Esperance Tide January 2023

Happy New y ear! w e’re so excited to see w H at 2023 H as i N store. d ecember was a ripper, wit H t H e days ( slowly! ) warmi N g up a N d a N abu N da N ce of rum balls a N d pavlova keepi N g us e N ergised t H roug H out t H e silly seaso N . b ut N ow we’re looki N g a H ead. s u N - filled days t H at smell like su N scree N a N d taste like a fres H sausage roll await us!

Speaking of summer foods… Hot days are synonymous with one thing - hot chips! Every good beach day should end by rockin’ into the local fish and chip shop with sandy feet and salty hair, and ordering a serve of hot chips, coated in chicken salt and drenched in vinegar. We set out this month to find the best takeaway hot chips in Esperance (p. 12). It was hard work, but someone had to do it. Between the lunch bars, corner stores, and fish and chip shops, there were some absolutely stellar performances. Agree or disagree with our critique? Let us know! We love to hear from our readers.

Do you reckon kangaroos like hot chips? We should have asked Lynn Kidd when we visited Esperance Roo Haven and Wildlife Rescue this month. Lynn does an amazing job at caring for the injured wildlife that are brought to her after what’s often a pretty traumatic event. It was lovely spending time with Lynn and hearing about her background caring for wildlife in Africa, before arriving in Australia where she quickly learnt to care for our native friends. You can read about Lynn’s hard work on page 4. You’ll no doubt be inspired to take a little more care on our roads this summer.

We also caught up with Nicola Sime, Founder and Creative Director of Atlas Interior Design. Nicola studied at the CATC Design School in Sydney and started Atlas in 2012, when there were no other interior designers in the region. Since then, Nicola and her team have been responsible for some pretty cool house renos and builds in Esperance. If you’re planning on doing work to your place in 2023, check out the story on page 28. You’ll be dialling Nicola’s number before you’re done reading!

There’s a heap of other great stuff within our pages this month - from our guide to beach etiquette (p. 8), which is a must-read for locals and visitors alike, to a yarn about the Esperance Bird Observers Group (p. 16), as always, there’s something for everyone. Have a safe and sunny Jan, and we look forward to seeing you in Feb with a few extra freckles splashed across your skin! Until next time…

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

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bronte Vincent bronte@esperancetide.com

EDITORIAL

Hannah Siemer hannah@esperancetide.com

CONTRIBUTORS

FOLLOW US /esperancetide @esperancetide

Karli Florisson

Rosie Henderson Lucy Vincent

Kyron Smithson Katie White

The Local Safe Haven for Injured Wildlife

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY ROSIE HENDERSON

We’re sitting outside Lynn Kidd’s house in the garden. Birds are singing in the background, and kangaroos graze and snooze happily in the paddock around the house. Lynn is one of only a handful of certified wildlife carers in the Esperance region and runs Esperance Roo Haven and Wildlife Rescue, where she rescues and cares for wildlife in need. Her home is a sanctuary to a range of birds, raptors, and, of course, kangaroos who have fallen into her caring hands and home.

Lynn has always had a passion for wildlife and caring for those in need, with her story going back to her and partner Andrew’s days in Botswana and South Africa, where Lynn worked with African wildlife and ran the local pony club. Lynn earnt her living training and breaking horses, and teaching horse riding. “When you’re a horse person, all animals matter,” laughs Lynn.

In 2002, Lynn and Andrew began their life in Australia on mines in Newman, where Lynn was first introduced to kangaroos. She was given an orphaned joey to raise by the local vet, because they all knew she loved animals. Despite having no idea what she was doing, and with nowhere to go to find out, Lynn managed to keep the joey alive. This inspired her to register as a wildlife carer, a registration that is required to legally care for and keep hold of any Australian wildlife. “Knowing what I know now, I do not know how that joey or any of the kangaroos that were soft released up in that area survived,” recalls Lynn. “Nobody knew anything about macropods up in Newman, so we were just guessing, with sensitive little lives at stake.”

Upon moving to Esperance in 2006, Lynn transferred her registration as a wildlife carer to the Esperance region, where she undertook further training for wildlife rescue and handling. As a carer, Lynn works closely with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and a variety of other organisations and groups to care for wildlife in the area.

Most of Lynn’s rescues at Esperance Roo Haven are the result of hunting and roadkill-related incidents and injuries, with many of the rescues involving orphaned joeys that have been left in their mother’s pouch. “Joeys can live for up to five days in the mother’s pouch once she has died. There, they either die from being bitten

to death by ants, dehydration, or cold from the dead mother,” explains Lynn. “If the mother’s pouch is not checked and they’re not rescued, five days of living hell lies in wait for that baby joey.”

Lynn worries about the attitude and lack of care shown towards Australian wildlife. “They do not fair well, the Australian wildlife,” Lynn says. “If they’re not killed underfoot during the mating of the mothers, they can be separated from their mothers, and then the foxes get them, and if it’s not the foxes it’s the dogs, if it’s not the dogs it’s the cars, if it’s not the cars it’s the floods and the fires. The western grey kangaroo is capable of only one joey a year, and once it is on foot, the chances of it surviving are minimal.”

It’s afternoon feeding time at the block and Lynn is chopping up apples for the kangaroos to snack on as we do a round and check on them all. Lynn will check they’re all healthy and that the mothers and babies are all together and accounted for. It’s illegal to keep the kangaroos enclosed or locked up, so they are free to leave through gates around Lynn's property. Most don’t wander far and return often, but Lynn keeps a close eye and count on them all.

The kangaroos greet Lynn calmly, with many happily eating out of her hand. Lynn’s smiling, but she tells me that it’s not always smiles when caring for wildlife. “One of the greatest challenges as a carer is the human side of it – dealing with the anger from members of the public, who deem these animals as pests,” Lynn says. “Wildlife carers experience a high rate of suicide because we feel undermined and we’re exhausted, because we are hated more than respected. The animals struggle a lot, and that can be hard on carers, especially when a majority of our calls are to euthanise.”

Despite the challenges, Lynn has nursed a lot of injured wildlife back to health. Lynn says that any support they get is always greatly appreciated. The Esperance Roo Haven is mostly self-funded, with Lynn picking up regular food and vet bills. There are occasional grants, with one recently being received from the State Government’s Animal Welfare Grant Program, which will help to build an aviary and buy a rainwater tank and multi-purpose animal holding pen to help improve wildlife rescues, rehabilitations, and releases.

Currently, one of the biggest challenges for Esperance Roo Haven is a lack of places to release these animals back into the wild. Lynn tells us horror stories of how kangaroo rereleases can go wrong if not done properly. “While we find appropriate land to soft release the roos back into the wild, I’ve had to ease back on how many roos I can raise to release here in Esperance,” she says. “We are still raising and caring for all wildlife, we just have to work with other carers to find places to release them.”

H ow you ca N H elp

If you come across injured wildlife, take it straight to a vet or ring the Department of Parks and Wildlife for advice - you can call the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055. Whatever you do, make sure to leave the caring to the experts. It’s illegal not to hand wildlife over to certified carers or a vet within 72 hours.

Beach Etiquette 101

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY ROSIE HENDERSON

Our perfect day in Esperance doesn’t just depend on the weather - the behaviour of the people around you can be the difference between a ripper day out and a bloody nightmare. We’ve compiled our top beach etiquette tips and tricks to keep in mind the next time you head out for a day by the sea.

Take care of the land and each other

This land, from the sparkling blue seas and squeaky white sands, to the mallee trees and granite outcrops, is pristine because it has been relatively untouched and well looked after for a long time now. Sometimes we take it for granted. Do your part to protect this special place, and show others how to do the same.

• Be considerate and respectful of the land, the sea, and each other.

• Be kind and courteous to each other and each other’s abilities.

• Don’t destroy the vegetation and land.

• Do not endanger or feed wildlife.

• Always be respectful and considerate of shared spaces and the people that visit them and look after them.

In the bin

Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.

• Clean up after yourself! Put rubbish in the bin and if the bins are full, take your rubbish with you.

• It’s not acceptable to bury or burn rubbish, or to throw food scraps or bait bags into the bush. Minimise packaging every time, carry rubbish bags in your vehicle, and be prepared to carry out the rubbish of those less thoughtful.

• When you’ve got to go, practise good personal hygiene in the bush and prevent the spread of nasties such as giardia and gastroenteritis, as well as stinky surprises for other travellers. Use toilets where they are provided, or carry a trowel, dig a hole, and bury your waste at least 100m from any watercourse, off tracks, and at least 30cm deep. Whatever you do, don’t litter that toilet paper (ew, yuck)!

If there’s space, give it

People are out here because they like spacerespect that!

• If you arrive at a place and there’s lots of space, don’t settle in right beside another group. There’s nothing worse than being in a large area and someone choosing to park up right beside you.

• No one likes DJ Spotify ruining their peace and tranquillity. Keep the volume of your music and talking under control. We’re not asking you to not have fun, but be respectful of others and don’t disturb them with excessively loud beats, yarns or bad language.

• Don’t be a starer or glarer. Focus on the beauty of your surroundings, not each other!

• Try not to flick sand towards other beach goers.

Behind the wheel

Many places around Esperance are easily accessible, but some require some beach or 4x4 driving to reach them.

• Slow it down a bit. You’ve got the day off or, better yet, you’re on holiday, so there’s no rush! Slowing down can prevent a lot of danger and damage.

• Always slow down when passing others on the beach, and be especially careful of children and dogs.

• Stay on tracks and don’t damage living plants and vegetation. Damage to vegetation and soils can be irreversible, and once a new track is made, other vehicles will follow, which only causes further damage.

• Watch for wildlife. You’re in their home, so leave them be and avoid watching them disappear under your car tyres. Keep your eyes peeled for reptiles basking in the sun at the side of the track.

• Do your bit to ditch dieback. Many of our unique plant species are susceptible to Phytophthora dieback ( Phytophthora cinnamomi ), which is plant death caused by a microscopic soil-borne water mould. The pathogen kills many coastal species and vegetation types, which endangers our land and ecosystems. It is spread by the transportation of infested soil and plant material, so we ask that you:

– Clean any mud and soil off your vehicle before and after your trip

– Avoid travelling in wet and muddy conditions

– Keep to established tracks and roads and respect track closures.

A few basic guidelines for drivers:

• Practise using 4x4 by manually putting your hubs in and getting in and out of 4x4. High range is good for cruising and most situations. Low range is good when you need to go really slowly across sand, rocky terrain, or mud.

• Ask others about road conditions and obey normal traffic rules. Always be cautious of blind corners and hills. Give a warning honk to be safe.

• Drop your tyre pressure when it is right to do so, and before you churn up the sand and tracks too much for others!

Put the fire out

Don’t be the one responsible for a catastrophe.

• Fires are not permitted anywhere over the summer period! But when they are:

• Coastal vegetation takes a long time to grow and is easily damaged. Don’t burn the bush!

• Bring any firewood with you rather than collecting it nearby.

• Fires are only permitted in designated or contained pits, keep it small, and make sure it’s properly extinguished after you leave.

• Fires are not permitted on high or extreme fire danger days, and are not permitted at any time within certain Department of Parks and Wildlife-managed lands. Always check with the camp host or ranger if in doubt.

• Obey fire rules or face fines and imprisonment!

Preparation prevents disaster

Hope for the best, but always prepare for the worst.

• Take your own drinking water and food.

• Be self-sufficient and prepare for any situation as best you can.

• Always let someone know where you’re going and for how long.

• Check for weather warnings, road closures, and shark sightings before you head out.

• Make sure that your vehicle is well maintained and in good working order, and check it over before setting off.

• Pack well. You might be loaded up with fishing gear and plenty of cans, but remember to make room for basic supplies such as water, food, a first aid kit, extra fuel, vehicle recovery equipment (shover, recovery strap, spare tyre), and basic tools.

importa N t co N tacts

Inside national parks - Department of Parks and Wildlife - 9083 2100

Outside national parks - Shire of Esperance - 9071 0666 (office) or 9083 1533 (ranger)

For police assistance - WA Police - 131 444 (non-emergency) or 000 (emergency)

takeaway wars

Where to Get Your Hot Chip Fix This Summer...

We’re passionate about hot chips here at Tide HQ, and there’s no better time to eat your body weight in fried potatoes than in summer. A nation-wide chip shortage didn’t stop us from making the rounds and trying the hot chips on offer at every takeaway outlet in town. It was a hard job, but someone had to do it.

Aurelia’s Ice Creamery & Cafe

In response to the nationwide chip shortage, our fave corner shop is frying up hot chips to order. Goodbye, soggy bainmarie sadness, and hello, golden crunchy goodness! We ordered a small serve for $5.50 and, despite a steady flow of hungry lunchtime customers, the wait was only five minutes. When Aurelia’s say ‘small’, they mean anything but. We received a sizable box of thick-cut chips, which would easily serve two as a side or a snack. These babies were piping hot but not overly salted, so we hit up the condiment station to add more than our recommended daily dose of sodium. The usual suspects were awaiting us - chicken salt, regular salt, and vinegar in a squirty bottle - however our beloved tommy sauce was nowhere to be seen. As with any good thick-cut chip, Aurelia’s hot chips were crunchy on the outside with ample fluffy potato inside, and came in all shapes and sizes, from big whoppers to those tiny little crunchy fellas at the bottom of the box.

fi N al say After a morning at Blue Haven, we’ll be rolling down Twilight Beach Road and into Aurelia’s to refuel.

Bay of Isles Lunch Bar

If we told you that you could buy a bag of hot chips for a gold coin, would you believe us? Probably not, but at Bay of Isles Lunch Bar, you can do just that. A small serve of chips at this busy Norseman Road lunch bar costs just $2 (you can also grab a bucket for $4 or a box for $5). Arriving bang on midday, this place was heaving, so even though the chips came straight out of the bain-marie, they were h-o-t. Despite the tiny price tag, there were still enough chips in the bag to satisfy one moderately hungry tradie as a snack or a side. Mediumcut and lightly seasoned, they didn’t give us goosebumps but they did hit the spot and, given the value, there’s a high chance we’ll return. The usual salts and vinegars adorned the condiment table, and individual sauces were available for purchase. After going to town on the chicken salt shaker, we were on our way, our wallets only marginally lighter than when we walked in.

fi N al say Best value chips in Esperance.

fi N al score

Castletown Fish and Chips

The Great Chip Shortage of Summer 2022/23 has officially hit the eastern suburbs. When we innocently ordered a minimum chips, we were told that chips were only being sold alongside fish. We didn’t take much convincing and ordered a serve of local nannygai, which was, by the way, light, flaky and totally delicious. But how were the chips, you ask? We’ve long been fans of the deep fried deliciousness coming out of this Goldfields Road favourite and the chips are no exception. Time and time again they’re bloody good. Mid-sized, crunchy, and well seasoned - the type of chip that doesn’t need the fanfare of a condiment to make it shine. For $5, the portion was underwhelming, however we put this down to chip rationing, something we’ll likely tell our grandkids about in years to come. The modest serving was just enough for the two of us as a side, so if you’re really hungry, opt for a serve each. Hopefully this shortage doesn’t get any worse, or else we might find ourselves paying by the chip.

fi N al say Small portion, big flavour.

fi N al score

Lucky Roe Snack Bar

When ordering a small serve of chips at this Norseman Road institution, we were given the option of a paper bag or a bucket (both $4.90). Serious discussion ensued over the pros and cons of each. A bag can be shaken, allowing for better coverage of chicken salt, but if you want to drown your chips in vinegar, you might be left with a mess. A bucket fits nicely in the car’s cup holder, making it ideal for the solo traveller. However, condiment coverage can be poor, with most of the salts and sauces only coating the top layer of chips, and you risk the rest of the bucket being dry and bland. We opted for the latter and were given a bucket of chips piled so high, it resembled a deep-fried Jenga tower. Despite coming from the bain-marie, the thick-cut chips were hot, fresh, crunchy, and perfectly salted. The condiment station was well stocked, with chicken salt, malt vinegar in a spray bottle, and tomato and barbecue sauces.

fi N al say There’s a reason these guys have been going strong since 1968.

fi N al score

Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue? More like out of this world. I’m pretty sure we teared up a little upon first bite. How the humble potato could be turned into something so special, so breathtaking, is beyond us. Firstly, the crunch factor on these chips was so high, we’re pretty sure the people of Salmon Gums could hear us biting down on them. The crispy coating, perfectly pre-salted with chicken salt, gave way to a silky smooth centre, searingly hot but too tempting to allow for ample cooling time. The box was the ideal size to share with a mate and set us back $5.95. Considering the quality, this was excellent value and, just quietly, we’d happily pay double for chips this good. Condiments on offer include creamy aioli, OTB burger sauce, or tomato and barbecue sauces. Our advice? Don’t bother. These chips can absolutely hold their own and will only be tainted if they come into contact with anything from a squeezy bottle.

al say We’re calling it. Best takeaway chips in town.

fi N al score

Sheldon Lunch Box

There’s fierce competition between the local lunch bars, but a reliable source told us that the hot chips at Sheldon Lunch Box were the cream of the potato crop. We knew we’d arrived at the right time when we stepped through the door and a fresh batch of chips were being pulled from the fryer. A small serve was $4 and came in a white paper bag that, on first appearances, seemed teeny-tiny. However, once consumption was underway, we quickly realised this small paper vessel was the Mary Poppins bag of the chip world. They just kept coming and boy, are we glad they did. These midsized chippies were as crunchy as they were fresh, and were laden with salt. In fact, dare we say it, they were a little too salty. An excellent array of condiments were on offer to accompany these little flavour bombs, with chicken salt, barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and vinegar in a spray bottle all ripe for the picking.

fi N al say Our days of driving down Sheldon Road without stopping at the Lunch Box are over.

fi N al score

ed ’ s N ote

Top End Takeaway

This is one busy fish and chip shop but we didn’t mind waiting 20 minutes during the Sunday lunch rush - we knew this meant our chips would be f-r-es-h. Minimum chips here are a neat $5. For this, you’ll get a sizeable paper bag, bountifully stuffed with thick-cut, lightly salted chips. It’s undoubtedly good value for money, though it got us reminiscing about Beryl’s Eats, where the ‘small’ chips would be served in a large milkshake container. The container would then be placed in a paper bag and more chips would be thrown in over the top. Our poor arteries. Beryl’s aside, and considering the price of chips is soaring, we reckon Top End’s serve was more than generous. The chips themselves were decent, though probably better served alongside a helping of fish, rather than on their own. Like any good fish and chip shop, you can ask for your chippies to be drenched with chicken salt and vinegar when you order. Tomato sauce is available for purchase in individual packets.

fi N al say

A top option for the top end of town.

fi N al score

Unfortunately, FishFace was temporarily closed during our reviewing period. However, we’re glad to see they’re now open again. You’ll just have to try them for yourself (and let us know what you think)!

Woody Lake. Credit: Rosie Henderson

Left: Southern Emu Wren on the Kepwari walk. Right: Great Crested Grebes from the birdhide at Kepwari. Credit: Kim Norris

Making the Most of an Abundance of Birds

WORDS KARLI FLORISSON

Whenever you’re feeling tired, spare a thought for the bar-tailed godwit. This incredible bird holds the record for the longest non-stop flight time of any bird, and the longest journey without pausing to feed. After spending summer in their Arctic breeding grounds, bar-tailed godwits travel to Australia and New Zealand, a journey of around 11,000 kilometres, without stopping to rest or feed. Along with sooty oystercatchers, red-eared firetails, and purple-crowned lorikeets, bar-tailed godwits are just some of the amazing birds that can be spotted in Esperance.

The diversity of habitats in our region, ranging from the coastline, to lakes and wetlands, to inland areas of native bush, support around 200 different species of birds. The Lake Warden system of lakes is a Ramsar-listed Wetland of International Importance, supporting many migratory birds, including the well-travelled bar-tailed godwits. The heathlands in our nearby national parks also support a variety of birds, some of them rare and critically endangered, such as the western ground parrot. The coastal areas provide habitat for shorebirds such as the hooded plover, and the islands of the Recherche Archipelago provide habitat for many pelagic birds. This incredible diversity means that the members of the Esperance Bird Observers Group have plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of interesting birds.

The Esperance Bird Observers Group was established 45 years ago, though the group’s president Kim Norris says the origins of the group have been somewhat lost to history. These days, it is an incorporated organisation, and the dedicated birdwatchers meet monthly at different locations around the region to watch birds and compare notes. Mike Seinor, the group’s secretary, says it’s a great opportunity to learn about birds, as well as a good social occasion. On their most recent outing, the group met at Lake Monjingup, where they saw 39 different species of birds. As keen bird watchers, some members of the group like to check off a list of different species that they have spotted, and some record the numbers or types of birds. While it’s not necessary to have any prior knowledge of birds to be a member, many do bring a wealth of knowledge to the group, such as being able to identify different birds by their

calls. The group is always looking for something different and unusual. One of Kim’s favourite birds to spot is the blue-billed duck, which he recently spotted at Lake Monjingup. “It’s a lovely bird to watch,” Kim says. For Mike, the migratory shorebirds hold a lot of appeal, especially as many of them have travelled so far. “I appreciate the effort,” he says.

As well as getting together for social birdwatching, the Esperance Bird Observers Group is also involved in vital research. The group takes part in the annual shorebird count, which is a national survey providing important data about the numbers and habitats of shorebirds. They also assist with other research and advocacy, such as helping a research scientist capture and band pacific gulls in the region. Mike says that if people see banded pacific gulls, they should report these to the group. This type of research is important in knowing where key biodiversity areas are located, and to keep a track of any decline in bird numbers. “Anecdotal evidence of a decline in numbers is not enough,” Kim says. “It’s hard to elicit action from government or other groups without concrete numbers.”

The group also hopes to see more surveys and research being done in the Recherche Archipelago, home to birds such as Cape Barren geese, little penguins, and flesh-footed shearwaters. They are hopeful that as plans for the proposed marine park progress, it will bring much-needed research to the area. The group has also helped with field walks and school class demonstrations, hoping to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm for birdwatching to others.

For locals or visitors to town who might like to try birdwatching, there are a wealth of places to visit. Kim and Mike recommend the Kepwari Walk Trail at Woody Lake Nature Reserve, or some of the coastal walk trails in the nearby national parks. To help amateur birdwatchers, the group has put together a booklet called Birdwatching around Esperance , supported by Birdlife Australia. As well as providing details on places to visit to spot different birds, the booklet also provides a list of many of the birds that are common in the region. The group also invites interested people to participate in the shorebird count, which will be happening in February, as more volunteers are always welcome!

Left: Western Golden Whistler dining on the Kepwari walk.

Right: Bar-Tailed Godwit at Bandy Creek Boat Harbour.

Bottom: Blue-Billed Duck at Lake Monjinup Credit: Kim Norris

Proposed New Cemeteries Local Law 2022

Council voted to proceed with the proposed Cemetery Local Law 2022 at the December Council meeting, replacing the outdated Cemeteries Local Law 2002. The new law will clarify use of and rules around the cemetery, allow greater flexibility for community use, give greater governance on management, provide guidance to officers and a framework for all future scenarios. A fine for late funeral processions was removed after officers determined it is not required, and wording has been updated to reflect current legislation and usage, such as the ability for assistance animals to enter the cemetery rather than limiting to seeing eye dogs. Submissions on the proposed law can be made to the Shire by the 9 February 2023.

Local Planning Scheme 24 Amendment 9

Council supported Amendment No.9 of the Local Planning Scheme No.24 (LPS24), which will now be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority and then go to the community for inspection and comment. Like Amendment No.8 considered in October, this is an omnibus Amendment designed to improve the LPS24, and includes a renewal process for holiday houses, prompted by community feedback during the recent consultation. A late addition to Amendment No.9 came with a Councillor-moved amendment aiming to keep cats on their owner’s property, restricting their ability to hunt our native wildlife. Other changes are some zoning alterations, changes to road reserves and land uses, generally making the LPS24 more functional.

Working Fo r Our Small Businesses – New Local Planning Policies

Three new Local Planning Policies came in front of Council, motivated by a significant Shire commitment to transforming the small business customer experience across all approval ocesses. Shire staff recognised opportunities for improvement in 2021, and successfully applied for a grant through the Small Business Development Corporation to participate in the Small Business Friendly Approvals Program. This grant paid for in-depth training for staff across departments; a significant investment in officer time to workshop ways to reduce turnaround and red tape for approval processes. The three policies approved by Council set out circumstances where Applications for Development Approval are not needed, streamlining the process for specifi c situations, and making it easier to d evelop chalets outside townsites and tiny houses on wheels. The process is ongoing.

Annual Report

The Shire of Esperance 2021/2022 Annual Report was accepted by Council, who complimented staff on their work over the year. This document includes the Annual Financial Report, and gives an account to our community of everything that happened in the 2021/2022 financial year. There’s a lot of detail! It’s all there – everything the community has told us is important, through consultation for the Council Plan, is reported on; from our participation in the Regional Climate Alliance to what’s been happening at the Airport, priority projects for the Greater Sports Ground Master Plan, our Tourism Strategy, and right down to how many people have visited the Library and the Museum. Jump on our website to check it out.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Wiggles

THU 12 JAN @ 10:00AM & 12:30PM

ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE

Tickets from $38.85 • The Shire website

Mr SnotBottom

WED 18 JAN @ 4PM

ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE

Tickets $15 • The Shire website

A cross between Mr Bean, Shrek, and Peter Combe, Mr SnotBottom is a fast-paced rollercoaster ride of all things silly and strange, filled to the brim with tasteless tunes, gross gags, and just wrong routines.

Our monthly arts & culture guide brought to you by:

Soul Sistas

THU 5 JAN @ 1PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

David Rastrick

FRI 6 JAN @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Lachy John and Charles

SUN 8 JAN @ 3PM

Life on Land's Edge

WED 18 JAN @ 7:30PM

THE BIJOU THEATRE

Tickets from $5 • bowerbirdcollective.org/esperance

A cinematic concert experience, Life on Land’s Edge draws on art, science, and music from across the ages. Spectacular footage and soundscapes set the scene for two of Australia's most adventurous musicians.

COMMUNITY

Fireworks on the Foreshore

SAT 31 DEC @ 6PM

ESPERANCE FORESHORE

BYO picnic and head on down to the foreshore to see the fireworks over the bay, kicking off at 8pm.

Forage Community Garden

SUN 8 & 22 JAN @ 9AM

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

Off to the left-hand side of the Cannery, you will find the Forage Community Garden, attached to the far side of the Innerspace Building.

Australia Day Free Family Fun Day

THU 26 JAN @ 9AM - 2:30PM

ADVENTURELAND PARK

LIVE MUSIC

New Year’s Eve @ LBB

SAT 31 DEC @ 5PM - 9PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

NYE Countdown Party

SAT 31 DEC @ 8PM

THE PIER HOTEL

New Year’s Day @ LBB

SUN 1 JAN @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Dirty Curtains

FRI 13 JAN @ 5PM & SUN 15 JAN @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Joan & The Giants

SAT 14 JAN @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Josh Thomas

FRI 20 JAN @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Tipsy Jipsys

SAT 21 JAN @ 5PM & THU 26 JAN @ 4PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

There Goes The Sun

SAT 21 JAN @ 5PM

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

Tickets from $44.50 • kyzapresents.com

This year's lineup is set to feature New Talk, Your Girl Pho, Grand Casual, Dr Tasty, Echo Run, Residents Club, The Arid Ones, and John Ratcliff.

Bec Shutz and Mary Leske

SUN 22 JAN @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Josh Bryant and Tim Currie

FRI 27 JAN @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

THE BRIDGE

mini-festival vibes). I think it was around this time (if not earlier) that the large scale festival Here Comes The Sun kicked off in the South West, and I remember thinking to myself, “Sh*t, should I change the name,” though I ultimately decided that my play on words was a whole lot cooler than just snapping up the classic Beatles track title and running with it. As the event developed, one key aspect remained - to ensure that the program featured strong local artist representation.

There Goes The Sun (TGTS) kicked off in 2018 at the Cannery Arts Centre. That year saw a local line-up of seven artists perform in the courtyard, with the event coinciding with the Evolution of the Surfboard closing party. Between TGTS and the Wayne Winchesters surfboard exhibition, this night really set the tone of the years to come. That first line-up provided a golden snapshot of the Esperance music scene, with Roobs, Bodes, Josh Thomas, Jasmine Peucker, Danielle Ratcliff, Simon and Mary, and Campbell Garratt all playing the earliest TGTS sets. It’s worth noting that the vast majority continue to perform, with Josh, Bodes, Robin, and Campbell all taking their music so much further.

In 2020, TGTS made the jump to the Cannery Round Garden, a space well suited to live music (and those

Over the years we have seen some unbelievable touring acts perform, with Old Mervs, Paige Valentine, and Big Orange featuring high amongst my favourites. Although, 2023 may be my favourite lineup to date, with an exceptional balance of local and WA contemporary artists. New Talk, Grand Casual, Your Girl Pho, Echo Run, Dr Tasty, Residents Club, The Arid Ones, and the one and only John Ratcliff are set to take flight on Saturday 21 January in the Cannery Arts Centre Round Garden. Why not just grab your ticket now and save yourself the heartache when it sells out? TGTS is strictly 18+. The Lucky Bay Brewing van will be onsite and the Cannery bar will be selling

tix at www. kyzapresents.com.

KYRON SMITHSON KYZA PRESENTS

meet t H e artist Rachel Bond

Rachel Bond translates her love of nature onto paper using watercolours and fine point ink pens. She recently took out the prestigious Award of Excellence at the Esperance Art Awards for ‘Scared’, an ink stippling piece of a Western Honey Worker Bee that is made up of thousands of tiny ink dots and took more than 30 hours to complete. Originally from Albany, Rachel has called Esperance home for seven years.

Were you an artsy kid?

I’ve always been creative in one way or another, but the artsy part didn’t come until I was a bit older. My love for painting and drawing really kindled when I studied TEE Art in Years 11 and 12, and then to another level once my son Vander was born a few years ago.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Nature. I’ve always loved spending time with animals and being outdoors. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the beach, camping with my family. I feel super fortunate to have experienced so many breathtaking places and I’ve met some pretty cool creatures along the way. All these experiences have shaped who I am today, as well as my passion for creating and learning more about wildlife conservation.

Tell us the story behind ‘Sacred’, your winning piece in the Esperance Art Awards.

I recently became a novice beekeeper and I’m absolutely fascinated by bees and how important they are for our ecosystem. I really wanted to honour these beautiful little creatures. Before I started the piece, I spent a few hours outside with my bees and photographed a bunch of macro shots of them. I then studied the photos to try and stipple the bee as anatomically correct as possible. It was a beautiful journey. I found the entire process very therapeutic.

Are you now inspired to exhibit your work more often?

I’ve only ever entered a couple of pieces in the Cannery’s 9x5 Auction & Fundraiser, so this was really the first time that I’ve properly ‘exhibited’ my work, so to speak. It was surreal to see my work up on a gallery wall and have people view it in real life. I felt so honoured to be able to participate alongside so many incredible artists, let alone win an award. I’m still so grateful for the opportunity and for the acknowledgement of my piece.

How did you end up in Esperance?

We left Albany when I was in high school. My family bought a caravan and travelled around Australia for about a year-and-a-half before settling in Mandurah. I finished high school, studied at university, and met my husband, Dane. He’s originally from Esperance. My dad also grew up here and met my mum here, so it’s always held a special place in my heart.

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

Mostly just hanging out with my family. I’m at home with my 3-yearold son Vander, which I love! I’m actually an early childhood and primary school teacher, but I haven’t been full-time since before he was born. We love the beach and taking Van on bushwalks.

Lastly, where can we find your work?

I’m on Instagram @rachelcbond , Facebook @rachcbond , and I have a website www.rachelcbond.com au . I regularly have new originals for purchase on my website, along with fine art prints and details on how to reach out for commissioned pieces.

Steve Cooke Scholarship Now Open

Applications for the Cannery Arts Centre’s Steve Cooke Scholarship are now open. The scholarship offers one local emerging artist the opportunity to participate in their choice of Art Lab workshops for six months, allowing them to develop their artistic practices while exploring a variety of mediums.

Formerly known as the Cannery Arts Centre Art Lab Scholarship, the scholarship was first trialled last year. Inaugural recipient Mel Wych used the scholarship to participate in a range of workshops and tutorials between August and December. “I loved having the ability to have a go at anything, as I always love trying new things,” Mel says. “I’ve learned new skills and enjoyed time out to myself.”

The scholarship will continue in 2023 under its new name, the Steve Cooke Scholarship. Steve was a UK-born glassblower, and much-loved part of the Cannery community, contributing as an exhibiting artist, tutor, philanthropist, and friend. He was a great creator and supporter of ideas, and was always willing to help budding artists realise their talents. Steve’s generous nature was evident in his tutoring, particularly those with special and differing needs. His talent can be seen on permanent display at the front of the Esperance Health Campus, where his work forms part of a larger sculptural piece.

apply for t H e steve cooke sc H olars H ip

Sadly, Steve passed away in 2021. The scholarship honours his life and spirit, and continues the legacy of a man who was always happy to share his practice, techniques, encouragement, and advice. Steve’s partner Debbie Warnes says the scholarship is a wonderful tribute to Steve. “[He] was always really keen to help other people realise their talents and encourage them to give something a go,” she says. “Supporting emerging talents is a great way to remember him.”

Applications for the 2023 Steve Cooke Scholarship are now open. Anyone is welcome to apply. There is no lengthy application process, and the scholarship will be awarded to the person who can best demonstrate the benefits they will receive from participating in a range of Art Lab workshops. To apply, email admin@canneryarts.com.au or drop into the Cannery office.

Applications close January 30.

HANNAH SIEMER

The late Steve Cooke.

Credit: Jonty Scoble

five mi N utes wit H John Ratcliff

KYRON SMITHSON

The musical journey between John Ratcliff and myself has been shared in many ways over many years. Yet, somewhat surprisingly, this is the first time John will join us for a Tide Q&A. John and I met at a West Beach residence. I would’ve been a fairly cooked 25-year-old, and John in a similar state but around the age of 18. In true Ratcliff form, he whipped out his guitar and was quick to show me some riffs he’d been working on. I’ve always struggled to pin down where John's guitar influence comes from. There’s a crossover between roots and metal type guitar licks that John does bloody well. I remember kicking back in Ratical Records a few years later (John’s record store business venture) discussing ideas for a developing music scene. My first event was quick to follow, held on the ground floor of Bonaparte’s (now 33 Degrees). John’s songwriting and live performance prowess has evolved dramatically since the early years. He’s an honest artist with an important story to tell.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: SARSBY MARTIN

Stoked to have ya, Mr Ratcliff. I thought I’d kick off by asking who you feel your key influences are when it comes to your guitar style.

In the early days, John Butler was on high rotation. Three songs in particular that inspired me to break away from standard chord-based strumming were ‘Betterman’, ‘Better Than’ and ‘Zebra’.

What’s been a pivotal moment over the past years that inspired you to write new tracks?

Every time I move through a heightened sense of emotion, whether it's anger, love, sadness or happiness, I feel inspired to write. I often feel those heightened emotions when there is a sudden or unexpected change within my life. And writing new music acts as a platform for me to process those emotions.

Anyone that has seen you perform live will know that, at times, your mid-set banter may be a little too much… Have you ever thought to yourself, “I think I may have gone a little too far there?”

100 per cent yes.

What’s been your favourite gig thus far? Why?

My favourite solo sets so far are a toss up between shows played at Monkey Mia Resort and a set at The Bridgetown Hotel for Blues at Bridgetown. On both of these occasions the audience was silent, and truly engaged with the stories behind the songs.

Do you consider lyrics, melody or guitar parts the most important within your compositions?

When I listen to music or when I’m writing, lyrical content has always been of the greatest importance. I want people to understand the story behind the song; to feel emotions associated with the story.

Who’s the biggest influence on your lyrics?

To be honest, the majority of my lyrical inspiration is from local artists. These include Rachel Vibart, Campbell Garratt, Bodes, Grand Casual, Jot (Stunned Mullets)... Realistically, the musicians and friends that I spend time with. I get pumped when I hear fresh lyrics from people I know, especially when it's dope AF. Also, Eminem.

Best live concert you’ve ever attended?

It’s gotta be Florence and the Machine at RAC Arena. I can’t remember how long ago it was, though it was the only time I’ve ever watched a performer and the vocals were better than the recording.

If you could force readers to listen to one track, which would it be?

‘Boredom’ by The Drones. This song took me on a musical journey, following Gareth Liddiard from The Drones to Tropical F Storm, to his solo material (‘Strange Tourist’ - please listen). I feel I connect to his lyrics even though they are so ambiguous, and will mean something different to each listener. In saying that, it's not easy listening, though once you put the effort in, Liddiard’s lyricism is extremely rewarding.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

A recovering addict at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting once told me, “You are always in a shop window”.

Anything else you would like to add?

Don’t do anything Jesus wouldn’t do.

catc H J o HN ratcliff live

John is set to kick off proceedings at There Goes the Sun on Saturday 21 January at the Cannery Arts Centre. For tix, head to www.kyzapresents.com .

su N set co N cert series

Let Us Entertain You This Summer

Jump in the car this summer and enjoy the short drive to Kalgoorlie-Boulder for some great summer entertainment as nationally-renowned musicians Illy, Coterie, and The Rubens take to the stage for the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s Sunset Concert Series in January and February.

Held across three evenings, the Sunset Concert Series is always a hit with locals and visitors alike, with many packing the Soundshell at Centennial Park for a night of free live music and entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. This year, the free community outdoor concerts, to be held at Centennial Park, will also feature Robbie vs Ed , a Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran tribute show. Each concert will be supported by local music artists and other performing arts shows, too, putting the Kalgoorlie-Boulder talent on show.

This year’s artists are some of the best Australia and Western Australia have to offer. Professional Australian rapper and hip-hop royalty Illy first emerged on the hip-hop scene in 2009. Since then, he has released five studio albums and won multiple APRA Awards and ARIA Music Awards, including Best Australian Live Act.

Illy has performed at many Australian music festivals, including headline spots at Groovin the Moo and

Splendour in the Grass. He currently has over 470,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and is followed by over 285,000 people on Facebook. Illy is hailed as one of the country’s best live performers of the last decade and has earnt his position as an integral part of the musical fabric of Australia.

Renowned Australian five-piece alternative rock band The Rubens rose to fame following the release of their selftitled album in 2012, which reached number three on the ARIA charts. Since then, the band has had several charthitting singles, many featuring in Triple J’s Hottest 100.

The band has mastered the art of genre-surfing, coasting between alt-rock, pop, and hip-hop, amongst other influences, and has achieved commercial success while upholding their authenticity. In 2018, The Rubens released their third studio album Lo La Ru, which became their third to debut in the ARIA top five. That same year, they supported Pink in her 46-show tour of Australia.

Concert goers will be treated to an explosion of grooveinfused rhythms with Coterie taking the stage as part of the final concert. The five-piece band, spearheaded by four Māori brothers living on the coastlines of Western Australia, is rapidly building a reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts on both sides of the Tasman.

Their first hit single ‘Cool It Down' spent three weeks in the number one position on the official New Zealand Hot Singles Charts, and the group has since amassed more than 5 million streams, 250,000 YouTube views, and an army of dedicated fans behind them.

Everyone loves a good tribute, and the Robbie vs Ed Tribute Show will have the crowd singing along to all their favourite hits from Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran. Performer Joe Boshell is known for his enthusiasm, high energy, and uncanny resemblance to the two musicians. Set yourself up for a relaxing evening by bringing your own chairs, picnic blankets, nibbles and drinks (no glass). Local food van providers will also be there serving a range of food and drinks.

Each concert kicks off at 6pm, with a playground nearby for the kids to enjoy during the evening. The venue fills up quickly with family and friends getting their spots in the beautiful green park, so be sure to get there early. Free parking is available at Centennial Park on Great Eastern Highway, across from the Council’s Administration Building.

While you’re in town, pop into the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitors Centre for all the latest information on local tours and other events and attractions happening in the city. The Boulder Town Hall and War Museum is always full of fascinating information, as well as the WA Museum and Hannans North Tourist Mine. The Goldfields Arts Centre regularly hosts shows and gallery exhibitions, or you may want to enjoy the local wildlife and natural surroundings at Hammond Park and Karkula Park.

co N cert dates

Catch the

on January 26, The Rubens on February 18, and Illy and Coterie on February 25. The 2023 Sunset Concert Series is proudly supported by Lotterywest and Northern Star Resources. For more information about the concert series and other events and attractions,visit the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder website www.ckb.wa.gov.au/sunsets.

Robbie vs Ed Tribute Show

Bringing Dream

WORDS KARLI FLORISSON PHOTOGRAPHY TESSA ECKERSLEY

In the minimalist office that houses her business, Atlas Interior Design, Nicola Sime pores over architectural drawings, custom cabinetry, timber flooring, handmade tiles, and unique lighting pieces. With a myriad of decisions involved in building and renovating a house, there are dozens of elements that go into bringing each client’s vision to life. Combining vibrant creativity with an eye for detail and dynamic organisational skills, Nicola is passionate about planning all the details that make a house feel like a home.

Nicola got her start in the building industry, working for a construction company for eight years, which provided a solid foundation for her career ahead. “I knew how to help people select finishes for their homes,” Nicola says. “I wanted to be able to help design the bones of a house and plan the two together.” This led to Nicola’s decision to train as an interior designer, and so she enrolled in CATC Design School in Sydney.

Atlas Interior Design was founded in 2012 as Nicola was in her final year of study. She chose the name ‘Atlas’ because she hoped the business would bring international design standards to Esperance and remote Western Australia. When Nicola established the business, there were no interior designers working in the region. She now works with people renovating or building new homes. Nicola and her team work closely with clients

through the design process to achieve the aesthetic they desire, along with the practicalities required in their home. While architectural interior design is Nicola’s passion, she and the team also work with their clients to select furniture and all other elements of interior décor, right down to the last cushion. She finds sourcing and selecting materials to be one of the most enjoyable parts of the job. “It’s the alchemy of putting together those key finishes, patterns, colours and textures,” Nicola says.

Nicola grew up in Esperance and after travelling overseas and living in other parts of Western Australia, she and husband Grant decided that Esperance was where they wanted to put down roots. Despite the occasional difficulty that living and working in a remote area can bring, Nicola sees more benefits than challenges to working in the building industry in Esperance. “We have

excellent builders and tradespeople in town,” she says. “In a small community like Esperance, there’s no hiding work that is substandard. The tradespeople who are here do good quality work.” Nicola says that high demand for construction at the moment means that clients often have to wait for their builder to start, providing a perfect opportunity for Atlas to plan the details in the meantime. “It’s a great place to live, and a large portion of local people want to build or renovate here, putting builders and tradespeople in demand,” she says.

Nicola looks to create a style that is both timeless and sought after. The Atlas team tends not to be too focussed on trends. “There is a bit of a 70’s and 80’s revival that is going on at the moment,” Nicola says. “For example a 1960’s inspired space can be quite timber heavy, so I might take that element of the fashion and use it. I am considered in our selections to ensure my clients do not tire of them. It is possible to be both fashion forward and still utilise classic styling.”

Nicola loves fabrics and enjoys looking at the latest materials and finding the perfect design elements to suit the client’s requirements and style. “Sometimes it’s about finding the perfect piece that will set the tone or tie it all together,” she says. “It could just be one chair. The colours in that piece will inform the rest of the palette.”

Nicola is grateful for the excellent reception that Atlas Interior Design has received from the Esperance community. Atlas now employs four people part-time, and their books are already filling up for 2023. The

majority of projects that the Atlas team is working on are renovation projects, although there are a few new build houses and furniture-focused interior décor projects on their books, too. An ongoing Atlas project has been Dempster Homestead, a heritage-listed house built in the 1860s. “It’s a labour of love,” Nicola says. “Our design work has been included in the renovation of the kitchen in 2018, and the currently under construction two bedrooms, three bathrooms and some secondary spaces.” Another project, overlooking West Beach, has its very own James Giddy painting of a blue wren in the interior. The new build project, ‘House on a Hill’, is a collaboration with fellow coastal town architect Aaron King of Reside Studios. Nicola says many Atlas clients are people who are building or renovating their ‘forever home’. “People want to make sure that the home that they will be living in long-term is exactly right, customised to them,” she says.

This year will see Atlas relocate to a new premises on William Street, an older office space in need of a complete renovation. Nicola and the team are looking forward to applying their processes to the space, seeing it as an opportunity for creativity specific to Atlas’ own personality. They are excited about their other upcoming projects, too, which include a chic second storey renovation to a town central mid-century home, and a renovation incorporating a stunning concrete and mosaic plunge pool. Meanwhile in Perth, construction is scheduled to start on two three-storey homes that Atlas has been designing over the past year.

Nicola (far right) and her team. Credit: Hannah Lister

The Wreck of the Dunster Castle

WORDS KARLI FLORISSON PHOTOGRAPHY ESPERANCE MUSEUM

On the evening of 4 July 1916, a ship named the Dunster Castle was sailing from Esperance to Albany. That night, a strong wind sprang up, causing heavy seas. The Dunster Castle did not have cargo on board but even so, she was finding it hard going in such rough conditions. She struggled on in rough weather for two days, until Captain Schroder made the decision to return to Esperance. Drawing towards Butty’s Head, the ship was facing mountainous seas, and due to the direction of the wind, she couldn’t make much headway, so they again turned towards Albany. The ship’s engineer then reported a problem to the captain. The ship’s bilge pumps were blocked and not operating properly. The Dunster Castle was a coal fired steam ship, and she was also running perilously low on both coal and water. Although he had a lot of experience in coastal trade in other areas of Australia, Captain Schroder did not know this area of the coast well. He decided to seek shelter in nearby Fanny’s Cove.

Fanny’s Cove was well known as a sheltered bay. The Moir family had established a homestead nearby in 1873, and ships often stopped in the bay to drop off supplies or pick up the Moir’s wool clip. In the poor visibility, Captain Schroder missed Fanny’s Cove, and ended up in an area that was awash with white water breaking over hidden rocks. He put down two anchors in a desperate attempt to avoid running the ship into the limestone cliffs, hanging on until one of the anchor cables broke. Then, realising he had to take drastic action to avoid the ship breaking up on the rocks, the captain used the ship’s

last bit of steam to run her up onto a sandy bank, just short of the cliffs.

Before these dramatic events took place, the Dunster Castle , named after a castle in England, where she was built, was being used to transport railway materials for the Esperance-Salmon Gums railway line. The people of Esperance first lobbied for a railway line to the Goldfields in the 1890s, in the early years of the gold rush. During those years, miners poured into the Esperance harbour, then walked, bicycled, or rode through sandy tracks to seek their fortunes. A railway line from Esperance, the closest port, would have allowed for easier transportation of miners and goods, and would have allowed the boom in Esperance to continue. Fearing that this would draw trade away from Perth and Fremantle, the colonial government of the day instead built a railway line from Perth to the Goldfields. The railway from Coolgardie to Esperance was finally completed in 1927, far too late to save Esperance from the decline that followed the gold rush boom.

Somewhat miraculously, the Dunster Castle avoided any major reefs when she was grounded, and did not suffer serious damage. The next day, some of the crew were able to get to shore. They walked to the Moir’s homestead, where they were given food and tobacco. The Moirs were able to attract the attention of the State steamship Eucla , who happened to be nearby. The Eucla collected the rest of the crew and took them back to Esperance. Although the Dunster Castle was just a small coastal

steamer, the First World War was in full swing, so every available ship was valuable. Thus, immediate attempts were made to recover the Dunster Castle , firstly by Captain Arundel, a marine surveyor from Fremantle, using the Eucla . After months of work, attempting to tow the ship off the sand bar with the Eucla , Arundel gave up on the task.

The wrecked ship was then purchased by Albany storekeeper E.G. Everett for £260. He contracted Captain William Douglas to salvage the ship. The Douglas family had been involved in the coastal shipping trade for many years. William’s brother was Captain Fred Douglas, a well known Esperance personality who captained the Grace Darling on her coastal mail and supply run. The family had been involved in saving ships and passengers in a number of incidents along the Western Australian coast. Captain William Douglas took two tugs, the Silver Star and the Dunskey , to where the Dunster Castle was stuck on the sandbar. A trench was dug around the ship, and after much hard work, she was successfully refloated. Captain Douglas had an engineer on hand, who was able to overhaul the ship’s engine and get it going. But despite all this success, the recovery efforts were ill fated – sand caused the propeller shaft to seize, and when the wind came up, the anchor lines snapped. The ship was once again driven back onto the sand.

The Douglas family would not be paid for their salvage efforts if they were unsuccessful, so they did not give up on their efforts. It was two years before they were able to refloat her

again. This time, they had managed to get the propeller shaft working, but it soon seized again. With the weather turning bad, they decided to open the sea cocks and sink the ship in shallow water, believing that it would be easier to pump her out than to have her driven all the way onto the shore again. But this, too, was ill-fated. As the Dunster Castle sank, she drifted broadside on to the breaking waves, and she soon started to fill with sand and water. Sadly, the Douglas family decided to abandon the efforts to salvage the ship. They were left with only debt to show for all their hard work.

In 1919, two more attempts were made to salvage the ship. Firstly, a syndicate from Esperance used a bullock team and ropes and anchors attached to the cliff tops to try to pull the ship ashore. After working for some months without results, they gave up. The next to try were two Norwegian brothers, who had been working at a whaling

station in Albany, along with diver Jack Schumann, who had been involved in the first attempt to salvage the ship. These men, who were all very experienced at sailing in rough waters, managed to get on board the ship with their gear. They then built a wall around the deck of the ship to keep out the water, and successfully cleared the sand and water out of the engine room. This refloated the stern of the ship, but despite their efforts, they could not pump the sand and water out of the rest of the ship. The Dunster Castle was once again driven ashore. This was to be her final resting place, as no more efforts were made to refloat the ship. With waves constantly breaking over her, the ship was last spotted in 1995, almost buried in the sand. More recent attempts by local divers to find the wreck have been unsuccessful, leaving the Dunster Castle entirely undisturbed.

Salvage crews stand next to the Dunster Castle.

Salvage crews stand on the tug, the Dunskey.

The Dunster Castle

13

Down

Norseman Road lunch bar, established in 1968 (5, 3)

Local band featuring on the latest Esperance Tide merchandise range (3, 4, 6)

Lucky Bay Brewing’s mulberry sour, ___ Fruit

National park in which you'll find the Thomas River campground, Cape ___

Birdwatching group, Esperance Bird ___ Group

Local music festival on January 21, ___ Goes The Sun

Artist of the Cape Barren geese mural on Bob & Jim’s General Store (5, 5)

Esperance Distillery Co's blue gin (4, 5)

Winner of the 2022 Esperance Art Awards 'Award of Excellence' (6, 4)

Surf shop on Dempster Street

Plant pathogen that spreads easily, causing disease and death in many local plants

Ship that ran aground in Esperance in July 1916, ___ Castle

Community garden located at the Cannery Arts Centre

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 20

There’s so much in store for you this year and it all kicks off this month. Don’t spend too much time in holiday mode – R&R is great but you need to hit the ground running. The new year has you feeling enthusiastic and inspired. Innovative and interesting ideas buzz about your brain, so grab one and explore it. Don’t be disheartened if the idea meets a dead-end. Let it go and move onto the next one. This is your year. Make the most of it.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 17

Health and fitness are on your mind this month. Before you rush out and buy a gym membership, ensure your goals are achievable. If you’re currently a couch potato with a life membership to Domino’s, don’t aim to complete the Rottnest Channel Swim next month. Take baby steps and make it fun. Ride to Coffee Cat, enjoy a beer at the top of Mandooboornup, or drag a mate along to a Pilates sesh. Sustainability is key to improving your health in 2023.

PISCES FEB 18 - MAR 19

Your desire to make a new year’s resolution is at an all time low. You don’t see the point in setting goals that you’ll have forgotten come February. This month, think about how you can plan for the year while being realistic. You’ll lack energy over the next few weeks, so it’s the perfect time to lay a towel out at Lucky Bay and work through some of those big ticket items in your head, like relationships, travel, and your career.

ARIES MAR 20 - APRIL 19

Have you been butting heads with your significant other recently? You need to work on reconciling your differences now, or you’ll find your relationship affected in the long term. It’s normal to have a difference in opinion but if your values don’t align, you’re going to run into trouble. Don’t stress about small differences, like which footy team they go for. But if their views make them sound like they’re on a train bound for Looney Town, work it out or get out.

Careful! If you’ve been sitting on a volcano, it’s about to erupt. Tension has been building for some time now and it won’t be long until someone blows. This isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it might be what’s needed to help clear the air. If you can, avoid confrontation in a public place. Nobody wants to witness a yelling match in the middle of Woolies. Prepare your thoughts now so you know what you’re going to say when the time comes.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 20

Phew! You made it to 2023. After numerous Christmas celebrations, you’re no doubt feeling lazy. Enjoy this time of wanting to do absolutely nothing. Spend the day at Blue Haven, order Thai for dinner and catch up on The White Lotus. Repeat for several days until your energy returns and you’re ready to take on the world again. Don’t worry, motivation will come, it just won’t be in the first five minutes of the year.

CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22

This year might not get off to a great start but don’t let it get you down. 2023 is not going to be a repeat of last year. Someone will let you down at the last minute but before you blow up at them, give this person a chance to explain. You have a tendency to jump to conclusions. Why not make it your new year’s resolution to work on this? Learning to breathe will do wonders for your reputation as the hot-headed friend.

LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22

You’ve been stuck in your little bubble for too long now. It’s time to venture outside. Consider an overseas trip, but don’t forget how much there is to see in your own backyard. If you’re strapped for time, head to Woody for the weekend or jump on a Fly Esperance flight and pretend you’re a tourist for a few hours. If you’ve got some leave up your sleeve, think about a bigger trip. There’s so much to see out there so get out of Esperance and start exploring!

VIRGO

You’re not really one to make new year’s resolutions but 2023 feels different. You’re inspired to succeed and setting goals is the best way to achieve this. There have been a lot of distractions over the last few months and topped off by the silly season, it felt impossible to get anything of any value done. Look at this month as a fresh start. Put your social life on hold and take time to yourself to figure out what you need to do to make your dreams come true this year.

LIBRA SEP 23 - OCT 22

You give, give, give... But what do you get in return? The Christmas period had you running around like a headless chook, trying to keep everyone happy. Unsurprisingly, you’re probably feeling burnt out. It’s time you put your feet up and let someone else take the reins for a change. Is there something you’ve wanted to do for a while but haven’t had the chance because you’ve been holding everything together? Do it this month! You deserve it.

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21

The new year has you feeling fired up and ready to see that great idea of yours come to fruition. Grab the bull by the horns while you’re energised, otherwise that post-new year slump may get the better of you. Don’t be afraid to accept the help of someone who offers, even if you’re unsure about how helpful they’ll actually be. Beggars can’t be choosers and you might be surprised with what they bring to the table.

SAGITTARIUS NOV

22

- DEC 21

There’s little chance of easing into 2023. It’s going to hit you head on, so be prepared. Your commitments –work, family or otherwise – will step up this month. With so much on your plate, be sure to get enough sleep and eat well. The festive season is done and dusted, so swap out the sparkling wine for sparkling water over the next few weeks to give your body the opportunity to recuperate. With a little focus and a lot of determination, you have every chance of success this year.

Mum’s Sausage Rolls

Nothing beats a homemade sausage roll. Mum’s sausage rolls are as simple as they are delicious, and are always the first thing to go when brought out at a party.

Ingredients

1kg packet frozen puff pastry

500g sausage mince

500g beef mince

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 tsp dried mixed herbs

1 egg, whisked for egg wash

2 tbsp sesame seeds

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220C.

2. Defrost the puff pastry then cut the sheets in half, horizontally.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage mince, beef mince, breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs. Season with a little salt and pepper.

4. Place a strip of filling along the centre of each half of puff pastry. Roll up and brush the edges with egg wash to seal.

5. Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.

6. Slice to your preferred size – bite-sized is best for social gatherings – and place on a baking tray, then pop in the oven for 20 minutes or until crispy and golden.

ESPERANCE TIDE MERCH BEACH WARES

MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM

SATURDAY 9AM - 1PM

Located @ 73A Dempster St

tideandco.com.au

BUSH BANTER

Seed Pods by the Seashore

Have you noticed the green pods that have washed up in droves along our shores recently? They mark a significant seasonal marine event - the release of seed pods of the seagrass, Poisodonia australis . Annually, the seed pods develop and grow and then, when ripe, are released by the plant to float in the ocean currents. This acts as a dispersal mechanism, with pods swept away to pop open and release seed in new locations. Seagrass is critically important for marine ecosystems, providing a feeding ground, nursery, and habitat for a large array of marine life, as well as filtering the water. They’re also important for people, acting as a buffer for significant storms and tides, a large carbon sink for climate change, and preventing erosion of the seabed.

The Esperance seagrass bed is healthy and extensive, which is rather lucky! Most seagrass has suffered badly around Australia through recreational activities and heat waves. Various initiatives are afoot in these places to help revegetate seabeds. For example, the ‘Seeds for Snapper’ program led by Ozfish works to re-establish seagrass in Cockburn Sound, by collecting the seagrass pods and releasing them into the sound. In other states of Australia, such as NSW, the loss of seagrass has been so extensive that the species is listed as threatened. While the large amount of seaweed that washes up on our beach looks like underground plants, it’s actually mostly different types of red, brown and green algae. As for the ‘true’ plants, there are only a handful of species, and one of these is the P. australis seagrass. It produces leaves, stems, flowers and roots, which algae does not.

KATIE WHITE - CALADENIA CO.

01 Esperance Smash Repairs was recognised for its commitment to community volunteering by allowing staff to respond to emergencies during work hours. The local business, owned by David and Melisa Rowe, was one of 58 Western Australian businesses to receive a Department of Fire and Emergency Services Volunteer Employer Recognition Award. The award acknowledges businesses that go above and beyond to provide flexible working arrangements, enabling their employees to assist with local emergencies while on the clock.

02 A Shire of Esperance report revealed that the number of people residing in the shire is declining, while the number of visitors rises. According to the annual report, Esperance’s population dropped to 13,883 in the 2021-22 financial year, down 295 from 14,178 the previous year. However, 12,000 more passengers arrived at Esperance Airport than in 2020-21, with 49,859 people flying into town. An additional 4000 people walked through the doors of the Esperance Visitor’s Centre, with the tourist bureau serving 83,895 people.

03 Trial flights began between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, with luxury charter flight company Legendaire picking up the route. At present, the airline is not running a designated service, meaning passengers can customise their flight schedule. Oneway tickets are being offered at the promotional price of $349. The initiative was created by the Kalgoorlie-Esperance Aviation Route Development Partnership, which was created by the Shire of Esperance and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in early 2022.

BUSH

BANTER IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY VALANNE FOUNDATION

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

04

The Shire of Esperance and Esperance Roo Haven and Wildlife Rescue were recipients of the State Government’s Animal Welfare Grant Program. The program funds not-for-profit activities that foster and rehome pets, rehabilitate wildlife, and provide low-cost or free animal health and vet services. The Shire received $20,000 to provide discounted vet services for concession card holders and those experiencing financial difficulty. The Roo Haven was granted $4790 to build an aviary and buy a rainwater tank and multi-purpose animal holding pen.

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

hello@esperancetide.com

DEATH NOTICES

SHEARER, NANCY

(nee Morritt) 28/11/1929 – 19/12/2022

Loved and cherished Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Your love and laughter

PUBLIC NOTICES

OLD TIME / NEW VOGUE BALLROOM DANCING

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

ESPERANCE COMMUNITY SINGERS

Tuesday Nights from 7pm. at Esperance Senior Citizens Centre. $2pp new members welcome. More info Martin 0403 567 079.

2022-23 RACE DATES

Monday 2nd January 2023

Friday 13th January 2023 (Family Day)

Friday 20th January 2023

Friday 3rd February 2023 (Tab Touch day)

Saturday 18th February 2023 (Ladies day)

Sunday 5th March 2023 (Esperance Cup)

TABLE TENNIS PLAYED

AT THE SCOUT HALL

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

SUBSCRIBE TO THE TIDE

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

Can you help find Sammy the Seal?

He is hiding on one of our pages.