Esperance Tide June 2020

ISSUE 62

FREE MONTHLY FRIDAY JUNE 5, 2020

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: @MATTEACARSON

Hello and welcome back to another edition of the Tide. It’s been a couple of months since we’ve been able to print and get back into the homes of our avid readers, but we are happy to be back.

While we’ve been MIA, it’s been interesting to watch town go through many different lockdown stages and changes, and it’s so bloody good to see businesses re-opening as things slowly go back to normal. Our fingers are crossed it stays.

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This Saturday and Sunday, Lucky Bay Brewing is hosting live music with acoustic sets organised by Kyza Presents to celebrate the lift of lockdown restrictions. COVID-19 restrictions can now allow 100 people on site so to avoid missing out book a table by giving them a call on 0429 777 714. Walk-ins will be accepted also! See Facebook for more details.

5 MIN UT ES WITH Grand Casual

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We hope you enjoy this month’s read, we are already working on content for next month but until then, happy reading!

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

He's hiding on one of our pages.

REC IPE

23

Warm Winter Cocktails

8

Agriculture Through A Pandemic

FEAT URE

4 - DAY W E AT H E R F O R E C A S T SATURDAY 6

SUNDAY 7

Winter ain’t that bad.

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11

MAX

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MONDAY 8

Sunday funday.

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13

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TUESDAY 9

Enjoy it while it lasts.

Not bad,Gary.

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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

ES PERANCETIDE . CO M

Karli Florisson

Kyron Smithson

Lucy Burrows

Hannah Siemer

Antoinette Vincent

Elaine Siemer

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

@ E MMAL EE.KAT E

@ DEMPST ERHO MEST EAD

Happy either side of the hatch

Dolphin spotting on this horribly windy day

A lovely place to sit and read the Esperance Tide

@L OZZA _ 2 3

@ LU CKY B AY B REW IN G

@ DEVIN HAN DY O FFIC EHELP

Should we make a track or follow a track?

Sunday vibes thanks to Kyzap Presents

Dev and Chumani got to check out the view on a shadow shift today

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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@DO W N TOW N ESP R E S S O B A R

TIDE GUIDE

Choosing The Perfect Isolation Book

BY KARLI FLORISSON AND LAURA ARNOLD

In these strange times of self-isolation and social distancing, many of us are turning to simple, comfortable pursuits to fill the extra hours in the day. We are baking, doing puzzles, knitting, and gardening more than usual. And many of us are rediscovering the wonderful joy of unpressured reading time.

As the restrictions on socialisation and outdoor activities start to lift, things are slowly returning to normal. Perhaps for a while, at least, we will see a ‘new normal’ where our pace of life has slowed enough that we can keep enjoying these simple pursuits. Winter is here, so it’s a perfect time to snuggle up somewhere warm with a good book.

If you have already read your way through the pile of books you have had on standby, you may be looking for a few new recommendations to keep the reading streak going.

H ERE AR E S OME G OO D O P T IO N S T O S U IT W H AT EV ER MO O D YOU MI G H T B E I N .

L ig ht a nd flu ffy Has the pandemic got you down? Need a light romance or comedy to escape into? Marian Keyes, bestselling Irish author, is known for funny, readable novels that deal with family life, and everyday issues. Her latest book, Grown Ups, deals with the dysfunctional life of the Casey family, and the secrets that they might be hiding. Perfect for light escapism. Normal People

by Sally Rooney, is another good option. It is an absorbing novel about Marianne and Connell, who meet in their small-town high school, and the ongoing impact that they have on each other’s lives.

A fa st-p a c e d thr il le r Struggling to concentrate? What you need is a fast-paced thriller to grab you and get you in.

There are a few good options from Australian authors at the moment. Bruny by Heather Rose, is a thriller set in Tasmania which will draw you into a world of political intrigue. And if you haven’t read The Dry by Jane Harper, then do yourself a favour, and read this thriller set in a small Aussie town in the middle of a drought.

N e e d so me wisdo m?

Try Phosphorescence by Julia Baird, which is an exploration of awe, wonder, and things that can sustain you when the world goes dark. Perfect for these strange times that we are living in.

Or When Life is Not Peachy by Pip Lincolne, a book that feels like a warm hug, and looks at recovering from heartache and tough times.

Why not read a pandemic themed book? Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks is a novel about the plague in 1665. When the Black Death erupts in a small village in England, the villagers quarantine themselves in order to stop the disease from spreading further throughout the countryside. This book is based on real-life historical events. After this pandemic is over, they will undoubtedly write novels about this period of time as well.

T ry so m e one e l s e ’ s l i fe Bored with your own life? Want to see what living someone else’s life is like for a while? Try Russell Brand’s hilarious memoir My Booky Wook, which opens with Brand in a rehab for sex addicts. Or Three Women by Lisa Taddeo – this non-fiction book explores the lives of three women, and their relationships and desires, but reads like a novel. Or you could try Malcolm Turnbull’s recently released memoir, A Bigger Picture. All of the political knife fights and intrigues might make you realise your own life is actually much better after all!

PROFE SSI ONA L DOG GROOMING

If your pooch is starting to pong, or the hair style looks all wrong, you gotta get your dog to Doggy Wellness!

Book your dog in by calling 9071 3363 Shop Open Monday – Friday 9-1pm

Balmoral Square, 53 The Esplanade

Whatever you are feeling, there is a book to suit your mood. If none of these options tickle your fancy, you can always check out the options at the Esperance Public Library, or at the Book Box located at the Museum Village.

W HAT ARE Y O U READIN G? Take a photo of your book in your favourite reading location, and tag us on social media. #esperancetide

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C a n’t sto p think ing a b o u t the p a nde mic ?:

FI VE M I N U T E S WIT H

Grand Casual

BY BRONTE VINCENT

After earning nominations for Best Regional Act at the WA Music Awards in 2018/2019, home-grown three-piece alt-rock band, Grand Casual, have been consistently pulling out good music, releasing their most recent track “Western Border” in mid-April. This song is full of energy, a six-minute emotional journey proving just how talented these guys really are. Listeners beware: it will make you miss live music, a lot. If you didn’t know already, Grand Casual consists of frontman Kyron Smithson, drummer Joe Franzone and guitarist Matt Cooper. I thought I’d check-in to see if the boys were still alive and kicking...

I’m sure m any of yo u r p l a n s h a d b e e n t u r n e d upsid e down t his ye a r d u e t o t h e p a n d e m i c . Ho w ha s ISO be e n going f o r G ra n d C a s u a l , w h a t h a v e yo u g u y s be e n up t o ?

If you ever wanted to see the music industry shaken violently by the throat COVID-19 was the instigator. In a way, for Grand Casual it has been positive. We returned to the jam room fresh with a renewed thirst. “Western Border” was released in mid-April and allowed momentum to keep ticking over with that further spurred on by a focus on recording in August. To be honest, we were unsure whether we would be able to record, though recent variations to travel restrictions have cleared the pathway to the studio, excited is an understatement.

Yo ur la te s t and gre a te s t t ra c k , “ W e s te r n B o rde r” , i s pla yi ng on m y Spo t i f y a s we s p e a k . Ca n you te l l us wha t t he s ong is a b o u t ?

Solid lyrics tend to come into the songwriting mix long after the melodies are set in stone, and the theme/story behind those words are born from overall track tone. The song has two distinct parts, the first half talks about the pressure to succeed, those moments where you have to put everything aside and focus on the goal at hand and believe in yourself, that you will find the other side. Now, all that stress can be draining and the hip hop influenced the second section of the track talks about our need to recognise those successes, cast caution to the wind and just have an epic damn time, catharsis at its best.

Y o u ’v e me ntio ne d tha t “W e ste rn B o rde r” is your fa vo u rite so ng ye t. Ho w do e s it c o mp a re to your p re v io u s so ng s?

Our releases so far have demonstrated a diverse range of sound from classic rock and roll (like “The Sound”) to new age contemporary vibes (like “Stationery”). “Western Border” feels like the track where Grand Casual found our own voice, each of us contributed equally in creating something that is distinctly GC. On the recording, I feel we captured the live vibe of the tune exceptionally well, it’s going to be a particularly difficult release to follow up.

Is this yo u r first time a dding in a b it o f vocal hip ho p to the mix? Is it sc a ry a dding new styles to yo u r se tlist o r do e s it ju st c o me na tu ra l ly?

“Western Border” was the first tune that delved into the hip hop realm. I have a deep renewed appreciation for hip hop artists, it’s challenging to get the lyrics to flow and match the beat. There is this constant rewriting and elimination of words and syllables. Scary, not as such, there is certainly some apprehension the first time you perform it live, and a curiosity in how it will be received.

I wouldn’t say it comes naturally, for “Western Border” a rapped verse suited where Joe took the beats and bass.

Moving forward the style has popped up in another of our tracks immortal and no doubt will continue to evolve as an element of the Grand Casual sound.

to recording, though a shorter track from writing to performing. It’s nice to be able to get feedback from fans and audience before committing to recording a song, you wouldn’t want to record something people think is a fail.

T he a rt wor k f or you r n ew s i n g l e i s p re tt y e p i c . W ha t wa s t h e ide a be hind t h e c o l l a g e ?

The artwork came from the creative minds of Franzone and Cooper. They hacked the GC bank account and printed out a heap of classic shots we have collected over the past three years, taking the time to slowly assemble them into full collage format. The original product is bloody outstanding and currently lives in Matt’s house, 50cm squared I should think, and a fantastic homage to the journey we have taken as a band thus far. “Western Border” was the final song to be released from our first round of recording in Perth, the album artwork is a reflection of our work to that point. Sarsby Martin developed the super sleek border and installed the “Western Border” font rounding out a really nice piece.

Ho w lo n g doe s it t ak e t o p o l i s h o ff a t u n e a nd, ho w do yo u k now whe n it ’ s re a d y f o r re l e a s e ?

Over the past three days, we have been working on a new track, a process that involves a lot of scratchy phone recordings, replays and breakdowns. Our Facebook messenger gets hammered post-jam with ideas and potential variations. It could take us a day or two weeks before we are super comfortable with a finished structure. My lyrics and Matt’s guitar tones tend to evolve over the next six months, a period that would generally include playing the track live multiple times. Building towards recording now, we have selected the tracks we intend to record, and are slowly playing them to death tweaking all aspects. Needless to say, it’s a long process from first writing

Writing and recording is the simple answer. Currently working on two new tunes were vibing, and hope to generate more material before we return to the live arena. The first week of August marks our return to Perth to record. Aiming for between 3-5 tracks.

Looking at the potential to create a coupla quality videos to support the release of the upcoming tracks, our videos have been fairly low level though super fun productions to date, we would love to change that scenario.

You may see us back in the live arena sooner rather than later, with a few ideas being thrown around regarding Grand Casual stripped back, stay tuned on that front.

L a stly, if yo u c o u ld de sc r ib e e ach b a nd me mb e r with ju st o ne word, wha t wo u ld it b e ?

Nuts, Driven, Logical, I’ll let the reader decide who’s who.

L IST EN T O “W EST ERN B O RDER ” You can listen to Grand Casual’s latest track, “Western Border”, and many of their other great tunes on both Spotify and Apple Music platforms as well as Triple J Unearthed and Soundcloud. Show your support by giving them a follow and don’t forget to play on repeat!

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W ha t’s the g a me p la n fo r Gra nd C a su a l in 20 20 o r e v e n 20 21 , now tha t g ig s fo r 20 20 se e m a b it fu r the r in the dista nc e ?

Agriculture Through A Pandemic

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: @BOWMANFARMING

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“WE H AD N O TIM E FOR ANY DELAYS ”

B Y L U C Y B U R R OW S

Despite most of society going into lockdown at the outbreak of COVID-19, the agricultural industry powered on.

Autumn in the Esperance region signals seeding and timely seeding, with the important addition of rain, ensures farmers are setting their crops up for success. Due to the cyclical nature of the industry seeding needed to go ahead regardless of the coronavirus. It’s not as easy as just shutting up shop for a few months and picking up where you left off. As such, farmers couldn’t afford to be complacent about the virus and quickly got on board with the restrictions to prevent coronavirus from putting them out of work.

A G R IC U L T U RE TH ROU GH A PA NDEM I C

At Taliska Pastoral Company, near Scaddan, Wags Siemer said they practiced social distancing and discouraged people coming on farm if they didn’t need to be there. This was highlighted with homemade signs to notify social distancing was in practice. “Everyone got on board very quickly as we all realised we had no time for any delays,” Wags said. In Grass Patch, Ash Bowman described how they practiced social distancing as much as possible. “We put a policy in place where we were hand sanitising after swapping vehicles and trying to minimise sharing vehicles and equipment as much as we could,” he said.

Cascade farmer, Rod King, hired an out of work airline pilot for seeding. Rod’s neighbour knew the pilot and told him of his situation, so Rod contacted him to see if he was interested in work. Rod described the pilot as being “as keen as mustard.”

He said it was a great arrangement with the pilot being very interested in how the farm ran. His jobs included loading trucks and driving the seeder. Rod said it was beneficial having someone that was good with technology as well as hands-on. “It was just good to help out a fellow WA person,” Rod said.

A COVID-19 sign used at Taliska Pastoral Company

Accounts around the region have echoed each other and reveal that the virus didn’t affect farming operations too much. Only small changes needed to be made and local community groups and businesses helped ensure it was smooth sailing. Grass Patch Community Development Association, for example, employed a truck driver to do food and supplies pickups for some of the farming communities surrounding Esperance to minimise residents’ trips to town. Many local businesses went above and beyond too, to ensure operations could continue as normal, by keeping their distance and ringing ahead when they needed to head out to the farm.

While the virus has turned life as we know it on its head, it has also highlighted how the agricultural industry is quick to adapt to change and able to sustain itself through uncertain times. The virus has also, yet again, proven this community’s ability to get behind one another in times of need. After all, out of something bad, almost always comes something good.

GET AGDUC AT ED! If you are interested in learning more about the agricultural industry, make sure to check out Get Agducated on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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The introduction of lockdown measures and coronavirus restrictions in the lead up to seeding ignited uncertainty around seasonal labour. National border restrictions prevented some backpackers from getting to their pre-organised place of work.

“The couple we were getting [to work] had to stay in Queensland,” Ash said. “So I just decided to drive my seeder because footy was cancelled and I had more time.” Farmers were also inundated with pleas for work from people who suddenly found themselves unemployed, from displaced backpackers through to Aussies who don’t normally work in the ag industry. When the whole world seemed uncertain, agriculture proved to be a reliable industry, stable enough to withstand even the most unstable of times. In a way, the virus provided a platform for ag, showing it off as the indispensable industry it is as well as the many career opportunities that lay within.

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The Contagion of Jigsaw Puzzles

BY HANNAH SIEMER

The popularity of jigsaw puzzles increases in times of uncertainty and the outbreak of COVID-19 was no exception. The number of dissectologists, the formal term for people who enjoy jigsaw puzzle assembly, has grown exponentially over recent months in Esperance and around the world.

When English cartographer, John Spilsbury, created the first jigsaw puzzle in 1767, it is unlikely he knew the impact his invention would have on society more than 250 years later. Despite competing against modern technology, streaming services and social media, Spilsbury’s humble puzzle has emerged from the midst of the recent pandemic as a kind of hero, entertaining and connecting families around the world. Shortly after the outbreak of the Coronavirus, jigsaw puzzle sales spiked, with some online retailers selling up to 1000 per cent more puzzles than usual.

Jigsaw accessories soon followed. Amazon Australia, for example, recorded a more than 14,000 per cent increase in the sale of jigsaw puzzle roll-up mats, which, for anyone who is not a puzzle enthusiast, are felt mats that assist with the movement and storage of puzzles.

Esperance was not immune to the puzzle craze, with local toy store Toy Station almost selling out of 500, 1000 and 2000-piece puzzles. Toy Station owner, Raquel Nelson, suggested Prime Minister Scott Morrison was partly responsible for the spike in sales after he mentioned jigsaw puzzles during an address to the nation on March 29.

“Our kids are at home now … and Jenny went out yesterday and bought them a whole bunch of jigsaw puzzles,” Mr Morrison said in his address urging Australians to only leave their homes for essential items.

“I can assure you, over the next few months we’re going to consider those jigsaw puzzles absolutely essential.”

For those who could not visit the store in person, Toy Station offered same-day, no contact home delivery to its customers, which proved to be a popular service.

“Home delivery [of jigsaw puzzles] to the elderly or folks at risk was in high demand,” Ms Nelson said.

It is not the first time in history that jigsaw puzzles have gained popularity during a global crisis. Throughout the Great Depression, puzzles were all the rage, with as many as 10 million per week being sold in the United States in the early 1930s. Not dissimilar to people’s lives during the Coronavirus pandemic, those living through the Great Depression were seeking an inexpensive escape from the uncertainty that surrounded them. As unemployment levels rose, so too did puzzle sales. It quickly became a preferred choice of entertainment, over going out to restaurants or pubs. During a press briefing four days after his jigsaw puzzle comments, Scott Morrison made the correlation between the Great Depression and the pandemic, and the role of puzzles during these times.

The benefits of assembling jigsaw puzzles extend beyond family engagement. Research shows it has numerous health benefits including improved memory, problem-solving skills and visual-spatial reasoning. It has also shown to improve mood, which is arguably the reason puzzle sales spike during global crises. Jigsaw puzzles increase the brain’s production of dopamine, which regulates mood and feelings of optimism. Putting a piece in the right place or completing a puzzle releases dopamine, in turn making the person doing the jigsaw feel happy. Puzzles can also be a relaxation tool, with studies showing they are capable of placing the brain into a meditative state.

Back at Toy Station, Raquel Nelson is a staunch advocate of jigsaw puzzles, knowing well the benefits they have. “For me, puzzles are a great way to include the whole family, keep the mind engaged and give the body time to relax,” she said. “Chilling with a puzzle, how geeky is that!”

SHO P JIGSAW S IN ESPERAN C E You’ll find Toy Station along Dempster Street across from the Esperance Museum. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday’s 10am to 1pm but also taking online orders for those unable to leave home. Make sure to check out their Facebook page for updates on what’s in store.

10 years on the Esperance foreshore OPEN MONDAY- FRIDAY 8.30am- 2pm

DELIVERIES/PHONE ORDERS:

0403 618 388

Paninis, Soups,Juices & Smoothies Vegan options available

The Tanker Jetty, Esperance Foreshore

Follow us!

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Ms Nelson said it was then she noticed an increase in locals asking for puzzles. “As soon as our Prime Minister said that you could still go out and buy a puzzle, they did,” she said, noting there was initially an impulse to hoard puzzles however customers soon became appreciative of getting their hands on just one. “They were very understanding.”

“I think back to my grandmother, and how she lived through the Depression,” Mr Morrison said.

“I remember as a kid being told stories by my grandmother about what they used to do as a family to get through and we’re doing the same thing in our house. We are keeping each other entertained … doing lots of jigsaw puzzles.

You’ve got to keep your family positive and keep connected and together.”

5 MINUTE HIS TOR Y

The Return of Black Jack Anderson DIGGING DEEPER - WHERE WAS BLACK JACK ANDERSON FROM?

BY KARLI FLORISSON

Black Jack Anderson

In 2018, I researched and wrote of Black Jack Anderson, Esperance’s notorious ‘pirate’, for an article that appeared in the Esperance Tide in July of that year. Recently, I revisited the research on Anderson to answer a question about his origins.

Black Jack Anderson had come to Esperance’s Recherche Archipelago from Kangaroo Island, and around the same time, there was a sealer called John Anderson, nicknamed Abyssinian Jack, living on Kangaroo Island. Were these the same person? There were conflicting reports about this, and in my article, I had mentioned that they might be the same person. But was this actually the case? I did some digging to find out.

I have long been fascinated by the story of Black Jack Anderson, the sealer who lived on Middle Island with his crew in 1835. Anderson had been living on Long Island in the Bass Strait, northeast of Tasmania, with a crew of sealers.

He had two Aboriginal women living with him, after he kidnapped them from the Port Lincoln area, and murdered their husbands. Anderson and his crew went to Kangaroo Island, where they got passage on the Mountaineer to

Robert Gamble statement

Middle Island. The Mountaineer was heading to Albany, and on its return journey, it was shipwrecked off Thistle Cove.

The shipwreck survivors, including a sister and brother called Dorothea and James Newell, made a three-day journey to Anderson’s camp on Middle Island.

It is unlikely that we would know much at all about Anderson, except for an incident that landed him in court in Albany later in 1835. Anderson was charged with stealing from one of his crew, a man named James Manning.

Anderson had put James Manning and Dorothea’s brother James Newell onto the shore without any supplies, and they walked around the coast to Albany, only surviving due to the help of an Aboriginal tribe that came to their rescue. Anderson was acquitted by the Albany court, thanks partly to the testimony of Dorothea Newell, who had formed a romantic relationship with Anderson. The court records provide a wealth of information about Anderson.

Also preserved by the Albany court is a sworn statement

by Anderson’s crew member Robert Gamble, who said that Anderson was murdered by his own crew in December 1836, and buried on Mondrain Island.

F IVE M I NU TE H I S TORY

ten children. Abyssinian Jack and his crew then moved to an island in the Bass strait, north-east of Tasmania, which became known as Anderson Island.

There are many overlapping details between Black Jack Anderson and Abyssinian Jack – namely, both were sealers, both lived with two Aboriginal women, lived on Kangaroo Island for a time, and both also lived on the islands of the Bass Strait.

These are almost certainly different men, though, as Abyssinian Jack was an Englishman, and Black Jack Anderson was an African American man. There is no reference in any of the information that we know about Black Jack Anderson to him having any children, whereas Abyssinian Jack had ten children with the Aboriginal women who lived with him. (As a note, these women were almost certainly not ‘wives’ to either Black Jack or Abyssinian Jack, as they were forced into these relationships, and were treated more like slaves than wives, in what is a horrific part of our country’s history.)

Abyssinian Jack was still living in the Bass Strait in 1845, while Black Jack was murdered in 1836.

Information about the early history of Kangaroo Island also mentions one more John Anderson, who was a white man from Western Australia who sometimes traded with the men on Kangaroo Island. I also found a reference to a story about a man named Abyssinian Bob, who was a sealer on Kangaroo Island. He was a notorious bully and treated other members of his crew cruelly.

According to the story, Abyssinian Bob was lowered over a cliff on a rope so that he could hunt seals on the rocks below the cliff. His crew then cut the rope, putting an end to Abyssinian Bob and his bullying.

As for Black Jack Anderson, the most likely story is that he came to Australia on board an American whaling ship. Any further information about his past is likely to remain forever a mystery.

READ MO RE To find the previous article on Black Jack Anderson from our July 2018 edition head to our website (esperancetide. com) as well as more history on Esperance.

thank you

...to everyone in the community who supported us through the shutdown by ordering off our takeaway menu.

From June 6th we’ll be returning to a new normal (with a limited capacity) so bookings are still required.

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

to book a table for lunch or dinner Text 0457232039

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Given the information that we know about Black Jack Anderson, could he be the same person as Abyssinian Jack from Kangaroo Island?

Abyssinian Jack was the nickname of a man who was also called John Anderson, a sealer from Kangaroo Island. According to the early records of Kangaroo Island, Abyssinian Jack arrived there in 1813. Despite the nickname ‘Abyssinian’, which was the historical name for Ethiopia, this John Anderson was an Englishman.

He is referred to in Friendly Mission: the Tasmanian journals and papers of George Augustus Robinson 18291834, which is an important source of a lot of valuable information about Tasmania and the surrounding islands at the time. In his papers, Robinson refers to Anderson as being an Englishman who came to Australia on board a convict ship called the Archduke Charles. Like Black Jack, Abyssinian Jack was a sealer and lived on Kangaroo Island for around sixteen years. At the time, Kangaroo Island was mostly inhabited by sealers and drifters and was a lawless, rough place, with poorly kept records. Abyssinian Jack lived with two Aboriginal women named Emma and Poll, with whom he had

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THE BRIDGE Live music in Esperance has returned with acoustic sets kicking off at Lucky Bay Brewing in late May. I feel rather confident in saying that those May sessions at the brewery were some of the first in the state, particularly for paid gigs. I’m aware of artists busking at prominent venues around Western Australia, which is a golden start. Though, the challenge for venues is to feel confident in being able to pay musicians for their work. Artists are able to contribute in this realm in understanding that gig fees will inevitably be reduced, to begin with, and will recover as venue capacity and cash flow increase. This is key across the state for regional music, to find a start point and go from there. It’s evident that the early stages of live music recovery will be focussed on mellow sessions with solo or duo acoustic acts favoured, perfectly suiting the new seated arrangements and regulations required in these early weeks of eased restrictions.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I honestly thought live music may be off the cards for 2020, if not longer. A return to acoustic gigs (Kyza Presents roots in a way) at this early stage is absolutely gold. With venues slowly but surely regaining life, I have to admit, I am longing for a return to mosh pits. I am longing for a return to high energy erratic and slightly out of control crowds.

I am longing for a return to the atmosphere and interaction that comes with Balmy Nights, Beach Days and the falling of the sun, no doubt you are too. A pause in live music allows us to recognise its value, connection, acceptance and inclusion, those moments at live events where the crowd is absorbed in a moment in time, thoughts turned to a central focus, united. My deepest gratitude goes to Lucky Bay Brewing for allowing live music to return to their stunning new venue at the earliest point possible.

Stay tuned to LBB and Kyza Presents socials to keep up to date with who’s performing as well as information regarding bookings. Over the next few months, I’ll be doing a hell of a lot of writing, and if you’re interested in keeping up to date with all things Kyza Presents you can sign up to the mailout at my website (www.kyzapresents.com), or by following on Instagram or Facebook.

Hip-hop act Atmos comprised of local Lads Jonah Symonds and Tye Harland recently released a cracking fresh tune to YouTube titled “1998-Reflection”, accompanied by an eclectic video pieced together by Robbie Hooper.

“1998-Reflection” is far from the first offering by Atmos, and it shows. With an intelligently designed atmospheric tune, I find hard to call anything other than progressive hip-hop. At six minutes 29-seconds, it’s a true voyage, eliciting thoughts of wide-open space, an endless paradigm and a feeling of being alone with oneself, locked in a moment. Which makes complete sense when you begin to consider the lyrics and overall theme of the track, finding the time to reflect on the past, to heal, to learn and to move forward. I want to ask the lads whether they had an overall idea for the song early on in the writing process, as they have conjured a brilliant piece that does exactly as they implore the listener “make you think”. Certain lyrics stand out in a lyrically solid tune, “try to make change but I spend it on a bottle, see the man I am when I race it to the bottom”. A highly relatable passage from Jonah describing the catalyst for so many of our high and low points. Tye throws down an intriguing spoken word section at the mid-point of the track which draws the listener “play shit to make you think”. Lads you have certainly succeeded.

Releasing on YouTube is a golden choice by Atmos, the imagery captured by Robbie Hooper couples perfectly with the sound to further expand the listener/viewers understanding of the piece. Though don’t take my word for it hit up Atmos “1998 Reflection”, you’ll be happy you did.

KYRON SMITHSON

TIDE Dictionary Language has evolved quickly since Corona hit, with many words and terms no longer having the same meaning they did in 2019. We’re here to help you catch up. asymptomatic

/eɪˌsɪmptəˈmatɪk/

2019 Timomatic’s brother. 2020 appearing young, fit and healthy while your insides fester.

community spread

/kəˈmjuːnɪti sprɛd/

2019 a gourmet banquet laid out for the townspeople by the townspeople. 2020 the outcome of one not washing their hands for the entirety of the Happy Birthday song. /ˈkɒntakt ˈtreɪsɪŋ/

2019 searching through your Teledex for the phone number of an old friend. 2020 the act of investigating the source of your dry cough; figuring out who stood too close to you while waiting in line at Bunnings.

flatten the curve

/ˈflat(ə)n ðə,ðɪ,ðiː kəːv/

2019 a common New Year’s resolution for middle-aged women. 2020 evading Granny’s kisses for the purpose of manipulating a line graph.

herd immunity

/həːd ɪˈmjuːnɪti/

2019 not following the latest trends; wearing socks and sandals. 2020 defying Mark McGowan in order to become superhuman.

lockdown

/ˈkwɒrəntiːn/

2019 a word often heard on Border Security 2020 an excuse to drink before midday; the sole inspiration for the Quarantini.

roadmap

/rəʊd - map/

2019 the paper Dad gives you for the drive to Perth, regardless of the number of times you have taken the trip previously. 2020 everything that is going to happen before the pub reopens.

self-isolation

/sɛlf - ʌɪsəˈleɪʃ(ə)n/

2019 a solo trip to Woody Island. 2020 baking banana bread in your PJ’s at 3pm on a weekday.

social distancing

/ˈsəʊʃ(ə)l ˈdɪst(ə)ns-ing/

2019 avoiding the Duke in January. 2020 an introvert’s dream; an extrovert’s nightmare.

unprecedented times

/ʌnˈprɛsɪdɛntɪd tʌɪmz/

2019 Freo making it to the 2013 AFL Grand Final.

2020 an excuse for getting away with just about anything, so long as it takes place 1.5m away from another human being.

/ˈlɒkdaʊn/

2019 a drill practised in American schools for the sake of the Second Amendment. 2020 being confined to your home with people you’re not entirely sure you like; only being able to leave your house for the purpose of going to Woolies.

We're back!

WE ARE OPEN

Monday to Friday 2.30-5.30pm & Saturday 10-12.30pm Balmoral Square, 53 The Esplanade Follow us on Facebook & Instagram NEW ONLINE STORE COMING SOON

Bay of Isles Leisure Centre has reopened and is operating within the Government of WA Department of Health guidelines.

Thank you for your patience during this uncertain time, we are excited to see the return of all the familiar faces.

Keep up to date via our Facebook page @BOILC.

15 / ESPERANCE TIDE / JUNE 2020

contact tracing

quarantine

16 / ESPERANCE TIDE / JUNE 2020

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

‘’Extra, extra read all about it!” is no longer to be heard in rural and regional towns throughout Australia. The demise of the local newspaper is now a stark reality. No longer will we be able to buy a copy of the local rag, sit down with a coffee and peruse local happenings in the district. Sport, shire news, the arts and importantly the classies and death notices have been torn from our sticky choc chip muffin fingers. I discussed this very sorry situation with a Gen Y-er who promptly informed me that no one of that generation or below buys newspapers.

That is true because they are glued to finding out everything they need to know from a screen.

However, us baby boomers and those even older still like to feel paper as we read. My Gen Y friend reminded me just how good for the environment it will be when newspapers no longer exist. However, I reminded her, there has been a renascence for the rubbish bin since the outlawing of the plastic shopping bag which has renewed one of the paper’s original purposes – bin lining! And with the resurgence of gardening, newspapers perform well in veggie beds. Unfortunately, wrapping fish and chips is no longer considered hygienic! Regardless, there are endless other uses for the old newspaper.

Over recent years I’ve been a harsh critic of our local tome with editions falling to one per week and journalistic standards dropping. However, now that the paper is longer waiting for me every Friday as I enter the newsagency, I miss it. At present we are reliant on social media to glean a few tidbits of the town’s news as a complete copy of a local paper is not available on-line. A printed newspaper has always been essential in small towns as it does not exclude anyone from knowing what is going on. As my Gen Y friend told me, in 20 years’ time they will recall a strange time when people actually read hard copies.

Ahhh! Now I feel both old and sad.

ANONYMOUS

According to OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, over five million tonnes of food ends up as landfill every year. That’s enough to fill 9,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools! Food waste is a global concern and on a recent trip to Canada, I came across an initiative that helps combat the issue while bringing the community together. It’d be great to see something similar run here in Esperance. Banff Food Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation run by a small band of volunteers. Three times a week, local supermarkets, bakeries and cafes donate almost expired or just expired food to the organisation, who then ‘sell’ the food to the community for a small donation (CA$3-5). The donation goes towards the lease of the premises where the food is distributed and in return for the donation, an individual can fill one reusable shopping bag with whatever’s on offer.

To avoid a free-for-all and to deter people from lining up outside the premises too early, entry is via a lottery system. A few minutes prior to opening, volunteers circulate with a jar of numbers and when your number is called, you enter and choose your food. I snagged some great bargains – loaves of bread, pre-cut fruit salads, heaps of veg, frozen meals, and even a bottle of artisan cold drip coffee that retailed for $8. All were close to, if not past, their expiry date but perfectly edible, and so long as they were consumed, cooked or frozen within a day or two, nothing ended up in the bin. I always felt good eating meals made with what I’d collected at the food rescue, knowing I’d done my little bit to help combat food waste. Do you think a similar initiative would work in Esperance?

HANNAH SIEMER

Meredith Waters and Cr Jennifer Obourne

I F Y OU LOOK BEH I ND TH E S CENES , Y OU’ L L

HI D D E N H E R O E S

OFTEN FI ND S ELFLES S , GENEROU S PEO PL E

Meredith Waters

Meredith strongly values community connections like this and works hard to make them happen. As well as her volunteer work at Hope FM, she volunteers in an amazing number of other roles. These roles range from the District Health Advisory Council, where she is the chairperson, to being a volunteer at the Esperance Civic Centre, on

Esperance’s

GREAT CA U S ES . H ERE I S ONE OF OU R I NS PI RI NG ‘H I DDEN H EROES ’ WH O M AKE THIS COM M U NI TY S U CH A WONDERFU L PLACE.

the board of Esperance Community Arts, running the Esperance Drumming Group, and being a part of the Esperance Alcohol and Other Drug Harm Reduction Group. She has been involved in bringing several TEDx events to town, with the goal of promoting ‘ideas worth spreading’. She still dreams of the day when Esperance could host a TEDx event with live speakers. Meredith has also worked with Esperance Care Services, helping to train volunteers and people wanting to re-enter the workforce. Meredith is passionate about all of these opportunities to contribute to the community because, as she says, ‘it’s about creating the kind of world that I want to see. When people connect, good things happen.

Magic happens.’ Her work in such diverse areas of the community undoubtedly helps to create magic and connection for so many people. It is Hidden Heroes like Meredith who make Esperance such a wonderful place.

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

17 / ESPERANCE TIDE / JUNE 2020

Meredith Waters is a familiar face and a familiar voice to many people around town. As the manager of Hope FM 103.9 community radio, during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Meredith was interested in how the radio station could help people to acknowledge ANZAC Day in a meaningful way. With broadcasters, Tina and George, and in collaboration with the Esperance RSL and the Shire of Esperance, Hope FM broadcast an ANZAC Day service, allowing people to stand out in their driveways with lights or candles and pay tribute to the ANZACs. As many people acknowledged, the sense of connection through the community on ANZAC Day was beautiful.

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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: LUCY VINCENT @LOVECHILDS_

BUSH BANTER The amazing bush in our own backyard

Hopetoun is in the heart of the park and they are now welcoming visitors to camp and explore all it has to offer.

On a recent visit, I was blown away by the abundant flora and fauna. Entering the park you are greeted with a wave of green rolling hills which stretch across the landscape as far as you can see. The best place to view the magnitude of this is the top of East Mount Barren. A fair to moderate climb with breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding bushland in any direction you look. When you explore more closely on one of the many bushwalks you can see some of the Fitzgeralds signature plants such as the ‘Royal Hakea’ and ‘Barrens Regalia’ and of course loads more.

Sta y the nig ht There are various camping options available to suit your needs, the best way to fully appreciate everything to do and see in this breathtaking national park.

We stayed at Four Mile Campground which is located at the entrance of the park. Only a short stroll to the beach for fishing, swimming and snorkelling. This site offers various size bays for large caravans to small tents. It offers hot showers, toilets and BBQs for $15 per person. To book, head to the Parks & Wildlife website.

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

Start your own native garden with plants delivered straight to your door.

Head to tideandco.com.au to make your purchase.

Spend $50 or more to receive free delivery.

19 / ESPERANCE TIDE / JUNE 2020

Now that the travel restrictions have been relaxed it is a great opportunity to step outdoors and explore a magnificent landscape less than two hours away from Esperance. I’m talking about the infamous botanical wonderland of the Fitzgerald River National Park. The park seems relatively quiet at the moment with only a few visitors, making it the perfect chance to take full advantage.

Did you know that Fitzgerald River National Park is one the largest and most botanically significant national parks in the world? Within the park are found nearly 20% of Western Australia’s native species, many of which grow only within its boundaries.

M ER VE GUIDE

Winter Gardening

BY KARLI FLORISSON

As the days get shorter and colder, gardening seems much less enticing. It’s wet and windy out, and the last thing we want to do is get out in the garden. But the cooler months shouldn’t mean that our gardens need to be neglected.

There’s plenty to do, and a bit of winter gardening is perfect exercise and also great for our mental health. So, if you’re feeling cooped up and in need of some fresh air, why not get out into the garden? Here are some tips on what you can do to make your garden look great and produce well over the winter months.

TI DE GU I DE

Ch o p C hop

W inte r v e g g ie s

One of the first tasks to take care of in winter is the pruning. It’s a perfect time to prune roses, so give them a really good trim. You can take off as much as two-thirds of your rose bushes. Cut back your grapevines and fruiting bushes, such as raspberries and gooseberries. Ornamental grasses can also do with a good haircut over winter, which will keep them looking fresh. It’s a great time to prune deciduous fruit trees, such as apples, pears, figs, and mulberries. Keep the trees short enough that you can reach the fruit on the higher branches, and aim for a nice open framework, without too many competing branches.

Winter is a great time for veggies in Esperance’s mild climate. Many green leafy veggies, such as pak choi, rocket, and spinach, do really well in winter. Brassicas are also a winter crop, so get planting cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts. And before you turn your nose up at the suggestion of Brussel sprouts, they’re delicious pan-fried with garlic, butter, and a bit of bacon. Yum! And don’t forget your winter root veggies – now is the time to plant beetroot, turnips, and carrots.

If you haven’t already done so, it’s not too late to plant garlic and onions as well.

Sue Rowell from Jode Nursery says that June is a great time to plant a range of different plants so that they can get well established before the hotter weather in spring and summer. You can plant roses, natives, and a range of fruit trees now. Winter is also the time to plant bare-root fruit trees, which are very affordable and come in a wide variety. Get planting now, and your garden will be flourishing come springtime.

Feed m e , pl e as e It’s a good time to feed winter flowering plants such as camellias and daphne. It’s also a good time to give your lawn a feed. When you are changing over from summer to winter vegetables in your veggie patch, it’s also a great time to dig some compost or manure through the soil. As Sue from Jode Nursery says, ‘Many people wonder why their veggies don’t do very well, and yet they don’t put good stuff back into the soil.’ Try feeding your soil with lots of good organic matter, and watch your veggies flourish. Don’t forget to feed your citrus trees as well over winter.

SHOP L OC A L

Winter is a good time to get on top of pests in the garden. Your winter brassica crops might attract cabbage moths and their accompanying green caterpillars, which will eat through your new winter veg before you even notice they’re there. Sue suggests natural pesticides such as pyrethrum or neem-based sprays, which are organic and safe to use on your veggies. It’s also a good time to stomp out any ants that are trying to invade as well.

C o nta ine r g a rde ning Get the most out of the growing season by planting some herbs or veggies in a pot in a sunny, sheltered spot. Container gardening is a perfect way to have yearround herbs, lettuce, or other veggies that don’t take up too much room. It’s also an easy way to add colour and interest to patios or verandas. Winter is a great opportunity to give your pot plants a bit of TLC – prune, add some organic matter to the soil, fertilise, or repot any plants that are getting a bit crowded.

Winter is a great time to slow down and enjoy your garden. If you’ve been working hard through summer and autumn, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Jode Nursery is located at 6 Berrigan Street and is open seven days a week.

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

21 / ESPERANCE TIDE / JUNE 2020

Pla n t f or s pr ing

Sto mp o u t the b u g s

What does this month have in store for you? The stars have it! Have you been feeling isolated and locked down lately? Been feeling like your friends are socially distant? Maybe your emotions have been masked, and you’ve been trying to wash your hands of them? Don’t worry, things are starting to look a lot more open - and June’s Tide Guide to the Stars will have you feeling on top of things in no time!

GEMINI

M AY 2 1 - JUN 20

This season for you is all about learning to love where you are at right now. Yes, you don’t want to stay in one place forever, but a sense of contentment is well worth cultivating.

Take some time to notice all the good that surrounds you.

There is plenty of joy to be found right where you are at if you will take the time to find it.

22 / ESPERANCE TIDE / JUNE 2020

C AN C E R

J U N 2 1 - JUL 22

Are your responsibilities piling up? Sometimes they can steal all your time and energy and stop you from being in touch with your authentic self. Amongst the busy times, be sure to schedule time to care for your own needs, or you will wear thin. Self-care will lead to increased energy and motivation, which will help you achieve all that you need to.

LEO

J U L 2 3 - AUG 22

It’s not a crime to change your mind, so if you feel that you may have been wrong about something, swallow your pride.

You will find that a change of perspective actually opens up a whole new realm of possibilities to you. You’ve been digging in your heels but try a bit of flexibility instead.

You’ll feel a greater sense of lightness and freedom when you do.

VIRGO

A U G 2 3 - SEP 22

SA G ITTA RIU S

N O V 22 - DEC 21

Been looking for love in all the wrong places? Maybe you’ve been expecting those close to you to give you a sense of fulfilment? Instead, work on finding joy and contentment within yourself. You’ll find that the right people will gravitate to you when you do that, and love will come easily.

Learn to love yourself, and everything else will flow from there.

CA PRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 20

There is a chill in the air lately, but that hasn’t affected your mood. You’ve been feeling good about things – while there may be some challenges coming your way, you don’t have to let it sweep you off your feet. Instead, dig deep, and keep a positive outlook. It will be just what you need to get you through any tough times ahead.

A QU A RIU S

JAN 20 - FEB 17

Is there something in your life that is stealing your sense of peace? You might feel as though you have to live with the constant sense of unrest, but instead, take some steps to remove this thorn in your side. It will take courage and persistence, but you will be able to put the necessary boundaries in place. It will be worth it.

PI SCES

FEB 1 8 - M AR 19

You are fond of honesty and straight-talking, but this essential part of your nature can rub people the wrong way if you don’t season your words with tact and gentleness.

There is the potential for conflict coming your way this month, so take a moment to think before you speak. You can avoid damaging relationships with just a little foresight.

New energy is coming into your life this month. You’re getting ready to move up to the next level in some area of your life – relationships, work, finances, or family. The next level has been beckoning you for some time, so take a leap of faith and overcome the fear that holds you back. You will grow and expand in ways that you never expected.

LIBRA

A RIES

S E P 2 3 - O C T 22

MAR 20 - AP R IL 19

Oh dear – have you been taking on too much? It might be flattering that people recognise your capabilities, but you’ll burn yourself out if you try to carry other people’s responsibilities as well as your own. It might be time to take a step back and reassess. What do you need to relinquish?

Saying ‘no’ to some things will free you to do your best in other areas.

Do you feel like you’ve been going through more ups and downs than a rollercoaster lately? Life might be uncertain and a little strange at the moment, but you are well prepared to navigate these trying times. Draw on the deep resources that you have within you and trust your intuition.

You are resilient and flexible, and you have what it takes to get through anything that comes your way.

SCORPIO

TA U RU S

O CT 2 3 - N O V 21

You’ve got a difficult decision in your future (or perhaps more than one!) and people may want to offer you advice.

While they are well-meaning, you are the only one who can make the right choice. Listen, but don’t put too much stock in their views. Instead, trust yourself. You know what you need to do.

APR 20 - M AY 20

Your career path might require a little more from you this month. It’s been on the back burner, but it’s time to turn up the heat and put in the extra effort. Don’t do it for anyone else – do it for yourself! Invest in yourself and your career now, and you’ll reap the rewards in the future.

Warm Winter Cocktails COSY UP IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WITH ONE OF THESE WINTER WARMERS.

CL A S S IC MU LLE D WI N E

B L ACK TEA TODDY

HOT AP P LE P IE

An oldie but a goody.

A robust cuppa to ward off coughs and colds.

Just like your grandma used to make, only better.

Serves 1

Serves 4

Serves 4

Ingredients 10 whole cloves 2 star anise 2 cinnamon sticks 1 nutmeg, roughly grated Âź cup caster sugar 1 medium red apple, chopped Rind of 1 orange, grated 750ml fruity red wine

Method 1. Heat cloves, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, apple, orange rind and two cups of filtered water in a large saucepan over medium heat.

2. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Add red wine and simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Strain and divide among glasses.

Serve with orange slices.

Ingredients

Ingredients

1.5 cups strong black tea 1-2 tbsp local honey Âź cup rum Juice of half a lemon

1L cloudy apple juice Juice of 1 lemon 4 cinnamon sticks 1 cup spiced rum 2 nips vanilla liqueur

Method 1. In a soup mug, stir the honey into the tea until it has dissolved.

2. Add the rum and lemon juice and stir. Serve piping hot with a slice of lemon.

Method 1. Heat apple juice, lemon juice and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

2. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Remove cinnamon sticks and stir in rum. Remove from heat.

4. Add half a nip of vanilla liqueur to each glass. Pour the juice and rum over the top. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.

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Time for a new job?

TAFE training can help you get there Apply now for Semester 2 – courses start in July Ask us about courses with half-price fees under the Lower fees, local skills program Visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/lowerfees Esperance Campus, Pink Lake Road 6371 3500 or FREECALL 1800 675 781

esperance@srtafe.wa.edu.au southregionaltafe.wa.edu.au

RTO Code 52790

598

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