ISSUE 79
FREE MONTHLY NOVEMBER 2021
TIDE GUIDE
UP NEXT
H IS T O RY
Harvest Survival Handbook
Salty Fit Studio
OTC Wireless Station
PAGE 8
P AGE 28
P AGE 30
Shelley Payne MLC Member for the Agricultural Region Your strong voice on Mark McGowan’s team
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SPO T L IGHT ON Esperance Mechanical Restoration Group
As we gear up for the Silly Season, there is so much happening in and around Esperance. As history buffs, we’re super excited for the Esperance Mechanical Restoration Group’s (EMRG) Collectors Fair on November 28. We visited EMRG headquarters on McLean Road to get the lowdown on what they do out there and boy oh boy, are they busy or what?! They really are preserving the past for future generations, and we’re so lucky to have a dedicated group of local men and women who see the importance of doing so. Read about the group on page 4 and then we’ll catch you at the fair at the end of the month! With summer just around the corner, we thought it was a good time to start getting fit… Not that there’s any such thing as a bikini body – we believe that ALL bodies are bikini bodies! The warmer weather and longer days had us inspired, so we headed to the new Salty Fit studio on William Street. Owner Erin Cummings has loved keeping fit since she was a teen, so entering the fitness industry was a no-brainer. Five years ago, she started running a casual bootcamp and from there, her business blossomed. In addition to a brand spanking new studio, Salty Fit now offers a variety of classes six days a week, including Pilates, yoga and the OG, bootcamp. Check out the Salty Fit story on page 28. We’ve also thrown a Tide Guide to surviving harvest in this edition, which is a must read for first timers and old timers alike! No matter your role, from chaser bin driver to chief smoko maker, we hope you have a ripper harvest! Stay safe out there – we want to see your sunkissed faces in December! 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. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and play, the Nyungar and Ngadju people, and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.
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Rusty Restorations
Preserving the Past for Future Generations WORDS KARLI FLORISSON
The members of the Esperance Mechanical Restoration Group (EMRG) possess a rare talent – the ability to look at a rusty piece of metal and see what it once was. This is how one of their recent projects began, as a ‘heap of rust dug out of a swamp’. With a passion for preserving and restoring pieces of our history, the EMRG members rolled up their sleeves. Now, that ‘heap of rust’ - a 1949 Lanz Bulldog tractor, originally used in the Dalyup area - is beautifully restored and running, preserved for future generations.
P H OT O G R A P H Y R O S I E H E N D E R S O N
Esperance Mechanical Restoration Group was established in 1990, when a few local men came together to work on mechanical projects in people’s sheds. As the group began to grow, they realised the need for their own venue to restore and display machinery. One of the members found suitable Crown land close to town and, after a long process, the group now leases the grounds on McLean Road. EMRG have established a fantastic venue for restoring, storing, and displaying the machinery they work hard to preserve. With generous funding provided by a number of different sources, the group has been able to expand their workspace. They now have five sheds, which house workshops, storage and, of course, a tea room. ⟶
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Members of the group work on their own restoration projects, or on club projects that require a more collaborative effort. Once a month, EMRG has an open day, where members of the public can see what the group has been working on. They have restored everything from old stationary engines and farm machinery through to vintage toys and historical cars, including a 1954 Ford 10/10 delivery van. The ladies of EMRG also convene once a week to knit blankets and beanies, which are donated to hospitals both here and in Perth, to be given to newborn babies. Another project is the collection of rare car and machinery manuals. The group now has over 3000 manuals, and they’ve received requests for information from those manuals from all around Australia and the world. Once a year, EMRG hosts a Collectors Fair at their grounds. While this is an opportunity to raise funds for the group, it’s also a chance to showcase the group’s collection of historical items. EMRG has a varied and
fascinating collection ranging from machinery, engines and vehicles, to telegraph insulators and vintage toys, through to curios like vintage china, salt and pepper shakers, and hand made lace doilies and collars. They even have some of WA’s original telegraph poles, which are a significant part of the state’s history. This year, a number of other locals will be displaying their collections at the Collectors Fair, too, and there will be plants and white elephant goods for sale. The members of EMRG enjoy the social outlet that the group provides, as well as the opportunity to get involved with many different projects and learn new skills. They note that working on projects together gives them the opportunity to learn from each other and share their own knowledge and skills. But for most of the group, it’s the chance to preserve history that draws them in, and they hope to keep that history alive for many years to come.
CH E CK O U T SO ME VIN TAGE W HEEL S! The EMRG Collectors Fair is on Sunday 28 November from 9am to 2pm on McLean Road.
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TID E GU ID E
Harvest Survival Handbook W O R D S & P H OTO G R A P H Y R O S I E H E N D E R S O N
We’re a coastal town, but we’re also a thriving hub of agricultural activity. We’re lucky like that – there are not a lot of places where you can pop down to the beach on a harvest ban day. With harvest kicking into gear around the region and this season seeing more fresh faces than ever getting involved, we’ve thrown together some hot tips and tricks to help the backpackers and the locals, the newbies and the old timers alike. For those unacquainted with the term, harvest is the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the paddocks. It’s kind of a big deal for farmers. Read on for some of the weird and wonderful ways that may help you get through those 40+ degree grain and dust filled days.
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Th e T u c ke r B o x & B il ly
The Ca b Es s e ntials
Keep your tucker box and water bottle with you wherever you go. They might say you’ll be back for smoko or lunch, but you probably won’t be… Get yourself a good tucker box with a lid that closes. And use ice packs – they’re game changers. Frozen juice boxes double as a little arvo treat and extra ice block. Always have a water bottle on you and keep it topped up. It gets hot out there and you need to stay hydrated. A dash of cordial encourages this. You can put ice packs in those bigger water bottles or freeze half-filled bottles and top them up every morning.
That glass enclosed cab – be it a header, chaser, tractor, truck, ute, or house - will become your home. Get acquainted, comfy, and organised with all the essentials.
A couple of tips; ration that tucker box out and DO NOT eat your lunch before lunchtime! You’ve got to be strategic or you’ll end up eating everything before midday and be starving by dinner. Meal prep is a key, even if it’s just snacks. Keep a stash of red frogs and green apples to stay awake (green apples reportedly have the same caffeine content as a coffee). And learn from the oldies and pack a thermos.
• • • • • • • • •
Water Tucker box Thermos Spare cutlery White board markers AUX cord, phone chargers, 12V charger Sunscreen, band-aids, fly net, protective lip balm Toilet paper Rags – essential for checking your gear, messing with hydraulics, and greasing • Spotify Premium with your playlists downloaded (essential in reception dead-spots!) • A four-seasons-in-one-day wardrobe. This is Esperance, after all. Have a jumper and long pants on hand.
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K e e p t h e G o o d Vib es Ro l lin g The pressures of heat, breakdowns, weather patterns, flies, loss of sleep, cabin fever and hunger get to us all at some point. Find below a few ideas to keep the spirits high and those tyres turning. BUST T HE BORED OM Learn new songs in different accents. Play games over the radio late at night to keep you awake and entertained. Pack some exercise weights – they cure a lot of boredom and can keep you fit and entertained. Stretch! Touch that cab ceiling with those fingertips. Give the team nicknames. Customise your playlists for certain times of the day. If you’re doing a parts run to town or if you’re a machinery dealer or agronomist doing a farm visit, bring out iced coffees or baked goods for the team. And always check if anyone needs anything from town. Taylor Street Quarters and Bread Local bake some beauties that will leave the team loving you. STAY ON TH E JOB Get your head around metric and imperial, keep a farm map on you at all times, and write instructions and notes on windows with those whiteboard markers. Walk around your machine regularly. You never know what you might find and it could save a few breakdowns! And keep your eyes and ears open at all times. BE A T EA M PL AY ER Never underestimate the power of a please and thank you, count to 10 if things get heated, and sometimes, if you don’t laugh, you cry. If ever in doubt, always ask. You might feel silly, but you’ll feel even more silly if you put petrol in the wrong machine, or mix barley with canola. Be smart on the roads; those white lines in the middle of the road, they’re there for a reason! Don’t sit on each other’s backsides, and use your indicators. Look out for each other and remember this is a busy time of year for everyone around the region, so be kind and considerate to all.
Harvest Bans and Rain Days (AKA Days Off) They don’t come often but when they do, you’ve got to jump on them before they’re gone. If you’re east of town, we’d recommend spending your day at the Duke, Cape Arid, or Cape Le Grand, before stopping by the Condingup Tavern and spoiling yourself to a steak or parmi. And if you’re west of town, you’ve got Munglinup Beach, Starvation Bay, Quagi Beach, Stokes National Park, and Munglinup Roadhouse (the perfect spot to grab a burger and a carton). Sometimes though, these times off call for nothing more than hanging on the couch, in the aircon, eating icy poles.
Happy harvesting! 10 / ESPERANCE TIDE / NOVEMBER 2021
Two-Way Talk We’ve all been there, awkwardly wondering what in the world they’re waffling on about. Harvest takes this to a whole new level, so here’s a few words to help you out.
tucker box
[ tuhk-er-boks ]
the bin
[ thee bin ]
A box used to store or carry your food.
Cooperative Bulk Handling (CBH) bins.
paddock
she’s a bit wet/moist
[ pad-uhk ]
Field or meadow.
The crop has a high moisture content.
knock off
headland
[ nok-awf ]
Clock off, head home, crack a coldie, get some shut eye.
rained off
[ reynd-awf ]
Pulled up because of rain, necessary trip to the local (see previous page).
harvest ban
[ hahr-vist ban ]
There’s a high fire risk, so no one is allowed to operate machinery in the paddocks until the ban is lifted.
[ hed-luhnd ]
A headland is the area at each end of a paddock. It is used for turning around and is the first area to be harvested when you start a fresh paddock.
soldiers
[ sohl-jers ]
The little triangles or lines of standing crop that shouldn’t get left behind but do (points to chaser drivers who run them over).
sock tan
[ sok tan ]
A proud achievement.
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Curly, Cameleers, and Camera Crews:
Melting Down Australia’s Colonial History W O R D S TO M D E S O U Z A
P H OT O G R A P H Y T H E F U R N A C E
When Roderick MacKay began writing his historical Western Australian feature film The Furnace, he knew that for the story to be genuine it needed an Aboriginal perspective. Released last year, The Furnace is set in the late 1800s and follows one of Australia’s early Afghan cameleers, Hanif. Like many of Australia’s cameleers, Hanif had been imported from a central Asian desert country to transport freight for colonial Australia. Many of these labourers were indentured. Hanif, desperate to escape the outback and return home, meets an injured, white gold thief, Mal, played by David Wenham, and is lured into helping him evade the law and travel across the outback to a black market Chinese smelter, who will melt down Mal’s stolen crown-marked gold bars. Historically, as in the film, there is a strong natural affinity between Aboriginal people and the early cameleers. Both peoples are united by their marginalisation from colonial Australia, and shared a vital connection to their natural environment. To make sure he got this story right, Roderick knew he needed the help of someone whom this story belonged to and enlisted the guidance of Gary ‘Curly’ Bonney, a Kaprun and Mirning man who grew up in Kalgoorlie and Esperance. Curly oversaw the production as a cultural advisor to the film, and says that it is stories like The Furnace that help to reshape a more inclusive and shared version of Australia’s history. “Stories like The Furnace and others about Afghan cameleers, many people don’t know these stories,” Curly says. “Roderick was surprised when he asked me about it and I already knew. He said, ‘How did you know when it’s not taught at school?’ My family told me the stories. Our people, we know many, many stories of people in Australia. It just gives you a background of how the history of Australia is very multicultural and diverse. It’s not all black and white. Literally. For stories like this to be authentic they need to have Aboriginal voices, for sure. That also says to us that we are welcomed. We shouldn’t have to argue, go in fighting and kicking
and screaming to have our voices heard. There should be a space and a place that says, ‘Hello, here is an opportunity for you to promote yourself, your culture, and your people’. It should be an inclusive thing. We’re so used to things being exclusive, and being on the outer, that we’re kind of surprised when people start including us.” Curly worked with Roderick to advise on what may or may not be appropriate to include in the script, and to ensure that all cultural protocol and sensitivities were respected once they had procured funding and started shooting the film. “There is a lot of Aboriginal content in there,” he says. “That developed over the years of Roderick and I working together, and the discussions we had. It’s the formation of an Aboriginal story, the inclusion of an Aboriginal story. Having Aboriginal people in the story. We started writing the story with Aboriginal content, I was always the advisor of what is appropriate and not appropriate to include. There is a scene in the story that talks about a men’s ceremony. That is a highly culturally sensitive topic. A lot of people said, ‘Scrap it, don’t include it at all. It’s too sensitive.’ But we felt it was important to include it to give people an understanding of the journey that some of the men in the story go through. Obviously, it was not something we could show in great detail. We had to consult with a lot of traditional men, and worked with them to achieve the impression we wanted, but without showing too much. Otherwise I would be in trouble. We did it really delicately, and it came out nicely.” Once Roderick had finished writing the script and procured funding from a number of production bodies, he and Curly began scouting shoot locations around WA’s Mid-West and liaising with the local communities and people, including the Badimia of Mount Magnet and the Nunga people of Northampton. “To make sure we did this right, it was important for us to consult with the community and let them know where we wanted to shoot and why. ⟶
We had a Badimia consultant, not only me as an overall Aboriginal consultant, but an area specific consultant. We had a Badimia man to guide us on country, point out things to be mindful of, and share with us concerns and questions that local people might have. He was an essential liaison point between us and the community.” Much of the film’s dialogue is spoken in Punjabi, Cantonese, and the Badimia language of the Yamatji Badimia people of Mount Magnet, where most of the film was shot. Roderick and Curly worked closely with the Irra Wangga language centre, who put them in touch with Godfrey Simpson, a Badimia man who helped them translate all the English dialogue. With many of Australia’s Aboriginal languages endangered of dying out with their last traditional speakers, Curly says stories like The Furnace are a modern means of helping to preserve some of these languages. “It’s not only about keeping those languages alive but showcasing them to the world,” he says. “We took that film to Venice in Italy, it was one of the selected films there last year. People all over the world have seen the film, heard the Badimia language.”
The Furnace opened Perth Arts Festival in 2020, where it was sold out for a week, before being selected for the Venice Film Festival later that year. The film was also screened in the local community at Mount Magnet, and in Kalgoorlie for NAIDOC week last year, where it was accompanied by a Q&A with Curly and Roderick. While many people of the Goldfields may know the history that has influenced stories like The Furnace, Curly says he was proud to share this story with the world but believes it is at a local level that stories like these can have the biggest impact. “A lot of Afghan cameleers married Aboriginal women; there are a lot of Aboriginal families who have descended from cameleers who are still with us today. In the Goldfields, many Aboriginal families have Arabic surnames,” he says. “No one had ever done this through a feature film, I’d seen documentaries, but hadn’t seen anyone do a big feature film. It’s about recognising not just their heritage and their connection to country, but how that belongs to all of us, and how these stories have played a part in shaping the country we live in.”
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Council Connections Bushfire Risk Management Plan Endorsed The Shire’s Bushfire Risk Management Plan (BRMP) was unanimously endorsed at the October Ordinary Council Meeting. The BRMP is a strategic document that lays out the identification, assessment and treatment of assets exposed to bushfire risk within the Shire of Esperance, to protect people, assets, and historic and local heritage areas of value. The tenure blind approach used in the development of the BRMP ensures that all land is given equal importance; whether privately or state owned, the multi-agency program is applied on the same footing. The Shire is now eligible for WA’s Mitigation Activity Fund Grants Program, which assists local governments to implement treatment strategies identified within the BRMP.
Verge Side Bulk Waste Collection 2021 Commencing Monday 15 November, the Shire of Esperance will begin Verge Side Bulk Waste Collection. The collection will be carried out in two zones, with maps of the zones available on the Shire website. ZONE 1 - From Monday 15 November: West of Esperance, townsites of Condingup, Gibson, Scaddan, Grass Patch, Salmon Gums. ZONE 2 - From Monday 22 November: Esperance, east of Esperance. If you live on a property that isn’t being serviced by the Verge Side Bulk Waste Collection, the Bulk Bin option is available to you. To be eligible, your property must be located within 25 kilometres of Esperance town and be 10ha or less in size. Scan here to book your Bulk Bin ⟶
Pump Track Construction Commences After much consultation and planning, construction of the Youth Precinct Pump Track has begun, and it is looking impressive! Leading pump track, trail and play space company Common Ground have begun work on the track, which is designed to be ridden without pedalling, instead using a pumping motion, pulling up on the face of rollers and pushing down on the backside. Esperance Shire President Ian Mickel said the Pump Track will be an important milestone along the road to deliver the long-planned Esperance Youth Precinct project. “As with any community, it’s important to provide an inviting and safe space for our kids to inhabit, build skills and socialise,” he said. “We greatly value our young people, and with our existing playground facilities for younger children, want to make sure that the needs of older children and teenagers are also being met.” A locally constructed shelter to match those along our foreshore is expected to be part of the facilities, as well as landscaped seating and a water fountain. The active space of the Youth Precinct will be surrounded by a network of passive space, ensuring the precinct is safe, inviting, family friendly and inclusive.
What’s On? The next few months are buzzing! We’ve got events, surveys, and engagements, all of which the Esperance community can be a part of. These include the Strategic Community Plan Review (Community Workshops), FOGO Survey, Garage Sale Trail, Edge of the Bay, Seniors Christmas Party, Community Christmas Pageant, Civic Centre shows and more. Check out the Shire’s website to see what’s on, what’s coming up and how you and your community group can get involved.
Upcoming Council Meetings
Agenda Briefing: 18 November 2021 at 1PM Ordinary Council Meeting: 23 November 2021 at 4PM
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27/08
Planting the Seed WORDS HANNAH SIEMER
P H OT O G R A P H Y R O S I E H E N D E R S O N
While it serves a much-needed purpose, it’s hard to imagine the overflow campground on the corner of Black Street and Harbour Road being a great first impression of Esperance. But for Tracy Young and her partner Mac du Plessis, setting up camp under a tree at the Greater Sports Ground in late December 2019 was “a saving grace.” Travelling home to Perth from South Australia, Tracy and Mac decided to drive via Esperance and, with just 15 minutes to spare, made it onto CoolgardieEsperance Highway before the road closed due to bushfires. When they arrived in Esperance, just two days before New Year’s Eve, Tracy and Mac found themselves without accommodation. Tired, overwhelmed, and not knowing anyone in town, the couple were finally directed to the overflow. During their three weeks at the temporary campground, they fell in love with Esperance and its people. Almost two years later, Tracy and Mac are still here, working tirelessly to give back to the community that gave them so much during their time of need. Tracy and Mac established See Everyone Engage Daily Western Australia (SEEDWA) last year. The main aim of the not-for-profit organisation is to connect people to the community the old fashioned way – face-to-face. There are several projects under the SEEDWA banner, including SEED Community Hub in Nulsen, and SEED Business Hub in the Old Hospital Building in Museum Village. The latter opened in May this year, providing a launching pad for small businesses. “They can grow and develop with no risks or financial stress,” Tracy says of the hub, which currently houses three small businesses. “It’s a stepping stone, it’s not a lifelong commitment.” Flickr Candles is one local business that began in the space and has already outgrown it, relocating to a bigger shopfront in Dutton Arcade in September. “They were really nervous when they started in Museum Village but they’ve just done brilliantly,” Tracy says.
SEED Community Hub resides within the former Gumtree Church on Rouse Street. It’s a hive of activity seven days a week, bringing people from all walks of life together for a variety of workshops, training and events. Ultimately, Tracy and Mac are trying to move people into sustainable employment. For many in the community, this is more complicated than simply submitting a CV and turning up for a job interview. Barriers to employment include not having the correct identification to apply for training courses, or not having a driver’s licence, restricting the ability to get to work. SEED Community Hub is a space where people can come for assistance in overcoming these barriers. “If we start with the basics and begin to tick the boxes, then we can actually help people into sustainable employment and try to break the cycle of reliance on the government system,” Tracy, who has more than 30 years’ experience in recruitment, says. “A lot of people don’t know where to go or what to do, whereas we know the system, so we can be an advocate for them.”
The SEED Community and Business Hubs are just the tip of the iceberg for SEEDWA. In October, SEEDWA opened a shop, Anew, in the Station Master’s Ticket Box on Dempster Street, providing people with mental health issues a space to display and sell their arts and crafts. The organisation also recently proposed to take over former adventure camp Toowacka, nine kilometres from Esperance, with the idea that Mac – who has a background in construction – would revive the camp with the help of young locals, training and mentoring them along the way. On top of all this, Tracy is working hard to get a public bus service running in Esperance, after discovering that a taxi between Nulsen and town centre costs between $12 and $20. “Not everybody has a car,” she says. “How do you have a life if you don’t have public transport? It’s so important.” SEEDWA has quickly become a vital connection point for many in the local community. Tracy and Mac have worked tirelessly to get its several branches up-and-running,
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self-funding most of the projects and relying on donations to fit out the spaces. Serendipitously, the week SEED Community Hub opened was the same week the Esperance TAFE relocated to its new campus. As such, TAFE were able to donate a range of furniture, including mirrors for when local hairdressers, led by Jacqui Rogers, volunteer their time to provide a free haircutting service at the hub. Several other local organisations and businesses have donated furniture and equipment to SEED Community Hub, as well as SEEDWA’s other projects. “We thought, ‘Let’s build it and people will come,’” Tracy says. “People jumped right in.” Tracy says SEEDWA is not reinventing the wheel, but simply connecting the dots. “We’re taking all our skills and all our experience to connect the community and be an advocate for everybody,” she says. “It’s just a matter of connecting with someone to make sure that, at the end of the day, that person is moving forward.”
Five Minutes with
Joan & The Giants BY KYRON SMITHSON
Joan & The Giants performed their first show in Esperance back in January for There Goes the Sun. Almost a year on, they are back for Balmy Nights 2021. Since January, the band have gained exceptional momentum, with a stellar mainstage performance at Nannup Music Festival being a highlight for myself. I dove deep into their tune ‘Advocate’, released on July 23. It’s a beautiful composition with sparse guitars and front-woman Grace Newton-Wordsmith’s vocal lines falling effortlessly. Don’t take my word on the band’s exceptional quality, though. Instead, jump onto the Kyza Presents Balmy Nights playlist to give ‘Advocate’ a spin, or grab yourself a ticket to Balmy Nights to check them out live. Grace loves an interview and I’m absolutely stoked to ask her a few questions for Esperance Tide prior to Balmy Nights. Gra ce, t hanks s o m u c h f o r j o i n i n g u s f o r a few q u est ions . F ir s t up, g i v e u s t h e b a c k g ro u n d o n ho w t h e band f or m e d . Aaron, guitarist and co-songwriter, and I first met seven years ago. He was living at college while studying at uni and I had a friend who was in the same college. The first time I met Aaron, she pushed us into a room and we were forced to play an Ed Sheeran song together. It was an awkward first encounter but something must have sparked as we started dating not too long after. A couple of years later, we studied music together at TAFE, and played and wrote for a while as a duo. Eventually we found our amazing boys Liam and Riley, who have been with us now for a few years. Ca n yo u s he d a l itt l e l i g h t o n h o w yo u w r i te as a b a nd ? Our writing process varies so much. It always used to start with a guitar riff or a progression on the keys, or just a simple vocal melody. We still mostly write like that, but developing production skills and having spent so much time as a band, we find ourselves creating the whole track on Ableton, or jamming a whole song in a rehearsal room. Sometimes a whole song will just come acoustically, especially if we’re going through something personal and need to write about it. For example, ‘Just for You’ was a really personal song that I wrote for a friend one night, and I just sat down and wrote the whole thing on the piano in about 15 minutes.
I’m a b ig a dvo c a te o f yo u r tra c k ‘Advo c a te. ’ I’m c u r io u s a s to whe re the a r two r k fo r the si ngle wa s sho t, a nd the sig nific a nc e o f the g ho st ima g e ry? Thank you so much! That artwork was a spur of the moment kind of decision. We knew we wanted something ghostly, but had no idea what. That photo is actually taken in Beagle Bay Community north of Broome, where Aaron is from. The very old buildings in the background are still standing from when the community used to be a mission. As to how it relates to the song, I think it kind of puts all the lyrics into an image. The song is about dead love and trying to get rid of the ghosts from your past, while also realising that you are a huge part of why that love died. Ho w did yo u find yo u r fir st Esp e ra nc e p e rfo rma nc e in Ja nu a r y? We LOVE Esperance! It is so amazing to see such a dedicated scene in a small town. The audience was so fun, and they all know how to party. We’re big fans of Kyza Presents, who has worked tirelessly to put on great original lineups. It’s so nice to see people enjoying and getting around original music. W ha t c a n the a u die nc e e xp e c t fro m Jo a n & The Gia nts a t B a lmy N ig hts 20 21 ? I think we’re known as an emotional, honest band, so if you need to cry and dance to happy sounding sad songs, come check us out! We’ve been working on some new tunes as well, branching into more of a pop-rooted sound, so maybe we’ll play a new song or two! I’m very excited for this set. I jump around a lot and it’s just gonna be a fun time.
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W hic h b a nds a re yo u c u rre ntly liste ning to? And whic h a c ts wo u ld yo u c o nside r to ha v e a very stro ng influ e nc e ov e r the b a nd’s ov e ra l l sound? We’re always listening to music! Maisie Peters new album You Signed Up For This has been on rotation for the last month, and we’ve also been loving Holly Humberstone and Phoebe Bridgers. There’s also the classics like Blink 182 and The Eagles in there as well! I think the acts you can hear have influenced us are artists like Florence & The Machine, Phoebe Bridgers, Daughter, and Maggie Rogers. We’re also maybe less obviously influenced by bands like Blink, Metallica, The Eagles and Alabama Shakes. There’s a bunch of great local artists we listen to as well like King Ibis, Green Pools, Ribs, Cecelia Brandolini, Stacey Ann, Freehand and more! De se rt isla nd a lb u m?
Fro m t he out s ide l oo k i n g i n , 2 0 2 1 h a s b e e n a n excep t ional ye ar f o r J o a n & T h e G i a n t s . Wh a t ha s b een t he highl ight ? Early in the year, we got to play a night slot on the amphitheatre stage at Nannup Music Festival. It was absolutely amazing to play a big festival slot and the audience were so loving. That was a wild experience for us - I was so nervous before going on stage that I nearly fainted but once we were up on stage, it was one of those moments you just have to be present and soak in, or you’ll blink and miss it. We also held a single launch at The Rosemount and that show was so lovely. We always try to make our launches really inclusive and fill the room with a warm and loving energy, and that one in particular we will always remember! We’ve had a few special highlights this year, and a lot of them have been regional shows and festivals, which is partly why we can’t wait to get on the road and come to Esperance.
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Stranger in The Alps by Phoebe Bridgers. This has some of our favourite songs in the world on it. Phoebe’s songwriting is hauntingly special and so relatable. We have probably listened to this album 300 + times. Also, if we were on an island, I can somehow cry and dance to this album so it’s a nice mix for a place where I’d probably have a lot of breakdowns and turn to Phoebe’s music for help. T ha nk s so mu c h, Gra c e ! Thank you so much for having us, Kyza! We absolutely cannot wait for Balmy Nights! It’s gonna be the best time. SEE JO AN & T HE GIAN T S L IVE Joan & The Giants play Balmy Nights at the Cannery Arts Centre on November 20, alongside Grace Barbe, Priscilla, Oceanique, Darcie Haven, Bec Schutz and Mary Leske. Tix are selling fast. Grab yours at www.balmynights.com.au.
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Our monthly arts & culture guide brought to you by:
Robertson Brothers - Variety TV Show NOVEMBER 29 @ 7:30PM ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE Tickets from $65 • The Shire website
Take a trip down memory lane with this amazing interactive live TV Variety Show featuring the hits from The Seekers, Bee Gees, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Neil Sedaka and The Everly Brothers!
ENTERTAINMENT
Jack and the Beanstalk NOVEMBER 12 - 28 THE BIJOU THEATRE
Savanah Solomon
Grug
ERMG Collectors Fair NOVEMBER 28 @ 9AM - 2PM 21 MCCLEAN ROAD Entry by donation
Garage Sale Trail NOVEMBER 13 - 14 (ALL DAY) LOCATIONS ACROSS ESPERANCE
NOVEMBER 10 @ 2PM & 5PM ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE
NOVEMBER 19 - 21 CANNERY ARTS CENTRE Drop into the pottery studio to purchase pieces, chat to the potters, learn about the pottery process and find out how to get involved. Opening hours via the Cannery website.
NOVEMBER 7 @ 2:00PM LUCKY BAY BREWING
Tickets $15 • The Shire website
Steve West & The Latitude
Celebrating 10 years of performances in 2020, Ted Prior’s hugely popular character is brought to life in Windmill’s magical stage production. Having performed to more than 50,000 children and families worldwide, Grug is perfect for our youngest theatre lovers.
NOVEMBER 12 @ 5PM LUCKY BAY BREWING
More info garagesaletrail.com.au
Esperance Pottery Club Open Studio & Sale
Adam Grok NOVEMBER 5 @ 5PM LUCKY BAY BREWING
Tickets $15 • trybooking.com
COMMUNITY
LIVE MUSIC
Josh Bryant & Mary Leske NOVEMBER 14 @ 3PM LUCKY BAY BREWING
Ratty & Scott Davey
Feeling Good
NOVEMBER 19 @ 5PM LUCKY BAY BREWING
NOVEMBER 26 @ 7PM ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE Tickets from $22.50 • The Shire website
Music to feed your soul. A warm and engaging performance, where the music reaches in and gives your heart a good massage and then wraps its arms around you for a big hug and leaves you – feeling good.
Drapht NOVEMBER 19 @ 8PM THE PIER HOTEL Tickets $51 • oztix.com.au
Perth heavyweight, Drapht, returns with new album ‘Shadows and Shinings’.
Learn more about what’s on in Esperance by visiting esperancetide.com/whatson TICKETS @ Shire Administration | Esperance Library | Visitor Centre | www.esperance.wa.gov.au
Sunday 28th November 2021 9am -2pm
PLAYING
THE MUSIC OF
NEIL YOUNG
SAT 20/11 $17.50-29.50 | ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE | ALL AGES
ENTRY BY DONATION
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DISPLAYS • COLLECTIONS • STALLS DEVONSHIRE TEA • SAUSAGE SIZZLE HAMBURGERS • DOUGHNUTS
EXHIBITIONS
9x5 Biennial Exhibition NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 5 CANNERY ARTS CENTRE MARKETS
Museum Village Markets Balmy Nights NOVEMBER 20 @ 3PM CANNERY ARTS CENTRE ROUND GARDEN Tickets from $44.50 • balmynights.com.au
NOVEMBER 7 & 21 @ 8:30AM - 12:30PM ESPERANCE MUSEUM VILLAGE
Esperance Growers Market NOVEMBER 14 & 28 @ 9AM ESPERANCE SCOUT HALL
Human Highway - Playing the Music of Neil Young
THE BRIDGE
NOVEMBER 2 @ 7:30PM ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE Tickets from $30 • The Shire website
Live Music @ The Brewery NOVEMBER 21 @ 3PM LUCKY BAY BREWING
Sunday Lemonade NOVEMBER 26 @ 5PM LUCKY BAY BREWING
Dan Seinor & Scott White NOVEMBER 28 @ 3PM LUCKY BAY BREWING WORKSHOPS
Songwriting with Grace Barbe NOVEMBER 21 @ 12:30PM CANNERY ARTS CENTRE Free workshop
Event Management with Phaedra Watts NOVEMBER 21 @ 2PM CANNERY ARTS CENTRE Free workshop
Balmy Nights was first held at the Cannery Arts Centre in 2018, born out of collaboration and a drive to create a refined evening. That year saw partnerships with Sweet Events, Brodeine and Deine, and Willow Tree Catering, three local businesses bringing an intricate creative flair to the event. Positive feedback followed and we made the decision to run Balmy Nights for a second year in 2019. The event quickly became one of my favourite shows to work on. Partnering with Bronte at Esperance Tide, Brodie at Brodeine & Deine, Lucy at Love Childs, and Haylee Thornton, Balmy Nights apart was set apart from the rest, becoming the collective vision of a group of local creatives. This year sees Balmy Nights evolve again, with support from Mt Burdett Foundation and three brilliant local sponsors - Luxe Floral and Home Co, Tim Green Construction and The Lilypad Esperance. It’s also supported by the Shire of Esperance and Regional
Arts WA. Mt Burdett Foundation have come onboard to provide financial support focussed around the strategic development of Balmy Nights. My work has been shaped by attendance at the Nannup Music Festival, a weekend that sets the highest standard for regional music and arts events. It is fitting that in 2021 we welcome Nannup Music Festival Director Phaedra Watts to Balmy Nights, to look at elements of the event that we are doing well, offer constructive criticism, and consider strategies we can implement to allow for an organic evolution. Phaedra will also deliver an events management workshop the following day, which will be open to the public and free to attend. Thanks to Mt Burdett Foundation for making this fantastic initiative possible. It’s an odd feeling to be excited to begin the process of coordinating Balmy Nights 2022 prior to the delivery of 2021’s event. A great deal of that excitement comes down to the crew I get to work with. Big shout out to Jess, Brit, Katie and Sarsby in the Cannery office, as well as our brilliant committee. Bronte, Brodie, Lucy, Sara, Ben, Paul, Kieran, Chris and AJ Vibart, Andrea and Manaia... Believe me there is a hell of a lot more! Balmy Nights is, at its heart, a celebration of quality original music and Esperance’s amazing arts culture. With Kyza Presents having turned seven on November 1, I’ve gotta say I am so damn excited to see what the coming years have in store. If you’re keen to experience Balmy Nights, head on over to www.balmynights. com.au, check out the lineup and grab yourself a ticket while you’re there. You won’t be disappointed. KY R O N S M I T H S O N
Opens NOV 11 Don't miss out! Book your tickets online
/fenwick.cinemas @fenwick3cinemas
CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR SESSION DETAILS esperancefenwickcinemas.com.au PHONE 08 9072 1344
Dempster St, Esperance
PLEASE NOTE LIMITED SEATING - ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASES ADVISED 21 / ESPERANCE TIDE / NOVEMBER 2021
ME E T T H E ART I ST
Clare Jamieson
Clare Jamieson is a firm believer in the healing power of art. She recently hosted a number of workshops aimed at improving the mental health of participants through art, promoting the idea that art is so much more than just a pretty picture. C a n we e xp e c t to se e mo re wo r k sho p s fro m you in the fu tu re ?
First ly, te l l us what yo u c re a te ! I love to create personalised art. Lately I’ve been busy with drawing mandalas, pyrography pieces, tattoo designs, and crocheting blankets. Wh a t is py rography ? It is the art of burning designs on wood. I’m very new to pyrography but, thanks to YouTube, I taught myself how to burn my drawings last year and it has been life changing! Yo u u se py rography t o c re a te c r y s t a l g r i d s . Wh a t exact ly is a cr y s t a l g r i d ? A crystal grid is used to arrange crystals and stones in a pattern. They can be used for decor, meditation, manifesting, healing, protection, and much more. Creating a custom one recently took me out of my comfort zone, and I couldn’t be prouder of it. Ba ck in Se pte m be r , yo u ra n a c o u p l e o f wo rkshops as par t o f t h e Fe m E m p o we re d pro g ra m. Te l l us m ore ! FemEmpowered is a program that Lesa Blackham masterminded. I led two sessions focusing on bullet journaling and designing mandalas for improving mental health. The benefits of art therapy are endless. It was wonderful speaking to the young girls in the program about my experiences and teaching them that it’s okay to be different. D o yo u be lie v e ar t i s m o re t h a n j u s t c re a t i n g s o met hing t hat ’ s nic e t o l o o k a t ? Art is so much more than a pretty picture. It’s the greatest healer I know.
Absolutely! I have more coming up with the FemEmpowered crew and have been working on my own ideas for adult workshops... Watch this space! Ha v e yo u a lwa ys b e e n in to u c h with yo u r artistic side ? W e re yo u o ne o f tho se k ids a lwa ys drawing o r c re a ting so me thing ? Yes, I grew up loving art and admiring artists. My childhood dream was to become a tattoo artist. Ho w do yo u e nc o u ra g e c re a tiv ity in yo u r own c hildre n? We have a lot of ‘screen free time’ and a house full of crafty things to do. They don’t need much encouragement and love quiet time colouring, drawing, reading, and journaling, as well as spending time outdoors exploring. Are yo u Esp e ra nc e b o rn a nd b re d? I was born in Kalgoorlie and raised in Kambalda until my family moved here almost 30 years ago. Esperance is the perfect place to call home. W he n yo u ’re no t c re a ting , wha t c a n we fin d you do ing ? Working at Cloud Eleven or snuggled up with a good book and a cup of tea. L a stly, te l l u s whe re we c a n find yo u r wo rk! I’m on Instagram - @staywild_at_art - and Facebook, and soon to be in a couple of local stores... Keep an eye on my social media for updates. There are very exciting things to come!
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ARTS & CULTURE their work to the Cannery for auction. The design is only limited by imagination. Works are exhibited and open to the public, during which time bidders can register and place silent bids up until auction day. Come auction day, all works go under the hammer by a professional auctioneer and registered bidders will have the opportunity to bid, above that of the highest silent bid. Since its inception, the exhibition has attracted works by mostly local artists but also from artists around Australia, as well as several international artists. Jessica says the 9x5 Biennial Exhibition and Auction was an opportunity to obtain awesome works of art while making a donation to the Cannery, to enable it to provide a bigger and better arts program for the community. “It offers the chance to pick up some fabulous artworks while raising money for this well-loved community group and it’s a heap of fun bidding against friends,” she says. “Some of my favourite artists will be participating this year and we can’t wait to open it to the public.”
Andrew Frazer’s 9x5 contribution, ‘I’ll Leave the Lights on For You’.
GET B IDDIN G!
9x5 Biennial Exhibition and Auction
The 9x5 Biennial Exhibition and Auction opens on November 12. Silent bids can be placed up until the auction on December 5 at 3:30pm.
Deep within a Melbourne winter in 1889, a small group of Australian impressionists held an exhibition of 183 works, most of which were painted on the lids of wooden cigar boxes, measuring 9 by 5 inches. The aptly named 9 by 5 Impression Exhibition received mixed reviews. Many loved it and within two weeks of the exhibition’s opening, almost all of the works – which depicted landscapes, landmarks, and cultural life – were sold. Others, however, were not so receptive. Several critics left scathing reviews, one of which was pasted to the entrance of the exhibition, only enticing more passers-by inside, eager to see what the fuss was about. Today, the 9 by 5 Impression Exhibition is considered an iconic moment in Australian art history, with some of its surviving works fetching in excess of $1 million at auction. Fast forward a century or so, the Cannery Arts Centre began hosting its very own 9 by 5 exhibition, and it continues to do so today. Unlike its predecessor, the Cannery’s version is much less controversial. It is, however, just as popular. According to Cannery Arts Centre Artistic Director Jessica Ricciardo, the 9x5 Biennial Exhibition and Auction is the most anticipated event on the local gallery’s calendar. “Of all the exhibitions at the Cannery, it’s this one that pulls our biggest crowds,” she says. Running for more than 25 years, the 9x5 Biennial Exhibition and Auction raises much-needed funds to keep the Cannery open. The Cannery provides the 9x5 inch boards to artists, who then apply their talent and donate 23 / ESPERANCE TIDE / NOVEMBER 2021
Turning Back Time on Taylor Street
Stockmans Crib
WORDS KARLI FLORISSON
P H OT O G R A P H Y L U C Y V I N C E N T
When Sonia Siemer started looking for a house in Esperance to renovate, she had no idea that she’d find one with such a rich history. After growing up on a farm in Grass Patch, and spending most of her life farming in the Esperance district, Sonia was looking forward to an opportunity to showcase the town that she loves.
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Sonia had been hoping to preserve a bit of Esperance’s past with her project, and so she spent some time looking at older houses that were on the market. When she bought the little cottage on Taylor Street, it didn’t look very promising. The house was painted mustard yellow and featured some very dated décor from its most recent renovations, in the 1980s. But when Sonia started to dig into the history of the little cottage, she found a fascinating story. ⟶ 25 / ESPERANCE TIDE / NOVEMBER 2021
In 1879, a man called George Doust came to the Esperance area, working for the Dempster brothers as a stockman. A few years later, around 1885, George married a woman named Kathleen. Kate, as she became known, went to work for the Dempsters as well, and at the time she was one of only six European women living in the Esperance settlement. Over the years, Kate and George had 12 children. They built a house near the Dempster’s woolshed, which was situated where the Esperance Bay Caravan Park is located now. The Dousts built two more houses on their block of land as their family – and the town of Esperance – expanded. The little cottage that Sonia found on Taylor Street was one of the Doust’s original houses, built in 1897. When it came time to renovate the cottage, Sonia took her time to find a builder who would help her to realise her vision. Sonia also wanted to find a builder who would honour the history of the building while still working collaboratively to find creative ways to bring a touch of luxury to the cottage. Sonia chose to work with Jim MacMillan’s construction company JMAC, who she felt had a similar creative approach to her. In the renovating process, Sonia attempted to repurpose many of the
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materials throughout the house, keeping to the resourceful ethos of the early settlers. Some of the internal floorboards were reused on the front verandah, and many of the doors throughout the building were also repurposed. The Doust’s original cottage was transformed into the beautiful accommodation that Sonia named ‘Stockmans Crib’ in honour of George Doust. A keen gardener, Sonia landscaped the land around the cottage herself. As the Doust family would have planted a garden that was practical, Sonia wanted to have vegetables and herbs that her guests could pick, as well as fruit trees and a space for a few chooks. The flowers that she planted were ideal for picking and displaying inside the house. The result is a beautiful, manicured garden that is also functional. The outdoor dining area, complete with a fire pit and barbeque, is offset by a limestone wall built with stone from Sonia’s farm in Scaddan. It also features a dining table made from reclaimed oregon originally used by CSBP, hand-crafted by Joy Scully of Scullduggery Furniture, doors made by Kerry Castledine, and door hardware made by local blacksmith Graham Wheeler of Wheely Twisted Furniture. There is even a gin cart with Esperance Distillery Co gin. While it’s unlikely that Kate Doust, with her 12 children, did much relaxing, Sonia can imagine her picking flowers or vegetables in the little cottage garden. Stockmans Crib has been providing luxury holiday accommodation for nearly a year now. Sonia loves welcoming people to visit the space that she’s worked so hard to make inviting and comfortable. She says that her guests have appreciated the opportunity to go back to a simpler time – there are no TVs in the house – and they have found themselves feeling refreshed and reconnected with the simple pleasures of life after their stay. While the pandemic has put a stop to international guests, Sonia has noticed that many of her intrastate guests have commented that they’ve always meant to visit Esperance. They’re usually blown away by the beauty of the town and its surrounds. With this summer sure to be busy, Sonia is looking forward to the opportunity to share our little bit of paradise, as well as the luxury home she’s created at Stockmans Crib, with those who visit our town.
Esperance distillery co esperancedistilleryco.com @esperancedistilleryco 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. Made in exclusive small batches, all spirits are produced with care for the environment, using hand-foraged ingredients, locally sourced spring water, and carbon-neutral bottles.
MON - FRI 10AM - 4PM SAT 19AM - 12.30PM SUNDAY MARKETS
Museum Village 54 Dempster Street
tideandco.com.au
ESPERANCE TIDE MERCH BEACH WARES & GIFTS
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U P N E XT
Salty Fit Studio WORDS HANNAH SIEMER
P H O TO G R A P Y L I S A PA S S E C K
In its five years, Erin Cummings' business has gone from strength to strength. This is fitting, given the 26-year-old’s job is to help people get stronger. From humble beginnings with just one boot camp a week, to a packed timetable and a loyal following, Salty Fit has become one of Esperance’s most sought after fitness offerings. Last month, Erin opened her first Salty Fit studio on William Street. It was the realisation of a long-held dream for Erin, who could finally turn her love of fitness from a side hustle into a full-time gig. 28 / ESPERANCE TIDE / NOVEMBER 2021
number of classes at TNT Fitness,” she says, looking back. “I wasn’t really fit, I wasn’t doing a lot, I couldn’t run a business and I wasn’t experienced.” In 2016, the opportunity arose for Erin to take over a pre-existing Saturday bootcamp. She jumped at it. As the ball on her business began rolling, Erin took on an increasing number of personal training clients, ran pop-up events and bumped the number of bootcamps per week from one to three. Despite a steady growth in demand, Erin still had to juggle her fitness work with a casual job. “It just wasn’t enough,” she says, adding that numbers at her bootcamps fluctuated. However, that soon changed.
Erin caught the fitness bug as a teen, when she began boxing and working out in the gym. Career-wise, Erin wanted to be a chef, however after a short stint working in a local restaurant, she realised it wasn’t the path for her. So, upon finishing high school, Erin headed to Perth to pursue her passion, enrolling in a Certificate III and Certificate IIII of Fitness. She returned to Esperance after completing the courses, but a case of meningococcal and epiglottitis meant Erin could barely get out of bed, let alone work in the fitness industry. “Pretty much all I did were a small
When COVID-19 hit, Erin didn’t hesitate to move Salty Fit online. This helped take her business to the next level. “No one had anywhere to go,” she says. “So, I went from having unstable numbers to having consistent people rocking up on Zoom doing bootcamp four times a week. That consistency over COVID was good, it really boosted [Salty Fit].” Erin says she saw a different demographic join her online, with many finding safety in exercising from the comfort of their own home. “I had a lot of people scared to rock up in person because they thought they weren’t fit enough,” she says. “But my bootcamp is for all levels of fitness. It’s designed in a way that everyone feels they can work at their own level without being left behind.”
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Erin added Pilates to the Salty Fit mix once lockdown lifted and classes could run in person again. It’s a practice that she loves because it creates awareness of the body. Originally designed for injury rehabilitation, Erin says Pilates is too often treated as a workout. While participants might still get a little hot and sweaty in her classes, the emphasis is on control, not calorie burning. “I think a lot of Pilates is too fast paced,” she says. “I want [participants] to realise what they can and can’t do so they can improve, and you can’t do that in a fast paced environment.” As well as a basics class for beginners and people with injuries, and a mat class which uses props like balls and resistance bands, Erin also runs small group sessions on reformers, pieces of equipment with springs, pulleys and straps, on which different exercises are performed to achieve muscle length. She currently has three reformers in the Salty Fit studio – the most of any Pilates studio in town – and plans to acquire more in the future, to meet local demand. Erin says she enjoys sharing her knowledge of Pilates with others and is constantly learning herself. “The learning is ongoing,” she says. “There’s so far you can go. It’s not like, ‘Ok, I’m done, I’ve hit my peak.’” The future of Salty Fit is bright. Erin plans to continue her quest to educate people about their bodies while running her classes both in the studio and outdoors. She has already introduced new classes to the timetable, including ‘Salty Sweat’ and Friday evening yoga with local instructor Hayley Oldfield. And injury prevention workshops and fundraising bootcamps are on the cards, too, “to keep it fresh,” Erin says. Salty Fit is more than just a business to Erin, it’s a community of diverse but like-minded people, who enjoy banter as much as they enjoy keeping fit. “It makes me so happy,” she says. “It’s not always about weight loss. It’s about confidence and feeling better inside and out.”
Esperance’s
Waste Revolution
Garage sales are a perennially popular weekend activity, an exciting treasure hunt where you can find unique curios and great bargains. This month, the Garage Sale Trail is back over two weekends, each jam-packed with opportunities to pick up a few treasures or get rid of some excess stuff. This ‘Festival of Pre-Loved Stuff’ is also great for the planet, keeping unwanted items out of landfill and encouraging a circular economy. The Great Garage Sale Trail is just one of the ways that the Shire of Esperance’s Waste Revolution is encouraging our community to reduce waste and rethink the way we get rid of unwanted items. The Shire has been participating in the Great Garage Sale Trail for a number of years now. This year, as well as creating a new role for a Waste Education Officer, the Shire is continuing to explore ways that the Esperance community can improve our recycling and waste reduction. Esperance’s Wylie Bay Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) celebrates its 20th year of operation this year, recycling a range of different materials. Esperance’s Waste Education Officer Zoe Sheffield-van Mierlo notes that this is a fantastic milestone for the facility. “The Wylie Bay MRF is owned and operated by our local government,” she says. “It’s a facility that our community can be really proud of.” Esperance was one of the first regional towns to have a dedicated recycling facility and, as Zoe notes, the town’s extensive use of the recycling facilities is a testament to the community attitudes towards waste reduction. Tours of the Wylie Bay MRF can be organised for schools and community groups, which is a great way for people to find out more about this facility.
As the Shire of Esperance continues to explore ways for the community to reduce and reuse our waste, the waste management team is currently conducting a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) Survey to assess the best way to recycle organic materials. This survey aims to understand Esperance residents’ needs and desires for recycling organic materials. To complete the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/ EspFOGOSurvey, find the link on the Esperance’s Waste Revolution’s Facebook page, or pick up a hard copy at the Shire offices. Survey responses will help the Shire make informed decisions about FOGO recycling, so they are encouraging the community to get involved and take the survey. The survey closes on November 12.
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ADV ERTORI AL
As the Waste Education Officer, Zoe gets the opportunity to speak to schools and community groups about the ways we as a community can continue to improve our waste management. There are many ways that we can continue to reduce the waste that we have going to landfill, from being mindful about not buying single use plastics and disposable items, to making sure we sort our recycling correctly.
The latter is especially important as the recycling at the Wylie Bay MRF is sorted by hand by the hard-working team. Zoe notes that Esperance locals are really engaged with this issue, and most people have fantastic attitudes towards waste management, and a desire to participate and do more. It is clear to see that Esperance’s Waste Revolution is already in full swing!
J O I N T H E R E VO LU T I O N The Garage Sale Trail takes place over two weekends, 13 - 14 and 20 - 21 November. To get involved, register your garage sale at www.garagesaletrail.com.au. You can also follow ‘Esperance’s Waste Revolution’ on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events, plus tips and suggestions on waste reduction. You can contact Waste Education Officer Zoe Sheffield-van Mierlo on 9071 0605 or at wasterevolution@esperance. wa.gov.au. And don’t forget to fill in the FOGO Survey before November 12!
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5 MINUTE HIS TOR Y
OTC Wireless Station BY KARLI FLORISSON
In the early days of settlement in Esperance, the telegraph line provided a vital link to the outside world for the isolated settlers. Before the telegraph line was built, settlers would sometimes wait months for ships to bring in mail and outside news. The telegraph line from Esperance to Albany was connected in 1876, with Esperance’s Telegraph Station opening in September that same year. In December 1877, the telegraph line reached Eucla, connecting with South Australia’s telegraph network, and providing a link between Western Australia and the eastern states. In the early years of the twentieth century, wireless telegraphy was developed, particularly with the goal of allowing messages to be sent to ships at sea. The Marconi wireless radio system was introduced in Australia in 1906, just 10 years after it was invented, with messages sent in morse code. The sinking of the Titanic in 1912 publicised the importance of such wireless
networks – the Titanic’s radio operator was able to contact the Carpathia, saving many lives as the ship sank. That same year, the Federal Government passed the Navigation Act, mandating that Australian ships capable of carrying 50 or more passengers were required to be equipped for wireless radio communication. This required a network of receiving stations to be developed, and Esperance was chosen to be a part of this wireless telegraph network. In 1913, a coastal wireless station was built on Dempster Head, which became commonly known as Wireless Hill. Constructed of stone, the station consisted of two identical buildings next to each other. The station was fitted with a 160 foot ‘mast’ or radio tower, with a communicating range of 450 miles. In later years, a veranda was added around both buildings to connect them. At the outbreak of World War I, the Esperance Wireless Station was commandeered by the Navy for
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Under construction in 1913. Source: Esperance Museum
communication with ships at sea. An army delegation of 20 troops, under the command of Lieutenant Morris, was sent to Esperance to guard the vital communications centre, in case of attack. The troops camped in Dempster’s Paddock, a campground where Port Authority Park is now. When off duty from guarding the wireless station, the troops were reportedly entertained very well by the Esperance locals, with football matches, dances, picnics, and other entertainment. Later, when guarding the wireless station was deemed no longer necessary, these same troops were sent overseas to join the war efforts at the Front, with at least one of them, a young man called Harry Bick, killed in action. After the war, the wireless station continued to be used for communication, becoming part of the Overseas Telecommunication Commission’s network. As such, the station became known as the OTC building. In 1958, the station was used to contact the Wilkes Base in Antarctica, and was used for communication with that base for many years. The station was also used for communication with ships and boats at sea, with its operational area extending from Cape Leeuwin right to the South Australian border. The station monitored for distress calls, and was also used to monitor weather conditions and communicate with ships at sea.
Telegraph services continued to be used in Australia until the 1950s, when the use of the telephone overtook telegrams in popularity. The last telegraph message to be sent by landline in Australia was in 1963. The Esperance Wireless Station continued to be used right up until 1992, when changing technology led to it being decommissioned. The original building, now privately owned, still stands on Orr Street, disused and falling into disrepair. There have been calls from the community to preserve the Wireless Station, as the beautiful building is an important part of Esperance’s history.
Sketch of the building with the veranda added. Source: Esperance Museum
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Chrissy e d i u G t 1 f Gi
EAR LY BIRD
2 9 8 6
10
5
3 4
7 1. Love Stories by Trent Dalton The Book Box $33 2. Orgaid Sheet Mask - Vitamin C And Revitalising Naturally Esperance $34.95 3. La La Land Jug - Mother Nature E.S.P. $34.45 4. Wanderluxe & Co. Beach Set in Rose Wild Posse $70 5. Yusei Alchemy Eau De Parfum 50ml Luxe Floral & Home Co $169 6. Hydroflask 32oz Wide Mouth Bottle in Sunflower Innertube Surf Shop $64.95 7. Lunarsea Pearl Click Hoops in Gold Fill Tide & Co $115 8. Black Blaze Column Pillar Candle Duo in Peach Woven $32 9. Business & Pleasure Co Premium Umbrella in Paisley Bay Tide & Co $299 10. iKOU Tranquility Aromatherapy Bath Soak 850g B Naturally You $49.95 34 / ESPERANCE TIDE / NOVEMBER 2021
BUSH BANTER
JUICE S M O OT H IES PA N I N I S WE ARE OPEN
JETT Y BY T H E
Mon - Fri 9-3 Sat 9-2 Follow us!
Escape the wind and join us for an informative and ‘hands on’ farming adventure. Half Day Tours of Oake Marsh Farm, or full day tours which also include visits to Stonehenge, Yirri Grove and Esperance Distillery Co. Visit our website esperancefarmexperience.com to find out more and book your ‘must do’ Esperance Escapade. Look for us on Facebook
Backyard Birds There’s nothing like lying in bed and listening to the birds sing the world awake, or having your morning cuppa and watching the birds flit and fly through the garden. We’re pretty lucky here in Esperance to have a fair amount of remnant habitat surrounding our suburban homes, meaning birds are common and plentiful. However, there are a few extra ways to attract more types of birds or increase the number of birds visiting your garden, primarily through considering the needs of different types of birds. Take food, for example. Cater for nectivorous birds through deliciously nectar-laden flowers (eg. Banksias or One-sided Bottle Brush), birds that eat fruit (eg. Rhaggodia baccata, Berry Saltbush), and plants that attract insects for insectivorous birds (eg. Westringias or Coastal Daisies).
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 7:00AM - 1:00PM
SOURDOUGH TOASTIES HOUSE MADE COLD PRESSED JUICE D OWN THE L A N E WAY ( B E HI N D TH E E X P R E SS S HOP) SHOP 13/ 75 -79 D E MP STE R ST, E SP E R A NC E
Consider protection for the little birds, when the big birds are being bullies [*cough* meeky-miners *cough*]. Dense shrubs or plants with small spines offer great protection. And consider roosts from dead timber or larger shrubs for bigger birds. Then, of course, there’s the favorite - adding a beautiful birdbath. Think about smaller baths for the teeny, tiny birds and larger baths for the bigger birds looking for a real good scrub. And remember to clean birdbaths and seed containers regularly to avoid spreading bird diseases. K AT I E W H I T E - C A L A D E N I A C O .
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S CO R P I O
OCT 2 3 - NO V 2 1
P IS C E S
FEB 1 8 - MAR 1 9
If your social life has dwindled recently, don’t despair! November is the perfect time to foster new friendships. If you’ve met someone who could be a potential pal, shake off your shyness and ask them on a mate date. A walk along the jetty, a beer at 33 Degrees or a workshop at the Cannery – find out what you have in common and go from there. Do this now and your social calendar will be bursting at the seams by summer.
If you can’t remember the last time you did something crazy, take your chances and go wild this month. Go for a nudie swim in the middle of the day, chuck a sickie and climb Mandooboornup instead of going to work, or stay up all night until the sunrise. Whatever reinvigorates your soul and reminds you that you’re alive! Life waits for no one so don’t wait for the right time to let go a little. The right time is now!
SAGITTARIUS
ARIE S
NOV 22 - DEC 21
MAR 20 - APRIL 1 9
Are you keeping a secret from your loved one? Regardless of the size of the secret, it’s time to ‘fess up. Whether you lied about drinking the last of the Esperance gin, or you have a second family living in Ravy, you need to come clean. It’s tricky telling the truth sometimes, but relationships are built on trust. Do the right thing and own up to whatever it is you’re hiding, even if it might land you in hot water.
The monotony of life has begun to overwhelm you. Day-in, day-out, you’re faced with the same old routine. But this isn’t Groundhog Day. Take control and end this before you’re swept into a suburban nightmare you can’t escape. The unexpected moments in life are what keep you charged and now is the time to jump into social and cultural pursuits you wouldn’t otherwise expose yourself to. Seek out opportunities to escape your comfort CAPR IC O R N D E C 2 2 - J A N 2 0 zone ASAP, or else risk going insane. Your arm is twisted so easily that TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 20 it’s almost surprising when you give someone a firm ‘No’. This month, someone is going to propose something to you that you reeeally don’t want to say yes to. Use this occasion to practice saying no... It is ‘NO’vember after all! It’s a small word with a big impact, and if you say it once in a while, you might find yourself with more time to do things you actually enjoy doing.
SLOW. DOWN. If life has been hectic in recent weeks and you’re feeling like you don’t even have time to scratch yourself, something has to give. Put aside anything that is not absolutely pressing and simply focus on the now. Make an effort to chill out before the silly season hits. Rest and recuperation are just what you need so get it while you can. It will clear your mind and place you in a better AQUA R I U S JA N 2 0 - F E B 1 7 position to make rational decisions. A health crisis may present itself GE M IN I MAY 21 - JUN 20 this month. It mightn’t be you that ends up in the doctor’s office, but Good things come to those who wait. it could be someone close to you. At least, that’s what Mum always told Now’s the time to reflect on your you. You’ve been patiently waiting for health, both physical and mental. something (or someone!) for a while Are you doing what’s best for your now, but the patience doesn’t seem overall wellbeing? Esperance is a to be paying off. Instead of being great place to lead a healthy lifestyle so passive, perhaps you need to be but if you’re finding yourself at Red more active. How can you make that Rooster more than you’re at the gym, ‘something’ happen sooner, rather it’s probably time to re-evaluate your than later? Throughout November, the choices. moon’s energy will give you a boost to be a little more ‘out there’. Use it! 36 / ESPERANCE TIDE / NOVEMBER 2021
CA NCER
JUN 21 - JUL 22
If you’re single, November is your lucky month. Just like the weather, your love life is about to heat up! Someone special is going to appear when you least expect it, but this doesn’t mean you should delete Tinder just yet. Keep your eyes peeled when you’re running errands around town because you just don’t know who you might bump into. If you’re already loved up, reignite the passion this month with a weekend staycation in a local hotel or Airbnb.
LEO
JUL 23 - AUG 22
Are you selectively social? If you’re constantly surrounding yourself with the same people, with the same interests and the same opinions, perhaps it’s time to branch out. This month, go out of your way to meet someone new or, on the flipside, catch up with someone you haven’t seen for yonks. It’s great to have the security of a close circle of friends but there is so much potential for personal development if you choose to challenge yourself socially.
V IRG O
AUG 23 - SEP 22
With one drama after the next, it feels like you’re living in an episode of Home and Away. Perhaps it’s time to call “Cut!” and exit with the dramatic flair you’re known for. Sometime this month, someone will attempt to start drama with you. Instead of feeding the beast, consider taking a chill pill. Let this person know you’re not interested in playing their games, then cue the credits and switch off. Your stress levels will thank you for it.
LI BRA
SEP 23 - OCT 22
You’re known as a bundle of energy, with bright ideas and plans of action that keep you moving through life at a million miles an hour. Throughout spring, however, you’ve felt unusually sluggish. Uninspired by the world around you, your pace has been slower than normal. This isn’t going to last much longer, though. Summer is around the corner and you’re about to come out of hibernation. Brace yourself because life’s about to return to its usual pace!
T ID E KI T CH E N
Green Harissa & White Bean Stew
The perfect dish to compliment this transeasonal weather we can’t quite escape! Serves 2-4
Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 brown onion, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 tbsp green harissa paste 2 tins of white beans of your choosing 1L chicken stock 1 bunch English spinach, roots removed 1 cup coriander leaves Salt & pepper Greek yoghurt, for serving
Method 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 10 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. 2. Add harissa paste and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to cook off and become quite fragrant. Add the beans and season with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Add the chicken stock to the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the stew becomes thick and has reached your desired consistency. 4. Now add the spinach to the pan, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat.
5. Serve with a dollop of greek yoghurt and a sprinkling of coriander. If you enjoy a bit of extra heat, a splash of your favourite chilli oil would work perfectly here too. T IDE T IP Members of the Coriander Hate Club can replace it with parsley. You can also use any leafy greens in place of spinach. Try kale instead. B UY L O C AL We used Malouf’s Spice Mezza Green Harissa which is a bit milder and sweeter than your usual red harissa. Available at Bob & Jim’s General Store.
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SH ORT & SWEET: LAS T M ONTH’S
01
News in Brief 03
A team of seven Esperance Primary School students won the social science category in the 2021 Tournament of Minds International Final on October 17. Facilitated by Esperance Primary School teacher Karl Gurney, the Social Sciences Challenge asked students to explore social issues and aspects of human society, including posing moral and ethical questions in a variety of contexts.
An automated shark warning system was introduced by the State Government at several Western Australian beaches, including Twilight Cove, West Beach and Kelp Beds. Until the introduction, the flashing lights, sirens and audio messages on the beaches’ warning systems were set off manually when a shark was spotted. They will now automatically activate whenever a tagged shark is in the area.
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The 2021 Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) End of Year Celebrations were held on October 30, recognising many talented locals across a diverse range of industries. Almost 30 people were nominated for awards across four categories. Cindy Poole from Cindy Poole Glass Gallery won the Innovation and Excellence Award, Shannan Blampied from Helloworld Travel Esperance took out the Customer Excellence Award, Jaydan Miller from Esperance Smash Repairs was named Apprentice of the Year, and Brad Skinner from AFGRI was given the Rising Star Award.
The results of the Esperance Shire Council election were announced on October 16. Councillor Steve McMullen retained his seat, with the highest percentage of votes at 17.21 per cent. Winning the remaining three seats were Shayne Flanagan (15.58 per cent), Rob Horan (13.37 per cent) and Leonie de Haas (12.33 per cent). A further three candidates missed out, and one withdrew from the race three weeks prior to voting closing.
04
ADVERTISEMENT
RICK WILSON
MP
Delivering for O’Connor Unit 11, 75-79 Dempster Street, Esperance WA 6450 9071 4846
rick.wilson.mp@aph.gov.au
rickwilson.com.au
RickWilsonMP
Authorised by Rick Wilson MP, Liberal Party, Unit 11, 75-79 Dempster Street, Esperance WA 6450. 38 / ESPERANCE TIDE / NOVEMBER 2021
Book your classifieds advert online esperancetide.com/classifieds Or email hello@esperancetide.com FOR SALE
PUBLIC NOTICES
THERMOMIX TM5
NOTICE TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Great condition. Includes all accessories and Cook Key. $1500 ONO. Text 0455586903. MALTEZE SHIHTZU PUPS FOR SALE Three Girls Two Boys. Six weeks old Can view parents. $1000 each. Phone 0427474740.
PUBLIC NOTICES STALL HOLDERS WANTED Esperance Sunset Markets are looking for stallholders for the upcoming season of night markets. Markets dates are Dec 17, Jan 7 & 21, Feb 18, Mar 18 and Apr 18. For more information or to download a stallholder booking form head to esperancesunsetmarkets. com.au OLD TIME / NEW VOGUE BALLROOM DANCING Come along and learn the Barn Dance, Gypsy Tap, Evening Three Step, Pride of Erin and more. Every Friday at the RAOB Hall on Williams Street. Dancing starts at 7.30pm. Contact Daryl 0419 370 089.
Please be advised that 1080 and Strychnine baits are used throughout the year on Un-allocated Crown Land within the Esperance shire for the control of Wild Dogs. 1080 and Strychnine can kill domestic dogs and cats so please leave your pets at home when entering these areas. For further information contact Esperance Biosecurity Association at eba.wilddog@ outlook.com or 0459084077
TRADES & SERVICES
www.southernsuspension4x4.com Mechanical & Electrical Repairs for 4WD’s, Cars & Camper Trailers Supplier of 4x4 Off Road & Travel Acessories 53 Norseman Rd, Esperance
Ph. 9072 0917
sales@southernsuspension.com
ESPERANCE COMMUNITY SINGERS Tuesday Nights from 7pm. at Esperance Senior Citizens Centre. $2pp new members welcome. More info Martin 0403 567 079. SUBSCRIBE TO THE TIDE Get The Tide delivered to your door for only $5 per month! Head to esperancetide.com/ subscribe to sign up. GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? The classies are a lowcost advertising option for community groups and members. Let us get the word out for you! Head to www. esperancetide.com/classifieds
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Brought to you by Kyza Presents, Cannery Arts Centre and Luxe Floral & Home Co
Saturday, November 20 CANNERY ARTS CENTRE ROUND GARDEN
Grace Barbé Priscilla JOAN & THE GIANTS DARCIE HAVEN
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DOORS OPEN 3PM POP-UP COCKTAIL BAR FOOD STALLS
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40 / ESPERANCE TIDE / NOVEMBER 2021