Esperance Tide September 2021

ISSUE 77

FREE MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2021

Top Tips for Wildflower Season

On the Road with R.M.Willams

PA G E 4

Shipwrecks of the Esperance Coast

P AGE 12

P AGE 24

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: LUCY VINCENT (@LOVECHILDS_)

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Congratulations, you made it through winter! Though, with those fabulously warm and sunny weekends we experienced throughout August, was it really all that bad? This warm weather has local botany experts and enthusiasts forecasting a bumper wildflower season. We couldn’t be more excited and have already been out and about with our heads down and cameras at the ready. There are literally thousands of different species of wildflower in our region and we mightn’t get to see every single one this year (or ever), but there’s no harm in trying, right?

This edition is bursting with botanical beauty as we pass on our top tips for experiencing wildflower season in Esperance (p. 4). We are particularly looking forward to perusing the Display of Specimens at the Esperance Wildflower Festival, with a scone in hand, of course. We’re also pretty keen to get back out to Cascade Falls, and you will be too after reading our guide to the falls on page 6. Not only is the area dusted with tiny wildflowers, but the road leading out to the falls is lined with canola in full bloom, too. Oh, and the falls themselves are, well, falling!

After all that running around, where better to refuel than at the new Coffee Cat and Sir Juice kiosks at the Jetty Headland? These pod-style kiosks have been a long time coming but boy oh boy, has it been worth the wait. Custom designed and built, the kiosks have allowed the two businesses to grow, both physically and metaphorically. While we will miss the iconic red and green vans that have formed part of the jetty view for many, many years, we’re super excited at the prospect of new and exciting things happening on the foreshore.

We love to see progress in Esperance, and the Coffee Cat and Sir Juice kiosks are just one example of some great stuff happening in town. Check out the story on page 10.

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Cascade Falls

10

The Jetty’s New Kiosks

T IDE GUIDE

UP N EXT

As always, there is so much more within our pages, from a recipe to get you in the mood for spring (p. 29), to a Culture Pops that will leave you questioning how you possibly have time to fit a day job in between your social engagements (p. 16). Happy September... Go wild!

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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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CH OOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTUR E

The Tide’s Top Tips for

Wildflower Season

The wildflowers of the southwest of Australia, and in particular Esperance, are some of the most spectacular natural flower displays in the world. As we approach spring, our backyard comes alive with thousands of varieties of wildflowers. There is so much to see and do this wildflower season! Here are just a few of our suggestions...

For more than 30 years, the Esperance Wildflower Festival has been showcasing the abundance of native flora that pops up in the region every spring. With 2,500 different species growing around Esperance, our wildflowers are as varied as they are vibrant, but did you know they’re incredibly useful, too? The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Plants & Culture: Kaddatji Nyungar Boodja’ and aims to highlight the importance of native flora to local Indigenous people. “If they can’t be eaten, most plants have a use in another form,” says Jennell Reynolds of Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation. “We’re bringing a different perspective to the festival this year - more of a cultural perspective - by providing information about which plants Indigenous cultures are connected to.” The theme is integrated throughout the festival program, which includes guest presentations,

Go beyond the Shire boundary Get out of town for a day or two and head to Ravy for the largest wildflower show in the world. Now in its 39th year, the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show and accompanying Spring Festival is an annual celebration of the abundance of native flora in the region, which is home to 20 per cent of Western Australia’s floral species. Roughly 3000 species are filed in the town’s herbarium, an estimated 700 of which will be on display in the Ravensthorpe Town Hall for the show.

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In addition to the display, a host of workshops, activities and events will be on offer from 13 – 25 September, from art and photography exhibitions to nature walks, wildflower hotspot bus tours, and 2WD and 4WD tag along tours.

Credit: @bianca_perth

Find the connection between plants & culture

workshops and multiple arts components. “The partnership with Tjaltjraak has come out of years of working closely together and responding to increasing interest in the community,” says Jane Mulcock, Executive Officer of Esperance Community Arts, a key coordinator of the Esperance Wildflower Festival.

“There are constant requests for opportunities to learn about plants and culture.” Ken Mills, President of the Esperance Wildflower Society is expecting a bumper wildflower season. He is forecasting that up to 600 species will make it to this year’s Display of Specimens. “It should be just about the perfect season,” Ken says. “The combination of good rain and warm weather is expected to really bring things on.

It should be a pretty good show.”

The Esperance Wildflower Festival runs from 21 – 25 September. For further information, visit www. esperancewildflowerfestival.com.

The ever-popular horticulturalist and ABC presenter Sabrina Hahn will be making an appearance at the festival, as will celebrity butcher Vince Gareffa, who will be hosting Hunt & Gather, a family-friendly picnic in the park complete with live music, entertainment by Zap Circus, and a mini butchering demo. The Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show and Spring Festival is a community effort, with some 200 volunteers lending a hand. It has grown immensely over the years and continues to evolve.

Outgrowing its original venue at the town’s senior citizens centre, the show and festival now span across multiple venues in both Ravy and Hopetoun. For further information and a full program of events, head to wildflowersravensthorpe.org.au.

Credit: Rosie Henderson

Taste the botanical beauty

Take a tour If you’re keen to head off in search of wildflowers but have no idea what you’re looking for, take a tour with local botany enthusiast, Elodie Goldsmith. Born and raised in France, Elodie became so enamoured with the wide open spaces and natural beauty of Western Australia while on holiday that she decided to stay. The founder and photographer behind Picturesque by Elodie, which runs out of Creators and Makers in Museum Village, Elodie now shares her passion for the region with others, through her art and her tours.

Running up to three times a week throughout September, Elodie’s tours cater for all ages and fitness levels, with a tag along car tour through Helms Arboretum, an easy walk in the Pink Lake area, and a slightly more challenging hike around Dempster Head. Elodie says participants don’t need to know anything about wildflowers to enjoy her tours, they simply need an open and curious mind. “Just a caution, it is an addictive hobby,” warns Elodie, who began to explore the wonderful world of wildflowers three years ago.

“I love walking through the bush to hunt for them. It’s like Christmas every time I see one.” A mum herself, Elodie’s tours are family friendly to ensure the passion is passed on to the next generation. To find out more about Elodie’s tours and to book, visit picturesquebyelodie.com.au or drop into Creators and Makers in Museum Village.

Esperance Distillery Co focus on producing unique gins using botanicals found within our region, so not only can you see the beauty of our native flora this spring, but you can taste it, too. The small batch distillery – a father and son team – carefully select key local botanicals found between Fitzgerald National Park to the west, Israelite Bay to the east, and Cascade to the north, giving their gins a distinctly Esperance flavour. With no guidebook to aromatic botanicals in the region, David and James have had to do some trailblazing. Traditional owners have provided suggestions, as have local native botanical experts and enthusiasts.

The distillery’s popular Cut and Run, a traditional London dry gin, was designed around the Vanilla Acacia, which has passionfruit notes. Their hotly anticipated pink gin, due for release very soon, uses Esperance Wax, which James also recommends trying as a springtime G&T garnish.

“There’s huge floral biodiversity in the region,” James says. “We recently discovered a local botanical which tastes a bit like bubblegum.

We’re having fun experimenting with different species.” James says using local natives brings a sense of adventure and uniqueness to what he and his dad are creating. “It’s fun to get out and explore, and learn about country,” he says. This wildflower season, James suggests pairing an Esperance Distillery Co gin with an Australian mixer, available exclusively through their cellar door from this month, and enjoying it with good company in the great outdoors.

Treat yourself to retail therapy In celebration of the region’s most vibrant time of year, Tide & Co will release an exclusive range of ‘Wildflower Season’ merch this month. After the success of last year’s design, graphic artist Jack Miers has immortalised eight different natives for the 2021 season, including the Red Swamp Banksia, Red Kangaroo Paw and Cockies Tongue. Jack’s work is 5 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

available on a tea towel, as well as a t-shirt and crew neck (the perfect piece of clothing to wear while wildflower spotting). Tide & Co will also have a range of native seeds for sale throughout September, like the Banksia speciosa, Eucalyptus pleurocarpa, Hakea laurina and Eucalyptus tetraptera, so you can grow your favourite native species in your very own garden.

Wildflower spotting The Esperance region is home to so many varieties of native plants that chances are you’ve spotted some already on the side of the road or on your daily walk. If you feel like making a trip out of it, we suggest heading out to Cape Le Grand National Park where there are plenty of walk trails to choose from.

We recently took the track from Hellfire Bay to Little Hellfire, about a 50-minute walk, and took some snaps of the wildflowers starting to bloom. Head to page 22 for a complete photo gallery. For more information on different places to go, head to www.esperancetide.com.

TIDE GUIDE

A Springtime Day-Trip to

Cascade Falls

W O R D S & P H OT O G R A P H Y R O S I E H E N D E R S O N

When it's not bright and sunny, Esperance can feel a little miserable. Sometimes we don't know what to do with ourselves when the sun isn’t shining and the water isn’t sparkling. We find ourselves counting down until the sun returns and the easterlies are inbound. But if we look away from the coastline, there are some beaut local adventures that aren’t reliant on calm seas and clear skies. Cascade Falls is one of them. It’s the ideal spring day trip because the more rain we’ve had, the more the falls are flowing. Our own falls, in Esperance. Cue that oh so overdone chasing waterfalls song…

The drive After the recent rain, we decided to jump in the car and take a gamble on the possibility of forecast sunshine sneaking out from behind the clouds. Always a gamble, rarely a disappointment.

Worst case, you get soaked to the skin or a little windblown. Even then, it’s usually worth it. Cascade Falls is along Loop Road, about 70 kilometres west of Esperance. Heading out of town along the highway, the sun starts shining and the morning coffee kicks in. There are a couple of routes you can take, either turning down Cascade Road onto Loop Road, or off the highway onto Coomalbidgup Road, then down Loop Road. As the tar turns into gravel, we drive past paddocks of flowering canola and watch out the windows in awe of the bush that is our backyard.

As we approach a dip on Loop Road, we see water flowing over the road and spot a little track that leads into the bush. We hobble over a few rocks and potholes in the road, as the sunlight falls through the mallee trees. This track takes you down along the edge of the falls, where there are two main spots you can stop and park alongside the falls. ⟶

The fal ls If you’re lucky enough to catch the falls after a bit of rain, you’ll find the water cascading over a labyrinth of granite rocks. It’s a playground for kids and adults alike complete with walking tracks, rock jumping opportunities, and lots of perfect picnic spots. You can walk along little tracks that run alongside the river for a fair way down, where you’ll see the river eventually beginning to narrow again. If you’re up for crossing over the rocks, you can walk a loop, down one side, over the river, and up the other. With a bumper wildflower season on our doorstep, this spot was already coming to life with lots of our local blooms - a wildflower spotter's dream. At many spots along the river, there are moss covered rocks that offer the perfect perch for a picnic with a view. Or if you’re up for some rock hopping, there’s a beautiful grassy area on the other side of the river. Roll out the picnic rug, sling open the tucker box, crack a coldie or brew a billy, and spend a few hours basking in the sunshine to a background soundtrack of near silence, aside from the running river and singing birds.

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The adventure essentials We’d recommend picking up a roady from Downtown or Cloud Eleven to enjoy on the drive out. And if you’re planning a weekend adventure, pop past Bread Local on Friday arvo for some baked goods to pack in the picnic basket. Fill the thermos, throw in the billy, or chuck a couple of coldies on ice in the Esky. We’d recommend wearing enclosed shoes, and taking a picnic rug, a good book or deck of cards. There are no facilities at Cascade Falls, so come prepared with the essentials water and TP/loo tickets/dunny roll/whatever you wish to call it. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories. Beware of bees, often located in the nooks and crannies of rocks around the falls. If you do encounter any, stay dead still and they’ll generally get bored and meander away. And as always, take it easy and be safe out on those gravel roads.

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. . . k c a p o t t a Wh

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ther’s Perfect Faift!

Day g

1. Who Gives a Crap Toilet Paper Bob & Jim’s General Store $1.60 2. Project Pargo Insulated Growler 1890ml - Eucalypt Green Tide & Co $89 3. Ultraceuticals SunActive SPF 50+ Face Cream B Naturally You $55 4. Thermos 6.6L/1L Insulated Lunch Lugger Retravision $85 5. Billabong Ladies Tahoe Boots Innertube Surf Shop $99.99 6. Carry Your Cutlery Stainless Steel Cutlery Set Naturally Esperance $31.95 7. The Ferals that Ate Australia by Guy Hull The Book Box $35

BANKSIA MEDICAL & HEALTH OPEN WEEKDAYS 8:30AM – 5:00PM & SATURDAYS 9AM – 12PM

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UP N EXT

Funky Facelift for Local Faves

A New Home For Coffee Cat & Sir Juice WORDS KARLI FLORISSON P H O TO G R A P H Y L U C Y V I N C E N T

With an impressive 31 years of operation between them, Coffee Cat and Sir Juice are Esperance icons. Both locals and visitors alike regularly take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a coffee, juice or smoothie while catching up with friends, enjoying the ocean view, watching their kids play in the park, or walking along the Esperance Jetty. Now, the two businesses have undergone their biggest change yet – relocating from their original vans to brand new, custom built kiosks.

Grant and Nicola of Coffee Cat, and Claire and Mario of Sir Juice (formerly known as s’Juice), along with their dedicated staff, have been churning out a steady stream of delicious beverages and great customer service for years, all while negotiating the cramped space of their two small vans. After putting their heads together, the two couples decided to approach the Shire of Esperance with the concept of installing new ‘pod’ kiosks at the Jetty Headland. The pods were custom designed and built, taking into consideration the many complex requirements of the businesses and the location. While the buildings are identical on the outside, inside, each pod is individually designed to best suit the needs of the business. Designed to be sturdy for the exposed, waterfront location, as well as blend in with the surroundings, the two kiosks complement the beautiful Jetty headland. The inspiration for the pods has come from numerous prefabricated kiosks around Australia, including Pretzel in Northbridge and Lost Freight in Mount Wellington.

Designed to be transportable, the pods are owned by the respective businesses, with the Shire providing a 10-year lease on the sites. If needed, the pods can be removed on short notice.

For Claire and Mario, the new kiosk presented the opportunity for a new name, and the couple rebranded their business as Sir Juice. While they enjoyed the humour and play on words of s’Juice - pronounced ‘seduce’ - the new kiosk has given the couple a chance to feel as though they are starting their business again; a change that felt worthy of a new name. Sir Juice feels like the cool older cousin of s’Juice, still under the same experienced and passionate ownership. The couple has plans to expand the Sir Juice menu, too, in keeping with the new, expanded work space. They have already added to their panini menu and when soup season is over, plan to add additional food options, such as sandwiches and wraps, to their repertoire. They have already added new juices and smoothies to the menu.

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While Claire and Mario are excited to see their original idea come to fruition, they are quick to point out that they could not have done it alone.

The move has been a joint collaboration between the two businesses, benefitting both Coffee Cat and Sir Juice. “Claire and I would still be dreaming about having a shop if it wasn’t for Grant and Nic,” Mario says. “They really made it happen.”

Both couples love being a part of the family of businesses at the Jetty Headland, along with the relatively new kid on the block, Spudlicious. Like Sir Juice, Coffee Cat also plans to expand their menu, with new hot food options like pies, sausage rolls and vegetarian pasties. Both businesses are excited that the new workspaces are making things easier for their staff. And, of course, they’re very happy not to have to manoeuvre the vans into place every morning.

Grant and Nicola admit feeling somewhat nostalgic about moving out of the van, which served Coffee Cat since its beginnings in 2004.

They are still deciding what to do with the faithful old van. As for the Sir Juice van, Claire and Mario don’t feel all that sad to say goodbye to the space where they have worked for many years. They plan to sell the van, hoping that it will stay in town and provide a space for another local business to be established and to thrive.

Both businesses are excited about the upcoming tourist season in Esperance. Over the last few years, each summer has been bigger than ever for tourism in the town, and now with the new kiosks in place, both teams are raring to go. They are looking forward to seeing familiar faces, as well as meeting new visitors to town. Plans for an official opening for the new kiosks are also in the works, after both businesses have completely settled into their new homes. With the Esperance Jetty providing the perfect spot to stroll or fish, there has never been a better time to visit the friendly faces at Sir Juice and Coffee Cat, check out the new pods, and enjoy their delicious food and beverage offerings.

Applications Now Open!

Round 4 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants Goldfields-Esperance Program The Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission (GEDC) is seeking applications for the Round 4 Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants Program.

The RED Grants program is a State Government initiative that invests in locally driven projects to stimulate economic growth and development in regional Western Australia.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate that their project aligns with one or more of the following RED Grant objectives: • • • • •

Sustainable jobs Developing skills or capabilities Increasing productivity Attracting new investment in the region Expanding or diversifying industry

Eligible applicants including businesses can apply for RED Grants funding of up to $250,000 for individual projects.

Applications close Thursday 5pm, 21 October 2021. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

For guidelines and application forms visit www.gedc.wa.gov.au/ For further information please contact the grants team at the GEDC on grants@gedc.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9080 5000.

The Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants is funded by the State Government, supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

ESPERANCE TIDE MERCH BEACH WARES TUES - FRI 10AM - 4PM SAT 10AM - 1PM & SUNDAY MARKETS

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JUICE S M O OT H IES PA N I N I S SOUP

MA K E A PIT S T O P Coffee Cat is open from 6:45am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

Sir Juice is open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 2pm on Saturday.

Spudlicious is open from 11am to 3pm Thursday to Saturday.

JETT Y

BY T H E

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On the Road with

R.M.Williams

WORDS HANNAH SIEMER

P H OT O G R A P H Y L U C Y V I N C E N T

“It’s very Australian,” I’m told of the landscape, as we bounce along the gravel on a back road north of Myrup. I can’t think of a worthy response, but somehow manage to acknowledge the statement without too much of an eyeroll. I suppose to three European ex-pats, each now residing in either Sydney or Melbourne, a dirt road wedged between paddocks for as far as the eye can see is very Australian.

It’s late May and the land around us is still dusty and brown, any sign of life yet to emerge from the soil. My passengers – two Brits and a German who have collectively lived Down Under for less than a decade – are quizzing me about when the crops will begin to show and what colour they’ll be when they do. When I reply green, I’m probed further. “Yes, but what shade of green?” My familiarity with the Pantone Colour Chart is about as slim as my knowledge of agriculture and the question has me stumped. I shrug and continue driving until I’m asked to stop the car so they can take photos of a road sign. A mundane but welcome interlude.

I find the irony of three Europeans having creative control of R.M.Williams’ latest marketing campaign somewhat amusing, but they’re taking their reccy to Esperance very seriously, so I do, too. Esperance is being considered as the location to shoot the iconic Australian brand’s next campaign and I’ve been asked to assist the creative team in finding the right backdrops. I’m acutely aware that I’ve chosen to wear a pair of very obviously non-R.M.Williams boots on this particular day. However, I remind myself that the trio will probably spend more time looking at the scenery through the frame of their index fingers and thumbs than at my feet. In town for less than 24 hours, and admitting they were experiencing the unenviable combination of hangover and jetlag, we begin the reccy where all good flying visits to Esperance should – Cloud Eleven. Over toasted sandwiches and coffee, they tell me what they’re looking for in Esperance. Some things are a cinch, like a sandy track leading to a beach and a lookout over town. However, other requests require a little more thought and are strangely specific. I leave them to caffeinate while I do a quick ring around, trying to source an abandoned shearing shed, old fuel bowsers and, heaven forbid, a black 1980s BMW with roof racks. ⟶

Over the last few years, Esperance has been selected as the backdrop for the marketing campaigns of several big brands. In 2018, swimwear giant Seafolly shot a campaign featuring German supermodel Toni Garrn at Blue Haven, Wylie Bay and Lucky Bay, while Kevin Murphy headed out to the Wylie Bay sand dunes and Twilight Cove to promote its hair care. Just last summer, Rip Curl chose Wharton Beach to set the scene for its recently released women’s summer 2021/22 campaign. R.M.Williams is now on that list, too, with the brand’s ‘On the Road’ campaign shot in Esperance in early June and released last month.

While it has its share of generic countryside shots – complete with climbing on hay bales and running through open paddocks – it also makes use of some pretty iconic Esperance scenery, including the Esperance Jetty, Great Ocean Drive and Dempster Head. According to the brand, the seasonal shoot captures a nostalgic journey from country to coast, and “pays tribute to the natural beauty of unique Australian landscapes and lifestyles - capturing the optimistic mood of a spirited escape and memories of summer adventures.”

Almost 30 creatives descended upon Esperance for the R.M.Williams shoot, including six models. But, as has been the case with all aforementioned campaign shoots, countless locals were involved, too. Someone to assist the out-of-towners with location scouting and general logistics was the just tip of the iceberg, with several local farmers allowing access to their properties and Paddy Ratcliffe from the Esperance Veteran Car Club

lending his 1967 Holden and 1979 Mercedes to the three day shoot (sadly, a black 1980s BMW with roof racks could not be sourced locally). Paddy himself was even thrown in front of the camera but while he didn’t make the final cut, his cars certainly did – if you come across the campaign, keep an eye out for the E and KBC number plates. Taylor Street Quarters provided three meals a day to the R.M.Williams team and multiple accommodation providers ensured they had somewhere to sleep, not an easy feat given it was the WA Day long weekend.

“It’s very Australian,” I mutter to myself when I see ‘On the Road’ for the first time. The final product of the campaign, a series of photographs by Sydney-based fashion photographer Jake Terrey and a 90 second film, is as much an advertisement for Esperance as it is for R.M.Williams. Showcasing more than just our beaches, it captures the essence of Esperance; that we are as country as we are coastal. As it has been before, there’s a small thrill in seeing your hometown provide the backdrop to a campaign of this scale. We might be isolated, some might even argue we’re a little backward, but we’re also sought out by some of the biggest brands in the country, and that’s not something many regional towns in Australia can boast.

MO RE IN FO Check out R.M.Williams’ ‘On the Road’ campaign at www.rmwilliams.com.au.

Esperance distillery co Australia’s smallest distillery producing gin from native botanicals within the Esperance region.

www.esperancedistilleryco.com @esperancedistilleryco Check our website for opening hours.

14 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

F IV E MI N U T E S WI T H

Freehand

BY KYRON SMITHSON

It’s rare to see a band with more than four members embark on a regional Western Australian tour, but Freehand are set to do just that. With a line-up that varies between six and eight members, Freehand are a Perth-based soul outfit who deliver an energetic and uplifting live performance. Esperance is lucky enough to have them perform live at Saturday Night Jive on September 11, along with Pat Chow, Car Park Social and Grand Casual. I’m yet to catch the band live, though by all reports they deliver, leaving the audience feeling invigorated with their brand of neo-soul infused bop.

Prior to their Esperance debut I thought I would catch up with Freehand to see what they’re all about.

Hi g u ys ! A bs ol ute ly w ra p p e d t o h a v e yo u d o w n to Espera nce , one of f o u r s h o w s i n yo u r u p c o m i ng t o ur o f WA ’ s s out h. C a n I a s k w h a t t h e c a t a l yst wa s fo r t he t our ?

We’re stoked to play in Esperance! The idea initially started when we booked a six-piece tour in 2020 but unfortunately had to cancel due to the big C. Luckily our booking agent Jamie has stepped in and helped us out with this one! Big shout out to Subtle Music.

Wha t can we e x pe ct f ro m yo u r u p c o m i n g s i n gle s?

Something fun! The first track, ‘It’s Not Over’, is a big party bop. Filled with horns and energy, we’re really excited for our audience to hear it – it’s so much fun to play live. The second track brings something completely different. ‘Hunger Strike’, out on October 1, depicts Gem’s personal experience with the harshness of the dieting industry. This song is filled with harmonies and filled with passion, and we hope you like it.

Ca n yo u offe r a l itt l e i n s i g h t i n t o t h e w r i t i n g p ro cess ?

Gem usually starts with a melody, lyrics and rough chords. But the arranging is usually a group effort. We’re a collective of songwriters and composers so there are plenty of great ideas to go around.

Ho w d o you rol l wit h t h e re c o rd i n g p ro c e s s ? Is i t a ch al le nge t o ge t a l l b a n d m e m b e r s i n t o the st u d io ?

All. The. Time. This piece of work has been a year in the making. It’s rare that we get everyone together at the same time! All production and recording was done by our wonderful percussionist Matt. We’re very grateful.

Fa vo u rite liv e g ig to da te ?

Two years ago, when we had just started gigging, we played at School Strike for Climate. We played a 20 minute set in front of 10,000 people in Forest Chase.

There was a moment where we looked up and saw more people standing on the balconies, cheering and dancing!

It was incredible.

N a me a few WA b a nds tha t yo u ’v e sha re d a lineu p with a nd ha v e b lo wn yo u a wa y.

Washing Line Economy, Racka Chachi, Stacey Ann, Cruz Patterson, Ribs, Green Pools, Triangle Fight, Cecilia Brandolini, Otiuh, Sgt Hulka, Joan & The Giants... How many bands are we allowed to say? We could easily go on! WA is a goldmine.

W ho a re yo u c u rre ntly liste ning to ?

Absolutely Lawrence. We love big feelings, so we’ve got a big thing for Gang of Youths and Phoebe Bridgers.

Are yo u g u ys p u mp e d to p la y to so me fre sh a u die nc e s?

Yes! We’re so excited. It’s a huuuuuge pleasure to be supporting Esperance bands Grand Casual and Car Park Social as well.

As a six to e ig ht p ie c e b a nd, do yo u ha v e a fa vo u rite p la c e to e a t in Pe rth? O r a re b a nd dinne r s sp re a d a c ro ss mu ltip le lo c a tio ns?

I think collectively we’ve spent a lot of time at U&I in the heart of Northbridge recently. It’s open late and they are always happy to put up with us. We sometimes do a ‘Sad Boi Dinner’ – eating late, post rehearsal and talking about our feelings. It has been a really lovely Freehand thing from the get go.

SEE FREEHAN D L IVE Freehand will be playing at Saturday Night Jive down at the Esperance Bay Yacht Club on September 11.

Tickets are selling fast and are available from www.kyzapresents.com.

15 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

Our monthly arts & culture guide brought to you by:

Cloning ft. Bodes

LIVE MUSIC

SEPTEMBER 24 @ 5PM LUCKY BAY BREWING

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SEPTEMBER 3 @ 5PM LUCKY BAY BREWING

Labelled the country’s future of indie and alt-rock by Rolling Stone Australia, Cloning combine varied styles of rock to tell stories of suburban isolation, tragedy and growing up.

Bottom of the Barrel Saturday Night Jive SEPTEMBER 11 @ 6PM ESPERANCE BAY YACHT CLUB Tickets $39.50 • www.kyzapresents.com

Rachel Vibart SEPTEMBER 5 @ 3PM LUCKY BAY BREWING

Morning Melodies SEPTEMBER 9 @ 11AM ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE

Sunday Lemonade

SEPTEMBER 26 @ 3PM LUCKY BAY BREWING MARKETS

Museum Village Markets SEPTEMBER 12 & 26 @ 8:30AM - 12:30PM ESPERANCE MUSEUM VILLAGE

SEPTEMBER 12 @ 3PM

Esperance Growers Market

LUCKY BAY BREWING

SEPTEMBER 4 & 18 @ 9AM SCOUT HALL

Steve West & The Latitude SEPTEMBER 17 @ 5PM

FUNDRAISER

Party for Purpose

Free • www.esperance.wa.gov.au

LUCKY BAY BREWING

SEPTEMBER 5 @ 3PM ESPERANCE BAY YACHT CLUB

John Ratcliff

Tanaya Harper

Tickets $20 • www.ticketebo.com.au

SEPTEMBER 10 @ 5PM LUCKY BAY BREWING

SEPTEMBER 19 @ 3PM LUCKY BAY BREWING

A special Sunday session to raise awareness of brain cancer. Live music, drinks, food, raffles and a silent auction.

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

16 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

WORKSHOP

THE BRIDGE

ART LAB: Brush Lettering SEPTEMBER 19 @ 1PM CANNERY ARTS CENTRE

I’m sitting here thinking how exactly I would take on an employee. Returning from tour with Grand Casual and Ratty, I felt invigorated. But as I slipped back into the office chair, I felt my hard-earned midwest sunny disposition fade a little. So, what’s the process involved in taking on an employee in a small business? Do we take a step back to look at all operations and processes, and then decide which element could become an employee’s role? I often find myself longing for someone to bounce ideas around with on a daily basis, and perhaps that in itself would be an important part of a KP employee’s role. Honestly, I never thought Kyza Presents would get to this point but hey! Here I bloody am.

Tickets $85 • www.canneryartscentre.com.au

Learn the basics of brush lettering and create beautiful cards with your newly acquired skills. All materials provided.

COMMUNITY

Esperance Wildflower Festival SEPTEMBER 21 - 25 ESPERANCE ANGLICAN PARISH CENTRE & ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE esperancewildflowerfestival.com

Celebrating the diversity of native flora in our region. This year’s theme is Plants & Culture: Kaddatji Nyungar Boodja.

Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show SEPTEMBER 13 - 25 RAVENSTHORPE TOWN HALL wildflowersravensthorpe.org.au

Don’t miss the largest display of wildflowers in the world!

spectrum. Rounding out the bill are two of Esperance’s finest - Car Park Social and Grand Casual. Neither local act have played in Esperance for seven or more months now. Damn, you have the recipe for a grandiose time. Tickets are getting low, so hop to it and snap yours up at www.kyzapresents.com.

Tanaya Harper, Perth indie rock sweetheart, heads to Esperance for the first time this month, delivering a free song writing workshop at The Cannery Arts Centre on Sunday 19 September from 1-2pm. Supported by WAM, Act Belong Commit and the Esperance Bay Rotary Club, the workshop will be held prior to her maiden performance at Lucky Bay Brewing later that afternoon, from 3pm. Tanaya is a stunning songwriter. I was particularly taken by her single ‘Crash Pad’, which I found on So, it’s spring. I feel like there is a a 2019 WAM compilation disk. Recently swathe of crew out and about, ready I’ve been giving her band Ghost Care to a party and, well, I’ve got one for a bit of a thrashing, absolutely loving ya. Saturday Night Jive returns to their track ‘Home Run’. Matt, Joe and the Esperance Bay Yacht Club on Ratty will attest that they were over Saturday 11 September. I absolutely that particular track post-tour. You may love the venue, I absolutely love the recall Ghost Care supported Spacey line-up and I absolutely love Wells Jane on their 2020 regional WA tour, Building Designers and Consultants with Tanaya bringing bass and vocals for coming on as key sponsor for this event, which is now in its second year. to the line-up. There’s plenty more happening in September - for a full Legends. On the line-up, we’ve got round-up, head on over to Pat Chow, a raucous grungy rock trio from Perth, and Freehand, a seven www.kyzapresents.com. or eight piece band known for their KY R O N S M I T H S O N neo soul bop - two acts hailing from each extreme of the original music

COMING SOON

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COMING SOON

M E E T T H E A RT I ST

Regan Beattie Regan Beattie creates soft and thoughtful prints and baby milestone cards using watercolours, fine liners and brush lettering. What began as simply sharing her pieces with her family and friends soon led to a popular market stall and online store, One Little Brush.

Ho w d id you ge t into b ru s h letterin g?

I was looking for a way to add beautiful quotes into my watercolour pieces and stumbled upon brush lettering through an Instagram page, @happyevercrafter. I just fell in love with it. I started buying her practice booklets and learnt the basic skills and just continued from there!

Wha t d o you e nj oy a b o u t i t ?

I love that once you learn the basic strokes, you can add your own style to it and use it in so many ways. When you start to notice it, brush lettering is around us everywhere and it just adds that special touch!

H o w l o n g h a v e yo u b e e n p la ying a ro u n d w i t h wa te rc o lo u r s?

I have always loved painting. I think I first started playing with watercolours in primary school, then again in high school. I have really started to use them more consistently in the last five or six years. I just love the calming nature and unpredictability of using watercolours – it really is a release for me and quite meditative.

Fo r t h o s e w itho u t k ids, wha t a re b a b y m i l e s to ne c a rds?

Baby milestone cards are used to help document all those special milestones in a little one’s first year! Whether it be a three-month milestone, crawling for the first time or starting solids, you put the card in the photo with your baby and take a snap! Long gone are the days where we used to print every photo out and write on the back. The baby milestone cards are definitely my best seller and I think what helped me to get my name out there.

Te l l u s a b o ut yo u r wo r k sho p a t the C a n n e r y o n Se p te mb e r 1 9 .

This is the first time I have run a workshop so I’m definitely nervous but super excited! Participants can expect to have a lovely afternoon learning the basics of brush lettering, including the different strokes and how they can be used together to create letters and words. They will then be able to use their newfound skills to create their own cards to take home.

Escape the wind and join us for an informative and ‘hands on’ farming adventure.

O u tside o f O ne L ittle Brush, do yo u p u rsu e a ny o ther a rtistic e nde a vo u r s?

I love to do lots of different arts and crafts and DIY projects, but painting is definitely one I always come back to. We are about to embark on a renovation of a new property so I can’t wait to get stuck into that and bring all my interior design ideas to life!

W he n yo u ’re no t p a inti ng, wha t c a n we find yo u d oing?

I’m a mum of two little boys aged 2 and 4, so they definitely keep me on my toes! On the weekends my husband and I enjoy taking them on bush walks or adventures on the beach, as they love exploring.

I also do relief teaching, which I have really enjoyed getting back into this year.

L a stly, te l l u s whe re we can find yo u r wo r k !

Online at onelittlebrush.com or on my Instagram and Facebook pages.

Tickets available from Shire Administration, Esperance Library, Visitor Centre or Online www.esperance.wa.gov.au

ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE PRESENTS

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.

13 OCT - 5 PM Proudly supported by

Look for us on Facebook 18 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

A R T S & CUL T URE

Indigenous Education Through Art The annual Esperance Wildflower Festival usually brings with it a host of related arts components, and this year promises to be no different. The festival – presented by Esperance Community Arts, Esperance Wildflower Society and the Anglican Parish of Esperance, in partnership with Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation – will showcase the Esperance region’s unique flora through a number of artistic mediums, including sculpture, dance and creative writing. Last month, local artists of all ages were invited to submit works to be displayed at the festival, encouraging the community to venture out into the environment and reflect upon what they see.

The Tjaltjraak (Eucalyptus pleurocarpa) is one of four native plants to be recreated with recycled materials for the Esperance Wildflower Festival Community Sculpture Project.

One highly anticipated element of the Esperance Wildflower Festival is the Community Sculpture Project.

This year, the project aligns with the festival’s overall theme, ‘Plants and Culture: Kaddatji Nyungar Boodja’, which strives to educate festival-goers about the strong connection between Nyungar people and many native plants. Three times a week between the beginning of July and the end of August, local artists gathered at Esperance Community Arts to participate in the project, the end result of which will be displayed at the Esperance Civic Centre throughout the five day festival.

off, what’s underneath swells and you can open it up, and it’s a nice little fruit that tastes like a salty kiwifruit. The leaves of the Bain are like aloe vera, so they can be used for bites and burns.”

Four plants with cultural significance to Nyungar people were chosen as the subject of the Community Sculpture Project: Tjaltjraak (Eucalyptus pleurocarpa), Bain (Pigface), Wautj (Dodder Laurel) and Moondjar (Christmas Tree).

While Esperance locals may be familiar with the sight of these plants, it is likely they will be less familiar with their usefulness, and it is hoped the sculptures will provide an interesting insight into their various uses. “These are all plants with cultural uses,” says Jennell Reynolds of Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation. “[For example,] Bain has lots of uses. Once the flower falls

The sculptures have been created almost entirely using recycled materials, such as cardboard tubes from paper towel rolls and fabric scraps collected from Esperance Care Services. The sculptures themselves will also have a second life, to be used by Tjaltjraak rangers when hosting educational sessions about plants and culture. “Obviously, the plants aren’t in season all year round, so if we’ve got a sculpture to work with that we can show the kids, it’ll be an added bonus to be able to use it as a learning tool,” Jennell says.

EXHIB IT IO N IN FO See the Community Sculpture Project at the Esperance Civic Centre during the Esperance Wildflower Festival, September 21 – 25.

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19 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

Wildflower Adventures O U R J OU RN E Y AL ONG LE GR AND COAS TAL TR AIL PHOTOGRAPHY LUCY VINCENT

Found along the track to Little Hellfire

2

1

3

4

5 A local icon!

20 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

6

7

Spotted near the toilets at Hellfire Bay

9

8 12

10

11

ing on Found growocks granite r 1. Banksia nivea or Couch Honeypot 2. Isopogon heterophyllus 3. Calothamnus quadrifidus or One-Sided Bottlebrush 4. Allocasuarina trichodon 5. Acacia nigricans 6. Banksia speciosa or Showy Banksia 7. Clematis pubescens or Old Man’s Beard 8. Hakea trifurcata or Two-Leaved Hakea 9. Lambertia inermis or Chittick

Epic views of Hellfire Bay

10. Daviesia major 11. Taxandria callistachys 12. Leptospermum sericeum or Silver Tea Tree

21 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

MO Z ZI E SE A SON

Fight the Bite this Spring Spring has sprung and we can’t wait to get outside to enjoy the warmer weather.

However, we’re not the only ones looking forward to getting out and about. With above average rainfall over winter, it’s expected that the number of mosquitoes in the region will be higher than usual this spring. So, before you set off to enjoy our beautiful surroundings, make sure you know how to fight the bite.

What’s so bad about a mozzie bite?

Where are the mozzie hotspots in Esperance?

Some mosquitoes carry Ross River Virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest Virus (BFV), infections with debilitating symptoms.

The most common symptom is pain in the joints, but other symptoms include swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue and headaches. Symptoms can last for weeks or months however some sufferers have reported ongoing health issues years after contracting the virus.

Don’t think you’re immune – RRV and BFV can affect the young and old. On average, 4000 Australians get the virus every year and in Esperance, an average of 11 people are reported as having the virus each year. That number was higher last year, with 16 people reported as having the virus.

There is no vaccine for RRV or BFV, nor is there a cure, so the only way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten.

Esperance’s incredible wetlands, spanning from Pink Lake to Myrup, are a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The lakes system is also home to an abundance of fish, frogs and birds, who usually do a pretty good job at keeping the mosquito larvae under control.

However, heavy rainfall over winter has resulted in fresh water bodies beyond the wetlands that are likely to contribute to increased mosquito activity. So, until these fresh water bodies dry out and we get our southerly summer winds, we are likely to have more mosquitoes around.

Your home or business could be a hotspot, too. One of the most prevalent mosquito species to carry RRV and BFV is able to breed in both fresh and brackish/ saline waters. As such, items around your home or business that have the potential to hold water, like boats and drums, can also become breeding grounds. It’s good to keep in mind that mosquitoes can travel up to five kilometres, so even if you’re not near stagnant water, you’re still at risk.

22 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

What is the Shire of Esperance doing to fight the bite?

Every year, between the beginning of spring and the end of summer, the Shire conducts mosquito monitoring at numerous hotspots between town centre and the wetlands.

Not all mosquitoes carry the same risk, so mosquitoes are trapped in the field using a device that attracts them with light and CO2. They are then identified back at the Shire, to assess the risk of RRV and BFV and inform the community accordingly. The Shire also treats a number of water bodies around town with larvicide, which destroys mosquito larvae but isn’t harmful to other insects, like bees. Parks and grounds are among the places that are treated.

ADV ERTORI AL

The Shire of Esperance will be out and about from the beginning of spring, monitoring mosquitoes at various local hotspots.

An example of a mosquito trap used to collect mosquitoes for identification. The trap replicates the two things mozzies are attracted to – light and CO2.

What can I do to fight the bite?

To avoid RRV and BFV, the Shire of Esperance encourages locals and visitors alike to clean up, cover up, and repel:

Clean up

Remove, empty or cover water holding containers to reduce mosquito breeding.

Cover up

Wear long, loose-fitting, light covered clothing, covering as much of the body as you can.

Repel

When outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin evenly to exposed skin. Get yourself in the habit of protecting yourself against mosquitoes, just as you protect yourself against the sun.

23 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

5 M INUTE HIS TOR Y

Shipwrecks of the

Esperance Coast WORDS KARLI FLORISSON

P H OT O G R A P H Y L U C Y V I N C E N T

The Esperance coastline is a treacherous place. With temperamental weather, lots of hidden reefs and rocks, and frequent high winds and swells, it’s not surprising that Esperance’s history contains the stories of many shipwrecks. These are some of the stories of the earliest shipwrecks that took place along our coastline.

In 1870, during the early years of settlement in the Esperance area, Campbell Taylor settled at Thomas River, east of Esperance. Taylor got to know some of the local Indigenous people, who told him the story of a ship that was wrecked many years prior at Victoria Harbour, near the Duke of Orleans Bay. They showed Taylor an engraving on a rock at Victoria Harbour, supposedly made by the crew of the ship that was wrecked. The engraving was a date, 1600. Taylor later told the story to Captain Fred Douglas, an early Esperance local, and showed him the engraving on the rock. Douglas told the story to a historian who published the story in a newspaper article in the 1930s. There is very little supporting evidence for the story of the shipwreck, and if a ship was wrecked off our coast in 1600, it would predate the first European to visit Western Australia’s shores

– Dirk Hartog in 1616. It is possible, though, that Dutch ship Postiljon, which was lost with all hands in the Pacific Ocean in 1599, could be the mysterious wreck.

The first recorded ship to be wrecked off Esperance’s coastline was the Belinda, a 160-ton British brig. The Belinda had narrowly escaped sinking on her journey to Hobart in 1823, losing both masts, the boats on her deck and three crew members in a storm. After repairs, the Belinda set sail in 1824 for the sealing grounds in the Recherche Archipelago. The ship made it to Middle Island, where she was wrecked, although the crew all escaped with their lives. They also managed to save the Belinda’s two small boats and some provisions. As there were no European settlements in Western Australia at the time, the crew decided to travel east in the two boats, along the shoreline. They 24 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

made it 200 miles east, but then one of the two small boats was swamped and lost. With no provisions left, the crew decided to return to Middle Island, with some of them travelling in the boat and some walking along the shore. Luckily for them, they were rescued by a passing brig, the Nereus, which was also hunting seals in the area. The Nereus took the crew back to Hobart and a year later, other sailors salvaged some of the wreck of the Belinda, including her two anchors.

The next ship to be wrecked in the area was the Mountaineer, made famous by the story of Black Jack Anderson. The Mountaineer, a 23ton cutter, had come from Kangaroo Island in 1835, leaving Anderson and some of his sealing crew on Middle Island before travelling on to Albany. On the return journey, the Mountaineer sheltered from a storm in Thistle Cove, but was pushed

onto shore and wrecked. The three crew and six passengers on board all survived, and they managed to salvage the ship’s whaleboat, along with some supplies and some brandy, which was important for Captain Evanson Jansen, a notorious drunk. The survivors stayed on shore for several days and during that time, they met some of the local Indigenous people. They then took the small whaleboat out to Middle Island, where they knew that Anderson was living with his crew.

After three weeks on Middle Island, Jansen, along with some of the crew, set out for Albany in the whaleboat.

They were never heard from again and were presumed wrecked along the way. Another one of the survivors, a woman called Dorothea Newell, began a relationship with Anderson. After another couple of months on the island, Anderson had a disagreement with one of the shipwreck survivors, Dorothea’s brother James Newell, and one of his

own crew, James Manning. Manning accused Anderson of stealing from him and Anderson put the two young men onto the mainland without any supplies. Manning and Newell walked around the coast to Albany, a distance of more than 600 kilometres, only surviving because of the help of some Indigenous people. Anderson was acquitted of stealing the money, thanks in part to Dorothea Newell’s testimony on his behalf, but was later killed by his own crew.

When the work started on the telegraph line east from Albany to Eucla, ships were used to transport the telegraph poles and other equipment. At the time, there were no jetties available to unload the ships, so they had to get as close to shore as possible, often in rough seas and unprotected bays, and then float the jarrah poles to shore.

This was a dangerous process – while unloading the poles at Point Culver, one of the crew members

was trapped under the floating poles and drowned. One of these ships, schooner Mary Ann, was wrecked while sheltering from a storm at Bellinger Island, off the coast of Israelite Bay, in 1876. She was pushed ashore by a strong wind and heavy swell and wrecked on Bellinger Island, although all the crew was able to get to safety. They were saved by another ship that was in the area, the Tribune. Two more ships, the Twilight and the Bunyip, both cutters loaded with poles, telegraph cable, insulators and workmen’s tools, were wrecked on the same day, in May 1877, at the eastern end of Culver Cliffs. The crews survived and walked the 275 kilometres to Israelite Bay, where there was a settlement.

These are only the earliest recorded shipwrecks in the Esperance area. Of course, there have been many more since, but that’s a story for another day...

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HIDDEN HEROES Sally Elliott Sally Elliott has always loved growing things. After growing up in Esperance, she spent some time living in Perth and Margaret River, always gardening whenever she could.

In Margaret River, Sally became involved in the ‘Food is Free’ movement, which encourages people to share their homegrown produce, reduce food waste, and build a sense of community. When she moved back to Esperance, she saw an opportunity to put her green thumb to work growing not only vegetables, but also the community around her.

She set up a small free pantry at the front of her Emily Street house and began to stock it with the excess veggies from her own garden. Before long, the community became involved. Sally says that people often drop veggies or fruit from their own gardens, and the pantry is also popular with people who take advantage of the freshly grown produce.

Along with the freshly grown vegetables, people sometimes donate pantry items, hygiene products, or even spare cups and mugs. Sally noticed that the pantry was particularly busy when WA was locked down at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, with community members filling the whole cupboard with food and positive messages, and plenty of food being taken.

Sally has also set up a drop-off point for food scraps through the ‘Share Waste’ app. This innovative app allows people with the space to compost to receive people’s food scraps. For people who don’t have the space to compost, they can drop off their food waste, rather than adding it to landfill. Sally notes that the food scrap drop-off point is popular with people at the nearby caravan park, who might be looking for a way to compost their food scraps.

Sally Elliott is presented her award by Cr Jennifer Obourne.

Along with the free pantry, and her own garden, Sally is also involved with the Cannery Arts Centre’s Forage Kitchen Garden. Sally says that when she was studying at uni, she would come back to Esperance on her holidays and would always check out what was going on in the community garden. When she moved back to Esperance, she realised that the garden was going through a quiet period. She offered to help out, and is now one of the regulars who helps to maintain the Forage Cannery Kitchen Garden. The volunteers at the garden meet fortnightly, helping to maintain the garden and grow produce for the community. Sally notes that the garden is very informal, with people choosing what they want to be involved in, and sometimes just taking the opportunity to sit in the sunshine and have a chat.

While she is kept busy with her job as an English teacher, Sally loves the opportunities that she has to be engaged with the wider community. Sally finds Esperance a great place to get involved, with plenty of opportunities to do something for the good of the community. She loves being back in her hometown, noting that while she has lived in other beautiful places, they didn’t quite have the magic that Esperance has. Nominated for her work with the Forage Community Garden and the little community pantry, Sally Elliot is this month’s Hidden Hero.

Want to get involved? You can follow the Food is Free Esperance or the Forage Cannery Kitchen Garden on Facebook, or download the Share Waste app for more information.

Do you know a H id d e n H e ro ?

The Esperance community is filled with people who do amazing things. It's time to honour our Hidden Heroes, those people serving behind the scenes, selfless and generous with their time and talents. To nominate someone you know, please email Jennifer.Obourne@esperance.wa.gov.au

26 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

BUSH BANTER

Sp r ing W ildflo we r s Kaya all! When sitting down to write this month’s edition of Bush Banter, I felt totally overwhelmed. It’s officially spring! The outside world bursts into colour pops, sends you dizzy sweet smells and is alive with the sound of scurrying critters, bird song and a general hive of activity. Where to begin! I can’t encourage you enough to set aside some time this month to connect and enjoy Esperance’s bush in all its glory during wildflower season.

A little treasure hunt for the next month would be to: 1. Spotto five different types of Banksia. Hint, check out the sandplains.

2. Find one carnivorous plant in the wild. Think Rainbow Creepers and Sun dews in the Drosera family.

3. Take the time to spend half a day bushwalking. My suggestions are to head out to Cape Le Grand, Lake Monjingup or Helms Arboretum.

4. Find a Salmon Gum (Eucalyptus salmonophloia) with a trunk circumference of greater than one metre. And yes, that does mean you’ll need to give it a big hug!

5. Sit on a salt lake with a magnifying glass to wonder at the teeny, tiny annuals that fringe the edge.

Field of Smokebush, Conospermum distichum.

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

ADVERTISEMENT

ESPERANCE SHOW Esperance & Districts Agricultural Society is seeking applications for Indoor Trade Exhibits for this years show. Apply online now!

For more information contact Peter Rundle MLA Narrogin Office: (08) 9881 1225 Esperance Office: (08) 9071 6555 Open to Not for Profit community groups based in the Electorate of Roe for grants up to $250.

Show dates: 15/16th October Memberships available online www.esperanceshow.com.au or call 90712598 or call into the office on Wednesday mornings between 9 – 12.

A great way to showcase your business!

27 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

(More information in the Guidelines.)

VI R G O

AUG 23 - SEP 22

It’s sooo cliched to tell you to spring clean this month, but that’s exactly what you need to do. The junk in your garage, spare bedroom or kitchen drawer isn’t going to throw itself out, so get to work on sorting through it. Post anything decent on Facebook Marketplace or go old school and have a garage sale.

Nothing says, “Hello, Spring!” like a bunch of strangers standing impatiently on your front lawn at 6:59am on a Saturday morning.

L I BR A

SE P 2 3 - O CT 2 2

‘Reduction’ is your keyword for September. Less is more, so opt for quality over quantity throughout the month. Eliminate anything that is no longer useful or necessary in your life, from clothes, to tools, to toys. This applies to the people around you, also.

Chances are, there’s someone toxic in your life that you’ve been thinking about shedding. If this relationship is a one-way street, don’t waste a second more on it.

Drop ‘em like it’s hot and move on, stat.

S CO R P I O

C AP RIC ORN

DEC 22 - J AN 20

SAGITTARIUS

You find yourself restless this month and increasingly desperate to try something new. Don’t hold back! That something new is exactly what you need right now. How much are you willing to shake things up?

Is it a new haircut or a change of style, or something more radical like taking your career in a different direction or moving house? Things will fall in your favour over the next few weeks, so it’s a great time to take the plunge.

AQ UARIU S

G EMI NI

JAN 20 - FEB 1 7

It’s important to allow your inner child to come out and play every so often but you’ve been so serious lately. Why not let your hair down and have some fun? If you’ve got children, let them dictate your schedule one day this month and don’t be afraid to say “Yes!” to whatever they want to do. No kids? No worries! Plan a board game tournament with friends, go see a Disney movie, or grab an ice cream from Aurelia’s.

P IS C E S

FEB 1 8 - MAR 1 9

Money is on your mind this month.

NOV 22 - DEC 21

Woo hoo! Spring has sprung and you’re feeling like a new person. Use this newfound zest for life to get ahead. Now is the perfect time to work on achieving your personal goals. Whether you’ve got a side hustle up your sleeve or you want to shift those sticky date puddings you indulged in over winter, make a plan and get to work. If you need an extra boost of motivation, find a friend who’s looking to smash some goals, too.

and cons of a new investment, or you’ve inherited a small sum and you’re unsure what to do with it. Seek advice before you depart with your cash. Things are currently volatile and won’t be smooth sailing for a little while yet, so don’t be rash. Explore all your options so you can feel confident in your financial choices when you do go to make them.

ARIE S

MAR 20 - APRIL 1 9

The promise of warmer weather fills you with energy and drive this month. It has been a long, cold winter, and you’ve unfortunately taken your frustrations out on others. Clear the air as soon as you can, or else you’ll be bogged down right through spring. What do you want to achieve over the next three months? Put your objectives on paper and go through them with a close friend over a Sandy Hook Pale Ale at the pub.

Phone (08) 9071 0500

CA NCER

28 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

JUN 21 - JUL 22

If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends recently, September is the month to take a break. As a highly motivated person, you prefer to get stuff done rather than putting it off, but you’re going to burn out soon if you don’t find balance in your life. When was the last time you did absolutely nothing for an entire day? Thirty days has September…

Find just one day this month to do exactly that. Nothing.

LEO

JUL 23 - AUG 22

If you found yourself in a funk over winter, get ready to shake it off. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone this month – physically, mentally and emotionally. Try a new machine at the gym, cook with a mystery ingredient from Pinoy, and face that fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.

Think of ways to challenge yourself every day throughout September and you’ll soon be strutting out of that rut like a damn kween.

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M AY 21 - J U N 2 0

You’re feeling somewhat disconnected from your social circle, but don’t overthink it. Your friends haven’t cut you off – everyone has simply been in hibernation over the winter months. Now that the mercury is beginning to rise, plan a spring fling for your nearest and dearest. Take advantage of the sunshine and host a picnic in your backyard, or grab an esky and head up to West Beach to share a few local brews as the sun goes down.

Esperance Tide is delivered to you BY Main Office Lot 619 Sims St, Esperance

APR 20 - M AY 20

Do you feel like your creative juices have dried up over winter? Now’s the time to get them flowing again! Use the upcoming month to create a plan for the rest of the year – what creative projects do you want to have established or complete by Christmas? If you’re out of ideas, take a drive around the Great Ocean Road with your thinking cap on.

You never know what you’ll have come up with by the time you reach Pink Lake!

OCT 2 3 - NO V 2 1 Perhaps you’re weighing up the pros

It’s time for a makeover... On the inside!

Focus on adjusting your attitude over the next few weeks. Don’t take the little things for granted. Remind yourself daily how lucky you are and watch as you transform from a Negative Nancy into a Positive Polly. You can achieve great things with the right mindset and once you’re on the right path, there’ll be no stopping you.

Treat yourself with love and respect this month. You don’t deserve to be punished, especially by yourself.

TA U RU S

T ID E KI T CH E N

Spring Pasta Salad with Zucchini & Green Olives

Ingredients 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped Salt & pepper 2 bunches of spring onions 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced 300g Sicilian or green olives, pitted

400g rigatoni pasta 1 garlic clove, finely grated 1 lemon, juiced 80g parmesan, grated 1 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped 1 cup fresh mint, coarsely chopped

Method 1. Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water then set aside.

4. With your hands, crush the olives individually until they fall apart. Add the olives to the pan with the zucchini.

2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add walnuts and fry until they are a deep golden brown colour (about three minutes). Remove nuts, leaving the oil behind, and transfer to a small bowl. Season with salt and set aside.

5. Transfer the zucchini mixture to a large mixing bowl and add garlic, lemon juice and remaining spring onions, thinly sliced. Season with salt and pepper.

Add pasta and gently toss to coat.

3. Coarsely chop half the spring onions and add to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat until they’re lightly browned, then add the zucchini. Season with salt and pepper and cook until translucent.

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Under 18 5%

6. Add half the parmesan, walnuts and herbs, then toss to coat. Serve with remaining parmesan, nuts and herbs.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

18-25 12.5%

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SOURDOUGH TOASTIES

Over 55 32.5%

HOUSE MADE COLD PRESSED JUICE

26-35 27.5%

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36-45 7.5%

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29 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

SH ORT & SWEET: LAS T M ONTH’S

News in Brief 01

Esperance Distillery Co took home gold at the Perth Royal Distilled Spirits Awards for its London Dry gin, Cut and Run. The local distillery, which has only been in operation since the end of last year, had its gin judged in a blind tasting, and was announced as one of seven gold medallists in the London Dry class on August 20.

02

South Regional TAFE’s new campus officially opened on Connolly Street on August 25, just down the road from its former, aging campus. Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery officially opened the $18.69 million campus, which includes three trade workshops for training in construction, metal engineering and auto/ machinery industries, and specialist facilities for childcare and aged and disability care.

03

Esperance and Gibson went head-tohead in the 2021 Esperance Districts Football Association Grand Final on August 28. It was the Bulldogs who proved to be top dog, beating the Tigers 11.9.75 – 10.11.71. Esperance also beat Gibson in the Women’s final 5.5.35 – 3.2.20, but it was a different story in the Reserves final, where the Tigers mauled the Newtown Condingup Lions 10.9.69 – 2.5.17.

04

Some $300,000 was allocated to upgrading 16 kilometres of mountain biking trails north of Esperance, known as ‘The Piggery’.

The Shire of Esperance revealed it had set aside funds in its budget to go towards the cross country trails after spending $37,000 on a study into mountain biking in the region last year.

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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.

30 / ESPERANCE TIDE / SEPTEMBER 2021

Book your classifieds advert online esperancetide.com/classifieds Or email hello@esperancetide.com PUBLIC NOTICES SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEER ROADSHOW SHIRE OF ESPERANCE - FEES AND CHARGES The following new charges are applicable from 30 August 2021: Esperance Tanker Jetty Timber - Grade 3 Deck plank ........................................................ $50 Single stringer ...............................................$300 Double stringer..............................................$600 Half cap ....................................................... ..$300

GST GST GST GST

inclusive inclusive inclusive inclusive

All correspondence relating to these articles should be addressed to CEO. PO Box 507, Esperance WA 6450 Ph: 9071 0666 Fax: 9071 0600. Email: shire@esperance.wa.gov. au Website: www.esperance.wa.gov.au Shane Burge, Chief Executive Officer THE ESPERANCE BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

NOTICE TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Invites one and all to a day at the museum to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Historical Society. When: Sunday 26th September 10am–4.30pm • Where: Esperance Museum on James Street. Gold Coin Entry. Meet and Greet with Mr. John Viska - Inaugural EBHS President (1971) and Teacher EPS and current Chair of the branch of the Australian Garden History Society.

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

Wed 8 Sept 1–4pm, CWA Hall.

Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and give guided tours of our state of the art emergency catering truck. To book a spot, email volunteeringwa@salvationarmy. org.au CLIMATE ACTION GROUP SUNDOWNER Thurs Sept 16th 4:30pm at Innerspace, Cannery Arts Centre. Connect with the community & share ideas for a hopeful future. For more info, phone Karli on 0420268564.

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

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS FUNDRAISER Keep your sausage sizzling!

Esperance Mechanical Restoration Group Inc. prostate cancer awareness fundraiser sausage sizzle.

Sunday 26 September, 10am – 4pm. McLean Road. Display sheds open.

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE TIDE Do you know someone who doesn’t live locally? Why not treat them to a Tide subscription for only $5 per month? Head to esperancetide. com/subscribe to sign up.

Advertise with Esperance’s favourite local mag!

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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

Over 25 years of Plumbing & Gas Fitting in Esperance & surrounds

0429 996 577

Council Connections Climate Change Declaration Made The Council voted unanimously at the August Ordinary Council Meeting, declaring that climate change is occurring, and it is part of our role to mitigate and manage its impacts on the community. The Climate Change Declaration follows Council’s decision to join the Cities Power Partnership initiative in June 2020. The Shire will work with the community, WALGA, and State and Federal Governments to implement key actions and activities for climate change management at a local level. A significant part of this declaration is to monitor the progress of the adaption and mitigation actions and then to communicate achievements to Council and the wider community. “We are now one of 45 local governments who have endorsed a climate change declaration and we are pleased to be on this journey,” Shire President Ian Mickel stated. “These initiatives have been endorsed because of the passion and support of the Esperance community. We were lobbied by the community to take climate change seriously and I believe we now have the foundations in place to actively make changes and report back to the community.”

Nominations Open for Council Election Have you ever wanted to be involved in the decision making and future planning of your community? Nominations for the upcoming Council election opened on September 2, and all members of our community are encouraged to nominate. There will be no Rural Ward election this year due to the recent Review of Wards and Representation, however there will be four vacancies in the Town Ward election.

If you wish to nominate for Council, you must complete the free online induction course, and then contact the WAEC Returning Officer on 0458 805 652 or email LGro_esp@elections.wa.gov.au. More information and the induction course can be found on the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website. Nominations close September 9. Go on, have a go!

27/08

Plan Approved for Tanker Jetty Timbers A move to make Tanker Jetty timbers more available to the community was agreed upon at the August Ordinary Council Meeting. Council agreed to a new policy, setting out the requirements for gifting and selling the historic timbers while preserving stock for decorative use in Shire projects. When the Esperance Tanker Jetty was deconstructed, the timber was graded from 1 to 4. This policy covers the use of Grades 1 to 3. The Grade 4 timbers were donated to Esperance Men in Sheds and other local community projects. Community Groups will be able to apply for access to Grade 2-3 timbers, at no cost, if they are creating a public project. The general public will have access to the Grade 3 timbers (two pieces per household) for a set price. Proceeds from the sale of the Grade 3 timber will go to the Esperance Jetty Reserve, for the maintenance of the new jetty. The community will be able to access the timbers from August 30 with details on how to apply available on the Shire website www.esperance.wa.gov.au.

Prevent Support Heal The Shire of Esperance has thrown its support behind the WA Association for Mental Health ‘Prevent Support Heal’ Campaign. The objective of the campaign is to speak up and say quality mental health should be available to all Western Australians, not just those who need hospital.

The 1000 Flowers Project is a collection of 1000 stories from children and their families affected by the lack of community support and prevention for children and young people in the WA mental health system. To download your flower and start telling your story, visit preventsupportheal.org.au.

Upcoming Council Meetings

Agenda Briefing: 23 September 2021 at 1PM Ordinary Council Meeting: 28 September 2021 at 4PM at the Condingup Community Centre

/ShireOfEsperance @shire_esperance @shireofesperance Ph: (08) 9071 0666 • PO Box 507, 77 Windich Street, Esperance, WA 6450 shire @esperance.wa.gov.au • www.esperance.wa.gov.au

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27/08