most beaches in Esperance can only be reached by a staircase and those few that are on the flat are, well… I’m being a beach snob again.

Your choices are limited but do include Bandy Creek, where you’ll pass a huge warning sign about an aggressive seal as you drive onto the sand, and the Yacht Club (good luck finding a spot to sun yourself in amongst the boat trailers). What this town needs is an ocean pool, a designated swimming area that is accessible to all, free of charge and free of youknow-whats. The coastline of NSW has almost 100 ocean pools in various forms and while a new one hasn’t been built since the 1970s, residents in both Ballina and Port Macquarie are currently campaigning their local councils for one. Their campaigns, along with the popularity of existing ocean pools, demonstrates they are not a thing of the past and are a viable option for Esperance. I’m a dreamer, so I envisage a long ramp leading to a 50-metre lap pool on the shore of West Beach, or an Instaworthy lagoon nestled in amongst the rocks at Blue Haven. But we needn’t dream that big. A pontoonstyle pool, similar to what you’ll find at Albany’s Emu Point, would be an asset to the community, allowing everyone, no matter their age or ability, the opportunity to not just look, but to touch. Our waters may be icy but no one should be denied the chance to feel that for themselves. Would you like to see an ocean pool in Esperance?

HANNAH SIEMER

ANONYMOUS

Hidden Heroes Sometimes it takes a crisis to see what a community is made of. Here in Esperance, we can be proud of the efforts of our community during the current pandemic, with a great many people going above and beyond to ensure public safety.

Here are some of our town’s hidden heroes...

Heather Dinning During the early days of COVID-19, customer service staff were put under a lot of pressure as people rushed to buy food, cleaning products, and toilet paper. Heather was nominated several times for being patient and respectful with customers during a period that was very stressful for many people, and for helping to bring calmness into chaos. As a town, we are grateful for Heather and all of our customer service staff.

Meals On Wheels Team

Jordan Major Esperance Senior High School student, Jordan Major, spent her April school holidays and any free time when studying from home to make face masks for vulnerable Esperance community members. Jordan had heard there was a shortage of masks at the start of COVID-19 so she sourced the correct breathable materials and put her sewing skills to use, serving her community with her time and talents.

Many other people throughout our community worked hard throughout the lockdown to ensure that we were all kept safe, from essential services workers to volunteers and healthcare workers. We’re so proud of the way our community pulled together in these difficult times.

Esperance’s

The Esperance community is filled with people who do amazing things.

It's time to honour our Hidden Heroes, those people serving behind the scenes, selfless and generous with their time & talents.

Do you know a Hidden Hero?

Please nominate by email Jennifer.Obourne@esperance.wa.gov.au

19 / ESPERANCE TIDE / JUNE 2020

The team of volunteers who take meals on wheels to elderly people in their homes are heroes at the best of times. During the pandemic, these volunteers were an essential lifeline for many people who were isolated and worried. The MOW volunteers checked in on people, provided some kind words, and continued the important service of providing meals and even toilet paper to those who were in need.

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BUSH BANTER Rol ling Out the Red Carpet If you’ve been out to Cape le Grand National Park recently, you would have noticed the roads are lined with this delightful little plant the Lechanaultia formosa. This plant is usually quite unnoticeable until its time to flower and then it becomes front and centre of the landscape when all other plants seem to be battered down for winter. It’s a tough little nut as it manages to survive regular roadside clearing, to then spring out of nowhere putting on quite the show. It’s well worth pulling off to the side of the road for a closer look.

Another beauty flowering at the park at the moment is the ever-gorgeous Conospermum distichum or smoke bush. This clever little plant also waits until nothing much else is happening to show off its unique hairy grey and blue flowers. This plant is also worth a closer look.

Conospermum distichum

Although during winter, the weather can be cold and blustery, Cape le Grand is still a glorious place to visit. The trails are a great way to warm up and get a bit of exercise while getting some of the best views in the world. Although the plant life hasn’t quite geared up for spring flowering, there is still a wide range of unusual and spectacular species to admire.

E S P E R A N C E FA R M T R E E S

ESPERANCECHALETVILLAGE.COM.AU

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THE SWAN EFFECT

T hre e tip s fo r finding Sa nto sha da ily:

Finding Santosha/Contentment “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” - Lao Tzu If you’ve been to a yoga class before you may have heard the word ‘Santosha’. Santosha is a Sanskrit word, from yoga philosophy, that translates to contentment. While the translation is simple, the practice of Santosha is a challenge for many of us in today’s world. In the yoga context, we talk about contentment as finding inner peace and joy, that isn’t dependent on what is happening in our lives.

Finish off the question “I will be happy when...”.

Often we say we will be happy when we’ve bought that house, gotten a job promotion or lost five kilos.

It doesn’t mean you can’t have goals and aim for big things, rather we focus on finding contentment and happiness on the journey there, not just when you reach the destination. Practicing yoga teaches us this as we learn to find Santosha in the easy poses, as much as when you touch your toes or not.

Gratitude - Notice when you are focussing on what you don’t have. Change this thought process to being grateful for something you do have. This stops us going into a lack mindset of not having enough money, friends, possessions etc. You may like to start a gratitude journal and write down 3 things that you’re grateful for each morning.

Meditate - A daily meditation helps bring us into the present moment and find contentment for where we are right now. Meditation looks different for everyone. It could be sitting on a cushion, doing yoga, surfing, running, whatever brings you into the present moment.

Finding Santosha takes practice so don’t be too hard on yourself. If you need some support with finding yours then come and join us on the mat at The Swan Effect. Our classes provide you with a space to go inwards and you may discover that you have everything you need, within you, already.

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2 1 / E S P E R A N C E T I D E / J U LY 2 0 2 0

Be mindful - Notice when you are stressing about the future or dwelling on the past. Bring your thoughts and awareness back to the present moment.

What does this month have in store for you? The stars have it! What does July have in store for you? Feeling a bit unsure? Pin down your month, and know what to expect with our Tide Guide to the stars. Things will be looking clearer in no time.

2 2 / E S P E R A N C E T I D E / J U LY 2 0 2 0

C AN C E R

J U N 2 1 - JUL 22

CA PRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 20

This month, you may be given well-meaning advice from someone close to you. Take it with a pinch of salt, and don’t forget to trust your instincts. No one knows your circumstances and what you need better than you. Even if you aren’t quite on the right path just yet, you know what it will take to get there.

Have you been finding it hard to reach your goals? Rather than giving up on what you are determined to achieve, it might be time to examine your life. What is holding you back? What do you need to cut lose in order to get to where you need to be. Don’t give up on what you love! Instead, find a way to overcome the obstacles in your way.

LEO

A QU A RIU S

J U L 2 3 - AUG 22

This month, it’s time to slow down. Take a deep breath.

There will always be things demanding your attention.

There will always be things that need to be done. But in the meantime, find five minutes or so to stop and enjoy the view. It won’t make your to-do list go away, but it will help you enjoy the journey.

VIRGO

A U G 2 3 - SEP 22

Expect a windfall this month. Things may have been going against you, but the tide will start to turn. That doesn’t mean it will all be roses and rainbows from here on in. But some of the difficulties that you’ve been facing lately will start to lift. You can make the most of this opportunity to get ahead while things are going your way.

LIBRA

S E P 2 3 - O C T 22

Things are changing so rapidly at the moment. It might feel like you have quicksand underneath your feet. But the bedrock underneath is your strong sense of identity. Don’t doubt the things that you know about yourself. Instead, hold steady as you navigate the new things that are coming your way. Before too long, you will find your feet again.

SCORPIO

O CT 2 3 - N O V 21

You know the saying – patience is a virtue. But patience will also help you succeed. Rather than hustling and stressing all day long, just do the things that you know you need to do.

If you keep taking the right steps, things will fall into place without a struggle. You can’t make things happen before the time is right. Take a deep breath. A breakthrough is coming soon.

S AG I T TA R I U S

NO V 2 2 - DEC 21

This period for you will feel like a time of uncertainty. It’s not a comfortable place to be in, but learning to sit with uncertainty is an important part of growth. Lean into the uncomfortable feelings. Things will get better in time, and in the meantime, take it easy on yourself, and don’t forget to practice good self-care.

JAN 20 - FEB 17

You might be feeling ready for a deeper commitment this month. Don’t allow fear to hold you back from the positive benefits of fidelity and trust. You are standing on the diving board, all you need is to jump right in. Committing to something – whether it’s a relationship, a cause, a new opportunity, or a responsibility – brings its own rewards.

Don’t miss out!

PI SCES

FEB 1 8 - M AR 19

You might be feeling some uncomfortable niggles this month from new ideas or new ways of looking at things. Yes, taking on new information can sometimes be quite overwhelming.

Sometimes our perspective can hold us back from advancing in certain areas of our lives. Take a step backwards and try to see things from a new angle. You might be surprised by what you learn!

A RIES

MAR 20 - AP R IL 19

Despite the colder season, you might be feeling warmth and excitement in the air. Take advantage of this positive energy and channel it towards achieving connection, growth, and fulfilment in different areas of your life. Don’t be tempted to put things off – instead, strike while the iron is hot, and you will find that things flow much more easily in the right direction.

TA U RU S

APR 20 - M AY 20

Take a moment to think about where your focus is at the moment. Where we focus our attention, our energy also flows. You might find that your focus needs to be realigned to fit with your values and your life goals. Ask yourself where you want your energy to be concentrated. Now is the ideal time to do this. Don’t put it off!

G EMI NI

MAY 21 - JUN 20

You will find yourself coming into contact with a wider range of people this month. Expectations for smooth social interactions might be high. Don’t spend too much time worrying about the way you’re perceived by others – this is out of your control. Instead, offer kindness to all who come across your path. The results might just amaze you.

Vegan Tantanmen Ramen A BIG BOWL OF RA ME N IS T H E P E R F E C T M EAL FOR A W I N TE R’S N IG H T I N .

Serves 4

Ingredients 6 cups good-quality vegetable stock 2 cups unsweetened soy milk 1 packet Hakubaku Japanese Ramen Noodle 2 baby bok choy, halved lengthways Handful shitake mushrooms ¼ cup peanut butter or tahini 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar 4 spring onions, finely sliced 2 tbsp chilli oil

Spicy tofu topping 1 tbsp vegetable oil 300g tofu 1 tsp finely grated ginger 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tbsp Korean gochujang paste 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sake 1 tsp ground chilli powder T IDE PIC K We used Urban Forager Certified Organic Vegetable Stock which is a WA product, made in Fremantle. This concentrate makes ten litres of liquid stock and is free from extra fillers or additives making it a tasty and healthy base for countless recipes. You can buy this vegetable stock, as well as Urban Forager chicken and beef stocks, from Bob & Jim’s General Store for $22.95.

Method 1. Pour the vegetable stock into a pot over low heat and leave it to warm up while you prepare the rest of the soup ingredients.

2. Mash the tofu with a fork until it’s crumbled. Heat the oil in a wok over high heat. Add the tofu, garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the gochujang paste and stir-fry for another minute. Add the soy sauce and sake and gently simmer for 3-4 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to serve.

3. In a small bowl combine the peanut butter (or tahini), soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, white part of the spring onion and chilli oil. Keep the remaining green part of the spring onion to add as a topping when serving. Divide the paste among serving bowls.

4. To finish the soup, add the soy milk to the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer.

5. Cook the ramen noodles according to the packet instructions. [We recommend only using ⅔ parts of the Hakubaku Japanese Ramen Noodle packet.]

6. While the noodles are cooking, quickly stir-fry the shitake mushrooms and bok choy in some vegetable oil over high heat. Optional: Add a touch of ginger, garlic and/or chilli to amplify the flavour.

7. Divide the ramen noodles among the serving bowls.

Ladle the soup over the top.

Top with spicy tofu, bok choy, shitake mushrooms and green part of spring onion.

Serve.

Not Vegan? Add half a boiled egg to each bowl.

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*Must live within 5km of town for free delivery. PO boxes also not included. $10 standard shipping for orders outside of Esperance.

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IT’S OUR 5th BIRTHDAY!

It started with a dream.

Now a great team.

Thankyou to the Esperance community and our amazing team past & present.

day

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram, and look out for upcoming birth competitions with plenty of fantastic prizes.

• We stock over 30 Flavours of Ice Creams, Sorbet, Gelato & Fresh Fruit Soft Serve • Home Made Pies & Pastries • FRESHLY MADE rolls/sandwiches/salads • Takeaway lunch specials

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