February 2021 by Esperance Tide

ISSUE 70

FREE MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: LUCY VINCENT (@LOVECHILDS_)

Brad Willis Your WA Labor candidate for Roe 0477 316 610

agregion@walabor.org.au

Authorised by T. Picton, 3/22 Eastbrook Terrace, East Perth WA 6004.

Well, January flew past at the speed of light and here we are at February already. Christmas and New Year are a distant memory and now we’re all looking toward the Labour Day long weekend and beyond. Someone once told us that time feels like it goes quicker as you get older because every year of your life becomes a smaller portion of your total lifespan. That’s kind of trippy if you mull it over too much but it’s fun to get lost down the rabbit hold sometimes. January was super fun. We kicked it off with fireworks and filled the subsequent days with markets, art exhibitions, live music and one too many Esperance Distillery Co gins. The weather left a lot to be desired but we’re sure this month has some warmer weather in store (our fingers and toes are crossed, anyway). February promises to be just as enjoyable. Culture Pops [p. 21] is bursting at the seams, yet again, so no one has any excuse to be bored.

T IDE GUIDE

T IDE TASTES

5 MIN UT E HISTOR Y

Hidden Gems

2 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

This month, we caught up with Aneta from Condingup Vineyard. Aneta is a qualified winemaker who has honed her craft in Margaret River and the Marlborough region of New Zealand. She returned to her parents’ dormant vineyard a few years ago to kickstart things again and while her and her dad have taken it slow to begin, we see big things happening out there in the near future. Get up to speed on page 4. We also had a cuppa with Danny from Regional Rainbows, a grassroots initiative established to bring greater LGBTQI+ visibility to town. Danny’s a Condy boy now living in Perth, but he’s so passionate about creating a more diverse and inclusive community in Esperance, that he’s set up this project. Look out for Regional Rainbows stickers appearing in local business windows soon. Read all about the initiative on page 10. February has to be one of our fave months of the year because romance is in the air! Yep, Valentine’s Day is upon us yet again and, before you roll your eyes and say something about it being a ‘Hallmark Holiday’, why not use it as an excuse to support a small local business? We’ve put together a gift guide on page 17 so you don’t have to think too hard about what to buy your special someone. And if you don’t know how to spend Valentine’s Day this year, take our quiz on page 30 and let us decide for you! We hope you have a fab Feb. Like a jockey at the Esperance Cup, this month’s a short one, so make the most of it!

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.

Fish & Chips

The Ponton Brothers

REC IPE Cucumber Panzanella

Thank you to our advertisers who make this possible and the 3,000 people who pick up a copy every month. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and play, the Nyungar and Ngadju people, and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

C RE ATI VE D I R EC TO R

ED IT OR IA L

WE ARE ONLINE

Bronte Vincent

Hannah Siemer

/esperancetide

esperancetide.com

bronte@esperancetide.com

hannah@esperancetide.com

@esperancetide

tideandco.com.au

P U BL I S H ER

C ON T R IBU T OR S

Karli Florisson

Esperance Tide

Jackson VIncent

ABN 46 838 497 722

Kyron Smithson

Katie White Lucy Vincent

tagged in town FOLLOW @ESPERANCETIDE ON INSTAGRAM & HASHTAG #ESPERANCETIDE TO BE FEATURED Tide te availab es le fr Tide & om C or onlin o e at

espera

ncetide

@ M A RT IN AC ARREL L O

@ MIKI.KN IGHT

Bloody tourists doing tourist things.

#esperancetide

May 2021 be as bright as the waters in Esperance.

@D A N N Y D E LLA

@ _ _ AMEL IESAN C HEZ

@ PEO PL E_ W HO _ WAN DER

Why climb it when you can just get the shirt?

Coffee on the beach.

Beach day.

Gentle Dentistry with Your Comfort in Mind SERVICES INCLUDE DENTAL IMPLANTS 8 Dempster St, Esperance 9071 5888

Gentle Dentistry with

3 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

@TAY L A . STEWA R T T

.com

Condingup Vineyard WORDS HANNAH SIEMER

P H OT O G R A P H Y T H E S E E K E R I M A G E S

There’s something comforting about strolling through the vines of Condingup Vineyard on a hot January morning. Outside the containment of the vineyard, beachgoers fly by on their way to the Duke, just 15 minutes down the road. Inside, however, the call of native birds and rustle of dry summer grass under foot creates a calm serenity. The vines at Condingup Vineyard sat dormant for more than a decade. Then, in 2017, Aneta Creighton returned to her roots to re-establish what her parents started. Teaming up with her dad, Jim, the pair began tinkering away at the 25-year-old vines, slowly trimming, pruning and picking with the help of family, friends and neighbours. While the pace has picked up over the last year or so, the father-daughter duo is in no rush. “Dad and I are both perfectionists,” Aneta admits. “We wanted to make sure the product was really good before we went ahead with it, so it’s probably taken more time than it needed to.” The vineyard and adjoining winery have a strong sense of authenticity. It’s clear that a passion for the process and the product is what drives the operation. Located 67-kilometres from Esperance, Condingup Vineyard is the most easterly vineyard in Western Australia. It’s an isolated operation. Surrounded by mostly broadacre farms, Condingup Vineyard is the only winery in the region. As such, everything is done onsite. Unlike small wineries in larger winemaking regions, Aneta and Jim don’t have the luxury of outsourcing labour-intensive parts of the production process. Instead, every part of this process is done by hand, from pruning, trimming and picking, to bottling and labelling. Aneta has even designed the labels herself, using digital illustrations from her own paintings of birds that call the vineyard home. While doing everything onsite is tough work, Aneta says it allows for greater control over the processes,

resulting in a higher quality product. “We’re only a small vineyard but when you’re doing everything by hand it feels quite big,” she says. “But we’ve had family and people from within the community help out along the way, and we’ve found it works quite well.” Although Condingup Vineyard is the only vineyard for hundreds of kilometres, conditions in the region are ripe for growing grapes. Jim and his wife Christine planted the first vines on their property 25 years ago. Tired of sheep farming, Jim began to research other uses for the land. He came across a study from the 1960s suggesting the South East region could be ideal for growing particular grape varieties, with the warm and arid terrain similar to that in Portugal and Spain. Inspired, Jim didn’t just teach himself how to grow grapes but how to make wine too, and in the 1990s, Condingup Vineyard was launched. Jim and Christine ran a successful operation into the early 2000s with Jim taking care of the vines and the winemaking, and Christine managing the cellar door. However, in 2009, Christine was diagnosed with cancer. Operations at Condingup Vineyard ceased, and the vines were left to fend for themselves. Sadly, Christine passed away in 2015. Aneta says grapevines are tough and with some heavy trimming, her and Jim were able to get them back to the basic structure required for good production. Today, eight varieties are grown across 12-acres of vines, predominantly of Portuguese and Spanish origin, just as the study recommended. With a comparatively drier and warmer growing season than their peers in the Great Southern and Southwest, Condingup Vineyard steers away from the more conventional varieties coming out of those regions, focussing instead on growing what is best suited to the climate. Taking a localised approach to winemaking results in varieties not often seen in Australian wines, such as Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cão, both reds. ⟶

5 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

H OMEGR OWN

While Aneta is now a passionate winemaker with a wealth of knowledge, she didn’t always see herself ending up back on the land. After graduating high school, Aneta spent a year in Japan on exchange, sparking her obsession with the country. She then went on to complete a degree in Japanese Language at university, before heading back to Japan to live and work. In 2011, Aneta was holidaying in Australia when the Fukushima nuclear disaster happened. “I thought it’d be better to be somewhere other than Japan for a while, so I came home to give Dad a hand,” she says. “I remember thinking that I never used to be interested in [winemaking] and then suddenly I found it fascinating.” Aneta was soon back studying, undertaking a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Curtin University. After finishing her degree, Aneta worked for several well-known labels in Australia and New Zealand, including Devil’s Lair, Stella Bella and Matua. She returned to Esperance in 2017 after floating the idea of re-establishing Condingup Vineyard with her dad. “I thought, we’ve got all this beautiful vineyard, maybe we should give it another crack,” she says. “Dad was keen so that’s what we’ve been doing ever since.” Over the last three years, production has grown steadily. Their first batch contained just 900 bottles but recently, they processed 2000 bottles of Shiraz and the same of Chenin Blanc. Their short-term goal is to produce enough to supply local restaurants and bottle shops, something which can’t be done while batches are so small. “I think it’ll be a few years before we’re in full production,” Aneta says. “There’s still a lot of room to grow but we’re slowly getting there.”

W he re to find The Condingup Vineyard cellar door – lovingly constructed by Jim and his sons using siltstone handpicked from a nearby farm – is open by appointment only. To arrange a visit and tasting, contact Aneta through the Condingup Vineyard website, www.condingupvineyard.com. You can also find them on Instagram, @condingupvineyard.

DAVID DWYER LIBERAL FOR ROE I am passionate and committed to representing Esperance and the Great Southern to be an effective member of Parliament for the benefit of the region and communities throughout. I know how to get things done!

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Shark Mitigation – tag and release to keep our beaches safe Sporting Club Infrastructure Funding Tourism Industry Development Rural Sector Drought relief measures Royalties for Regions – infrastructure and economic development

STANDING UP FOR YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY PO Box 938 Esperance WA 6450

0482 620 234

david.dwyer@waliberal.org.au

Authorised by S.Calabrese, Liberal Party, 2/12 Parliament Place, West Perth WA 6005.

daviddwyer.com.au

David4Roe

TIDE GUIDE

Hidden Gems of Esperance This town has a long list of hidden gems... Here are just a few we are willing to share. Body Pulse Pilates. Credit: Josh Ball

BABE Boutique Op-shopping is great for both your wallet and the environment but not everyone has time to sift through rack after rack of pre-loved clothing, pulling out the occasional piece to wonder, “Can I pull this off?” That’s where Born Again Boutique (AKA BABE Boutique) comes in. Located inside Esperance Care Services, BABE Boutique is a carefully curated collection of donated goods. Much of the clothing in the boutique is brand name, vintage, retro or one-off, and mostly brand new with tags or in great second-hand condition. The boutique also stocks specialty household items and collectables. Keep up to date with BABE Boutique by following them on Insta - @forgetmenotbabe

Bread Local Nestled amongst the gum trees just on the edge of town is a secret little bakery that will get your taste buds tingling. Every Friday, Tiff and the Bread Local team turn out some of the best sourdough this side of Oz, in addition to a variety of other breads, sweet baked goods and savoury pastries. You’ll be hard-pressed to find an Esperance local who hasn’t salivated over the thought of the bakery’s sticky fruit buns, brownies, or pork and fennel sausage rolls. If you’ve got time on your side, take a picnic blanket with you and enjoy your purchases on the lush grounds or around the firepit. Pre-order is a must, via www.breadlocal.com.au.

Body Pulse Pilates

CG Pinoy Shop

Pilates instructor Lisa Nicolaisen arrived in Esperance from Perth 12 months ago and quickly found a following. Lisa is an avid believer that Pilates has the ability to free the mind and transform the body. With this in mind, she launched Body Pulse Pilates last month. Body Pulse Pilates offers classes that have been tailored to create strength, flexibility, balance and stability, with the overall goal of promoting health and happiness from the inside out. Set in the Creek House on the lush grounds of Esperance Chalet Village, and with premium equipment provided, Body Pulse Pilates is more than just a Pilates class; it’s a Pilates experience. Bookings are essential, via www.bodypulsepilates.com.

Esperance’s first Asian grocer in a long time... if ever. This place is Aladdin’s cave. Tucked away opposite Museum Village on Dempster Street, you’d be forgiven for not having noticed this gem. CG Pinoy Shop stocks everything but the kitchen sink. Think fresh Asian fruit and veg, curry pastes, spices, fresh and dried noodles, frozen goods, mock meats, and even that exotic-sounding ingredient you haven’t been able to find anywhere else in town. Even if you think you don’t need anything from CG Pinoy Shop, go take a look. We guarantee you’ll walk out with an armful of deliciousness.

BABE Boutique at Esperance Care Services.

Cloud Eleven Coffee + Tea

Sri Lankan Taste

A year or so ago, we would have told you Cloud Eleven Coffee + Tea was a hidden gem. Tucked behind the Express Stationary Shop in what was once the Esperance Express printing press, the newly opened coffee shop felt like an underground operation that only the coolest people knew about. Fast forward to today and Cloud Eleven is anything but a secret. Recently featured by Tourism Australia in a promotion for Esperance, Cloud Eleven has a reputation that exceeds the Shire boundaries. However, those that only ever rush in and out of Cloud Eleven mightn’t know about their cool little laneway. The laneway is the perfect hideaway for those who want to enjoy their coffee in peace or meet a first date without the whole town knowing about it. Find it on the far side of the café.

This gem is well-known to those who frequent the local markets. Sri Lankan Taste are favourites at the Esperance Growers Market and Museum Village Markets, and their homemade roti proves to be a crowd pleaser time and time again. On Mondays, Sri Lankan Taste makes use of the Fish Face kitchen, with Jayani Alexsanderge cooking up her traditional Sri Lankan fare for lunch and dinner. The menu varies from week to week, but Tide faves include eggplant curry and parippu vada (lentil fritters). Pre-order via their Facebook page.

BANKSIA MEDICAL & HEALTH OPEN WEEKDAYS 8:30AM – 5:00PM & SATURDAYS 9AM – 12PM

Dr Graham Jacobs (Full time GP) Dr Aidan Hendry (Full-time GP Registrar) Sharon Southall (Part-time Psychologist Please advise reception if you are unwell with any cold/flu symptoms, or if you have recently travelled interstate, or if you are in quarantine. Call 90711511 or book online

9 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

Bread Local. Credit: Lucy Vincent

Regional Rainbows founder, Danny Della Vedova.

UP NEXT

Regional Rainbows BY HANNAH SIEMER

Returning to his hometown after living in Sydney for four years, Danny Della Vedova noticed a distinct lack of LGBTQI+ visibility in Esperance. Though he understood there is no comparison between Sydney, one of the rainbow capitals of the world, and Esperance, Danny was hopeful he might have seen one or two rainbow flags in town. It made him realise that because the LGBTQI+ community wasn’t visible when he was a child, he found it harder to identify who he was. “I couldn’t be my full authentic self growing up,” Danny says. “It’s only coming back now that I can see that. I didn’t have any role models or anyone in the community that I saw and thought, ‘I’m like that,’ or ‘They’re like me.’” Danny has fond memories of his childhood. Growing up on a farm in Condingup, he describes being surrounded by “beautiful people and beautiful beaches.” From a young age, however, he knew he wouldn’t become a farmer and wrestled with thoughts about whether he would ever marry. “I definitely had a great childhood here, but now that I’m an adult, I can look back and see that there were parts of me that felt a little bit lost or not welcomed, or that I couldn’t express parts of my personality or who I

was,” Danny, now 26, says. He’s eager to create change within the local community and on his quest to do so, Danny has launched Regional Rainbows, an initiative to increase LGBTQI+ visibility in Esperance. The first project for Regional Rainbows is the design and distribution of rainbow stickers to place in the windows of local businesses. It’s a small start, but Danny is hopeful it will be a stepping-stone towards larger, ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives in Esperance. LGBTQI+ youth have drawn the designs for the stickers, which have a local theme, at Headspace Esperance. Graphic designer Jasmine Lewis will bring the designs to life and Member for the Agricultural Region Colin de Grussa is funding the printing. Danny fired off an email to Colin requesting his assistance with Regional Rainbows on a Saturday night late last year. He wasn’t really expecting a response but within a week, Danny and Colin were sitting in a café in Perth discussing the project. Having a close personal connection with a member of the LGBTQI+ community, Colin said he understood the importance of Danny’s mission. “We know that there is a significant number of LGBTQI+ people not just in metropolitan areas but in regional communities, too,” Colin says. “For these people, feeling comfortable in your community and knowing your community supports you is so important.” Colin is not just a politician but also a third generation Neridup farmer. Danny describes having him onboard with a project such as Regional Rainbows as “serendipitous.” But Colin says his job as an MP is to represent everyone in his electorate, whether they vote for him or not.

⟶

11 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

Attitudes towards the LGBTQI+ community have come a long way in recent years, however the mental health statistics of LGBTQI+ people show there is still room for improvement. In 2020, the National LGBTI Health Alliance reported that lesbian, gay and bisexual people aged 16 to 27 were five times more likely to attempt suicide in their lifetime, while transgender people were 11 times more likely. The risk of poor mental health in the LGBTQI+ community is directly related to experiences of stigma, prejudice, discrimination and abuse, purely on the basis on their sexual orientation. In rural and regional areas, these experiences are particularly prevalent. Motivated by this, a grassroots initiative will launch in Esperance this month, aiming to improve the experiences of local LGBTQI+ people.

12 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

U P NEXT

“There’s a diversity of views but at the end of the day, we’re all part of the same community,” he says. “I just want Esperance to be a great place to live and visit, and a place where all people can feel safe.” During the 2016 same-sex marriage postal survey, the Federal electorate of O’Connor, in which Esperance sits, was the least supportive electorate of marriage equality in Western Australia. While 64 per cent of Western Australians said yes to the question, “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?” only 56 per cent of residents in O’Connor agreed. Despite these numbers, Danny is confident that the survey created positive, open and honest conversations about the LGBTQI+ community. He hopes Regional Rainbows continues these conversations and helps to create an accepting and inclusive community. “There will be resistance and there will be people that abstain and don’t want to have that conversation,” he says. “Those are challenges that are paved in front of us with this project, but that’s okay because conversation is how we break down those attitudes and beliefs.”

Once up and running, Danny intends on Regional Rainbows becoming a community-driven initiative. With the help of local LGBTQI+ community members and allies, he plans to establish a Regional Rainbows committee, and potentially an Esperance branch of PFLAG, a national non-profit organisation for family and friends of LGBTQI+ people. But for now, he and Colin are focussing on getting the rainbow stickers printed and into business windows. “This could evolve to something more but we’re starting small,” Danny says. “Hopefully the stickers show there is a space for LGBTQI+ people here and it is inclusive and safe, and there are people who will accept you for who you are.”

Ge t invo lv e d If you’d like to get involved with Regional Rainbows, by placing a sticker in your business window or otherwise, email regionalrainbows@ gmail.com. You can also follow Regional Rainbows on Instagram, @regionalrainbows.

ESPERANCECHALETVILLAGE.COM.AU

(08) 9071 1861 info@esperancechaletvillage.com.au

Summer stock clearance! 10-50% OFF selected items... Shorts and short-sleeved tops Casual shoes • Hats/headwear Beachwear (Funky Trunks) Balmoral Square, 53 The Esplanade WE ARE OPEN Monday to Friday 2.30-5.30pm Saturdays 10-12.30pm

clobberz.com.au

PATRONI OLIVES LOCALLY MADE COLD PRESSED OLIVE OIL Drop in anytime • Phone 08 9076 1101 Lot 7 Fisheries Road, Esperance

WELCOME TO

Museum Village

Located at 54 Dempster Street, Museum Village is a unique shopping destination loved by locals and visitors alike.

Brodeine & Deine

Pink Lily Beauty

Locally designed and loved, Brodeine & Deine’s clothing and swimwear combines easy, light weight fabric, an earth-toned colour pallet and flowing designs which feature a uniquely distinguishable bohemian edge.

Pink Lily Beauty is located in what used to be the Chemist Shop. Book an appointment for a beauty treatment or drop in to browse Pink Lily’s selection of Australian owned and made skincare brands, like Esmi and Skin Juice.

OPENING HOURS SEE INSTAGRAM FOR OPENING HOURS

OPENING HOURS TUES & WED 9AM - 4.30PM THURS & FRI 9AM - 2.45PM SATURDAY 9AM - 1PM

Tide & Co

Naturally Esperance

What used to be the Hospital Matron’s House is now Tide & Co, stocking bespoke local mementos, beach accessories and recycled clothing. It’s also the headquarters of Esperance’s favourite lifestyle publication, Esperance Tide.

Sitting in what was once the Methodist Church, Naturally Esperance stocks an extensive range of eco, chemical-free, health and wellbeing products.

OPENING HOURS MON - FRI 10AM - 4PM SAT 10AM - 1PM & MARKET DAYS

OPENING HOURS MON - FRI 10AM - 4PM SAT 10AM - 1PM & SUNDAY MARKETS

Creators & Makers

Wild Posse

Within the four walls of the old Salmon Gums School is an art collective of local and Australian made art and craft, souvenirs and giftware. Esperance artists Picturesque.by.elodie, Ke’arty, Elaine Fewings and Louise Stewart-Brown.

Wild Posse is a store for mother and child. Once the Police Sergeant’s Headquarters, Wild Posse stocks children’s wear, accessories and recycled clothing, as well as a range for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women.

OPENING HOURS MON - SAT 10AM - 3PM SATURDAY 10AM - 1PM & MARKET DAYS

OPENING HOURS TUES - FRI 10AM - 2PM SAT 9AM - 12PM MARKET DAYS

E.S.P.

The Book Box

With something for everyone, it’s difficult to walk out of E.S.P. empty-handed. Inside the former Sinclair House is a vibrant mix of shoes including Birkenstocks, souvenirs, greeting cards, and more!

Located in the Old Courthouse, The Book Box is a little store with a big personality. Stocking a wide array of genres, The Book Box has a title to suit every age and taste.

OPENING HOURS TUES - FRI 10AM - 4.30PM SAT 10AM - 12.30PM & SUNDAY MARKETS BY APPOINTMENT - PHONE 0415388420

Museum Village Cafe

Museum Village is home to a curated blend of small businesses, each housed within a heritage building.

The perfect place to refuel after perusing the stores, Museum Village Café serves up breakfast and lunch with a whole lotta love. Once the Schoolmaster’s Residence, Museum Village Café is a must for great food and even better coffee. OPENING HOURS MON - SAT FROM 7AM MARKET DAYS

OPENING HOURS MONDAY 10AM - 2PM TUES - THURS 10AM - 4PM FRIDAY 10AM - 3PM SAT 10AM - 12.30PM & MARKET DAYS

February Markets MUSEUM VILLAGE MARKETS

Sunday, February 14 Sunday, February 28

8.30am - 12.30pm 8.30am - 12.30pm

SUNSET MARKETS @ THE VILLAGE

Friday, February 19

5pm - 9pm

TIDE TAS TES

The Search For Esperance’s Best Fish & Chips BY JACKSON VINCENT

Having been away from Esperance for almost two years now, it’s good to be back for a holiday and see that some things have changed while a few things have not. Which seems to be the theme of this fish and chip review my sister Bronte has tasked me with. At first I didn’t know what to do. I mean, how much can one talk about fish and chips? It turns out quite a bit! I love doing these food reviews for the Tide because it's a great excuse to eat out and I scored a Tide t-shirt so in that regard it pays well. Esperance being a port town on the Southern Ocean means that we have always had a strong selection of fish and chip shops that, in my mind, are better than the often more expensive fish and chips in the city. And while Esperance has become a tourist hotspot in recent years, I’m pleased to report that we have not lost our way to the trend with some new and old favourites serving quality take away that is, as they say, “cheap as chips.”

Featuring beautiful blooms, gifts and interior decor, this boutique store offers a wide range of flowers and beautiful home and giftware to entice you!

WE ARE NOW LOCATED AT 94A DEMPSTER STREET WE ARE ONLINE luxefloralandhome.com.au FOLLOW US @luxefloralandhomeco @luxefloralco

TI DE TAS TES

Fish Face

Castletown Fish and Chips has always been Castletown Fish and Chips. Being my old local, this place plays an important role in my history with deep fried seafood. When Rick Capelli took over the establishment a few years ago, this came as good news, as the man seems to turn everything he touches into gold. Keeping the name and the legacy alive, the fish and chip shop still serves large quantities of chips and a wide selection of fresh local fish and seafood. For $12 you can pick up a box of fish and chips that comes with two bits of well crunchy fish and a serving of their delicious chips. And when I say delicious, I say whatever he has done to these chips to make them so damn addictive, keep it up because they have me coming back again and again. Crunchy and well seasoned, they are something special. I pigged out and went for a fisherman's basket for $26, which is a great option to split between two people, however I managed to devour it before I realised what I had done. The crab sticks, squid rings and deep fried prawns were amazing and almost perfectly done. This is a take away only place, so you can head down to the Quays for a quiet evening on the beach or if the wind’s too much, you can always bunker down and watch some flix at home, which is exactly what I did. Pairs well with your favourite Lucky Bay Brewing beer from the liquor store two shops down for a completely local taste.

Fish Face occupies the space that was once Jax Snax. Now, I never knew who exactly ‘Jax’ was but I always assumed they were referring to me. Jax Snax place was just about as opposite as you can get from Fish Face, which has steered away from the old greasy menu, which included such delights as the Chiko Roll and the infamous deep fried Mars Bar. I will always miss Jax Snax, not just for the gut busting junk food but also the selection of pinball machines and car racing arcade games. However, sometimes you do need to grow up and while it's hard to admit it, Fish Face has improved the menu significantly, with such wonders as mushroom chips and, god forbid, a salad of the day (Jax would be rolling in his grave). And while it’s supposedly the premium fish and chip shop in town, they still offer an $11 box of fish and chips (pictured) that satisfies my need for a cheap feed. You can pair this with a bottle of cleanskin white wine and live like royalty for a very low price indeed. The chips are hand cut, which probably makes them the healthiest option in town. Bonus points for including sriracha mayo in the selection of sauces, which is a personal favourite, as well as a house aioli. The stand out for me was the fish. At that price I don’t think you can find a better piece of crunchy battered fish in the whole country. With their diverse menu, Fish Face is definitely the kind of place you can take a date and not be distracted by the lure of a pinball machine or deep fried confectionery. For those occasions, you might want to step up your white wine game and fork out for their amazing dinner menu, with all Aussie seafood and quality meals. ⟶

BANKSIA MEDICAL & HEALTH OPEN WEEKDAYS 8:30AM – 5:00PM & SATURDAYS 9AM – 12PM

15 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

Castletown Fish and Chips

16 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

TI DE TAS TES

Galore Fish and Chips

Top End Takeaway

In the obscure location of the industrial area lies a fish and chip shop that has always eluded me. Galore Fish and Chips was creatively named after Barbeques Galore next door. Serving a wide variety of food, as a lunch bar during the day and fish and chip shop at night, the shop has carved out its location in the Esperance tradie epicentre and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere or changing its formula anytime soon. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as this is your classic fish and chip shop, complete with model ships and a wide selection of fish. I went for a $16 fisherman’s basket, which was very easy to eat with a crunchy piece of fish, tasty chicken salted chips, three prawns and three squid rings, plus a crab stick. Bonus points for the complementary tartar sauce, which is a rare sight these days. They also have a loaded creamy garlic prawn chip box that had me at the word “loaded,” and a bunch of other great deals. It's worth mentioning that given the location, this place doesn’t seem as busy on the weekend, so ordering and picking up food when you want a quiet night in is a breeze. While I was waiting I noticed a lot of locals coming through the doors to pick up their evening meals and I’m quite sure this shop plays an important role in our town. Pairs well with a can of Emu Export after a hard day's work on the tools.

“Oh no, we didn’t order enough food from top end takeaway!” is a sentence you will most likely never hear in your life. The takeaway restaurant is the oldest fish and chip shop on the list and while they don’t include the words “fish” and “chips” in their name, that is exactly what they are known for. This is the kind of place where $5 worth of chips will feed a family, your squad-mates and a small army of seagulls. I don’t know how but despite inflation, their chips have maintained the same chip per dollar value for the last 20 years. Voted Triple M’s Best Fish & Chips in 2018, the place's only major changes over that time seems to be replacing the NBA Jam arcade machine with more family friendly arcade games. I find it to be a good indication the food is decent when a restaurant doesn’t bother updating its signage because if something ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I ordered a fisherman’s basket for $16, which had a family's worth of chips, two prawns, two scallops, three squid rings, and was supposed to have just one piece of fish yet they threw in an extra piece for good measure. I also love their onion rings, which are a bargain for $3, so I had them added into the classic white paper wrapped pack of deep fried seafood and accepted the challenge. And while I was not able to finish all of the chips, this was not due to lack of trying. The fish formula may lack the crunch of the other fish I tried, however they have mastered the art of salt and vinegar and the fish was tasty. I'm sure their secret recipe is closely guarded. The chips ranged between super long and greasy to small and crunchy and everything in-between and punched a hole straight through my nostalgic heart. Pairs well with a slab of your favourite cheap beer to quench the thirst of the masses.

Bay of Isles leIsure Centre If you’re aged 12 -16 and wantIng to lIve a healthy and actIve lIfestyle, why not partIcIpate In

Teen Gym wednesday

su al o

under the guIdance of a qualIfIed

Instructor. no bookIngs requIred.

Monday

3:30 -5:30pM

Get started with a

ComplImentary sIngle-entry vIsIt!

Present this ad at reception, valid February 2021

tr y

av aI

T ID E PI CKS

V-Day Gift Guide

17 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

1. iKOU De-Stress Organic Body Soufflé B Naturally You $59 2. Beatrix Bakes by Natalie Paull The Book Box $45 3. Amy Natural Stone Necklace Luxe Floral & Home Co. $49.99 4. Tinderbox Aphrodisi Herbal Tea 60g Naturally Esperance $16.50 5. The Lullaby Club Avalon Smock Dress in Lilac Gingham Wild Posse $120 6. Organic Times Dark Chocolate Strawberries Bob & Jim’s General Store $11.95 7. AYU Juniper Petitgrain and Vetiver Body Oil Woven $60 8. OneFineSunday Co. Turkish Towel Tide & Co $59 9. Sundaise Cynthia Raffia Panama E.S.P. $59.95

ME E T T H E ART I ST

Lindsay Stitches

18 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

There’s very little embroiderer Lindsay Andrew, AKA Lindsay Stitches, hasn’t stitched. From Bubble O’Bill, to Julia Gillard, to dogs, cars and houses, Lindsay’s pieces are as varied as they are vibrant. In 2020, Lindsay stitched one image every day onto a single embroidery hoop. See it for yourself at the Cannery Arts Centre’s Art of Isolation exhibition, on display until February 14.

Wh y do you t hi n k e m b ro i d e r y has grown in po p u l a r i t y a m o n g s t younge r ar t is t s i n re c e n t ye a r s ? Traditional embroidery can be quite daunting to learn because it’s so intricate, with a lot of different techniques and fancy stitches. My embroidery is less about the technical side and more about making something simple that might be relatable, memorable or funny. There is such a diverse range of styles in modern embroidery, from super-realistic animal portraits to memes, which I think is why it has become more attractive to a younger audience. Wh at ins pire s yo u ? I have so many ideas pop into my head daily, from things I see in nature, buildings I love or cafes I visit a lot (hello Downtown Espresso), TV and movie scenes, and news headlines. It’s never ending! I have a few things on my Esperancethings-to-stitch list. I’ve just finished stitching an A-frame at Esperance Chalet Village, and I really want to stitch an aerial image of Lake Hillier!

W h a t’s yo u r fa vo u r ite thing t o s titc h? Houses and buildings. The first house that I stitched was a little cottage built in 1841 that I lived in for a few years in Launceston. The house is so special to me. I love stitching sentimental pieces for other people to be reminded of their favourite places. Te l l us a b o u t yo u r 20 20 hoop. My 2020 hoop has 366 tiny little pictures stitched onto it, each representing something I did or something that happened on every day of the year. It was definitely hard to keep up at times. Coming up with something to stitch every day was a challenge. I was almost always behind (21 days behind was my record!) but knowing that a lot of people were following along with the project on Instagram gave me the motivation to get it done.

C a n we e xp e c t a 20 21 hoop? Without any idea of how 2020 would pan out back in January, it quickly became the perfect year to complete this project and I just don’t think it could be topped! I won’t be doing the same concept in 2021, but I am doing another year-long project. It will be a bit of a take on a phenology wheel, and I’ll be offering beginner embroidery kits and patterns for purchase so you can follow along throughout the year. Emb ro ide r y se e ms p a instaking. . . It can be! Detailed pieces can take 20 hours or more. I would say the average is around 8-10 hours. The real patience comes in when you choose the colour for a house embroidery in bad lighting, and realise too late that it’s completely wrong and you have to start all over again… L a stly, te l l u s whe re we can find yo u r wo r k ! To see a bunch of my work all in one place, you can find me at www. lindsaystitches.com or on Instagram @lindsay_stitches.

Read our full Q&A with Lindsay at www.esperancetide.com.

ARTS & CULTURE B E F O R E D AWN CA L L OUT F OR E X TRA EXT RA S

Before Dawn is based on the diary entries of Western Australian soldiers on the Western Front. Set three years after the Gallipoli campaign, it follows a young man from a sheep station in the Midwest as he faces the battles of Messines and Polygon Wood. Jordon, a self-confessed history buff, said the post-Gallipoli period of the war was often overlooked. “These are stories that should be told,” he said. Roughly 70 per cent of Before Dawn will be filmed in Esperance. An undisclosed farm is currently being transformed into the Western Front, with trenches, battlefields, lookout towers and even a nurses station all being built to scale. Jordon scouted numerous potential filming locations and said he was very lucky to come across the Esperance farm, as it had all the soil types required to recreate Flanders, Belgium. “We need clay, granite, black dirt to create mud ... so we travelled all around WA looking for places to film,” he said. “Then we found it all on the one property.” Filming a war movie in a remote location with lifesize battlefields is not an easy feat, nor an inexpensive one. But the WA community has rallied around Jordon,

AT T H E M U S E U M V I L L A G E F R O M 5 P M O N F R I D AY , F E B R U A R Y 1 9 LIVE MUSIC • BEER GARDEN • FOOD VENDORS MARKET STALLS • VILLAGE SHOPS + CAFE OPEN To book a stall, please email esperancesunsetmarkets@gmail.com

with an estimated $7 million of in-kind support going towards to the project. It helps that Jordon’s last film, The Decadent and Depraved, was a hit. Released in 2018, the film went on to win more than 20 awards, including Best Picture at the Melbourne City Independent Film Awards and Best Indie Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards. “Its success set the groundwork for Before Dawn,” Jordon said. “It made it much easier approaching sponsors this time around.” Before Dawn is scheduled to commence filming in late May but before it can get underway, Jordon needs to fill those final extras roles. “You’d think casting for a WWI film with firearms and explosives, you’d fill the male roles first, but the women were so quick to put their hands up,” he laughed. “So, we’re still looking for males aged between 14 and 61.” He said not only would the experience of being on set be a fun, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it would also give the cast a greater understanding of life as an ANZAC on the frontline. “While we’ve been constructing the sets, we’ve sometimes been having lunch in the trenches,” Jordon said. “You get a really good appreciation for what the ANZACs endured.” HANNAH SIEMER

Re a dy fo r yo u r 1 5 minu te s o f fa me ? If you’re male, aged between 14 and 61, and interested in being an extra in Before Dawn, email pabeforedawn@gmail.com.

19 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

If you’ve ever fancied seeing yourself on the big screen, now’s your chance. The director of Before Dawn, a World War I epic being shot in Esperance later this year, is on the hunt for locals to fill extras roles. Jordon PrinceWright, a Western Australian independent filmmaker, began looking for 300 extras in 2019 and needs another 40 men to step forward before his search is complete.

Before Dawn director Jordon Prince-Wright tests visual effects in a trench on set.

THE BRIDGE

20 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

For some reason, I felt as if summer was almost over, so I Googled summer months… Apparently February falls inside the season also! So hell, there is more to come. I hope everyone has had as much fun as I have across the vast array of live music events throughout summer, ducking and diving from venue to venue. Experiencing exceptional local and touring acts, it’s been quite the trip. With There Goes The Sun fresh in mind, I’ve turned to the next Cannery gig, which sees Car Park Social launch their debut EP on February 20. It’s an absolute pleasure to be working with a band whose members have played a pivotal role in bringing the Esperance music scene to life. Paul Ricciardo and Jon Carlson are as much a part of Kyza Presents as myself, and Ben Sinclair, Daniel Seinor and Scott White have regularly volunteered for setup or bar duties, lending their hands to some amazing events. Car Park Social’s dedication to the local music scene has come full circle, with the lads giving rise to a stand out act in a town that is currently home to a number of quality original acts. And this is what it’s all about - community supporting community. My deepest gratitude to the local community and the local audience who continue to attend live music in Esperance. You are the fabric that fuels our motivation to continue to create. Large shows aside, I’d love to also draw light to the local venues that have made a commitment to presenting live music. Lucky Bay Brewing kicked their live music program back into action immediately after they were able to reopen following the COVID lockdown. As the months progressed, their program expanded to incorporate touring acts, duos and bands. Nigel and Robyn have committed to further developing the live music infrastructure at the venue, to allow for bigger and

There Goes The Sun at Cannery Arts Centre on January 16. Credit: Sethen Sheehan-Lee

better gigs as the years roll on. Exciting times for sure. Taylor Street Quarters and The Pier Hotel also play a key role in the local music scene, both promoting and presenting live music. Personally, I absolutely love being able to work across a wide range of venues, as different events are suited to different locations. Chill Sunday sessions at Lucky Bay Brewing or Taylor Street Quarters, rock-n-roll gigs in the Pier Hotel back bar and at the Esperance Bay Turf Club, electric atmospheres at The Cannery Arts Centre, and golden views at the Esperance Bay Yacht Club. I just want to thank everyone once more for coming along for the ride. The Kyza Presents summer program so far has been diverse and there is no way I could deliver it without an outrageous list of staff, volunteers and sponsors. I thank you all. Special mention right here to Ben Sinclair, my eccentric side kick. Buy him a beer next time you run into him. Every time he scratches himself on a tree branch while putting up fairy lights, he turns to me and says, “Another drop of blood for Kyza Presents.” All I can do is smile and agree wholeheartedly. KYRON SMITHSON

COMING SOON!

/fenwick.cinemas @fenwick3cinemas

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

Dempster St, Esperance

PLEASE NOTE LIMITED SEATING - ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASES ADVISED

FEB

Tipsy Jipsys are back at the Esperance Bay Turf Club for a night of great music. Kick on after the Friday afternoon races or head out after work. Arrive with an empty stomach a delicious around-the-world buffet will be waiting for you for just $25 per person (kids under 12 half price). From 5:15pm onwards. Esperance-based writer Megan Warren is hosting a journaling workshop, supported by Act-Belong-Commit Art for Mindfulness and Esperance Community Arts. The workshop is part of Readers and Writers Esperance 2021, which sees a series of events and activities bring together established, emerging, local and visiting writers and the community. Megan’s workshop is free. To register, visit www.readersandwritersesperance.com. Head down to Taylor St Quarters for a Sunday sesh with Fremantle-based singersongwriter, Finn Pearson. Finn’s music is influenced by the honest storytelling of Paul Kelly and the moody introspection of alt-rock groups such as The National. Grab a beer and a serve of polenta fries and settle in for a mellow Sunday arvo from 3pm. Free entry. Is your lunch missing something? Music, perhaps? Morning Melodies is back for 2021. On the second Thursday of every month, the Esperance Civic Centre invites you to bring your own lunch and enjoy the mellow sounds of local musicians. Doors open at 11am, with music from 12-12:45pm. Just $5 entry. Tea and coffee available.

FEB

From the makers of hit show Trash Test Dummies comes a new production of oceanic proportions! Join the Splash Test Dummies at the Esperance Civic Centre as they go diving from bathtubs to beaches in an aquatic adventure. This splish splashing circus with stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and comedy will drown you in tears of laughter. Suitable for all ages. Tickets via the Shire website. Fresh off the back of Fringe 2021, Rory Lowe is headed to The Pier Hotel with his all new Off the Hook tour. Three of Rory’s comedian friends will join him for this hilarious and vulnerable show, promising a killer night of stand up comedy. What you see is what you get. Doors open at 8pm for an 8:30pm start. Tickets available online at Humantix. Kick off your weekend at the Sunset Markets. As the sun goes down, peruse funky market stalls, check out the artisan shops, grab something to eat, and settle into the pop-up bar, with local faves Esperance Distillery Co and Lucky Bay Brewing serving up the goods. Did we mention it’s all topped off with live tunes? From 5pm at Museum Village. Local faves Car Park Social release their debut EP at Cannery Arts Centre. Check out the epic story of how this EP came to be on page 22 of this month’s Tide, then head along to see this awesome band perform live. The guys will be supported by some great acts, including XIII, TRAEC and Bodes. Tix available at www.canneryartscentre.com.au. Every ticket comes with a copy of the Car Park Social EP. Food and bevs available. Go Ga Ga at the 50th Anniversary Queen Greatest Hits I Want To Break Free Tour. Australian Freddie Mercury impersonator Thomas Crane and his band Bohemian Rhapsody promise to bring to life the visual excitement, sound and energy of a real Queen concert to the Esperance Civic Centre stage. Tickets via the Shire website.

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

21 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

The Art of Isolation continues at the Cannery Arts Centre. This open exhibition displays the collective isolation experiences of our community. The Art of Isolation compares and contrasts each artist’s encounter with the first pandemic of our time, showcasing their take on the experience. On display until February 14. Visit www.canneryartscentre.com.au for opening hours.

Car Park Social: The Debut EP

22 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

BY KYRON SMITHSON

In mid-March last year, local anaesthetist Paul Ricciardo shaved his luscious curls and set aside his dreams of being a rock star. Jon Carlson, along with his partner Brittany, considered how the birth of their first child in April would be impacted by a global pandemic. Daniel Seinor and Scott White stared down the barrel of a drastically altered education system, uncertain how they would teach their students. Esperance as a community braced for hard times, for sad times. We prepared for the unknown that lay ahead. Soon however, extreme tension within our small community turned into a sense of relief. Both State and Federal Governments initiated strategies that would manage the spread of the C-Virus. It helped, of course, that we are extremely isolated and have an anything-butdense population distribution. Of anywhere in the world, Esperance was particularly fortunate. With expectations of not touching the Esperance blue with a surfboard for an extended period, Ricciardo was relieved to find himself back in the ocean. But one fateful day, Paul took the full force of a Southern Ocean wave to his right shoulder, dislocating and tearing ligaments in the process. Surgery quickly followed and Paul’s 2020 came to a standstill. Jon Carlson swung me a call as he regularly does. “Kyza, Paul’s talking about writing a grant application for Car Park Social. What are your thoughts?” Jon was somewhat sceptical but my reply was, “If anyone can pull it off, it’s Paul.” Roughly three months later, I was in the car on the way to Perth and I received a message from Jon letting me know their grant application was successful. “Holy hell,” I thought to myself.

live music EVERY Friday & Sunday PH: 0429 777 714 A: 63 BANDY CREEk Rd, BANDY CREEK

A whirlwind ensued as the full scope of the project, made possible by this grant, came to life. Following their first post-COVID lockdown performance, a sold out show at The Indian Ocean Hotel in Scarborough, Car Park Social headed to Coolgardie to become the first full band to record at the newly developed train station recording studio. The studio was developed by Brenton Meynell of Barefoot Bands and Drew Goddard of Karnivool, in partnership with the Shire of Coolgardie and Coolgardie Community Resource Centre. I watched as Car Park Social worked away in the space, Carlson sending through updates as track after track was laid down in the most interesting of locations. Further contributing to the work was Chris Edmondson, Travis Mcilroy and Jamie Sher. Edmondson, our regional-based WAM committee member, spoke highly of working with Car Park Social, saying it was a pleasure to see a band that truly knew the sound they were chasing. Travis and Jamie created an unbelievable array of content. I caught a glimpse of the train station through a 3D walk through developed by Jamie. Gobsmacking. In between laying down their sections, Dan, Paul, Scott and Jon lost themselves in the sheer sparseness of Coolgardie. They commented that there was little distraction outside of the studio and that the quiet, the heat and the desert strangely made it a fertile creative ground. I feel these factors will shine through in the music produced by the band while in the Goldfields.

A few months on, Car Park Social are now releasing their first single, Blind. It’s an expertly crafted track which is just so damn warm. Now I join the lads on their journey towards releasing their first EP at The Cannery Arts Centre on February 20. It blows my mind to think that two years ago Daniel and Paul played early sets at Cannery open mics. It blows my mind to think that a surfing injury played a solid part in Car Park Social being able to fully realise themselves as a band and bring their songwriting to life. It blows my mind to think that their debut EP was crafted in an isolated Goldfields town by Brenton Meynell and one of WA’s most talented musicians, Drew Goddard.

February 20 at The Cannery marks the culmination of a journey for the four Esperance lads (yes, Scott, you’re local now). Head along to celebrate and enjoy the Car Park Social experience. An amazing line-up will also take the stage, with acts selected based on their involvement with the project. We have XIII featuring Drew Goddard on drums, Dan Sanders of Gyroscope on vocals and Mickey Deville. Local lad Bodes with his band, TRAEC, Chris Edmondson and finally B.M.P, the Brenton Meynell Project. This night will be truly special and we hope to see you all there.

SEE C A R PA RK SOC I A L LI VE Tickets for their February 20 gig are available from www.canneryartscentre.com.au. Each ticket purchased includes a copy of the one and only Car Park Social debut EP.

I was so fascinated by the flora of this great southern edge that I moved across Australia during a pandemic to start my venture, Triggerplant. Slowly savour the ecology of our summer wildflowers with me, Kelsey Tucker (BSc. Adv. Hons.), official plant nerd.

$180 per person half day $300 per person full day

Guided botanical walking tours Cape Le Grand National Park

Solo travellers welcome!

To book call 0428 060 550 /triggerplant

/triggerplant

Includes electronic ID guide, and damper with quandong jam

5 MINUTE HIS TOR Y

The Ponton Brothers 24 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

BY KARLI FLORISSON

In 1859, convicts Stephen and William Ponton were sent to Fremantle from their home in Wiltshire, England. The brothers were poor rural workers, convicted of petty theft, and then transported to Australia on the ship Sultana. From Fremantle, the brothers were sent to work at York, and were given conditional pardons in 1861. Stephen married Anne Ryan, an Irish woman from Kilkenny, in 1864. The brothers, along with Stephen’s new wife, moved to Albany, where they purchased land. There they met a man called John Sharp, who was farming along the Kalgan River. Stephen and Anne had two children, Ellen and William. About a year after Will’s birth, Anne became sick, and she died in 1868. In the early 1870s, the Ponton brothers and John Sharp decided that they would like to search out more grazing land along the coast to the east. The land around Esperance had been described to them by one of the explorers as “waving grass as far as the eye could reach!” Stephen was not able to take the two very young children with him and so, with Ellen 8 years old and little Will only 7, the two children were sent to Perth, Ellen to a Catholic convent, and Will to an orphanage. The Ponton brothers and John Sharp left Albany in 1873, along with their horses and sheep. At the time, the Dempsters had a homestead at Esperance, and there was only one settler at Israelite Bay, a man called Campbell Taylor. The Pontons and John Sharp made it to Point Malcolm, where they settled, and took up a pastoral lease of 20,000 acres. They built a storage shed, shearing shed, and a ‘kitchen with a big chimney’.

Later on, they explored the area north of Point Malcolm, and began grazing their sheep at a place that they called Pine Hill, due to the native pines that were growing there. When the east-west telegraph line went through, the population at Israelite Bay, where the telegraph station was built, swelled, as linesmen and telegraph operators moved to the area. The telegraph line saved John Sharp’s life, after William Ponton found him almost dead. William rode to the telegraph station and telegraphed a doctor, who diagnosed scurvy. Fortunately for John, there was a ship in the bay that was able to supply some lime juice, which helped him make a rapid recovery. Stephen was also able to make some extra money by helping to transport the telegraph poles from where they were dropped off by the ships to where they were needed for the linesmen. In 1879, Stephen Ponton and John Sharp set off in search of new grazing land. They had heard about a place with good grazing land and a big red rock that the Indigenous people called Barlajuinya, and they were able to find it. They applied for a 350,000 acre lease, and began to build a house in the area. Later, a mistake by the Land’s Department would change the name of the area to Balladonia. The Pontons and John Sharp kept their lease at Point Malcolm as well, as the limited water supplies in the area meant they often had to move sheep between the two leaseholdings, a distance of around 150 kilometres.

Esperance Tide is delivered to you BY Main Office Lot 619 Sims St, Esperance

Phone (08) 9071 0500

Email enquiries@freightlinesgroup.com.au

www.freightlinesgroup.com.au

F IVE M I NU TE H I S TORY

Stephen Ponton

William Ponton ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ESPERANCE MUSEUM

Stephen Ponton had a relationship with Anna Whitehand, a Nyungar woman from the Thomas River area. They had a daughter named Topsy. Later on, a German sailor called Henry Dimer jumped ship and moved into the Israelite Bay area. Dimer married Topsy Whitehand, and they had nine children together. Many descendants of the Dimers still live in the Esperance and Norseman areas. In 1880, Stephen sailed to Fremantle and collected his son Will, by this time 14 years old and able to help his father out with stock work. Ellen stayed on at the convent in Perth to finish her education. In 1889, Ellen married John Baesjou of Albany. In 1898, a telegraph station was built at Balladonia, linking them to the telegraph line that came through Norseman. Also in 1898, Ellen (often called Nell) and John (Jack) Baesjou, along with their daughter Dorothy, came to Balladonia to live with the Pontons there. They had another daughter, Amy, in 1902.

The Ponton brothers reportedly had mostly respectful relationships with the local Indigenous people, the Nyungar people from the coast, the Ngadu people further inland, and the Mirning people further to the east. However, there is one incident that Stephen Ponton’s granddaughter Amy Crocker describes, when the Ponton brothers and John Sharp felt as though they were being threatened by a group of local Indigenous people. In order to scare them away, they crept up to where the tribe was camped, and fired their guns into the air. Amy Crocker describes them as finding the fear and confusion of the tribe hilarious, but no harm was done. However, another one of Stephen Ponton’s descendants, Henry Dimer’s grandson Arthur Dimer, disputes this account, saying that the Pontons and John Sharp shot and killed many of the unarmed tribe that was camping peacefully nearby to the Ponton’s camp.

⟶

WE ARE OPEN Tuesday to Sunday 11am - Late Live music EVERY SUNDAY FROM 4pm 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

26 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

F IVE M I NU TE H I S TORY

Balladonia Homestead

Balladonia painted by Amy Crocker

Stephen Ponton died suddenly in 1901. His brother, William, understandably grief stricken, sold his share of the Balladonia station to his nephew Will, and to John Sharp, and moved to a new leaseholding at Cape Arid. Jack Baesjou and his family moved to Williamâ€™s Cape Arid property in 1905, building a house that they named Hill Springs. William Ponton became ill and died in 1909. John Sharp died a year later, in 1910. After this, the Baesjou family moved back to Point Malcolm, where they would be closer to other families. In 1913, Dorothy Baesjou married a telegraph worker, Louis Chopin, after her father made the six day journey with a horse and cart to pick up the priest who would marry them from Norseman. In 1935, Amy Baesjou married Jack Crocker. Amy was a talented and prolific artist who lived out the rest of her life at Balladonia. She also recorded a lot of the history of the area. Interestingly, Amy wrote a booklet detailing the history of Stephen and William Ponton. The booklet was published with a note in the front mentioning that when Amy had written it, she did not know that her grandfather and great-uncle had originally come to Australia as convicts, and it was only in the writing of their history that this information had come to light.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

THE MORRISON GOVERNMENT

DELIVERING ESSENTIAL PROJECTS TO THE ESPERANCE COMMUNITY

I look forward to work ing Esperance Tanker Jetty idate for Roe, New Esperance Headspace with Liberal cand David Dwyer to deliver for the Esperance community!

RICK WILSON MP Unit 11, 75-79 Dempster Street, Esperance WA 6450

9071 4846

rick.wilson.mp@aph.gov.au

Authorised by Rick Wilson MP, Liberal Party, Unit 11, 75-79 Dempster Street, Esperance WA 6450.

rickwilson.com.au

RickWilsonMP

• Agriculture • Conservation and Land Management • Business and Management • Beauty

• Health • Fitness • Education and Children’s Services • Retail

SOUTH

TAFE 202 1 EG

The training you need for the job you want

IO N AL

• Information, Digital Media and Technology • Graphic Design • Project Management • Individual Support

Check out our courses with half-price fees under the Lower fees, local skills program and our wide range of skill sets – fast track training to get you job ready. These programs are funded by JobTrainer – a joint initiative of the Western Australian and Australian Governments

Esperance Campus Lot 88 Pink Lake Road

southregionaltafe.wa.edu.au

6371 3500 Freecall 1800 675 781

Assistance is available for people with disability or medical or mental conditions to access and participate in training

esperance@srtafe.wa.edu.au Find us on Facebook RTO Code 52790

930

Visit the website for full-time and part-time course offerings, or call in to your local campus

Council Connections Jan

Local Heritage Survey If you love local history, check out the Shire’s newly reviewed Local Heritage Survey. The survey is a document of post-European settlement places and areas in the Shire of Esperance that have been identified as having cultural heritage significance. The inclusion of a place or area in the Local Heritage Survey does not automatically mean that a property is ‘heritage listed’. The listing of places and areas of heritage significance in the Local Planning Scheme is a separate process and comes under the Planning & Development Act 2005. Hard copies of the draft are available for viewing at the Esperance Museum, Esperance Public Library and at the Shire of Esperance Admin building. The current Local Heritage Survey is also freely available electronically on the Shire’s website. We would love your feedback. Please contact Planning Services on 9071 0674 or email shire@esperance.wa.gov.au.

Esperance Tourism Strategy This summer has seen thousands of visitors flock to Esperance to enjoy our beautiful community and surrounding landscapes. The Draft Esperance Tourism Strategy is intended to guide a coordinated approach for tourism development, sustainable growth and yield improvement within the Esperance region. With an emphasis on the next five years, the strategy includes a suggested implementation schedule that is focused on practical and achievable outcomes. The draft is open for feedback until March 2, which it will be finalised. You can view the strategy on the Shire website. Hard copies are available at the Shire Admin building, Esperance Public Library and Esperance Visitor Centre. Send your feedback to shire@esperance.wa.gov.au or PO Box 507, Esperance.

11/01

One & All Program In January, the Esperance One & All Community Program saw hundreds of children participate in soccer, badminton, Lego building, netball and a disco. This brilliant holiday program was free of charge for all ages and abilities, proudly brought to the community by ESCARE and the Shire of Esperance. The program runs every school holidays, so keep an eye out for the next one and be sure join in!

Last Pile Driven on Jetty The final pile has been driven for the new 407-metre Esperance Jetty, marking the completion of construction on the main jetty sub-structure. The occasion was marked with attendance by representatives from Maritime Constructions, Shire of Esperance President Ian Mickel, Deputy President Basil Parker and CEO Shane Burge. The conclusion of piling will be immediately followed by work on the low-level dive platform located at bent 44, then by the laying of the final bent’s deck planks. The remaining work includes installing the handrails and balustrades, furniture and interpretive artworks, Welcome to Country artworks, safety ladders and shelters. The project is tracking well to be completed in early March this year. Dec/ Jan

Jan

18/01

Town Tunes Local performers kept those passing through town entertained throughout December and January. From samba drumming to line dancing, entertainers could be found performing at the Whale Tail, Jetty Headland and in Post Office Square every day, except Sundays, from December 14 until the end of January. Thanks to our dedicated Community Development team for getting Esperance humming!

Upcoming Council Meetings /ShireOfEsperance

Agenda Briefing: 16 February 2021 at 1PM Ordinary Council Meeting: 23 February 2021 at 4PM @shire_esperance

@shireofesperance

Ph: (08) 9071 0689 • PO Box 507, 77 Windich Street, Esperance, WA 6450 shire @esperance.wa.gov.au • www.esperance.wa.gov.au

BOOK SMART Boy On Fire - The Young Nick Cave by Mark Mordue

Whether you love, like or despise Nick Cave’s music, Cave is not just a rock ‘n’ roll singer, he has written books, scripts, film soundtracks and has a vast repertoire of talents. Evolving from a rebellious country boy to a darker and more intense artist, Nick Cave has helped shape music and arts in Australia and internationally. Boy on Fire explores various parts of Nick Cave from musician to performer and father and husband, and how Cave expresses the best and the worst of himself and ‘us’ through the characters created for his songs. He explores the shadows and the darkness that we often will not acknowledge in ourselves. Cave is an artist who can create both beauty and brutality with his performances and goes where other more ‘politically correct’ performers are unwilling to venture.

Deeply beautiful and poetic, Boy on Fire is a portrait of an artist and provides a portal into a more innocent past. It is a fascinating social and cultural biography of the people, places and times that helped create this uncompromising artist. It asks why an artist becomes an iconic performer and why Nick Cave transcends his country of birth, becoming relevant to a wider culture. This is a complex and richly rewarding biography on the shining dark prince of Australian rock’n’roll. TA M M Y M A L O N E Y, T H E B O O K B O X

Esperance’s best known Breakfast and Lunch Bar We’ve got the largest drink selection in town!

200+ Cold Drink And Iced Coffee Selections 60+ Hot Food Options 30+ Different Sandwiches, Rolls, Wraps & Focaccias Also Salads & Salad Packs with Dips Cakes, Yoghurts, Chocolates, Ice Creams & More And, humour!

EST 1968 Open Monday - Friday 4am - 5pm & Saturday 4am - 12pm • Phone (08) 9071 2005

29 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

Mark Mordue’s expertly detailed account of the prodigious entertainer’s early years creates a wonderfully alive picture of Melbourne in the ’70s, about Australian culture and about the birth of an artist. This comprehensive biography focuses very much on the young Nick Cave and the Australian aspect of his career, shining the spotlight on how his native country shaped the man and artist he has become.

What should you do this Valentine’s Day? If you have no idea what to do on Valentine’s Day, take our quiz and let us decide for you. You ’ve decided t o upd a te yo ur p ro f i l e p i cture . W ha t ’ s it going to be? A) A leisurely swim at Blue Haven B) A quick dip on the Quays C) Sliding off the James Street pontoon D) Jumping off the rock at Twilight You ’re having a d rink a t the b rewe r y a nd so me o ne c atc he s your eye. What’s yo ur p i ck up l i ne ? A) Is this the Hogwarts Express? Because it feels like you and I are headed somewhere magical. B) Do you like raisins? How do you feel about a date? C) Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes? D) Aside from being sexy, what do you do for a living? What’s your favourite landmark on the drive to Perth? A) Steak and steamed vegetables, then Connoisseur ice cream for dessert B) Spicy vegetarian bibimbap and a Zooper Dooper to cool off afterward C) Duck with orach, gooseberries and Kampot pepper, followed by a Bread Local tart D) Old El Paso tacos and Mum’s sticky date pudding for sweets You ’re in vi ted t o your thi rd co usi n’s we ddi ng . W ho a re you taking along?

Y ou ’ re g o in g t o t h e foot y in P ert h . Are you ex c ited ? A) Yes, so long as you’re well prepared with a blanket, Thermos and portable radio B) Absolutely! You love cheering along with the crowd, even if you have no idea what’s going on C) Not really, but you’re in a corporate box and there’ll be free flowing champagne so it won’t be too bad D) No, the beer’s too expensive, so you’d rather stay home with a carton of coldies and watch it on the telly. Y ou ’ re fa irly s u re you r p art n er is goin g t o p ropos e t o d a y . Wh a t are yo u h o p in g for? A) Dinner at the Goose and a ring in the bottom of your bubbly B) A hike up Frenchman Peak with a ring waiting for you at the top C) You’re not fussed as long as the rock is big enough to have its own postcode D) A trip to the Duke and a ring hidden inside the Esky Y ou ’ re h av in g a ba by g irl. . . C on g rat s ! Wh a t are you goin g t o n am e h er? A) Something B) Something C) Something D) Something

easy to spell, like Jane or Mary to remind you of your travels, like Tokyo or Berlin royal, like Charlotte or Alice alcoholic, like Chardonnay or Skyy

A) Your significant other, duh B) Someone you met on Tinder the day of the wedding C) A friend - dates are far too much work D) No one - you’ll try to pick up once you’re there

Mos t ly A ’ s

Mostly B’s

Mo stly C ’s

Mo stly D’s

Dinner and a movie

Skinny dipping at Ten Mile and beers on the beach

A sunset picnic at Dempster Head, catered by Deli King

Snuggle up on the couch with a block of Old Gold

You’ll take any opportunity to be a little bougie. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to get some quality content for Insta. All you need is an enviable location, a hot date and a bottle of champagne you definitely can’t afford, then sit back and watch the likes roll in.

You’re a firm believer that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to show someone you care. Why would Valentine’s Day be any different? Letting your significant other choose what to watch on Netflix is as romantic a gesture as any, so pass them the remote and get ready for fireworks.

You’re a traditionalist and there’s nothing wrong with that. Dinner and a movie is a classic date combo that you can’t go wrong with. Treat your loved one to a good ol’ fashioned pub meal at the Pier and then head to the cinema to snuggle up with a choc bomb.

Your main goal in life is to have as much fun as possible. You have a great sense of adventure and love getting off the beaten path. Valentine’s Day is a chance to do something crazy, whether it be with your significant other or someone you just met in Woolies.

The WA State Election is on the 13 March 2021. Be informed and know what you are voting for. This summary of climate policies is from WA’s major political parties using information from their policy documents.*

LABOR

NATIONALS

GREENS

NET ZERO EMISSIONS

No policy

Aspirational goal of net zero by 2050

No policy

Net Zero emissions by 2035

RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET

No policy

100% renewables by 2030

GAS EXTRACTION

No policy

Recently approved a mega gas project, Burrup Hub

No policy

Phase out gas, no new gas projects

AGRICULTURE & LAND MANAGEMENT

No policy

WA Carbon Farming Strategy and Development Plan

Incentivise agricultural practices that sequester carbon in the soil

Support farmers in adapting to regenerative practises

TRANSPORT

Smarter Cleaner Transport Future Policy

$21m for the EV Strategy

$5m to regional Local Govs to support EV infrastructure

$50m to EV network by 2025

No policy

End native forest logging

Electric Vehicle (EV)

$80m for Cycling growth in WA

OLD GROWTH LOGGING

No policy

State Gov fleet target of 25% EVs by 2025/26 No policy

State Gov fleet target of 100% EVs by 2030

Endorsed by the Esperance Climate Action Group. We do not promote any particular party or candidate, but advocate for rapid action on climate change. *Please note this is not an exhaustive list, for more information please visit Esperance Climate Action Group on Facebook or contact the individual Parties.

VALENTINES DAYkages LOVE ME TENDER

Pamper your loved one with a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage, followed by a luxurious organic facial to revitalise and refresh the skin. Feel the nourishing benefits of a soothing head and scalp massage incorporating enriching quandong extract. Only $199

TRUE LOVE Show the real meaning of “True Love” by gifting your loved one with a soothing full body exfoliant using blue cypress and wattle seed scrub to promote emotional support and upliftment. A stimulating sea kelp clay mask is then used to detoxify the body and rinsed in a warm inviting shower, followed by a relaxing organic full body massage using our de-stress massage oil to create ultimate restoration, emotional balance and glowing skin. Only $249

Pac

INDULGENT LOVE Indulge the one you adore in the ultimate decadent experience beginning with a stimulating full body massage using white flannel flower massage oil, to promote inner sensuality and feelings of joy and peace, followed by a hydrating full body exfoliation to soften and exfoliate for radiant smooth skin. A relaxing organic facial completes the experience, leaving you feeling beautiful from head to toe. Only $299

LOVE BIRDS Reconnect, relax and spark romance with an indulgent couple’s experience. Beginning with an organic full body massage using our fabulous ikou organic muscle relax oils. Bask in the serenity with a glass of champagne and luscious treats. $120 per person

(08) 9071 5778 22 Andrew Street, Esperance

bnaturallyyou.com.au

31 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

LIBERALS

POLICY

HIDDEN HEROES

32 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

The Stone Family In 2014, Ross Stone became involved with some farmers who were sending donated hay to drought affected farmers in New South Wales. One of Ross’s daughters, Amelia, asked what the group was doing for children of the farmers. The question sparked a mission for the Stone family and before long, the whole family was involved in getting sponsorship from local Esperance businesses to put together goodie bags for the children of farmers in drought affected areas. Since those early days, Ross and his wife Natahna, along with their four daughters, Inaya, Amelia, Imogen and Annika, have made it their mission to help farmers in drought affected regions. They have been involved in hay runs in 2019 and 2020, and they have helped to found and run the charity ‘Farmers Across Borders – Hay from WA’, along with a group of dedicated people from the Esperance area. The Stone family has been involved in the organisation of the hay runs, from baling and loading the hay, to organising the logistics of the big hay runs, with multiple road trains involved in carting the hay across the country. “The hay runs have been an incredible blessing

for our family,” Natahna says. “From what we’ve learnt and experienced, to the lifelong friendships that we’ve made with the people involved, and the great adventure that it’s been. There’s a real blessing in giving. We know we can’t change the drought, but we want to be able to give people a sense of hope, knowing that there are other people standing with them in the tough times.” Along with the rest of the committee, the Stone family have put in many hours organising the hay runs, but they have really enjoyed the experience. Natahna mentions that being involved with the hay runs has also helped their family to see what is happening in other places around Australia, and realise just how blessed we are here. The Stone family are our Hidden Heroes for this month. If you want to find out more about the work that Farmers Across Borders – Hay from WA does, or donate to the cause, visit www.farmersacrossborders.com.au.

Do you know a H id d e n H e ro ? 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. To nominate someone you know, please email Jennifer.Obourne@esperance.wa.gov.au

BUSH BANTER Wattle Wonderland

Two fun facts about Wattles: 1. They don’t have leaves. The ‘leaves’ you see are actually flattened or modified stems called Phyllodes that actively photosynthesise, evolving as an adaptation to save on water loss, and; 2. Each yellow pom-pom flower of the wattle is actually multiple tiny flowers, causing the flower cluster you see. The microscope photos show the many buds tightly clustered together that when flowering, appear as a single flower. K AT I E W H I T E , C A L A D E N I A C O .

GET INVOLVED! Latest info on upcoming meetings & public consultations ... visit the Shire website. 04 Feb - Community Grant Information Session est: f interCommunity Sporting & Recreation Facilities Fund - The Shire 2021 Community Grants Program Meetings o 09 Feb - Annual Electors Meeting

www.shireofesperance.wa.gov.au @ShireofEsperance

33 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

I absolutely adore Wattles, belonging to an incredibly diverse and adaptable genus, Acacias. This often surprises people, as many immediately think of the quick growing, scraggly shrubs that line our roadsides, most commonly Coastal Wattle or Red Eyed Wattle, Acacia cyclops in Esperance. It’s a native weed in a sense, thriving on disturbance and surviving polluted areas that most other natives shy away from. However, in reality, there are 146 Wattle species across Esperance in almost every imaginable soil type, environmental zone, form and shape. They are iconically Aussie, with roughly 1000 species in Australia from a known 1350 species across the world. So iconic, that the Golden Wattle, Acacia pycnantha, is Australia’s floral emblem. Golden Wattle is, however, a significant invasive species in Esperance and many efforts are being taken by the NRM community to control it in conservation areas.

AQUA R I U S

JA N 2 0 - F E B 1 7

A number of money making opportunities are just around the corner. Be open to what is presented to you, even if it seems somewhat left-offield. Things are a little tight at the moment but with the right mindset, this will soon change. Before you take the plunge, however, know your worth. Place value in yourself and don’t be afraid to barter to get yourself a better deal. If someone wants a lot from you but isn’t prepared to pay, let them go and trust that something better will come along.

P I SCE S

FEB 18 - MAR 19

With so much ahead of you, you’re likely feeling a little overwhelmed. One word: Relax! Take each day as it comes. You’re currently a little flustered and think you don’t have time for yourself or your friends but if you plan your days wisely, you can fit everything in. Get off Insta, switch off Netflix, and focus on will actually help you tick a few boxes. You’ll get way more done and feel way better for it.

GE M IN I

M AY 21 - J UN 20

The year mightn’t have started how you’d hope but things will get back on track in February. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you didn’t tick a lot of boxes in January – there’s plenty of time to make up for it. You’re a little uptight at the moment, more so than usual. Try meditating, journaling or yoga this month, even if you’re the type to roll your eyes at such activities. It will make a noticeable difference to your moods.

C AN C E R

SCORPI O

JUN 21 - JUL 22

If things are feeling a little stuffy, don’t worry too much. New doors will open soon. What’s on the other side might surprise you, but will be a refreshing change nonetheless. In the meantime, create a little change for yourself. Buy something you normally wouldn’t at Bob & Jim’s, shake up your Downtown order, or swap your usual Pilates class for a bootcamp. Don’t they say a change is as good as a holiday?

LEO

JUL 23 - AUG 22

You don’t normally like to spend too

A PR 2 0 - M AY 2 0 much time alone, but this month

Sometimes it can be tempting to cut corners, or to take the easy way out. Sorry to say, this isn’t going to get you far. Sure, you might get by, but the success that you crave isn’t going to magically appear by doing whatever requires the least effort. Putting in extra hours, making tough decisions, sacrificing a social outing or two... This is what will lead you to achieve what you desire.

SEP 23 - OCT 22

Expect a spike in energy levels this month. Channel this energy in the right direction by getting productive and digging your teeth into something challenging. Test yourself physically on the trail from Cape Le Grand to Rossiter Bay, or put your hand up for a new project at work. As a bonus, you’ll also find you’re more confident over the coming weeks, which will drive you even further.

You’re always on the go and as a result, AR I ES MA R 2 0 - A P R I L 1 9 you probably spend less time with your family than you’d like. Redirect your Did you know you don’t need to be a energy towards your loved ones this size six, or drive a fast car, or live in a month. You might have to make a few fancy house to be loved and accepted? adjustments to your schedule, but it’ll You’ve been feeling a little down recently, like somehow you haven’t quite be worth it for the extra hours with the fam. Do something you haven’t done in made it. But who are you comparing years, like ride the Minatare Railway or yourself to? People you follow on play a round of mini golf, even if your Instagram? If the answer is yes, now is the time to get offline and measure your kids are all grown up! happiness against something else. Your VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 22 frown will be upside down in no time.

TA UR U S

LI BRA

you’ll find yourself enjoying your own company more than usual. Make the most of it and enjoy the stillness while you can. Your friends might be confused as to why you’re passing up a Sunday sesh at the brewery but this longing for solitude is only temporary, so tell them you’ll join them next time. Until then, kick back, relax and enjoy the serenity.

O C T 23 - NOV 21

Prioritise your long-term wellbeing over short-term indulgences this month. It might be as simple as passing up the polenta chips at the Quarters or booking that overdue appointment as the dentist. Or perhaps you’ve been putting off a more serious evaluation of your health. Deal with this now and your future self will thank you. Learn to adapt to new obligations regarding your health – eating better, boozing less, and getting regular check-ups – and you’ll feel all the better for it.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 22 - DEC 21

Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day? Didn’t think so. You might think of it as just another Hallmark holiday but change your mindset and do something special this February 14. You’ll be surprised at what happens! If you’re coupled up, do something completely random for your loved one, something they’d love but never expect. If you’re single, get swiping and find a date for the day. Pretend you’re on The Bachelor and go big for your first date, like taking a HeliSpirit flight to Lake Hillier.

CA PRICORN

DEC 22 - J A N 2 0

It can be tricky expressing who you are on the inside, on the outside. Current trends don’t accurately represent your creativity, individuality and flair. So, to hell with current trends! Rummage through your wardrobe and come up with ways to reinvent old clothes. It doesn’t matter if they’re not this season’s colour, fabric or style, so long as you feel good wearing them. A person’s clothes can say a lot about them... Do you want to look like a sheep? Or do you want to look like you?

T ID E KI T CH EN

Cucumber Panzanella A slight twist on a Italian classic, using locally made sourdough croutons. Donâ€™t be afraid to switch up the greens. Enjoy! Serves 4 (as a side dish)

Ingredients Dressing 1 shallot, finely diced 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 garlic clove, peeled 1 lemon Âź cup greek yoghurt Olive oil Salad 4 Lebanese cucumbers, peeled and diced into 3cm pieces 1 tbsp olive oil Bunch asparagus, cut in half 200g sugar snap peas, trimmed and sliced in half Bunch basil Bunch mint Bread Local Sourdough Croutons (or make your own) Soft feta (Persian or Danish) Salt & pepper

Method 1. Add the shallot and red wine vinegar to a small bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes while the shallot neutralizes. 2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the asparagus and season with salt. Cook, tossing occasionally, for no longer than three minutes, adding the sugar snap peas in the last minute of cooking. Set aside to cool. 3. Finely grate the garlic and zest the lemon (reserving a small amount to add later) and add to the shallot and vinegar combo, along with six tablespoons of olive oil and the Greek yoghurt. Whisk to combine. Season dressing with plenty of salt and pepper.

4. Grab a large salad bowl and add the cucumber, spring onions, handshredded basil and mint, asparagus and sugar snap peas. Toss through the dressing. 5. Add the sourdough croutons to the salad, tossing to evenly coat and help bread soak up some of the dressing. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed. 6. Lastly, sprinkle over the crumbled feta and the rest of the lemon zest.

T IDE P IC K You can grab a packet of Bread Local Sourdough Croutons for just $5 from their bakery store, open every Friday from 3pm - 5.30pm.

Ericson Cabins is a family owned manufacturing business, currently based in Perth and we are looking to expand into Esperance. We manufacture self-contained Cabins, each one custom designed with you to meet your needs. • • • •

Tourist Cabins Granny Flats Farm Stay Cabins Family weekenders

If you are looking to help a Family member, start or expand a tourism business or need a weekender to get away from it all, we would love to help.

ericsoncabins.com.au To get in contact, please email trevor@ericsoncabins.com.au or call Trevor on 0402 010 803.

Australia Day Swim Thru Congratulations to Ben Murgatroyd for taking out first place in this year’s Australia’s Day Swim Thru, and to Maddie McGrinder, who was the first female across the line.

Esperance Bay Turf Club Good crowds continued to support EBTC during January. Many tourists attended the meetings, enjoying themselves socially with exciting finishes to many races. Remember to mark February 28 on your social calendar, as it’s Esperance Cup Day. Race results:

January 15 Race 1 - 1.Yamatai 2.Liquidity 3.Aint A Woman Race 2 - 1.Helm’s Gate 2.Arsinoe 3.Bevel Race 3 - 1.Oilskin 2.Devalera Park 3.Atlantic Ruler Race 4 - 1.Balladee 2.Cloak & Dagger 3.Trash Panda Race 5 - 1.Whim Creek 2. She Knows Best 3.Neurological Race 6 - 1.Sassational 2.Daveedo 3.Aboard Race 7 - 1.Nicklaus 2.Stockyard Gossip 3.Pirate’s Mistress Horses to follow: Helm’s Gate, Nicklaus, Deel Red

Esperance Badminton Association The badminton season begins on February 1 for seniors and high school juniors.There is also a Wednesday social group at 9:30am. Come along and have a go. $5 a session. Contact Trish 9071 1314.

Newtown Condingup Footbal l Club Newtown Condingup Football Club are introducing our first women’s football team in 2021. If you would like to come and join in the fun, and be involved with a family friendly club, we want you in the Lion’s Den. We will support, nurture and work with you to help you understand the game and offer great coaches and support staff. Whether you have played before or are a first timer, give us a call. Contact Scott McArthur 0408 704 967, Naomi White 0427 608 097 or Chris Oversby 0427 422 084.

Newtown Netbal l Club We will be holding our trials for teams in February and welcome new players to our club. Trial dates will be set after our AGM on January 30. Anyone interested in joining our club can call Fiona on 0419 953 510.

Esperance Pistol Club is starting 2021 with Air Pistol on February 3. Air Pistol is shot fortnightly on Wednesday evenings from 6pm. We also shoot outdoors on Sundays at 9am with a range of pistols and five different shooting disciplines. Contacts for our club are President Craig Johnson 90713 344 and Roz Holben 0428 712 380 or find us on Facebook. New members welcome.

Esperance Tennis Club ETC is excited to introduce their new head coach Neil Hume to the community. Neil brings with him 30 years experience and caters for all ages. Tennis lessons will be available in February. The annual Horizon Power ranking tournament will be held on the upcoming long weekend. All are welcome to watch the high level tournament, with the canteen open all weekend. The social doubles Twilight Tournament is a fun event for the public to take part in and will be held on the evening of February 27. The bar will be open and dinner available for purchase. Please contact Alysha Castelli if you would like to put a team in. ETC is open all year for players to use, with casual online bookings and various membership types. The 2021 year brings exciting activity, with the construction of new fences around the perimeter of the courts, and numerous social events being held during the year. The committee is a vibrant and proactive group who look forward to continuing to build a positive culture and family friendly environment around the club. For details on membership, lessons, term pennants and social tennis evenings, head to our website or Facebook page.

Esperance Soccer Association Esperance Soccer Association is pleased to announce our player registrations open in February. Fees will remain similar to previous years, except for a big reduction in seniors’ fees, to attract new players. The club also hopes to hold free, weekly training sessions for all younger leagues during February in the lead up to some friendly matches with Albany and Kalgoorlie on the Labour Day long weekend, held in Esperance. These training sessions will provide a fun and inclusive opportunity for new and old members to try soccer. Keep an eye out for more information on our Facebook page and website.

37 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

January 2 Race 1 - 1.Blue Turns To Grey 2.Aboard 3.Hustar Race 2 - 1.Bizzi Too 2.Big Fish 3.Kendal’s Impact Race 3 - 1.Blister In The Sun 2.Jolly Lace 3.Offensive Race 4 - 1.Arsinoe 2.King’s Authority 3.Stockyard Gossip Race 5 - 1.Heaven’s Gate 2.Helm’s Gate 3.Barry Rabbit Race 6 - 1.Deel Red 2.Pelican Pick 3.Unikat

Esperance Pistol Club

38 / ESPERANCE TIDE / FEBRUARY 2021

SH ORT & SWEET: LAS T M ONTHâ€™S

News in Brief 03

In a bid to encourage safe ocean swimming, the installation of a lap pontoon at James Street was considered by the Esperance Shire Council. The project would cost more than $322,000, which would come from State and Federal Government funding allocated to the upgrade of local roads and community infrastructure. The decision was made by Council after going to print, so stay tuned!

The Shire of Esperance was named one of 51 local governments to receive a WA Bicycle Network grant from the State Government. Almost $4 million was allocated to regional bike path projects in WA, with Esperance receiving $285,000. The funds will go towards the construction of a shared path on Bandy Creek Road, between Fisheries Road and Bandy Creek.

Airfares to and from Perth will be capped at just $199 each way if Labor is re-elected next month. Premier Mark McGowan announced that if his government wins in March, airports within 1000 kilometres of Perth, such as Esperance, will have airfares capped at $199, while airports further than 1000 kilometres will have airfares capped at $299. One-way flights between Esperance and Perth on Regional Express currently range between $137 and $350.

RAC revealed further details of its holiday park redevelopment, which will see the addition of new self-contained accommodation, amenities and recreational facilities to the park. Previously Seafront Caravan Park, RAC Esperance Holiday Park will be closed between May and December to allow for works to be undertaken. A heated swimming pool, beachfront cabins and a state-of-the-art camp kitchen are included in the plan.

You canâ€™t enhance a regional community, without the community. Join us at our community information session to learn about what we are doing in Esperance; the different opportunities available for us to work together; and how our new initiatives will benefit our community. See you there. Location: Esperance Civic Centre When:

Tuesday 16th February 2021

Time:

5pm - 7pm (catering included)

RSVP for catering purposes and COVID-19 safety requirements by emailing esperance@horizonpower.com.au or calling (08) 9072 3400.

Visit renewtheregions.com.au to learn more.

Location: Esperance, WA

Book your classifieds advert online esperancetide.com/classifieds Or email hello@esperancetide.com

FOR SALE

CHOOKS FOR SALE Free range ISA brown chooks. $10 each. Buy ten get one free. Maurice 0407 381 114.

LOST & FOUND

PUBLIC NOTICES ESPERANCE & DISTRICTS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY INC. AGM 3rd February at 7pm in the Business Centre on Dempster Street (entry via Windich St). All welcome. We’re a small committee in need of community help to organise the 69th Annual Show after 2020’s was cancelled. Show dates: 15 & 16 October. WANTED: STALL HOLDERS & FOOD VENDORS FOR SUNSET MARKETS Sunset Markets is a boutique night market to be held at Museum Village on February 19 from 5-9pm. If you would like to book a stall, please email esperancesunsetmarkets@ gmail.com.

Can you help find Sammy the seal? He is hiding on one of our pages.

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.

ESPERANCE & DISTRICT BADMINTON ASSOC. AGM Monday 8th February from 7:30pm at the Indoor Sports Stadium ESPERANCE SINGERS

Tuesday Nights from 7pm. at Esperance Senior Citizens Centre. $6pp new members welcome. More info Martin 0403 567 079.

0429 996 577

The classies are a lowcost advertising option for community groups and members. Births, deaths and marriages, job postings, buy, swap and sell, public notices… We can get the word out for you! Head to www.esperancetide. com/classiﬁeds to place yours.

BIRTHDAYS HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAZ! Love you forever. Beef xx

New to business? Trying to reach a wider audience? Have an upcoming event to promote? Then, why not advertise with Esperance Tide? To find out about your advertising options, email hello@esperancetide.com

TRADES & SERVICES

Over 25 years of Plumbing & Gas Fitting in Esperance & surrounds

COMMUNITY

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?

LAKE HILLIER, MIDDLE ISLAND

Scenic helicopter ﬂight and guided walking tour WEEKLY & MAJOR PRIZES ON OFFER BOOK A FLIGHT AND GO INTO THE DRAW TO WIN!

Scenic helicopter adventures showcasing Esperance’s pristine coastline and the famed pink lake of Middle Island’s Lake Hillier. 0428 721 776 helispirit.com.au