Esperance Tide April 2023

2 BILLION CONTAINERS have been saved from landfill since Containers for Change commenced!

Consultation is underway on whether the scheme should be expanded to include wine, spirit, juice and other bottles. Search Container Deposit Scheme WA and have your say by May 1.

G’DAY, APRIL! ARGUABLY THE TASTIEST MONTH OF THE YEAR, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOUR TASTE BUDS’ PREFERENCES LIE WHEN IT COMES TO SEASONAL TREATS. CHOCOLATE AND HOT CROSS BUNS FOR BREAKFAST? DON’T MIND IF WE DO. SPEAKING OF, WE COULDN’T RESIST AN EXCUSE TO TASTE EVERY HOT CROSS BUN IN TOWN, SO THIS MONTH WE TRAPSED FROM BAKERY TO BAKERY TO CHECK OUT THE SPICED GOODNESS COMING OUT OF LOCAL OVENS. THERE ARE SOME BLOODY GOOD BUNS OUT THERE, JUST BEGGING TO BE TOASTED AND LATHERED WITH BUTTER. GET THE LOWDOWN ON WHERE TO BUY YOUR BUNS THIS EASTER ON PAGE 10.

After all those hot cross buns, we needed to take a walk, so we decided to explore a few trails close to town. There are endless walking trails throughout our region, and many of them are just five minutes from the centre of town. Whether you’re looking to stroll along the coastline or in the bush, or want to take in some local history or public art while working up a sweat, we’ve got a walk for you. Check out our Tide Guide on page 4 and if you take any Insta-worthy pics while you’re out and about, don’t forget to tag #esperancetide and you might end up in our next edition!

With crisp mornings and sunny days, April isn’t just a great month for walking, but for getting stuck into the gardening, too. Now’s the time to be weeding, pruning, watering, and planting in preparation for winter. Not sure where to start? No worries! Check out our autumn gardening feature on page 24 for advice from a couple of local gardening experts. We’ve also laid out the tasks you should be cracking on with this season, so you don’t get caught out once winter rolls around.

Now that summer’s well and truly over, and the pace is slowing down a little, you might have some time up your sleeve to lend a hand in the community. Nulsen Readers is one local initiative looking for volunteers, so we visited Nulsen Primary School to find out what the program is all about. Not only is Nulsen Readers improving kids’ literacy skills, but it’s also helping them to connect with new people, people they mightn’t otherwise have an opportunity to meet. Learn about the program on page 12 and if you’ve got a spare 30 minutes to read with kids once a week, get in touch with the school!

Hoppy Easter, everyone! We hope your April is filled with as many smiles as chocolate eggs. Until next time…

Established in 2016, Esperance Tide is a free, monthly publication that shares our community’s most uplifting and inspiring stories. We strive to support small business and community events, and champion the heroes that reside within our region. Esperance Tide is 100 per cent locally and independently owned. Thank you to our advertisers who make this possible and the 4,000 people who pick up a copy every month.

Esperance Tide acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work and play, the Kepa Kurl Wudjari people of the Nyungar nation and Ngadju people, and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

DIRECTOR

Tagged in Town

Four Trails Worth Walking This Autumn

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY ROSIE HENDERSON

We’re spoilt for walking spots in Esperance, with the ocean and bush right on our front and back doorsteps. There’s somewhere for everyone just minutes from town, with trails that cater to all interests, fitness levels, weather, and wind directions. We revisited a few of our favourite walks and wanders around town to share with you here. Pop those kicks on and see you out there!

I N THE BUSH

An inland treasure, right near town! Kepwari is the local Nyungar word for ‘place of moving water’. The Kepwari Walk Trail was designed as an educational experience for Esperance’s wetlands, detailing why they are under threat, and how you can help protect them for future generations.

The walk begins at the Lake Wheatfield car park and is a seven kilometre return track (allow two-and-a-half hours) that is suitable for all, and great for nature and bird loving enthusiasts. Make sure to leave your dog at home for this one, as dogs aren’t allowed in the reserve.

Winding through dune ridges and sedgelands and under canopies of banksias, this is a beautiful area to explore, with trees, lakes, and birds galore. There are two bird hides on the trail that are peaceful spots to quietly observe wetland water birds, especially in the wetter months. There are information displays and facilities that allow you to sit back, relax, and soak up the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful spot. You’ll probably spot lots of swans and perhaps even a pelican or two!

B Y THE BEACH

The Great Ocean path is iconic, not only in Esperance, but in Western Australia! The trail is a bitumen track shared by walkers, runners, prams, kids, canines, skateboards, and cyclists alike.

Following the coastline west of town, you are never short of a sensational view and eye full of Esperance magic. Stretching from the heights of Dempster Head to the cosiness of Twilight Cove, you pass many a favourite spot along the way, including West Beach, Blue Haven, and the Old Wind Farm.

One of the best parts about this trail is that there are car parks the entire way along, which means the path is easily accessible at multiple points and provides a variety of distance and scenery options to enjoy. West Beach to Twilight is seven kilometres (one way). Keep an eye out for dolphins surfing on the waves!

We recommend starting the walk from the Esperance foreshore, or the West Beach car park. If you make it to Twilight and feel like carrying on, jump on the track across the road, which runs all the way through to the Pink Lake Lookout.

S TEPPING BACK IN TIME

The Salmon Beach Wind Farm Heritage Trail is a little known track that holds a bit of history for our windy town! We all know Esperance is windy. So windy, in fact, that Australia's very first commercial wind farm was built here. Yep, right here in Esperance! Built in 1987, the six turbines operated for nearly 15 years before being decommissioned.

This 1.5 kilometre walk (allow 45 minutes) takes you through the sites of the decommissioned wind turbines, where you’ll see a single turbine still standing alongside remnants of the concrete slabs where the others stood. While there isn’t a lot left to see of the history, it’s a pretty walk through the bush with benches along the path for you to take a rest or enjoy the views overlooking the coastline.

A RT ABOUT THE BAY

For a self-guided, walking art tour, it’s hard to beat the world class Esperance foreshore. With a lovely footpath, there’s plenty of room for walking, cycling, skating, and running right along the edge of the Esperance Bay. We recommend enjoying it with a coffee in hand from Coffee Cat. While you’re wandering, make sure to check out some of the incredible works of art that stand along the foreshore.

At the northern end of the foreshore, closer to the Esperance Jetty, we have the famous Sammy the Seal bronze sculpture by Chris Siemer, perched on a rock created by Hans Spengler. Sammy sits alongside some other beautiful pieces of art at the jetty, including the lifesize bronze The Lumper (left) , also by Chris Siemer in collaboration with Dan Gentle, which commemorates the dockers who unloaded cargo ships in Esperance’s early days. Closer to town, at the James Street Precinct, we have the well-known Whale Tail, created by Jason Wooldridge and Cindy Poole. In the gardens near Taylor Street Jetty, you’ll find Larry Youngson’s 6 Wooden Figures and overlooking the bay, Andreas Maier’s Don’s Lighthouse sculpture. Venturing away from the ocean and along Andrew and Dempster Streets, you’ll also find an amazing display of sculptures and murals, including the works of local Aboriginal artists Jennelle Griffiths and Atheleen Rose Thomas. For a full list of the art you can see while you’re out and about, download the Esperance Arts & Culture Trail booklet at www.esperanceartsandculturetrail.com.au.

Cutting Hair, Changing Lives

BY KARLI FLORISSON

It’s a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Esperance. Hairdressers Jacqui Rogers and Madison Giles are set up on the stage at the Sound Shell, scissors in hand, tunes playing in the background. They’re offering free haircuts, as well as kind words and a warm smile, to anyone attending their impromptu studio in the open-air amphitheatre. Now in their third year of providing Hair Aid Community Cuts to the people of Esperance, Jacqui and her team of local hairdressers who volunteer their time for this service believe that everyone should have access to the great feeling of a fresh haircut.

Jacqui is a familiar face to many in Esperance. She owned and operated her own hair salon for over 20 years and is now a lecturer at TAFE, teaching hairdressing and beauty therapy. Jacqui had heard of not-for-profit organisation Hair Aid through her time in the industry, and when she saw their stall at a hair expo, she wanted to find out more. Before long, Jacqui had signed up for an overseas trip to teach hairdressing skills to people trapped in poverty in Indonesia. On this unforgettable trip, Jacqui and a team of volunteer hairdressers taught hairdressing at a Bali rubbish tip. The five-day intensive course gave the students, who had been making a living scavenging through rubbish, the skills they needed to set up their own small businesses cutting hair.

Hair Aid was established in 2010. When Australian Selina Tomasich was holidaying in the Philippines, she met nuns who were working with children abandoned because of their parents’ poverty. The nuns wanted to help these parents escape the cycle of poverty by learning a trade so that they could care for their children. Inspired, Selina gathered a few volunteers and some donated sewing machines back in Australia, and organised a trip to teach sewing to some of these parents in Manila. Realising that there was also a demand for people to learn hairdressing as a marketable skill, Selina branched out into taking volunteer hairdressers to the Philippines. Hair Aid now takes teams to Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand, with plans to expand into other countries as the organisation grows.

Since her first trip volunteering overseas with Hair Aid, Jacqui has been back to Indonesia twice. She has taught in the notorious Kerobokan Prison, providing female inmates with skills they can use to earn a living when they leave prison. Jacqui says the week spent teaching can be daunting, as the volunteers deal with the heat, unpleasant smells, and a language barrier. The students who complete the five-day haircutting program receive a certificate which, for some, is their first qualification.

Right: Jacqui Rogers at TAFE in Esperance. Below: Photos from Jacqui's trip to Denpasar, Bali in 2019.

As well as the prison and the rubbish tip, Hair Aid’s program in Indonesia also provides opportunities for sex workers, single mothers, and people with disabilities to learn the skills they need to provide for themselves and their families. “At the end of the week-long project, no one wants to leave,” Jacqui says. “The relationships we make don’t stop there, either. They’re lifetime friendships. Each project is a new experience with new lifelong friends. There is nothing not to love about Hair Aid!”

In addition to its overseas training program, Hair Aid also runs a domestic program, Hair Aid Community Cuts, which recruits hairdressers to offer free haircuts to those in need in local communities. Through her involvement in the organisation, Jacqui initiated a Community Cuts program here in Esperance. It operates every six weeks, with the help of other hairdressers who volunteer their time.

With the rising cost of living, haircuts have become out of reach for many. Jacqui notes that a fresh haircut can make people feel good, and she believes that everyone deserves the dignity of a good haircut. “It’s an easy gift to give,” Jacqui says. Madison Giles volunteers her time with the program and appreciates having an opportunity to volunteer that fits in with her lifestyle and skill set. She says that Community Cuts are an awesome way to give back. “It’s nice meeting all the people who come in,” she says. “I always feel better afterwards.”

Jacqui is now preparing to go back to Indonesia for her fourth international project with Hair Aid. While she’s received some generous support for these trips, they are partly self-funded. She is looking forward to seeing some of the friends she’s made through the program, and the impact the training course will have on the students. Jacqui says the training has the ability to change not only the students’ lives, but the lives of their families as well. “It really is the gift that keeps on giving,” she says.

F IND OUT MORE

To find out more about Hair Aid, visit www.hairaid.org.au.

The Hottest Buns in Town

Nothing quite beats a hot cuppa on a crisp autumn morning, accompanied by a lightly toasted hot cross bun, laden with butter. These days, there’s a hot cross bun for every palate. While we’re big fans of the traditional variety, fruitless, apple and cinnamon, raspberry and white chocolate, double chocolate, brioche, and coffee have all proven to be popular variations of the Easter staple in recent years. This year, Coles even went so far as to release a burger flavoured hot cross bun, complete with pickle pieces and cheddar cheese. Though hot cross buns now hit the supermarket shelves on Boxing Day, we’re somehow still hankering for one come Good Friday. Easter just isn’t complete without a hot cross bun so, in honour of the doughy treat, we scooted around town to taste the buns coming out of local ovens. Here were our top picks.

Esperance French Hot Bread Shop

$7.50 for half-a-dozen

If you’re looking to fool your mother-in-law into thinking you baked your own buns, the Esperance French Hot Bread Shop has just what you’re after. The town central bakery’s hot cross buns are a rustic delight, with a homemade look and feel that will make you out to be the domestic god or goddess you’re not.

These buns were not too heavy, not too light. They were, to quote Goldilocks, ‘just right’. They still managed to be dense and chewy, however, which is (arguably) just how a good hot cross bun should be. This assists in the act of toasting – the absence of fluffiness allows one to slide the bun in and out of the toaster with ease.

The sultanas in these buns were big and juicy – by far the biggest and juiciest of the sultanas in any of the buns we tasted. They were amply proportioned too, with fruit in every bite. Importantly, the spices in the bun were perfectly balanced. The flavours were present but not overpowering, making for a well composed bun that would please most punters.

Brumby’s

$7.50 for half-a-dozen

Brumby’s has four varieties of hot cross buns on offer –traditional, fruitless, raspberry white choc, and double choc. Despite being very tempted by the latter (is there really such a thing as too much chocolate at Easter?), we opted for the traditional, if for no other reason than to keep a level playing field.

Light and sweet, Brumby’s buns are the perfect smoko snack. They’re nothing fancy but they do the job, especially when spread with a thick layer of butter. We tasted them fresh on the day of purchase and they hit the spot, then toasted them for brekky the next day and found them to be just as enjoyable. The classic, chewy cross was a highlight, holding its own when pitted against the other buns.

Subtly spiced, we would have liked to have seen a little more va-va-voom in the spice department. A hot cross bun is classified as a spiced bun, after all. However, an abundance of fruit made up for the lack of spice, packing the buns with plenty of bite. All in all, Brumby’s no-fuss buns weren’t not too shabby, making them a great go-to whenever you need a quick HCB fix.

Redz Pies

$9 for half-a-dozen

When we arrived at Redz shortly before 9am on a weekday, the hot cross buns were fresh out of the oven and only just being packaged up. What a treat. The temptation to eat them straight out of the bag was mighty high but, despite mouth-watering aromas of Easter spices quickly filling the car, we managed to make it back to Tide HQ, buns unscathed.

Redz’ buns were good. Like, really good. And not just because they were fresher than a dip at Lucky Bay. They were bursting with flavour. So much so, one could argue they didn’t even need butter. That said, we didn’t actually try them naked, as we’re firmly of the opinion that a hot cross bun should always be well dressed. Rich with spices and packed with fruit, these buns were a party in our mouths.

The only let down was the cross, which disembarked from the top of the bun shortly after pulling the bun from its companions. When tasted on its own, the cross wasn’t all that appetising, and remained on the plate long after the bun was gone. We were happy to let this slide, however, because overall, this bun ticked all our boxes.

Bread Local

$14 for four

Bread Local is churning out whopper buns, so make sure you’ve got an appetite before proceeding, or enlist a mate to help you chow down. It’s no secret Bread Local bakes the best bread in town, and their buns aren’t half bad either. Shaped by hand and baked in a woodfired oven, they’re a true artisan Easter treat.

The priciest of the buns we tried (though relatively good value when you consider their size), Bread Local’s buns are perfect for anyone chasing a boujee start to their Easter long weekend. They’ll undoubtedly impress your houseguests and, when photographed alongside an oat cap in a handmade ceramic cup, rake in the likes on Instagram.

Despite their size, the buns were light and spongy (so perhaps you won’t need the help of that mate after all). The fruit was a little light on and as one of our resident HCB experts commented, they would possibly get the tick of approval from those who prefer the fruitless variety. The spices were well balanced, with notes of cinnamon and mixed spice delicately dancing on our taste buds with every bite. A top choice for something a little extra special over the Easter break.

Cooper Lutton and Izi Abuchreader with reader Sharon Vallejos

Creating Connections through Reading

WORDS HANNAH SIEMER PHOTOGRAPHY ROSIE HENDERSON

Each afternoon, locals from a cross section of the Esperance community gather in Nulsen Primary School’s library to listen to students read. It’s a simple concept having a big impact on kids’ lives, not only improving their literacy skills but providing them with a greater sense of connection, too.

Nulsen Readers kicked off in Term 3 last year. The volunteer program was established after the school recognised many of its students didn’t have the opportunity to practice their reading skills one-on-one with an adult at home. Not only was this stifling literacy growth, but also inhibiting the students from successfully participating in the school’s home reading program, which rewards children for reading outside of school. “Many students were unable to participate because they couldn’t have their reading signed off by a parent,” Nulsen Primary School principal Krystal Wiggins says. “We wanted to provide an opportunity so students could achieve in that program and by bringing on the Nulsen Readers, kids are getting that chance.”

Shortly after the commencement of the program, it became evident that Nulsen Readers provided students more than just a signature in their reading log, with many children also benefiting from spending time with the volunteers. As such, the program has now expanded to include all students in Years 1 to 6, not just those unable to complete home reading on a daily basis. “The program is providing our students with positive mentors, who they can engage with and chat with,” Krystal says. “We’ve found that some volunteers come in and might not even pick up a book in that session. Instead, it’s about the conversation they have with the children. It’s been quite a special experience.”

Lilly Green and Violet Gillard with reader Sharon Vallejos

Sharon Vallejos has been volunteering with Nulsen Readers since the program was first established. Sharon signed up because she was looking to be more involved in the community, and the program aligned with her interests in childhood development and women’s empowerment. She says she gains as much from the experience as the students do. “During those sessions, I forget any worries and feel more relaxed afterward. I also learn a lot from the children, as they often have a practical and insightful perspective on life,” Sharon says. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be a part of their growth and witness their progress.”

Krystal agrees that the volunteers benefit from Nulsen Readers as much as the students. The predominant response from the readers has been one of gratification, which has come from meeting and getting to know the children. “The number one thing we hear from our readers is about the relationships they’re building with the kids, and the stories and laughs they have in the sessions,” Krystal says. “You can hear the happiness.”

The Nulsen Readers make up just some of the 100 volunteers who support the school through different events and programs, such as its annual Nulsen in November celebration and Breakfast Club, which provides free breakfast to students before the school day starts. Alongside the staff, students, and families that make up the Nulsen Primary community, volunteers play a vital role in helping the low socioeconomic school flourish. “Everybody is welcome in our community and acknowledged for who they are and respected for that,” Krystal says. “We welcome everyone to come in and see how special it is in Nulsen because there’s a lot that’s great about our school, you’ve just got to step inside to see it.”

Nulsen Primary is always on the lookout for community members – whether they have an affiliation with the school or not – to lend a hand with its various events and programs. Nulsen Readers is no exception, with a greater number of volunteers needed to help keep the program running. The commitment is minimal, with volunteers required for as little as half-an-hour a week, but in that short space of time, readers will be provided what Sharon describes as an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. “If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to become more involved in the community, this is an excellent opportunity to make a difference through the children who represent our future,” Sharon says. “Each student is very special and they never fail to surprise me, making all the effort completely worth it.”

B ECOME A N ULSEN R EADER

To join Nulsen Readers, you need nothing more than a spare half-an-hour one afternoon a week and a Working With Children Check. For further information about the program, as well as other ways you can volunteer at Nulsen Primary School, call 9076 3800 or email nulsen.ps@education.wa.edu.au.

Alba Grimmer-Lillo with reader Hannah Siemer

Council Connections

Review of Trading in Public Places

Council reviewed the Trading in Public Places Policy at the March OCM. Policies adopted by Council are required to undergo regular and timely reviews. The Trading in Public Places Policy was last reviewed in April 2021 and it was considered pertinent to review it especially with respect to the learnings of the Small Business Friendly Program. Council adopted the recommended changes to the Policy which include allowing a trader to use parking bays where authorised; excluding the 300m separation between food vendors within Reserve 27318 (the foreshore), and amending fixed locations to include the foreshore to assist in activation of the site.

Local Government Elections 2023

Council appointed the Western Australian Electoral Commission to hold a postal election for the Shire of Esperance Council Elections on 21 October 2023. This year there will be a minimum of five councillor seats open for election, due to terms expiring. Approximately 9,850 electors will have the chance to cast their vote as ballot papers get delivered directly to their postal address. The Minister for Local Government also approved recommendations from the recent Ward and Representation Review. Town and Rural Ward boundaries will be amended, and the Town Ward representation will be reduced to six seats to make a position for the new, popular elected Shire President.

Public Question Time

During the OCM, time is set aside for members of the public to ask Council questions or to make a public address or deputation on a particular topic. All members of the community have a legislative right to take part in this, and the Council encourages public participation. A verbal response will be provided at the meeting or if the Council chooses to take the question on notice, a written response will be provided later. A summary of each question raised by members of the public at the meeting and a summary of the response to the question will be included in the minutes of that meeting in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995.

Information Bulletin – March 2023

The monthly Information Bulletin is an in depth look into the management of Shire projects, facilities and services. Read about road works that have happened over the past month and building applications approved. Updates on Council Plan actions are also noted. The Council Plan: Our Plan for the Future is available at esperance.wa.gov.au/esperance-council-plan-2022-2032.

COMMUNITY

Grass Patch Yabby Classic

SAT 1 APR @ 1PM

GRASS PATCH HALL

Bush Blitz Discovery Day

SUN 2 APR @ 10AM

ESPERANCE SCOUT HALL

Learn more about local flora and fauna and meet Bush Blitz scientists from the Western Australian Museum, Herbarium and other institutions, who will undertake biodiversity surveys in the region.

LBB Quiz Night

THU 20 APR @ 6PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Text teams of six to 0429 777 714.

Tour de Esperance

APRIL 22 & 23

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Find further information on Facebook.

Our monthly arts & culture guide brought to you by:

LIVE MUSIC

Dylan & Laura Petrie

FRI 31 MAR @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

ENTERTAINMENT

Celtic Illusion Reimagined

SAT 1 APR @ 7:30PM

ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE

Tickets $89 • auecc.sales.ticketsearch.com

Celtic Illusion combines a fusion of contemporary Irish dance and music with grand scale illusions. Watch the stage come alive as champion dancers effortlessly grace the stage, moving as one, creating thunderous rhythms that will leave you unable to sit still!

A Butler Did It!

APRIL 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 @ 7:30PM

THE BIJOU THEATRE

Tickets from $20 • thebijoutheatre.org.au

A.B. Facey’s A Fortunate Life

WED 19 APR @ 7PM

ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE

Tickets from $17.50 • auecc.sales.ticketsearch.com

A striking collaboration between artists of stage and screen honours the trials and triumphs of extraordinary everyman A.B. Facey, whose award-winning Australian classic autobiography, A Fortunate Life, has been adapted for theatrical presentation by THEATRE 180 and CinemaStage.

The Alphabet of Awesome Science

THU 27 APR @ 10AM & 5PM

ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE

Tickets from $16.00 • auecc.sales.ticketsearch.com

Salubrious Sunday

SUN 2 APR @ 4PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Southern Edge

FRI 7 APR @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Open Mic Night

FRI 7 APR @ 5:30PM

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

Easter Saturday Live Music

SAT 8 APR @ 4PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Bottom Of The Barrel

SUN 9 APR @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Bec Schutz

FRI 14 APR @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Steve West & The Latitude

SUN 16 APR @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Savanah Solomon

FRI 21 APR @ 5PM & SUN 23 APR @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Tom Clark and Matt George

FRI 28 APR @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Josh Bryant

SUN 30 APR @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

MARKETS

Esperance Growers & Artisans Market

SAT 1, 15 & 29 APR @ 9AM

SCOUT HALL

Museum Village Markets

SUN 9 & 23 APRIL @ 8:30AM

ESPERANCE MUSEUM VILLAGE

WORKSHOPS

Sewing & Textile with Rosalie Boland

VARIOUS DATES

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

Book online at canneryartscentre.com.au

Storytelling with Michelle Vallejos

VARIOUS DATES

ESPERANCE COMMUNITY ARTS

Book via email at admin@ esperancecommunityarts.org.au

EXHIBITIONS

Sixteen

Legs

ENDS APRIL 23

THE BRIDGE

February and March have been a whirlwind, bouncing between shows on the road with Grand Casual, recording, and multiple ticketed and free events. It's unsurprising that I’ve been experiencing a level of burnout. Across the last fortnight I’ve felt anxious and zapped for energy and motivation. During these periods where I struggle to find downtime, particularly if there is a good deal of travel involved, I’m quick to set aside the activities that support my mental health, like exercise, eating well, and catching up with close friends for a coffee. My experience tells me that maintaining these activities is as important as speaking to a counsellor or utilising the correct prescription medication in the management of mental health. Another element I struggle with as a small business owner is learning when to say no to work enquiries. Sometimes we are simply not in a position to take on all and everything that is thrown at us. Saying no in

this situation can be difficult, though it is an essential skill to develop.

There are a lot of cool musical happenings on the horizon, kicked off by the Cannery Arts Centre’s Open Mic, falling on Good Friday (April 7) at 5:30pm. It’s free entry and supported by Mineral Resources Limited. Your Easter weekend gains pace with a quality evening of tunes at Lucky Bay Brewing featuring Josh Bryant, Kyza and local DJ, TLC. Round out a brilliant weekend with live music at The Museum Village Markets on April 9, supported by the Shire of Esperance, and a rowdy Sunday afternoon at Lucky Bay Brewing with Bottom of the Barrel. For more April info, head across to www.kyzapresents.com. My focus now turns to programming the Club 75 series through winter, releasing music with Grand Casual, and the slow and steady coordination of Balmy Nights. A little downtime is looking amazing.

KYRON SMITHSON, KYZA PRESENTS

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE Truly

A snap of the crowd at South Side Of Summer at Lucky Bay Brewing on March 11. Credit: @wetlipsimagery

Tickets | Shire Administration | Esperance Library | Visitor Centre |

Jack Welke

Jack Welke is sculptor who has recently had his work on display in Cottesloe’s prestigious public exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea. The giant metal Golden Ghost Crab took around 1000 hours to design and build, with Jack working on the piece after work several nights a week over a two-year period. A farmer, Jack attributes his metal work skills to welding and building agricultural equipment in the farm workshop.

Firstly, tell us what you create!

I make metal sculptures based on animals. I like to use shapes to create a shell-like structure, predominantly with triangles. My most recent sculpture was based on the beach-dwelling crustacean, the Golden Ghost Crab. I wanted to make a stripped back version that really emphasised the crab’s ruggedness.

Were you an artsy kid?

I enjoyed drawing and design in high school but then I focused on farming, so I hadn’t further explored my artistic side. I discovered a new interest in art over the past four years while creating metal sculptures.

What inspired this piece?

It’s based on a Golden Ghost Crab that I spotted while on a camping trip in Coral Bay. The species is found only along the coast of

Western Australia, between Perth and Broome. They are extremely fast on sand (in fact they are the fastest crab species on earth) and in combination with being predominantly nocturnal, they often evade observation. While swimming in Coral Bay many years ago, I came across one in the water and was able to pick it up. I remember thinking at the time that it was the most impressive crab that I had ever seen.

A two-year creation process sounds arduous…

Each angle had a corresponding mirrored angle (except for the claws), and the challenge was getting them to match perfectly. Some nights felt as though I was spending more time taking pieces off than putting new ones on because the symmetry got out of whack. I learnt fairly early on that patience saved a lot of time.

Was it always your intention to enter the piece in Sculpture by the Sea?

Not initially, but once I saw it taking shape I decided to give it a crack!

It’s an amazing feeling to have had my piece in Sculpture by the Sea. The exposure has been incredible and I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity. Sculpture by the Sea was my first time exhibiting, and I’m hopeful I can get the opportunity again.

Now this project is over, what’s next?

I haven’t decided yet but something ocean related.

When you’re not sculpting, what can we find you doing?

When I’m not sculpting I’m doing a wide array of farm activities. Next up will be seeding, which we will start on shortly. When I’m not at work I like to get outdoors camping and exploring, as well as play a bit of tennis and footy.

Lastly, tell us where we can find your work!

You can find my work through my Instagram, @jack_welke_

Artist in Residence: Rosalie Boland

Mixed-media textile artist Rosalie Boland is the Cannery Arts Centre’s current Artist in Residence, in Esperance to share her intricate textiles skills with the community. Rosalie has been in town since March, running a variety of sewing workshops at the Cannery. She will continue to offer her expertise to beginner and experienced sewers alike until April 20.

After fostering an early love for textiles in high school, Rosalie studied Applied Fashion Design and Technology, Screen Printing, and Digital Design for Textile at TAFE, before completing a Bachelor of Dramatic Art in Costume at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. Since graduating, Rosalie’s career has seen her work with the likes of Lady Gaga, the Australian Ballet, Netflix, Amazon, and Disney. Rosalie is deeply passionate about sharing her knowledge, with gatherings and workshops an integral part of her creative practice.

Rosalie’s upcoming workshops at the Cannery are varied and cover all skill levels, from beginners with no tools to advanced makers looking to grow their skill set. Rosalie says she can’t wait to see what participants bring in to make, fix, or repurpose in her classes. “I would encourage anyone who has a project in the back of their mind to take this opportunity to gain some confidence and momentum with it, or start learning the skills required to get it off the ground,” Rosalie says. “With any luck, this could be the starting point for a lot of people’s creative projects and become a lifelong practice.”

SEW WITH ROSALIE

This is Rosalie’s first time in Esperance. Having heard great things, she was eager to arrive and experience the town and its surrounds for herself. Outside of her residency at the Cannery, Rosalie has spent time exploring the beaches and learning to sail. “The Esperance Bay Yacht Club have been exceptionally welcoming of me,” she says. “I spend every Saturday out on the water with the talented racing teams, which is a highlight of my travels.”

There hasn’t been a dull moment during her time here, according to Rosalie. “I’m endlessly grateful for the opportunities and generosity the town of Esperance has offered me,” she says. “It definitely makes it hard to leave!”

Rosalie’s workshops run at the Cannery Arts Centre until April 20. For further information, visit www.canneryartscentre.com.au.

HANNAH SIEMER

Artist in Residence, Rosalie Boland. Credit: Sarsby Martin.

FIVE MINUTES WITH

Laura Petrie

KYRON SMITHSON

Laura Petrie has been based in Esperance for a number of years now. Laura is an exceptional performer having honed her live delivery across multiple events, including many sets at Lucky Bay Brewing, and some memorable performances at the Cannery Arts Centre, most recently opening Balmy Nights 2022. She’s a truly honest artist, who leads with pure vocal tones and the lush sound of her Cole Clark acoustic guitar. Original compositions have been a major focus over the past year with Laura’s repertoire expanding substantially. Her lyrics are down to earth and openly portray the ups and downs of life that are common to all of us. Her style leans towards that of classic folk country, perfectly suited to a casual Sunday afternoon accompanied by good food, friends, and family.

Thanks so much for joining us here at Esperance Tide. I thought I'd begin by asking what you feel has been the key motivator behind your recent flurry of songwriting?

My songwriting has taken shape more recently I guess with a combination of things. A big influence, being the first wave of my songwriting, was losing my mum. She always played music and taught me how to play. She was my biggest fan, so writing has been dedicated to her. The hardships over the past few years during the pandemic brought a newfound admiration for self expression and finding time to do the things you love. The challenges of raising good humans has given me words to express, too.

Do you feel your writing style or technique has evolved over the past 12 months?

I have discovered how to compose songs less cumbersome than before, making the process easier to write. I think my style is evolving but sometimes I feel they sound too similar!

Key influences on the way you write?

My struggles and what I feel passionate about.

Do you have advice for artists who are struggling to write new music?

I really don't think I have any advice, but what helped me was making more time to play, having a pen and paper, recording a tune, then making up words over it.

Do you plan on recording some of your original tracks down the line?

I do! I would love to, and not necessarily for the fame and fortune, but just to have better copies of my songs than recordings on my phone.

Who are you currently listening to?

It's always a range of artists, depending on my mood. But Gregory A Isakov, Lewis Capaldi, Mumford & Sons, Audioslave, Ben Howard, Coldplay, Eddie Vedder, and so many more.

Would you expand your live act beyond solo in the future? If so, which instruments do you feel would be suited?

I would love someone to play guitar and perhaps percussion and sing harmonies.

Favourite meal in Esperance?

I love the garlic bread at the Brewery, and the scrambled miso eggs at Cloud 11.

Do you have a favourite Esperance beach?

This constantly changes, but during the summer it's Salmon Beach and in winter it's Observation or any of the ‘Mile’ beaches.

C ATCH L AURA LIVE

Laura is set to perform on Easter Sunday at The Museum Village Markets alongside Kyza and Olivia Pokela. Make sure to head along.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: JONTY SCOBLE

Skate on Ice in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Take a trip to Kalgoorlie-Boulder for an unforgettable experience these school holidays, with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s latest Pop-up Project, Outback on Ice. The event is set to transform the outback city, with the installation of a giant outdoor ice-skating rink complete with penguin skating aids, music, and specialised sessions.

Outback on Ice is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it the perfect day out for families, friends, and solo adventurers. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a first timer, there is a session to suit everyone. For the youngest visitors, toddler sessions allow parents to introduce their little ones to the joys of ice skating in a safe and supportive environment. Staff will be on hand to assist and guide both parents and children as they take their first steps onto the ice. For those requiring a bit of extra support on the ice, support aid ‘penguins’ are available for hire at $5 each. For the more confident skaters looking to hone their skills, the daily sessions are the perfect opportunity to perfect your technique.

The planned sensory sessions provide a quieter and less crowded session for children, adults, and families with sensory needs. Making sure everyone can enjoy the event is a priority for the City, who continue to plan events in a way that is inclusive and accessible. In these sessions, the maximum number of skaters on the ice at any one time is reduced and companions can enter free of charge (a companion card must be shown on arrival).

Get your phone out and call the babysitter because it’s not just the kids that get to have all the fun. Adults will also get their turn to have fun on the ice, while enjoying a live DJ and a pop-up bar, with drinks by Lucky Bay Brewing and Esperance Distillery Co. The 18+ adults-only sessions are guaranteed to be a fun night out.

The City is proud to be featured as the launch location for this year’s WA Youth Week celebrations, with youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years invited to enjoy an evening of fun on the ice. The youth session will feature extra activities, a DJ, and food trucks.

Of course, no outing is complete without indulging in delicious food and drinks. The opening and closing weekends of Outback on Ice will have a range of food trucks serving tasty treats and refreshing drinks, perfect for refuelling after a session on the ice.

The grand finale closing weekend will feature an exciting range of additional free entertainment and activities for the whole family. Experience feeding farm animals, playing nine-hole mini golf, having your caricature sketched in just a few minutes, having your face painted, going go-kart racing, and much more!

Tickets for Outback on Ice are $15 per child (3 to 17 years) and $20 per adult (18 and above). The fee includes skate hire and skating aids are available for an additional $5. A 15 per cent discount will be given to group bookings of five tickets or more. Pre-booking is encouraged, with on-the-day sales at the event only available pending availability.

To book, visit the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder website event page www.ckb.wa.gov.au/popup , click ‘Book Now’, and select your preferred session. Printed or electronic tickets can be presented. Join in the fun for this truly unique experience that combines the breathtaking beauty of the golden outback with the thrill of ice-skating.

While you’re in Kalgoorlie, head to the KalgoorlieBoulder Visitors Centre for all the latest information on local tours and other events and attractions happening in the City. The Boulder Town Hall and War Museum are packed with fascinating information, as is the WA Museum, and Hannan’s North Tourist Mine. The Goldfields Arts Centre regularly hosts shows and gallery exhibitions, or you may want to enjoy the local wildlife and natural surroundings at Hammond Park and Karlkurla Bushland Park.

D ISCOVER WHAT ’ S HAPPENING IN KBC!

Outback on Ice will be held from April 15 to 23. For more information about other City events and attractions, visit the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder website at www.ckb.wa.gov.au.

Autumn Gardening

WORDS KARLI FLORISSON

April is a wonderful month for gardeners. The days are crisp and still, march flies begin to dissipate, and winter rains are just around the corner. The veggie garden is full of produce and flowers are still in bloom, but – as usual – there is plenty of work to be done. Autumn is the season for pruning and weeding, watering parched soil, and planting in time for the winter growing season. Here in Esperance, we’re lucky to have mild, sunny days in autumn, making it the perfect time to get out into the garden.

Katherine Walkerden is the coordinator of the Cannery Arts Centre’s community garden, Forage. At this time of year, Forage volunteers are busy building extra garden beds, and working on composting and weeding. Katherine says April is a good time to sow seeds for winter veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, broad beans, and snow peas. “We’re also hoping to do some native garden planting around the Cannery after the first rains,” Katherine says. Forage holds its gardening days on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. “We’ve had a really great turnout lately. It’s a fun day, with lots of opportunities to chat and learn.”

Antoinette Vincent of Esperance Farm Trees is also busy at this time of year, with plenty of weeding and other jobs to be done in the garden. With her focus on native plants, Antoinette suggests that gardeners wait until after the first rains to plant any trees or plants that won’t get watered regularly, although natives that will get watered can be planted at any time of year. Her tips for making sure that your native plants get off to a good start include putting gel crystals at the bottom of the hole before planting to keep moisture up to the plant’s roots, and adding a native plant pill for fertiliser. At this time of year, the ground is dry, and Antoinette recommends watering native plants a lot, but not too often. “A good drench once a week will encourage the roots to go deep,” she says.

Not

where to start in your garden? Here

FEED YOUR GARDEN

After a busy summer growing season, your plants will need to be fertilised to keep them looking their best. Use your own compost, or buy a product like dynamic lifter or Seasol. It’s also a good time to fertilise your pot plants.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER

This is a great month to separate any clumping plants like agapanthus, clivia, and daylilies. Ornamental grasses can also be divided if they have outgrown their intended spot in the garden. Replant the extra plants in the empty patches in your garden, or give them to your friends and neighbours.

sure

are some gardening tasks that you can focus on in the month of April.

Gardening

PLANT YOUR WINTER VEGGIES

This is the time of year to get your winter veggies started. Get your potatoes in now! Plant broccoli, leeks, cauliflower, sweet peas, beetroot, broad beans, and winter greens like bok choi and rocket in the autumn to give them a head start for winter. You can also get your garlic and onion beds ready to go, as they need to be planted before winter.

PAMPER YOUR LAWN

Summer can be tough on lawns, so this is a good time of year to give it a little bit of love. It’s a good time to fertilise and aerate your lawn. Lawn growth will slow down in the colder months, so you can leave it longer between mowing, and save water by only watering when necessary.

PLANT SOMETHING NEW

H AIRCUTS ALL ROUND

The lush summer weather and the wet start to the year might have caused your garden to grow like Jack’s beanstalk. This is a good time of year to prune everything back to keep it looking neat for the colder months. Trim your lavender, shape your hedges, and hack your geraniums. Get rid of spent flowers from natives like bottlebrush and grevillea, and remove any flowering annuals that are dying off.

Try putting in some spring-flowering bulbs for a beautiful display of daffodils, hyacinths, or tulips in a few months. Or think about planting herbs that you can use for some extra flavour over winter. Coriander, parsley, thyme, mint, and sage all grow well in the cooler months.

Gardens are infinitely rewarding. Show yours some love this month, and it will reward you right through to the end of the year. Happy gardening!

esperancedistilleryco.com

Check our website for opening hours.

Launched in 2020, Esperance Distillery Co is a small-batch distillery created by a father and son team. By crafting spirits from native botanicals in a custombuilt copper still, Esperance Distillery Co offers a distinctively Western Australian twist on the classics.

Heroes of the Starcevich Family

WORDS KARLI FLORISSON PHOTOGRAPHY AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

When Josip Starcevich emigrated to Australia from Croatia in 1909, he could not have imagined the future that would await him and his family. Josip went to the goldfields, which were booming at the time, where he met a young woman, Gertrude Waters. Gertrude was from Dunkirk, England, and had arrived in Fremantle in 1912. Josip and Gertrude were married in Mount Margaret in 1915, and Josip worked as a miner. In 1924, the family moved to Grass Patch, where they took up land and began the hard task of establishing a farm.

Josip and Gertrude had 10 children, eight boys and two girls. The children were educated at Rich Meadows School, and the older boys went to work with their father on the farm as soon as they were old enough. As a child, second born son Leslie Thomas, known as Tom, was accidentally shot in the head. The bullet was extracted by an Esperance doctor, and he apparently suffered no ill effects from the event. As the Great Depression took its toll on the region in the 1930s, several of Josip’s sons went to work in the mines near Kalgoorlie, including Tom. At the outbreak of the Second World War, many young men from the Esperance region enlisted in the Australian Armed Forces. Five of Josip’s sons, Joe, Tom, Ivan, George, and Arthur (known as Bob), signed up to serve in the army.

Oldest son Joe was taken prisoner after the surrender of Singapore in 1942. He endured harsh conditions

and forced labour camps, and was held in Nagasaki for a time. In a twist of fate, Joe avoided the atomic bombing of Nagasaki as he was hospitalised 30 miles out of the city after breaking his leg when a coal mine that he was working in collapsed. Joe’s leg was set without anaesthetic or antibiotics by an American doctor who was also a prisoner of war, and who used the only metal pin available, a bicycle spoke. Miraculously, Joe survived the war, although he would have lifelong trouble with the leg that had been broken.

Tom Starcevich served in North Africa and in July 1942, he was wounded in the thigh in a battle in El Alamein, Egypt. Later, Tom was sent to New Guinea, where he saw action. In 1945, Tom’s Battalion, the 2/43rd, was sent to North Borneo. At one point, the Battalion was approaching when they met with nests of enemy gunners. The leading

section of the Battalion came under fire and suffered casualties. Tom, a Bren gunner, rushed towards the enemy posts, firing his gun from the hip, without regard for his own life. On this, and another occasion, Tom was responsible for destroying four enemy machine gun posts. Incredibly, he was not injured during this action. For his bravery, Tom was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for bravery in the Australian Armed Forces. Of his brave actions, Tom stated, “I was the leading Bren gunner. I just did what anybody else would have done, just doing my job.”

Ivan, George, and Bob also served in various capacities during the war. Ivan was stationed in Darwin when it was bombed by Japanese forces. Later, a further two of Josip and Gertrude’s sons, David and Stan, served in the Korean War, and several of their grandchildren also served. Not to be outdone by

his children, Josip also served in the Australian Army Volunteer Defence Corps during the Second World War. According to one record, 13 members of the Starcevich family served in the Australian Army in various conflicts and, amazingly, all 13 returned home.

Tom Starcevich was officially awarded with his Victoria Cross at a ceremony at Government House in Perth, which he attended with his mother, Gertrude. After this, he lived for a time in Perth, where he worked as a car salesman selling Holdens for several years. He married Kathleen Warr, and the couple had three children. Later, Tom and his brother Joe took up a 4300 acre block of land at Carnamah under the Returned Soldier Settlement Scheme. They farmed together for many years. Later in life, Tom retired to a small farm at Grass Patch. In 1986, Tom and his digger mate Mick Tilby took a trip around Australia in a historic Silver Wraith Rolls Royce, equipped with all kinds of luxuries, including a television and a cocktail bar, visiting their army mates.

Tom Starcevich died in 1989, at the age of 71. He was buried with full military honours in the Esperance cemetery. He is commemorated with a monument in Borneo, and the Tom Starcevich VC Memorial Park in Canberra. In 1995, a bronze statue was unveiled in Grass Patch, commemorating Tom Starcevich and other veterans from the Mallee who served in the armed forces. In 1997, the Grass Patch Pioneer Memorial was unveiled, commemorating the hard work of people such as Josip and Gertrude Starcevich, and the others who opened up the area for farming.

On Anzac Day, the Esperance RSL and wider community will honour Tom, Joe, and the other brave men and women from our region who served in the Australian Armed Services throughout our community’s history.

VERGE SIDE BULK WASTE COLLECTION

Tom Starcevich

Tom Starcevich (far right) in North Borneo

Aries MAR 20 - APR 19

There are no quick fixes when it comes to health, so whatever bandwagon you’re currently travelling on, jump off. No pill, diet, or new fandangled exercise regime is going to cure the ailment you’re looking to heal. Improve your wellbeing this month by getting back to basics. Breathe fresh air, stock up on fruit and veg at the Esperance Growers Markets, and squeeze in as much sleep as possible.

Taurus APR 20 - MAY 20

With an abundance of holidays, April is a busy month. No matter what’s on your plate this month, ensure you make time for your partner. Schedule one-on-one time to reconnect. Don’t plan anything crazy – a tech-free day gardening, at the Duke, or simply lounging around is all you need to rekindle a spark. Single? Challenge yourself to get off the apps and meet someone in the real world.

Gemini MAY 21 - JUN 20

The reason you’ve been butting heads with a friend recently is a little more personal than you think. They’re probably just jealous that you’re so damn fabulous. It's imperative not to let your ego take hold as hairtrigger reactions may only add fuel to the fire. You must use diplomacy and shrewdness to get to the heart of what's going on. Take them out for a beer, lay your cards on the table, and clear the air.

Cancer JUN 21 - JUL 22

Routine is great but it’s fun to shake things up every now and then. You’re feeling heavy from the monotony of life and the best way to lighten up is to do something crazy. It doesn’t have to be anything major. If you want to throw the towel in at your boring job, great! But if you just feel like ripping your clothes off and jumping in the water at 10 Mile, that’s probably all you need to feel invigorated.

Leo JUL 23 - AUG 22

Forgiveness should be front of mind this month. A falling out with a loved one a while back has weighed heavy on you for too long, so be proactive in repairing the relationship. Let go of your ego and be the first one to take a step towards reconciliation. If talking is too hard at this stage, break the ice with a simple gesture, like leaving a box of Bread Local brownies on their doorstep.

Virgo AUG 23 - SEP 22

The time is right to focus on your mental health. A disagreement with someone close to you will have you on the verge of tears this month. Don’t let it get you down. Focus on putting yourself first by doing things that are good for your mind and soul, like meditation, yoga, and gentle walking, or have some fun with a Spin class at the Leisure Centre, or a beer with mates at the Brewery.

Libra SEP 23 - OCT 22

Family can be hard work at times and the last few months have been testing. If you’ve been finding it hard to communicate effectively with someone recently, try sitting them down for a heart to heart this month. Get whatever you need off your chest and find yourself surprised by the response you receive. It’s tricky taking that first step but if you don’t, you’ll never complete the journey.

Scorpio OCT 23 - NOV 21

The pace picks up this month but you’ll have the energy to match. You’re relatively relaxed about a big project looming on the horizon. It’s something you’d normally be daunted by but you’re ready to face it head on. For an extra boost, up your mental and physical wellbeing routine over the next few weeks. Get stuck into the celery juice, lay off the booze over Easter, and aim for eight hours of shut eye at night.

Sagittarius NOV 22 - DEC 21

Reconnect with your loved ones, especially those you're intimate with. You're restless but at the same time, want to accommodate the needs of others. If you’re not shacked up, be cautious of anyone casting their eye your way. Don't waste valuable time on people who don't have your best interests at heart. You’re better off staying in, putting your thinking cap on, and planning your life for the coming months.

Capricorn

DEC 22 - JAN 20

You should be hyped about your love life this month. Take your lover to Lover’s Cove and spoil them with strawberries and a bottle of bubbly. If you’re single, own it! Work the room at that party you’re invited to, and don’t be afraid to be on the front foot with anyone who catches your attention. Make the most of this romantic energy because you could be back to tracky daks and Chinese before you know it.

Aquarius

JAN 20 - FEB 17

You just get on top of a pile of bills when the postman delivers another bundle. Take extra care of yourself at this time. Cost of living stresses affect your wellbeing as much as your bank balance. Treat yourself in budget-friendly ways this month. Do a YouTube yoga sesh, bake yourself a goozy cake using pantry staples, or mix up a homemade facemask and lay in the bath with a glass of cheap plonk.

Pisces FEB 18 - MAR 19

Pursue your creative impulses while breaking free of the same old ways of expressing yourself. Reach out to friends who can help you grow, then watch how much you learn about yourself. You suddenly want to express yourself in ways that uplift others, give off good vibes, and make people smile. A deep connection with others will see you make a positive change at work, home, or school.

TIDE KITCHEN

Cheesecake Easter Eggs

RECIPE LAUREN BENEFER

The perfect Easter gift to make your loved ones (or just keep it for yourself)!

TOPPINGS

Ingredients

1 large Easter egg

100g Lotus biscuits

25g unsalted butter, melted

345g cream cheese

50g caster sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp Baileys (omit for a kid-friendly version)

200g thickened cream

Method

Go wild! Mini eggs, bunnies, creme eggs, grated chocolate… Anything Easterrelated!

DIRECTORS

MT BURDETT FOUNDATION PTY LTD

The Mt Burdett Foundation is seeking to appoint three additional directors to the board that oversees all the operations of the Foundation.

The Foundation was established by Esperance farmer Chris Reichstein in 2020. The vision of the Foundation is “that by investing strategically in new initiatives we can create a vibrant community to ensure a healthy future for the Esperance region and rural and regional Western Australia.”

The Foundation is made up of three elements with recommendations provided by advisory committees:

• The Mt Burdett Esperance Community Foundation

• The Rural and Regional Foundation

• The Mt Burdett Farming Trust

The Foundation is seeking directors with a range of skills and experience including:

• Skills aligned to the priorities of the Foundation:

• Healthcare

• Arts and public amenity

• Education

• Youth

• Human capacity building

1. Carefully cut the egg in half using a sharp knife. Set aside on a tray.

2. Crush the biscuits using a food processor or the good old fashioned way, in a zip lock bag with a rolling pin. Stir in the butter. The mixture should resemble wet sand.

3. Divide the mixture evenly between the egg halves and gently press with the back of a spoon. Chill the egg in the fridge while you make the filling.

4. In a bowl, whisk the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla essence, and Baileys (if using) until smooth (a hand blender is pretty useful here).

5. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into the cream cheese mixture carefully.

6. Divide the mixture between the egg halves and smooth with the back of a spoon or a small spatula. Chill in the fridge for at least two hours, preferably overnight.

7. Pile it up with toppings and enjoy the sugar rush that follows!

• Farming and Agribusiness

• Corporate governance

• Finance

If you are looking to make a di erence to your community please consider applying. The positions are voluntary and the expected time commitment is up to ½ day per month. Further details of the Foundation are available on the website:

https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/ Applications close: 12th May 2023 @ 5pm

Please email a brief resume to:

executiveo cer@mtburdettfoundation.org.au

Applicants seeking further details, please contact:

Dr Bill Ryan, Director of Mt Burdett Foundation Pty Ltd

Email: wryan@iinet.net.au

Ph: 0409 791 997

BUSH BANTER

Sugar Gum Deaths

Have you noticed any sugar gums ( Eucalyptus cladocalyx ) dying around town recently? This was a hot topic in Esperance recently, with many concerned residents contacting me to ask if I had suggestions as to why they were dying, and what could be done. The reality of determining why mass plant deaths are occurring is more complex than meets the eye. Numerous causes could be present, such as a plant pathogen, insect plague, drought, dryland salinity, or simply age. And to work these out with so many moving environmental variables requires careful scientific analysis. Given the very sudden deaths occurring to almost exclusively sugar gums, my bet is that it’s likely linked to a very specific biological threat, either a pathogen or insect.

So, if you’ve noticed the sugar gum deaths on your property, what can be done? Connect to the communities that are also concerned, like DPIRD, the Shire, SCNRM, and your neighbors. Also report it on the MyPest app. Together, a conversation will generate awareness about the issue and

we can begin to work out what’s occurring. Is it hydrological change? Is it Armillaria , a root rot? Is it Phytophthorra dieback ? Once we know what it is, we can work out how to treat it.

What can we do to prevent a new outbreak affecting our natural environment or agricultural region? Be conscious of biosecurity. Our agricultural industry is blessed by the protection of isolation and a history of limited pathogen introduction, but in recent times there has been an increased focus on biosecurity following scares of Foot and Mouth Disease and the Russian Wheat Aphid. Environmentally, we are ever conscious of Phytophthorra cinnamomi dieback affecting our beautiful banksias. But the threat of something new being introduced is always present, and prevention is the best cure. Consider the ‘keep clean’ principle when coming home from somewhere, checking shoes, camper vans, wheels, and camping equipment before you get back. Chat with tourists to make sure they’re keeping clean too!

KATIE WHITE - CALADENIA CO.

BUSH BANTER IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY VALANNE FOUNDATION

“Continuing the family tradition of giving back to the community”

01 Ports Football Club painted a tree blue at the Greater Sports Ground on March 26, to raise awareness of mental health issues. The Blue Tree Project is a WA-based initiative aimed at sparking difficult conversations and encouraging people to speak up when battling mental health concerns. Ports’ contribution to the project will be highly visible, with the tree able to be seen from Harbour Road, as well as those visiting the grounds to play sport and attend the Esperance Show.

02 Soviet Spy took out the $100,000 Freight Lines Group Esperance Cup at Esperance Bay Turf Club on March 5. Trained by Adam Durrant and ridden by William Pike, the great-great-grandson of Phar Lap jockey Jim Pike, the Cup favourite came up from 11th place to push 2022 winner Off Wego, also trained by Durrant, out of first place. Soviet Spy was paying $2.25, while Off Wego was paying $5.50. Durrant had another win earlier in the day, with Bonnie Lad winning race one.

03 A group of cyclists rode the 400-kilometres from Kalgoorlie to Esperance on March 2 and 3, raising money for charity along the way. The inaugural Goldfields Ocean 2 Outback was a fundraiser for WA Police Legacy, an organisation established in 1992 to assist with the welfare of police officers’ families to ensure they are not in want of assistance and support when they lose a loved one. The ride raised $40,000 for the charity.

04 A shark research tag that went missing after it washed up on Munglinup Beach was located in the Perth Hills. Fisheries WA issued a public plea for the return of the tag, which had been used to tag a white shark off Daw Island in the Recherche Archipelago in February last year. Tags remain on sharks for up to 18 months before releasing and floating to the surface. The washed up tag was returned after a member of the public saw Fisheries’ post on Facebook.

MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC ESPERANCE

Sunday 14th May. 8km Run 7:30am or 4km Walk 8:30. Register at www. mothersdayclassic.com.au/ wa-esperance

OLD TIME / NEW VOGUE BALLROOM DANCING

Held at RAOB Hall every Friday, starting at 7pm. All welcomed, with or without a partner and we will teach you if you don’t know the dances. Contact Daryl on 0419370089 or Jan on 0420638851.

TABLE TENNIS PLAYED AT THE SCOUT HALL

Thursday Mornings 9am11.00am. $5.00 each session.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE TIDE

Do you know someone missing out because they don’t live locally? Why not treat them to an Tide subscription for only $5 per month? Head to www. esperancetide.com/subscribe to sign up.

Executive Manager Business and Governance Services

He

Located in the beautiful towns of Albany and Esperance, the South Coast Natural Resource Management (NRM) is a community based, independent, not-for-profit organisation making a real difference in the environmental sector. It works with the community and stakeholders to maintain and improve a healthy and productive environment for the long-term benefit of communities within the South Coast region.

The Executive Manager Business and Governance Services is a newly created role, responsible for corporate governance and financial management as well as related operations and project management

The ideal candidate will have significant business management, finance, and governance experience at a senior level and will be a leader who can influence, negotiate and inspire. They will also have a genuine interest in the protection and restoration of nature, sustainable agriculture, and the advancement of First Nations community. A tertiary qualification and strong political acumen will be essential in addition to demonstrated financial management and budgeting experience.

This 3-year contract offers around $150,000 plus super, negotiable.

To apply please visit www.beilbydt.com.au quoting reference 679238. Please provide a comprehensive resume together with a covering letter of no more than two pages, outlining your motivation in applying and addressing your suitability to the role.

Download an Application Pack: https://beilbydt.com.au/application-packs

For technical queries contact 08 9323 8888. For a confidential discussion, please contact Luke Bayley, CEO at South Coast NRM, on 0427 495 772 or ceo@southcoastnrm.com.au

Applications will close at 4pm AWST on Monday 17 April 2023

www.beilbydt.com.au