Esperance Tide July 2023

ISSUE 99

FREE MONTHLY JULY 2023

UP NE XT

SP OT L I G H T O N

H I STO RY

Nannygai on the Hill

GIFSA

Local Policing

PAG E 4

PAG E 8

PAG E 18

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: MICK & LOGAN @TRAVELTIPSOFAUS (WYLIE BAY)

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BRRR! WINTER HAS CERTAINLY MADE ITSELF KNOWN OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS. AFTER A GLORIOUSLY WARM AND SUNNY END TO AUTUMN, THE LASHINGS OF RAIN AND LOW TEMPS HAVE BEEN A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM. WHILE IT’S HARD NOT TO BE ENVIOUS OF OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY DRIVING UP NORTH OR JETTING OVERSEAS, IT’S NOT ALL BAD. OUR GARDENS ARE THRIVING, OUR PADDOCKS ARE RECEIVING A MUCH NEEDED DRENCHING, AND THE BOULEVARD CARPARK IS THE QUIETEST IT’S BEEN IN MONTHS! If you’re brave enough to venture out, we suggest you head to Nannygai on the Hill, Esperance’s newest takeaway and dine-in joint. We caught up with owner Rick Capelli to chat about his latest hospitality venture, which has been two years in the making. Located on Goldfields Road in Castletown, Nannygai on the Hill is serving up fan favourites, like fish and chips, burgers, and pasta. And with Rick having been in the hospo industry for 40 years, you know it’s going to be good! Read about our visit to Nannygai on the Hill on page 4 then check it out for yourself!

We also caught up with the team at GIFSA this month, to find out how they support people in our community living with disability. Boy oh boy, do those guys do some amazing work! From going out for coffee to assisting with job applications, they support their participants in a wide range of ways. It sounds like highly rewarding work, and they’re always on the hunt for fresh faces to join their team, so check out the story on page 8 and if it sounds like a gig you’d be interested in, give GIFSA a call!

The Esperance Visitor Centre was also on our list of places to drop into this month (p. 16). The centre offers much more than meets the eye, and the team there are just as keen to engage with locals as they are with visitors to town. It’s super important that local businesses of all kinds keep in touch with the Visitor Centre, as you never know when a traveller might require their services! The enquiries the team receive go far beyond questions about beaches, so if you’re a biz owner, no matter what your biz is, make sure the Visitor Centre knows you exist and what you offer.

All we can say is stay warm, folks! And while it might be tempting to stay in, don’t forget to continue supporting our local businesses through these quieter months. What goes around comes around! 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.

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UP NEXT

Nannygai On The Hill W O R D S & P H OT O G R A P H Y R O S I E H E N D E R S O N

We’re not short of good tucker in our town, and another spot has recently opened to fill your bellies and tickle your tastebuds. Perched atop a hill on Goldfields Road right in the heart of Castletown, the highly anticipated and longawaited Nannygai on the Hill commenced service last month.

Nannygai on the Hill is a one-stop shop for a good feed, with takeaway and dine-in on offer six days a week. The menu, which is still evolving, includes everything from fish and chips and burgers, to an array of different steak, fish, and chicken pasta dishes. There’s some appetising additions to come too, such as breakfast, which owner Rick Capelli says will be “breakfast with a difference.”

Rick has been working to open Nannygai on the Hill for the last two years, but the dream goes back about 30 years. This isn’t Rick’s first hospitality endeavour in town, with 40 years of experience in the food game, and a few successful businesses under his belt. Rick moved to Esperance from Norseman when he left school, and ended up “getting into food along the way.” He was 22 when he acquired a BP takeaway in town, and then went on to start two favourite spots around town - Ricardo’s Pizza and Castletown Fish and Chips.

“I’ve only ever worked for myself,” Rick says. “I love the challenge of getting things happening. That’s what drives me.”

On a rainy and cold night in the deep of Esperance winter, it feels cosy yet lively inside the restaurant. Herbs growing on the window sills, tables set for dinner, neatly dressed wait staff greeting customers with big smiles and menus, water fountain trickling in the corner, and an array of local artwork on the walls. Behind the bar, the kitchen functions like a well-oiled machine. One of the standouts of the dining-in experience at Nannygai on the Hill is the open kitchen, where customers are able to watch on as Rick leads his team from his position on the pans, and flames fly as the team pumps out hot feeds to excited patrons. ⟶

Rick won’t give away all his secrets to success, but he says one of the keys to succeeding in the hospitality industry is sourcing locally and using the best ingredients you can. “You’ve got to use the best possible ingredients you can buy, because you can’t turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse,” he laughs. “If you start with good products, you end up with good products.”

With a group of qualified and experienced chefs and staff working alongside him, Rick can’t speak highly enough of his team. He mentions how lucky he has been in hiring his team, many with years of experience from around the world.

“You’ve got to have a good team around you,” Rick says. “Without one, it doesn’t happen.”

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So, after four decades in the game, what does Rick love about the hospitality industry? “It’s the selfsatisfaction of getting it right for me,” Rick says. “I love seeing people's faces when they have a good experience and meal, and when they come and tell you how much they enjoy it.” Rick is thrilled with the response to his new venture. “People are loving it and I’m getting a lot of positive feedback from people. We’re really trying to create an atmosphere alongside our food, and we welcome everyone to come and enjoy the experience. You obviously can’t please everyone, I just do my best at what I do and keep working to get better.”

Despite the current wintery weather, we can picture Nannygai on the Hill being a great spot to hang out over the warmer months, somewhere to pop by for a refreshing fresh juice and feed in the shade of an umbrella between ocean dips and summer drives.

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GIFSA

A Little Support and a Lot of Fun WORDS KARLI FLORRISON P H O TO G R A P H Y R O S I E H E N D E R S O N

It’s a cold winter’s evening in Esperance, but GIFSA staff and participants are staying warm. Dressed in Oodies – oversized hoodies – they’re enjoying an ‘Oodies and Goodies’ event. The agenda for the evening is all about being cosy and comfortable – warm clothing, a beautiful space at the Cannery Arts Centre, and tasty treats. This is just a regular evening for the GIFSA crew, an extraordinary group of people having a great time together.

Another program GIFSA runs is ‘Rejuvenation through Recreation’ (RTR), a regular group that allows participants to get involved in a variety of activities in the community. RTR can include healthy living or cooking activities, workshopping with visiting artists and trying new crafts, going to the movies or swimming, among many other activities. This provides a great opportunity for participants to try new things, but it’s also a great social outlet enjoyed by all.

GIFSA participants love visiting their favourite shops around town, such as Coffee Cat and Bread Local, where they are always warmly welcomed. “Being in a small town means that we have to make our own fun,” Claire says. “There are a lot of positives to the small size of the Esperance community as well, including the special magic that small businesses bring to the town.” The GIFSA staff and participants are a much-loved part of the Esperance community.

Damian says the Esperance community is like a big family for the participants. “When I started as a support worker, the participants were always introducing me to people,” he says. “They seemed to know everyone.”

The Goldfields Individual and Family Support Association (GIFSA) was established in 1991, growing out of a selfhelp group that was set up to assist families in need of respite. Since that time, the not-for-profit organisation has grown to become a specialist provider of a range of services for people with disabilities, operating across the Goldfields Esperance region. Here in Esperance, GIFSA has around 40 participants, and employs 30 staff.

Team leader Claire Mitchell says the organisation is dedicated to tailoring its services to the participants in a way that will help them achieve their goals. This might include assisting participants with their daily activities, getting them out into the community to enjoy different activities, or supporting them to take up work or volunteering opportunities. GIFSA also values close relationships with the families of the participants.

“We’re here for the families, too,” Claire says. “If we can do anything to help them, we’ll be there.”

The GIFSA team includes individual service coordinators, who work with participants and their families to put together the right services to help them achieve their NDIS goals. Damian Jones is a service coordinator with GIFSA and loves seeing everyone as they come in for the day. “It’s so rewarding,” Damian says. “There’s so much fulfilment in seeing the results of your efforts. Seeing participants involved in something that they enjoy. There’s so much satisfaction in that.” As well as the individualised support that the organisation provides, GIFSA also runs two houses in the community which provide accommodation and support for people with disabilities.

Covid brought many challenges to the organisation, as it did throughout the whole sector. Keeping up with lockdowns and distancing requirements to keep staff and participants safe, while prioritising participants’ welfare, required a great deal of effort and flexibility. Claire is full of praise for the Esperance team, who she says went above and beyond during those times. The effects of Covid are still being felt throughout the sector, with staff shortages in many community services organisations. It’s an ongoing challenge for GIFSA, but they are grateful for the strong core of dedicated staff they have on board.

Claire has worked for GIFSA for nine years, starting out as a support worker. She loves working for the organisation. “Not a day goes by when I don’t learn something new, something about the community, about the person I’m helping, or about myself,” she says. The team in Esperance is quite flexible, with some staff members leaving to travel and then returning to take up positions again, and there’s a range of ages and experience levels across the team. According to Claire, the organisation is good at “growing its people,” giving staff opportunities for growth and advancement, while keeping its participants at the heart of the service. This approach is working well, evidenced by the obvious rapport between staff and participants, and the enthusiasm that the staff have for their jobs. “You couldn’t ask for a better job,” Damian says.

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FIVE MINUTES WITH

Ben Catley KYRON SMITHSON

Ben Catley is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, not to mention an absolute shred lord on the guitar. His first Esperance performance (to my knowledge) took place in my backyard alongside Michael Dunstan, Luke Fox, and a raft of local legends. Ben is among WA’s best solo exports.

And export he truly is, having racked up numerous international shows, including Music Matters in Singapore, Red Ninja Festival in the Philippines, and Bestival in the UK. These are just a selection of the 31 festivals the lad has had the opportunity to play.

His live performances are bloody mesmerising, Ben truly owning his acoustic guitar with a solo stage presence that can turn a sombre crowd into a whirling dervish. I’m wrapped to have Ben back to Esperance for Blues and Brews on July 8 at Lucky Bay Brewing. Let’s see what he’s been up to.

Thanks so much for joining us, lad. I think I will kick off by asking, of the past three months, where has your favourite live show been and why?

Ohh, that’s always a toughy, but I’d have to say playing Bluesfest in Perth. It was a joy to play a set early in the day to a very dedicated blues and roots crowd and then get to spend the rest of the day watching awesome acts like The Doobie Brothers and John Butler.

You’ve been playing regularly with Si Mullumby.

How did the collaboration come about?

We met at a festival in New Zealand that we were both playing in 2019. Si’s band Wild Marmalade were headlining and we got chatting as he’d just moved to Perth. We caught up and did a show together in Freo and the jams were so wild that we’ve kept on co-headlining shows together. It’s been epic.

You have carved out a solid reputation and following as a solo musician. Have you ever considered expanding into a full band?

I sometimes think about doing a full band but I do really love doing the solo thing. It for sure makes touring further afield easier and more economical.

And I just really enjoy being able to keep things freeform and structuring the show and each song based on how the audience is responding. If I feel like I need to get people engaged a bit more, I’ll kick the tempo up. Or, if I have a decent D-floor going, I’ll be sure to jam out a song for a little bit longer.

Tracks ‘Strong Hands’ and ‘Run’ have been rereleased with voice overs by the iceman, Wim Hof. If you could pass on one piece of advice to readers based on Wim’s outlook, what would it be?

When I managed to get in touch with Wim’s management to get permission to use his voice, the response was that he didn’t want anything in return, but to just keep “sharing the love, man!” So I guess that’s the best piece of Wim’s advice I can impart on his behalf.

Give us a quick run-down of your pursuits outside of music.

Running, rock climbing, squash, soccer, black coffee, red wine, pizza. Happy boi.

How important is having interests outside of the music industry for the success of an artist?

I’d say it’s fairly essential. But having said that, some of the artists who do it best are often super laser-focused and truly obsessed with music. Which is only admirable! Personally, I like the perspectives and experiences other interests give me, and I reckon it’s healthy to have a solid balance in life.

Who have you been listening to of late?

Asgeir, Sam Fender, Ludovico Einaudi, Devildriver, Eric Bibb, and some Grand Casual. Those boys are fire.

If you could support any artist, who would it be?

Hmm, I’d probably choose Sam Fender right now.

Mostly as I’m from the same little coastal town in the northeast of England as him, but also as I love his music and what he’s doing.

CATCH BEN CATLEY LIVE Ben will be playing at Blues and Brews at Lucky Bay Brewing on July 8. For further info and tickets, head to www.kyzapresents.com.

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Council Connections Investing In Our Community – 2023/24 Community Grants Program Council gave the thumbs-up to the Shire’s principal community investment program when they approved the 2023/24 Community Grants Program Budget Allocation at the June Council Meeting. Nine applications were successful under the Annual Grants category of the Program, with a total of $135,160 in funding granted. The $95,130 pre-approved grant for Esperance Football Club will also be granted this financial year. Successful applicants include the Esperance Music Festival, Recherche Aged Welfare Committee, Scouts and Esperance Historic Homesteads Documentary Series. The Small Grants Category was increased by $10,000 to $60,000, in anticipation of an increased demand - last year’s $50,000 allocation was exhausted by March 2023! Read the media release on the Shire website.

Adoption of Guiding Directives Council have adopted the Ancillary Accommodation Local Planning Policy (LPP) and the Cemeteries Local Law 2023 into our family of guiding documents! The Ancillary Accommodation LPP will allow larger ancillary accommodations (commonly known as granny flats) to be built in ‘Rural’ and ‘Rural Smallholdings’ zoned areas of the Shire, and was driven

by Council responding to the needs of community. This LPP was out for public comment in May, with no submissions received; similarly, there were no submissions received during the time the Cemeteries Local Law 2023 was out for comment. This replaces the outdated Cemeteries Local Law 2002, clarifying the use of and rules around the cemetery, allowing greater flexibility for community use, giving greater governance on management, and providing guidance for all future scenarios.

It’s Raining Dogs & Cats - Out for Community Feedback The Dog Local Law 2022 and the Cat Local Law 2022 were endorsed by Council at the January 2023 Council Meeting and subsequently gazetted, becoming law; however, this is not the end of the process for the making of a law. These laws also went before the State Government Joint Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, who have provided advice requiring changes. The major change to the Dog Local Law means the maximum penalty for matters taken to court is now $10,000. Penalties to deal with matters out of court remain unchanged at much smaller amounts. Changes to the Cat Local Law mean that the Shire’s ability to regulate wandering cats has been cut, in line with the state Cat Act 2011. Council endorsed these local laws and they will now go out for final public feedback.

Twilight Planting Rehabilitation work on the Twilight Sand Dunes is now in full swing after the unfortunate fire in May this year. The dunes were previously covered with the introduced Pyp Grass, planted in the 1980s to stabilise the dunes. It did the job! But it’s also been outcompeting native vegetation. The aftermath of the fire provides a great opportunity to control this introduced grass. Most of the 12,000 native seedlings needed to revegetate the dunes have been locally sourced, with the awesome Wongutha CAPS Bushranger Team planting 1,100 seedlings earlier this month. The Shire has also been working in partnership with the legendary Esperance Tjaltjraak Ranger Team on photo monitoring and direct seeding of the bare parts of dunes. Big ups to our community for staying off the dunes - we ask that everyone continue to keep to existing paths as erosion is already evident.

Upcoming Council Meetings

Agenda Briefing: 18 July 2023 at 1pm Ordinary Council Meeting: 25 July 2023 at 4pm Pencil it in! The September OCM will be held at the Gibson Football Club.

/ShireOfEsperance @shire_esperance @shireofesperance Ph: (08) 9071 0666 • PO Box 507, 77 Windich Street, Esperance, WA 6450 shire @esperance.wa.gov.au • www.esperance.wa.gov.au 1 1 / E S P E R A N C E T I D E / J U LY 2 0 2 3

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Our monthly arts & culture guide brought to you by:

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Rug up in your best or worst Christmas get up and let magician Magic Dale beguile you as he roams throughout the evening, reigniting the magic of Christmas. Tickets include a hearty Christmas roast, pudding, and mulled wine on arrival.

Kids Christmas Family Magic Show SUN 23 JULY @ 12PM LUCKY BAY BREWING

Sydney II: Lost and Found FRI 28 JULY @ 7:30PM ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE Tickets from $17.50 • auecc.sales.ticketsearch.com

A true story of romance, danger, courage, and fateful decisions. From the dark days of WWII and a race against time over 60 years later comes a story of love, loss, and hope.

Blues & Brews

A mid-winter celebration of live music and beer featuring Ben Catley and Black Robin, supported by Esperance locals The Cup Trumpets, Campbell Garratt, and Charles Antoine Favier.

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SYDNEY II: LOST AND FOUND

Campbell Garratt

THE BRIDGE

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Club 75 Hip Hop Edition SAT 22 JULY @ 6PM CANNERY ARTS CENTRE Tickets from $20+bf • kyzapresents.com

Marcus McGuire Live FRI 28 @ 5PM & SUN 30 JULY @ 3PM LUCKY BAY BREWING SAT 29 JULY @ 8PM 33 DEGREES MARKETS

Museum Village Markets SUN 2, 16 & 30 JULY @ 8:30AM ESPERANCE MUSEUM VILLAGE

Esperance Growers & Artisans Markets SAT 8 & 22 JULY @ 9AM ESPERANCE SCOUT HALL WORKSHOPS

Kickarts VARIOUS DATES CANNERY ARTS CENTRE Tickets from $20 • canneryartscentre.com.au

School holiday workshops for kids.

Gouache Still Life Painting SAT 1 JULY @ 10:30AM CANNERY ARTS CENTRE Tickets from $50 • canneryartscentre.com.au

Get up close and personal with found objects from the bush to create small still life studies with artist in residence, Yabini Kickett.

Club 75 at Cannery Arts Centre last month.

Credit: Sarsby Martin.

I never really know what to do through winter. I could just chill out for a few months, though I find I begin to lose my mind. A full schedule keeps us busy, which is positive, though we can get caught up in the never ending current, not taking the time to refocus. Working within the creative industries comes with an interesting set of challenges. Kyza Presents has, for a good while, relied upon the success of ticketed shows.

Rising operational costs have me questioning if I feel comfortable increasing ticket prices to account for rising expenses. And will those ticket prices become a barrier to the local audience accessing events? Concern within the arts industry relates to the fact that events are generally considered luxury items. By increasing ticket prices, do we potentially decrease attendance? For the time being, I’ll adhere to a tried-and-true formula, with the understanding that a need for evolution may lie a stone’s throw away. Hopefully I can tempt y’all away from Netflix and a roaring fire for a couple of quality winter experiences.

In 2022, we gave Blues and Brews a run at Lucky Bay Brewing. In July 2022 we were faced with average weather conditions and on the

morning of the event, we decided to have a crack at slotting the portable stage under the verandah - it was a perfect fit. The addition of a temporary fence, hessian, and festoon lighting along the veranda’s edge created a cozy space to enjoy an evening of live music. Blues and Brews returns for 2023 on Saturday 8 July, featuring Ben Catley, Black Robin, The Cup Trumpets, Campbell Garratt, and Charles Antoine Favier.

For all adverse to the logistics of getting back to town post-event, a return bus is included in the ticket price. Many thanks to Tim Green Construction and Drake-Brockman Building and Construction for sponsoring the evening. To grab your tickets, head across to www.kyzapresents.com (free entry for kids under 12).

Club 75 has run across Esperance’s winter for quite a few years. In 2023, I’d like to thank the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay and OD Transport for their sponsorship of the series, which includes three ticketed events, supported by three contemporary music workshops.

July's edition breaks from the norm, with a focus on our town's exceptional hip hop scene. Catch Dr Tasty, Nin the Kid, Nellzy, Slazy, and Udaya Sheree at the Cannery Arts Centre for Club 75 on Saturday 22 July. Lauren’s Larder will be cooking up epic food and the bar will be in full swing. Head to www. canneryartscentre.com.au to grab your tickets.

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MEET THE ARTIST

Phil Shelton Twenty-odd years ago, Phil Shelton ran out of fuel on his way through Esperance. The town felt like home, so he decided to stay. Phil’s creative pursuits are varied, ranging from large-scale murals and bronze sculptures, to restoring Volkswagen Beetles and set building at the Bijou Theatre. Many of Phil’s works can be seen throughout town, including the Skylab monument outside the Esperance Museum, Royal Flying Doctor Service mural on Andrew Street, and ‘Spiritis Recentes’ sculpture at the entrance to Esperance Health Campus.

Where did your journey as an artist begin?

The label ‘artist’ has always sat a bit funny with me as it was never quite a choice, more like a compulsion noticed by others. I have always been creative in some way. As a kid, if I wasn’t drawing, building Lego or cities out of card decks, I would be using Mum’s nail file as a screwdriver to fix some gadget. My first mural commission would have been at 14 years old in an aged care facility dining hall, somewhere in Bendigo, Victoria, where I grew up.

memories attached to it. Many discussions were had and old photos pored over to develop an image that recreated the feel of the jetty’s influence on people’s day-to-day. For me, it’s telling the story to be told, and taking people to another place, to reflect, to think about how things were and could be, and look to the future with a broader perception.

Creatively speaking, how have you evolved over the years?

You have several other murals around town.

What draws you to large scale pieces?

From cartoons, pencil drawings, and scale model building, to airbrush posters for friends. Then onto heavy industry and signwriting, accumulating skills over time, painting houses, guitars, cars and motorcycles, the occasional mural and illustrated highway billboard. My most significant evolution has come from my long-term collaboration with sculptor Chris Siemer, my friend and mentor. Being part of his practice showed me how these things we create can be imbued with meaning and able to affect people greatly. The reward was always as much in the journey as the outcome, quite often slapstick but always an enjoyable process with great outcomes.

As another great local artist, Rob Maley, told me, “Art doesn’t change the world – it changes people, and people change the world.”

I like working on larger scale pieces as it becomes visceral. You almost become part of the artwork.

Touch, taste, see, hear, and smell. Night and day, rain and shine. Laying in the dirt, hanging off a platform in the sky, a full body experience.

Your most recent work is the Tanker Jetty mural on the side of McCreeds Classique Jewellers. How did this piece come about?

Ernie McCreed had, for a long time, wished to do something to improve the visual impact his building had on the foreshore environment. The jetty was very much part of his growing up, as it was for many in Esperance, and his idea was to remind us of its history and preserve the experiences and

How do you express yourself creatively through your business, Esprintz?

It’s a collaboration between my team and the customer to get the best outcome for the artwork.

The subject matter is wonderfully varied, so it’s finding the story and telling it in a visual way using layers of colour, spaces, textures, and layout. I enjoy the diversity of what is seen to be ‘art’ or what has enough meaning in a person’s life to warrant preservation and presentation. It can be quite emotional at times. Objects, images, things that connect people to their histories and life events.

Lastly, what’s ahead for the rest of the year?

Right now, I’m pretty focussed on the new large format print technologies we have introduced at Esprintz. I’m also creating sets for the Bijou production of Les Miserables, and consultations have commenced for a ‘Lost at Sea’ memorial on the foreshore, due to be completed early next year.

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ARTS & CULTURE Creative Reuse Open Studio Facilitated by Esperance Community Arts (ECA), Creative Reuse Open Studio is an ongoing project providing artists and creatives the opportunity to share their skills. With a wealth of creative talent in our community, this program aims to provide a platform for people to share their creative skills in a low-pressure environment. So far, participants in the program have learnt how to upcycle hardcover books to make journals, made Kawandi quilts from scrap material and cards from recycled materials, and learnt Japanese style Sashiko stitching and visible mending.

The Creative Reuse Open Studio is a partnership between ECA, Esperance Care Services (ECS), and the Shire of Esperance’s ‘Waste Revolution’ program.

As well as the opportunity to learn new skills, the project aims to educate people about plastics pollution, particularly in our oceans. The program aims to respond to this issue by creating artworks made from plastic or other waste materials, with participants helping to reduce waste by reimagining ways to use materials that would otherwise end up as landfill. Coordinator Thuriyya Ibrahim explains that most of the materials used in the projects are provided by ECS, with participants using materials like plastic, denim, unwanted books, and old furniture, giving them a new lease on life.

The response to the Open Studio has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants enjoying the opportunity to learn new skills and share their

own skills. “We’re really just guiding each other,” Thuriyya says. “It’s so wonderful to see people sharing their creative skills that other people might not even know about. Participants have been really generous with their time. And the people who are coming along are really enjoying the development opportunities. They’re there to learn.”

One of the recent Open Studios was led by Harry Akira, who taught Japanese style embroidery and visible mending, leading to some beautiful creations by participants. “The workshops have really aligned with my motto of designing in joy and empowering creativity,” Harry says. “Reusing and recycling makes you feel empowered. I wanted people to feel empowered to think about what they could do to fix the clothes they love and not just throw things away.”

KARLI FLORISSON

JOIN THE REUSE REVOLUTION Creative Reuse Open Studio is held at Esperance Community Arts every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm, with a range of exciting projects planned for the coming months. Anyone who has a skill that they might like to share can get in touch with Thuriyya at ECA. Follow ECA on Facebook for the latest updates on upcoming workshops and projects.

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LISTEN UP, LOCALS!

Engaging with Esperance Visitor Centre For nearly six decades, the Esperance Visitor Centre has been a central figure in our town’s tourism industry. A lot has changed in Esperance since the first centre opened its doors in 1967, evolving from a sleepy seaside getaway to an international bucket list destination. Despite the many changes, one thing has remained the same – the Visitor Centre is staffed by knowledgeable and friendly people, passionate about the place they call home and ready and willing to assist travellers and locals alike in any way they can.

Currently located within the Museum Village, Esperance Visitor Centre welcomes more than 100,000 people through its doors every year.

Over Esperance’s peak tourism season, the centre will assist in excess of 500 people per day. “It’s a figure that blows people’s minds,” says Trevor Ayers, Manager of Economic Development at the Shire of Esperance. “Even over winter, when we consider it to be pretty quiet, we’re still averaging more than 20 people an hour.”

Stephanie Carpenter has been working at Esperance Visitor Centre for 16 years and moved into the coordinator role 18 months ago. According to Stephanie, most traveller enquiries relate to the beaches and national parks, accommodation, and things to see and do in and around town. However, she says the centre receives a higher number of questions than one would expect about nontourism related businesses and matters. “We get a lot of random enquiries, like where to buy tyres, where to get a phone fixed, or where to find a hairdresser,” Stephanie says. “You never know who is going to walk through the door. Because of this, we encourage all local businesses to engage with the Visitor Centre, whether they’re directly related to the tourism industry or not.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: ROSIE HENDERSON

Esperance Visitor Centre's Coordinator, Stephanie Carpenter.

While Esperance Visitor Centre staff work hard at keeping their finger on the pulse, Trevor says it's important local businesses and community groups reach out to the centre to ensure nothing is missed.

“Even if you don’t see your business as being tourism-based, let the Visitor Centre know when something changes so they can provide the most up-to-date information to travellers,” Trevor says. “If you’re a new business, let the Visitor Centre know you’ve opened. If you’re holding a community event, let the Visitor Centre know. Keep in touch.”

Local businesses are also encouraged to use Esperance Visitor Centre as a stockist, as a way of driving potential customers to their shopfront, if they have one. Mermaid Leather, for example, stocks a small range of fish leather products at the Visitor Centre. The products act as a conversation starter about Mermaid Leather and are a more interactive and engaging way of promoting the business than with a brochure. Local artists and producers without a shopfront are also welcome to utilise the Visitor

Centre, like EcoValley Honey, who sell their honey through the centre. The ever-expanding range of local products on the shelves of the Visitor Centre are more than just souvenirs for travellers to take home – they’re a marketing tool for small businesses, too.

Tourism operators can also take full advantage of the Visitor Centre team’s extensive industry knowledge, by seeking assistance to better understand booking systems and processes, and streamline their businesses. Stephanie says this applies to operators of all sizes, including holiday houses. “We encourage more Airbnbs to make use of our booking system if they want to receive more bookings, but even if they’re not going to, they should still come down to see us and introduce themselves,” she says. “We don’t just send business to those who are on our booking system. The more we know who and what’s out there, the more we can help visitors to town.”

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE In addition to providing travellers with information about Esperance and surrounds, Esperance Visitor Centre is also a great resource for locals. The centre sells TransWA coach and train tickets and National Park passes, and you can even pick up your Civic Centre tickets. Plus, find dining guides with up-to-date opening hours, info on health practitioners, and more. Through winter, the centre is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm, Saturdays 9am to 2pm, and Sundays 9am to 12pm. For further information head to www.visitesperance.com or phone 9083 1555 to see how the friendly team can help you.

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Esperance in the 1890's. The building on the far right is the police station, with the stables nearby.

FIVE MINUTE HISTORY

Policing Esperance WORDS KARLI FLORISSON

Before the establishment of a police station in Esperance, the European pastoralists who had moved into the region frequently took the law into their own hands. They attempted to impose British colonial laws on the Wudjari Nyungar people who had been living in the area for tens of thousands of years. The Dempsters moved into the area in 1864 and to begin, the only European settlement in the area was their pastoral station. The Dempster brothers were known to punish Indigenous people who ‘caused trouble’ by breaking the newly established colonial laws by imprisoning them on the islands off the coast. This earned them a reprimand from the colonial authorities, who cautioned the brothers not to take the law into their own hands.

P H OT O G R A P H Y E S P E R A N C E M U S E U M

The first civic building in the area was the Esperance Bay Telegraph Station, which opened in 1876. George Philip Stevens, a 15-year-old who had been working for the telegraph service since he was 13, was appointed the first telegraph stationmaster.

Apparently, the Dempsters’ actions brought them into conflict with Stevens, who wanted all incidents of lawbreaking reported to the colonial officials in Albany.

Around this time, despite the very low population of colonial settlers across the region, there were some calls for a police station at Esperance Bay. In 1878, an incident occurred which highlighted the dangers of the new pastoralists taking the law into their own hands. John Moir, of Fanny’s Cove, ‘arrested’

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two Indigenous men and chained them up in his shed. The men, known as Tampin and Bower, had burnt down a shepherd’s hut in response to something the shepherd had done. An Indigenous women released Tampin and Bower, and they then attacked and killed John Moir in apparent retaliation for his treatment of them. Colonial police were sent from Albany to apprehend these men, and Bower was killed in the attempt to capture him. Tampin was later arrested and tried for murder in the colonial courts where he was sentenced to death on Rottnest Island.

In response to this event, tenders were called for the building of a police station at Esperance Bay, and Andrew Dempster was

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awarded this tender. The police station opened in 1879. The first police officer to be appointed to the region was Constable George Truslove. He was accompanied by Lance Corporal Walter Coppin who was to assist Truslove while he established himself in his new post. Also accompanying the Constable was his wife, Margaret Kate. Truslove’s new jurisdiction stretched from Bremer Bay to Eucla, a significant area to cover on horseback.

His salary was £110 per year. One incident that the newly appointed policeman had to deal with was two escaped convicts from Albany who were attempting to get across the border to South Australia.

The men had travelled around 300 miles before they were apprehended.

In 1882, a warrant was issued for a young man called James Cody. Cody was wanted by police for a string of petty thefts and stealing horses, a serious crime in those days when horses were the primary method of transportation.

Constable Truslove was alerted that Cody was on the run after stealing a horse from Albany, and was headed in the direction of Esperance Bay. By the time Truslove caught up to Cody, he

Truslove with his wife Margaret and family.

was in possession of two stolen horses. Truslove attempted to arrest him, but Cody took off on one of the horses. In a dramatic high-speed chase, Truslove pursued Cody at a full gallop, but Cody’s stolen horse was evidently faster than the police-issue horse. In an attempt to stop him getting away, Truslove fired his rifle, hoping to wound the horse.

Instead, he hit Cody in the hip.

He was then able to arrest Cody, and take him back to Esperance, where his wife, Margaret, tended to his wounds. With no doctor available in Albany, Andrew Dempster attempted to extract the bullet from Cody’s wound, but his condition was still very

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Constable George Truslove.

serious. Margaret cared for Cody while they waited for a ship that could transport him to Esperance, then while they waited for suitable weather for sailing. Cody did not make it to trial – after 10 days, he died from his wound.

In 1885, Constable Truslove was transferred to Albany, and was replaced in Esperance by Lance Corporal McGlade. In 1927, the police sergeant’s quarters were built, and remained in use until 1986. The old quarters are now located in Museum Village.

Later, the Mallee railway siding Truslove, which eventually became a tiny townsite with a school, was named in honour of Constable Truslove.

Cancer

JUN 2 1 - J UL 2 2

You love a good party, but your social calendar is looking a little sad over the winter months. If this is making you feel flat, you’re probably not alone. Why not plan something for your friends and family to help shake off those winter blues? Grab a keg from the brewery, order a couple of Ricardo’s pizzas, pop on a playlist and you’ve got yourself a party. Bringing people together will reenergise you, so get planning!

Leo

JUL 2 3 - AUG 2 2

You’ve been procrastinating more than usual lately. Ask yourself why.

You might be in a creative rut, or the cold weather might have you feeling lazy. Either way, you need to snap out of it this month. It’s simple – work hard now and enjoy the rewards later. Treat yourself to something small for every box you tick, like a croissant from Bistro Louis or a cocktail at the Quarters, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you get things done.

Virgo

A U G 2 3 - S EP 2 2

Things quieten down this month making it the perfect time to get your life in order. Work on a task you’ve been putting off or return to a project you left behind months ago. Winter is great for taking life a little slower, but that doesn’t mean everything should come to a halt.

If you find yourself with extra time up your sleeve, make the most of it.

Remind yourself daily that there is no time like the present!

Libra

S E P 2 3 - O CT 2 2

Someone unexpected will challenge your beliefs this month. It will come out of nowhere, but don’t be silenced by your surprise. Speak up as quickly and as directly as you can rather than beating around the bush. With a careful choice of words, you may sway their opinion.

On the flipside, you might find you’re the one changing your mind.

Be open to new and different points of view – if you’re not, how else will you grow?

Scorpio

OCT 23 - NOV 21

Pisces

FEB 18 - M A R 19

You are full of ambition this month and if your current work or home life stifles this, you’re going to become increasingly frustrated.

Look for ways to change things up and use this boost of motivation to advance yourself. Life has been a little ho-hum lately, so no doubt you’ll jump at the opportunity to exert some energy. Just be careful not to bite off more than you can chew – you’ll only burn out and find yourself back at square one.

You’re not one to make a mountain out of a molehill but recently, it feels like every small inconvenience is the end of the earth. It’s okay to be a drama queen occasionally.

You’re particularly sensitive to events around you at the moment and this will pass, but in the meantime practise the art of relaxation in whatever form works for you. Whether that’s sound healing or yelling at the footy on the TV, do more of it this month.

Sagittarius

Aries

NOV 22 - DEC 21

M A R 20 - A PR 19

Spend as much time as you can outdoors this month. It might be the middle of winter, but the time is ripe for disconnecting from the rat race and reconnecting with nature.

You probably need it more than you realise. Skip the gym in favour of a run or a hike outside or have a coldie with your friends overlooking the ocean, instead of at the pub.

Feel the sand between your toes and the wind in your hair at every opportunity.

Life feels chaotic right now and that’s no surprise. You’re being pulled from pillar to post between work, friends, and family. All you want is a bit of routine, but that feels just about impossible. Write yourself a schedule and if someone wants your time or attention, they’ll need to fit in around you. It might feel selfish to begin, but it’s imperative you put yourself first if you want to reintroduce order into your life.

Capricorn

DEC 22 - JA N 20

Taurus

Aquarius

JA N 20 - FEB 17

A PR 20 - M AY 20

You’re unusually indecisive this The weather has you wanting to curl month. There are several exciting up with the Tide and a hot cuppa, prospects coming your way, but but your friends are ready to party. you can’t have it all. Who do you Don’t knock back too many invites trust to help you make important this month. It might be cold outside, decisions about your life? Think but avoid going into hibernation. about this now so that when the Your zest for life depends on variety. time comes, you know who to call If your uggies are fused to your feet, on. Think outside the square. It invite some friends over for a movie mightn’t be your partner or your night so you can be both a sloth and mum, but a colleague or gym buddy. a social butterfly at the same time.

You’ll make the right decisions if you have the right support.

Generosity abounds this month.

Whether you will be the one to give or to receive remains to be seen. It’s better to give than receive, so be on the front foot with your friends and family. Surprise someone with a delivery from Bob & Jim’s or flowers from Luxe. If you’re strapped for cash, homemade brownies or homegrown veggies are just as thoughtful. Then sit back and wait for them to pay it back or pay it forward.

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Gemini

M AY 21 - JU N 20

Fake friends are like shadows – they follow you in the sun but leave you in the dark. This will ring true over the next few weeks, when you realise that someone you’ve held dear has another side to them.

Surround yourself with people that you know are genuine; people that have been with you through all your ups and downs. Don’t waste your time with those who only want to be around you when the sun is shining.

TIDE KITCHEN

Lemon & Kale Spaghetti A quick and easy weeknight dinner, this citrusy spaghetti will be ready in a flash. Buon appetito!

Ingredients

Method

300g spaghetti 2 tbsp olive oil 200g kale, shredded 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped ½ tsp chilli flakes ½ cup white wine Zest of 1 lemon 2 tbsp butter ½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated Salt & pepper to taste

1. Boil a pot of salted water, add the pasta and cook according to the packet.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan and sauté the garlic and chilli flakes for 1 - 2 minutes. Add the kale and cook until wilted.

3. Add the white wine and lemon zest to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Add the butter and allow to simmer for a few minutes, or until the kale is cooked. Season to taste.

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5. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and half a cup of pasta water.

6. Add the parmesan and continue tossing until the pasta is coated.

Serve with extra parmesan, cracked pepper and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.

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BUSH BANTER

Last Month's

The Benefits of Fire The Australian bush requires fire to survive. While this statement is irrefutably true, it is very broad and does not capture the many intricacies and nuances of fire regimes to determine whether a fire has been beneficial for the Australian bush. These complex concepts are rattling around in my poor brain while I’m standing looking at the burnt fire scar along the coastal vegetation at Twilight Beach. A few months ago, this bush was dense coastal shrubland, with plants such as basket bush, coastal saw sedge, coastal wattle, and cockie’s tongue dominating. Now, it is black charred plant skeletons protruding from exposed dunes. But rather than a cause for devastation, I am absolutely delighted and find it a cause for celebration.

The Twilight coastal fire could not have come at a better time (in my opinion at least). It burnt at a temperature to remove leaf litter and vegetation, but not so hot as to obliterate all the branches and roots, which will assist in reducing erosion. It burnt just after the summer winds died down and just before the winter rains arrived, the perfect ecological time for the ash to be retained as a nutrient booster for the new germinating seedlings, which will now emerge shortly after the winter rains. It burnt vegetation that was considered mature and had set lots of seed for this very purpose, to respond after fire. It has also provided an opportunity for the Shire of Esperance to proactively do some weed management and rehabilitation in areas that were previously degraded.

A few do’s to care for the regenerating vegetation: • Do stick to the path - the exposed soil is incredibly sensitive and every step has the potential to do serious damage.

• Do tell other people to stick to the path - be proactive in our community ownership of the bush and kindly inform people you see taking photos on dunes or straying off the path to stick to the path!

• Do respect the Shire of Esperance’s management and closure of access tracks that were used to control the fire.

• Do celebrate, take notice of and wonder at the Australian bush as we observe the first green shoots and juvenile plants begin to grow.

• Do keep your ears open to hear if any rare fireresponding plants are found. Our local scientists will be busy monitoring to see if any pop up!

K AT I E W H I T E - C A L A D E N I A C O .

B USH BA NTER I S K I N D LY S P O NS OR E D BY VAL A NN E F O U N D ATI O N “Continuing the family tradition of giving back to the community”

01

University of New South Wales and Western Australian Museum entomologists discovered eight new bug species during a two-week expedition near Esperance.

A stink bug species with curved horns and bright yellow tusks was among the discoveries. Tusks have never been seen in a stink bug, making the find particularly interesting. The discovery was made possible with the help of Tjaltjraak rangers and senior cultural advisor, Doc Reynolds.

02 The Port of Esperance broke its annual grain export record by more than 500,000 tonnes. According to data released last month, the Esperance port exported 3.47 million tonnes of grain in the 2022/23 financial year, surpassing the previous record of 2.97 million tonnes. Albany and Bunbury also broke their annual grain trade records, with 8.5 million tonnes of grain exported across the three ports, outperforming last year’s record of 6.8 million tonnes.

03 Three Fiordland crested penguins, one of the world's rarest penguin species, were found near Esperance, almost 4000 kilometres from the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island where they should have been for breeding season. The birds were found alive but unwell at Twilight Beach, Dunn Rock, and Wharton Beach.

The species has only been recorded alive in Western Australia twice, near Perth pre-1973 and again in Eyre in 2008.

04 Mission to Seafarers Esperance received a $72,000 grant from Southern Ports for a new minibus. The 13-seat vehicle will replace the not-for-profit organisation’s ageing bus, which has ferried 64,000 international seafarers around Esperance for 20 years. The local Mission to Seafarers operates 364 days a year, providing services through its centre, as well as transportation around town. In 2022, it hosted more than 4400 seafarers across 200 ships.

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PUBLIC NOTICES URGENTLY SEEKING FOSTER CARERS FOR ANIMALS IN NEED

OLD TIME / NEW VOGUE BALLROOM DANCING

We are seeking foster carers who can take on one, two, three or more of our animals who need a roof over their head. If you even have a spare room, laundry, enclosure, dog bed or play pen for a cat or dog to crash on, we would love to hear from you! We offer short-term or long-term, depending on your lifestyle, and match you to the right animal. There’s no harm in enquiring with us if you’re after a no-commitment companion! Head to safe.org.au/foster to apply.

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.

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Laws to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage have been modernised The new process makes it simpler and fairer, introducing practical exemptions for the first time.

Everything that land users are already doing now will be permitted under the new Act. It has been illegal to harm Aboriginal cultural heritage for more than 50 years.

This won’t change.

If there is no impact to Aboriginal cultural heritage, no approval is required.

A farmer will not require approval to plant a crop, run livestock, replace a fence, or maintain infrastructure on their farms.

Homeowners do not require approval to install a pool, deck or garage on their properties.

Activities that are ‘like for like’ are also exempt.

Where new works are planned on large properties, landowners are required to check for Aboriginal cultural heritage before commencing works to keep protecting one of the oldest living cultures in the world.

If there is Aboriginal cultural heritage, some activities will require a permit, and others require consultation or an agreement with Aboriginal people.

It’s time to improve and streamline how we protect and manage Aboriginal

cultural heritage in WA.

Find out what this means for you or to check if there is Aboriginal cultural heritage on your site, visit