Swan Magazine September 2017 Vol 33 No 3

“It has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…”

Winston S Churchill

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BOOKS JUST OUT

More information is available at: www.lizwintermedium.com.

Title: Gifts of Guidance: Fifty Messages ~oOo~ Author: Liz Winter Title: An Atheist’s Adventures with God Publisher: Balboa Press Australia Author: John Waddell ISBN: 9781 5043 0887 8 Publisher: Xlibris AU 9781 5245 1585 0 nspired by the need she saw in people for ISBN: everyday spiritual guidance, Liz his story traces the life of Winter wrote Gifts of Guidance: the author as a self-conFifty Messages to inspire people to fessed atheist as he passes “see the bigger picture” and “be through an eventful, often inreassured that there is help in the teresting, but rather troubled form of invisible guidance.” childhood.

Winter intends readers to use Concluding a printing apGifts of Guidance as an oracle book. prenticeship, he is called into It allows the reader to ask for national service and is posted guidance around any issue or simply to Vietnam. By this time, God is ask for inspiration. definitely not in his life’s equa Once the intention is set, a tion. reader should simply open the book Dominated by a restless or alternatively choose a number spirit and a desire for adventure, between 1-50 and look up their Waddell eventually sets out on a message of guidance. season of world travels.

“My book is not unlike a deck of angel or tarot cards, in the form of a book,” Winter says. Throughout all of this, together with the “However, I offer a message, a lesson to learn, adventures, misadventures and supernatural a power choice, a meditation, an affirmation and events he has witnessed, he grows an unwavering faith and trust in God, whose love and works my own personal take on each message.” appear constantly in his journey as an emissary in Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble foreign lands.

“The God of the Bible is real; so is the devil. We About the Author Liz Winter has a diploma in psychology. are living in a supernatural world after which we As a professional counsellor, she has been will enter eternity to live either in God’s heaven helping people through her work as a psychic or the place prepared for Satan,” the debut author medium, professional counselor and teacher declares. “I was called by Almighty God to write for over thirty years. She is passionate about this book. That is my strong affirmation. The tales enlightening others about the loving presence are of a very ordinary person who found ability of those residing on the other side, and believes where there wasn’t any. This book can touch evthat spirit wants people to live empowered and eryone’s life as they read the ups and downs, adventures and wonders found herein.” wonderful lives.

Winter lives with her family on Australia’s A snippet from An Atheist’s Adventures with northeast coast. This is her second book; her God: There are multitudes who believe we are not first was For the Love of Spirit: A Medium Memoir. alone in this universe. They are right. There certainly are ‘aliens’ with us constantly. An ‘alien’, by the way, is a ‘stranger’. For that matHave a book to publish? ter, in the Bible, Christians are called ‘aliens’, R Family History R Non-Fiction while here on earth; the reason being, our real R Autobiography R Biography and ultimate home is on planet ‘heaven’. Why I can say we are not alone is that God assures us R Fantasy R Fiction there are masses of angelic beings who were R Poetry created by him. And both the good and the bad are in the heavens above and on the earth beGet expert advice low, all the time.

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble on layout, editing, costings, publishing

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and marketing from professional editors First consultation free Free quotes

Swinburne Press (founded 1989) P: 6296 5161 E: douglassb@iinet.net.au

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About the Author As a young person John Waddell led a fascinating yet troubled life – from childhood, through a printing apprenticeship to experiences in the army.

This was followed by a time of alcohol abuse, European travels, particularly in Britain, a severe beating in London and eventually to an encounter with God in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

Theological training, marriage and missionary work in Africa filled out the following years of

his life. Here is where he saw the demonic, the miraculous and the supernatural at work. ~oOo~

REVIEW

Title: Pepper – The spice that changed the world Author: Christine McFadden Reviewer: Karen R Treanor

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esponding to my bookstore’s most recent ‘bargain basement sale’, I scrolled through pages of undesired books before landing on Pepper, which looked intriguing and which was priced to sell to any foodie or bibliophile.

Pepper is among the commonest items in any cook’s pantry. We take it for granted, but there’s a long and fascinating history behind this spice.

Written by an experienced food writer with a special love for the origins and history of foods, especially spices and seasonings, this is a veritable treasure trove of a book.

Beautifully illustrated with colour photographs and line drawings, the book also has a host of recipes that will have you rummaging in the pantry as you read. From simple things like Lemon-devilled quails to unusual drinks such as Bloody Paradise to dishes using long pepper, you won’t want for new dishes to try if you open this book.

McFadden gives readers the history of pepper from earliest times, a long, romantic, dangerous story that most of us who casually grind a few black specks onto our morning eggs never think of. The desire for pepper was one of the motivating forces behind the exploration explosion of the 15th century.

McFadden discusses and dismisses some of the pepper myths, such as our ancestors using pepper to hide the taste of rotten meat. Why would you waste priceless spice on food you knew to be rotten and likely to make you ill?

She explains the various ways in which pepper is prepared, and whether crushing or grinding is suitable for particular results, and goes into some detail about the various types and grades of pepper. Not everything we call pepper is in fact piper nigrum, the common black pepper.

There’s Szechuan pepper, a tongue-numbing spice unrelated to table pepper; and long pepper, that comes on a sort of catkin and is much used in India and Indonesia; and Grains of Paradise, as exotic as the name suggests.

I found the book and its recipes so fascinating that I went on-line and tracked down a supplier of pink pepper and long pepper, with the idea of expanding my dinner repertoire.

If you like to cook, like to eat, like to read— this book should keep you happily absorbed for many hours.

Long pepper

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE

FEATURES

PAGE

Books and Writing

Books Inside Cover Letter to the Editor 40 Marathon Writing Competition 40 The Idler 29 The Ute 13

Business

Business Card Board

Finance with Steve Networking

Community

41 32 35

All Saints Church Spring Fair 20 Community Festivals 2 The Whim Festival 2 Darlington Arts Festival 3 Ellenbrook Community Collective 30 Federal Notes 4 Good Fracking News 40 Jessica Shaw MLA 9 Local Government Elections 5 Frank Alban 6 Cr David Färdig 7 Cr David McDonnell 7 Cr Kevin Bailey 8 Claire Scanlan 8 Notes From Parliament 5

Out and About With Sharron SAFE SVRN

Another Bloody Breakfast Are You O Negative?

First Home Buyers Rejoyce Free Workshop Research Aged Care

Before You Need It The Compassionate Friends What’s On

10 38 36 37 37 36 37

Inaugural Guildford Songfest James Forte Theatre with Gordon

23 28 26

Douglas’ Wineries & Dineries

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Art and Artists House and Garden Spring Plantings Style with Kirsty Worm Farms

24 25 25 23 25

Entertainment

Food & Wine Leisure

26 39 12

Front Page Photograph: The Rt Hon Sir Winston Churchill KG OM CH TD PCc DL FRS RA Photograph: Yousuf Karsh (1941)

DISCLAIMER The information in this publication is of a general nature. The articles contained herein are not intended to provide a complete discussion on each subject and or issues canvassed. Swan Magazine does not accept any liability for any statements or any opinion, or for any errors or omissions contained herein.

Annie’s Vintage Wonderland Your One Stop Vintage Prop & Decor Shop 0430 456 586

Shop 3/121 James St., Guildford www.anniesvinatagewonderland.com

SWAN MAGAZINE WEBSITE:

www.swanmagazine.com.au

Email: editor@swanmagazine.com.au Registered Address: 18 Tokay Lane, The Vines, Western Australia 6069 OCTOBER DEADLINES: Advertisements: 1st October Editorial: 1st October Copyright: Swan Magazine 2017 1

COMMUNITY FESTIVALS THE WHIM FESTIVAL 2017 GWYNETH DEAN

now you know that the Mount Helena Whim Festival is Bevent.yhappening again. Join us in delivering and celebrating this year’s It is being held at Pioneer Park on 29 October from 9.00

till 4.00pm and we still are looking for volunteers, stall holders and community groups to help make it the boldest and brightest festival yet.

Conceived of a desire to encourage ties within our community, the Whim has been successful in engaging the majority of local business owners, schools, sporting and service clubs – and certainly the people of the town. Everyone is a volunteer!

If you live in the Mundaring Shire, promote your group, product or service by becoming a stall holder. Sell your local produce, art or craft or set up an information stand. Some conditions apply as we strive for a high level of ethics, so please contact us for clarification.

The Mount Helena Residents and Ratepayers are looking forward to being able to provide you with this opportunity and we can work with you in an attempt to meet your needs.

This year we are looking to further support our small business owners. Tradies Corner offers a showcase for anyone to promote themselves; make yourself available to chat or simply provide a poster with your details to display on the day.

One person is bringing along his big machines – now that is promotion! Contact Donna donna.k@hotmail.com.au to be part of this.

The Whim Festival is about participation and for the young there are various activities: the Venture

Scouts’ climbing wall, pony rides, parent/child activities, laser tag, face painting, Bendigo’s popular Pavement Art competition (adults welcome here!) and more.

For all ages, The Amateur Photography Exhibition is under way – My Family and Other Animals is this year’s theme; cash prizes and an opportunity to share images of your favourite people and animals.

Send an email to us at whimphotography@gmail.com or for hard copies of the entry form, go to Brookwood Realty, Coffee ‘n Crumbs, Mount Helena Pharmacy in Mount Helena or your local school .

Schools will soon have this year’s colouring competition package available. Look out for it.

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Apart from the ponies, animals will feature large with the sled dogs, alpacas, native creatures including reptiles, and homeless pets all there to greet you.

Enjoy a bite to eat and a drink on the day. Eastern Hills SHS will be providing high class high tea, Hornert’s hamburgers, a sausage sizzle, noodles, the Kiwi Chef, coffee vans, cakes and icecream.

There will be wine tasting and Kytren Goat farm cheese available.

Listen to local music on the two stages featuring the Eastern Hills Concert Bands and guitar ensemble. Mount Helena and Chidlow primary schools. Great acts such as BluesConfusion, Ben Buller, Storme and Rodney and the Rockets are also playing.

We need more volunteers for the day to help with setting-up, parking assistance, security etc. We are also seeking donations for raffles and prizes; another great way to promote your business.

Come along and enjoy a family day out in the Hills.

Contact Hannah Dyer directly on 0421 748 107, see us on Facebook (A Whim Festival) or e-mail whimfestival@gmail.com to book at stall or find out how you can get involved.

COMMUNITY FESTIVALS DARLINGTON ARTS FESTIVAL 2017

CHRIS PEMBERTON he Darlington Arts Festival is

The Festival committee getting close - get ready to join us determined that the inclusion of such in six short weeks! a prize in the festival proceedings to With the Festival now so close we be a logical, natural progression in are all excited that the hard work will the festival’s evolution. As such it pay off in what is shaping up to be a was resolved to continue with the wonderful weekend. major art prize for 2017 and beyond.

Exhibition entries are flowing in,

For more information the entertainment programme is full, contact: stall bays are going like hot cakes, Children and reserveartprize@darlingtonartsfestival.org Adult workshop tutors are lining up ready and there are some OPEN ART EXHIBITION excellent prizes to be won in the Festival Raffle. Artists are invited to showcase their works The Darlington Arts Festival has enjoyed a in the Open Art Exhibition held in the Main Hall. In long history of presenting outstanding art. We this vibrant and exciting exhibition, all art works have had such an amazing rich and vibrant past are for sale and prizes awarded in four categories filled with incredible talent and passion. as well as “Best in Show” The categories are: Artists established and emerging, young and Painting; old are, once again, be invited to participate in Printmaking/Drawing/Digital Art; the 2017 festival on Saturday and Sunday the 4th Photography & 5th of November.

Sculpture/Furniture/Ceramics/Textiles/ Entries for the various Art Exhibitions are Jewellery (3D) still open until the 29th September, so you still For more information contact: have time to be a part of this superb event in openex@darlingtonartsfestival.org Western Australia’s art scene.

YOUTH ART (YA) EXHIBITION RESERVE ART PRIZE This vibrant exhibition is open to all In 2016 the Darlington Arts Festival included a youth aged between 13-18 years. major art prize. The $10,000 cash prize attracted For more information contact: a number of established artists from throughout youthart@darlingtonartsfestival.org Western Australia and strong interest from the viewing public.

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Bernadette-Lee Pitman Spring Youth Art Encouragement Award Proudly, an ongoing award to celebrate and remember Bernadette’s tireless support, encouragement and participation in the lives of young artists. This encouragement award is given to a young emerging artist deemed worthy to receive recognition for their unique skills.

JUNIOR ART (JAX) EXHIBITION The Junior Art exhibition has fantastic opportunities for children aged 4-12 years to display their creative work at the festival!

Contact: juniorart@darlingtonartsfestival.org Registration forms are available on the DAF website: www.darlingtonartsfestival.org.

All photographs courtesy DAF - images of the 2016 Festival

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FEDERAL NOTES HON KEN WYATT AM, MP

Member for Hasluck, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health

SPECIAL VISITORS

e had a special visitor in Hasluck, W here to visit Swan View Senior High School.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull accompanied myself and the Federal Minister for Education, Simon Birmingham to visit the school during his time in Perth and spent time in three different class rooms talking with the students and answering questions.

This visit was a great opportunity to have the student media team from Swan View Senior High School participate in filming and taking photos alongside the national media personnel.

The students enjoyed being able to take part and officially document the visit of the first Prime Minister to come to their high school.

While he was at Swan View Senior High School the Prime Minister announced a $46.7 million-dollar injection into funding for Indigenous students.

This announcement means that the total annual funding for all students in Western Australia will jump by $652m over the next four years and $1.7 billion over the next decade.

In late July I held an education forum for Hasluck Government school principals with special guest Simon Birmingham - the Education Minister.

All principals had the opportunity to ask questions and put ideas forward to both the

Education Minister and myself.

It is very important to me that the people of Hasluck have their say and that we work together towards a better future for our young people.

Remember that instead of storing old paint cans in the shed or garage, or dumping it with the waste ending up in waterways or landfill, our households now have a convenient method to responsibly dispose of these paint products through Paintback!

Paintback is a national environmental scheme that removes architectural and decorative waste paint from landfill and waterways.

Hasluck has access to Paintback's scheme via Red Hill Waste Management Facility at 1094 Toodyay Road, Red Hill Western Australia.

Please contact my Forrestfield electorate office if you have any queries or if you require more information on anything I have mentioned.

The office number is 9359 0322 and my email is ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au.

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KEN WYATT MP Federal Member for Hasluck 9359 0322

ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au

kenwyatt.com.au

kenwyattmp

Authorised by K.Wyatt MP, Shop 10-12 Forrestfield Marketplace, 80 Hale Road, Forrestfield WA 6058.

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COMMUNITY GET LOCAL, GET VOCAL KATE PHILLIPS

City of Swan, in partnership with the City TyouheoftoKalamunda and Town of Bassendean want get local and vocal this Local Government

NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT HON DONNA FARAGHER JP MLC

Member for East Metropolitan Region, Shadow Minister for Education; Training; Women’s Interests

RECOGNISING WOMEN IN SCIENCE

election.

The ‘Get Local, Get Vocal’ has been created to encourage residents to get involved and have their say this October.

City of Swan Chief Executive Officer Mike Foley said local government elections were a great way for residents and community groups to be heard.

By voting in your local government election, you will be playing a part in electing someone to your Council who represents the issues and causes

that are important to you,” he said.

The campaign has adopted a well-known political symbol, the election badge, to promote its message.

“Badges have been used in political campaigns since the first US Presidential Inauguration in 1789, to get the attention and affiliation of voters,” he said.

“The City of Swan’s community has such a diverse range of passions and causes, so we felt this was the perfect way to reflect this,” “Our hope is that by using an innovative idea and campaign, we not only increase the profile and priority of local government elections in the community, but participation rates across the City.”

The badges will be used throughout the campaign on posters, advertising and social media; worn by City staff and prospective Councillors and available to the public at the City’s Administration building and libraries. For more information go to www.getlocalgetvocal.com.au.

National Science Week I met three DPages,uring inspiring Western Australian scientists - Anais Valerie Sage and Rachel Zombor - who are

among seventy women selected worldwide to participate in Homeward Bound 2018, a global leadership programme for women in science.

As Shadow Minister for Women’s Interests, I am very supportive of programmes and activities that encourage and promote women in leadership.

Homeward Bound, which commenced in 2016, aims to increase the influence and impact of women with a background in science in critical

areas of policy and decision making both now and into the future.

This is done through developing women’s leadership and strategic capabilities.

The year long programme concludes with an amazing three week expedition to Antarctica in February 2018.

If you would like more information about this programme please visit homewardboundprojects. com.au/.

As always, if I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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Donna

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

FARAGHER

jp mlc

Member for East Metropolitan Region Shadow Minister for Education; Training; Women’s Interests

“Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…”

Winston S Churchill

Here to help!

Ground Floor, 108 Swan Street Guildford 6055 9379 0840 | Faragher.eastmetro@mp.wa.gov.au Authorised by D.Faragher, 108 Swan Street, Guildford WA 6055.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Authorised by : Shauna Alban, 118 Terrace Rd., Guildford WA 6055

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS CR. DAVID FÄRDIG ALTONE WARD

Dear Ratepayer, I will be calling to see as many residents as possible prior to the closure of postal voting on 21 October 2017.

However, as residents are so busy with work and family responsibilities it not possible to meet a substantial number of Altone rate payers at home when residents are working full time. I am therefore writing this personal letter to seek your support in case I should miss you when door knocking.

Altone residents continually stress the point that the City of Swan has a ward based system, and residents with the knowledge of the ward are better able to represent the Altone community needs. It is therefore crucial that an Altone resident living in the area be elected to council.

Ask yourself this question; why would someone from another part of the district want to be elected in the Altone Ward and what is their agenda? How would single issue individuals from other parts of the district support the Altone residents?

I have proudly lived in the Altone Ward for 43 Years with my family and represented the Altone ward on council.

As one of the current Altone Ward councillor I have extensive knowledge of the ward along with past, present, and future council planning issues.

Having worked as a Foreman and Project Manager with government has given me the opportunity to liaise with various departments to advocate for community groups on a wide range of local issues.

I will continue to listen, be attentive to all your concerns and have a proven track record of making it happen in Altone.

Community initiatives implemented during my term on council include libraries, Swimming Pools, Community Centres, completion of the new Midland Hospital and the establishment of our regional waste recycling facility.

My future vision for Altone includes a $200 million regional open space facility at Whiteman Park, with facilities for our youth and seniors.

I offer experienced representation, and seek your support for a further term, as an independent voice that offers balanced impartial decision making that reflects the whole community.

Allow me to continue to serve you in the future by giving me your vote.

If you wish to support me please tick the box marked David Färdig.

As there are two positions please give the second tick to MicWainwright.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and l look forward to seeing you when I door knock your area.

Should you require any information or a personal meeting, please telephone 0408 882 308 or email dr.pnfardig@bigpond.com and I will respond to your concerns.

Yours sincerely, David Färdig Authorised and Printed by D.R. Färdig 20 Penlea Glades Kiara.

CR DAVID MCDONNELL

ELLENBROOK WARD (COUNCILLOR EAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL COUNCIL) hen you elected me as Councillor for the Ellenbrook ward in 2013 • Purpose Built Swimming Pool and Aquatic Centre I promised safer roads entering and exiting our neighbourhoods, • Indoor Recreational facility Inc Basketball and Netball Facilities more community facilities, improved and new recreational areas for our • Designated Youth Hub to support all youth enterprises and activities children to play and a strategy to help protect and enhance the lives our • Skate Park and Activity Precinct in Bullsbrook youth.

• Integrated Seniors Space and Activity Precinct in Ellenbrook and I am happy to say that over the past four years, as your elected Bullsbrook member I have been able to deliver on my promises. Together we have • Upgraded intersection to West Swan and Great Northern Hwy achieved the following: • Upgrade to the Yagan Bridge allowing Dual Traffic Flow • Duelling and Upgrading of Gnangara Road – Completed • Upgrade to West Swan Rd and Millhouse Round Intersection • Upgrade of Reid Hwy Intersections – Completed • Better Public Transport and bus shelters • Ethel Warren Community Facility & Library Bullsbrook – Completed • A major review of our rates and • Millhouse Road and Chateau Roundabout – Completed rating strategy • Aveley Skate Park – Completed • Protecting the amenity and lifestyle • Egerton Dr and Millhouse Rd Traffic Lights – Completed of Bullsbrook • Upgrade and Duelling of Lord Street – In Progress The last four years I have proven to • Upgrade and Duelling of Hepburn Avenue – Completed be an honest, open and transparent and • Ellenbrook District Open Space & Community Facility – delivered on my promises. I am a local Completed Councillor who is always happy to meet • Ellenbrook Synthetic Playing Fields & Community face to face with any resident to achieve Facility – Completed the best possible outcome for all.

• Aveley Playing Fields & Community Facility – Completed The Pearce ward is a very special As the communities of Ellenbrook, Aveley and the place and is growing at an extremely rapid inclusion of Bullsbrook in the new Pearce Ward continue rate, over the next four years it is critical to grow and expand, it is critical that you select the best that you choose the RIGHT candidate to representatives to ensure the services and facilities that represent your best interests at Council. are desperately required are delivered.

I would be honoured to receive your vote Over the last four years I have kept my promises to our once again. residents and proven my ability to deliver the key projects If you would like to chat or get a coffee, our community needs, ahead of schedule and on budget. please contact me on the below.

If you chose to elect me for another term of office I will David McDonnell continue my fight to deliver projects our community needs M – 0418 222 541 and expects, but I need your support – help me fight for: E – david.mcdonnell@swan.gov.wa.au

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS CR KEVIN BAILEY PEARCE WARD

Dear Fellow Residents & Ratepayers, The upcoming Council Elections will see a change in our current ward structure. What was the “North Ward” has now become the new Pearce Ward that includes Ellenbrook and Aveley.

In October three Councillors from the new Pearce ward are up for re-election, including myself.

In my time on Council I have advocated strongly for the future of Bullsbrook by driving such pro-jects as the purchase of the Bullsbrook Neighbourhood Centre and the planning and construction of the Ethel Warren Community Centre.

I have pushed for upgrades to facilities at Pickett Park, Chequers Golf Course and the West Bullsbrook Museum while supporting the need for improved roads and new footpaths. I have also lobbied the State Government for the delivery of the North-link project to keep trucks off the Great Northern Highway and I am pleased to see that project coming to fruition.

I have lived in Bullsbrook for twenty three years and have run a local business since 2006. Now is an exciting time in our area with the completion of new facilities such as the Ethel Warren Community Centre, the industrial areas south of Bullsbrook coming online and residential developments around the Town Centre being approved. The Bullsbrook Land Use Master Plan is waiting for endorsement by

the WA Planning Commission and when this happens the planning and construction of the new Town Centre can commence.

In coming years we will see growth in not only new residences but also employment opportunities created by new industries and businesses coming into town. With this growth come new facilities such as skate parks, sporting grounds, aged care facilities and youth services. An increase in population means better access to additional services for our community such as public transport and new schools I am a strong supporter of community groups such as the Bullsbrook Residents and Ratepayers association, North Swan Landcare and I have also served as President of the Bullsbrook Cham-ber of

commerce.

It is important that Bullsbrook has strong, experienced and passionate local representation.

I am a Councillor who lives and works locally and who has the interest of my local community at heart. I am independent of political ambitions, agendas or personal interests and will represent our community without fear or favour.

The future of Bullsbrook is exciting however there is much work to be done to ensure that our town develops in the way that we as residents require and to a standard that we expect. If elected I promise you that the services we need are delivered on time and that our environment and our lifestyle is protected.

I seek your vote to continue working for our community to deliver the future that we deserve.

Prior to the elections I will be respecting your privacy by not door knocking. Instead, I will be available at the Bullsbrook Shopping Centre every Saturday morning between 8.30am and 11.30am, and I welcome you to drop in for a chat. You can also contact me by email at kev-in.bbailey@bigpond.com or phone me on 0407 147 351.

In closing, it has been a privilege to serve as you as your local Councillor and I look forward to your support for another term.

Yours sincerely Kevin Bailey

CLAIRE SCANLAN MIDLAND GUILDFORD WARD

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I am passionate about the Midland Guildford Ward as I have lived here for most of my life and always been actively involved in the community.

My work in the community has led me to realise I want to represent our people on council.

My family have lived in the Midland area for four generations, Great Uncle Jack was the station master at the Midland Junction Railway Station in the early 1900’s. My grandparents lived on a large block and I spent much of my childhood climbing fruit trees and exploring creek beds.

When I was ten my family moved to Timor where we lived for several years, then to Pakistan before settling back in Perth.

My childhood experiences have given me a great appreciation of diversity and community. When we moved back to Midland I studied art before pursuing further careers as a veterinary nurse, then registered nurse specialising in mental health.

I met my husband Bill while I was volunteering at a community arts centre, and we moved to France together where I studied at the University of Paul Cezanne. We returned and settled as a family in Guildford, where my husband had also grown up.

It was in Guildford that I discovered an amazing community through running our local playgroup. I have spent the last five years working with an incredible group of families to grow playgroup to all that it can be, and together we have organised major events including a

multicultural arts festival at the Midland Town Hall and a National Science Week fair. We have participated in many community activities including local markets and literacy events. This year I am honoured to be the guest speaker at the Playgroup WA AGM. I am currently running two community campaigns in Guildford, one against McDonalds building in the carpark of the historic Guildford Hotel and the other to prevent the closure of the

Guildford Public Library. It is this work advocating for the community in these campaigns that has led me to run for the upcoming City of Swan seat of Midland Guildford Ward.

I care passionately about health, community, the arts, safety, families, diversity and creating places for people to be a community together. I will always stand up for what is right and want to be a voice on council for the issues that matter.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS CHARLIE ZANNINO SWAN VALLEY/GIDGEGANNUP WARD

is a Swan Valley raised grape grower, local business owner and Cviewsharlie family man for over fifty-five years, who cares greatly about representing of ratepayers and our rural communities.

- Improvements to Brigadoon Tennis Courts and Gidgegannup Multi Courts - Establishment of Yagan Memorial Park recognising importance of indigenous local history - Major upgrade/new facilities at Percy Cullen Oval/Pavilion - Implementation of Gidgegannup Showground Master Plan - Opposed expansion to Hanssen quarry - Initiated popular spring clean Swan Valley Verge Collection of rubbish/recyclables - On-going City sponsorship of the Swan Valley Wine Show - Championing Tourism in the Swan Valley and Gidgegannup for past twenty-five years, secured funding and support for tourism development, improved infrastructure and visitor servicing Charlie is passionate about enhancing our region’s vitality, “my goal is to work with residents, business and government to ensure our localities have a bright future to thrive and prosper”.

Tel: 0412 788 817 Email: c.zannino@bigpond.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/voteswangidge/

Charlie and Sally on their working vineyard in the Swan Valley

Given our location close to Perth, Charlie’s vision is to protect our unique rural lifestyle and heritage, “Long term planning is essential to retain our distinctive rural identity.

We need the right balance of quality viticulture, equestrian, recreation, arts and tourism, along with quality family and senior services and facilities.

If elected Charlie’s key priorities include:1) Taking immediate measures to ease traffic congestion/ speeding around The Vines, Caversham, Gidgegannup, Middle Swan, West Swan Road and Great Northern Highway.

2) Actively assist local sporting/recreation clubs secure new facilities.

3) Minimize rates, levies and fees affecting landowners.

Passionate about rural regions having a fair share of available resources Charlie believes, “It is important ratepayers receive value for money and have a high standard of facilities especially given the significant amount of rates our region contributes”.

Charlie says, “it’s important to always negotiate a better deal for our community”. He cares about:- - Supporting Volunteer Bush Fire brigades - Advocating for grape growers, wine industry, farmers, producers and tourism operators - Enhancing security and safety measures including security patrols and mobile surveillance - Providing support and infrastructure for our equestrian community Honoured to have served as a past councillor and mayor, Charlie was actively involved in ensuring the: - Early construction of Perth-Darwin Highway (North Link) to reduce local traffic - Upgrade Gnangara Road and improvements to West Swan Road - Upgrades to Belvoir Park Play Space, Fawell Park and Nobel Falls - Baskerville Hall upgrade/installation of playing lights 9

COMMUNITY GOOD FRACKING NEWS RITA SAFFIOTI MLA

Swan Valley has now officially been T heprotected from fracking.

The McGowan Labor Government has

announced a ban on fracking in the Swan Valley.

Fracking is now banned within the Perth metropolitan area, the Peel region and WA’s South West, following an election promise made in October last year.

The ban covers the entire Swan Valley area, prohibiting companies from using fracking during exploration or production.

Meanwhile, a moratorium has been placed on the use of fracking throughout the rest of the state while an independent scientific inquiry is conducted.

MARATHON WRITING COMPETITION Do you like a challenge? he Society of Women Writers WA is hosting a Marathon Writing Competition on Saturday 23rd September 2017. It runs from 9.30am to 4pm at Citiplace Community Centre in the Perth Railway Station Concourse.

Helen Iles, Chair of the Society, will provide writing prompts to ignite creativity and help you mine the landscape of your imagination. Helen is an award-winning author and poet; publisher and editor.

You will be amazed how many untold stories are lurking in your mind.

The object of the marathon is to produce first drafts, unearth fresh new material and generate ideas for future writing projects. Grammar, punctuation and spelling are unchecked. The prompts let the words flow and fall as they may.

Bring your favourite pens - notepaper will be supplied.

There will be ten challenges, each lasting twenty-five minutes. The winner will receive a trophy and certificate. There are also prizes for second and third places.

The cost of the Marathon is $25 and it is open to men, women and young people. Tea, coffee and light refreshments are provided.

For bookings call Helen Iles on 0429 116 395 or email; swwwabookingofficer@gmail.com For information on the Society of Women Writers WA, check the website: www.swwofwa. com.

The inquiry, chaired by Environmental Protection Authority chairperson Tom Hatton, will use credible scientific and historical evidence to assess each level of risk to decides the future of the practice in WA. This announcement provides clarity to locals who have repeatedly raised concerns about the effect fracking would have on jobs, local tourism, agricultural industries and the overall amenity of the Valley.

We made our stance very clear last year, that fracking under a McGowan Labor Government would not be allowed in the Swan Valley and today we have followed through on our promise.

Fracking will not be allowed anywhere within the entire West Swan electorate, which is a great win for our community.

ONLY IN AFRICA

T

10

Bob grunted something about “bludging pilots” and “short-pay weeks” before disappearing into his tent and magazines and appearing briefly for tea leaving Billy and Janey clearing up; Billy dying for a tot of rum but after today’s efforts not daring to even think of alcohol in the camp as things stood.

End of chapter four Living and working under the harsh but strangely beautiful conditions of the Australian bush, JT (as he is known to his closest friends and readers) appreciates the spirit of those hardy souls that have survived the modern challenge.

If you would like to read the whole novel, it can be purchased as either an epub for kindle or iPad. Go to John’s website - www.poetdownunder.com or www.lulu.com/shop/john-taylor/the-ute/ebook/ product-22566720.html or on the Apple store www.itunes.apple.com/au/book/the-ute/ id1086709294?mt=11

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir: As a further comment on the Burqa controversy I ask two questions..?

Why does the NSW government have legislation for the administration of a Statutory Declaration that requires the witness (Justice of the Peace), to ensure they receive identification of the person who is wearing head covering and to notate what was used for this identity, and if they have seen the face of the person or not, when no other state or commonwealth has this requirement for the issuing of documents..

The NSW form also a separate statement below the usual declaration required by the applicant, that the witness (Justice of the Peace) must also sign, stating his obligation to the document.

I am not against this protocol in fact believe it should be a part of all protocols for the administration of all documents.

The other is that of the Burqa itself and what it hides, in much of our society with domestic violence against women, whereby such action is tolerated in the muslim society and not the Christian society, I question whether the muslim woman wears her Burqa because she does not want to show her bruises and such acts of violence against her person, as a Burqa will hide these acts of personal violence.

It is also proven that many men wear the Burqa as a disguise allowing them access to places of perversion and other such places that men would not normally be allowed to enter.

It is time to remove this item of garment, as many countries have already done, and be seen to show the truth of this hypocrisy in our society.

Terrance Weston JP Secret Harbour PS: a footnote of explanation - (I am a Justice of the Peace attending to a variety of Justice signing centres around Perth, I have also been a Justice administering to the Violence Restraining Order Courts, today I am at the Rockingham Court.

I explain this as in my experience I must deal with the above scenarios almost every day. That what I have tried to explain is not dealt with by the courts and the Government in its development and changes to the Acts that we must adhere to everyday.)

DISCLAIMER The information in this publication is of a general nature. The articles contained herein are not intended to provide a complete discussion on each subject and or issues canvassed.

Swan Magazine does not accept any liability for any statements or any opinion, or for any errors or omissions contained herein.

STANDING UP FOR SWAN HILLS THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY JESSICA SHAW MLA – MEMBER FOR SWAN HILLS

feel very grateful to have been elected in Ia particularly March as your local member for Swan Hills – it’s beautiful place to call home! I am

proud of my local community and appreciate what a privilege it is to represent you.

I first moved into the electorate over a decade ago, and my extended family has lived here for almost thirty years.

Over that time the hills community has educated our children, supported our small businesses, defended our properties against bushfire, and provided friendship and support through good times and bad.

Prior to entering parliament, I enjoyed a career in the energy infrastructure industry – politics is quite a change from the commercial world! I hope that my local links and practical, real world business experience will enable me to make a useful contribution to the parliament and advocate effectively for our local communities and businesses.

My new role gives me a unique opportunity to work with a broad range of community groups, and I am very keen to meet with as many organisations as possible, to understand how I can best support their work.

I have already had some fantastic discussions with the progress, resident and ratepayer associations in the Swan Valley, Chidlow, Bullsbrook, Gidgegannup and Mt Helena. These groups advocate tirelessly for local interests and I look forward to helping them to improve our local communities.

I have also spoken with a number of recreation and sporting groups, that are so very often the social heart of our towns; as well as arts groups that bring vibrancy and creativity into our neighbourhoods.

I particularly admire the work of social groups for youth, seniors and migrant communities, the men’s sheds and environmental groups—all of which provide opportunities for friendship and work so hard to make a difference to the lives of their members.

The spirit of community exists in Swan Hills because of one undeniable truth: we need one another. Community shapes identities, provides purpose and satisfies our need to belong.

It can improve our physical, mental and economic health, as well as our sense of fulfilment and happiness.

It has the power to unite all in a common bond, allowing us to enjoy one another’s company, take care of one another and work together to build our families and make our neighbourhoods

great places to live. I have listened closely to the community’s needs and since being elected, have been working hard to deliver on my local commitments.

In Swan Hills, Premier Mark McGowan committed to deliver the train to Ellenbrook and improve transport infrastructure. We have begun the duplication of Lord Street to ease congestion and the earthworks associated with that project will be used for the Ellenbrook rail line.

We have started work at the Ellenbrook train station site and are relocating the telecommunications tower. The detailed planning for the balance of the rail line route is also well underway. We expect completion of the rail line in 2021 – I can’t wait to see those trains running!

We committed to introduce an East-West bus link and on 28th August, delivered the 355/356 Route. Passengers can now travel by bus from Ellenbrook, through Wangara to the Joondalup train line in just forty minutes, saving a two bus, two train, four hour round trip.

People can finally use a better public transport solution to access university and TAFE facilities, jobs, shopping and entertainment centres, the Joondalup health campus and other community services.

Following overwhelming feedback on the importance of community safety in the Ellenbrook area, on 24th July we delivered a key election commitment and opened the Ellenbrook police station 24/7, increasing both the administrative staff manning the desk and the frontline police out patrolling our streets.

Three weeks ago, I also brought the Hills bushfire brigade captains together to understand their concerns regarding bushfire mitigation and incident management.

I am providing each brigade with the money they need for fire-fighting equipment and have taken up the fight for a new West Gidgegannup fire station.

I have visited every school and met with the principals and local chaplains across the electorate, to ensure I understand the educational needs of local kids.

Acknowledging the tireless efforts of our local parents and citizens associations, I secured $20,000 grants for shade sails, electronic signs, sporting and musical equipment, and playground equipment for schools across the electorate.

The most important local commitment that I made was to establish a youth centre in Ellenbrook and extend mental health and youth suicide prevention services.

I feel so passionately about this issue because I grew up in the outer western suburbs of Sydney and I know what it is like to live in a poor area with no services, nothing for kids to do, no way to get out and no support if things get bad at home.

Ellenbrook’s disproportionately high rates of youth suicide and mental health issues are well documented, and there are growing domestic violence and broader community safety issues throughout the region.

Kids need somewhere to go, something to do, somewhere to socialise and, perhaps most importantly, somewhere safe to escape if things get a little too tough at home.

I want to support the great work already being done by a range of youth-focused community groups and will work tirelessly to secure this facility for our community.

My hope is that a youth centre will provide a safe and supportive place for young people and a base for service providers to reach at-risk kids, and that it will also promote links with other community groups.

I am looking forward to working together with you to build a better community. I want to thank the people of Swan Hills for placing their trust in me to serve and represent this beautiful electorate.

I assure you that I will be a strong advocate for your interests, a willing ear for your grievances, a staunch ally in the pursuit of your causes and a great supporter of our community.

Please contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Jessica Shaw MLA LOCAL MEMBER FOR SWAN HILLS

@JessicaShawMLA Jessica.Shaw@mp.wa.gov.au 9296 7688 HERE TO HELP Aveley, Bailup, Belhus, Brigadoon, Bullsbrook, Chidlow, Ellenbrook, Gidgegannup, Melaleuca, Mount Helena, Sawyers Valley, The Vines, Upper Swan, and Wooroloo.

Office Address 8/31 Egerton Drive Aveley WA 6069

Postal Address PO Box 2265 Ellenbrook WA 6069

Standing up for Swan Hills Authorised by Jessica Shaw, 8/31 Egerton Drive, Aveley, WA 6069

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ART AND ARTISTS MAC IN SEPTEMBER he community’s love for horses, the arts and Tdemonstrated, sharing experiences has well and truly been since the horses’ birthday on the

LOUELLA HAYES

digital drawing techniques. Steven Aiton, Daevid Anderson, Daniela Dlugocz, Ross Potter, Angela Stewart, Alastair Taylor and Linda van der Merwe 1 August. exhibit alongside an exhibition of artworks A huge variety of Habits of Horses events, created in community workshops. exhibitions and workshops have explored our The project includes artist residencies, floor relationship with these magnificent creatures, talks and demonstrations. whilst bringing people together to share cultural experiences.

A steady stream of visitors have enjoyed the photographs by the Mundaring Camera Club; the artworks on display at the Mundaring Arts Centre and Midland Junction Arts Centre; the historical works on show at the Mundaring District Museum; the amazing sculptures and hitching posts created by local artists; and thousands of people have taken part in the art activities at MAC, MJAC, KSP Writers Centre, the Avon Descent and the Habits of Horses Open Day in Mundaring.

If you have missed out or are champing at the bit for more with more Habits of Horses events and MAC’s new exhibition 26°S 121°E On The Map, presenting contemporary WA Photograph Ross Potter, printmakers. detail of Catching Thunder Habits of Horses is only possible due to our amazing supporters and incredible volunteers, MUNDARING ARTS CENTRE who have worked tirelessly to deliver so many 26°S 121°E | ON THE MAP great activities.

15 SEP - 15 OCT 2017 Held in conjunction with the national MIDLAND JUNCTION ARTS CENTRE launch of Print Council of Australia's 2017 Print VAHANA: VEHICLE OF THE GODS Commission folio, and in collaboration with Until 23 September 2017 Printmakers Association of WA, 26°S 121°E | On Celebrated Bangalore based photographer, the Map is a survey exhibition of contemporary Clare Arni presents a series of photographs Western Australian printmaking. detailing the making of terracotta horses and Curated by Laura A Taylor.

Hindu votive offerings for the Aiyanar festival in India.

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS One of the remaining potters famous for CREATIVE INDUSTRY NETWORKING EVENT making terracotta horses is currently in residence Community Arts Network and Mundaring at MJAC creating a three metre high terracotta Arts Centre join forces for this creative industry horse. networking event.

Hear about MAC’s plans for Midland Junction MIDLAND JUNCTION ARTS CENTRE Arts Centre and their latest project, Habits HORSE DRAWN of Horses, currently exhibiting in Midland and Until 23 September 2017 Mundaring. Learn how the community has been Horse Drawn celebrates the equine form part of this exciting project. We are also delighted through traditional drawing and contemporary to welcome the fabulous Madjitil Moorna Choir,

MUNDARING ARTS CENTRE Come in to discover the latest exhibitions and a wide range of locally made, hand crafted pieces, many of which are exclusive to the Mundaring Arts Centre Viewing Hours

10am - 5pm Tues – Fri 11am - 3pm Sat & Sun Closed Mon & P/Holidays + 25 Dec-13 Feb

7190 Great Eastern Highway (corner Nichol Street) Mundaring WA 6073 | T: +61 8 9295 3991 www.mundaringartscentre.com.au 12

featuring Della Rae Morrison, who will perform and teach songs in Noongar language.

Come, join us and your peers in the community arts and CACD sector, for drinks, nibbles and enlightening conversation. Suitable for adults.

Date: Thursday 7th September Time: 4pm - 5.30pm Cost: Free for CAN & MAC Members ($5 nonmembers) PRINTMAKING FOR CHILDREN Learn the art of print making with kid-friendly materials and easy to follow steps with Harriet Perryer.

Designed for children ages 5-8 this fun, simple and rewarding workshop will utilise foam sheets to create prints inspired by our native flora.

Designer and director of Sca Har (locally produced, native flora inspired prints and jewellery) Harriet Perryer will guide participants through the sketching, designing and imprinting process. Each participant will walk away with a beautiful print to treasure. Suitable for 5 - 8 year olds.

Date: Tuesday 3rd October Time: 10am - 12pm | Cost: $20 ($18 MAC Members) Materials supplied Venue: Midland Junction Arts Centre SCREEN PRINTING FOR CHILDREN Create your own printed calico tote bag in this fun screen printing workshop with designer and director of Sca Har (locally produced, native flora inspired prints and jewellery) Harriet Perryer.

In this hands-on workshop, Harriet will demonstrate to participants how to sketch from still life, plan a design and screen print with fabric paint onto their very own calico bag to take home.

A fun introduction into screen printing, participants are welcome to bring one other item of clothing to print onto (must be cotton or linen).

Suitable for 9 - 12 year old particpants.

Date: Tuesday 3rd October Time: 2pm - 4pm Cost: $20 ($18 MAC Members) Materials supplied Venue: Midland Junction Arts Centre ROBERT JUNIPER AWARD FOR THE ARTS 2017 This annual award is offered to a young person under the age of 35 who excels at their chosen art form, whether that be visual arts, craft, performing arts, literature, film or music.

If you have a strong connection to the Shire of Mundaring through residence, schooling or work, and need financial assistance to get an Arts project up and running, this is an opportunity for you to further your artistic ability, with up to $9,000 being offered in support annually.

Applications are due 30 September. The Robert Juniper Award for the Arts is administered by the Mundaring Bicentennial Scholarship Trust and supported by the Shire of Mundaring.

To download an Application Form and for more info visit www.mundaringarts.org.

HOUSE AND GARDEN CUCKOO CLOCKS

uckoo clocks seem old-fashioned to us, since almost Cbecoming everyone’s granny had one, but they are again popular and are far, far older than most

people think.

The first description of a cuckoo clock dates from 1629, of a clock belonging to Prince Elector August von Sachsen.

It is not known where the Prince’s clock came from but a hundred years later they were being manufactured in the Black Forest, Germany in what is now considered the traditional style of a simple clock face decorated with carved wooden leaves, birds and a mechanical cuckoo calling the hours.

Those decorated with deer antlers and heads and called Jagdstück (hunt pieces.) Some have very elaborate movements with dancing couples, revolving animals and a menu of sounds and effects.

Very few shops in Western Australia stock them, one of which is Arlena’s Unique General Store, who imports a very wide range of styles, movements, and degree of deoration at affordable prices for every pocket.

They come both weight and pedulum and battery driven (which never have to be wound).

If you’re at all interested in cuckoo clocks drop in and have a little browse through her stock.

She also imports a whole lot of other wooden German and Swiss toys, novelties, time-pieces, cow bells, fridge magnets, gift ware and weather indicators.

And this, Tardis-like, she manages to accomodate already packed with health foods, organic soaps, food supplements, chocolate and miscelleny.

And while you’re browsing, do yourself a favour and try her cakes and hot drinks - she makes a mean chai latte, really good coffee and her cakes, desserts, cheesecake and muffins are delicious

13

HOUSE AND GARDEN SPRING PLANTINGS

to cold winter days and hello to the Stimeaysuntogoodbye and warmth of spring. Now is the perfect get in the garden and start planting.

But what to plant?

With the weather getting warmer, spring is the perfect time to start planting flowers, fruit trees, vegetables and herbs.

However, what you can grow also depends on the soil conditions and climate where you live. With a climate as diverse as Australia's, it's important to know which plants are best suited to your region so that you get the best results in your garden.

LESLIE HERBERT • Marigolds • Portulacas • Impatiens • Zinnias • Kangaroo Paw Portulacas

PREPARE YOUR SOIL Before you plant, prepare your soil by digging in compost and manure so your plants have the nutrients they need to grow.

Portulacas Also, make sure the soil is well watered. Then cover your garden beds in a 10cm layer of mulch SPRING FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND HERBS to help retain the moisture.

Which fruits, vegetables and herbs you can plant and successfully grow in spring will depend PLANT SOME SPRING COLOUR on the climate in your region - here in the Swan Australia is made up of six climatic zones Valley and Perth Hills, we are in a temperate zone and two main seasonal patterns, so depending where there are occasional winter frosts. on where you live you may be experiencing different weather conditions to other parts of Fruit and vegetables: the country. The following is a list of some of the • Blueberries • Passionfruit more popular flowers to plant in spring here in • Paw paw • Bananas Western Australia: • Citrus • Olives

WORM FARM WORKSHOPS RETURN GRETA JASIAK

City of Swan’s worm farming workshop series and subsidy scheme is back this September after T heaCitysuccessful year so far. of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said the ever-popular workshops were perfect for those

looking to find out how to live more sustainably in their homes.

“The worm farming workshops show you how a worm farm can transform your household food scraps into useful products for your garden,” he said.

“The three workshops, presented by Kevin Smith from The Worm Shed, will feature a presentation on all aspects of worm farming and the role worms play in recycling and waste management. This will be followed by a demonstration of setting up and maintaining a worm farm.

“Residents and ratepayers of City of Swan who attend a worm farming workshop are offered a $100 subsidy on a worm farm complete with worms and worm castings, or a $40 subsidy on a kilogram of worms.

“The workshops will be held at Midland Library on September 12.”

Midland/Guildford Ward Councillor Mark Elliott said it was great to see the City successfully engaging with residents to encourage more sustainable living.

“Since the City started this subsidy in 2015, 430 people have attended a worm farming workshop and 178 subsidised worm farms have been purchased,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic series that aims to inspire and encourage participants to change their lifestyle in order to be kinder to the environment.”

To find out more and reserve your place, visit www. swan.wa.gov.au/events or ask at your local Swan Library. For more information about living sustainably, visit www.swan. wa.gov.au/Sustainableliving.

14

• • • • • •

Spring onion • Celery • Lettuces • Climbing beans • Tomatoes • Radishes

Artichoke Silverbeet Leeks Sweet corn Carrots

Herbs: • Chives • Parsley • Catnip • Sage • Oregano • Rosemary • Thyme • Marjoram Start your spring garden today.

Potted Marjoram

HOUSE AND GARDEN TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN WITH TREES KATE PHILLIPS

our series of trees for the C ontinuing Western Australian garden.

As the weather heats up, trees can

Dimensions at maturity Height: 15 metres Width: 15 metres

become your best friend in the garden, providing much-needed shade from the summer sun.

In addition, shade trees can act as a windbreak, reduce noise, attract birds to the garden and have considerable aesthetic appeal.

Deciduous trees have many advantages - shade in summer, sunlight in winter and only one lot of leaves to sweep up each year.

CLARET ASH Originally from South Australia, this develops an open canopy. The fast growing Claret Ash (fraxinus raywoodii) has small narrow leaves which are deep green through out summer. These leaves turn an intense claret colour during autumn. Popular for it’s shade and vivid colours.

Best suited for larger gardens that require a fast growing shade tree that produces a brilliant autumn leaf colour change.

WEEPING MULBERRY (Morus alba pendula) Native to China, this grafted tree is deciduous. The leaves are large broadly oval, with two to three lobes and coarse toothed margins.

Insignificant flowers produce small raspberry like fruit that can be eaten. The mulberry ill grow in any reasonably fertile soil, with pruning to be done in winter to reduce sap bleeding.

Used as feature trees or under high restricted areas such as power lines.

Dimensions at maturity: Height: 5 metres Width: 4 metres

Cutleaf Plane (Platanus Orientalis Digitata)

established. Best suited for street and park trees or for very large properties.

Dimensions at maturity: Height: 25 metres Width: 15 metres

Claret Ash (Fraxinus Raywoodii)

POINCIANA Native to Madagascar, the Poinciana (delonix regia) has a wide spreading umbrella-like canopy.

Excellent for summer shade.

The tree has large, terminal, orchid-like flower clusters almost smothering the tree crown, appearing after the tree has shed it’s leaves in autumn. Vigorous growth should be promoted in early years by enriching the soil and watering well.

Best suited for larger gardens or in public open spaces as the perfect flowering shade tree.

Dimensions at maturity: Height: 15 metres Width: 10 metres CUTLEAF PLANE A deciduous tree from southeastern Asia the Cutleaf Plane (platanus orientalis digitata) has a large trunk with attractive, mottled, brown, grey, and greenish bark.

Bright to dark green leaves are palmately lobed, with five distinct pointed lobes. Leaves are similar to the London Plane with cuts half way in from the edge, decreasing the surface area of each leaf.

A hardy tree that will tolerate, poor soil and dry periods once

Poinciana (Delonix Regia)

Weeping Mulberry (Morus Alba Pendula)

OAKVILLE CRIMSON SPIRE (Prunus Cerasifera) This striking, upright deciduous tree with noninvasive roots. The young foliage appears a reddish-bronze, which darkens as summer progresses.

Prefers moist well drained fertile soils in full sun to part shade. Flowers appear white with pinkish centres in early to mid spring.

Well suited to the urban block. Growing only 1.5 metres wide this tree can be used in many situations that others may not. Ideal for narrow garden beds.

Dimensions at maturity Height: 6 metres Width: 2 metres Continued in October’s issue ...

15

OUT AND ABOUT WITH SHARRON

THE MIDLAND JUNCTION ARTS CENTRE

been to my local arts hub until the day - but had a great afternoon covering the opening of two exhibits for Swan Magazine I had never The Habits of Horses including Horse Drawn and Vahana: Vehicle of the Gods - an exhibition of photography by Clare Arni.

The official welcome featured dancers from the Tamil Association of WA who also catered (the association - not the dancers)

The brilliant exhibit also featured a potter in residence for the following two weeks constructing a terracotta horse.

16

SOCIAL EDITOR SHARRON ATTWOOD Photograph by ShaBo Studio

OUT AND ABOUT WITH SHARRON

BINGO

Fundraiser for the Cancer Council of WA was held at Swan Valley Bowls, Ellenbrook.

A BINGO The Sparkly Umbrella team were at it again - with another successful, local event.

A night full of laughs – all for a good cause, culminating in the massive Mrs Browns Big Bingo round!

Their next event is a KONGA night – 80’s flouro themed! Join them on October 6th Ellenbrook. Bookings via Facebook @TheSparklyUmbrella.

Winners ar Lisa Hoath an e grinners! d Alison Kem

p

The winner of Best Platter!

What an amazing effort

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WHAT’S ON IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN EVENT LISTED IN THIS COLUMN RING our office on 6296 5161 Entries for non-profit entities are free.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Glen Forrest Group Every Monday evening We meet at 7.00pm at the Glen Forrest Uniting Church, Mc Glew Rd, Glen Forrest. Call Dermot 0488 905 211 or John 0448 074 536 or the Perth Office (all hours) 9325 3566.

MORRIS DANCING

All welcome. It’s like bush dancing, with sticks and bells. It’s aerobic exercise and great fun!

Tuesdays 7-9pm practice, Guildford Town Hall, cnr James St and Meadow St, Guildford. And drinks later at the Woodbridge Hotel with live Irish music For more information please contact: AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOC. Christine Hogan: 9279 8778 Discussion groups, guest speakers, morning Email: madtattersmorris@iinet.Net.Au tea. Free breastfeeding counselling. Expectant Website: madtattersmorris.Myclub.Org.Au mothers, mothers, babies and children welcome.

National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 2686 MUSTARD SEED - DISCOVERING COMPUTERS is a 24 hour 7 days a week service.

Mustard Seed is a fifteen year old non-profit organisation and teaches all aspects of everyday Swan/Mundaring Group meets every Monday, 9:30- computing. Ability levels from beginners 11:30am at the Gumnuts Family Centre, 8 Mudalla onwards. Want help with Windows 10? In need of Way, Koongamia. A qualified ABA counsellor instruction with your Mac computer? Have an iPad is present at each meeting to give confidential or Android tablet and don’t know what it will do? information and support on breastfeeding issues. We can help. Cost is $3 per session. Classes are Contact Natalie 9572 4971. heldat 56 McGlew Road, Glen Forrest. To gain a place enrol now.

Kalamunda Group meets fortnighly on a Thursday, Phone 9299 7236 or 0478 604 163 or 9:30-11:30am at the Maida Vale Baptist Church, E: mustardcomputers@gmail.com Edney Road, High Wycombe.

W: noodlebytes.com Contact Jenny 9252 1996.

Northam Group meets each second Tuesday of the month at the Bridgeley Community Centre, Wellington Street, Northam 10am to Noon.

Fourth Tuesday each month at Toodyay Playgroup, Stirling Terrace, Toodyay. Noon to 2pm. Please phone Louisa 9574 0229.

TUESDAY BADMINTON CLUB

Tuesdays Join us for Social Badminton from 9am - 11am at Brown Park Recreation Centre. Beginners Welcome. Contact Miriam 9274 5058.

THE HILLS CHOIR

Monday Evenings Do you enjoy singing and joining with others to make beautiful music? Come and join the Hills Choir. We meet from 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Uniting Church on Stoneville Road, Mundaring. Contact Margie on 9295 6103 for further information.

SWAN VALLEY SQUARES – ELLENBROOK

Every Friday Night Modern Australian Square Dancing from 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm Woodlake Community Hall, 1 Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly, fun and low cost. No previous experience necessary. All Welcome. Contact Greg Fawell 0417 912 241 or www.swanvalleysquares.weebly.com

ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY WEIGHT LOSS CLUB

Every Wednesday evening We meet from 6.45pm to 8.00pm at the Woodlake Community Hall, Meeting room 1.

Highpoint Blvd, Ellenbrook. Friendly support group and low cost. Male and females of all ages welcome. Contact Shirley 9276 7938 shirleysardelich@aapt.net.au.

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ELLENBROOK AND DISTRICT MENS SHED INC.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday We are open at 4 Transit Way Ellenbrook from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Potential members can turn up on those days and there will be someone to explain what we do and give membership details.

Annual fees are low and members can do their own thing, participate in projects for the community or simply just come in for a chat and a cuppa.

We are considering extending our days to include Saturdays or evenings if there is enough interest.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE MUSIC CLASSES

Tuesday mornings Learn to play tunes on piano or keyboard immediately – the SIMPLY MUSIC method. Play songs, chords, blues and classical in small groups at a reasonable price.

Call Heather 9296 4181 for more details.

HILLS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP

1st Wednesday of each month Hilltop Grove Estate, 1645 Jacoby Street, Mahogany Creek. Morning tea provided, between SWAN WOODTURNERS GROUP 10.30 - 12.00 noon.

The group meets in the rear hall of The Senior Enquiries Terina 9572 1655.

Citizens’ Centre, The Avenue, Midland, at 1-00pm. on 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Tuesday, and at 7-00pm. MIDLAND MEN’S SHED on 2nd Tuesday of each month. A demonstration Every Tuesday morning and cuppa are the norm. Men and Women are We meet socially every Tuesday morning from welcome. Enquiries to Ted 9295 4438.

9.30am to 11.30am in the Bellevue Baptist Church Hall and our usual attendance is around fifty-five.

TALKING HORSES At least once a month we have a guest speaker on Wednesday evenings 6:00pm a range of topics.

The WA Horse Council equestrian radio We also go on excursions to various places program is now in its seventh year. The of interest (e.g. HMAS Stirling, Aviation Museum, programme is broadcast on the Community Radio Fremantle Ports, ALCOA, etc.).

Station 91.3 SportFM. To ensure that your club, Our workshop with wood working and metal event, breed or business gets coverage, call working is now in Midvale and for the opening Diane Bennit 0409 083 617. hours and further details please contact Rob Cutter on 0419 967 873.

SWAN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE Also in operation is our music group – the Monday Mornings Rockin’ Shedders which is going from strength to The Art Group meets at Baskerville Hall from 9am strength and their repertoire of songs increases – 12pm for just $5.00 per session. each week.

The group leader is Gilly, she can help and For more information on the Shed please advise with most media. Feel free to come and contact Kevin Buckland on 0417 961 971 or by have a look and meet our local artists – they are a email to kebinsv@tpg.com.au. very friendly lot, new members welcome!

For more information call 9296 1976 or EASTERN DISTRICTS MACHINE KNITTERS E: enquiries@swanvalleycommunitycentre.com Friday - second and fourth W: www.swanvalleycommunitycentre.com.

We meet from 9:00am to noon at 10 Brockman Road, Midland.

SWAN HARMONY SINGERS Feel welcome to join us for morning tea and Wednesdays see how easy it is to make your own garments.

Come and sing with us! Swan Harmony Singers For more information contact Pat 9309 3260; is a community choir that meets, 7-9pm, to Liz 9572 7074 or Pat 9295 2793. sing music ranging from jazz to pop, plus the occasional classic. No auditions. Join us at the Salvation Army Church Hall, 371 Morrison Rd, (opposite Swan View Primary School), Swan View.

Enquiries: call Anna on 9299 7249, or Chris on 9298 9529 or 0435 062 728.

FICTION THE UTE JOHN TAYLOR

CHAPTER FOUR - THE PRANG s usual the camp stirred early. With a gruff “leave the bastard!” from Bob, indicating Kev at his downriver camp, they had a quiet breakfast and moved to the yards.

They sipped black tea and rolled smokes, waiting on proper sun-up and hot irons, pushing little mobs forward, stirring the main body of cattle round the yard. There were calves bawling, cows pushing through, searching, moving on; searching for their calves.

Yard work started; clean skins drafted off and pushed up for branding; Toyota reversing with a big old bull in tow to the bronco panel, wheels clawing in four-wheel drive as the big fella strained on the rope.

Straight through exhaust crackling, adding to general yard noise, with Bob underlining every move with an endless flow of abuse, encouragement and advice, far above accepted legal decibel levels, when above and between, mixing with the crackling Toyota exhaust, way above Bob’s bark, a powerful note blared from the mist.

“Shit!” Bob shouted, and shit was right!

Kev had taken off downwind and approached the cattle yards, levelling out from a high drive a few hundred metres from the yards to scrub height, scattering the branding crew who were warming themselves whilst cleaning and flexing the dehorning shear.

The crew had cut a dash when the action started. Kev’s first dive saw everybody off the rails and immediately back on as cattle charged, hooking wildly, scattering, branding fire coals in battering concerted rushes, responding to the aircraft’s low-level attack.

Bob had intuitively realise the danger after the first dive, immediately aware that Kev’s mind had totally snapped and last night’s behaviour should have been monitored.

Bob was at the main gate wrestling with the locking bar, anxious to release the cattle before Kev dived again, as dive he would. Bob knew for sure that Kev had properly lost it. Some of the other hands had released interior gates on Bob’s urgently shouted instructions, risking life and limb with cattle going ballistic as the drone downwind increased in fury, engine backfiring, siren screaming, stockman dodging cattle in vain attempts to unlatch gates and escape.

Kev’s second pass saw most of the crew running off to the nearby tree line. Kev wrenched the aeroplane about, up and around on a wing tip, hands steady, eyes calm on a river popping turn between mist shrouded gums.

He gained altitude for another run over the now turbulent yards, cattle milling, the mob crushed against stout black heart posts and rails, Cobb & Co twitches breaking as the mob rushed before the mist shrouded demon’s antics.

First to one side and then another, back across centre yards, low, too low, nose wheel clipping; locking onto a cattle yard loading race post.

A

The crew, observing impending disaster from their various positions of comparative safety behind the rails, marvelled at this slow motion cartwheeling aircraft, sure in the knowledge Kev, ‘cause it had to be Kev’, in this split-second timing aerial display could pull it out, when a wing tip scythed into another large yard post, increasing momentum of the cartwheel, engine banshee screaming, propeller spitting timber and steel splinters in cyclonic fury at cattle already thrashing around the enclosure, desperate to break out, smashing in waves at gate posts and rails until finally a large panel broke free, cattle jumping through, lame and dead beasts wedged against stumps and rails.

Kev’s plane was speared prop first on a massive black heart post, tailplane high in the air, flames roaring up the concertinaed fuselage, wing tanks pouring high octane fuel on the flaming inferno, exploding in fireball gusts across the yard. Dead and lame cattle burned as they lay, some straggling away in broken-hipped staggers, spreading fire trails in dense undergrowth and smoking voluminously through damp green winter top grass.

Bob had failed to open the main gate, cradling his forearm, grimacing in pain, shouting orders, drowned out by the aircraft’s imminent arrival, his fist waving defiantly at the low-level, fastapproaching plane, miming savage impotent oaths as he tripped and hit the deck, writhing in pain as broken shoulder bones ground and cracked.

Bob scrambled painfully to his feet, running for his ute and rifle, ignoring pain and past,

focusing entirely on the now, which part way to the ute changed dramatically. At that moment the cattle breached the yard wall racing past, dashing him to the ground where he lay semi-conscious aware of the deafening explosions, surreal visions of cattle streaming fire, staggering off into the bush.

After Kev’s first pass Billy had cleared the top rail and cranked his bull buggy, accelerating around the yard perimeter. He was picking up and assisting injured crew, desperately searching for Janey, when Bob’s plight presented itself, along with the now increased dimension of the aircraft smashing into the yards and cattle breaching the rails.

Billy barged his buggy through, shouldering a wing of cattle, stopping abruptly at Bob’s inert body, fending off the stampeding herd, an island midst a horn-hooking crush. The rush was over as quickly as it started, bar a few limping stragglers with blazing fuel scars dripping globs of molten fat, igniting spinifex and dead grass as they hobbled painfully away, leaving a scene of indescribable destruction and horror.

Dead and dying cattle lay reef-like around the now smouldering plane wreck, tailplane dunked in the cattle trough, fuselage bent double in the heat, forcing the brass ball float-valve under, gushing water over the trough lip, flooding charred lumps of timber, fabric and aeroplane bits downhill, banking against dead stock and fallen rails.

Billy frantically raced through the yards in search of Janey, increasing his radius of where he thought she was before the plane appeared, scrambling over dead stock and wrecked panels shouting her name, till exhaustion and despair overcame him and he slumped on a rail, overcome by the awful sight before him.

Total destruction and carnage, with smouldering aircraft remains centrestage in the cattle yard compound. Tailplane semi-melted dipped in the gushing trough, central yard timbers burning fiercely with fire trails radiating out through smashed timbers to the surrounding safety of silent bush.

Billy forced himself from his brief rest, moving away from the yards to the bush, searching the undergrowth for Janey: a sign; perhaps ripped clothing or a track. He circled round to Bob laid out on the ground still out to it where he’d left him after blocking the stampeding cattle.

Someone had set off to the homestead for help and others less severely hurt in the stampede and plane crash were assisting those less fortunate.

A small group of Aboriginals had appeared not long after the incident and were systematically moving around the scrub dispatching burnt and otherwise wounded cattle with knives and rifles, their women assisting the injured mustering party, tending the fire, building up a decent bed of coals from the ruined stockyard; butchering a prize young steer which had sustained a broken leg in the melee, commenting favourably on the steer’s prime condition and suitability of such well-seasoned firewood for slow cooking coals as they carefully removed sweetbread and offal for a big cook-up.

Billy had some trouble relating his concerns for Janey to the visiting Aboriginals, in his frustration at times losing track of his request, 19

confusing them and causing them to carry on with what they considered more important: cooking, tending the injured and generally making this new camp comfortable till help arrived.

Some of the crew, it seemed, may have been suffering internal injuries and Bob had not fully come to, although he was now laying on a swag, dozing fitfully, arm arranged as comfortable as possible in a makeshift sling.

The Flying Doctor medical kit had been brought up from the camp and Bob and several others had been injected with painkillers, improving their lot noticeably. Billy finally got his message across regarding Janey’s disappearance with interpreting assistance from one of the Aboriginal musterers and, after much discussion in guttural Aboriginal, lip pointing and arm waving, a number of the visiting group split up and disappeared into the bush to search.

Hopefully, Billy thought, they’ll come back soon. What a day! He kicked at the coals in the camp fire, adding more wood in anticipation of a long night and many hungry people.

Billy kept himself busy stocking the fire and breaking the beast down to steaks for lunch and this evening’s feed, taking a brief survey of the aircraft remains, engine and cockpit barely distinguishable due to the intense fire fed by aviation fuel from wing tanks poised above until they too slumped in burnt piles of charred molten aluminium and the aircraft’s skeletal remains.

Poking around a little more Billy uncovered a brown tinted shard of glass with an embossed R prominently displayed: a broken rum bottle.

Left over from race day or whenever, Billy reckoned. Better stay away; bound to be cops looking. Sure don’t need any more drama than this. Nothing left of Kev in there that I can see, Billy thought as he pulled against the tailplane, easing weight off the ball tap, cutting the flow washing downhill across the yard.

Stockmen arrived back from the homestead, advising that a plane was in the air and would arrive about 4.30 pm and they were required to send up smoke around this time; armed with medical advice not to move anybody with possible internal or back injuries.

Some hours later a drone from the north indicated arrival of an aircraft homing in on the spinifex fire smoke near main camp airstrip. Billy and another stockman drove to the strip, ferrying medicos to the disaster site.

A twin engine aircraft circled carefully, observing wind-smoke direction, gently touching down on the red dirt strip, blasting a plume of dust as it turned and taxied back to the waiting motor cars. Two nurses and presumably a doctor stepped from the aircraft followed by two plain clothes police and a uniformed constable who quickly transferred to a vehicle and were en route to the site.

The police contingent was noticeably slower in mobilising, sending one of their number ahead with the nursing staff, armed with a roll of bright coloured plastic tape. They then set about unloading briefcases, tinned food, distilled water containers and miscellaneous chemical apparatus and to top it off a collapsible writing desk and chairs.

“Must be going to stay awhile”, Billy commented.

20

“As long as it takes”, the older copper replied.

“Just as long as it takes!”

Billy drove slowly back to camp with their camping, and as he discovered later, the gold squad’s forensic gear; Billy, hoping against all hope that Janey would be there to greet him. Bob was being cleaned up, shoulder strapped, with a drop bag hanging from a tree to his arm as were several others of the crew.

The medicos arranging stretchers to mobilise those requiring air lifting out. Two of Bob’s stockmen and several other Aboriginals had saddled up in a search for Janey who was generally regarded by the mob as being okay.

“Just been walk-off. Find ‘em soon. Not far.”

The cops had taped off the entire yard, disallowing entry or removal of anything from the yard area, closely examining the new cooking fire coals and the new woodpile that was gathered from the wrecked yard.

They began sifting debris from in and around the plane, plastic bags lined up and texta coloured identifying marks mapping out the area. Another officer, after setting up a mini lighting tower and generator plant, set to interviewing those in the stock camp fit enough and those of the visiting Aboriginal group who weren’t out searching for Janey. Most of this group had quietly decamped upon the first policeman’s arrival.

As dusk slowly turned it became obvious to Billy that something quite serious was developing out of this mad prang, apart from Janey being still missing and some of the crew not responding all that well to treatment. The interviewing detective, Sergeant Price, kept asking what colour Kev’s eyes were.

“Could be a bloody albino!” Billy exclaimed after being asked the same question from different angles a number of times. “He never once took his sunnies off.

Never even saw him clean them, although he was fastidiously clean. Pecking at food, always hanging back unless unattached females were present, particularly barmaids, then he was full on upfront. But no matter how gloomy the smoke filed bar room may be, he was always in sunnies!”

The cops extended their search to the camp and vehicles, evident by pegs, texta-coloured numbers around camp and sample bags; this included Kev’s swag and bag brought up from down the creek which were carefully laid out and tagged.

A few interesting exhibits had been removed from the plane area including a flat-tipped arrowshaped cone which may well have been a shiny, steel toecap on a right side Cuban-heeled Santa Fe calf-length boot in another day and time, also the broken shards of a brown bottle Billy had previously spotted emerged plastic wrapped and tagged.

Wouldn’t mind a nip or two right now, immediately stamping the idea out. Time later, Billy reckoned.

At 8pm two of the Aboriginal trackers appeared, homing in on the arc lights, seeking Billy in the night, avoiding the cops, well aware there was more trouble here than they needed.

One introducing himself as Raymond explained how they’d “located Janey just on dark, safe and sleeping in a cave about five kilometres westward and she was safe and was sleeping

peacefully”. One of them, Andrew Wongal, was a young medicine man and had found her wandering aimlessly and had helped her back to the cave where he made her comfortable.

“She’s right now, bro”.

Billy was stunned. Trying to accept this most welcome news his first thought was to rush to Janey. The Aboriginals silently melted back into the bush, arranging to meet Billy down the track shortly.

“Where do you think you’re off to?” The sergeant in charge perched on his camp chair typing under the arc light challenged as Billy moved towards the picket line of motor vehicles regarding his intentions.

Billy propped, taken aback by this demand, immediately realising he could not disclose information the Aboriginals had relayed to him as they obviously wished to remain anonymous and if he fronted up out there tonight with a copper in the car they’d disappear pronto leaving him and the cop none the wiser as to Janey’s whereabouts.

Billy knew for sure that whatever happened now the Aboriginals would look after Janey and more than likely bring her in by morning, but Billy wanted to see her now.

“Nothing”, he replied, “Just having a leak.

Checking the buggy. Need a big smoke in the morning for the flying document.”

“Yeah, righto, fella. Leave it till then, eh?”

Billy feigned a yawn and headed back over to his swag, observing the police camp winding down, some already turned in, only that bloody Sarge, one finger typing on his laptop, arc lights cutting glare in the dark, all the way across to the demolished yard and burnt out plane.

Surprised the old bastard knows how to turn it on. Hope he saves every now and then. Hate to go through this bullshit again. So Kev’s stuffed up. Does that mean we’re prisoners? I should have gone with those blackfellas earlier on. The runin with this Sergeant Bloody Price was the last straw in this stupid bloody day.

A gentle pressure on Billy’s shoulder and a whispered “Gooday, bro” from Raymond in the dark shocked him to full attention and bolstered Billy’s spirits tremendously, thankful that somebody who knew the bush cared and had enough guts to come back in from the night, observing the situation at the cattle yard camp.

“We’ll be all right, Billy”, the voice in the dark assured. “You just wait awhile, bro.”

Billy lay down.

Just look the part, he thought. The sergeant closed down his computer and topped the generator with fuel, obviously intending on keeping it going all night.

Billy rolled carefully out of his swag when a whispered “Hey, bro” roused him, commando, crawling away in the night. The police and medicos’ camp was silent, the injured crew dozing along well, everybody stable as Billy and Raymond moved quietly further into the shadows.

“Only way, bro, is to get another motor. These ones too close.” And with no more ado strode off towards camp. Billy following, stumbling in the dark, obviously heading for Billy’s ute nearly a kilometre to the east, but on arrival they found his ute had been locked.

“Must be the cops”, Billy remarked, frustrated at this inconvenience. “We’ll have to walk back

and grab a buggy. Bugger the cops and their bullshit.”

“Don’t worry, bro”, Raymond calmed the situation. While Billy had been venting his frustration Raymond had cast about and found a piece of wire, promptly unlocking the ute door. As expected the ignition key was not present.

“Probably exhibit-bloody-A!” Billy exclaimed as Raymond flipped the bonnet and fiddled with wring, flashing an arc.

“Pump it, bro. She’ll go.” Wire glowing red as the engine turned, firing easily, quickly settling to idle.

“Now!” Raymond chortled. “The steering lock and we’re off.”

Billy jumped from the driver’s seat as Raymond shoved a length of pipe he’d found in the back of Billy’s ute through the steering wheel spokes and levered gently down until a sharp crack rewarded his efforts.

“Let’s go, bro. Don’t stall ‘im!”

Billy and Raymond drove west on low beam keeping engine noise low, giving the yards a wide berth to a rendezvous with other Aboriginals out past the yard somewhere. Raymond indicated twice in a few kilometres to stop, looking about at the road and verge awhile before moving on.

Then a distinct early morning curlew call brought them to a halt. People sprang on the back of the ute and one big jovial bloke jammed himself in the front.

“Yo, I’m Barry. Gibbitta, bro”, he commanded.

“Where you boys been, camped up eating steaks whilst us fellas digging grubs in the cold?”

He nudged Raymond to make more room.

“We used to being this close, eh, bro; we play footy together.” Then after a rambling account of them being on leave from their town jobs, “on tribal business”, “gone walkabouts, but we’ll be back for footy next week”, then, “turn down here, Billy; not far now. Up here, bro!” Indicating a side track.

“She’s all right! Andrew Wongal’s with her. Her head must have got hit in the prang! Andrew’s a sort of doctor bloke, pretty good. Careful, fella.”

“Our footy doctor!” Raymond proudly finished.

“Pull up, bro,” from Barry. “We’ll walk in from here!” Billy grabbed a torch, followed the others into the bush, astonished how these natives who he’s never met knew so much about him and Janey and indeed everything else that was going on, marvelling at how they found their way barefoot in cloud-streaked starlight.

A short way from the ute Billy called a stop.

“Back in a minute”, he said. “Wait here, eh!”

The ute left, idling quietly. He slipped on the gravel, anxious to be back, going on to see Janey, but a bracing tot of rum may be just the trick for them both. He fumbled under the seat for the bottle.

Funny, Billy thought. Maybe the cops took that too. Though why would they leave the rifle and ammo? And why lock the vehicle and take the key without telling him? Eh, well, maybe they like rum. Sleep tight, fellas! Images of the cops passing the two-litre bottle of OP rum around flashed before his eyes.

In a moment he was back with the boys, heading back in to Janey, but thoughts of rum, guns and keys jumbled in his head. Then it dawned

on him. Kev had found that bottle and got himself well and truly written off! Bet he was only trying to frighten Bob and then probably head straight off to town; shame about miscalculating that post! What a day.

Billy stumbled along into the night, following wraithlike figures moving barefoot through the bush. A little rum would be nice, Billy thought.

Bet Janey would like one too. They finally pulled up at a low rocky outcrop, homing in on a small light and then a muffled cooee.

Andrew Wongal had big day. He’d been dozing, leaning back against the cave entrance when he sensed the men’s arrival. His bush trips were a honing of years as a kid with his elders picking medicinal leaves, wild fruit, berries and roots till it would be his turn to also pass on the knowledge.

He had been collecting leaves from a local bush, the extracted oil when boiled off not only quickly reduced swelling but had a pleasant smell; the oil an obvious winner for his work massaging bruised footballer’s muscle.

His solitary spiritual reclusion and job had been shattered by the plane crash and fire and he was walking that way with the view to help when he happened on Janey meandering towards him.

He had a small bottle of the oil and leaves which he applied to her nasty head injury, binding it on with a ripped shirt sleeve without much recognition from his patient; worrying about shock he helped her to the cave for warmth and rest. He stoked the small smoky signal fire and started to make a stretcher. She was sleeping peacefully now and Andrew was content as he called them in.

Within a few minutes, which seemed to be more like a week, the rescue party pushed into the low cave. A small fire threw some light on the scene; Janey was lying on a sand floor, old

coats for cover and a rolled up jumper for a pillow, breathing regularly and apart from a black eye and swollen lip seemed quite okay. Doc Wongal had applied a poultice to her head, which was tied off with a rag bandage that accentuated Janey’s features in the flickering firelight.

She’s just like a warrior woman resting!

Billy thought tenderly as he reached out, gently touching Janey’s shoulder, whispering hello.

Anxious to hear her speak or at least recognise him, he carefully cradled her in his arms and with reassuring movements and words, willed her back to be as he knew her; with her vibrant energy radiating as she breezed through dawn to dark work days, racking up the weeks in endless pursuit of camp site efficiencies and friendly working relationships; but Janey was in a deep sleep. Raymond interrupted Billy’s concentration with a gentle nudge.

“Time to move, bro. Don’t want any cops out looking for you.” And with no further ado Andrew and the boys eased Janey onto the bush pole stretcher that Doc Wongal had constructed from rope and a rag-tag mix of clothing.

The journey back to the stockyards was quite uneventful with just a few murmurs from Janey as they ute jolted from time to time, Billy driving as carefully as he had ever driven in his life.

With only two hours left till daylight they pulled over in heavy mist two hundred metres downwind from the wrecked yards, arc light halos just visible; faint note from the gen set wafting in.

The boys eased Janey from the ute and carefully carried her up to the medicos’ makeshift hospice, placing the stretcher on a comfortable swag leeward of Ward 1’s windbreak, taking great care to avoid other patients and various drips and tubes. A quiet “see you bro, no worries! We’ll put the ute back” left Billy slightly stunned, standing 21

in the dark.

Wonder where they’ll go. Probably put a bit of distance between us now that everyone’s accounted for. Didn’t even thank ‘em. Didn’t get time. They sure move fast. Better get a bit of sleep. Janey’s okay for now, going to be interesting, though, in the morning.

“Night for now, Janey! Got to make some smoke soon. There’ll be another plane in. They’ll get you all out and back on deck!”

Billy chucked his swag on a buggy and headed down to the airstrip, selected a decent-sized area of buck spinifex and rolled his welcome swag out for forty winks before lighting up. An incessant didgeridoo drone drove deep into Billy’s dreams with a backdrop of a cave corroboree with a beautiful warrior princess sacrifice, Billy, held back by invisible hands and powerless to intervene until finally he burst violently out, canvas swag flap thrown back!

Billy snapped back into reality, into today.

Sunlight feebly filtered in, didgeridoo drone hidden in mist and cloud, a plane searching at sunup for directional smoke. Billy immediately drenched a cup of petrol on the rank, damp spinifex and flicked a match, warming himself as flames licked high from the spiny volatile clumps, spreading quickly, belching a continuous black cloud through the mist.

The drone immediately changed, drawn in by smoke to the airstrip vicinity, circling carefully, unable to properly locate the strip. Billy continued lighting up, downwind on airstrip perimeters, occasionally spotting the aircraft as it circled in the mist. Sunlight and wind at last cleared the area and finally the Flying Doctor aircraft touched down, gliding to a propeller slapping finale at Billy’s bull buggy.

“Sorry to be late, mate”, the pilot commented upon alighting. “Had a bit of a disaster at the mine; flying them in till midnight, re-fuelled, bit of a camp and headed back here. What’s he doing?” indicating the other plane on the strip.

“Dunno really”, Billy replied. “Think a copper flies it and he’s got some other job on here to look after. The medicos are happy with the injured people condition.” Billy’s thought immediately turned to Janey and how she really was and about Bob who still hadn’t regained consciousness.

“Righto, mate”, the pilot remarked, indicating the track as he climbed aboard. “Better get on with it, eh!”

Billy thoughtfully eased the clutch, slowly bringing himself back to reality and the next assessment, ferrying the injured people back to the aircraft.

This will prove a problem as they only had bull buggies and obviously Janey and Bob weren’t mobile. Going to be interesting when we get back.

Bound to be some questions on Janey’s early hours’ arrival to the ward. Oh, well, just play it along.

First stop the medics, Billy thought as he drove straight past forensics and Sarge who was back typing, perched on his collapsible chair which looked as if it had every chance of doing just that very shortly.

Detective Sergeant Price immediately rose, following in the buggy’s wake up to the hospital “Morning all”, he greeted. “Early start, young fella!” Billy quickly remembered and gave a little 22

yelp; he should not have been aware Janey was in camp.

“Janey!” He called, rushing to her side feeling very self-conscious. “How are you?” He said again, suddenly stopping, trying his best to act surprised, thankful the pilot was thoroughly engaged in conversation with the nursing staff.

Billy was painfully aware that Sergeant Price was staring right through him to a scene in a cave in the bush a few hours prior.

It’s as if the bastard had turned a video on, Billy shuddered. Talk about a mind reader jingo man, this bloke’s the real McCoy, Billy played his part, kneeling gently beside Janey, enquiring of the medicos her condition.

“She’s all right, fella!” Sarge added. “She and Bob will be going to town first with maybe one of the others and our plane can take the rest, then back for us and the samples. What if we use your ute, fella? We need to mobilise these two. That’s if you can tear yourself away. I know it’s been awhile!”

Sarge’s words wandered facetiously.

“Marvellous how true love always shines through.

Poor girl stumbles in from the lonely bush with her improvised stretcher, from the back of a ute a kilometre away and the medicos reckon she hasn’t been fully conscious for the last fifteen hours! Use these, fella!”

He said, throwing a plastic sample bag of keys Billy’s way, indicating to a young constable, “Accompany him and no funny business. Obviously enough of that last night! More tracks around that ute than a bar at a bush race meet! Billy, we have a few enquiries regarding other interesting items in your ute.”

Billy felt a foot high and as about as useful, driving down to the ute, aware the young copper was watching him closely.

Probably thinks I sabotaged the plane and will make a run for it. Fat chance of that. Looks like we’re in for a bit of a grilling over this lot.

Thank Christ the rifle and the ute are licensed!

Bob and Natasha were carried comfortably to the Flying Doctor’s plane, stretchers rolled out on their arrival to start an uneventful journey to town. Both patients being diagnosed as concussed, Bob with a few added breakages, X-rays were required.

Other walking wounded were conveyed in as well, more for police than medical matters.

The sergeant and other police officers gathered their sample bags and interview papers, packed up their swags and camp accessories on Billy’s buggy. Sarge, with an almost paternal smile, requested Billy to convey them to the airstrip.

The police plane was idling on their arrival with hollow wind tone echoing off the blades, its exhaust chuffing as the pilot ran the motors up. Injured parties and senior police were prioritised for the first trip; Billy and one of the other stockmen were seconded by Sarge “to stay and assist with the removal of dead cattle from the yards and under no circumstances remove anything else from the area.

“Numerous photographs have been taken; pegs and tape must remain as is. Funding by way of wages and board would, whilst this program was in place, appear. Name and address details,” Sarge assured the group gathered for his farewell speech, “have already been registered with the

necessary government officials and one calendar week from tomorrow, is set aside to effect a basic tidy-up of the area.

“Furthermore”, he added, “Parties present may be required for further questioning and to avoid the inconvenience and possible embarrassment of being served a subpoena.

Communication with the police station in town would be appreciated if any party found it necessary to leave the area until further notice is given.”

Upon which Sergeant Price went to join the others who were strapped in, waiting, but first he deftly flicked a set of keys to Billy adding, “It would pay to fix that steering lock!”

Engine noise increased as hollow propeller drum tone flattened, driving the twin engine aircraft away from their lives, leaving a mental scar, fresh in mind, till vision and noise faded and cold reality stepped in as cattle walked up for a drink, snuffling at scents on the breeze.

Progress reports filtered back via the Flying Doctor radio: Janey had recovered, requiring a quiet week or two in town with regular check-ups.

Fortunately she had not suffered any fractures beyond a bad concussion and violent sweaty dreams and wished now to return immediately, feeling hemmed in by town and longing for Billy’s company.

Bob unfortunately was not faring so well; his long-term battle with diabetes had been exacerbated by this present bout with the bullock. This had reduced his already limited vision and apart from the shattered collarbone he had sustained a fracture of his skull.

The crew, friends and others could not believe a boofhead like Bob could possibly fracture is skull; the general consensus being that a very large bull had hit him head on. The prognosis for Bob was not looking good.

The bureau pay week went quickly, pay cheques arriving on the mail truck, accompanied by an official letter from Sarge stating that all persons may now travel as they wish and that a further week’s work had been allocated to remove and dispose of the wrecked plane and effect rudimentary repairs to the stockyard.

Acceptance via telegram would be necessary to set the wheels in motion. The telegram was promptly dispatched; expectant payees already embarking on spending sprees in their mind.

Schemes to generate more income from poor Kev’s misfortune included dummying up the yards and attempting a muster, but Clyde need hardly explain that his money was still mouldering out there, or those cattle that escaped would be so badly bruised and nervous that even if an experienced mustering team could be assembled there was still quite some doubt about its chances of success.

Billy and Clyde still considered having a go; after all, the government had kicked in to some degree. The insurance company represent telegrammed back stating that they had no further interest in the plane wreckage and would be negotiating settlement with Bob when his health improved.

There was also a third party proviso on the aircraft policy allowing an undisclosed amount for third party damage that would take some months to determine.

Unfortunately, Clyde had previously deemed the yards too old and in such a sad state of disrepair to be no longer concerned about paying insurance on them.

However, buoyed by these cheques and messages he and Billy set about mustering Bob’s horses and effecting repairs to the buggies, gathering a few itinerant types who claimed they could ride and offered to give a hand when they heard of the prang; curiosity driving them many hundreds of Ks off their course to view the sight.

Many had worked with Kev before and the general “ah well” said it all. Some pausing quietly awhile, perhaps in respect of a similar situation experienced by themselves or simply in deference to one of their kind, going in, fully conversant with the game, something of a sacred site evolved around that broken bird.

Even when they removed it from the stockyard to a resting place by the creek, nobody suggested cashing the remaining scrap aluminium in. Stockmen still drove by removing their hats and looking long, long out to the ranges, bidding “G’day!” with a grim grin at their personal waterloos, past and present.

After a few days in the yards utilising old water pipe and Cobb & Co wire twitches, life reappeared, energised by new opportunities overcoming disaster. Workers set to with vigour, Billy shoeing and matching up horses and riders in the round yard, tuning motor cars and repairing tyres; a prime steer slaughtered and salted down against long day and night watches to come.

Meat salted and hessian wrapped in the wagon. Over these last quite a few days now the start of the cohesive team evolved.

Billy was now the undisputed leader with three riders and two drivers of various ability, plus now Clyde, who although he barely knew where the back fence was and being totally inept at fixing windmills was consequently constantly fixing them, and his wife, who looked after the homestead and wasn’t much chop at cooking anyway, sent a cake every now and then, which was appreciated.

Bet a camp cook would be the go right now, Billy thought, A real good camp cook and I know just the girl, but she’s got to be right, so we’ll battle on, I suppose, as he followed the horse plant out, stringing along the track to distant ranges, cook’s wagon and bull buggies gone ahead.

The boys had a fire going when Billy and the other horseman arrived in the late afternoon, stew bubbling in the big camp oven. They all bogged in, hobbling horses out and unsaddling, looking forward to a big feed. Cut a crib for tomorrow and bailed into the swag for an early start.

Billy kicked the coals at 3am, muffled against the chill easterly, thankful for a flame as kindling fired up, encouraging the crew from their warn swags. The muster had progressed quite well, working their way down the range, drafting off wet cows and injured cattle as they went, keeping the mob as close as possible to a line of trucking bullocks. Marking and turning back any young mickey’s as they went, going for the best chance of assembling a mob for auction in as short a time as possible.

Clyde kept tabs on them, wending his way

around the run, patching patches on his pipes and pumps, his Land Rover tray overflowing with fan blades and pumps, spare windmill columns and rods tied across the headboard, weighing the Landy down one side, pulling into camp at all hours of the night with a mournful look and a wonderful home-cooked cake wrapped in silver paper from the missus on the seat beside.

Heading off to the inevitable broken mill or pipeline, after a billy of tea and inspection of the slowly growing mob that drifted along upfront as Billy and two of the other blokes drove hard, ferreting cattle out from the creek and heavily timbered areas into the main mob, on their drive back inside the range to the yards, doing it slow and hard without Kev’s magic in the plane.

The police contingent arrived back in town and immediately began cataloguing and analysing their samples, Sergeant Price confident that they had their man; just a few more details.

Eye colour would clinch it, Sarge thought.

Classical veteran’s situation, particularly frontline boys; once the pressure’s off them they look around for action, in this case armed holdupstairs in four states; always outback goldmine jobs with untraced getaways.

Who could fit the role better than an exVietnam chopper pilot with years of behind the lines service? This Kev bloke’s description fits “Brian O’Neil” like a glove, even the barmaids he’s conned can’t or won’t identify eye colour.

Everybody reckons they’ve never seen him without sunnies.

Maybe some DNA from the samples will help.

Everything points to O’Neil, drinking habits, lack of work ethic, reckless flying, sunglasses, right down to his chisel-toed Santa Fes. Just a bit more proof, fella, and we can close the case.

On the other hand, of course, Brian boy, it may not be you ashed up in that plane out there; wonder how you came to be out there in the first place. Generally, on a recommendation from someone local, yet every enquiry from the latest barmaid to O’Neil’s few remaining friends and associates down south hits a wall.

No family, no background other than his Vietnam days and that reads like Superman stuff; recommended for a medal time and again, but you’re not allowed to punch senior officers under any circumstances, let alone for fun, particularly in the wet mess. Sarge casually flipped O’Neil’s file.

There he was in ’68, leaning casually on a chopper, medics unloading casualties, American style sunglasses firmly in place, crew-cut, lean featured, athletic body poised to move, chopper blades whipping on idle. Sarge slipped deeper into thought. Twenty years on, a little heavier, same laconic style. He moved photos around on the desk, bothered by ice-blue eyes looking in from all sides.

“Those damn sunglasses!”

Sarge exclaimed.

“The eyes certainly have it. If only we had a positive on them. Still, who’s to say, green, brown, whatever colour contact lens and you’d never know.”

Flipping across interviews on the screen and moving the identikit photograph around an idea brewed. Removing the hair and adding bushman like stubble the idea grew; Sarge found that

by brushing up the identikit eyebrows, adding weathered texture and distance squint lines, another 20 to 25 years appeared on the middleaged sun-glassed face.

“Removing the identikit glasses and adding a pair of laughing ice-blue eyes, we have before us ladies and gentlemen, old Bob the musterer. Old Bob Napier, but with a little backtracking I think we may find a Bob O’Neil in the woodpile.”

Sarge grinned a wide grin; the first time for a long time anyone had seen Sarge grin. He picked up his papers, shuffled the identikit photos and shut down his laptop.

Better put a number out on old Bob! Sarge thought, lazily extracting a beer from the office fridge, sitting back happily with his feet up on the desk. 10.30 pm, Sarge noted, swivelling slightly. He slowly ticked off the possibilities until finally, with a “no rest for the wicked” sigh he rose, tidied up his appearance in the washroom and proceeded in the unmarked police car to the hospital reception.

He produced his badge at the desk and enquired as to Bob Napier’s condition and may he interview him or at least look in on him, hoping for a visual confirmation of his hunch.

The receptionist scrolled across the screen, switching through ward lists on Bob’s name to no avail. Sarge was becoming a little restless, until finally the receptionist returned to the counter with a handwritten note and an apology for being so long and that Mr Napier had booked himself out early this morning, leaving this note: “Thanking all at the hospital and Flying Doctor base for your wonderful efforts and attention and apart from a headache, which the painkillers for my shoulder have eased considerably, and as my sugar levels are now back online, I could see no reason why I should languish in hospital.

Thank you, regards, Bob Napier.”

“Bob Napier,” Sarge remarked quietly, carefully folding the note. So the show rolls on – no doubt now, Sarge thought, thanking the receptionist as he slowly turned away. We’ll just have to follow you back out bush again, got a feeling I know where to go. No rush. A seventyyear-old man with a broken shoulder, raging diabetes and a fractured skull won’t travel too fast or too far. Sarge turned into his drive just on 12.30 am for a welcome rest.

On the contrary, Bob had contacted a mate who supplied him with an old but reliable motor car full of fuel, a swag, tinned dog and several jerry cans of fuel on the proviso he sold the car at the nearest convenient Aboriginal community and express money ordered the proceeds back to him pointing out amongst the vehicle’s many wonderful features, apart from its one owner, reliability, that it was also a manual and in addition the heater, demister and air conditioner worked.

Bob’s mate threw two spare wheels in on the deal, knowing full well the country he was headed for.

“And Bob,” the used car dealer added, “the swag, mate, send me swag back, won’t you!”

Patting the roof as Bob moved the car out from bunting and signs into steady traffic streaming out of town. Love helping those blokes, the dealer thought to himself. Wish they could just get ahead a bit.

23

Sergeant Price rose, a little weary at his standard 5am, turning on the news and flicking the kettle as he moved about his unit, repacking his partly packed bag from his last trip.

Shortly after, with the sun just appearing in the east, he was moving out of town, cutting out the Ks to a spot in the bush. The powerful sedan moving easily through light traffic, on through farmland, until the vehicle’s highway suspension and performance tyres hit the first grid.

Better watch out for roos, Sarge reminded himself, braking hard as an eagle made an ungainly escape, towing a lump of roadkill, glaring arrogantly at the shiny intruder.

Roadside Assistance could be a long time coming out here. He backed off a little, allowing for a bit of inexperience, rather than risk collision with any form of wildlife. He moved fast through farmland, clicking over stock grids as scrub, plain and range alternated either side of the main road out of town.

By noon the road had narrowed and deteriorated badly, road verges falling away and grabbing the steer tyres as oncoming traffic caused vehicles to move two wheels onto the rough gravel edges as they passed. Late afternoon turned slowly to dusk as Sarge pulled into a roadside servo, lights barely illuminating the forecourt and buildings in the evening change.

He noted the station operated 24 hours, with a call-out fee applying after 9 pm. With this in mind Sarge pulled up across to the parking bay and rolled the seat back for a welcome snooze, waking a full hour later refreshed for the road.

After refuelling and stocking up with sandwiches and other culinary delights from yesterday’s bain-marie Sarge headed off into the night, sipping on the mandatory litre of Coke, intent on being well out by morning.

Well out to where? It seemed like only yesterday, or decades ago, he’d flown in a few hours to a situation unique in its style but so similar to many situations he’d experienced over time. It became almost boring as characters unfolded in never ending charades of surprise and lies, covering or collapsing.

These people are like cards, suitably propped against the breeze, until, for one reason or another, velocity increases and characters billow and bend; covering up or lying, unable to face reality in their private world, lies built over time: distance and time, blurring reality to such a degree that they establish their own reality and introduce others to this surreal, imaginative minefield, characters bending in maelstroms of cowardly deceit.

“Shit!” Sarge exclaimed. “These bloody roos are getting bigger, that bugger nearly jumped right over me.”

2 am rolled slowly around. He would have loved to pull over and roll the seat back, but knew too well the advantage of a dawn attack and wished to avoid the bush telegraph, which he knew operated so well, so he kept the pedal down, anxious to be at the creek by daylight, confident he’d find old Bob camped up at the wrecked plane beating his chest in the total desolation of his loss.

His only son and God knows what activities these two had shared before Bob as he was known locally took up itinerant residence in the area; 24

backstop and bona fide for literally flying visits to the wealthiest towns or mines in their proximity, on the perimeter of their vast mustering run.

“Daylight”, Sarge said out loud, “something will happen at daylight”, he insisted, sipping another draft of fizzing Coke. “Bob will be digging up the loot for a runner, or maybe others in the mustering plant are involved.” Sarge figured, patting his shoulder holster thoughtfully, double checking the pack of bullets and the spare magazine in the glove box.

Sarge and his car were amongst the cattle before it happened, literally, as he’d just unfastened his seatbelt intending to stop for a leak: The sedan T-boned the bull. It was a large bull weighing over one tonne and was in close proximity of twenty other heavy cattle, forming a large, live, heavy-weight mass on the road.

Sarge’s body was travelling somewhat slower, due to the obstructive steering wheel and windscreen, but outstripped the sedan by fifteen metres, when the full effect of the bull and cattle milling on the road impacted on the vehicle; blood and guts liberally doused on the road and vehicle.

Sarge’s last thought on this planet were of a spinning identikit mirage, alternating between a bespectacled aeroplane propeller and an ice-blue stare from a bald be-whiskered bushman, images he took fifteen metres further amongst cattle by a creek in his shattered mind.

Bob had made it to the creek, just as the painkillers wore off and his shoulder was floating away from his body, totally useless, his head was on fire with vision about three bonnet lengths out in a tunnel narrowing to nothing.

Instinct had brought him thus far with guts and determination for a mount. He passed out, engine idling, lights full on the wrecked aircraft; pain tripping fuses as he reached over to open the door, reneging on the contract, shutting down the dynamo, albeit briefly.

As with daylight approaching bushfly onslaughts came that would wake the dead, crawling and buzzing in all and any orifice, Bob stumbled back from his coma, mad with pain and flies, his faithful limousine idling gently, sun well above the yardarm and with superhuman concentration managed to engage a gear, returning to his old camp intent upon morphine vials in the camp wagon medical chest.

In his mental and physically reduced state Bob sat for some time on the old camp ground, frames flipping slowly in his sagging brain until he finally accepted the hallucination of a functioning camp with the crew teasing him as they danced madly around the car demanding grog; Billy admonishing them but to no avail.

In a brief, lucid moment Bob realised there were only wheel tracks and his only hope was to get to the homestead and their Flying Doctor medical kit, otherwise it was curtains for him and the wrecked plane would mean nothing to anyone ever.

Bob spent some time on the track back to the homestead. He probably never saw the gates which would not have mattered as it was totally inconceivable for him to alight from the car and attend to them in a normal manner, let alone depress the clutch, engage gear and apply the handbrake.

Once again, instinct kept Bob the bushman on

a wobbly line to the homestead. His faithful iron steed draped with wire and post-hissing steam from an oft punctured radiator. The squatter’s missus had observed this apparition of a motor car approach, quite sure her husband, if he was not absent repairing a mill somewhere, would not allow such behaviour on the property.

When the vehicle had circled the homestead several times with quite obviously a madman driving collecting her washing and washing line in the process, adding more steam pressure to the whistling geysers emanating from within, the missus and kids barricaded all doors and armed with 410 shotgun kept handy for the odd snake, waited.

Bob finally stalled the car on the stone tank stand base at the homestead, the trusty limo having neither horsepower nor traction to pick up and carry this obstacle.

Within seconds or possibly not having stopped altogether, flies with morning warmth on their side, stepped up the attack on poor Bob’s almost totally dried out orifices, soaking up any moisture available, tormenting him until finally a homestead door creaked open followed by barrel, hand, butt and body of the missus: Treading carefully across the yard, kids clinging to her dress behind, shotgun poised to “shoot the demon in the car”!

Bob was so far out of it he had no memory of being loaded back onto the Flying Doctor plane or the needle prick as he was again fitted with a drip, mainline morphine and saline direct to his pain-racked, starving system, or for that matter knowing that the Flying Doctor had been very busy out this way.

In fact, the pilot was now on first-name terms with the missus and was returning to town with a silver-foiled wrapped cake. Bob was in such a weakened state that he was totally unaware of the other “patient” aboard; difference being that the Sarge was dressed up in a body bag.

The pilot, speaking softly out of respect for the dead, fully aware that Bob was so full of dope he would not have responded to an African fortyfour gallon drum band and requiring strapping in for fear that he’d fly home by himself, explained to the missus, “It was the same copper who had flown out some time back out to tidy up unfinished business. You know what’s it’s like; the cops, paperwork and so on.”

No-one back at the police station knew any difference, only that Sarge had been playing around with the identikit and had Kev the mustering pilot rigged up with a nose ring, pigtail and bright blue eyes.

A few days later Billy and his handpicked crew had worked their way back within striking distance of Mungatawny yards with a mixed mob of a hundred and fifty trucking bullocks, barren cows and saleable mickery bulls; not a bad lift considering where they’d started.

Clyde dropped by agog with news of Bob and the missus’ washing, the sergeant and the Flying Doctor and that cattle prices were still holding.

Billy marvelled at Bob’s misfortunes hoping for a recovery but was intrigued with Detective Sergeant Price’s demise, wondering why he had not come by plane if he had unfinished business but preferred a car; not even a four-wheel drive.

Clyde had organised cattle trucks for the

mob, confident they’d quietened down enough this past week on the road to load from Munga’s makeshift yards. He had food and fuel and, of course, a magnificent cake from the missus, all very well received by the battling musterers; makeshift repairs, night watches and jerky on the run being standard fare.

They were all looking forward to a decent cheque and perhaps repeating the process from the south before it got too hot and the wet set in. Billy was keen to have a go and the crew were hanging in well.

News from Janey was as intermittent as Clyde, sometimes arriving days after he’d left the homestead, meaning another four or five days would pass before messages got through.

Janey had the edge on Billy in as much as the mail truck driver and cattle carters had the latest news on his whereabouts, whereas Billy could only wait for the next report from Clyde and, of course, information passed on from truckies who may have seen their mate somewhere between wherever and the last load.

Janey’s condition had improved to the degree she was considering going home to the city; of course, she wanted a last run out bush to Billy before doing so. She was hoping he would come down with her and stay awhile, perhaps a fair while.

Janey had moved in with Red, the mail truck driver, and his wife Anne so she had all the goss up and down the road. She’d arranged with them to get Janey a lift back out to Mungatawny, aware there may be a wait over at the homestead between Clyde’s travels around the run.

Then one day, out of the blue, Anne caught up with her downtown advising Red had rung on the way back in from a run and that cattle trucks were on the road for the Munga now. Red had a mate who would take her directly to the yards.

Anne, of course, had contacted the transport company, requesting they deliver the new cook and stores to the Mungatawny yards. Radio messages were sent and received confirming pick up time and place later this evening.

A shopping spree was entered into including a carton of rum from the liquor store carefully concealed in the groceries. Anne and Janey waited patiently at the prescribed place out of town as the sun disappeared in the west.

The truck duly arrived, Janey’s gear was loaded and they set off on the next leg, Janey bubbling with excitement as she hugged Anne, tearing herself away as she heard the driver engage a gear, waving frantically from the passenger window as they moved.

Settling a little as she realised her rather childish behaviour was not wasted on Ben the driver, chuckling as he cogged up, settling into a steady rhythm down the bitumen road, indicating the bunk if she’d like to sleep.

“Won’t be using it myself, girlie. Too late in the season to be sleeping out in this country: wet’s coming along. Not here yet mind, but could happen. Suit you to go straight through, eh”, full well knowing a fair bit of her and Billy’s story from the bush telegraph.

Ben drove through the night and it was close on dawn before he pulled up and slept a bit; Janey happy to sit, laid back in airconditioned comfort in the big cab, eating up the miles back out to Billy.

Later that afternoon they were travelling through familiar country; not far out from the Mungatawny boundary and arriving after dark at the homestead which was in complete darkness.

Ben wasn’t surprised, pulling up briefly to throw a paper onto the verandah.

“Clyde’s probably out at the stockyards. He’s an expert with the Cobb & Co twitch, you know.”

Giving Janey a big wink.

“The missus shuts the generator off before dark and doesn’t come out for anyone, even the mail truck, if Clyde’s not there; believe she’s got a shotgun so I don’t want to test it. In daylight you get a cake; can’t get away. There you go, but that’s the bush for you.”

They headed off out on the Mill Road along the Munga when about midnight, as Ben dropped back a bit through some creeks, trailers winding slowly behind, he gave Janey a “hoy” across engine and road noise regarding something ahead. Something about pulling up registered muzzily in Janey’s mind as she peered out in roadside gloom and dust. She made out a dim headlight in amongst river gums and telephone buffalo grass.

Ben had stopped, climbed from the cab and was chatting to Billy on the roadside. Janey eased herself carefully down, walking forward from the truck. Billy, side-on, thought it was another driver alighting, not realising who it was until he’d turned to look into the truck headlights after receiving a gentle poke in the ribs.

“Janey!” Billy exclaimed excitedly. “You’re here!” Holding bother her arms in disbelief, words tumbling over, repeating himself in his excitement until Janey took control.

“You okay, Billy?”

“I’m good!” He replied.

“You look a little knocked about. Not looking after yourself since been away?” She admonished.

Billy was lost for words, hugging Janey silently.

Ben moved away, going about shutting down.

Billy didn’t want the trucks in till daylight in case they spooked the cattle. They could not afford to risk the mob bolting in those dummied up old yards.

The other blokes would be driving in before dawn; they’d spot Ben on the track easy enough.

Ben arranged his sleeper and switched off the lights, observing the bull buggy proceeding, faint headlight illuminating the track; two distant forms clinging very close.

Billy fronted up at Ben’s truck before dawn leaving Janey asleep back at the yards, pleased to note more trucks parked behind Ben’s. Fewer double decks than singles would make it easier to load the mob of scrubbers Billy had on hand, what with improvised yards and loading race, everything possible needed to lean their way.

After the drivers had been ferried in by buggy for breakfast and returned to their rigs the road trains were brought in, close up to the yards.

Ben cranked up, carefully bringing his rig round in line with the race, swinging the batwings and dropping the truck loading ramp. Billy and his boys just as carefully moved cattle along and up the race. With a fair percentage of wild cattle in the mob ear and tail tagging had taken most of the previous day. Truckies, assisted by stockmen, penned off in the trailers as morning wore on.

By 9.30 am they were all loaded; cattle

stamped round getting used to their new home; Billy as keen as the drivers for them to be gone on the long haul back. Clyde was busy with weigh bills and biro tallying cattle numbers and earmarks, brands and rags to trailer number plates, signing off as they went, aware that some of the cattle had come a long way; “longa lota” neighbours, relying on careful paperwork to recognise ownership.

Janey issued cribs to drivers and stockmen, everybody packing, grateful that cattle were no longer strung out before them, with always the possibility of losing them if they rushed, stampeding off as a mob, splitting up as they raced into rough country and thick scrub hides.

After the tucks had departed, dust and noise subsided, they were sitting around, drinking tea.

“I need a speech for this mob, Billy decided, but words were not coming as hard as he tried, so he pulled out a rum bottle from the groceries Janey had stacked by the fire and topped up each ringer’s pannikin.

He drank a toast “to the trucks and the drive, ranges and back blocks dense hides, cattle out there we’ll get next year, bit earlier on the drive; to absent friends and others at annual race meets and stock camps, away from the rush of the cattle, horse plant and bill buggies aside.”

Clyde applauded vigorously calling for an encore. He attempted a speech himself, got to thanking everyone and tapered off, walking a little way over to his Toyota, returning with a carton of cool stubbies from his large esky, dishing them out to all and sundry.

“Very generous man our Clyde”, Billy quietly remarked to Janey as he topped their pannikins, observing play as the ringers drank up, a month or more in the bush with no alcohol bringing on the wobbly boots very quickly.

Clyde had brought a stash of beer in his big esky, obviously expecting a celebration and, of course, Janey had kept a rum back for medicinal purposes which she had Billy steadily shared as late afternoon turned night.

“Clyde”, Billy noted, nudging Janey, “has something to say. See how he’s shuffling his hat and can’t sit down more than a few minutes.”

Janey agreed, adding that she had noticed something but couldn’t put a handle on it.

Finally, Clyde half shouted, “I’d, ah, better be off. Don’t want those trucks too far in front. Need to watch ‘em, you know; get the right money at auction. An’ by the way, Billy, would you mind keeping an eye on the property for a bit, just while I attend the sale.

“Back in a week or so. Get the budget organised for next year, you know. Agents will square the boys up in town; give ‘em an invoice each. Make sure you sign it and fax a copy in.

It’ll be right. You right, Billy? Done a good job, you know. Nice speech. You staying, Janey?” He enquired, not drawing breath. “The missus and kids went in on the mail truck; you would have passed them on the road.” Billy was slightly taken aback and Clyde took “he who hesitate is lost” as an okay from Billy and before Billy’s official acceptance of terms were spoken he’d engaged a gear and, with his usual arm waving salute, departed the camp.

To Janey he said, “That’s our Clydey. I was looking forward to a spell myself, but still he 25

COMMUNITY ALL SAINTS CHURCH SPRING FAIR All Saints Church in Henley Brook is the oldest[1] church in Western TwithheAustralia.

It was built by Richard Edwards between 1838 and 1840 the first service taking place on 10 January 1841.

The site is on a small hill overlooking the Swan River and near the conjunction of the Swan and Ellen Brook. This site was where Captain James Stirling camped during his 1827 exploration of the area.

On 13 March 1827, Stirling wrote in his diary: “...the richness of the soil, the bright foliage of the shrubs, the majesty of the surrounding trees, the abrupt and red colour banks of the river occasionally seen, and the view of the blue mountains, from which we were not far distant, made the scenery of this spot as bieutiful [sic] as anything of the kind I have ever witnessed...”

The distance to Perth for church attendees was unreasonable, so St Mary’s - Middle Swan, was opened in 1840. However, in the absence of a bridge, the Swan River made it too difficult for those on the West side of the river. It was decided that an additional church would be built on the west side of the river at Upper Swan.

The acre of land where Captain Stirling camped was donated by Irwin and William Mackie, and in 1838 Richard Edwards, Irwin’s manager at Henley Park and a master bricklayer, undertook the building of the church.

With the assistance of local residents who donated both labor and materials, the church was completed in 1841. The flagstones of the church came from the ballast of ships that had sailed from England. The first service was held on 10 January 1841.

Services have been regularly held in the church since it was built. The Anglican Church holds services here every Sunday with additional services on significant occasions.

The cemetery that surrounds the church includes the graves of a number of individuals who were significant to the development of the colony: William Mackie, Frederick Irwin, John Connolly and Richard Edwards

26

are all buried in the graveyard. There is a memorial to George Fletcher Moore inside the church.

In 1929 to mark the centenary of settlement a lychgate was erected to mark the farthest point inland that Captain James Stirling’s 1827 expedition reached. During 1974 a memorial wall was built in the south west corner of the cemetery. As part of the WAY 1979 celebrations the West Australian chapter of the Australian Institute of Builders restored the lychgate. Wrought iron gates completed the boundary fence in 1991; the gates are decorated with the words All Saints and Ellen’s Brook.

The Spring Fairs are held annually on this Historical Site. proceeds from Spring Fair help towards the upkeep of All Saints, and it’s sister Church, St Mary’s in Middle Swan (both Heritage listed) Worship Services are still held regularly at All Saints on Sundays at 7.30am and St Mary’s at 9.30am.

won’t be long, surely?” Janey seemed happy with the proposal. “Thought he seemed a bit different.

He’s organised this some time back. Got a bit of cash flow from the cattle. Lucky they didn’t rush or the missus would have been on the mail truck back out of town; never know, she may have kept going. Hope the prices stay up.”

On the strength of that Janey and Billy agreed . “Let’s have another rum and wrap it up.” Billy added. “Crew won’t be kicking along much longer.”

With Clyde, his wife and children on their extended seaside holiday it left Billy and Janey to hold the fort in the heat. “Only mills and pipelines,” Billy reckoned. “No big deal. Kickstart on the next year’s muster!”

Unbeknown to Billy, as were a number of items, consideration regarding returning was not a high priority on Clyde’s lists. Our Clydey had pulled this stunt before, relying on Bob for many years and before that neighbours and others had bogged in to help poor old Clyde.

“Ah, well, here we go! Or should I say there he goes.” Bob, of course, hadn’t minded being alone on the run with his handpicked crew, attending their business.

They awoke before dawn as they did before, a couple stumbled, some called a draw, retired to their swag, recommenced the snore. The rum, the beer, the camaraderie had the best of most of ‘em, well on their ear.

They rose, they peed, they wandered about, some ate stew, some did without, rolled their swag, heading out. No more cattle; get on, block the lead, no more scrubbers, rough housing about. End of the muster; leaving now.

They arrived at the homestead in dribs and drabs, Billy and Janey up front, others coming along by midday. The crew had met at the gate, picked up their cars, or a lift with their mate, each with an invoice for the agent in town. The crew had departed after much tea drinking and address swapping, arrangements entered into for next year’s muster, subject , of course, to Billy being here.

Finally, Billy and Janey were alone, wind riffling along the creek through tall gums, ball tap gushing as horses nuzzled in the trough before drifting off for a pick along the fertile loamy banks.

Billy faxed off on itemised accounts: each stockman’s tally less deduction amounts to be added, deducted and dollyed about. Clyde had left a supply of beer, diesel and a quarter of beef. Plenty of greens in the garden with detailed plumbing map of taps, water supply with sprinklers; all in good old Cobb & Co twitch, Clydey style.

Billy attending to business in the engine room, preparing to pump up water for the homestead, stockyards and irrigation; Janey moving around in the homestead, familiarising herself with the layout, encouraging late afternoon breezes through hallways and rooms, checking pantry and freezer stocks, surprised to find curry base amongst condiments neatly stacked on the shelves.

Bit more than a cake cook, Janey thought, stirring up stock in a medium-sized pot; reminiscing on her first meeting with Bob and his enormous camp oven, chuckling regarding Bob’s preference of very basic condiments.

Billy came in shortly, drawn by the aroma and possibly a beer, gen set popping in the background, swinging past the fridge for a coldie, planting a kiss on Janey’s neck as she leant over the stove.

“Like a drink, Janey?” He asked as he massaged her shoulders and neck, relief pouring in as he ironed out kinks and stresses. Billy sat back after pouring Janey a G&T, compliments of Clyde’s liquor locker.

“Wonder if the missus had a taste; didn’t seem the type. Too busy making bloody cakes; not bad cakes”, he added. Janey dished up tea, Billy nearly asleep where he sat.

They rinsed and stacked the dishes, Billy shut the gen set down, yard swathed in moonlight, homestead shaded by broad gum trees and darkened verandahs, moonlit lawn gleaming, disappearing in dark shaded spots.

They slept out on the lawn, mosquito net hanging from a branch; only the second night he wasn’t night watching cattle as sleep overtook him, worn out from droving all day then riding shifts half the night, watching the mob.

Billy and Janey quickly entered into an organised daily work pattern, closing the house up before dawn, retaining as much coolness from the night as possible; Billy heading out early on mill runs, constantly dealing with Clyde’s aged arthritic pipe and pump system.

Occasionally Janey would accompany him, as days spent around the homestead sitting out the wet gets boring: one could only read so many Mills & Boon books before overload set in. Janey had the place looking a picture: garden weeded and hoed over; plenty of water from irrigation and occasional thunderstorms from the impending wet.

Big one from all accounts. Beats me how they know. Maybe it’s the level of this horrid humidity; maybe they’ve a gauge; ‘course, they have, silly, she reminded herself. It’s called a barometer.

So began the morning evening and any old time in the middle ritual of tapping and observing the barometer on the verandah, mentally noting the barometric pressure; calculating type and density of clouds, speed, et cetera, et cetera.

Getting to be a real bushie, Janey thought, her weather predictions becoming a little more accurate as time went by. “Star gazing”, Billy was often heard to say, catching her gazing skywards, though he was taking more notice of her weather reports, occasionally tapping the barometer himself; “double-checking”, he reckoned, making sure not to be caught at it.

Actually checking Janey’s opinion on the weather if he was going out a bit, “silly getting caught out”, although the Aboriginal family that came by a few days ago had already proved themselves handy, including, Billy noted, local knowledge.

Some of the mob had worked here some time back; old stamping ground for them. He’d picked up some handy hints, squatting on the flat listening as their dusty mud map landscapes were scratched out, areas linking up along creeks and ranges, neighbours’ properties flowing along, beyond the squatting mapmaker’s arm reach, well within his mind and time. Billy reckoned this map would end up out at sea with friends, relations and miscellaneous skin types attached.

“If I had time, better get back to the simple business s’pose”, excusing himself from the lesson, rolling sideways off the ground, dusting down as he clicked back into fix-it mode on his way to the mill wagon, which he remembered may not start and quite likely needed tyre attendance.

Not so bad back there in the dreamtime.

Still didn’t mind loading those cattle either and here’s round one of it, fixing the mills and tyres.

Billy knuckled in, looking over the yard at Janey taking advantage of cooler weather working in the garden. Roll on lunch, he reckoned, exhaling a comfortable burp, hooking his shorts up, moving back on the job. Might get ready round here and leave real early tomorrow; soon get too bloody hot to move far, rolling the mill wagon into deep recesses of the machinery shed, high-pitched roof and towering gums providing a cool, dark cave for Billy to disappear into, mechanising and preparation for later. Billy shifted a leadlight under the mill wagon bonnet, searching for a short to the starter before it developed into a full-on fire.

“Ullo, ullo”, Billy chortled, “our Clyde’s been here.” He ripped daggy bits of insulation tape off the main battery wire to starter. A few hours later, main wire wrapped and lagged, vehicle pathway ready for tomorrow. Billy headed over for smoko, observing Janey had moved off the garden job. Fair enough, he reckoned, getting a bit hot out here.

Janey pulled a loaf of bread from the oven as Billy walked in, pulling the flywire door quickly behind him; mouth-watering aroma spreading quickly throughout. He washed and commenced breaking fresh garden lettuce, chopping carrots and generally assisting with lunch.

“Getting hot”, Janey commented.

“Barometer’s well down.”

“Tell me about it,” Billy snapped back. “’Course it’s bloody hot; and can you lay off that bloody barometer? Let me tell you about barometers.

It’ll go down about another half an inch and stay there for the next six weeks at least, so get used to it or leave!”

“Oh!” Janey replied, hefting the large sharp butcher’s knife pointedly at Billy standing casually back from the bench.

“So it’s got to that, eh? Pressure’s on and we get picky. Well, let me tell you something for absolutely nothing, Mr Apprentice-Master of the Cobb & Co twitch. Clyde has clipped on your nose ring and is taking you on a merry ride, while he lives it up by the sea, somewhere nice, in the cool.”

Billy’s outburst had actually taken him by surprise and he moved slowly, carefully watching the knife, moving round the centre kitchen bench, feeling pretty silly.

Janey released the knife, clattering lightly on the bench, apologising in a welter of apologies from both parties about not meaning anything or everything or whatever. Billy hugging, Janey hugging back, Billy swearing that he loved Janey and barometers and would order more on the next mail truck. Besides, he said, “What’s half an inch on what amounts to be a silly old rain gauge for six or eight weeks?”

“Lots, Billy, actually; lots”, Janey quietly said, gently pushing him away. “Don’t push it too far.”

Continued on page 31 ....

27

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28

ENTERTAINMENT

STYLE

INAUGURAL GUILDFORD SONGFEST

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

he historic centre of Guildford will reverberate Tinaugural with the sound of soaring voices at the town’s singing festival to be held over the

historic public buildings and churches.

Against the backdrop of the 1829 settlement town’s picturesque heritage buildings and weekend of September 16 and 17, 2017. streetscapes, a wide variety of choirs will sing everything from sea shanties to barbershop songs, gospel and contemporary pop.

Performers include Gay & Lesbian Singers of WA, Bernard Carney, Close Harmony Choir, The Real Sing, One Achord, Born to Sing, Black Chutney, A Kapella munda, Glyde in Singers, Men of the West, Gosnells Ladies Choir, Working Voices, Bll Point Penguins, Trilogy, Voices of the Valley, The Guildford Songfest will bring the joy of Summerhouse, Peppermint, Lost Quays, South singing to visitors and the local community with African Gospel Choir, Free Spirit Choir, Beverley concerts and workshops to be held in the town’s Station Singers, Voices in Sync, Voicemale, Five 7,

A Kapella Munda

and Rythmos.

In addition there will be two workshopd to teach you how to sing, run by, firstly, Martin Meader, the director of Born to Sing, and secondly, Ryan Morrison, director of Men of the West.

The workshops will be both held from 11:30am to 1:00pm at either the Guildford Town Hall or St Matthews Hall.

The festival will feature a marquee concert in Stirling Square on Sunday, alongside the regular market.

Organised by the Guildford Association, there are twentyeight choirs and singing acts scheduled for the weekend.

Entry to all concerts and workshops is free thanks to the support of the City of Swan, Lotterywest and Perth Airport.

For full details of the programme go to www. guildfordsongfest.com/ program.html.

KIRSTY MILLIGAN

ake no mistake; if you are managing people, M everyone is watching you.

If you hold a managerial position you are

setting the tone and culture for future leaders of the company.

With the understanding that a leader's priority is to develop more leaders, the example you set is crucial. Employees will take notice of how you appear, behave and communicate and will derive their own leadership habits from their experience of you.

Setting the direction for a highly professional and cohesive corporate image is an action that simply speaks louder than words. Our appearance has the power to make people trust in our capabilities or question our credibility.

Confirmation bias, by definition, is the tendency to interpret new evidence as endorsement of our own existing beliefs. If our appearance and behaviours consistently project an image that is professional and capable we will be received as such.

Our teams and colleagues will have an easy time accepting and following our leadership vision and values.

If our behaviours, communication and appearance are inconsistent it will be difficult for our teams to feel stable. As a result, the moods and performance of your team will be as unpredictable as the leadership. Change will be difficult to implement and improvements may even seem disingenuous.

On the off chance that your appearance, behaviours and communication style is poor it's likely that your team will have serious problems with engagement, achieving outcomes and culture. It's been said many times that employees leave managers - they don't leave their jobs.

Today more than ever we need inspirational leadership. People are seeking someone to follow who will make them feel like they are part of something important. Take the time to optimise your appearance.

Ensure your professional wardrobe is fit for purpose. Be disciplined about your behaviours and communications.

Give your team a leader they can trust and who motivates them on sight. Because, believe me, they are watching.

All of the time.

29

COMMUNITY THEATRE REVIEWS THEATRE WITH GORDON

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

- Helen K eller WIFE AFTER DEATH ife after Death is a tremendous laugh, written by Eric Chappell in 2011, when he was seventy-seven.

The Lincolnshire born Chappell was an Electricity Board auditor before becoming a playwright. He is best known for the classic TV series Rising Damp that was adapted from his stage play The Banana Box. It won a BAFTA and the Evening Standard’s film award for ‘Best Comedy’. He is indisputably one of the leading comedy writers in Britain today.

Three years ago, another WA company won a couple of prestigious awards for their production of this comedy, and so I was prepared to be a little disappointed.

However, Serial Productions, who are possibly the premiere comedy company in WA, have no fear about tackling even well-known TV comedies such as Blackadder and Open All Hours, normally a death knoll for many small theatre companies.

Once again, Serial Productions have excelled.

The two-hour performances of this ‘must-see’ show can be seen at 8.00 pm each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at the Old Mill Theatre, Mends Street in South Perth, until Saturday the 9th September. There are Sunday matinées at 2.00 pm, on 27th August and 3rd September.

Serial Productions are pleased to support the WA Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation by having a special Charity Night performance on Saturday 26th August, when 50% of the ticket money went to their chosen and worthy charity.

The opulent set was designed and constructed

by George Boyd. George learned the art of set construction some time ago, whilst involved with the Whitehorse Musical Theatre in Melbourne.

The scene is the present day, in the Thursby’s sitting room. The set is a sumptuous room with tiled steps leading up to white French windows, with a beautiful garden beyond (excellent artwork by Shannon Pennell).

The walls are a light cream, with an olive green feature wall. The oak furniture comprises a drinks table, and a large sideboard. There is a classic sound system, a whatnot and a desirable 1930’s grandmother clock.

In the centre of the room are an open casket and a white lily, floral display. There is a large carpet and two two-seater Dankz settees. A

W

30

collection of the deceased celebrity’s photos are on show around the coffin – I thought the late Dave was better looking than his photos.

Lesley Sutton has been organising, sourcing, and making props for community theatre for over fifteen years. The props were perfect, making the room look genuinely ‘lived in’, well done Lesley.

Stage management was by Robert Warner.

The lighting was designed and operated

by Shelley Miller, who also operated the sound designed by George Boyd.

The highly popular TV comedian, Dave Thursby, has died and his friends are gathering in his luxury home for his funeral. The first to arrive is Dave’s scriptwriter and best friend, a brash curmudgeon, Harvey (Andrew Govey) who has kept Dave top of the ratings for more than a decade.

Vi, who is Harvey’s long-suffering wife (Jacqui Warner), is trying to get her squeamish husband to look into the open coffin and pay his last respects to Dave. Harvey whispers to Vi that only a day or two earlier, Dave had confided in him, admitting to a rather delicate subject that could blow their careers to pieces.

One of the TV executives, whimpering Kevin (Rodney Van Groningen) who is more upset about the potential drop in his income than Dave dying, arrives with wife, a TV production secretary, Jane (Susan Meikle). They have helped Dave’s attractive wife, Laura (Anna Head) arrange the private funeral – for close friends and relatives only. Arrogant Laura, who has for years gloried in being married to a famous person, has arranged a memorable funeral.

Just before the proceedings begin, a strange, rather tarty looking, Scottish ‘wee nyaff’, who no one seems to recognise, appears at the house, she is outspoken Kay (Sandra Sando).

Funerals, like weddings, are a wonderful time to state one’s mind.

Under the attention of his carer, Kylie, Joe Isaia has found his niche in the theatre – being in charge of the tea and coffee. Good cup.

Even though this script is very well constructed and has a real sparkle to it, Serial productions have taken one of the funniest, recently published plays, dissected, analysed and studied it, squeezing every ounce of humour from the dialogue and action.

This teamwork always goes beyond the acting, by ensuring the best of sets and teching.

Being a highly respected company, their director, Robert Warner was able to choose from a large selection of quality candidates at the audition.

The names of the comedy actors chosen reads like a local ‘Who is Who?’ with most of the performers having been on stage in all genres, for decades. Many have acted in both a Community and Professional capacity, collecting numerous awards on the way.

Andrew and Rodney were an amazing pair, with Andrew being cool and logical, and Rodney neurotic and irrational, the rapport between the two was superb. The balanced, calm respectability of the three wives was beautifully contrasted with Kay, the unknown party-pooper.

This play is not one of Chappell’s farces, but a skilfully written comedy with plenty of twists and surprises. A non-stop laugh. I know the houses will be full, so get in quickly.

Top class.

ONE-ACT SEASON 2017 - MARLOO THEATRE These four, very varied plays are being skilfully presented by the Darlington Theatre Players, on Friday and Saturday evenings until the 9th of Septembe at the comfortable, Marloo Theatre, 20 Marloo Road, in Greenmount.

The Mystery at Dunbar Mansion was written by an American, Joe Thompson, in a similar style to the ‘The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate’ series. This very funny fifteen minute play is being presented by the Darlington Young Players.

The actors are aged between eleven and eighteen, although most were under fifteen years.

The scene is a modern amateur group’s play, being presented on the set of an old mansion hallway, about 1930. There are few props, only a few chairs.

A narrator (Tabitha Holt) sits in a comfortable armchair at the side of the stage apron.

Due to a raging storm (hilariously produced

by Lucy Coates), the guests at creepy Dunbar Mansion are without electricity, and coping with candles. Then by chance, the slightly dimwitted Inspector Wallingford (Noah Watkins) takes shelter in the house.

of whispered, broken sentences, with the facts never quite stated, but simply implied.

The play’s dialogue structure is very clever, but must have been a major challenge to learn and present. Despite this complication, director Taneal Thompson adeptly steered the actors, keeping the pace flowing well. The cast delivered their lines without fault, whilst adopting a slight crouching, gossiping stance.

Mrs Packard had a snobbish, bold delivery, and the two school friends were wonderful as the confused and abused.

An unusual, fresh play. Great fun.

matching chairs. The table is set for five, with the finest quality crockery and cutlery. Crystal wine glasses and a vase of flowers finish the setting.

There is a staircase leading off stage.

The delightful props for all plays were by Lesley Sutton.

Miss Sophie (Veronica Fourie) enters the dining room for her celebratory 90th birthday dinner.

Her Butler, James (Ray Egan), slides out the elegant carver chair, helping Miss Sophie to be seated.

For years, Miss Sophie regularly entertained Just a Straight Man was written in 2012 by four of her treasured gentlemen friends.

When the housemaid (Sophie David) finds the Australian playwrights, Rob Smith and John However, they have passed on, and only her dead body of a man in a smart suit (Chelsey Mawson. This couple have written many award faithful butler is there to share this special Ward), she immediately tells her bosses, winning, forty-five minute plays, with this being occasion, but she is determined to relive the intelligent young Yvonne (Skylah Hounsham) one of their best. evenings of the past. and Yvonne’s confused Granny (Charlotte This play was performed in front of the McCullen) who misinterprets every sentence. proscenium curtain. The scene however was In order to make Miss Sophie feel as though her supposed to be just behind the curtains of a friends are with her, James, toasts and drinks Who is the murderer? theatre, waiting for them to open for the duo’s all of the guests’ drinks. Not a wise move. act to begin.

This very funny comedy called for a subtle, There was a high barstool, a chair and some I have seen actor and director Ray Egan hammy acting style. There is a big difference musical equipment. perform this hilarious comedy a couple of times between actors who are hams, and those injecting before; he gets better every time! just the correct amount of ham.

Trevor and Barney have been a successful This act is universally recognised as one Even straight comedy can be tricky for comedy act for decades. As they prepare for of the theatre’s funniest sketches, and Ray’s youngsters to present, and tongue in cheek another night at the Riviera Club, fast talking brilliant madness is outstanding in contrast to humour like this often fails, but under the Barney (Benedict Chau) feels the time has the dignity of Veronica’s Miss Sophie. guidance of director Rachel Vonk, this troupe come to tell his scriptwriting partner, Trevor Ray’s acting talent with this part, is arguably conquered the understated presentation very (Ryan Marano) what a weight he is around his as good as Freddie Frinton’s performance. Half well, with excellent timing. neck. the audience had not seen this act before, and The idea was to depict actors in a play that their tears were flowing as they struggled to had had very little – if any – rehearsal. The stage Is Trevor truly holding Barney back from the laugh and breathe without missing a second of manager (Belinda Beatty) has to fight to keep REAL fame he deserves? the performance. up with ‘unexpected’ crises, and unusual prop I have seen this comedy a dozen times and demands – thrown in at the last minute.

Before the curtain rises on another still love every second. Many congratulations.

The actors’ dry approach gave the audience performance, could Trevor and Barney The lighting was by Michael Hart, and the plenty of belly laughs. Even the corpse managed possibly be at a point in their partnership that sound by Guy Jackson and Rachel Vonk. A simple to briefly come to life, in order to answer a mobile is beyond hope? but well designed, colourful programme by Sally ‘phone call.

Ketteringham and Docuprint gave us all of the Very well done.

This is director Guy Jackson’s first stint at details. Where else could you get four, quality, directing, and what an outstanding success. contrasting plays for such a reasonable price? Try He Said and She Said was written by Alice With a long dialogue, it is difficult to build up to catch this special night out which is selling very Gerstenberg, an American feminist and activist, tension and retain the audience’s interest; but quickly. who was born in 1885. with plenty of movement and wonderful body The scene is in a stately home during World language, this powerful drama unfolds. The two War 1, around 1917. Guests are gathering. performers were exceptional, as the sympathy, Concluded from page 27 ...

The set comprises a studded, Chesterfield mood, and power repeatedly swung from one Bob grunted something about “bludging pilots” armchair, a matching bench settee and a large man to another. and “short-pay weeks” before disappearing into his drinks table.

Benedict was amazing as the smarmy egotist tent and magazines and appearing briefly for tea niggling at the hidden faults in Trevor’s character. leaving Billy and Janey clearing up; Billy dying for Enid (Suzy Wakeling) and her husband Felix One of the very best short plays this year. a tot of rum but after today’s efforts not daring to (Blake Prosser) have decided to invite a few even think of alcohol in the camp as things stood. friends around for cocktails. The first to arrive Dinner For One was written by Southport born, End of chapter four is Mrs Packard (Martha Wood), who, being Lauri(e) Wylie who died twelve years before it an exceptionally good friend, feels it is only was first presented on TV; so he never really Living and working under the harsh but correct to tell Enid about the malicious gossip knew of the play’s massive success. The black strangely beautiful conditions of the Australian going around about her husband. and white, TV version was filmed in Germany in bush, JT (as he is known to his closest friends and 1963 by a UK team, and of course starred Grimsby readers) appreciates the spirit of those hardy souls When Enid’s best school friend, Diana comedian, Freddie Frinton – a teetotaller! that have survived the modern challenge.

Chesbrough (Shannon Pennell) arrives, Mrs This eighteen minute treasure has been If you would like to read the whole novel, it can Packard thinks it only right to put her too in shown on German television every single be purchased as either an epub for kindle or iPad. the picture, involving the village gossip and Christmas for half a century. Sadly, Freddie died Go to John’s website - www.poetdownunder.com or scandalous happenings. a couple of weeks before being due to shoot a www.lulu.com/shop/john-taylor/the-ute/ebook/ colour version in 1968. product-22566720.html Beautiful costumes (Marjorie De Caux), well The scene is a wealthy mansion, about 1930. or on the Apple store fitted, and presented with appropriate jewellery. The set has a serving table at the edge of the www.itunes.apple.com/au/book/the-ute/ In real life, gossip consists of a multitude stage. There is a large mahogany dining table with id1086709294?mt=11 31

JAMES FORTE

~oOo~ SWITZERLAND Black Swan Theatre Company A study in reclusion lancing at the Black Swan launch of their 2018 season, I was surprised to discover that Ray Lawler (the playwright who captured the psyche of the Aussie male with his Summer of the Seventeenth Doll), was still alive at ninety-six.

I particularly liked her Strangers on a Train (filmed by Hitchcock), but she is better known for her amoral Tom Ripley stories – portrayed on the screen by a number of actors including Matt Damon and John Malkovich.

In her later years she was eccentric and reclusive. A lesbian who disliked women and an American who disliked the USA. She carried pet worms around in her handbag. What a subject for a stage-play!

The fictitious event starts simply and slowly.

It is 1995 in the Highsmith house in the Swiss Alps.

Patricia (played with deep sensitivity by Jenny Davis) is burnt out and wanting a quiet life. There arrives Edward Ridgeway (Giuseppe Rotondella – most recently seen in The Lighthouse Girl), a messenger from her publisher sent to extract one last highly-profitable Mr Ripley novel.

But things are not as they seem – Edward is a crime novel aficionado with a cunning brain and a few plot ideas of his own. The conversations make the thrust and riposte of Olympic fencing appear tame.

Black Swan are noted for their innovative sets

Bravo for the grand old man of Australian theatre. We could assert that David Williamson is better known and more performed with his large oeuvre. But based on current writing, Joanna Murray-Smith is arguably Australia’s most eminent playwright.

In recent years, Black Swan have produced her Honour, The Female of the Species, Ninety and Day One, a Hotel, Evening.

Switzerland first appeared in 2014 and with this outing it completes its set of mainstage productions around Australia.

The subject is the eminent author (she was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature) Patricia Highsmith.

She was famous for her novels examining the motivation of criminals.

and this one (designed by Bruce McKinven) is up to standard. It features a large grey bunker-like paneled room with no windows and concealed doors.

The eye is drawn to a cabinet display of guns and edged weapons. Most remarkable is the floor with a significant slope from left to right. This must have made movement quite difficult for the two actors – and every time one puts down a bottle or a glass there is the chance of it rolling off the table and across the floor.

It runs for a hundred minutes with no interval. Lawrie Cullen-Tait, as director, builds the pace from a slow start, which must have been quite exhausting for the two actors. The soundscape punctuates the action with pieces from the nineteen-fifties musical South Pacific – presumably a Highsmith favourite.

Switzerland is eccentric, stimulating and as twisted as a Highsmith plot.

Highly recommended.

laughs. I was too immersed in the people and the horror of watching them steam inevitably, Titanic-like, into the iceberg.

Perhaps this film is best suited to those who have experienced at last a significant period of living closely with a partner. What Hollywood once called The Seven-Year Itch. Are you happy?

Do you wonder if this is all there is? Could you do better with someone else? Perhaps you would be doing much worse.

A film about feelings - for the mature cinemagoer. Three and a half stars.

The Lovers opened at Luna cinemas on September 7th.

THE LOVERS Luna Cinema Twisting Married Life

Lovers is a film about love. Not sex, but love Tthathe– twowhich is quite different. The deep yearning G people have to be together.

Except that the characters in this movie cannot quite make up their mind whether they have found their ultimate soul-mate or whether they should make the jump to someone else.

Mary (played by Debra Winger in an acting tour-de-force) is married to Michael (Tracy Letts). Both are having secret affairs and are doing their best to maintain some semblance of respectability and dignity while their private and work lives fall apart.

Mary is going for the physical attraction of Robert, a much younger man. Michael is entranced by Lucy, a dancer who is emotionally fragile.

In the initial short scenes, depicting the three pairings, I was confused because Lucy looks too similar to Mary.

Written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, the pace is slow and this gives time to sort out the characters and relationships. These are explored and developed until halfway through the film when we have the first event of any significance.

Joel (Mary and Michael’s grown-up son), with girlfriend, arrives for a few days stay. It may be true that many children have problems imagining their parents ever doing ‘it’, but not with Joel.

He is looking for hypocrisy and is not overly surprised when the affairs become apparent.

And yet we in the audience already have the signs that Mary and Michael may still have some deep attraction for each other.

Billed as a comedy, I did not find too many

32

THE IDLER The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Mind

JAM

GLENNYS MARSDON

he other day I read a newspaper article about Tclasses, a highly regarded local chef offering cooking nothing unusual about that.

The plethora of cooking shows has seen the joy of cooking ooze its way into the heart of suburbia over the past ten years.

As a result, half a dozen corner stores have been converted into cooking schools for the culinary curious and whisk challenged. What was unusual was the subject matter - jam.

A quick google search of strawberry jam recipes uncovered a ratio of three kilos strawberries to three kilos sugar, throw in the juice of a lemon and you’re done.

While I realise Perth is known for its love of white powders, given the current sugar-phobia zeitgeist, jam seems a curious choice.

Perhaps the chef was targeting people who’d missed The Sugar Movie, fair enough while it was a fascinating movie, it was never going to draw the audiences of Iron Man. Maybe he was banking on his audience being ‘pucca-ed’ out of Jamie Oliver, and the vast array of impossibly healthy-looking dieticians constantly popping up in their newsfeeds.

But surely, he couldn’t discount the impact of that nauseatingly squishy gut health television advertisement, espousing the devious ways of the grainy white powder.

There was something else that had me perplexed, the price.

In order to become a jam aficionado, students had to part with $120.

Now I’m well aware of the old ‘teach a man to fish and he’ll eat forever’ adage, but come on, $120!

That would easily buy a years’ worth of jam, five years in my household.

Actually my household has never had need for store bought jam, or that crafted over four hours under the gaze of a top chef’s eye. I was lucky enough to be born in a time when kitchens were working rooms, not shiny white and chrome display cases for the latest electronic gadgets.

Our kitchen, and please note I said kitchen not kitchens for there was only one, I know how did we cope?

Anyway, in our kitchen a dollop of raspberry jam on the floor was a prelude of good things to come, brown crusted scones and cream if we were lucky.

There was never a need to hide the unseemly act of cooking away in the Butlers Kitchen.

Indeed, there was no need for a Butlers Kitchen at all there being no butler. Instead there was just one woman, getting older by the minute, as she was tasked with devising new ways to feed her family.

Her ‘invention test’ was performed not once, not twice, but three times a day, 365 days of the year, and not a micro-herb in sight.

We always knew when the fruit season was coming to an end as one afternoon the kitchen would be declared a ‘no-go’ zone.

Every inch of counter space in the cramped three by thre space would be festooned with molten hot glass jars, that had been sterilized in the oven.

I always found it odd to think the same

appliance that cooked Sundays weekly Apricot Chicken, could be used for a sterilization. The sight of the sterilized jars always reminded me of that jar in the hair salon, you know the one on the back shelf, full of some ominous navy liquid that eradicated nits from the collection of combs therein.

Sometimes, my female DNA saw me beckoned into the inner sanctum to peruse the cauldrons of sticky liquid bubbling on the stove. The aroma of intensified strawberries, raspberries, or oranges for marmalade, made it near impossible not to dip your finger in for a taste.

Hours later with the mixture cooled, the temptation could be realised when enlisted to fill and secure the lids of a dozen or more jars.

The beauty of home-made jam is that it can be made to your own taste. In our case the substance was a cross between traditional jam and, some as yet unnamed substance, made up of large gooey pieces of strawberries set in a silky rich, clear syrup. Any half full jars would be set aside for family consumption, while the more pristine went onto their higher calling as Christmas gifts.

No longer a resident of the family home I was delighted to be presented with a jar of strawberry jam last week.

As I dropped a spoonful on my toast while reading the article, I felt a pang of guilt for all the times I groaned about being invited to watch the alchemy. At the time there was always something more important to do, usually television based if I’m honest.

As I thought about the chef and his class I felt sorry for the generations of girls, and boys, who would learn this craft amongst strangers. No doubt the tuition would be more robust with few mentions of ‘a bit of this’ and ‘about that much’.

Yet my heart tells me that no amount of chef hats and sous vide techniques could ever replace the tenderness felt when standing next to someone you love as they impart their wisdom.

Hopefully future generations will realise the wealth of knowledge sitting in the recliner before such techniques are lost forever.

When I add up the hours spent teaching the fine art of jams, pavlovas and fudge my mother could have bought Mayfair, Pall Mall, and Harrods combined. For me the experience will always remain, priceless.

If you would like to receive a free copy of the new, expanded digital Swan Magazine sent to you electronically and save a tree’s life, send an email to: editor@swanmagazine.com.au with ‘Subscribe’ in the subject line.

33

ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE

34

ELLENBROOK COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE ELLENBROOK & OLDRIDGE SOUP & MEAL KITCHEN hat a fantastic evening celebrating the W opening of the Ellenbrook & Oldridge Soup & Meal Kitchen @ EDOS on Friday night.

A team effort between the Soup Kitchen, Ellenbrook Community Collective and The City of Swan to ensure the kitchen’s longevity and ease of access for people in need.

The opening also provided a creative element with the Great Cook Off between The Soup Kitchen Queen, Lorraine Oldridge and local Councillor, Kevin Bailey.

Kevin had been assisting with donations for the kitchen a few weeks previously and the conversation had gotten around to each other's love for cooking... before we knew it, there was a challenge of a cooking competition and the stirring, friendly (and not so friendly) insults and competitive banter was on!

Each competitor was required to plate up and present to the five judges, their signature dish.

Lorraine's dish: Ginger King Prawns with pistachio

CATE MCCULLOUGH

nuts and lemon butter on a bed of turmeric rice.

Kevin's dish: Seared Salmon on a bed of creamy garlic potatoes with grilled asparagus and cherry tomatoes.

The judges deliberated and the atmosphere was tense. The verdict: the competition was a draw. Each competitor had scored well in varying areas and the panel found it hard to separate the two!

It also meant that the subsequent 'creaming' of the loser was mutual and an all out cream war ensued with both competitors covered in whipping cream smelling like a pair of sour lemons!

The Soup Kitchen will now operate at EDOS, Maffina Pde, Ellenbrook each Friday evening from 4.30-7pm for members of the community to come and pick up much needed meals for their families.

It is also anticipated that every few weeks or so, there will be a community catch up/sausage sizzle/ get together to enable locals to connect and get to know one another.

Local Councillors worked hard with City Staff to ensure that the EDOS facility could be utilized and accessed at a very reasonable cost to ensure that this brilliant and very necessary community initiative could continue for the benefit of the whole community!

ADOPTING MAKES A DIFFERENCE Adopt your favourite spot ave you ever felt frustrated by seeing litter lying around your street, park or local beach or wondered how you contribute to a cleaner and healthier community?

Whether you are an individual or part of a community group, business or school community, the Adopt-a-Spot program from the Keep Australia Beautiful initiative is a simple way to volunteer a few hours to do your bit for a cleaner environment.

You receive free resources to help, insurance cover if you need it and an Adoption Certificate.

Young William Pepermans (11) feels strongly about caring for our environment and wildlife. He wishes to Fight-The-Litter-Plight by having regular street clean-ups in The Vines on Hermitage Drive and surrounds.

William, who is in year 6 at the Swan Valley Anglican Community School called his project “Happy Hermitage” and he arranges regular clear-ups of the community and invites people to assist via means of flyerdrops, Facebook marketing and wordof-mouth.

H

Recently, in conjunction with his elder brother Alexander from Guildford Grammar, members of the family (including the dog) and a number of his friends conducted a big clean up collecting a large amount of ruubbish.

It’s so good that these children are taking up community iniatives like this one.

As William says: “Can you imagine if every kid did this for only one hour in a year, this country would be spotless”. He could be onto something!

Alexander and William Peppermans

ADOPT-A-SPOT If you would like to get involved, like William, you can in just five easy steps: 1 Choose your favourite site to do regular clean ups; it could be your street, local park, waterway, bush trail, beach or wetland.

2 Arrange a date for your first clean up and invite your friends, family and neighbours to join you.

3 Go to the registration page, register your name or group and complete the details of your site: www.kabc.wa.gov.au/register-here-toadoptaspot 4 Wait to receive your cleanup kit by post.

5 Check back after your clean up via our online cleanup report and tell us what you picked up.

William Peppermans and the fruits of the “Happy Hermitage” cleanup 35

FINANCE CAMBODIA’S FUTURE

STEVE BLIZARD (Our Phnom Penh correspondent) uring August I was the guest of Awareness Dorganisation Cambodia, a not-for-profit overseas aid assisting some of the most

underprivileged in rural Cambodia.

Founded by Perth dentist Dr Gary Hewett in 1995, Awareness Cambodia focuses on education, health and childhood development programs.

Nestled between sugar cane and forests being harvested for charcoal manufacturing, my trip included a visit to the Tropang Cho rural health clinic in the Aural Province.

It was here I had the privilege of seeing new born baby, only ten minutes out of the mother’s womb.

The next day was spent at the Sunshine House

Cambodian Immigration staff how the McDonalds food order numbering system works.

It would speed up their process dramatically.

Finally heading to our overnight accommodation, the free-flow traffic and casual attitude to road rules in Phnom Penh can be quite a shock.

Chaos ensues as moto’s, tuk-tuks and cars come at you from every direction.

Fortunately, the heavy traffic volume is relatively slow, so drivers have just enough time to skilfully weave their way through the melee.

ORGANISED CHAOS On first arrival at Phnom Penh Airport, Cars were rare on Phnom Penh streets three years ago, getting a visa was a fascinating experience.

An hour later, it dawns on you that someone However, a new generation of Cambodians, in the Australian Embassy should explain to the now tapped into the Western lifestyle on their boarding facility in Kampong Speu Province, plus a visit to a rural Government school, where team members help improve the skills of the local English language teachers.

We returned to Phnom Penh, staying at the Graduation House facility for a few days, which houses the University students coming from Sunshine House.

wireless internet, are keen to upgrade to motos and second-hand cars.

With few traffic lights, cars and trucks become a handy barrier for motos and tuktuks ride hide behind when approaching busy intersections.

New vehicles sell at expensive Australian prices, so there is a large second-hand car leasing market.

In July, as part of its foreign aid program, China donated 100 buses to Cambodia, in order to expand low-cost public transportation in Phnom Penh.

The donation of the gold-coloured Yutong vehicles comes three years after municipal bus transportation was reintroduced in the capital.

Yutong is the world’s biggest single bus manufacturer, building in excess of 56,000 vehicles annually.

Currently, the capital of roughly 2.5 million people has about 1.5 million motorbikes and more than 30,000 cars clogging its roads.

There are several joint ventures building much needed flyovers at some of the more congested points throughout the city.

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS A favourite haunt in Phnom Penh for the Australian expat community is the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC), reminiscent of the old

36

FINANCE Singapore Raffles, overlooking the Tonle Sap river.

On August 4, Telstra Business Woman in Asia Award Finalist, Marion Fromm, CEO of the Cambodian Harvest Dried Fruit Company, opened a new factory and staff housing at Prek Dong, outside the capital.

Cambodian Harvest is a leading manufacturer of high quality processed dried fruits and jams, providing employment and education for people with disabilities – many of whom have survived land mine accidents or polio.

Their glace mango, pineapple, papaya and ginger products are exported to Singapore, Japan, Korea, NZ and Australia.

I also met Chris, a partner with two Australians in the Brooklyn Pizza and Bistro and the Australian Gourmet Bakery and Café.

For those hungering for an Aussie Pie and sauce, this is the closest you will get to Aussie food.

Established three years ago, the partners were able to secure a ten-year lease of vacant land, on which they built their premises.

Construction costs are low, with an outlay of only US$11,000 per shop.

A GROWING ECONOMY Concentrated mainly in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, the sheer number of over 1000 garment manufacturing enterprises, comes as a surprise.

These garment factories provide employment opportunities for over 700,000 Cambodians, who receive wages of US$140 per month.

On August 10, the Ministry of Labor announced they would send around 1,000 domestic helpers to Hong Kong by the end of the year.

Labor Minister Ith Samheng said Hong Kong had guaranteed safe, humane and well-paying positions, a $550 monthly salary, meals and free DINING OUT There are food carts everywhere for the accommodation.

Considering locals, however it can be safer to eat at the major Singapore has markets or restaurants if hygiene is been employing a concern. domestic

helpers for

in its latest quarterly report, that approximately 50,000 people are employed on average each day while in Phnom Penh alone, up to 23,000 casual workers were hired on a daily basis.

They earn around $8/day, while engineers and architects earned between $400 and $2,000 per month, the report added.

According to the latest half-yearly Knight Frank Cambodia report, despite oversupply in the high-end segment, condominiums that are priced below US$50,000, are still recording strong sales.

However, most Cambodians prefer to live in ground floor shop houses, which can also be used for small business.

When comparing foreign investment in the Cambodian residential sector, compared to the Australian East Coast housing market, it is obvious that allowing free-market forces to operate unhindered should easily solve our housing affordability issues.

Recent reports that twenty-five percent of all foreign owned residential properties in Sydney and Melbourne are vacant (or not available for rent), indicates a key cause of unaffordable housing is mainly due to policy failure by Australian governments, not foreign investment.

A vibrant country, clearly Cambodia is free of many of the shackles of our stultifying nanny state.

As a result it is proving to be a popular destination for tourists and would-be residents.

Courtesy of Roxburgh Securities

decades from neighbouring countries and given the exorbitant cost of day care in Located in the heart Australia, perhaps a similar trial should of the CBD, the Night Market in Phnom be considered here.

Penh, known as Phsar Reatrey, gives access to a BUILDING BOOM scenic river front view in addition a picnic area

As you travel around Phnom Penh, where you can sit down on mats to enjoy the it’s impossible to miss the construction food. boom, with the city skyline dotted with Regulars at the markets, my Awareness green scaffolding.

Cambodia hosts selected an array of satay pork Last year $US3.3 billion in building and chicken skewers that were exceptional.

During the wet season, however, the projects were approved nationwide, humidity can be quite intolerable, so western trebling in the five years since 2011. style air-conditioned restaurants are becoming The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, said, popular.

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An invitation to the Rotary Club of Swan Valley’s annual

Days for Girls High Tea Raising funds to support a more dignified, free and educated world through access to lasting feminine hygiene solutions

Date – Saturday the 7th October, 2017 Venue – Penny Garden Restaurant 4752 West Swan Road, West Swan WA Time – 2.30pm to 4.30pm Cost - $40, cash bar available (Gluten free available, please indicate when booking) Bookings – trybooking.com.au/306122 RSVP – 30th September, 2017

swanva

Enquiries – Betty (08 9299 6623) or Donna (0419048477)

COS03324

38

COM. . e l a d n a r e lleycid

AU

BUSINESS - NETWORKING DRESSED FOR SUCCESS SHARRON ATTWOOD

what to say, where to go and what to do – But whatever shall I Iforknow wear? Maybe you have never given it any thought – whilst some obsess hours.

I’ve seen people rock up to Business Networking events right out of the workshop – grease and all. ‘Keeping it real’ they say, as they spend the rest of the night avoiding handshakes and light coloured chairs.

Sharing a greasy business card is not the best idea either. You need to be comfortable, but also dressed in line with the event.

I’m not perfect though – I accidently wore heels to an event hosted by an award winning cabinetmakers last week – knowing there was to be a tour!

I had packed flats – but forgot to change when I arrived. The manager watched nervously as I negotiated the walkways – but I survived.

Research is essential. There’s no excuse for not knowing the dress standard or expectation for an event these days.

If you are a guest, it’s the responsibility of your host to let you know what to expect – but we know most people just aren’t the best hosts – so it’s best to get your own information.

Some events will tell us what to do – ‘Black Tie’ Gala, for instance, which is pretty easy to follow. ‘Business Casual’ however, is not.

I was never a fan of Casual Friday either. People had no idea of what they could or couldn’t wear – or rather shouldn’t wear. Many people like a bit of direction or an example to follow.

Of course, now I work for myself. Not that every day is Casual Friday all of a sudden – but I can choose what I wear. I’m not sure that’s easier though.

But back to research. In this era of social media, it’s never been easier to see what an event is like, or a work place expects.

When I teach interview skills – I will always instruct applicants to follow the prospective employer or workplace on social media – to see what others wear to work or events.

We can also see how a workplace is run and get some insight into their values and expectations.

You may even decide you don’t want to work there – and that’s OK too, I tell them.

The same applies to networking events, trainings and meetings.

Check out the past events on Instagram or Facebook – and look at the comments.

As I have mentioned previously when writing about introductions – you can get a feel for the event this way and see what’s expected.

You will also be able to tell if it’s for you and if it will meet your networking objectives.

We all communicate better when we are comfortable. NOTE: I’m not telling you to wear ugg boots or tracky pants – but I am saying that being organised and in the know gives some comfort.

Knowing if an event is outdoors, up stairs or even on a boat will help you dress accordingly, comfortably, within the dress code.

For my mechanic colleague, no one expects him to suit up. I’m a big fan of the embroidered polo and black pants for most events – so long as they are clean – which goes for jackets and shoes as well.

This also applies to bags and whatever holds your business cards.

Make sure they are also clean and in good order. Don’t weigh yourself down.

A networking breakfast may be a cold start to the day – take that into consideration. Be warm but not rugged up. A sundowner at the end of a long day may require a second wave of enthusiasm. Consider a change of clothes or shoes.

Be prepared. I’ve often done a breakfast, lunch and dinner all in the one day – but never in the same shoes, which seem to get lower as the day progresses, especially if it’s a stand up event in the evening.

I’m sorry there are no easy rules to follow – but do follow what your research tells you. Plan ahead and make the most of every opportunity to network, learn and be of assistance to others within your network.

Be interested and interesting. Remember the best thing you can wear is a smile – but not just a smile – at least try an embroidered polo and black pants as well.

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SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK RESEARCH AGED CARE BEFORE YOU NEED IT is a minefield in the Aged Home Care Tarehere Sector. Note that the providers in the industry not regulated.

SUE HURT

My understanding and which needs possibly further clarification is that the “ income tested home care package” consists of the Government Subsidy money minus the income tested fee Suggestion: which then can be topped up with the Basic Daily · Get an ACAT Assessment – a face to face Fee. interview - (have all medical information; contact details and discuss your average worst day and A Home Care Packages budget might look like this: not your average best day) It may consist of – the government subsidy · In ACAT Assessment also be interviewed for and the basic daily fee - fees are 17.5% of single Respite Care as there is a separate Item Number aged pension 17.5% is $10.10 per day ($70.70 and Reference Code and then you do not have to per week – taken over seven days - $141.40 per be interviewed twice fortnight) plus up to 50% of income above the · Organise your Income Means Test for Aged basic pension Care at Home (residential care or respite care) The top cost per day is $29.00 (capped) · Have an understanding of how the system basic daily fee plus income care fee works – it takes a while – and financial impacts Note: the provider does not hold the full upon you – they can be considerable subsidy amount – however they will receive · (Income Means Test Daily Fee is capped as a monies to manage for you on a monthly basis lifetime fee so understand the cap ) paid in arrears · When someone has extra income over the Once you have lodged your Income Means Test basic pension they must pay an extra fee. (and the forms can be downloaded) and arranged · This is known as the income tested care fee your ACAT Assessment – keep educating yourself and is in addition to the basic daily fee and it – then you can have the testing experience of means that you may receive less subsidy from the finding a provider for yourself or loved ones’ government. needs from Levels 1 to 4. · Unlike the basic daily fee, this is not At the same time educate yourself on what negotiable. If you do not pay your income tested the State may offer for Levels 1 and 2 but not fee you will receive less services.

3 and 4 (confused?) – start the research as suggested by local MP Christian Porter.

It is not easy and one may need to

negotiate with various providers to cover any complex health needs – Providers: · Have a good idea of what you require to support yourself or family · Look at the big picture · Look at the business model · You want to avoid hidden costs that will give you an unexpected fortnightly fee · Compare the costs, hourly rates, travel costs, what is the standard window of time for a day – there is a wide window – and if out of hours double time – and a cost to yourself and less hours of service on your budget · So be very careful – ask many questions and make sure you completely understand the answers, otherwise keep asking.

One suggestion – if offered any level – accept it. At least once in the system you can then be reassessed and upgraded and continue through the system until you receive the package you require for your needs.

I would suggest if one declines a package you are then relagated to the bottom of the list and with so many people coming on stream – you may be left with inadequate support (a issue to explore when doing your own research) If you need assistance – one can contact me through my email: svrn@iinet.net.au.

Alternatively, begin by looking at Mr Porter’s suggested website: www.myagedcare.gov.au.

FIRST HOME BUYERS REJOYCE Member for Pearce, Christian Porter, is calling on first home FSuperederal buyers to take advantage of the Liberal Government’s First Home Saver Scheme, which came into effect on 1 July.

Want to help prepare children for Protect emergencies? what minatters Are you interested in helping children in year 3 and 4 in your local community schools learn about emergency preparedness? Red Cross are working with the City of Swan to help prepare our community for emergencies.

Become a part of a network of volunteers that facilitate a fun and engaging Pillowcase Project lesson teaching students how to make an emergency kit and really make a difference in YOUR community!

Date: 13 Sept or 11 Oct 2017 Time: 9am – 3pm Venue: City of Swan Emergency Services Facility Cnr. Gr Northern Hwy x Bishop Rd MIDDLE SWAN

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For more information or to register call Claire on 9225 1929 or wapreparedness@redcross.org.au

The scheme, announced in this year’s Budget, will give first home savers the ability to accelerate their savings by at least thirty per cent.

First home buyers will be able to save for a house deposit within their superannuation by making voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 per year and $30,000 in total into their superannuation account.

These contributions, which are taxed at the discounted rate of fifteen per cent, along with deemed earnings, can be withdrawn for a deposit from 1 July next year. Withdrawals will be taxed at marginal tax rates less a thirty per cent offset.

“This initiative demonstrates the Liberal Government’s commitment to reducing the pressure on housing affordability for Pearce residents across the entire housing spectrum, including first home buyers,” Mr Porter said.

With many Australians now entering the housing market later in life, this initiative will encourage first home buyers to save for a deposit more quickly.

“The Liberal Government is delivering a comprehensive suite of measures to ease the pressure on housing affordability across the entire housing spectrum, including prospective first home buyers,” Mr Porter said.

Further information on the First Home Super Saver Scheme is available at: www.budget.gov.au/2017-18/content/glossies/ factsheets/html/HA_14.htm.

First Home Buyers can also get an indication of how the scheme can benefit them by visiting: www.budget.gov.au/estimator.

SWAN VALLEY AND REGIONAL NETWORK ARE YOU O NEGATIVE?

all O negative blood types - the Australian Cthisalling Red Cross Blood Service haven’t needed you much in five years.

Cold and flu season has hit us hard this year with many of our regular donors unable to donate.

We need another 3,000 O negative donors around the country in the next two weeks to meet patient demand.

Make an appointment today. Call 13 14 95 or visit www.don8blood.com/Oneg Blood is need for vast amount of people in the community.

Did you know someone with acute Leukaemia typically needs blood from eighteen donors to sustain them through one month of treatment?

Blood products are critical in the treatment of blood cancers and related disorders.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service has a serious shortage of O negative blood donors.

Please call 13 14 95 or visit www.don8blood.com/Oneg to make an appointment to donate.

FREE WORKSHOP

ANOTHER BLOODY BREAKFAST

orld Thrombosis Day is October 13 - Did you know..1 in 4 people die from W causes related to thrombosis.

It’s a leading cause of global death and disability. Thrombosis is the

the success of the recent People@ Place event at Baskerville formation of a blood clot in either in the artery or vein - the one disorder Fin ollowing Hall and based on the feedback received from Community Organisations that causes the world’s top three cardiovascular killers: heart attack, stroke the Rural Place area the City of Swan are excited to be hosting Peter Kenyon to run a free workshop on How to Attract Members and Volunteers.

The workshop will be organised by Peter Kenyon, a noted social capitalist and community enthusiast.

Over the last two decades he has worked with over 1000 communities throughout Australia and overseas seeking to facilitate fresh and creative ways that stimulate community and economic renewal.

He is motivated by the desire to create healthy, caring, inclusive, sustainable and enterprising communities and local economies.

Peter's consulting work has resulted in assignments in fifty-thre countries and all states of Australia.

From 2004, Peter has spent part of each year working in a range of Middle East and North African countries assisting with the development of national youth policies and strategies.

Peter has authored sixteen publications within the fields of community and economic development, youth policy development and youth enterprise.

This is a very exciting opportunity for our community and your community organisation!

Don’t miss out on learning from Peter!

Workshop Details – Date: Tuesday 19th September Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm ( light Supper included ) Venue: Ethel Warren Bullsbrook Community Centre.

To register your place please contact me on 0427163317 or via email jenna.whistler@swan.wa.gov.au

and venous thromboembolism.

A clot in the vein (usually in the leg or pelvis) is known as a deep vein thrombosis and a clot that breaks off and travels to the lungs is known as a pulmonary embolism. Together, DVT and PE make up venous thromboembolism.

Learn more and join us for Another Bloody Breakfast hosted by Channel 9’s Jerrie DeMasi with guest speakers who will be speaking about thrombosis and how it’s affected their life.

Date: Thursday, 19th October 2016 Time: 7.30am – 9.00am Place: University Club of Western Australia, Hackett Drive, Crawley Tickets: $45 each (Limited Seats) For ticket sales and further info, please contact Adriana Filippou on 9200 4904 or adriana@pbi.org.au.

About Peter Kenyon Social entrepreneur, author and economist and National Finalist Senior Australian of the Year 2017 A community enthusiast and social entrepreneur, Peter Kenyon has worked with more than 2000 communities in Australia and in fifty-nine countries seeking to facilitate fresh and creative ways that stimulate community and local economic renewal.

Motivated by the desire to create caring, healthy, inclusive and enterprising communities, Peter, through his organisation, Bank of I.D.E.A.S (Initiatives for the Development of Enterprising Action and Strategies) helps communities spark their own ideas and invest themselves in building sustainable futures.

A significant part of the organisation's income is returned to innovative community initiatives. In the last year he has worked with seventy communities from Marble Bar to Margaret River, Launceston to Mission Bay, and convened community building conferences in Australia, India and New Zealand.

A keen author, Peter has written sixteen books on community and economic development, youth policy and enterprise.

Peter’s passion and purpose sees him traverse the globe continuously in his relentless desire to enable communities to discover their strengths and transform themselves.

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A SAFE BET - A LIFETIME GUARANTEE his month at SAFE we’re seeing double! All Tguarantee our adopted animals come with a lifetime which means that if for any reason

Maddox, Clementine, Zeus and Lilo are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and they can no longer stay in your care we will take toilet trained. If you’d like them back without hesitation. to open your home to one of Recently we welcomed back two cats and two these delightful duos call SAFE dogs who have become that close to each other Karratha on (08) 9185 4634. that they’d prefer to be adopted together into their new permanent homes.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER ?

Eight year old Maddox and two and a half year Have you thought about old Clementine are an unlikely duo who’ve been volunteering for SAFE? We’re rehomed together since Clementine was a kitten. always on the look out for people She is a sweet and gentle lady who although to join our multi-talented team very shy at first will blossom once she’s settled of photographers, writers, in. She loves a head rub and will softly pull your administrators, foster carers, to hand with her paw to groom you in return! name just a few.

Maddox is a bit of a Houdini who will SAFE is a not for profit disappear in places around the house when he organisation that saves needs quiet time and then reappear when he’s rehomeable animals from ready for company. He’s become adept at opening euthanasia. We have volunteers cupboard doors and closing them behind himself working effectively from all over and if he can’t open a cupboard door he’ll curl up the country performing an array the bath. of tasks.

This beautiful boy with his debonair tuxedo Our overheads are kept small fur can be a little shy at first, like his friend as we rely on our volunteers Clementine but will gain confidence in quiet, to care for the animals, take trusting home. photographs, write profiles, If dogs are more your cup of tea, meet coordinate photographers and dynamic duo Zeus and Lilo. These two are another profilers, do website content unlikely pair of besties: Zeus weighs 37kg and management, write stories for Lilo just 6kg. Eighteen-month-old Zeus is a big publications, do public relations dog with a relaxed nature and two-year old Lilo and administrative work. has a very similar temperament.

Email and internet makes They love to be together whether exploring volunteering possible from or snuggling up for a snooze. When someone anywhere. comes to the door the pair of them run to see who We’d love to welcome more foster carers it is, Lilo running between Zeus’s legs, completely to our network in Perth and across the in sync with each other. They’d love to find their state. Fostering is a vital role as it provides permanent home where they can feel safe and rehabilitation, training, caring and loving of secure and spend time with their special humans. animals to prepare them for their new lives with

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permanent owners.

We are always in need of donations to pay vet bills - every rescue animal has to be desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. Volunteer fundraisers and marketers to help raise these much needed funds. If you’d like to donate, information can be found on: safe.asn.au/How_to_ help/Donate.html If you’d like to make a difference and join our team of volunteers and foster carers, please email ka r r a t ha@sa fe.asn. au or phone us at SAFE Karratha at (08) 9185 4634.

COMMUNITY Compassionate Friends of Western ThaveheAustralia strives to support families who lost a child, regardless of that child’s age

throughout WA. We are a non-profit, non-government funded charity that provide peer call support, group meetings, a drop in centre, sending out quarterly newsletters, Anniversary Cards, we hold Walk of remembrance and a candlelight service (nonreligious) at Christmas.

We are run by volunteers and bereaved parents that are further along in their grief and wish to help others who have suffered this tragedy.

Although everybody’s grief is different it helps to talk to someone who has actually had this tragedy happen to them.

They WON”T say “I know how you feel” as no one can, but they will say “I don’t know exactly what you are feeling but this is how I felt when my child died”.

We raise funds by holding events, charity drives and donation from our members and outside bodies.

Although this is fantastic, we still struggle

with the cost of keeping our doors open so any suggestion on fundraising or donations are gratefully accepted.

WALK OF REMEMBRANCE HELD IN MARCH EACH YEAR Events like these above give the bereaved some hope of a life after the death of their child.

They connect with others that have been through the same tragic experience.

In doing so its helps them to feel that they are not alone in their grief, that there is a worldwide connection to other suffering the same.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We are always looking for volunteers to help man Sausage Sizzles, Charity Shopping Centre Drives and other events along with peer support volunteers (bereaved parents) for telephone support and group meeting facilitation.

information to the newly bereaved, community groups, doctors surgeries and hospital throughout Western Australia.

They help us cover advertising cost in newspapers throughout Western Australia, pay for our office and utilities allowing us to have Peer Support Workers come in and contact to DONATIONS Donations allow us to bereaved that wish to have contact. purchase stamps so we can The Compassionate Friends of WA Inc. receives no Government funding in any send our booklets and other

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