Esperance Tide June 2023

WHIP OUT YOUR WOOLLIES - WINTER IS HERE! AS MUCH AS WE LOVE OUR BALMY BEACH DAYS, THE COOLER MONTHS ARE JUST AS GREAT. FEROCIOUS SEAS ADD TEXTURE TO OUR COASTLINE, AND VIBRANT POPS OF GREEN AND YELLOW SPRING UP ACROSS OUR FARMLAND. THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO JUMP IN THE CAR FOR A LONG LEISURELY DRIVE TO EXPLORE THE CORNERS OF OUR REGION YOU MIGHTN’T OTHERWISE TOUCH. IF YOU TAKE ANY SNAPS WHILE YOU’RE OUT AND ABOUT, MAKE SURE TO # ESPERANCETIDE WHEN YOU POST TO INSTA. WE LOVE SEEING YOUR ADVENTURES!

Speaking of adventures, winter is a great time to go camping. Mulled wine and a hearty stew cooked over an open fire under a starry sky... Need we say more? Across the region, there are so many great places to pitch a tent or roll out a swag for a night or two. If you need a little inspo, flick over to page 4 to check out our guide to winter camping in Esperance. We’ve given you some hot tips to making the most of your camping trip and listed a few places you might like to head. Keep warm and have fun!

If you’d prefer to stay in town this winter, there is heaps to see and do. We’ve compiled just some of the many, many arts and cultural events and activities taking place in Esperance over the next few months (p. 16). No matter if you’re a foodie or a film buff, love live music or live theatre, there’s something happening that will be right up your alley. We’re especially keen for Taste of the World , on this long weekend, where flavours from all over the world will be showcased in a celebration of multiculturalism. See you there!

There’s plenty more to check out within our pages, including a yarn about the good work our local Red Cross shop has been doing for four decades, as well as all your usual favourite titbits. So grab a cuppa and cosy up then dive in head first. Stay toasty, folks! 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

Tagged in Town

Nav lights on, ship arriving past the replica tanker jetty at dawn, Esperance.

Where To Go Camping This Winter

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY ROSIE HENDERSON

Winter is here! Crisp mornings, rainy days, green grass, cold hands wrapped around hot cuppas, chilly toes and noses. It’s the hibernation season – a season that forces us to take a step back, inside, into the warmth of our dens. The weather encourages us to rest and recuperate, and fill up our bodies with warm soups and hot breads to keep us warm and get us through those cold days. We become like bears, hiding in a cave somewhere in the mountains. But we’re not bears, and we have warm houses and big jackets and cars with heaters and no real excuse not to be out and about.

And, unless you’ve learnt the art of embracing the winter hibernation, then you probably experience those winter blues. We do. They suck. Best way to beat them – get out there and keep doing those things that bring us joy and make us love this place that we live in!

We’re all about the winter camping and day trips. They save us from those winter blues, and are a great time especially if you’re adequately prepared and can keep yourselves dry. But also, if you do get wet – it’s not the end of the world.

Here are a few of our favourite winter spots to explore...

S TOKES N ATIONAL P ARK

West of Esperance

A great spot to explore when there is a bit of water around – watch the birds on the estuary, throw in a line, take a walk to the lookout. You can camp at Benwenerup campground or if you’re up for a 4x4, head around Springdale Rd to get to Skippy Rocks – a bush camp down a sandy track!

S TARVATION B AY

West of Esperance

Another great spot a little further from town that is a great spot to venture for an overnight camp! Nestle into the little campsites and settle in for an afternoon fishing or exploring around the beach and headlands.

C ASCADE F ALLS

West of Esperance

A great little day trip not too far from town, where you can explore along the banks of the river and spend time rock hopping and bush wandering before enjoying a picnic with the sound of running water in the background! Throw on the kids’ gumboots –they’re sure to find a puddle or too!

W OODY L AKES

Town Central

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again! This place is full of potential activity, especially when the waters rise! Go walking or bird watching, or jump in a kayak and explore the labyrinth of waterways that connect the lakes together.

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W YLIE B AY East of Esperance

Close to town you’ll find a little favourite – a great spot to head out for a day trip or quick overnight camp. Depending on the tides, you can drive along the beach all the way to Cape Le Grand National Park. Make yourself a hot cuppa, throw in a blanket and some binoculars, and head out for a drive and a bit of ocean watching along the way!

C APE L E G RAND East of Esperance

We can’t not include the classic – a great spot always. Especially if you have visitors to town and want to show them around! Pack a picnic and head out for a day trip, stopping off for a climb up Frenchman’s Peak (provided it isn’t too wet and windy – BE SAFE!), before checking out Hellfire (another good spot to picnic!) and Thistle Cove on route to the famous Lucky Bay. Park up on the beach or in the carpark and enjoy a hot cuppa. It’s also a nice spot to camp out over winter, relatively protected from the Southerlies and nestled into the hillside.

Our hot tips to make the most of your winter adventure:

• Check the weather forecast and tides ahead of time (we get a fair amount of good weather windows down here if you keep an eye out for them).

• Try to find spots that protect you from the wind – if it's gailing southerly, a good spot would be in a nook that is north facing, keeping you protected from the south. Or snuggle in behind some sand dunes, where permitted, of course.

• Pitch your tent on higher ground in case the skies open and you find yourself sleeping in a swamp.

• Check the water depth of rivers/ creeks/watering holes before crossing.

• Pack appropriate clothing (think beanies, raincoats, hats, warm socks). Embrace the cold and layer up. As the saying goes –“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!” I couldn’t agree more.

• Keep your boots dry by storing them in your swag/tent/car when they are not on your feet.

• Always pack some card games, extra blankets and some red wine or whiskey (great for warming the toes)!

• Light a fire (if you’re permitted, always check ahead of time), and enjoy some hot cuppas and toasted marshmallows.

The Local Red Cross Shop Turns 40

As Esperance’s Red Cross Shop prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, the local branch of the Red Cross looks back on a long and distinguished history. Started three weeks after the start of the Second World War, in September 1939, the Esperance Branch raised money to support the Red Cross’s relief efforts during the war, and sent care packages to servicemen. After the war, the branch continued to raise money for the Red Cross, with fundraising events including film evenings, bingo nights, quiz nights, and raffles, and money going to support those impacted by various tragedies. Since that time, the local branch of the Red Cross has been involved in many different initiatives in the community, from providing medical loan equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches to the community, to supporting the establishment of a ‘blood bank’ for blood transfusions at the Esperance Hospital.

In July 1983, the Esperance Red Cross thrift shop opened in humble circumstances. As Dorean McLernon recalled, the shop began with ‘...five enthusiastic members with a couple of boxes of clothing, no coat hangers, no stands, no shelves, in fact, just a bare shop.’ Dorean and the other volunteers rigged up makeshift racks made from broomsticks to display the clothes and borrowed a kitchen table for a shop counter. The shop, in the Dempster Centre arcade, was soon full of enthusiastic shoppers, and very quickly outgrew the small premises. By 1986, the shop moved to the old Matron’s House in the Museum Village. By 1990, the shop had again outgrown its location, and made a final move into an old railway house on Dempster Street, with a purpose-built extension added to house the thrift shop, where it remains today.

WORDS KARLI FLORISSON PHOTOGRAPHY ROSIE HENDERSON

Dorean was the driving force behind the new thrift shop, after seeing a similar shop in operation in Kalgoorlie. Her goal was to see the shop raise a million dollars for the Red Cross. Dorean joined the Esperance branch in 1975, and since that time, she served in all the various executive roles of the branch, including as the Regional President from 1992 to 1995, as well as coordinating the thrift shop. Sadly, Dorean passed away earlier this year, at the age of 94, but not before she received notification that she was to receive an Outstanding Service Award from the Red Cross to recognise her many years of dedication. The volunteers who worked with her at the shop remember her as a ‘fairy godmother’ who made the shop a magical place for volunteers and customers alike. Previous shop manager Robyn Blackman notes that Dorean was an inspiration for many volunteers in the community. ‘She always encouraged people to get involved and do what they could – as she said, “every little bit matters”.’ Dorean continued to volunteer right up to the end of her life, and she was particularly gratified to be present at the occasion of the Red Cross thrift shop reaching her original goal of raising over a million dollars for the organisation.

As the shop gets ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary, it is still a thriving community hub that provides quality clothing and homewares at a bargain price. There are currently 23 volunteers fulfilling the many roles required to keep the shop running, everything from sorting and hanging

clothing to cleaning, and serving customers with a cheery smile and a kind word. The Esperance shop receives enough donated clothing to send some away to underserved communities. One of the volunteers, Margaret Blades, has been a Red Cross member for 52 years, and is still giving her time to work in the shop. As she says, ‘the Red Cross is always there, in any disaster or war, and it’s such a good cause to be involved with.’ Volunteer Linda Robinson, who counts herself a ‘newcomer’ after only working at the shop for 8 years, is motivated by her love of helping people. ‘It’s also a great way to recycle clothing and other goods, which is another great reason to get involved. And we always have some fun while we’re working.’

The Red Cross shop’s acting manager, Annette Myers, loves being a part of the organisation. ‘I just keep learning more about what the Red Cross does – there are no barriers to the work they do. They’re everywhere. And the programs they run are really amazing.’ Annette also recognises that the shop relies on the donations of the local community. ‘Esperance people are very generous. The shop is completely supplied by local donations.’ To celebrate the shop turning 40, Annette and the volunteers will be displaying a photo collection of the Red Cross’s Esperance branch throughout the years instore. They are looking forward to many more years of serving the Esperance community and raising funds for a wonderful cause.

Council Connections

On The Way to Net Zero Carbon Emissions

Council supported the Carbon Emission Baseline Report produced through the funded GVROC Regional Climate Alliance at the May Council Meeting. This report delivers an important starting point for the commitments made in the Shire’s Climate Change Declaration, and the Council Plan Action 5.1.1. Provide a carbon emissions audit to get a baseline measure and enable realistic targets to be set. The Report estimated the Shire’s corporate annual emissions for 2021/22 at 4,335 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent), largely emitted by transport fuels and electricity consumption across Shire operations, street lighting, open space lighting and field lighting. This baseline gives a good starting point to begin our transition to net zero carbon emissions and enables realistic reduction targets to be set and monitored.

Street Tree Strategy Open For Comment

After considering the Street Tree Policy and the Street Tree Strategy 2023, Council requested the Strategy be opened for public feedback, and then a report be submitted with recommended changes. The Street Tree Strategy has been developed to guide the Shire on the management and direction of street trees within the Esperance town site and satellite towns. The key points of the Street Tree Strategy are: the significant value and benefit that street trees provide; selecting the right tree in the right location; protecting our current street tree stock; and providing a street tree species list and recommended locations. Council is listening, so if you have an opinion on this make sure you read the Strategy and submit your views, keep an eye on Shire social accounts for this opportunity.

It’s Going To Snow At The Winter Wonderland

The Shire of Esperance is offering a 100% guarantee of snow on Saturday 15 July, when the FREE Winter Wonderland event comes to town - everyone is invited to embrace the cold! Winter Wonderland will bring snowy fun to Esperance for all our young, and young at heart - and also support the local community by offering free stall spaces to businesses, community groups, makers and creators. Contact the Community Development team on 9071 0666 or by email at community@esperance. wa.gov.au before 15 June for more information if you’re interested in a free market stall space, and save the date to enjoy a snow pit, snow slide, snow storms and more! Check esperance.wa.gov.au/winter-wonderland for more information.

Planning For The Museum Of The Future

The guiding document for our Museum, the Esperance Museum Strategic Plan 2017 - 2023, is up for review. The Plan is a powerful document to help us anticipate challenges and guide the direction of our programs. Consultation is open to refresh the Museum Strategic Plan, and check in with our community on what they want our Museum to look like into the future. As plans for the James Street Cultural Precinct progress, this is a significant opportunity for everyone to have their say on what they want to see from our Museum, what should be prioritised, and what direction the Museum should be moving in. Help the Shire understand how important the Museum is to you as we plan an exciting future for the Museum - esperance.wa.gov. au/events/museum-strategic-plan-review-2023.

ENTERTAINMENT

Cirque Mother Africa

MON 5 JUNE @ 7:30PM

ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE

Tickets from $59.90 • auecc.sales.ticketsearch.com

The heartbeat of Africa pulsates throughout this jaw-dropping 90-minute show as the musicians and artists transport audience members to the breath-taking continent of Africa.

A Boy Named Cash

FRI 23 JUNE @ 7:30PM

ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE

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

A Johnny Cash tribute show showcasing the greatest hits of The Man in Black as performed by Monty Cotton, alongside the exceptionally talented Daniel Drieberg on fiddle, mandolin and electric guitar.

Shakespeare at Stonehenge Esperance

TUE 20 JUNE @ 6PM

ESPERANCE STONEHENGE

Tickets from $40 • humantix.com

The critically acclaimed touring theatre troupe Come you Spirits brings its stunning productions of The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream to Stonehenge Esperance for the Winter Solstice.

Our monthly arts & culture guide brought to you by:

Spacedive “Solo” and Mia June

SUN 4 JUNE @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Mary Leske

FRI 9 JUNE @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

COMMUNITY

LBB Quiz Night

THU 15 JUNE @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Men In Sheds Open Day

SAT 17 JUNE @ 10AM

23 SIMPSON STREET

FOOD

Agentinian BBQ

SUN 4 JUNE @ 12PPM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Taste of the World 2023

MON 5 JUN @ 11AM

ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE

A family event to celebrate multiculturalism in Esperance. Come along and try food from different cultures present in our community, enjoy different activities or share with us your cultural background. Register your interest at esperancecommunityarts.org.au

LIVE MUSIC

Short and Curly

FRI 2 JUNE @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Grand Casual Live

SAT 3 JUNE @ 8PM 33 DEGREES

Open Mic Night

FRI 9 JUNE @ 5:30PM

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

Southern Edge

SUN 11 JUNE @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Josh Bryant

FRI 16 JUNE @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

DJ FunKnight

SUN 18 JUNE @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

DJ Senique

FRI 23 JUNE @ 6PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Club 75 Hopetoun Edition

FRI 23 JUNE @ 6PM

HOPETOUN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Tickets $33 • raveaboutarts.com

Club 75 Vol. 1

SAT 24 JUNE @ 6PM

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

Tickets from $23.50 • trybooking.com

Club 75 returns to the Cannery Arts Centre for 2023, held in the main gallery and set to feature music by Margaret River's own Sash Seabourne. Sash hits the road for ten dates in support of his latest single Raised By Rivers, his first WA tour since featuring on Australian Idol in 2023.

Rowan Donovan

SUN 25 JUNE @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Cameron Alexander and Georgie Winchester

FRI 30 JUNE @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

MARKETS

Museum Village Markets

SUN 4 & 18 @ 8:30AM

ESPERANCE MUSEUM VILLAGE

Esperance Growers & Artisans Markets

SAT 10 & 24 JUNE @ 9AM

ESPERANCE SCOUT HALL

EXHIBITIONS

Rise Above: Mangjaka

Flood Relief & Exhibition

ENDS 4 JUNE

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

WORKSHOPS

Artlab Vol.2

VARIOUS DATES

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

THE BRIDGE

Just ducked past Dempster Street Barber Shop, feeling fresh on the other side thanks to Mr Graham. I’ve been somewhat disheartened by my speedily receding (and thinning) hairline, considering whether to go the consistent all over shave. Tried it for a coupla months, liked it, got slack and let my hair grow out, to the point I look and feel disheveled as standard. We go through these periods where it's hard to get motivated, and sometimes it’s the small ritualistic things that we let fall by the wayside: things that are so damn important to snapping us back into a clear frame of mind. This time round I will promise myself to make my visit to Dempster Street Barber Shop once a month at least.

So we move into another Esperance Winter, with a June long weekend to kick us off. Grand Casual will play a free show at 33 Degrees on Saturday June 3, our first at the venue. Supported by two WA rising stars, Mia June and Jeremy Staude of Spacedive, next level songwriters to be sure. Jeremy is lighting a fire under the Albany original music scene, recently releasing the second edition within his event series Spacefest, set to fall on July 29 at the White Star Hotel. A crazy lineup including Grievous Bodily Harm, Mal De Mer, Grace Sanders, Airline Food, Grand Casual and about 20 more…well worth the road trip. Mia June has been playing some outrageous shows, recently joining Stella Donnelly on a National tour with her full band in tow. June 3 offers a rare chance to catch her solo. Grand Casual’s performance at 33 Degrees is rounded out by local legend DJ Ace on the decks, kicking out some quality tunes to close out

the night. Entry is free with tunes from 8pm, so get amongst it!

Club 75 returns for the 2023 season with consecutive shows, one in Hopetoun on Friday, June 23 and then in Esperance on June 24. I have been extremely fortunate this year to work alongside Rave About Arts to deliver Kyza Presents events in the Hopetoun/Ravensthorpe region. This opportunity has fantastic benefits for regional communities and artists involved. The 2023 program mirrors KPs in Esperance, featuring open mics, workshops, and ticketed events, creating pathways for Hopetoun/ Ravensthorpe artists to develop and perform. With this partnership in place, I’m wrapped to have Hopetoun artist Bec Sexton join us on both Club 75 editions, June 23 (Hopetoun) and June 24 (Esperance). Another key element of the partnership is establishing artists between the two locations. June’s edition of Club 75 is large to say the least featuring Sash Seabourne, Travis Green, Bec Sexton, Kyza for both, with Esperance local Bec Schutz joining us for the Cannery Edition. Grab your Cannery edition tix at www. canneryartscentre.com.au . Club 75 is supported by Od Transport and the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay. And don’t miss out on Open Mic at the Cannery Friday June 9th from 5.30pm, supported by Mineral Resources Ltd.

KYZA PRESENTS

KYRON SMITHSON,

Rosalie de Moel

Rosalie de Moel is a digital illustrator hailing from Schipluiden, a small town near Rotterdam and The Hague in The Netherlands. Arriving in Esperance in March, Rosalie and her partner quickly fell in love with the town and decided to stay for a little longer than planned. Rosalie’s works, which she sells at the local markets, are vibrant depictions of her global travels, incorporating modern calligraphy and bold colours to reflect her many journeys.

How did you fall into the world of illustration and calligraphy?

My mother's creativity played a huge role in sparking my own passion for art. She's a professional calligrapher herself and introduced me to calligraphy. My journey into illustration started when I co-founded a company in The Netherlands. We introduced a combination of children's books and augmented reality to the market. I took on the task of creating the illustrations for the book, which was my first foray into the field of illustration.

Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?

I love exploring new places and experiencing different cultures, and I find that this often provides a wealth of inspiration. Whether it's a stunning landscape, an

architectural feature, or a colour palette, there's always something new and exciting to discover. I find that other people's trips can be a great source of inspiration, too. Seeing the world through someone else's eyes broadens my own perspective and opens new avenues for creative exploration.

Locally, what has the response been to your work?

It has been such a pleasant experience. People here are incredibly friendly, often stopping to have a chat and complimenting my work. Occasionally, I worry that some might not appreciate digital art and dismiss it as not being ‘real’ art. But I hope to prove that it's a valid form of artistic expression.

How did you end up in Esperance?

I quit my job of four years and became a working holiday maker. The main reason for our visit was to join my brother and his girlfriend, who have been living here for a few years. We like it so much we plan on staying for a few months more. I really like Esperance because it has a strong sense of community and focuses on supporting small businesses. It feels like a place that hasn't been overrun by crowds yet. I think in a few years, it will get a lot busier.

Do you express yourself artistically in any other ways?

After arriving here, I quickly realised how much I missed having my art supplies with methe gouache, watercolours, and

paper. Those first few days were tough without them, so I decided to purchase watercolour pencils and paper locally. During our road trip through the beautiful southwest, I used these supplies to illustrate some wildflowers I spotted from the passenger seat. When you’re not creating art, what can we find you doing?

Eating cheese and drinking wine is one of my favourite activities. Next to this, I enjoy biking and exploring stuff along the way. Recently, I was riding my bike on the beach with the sun setting before me. It was an awesome experience to have the entire beach to myself!

Lastly, tell us where we can find your work!

On Instagram @rosaliedemoel illustrations , online at www. rosaliedemoel.com , and at the Esperance Growers and Museum Village Markets.

The Waifs Head to Esperance

Western Australian folk rockers The Waifs are headed to Esperance in September as part of a fourmonth national tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their seminal album, Up All Night . With performances spanning from Ballarat to Broome, and everywhere in between, The Waifs will be joined by special guests and great friends along the way, with singer-songwriter Liz Stringer joining the multi-ARIA Award winning band for their Esperance show. Hailing from Albany, the band is a true regional WA success story. Formed in 1992 by sisters Vikki Thorn (harmonica, guitar, vocals) and Donna Simpson (guitar, vocals), as well as Josh Cunningham (guitar, vocals), The Waifs spent a decade travelling Australia, playing in any small town with a pub or hall, with locals willing to listen. In 2002, the band’s breakthrough single ‘London Still’ caught the ears of Triple J, which threw it onto high rotation and paved the way for the success of singles ‘Fisherman’s Daughter’, ‘Lighthouse’, ‘Highway One’, and ultimately the 2003 LP, Up All Night .

The album debuted at number three on the ARIA charts and went on to win four ARIA Awards for Best Blues and Roots Album, Best Independent Album, Engineer of the Year, and Producer of the Year for Chris Thompson. The single ‘London Still’ was voted in at number three in the Triple J Hottest 100, and Up All Night reached double platinum certification. Sold-out international headline tours followed, and The Waifs became the first Australian band to play

CATCH THE WAIFS LIVE IN ESPERANCE

at the New Orleans Jazz Festival. The band toured with Bob Dylan in Australia and the US, and was named in Rolling Stone ’s ‘Moments that Changed the History of Rock and Roll’ story, which cited its independence and mainstream success as a game changer for musicians in the future.

More than 30 years since its inception, The Waifs show no sign of slowing down, returning to the group’s regional WA roots to celebrate success with fans young and old. As well as touring nationally to mark the occasion, the band will release Up All Night on vinyl for the first time ever, with a limited signed edition available as part of a VIP ticket package.

The Waifs will play at the Esperance Civic Centre, joined by special guest Liz Stringer, on Friday 8 September. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.thewaifs.com.

HANNAH SIEMER

The Waifs.

What’s On This Winter

THEATRE

Auditions are done and dusted, and rehearsals are in full swing for the Esperance Theatre Guild’s hotly anticipated production of Les Misérables , opening on August 25. Directed by local Caitlyn Edwards, the multi-award winning musical is set in early 19th century France, against a backdrop of disease, crime, and poverty. Keep an eye on ‘The Bijou Theatre Esperance’ Facebook page for production updates and ticket details.

Esperance Stonehenge will come alive with the magic of Shakespeare over the winter solstice, with international touring company Come You Spirits performing adaptations of The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the local landmark. The Tempest will be performed on June 20, the evening before the solstice, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed the following day. Both shows run for 90 minutes and are fully immersive, with the action taking place around and among

the audience and stones. Tickets and more details are available at www.events.humanitix.com/ shakespeare-at-stonehenge

There’s heaps on at the Esperance Civic Centre, too. Highlights include kids’ show The Box Show on July 25 and 26, where household items are transformed into musical instruments, and Boyd Meets Girl on August 22, which sees a classical guitarist and a cellist perform an eclectic mix of music, from Bach to Beyonce. Check out www.esperance.wa.gov.au/civiccentre for the complete rundown of what’s happening throughout winter and beyond.

MUSIC

The local music scene continues to thrive over the colder months. Ease into your weekends with Friday night open mics at the Cannery Arts Centre on June 9, July 14, and August 11. Also happening at the Cannery over winter is Club 75, taking place on June 24, July 22, and August 26. The June edition of Club 75 will be headlined by

Margaret River singer songwriter Sash Seabourne, who you might recognise from this year’s Australian Idol , and accompanied by a few favourite local acts. Held in the Cannery’s cosy main gallery, you’ll be able to keep toasty with a tipple from the bar and a gözleme by Livvy.

On July 8, head out to Lucky Bay Brewing for Blues and Brews, a mid-winter celebration of music and beer. The family friendly event will be headlined by WA blues artists Lightnin Jack and Tracey Barnett, so settle in around the fire for an afternoon of good music and great bevs. And it wouldn’t be winter without the annual Esperance Music Festival. Held between August 17 – 19, the eisteddfod celebrates its 50th year in 2023, making this one just that extra bit special. If you’d like to jump on stage and show off your musical skills, there’s still time to sign up, with entry day scheduled for June 11. For further info, head to the ‘Esperance Music Festival’ page on Facebook.

Community Callout

Want to be involved?

We are looking for:

- Stall Holders

- Food Vendors

- Volunteering

Get in touch with the Team: community@ esperance.wa.gov.au or 9083 1706

*Deadline 15 June

esperancedistilleryco.com

Check our website for opening hours.

Launched in 2020, Esperance Distillery Co is a small-batch distillery created by a father and son team.

By crafting spirits from native botanicals in a custom-built copper still, Esperance Distillery Co offers a distinctively Western Australian twist on the classics.

FOOD Esperance

Community Arts’ Taste of the World was one of Esperance’s most popular cultural events last winter and is back this June long weekend. Held at the Esperance Civic Centre on June 5, the free event will celebrate multiculturalism in Esperance, providing an opportunity for people from all corners of the globe to unite and share language, music, dance, art, stories and, of course, food. Expect to taste delights from Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Europe, as well as homegrown bush tucker.

For a taste of something a little closer to home, head to the Taylor Street Quarters, which is participating in Plating Up WA during the month of June. Plating Up WA encourages restaurants across the state to showcase Western Australian produce on their menus through one hero dish. The Quarters is serving up Leeuwin coast Akoya oyster mariniere with toasted focaccia and grilled lemon – think dreamy Akoya oysters steamed in white

wine with red onion and garlic, finished with cream and fresh parsley. Yum. It’s on their dinner menu in June only, so don’t miss out!

ART

Winter is the perfect time to throw on an art smock and head down to the Cannery Arts Centre to pick up a new skill or two. There’s heaps going on at the Cannery over winter, kicking off with a beginners’ portraits class on June 20, a paint and sip evening on June 22, and a dried floral sculpture workshop on June 29. Social sewing group Sew Social will also get together at the Cannery on June 10 and July 22, and two six-week pottery courses will kick off in August. Head to www.canneryartscentre. com.au for more info.

If you need to keep the kids busy over the winter school hols, the Cannery has you covered here, too. The KickArts school holiday program will offer a range of workshops suitable for kids and teens aged 5 to 17, including painting, weaving, and pottery. One workshop to look out for is

Waste Warriors, a collaboration with the Shire of Esperance where participants will visit the Wylie Bay Materials Recovery Facility and learn more about waste and recycling, then repurpose an old chair, giving it a makeover and a second life.

MOVIES

There’s no better place to escape wet and windy weather than in the refuge of a cinema. Fenwick 3 Cinemas has a host of blockbusters lined up for winter. In June, action fans can look forward to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse , The Flash , and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts , or scare yourself silly with The Boogeyman , a horror film based on a 1973 short story by Stephen King. If you’re after something a little lighter, Strays might be more up your alley, with Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx voicing a couple of stray dogs seeking revenge. In July, the hotly anticipated Barbie hits cinemas, which is sure to add a little Californian warmth to the depths of our winter.

With a host of arts and cultural activities and events taking place across town this winter, there’s no excuse to go into hibernation over the colder months. Here’s a little preview of what’s to come.

Historic Buildings

BY KARLI FLORISSON

In the 1960s, Esperance’s Bijou Theatre, once the centre of the town’s social life, was a rundown relic of a former time. First built in 1896 by businessman E J McCarthy, the old theatre had accommodated a variety of different civic events, everything from the town’s first agricultural show, to silent movie screenings, visiting performers, town dances and meetings, and even roller skating events. In 1947, the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB), a men-only social and charitable club, purchased the theatre from the McCarthy family for use as a meeting room. Use of the hall declined, until it was virtually shuttered in the 1960s. After some suggestions in town that the building should be demolished, the Esperance Theatre Guild stepped in, leasing the building from the Buffaloes in 1971, and raising the money to purchase it in 1975. Local builder John Crawley was called in, and with his passion for old buildings, he was very quickly hooked. With the guild members volunteering their weekends to work on the project, John built an extension, reroofed the old hall, and completed a raft of other renovations that gave the Bijou a new lease on life.

John Crawley grew up near Manjimup, and came to Esperance in 1962, fresh from his builders’ apprenticeship. As he relates, he came to visit a friend, and ‘threw his box of tools in the boot just in case.’ He was offered a job in Esperance, then in Salmon Gums, and from that point, he was kept busy, working throughout the Mallee region. At the time, there was a new land release in the region, and many farmers were moving in, so builders were in great demand. John recalls being asked to take a look at an old building, with the owner at the time saying, ‘We don’t know whether it’s worth fixing the place.’ He went to take a look, and found that the building was the stately Grass Patch Homestead, first built in 1904 on what was the first farm in the Mallee. John renovated the homestead extensively, making every effort to retain the original heritage features of the beautiful, high ceilinged stone building.

John has also done restoration work on both Lynburn Station, built in 1872, and Dempster Homestead, the oldest remaining building in Esperance, built in 1867. As these buildings were constructed before cement

was widely available and affordable, the ‘foundations’ were constructed by digging large trenches which were filled with stone, then building the stone walls on top. The floors were often laid directly on the ground. Lynburn originally had a thatched roof made from local river rushes. After the roof was destroyed in a bushfire in 1962, the owners at the time, Geoff and Pauline Grewar, were eager to save the building from further deterioration. John worked with a group of volunteers under the Commonwealth Service Volunteers Scheme to reroof and protect the building and the nearby stone wool shed. An original blacksmith’s workshop, also located on the property, was already a pile of rubble by the time John started, a reminder of what could have happened to the beautiful homestead building without this vital work.

In addition to John’s work on Esperance’s heritage buildings, work has also been done by other passionate craftspeople. Roger Robertson, a stonemason who grew up on a station near Balladonia, has spent many years working to save and restore some of the historic stone buildings

in that region. In particular, his work on Balbinia saved the beautiful stone homestead that was deteriorating rapidly. He has also worked on Deralinya, another historic homestead that Roger now calls home. Much of Roger’s work has been done with the help of passionate volunteers, and through programs such as LEAP, which aimed to train volunteers and give them skills to gain employment. John, too, has worked significantly with volunteer labour and programs, involvement he has found very rewarding. ‘The relationships you form are worth gold. I learnt as much from them as they did from me.’

The most recent restoration that John worked on was the Grass Patch Post Office and Store. This stone building, built in 1926 from local granite from the Grass Patch Farm, was once a bustling hub of activity in the little town. After the store was closed, the building fell into disuse in the 1960s, and deteriorated severely. When the local community took up the challenge of restoring the building, saving it from being bulldozed, there were large holes in the stonework, and many of the timbers had rotted. The work was done by local volunteers, under John’s guidance, and now the building is a local community hub. As John notes, saving an old building like the Grass Patch Post Office gives a community something to rally around.

These days, the Bijou Theatre is the state’s oldest working theatre, and Dempster Homestead is both a comfortable family home and a much-loved part of the town’s history. John is proud of his work on these buildings, and the fact that they are now both heritage listed. He has also worked on many of the town’s iconic heritage buildings, from the Cannery Arts Centre to the Bond Shed and Goods Store, now the town’s museum. Not a bad effort for a man who only planned to stay in Esperance for six months.

Balbinia, as it is now, after renovations.

Dempster Homestead before renovations in 1965.

Grass Patch Post Office & Store.

Gemini MAY 21 - JUN 20

A change of heart will have you stressing that you’ve let someone down. Remember, you should only ever do what’s best for you. If you made a promise you can’t keep, but it’s for the right reasons, that’s okay. That someone mightn’t understand your decision at first, but it’s nothing that a box of Bread Local brownies can’t fix.

Cancer

JUN 21 - JUL 22

Being a people pleaser sometimes lands you in situations you’re not comfortable with. Your ability to say ‘no’ will be put to the test this month when you’re asked to undertake an unpleasant task. Push back and you might find the sky doesn’t fall in. Enjoy me-time instead, like flicking through the Tide on the foreshore lawn with a Sir Juice smoothie in hand.

Leo JUL 23 - AUG 22

There’s change in the air. You’ve been plodding along for some time now and while your bubble is comfortable, it’s not what’s best for you in the long run. In preparation for what’s to come, shake up your routine this month. Skip the gym and head to the Quarters for a round of margs or replace another boring night on the couch with a show at the Civic Centre.

Virgo

AUG 23 - SEP 22

If you bury your feelings any longer, you’re going to explode. Make it your goal this month to let someone you’ve been butting heads with know what’s on your mind. They mightn’t like what you have to say at first, but they’ll come around. With the weather cooling down, fireside chats are a great idea, so light the fire pit, pour a glass of Condy shiraz, and get talking.

Libra SEP 23 - OCT 22

A wave of energy and excitement washes over you this month. This is a good time to embrace your inner-child and engage in youthful activities, like a round of mini golf or a trip to the movies, complete with popcorn and a choc bomb. When you’re done having fun, use this energy to complete a task you’ve been putting off.

Scorpio OCT 23 - NOV 21

A repressed longing to escape floats to the surface this month. Figure out where this desire comes from before you act on it. You might find the cause of the problem is easily fixed, and there’s no need to become a fugitive. If you’re still itching to escape the Esperance bubble, pack up the car and hit South Coast Highway for a few days of solitude.

Sagittarius NOV 22 - DEC 21

You’re not a walkover but there’s someone close to you who always manages to get their way. A matter will soon arise that you try to push back on but they’re their usual stubborn selves. Don’t give in this time. On this occasion, it’s vital you only do what’s best for you. Putting your foot down will promote confidence in many aspects of your life.

Capricorn DEC 22 - JAN 20

A break from the rat race is much needed. With its cool, sunny days, June is the perfect time to walk slow, breathe deep, and connect with nature. Take a solo drive to Cape Le Grand, then take your shoes off and dig your toes into sand. Let your surroundings reenergise you and remind you that there is more to life than work, material possessions, and social media.

Aquarius

JAN 20 - FEB 17

The change in season inspires you to change your mindset. You’re keen to turn over a new leaf. Make changes while you’re motivated and before the wintery weather hinders your enthusiasm. Find support in those who want the best for you. Don’t be shy in asking for help. You’re often the first to lend a hand to those in need – it’s time they return the favour.

Pisces FEB 18 - MAR 19

It’s time to make your mental health a priority. Your energy levels will dip this month, making it easy for those winter blues to creep in. Plan activities that are revitalising but not tiring. Small social gatherings where you don’t have to lift a finger are ideal, like a lazy Sunday arvo at the brewery, or a Top End Takeaway and boardgames night at home.

Aries

MAR 20 - APR 19

A big change will soon require you to step back from one or two commitments. It will have you re-evaluating your priorities and questioning where your time is best spent. Do more things that benefit your family bond this month, whether that’s cosying up with Domino’s and Disney, or packing up the car and heading east to conquer Mt Ragged.

Taurus APR 20 - MAY 20

The compassion of a close friend inspires you to give back to the community this month. Seek out ways to explore your charitable side this month. Help someone you know, challenge yourself to perform a random act of kindness, or ask a local community group if they need a hand. Others will benefit from your good deeds, but you may benefit more.

Creamy Potato & Leek Soup

We’re making soup simple this winter, with this creamy yet chunky potato and leek soup.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

800g waxy potatoes, sliced 1cm thick

2 leeks, sliced

1.5L vegetable stock

1 large bunch of baby spinach, torn into bitesized pieces

1/4 cup Greek yoghurt, plus more for serving

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

4 spring onions, thinly sliced

1 cup parsley

Salt & pepper

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over mediumhigh heat. Add potatoes and leeks and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until the leeks are bright green and have begun to sweat, 5 to 8 minutes.

2. Add the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the liquid has reduced a bit and the potatoes are basically falling apart (about 40 minutes).

3. Using a wooden spoon, break the tender potatoes so that they fall apart even more (this will thicken the soup, turn it creamy whilst allowing a chunky texture).

4. Add the greens, stirring to wilt them into the soup.

5. Add the yoghurt and vinegar and simmer for another minute or so. Blend if you prefer it smooth, otherwise leave it chunky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Ladle soup into a bowl and serve with a dollop of yoghurt, spring onions and parsley.

The Return of the Whales

There’s two guarantees in Kepa Kurl (Esperance) for June… rain and the beginning of the annual migration of whales! For millennia, Southern Right Whales have passed Kepa Kurl’s shores.

Migration is a global phenomena, often surrounded by a huge amount of celebration, spirituality, wonder and mystery. And the passing of the Southern Right Whales through Esperance waters is no different. This annual migration has all the normal trademarks of a family holiday - males courting females, careful protection and nursing of newborns, the young whale calves playing, frolicking and, most importantly, learning from the elders.

The migration we observe is the whales moving north into warmer waters for winter and spring, leaving the sub-Antarctic waters of the Southern Ocean where they hang out over summer.

The Southern Right Whale has been historically threatened and almost became extinct due to intensive whaling in the 1800’s. If you’d like some more information on Western Australia’s history of whaling, Esperance’s local historian Karli Florisson has an excellent episode on her podcast ‘Wild: Stories from Western Australia’s Past’ about just that.

Now, populations are surely but steadily recovering and we are once again seeing thousands of whales move across the south coast. But they still face threats today in the form of climate change and human disturbance. It’s important to avoid getting close to whales in boats, jet-skis, drones or paddle-boards: doing so can disrupt behavior, threaten wellbeing and cause distress.

Where to see these magnificent creatures? Purely based on my observations over the past few years! Chapman’s Point, Esperance Bay (Castletown Quays area), West Beach and a bit further afield at Thomas River or Alexander Bay… my goodness, we are lucky to be in Esperance.

KATIE WHITE - CALADENIA CO.

BUSH BANTER IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY VALANNE FOUNDATION

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

01 An eight-day off-road 4WD journey from Esperance to Kalgoorlie raised more than $200,000 for sick, disadvantaged, and disabled children. The Variety WA 4WD Adventure saw 17 teams depart Esperance on May 5, making their way to Wharton Beach before heading inland. The convoy, which travelled along beaches, over rocks, and down dirt tracks, made several stops along the way, including a visit to Condingup Primary School.

02 Local runner Jayme Bergman won her division of the Margaret River Ultra Marathon on May 6. Bergman finished the 80-kilometre race in a time of seven hours and 49 minutes, placing her first in the Prime 20-39 Female category and fourth overall. It was her first time competing in an ultra marathon. Some 279 runners competed in the event, which started at Hamelin Bay and ended at Howard Park Wines.

03 Lucky Bay was named the world’s best beach, topping Banana Boat’s World’s 50 Best Beaches . Compiled by more than 750 travel influencers, journalists, and experts from around the world, the list saw beaches ranked according to their untouched nature, remoteness, how swimmable they are, annual days of sunshine, and average temperature. Little Hellfire also made the list, coming in at number 28.

04 It was announced telecommunication infrastructure will be upgraded at Fanny Cove, boosting mobile coverage in the event of an emergency. Located within Stokes National Park, 85 kilometres west of town, Fanny Cove is one of 18 regional beaches around Western Australia which will receive Cel-Fi repeaters to expand mobile coverage in the area. Installation is expected to commence in the second half of the year.

ESPERANCE MUSEUM STRATEGIC PLAN REVIEW

Open for public consultation from 19 May – 30 June 2023. What does the Esperance Museum mean to you and our community? What should be our focus for the next 10 years? Have your say. Consultation is on the Shire Website and in house at the Esperance Museum on the weekend of 15-18 June.

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.

TABLE TENNIS PLAYED AT THE SCOUT HALL

Thursday Mornings 9am - 11.00am. $5.00 each session.

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