Esperance Tide November 2022

Well, we’d say something about summer being just around the corner but going by the weather earlier in the week, it looks like Mother Nature is a season behind. Luckily, we hadn’t quite packed our winter woollies away just yet. Cold and blustery conditions didn’t stop us from getting out and about, though, and we had a rip roaring October. Of course, the 70th Esperance Show was a highlight. We enjoyed perusing the exhibitions, going crazy in Side Show Alley, and eating way too much food… We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

This month, we turned our attention to a partnership between Wongutha CAPS and SEPWA. Together, they’re combatting the ag labour shortage, while teaching students the ins and outs of the agricultural industry. The initiative has proven very popular at the school, with many students raising their hands to give farm life a go. The program’s biggest challenge so far has been finding enough local farms to take the students on, so if you’re a farmer, or you know one, check out the story on page 12 then give Wongutha or SEPWA a call to get involved.

We’re super excited for Balmy Nights at the end of this month! Now in its fifth year, the live music event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with not just one evening of festivities but three days’ worth! Kicking off with an all ages gig at the Residential College, followed by the main event at the Cannery, and then wrapping up with brunch at Museum Village and a Sunday sesh at the brewery, there’s only one word to describe what’s in store - epic! Kyza’s given us the full rundown of events on page 17 so have a read and grab your tickets!

As per usual, we’ve been buzzing about the region to bring you heaps more of the good stuff. We caught up with Tiff Brown, owner of the sweet treat that is Bread Local (p. 8), to find out what goes on behind the scenes of everyone’s favourite bakery, and we headed out to Mount Ridley to explore this amazing hidden treasure (p. 4). Now’s the perfect time to go out there because it's not too hot and it’s not too cold. It’s just right!

Make sure to squeeze in some relaxation time this month because before you know it, the Silly Season will be knocking on your door and you’ll have no choice but to let it in. 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.

DIRECTOR

Bronte Vincent

EDITORIAL

Karli Florisson Rosie Henderson

Kyron Smithson Katie White

Culture, History & Spectacular Views MountMagnificentRidley

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY ROSIE HENDERSON

With scorching summer days on our doorstep, now is the perfect time to embark on a couple of inland adventures before the seaside becomes a far more appealing and pleasant playground.

We scored a beautiful spring day and hit the road to Mount Ridley for a day of exploring this unreal spot. Mount Ridley, also known by its Nyungar name Marbaleerup, is a large granite outcrop located 71 kilometres north of Esperance along Dempster Road. The granite boulders tower 300 metres above sea level, and can be spotted rising from the flat plain of mallee trees from far away.

There’s plenty to explore, including a trail to the summit and around the base of the rocks, rock paintings, a historic well, and Esperance’s own Wave Rock. This is a beaut spot for a hike, a picnic, a wander through the bush, to camp under the stars, or to perch up overlooking the spectacular view with bubbles or coffee in hand (best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset)! There are caves to explore and cool plants to check out.

Access into Mount Ridley is via dirt roads, which are 2WD friendly unless the roads are wet. There are some potholes remaining from wetter months, so a 4WD is recommended to ensure a smoother ride. Being only an hour’s drive from town, Mount Ridley is a great spot to spend a day or a night. There are toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits for the winter months, and it is quite well sign posted, with a map and information available at Car Park 1.

Driving down a little gravel and limestone track, we’re already excited to explore the sight ahead of us – granite rocks rising against a backdrop of blue sky and bush as far as the eye can see. Once there, Mount Ridley is a natural playground begging to be explored. There are two car parking and camping areas to start from. We started at Car Park 1, which is where we found tracks leading to both the rock paintings and the summit. Keen to get a scope of the surrounds and stretch our legs, we headed straight up the marked path for the summit.

A pleasant and easy walk, that would be friendly for all ages, leads us to the top of the rocky boulders where we’re treated to 360 degree views of surrounding farmland and the Great Western Woodlands. To the east, we spot Mount Ney. Below us we see granite boulders dotted with coloured moss, and a carpet of bright yellow and orange everlastings. We’ve caught the tail end of wildflower season and it’s honestly stunning. This would be an even more incredible spot during the early days of spring, with August to October undoubtedly offering a real wildflower show! We then venture back down to the base and follow little tracks around the base of the boulders, finding some really cool hidden caves and carved out boulders. Keep an eye out for bees, spider webs and snakes! Wear boots and suitable clothing.

Marbaleerup is a place of great cultural and historical significance for Aboriginal people, especially for the traditional owners of this boodja (land). It was an important centre and meeting place for different groups, and there is a lot of evidence of Aboriginal use and occupation for a long time, including rock paintings, gnamma holes (to catch water), and lizard traps.

The mount contains a cluster of 11 rock art sites, all of various sizes. We only locate one rock painting, on the western side and easily found by following the track around the rock.

There are several interpretations of this painting that have been shared by Esperance Nyungar elders. If you look closely, you might see the body of a breaching whale, with its flipper sticking straight up in the air. The red lines in the bottom right corner are thought to represent the hull of a boat, with its mast sticking up and sails arching. It’s also believed that this painting could have been a way to inform inland people of what was happening at the coast.

Mount Ridley was also a prominent place in the 1800s when the Dempster family were settling the area, with Mount Ridley a key point along a track that ran from Esperance to the Dempsters’ pastoral lease at Fraser Range, and serving as a water source for locals and visitors alike. Still standing and in good condition today is a

soak that was lined with a dry stone wall by the Dempsters in 1877, that served as a crucial water point for locals and travellers on the track.

After standing in awe of the art, we return to the car and drive a little further down the track to Car Park 2, located on the eastern side. Here you’ll find an alternative path to the summit and a track to Esperance’s answer to Wave Rock, a roughly seven metre curved rock formation similar to Hyden’s famous landmark, only smaller. A short walk from the carpark, through whistling cypress pine and quandong trees, it’s pretty impressive.

A bit peckish after exploring and boulder hopping, we park up in the shade of the rocks and enjoy some lunch. This would be a great spot to explore as the sun hits the high skies, as it’s nicely shaded and surrounded by taller trees. We drive away from Marbaleerup in awe of and inspired by the nature, history, and beauty that we have just experienced, right in our own backyard.

Happy adventuring!

The Little Bakery Doing Big Things

WORDS KARLI FLORISSON PHOTOGRAPHY LUCY VINCENT

On Fridays, there is an unmistakable buzz in the air around Tiff Brown’s Pink Lake Road property. The oven has been running hot since 1:30am, and the staff in the bakery are working to a detailed run sheet, counting out the minutes until the slices, pies, and treats need to be ready. The property, with its beautiful shady trees and neatly landscaped gardens, is ready for the influx. By midday, the Bread Local sign is out and cars start to roll in, with the parking attendant directing traffic. The queue starts to form, with everyone excited to try the new treats on offer, or stock up on their old favourites. The smell of freshly baked bread hangs in the air. Tiff runs on adrenaline all day, but despite the early start and the hard work, it’s her favourite day of the week.

When Tiff returned to Esperance after a stint living in Perth, she had no intention of starting a business. The appeal of city life had worn off, so she and her partner Tom, who she affectionately refers to as ‘Big Bear’, settled back into the Esperance community. The one thing that Tiff really missed about Perth was really great bread and this inspired her to take a sourdough baking course. Before long, she was baking bread to share with her friends. But it wasn’t until 2016, after her first child was born, that Tiff really had the headspace to begin conjuring up the idea that would become Bread Local.

From the beginning of her baking adventure, Tiff had wanted to share her bread with the community. Her first attempt at selling her bread was at the local growers’ market, where the 20 loaves of bread that she’d made sold out quickly. She baked more, until her home oven was maxed out. Home from his FIFO job, Tom agreed that the bakery needed more space and so, after some negotiations about exactly how much space Tiff really needed, the former garage was converted into a two-room, temperature-controlled bakery. In the midst of this slow but steady progress, Tiff had another baby. But soon, she was back to the sourdough, now selling her bread through Bob and Jim’s General Store and Aurelia’s Ice Creamery.

In early 2020, the onset of COVID sparked more change for the little business. Bob and Jim’s closed for a while during the early lockdowns, but rather than take a well-earned break, Tiff wanted to keep baking bread. Tom couldn’t head back to work due to closed borders, so he was around to look after the kids, and Tiff’s mum, Victoria Brown, was also keen to lend a hand. Tiff decided to take the plunge and start doing direct sales. A quick website was thrown together, and Bread Local began delivering bread to locked-down locals. While Tiff and her gang of helpers enjoyed the delivery service, it was clearly not going to work long-term, so in May 2020, Bread Local’s first pop-up shop was opened.

From that point onwards, Bread Local has continued to grow in small increments. As Tiff explains, every week they’ve added another bench, or another product to the list. This slow and steady approach to building the business has paid off, and Bread Local now has hundreds of loyal customers who pour through the front gates to get their weekly treats on

a Friday afternoon. There are nine staff that make the magic happen every week, which still includes mum Victoria, affectionately nicknamed ‘Glammy’, and Big Bear. Tiff counts working with the girls in the bakery as the best part of every day. “The team is amazing,” she says. “And it’s so great to be able to do work that we love, with people we love to work with.”

For those who might be thinking of taking the plunge into business in Esperance, Tiff’s advice is to find something that you are truly passionate about and interested in. She also encourages potential entrepreneurs to get a good support network around them. “Look for the gap,” she says. “Find ways to enrich the products and services that we have here in our local community. And then start small –you don’t have to build a business overnight.” It’s a model Tiff continues to follow, even as Bread Local continues to grow. “We’re always introducing new things,” she says. “We get to learn something new, and the customers love it.”

Tiff has big dreams for the little business, starting with an increase to the Friday trading hours for the summer season. Further down the track, she hopes to upgrade their facilities so they can host various events at the bakery. With Tiff’s energy and hard work, not to mention the great team she has around her, it is exciting to see what the future holds for Bread Local.

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Check out the weekly specials and pre-order your Friday treats at www.breadlocal.com.au . You can also follow Bread Local on social media and to keep up with all the Bread Local happenings, subscribe to Tiff’s weekly newsletter via the website.

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 custombuilt copper still, Esperance Distillery Co offers a distinctively Western Australian twist on the classics.

Wongutha Lends a Helping Hand Easing the Ag Labour Shortage

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY ROSIE HENDERSON

Faced with a shortage of workers, heightened by COVID-19, a band of Esperance farmers put their heads together with South East Premium Wheat Growers Association’s (SEPWA) Executive Committee and came up with an exciting way to encourage young people into the agricultural industry while simultaneously easing the labour shortage.

SEPWA has teamed up with the local Wongutha Christian Aboriginal Parent-Directed (CAPS) school, creating a program that encourages students into the agricultural industry by offering them on-farm traineeships and experience that not only helps them in their career development, but also enables the farmers involved in the program to have those extra hands on board when they’re needed.

Grass Patch farmer and SEPWA committee member John Sanderson is excited by the initiative and says it has been great to see younger crew getting on board and really enjoying the work and on-farm experience. The Sandersons have had a couple of students work on their farm over the years, and John says it’s been both a great experience and a great help to them. “We don’t need experienced people, we just need people who are willing to work hard and learn, and we can teach them everything they need to know,” John says. “You just need to be keen to have a crack, and most of these ladies and fellas are. We’re looking for a more secure workforce, and what we can offer to these students is a stepping stone into other industries, not just ag. We can teach them how to drive a truck, tractor, loaders – in [program participant] Levron’s case, he can head back up north and get a job on a mine or a pastoral station, or he can stay doing this with us or other farmers in the district. Even if the students don’t stay in one place, we’re training them and adding them to a much needed pool of skilled workers.”

Levron Micale, a Year 10 student at Wongutha CAPS who is working with the Sandersons for harvest, says he is excited to be on the farm. Levron moved to Esperance from Halls Creek two years ago, where he lived and worked on a station, so he has experience in ag, albeit a very different experience to what he’s getting down here. Up there, it’s bull catching, fly swatting, and barramundi fishing. Down here, however, it’s rock picking, truck driving, crop checking, and ocean swimming. “I’ve never driven a truck in my life, but I want to drive one – something new,” Levron says. He enjoys the team environment, and having a joke and a laugh throughout the day. As well as completing work placement with the Sandersons, Levron will also go on to complete a Certificate II in Agriculture. While he isn’t sure what he’ll do after school, Levron is wanting to get as much experience in ag as possible, and see where it takes him.

The program was kicked into gear following an inspiring presentation at the school by several SEPWA committee members, after which a number of students threw their hands up to be involved. Since then it’s been a matter of trying to get enough farmers on board to accommodate the students who are keen. Wongutha CAPS Career Coordinator Fiona Franzone says the students' reaction to that presentation was inspiring. “Initially we had three male students we were hoping would pursue that direction on our school farm, however the presentation was so engaging, the response was overwhelming,” Fiona says. “We had around 20 students asking to hear more and who were genuinely interested in studying farming.”

It’s been exciting for Wongutha to see the school coming full circle since it was established in 1952 as a place for Aboriginal men from all over Australia to be trained in farming for future employment. Many men from Wongutha went on to work on farms far and wide. In 2022, Wongutha had one full time trainee and five school-based trainees, on three properties. They also had four VETDSS students commence a Certificate II in Agriculture. They already have nine students enrolled in that certificate for next year.

Fiona says the biggest challenge of the program so far is finding enough farmers to be involved and have the students out on their farms. “It is hard to find a place for all of the students interested, and they have to wait a while until a willing farmer comes forward who is keen to be involved, but we are getting more farmers involved as word of the program spreads,” Fiona says.

John believes the flexibility of the program is beneficial and appealing to both farmers and students. “One of the benefits of the program, especially for Aboriginal people, is that as farmers, we have our busy and quiet times. They can come and do seeding and harvest, and then if they want to go back and visit their families and go hunting, they can in the quieter times,” John says. “We really wanted to work with Wongutha so that the students can keep that connection and flexibility to get home, whilst also encouraging and enabling them to stay in school.”

Need a hand on the farm?

If you’re a farmer interested in being involved in the Wongutha CAPS program, email the school at admin@wonguthacaps. wa.edu.au or SEPWA at eo@sepwa.org.au

Council Connections

Foreshore Extension

Esperance’s beautiful foreshore will soon measure more than two kilometres, when a 400-metre extension gets underway. The extension is planned for the area north of the Jetty Headland to the intersection of Norseman Road and Goldfields Road. Council endorsed the Landscape Concept Plan and the Staging Plan for the Esperance Waterfront Extension at the October Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM), with the first two stages being work on landscaping with the same native plantings as the rest of the foreshore, and a shared path.

IGO Recovery Fund – Esperance Aged Care

The last of the IGO COVID Recovery Fund has been dispersed to the Esperance Aged Care Facility (ECAF), after they submitted a request for assistance in October. Council approved the request, with the remaining $30,009 allocated to support contract service provision for volunteer coordination services. The Fund is intended to help the wider Esperance community address the impacts of the pandemic. ECAF expressed grateful appreciation for the funds, which will address volunteer shortfalls caused by the pandemic, and help secure the facility’s much-needed services into the future.

Australian First – Tiny House on Wheels Local Planning Policy

Council approved the preparation of the first Tiny House on Wheels Local Planning Policy (LPP) in Australia at the October OCM. This LPP, as well as the Chalet Development Outside of Townsites LPP in front of Council at the same time, is in the proposal stage, assists business by providing certainty on what can be developed, and lays out guidelines for the benefit of developers, the public and Shire staff. The community are encouraged to read the two proposed LPPs, which are open for public comment until 25 November 2022, and provide written submissions with feedback. All details on our website at esperance.wa.gov.au/public-notices.

ECA Lease Museum Village

Council approved Esperance Community Arts’ (ECA) application to lease the Old Salmon Gums School in Museum Village, after careful consideration of Expressions of Interest in the building. As a facilitator, producer, and sales point for local arts and crafts, ECA fits the Museum Village usage of ‘local and regional arts and crafts, local produce and tourism retail outlets’ very well. Council was pleased to offer this support to ECA as they looked for a new home, and also committed to helping the organisation with their storage needs in another location. The Shire looks forward to seeing ECA settle into the Museum Village, and continue to support, challenge and promote our local artists.

COMMUNITY

Esperance Primary School Quiz Night

SAT 5 NOV @ 6PM

ESPERANCE ANGLICAN HALL

Tickets from Bradshaws Pharmacy.

Garage Sale Trail

NOV 12 - 13 & 19 - 20

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Sell and shop on the Garage Sale Trail as Australia’s festival of pre-loved stuff returns to Esperance this November.

Esperance Art Awards 2022 Opening & Awards Night

THU 17 NOV @ 6PM

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

LBB Quiz Night

THU 17 NOV @ 6PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING Text your team of six people to 0429 777 714.

Esperance Community & Employment Expo

WED 30 NOV @ 10AM

GRAHAM MCKENZIE STADIUM

Bringing jobseekers, employment service providers, and employers together in the one place. Free and open to the public.

LIVE MUSIC

Mary Leske

FRI 4 NOV @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Steve West and The Benders

SUN 6 NOV @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Maddy May

FRI 11 NOV @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Silent Night

SAT 12 NOV @ 8PM

33 DEGREES

Tickets from $27.46 • eventbrite.com

With local legend Dj Senique at the helm, this silent disco will have sweet dance tunes for everybody.

Our monthly arts & culture guide brought to you by:

EMRG Collectors Fair

SUN 27 NOV @ 9AM

21 MCCLEAN ROAD

Step back in time taking in a variety of collections of motor vehicles and mechanical equipment, plus market stalls, food, displays, collectables, blacksmithing equipment, raffles, and plants for sale.

Zach Luka

SUN 13 NOV @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Josh Bryant and Tim Currie

FRI 18 NOV @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

The Numbats

FRI 18 NOV @ 9:30PM

THE PIER HOTEL

Scott White, Dan Seinor and Izzy Rasyk

SUN 20 NOV @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Death By Carrot

FRI 20 NOV @ 5PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Balmy Nights All Ages Event

FRI 25 NOV @ 5:30PM

ESPERANCE RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE

EXHIBITIONS

Exhibition of Creative Works by Esperance Senior High School

NOV 4 - 11

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

Esperance Art Awards 2022

NOV 17 - FEB 1

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

MARKETS

Museum Village Markets

NOV 6 & 20 @ 8:30AM

ESPERANCE MUSEUM VILLAGE

Balmy Brunch

SUN 27 NOV @ 9AM

ESPERANCE MUSEUM VILLAGE

Esperance Growers Market

NOV 12 & 26 @ 9AM

SCOUT HALL

WORKSHOPS

Event Logistics

SUN 27 NOV @ 2PM

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

More info at canneryartscentre.com.au

Balmy Nights 2022

SAT 26 NOV @ 5PM

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

Tickets from $51.50 • balmynights.com.au

Balmy Beats

SUN 27 NOV @ 3PM

LUCKY BAY BREWING

Songwriting with Grace Sanders

MON 28 NOV @ 5:30PM

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

More info at canneryartscentre.com.au

Art Lab Series

VARIOUS DATES

CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

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

The Return of Balmy Nights

WORDS KYRON SMITHSON

Over the past five years, conversations surrounding a local music festival, like Nannup, Bridgetown or Fairbridge, have regularly flowed in my direction. All these excellent festivals started small and have a long history of community support and engagement. Balmy Nights has felt like the event that could progress, that could find the momentum to become something much more for our local community. In 2021, our events team had the opportunity to attend a professional development workshop delivered by Nannup Music Festival Artistic Director, Phaedra Watts. Phaedra experienced Balmy Nights 2021 firsthand and the following morning, weary heads and all, Phaedra helped us to pull apart the event and consider a vision for 2022 and beyond. Balmy Nights returns this month and for the first time, I dare to call it a festival. It’s shaping up to be a weekend with a heap of fresh elements. Now, to get all those elements right...

FRIDAY

On Friday 25 November at 5.30pm we kick off with an all ages outing at the Esperance Residential College, featuring Kalgoorlie-based hip hop artist MissGenius, supported by locals Dj Senique and Rachel Vibart. Free entry, alcohol free, and open to the wider community, it’s going to be a quality start to a quality weekend.

Over the past two years, Kyza Presents has collaborated with Rave About Arts to deliver live music to Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe, slowly but surely developing a viable touring circuit. Balmy Nights stops over at the Hopetoun Community Centre on Friday 25 November, with Grace Sanders, Bleu Haze Baby, and Laura Petrie on the bill. For full details head to www.raveaboutarts. com.

SATURDAY

GET YOUR TICKET

For further information and ticket sales head across to www.balmynights.com.au

Our premier event returns to the grounds of the Cannery Arts Centre on Saturday 26 November, for an 18+ night of musical delight. The main stage will showcase an out of this world line-up featuring Grace Sanders, Mal De Mer, MissGenius, Bleu Haze Baby, Dj Senique, and Laura Petrie, but it doesn’t stop there. The whole Cannery will be activated to create an immersive, interactive experience. Catch the 2022 Esperance Art Awards in the Main Gallery, live pottery studio and store, Dabungool bush tucker and medicine display, and the launch of Brodeine and Deine’s 22/23 summer collection ‘Love In Bloom’. Your favourite local food and bev businesses return to round out the event with Esperance Sri Lankan Taste, Gozlemes by Livvy, Lucky Bay Brewing and Esperance Distillery Co all onsite to tickle your tastebuds. There’ll also be Cannery and Balmy Nights merch on offer.

SUNDAY

Sunday is the day to wind down, and who doesn’t love a lazy Sunday morning stroll through the Esperance Museum Village Markets, with live music and delicious food on offer?

Balmy Brunch has you covered. Kicking off at 9am, catch all your favourite market stalls and village shops, plus music by Olivia Pokela, Rachel Vibart, and Bleu Haze Baby between 10am and 2pm, and a super special menu by Bistro Louis. And for a real Balmy Brunch treat, Esperance Distillery Co will be onsite for gin tasting. Many thanks to the Shire of Esperance for their support.

Finally, cap off your weekend at Lucky Bay Brewing with Balmy Beats, where DJ FunKnight will bring it home on the decks from 3pm. There’ll be a bouncy castle in situ, so you can just kick back on the LBB veranda with a local ale in hand as the sun sets over a glorious weekend.

Many thanks to our local sponsors, Luxe Floral & Home Co, Tim Green Construction, TV Financial, Bob and Jim’s General Store, The Lillypad, and the Vibart family, and to our supporters at the Mt Burdett Foundation, Regional Arts WA, and the Shire of Esperance.

PHOTO CREDIT: JONTY SCOBLE

Lynda Horn

Though she loved art as a kid, it’s only been in the last few years that Lynda Horn has acted on her underlying yearning to pursue more artistic ventures. From photography to pottery and painting, Lynda’s diverse artistic practices have seen her most recently exhibit with the Esperance Pottery Club, as well as contribute to the Open Borders exhibition at the Cannery. Hailing from Richmond in New South Wales, Lynda moved to Esperance 13 years ago in search of a lifestyle change and has stuck around ever since.

You dabble in a variety of mediums. Do you have a preferred one?

No, there is so much to explore. My interest has ebbed and flowed, depending on where I’ve been in my life. For a time, photography was a real focus for me however, over the past 18 months, my attention has been with pottery. It was something that I always wanted to try.

Until recently, art was a pretty private hobby for you. Why did you start showing your work?

Joining the Esperance Pottery Club gave me the push that I needed. I did feel nervous about being part of the recent pottery exhibition because it was the first time I had been a part of something like that. But being around a group of supportive people that you can bounce ideas off is very encouraging. I’m not sure I could have done it on my own.

What advice would you give to a budding artist who is apprehensive about exhibiting their work?

Doing something on your own can be daunting so I would encourage others to find a group or some like minded people that you can be in the same space as and create your thing. If you have had a thought in the back of your mind that, “One day, I’ll give that a go,” then make time and make that one day happen. It could turn into something fun and exciting!

Tell us a little about Open Borders.

Open Borders was a statewide project stemming from COVID. Western Australia had a very different experience during the pandemic and this project allowed artists

to reflect on the impact of borders on our lives. I was intrigued by the concept and was lucky enough to be selected to be involved with the local exhibition, which consisted of works by seven artists who all explored the theme through various mediums.

What did you contribute to the exhibition?

I used people’s voices as a medium to create an audio artwork. I asked people to share what border they have experienced, and to use one word to describe their personal experience with COVID. During the process I witnessed the immediate vulnerability of each person once they read the question. What I didn’t realise until I was well into editing the project is that the basis of the question leads back to mental health, a subject that has been highlighted throughout the pandemic.

What inspires your work?

I am an organiser and a planner – I love a good excel spreadsheet. Art allows me to colour outside of the lines. It allows me to not be perfect and a little rough around the edges. It’s almost permission for me to not be that structured, planned person. I am inspired by what is around me and at present, it is the lovely coastal environment of our town.

Lastly, where can we find your work?

You can find all my artistic adventures through Instagram, @lyndahlou.

ARTS & CULTURE

ESPERANCE ART AWARDS 2022

A new instalment of an old favourite hits the Cannery Arts Centre this month, with the Esperance Art Awards 2022 opening on November 17. The Awards, hosted by the Cannery and supported by the Shire of Esperance, is the biggest visual arts competition in the region, open to artists living as far north as Kalgoorlie, as east as Balladonia, and as west as Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun, as well as those residing right here in Esperance.

What was formerly the Esperance Biennial Art Awards, coordinated by the Esperance Arts Society for many years, the Cannery took over management of the beloved local exhibition around 2010. Now known as the Esperance Art Awards, it showcases the works of emerging and established artists in an exhibition that will this year be judged by artist, curator and arts professional, Julian Bowron.

Julian has more than 40 years of experience working in the visual arts sector across Australia and New Zealand, and is an honorary life member of GalleriesWest, the peak organisation for public galleries in WA. He says judging regional art awards such as the Esperance Art Awards is a privilege. “[It’s] a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of the visual culture of a region and how that reveals a sense of the places and ideas that make up the region,” Julian says. “Artists tell us the ways in which our places are distinct and different as well as the connection they make to our wider state and national identity.”

The Awards are made up of 10 categories, including sculpture, Indigenous art, youth art, eco art, and a people’s choice award. Individuals, businesses, and corporations have provided generously to the prize pool, making the competition a lucrative one, and all entered works will receive automatic entry to the Shire of Esperance Award of Excellence, valued at $3,000.

The Cannery’s Artistic Director Jessica Ricciardo says the Awards are a great opportunity for both budding and established regional artists. “[They’re] a fabulous way for

artists to gain constructive feedback about their practice while having their work displayed in a unique exhibition in Esperance’s premier gallery space over peak season,” she says. “For visitors, the exhibition offers a huge variety of works by the cream of regional artists, the opportunity to pick up some art with local flavour, and to vote for their favourite in the people’s choice.”

HANNAH SIEMER

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

The Esperance Art Awards 2022 will open with the awards ceremony on November 17, where Julian will share insight into his selection process, artists and art enthusiasts can mingle, and the entered works can be viewed for the first time. The exhibition will be open to the public until the end of January. For further information, visit www.canneryartscentre.com.au.

CANVAS EXHIBITION & SALE

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: SARSBY MARTIN

Registration and

Photography by Jackie Hallam

Bleu Haze Baby

INTERVIEW BY KYRON SMITHSON

Bleu Haze Baby, as the name conjures, draw deep inspiration from the ocean, rolling waves, endless summers, and a love of the sand that grips their feet as they wander from one beach to another. Hailing from Margaret River, no doubt WA’s premiere location of residence for coastal dreamers, Alex and Jinna are truly in their element. Performing as a two-piece, the duo make dreamy work of their deep saturated sound, drawing forth lashings of psychedelia, funk, blues, and classic surf rock tones. Their first single recently dropped, aptly titled ‘Blue Joy’, and perfectly captures Bleu Haze Baby’s essence lyrically and sonically. Recent support slots for Caravana Sun at both Settlers Tavern and Freo Social give insight into the act’s live capability, and it’s an absolute pleasure to have them in Esperance for Balmy Nights 2022.

I want to start by asking about your relationship to the ocean. If you were offered a job in a landlocked country, would you take it?

Alex: I’ve been in the ocean since I was a baby. I grew up sailing with my family, breathing the marine breeze. I learned a lot about the ocean as a child. I discovered surfing at the age of seven and it became my passion. I consider myself a human/fish, so I would never accept a job far from the ocean. I probably wouldn’t survive.

Jinna: I lived for seven years working in New York City, where I was about an hour and a half train ride from the ocean. I grew up near the beach until I went to uni in the mountains, so I have experienced everyday life and work without the ocean. I know that I will never go back to that. It’s a priority for me to stay close to the ocean, as it is very much my healing place and a playground that brings me so much joy.

We love your debut single ‘Blue Joy’. Jinna, who were your key influences vocally?

Jinna: Thank you so much! A friend gave me a Mariah Carey cassette tape when I was about five. I’d be in my room belting it out as much as I could, working on vocal runs. When I was in my early teens I listened to a lot of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott – all neosoul/R&B artists. I was always drawn to that kind of music, the culture and the soul. I did try to emulate them when I was younger, before I grew to discover my own voice. I’ve also admired the unapologetic vocal expressions of Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse.

With who, where and when was ‘Blue Joy’ captured?

Jinna: Alex created the chords a while before we got into the studio. I had written the lyrics and the

SEE BLEU HAZE BABY LIVE

vocals to an iPhone recording of Alex playing the chords over and over. We actually performed it live heaps of times before we even thought to record it. Eventually, we got a recommendation to record with Sean Lillico in Yallingup. He was the engineer who worked with us on the track.

What’s your perception of Esperance before heading across for Balmy Nights?

Jinna: I imagine the most beautiful white sand beaches, dolphins surfing through perfect peeling waves. Cold, clean mornings. Insane sunsets. I just imagine a different kind of paradise – solitude and peace. I have always dreamed of going down to Esperance but never had the chance until now so I am super grateful to be able to come down and merge my love for exploration and music.

Do you plan on loading the surf boards?

Jinna: For sure, but the issue will be (and usually is), which ones?

What’s your favourite artist for a lazy Sunday arvo wind down, and your favourite artist for a solo, work-related road trip?

Alex: ‘A Lazy Sunday’ by Pink Floyd. When I’m on my way to surf coach, at the moment, Current Joys. For all time, probably Queen.

Jinna: For a lazy Sunday arvo I’m putting on some Chet Baker and chilling out. For a work-related road trip to pump me up, I’ll probably blast some Led Zeppelin.

And finally, if you were limited to one single condiment for the rest of your lives, which would it be?

Alex: Kewpie mayo all the way!

Jinna: Same, but spicy.

Alex and Jinna will play at the Hopetoun Community Centre on November 25, Balmy Nights at the Cannery Arts Centre on November 26, and Balmy Brunch at Museum Village on November 27. For more info and tickets, head to www.balmynights.com.au .

Tide Book Club Springtime Reads

Throw out the picnic blanket, pour yourself a glass of vino, and lay out in the spring sunshine with one of these reads, recommended by a few of Esperance’s most avid readers.

Stevie Lawrence, owner of local bookstore Dear Village, recommends It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Stevie says this is the hottest book of the year. “Beautifully written and impossible to put down. This book will break your heart then fill it right back up again, it will give you butterflies and make you cry,” she says. “Deep love, first loves, plot twists and difficult decisions. A story that is all too common yet rarely discussed, it’s a brave attempt by Colleen Hoover to bring to light an honest and unbiased picture of what it’s like to live and deal with domestic violence.” Colleen Hoover has also recently released It Starts With Us , the follow-up to her bestseller, also in stock at Dear Village.

Michelle Clarke at the Esperance Public Library recommends the Oxford Murder Mystery series by MS Morris , featuring Detective Bridget Hart, within the dramatic setting of Oxford University. For fans of the traditional English murder mystery, this series is sure to scratch the itch. The library has also recently added to their other mystery collections, so avid

readers can try the Ham Hill murder mystery series by Frances Evesham, the Dark Yorkshire mystery series by JM Dalgliesh, or the Winnebago County mystery series by Christine Husom.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, Esperance’s Tourism Development Manager Simon Latchford recommends The Tilt by Chris Hammer . Set in a rural Australian town, this novel features homicide detective Nell Buchanan, and it is atmospheric and tense. Chris Hammer is the bestselling author of Scrublands , and Treasure & Dirt . “Typical Chris Hammer, simply put, this book follows his other works and is utterly brilliant,” Simon says.

The Tide ’s own Karli Florisson recommends Silverview by John le Carré . Le Carré was a British author best known for his quintessential spy novels – he worked for the British intelligence agency MI6 earlier in his life, and his first novels were set in Cold War-era Soviet Union. He died in December 2020 and Silverview was his last novel, published posthumously in 2021. “This book is a typical le Carré slow burn, with fascinating characters and a subtle plot that raises interesting questions about loyalty and morality,” Karli says. “It might not be his

strongest novel – my vote would go to The Constant Gardener if you want to read le Carré at his best – but for fans of the genre, it is well worth a read.”

For a great non-fiction read, Michelle recommends Pharaohs of the Sun by Guy de la Bédoyère . Subtitled ‘How Egypt’s Despots and Dreamers Drove the Rise and Fall of Tutankhamun’s Dynasty’, it is a mustread for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history. Michelle notes that Guy de la Bédoyère visited Esperance last year to speak about Roman history, and he plans to return in March 2023 to discuss his passion for Egyptian history.

For younger readers, Stevie recommends Alaska and her Magical Words by Kyree Harvey , illustrated by Amy Calautti This is a beautiful hardcover book with gorgeous affirmation cards included. “This book encourages children to feel positive, capable, independent and loved every day,” Stevie says. “It is wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated. The perfect gift and keepsake book.”

Another book that will suit younger readers is the children’s novel Runt by Craig Silvey . Michelle suggests that this funny and heart-warming book about a girl and her dog will appeal to readers of all ages. Craig Silvey is a Western Australian author best known for his adult novels Jasper Jones and Honeybee Runt , set in a country town, is about Annie and her adopted stray dog Runt, who must overcome large odds to save their family farm.

A final recommendation is local author Fleur McDonald’s Broad River Station , her just-released 20th novel. This rural crime novel features McDonald’s recurring character Detective Dave Burrows and new constable Mia, assigned to a small country town, Broad River. Broad River is loosely based on Jamestown, a South Australian town near McDonald’s rural hometown of Orroroo. This gripping thriller is well worth adding to your spring reading piles.

The Local Exploration of John Septimus Roe

WORDS KARLI FLORISSON PHOTOGRAPHY MUSEUM ARCHIVES

In 1818, Admiral Phillip Parker King, on board his cutter HMS Mermaid , circumnavigated Australia. He had been tasked with making a detailed survey of the coast of Australia, and this was the first of four journeys that King would take to complete the task. Mapping the coast of Australia had been started by Matthew Flinders on his circumnavigation of Australia in 1801 and 1802, but Flinders hadn’t completed the task due to severe rot in his ship, the HMS Investigator As Flinders had already explored the coastline around Esperance, King did not spend much time in the area. He did stop at Middle Island, where he declared that there was ‘…little that was worthy of our attention.’ He also noted that ‘[n] o animals were observed, excepting some small quadrupeds, which were momentarily seen by Mr. Roe, and, from his description, were kangaroorats.’ The Mr Roe who was travelling with King on the Mermaid , and who explored Middle Island with him, was John Septimus Roe, who would later become a significant figure in Western Australia’s history.

John Septimus Roe was born in 1797 in Berkshire, England, to Sophia and Reverend James Roe. He wanted to become a teacher, but his parents lacked money for his education, although he did study mathematics for a time. Soon after his 16th birthday, he was appointed as a midshipman in the navy, setting sail on the Rippon which was taking part in the blockade of the French coast. He quickly gained attention for his carefully drawn charts and detailed logbooks. After he left the navy, Roe passed exams in mathematics

and navigation. In 1817, he was sent to Australia, where he was appointed to the New South Wales surveying service as an assistant to Phillip Parker King. He worked for the New South Wales colonial government for several years, helping to chart much of the coast of Australia during this time.

In 1828, when he was back in England, Roe was offered the position of Surveyor General of a new colony which was to be established at the Swan River. He married Matilda Bennett, a wedding that had to be rushed through in January before he left to take up his new position. Roe and his new bride arrived on the Parmelia , one of the first ships to bring soldiers and settlers to the brand new colony, in June 1829. Roe got to work, surveying the sea approaches to the Swan River, marking up lots in Perth and Fremantle, and joining the newly formed Legislative Council. Roe is credited with setting aside the land for Kings Park in the middle of Perth, along with others on the Legislative Council at the time. In these early years of the colony, when Western Australia was almost entirely unsurveyed, Roe made 16 journeys of exploration to map and explore the land extending outwards from Perth.

In September 1848, on his 16th expedition, Roe set out from Perth, aiming to reach the Russell Range, east of what would later become Esperance, where he believed there

might be deposits of coal. Roe and his party, which consisted of four other men, first travelled overland to Albany. At this time, there were no colonial settlements to the east of Cape Riche, 120 kilometres east of Albany. The only European explorer who had travelled by land through the area east of Albany was Edward John Eyre, with his Nyungar guide, Wylie. Roe took a Nyungar man, whom he called Bob, with him from Albany, and the party set out, travelling inland from Cape Riche to a place that, as Roe noted, the local Indigenous people called ‘Jeer-a-mung-up’, now known as Jerramungup. They continued on to Mount Madden, which Roe named after the Colonial Secretary of Western Australia, the Bremer Range, named after the captain of one of the ships Roe had served

↳ John Septimus Roe

on, and Peak Charles and Peak Eleanora, which Roe named for the new governor of Western Australia, Charles Fitzgerald, and his wife Eleanora. From there they travelled further east, naming Mount Ridley after one of the men who was in the group, and Mount Ney after Roe’s favourite horse, which was somewhat unimaginatively named Ney.

By this time, Roe and his expedition were having difficulty finding water and grass for their 11 horses. They struggled onwards, reaching Mount Ragged, which had been their goal. Mount Ragged had been named by Eyre in 1841, when he saw it from a distance as he travelled along a coastal route. Roe explored Mount Ragged, from where he could see the islands of the Recherche Archipelago in the distance, as well as numerous

fires, marking places where the local Nyungar people were camped, closer to the coast. From here, they decided to take a different route back to Albany, travelling closer to the coast. As they got closer to Esperance Bay, Roe noted, ‘… a crowd of lofty granite islands and rocks were observed to rise abruptly out of the sea, together with some covered rocks and reefs, which will render great caution necessary, on the part of the vessels frequenting the bay.’ On the return journey, Roe named Mount Merivale and Mount Howick, both after colonial officials, as well as naming the Lort River and Stokes Inlet after his friend, Captain Lort Stokes, and Young River after the South Australian Governor. With the help of Bob, their Nyungar guide, they found a deposit of coal on the

banks of a river that they named the Fitzgerald River, again after the Western Australian Governor.

Roe and his party returned to Perth on February 2, having been away for 149 days. Roe became quite sick during the last days of the expedition, and so he decided that he was too old for any further exploration. He continued on as Perth’s Surveyor General until his retirement in 1870. He and his wife Matilda had 13 children, with his first child being one of the first European children born in the Swan River Colony. He died in 1878, and was buried in East Perth Cemetery. Roe’s legacy lives on in the many landmarks that he named, and in return, Roe Highway, Roe Street in Perth, and the town of Roebourne were all named in his honour.

↳ A map of his exploration journey through Esperance

PHOTO BY ROSIE HENDERSON

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21

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 cocktail at the Quarters 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.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21

You’re keen to hit the beach this month, but the thought of parading your winter bod around in public fills you with dread. It doesn’t have to! Reframe your mindset and practise a little bit of self-love. Do things that make you feel great about yourself, inside and out. Treat yourself like the royalty you are and remind yourself of your worth as much as possible. Then throw on that bikini and strut your stuff all the way to 11 Mile!

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 20

Good things come to those who wait. At least, that’s what Mum always said. You’ve been patiently waiting for something (or someone!) for a while now, but the patience doesn’t seem to be paying off. Instead of being so passive, perhaps you need to be more active. How can you make that ‘something’ happen sooner, rather than later? Throughout November, the moon’s energy will give you a boost to be a little more ‘out there’. Use it!

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 17

You’re a very trusting person, which might soon land you in trouble. A new acquaintance leaves you with more questions than answers this month, and you’d be wise to watch your back. Don’t worry, you can still trust your nearest and dearest, so confide in those closest to you about any suspicious activity. Do something fun with your fam to lighten the mood, like a round of mini golf, followed by ice cream at Aurelia’s.

PISCES

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Your arm is twisted so easily that 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 practise 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.

ARIES MAR 20 - APRIL 19

The realisation that Christmas is just around the corner sends you into a spin this month. Why? What is the point of stressing over what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year? Put your favourite relaxation techniques to use this month. It’s been a while, so you might need to remind yourself what they are. Practising the art of chilling out now will help you in the weeks to come, when the Silly Season picks up pace.

TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 20

A health crisis may present itself this month. It mightn’t be you that ends up in the doctor’s office, but it could be someone close to you. Now’s the time to reflect on your health, both physical and mental. Are you doing what’s best for your overall wellbeing? Esperance is a great place to lead a healthy lifestyle but if you’re finding yourself at Red Rooster more than at the gym, it’s probably time to reevaluate your choices.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 20

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 can 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.

Summer’s just around the corner, so why are you still feeling the winter blues? Now’s the time to pull yourself out of that rut.

Don’t say you’ll start fresh next year - that’s no different to saying you’ll start a diet on Monday (and how’s that gone for you in the past?). Make three simple goals for yourself and aim to smash them by December 31.

Achieving something, no matter how small, will help you feel a whole lot better about yourself.

LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22

Even if you’re not a punter, sometimes life is about taking a gamble. Your next move is risky, which is why you’ve been putting it off for so long. This month, the time is ripe to finally place your bets. If you need support, phone a friend who’s guaranteed to pump you up. Avoid any Negative Nancies while you’re exiting the stalls and chasing after your dreams. You mightn’t end up a winner but if you never try, you’ll never know.

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 22

Stop hiding your light under a bushel. Be proud of your successes! You have, after all, worked bloody hard for them. This month, put yourself out there. A wave of confidence washes over you in the next few weeks, making it the perfect time to tell everyone how great you are. Shout it from the top of Frenchman Peak if you want to. There’s nothing wrong with tooting your horn every now and then, so get that horn out and blow!

LIBRA SEP 23 - OCT 22

Big changes are on the horizon and while it’s exciting, it’s also incredibly nerve wracking. You might like to sit in the corner, rocking back and forth, but the best thing you can do right now is plan for the future. Think about what these changes look like, and how they’re going to affect you and the people around you. If need be, catch up with a mate this month and chat about your worries over matcha latte at Cloud Eleven.

TIDE

VegetableCajunPasta

RECIPE LAUREN BENEFER

Quick, satisfying and packed with flavour, this will be your new go-to midweek pasta.

Ingredients

300g dried pasta of your choice (rigatoni

is great as it traps the delicious sauce)

1 red onion, cut in half and sliced

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 cup frozen corn (or 1 tin of corn, drained)

1 capsicum, diced small

1 cup spinach

1 tin good quality tomatoes

75g sour cream or cream

50g grated smoked cheese

1 tbsp sriracha (optional)

Juice of one lime

SPICE MIX

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp dried oregano

Plenty of cracked pepper!

GARNISH

1 spring onion, finely sliced

Crumbled feta

Fresh chilli

Method

1. Combine spice mix ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook pasta according to packet instructions.

3. In a large non-stick pan, fry the onions in a tablespoon of olive oil until they begin to soften. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally until fragrant. Add corn and capsicum and cook until slightly softened (about five minutes).

4. Add spice mix and stir for one minute until the vegetables are coated and spices are toasting. Add tinned tomatoes and a ladle of the salty pasta water. Let simmer for five minutes.

5. Add the sour cream/cream and smoked cheese, and stir. Add the spinach and let it wilt. Stir again and taste for seasoning - add the sriracha at this stage if you like a bit of kick. Finish with the lime. If the sauce is looking a bit dry, add half a cup of pasta water to loosen.

6. Drain pasta when cooked and add to the sauce. Serve into bowls and top with your chosen garnishes.

7. Serve with a peppery rocket and parmesan salad drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and a large glass of red, of course!

BUSH BANTER

Gardening Joy

Kambarang (spring) is all about life exploding and transitioning to the warmer months ahead. The bush is blooming after sleeping through the colder months, warming ocean currents arrive, blue skies beckon adventure and, of course, our gardens suddenly explode with growth and colour. A little bit of attention to our gardens in spring goes a long way, so I have a few tips:

• It’s not too late to plant some new friends in your garden. While rainfall decreases, the soil is still a little damp. Check out Kennedia nigricans (black coral pea) or Adenanthos cuneatu (coastal jug flower). Both are beautiful and grow well in Esperance. A few Grevillea shrubs never go astray either. Don't forget to water occasionally as they settle in.

• Keep an eye on when flowers set seed - collecting and propagating your own plants from seed often seems more scary than it really is! If you’ve got Eucalypt trees in your garden, pick the nuts and pop them in a paper bag. A week later there will be hundreds of seeds. Throw a few in a well-draining soil mix, and you’re bound to see some germinate.

• Fertilise plants that require it. Growing and flowering as the weather warms makes plants really hungry. If you have a native garden, don't forget to use low phosphorus and nitrogen fertilisers, such as Seasol. Natives have adapted to low-P and N soils and like everything, too much of a good thing will make them very sick. If you have a mixed native and non-native garden, be conscious of balancing what your different plants require.

KATIE WHITE - CALADENIA CO.

BUSH BANTER IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY VALANNE FOUNDATION

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

01 Former Esperance resident Koen Black broke the eight-hour merino lamb-shearing world record in Boyup Brook on October 27. Black shore 604 lambs within the timeframe, breaking his brother Dwayne’s 2002 record of 570. The 26-year-old full time shearer, now living in Boyup Brook, spent 12 months preparing for the record attempt, working on his shearing efficiency, diet and mental preparedness. Black will next attempt a crossbred lamb world record in Kojonup on November 12.

02 Pink Lake Butchers took out a major prize at the 2022 Perth Royal Smallgoods Awards on October 28, winning the Champion Specialty Dried/ Cured Products Award for their basturma. Entrants were judged on their smallgoods’ flavour, colour, workmanship, texture, and overall consumer appeal. The local butcher’s basturma scored more than 90 points to win gold in its category. They also took home bronze medals for their coppa, sliced coppa, and sliced pancetta.

03 Esperance community groups were top recipients in Horizon Power’s Community Partnerships Program, with five local organisations receiving State Government funding for events and initiatives. Among the recipients were the Esperance Mother’s Day Classic, who will put the funding towards their 2023 event, and the Munglinup Community Group, who will use the grant for a playground upgrade. The Esperance District Recreation Association, Shire of Esperance, and Esperance Clay Target Club completed the list of recipients.

04 An aerial photograph of a young humpback whale swimming alongside an adult southern right whale in Esperance waters left whale experts scratching their heads. Local photographer Jess Wohling took the image at Eleven Mile Beach, but didn’t realise the difference between the whales until she was reviewing the photos. It left whale experts baffled, with the two species rarely crossing paths and not being known to swim together. Jess sent the photo to a whale researcher in Albany, who is working to understand the unusual pairing.

Adenanthos cuneatus (coastal jug flower) found at Frenchman Peak

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

OLD TIME / NEW VOGUE BALLROOM DANCING

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

ESPERANCE ARTS

AWARDS 2022

Presented by the Cannery Arts Centre this year with over $9500 of prizes. Check the Cannery website for T&C’s, Registrations Nov 4-8. Opening & Awards evening Thurs Nov 17.

TABLE TENNIS PLAYED AT THE SCOUT HALL Thursday Mornings 9am - 11.00am & Friday Night 7.00pm - 9.30pm. $5.00 each session.

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

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

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TIMES