NVN May 2014 by Northern Valleys News

NNNorthern Valley News

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Anzac Day across the region Page 16-17

Page 31

may

Gingin triathalon

2014

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

A productive pumpkin patch

Tamieka Preston

It’s a family affair in the pumpkin patch at the Mitchell family’s horticulture venture west of Gingin with girls Darcie and Grace on hand to help parents Tom and Emma gather the last fruit from their annual pumpkin harvest. What was originally a summer alternate crop now yields the farm’s primary income source after zealous quarantine regulations rendered their chinese cabbage export business to Taiwan untenable. Demonstrating the kind of flexibility necessary to make a living off the land nowadays, the Mitchells turned to their pumpkins to save the day – increasing production from the 8 hectares under

cultivation to a whopping 150 tonne per year. The pumpkins are sold through Canning Vale markets, with some making their way to the Mt Claremont farmers market. Plantings begin from seed in early October, after the dangers of frost have passed. Successive sowing, four weeks apart, allows them to even out distribution to the market over the four month season, as well as the workload. Apart from a few backpackers in the height of summer, the family do all the work themselves, and that’s the way they intend to keep it. Being able to sustain the family without having to work off farm is a lifestyle choice for the couple who were married on the hilltop of the property where they have

since built their family home.

orchard and market garden.

The picturesque area offers more than just the outstanding views across the Moore River National park back to the scarp. Tom says the area was earmarked long ago by the Department of Agriculture as ideal for market gardening. The tall tuarts indicate an area among the sand dunes with a good level of water and minerals in the soil.

Learning about soil health and pH was a major breakthrough.

Both Tom and Emma have agricultural backgrounds, but they have learnt their horticultural skills on the job. “If our level of learning is indicated by the amount of mistakes we’ve made – then we’ve learned heaps” jokes Tom, who says they relied on the advice of neighbours and friends when they were establishing their

“At first we assumed it was just sand, just hydroponics,” says Tom. “We took our pH from 6.5 to 8.1 in seven years.” They now soil test twice a year and leaf test four times a year, tailoring their fertiliser additions to suit, and are beginning to reap the rewards. Although the season is drawing to a close, pumpkins store well for up to six months – Tom reccommends a well ventilated shed – so now is the time to stock up if you’re a fan of a warm winter pumpkin soup. Fruit grown by the Mitchells is available locally at ‘Betty’s’ roadside stall on the Great Northern Hwy north of Bindoon. COUNTRY PROPERTY EXPERTS

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It’s your news...

Editors’ note

It’s your in the Northern Valleys

Letters to the editor

Justices of the Peace Bindoon

Hi Jackie

Lee Martin

9576 1066

Walter Zemunik

9576 0156

Phillip Lefroy

9576 2086

Rob McCullough

9576 1740

9571 4152

Thank you for printing my letter. I truly appreciate you giving me a greater audience, I thank you again.

9571 8040

Kind Regards Stacey McMullen

Lower Chittering Eric Schmidt

Happy 3rd Birthday Northern Valleys News!

Muchea

Northern Valleys News is a community newspaper available FREE at local newstands. Circulation: 4000

Thank you to all those who have helped make this community paper through their editorial and advertising contributions.

Produced by: Jackie Shervington & Tamieka Preston

With 37 issues produced, it is a wonderful reflection on the region that the stories and topics continue to flow as we celebrate people and their pursuits.

Editor & Advertising: Jackie Shervington Phone: 0419 045 783 Email: jackie@nvnews.com.au

With Autumn finally here there’s no better way to pay homage to the season than by bringing you a story on pumpkins! We also encourage readers to enter their favourite recipes, using produce from the region for our ‘Feast of Northern Valleys Flavours’ competition.

Editor, Art Direction and layout Tamieka Preston Phone: 0419 902 904 Email: tamieka@nvnews.com.au

The name Northern Valleys was created to unite our area which is mande up of many local communities who share common interests. We all share a similar passion for the semirural lifestyle and love the place we call home. To our new readers we hope you like this feel-good paper designed to uncover our community’s great secrets and treasures.

A.J.Fewster

9571 4012

David Lindsay

9571 1389

Donald McDonald

9655 9024

Margaret Greenwell

9575 2220

Emergency Numbers Ambulance

000

Doctor

9576 1222

Hospital

9347 5244

Fire Brigade

000

Police Emergency

000

Police

Published by Northern Valleys News PO Box 206, Bindoon, 6502

Attendance

Printed by Rural Press Printing 7 Rafferty Close Mandurah WA 6210

Police Headquarters

131 444

Police (Gingin)

9575 5600

Crime Stoppers

1800 333 000

Poison

We welcome your feedback and articles!

Please contact Jackie on 0419 045 783 or Tamieka on 041 9902 904

Gingin

www.nvnews.com.au

Your paper, Your news. All attempts have been made to include accurate and full coverage across the region. But we are sure to have missed something. Please help us by emailing your feedback to the editor@nvnews.com.au or call on 0419 045 783 or post to NV News PO Box Bindoon 206

I believe without the support of the media, Phil Smart (Swans - Operations Manager), the new club and those from far and wide, we would still be waiting for the boys to play their first game. As it is they played their first game on Sunday. It was a great day :D As I understand, the policy was overturned by the West Australian Football Commission after Phil Smart meet with them on Friday.

Chittering Bruce Rowley

I would like to advise you that the boys where cleared last Friday afternoon.

Advertising in the NVNews Special rates for 3 issues or more; Full Page - $960 Half Page - $480 1/4 Page - $240 1/8 Page - $120 Ph Jackie Shervington 0419 045 783

Shane Love MLA Member for Moore

E: Shane.Love@mp.wa.gov.au Ph: 08 9921 4818 Shane Love MLA ShaneLove_Moore

Trade Ads $120 for 6 months Ph Tamieka Preston 041 9902 904

9222 1997 13 11 26

Rural Watch

9576 4600

Chittering Shire

9576 4600

Chittering Ranger A/H

9576 4616

Gingin Ranger

9575 2211

Vet

9575 2274

Authorised by S Love 3/5 Chapman Road, Geraldton 6350, WA

Booking deadline for advertising & editorial

Jackie Shervington and Tamieka Preston Northern Valleys News helping to grow our regional community.

Thursday 29th May 2014 On the streets first week of June 2014 Advertising rates available at www.nvnews.com.au

“Fruity Fanatics fruit juices and fruit tubes are now in store. 100% healthy and locally produced - try them today”

Neal Griffiths, Bindoon IGA

We’re proud to introduce this fantastic product which is made from WA grown fresh fruit, and produced right here in the Northern Valleys.

BINDOON IGA

- OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8AM - 7PM Fruit & Veg, Meat, Deli, Dairy, Freezer, Grocery & Variety.

2 www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

It’s your community... Learn to Grow Vegies at Maggie’s Place

Could you save the life of a loved one?

Free workshops!

Alarming statistics show that while we think about learning first aid, only a small percentage of the population take time to actually learn.

Sunday 18 May: 11.15 – 12 noon Autumn planting – How and What to Plant Sunday, 25 May: 11.15 – 12 noon Sustainable backyard – composting, worm farm, home made fertilisers. Read more on page 18 Please RSVP to Maggie if you’d like to come along: E -mpedmonds@bigpond.com. There will be some seedlings and seeds available for purchase at the sessions.

In excess of 30,000 Australians die every year from sudden heart cardiac arrest, yet less than half receive resuscitation from bystanders. Drowning is the single most common death of young children aged 1-4 years, with half of these deaths occurring in swimming pools or spas. The Chittering Gingin Sub Centre of John Ambulance has two very qualified trainers with over 30 years experience between them. Just 16 hours of training could make a huge difference. A senior first aid course covers management of illness and injury, heart attack and stroke, diabetes, anaphylaxis and using an epi pen, epilepsy, bandaging, bites and stings, fractures, bleeding, burns and scalds, and CPR. Senior First Aid courses in the Bindoon Gingin area will be held on 17 & 24 May and 13 & 20 September. Call Jenny Oliver now on 9575 2279 and leave a message.

Celebrate the power of volunteering This year Aussies are being urged to ‘Celebrate the power of volunteering’ during National Volunteer Week (12-18 May). Over six million Australians give up their time and energy to make countless contributions to their communities through volunteering. According to local Act-Belong-Commit Project Officer Marissa Yeo, the towns of the Western Wheatbelt area would not flourish without the assistance of our volunteers. Benefits to the community aside, volunteering also keeps you mentally

healthy. “Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps to develop a support system, which in turn protects and builds your resilience when you’re going through challenging times” says Marissa. To find out more about National Volunteer Week go to www.volunteeringaustralia.org. Download the Act-Belong-Commit iPhone application to find volunteering opportunities in your area, or visit www. actbelongcommit.org.au

Saturday 10th May

Livelighter Gingin British Car Day 2014 The 18th of May will see the Gingin townsite come alive for the 25th annual Gingin British Car Day. With the Gingin day embedded in the motoring calendar of events and now sharing the date with National Motoring Heritage day, the 18th of May promises to exceed previous attendances and expectations... The Granville Parklands will be overflowing with an extravagant display of British Cars and pulsing to the sounds of “Purple Haze Band” from the music shell. A marching band display by the Kalamunda District Pipe Band will add an exciting element to the atmosphere of the day. The scenic pool at the bottom of the park will again host an amazing array of working model boats displayed and operated by the Australian Model Ship Society. It’s a great spectacle and don’t miss the Grand Finale with the burning of a ship complete with men overboard and fire fighting tugs to the rescue. A huge variety of market day stalls offering everything from jewellery to neck and shoulder massage and a good selection of local produce will engage the shoppers while the motoring enthusiasts admire the cars. Hot food, Devonshire teas, ice cream, fairy floss and cool drinks will be available all day to satisfy the hunger pangs and quench the thirst and a licensed bar will provide the opportunity to rest a while and enjoy a very English “half a pint and a pork pie.” A variety of games and rides will keep the kids entertained throughout the day.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Mother’s Day Cake Stall held by the Country Women’s Assoc. 9am to 12 midday in front of Bindoon IGA. Funds raised go to the Royal Flying Doctors Service.

Monday 12th May Bindoon retiree’s fashion show 12th -18th National Volunteers week

Sunday 18th May All day - British car day - Gingin 11.15 – 12 noon- Autumn planting workshop at Maggies place, Swan Valley

Friday 23rd May Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea - Chittering Cancer Support Group. 10.00am to 12.00. Adventist hall, Bindoon.

Sunday 25th May Chittering Farmers Markets starting at 9am, in Edmonds place Bindoon. Enquiries chittmarkets@gmail.com 11.15 – 12 noon Sustainable backyard workshop at Maggies place, Swan Valley HBF run for a reason - Perth

Wednesday 28th May The Bindoon Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade AGM is at 7pm on in the Bindoon Fire Station.

Thursday 5th June 2014 Wheatbelt Regional Blueprint. 1.30pm – 3.30pm Granville Civic Centre, Gingin

- Chittering Cancer Support Group Friday 23rd May, 10.00am to 12.00 at Edmonds Pl, Bindoon, Adventist hall behind the Op shop, wheelchair access. Entry by donation. Contributions to the raffle prizes welcome Ph Marilyn on 9576 0090 for collection or details. Raffles, and delicious choices for morning tea, endless cuppas. Take away too. Every cup brings us closer to a cure.

Chittering Farmers Markets

Fashion show

The Bindoon Retirees have their FASHION SHOW on the 12th May 2014 and we would love to see you all come along for morning tea and Good news on the Chittering Farmers Markets. We can now offer n insurance policy a great show. has been found where people can purchase a We have Kerry “D” as usual with one day only policy to cover their liability for a wide range of clothes for you to $10. Stalls are $10 per bay and stall holders see and try, and our lovely models now need to bring their own shelter. to show off the styles and range of To book a stall emailchittmarkets@gmail.com clothing. or phone 0428 786 228. It is the usual $5 at the door, or tickets from any of our members, The insurance breakthrough will enable to include your morning tea and people wanting to incubate a business Fashion Show. concept to do some hands on market research. It will also allow people to have a Any enquiries to the President: one day bric-a-brac cleanout. Lois Jones on 9576 0451 or our The next market is Sunday May 25th starting at 9am, in Edmonds place Bindoon.

www.nvnews.com.au

Secretary: Sheila Haeusler on 9576 1448

It’s your news...

Successful solo exhibition for Chittering artist Di Broad

immediately apparent in our flora.”

A love of Western Australian flora was the impetus for Chittering artist Kerry Henry to present her first solo exhibition, ‘Paintbox…focus on flora’ in South Perth recently.

The exhibition was held at the City of South Perth Historical Society Gallery and Cultural Centre, Heritage House, and was officially opened by the Mayor of the City of South Perth, Sue Doherty.

Mrs Henry said she has always loved gardening and believes it was through this interest that she developed a new pastime of drawing and painting flora.

Opening night was attended by many family and friends who took great delight in viewing the 42 works on display.

“It has only been in the past 10 years that I have concentrated on painting to capture the essence of the plant on paper.” “I am still amazed at how excited I get over dead twigs, bark, leaves and nuts,” she said. “What art has taught me is to really see the profusion of colour and the diversity of form and uniqueness that is not always

Slow Down Enjoy the Ride in (& to!) Chittering

The aim of this project is to raise community awareness on the shared responsibility for road safety. We were really pleased when the PreCampaign Survey revealed that our local community utilised “Driver Revivers” when they were travelling long distances and “Skippers” if they were out socialising. The survey also highlighted a few areas that people weren’t aware of; 1. Child Car Restraints – FREE fitting at the Shire Administration Centre, with FREE coffee and cake at the Bindoon Bakehaus during the campaign. 2. Unsafe Roads & Damaged Signs – can be reported by calling 1800 800 009. Currently the RAC are running a ‘Risky Roads” campaign where the public have the opportunity to nominate a road which they feel needs attention (www. riskyroads.com.au). 3. Unsafe Drivers – can be reported by calling 131 444. The Post-Campaign Survey can be accessed through the campaign website (http://www. chittering.wa.gov.au/discover/enjoy-theride.aspx or hard copies will be available at the Shire Administration. The funding for the project was provided by the Community Road Safety Grants Program which is funded through speed and red light cameras.

John Broad, Bindoon and Eleanor Junk, Chittering.

Still amazed at the success of her first exhibition, Mrs Henry said even though she was feeling quite daunted by the amount of work it involved she is glad she did it. “After such an enthusiastic response from the public, I will continue to capture our beautiful flora on paper in both mediums of watercolour and graphite.” “The subject keeps me both challenged and passionate,” Mrs Henry said.

Blankets for homeless

Anne Maree Hagge from the Bindoon Bakehaus is a new kitchen volunteer for an organisation called Manna Inc. who feed the homeless each week. She had her first gig on Easter Monday delivering hot cross buns and bread donated by the Bakehaus to go with the meals they cooked. We all know how fabulous her food is so no doubt they enjoyed her assistance! She is calling for donations of warm blankets and beenies to distribute to the homeless to help bring warmth this winterplease bring to the Bakehaus.

Success from Charlotte’s Big Fairy Fundraiser Rachel Peachey

I have just had some exciting news! The final tally for Charlotte’s Fairy Big Fundraiser is $11,122.60. The quiz night raised $6,717 and the run raised $4,405.60. This amazing amount of money would not have been raised without the support and help from so many people. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way, whether that was a donation to the quiz night, sponsorship of the run, or attending the quiz night. And thank you to those who helped at the quiz night, before and after as well. This will make a real impact on the research being undertaken for a cure into Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) by The Benny Wills Brain Tumour Research Program and help the future children diagnosed with this brain cancer.

Bumper sticker design by Harrison Anderson

Mayor Sue Doherty with artist Kerry Henry.

Extraordinary things can happen when ordinary people help each other!

Meg Bradford-Seeley Bindoon and Jeanne Scott, Maryville Downs.

Patrick and Kerry Henry.

Ladies in pjs raise funds and a few eyebrows at the Bindoon Bakehaus Silk and flannette pyjamas, curlers, bed sox, bunny slippers and teddy bears were all proudly worn to the Bindoon Bakehaus & Cafe in a fundraising activity for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Among much laughter and many comments, Koorunga CWA girls collected a massive $1000 for this very worthy cause. In celebrating the Country Women’s Associations 90th Anniversary, branches were asked to contribute funds for a gift cheque to be presented to the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the State Conference of CWA in York during July. Always on the lookout for something different, Koorunga Branch decided this novel appraoch would be a lot of fun along with raising awareness of both the RFDS and CWA. Morning tea at the Bakery in pyjamas definetly created much interest, with comments such as; “If I need the RFDS

I hope you girls are there with me”, “You wouldn’t want to see me in my pyjamas”, “You are so game” and “Can I buy you a bed?” Those who joined the morning tea but choose not to wear pj’s paid a fee with one visitor from Queensland CWA participating by wearing her pjs.The generosity of patrons and the general public was amazing – a huge thank you to everyone who supported the event!

Lois Jones, Bev Fleetwood, Margaret Vallentine

Annette Howard, Lois Jones

Bev Fleetwood, Lois Jones, Cathie Howitt from Qld, Karyn Collins

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4 www.nvnews.com.au

Joan Bathgate, Margaret johnson

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

Out & About

Gingin triathalon See page 31 for reults and story

Elaine and Keith Troy

Stephen Fewster, Michael Beard, John Watson, Rosanne Watson and Glen McCarthy

Donelle, Tara, Simon and Lachie Martin

Wayne Fewster and Jeremy Edwards

Alice, Lawrence, Albert, Jim, Edward and Karen Grant.

Brad, Simone, Elorah, Chaz and Tye Gresele

Gordon, Jill Allen-and Graham Brown

Lachalan, Lisa, Clancy, Darren and Elisa Jane Thompson

www.nvnews.com.au

Niamh, Wayne and Bree Teal

Mark, Chantelle, Pauline and Cadence

NNNN

It’s your news... Left; A presentation by the President of the Men in Sheds of Gingin, Bruce Watson to the President of the Gingin-Chittering Lions Club, Brian Barlow of a completely restored working measuring device to be displayed in the near future at the Gingin Railway Station. Left to right; Brian Barlow Gingin-Chittering President, Jim Selkirk Men in Sheds, Bruce Watson President Men in Sheds Gingin, Mike Miller Gingin Railway Station Project Co-ordinator.

Wheatbelt’s future - Blueprint Roadshow

Open Day at the Gingin Railway Station On Sunday May 4th the Gingin Railway Station held an Open Day as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival.

changes to the Station and Station master’s Quarters enjoy the Displays of model steam locomotives and quilts, art exhibitions, arts and crafts, stalls and refreshments.

The restoration project has progressed and the public were invited to view the gradual

The public were most impressed that the Railway Station was being restored to it’s

Dianne Miller

previous glory. There were many comments and questions regarding the history and future uses of the station. The Lions Club of GinginChittering were very happy with the support from the public of the day.

“The Wheatbelt’s future in a global market place is very strong”, says Wheatbelt Development Commission Chair Tim Shackleton. “The Commission Board and staff are very upbeat about the Region’s future, based on the strong foundations for growth and global trends presenting significant opportunity for that growth.” “The Wheatbelt already has a strong and diversified economy, valued in excess of $4B,’ said Mark Wallace, Regional Technical Director Economics RPS Australia Asia Pacific. “The Region is ideally positioned to experience increased economic growth through continued productivity gains in broadacre agriculture, intensification of agriculture through horticulture

and livestock production, and increasing supply chain value through food processing activities. Significant increases in mining production and the growth of the mining services industry has seen strong diversification of the economy. Beyond this primary industry base, there exists considerable opportunity for the Wheatbelt, because of its proximity to Perth and global markets, to grow its tourism, aged care and lifestyle services sectors.” Blueprint Road Show public information sessions are open to anyone interested in knowing more or contributing to the Wheatbelt’s vision, goals and aspirations for the year 2050. Attendees and the wider community are welcome to provide feedback on the Wheatbelt Regional Blueprint. Gingin: 5 June 2014, 1.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Granville Civic Centre

7,-6)

,.3,.3

Council to the Community MAY 2014 GINGIN BRITISH CAR DAY 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Come and celebrate 25 years of UK sights and delights at this year’s Gingin British Car Day. Visitors will be able to admire the display of beautiful vintage motor vehicles and watch demonstrations of model ships on the Granville Scenic Pool. Why not sample some English beer, or indulge in a pork pie or a Devonshire tea? Or bring a picnic? There will also be a range of local craft and produce stalls to try, as well as dancing displays and live music. This is a family-friendly event with entertainment for the kids too.

COASTAL HAZARDS INFORMATION

The Shires of Gingin and Dandaragan are working together with the Northern Agricultural Catchment Council to prepare communities from Guilderton to Jurien Bay for the potential impacts of sea level increases, coastal erosion and inundation. A Community Information Session will be held in Guilderton in June to cover topics such as coastal processes and planning requirements, options for adapting to coastal change, and community involvement. For more information please contact Cher on 9575 2211.

INAUGURAL TRIATHLON A TRIUMPH

A very big ‘thank you’ is extended to all the participants and supporters of the Gingin Shire’s first ever triathlon held on Sunday 6th April which saw 115 competitors swim, cycle and run their way through our picturesque town.

DRIVER TESTING UPDATE

Are you looking to sit your Practical Driving Test in the Shire of Gingin? If so, here is some information you may need to be aware of: n Hazard Perception Tests, Computerised Theory Testing, and Practical Driving Tests can all be done at the Shire of Gingin Administration Office - bookings are essential. n Hazard Perception Tests and Computerised Theory Tests are available for booking on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. These tests are not available on Tuesdays. When: Sunday 18 May 2014, 10am – 4pm n Only people who live, work, or who are rate payers in the catchment Where: Granville Park, Weld Street, Gingin area comprising the Shire of Gingin, the Shire of Chittering or the town For more information please contact Robert Brodie-Hall on 0439 752 280 or of Bullsbrook are permitted to undertake their practical driving assessment brodiehall@bigpond.com. at our Administration Office in Gingin. n For more details on whether you are eligible to sit your practical driving STREET LIGHT NOT WORKING? test at the Shire of Gingin, please visit our website www.gingin.wa.gov.au Just a reminder to our community that any broken street lights should be (go to Residents – Community Services – Transport and Licensing). reported to Western Power on 1800 622 008. In the event you need to make a report it is helpful to provide the pole number and street name. Please For any other driver testing queries please contact Shire administration staff on 9575 2211 who will be only too happy to assist you. note that Western Power is the repair authority for these assets.

The spirit of community was very evident on the day with feedback that included the desire for more similar events to be organised, and hopes for the triathlon to feature permanently on the Shire’s events calendar.

The Shire of Gingin wishes to acknowledge the following sponsors for their generous support on the day: Act Belong Commit, Be Active, Bendigo Bank Gingin, Iluka Resources, Shire of Chittering, Shire of Moora and Slater-Gartrell Sports.

Further Council information is available on www.gingin.wa.gov.au or at Shire of Gingin, 7 Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503 Telephone: 08 9575 2211 Facsimile: 08 9575 2121 Email: mail@gingin.wa.gov.au

6 www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

It’s your community...

They come in peace But they will make a lot of noise. Jackie Shervington

Black Hawk helicopters will be deployed over Perth as part of a one month series of counterterrorism exercises. Six black hawk helicopters have been flown in from New South Wales for the training and will be cruising the city’s skies late at night, often at low altitudes. Major Tony Cameron, from the Army’s 6th Aviation Regiment, said the noise was an unfortunate side effect of the training, which needed to be as realistic as possible to ensure troops were ready if the real thing ever occurred. Working with ground forces, including the Perth-based SAS Regiment, the helicopters will be involved in deploying troops on land and water, including by parachute. The exercises will involve the use of blank ammunition and simulated explosions.

As the regional newspaper we were invited to join a publicity ride around the CBD and judging by the stopping cars and waves from school kids and office workers the noise seems to be forgiven.

I’m not really sure why but the Black Hawk stirs such emotions in people; perhaps because it flies so incredibly low to the ground, makes a deafening noise and is a huge feat of aerodynamics to lift over 10 tonne from the ground. I expect dogs and horses will be glad to see them go but overall I think a welcome excitement for locals to experience. The ADF thanks local residents and businesses for their cooperation and patience during this important training.

Above; A good view of the other Black Hawk Below; Jackie Shervington

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They will be working out of Pearce for about two weeks and have also maximized training at Bindoon, in order to minimise the noise impact to the CBD.

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Chatter May 2014

Councillor Column

Cr Sandra Clarke

crclarke@chi ering.wa.gov.au Managing change within our community It has o en been said the only thing constant in life is â&#x20AC;&#x153;change.â&#x20AC;? As we are all aware, one of the most fundamental facts about change is that it is an emo onal experience, which can be perceived as either good or bad. For many of us, however, our ini al response to change is o en nega ve, as we always assume we are going to be at risk, or in fear of losing something. We tend to be weary of each new situa on - looking for anything which is not to our liking, then proceeding to complain about it. This nega ve outlook o en reduces our awareness of the posi ve aspects involved, and we end up allowing the things we cannot control to take control of us. Understanding normal emo on responses to change, therefore, can help us an cipate reac ons, and appreciate why some people tend to resist it. The Shire of ChiÂ&#x20AC;ering is rapidly growing and changing, and we are all a part of that metamorphosis. Councillors are key decision makers, working within a decision-making framework across a wide range of areas. As chosen representa ves of our community, therefore, we are expected to operate and behave with honesty, respect, and in a transparent manner at all mes, for as we are all aware - our ac ons today â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cut the courseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for others tomorrow. Change triggers progress, so in order for Council to move forward, we must con nue to understand and adapt to the needs of our electorate, by encouraging them to be an ac ve part of change - not its vic m. We realise change is a commitment, and appreciate people will only accept change when it is realis c, manageable, and non-threatening to self or others. As I have stated on several occasions, however, this can only be achieved through two-way communica on, ac ve listening, careful planning, and above all, community involvement. It is the responsibility of each one of us to be kept fully informed of, and up to date with, what is happening within our society, so that collec vely, we can all have a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the decision-making process. As author James Bovard once wrote â&#x20AC;&#x153;Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep vo ng on what to have for dinner.â&#x20AC;? No maÂ&#x20AC;er how hard we try to resist it, change is inevitable, and occurs regardless of whether or not we are prepared for it. Some mes when we are no longer able to change a situa on, we are challenged to change ourselves. We cannot change what we refuse to confront, however, so at mes we need to take a step backwards, in order to gain a clearer vision, and hopefully, change some of the nega ves into posi ves. Clear thinking produces posi ve outcomes, so let us all work together to try and ini ate the kind of change in our community that will lead us to where we want to be - on the road to a sustainable, just, and rewarding future. As someone once said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;All you can change is yourself, but some mes that changes everything!â&#x20AC;? Happy posi ve thinking everyone! Thank you

www.facebook.com/chittering.shire

Council Events

Ordinary Council Mee ng Wednesday, 21 May 7pm Council Chambers, Bindoon

The Ordinary Council mee ng will commence at 7pm in the Council Chambers, 6177 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon. The agenda will be available on Friday, 16 May 2014, from the Shire office, Bindoon Library and website. For more informa on please contact Danica Kay at the Shire.

Bindoon Tale Trail Opening Sunday, 22 June 10am onwards Clune Park, Bindoon

Join us for the Official Opening of our new Tale Trail... a 45 minute stroll around the Bindoon townsite with a number of interpreta ve boards which tell the local history stories shared by the community. The Hon Shane Love MLA will undertake the official opening du es, with the walk to follow. The walk will end at Edmonds Place Reserve where par cipants can enjoy the ChiÂ&#x2019;ering Farmers Market and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wear Your Welliesâ&#x20AC;? event. For more informa on please visit the Shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website or contact Karen Dore at the Shire. This event is proudly brought to you by the Department of the Environment and the Shire of Chi ering

Wear your wellies Sunday, 22 June 11am - 3pm Edmonds Place Reserve, Bindoon Enjoy a family fun day with pony rides, snow entertainment, a muddy maze, baby animal farm, tugof-war, movie marque, gardening demos, craÂ? acÂ?viÂ?es, ChiÂ?ering Wildlife Carers, air brush taÂ?oos, face painÂ?ng, winter craÂ?, sausage sizzle, coffee, soup â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pasta .... For more informaÂ?on please visit the Shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website or contact Alison ReliÂ? at the Shire. This event is proudly brought to you by the Chi ering Youth Krew, Chi ering Farmers Market, Northern Valleys News and the Shire of Chi ering

To view a list of all upcoming events view the Shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events calendar online at www.chi ering.wa.gov.au/calendar

School holiday fun

The Shire, in conjunc on with Be Ac ve, recently hosted a school holiday workshop in Clune Park, Bindoon. The coaches (from Freestyle Now) provided the 33 par cipants with one-on-one BMX, scooter and skateboard coaching sessions along with organised compe ons and prizes. This was the first me that BMX bikes have been incorporated into a workshop. Recent works undertaken by the Shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outside crew meant that the track was looking great. Club and Community Development Officer, Arlene Carter commented â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of locals donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realise that this facility is available for their children, due to the track not being visible from the roadâ&#x20AC;?. Bindoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BMX track is located alongside Clune Park, just aÂ&#x161;er the bridge on Gray Road. The Shire would like to take this opportunity to thank Tina Jackson for assistance on the day in a volunteer capacity.

Muchea Youth Fes val

The Muchea Youth Fes val, held at Mucheaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s John Glenn Park, is now in its fourth year. This year the fes val was held on Sunday 6 April from 10am to 2pm. The new day made it more accessible to youth from the region. The organisers of the event made sure that there was something there for everyone and, even be er than the range of ac vi es, it was all free! Apart from the opportunity to try out the largest bungy trampoline in WA, a endees at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event had the chance to take part in one of the many compe ons, try out the skate park on their skateboard, scooter or BMX bike, play foosball, get decorated with airbrush ta oos or be preÂ?ed up through the hair â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; beauty workshop. For those looking for something a li le more sedate the local Lions were offering train rides and if all the ac on was too hot a dip in the blow-up pool was the perfect solu on. All this, plus live bands from the Castlerock

Photo: Sharleze Bin Omar received a skateboard from the Shire for her excellent par cipa on

If you are interested in volunteering within the community please contact Arlene at the Shire. Ins tute of Music providing the perfect backdrop. Nearly 400 people aÂ?ended throughout the day and the Shire would like to acknowledge that without the ongoing financial support of LoÂ?erywest, the Department of Local Government & Communi es and the Office of Road Safety (Slow Down Enjoy the Ride in ~ & to ~ ChiÂ?ering campaign) it would be impossible to offer this entertaining event to the community each year. And as we all know without volunteers weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be lost. Those that were instrumental in this event being so successful were the ChiÂ?ering Youth Krew, N & M Plumbing & Gas and the Bindoon Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shed.

Change of Ordinary Council mee ng Date

Residents and ratepayers within the Shire of Chi ering are hereby advised that the June Ordinary Council mee ng will now be held on Wednesday, 25 June 2014 - not Wednesday, 18 June as previously adver sed. If you have any ques ons about an item that is to be considered by Council please contact Danica Kay at the Shire.

Local producers, food professionals and home cooks are being called upon to submit a recipe which uses local in-season produce to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Feast of Northern Valleys Flavours compe onâ&#x20AC;? organised by the Northern Valleys News. The Shire of Chi ering has a $100 Bindoon IGA voucher for the author of their favourite â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;with a citrus twistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recipe, Maggie Edmonds (a devotee of locally sourced fresh produce) will give away a sumptuous Maggies Place goodies basket to her choice and the Northern Valleys News will offer a $50 Bindoon Butcher voucher for the best slow-cooker recipe! Producers can reveal how they enjoy their produce, chef can show the rest of us how the diverse flavours of the region could be put together in a new way and home cooks can share their favourite dish that makes the most of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available from the farmers market, neighbour or garden! The dishes will be judged on originality, use of local produce, ease of preparaÂ&#x152;on and, of course, taste.

Chi ering Mul purpose Health Centre

Chi eringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mul -Purpose Health Facility Project sees a fourteen year dream become a reality. It has been made possible through funding from the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF), the Country Local Government Fund (CLGF), Southern Inland Health Ini a ve (SIHI) and a contribu on from Council. The centre is designed to collocate all current primary health care services, both private and public, and will be constructed on Great Northern Highway, Bindoon. It will be posi oned near Ferguson House which accommodates the exis ng Aged Care Respite Centre. Currently, council provides two buildings for health services in separate loca ons. The first is a surgery for the local GP, purpose built for one doctor over 20 years ago. The second building which houses Silver Chain and Western Health was originally a Shire staff residence. Both are now considered inappropriate and not fit-for- purpose. The provision of a mul -purpose health centre was iden fied in the Shire of Chi ering Strategic Community Plan 2012-2022, with the desired outcome being â&#x20AC;&#x153;access to local servicesâ&#x20AC;?. Shire President, Cr Robert Hawes stated that; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Community and Council iden fied the need for the establishment of a Mul -Purpose Health Centre due to the inadequate, unsuitable and unsustainable accommoda on that is currently housing its communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Currently the delivery of a number of health services in Bindoon are restricted by the lack of opera onal floor space. Service providers must compete for opera ng hours due to the lack of suitable consult rooms. This project will address this issue, and ensure an appropriate standard of health services are retained in the region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ming and importance of this project cannot be under es mated in light of the findings of the Coastal Wheatbelt and Moora Service Plan (WACHS) and the recent popula on forecasts released by WAPC that predict our popula on will more than double to 9,600 over the next decadeâ&#x20AC;?. The contemporary purpose-built facility will feature five consul ng rooms and two treatment rooms with a recep on / wai ng area. The prac ce administra on will have a confiden al records area along with a pa ent privacy area and staff mee ng / lunch room. Addi onal rooms will be u lised for groups and addi onal primary health services. The following services will be available from the one loca on; chiropractor, community health nurse, diabetes educa on, die cian, family health, health promo ons, immunisa on, insurance medicals, longevity medicine, mental health, occupa onal therapy, physiotherapy, specialty medicals, speech pathology, telehealth and travel medicine. Cr Hawes further stated the key objec ves of this project are to; â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Retain the local GP in the region and encourage future business growthâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Increase the hours of deliverable service by providing appropriate and separate opera ng spaces under the one roofâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Encourage the growth of new medical services to the regionâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Provide office space that can be used by visi ng professionals, who will deliver a range of medical services that the region would not otherwise have access toâ&#x20AC;? The project is currently at the stage of calling for tenders and it is an cipated that the facility will open later next year.

Apart from the great prizes to be won the top twelve recipes will be characterised by season and featured in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Feast of Northern Valleys Flavoursâ&#x20AC;? 2015 calendar to be published by the Northern Valleys News. What a wonderful way to put together a collecÂ&#x152;on of local dishes that celebrate the fantasÂ&#x152;c produce grown in our region. Plus, the chosen â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;with a citrus twistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recipe will be showcased at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Taste of Chi ering, to be held on 24 August 2014. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Likeâ&#x20AC;? us on Facebook to start collecÂ&#x152;ng our Citrus Twist recipes. Entries can be submi ed to Tamieka Preston via tamieka@nvnews.com.au (entries close 19 May 2014 and winners will be published in the July ediÂ&#x152;on of the Northern Valleys News). Tamieka can be contacted on 0419 902 904 for more details or for terms and condiÂ&#x152;ons please see www.nvnews.com.au.

Proposed Public Event

Targa West Rally 2014, Lower Chi ering

The Shire has received a planning applica on for the Targa West Rally event which is proposed to be held on 16 August 2014 in the Maryville Downs Estate, Lower ChiÂ&#x17D;ering. Documenta on seÂ&#x2018;ng out and explaining the event are available from the Council administra on centre (6177 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon); and will be available for inspec on during office hours up to and including Wednesday, 21 May 2014. WriÂ&#x17D;en submissions on the proposed event must be made in wri ng and should be lodged before 4pm on Wednesday, 21 May 2014.

Following adver sing the proposed event will be presented to Council for determina on. Further informa on please contact Brendan Jeans at the Shire.

Shire Administra on Office 6177 Great Northern Highway (PO Box 70) BINDOON WA 6502 Tel: 9576 4600 Fax: 9576 1250 Email: chaÂ&#x2018;er@chiÂ&#x2018;ering.wa.gov.au

NNNN

It’s your news...

Halting the stigma

Looking for signs of the personal times John White, Resilience Support Officer Soulair Rural Email: soulair@westnet.com.au Ph: 048 851 3102

I suppose you’ve noticed that life can be hard! And, when it gets hard we look for ways to ease the suffering. The most tragic efforts are homicide and suicide; ending a life in the hope of eliminating the suffering. And although such attempts may be understandable, they are futile because they only increase pain for the whole human community.

Storn (left) and helpers were outside Bullsbrook IGA distributing information on depression and suicide and offering support.

Storn Petterson is eternally grateful to the stranger on the end of the phone who diverted him from a suicidal car crash. Having suffered depression since childhood which later manifested as alcoholism, Storn has found light at the end of a dark tunnel and wants to help others do the same. “My biggest aim is to break the stigma associated with depression and suicide. It has to be pulled out of the dark and into the light. Mums and Dads, teenagers,

workmates, friends, our whole society, everyone needs to feel they can put up their hands with depression or feeling suicidal without anyone persecuting or judging them.” With the help of sponsors such as Scaff-Boss, sign-writer Storn has customised his car and trailer which he uses to attend events and distribute information to promote his ‘Mobile Recovery Campaign’. His primary motivation is to direct people suffering depression towards getting help as well as

offering support to those who have lost loved ones. “I want to help people by sharing my own life experiences and by handing out legitimate helpful information on depression, suicide, anxiety, mental and physical abuse and addictions”, says Storn. You can contact Storn via his facebook page ‘Bindoon Mobile recovery campaign’ or at a local GROW meeting. www.grow. net.au. More information about counselling services and helplines is below on this page.

Our job is to become increasingly aware of what’s happening within ourselves and those around us in order to prevent such pointless tragedies. How do we do that? Well each one of us has a ‘way of being’ that is recognizable to those who know us well. So when that ‘way’ changes, it’s a sign that all is not well with a person and a cue for us to investigate. If a person is struggling with life, their ‘way of being’ will change. So the key to being helpful is to notice change; any change in yourself or someone else. Here are some of the changes in behaviour that might indicate trouble: • A normally sociable person withdrawing from company • A normally withdrawn person becoming suddenly sociable • A normally ‘tactile’ person not wanting to be touched • A normally physically isolated person wanting to be close or touched...Get the idea? Changes in work, study, concentration, mental or emotional stability, self-worth, hope, dreams, goals or plans, language, personal hygene, weight gain or loss, deviant behavior, risk taking, substance abuse, other self-harm, sleep patterns... changes in anything! Take notice and ask – a few times if necessary until you get the truth – ‘what’s going on’? Then stay with that person until needed assistance is secured. And if the struggle is really serious and someone is thinking of ending their life, you’ll hear words like, ‘I wish I were dead’, ‘People would be better off without me’, ‘I’d like to go to sleep and never wake up’, etc. And more than that, they may be making a will, saying goodbyes to people, giving away prized possessions, tidying up business affairs, organizing their own funeral, etc; finalizing! What are they feeling? Lonely, abandoned, overwhelmed, hopeless, helpless, powerless, pointless, worthless, anxious, afraid, sad, desperate, angry, numb, ripped off. Our task is to help reverse those feelings. The bottom line is they (we?) have lost any sense of ‘meaning’ in their life. The only way to reduce the slide is to restore meaning. We’ll talk more about that soon. In the meantime, notice the changes, ask for information about them and assure them of your committed support while necessary assistance is found. I’d like to think we can get better at enhancing life, rather than focus on preventing death. I like to think that life can be enjoyable rather than just bearable! Let’s work on that together.

John White provides a Mobile Counselling and Support service in the Northern Valleys area. John is a Senior Counsellor, Educator, Husband, Dad, Grandad, Olive Farmer and resident of Toodyay. Supported by the

Department of Agriculture & Food

Help is available...

Phone: 0488 513 102 Web: www.magpieridge.com

Lifeline - For 24/7 crisis support line call 131 114 Lifeline provides crisis support and a range of counselling services, for confidential information or appointments please call (08) 9261 4451. Anglicare Telephone Counselling - 1800 812 511 This Rural and remote counselling service is available to everyone, it is not a crisis line, and appointments are required for this low fee service. WEBSITES: www.mindhealthconnect.org.au www.beyondblue.org.au www.actbelongcommit.org.au www.mensline.org.au www.grow.net.au www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

10 www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

If you can’t stop for two minutes to read this you probably need to slow your life down. If you need to slow your life down, there’s a good chance you need to slow your driving down too. The fact is, the way we drive is a symptom of the way we live. Too fast. Research states: 70% of people with hectic lifestyles admit to speeding, yet only 40% of people with relaxed lifestyles admit to speeding.* Enjoy the ride is about slowing down. Slowing down on our roads & in life. Each moment, whether we’re on the road, at work or at play, is more fulfilling if we’re not racing to the next. When we slow down, we reduce our risk of crashes & enjoy a more relaxed life. These are benefits we can all enjoy, as individuals & a society. When we slow down, we’re not just safer, we’re happier too. Let’s work towards a target of zero deaths and serious injuries on WA roads let’s slow down & enjoy the ride. And thanks for taking the time to read this poster. *Synovate Research 2010

www.nvnews.com.au

Livestock

Keeping in Touch From The Team in the Pink Shirts

A Helmsman auction is also called a silent auction for good reason. There isn’t the traditional auctioneer involved in the process. There is no high adrenalin calling of prices but rather a considered review and bidding by buyers. People say that the “Helmsman” system is buyer friendly because it helps them get better value for money.

Meating expectations in Dongara

The Tungamah Specktacular Helmsman auction

still coming in. According to Garry, “It was a promotion exercise as well as a sale and it has achieved better results than I expected”.

The April 2014 TUNGAMAH SPECKTACULAR BULL SALE & FIELD DAY offered a strong crowd of around 30 people a unique exposure to the Helmsman auction.

“We have to get the breed out in front of breeders to prove itself and we’ve achieved that with bulls going locally, south west and out to Esperance, with enquiries from the NW.”

On sale were 14 STUD SPECKLE PARK BULLS and 2 BRAHCKLE BULLS (Speckle Park/Brahman Cross)

Over 200 farmers attended a ‘ Meat for Profit Day’ in Port Denison WA on the 3rd of April. The conference/field day was co-ordinated by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) with the aim of giving Western Australian livestock producers better tools to ‘meat’ expectations and thrive in today’s market. Speakers included; Michele Allan, Chair of MLA who spoke about the future challenges and opportunities facing the red meat industry; Peter Barnard, General Manager, Trade and Economic Service, who outlined Indonesian market opportunities. The future opportunities of live exports was discussed by Alison Penfold, CEO of Australian Live Exporters Council and Nick Daws, Chair of Australian Live Export Council of WA. Talks were also given by producers and livestock experts from all over Australia.

According to Garry Thomas, principal of Tungamah Speckle Park Cattle, three sold at auction to a top of $3000, and three sold post auction with enquiries

MURCHISON EXPLORATION WATER BORES

Email:murchisonexplore@bigpond.com

Lamb numbers were approximately 6500 with some good lines of trade lambs forwarded. Best lambs to $126.50 with this market equal to last sale. Ewe mutton numbers topped 5500 head with heavy mutton being $3-$4 dearer this week. November shorn Merino ewes sold at $75 per head. Wether and ram numbers were light. Wethers remained equal with killing rams dearer due to extra competition. Muchea Cattle 28/4/14 Numbers rebounded after the two short weeks and included 134 calves. Pastoral cattle dominated the plain quality yarding with trade cattle in limited supply. Heavy steer and pastoral bullock numbers were moderate. Very strong competition saw most categories dearer, with heavy steers and pastoral bullocks exceeding 220c, along with heavy heifers to 221c and cows in excess of 184c/kg. All sectors of the market were active, including live exporters on suitable bulls. Trade sales were limited with prime steers making 216-248c and the heavy grain assisted C3 drafts averaging 227c/kg.

Feeders and restockers paid up to 11c more for suitable steers, with most sales from 218-231c/ kg. Heifer sales were mostly dearer, while light weight drafts sold from 180-212c and the better medium and heavy weight drafts sold from 196-222c/kg.

Brett Littler, NSW (speaker); Rebecca Butcher Moora DAFWA; Joe DePledge at the MPD In the Yards Field Day on Friday 4th April

Heavy grown steers made to 225c to the local trade with best pastoral bullocks to 209c/kg. The 500-600kg export steers made 174-212c/ kg. Heavy grown heifers made to 221c, to the trade with most from 160-180c/kg. Cow sales were again strong, while local heavy weight cows made 168-185c, with pastoral drafts from 161-181c/kg. Medium cows averaged close to 162c, up to 12c/kg dearer for the better pastoral drafts. Light and plain cows sold between 100c and 151c/kg. Bull prices remained strong, while heavy bulls sold from 150-180c/kg. Light bulls to live export made from 195-240c, with other suitable drafts between 135-170c/kg.

Elders Midland Jim Sangalli: Branch Manager 0417 706 996 Livestock 92735888 Don Morgan: Muchea/Stud Stock 0429 721 156 Preston Clarke: Sales Gingin South 0429 111 797 Nigel Hunt: Sales Bindoon North 0437 970 006

www.murchisonexploration.com.au

Elders report a total yarding of 23607 sheep and lambs at the Muchea Livestock Centre on April 29. Numbers were up on the last sale by approximately 20,000 head due to the short week last week.

After a day in the conference room, attendees enjoyed getting out into the yards the following day and getting their hands dirty learning new handling techniques as well as watching a variety of displays .

Contact Office -‐ 0894074155 Barry-‐ 0408943103

Muchea Sheep 29/4/14

Prime grain assisted heifers made from 200-236c, while heavy drafts averaged 224c, with plainer muscled sales from 178-211c/kg. Supplementary fed pastoral steers made from 169-199c, with the best pastoral heifers to 200c/kg.

Jim Sangalli

Erin Gorter from Evergreen, one of the sponsors of the event, was pleased with the good turnout and said that the speakers had injected a lot of confidence into the local industry.

Specialising in Hard Rock Drilling

From the Auctioneer:

Farm Supplies 9273 7999 Brad Thompson: Manager 0429 116 033 Bryan Burrell: Sales Representative 0428 591 208 Mathew Hunt: Sales Representative

Fertiliser Jeff Bruce: Sales Specialist 0429 900 187 Rural Bank 9273 5861 John Dingle: District Banking Manager 0419 792 620 Vince Monterosso: District Banking Manger Lisa Mann: Sales Support Deposits Insurance 9294 6666 Jon Nelson: 0417 913 121 Krystal Hayward: Sales Support Andrew Rowley: Sales Support

or visit elders.com.au

12 www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

It’s your community...

Free trade with Japan – a massive boost for Pearce Local wine makers and farmers in Pearce will receive an unprecedented boost from the free trade agreement with Japan announced by the Coalition Government this week.

Heifers from Speckled Park

Crowds were up for the 2014 Gingin Heifer Competition

Over 30 people enjoyed the heifer “crawl” as they visited farms from Wannamal, Mooliabeenee to Gingin.

Member for Pearce said local wheat, beef, pork, sheep, fruit, vegetable, seafood, wine and beer exporters were the big winners in the historic agreement, with the elimination, or significant reduction in export tariffs to Japan. “This agreement follows the recent announcement of free trade agreements

with Korea and will provide a marked benefit to businesses within Pearce, as well as help to create more local jobs in our local communities,” Mr Porter said. “With the elimination of wheat and wine tariffs, this agreement represents a tremendous step forward for our Swan Valley wine producers and Wheatbelt farmers and will help strengthen our local economy and grow local jobs in these important regions. “Other local industries, including vegetable and fruit growers, broad-acre farmers, seafood exporters, cattle, pork

and sheep farmers – from as far north as Lancelin and as far south as Beverley – will benefit from this agreement that will drive exports and ensure Australia remains competitive against some of our biggest trading competition countries like the United States, European Union and Chile. “Australia is the first agricultural country to sign an agreement of this kind with Japan – that has never been done before and puts our local exporters at a major competitive advantage.”

“Building stronger trading relationships in Asia is critical to Australia’s economic future, and the Coalition Government is committed to further developing our trading relationships around the region, and globally.”

The competition, founded in 1984, highlights the strength of the regions cattle breeding and displays the season’s top commercial and stud heifers from the district. About 80 heifers from 12 entrants were judged, including the Black Angus, Murray Grey and Speckled Park breeds. Local breeder Alan Greenwell won the commercial title with his pen of four Black Angus heifers, while Garry Thomas’ pen of Tungamah Speckle Park heifers won the stud section.

uil d

In the overall section, Mr Greenwell finished on top with 89 points from George Gifford (88) and Dale Jansen, Steve Neville and David Roe (87).

et ob

Chair of the Midlands Cattle Breeders Association Tony Sudlow judged the competition on five qualities – temperament, structural soundness, femininity, carcass and evenness of pen – for a maximum score of 100 points.

g n g r o ow r t th s for high fixing/high yielding soils. A high quality compound fertilizer with Copper & Zinc in every granular.

“The Gingin Heifer Competition underlines the magnificent cattle in Gingin. The breeders can be very proud of the work they do to attain this level of quality,” Mr Sudlow said.

A compound fertilizer suited to any situation with well-balanced nutrients in every granule.

i t It s

GUSTO

for cropping situations where a sulphate form of potash is required in a well balanced compound fertilizer.

1st place - Alan Greenwell

specifically for high rainfall sandy soils which can be formulated with Trace Elements or Potash.

Product 2nd Place - George Gifford

17.2

18.4

5.0

0.15

0.98

MAPSZC®

11.6

20.0

5.5

0.30

1.03

GUSTO

10.0 12.0 14.0

7.5

0.10

1.12

DAPSZC®

Product

SuperPasture

13.7

Bulk Density

10.5

17.0

1.11

Talk to Brett Beard Summit Fertilizers Moora - based Agronomist

Winners of the heifer competition, Margaret and Alan Greenwell.

www.nvnews.com.au

0429 900 607 bbeard@summitfertz.com.au

It’s your news...

Small landholder news Jodie Whitfield, Manager Small Landholder Information Service

Autumn is here and as we still wait for those rains to come, it is important to preserve your soil health, minimise erosion and meet the nutritional needs of your livestock. It is the perfect time to be sowing new pastures or making sure your existing pastures are in great shape. A crucial step in this process is to ensure you are achieving good weed and insect control. All weed control will require several years of repeated effort to reduce the seed bank. It is best to use several methods of control as relying solely on herbicides (especially if you are not rotating chemical groups) can result in a build-up of herbicide resistance which should be avoided. Weeds that are common pasture pests in winter include Variegated Thistle, Paterson’s Curse and Cape Tulip. For more information on declared weeds and control methods visit agric.wa.gov.au. If you do have areas where there are significant bare patches in your paddocks, spreading some form of straw over the top can be an option to prevent wind and water erosion. If paddocks are bare also consider placing stock into one paddock and supplementary feeding them in a confined area. It may be necessary to continue to supplementary feed animals for 6-8 weeks after the rains come and to keep animals in the confinement paddocks in order to allow the pasture to establish. When re-introducing animals that have been maintained on dry supplementary feeds to green pasture, it is best to do it when their stomachs are full. Some stock may experience digestive problems, so be sure to monitor them closely. It can take 2-3 weeks for a ruminant’s stomach bacteria to adjust to green feed. Continuing to supplement their diet with hay can help with the transition from dry to green feed. Any pregnant or lactating animals will have higher nutritional needs, so it is important they are given access to enough feed. Dealing with any concerns you have about your property before they get too big will keep you on track to developing the property of your dreams. Visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/ DAFWAsmalllandholders for up-to-date information and great tips on managing your property! We would love you to like us! You can also find more information on our events, seasonal calendar and a range of Noteworthys on the Small Landholder Information Service website agric. wa.gov.au/small_landholder. Until next time, Jodie

Calling for Green Army Projects in Pearce The launch of the Green Army is getting closer and the Coalition Government is now calling on councils and community groups to submit ideas for new projects in Pearce. An application form and project guidelines for Green Army projects are now available for organisations to begin planning new projects under the Green Army Program.

the environment locally. “There are any number of potential project sites in the electorate of Pearce and I will be working with local community groups to fight for projects to be delivered in our community,” Mr Porter said. “Groups in Pearce will be able to bid to host a Green Army Team. Project activities could involve restoring and protecting habitat, weeding, planting, cleaning up creeks and rivers and conserving cultural heritage places.” “Under the Program, participants will be paid an allowance and undertake accredited training.”

“The Government is looking for projects that will make a real difference to the environment and I would like to see as many of those projects as possible be in our local community,” Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter said.

Applications for Project proposals will open on Monday 14 April 2014 and close Friday 9 May 2014. To be eligible for the first round of the program, projects must be ready to commence between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015.

The Green Army will be Australia’s largest-ever team supporting environmental action across the country, building to 15,000 young Australians by 2018.

Project guidelines and information to help groups interested in submitting Green Army Projects plan their proposals is available now at:www.environment.gov.au/ green-army

The Green Army provides opportunities for young people in Pearce to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields and explore careers in conservation management, while participating in projects that generate real benefits for

Weed Alert Narrow-leaf Cottonbush

(Gomphocarpus fruticosus) Keep watching for seed pods on Cottonbush and remove and dispose of them safely (burning or deep burial) before seeds are released. If you have had some rain seedlings of Cottonbush may have germinated. Seedlings can be hand pulled or if the infestation is large treated with herbicides. Large infestations of mature plants can be slashed and burnt (check with your Local Council if you require a permit to burn). It is best to burn at the infestation

“If I can be of assistance to anyone wishing to put in an application please contact my office as soon as possible,” Mr Porter said.

location if possible. This reduces the risk of spreading seed to other parts of the property and will kill some of the seed which may be present in the soil, reducing future problems. Follow this up with herbicide on seedlings and regrowth. Narrow Leaf Cottonbush displaces useful pasture species such as clover, invades riparian areas and displaces native species. It is also toxic to stock and humans. It is a perennial shrub up to 2m tall with long narrow leaves. The flowers are cream to white and are usually produced in October to April. Fruits are swollen pods with a tapering point and are covered with soft spines. The seeds each have a tuft of white silky hairs which allow the seeds to be carried long distances on the wind. Seeds may also be spread by water and on animals, people and machinery and in contaminated fodder. See Farmnote 498: Narrowleaf Cottonbush and its control available from the Department of Agriculture and Food website www. agric.wa.gov.au or contact Chittering Landcare Centre (95710400 or chitteringlandcare@iinet.net.au) for more information. Another weed which is flowering now is Flinders Range Wattle (Acacia iteaphylla). It is a shrub

RURAL SERVICES  SEED  AGCHEMICALS

with grey green leaves and pale yellow perfumed flowers. It is native to South Australia and in the past was often planted in gardens and revegetation areas but it has now been realised this was a mistake as it is spreading rapidly on roadsides and into bushland displacing the local native species. If you have this plant on your property you need to take measures to prevent it spreading or preferably, remove it and replace with a local native species or other non-invasive plant. On a more positive note the variety of native plants flowering is increasing. Trees flowering include Firewood Banksia (Banksia menziesii) and Acorn Banksia (B. prionotes) and there is still some Marri (Corymbia calophylla) in flower. In the understorey a number of plants in the heath family including Astroloma, Conostephium and Leucopogon are starting to flower. Most are small to medium size shrubs with prickly leaves and white, cream, pink or red flowers. Astroloma and Leucopogon have woolly petals and Conostephium has unusual cone-shaped flowers. Some mistletoes are still flowering and others have fruit so watch for Mistletoe Birds which will be coming to feed on the ripening fruit.

 FERTILISER  AGRONOMY

Yerecoin Traders is your local partner for seeding requirements this season. From seed and fertiliser through to herbicide, rural merchandise and agronomy advice - we’ve got you covered.

P: 9654 6015 or W: yerecointraders.com.au 14 www.nvnews.com.au

It’s your community...

Opinon

Brendon Grylls MLA – Member for Pilbara Given the recent ERA report on microeconomic reform, and its criticism of Royalties for Regions, many would find it surprising that I agree with its author Lyndon Rowe on where we want to see Western Australian in 50 years’ time. However where we differ is on how to get there. Take for example the recommendation to trial congestion charges in Perth. This is in response to growing difficulty driving around the city, with roads around the airport being particular hot spots for congestion. I find it difficult to make a sound economic argument to spend billions on the road network into the airport, then put a tax on the congestion to try to reduce it. To me, the actual problem is the thousands of West Australians who, due to past policy failures, fly in and out of Perth to Pilbara resource jobs. Royalties for Regions responds to Perth congestion by improving infrastructure and services in Pilbara communities so that the Pilbara workforce lives in the region it works.

Why is it that self-cleaning ablutions in Perth are important social infrastructure (applauded for their environmental and cost-saving functions) but the one unit funded from Royalties for Regions in Bunbury was singled out for ridicule as the “singing toilet”? Why is it that the annual Sculptures by the Sea in Cottesloe is considered a significant cultural event, but the artistic and cultural endeavour of CowParade Margaret River is criticised? Why is access to social housing in the city a key problem but $2000-a-week rents in WA’s north results in shoulder shrugging from the same economists that worked on the ERA report? Royalties for Regions is a political response to the realisation that economic theory doesn’t actually work in the real world. The theory is that Royalties for Regions should not be necessary and therefore should be scrapped. The question for the ERA then, is why have regional infrastructure and services been neglected for 45 of the past 50 years when the regionally-based agricultural and resource sectors have been the main economic drivers of our state? The answer is found in politics. When 42 out of 59 of our state politicians represent Perth city electorates, it’s easy to see

why automatic toilets in the city are considered key social infrastructure but in the bush are considered indulgent. That’s why it took a hung parliament where the minority had some sway over the majority to deliver the Royalties for Regions policy. I would also ask the ERA to justify its claim that Royalties for Regions is not subjected to the same scrutiny as that required of other Government projects. Again, for the record, Royalties for Regions is the only government program that requires two cabinet approvals for every single dollar of expenditure. Perhaps the ERA could investigate if this model is appropriate for the remaining 95 per cent of annual State Government expenditure? So in response to the ERA report, Royalties for Regions was created because theories and politics had failed to deliver regional development in the past. The last five years have finally seen the process of revitalising and rebuilding the regions begin. When the ERA factors some real world experience into its theoretical reports, it may well begin to make recommendations that can actually be implemented for the benefit of the state. Brendon Grylls MLA is the Member for Pilbara and former Nationals WA leader

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Chittering and Gingin hoon cars taken off the road FOUR hoon vehicles were taken off roads in the Shires of Gingin and Chittering in March under the State Government’s tough anti-hoon laws. Member for Moore, Shane Love MLA said the problem of hoon drivers was still an issue raised by the public who want to see these vehicles off the roads. “There are three less hoon cars on Gingin roads and one vehicle from the Chittering Shire that were putting the public at risk.” “Riders of unlicensed trail bikes on roads should note that those vehicles will be permanently confiscated on a first offence.” Since 2008, the State Government has increased the period a vehicle is impounded, from seven days to 28 days for a first hoon offence and from 28 days to three months for a second offence. On the third and subsequent offence, vehicles are confiscated and proceeds from its sale have gone to road safety projects. Vehicles of little value have been crushed. At the last election, the

government committed to:

• Permit courts to order confiscation of a vehicle for reckless driving or wilful burnout offences in built up areas, where the offence caused harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons; or damage to property; or was committed in an active school zone. • Ensure all hoon offences committed on built up roads (those with a 50km/h or less limit) will be subject to presumptive confiscation on a second (rather than third) offence where the offence was in built up areas. • Immediately and permanently confiscate a trail bike which is not licensed for road use on a first offence (unless the bike is stolen or not the offender’s or their parent’s property). • Make available an additional $1.6million over four years to fund additional anti-hoon police activity in the suburbs, including campaigns to encourage the public to ‘dobin-a-hoon’. • Provide $0.17million over four years to fund the acquisition of an additional 24 covert remote CCTV cameras to assist police in obtaining evidence against hoons.

ANZAC DAY 2014

Bullsbrook

Penny de Grussa, Secretary, Bullsbrook RSL

Our ANZAC Day Service commenced at 0545hrs with a short street march to the RSL Hall. The Service followed at 0600hrs with MC Mr Mel Regeling, President Ms Debra Jacks and Senior Vice President Mr Andy Britton. The crowd was estimated at over 700, our biggest attendance in recent years. Representatives from the squadrons at the RAAF Base Pearce, State Women’s Auxiliary, The Royal Singapore Air Force, Electorate of Swan Hills, City of Swan, Veteran’s Care, Bullsbrook Air Scouts, Volunteer Fire Brigade and St John’s Ambulance as well as members of the public, laid wreaths. Also attending were visiting Air Crews from the USA, Korea, Japan and other RAAF Bases, who were involved in the search for the missing Malaysian plane off the coast of WA. After the service a gunfire breakfast was served. We were very grateful for the help of catering staff, Geoff Mawdsley and Sherron Marshall from Transfield Services at the RAAF Base, who cooked the meal for around 650. Club Members helped with the serving and the clean up. Members and visitors enjoyed card games, two-up and a luncheon of pea and ham soup and Irish stew during the day as well as socialising with mates. We look forward to an even bigger event next year for the Centenary of ANZAC Day. L-R Andy Breton, Penny de Grussa, Debbie Jacks, Debbie McGoven and Mick Blackman

Bindoon

Right; Arthur Heale, Clive Jenner, Ian Campbell, Dave Barker and Betty Jenner

A moving Anzac Day service was held at the Bindoon Centotaph on April 25th. coordinated by the Bindoon Community Progress Association and attended by young and old across the community.

Above; Norm Fitzpatrick and David Tresize Below; Stan Gaston, Dave Barker and James Williams

Above; Alise Donaldson, Paul Aikon, Mary Aiken and Tanika Donaldson

A short march was led by the Pearce RAAF personnel, who also provided a Catafalque Party for the service. Abbot John from New Norcia led the prayer. The crowd gathered afterwards to enjoy refreshments provided by CWA members and the Shire of Chittering.

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Drop into your nearest branch at Bullsbrook 9571 2355, Bindoon - 9576 0333 or Gingin 9575 1560 to find out more about choosing the home loan that’s right for you.

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Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

ANZAC DAY 2014

Gingin

The spirit of the Anzac The Bindoon Museum now has a wonderful display commemorating the Anzacs which has been thoughtfully put together by Olive Campbell in preparation for the 100th aniversary of the start of WWI next year.

Olive has collected some great artifacts from wartime as well as photos and records of locals who fought for Australia. One of those is Military Cross recipient Lieut. Charles FoulkesTaylor. Father of local Bindoon resident Anton Foulkes-Taylor, Grandfather of Vivienne DuPlessis and great grandfather of local Bindoon

children Gregor, Annabel and Stanley DuPlessis. Charles’ story is well published and even captured famously by George Washington Thomas Lambert, an Australian artist, known principally for portrait paintings and as a war artist during the First World War.

material to celebrate his character as well as his deeds.

The spirit of Charles Foulkes-Taylor is brought to life through extracts from war diaries and the published work of Henry Bostock, a colleague of Charles in the Light Horse Brigade scout. We are pleased to share this collage of

Thankfully we no longer have wars to fight as the ANZACs did but we can draw on their experiences and sacrifices to provide inspiration to help us to give back to our own communities and make them as proud of us as we are of them.

2nd Lieutenant Charles Douglas Foulkes Taylor, 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment An except from the Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918

A large crowd attended the Gingin Anzac ceremony with MAJ Lindsay Conway leading the service. Thanks to the many Gingin/Chittering Lions volunteers, the crowd enjoyed a Gunfire breakfast.

Volume VII - The Australian Imperial Force in Sinai and Palestine, 1914-1918 (10th edition, 1941)

The first troop to enter was very dashingly led by Lieutenant Charles Foulkes Taylor, a young Western Australian, who had only recently received his commission and was temporarily detached from the 10th Regiment. Taylor, revolver in hand and his men at his heels, raced along the cobbled winding streets, shooting as he went and scattering the startled natives. The few hundred Turks still in the town were in a state of disorganisation. Troops armed with revolvers used them freely and effectively; others, bayonet in hand, took the enemy

on the point. Taylor, whose ammunition had given out, dashed at a German staff officer who was trying to organise resistance among the now panic-stricken Turks, compelled him to surrender, seized his revolver, and with a few men charged after a column of transport which was urging teams along the road towards Amman. Here many vehicles were over-taken on the narrow track beside a wadi, and the light horsemen forced teams and carts over the edge of the roadway, whence they tumbled and bounced down into the deep bed of the water-course. Two miles out, Taylor’s party, now reduced to six, was stopped by organised machine-gun fire. The troop had, however, in a few minutes overridden and captured upwards of 200 armed enemy troops and a great quantity of material.

The Great Ride by Henry Bostock The Bayonet charge was successful taking all positions and 400 prisoners. This was followed by the 8th Light Horse, who were not in the bayonet charge and were still mounted. At this point Lieut. Charles Foulkes-Taylor, who was on loan to the 8th Regiment, took his troop down the steep hill

From Australian War Memorial Digitised records

By now the rest of the regiment had gained the town, and a covering line of the 8th and 9th Regiments was at once pushed out to the north and east. By nightfall brigade headquarters had been established on the outskirts of Es Salt. In the subsequent search of the town twentyeight new machine-guns still packed in their cases were discovered, and the booty also included a great quantity of ammunition and small arms, five motor lorries, and much other transport and war material.

through the slippery streets into town. This swift move took the Turks by surprise and many more prisoners were taken, (Lieut. Foulkes-Taylor was a 10th Regiment Officer). Charles told me afterwards that he led the charge with drawn sword, being the officer in charge, and the first Turk that offered close resistance received a thrust with the sword. However, as he afterwards said “I must have struck something pretty hard, for it

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2nd Lieutenant Charles Douglas Foulkes Taylor, 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment, “Displayed great dash and determination in the capture of ES SALT on the 30th April, 1918. He led his troop through the town and along the Amman Road for a distance of two miles in spite of opposition, capturing a number of prisoners, motor and mule drawn transport. He personally shot five of the enemy who tried to resist. This officer’s work was distinguished by great dash, and it was owing to this that the AMMAN and NIMRIN roads were so quickly seized and held.”

only knocked him to the ground, so I returned the sword to its scabbard and used my service revolver to much better purpose”. For his work in the attack at Es Salt he was awarded the Military Cross. He was always a good soldier and did much good work in the Brigade Scout Troop, of which he was one of the original scouts, having joined when the troop was first formed by Brigadier General Royston.

It’s your news...

in the Northern Valleys

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Eat local BEEF!

School Holiday fun Page 7

& support local farmers Page 10

Break of the Season!

NorthernValley ValleysNews News Northern

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

show Fever!

Page 5

Programe out now

in the Northern Valleys

“The best opening rains we’ve had for years” Butch Taylor,

But it is not all good news, some 8 years

Harvesting generally starts April through to May, the earlier the olives are picked the more robust the flavour, as Cyril Sauzier points out, award winning oils don’t sell so sometimes it pays to wait. Cyril has 200 acres with 13,000 trees on 150 acres, he will selectively harvest around 10,000, using the mechanical shaker, which will deliver about 200 tonnes, yielding around 40,000 litres of olive oil. Cyril has designed an efficient grove, his olive spacing allows him to use a mechanical shaker, paying only for those trees he picks. His processing facility also allows him to supplement

Like many farm activities it seems you need to achieve a critical mass. Cyril suggested a minimum of 10,000 trees are necessary, and “good rich soil with water certainly helps”. Whether olive groves will be a profitable agricultural pursuit in the region in the long term is unknown. What is for certain is they’ll be here long after us, the oldest olive tree in Portugal, is calculated to be 2000 years old.

Vincent Tana, Sumich EVOO Australia.

Cyril & Genny Sauzier beside Frantoio Olive trees

MEAN BEAN BULLSBROOK Present this voucher Monday to Thursday in May 2011 for

board GPS systems together with bin indicators to show seed and fertiliser levels. When farmers face the prospect of weeks on the tractor, seeding, then spraying and then spraying again you can understand why they are so attracted to their tractors.

“We had 53mm to kick off the season which was perfect for germination”Simon Martin,

Wannamal.

The temperature has dropped and the first rains have arrived - awakening everything across the region after the long dry summer. Paddocks are painted green, fires scattered across the valleys, new lambs arriving and mushrooms jumping out of the ground.

There is a buzz of conversation as farmers across the region call each other to share their latest rain gauge readings. There are smiles all round as farmers celebrate one of the best opening rains for years.

ENEABBA

AUCTION

Escape to the coast

Page 10

The ultimate challenge for the Perth- based

continued on Page 6

You can also view the paper online at www.nvnews.com.au.

Sweet enough to eat! Shane Kay has been leasing Ernie’s Parkinson’s farm for over 20 years now, according to Shane who has known Ernie as long as he can remember, “they have had a really good relationship, all done on a hand-shake”. Shane is a third generation citrus farmer in Bindoon and as a Board member of Fruit West he is helping shape a new industry for the future. Up until recently deciding when to harvest

has involved a simple taste and patience. Times have changed and this year a new legislative test has been put in place to guarantee the quality of the fruit. The Brix sugar test has taken the guess work out. A relatively easy test to do, it determines the acid to sugar ratio, and for the first year fruit must meet a minimum 8% sugar to 1% acid ratio. Good news for us consumers, they are looking at raising that higher in future years to make for an even sweeter fruit. The reason why this test has been introduced is to stop the temptation for growers to sell fruit too early to catch the “first market high prices”, sadly this left a

bad taste towards the industry. Being a non-climacteric fruit, there is no improvement in colour, taste and flavour after harvesting. Therefore, fruits should be harvested when they are fully ripe and attain proper size, attractive colour and acceptable sugar: acid ratio. Shane says, “Hopefully legislation will overcome this issue, which is not just a local issue. On a recent trip to Singapore, I discovered many had been left with a “bad taste” after being sold fruits which were too acid”. For grandfather Alf Kay, who was exporting oranges to Singapore post world war, the concern was more about the preservation of

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SandS Tavern doors were closed on the Sands Tavern and the premises will be auctioned as is. Set on 2202msq block of land zoned Town Centre. Has a 2 x 1 air-conditioned home with workers accommodation. The license is still active, and with a good clean and a little TLC this can be made into a great little business.

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Northern Valleys News is an independant newspaper which rely’s on the support of advertisers.

the fruit. Each fruit was individually wrapped before placed in wooden boxes, to ensure one spoilt orange didn’t destroy the whole box. Shane says, “In the late 50s the market collapsed and it wasn’t until 1975 that my father, Kevin Kay, got back into it after they drilled and found water”. Sadly, Kevin died at 54 after motor neurone disease. In 1990 Shane who was a mechanical fitter in Perth, came back to Bindoon to carry on the work that his Dad had started. Ernie was retiring and offered his farm and packing shed for lease. After about 10 years Shane outgrew Ernie’s packing shed and built a brand new shed on Crest Hill Rd. Continued Page 8 BINDOON

Craig Hyne

John Ranieri 0409 507 100

CHITTERING

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Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Australia Day liftout

Page 7

BINDOON

3.4 Acres

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Quality finishes throughout this massive 4 x 2 home with study, theatre room, huge kitchen/family area with glorious views, r/c aircon, scheme water, room for horses, 4 car undercover parking plus much more.

If you think it’ s all wine and lazy days, think again. In addition to managing a winery and producing 8,000 bottles a year. Mary and her team of local employees feed 20,000 people a year. Stringybark has earned an excellent reputation across the state for serving real food and man sized servings. The restaurant has a comfortable rustic feel and the natural wood and earthen floors are an enjoyable step back in time. Stringybark was built in 1985 by a Victorian man who named the place after his home

town, Stringybark Creek, the infamous home of Ned Kelly’s gang. Perhaps he had Ned Kelly’s last wish in mind (before he was hung in 1880), ‘Roast Lamb, Peas and a Bottle of Claret – Such is Life’. Mary & Bruce Cussen acquired the winery in 1996. Running a hospitality business 7 days a week is hard work, and three years ago Mary took a couple of years off for time-out to tinker and enjoy more involvement in the winemaking part of the business. This gave her an opportunity to work closely with the contract winemaker Steve Murfit of Lilac Hill, who has been creating Stringybark wine for the last 10 years. Mary celebrates 12 months back at the helm

this month, and while the wine is what gives her a spring in her step, she has renewed passion and commitment to good food. The passion for wine making is not lost on Bruce either. The Stringybark vineyard is one of the oldest in the Chittering Valley and the mantra is definitely quality not quantity for the 2.5 acres of vines. Take a visit to the winery and you are likely to see Bruce out in the vineyards pruning the vines himself and living the moment as he carefully checks over each vine. The vines in the vineyard are “Spur” pruned to maximise the intensity of the flavour in the grape by minimising the vegetative growth of the plant. Combined with the traditional GINGIN

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method of non-irrigation this produces less grapes with a greater depth of flavour, and a superior drop. French Oak barrels enhance these flavours to achieve a quality wine. Bruce’s passion has not been limited to Stringybark. He was the Chairman of the Flavours of Chittering Steering Committee, and has played a key role in building tourism within the region.

Bill Hoffman has spent most of his life in the fuel game, as a fuel distributor, and he had a farm in Narrogin. Some years ago his wife died, understandably he didn’t really want to go back and live in Narrogin so he was looking for new options. Bills says, “In 1999 I got talked into buying a share of this farm.

Bruce and Mary’s commitment to supporting local business is demonstrated in the restaurant where you’ll only find local wines on the wine list.

Years later, after I met my second wife, Lynne, there was the opportunity to buy out the partners. With the encouragement and support of Lynne we bought it. Bills adds, “I wish I was here 20 years ago, it beats anything I’ve done before”.

They both get a buzz from meeting the customers and getting the great reactions of satisfaction from the good food and wine.

Before readers throw in the farm and take up wildflowers, we caution there is a formula required. Muchea Gold is a unique farm. Bill

LOWER CHITTERING

Wannamal Ablaze

Craig Hyne

His best performer is the Carina variety; these vines are about 12 years old and according to Bruce are “a bomb proof variety which isn’t susceptible to mildew and consistent all the way through their cropping.” Bruce was one of the first commercial growers of Carina in WA and now they are very common.

Kay Reid 0428 528 053

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3.2 Acres

Lovely family home. Brick & Iron 4 x 2 with separate lounge and dining, family and games. Jarrah kitchen with d/w & massive walk in pantry. Wood fire, ducted aircon, 6 x 9m shed, scheme water and rainwater tanks. Stunning retic gardens, netted orchard, large paddock with trough and old stable. Contact Alison on 0439 850 435

MucheA

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This would have to be the ultimate entertainer. Attractive 5 x 2 brick & iron is spacious with large rooms and high ceilings. The huge kitchen/dining/ family area opens to a fully enclosed all weather entertaining area with b/g pool, separate heated spa, bar and still room for the pool table. Excellent bore, shed, 3.5v grid connected solar system plus much more. Contact Liz

This beautiful 3 bedroom x 2 bathroom family home makes the most of its elevated position. It is ideally located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and within walking distance to school. From the light filled modern kitchen there are views to Mooliabeenee and from the lounge/ family area and front porch you look south over Gingin town. Inspection will impress and the affordable price tag ensures that this property will not be available for long!

Nick explains the process of making sparkling wine using Méthode traditionnelle; “Firstly the Chardonnay grapes are made into wine, but it is done with a lower sugar level for the first fermentation. The grapes are harvested in January, earlier than those for still wine, when there is still high acid levels. Then it’s bottled as you would Chardonnay, but with a little liqueur and a bit more yeast to do the the second fermentation in the bottle.”

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Liftout

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Anthony has been using Integrated Pest Management IPM for years. “We haven’t done a two-spotted mite spray for about seven years now. It’s really good, we just put the predator mites in and they control them.” The greenhouses were built five years ago using a design which suspends the plants in mid air. According to Anthony, “This is the most efficient way to grow a crop, it uses about 75% less water than we use to grow the same plants outside. The benefit is no seepage to underground water supply.” The plants are grown in a “Grodan” bag, a Danish invention which is made of stone wool substrate. Grodan, is based in the Netherlands, and according to Anthony, almost everything is grown like this in Holland, with very little in the ground production.

A currant affair

Once this double fermentation is complete the bottles are then disgorged, the lees removed, then resealed again ready for labelling and sale.

$225,000

Not so long ago the Great Northern Highway was paved with dried fruit drying racks.

$350,000

GINGIN 62 Crest View

Today there are only ten commercial currant growers in WA, and almost all of

them are in the Northern Valleys. As these growers across the region prepare for harvest it’s good to know they are now rewarded for their tenacity. This year the price for top grade currants is a minimum $2,180/tonne guaranteed. Longstanding local grower Bruce Wharton and his wife Jenny are optimistic. They have been at their Apricot Acres farm in Bindoon for 22 years, and it now seems that things are looking good for currant growers in our region.

Bruce has about 10 acres of currant vines at Apricot Acres. He is soon to harvest these sweet grapes and shared how this is undertaken. Having never tried a currant grape straight off the vine, I ate my way through the interview sampling the delicious sweet ripe offerings feeling privileged to enjoy the grape before it is dried. Bruce has two main currant varieties; the Zante vines which were planted in 1954 by

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P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

BINDOON

3.9 ACRES

Best block in Bindoon - North facing with rich red soils, scheme water and only a few minutes drive from townsite. The land is gently sloping (not steep) and all cleared bar stands of mature trees with views over surrounding hills..

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

Picked & Packed

This is a very capital intensive business. Anthony shares, “We spend a million dollars before we even plant the crop. It can be worrying, a lot of money out there before you even see a return. To make matters worse most of the income is in an eight week period when the price is down.” The need to diversify has in part been the motivation behind Anthony’s latest initiative to build a strawberry tourism business in the Swan Valley. Situated opposite the Margaret River Chocolate Factory it will offer a chance to enjoy premium fruit. has access to many litres of water per year, and the most perfect grey, sandy soil for growing the waxes the international market craves. All plants are irrigated for maximum production. Whilst Bill modestly reminds, he is not a “farmer”, it is not hard to see his passion for the flowers. He points and easily describes each variety, especially the new varieties which are named after family members.

Thanks to the busy bees, Bill has around 20 new varieties. According to Bill the markets love “new!” and so they are always on the look-out for new varieties to propagate. One new variety that Bill is very pleased with is a new “giant Revelation”. It is twice the size of the known Revelation species. A floriculture expert has suggested that a hybrid seed has evolved, at the time of high growth cell division. Which in itself shouldn’t

from $345,000

really happen for a hybrid as hybrids do not usually produce fertile seeds, and yet it seems these amazing growth properties now exist in the new plant. They have now propagated 2,500 plants from this plant, they are twice as big as all the other “Revelation” plants. It’s not all waxes at Muchea Gold, there are 25,000 red and green kangaroo paws, Eucalyptus and many Leucadendrons. Cont....page 7

GINGIN

Taste is everything for Anthony Yewers, who has been growing strawberries for 26 years, “The varieties I grow are pretty good tasting berries. Generally if the berries are orange looking they don’t taste so good, a good strawberry must be that dark red”. Not only do they taste great, strawberries are a super food rich in Vitamin C. Better still that bright red colour, is the flavonoid fisetin. According to a recent study by the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, early indications on mice,

show strawberry fisetin may lessen the risk of developing complications from diabetes. Anthony and his wife Lee-Anne run Berry Sweet, one of Australia’s leading strawberry growers. No doubt you will have seen the sign on Neaves Rd. They crop 100 acres including 8,000 square meters of hydroponic greenhouses. Within 3-4 years Anthony will have everything under big tunnels and the next step will be to bring them out of the ground. His principal motive for this transition is to become

AUCTION

Arriving at Taddei Orchards I feel far from the West Gingin sandy plains, the scene would not be out of place in Tuscany. Beautifully groomed wind break hedges surrounding the orchard and perfect rows of fruit trees which spread to the hills.

According to Anthony, “WA is one of the worst markets in Australia for over-supply and poor quality fruit. The lower quality drags the whole market and when people buy poor quality they might not buy again.”

Wandering down the rows, the delicious perfume of fresh peaches and nectarines calls out the start of summer. Taddei Orchards has a frenetic pace as the team work around the clock to pick, pack and deliver fresh summer stone fruit to the people of Perth.

Right now the farm is in peak production. Anthony and staff are busy packing and shipping strawberries throughout WA and Adelaide to Victoria. He sells most of his produce through Coles, who he says are really strict on the quality. They return him a report card with every shipment, looking at 30 parameters he has to meet. Top of the list is taste to ensure every strawberry is sweet as!

BULLSBROOK

from $345,000

Taddei Orchards is a family business with oldest son Ned Taddei and his son, Frank

Taddei, fourth generation, working with dad and uncles Robert Taddei and brother in law Carlo Scamuffo. Parents Frank and Julie Taddei are still active in the business.

Grandfather Natalino arrived in the 1920s from Tuscany, his first market garden was where the main runways of the perth airport are now. He was moved to Maida Vale, where he built up the orchard business to 30 acres. In 1989, Ned was looking to expand. “We were growing early market fruit so we were looking for something similar. Similar climate, similar timing. The coastal plain is warmer and so reduced temperature

variations, more suited to low chill climate. We found this place, it was just a run down weeekender”. According to Ned the 500 acres offered good climate and good water source. We moved the family business to West Gingin in 1992. They now have 250 acres planted; comprising 35,000 stone fruit trees, 40,000 citrus trees. The orchard is immaculate with the level of organisation and discipline showing throughout all aspects of the business.

“We run it as a business, not a family business, everyone is accountable and has a certain job to do. The business is split into Continue page 2

The Team at Cabassi Realty wish Readers a Happy and Prosperous Christmas and New Year!

WOODRIDGE

$265,000

So the tiny, wrinkled currants you’re used to seeing in scones and stuffing are actually very good for you! If you would like to buy direct they will be on sale around mid March at Apricot Acres Toy Rd, Bindoon.

4.7 ACRES MOGUMBER

$130,000 10.8 ACRES

Fantastic opportunity for country lifestyle or weekend retreat. Level fenced block with rich red soils, uninterrupted views and the bonus of the Moore River flowing behind the rear boundary. 8m x 8m shed with sheep yards, huge dam and piped stock water to property.

SHADY HILLS DELIGHT Bring your horses and your building plans. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Shady Hills Estate, this 6-acre pastured block is excellent value for money. It already has an arena and fencing for the horses. Building your home is easy with plenty of level space and breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Come and see it today. This is where you belong.

Well appointed four bedroom two bathroom brick and iron home on over five acres of land nestled on top of the hill. Kitchen/dining, separate lounge and study. Triple garage, undercover patio, veranda ideal for indoor outdoor entertainment. Bore reticulated garden, 92,000lt rain water tank. Wildflowers and Christmas trees.

Craig Hyne

Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

0448 825 833

ABSOLUTE PEACE AND QUIET.

Ph: 08 9575 2566 www.cabassirealty.com

$360,000

5232m2

3 bedroom character cottage with separate studio and lap pool. Beautiful established cottage gdns, fruit trees, bore, sep paddock, scheme water, walking distance to town.

BINDOON

$730,000

6.1 ACRES

Stunning 4x3 limestone & tile home, lge country kitchen, sep lounge, family/dining opening onto terrace with fabulous views. Scheme water, separate studio, vege patch and fruit trees. Subdividable block.

Follow the signs off Chittering Road Agent on-site Sunday 2pm ‘till 4.30pm www.rosapark.com.au Craig Hyne

0448 825 833

Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

Ph: 08 9575 2566

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

www.cabassirealty.com

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

3451 Tangletoe Road. 66ha mainly bush block, 10km south west of Gingin.

AUCTION Friday 23rd September 2011 @ 11am Gingin Bowling Club, 4 Robinson Street, Gingin

Kelly Strahan 0400 798 430

Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

Ph: 08 9575 2566

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Anzac Day across the region Liftout

15 ACRES CHITTERING

$549,000 6.9 ACRES

If you want to keep a few horses this is the best value in Chittering. Well kept 3 x 2 plus study brick & tile home with large open plan living area, ducted a/c & wood heating. Large outdoor entertaining area with heated spa and views. Massive 14m x 9m drive thru shed with power, excellent bore, 3 small paddocks and 1 large (all electric fencing) on school bus run and much more.

Wonderful opportunity to own this small lifestyle property with established citrus orchard. The orchard is small but well set up and maintained and provides supplement income. With good water supply, home orchard, rich red soils, packing shed plus GP shed/workshop with leanto and glorious views, this smallholding has the added bonus of a comfortable 2 x 1 cottage with aircon & wood heating - all just a few minutes from town centre.

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

Northern Valley News

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

ISSUE

$595,000

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

www.cabassirealty.com

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

BINDOON

British Car Day & Air Show

ISSUE

RELAX & ENJOY

434 KING DRIVE WOODRIDGE

Stylishly renovated modern home. 3x2 plus study, light filled open plan living, large outdoor entertaining area, newly renovated kitchen, easy care gardens, below ground pool & more! Home Open Sat 8th October 1pm ‘til 2pm. Craig Hyne 0448 825 833

BINDOON

3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Fibro and iron cottage set on a beautiful 1.22 ha block abundant with big beautiful trees. This home would be great for the home handyman as it is need of some TLC. There is a enclosed patio, 9m x 6m shed with several smaller sheds. Owner keen to sell, Make an offer. Craig Hyne 0448 825 833

1000sqm

Very neat and tidy 3 x 1 home in townsite. Good sized lounge with wood heater and split system aircon, roomy kitchen/dining with extra wide patio along rear of house. Easy care established gardens and just a short stroll to all town amenities.

Ph: 08 9575 2566

BINDOON

$210,000 7.9 ACRES

Good value here - Lovely block with views, small shed with concrete floor, plenty of room for horses or a few sheep and only a few minutes drive from town centre.

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

www.cabassirealty.com

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

$350,000

GINGIN 62 Crest View

$585,000

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

ISSUE

A firs or WA

Our local “Bug Man”, Lachlan Chilman has dedicated the last nine years to breeding beneficial bugs in his commercial insectarium in the Northern Valleys. These microscopic bugs are making a big difference to the strawberry and capsicum horticultural industry in Australia.

ABSOLUTE PEACE AND QUIET.

Craig Hyne

Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

0448 825 833

Ph: 08 9575 2566 www.cabassirealty.com

y Nor hernVa eyNews NNNor hernVa eyNews

Northern Valley News

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

$330,000

o ho p

Today about 80% of the strawberry industry use predatory bugs. Lachlan’s business, Manchil IPM Services, has about 65% of the Australian market. In a world where there are literally billions of insects it would be easy to become distracted chasing the next big bug. However Lachlan remains focussed. He is only breeding predators for Thrips & Two Spotted Mites and services the Strawberry industry and Capsicum industry within Australia. The small but mighty Persimilis is the predatory bug used to control Two Spotted Mites. Greenhouses full of lush climbing beans create the perfect environment to firstly cultivate the pest. The predators are then introduced, feeding and breeding as they go. When ready, they are ‘harvested’, chilled (to stop them eating each other), bottled along with vermiculite for easy distribution, and sent via Australia Post.

Mirtula Hildebrand

Have you had your serve of sprouts today? A sprout is at the transition between seed and plant. It is, to put it simply, a baby plant. On a gram for gram basis, sprouts are richer in vitamin C than the older, more mature plants. They also make a fabulous addition to any salad. Behind the Pearce Air Base in Bullsbrook, is Farmland Greens, this small farm produces

all of Coles & Woolworths’ sprouts in WA. Arriving at Farmland Greens processing centre I was confronted by the powerfully fresh and earthy smell of healthy greens. Everything is spotlessly clean, a stainless steel world. The floor looks clean enough from! This is the kind of passion and attention to detail that is essential to running an intensive farming business. Mirtula Hildebrand and her husband Charles, who emigrated from

HONEYCOMB FARM ESTATE

Located on the escarpment on the south entrance into Gingin town. A quality subdivision of half acre and one acre blocks. All blocks have underground power, scheme water, access to ADSL and bitument access roads. Prices range from $150,000 to $220,000.

RURAL LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITY

Stylishly renovated modern home. 3x2 plus study, light filled open plan living, large outdoor entertaining area, newly renovated kitchen, easy care gardens, below ground pool & more!

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

Page 14

It’s a bug’s life

RELAX & ENJOY

When he started out only about 5% of the industry was using IPM (Integrated Pest Management) for pest control to fight Thrips and Two Spotted Mites without chemicals. Including our local strawberry grower and past cover story Anthony Yewars, Berry Sweet.

The over the row machine harvest is completed in a day and then 4 days work to pick all the uncut bunches and 4 days work to cut off dead foliage. The currants are sifted on site, and then sent to the Sunbeam, Mildura factory, before being sent on their way to a supermarket near you. A quick google of Currants confirms what I suspected; currants supply a healthy amount of dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble), iron, potassium, and B vitamins. It seems these dried grapes are one of the top sources of the trace mineral boron. Studies have shown that boron provides protection against osteoporosis and reproduces many of the positive effects of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women.

$470,000

This 4 x 1 cedar & iron is set on a natural bushland block. Four double bedrooms with b.i.r’s, good sized kitchen/dining area with dishwasher & large pantry, ducted aircon, wood heating, plenty of storage and new carpets & paint. Outside is a cool below ground pool, good sized shed with double carport attached, fruit trees, scheme water and school bus at front.

0448 825 833

Locavore News

Pages 12 & 13 Picture: Sunflower sprouts

BINDOON

With Maggie Edmonds

The fruit on the cut canes will then dry on the trellis; the drying completed in about 3 weeks on the trellis and 4 -5 weeks on the racks.

Bruce moved into Horticulture after 29 years in the electronic engineering profession within the aviation industry. He has been Chair of the Australian Dried Fruits Association for the past eight years. According to David Dewar, a peer currant grower, Bruce has played a key role in ensuring the survival of the local current industry.

Craig Hyne

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

It’s Footy season!

Page 7

Supersprouts

9.8 ha (24.2 ac)

Northern Valley News

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

Issue

Bindoon Memorial

Women in Farming

Lot 123 Turtledove Drive

This magnificent property includes a permanent soak and creek, beautiful rolling hills and spectacular views. Blend of undulating pastures and bush, providing privacy and wildlife. Numerous sites to build your dream country home.

Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

The process involves cutting most fruit bearing canes, while leaving some canes for next years harvest. He manually collects the fruit from the uncut canes and dries them on the racks.

Which brings us back to Dom Pérignon, who for all his false fame, worked tirelessly to develop many advances in production of Champagne, including holding the cork in place with a wire collar (muselet) to withstand the pressure of the secondary fermentation.

BINDOON

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It is also reassuring to know, that this form of biological control also has no risk, according to Lachlan, “The predators are cannibalistic, so once they have eaten the pest they then eat themselves. It is not like a cane toad, there is no risk that this biological agent would get out of control.”

Zimbabwe, purchased the business in April 2006. As business migrants they had to invest in a small business and with a farming background they chose Farmland Greens.

Across the globe there is increasing evidence of the negative effects of chemicals on bees and now potentially native birds. The importance of biological control maybe the key to sustainable agriculture.

The business began supplying a wholesaler in O’Connor; sunflower and snow peas. A year later 2007, they bought the business, moved equipment to Bullsbrook, and extended to a full range of sprouts.

Picture: Entomologist and entrepreneur Lachlan Chilman.

Continued page 10

LENNARD BROOK

$875,000

GINGIN

$375,000

BINDOON

$400 - $425,000

According to Lachlan, “Bio control for horticulture is still very young in Australia – overseas in Europe 90% of the crops use Bio control. Chemicals are still very dominant in Australia.”

Brenda recalls how they arrived at Chittering all those years ago. Bill’s father had always said, “When you can afford to buy a little bit of land, buy it, because if we have another recession you can live a little bit off the land. These words had stuck in Bill’s mind so we thought we’d try Macadamias as a retirement thing”.

Given the right conditions, fully matured Macadamia trees can yield around 20-30 kilos of nuts per tree, which earns around $2.50/kilo. Sounds pretty easy in theory, but the Denham’s are not there yet.

Brenda says, “As yet it is not going to be a retirement option. The drought hasn’t been very helpful. The last few years we haven’t had many nuts, only 100 or 200 kilos. The more water, the more fruit sets. And you need the bees, with drought there is less bees.”

Bindoon

$350,000

5.8 Acres

Bindoon Bargain Buy – Price reduced, private natural bush block with 4x2 hardiplank and iron home, 6x9 shed, scheme water, needs a bit of love.

GinGin

$175,000

1 Acre

Fantastic town block with view of farmlands that stretch on forever. No build limits, close to all amenities

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

4.49ha (11AC) All the hard work has been done New spacious four bedroom two bathroom Brick/iron home with verandahs all around Large fully inclosed shed with lean to. Two 92,000 lt rain water tanks bore reticulated, Water Licence, irrigated pasture, small dam, excellent fencing, Bitumen driveway. This property is well priced with all the extras it has. Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

First home buyer / Great Investment Opportunity Neat and tidy three bedroom one bathroom unit in the heart of Gingin Close to all amenities, walking distance to shops and school. Currently rented till July 2012 This property is great value, Call Tom Cabassi on 0429 095 864 for an inspection

Ph: 08 9575 2566 www.cabassirealty.com

OWNER READY TO MOVE ON

BINDOON

$260,000

3.5 ACRES

Stunning views in all directions. 9 x 6m shed with 3 x 9m lean to & concrete floor. Power and water at shed, rich red soils and only a short drive to town centre.

MOOLIABEENEE $499,000 101 ACRES Very private yet only 20 minute drive to Bindoon. Spectacular views, mainly cleared with two small sheds, winter creek. Great for weekend getaway.

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

This gorgeous 3 x 2 plus study cedar and iron home is set on 3.5 acres, with lovely outlooks from the verandas. Private patio areas for entertaining plus spa. Air-cond. through-out and a wood fire for winter. 2 car carport plus 9m x 6m shed with concrete floor and general purpose shed. Chook house and enclosed yard, 22,000 lt rain water tank plus scheme water.

Kay Reid 0428 528 053

Brenda is very optimistic with this year’s season. “Thanks to good rainfall, the trees are full of nuts so we should harvest a lot more over the coming months from now until August.” With so many nuts to pick, Bill has come up with an innovative plan. Rather than hand picking all the nuts he has purchased a vacuum machine and with a minor modification, they no longer need to bend over and hand pick the nuts. They sell most of their nuts to a Helena Valley processor; Greenacres, who dry them

CHITTERING

GINGIN

Ano h

A hard nut to crack

Brenda and Bill Denham have a Macadamia farm of 800 trees in Chittering. They planted all the trees themselves, the first 200 were planted about 18 years ago and will reach full production at 20 years old.

$525,000

and sell them throughout Perth markets. Always looking for ways to increase farm returns, Brenda value-adds by creating a range of nut products. She is now selling her Macadamia Rocky Road, Spicy nuts and Chilli nuts at the monthly Bindoon Markets. I haven’t always been a fan of Rocky Road but I confess I’m a sweet tooth so I was willing to try. I was pleasantly surprised to taste the macadamia nut addition. It is a fabulous balance to the marshmallow. I’ve gone back for more!

GINGIN

b on h

Farming can be a risky business. For Suzanne and Steve Woods, Calingiri farmers and part owners of Muchea based business Hay Australia, the decision to plant hay again can’t be easy after having endured two very tough years. Despite the risks, the decision still makes sense for many reasons. The market for export hay continues to grow and in a good year the returns can be strong

$450,000

$360,000

RECENT SALES

FROM $265,000 • Sizes 5-28 acres • Pasture or Bush • Flat or hilly • Spectacular views

205 ACRES

ISSUE

www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys News will now be available on newstands at all local IGA’s and Post Offices, instead of in your mailbox. You can also view the paper and past issues online at:

BULLSBROOK

www.cabassirealty.com

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

Harvesting begins in late summer, when the grapes are ripe and ready for picking. There are two main harvesting methods used: traditional hand picking followed by trellis drying; and mechanical harvesting. Bruce machine harvests his fruit so instead of $900/ dry tonne for picking costs he can harvest for about $300/tonne.

Working closely with the winemaker from Jane Brook in the Swan Valley, he set out to achieve just that. But exactly how is this possible? A combination of things - the purity of the organic grapes is a contributing factor, however is mostly due to the traditional method of production.

BULLSBROOK 116 Gibbard Place

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completely pesticide free. One of the benefits of keeping the plants off the ground is they use minimal spraying.

$650,000

Ph: 08 9575 2566

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

Northern Valley News

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

ISSUE

Frank & Auriel Patterson. The Zante is a high yielder but does have issues such as odium (powdery mildew) and is susceptible to split with summer rains.

19.50 hectares of quality Bindoon loam soils & water license makes this an ideal property for small horse stud, vineyard, orange grove etc. A must see location with superb outlook from top of hill. Power & telephone connected.

0448 825 833

www.cabassirealty.com

Page 6

optometrist was to create a quality bubbly, worthy of a special occasion - that won’t produce a headache in the morning.

Carmel Ross and Nick Humpfrey toast the New Norcia Blanc de Blanc in the original Monastery kitchens

WANNAMAL

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Northern Valleys News will now be available on newstands at all local IGA’s and Post Offices, instead of in your mailbox. You can also view the paper and past issues online at:

It’s YOUR Paper...It’s YOUR News...

Ninety percent of the wildflowers go straight to Japan and are sold in an auction system, and ten percent goes to Europe. Bill shares, “The Japanese love flowers, the average Japanese spends $800 per year, the average australian man spends less than $8.” Ladies don’t give up your man just yet, apparently the flowers are mostly put in cemeteries, every visit, the Japanese take flowers to their lost loved ones.

Cheers to the 2011 vintage! On a wild winters day, Mary Cussen coowner of Stringybark Winery & Restaurant is enjoying the good life, celebrating her first bottle of Verdelho/Chardonnay 2011.

Bindoon

Ph: 08 9575 2566

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

Northern Valley News

$565,000

• 44 acres (17.75 ha) • Fabulous water supply • 2 comfortable homes • Swimming pool • Irrigated paddocks • Horse facilities • Huge workshop & storage sheds • Spectacular views & much more!

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

ISSUE

5 Acres

Very comfortable 3 x 2 brick home with soaring cathedral ceilings and large living areas. R/c aircon, wood heating, solar hws. Outside is enough shed room for everyone – one with extra height for motor home or caravan, another with ablutions and workshop area. Large rear paddock and excellent bore.

Present this voucher Monday to Thursday in June 2011 for

0448 825 833

Ph: 08 9575 2566

There were once hundreds of currant growers in the area until market fluctuation during the 1990s saw the price for dry currants plummet to $600 per tonne. Buyers for non-contract growers dried up and with the cost to manually harvest a tonne of dried fruit at $900, it is no surprise most pulled out their currant vines.

Perfect small farm just 20 minutes from Bindoon or Gingin. Brand new limestone brick and iron home. 3 x 2, sep lounge & huge country style kitchen/family area. High ceilings, wood heating, a/c and finished to a high standard. Sep.accommodation, GP, hay & machinery sheds. Water! 3 year round soaks, bore with potable water plus huge rainwater storage. Approx 100 acres croppable. All new fencing, cattle & sheep yards.

Page 9

Muchea Gold is Australia’s largest wildflower farm. They sell 250 tonne of flowers a year, have 150,000 plants and turnover around $2 million per year.

$590,000

733 WELLS GLOVER ROAD MAGNIFICENT VIEWS

20 WILSON ROAD

This magnificent 24.2 acre (9.8ha) property includes a permanent soak and creek, beautiful rolling hills and spectacular views. There are numerous sites to build your dream home, make a cuppa and sit back to enjoy the pleasing blend of undulating pastures and bush, providing both privacy and wildlife. Rosa Park site office open Sunday 2.30 – 4.30pm.

auction 21st June on site at Sands Tavern eneabba at 1pm

Drinking the stars

More than thirty years later the New Norcia label is up and running again, using grapes from Nick’s Bindoon vineyard, 50 kms south of New Norcia. Planted in the eighties with Shiraz, Cabernet Merlot and Chardonnay, the first wines were produced in the nineties.

LOWER CHITTERING

Further north at Mogumber, Dave Bantock is very relieved. Like many local farmers, he dry seeded his canola crop in May. The rain is settling his nerves and optimising the potential of his first crop since purchasing the Mogumber property.

www.cabassirealty.com

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Unleash the power of the sun

Grape vines were one of the first things planted by New Norcia’s founder Rosendo Salvado back in the 1850’s although the major production resulted from 80 acres of vines planted later at Wyening, and peaked in the mid 1950’s. Unfortunately major salinity problems caused the closure of the vineyard and winery in 1973.

Page 11

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

Seasons Greetings!

BULLSBROOK 116 Gibbard Place

“ Last year we were overwhelmed with awards including winning the perpetual trophy for the Australian Heritage Trees Golden Globe, this year, a disaster. The dry season has been all too much for the old groves, we don’t have enough olives to make it worthwhile”. According to Gordon, the biennial bearing nature of olive trees, especially when non irrigated, helps explain this low yield year. “

Northern Valley News

“I thought there was a market for it and it was a fun challenge because of the double fermentation and of course there was the monastic link with Dom Perignon.”

farmers are optimistic, with water stocks replenished and high soil moisture levels driving the positive outlook. Wannamal farmer, Butch Taylor, has set about seeding his paddocks for canola and wheat. The cabin of his Miss Westwithy is cosy and highly sophisticated with on

With winter sowing underway,

“A better than average harvest with extract rates up on last year, approximately 2,500 to 2,700 tonnes with an average 18% extraction rate and oil quality is very good this year. The dry season has actually been positive as there is less moisture in the fruit.”

Gordon Smyth, Grounds Manager, New Norcia

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

The Benedictine link to the origins of ‘Champagne’, or Méthode traditionnelle, as it is now called, is not lost on vigneron Nick Humphrey who has just released a new Blanc de Blanc under the New Norcia Abbey label.

Local Artisans

Bindoon Show Guide

Jim Hollingworth, Fini Olives

50% OFF ANY ONE BURGER PURCHASE

“Come quickly, I am drinking the stars,” Dom Pérignon is famously quoted as saying upon taking his first sip of Champagne. Urban myth suggests that the Benedictine Monk invented the world’s favourite celebratory drink back in 1693.

Page 13

Northern Valley News

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Special Liftout

JUNE

Bittersweet news when you consider our region is on track for a bumper harvest with most irrigated groves reporting their best year. In fact the low rainfall has even been kind as lack of rain doesn’t bring disease pressure.

“The region should produce around 11,00013,000 tonne of fruit this year. Crops are generally higher than last year and oil yields are also slightly higher. Prices though are generally very depressed and retail sales for Australian EVOO has slowed considerably in 2011, due to heavy discounting in the supermarkets with the bulk packs of 3 and 4 lt.”

Page 11

Northern Valley News

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

MAY

Cycil Sauzier of Kara Australis, Gingin has over 30 years running farms in Zimbabwe from tobacco, coffee, cattle and wheat says “what he loves most about olives is they offer a low risk crop, free from most diseases and most importantly weather doesn’t effect me”.

HARVEST 2011

It looks and sounds like the perfect farming venture. Low water requirements, virtually no maintenance and watch your trees grow, each year providing increasing yield.

Wannamal

Irrigated olives were a winner this year.

income by providing processing and bottling services for other farmers. Kara Australis is sold through a distributor to retailers and restaurants but also sold as bulk oil.

Wildflower Festival

Flavours of Chittering

Spring has arrived. For Wildflower farmer Bill Hoffman it is indeed a busy time. We are surrounded by fields of Geraldton wax blossoms at Muchea Gold on the Great Northern Highway. They are picked from June to November, September being the height of the blossoms is the busiest time of the year.

Northern Valleys News is distributed free to 3,800 people in Beermullah, Bindoon, Bullsbook, Calingiri, Cowalla, Gingin, Muchea, Mooliabeenie, Neergabby, New Norcia, Regans Ford & Wannamal.

ago when thousands of trees were planted in the region, forecasts of $7/litre were the basis of business models. Today the strong aussie dollar, particularly against the euro, has pushed prices down to lows of $3/litre.

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Special Liftout

Wax in bloom

It’s your

Northern Valleys NEWS is your paper - helping to grow our regional community. The paper is distributed FREE to 3,000 homes in the region which includes; “Beermullah, Bindoon, Bullsbook, Calingiri, Cowalla, Gingin, Muchea, Mooliabeenie, Neergabby, New Norcia, Regans Ford, Wannamal” If you don’t get your copy - ask your local Post Office why not.

Bumper Olive Oil Harvest Bittersweet

NorthernValley ValleysNews NEWS Northern

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Fine arts exhibition

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winter... Page 10

NorthernValley ValleysNews NEWS Northern

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

SEPTEMBER

Keep warm this

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It’s your

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Furor over amendment 40... Page 4

august

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NorthernValley ValleysNews News Northern

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

JULY 2011

House in a day

MAY 2011

Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

Drilling for water

JUNe 2011

NorthernValley ValleysNews NEWS Northern

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New

Affordable Family Home Great Value, brand new affordable family home located in the Honeycomb Estate. This lovely home has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. All the hard work has been done inside with new floor coverings, window treatments and modern light fittings; all you have to do is move in and enjoy.

Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

Ph: 08 9575 2566 www.cabassirealty.com

BINDOON

$330,000

2.5 ACRES

Very neat & tidy 3 x 1 h/p & iron home with split system a/c, wood heating, new carpet and paint. Pretty block with nice outlook, not steep and with scheme water.

BINDOON offers $600,000+ 123 ACRES Parkland cleared land with subdivision potential. Owner willing to sink bore. Build, subdivide & profit.

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

ENCHANTED GARDEN - Priced to sell quickly

QUAINT COTTAGE IN THE HEART OF TOWN.

Located on a picturesque 5 acres in Lake Chittering Heights estate, is this neat 3-bed brick and iron home.

1.1 acre on the Gingin Brook adjoining the central shopping precinct, 1930’s built mud brick and iron with original jarrah floor boards.

Country-style kitchen, separate lounge, semiensuite bathroom, slow combustion wood heater & ducted air cond. water system. Abundant drinking water is provided by a bore. Craig Hyne 0448 825 833

Ph: 08 9575 2566 www.cabassirealty.com

Three bedrooms, study, lounge, kitchen and dining rooms. large patio and swimming pool, double garage, former blacksmith shed third shed at front of block. Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

BINDOON

$850,000

21.2 ACRES

17 Spoonbill Close PRICE REDUCTION!!! Some Vendor Finance Available 4x2 brick & iron home with amazing views. 2 acres of grapes with impressive winery setup. Bore plus soak, paddocks, GP Sheds, water licence, farm machinery.

WANNAMAL

$1.1M

205 ACRES

798 Gingilling Road, PRICE REDUCTION!!! Perfect small farm, 3x2, huge kitchen/family, high ceilings, wood heating. Separate accommodation, GP/Machinery/ Hay sheds, three year round soaks, bore and tanks

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com

6 Spotters Court Gingin - Under Offer 11 Cairns Crescent Gingin - $490,000 83 Cheriton Road Gingin - $720,000 36 Mawarra Drive Gingin - $360,000 24 Strathalbyn Way Gingin – Under Offer Lot 349 Shanks Pony Lane Gingin - $170,000 11 Strathalbyn Way Gingin - $350,000 47 Auger Place Bullsbrook - $550,000 119 Bronzwing Court Lower Chittering - $330,000 29 Mchavole Drive Gingin - $270,000 7 Parkland Parade Bullsbrook - $345,000

Quality Listings Required Call Cabassi Realty

GINGIN

$479,000

GRAND QUEENSLANDER ON 1 ACRE IN TOWN

This classic country home is set amongst magnificent eucalypts, within walking distance to the school, shops, medical centre and sporting facilities. · Verandahs all round, jarrah floorboards & high ceilings; · 4 big bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, modern kitchen; · Below-ground pool, ; · Reticulated lawns, shrubs, vege gardens & fruit trees

Craig Hyne 0448 825 833 Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

Ph: 08 9575 2566 www.cabassirealty.com

Happy 3rd Birthday

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Congratulations to all who have helped this community paper prosper through their editorial and advertising contributions. It is a wonderful reflection on the region that the stories and topics continue to flow as we celebrate people and their pursuits.

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NNNor hernVa eyNews NNNor hernVa eyNews B

Love of pigs!

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18 www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

education in the Northern Valleys

Love calls for review of Bindoon bus services Member for Moore Shane Love MLA has called for a review of bus services in the Bindoon district following growing demand for a bus service for Year 8 to 10 students wanting to attend Bullsbrook College.

Bindoon primary school

Northern Valleys News acknowledges TRONOX as an active supporter of schools in the region. The financial donations to local schools; Bullsbrook, Bindoon and Gingin play a key role in the schools being able to fund new projects and initiatives.

gingin district high school

Mr Love said he was acutely aware of the demand for the service but had received notification from Transport Minister, Dean Nalder that the nearest appropriate school for Year 8 to 10 students from Bindoon was Gingin District High School. “I fully appreciate that parents would prefer to send their children to Bullsbrook College as it allows continuity in their child’s high school education,” Mr Love said. “Bullsbrook College was recently refurbished and the demand to attend that campus is evident.” Requesting a full review of bus services before the next school year, Mr Love said with growth rates of 53 percent in the Chittering Shire over the past decade, schooling options and bus services needed to reflect this growing demand.

Transportables not sustainable Chittering Shire Council was asked to consider a request to extend a three year temporary approval by a further three years. This approval was originally granted to enable the use of demountable classrooms and interim ablution blocks during the establishment of Immaculate Heart College in Lower Chittering. Being aware that the temporary approval would lapse at the end of 2014 and due to the apparent lack of progress being made, Council took the initiative to contact the school board to request an update on the progress of the planned permanent school facilities. This resulted in the board submitting an application for an extension to the temporary approval. Shire President, Cr Hawes stated that; “Council gave due consideration to the potential impact that not granting an extension may have on the current students (approximately 85), however, for a number of reasons Council did not support the Officer’s recommendation to extend the temporary approval.” The recommendation was lost 2/5 and a summary of the reasons debated is as follows; · T he original three year period was considered sufficient time to construct the school and the level of other major construction that has been achieved on site during this period supports this; · T o date the applicant has failed to observe a number of previous conditions and commitments; · T ransportable classrooms are not considered to be of an appropriate long term standard and were temporarily approved only to assist with ongoing development; · T he visual amenity of transportables is not considered appropriate given the standard of existing housing and the expectations of local residents; · T he transportable buildings are not considered sustainable for a high growth area such as Lower Chittering; · T he original development plan has not progressed, as considered by Council on 19 October 2011, other than for the construction of a multi-million dollar church and ‘staff’ accommodation. Cr Hawes further stated; “Whilst Council recognises the need for a school in Lower Chittering, it must be one that is of a suitable standard to meet the current and future needs of the community, by supplying appropriate facilities for the school children.”

Bindoon Primary School: Commemorative ANZAC Service Bindoon Primary School held a commemorative ANZAC assembly on Friday 11 April prior to the school holidays. Students from each class remembered and spoke of a veteran who had been part of World War 1. The School Choir sang Lest We Forget and both verses of the National Anthem under the direction of music teacher, Deb Whitley. Education Assistant, Donna Willsher made beautiful wreaths which were laid by students representing each class. Many parents, extended family and community members also attended the assembly.

GALA AUCTION NIGHT – 23rd August 2014 Gingin District High School is holding it’s inaugural Auction Gala on Saturday 23rd August 2014. The Auction Gala will be raising money for the School Chaplaincy Program, new playground for upper primary and the gardening project as well as providing funds to our specialist programs. 2014 marks the 50th Anniversary of the school. The school is integral to our community providing education for our children from Kindergarten to Year 12 with many students travelling more than 30 minutes by bus to attend. We are asking you to help us enhance the educational experience at Gingin DHS through:

Staff get active Gingin District High School staff made a major impression in the Be Active Triathlon that took place last weekend. We had eight members participate with Michael Beard coming first place in the Fun Course – Masters Male category with a time of 29:38.9. Jill Allen-Brown won first place in the Fun Course –Masters Female (31:33.4), with Roseanne Watson coming second place with 37:35.7. Other place winners in this category are Tania Barnes 5th, Lisa McCarthy 6th and Nyta Vue 7th. The inaugural event had 111 participants and was a great success bringing many positives for the town. We are proud of our staff and hope to see active participation in next year’s event. children to learn and develop social skills; and -O ur garden program that is about growing edible foods within the curriculum, and which aims to engage our children’s curiosity and their taste buds, so we can provide positive and memorable food experiences that will form the basis of positive lifelong eating habits. Please support our students by getting involved with our inaugural Auction by: 1. D onating an item, gift certificate, or an experience such as a party, tour, class or concert; 2. B eing a sponsor or making a cash donation – every donation makes a difference; and/or 3. Attending the auction with your family and friends!

- Our school chaplaincy program that adds to the wellbeing of our community as, integral to the school’s pastoral care team.

Your auction donation directly impacts all 450 Gingin students. Further, as a business donor your name will be included in our auction program and on our website.

- Our upper school playground. Playing outside is a vital part of childhood that helps children develop physical strength, coordination and balance and provides opportunities for

Please contact Cassandra Heal, the Procurement Chair at pandc.gingin@hotmail.com to discuss the opportunities.

www.nvnews.com.au

The view from my side of the paddock

Maggie owns Maggie’s Place, a farmstall in the Swan Valley. She buys from the Northern Valleys region and picks up supplies farm direct each week. Produce left over goes to the neighbour’s sheep.

with Maggie Edmonds

The Northern Valleys have received their first rain for many months. Those first few drops on the tin roof bring such hope for the land, for people’s incomes and way of life.

about the origins as they love to do). Also when the product was picked and packed, its characteristics and specific health claims and how to prepare the veg.

FREE: Growing Vegies talks at Maggie’s Place in the Swan Valley (www.Maggiesplace.net. au for details of location if you haven’t popped in to our week-end farmstall)

2. Consumers are unsure of how to store vegies which leads to waste and a reluctance to buy large quantities.

See next page! ……………………………………….. MORE VEGIE RESEARCH Selling vegies is getting more complex. Nowadays its not good enough to offer vegetables placed in a cold cabinet in a retail shop and expect them to sell. Customers are looking for much more. My favourite researchers, Colmar Brunton, have come up with heaps of recommendations to help sell veg. Here are a few of them: 1. Research has shown that consumers are seeking more information about the fresh vegetables they eat. Colmar Brunton recommends introducing a consistent, industry-wide labelling system for packaged vegetables. Information on the packets includes storage recommendations, where the product is grown – state, region and farm (that’ll set the cat among the pigeons and will mean supermarkets can’t lie

3. This is interesting – Many consumers are willing to pay a reasonable price premium for Australian grown produce. They care about the country of origin. Customers in Maggie’s Place are always asking me where our garlic comes from. Customers want to support the local veg industry and the Australian economy. They are worried about the environmental impact of imported vegetables. Of course we are all worried about imports produced in polluted conditions. So, if clear labelling showing Aussie Grown was used, we would all (or nearly all) head for that product. 4. Consumers feel the cost of fresh vegies is increasing. Well, in truth, some are and some aren’t. A greater variety of pack sizes would help, so consumers only buy what they need. If you don’t want a kg. of onions, why do you have to buy a kg. bag in a supermarket – and throw half away? 5. Health benefits are not well known. Detailed health and personal benefits should be

communicated. 6. C onsumers need to be assured that packaged vegies are as high a quality as selecting for themselves. I can see scepticism all the time in Maggie’s Place. Customers turn over the strawberries to see if there are bad ones on the bottom layer. They study the packs of lettuce in case they are smelly old leaves lurking there. I can sympathise – purchasing vegetables (and fruit) costs money and most cannot afford to throw any away. My generation were taught not to waste too !

Companion Planting

There are lots of innovative products and packaging now. They all have a down side. Like the Pick N’ Mix Salad Bar which appeals to those seeking inspiration and Do- it- for- me consumers. This is loved by people choosing lunch or meals on the go, but it has less appeal for those concerned about hygiene. Stir Fry Mixes appeal to the Do-it-for-me, Seeking inspiration and Curious/ What’s next consumers. They are perceived as good for the time poor and older people who may have difficulty chopping and preparing vegies for themselves – never mind lugging all this heavy vegie stuff home. But they have less appeal for the Cost conscious and the Cynical consumers.

Sandy McKay - U Grow Vegies Ph: 9574 4721 arose4u@bigpond.com

Now that it is May you would have planted some of your autumn crops. Something to think about when planting your vegetables is companion planting. Companion planting covers a whole range of helpful ways to garden organically. From plants growing better when they like their neighbors, helping with pest control, feeding nitrogen into the soil, sharing the space to windbreaks and shading.

So, no innovation suits everyone ! If you like to buy Aussie only, beware of US stonefruit being imported in a month’s time. Traditionally staple Winter fruit, such as Aussie apples and bananas, have dominated fruit sales in winter months. Now, says Martin Kneebone of Freshlogic, producers and retailers are faced with “ a different competitive set “. As well as stonefruit, look out for US oranges and grapes and imported kiwifruit and cherries.

Researching companion planting can lead to lots of conflicting information. The world seems to want to overload us with information so we can be well informed, but like anything it all just goes way too far and we end up more confused. So simple should be our motto. Every gardener has their own experiences, so if it works that is the way it should be done or is it? Gardeners live in different environments and locations. What works in one area may not work in another. Even seasonally some things work well and then the next time is doesn’t. So observe what is happening in your plot, listen to local gardeners, research and try it out for yourself.

In season locally

Fruit: All sorts of apples including Fuji and Gala – with Pink Lady apples on their way. They look deliciously pink on the trees in The Hills at present. Fancy apples can be found in supermarkets including Greenstar, which is a Granny Smith that has been developed so it doesn’t go brown. Great for lunch boxes !

The experts say not many vegetables like growing next

to fennel except dill but if you are collecting the seeds they can cross pollinate. Even so fennel is worth growing as it is delicious and you can use all of it; bulb, leaves, seeds and stalks. Fennel does attract the good insects so is helpful as a companion plant. I personally have grown fennel with broccoli, cauliflower and dill and it grew extremely well. So try and see what happens in your garden bed. Basics on how to grow Fennel: Plant in autumn. Fennel is a perennial plant with a very deep root system. Fennel doesn’t like to be transplanted so sow seeds straight into the garden bed about 20 cms apart. Plant in full sun with loosened and composted soil. Water fennel so it doesn’t dry out as they like water, but not soggy roots. The bulb of the fennel plant grows above the ground. The bulb can be harvested when about the size of a small orange in about 2 ½ months. Fennel bulbs should be used within a few days for the best flavor and texture. Leaves can be used as a herb and the bulb can be eaten raw or baked.

Also Kanzi apples which are very pretty. Meo seedless Mandarins from Bindoon are juicy and tasty. Watch out for ones coming from the East – just buy local ones. New season’s oranges are about 3 weeks away. Nashi pears, quinces, Corella pears are also available. Veg: Tomatoes and cucumbers from tunnel houses in Wanneroo are nearly always available. Lettuce, cabbage, celery, broccoli and caulis are in the shops! Carrots are always around. Spinach, kale, silverbeet, Asian greens and beans are all local produced.

local mandies are in!

20 www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

It’s your community

Free vegie growing workshops! Maggie Edmonds

Don’t miss out on the chance to win great prizes, have your recipe featured at ‘Taste of Chittering’ and be included in the ‘Feast of Northern Valleys Flavours’ calender! We’re calling all local producers, food professionals and home cooks to send in a recipe which uses locally produced, in-season produce. The recipes will be characterised by season and the top 12 will be featured in a “Feast of Northern Valleys Flavours” calendar for 2015. One of the recipes will be selected by the Shire of Chittering to be showcased at the Taste of Chittering which will be held in August 2014.

Prizes to be won! •T he Shire of Chittering will offer a $100 voucher at Bindoon IGA for their favourite recipe (hint : with a citrus twist to tie in with this year’s Taste of Chittering theme)

• Maggie Edmonds will offer a sumptuous basket of goodies from Maggies Place for her choice, and • Northern Valleys News will offer a $50 voucher at the Bindoon Butcher for the best slow-cooker recipe! If you are a primary producer – please share how you choose to enjoy your produce. You probably know how it’s best eaten! If you’re a professional chef, why not show us how the diverse flavours of our region could be put together in a new way? If you’re a home cook, share your favourite dish that makes the most of what’s available, whether you buy it from the farmers market, your neighbour, or grow it in your own garden! The dishes will be judged on their originality, use of local produce, ease of preparation and of course taste! Send your entry to: tamieka@nvnews.com.au. Any queries phone Tamieka Preston on 041 9902 904 For terms and conditions, and a full list of local produce visit; www.nvews.com.au

A recent entry sent in by Sally Calder of Beermullah featured pumpkins...

The Northern Valley’s Easter pumpkin salad. Ingredients - A Pumpkin (locally grown) - A bag of Gingin Loose Leaf Lettuce - Two handfuls of walnuts

Autumn’s cooler effects always make me think of what can I plant. What can I grow to eat or to enjoy as a cut flower? And then I think of the Northern Valley News’s very own Sandy McKay who is on our doorstep ready to help and teach us about growing organic vegies in our back yards. Everyone is welcome to Maggie’s Place and to attend the talks by Sandy McKay – for no charge. Sandy has also produced a booklet called “U Grow Vegies”. This is so down to earth and understandable and just right for those starting off on the thrilling journey of growing and producing vegies that you can eat. YOU grow them and YOU can eat them. Nothing beats that. As Sandy says, “Home grown vegies are fresh. They have more nutrients in them as the time between picking and eating is less than a bite away. The taste is excellent, you are using less energy, a lighter foot print on this earth. Also, growing your own reduces landfill, recycles waste, and reduces food miles. It returns carbon to the soil and gardening is a free form of exercise, fresh air and relaxation.” All in all, growing your own vegies creates a healthier lifestyle with less visits to the doctor. SO, don’t miss this great opportunity at Maggie’s Place to learn to Grow Vegies. Here are the details: Sunday 18 May: 11.15 – 12 noon. AUTUMN PLANTING – How and What to Plant Sunday, 25 May: 11.15 – 12 noon SUSTAINABLE BACKYARD – composting, worm farm, home made fertilisers. Please RSVP to Maggie if you’d like to come along: E mpedmonds@bigpond.com. There will be some seedlings and seeds available for purchase at the sessions.

- A tub of feta

Northern Valleys - PLANTS, CUTTINGS & SEEDS - FOR SALE, SWAP OR FREE

- Dressing: olive oil and balsamic vinegar 1. Cut up about half of a Japanese pumpkin into smallish pieces (equivalent to the size of a generous strawberry), drizzle lightly in oil and sprinkle in salt, roast at 200 degrees for about twenty minutes (toss them mid way) until they are starting to brown up. Take them out of the oven and then let them cool down to room temperature. 2. Crumble walnuts (equivalent to size of grape), toast the walnuts in the oven (usually put on tray into the oven when it is turned off from roasting the pumpkins).

If you are a keen gardener - or need some inspiration for your yard – join the ‘Northern Valleys - plants, cuttings & seeds - for sale, swap or free’ facebook page.

3. Lay the loose leaf lettuce out on a generous serving platter, place the pumpkin on the greens, crumble feta over the top and toss the nuts over. Drizzle in oil from pumpkins and some balsamic vinegar.

You might pick up some cheap plants and advice, or share something from your garden that you know grows well in the Northern Valleys.

www.nvnews.com.au

I’m here to help...

“Building relationships depends on exceptional customer service that goes beyond the expected.” “I believe Real Estate should not be a numbers game, but a personal experience.”

you find or sell your home or rural property

BINDOON/MOOLIABEENEE

1 Barn Rd (97 acres). Rich soils and abundance of water ( 111,000 kl licence). 9 paddocks, 40 acres of 1st quality hay. Extensive infrastructure; cattle yards, 60x40ft shed, feed bins. 4 x 2 home. For sale by expressions of interest.

BINDOON

GINGIN

15 Edwards Street 2.29 acres A beautiful 4x 2 home on a huge block. Zoned r10 - sub division potential or just split into 2 lots. For sale by expressions of interest.

18 Lakeside Gardens, Bindoon 1.39ha (3.4 acres) Large spacious barn style 4 x 2 home. Upstairs parents retreat enjoying views across the valley. For sale $590,000

BINDOON Cammeray Close Lot 23 $559,000 (15 acres)

Enjoy the countryside and valley views from this small rural property. Three prime home sites. PLUS Connected to water and power.

GINGIN, Cullulla 825 Acres GRAND ESTATE

Rammed earth home. 200+ acres cleared light country. 1200sqm under roof. Extensive outdoor entertaining areas. Commercial size 120 ft size shed and tool shed. Abundant water; solar bore, tanks, satellite and more. For sale by expressions of interest.

BINDOON, Cammeray Farm

60 acres (25 ha) of rich Bindoon soil Premium home perched high in the hills with spectacular views. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an enormous living space, separate games and play areas and study. Stables, cattle yards, solar powered bore complete this excellent property. For sale by expressions of interest.

LOWER CHITTERING Fabulous Entertainer 47 Acres

An outstanding designer 3x2 home with bonus 3 bed cottage. A fantastic property to entertain friends in style or just escape and relax and enjoy that resort feeling. For sale by expressions of interest.

CHittering Retreat Stage 3 now available. 14 new lots released to the market. Get in early to secure your preferred 5 acres starting from $240,000. Wonderful views, great location and premium development.

LOWER CHittering 417 Ellendale Rd, 5 acres. PRICE REDUCED $280,000

GINGIN, 102 Robinson Street GINGIN Tourist Park

rofitable business enjoying all year P round trade. Caravan Park and roadhouse/restaurant. Information pack and full financials are available to qualified buyers.

For Sale by Expression of Interest

BINDOON

168 Great Northern Highway ZONED TOWNSITE • Strategic corner position • Large lot 4743m2 with Sub-division potential • Existing commercial single storey shop/retail store.

For Sale by Expression of Interest

BINDOON Lot 103, Gray Rd

Picturesque country, gently undulating, 189 Ha (467 acres) Development Plan approved for a 32 lot sub-division ranging from 2ha to 20ha.

For Sale by Expression of Interest

Gingin On a large 10,848 sqm (2.7 acre) block is the original 1902 workers cottage. Prime Gingin Brook frontage.Basic two-bedroom cottage. Rents at $220/week. Connected town’s main water supply. Riparian rights to the Gingin Brook. For Sale by expression of interest by June 30th (Unless sold prior)

Jackie Shervington (Mob) 0419 045 783 Real Estate Representative

Based locally in the Northern Valleys jackie@nvnews.com.au

22 www.nvnews.com.au

Head Office (08) 9380 6191 26 Coglan Rd, Subiaco

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

Property

Landowners fined

The Midlands Magistrates Court have recently imposed a $25,800 fine upon a Chittering resident due to non-compliance with both the Building Act 2011 and the Local Government Act 1995. The local landowner has previously been prosecuted for undertaking building work without a Building Permit. This resulted in a $10,000 fine and a Building Order to remove the unauthorised building work. Following numerous complaints from residents the landowner was then issued with a Section 3.25 Notice by the Shire. The notice requested the removal of the large amount of disused materials and the transportable dwelling which was stored on the property. As this did not occur within a reasonable amount of time, Court action was taken. In sentencing, the Court agreed that there was a need for a deterrent penalty having regard to the extent of the non-

The Shire of Chittering strives to maintain a level of amenity that meets the expectations of our ratepayers. The Shire takes this opportunity to remind landowners that both undertaking building work without a Building Permit and accumulating disused materials are offences that can result in prosecution.

Bullsbrook Townsite Land Use Master Plan

· At the City’s libraries

The City of Swan gives notice that the draft Bullsbrook Townsite Land Use Master Plan is now available for public comment.

http://www.swan.wa.gov.au/Our_City/ Have_Your_Say or

The Bullsbrook Townsite Land Use Master Plan provides strategic guidance and advocacy for development of the Bullsbrook townsite to 2031 and beyond. Proposed development is intended to work towards meeting the aims and requirements of the State Government, in particular its vision set out in ‘Directions 2031’ and Beyond - Metropolitan Planning beyond the Horizon’ to provide for anticipated population growth in a liveable town which is sustainable, vibrant and prosperous. You can view the Bullsbrook Townsite Land Use Master Plan:

OBITUARY

compliance at the property. The Court imposed a penalty of $2,000, along with a daily penalty of $50 for each of the 376 days during which the offence continued. The total penalty for not complying with the Section 3.25 Notice (Disused Materials) was $20,800. A further penalty of $5,000 was imposed for noncompliance with the Building Order. The landowner was also ordered to pay the Shire’s costs which amounted to a further $1,190. In the event that improvements are not made to the property, the Shire has been advised to bring further prosecutions against the landowner.

Centre in Midland · Via the City’s website:

At an Open House event at the Pickett Park Hall, Bullsbrook on Tuesday 13th May 2014 between 5.30-8.00pm. Planning officers will be available to provide details of the plan and to answer any questions. Your comment is valuable and welcome. Written comments should contain the reference BTLUMP and can either be emailed to the City atswan@swan.wa.gov. au or posted to the City at City of Swan, PO Box 196, MIDLAND WA 6936. In order for your submission to be registered you must include your name and address. Comments on the BTLUMP need to be lodged by 4.00pm on Wednesday 21st May 2014.

· At the City of Swan Administration

Elizabeth May Connell nee Caisley 2nd June 1952- 6th April 2014 Aged 61 years

We acknowledge the recent passing of Liz Connell – local real estate agent. A well-attended memorial service was held at Chinkabee on the 12th April. We are pleased to share some of the reflections of Liz’s life provided at the service for those who were unable to attend. Liz was born in Hobart, she was one of four children, two sisters Rosemary and Christine and brother Andrew. Liz married David Connell 1st September 1976. Together they had four children; Leah, Amy, Luke and James.

••

Liz and her family have lived in Bindoon for 32 years. Their first property in the area was in Barn Road, Mooliabeenee. It was here that Liz discovered her passion for growing “stuff”. Tragically, in 1989, Liz’s husband David passed away at only 37 years old and Liz with a family of four young children grew her market gardening enterprise. Later as the heavy work become infeasible Liz took on a career change and became a real estate representative and with hard work and tenacity she established her own realty

business. She recently built her dream home and was able to enjoy her last weeks in her garden of her newly built home admiring the valley views. Liz requested a message be printed in the Northern Valleys News thanking the community for all of their support. She acknowledged the 24hour care that people of Bindoon community provided along with the support of Dr Mariette Smit and Bindoon Chemist Craig Lupton. She wished to formally thank all those who gave up their time to help her through her last weeks and days. Liz shared with her daughter, Amy, that she was amazed at the level of community support and was thankful for her 32 years living within such a great community. She was grateful to local business Country Values for purchasing her business and thanked all who supported her local real estate business and urged the community to keep supporting both local businesses and sporting clubs.

PS PS

•

0.5

Kilometers

Produced by the Geographic Information Section, City of Swan, August 2013

www.nvnews.com.au * The existing 1000 metre clay quary buffer may be reduced to 500 metres in the future, upon agreement of all relevant parties.

Healthy Keeping

Sponsored by;

Depression predicted to be number one health concern by 2030 According to the World Health Organization, depression affects more than 350 million people globally, and will likely be the number one health concern in both the developed and developing nations by 2030. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that one in seven Australians will experience depression in their lifetime. During May the Rural in Reach team will broadcast a special episode on Westlink television titled ‘Understanding, Managing and Surviving Depression’. Westlink is used Monday to Friday to deliver a range of satellite television programs to over 180 regional and remote communities throughout Western Australia. Please visit www.westlink. wa.gov.au for broadcast times. According to Nicole Gale, Rural in Reach Coordinator, depression is the most common mental health challenge in Australia, affecting more than one million people each year. “This episode will discuss what depression is, some signs and symptoms as well as how to get support for either yourself or a loved one.” “The panel features health professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including counsellors and social workers,” said Nicole. Depression is a common mental disorder characterised by sadness, loss

Chittering Physiotherapy cd (Tuesday and Thursday)

Chittering Community Health Centre Great Northern Hwy, Bindoon

Phone: 0427 198 278 Judy Dennis

BSc PT, Grad Dip PT, Dip PT

of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious illness that has an impact on both physical and mental health. The role of the Rural in Reach service is to support the health and wellbeing of people in rural locations who might otherwise feel isolated, stressed or battle the social stigma that can be attached to health concerns and accessing help. These barriers can be further heightened in close-knit rural and remote communities where a culture of ‘soldiering on’ and self-reliance can be seen as a strength. The Program is available at 48 participating Community Resource Centres (CRCs) across every region throughout WA. It is funded by Regional Development and Lands, through Royalties for Regions, in partnership with WA Country Health Services. To speak with a Rural in Reach Health Consultant or book an appointment, call 1800 998 399 or visit your local participating CRC. For more information visit www.ruralinreach.whfs.org.au or ruralinreach@whfs.org.au or 1800 998 399.

Pats submissions due in May Chittering and Gingin residents are urged to make a submission to the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) Inquiry before May 16. The issue of PATS is to be the subject of a parliamentary committee inquiry by the Standing Committee on Public Administration. Member for Moore, Shane Love MLA said a review of the PATS system was well overdue. “This is the first step toward making PATS a far more responsive program to the medical needs of regional people,” Mr Love said.

Gingin Pharmacy

Monday -Friday 9am - 5:30 Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 2pm

Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5:30pm, Saturday 9am – 1pm.

Phone 9575 2331

Take a Deep Breath!

World Asthma Day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to raise awareness and improve the care of asthma. This year it was held on Tuesday 6th May. Australia has more people with asthma than just about anywhere else in the world. About 10% of the Australian population (more than 2 million people) have asthma. Everyone knows someone – a friend or family member – with asthma. Asthma is potentially a very serious condition likely to cause at least discomfort, quite possibly severe disability and perhaps even death. So learning “asthma first aid” is a simple skill that could save someone’s life. In Australia, the number of deaths from asthma each year declined from about 1,000 some 20 years ago to less than 300 in 2005, but in the past few years it has been increasing again to more than 400. During the winter, colds and flu are major causes of cough and congestion, but these are not the only conditions which affect our ability to breathe freely. A variety of factors can trigger the inflammation which causes the symptoms of asthma – wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning. These trigger factors include allergies, viral infections and inhaled pollutants such as tobacco smoke, dust and dust mites. Cold air exposure and exercise can trigger asthma, as can reflux disease and certain medicines in people with super-sensitive airways.

with asthma do not use their inhalers correctly and only around 20% have a written Asthma Action Plan. If you are using a puffer to take your asthma medication, you should always use a spacer as well, regardless of whether you are taking your daily preventer or using your blue reliever during an emergency. A spacer is a clear plastic container shaped like a football or a tube with a mouthpiece or mask at one end and a hole for an inhaler at the other. Spacers help to get asthma medication into your lungs. The medication is ‘fired’ from the puffer into the spacer device and is then inhaled through the mouthpiece or a face mask. Spacers allow more medication to get into your lungs than if you use a puffer on its own. They reduce the local side effects of inhaled steroids in preventer medications, because less of the medication sticks in your mouth and throat and it also means that you don’t need to coordinate pressing your puffer and breathing in at the same time. To encourage use of spacers, Bindoon & Gingin Pharmacies are offering NVN readers 20% off the price of Breath-a-tech Spacers during May. Also, Bindoon & Gingin Pharmacies have Asthma and Asthma Medicines fact cards, produced by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. These cards provide the latest information on how asthma can be well controlled so that people with asthma can live a normal and active life, free of symptoms. By being prepared with good asthma management strategies we should all breathe a little more easily.

Identification and avoidance of trigger factors goes a long way towards asthma control. But most people with asthma will need preventer and reliever medicines as well. What medicine is best and how often it should be used depends on whether the asthma is classified as intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent or severe persistent. Most people who live with asthma think they are in control of their condition, but the reality is very different. According to Asthma Australia up to 90% of people

“PATS provides an invaluable service to patients required to travel to access specialist medical care, but it was designed for a different era.” The inquiry will help examine all aspects of PATS including the adequacy of the service for regional people accessing specialist medical care.

Spinal Pain Rehabilitation Arthritic Pain Skeletal Problems Muscle Dysfunction Ante Natal Education Coordination Problems Respiratory Conditions Neurological Conditions Western Health Clients Sports Injury Rehabilitation Hand Injury Rehabilitation Paediactric Development Delay Plastic Surgery Rehabilitation Diabetes and Exercise Education Continence Advice and Assistance Over 55 Exercise Classes

The Inquiry’s terms of reference include: • The level of funding applied to the transport and accommodation subsidies provided; • Eligibility for PATS funding; • The administration process; and • Whether there is consideration of exceptional circumstances. Submissions must be lodged before May 16 with Ms Lauren Mesiti, Committee Clerk, Standing Committee on Public Administration, Legislative Council, Parliament House, Perth 6000 or fax: 9222 7805. Submissions can also be emailed to: lcpac@ parliament.wa.gov.au but must be accompanied by an electronic signature. Contact Mr Love’s office for further detail 99 214818.

Chiropractic care is a safe, natural & effective approach to health for all ages. Chiropractic promotes a healthy lifestyle & involves looking after your spine, joints, muscles, ligaments & nerves – ensuring they’re balanced and working in sync. The many treatment options Dr Keith uses include:

•S tretch and strengthening exercise •E rgonomic, nutritional & lifestyle interventions • Trigger point therapy • Taping techniques •G raston® soft tissue mobilisation No referral is required & appointments are available at Bullsbrook Medical Centre:

•C hiropractic Adjustment/ manipulation

9571 1478

• Anatomical acupuncture/ Dry Needling

0418 409 475

24 www.nvnews.com.au

Bindoon Medical Centre:

Dr Keith Brown, Chiropractor BSc BChiro(Hons) ICSSD (Sports)

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

Business.. Ways to Wealth

Tech Talk By Daryl du Plessis daryl@chitteringit.com

Volunteer Computing Daryl du Plessis daryl@chitteringit.com

So you wish you had time to contribute to a worthy cause but you just can’t find the time to do it? Don’t worry, you can get your computer to do the volunteering for you. Your computer probably spends most of its time idle with nothing better to do anyhow, so now you can get it to contribute towards finding a cure for disease, or modeling the effects of climate change or even finding intelligent life beyond the stars. Volunteer computing is when you donate your spare computing time to projects that gather a lot of data that requires processing. An example of this is the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence or SETI project. Their goal is to detect intelligent life outside of Earth and they do this by analysing data from radio telescopes and searching for radio patterns that would be indicative of intelligent life. There is a huge amount of data to search through and this is where the distributed computing power of volunteer computing becomes very useful.

financial assets and will be assumed to earn a certain rate of income regardless of the actual income you do receive (they will be deemed, just like money in the bank).

Age Pension changes from January 2015 – will they affect me? By Kelsea Brennan 0400 407 833 kelsea.brennan@infocus.com.au

From 1st January 2015 the way retirement income streams are treated by Centrelink will change. These new rules mean retirees may be entitled to less age pension than under the current rules. If you are not adequately prepared your retirement income could be impacted. It’s not too late for some, and if you start planning now you may be able to prevent the changes from impacting you. Currently retirement income streams, such as account based pensions and annuities are generally assessed more favourably by Centrelink under the income test. You are able to draw a certain amount from your income stream each year without Centrelink counting any of this as income. Under the new rules retirement income streams will be counted as

The good news is that existing pensioners or allowees with an income stream in place before 1st January 2015 will not be affected by these new rules. However, if you are under age pension age on 1st January 2015 the new rules will apply. Given these changes it is now more important than ever that you review your income stream structure before the end of the 2014 calendar year. Key things to consider depending on your situation are as follows if you are a retiree with an existing income stream: • Review your current income stream to ensure you are in the right product. Making changes to your income stream after January 2015 (such as changing product providers) will change the way your income stream is assessed by Centrelink and could mean you are then entitled to less Age Pension. • Check to see if your income stream is set up with a reversionary

I have found that I don’t even notice the impact on my computer when BOINC is running (I’m running the climateprediction@home project) and any recent model computer will have plenty of spare resources to cope with the workload. If you do find BOINC slowing your computer down then change the settings so it uses less processor power or runs when you are not using the PC. For more information check the links below. Happy volunteering! http://boinc.berkeley.edu http://www.gridrepublic.org http://boincstats.com http://www.climateprediction.net/ http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/

If you expect to retire within the coming year, you may have the opportunity to optimise your age pension entitlements by starting an account based pension before 1st January 2015. It is important for all retirees and soon-to-be retirees to review their situation and ensure they have the right pension arrangements in place now before these new rules come into effect to avoid needing to make changes after 1st January 2015. Centrelink legislation current as at 30/04/2014 This information is general information only. You should consider the appropriateness of this information with regards to your objectives, financial situation and needs. This information has been compiled from sources considered to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

A mobile Coffee Brake Local lady Kerry Read can bring coffee to your next event with her new mobile coffee enterprise. Fully encompassed in a customised vehicle, Coffee Brake offers coffee, hot chocolate, tea and cold drinks.

Traditionally scientists would use extremely powerful supercomputers to crunch the data, but these are expensive and getting time on these systems can be difficult. Distributed computing breaks the data into small chunks and then sends that out to thousands of volunteer computers to do the work required. There are around 50 projects that use this distributed computing model. Volunteers computers need to have internet access and sufficient resources to run the BOINC (Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing) software. You will need an account to log your volunteer hours to as well. This is also a great way to see how much you have contributed to the project. Once BOINC is installed you can configure it for the best time to use your computer (e.g. overnight or during weekdays etc) and then you can choose which project to contribute to. If you want to run multiple projects or setup a team, you can use an account manager (GridRepublic or BAM!) that will manage this for you.

beneficiary. Structuring your income stream in this manner may allow your beneficiary to continue to be treated under the pre January 2015 rules upon reversion. There are other issues to consider in relation to a reversionary beneficiary nomination, so it important to seek advice before making any changes.

Kerry plans to attend local out-of-town events such as rodeos, and you can book the van to attend your next function in the Northern Valleys area. Look out for Coffee Brake parked next to Betty’s fruit and veg stall on the corner of Great Northern Hwy and Settlement Rd north of Bindoon or Ph 0458 576 105.

ASIC Small Business Engagement Survey All small business owners in Australia are invited to get involved with the ASIC Small Business Engagement Survey 2014. The purpose of the survey is to understand how Australian small business obtains information about obligations and regulations from ASIC. This information will help ASIC better serve Australian small business and improve the manner in which obligations and regulations are communicated. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete and is anonymous. No information is asked that would enable ASIC to identify you or your business. Click this link – https:// www.surveymonkey. com/s/KPST3QX – to take the survey.

Chittering Chamber of commerce Sundowner June 25th 6.30pm onwards

Rural Based Financial Adviser Some financial goals may seem out of reach. I can help you develop a custom financial plan and work with you to achieve your goals. Retirement Planning • Superannuation • Estate Planning Personal Insurances • Investments • Funding Aged Care

Kelsea Brennan Phone: 0400 407 833 | Email: kelsea.brennan@infocus.com.au

RSVP

0419 043 960

Connecting our Business Community

Started in 2010, the Chamber brings Chittering business owners together through regular communications and at informative networking events. The Chamber also provides support and development opportunities such as the E-workout and member facilitated activities. New Members Welcome!

Phone: 0419 043 960 Email: chitteringcc@gmail.com Address: P O Box 292, Bindoon WA 6502 Facebook: Chittering Chamber of Commerce

www.nvnews.com.au

Kelsea Brennan is an Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

We mean business If you wish to sell your business contact the broker who sells in the Avon Arc. We have been selling businesses for over 30 years. Bill is the Chairman of the Real Estate Institute Business Agents Network.

Business Agents & Auctioneers (08) 9389 8055 billgg@iinet.net.au

It’s your community...

Quick Crossword 1

Church Notices

Bindoon 2nd and 4th Sundays of month at 9.30

Gingin 1st Sunday of month 8 am 3rd Sunday of month 9.30 am

The Uniting Church (Marian Crew, 9575 1357)

Worship 2nd and 4th Sunday 10am 14

The Seventhday Adventists (9576 0085)

Bible Study 9.30am to 10.30am, Divine Service 11am to 12 noon every Saturday, Bindoon

Benedictine Monastery, New Norcia 9654 8018 Parish Priest: Abbot John Herbert OSB Weekend Mass times: Sunday 9am

Catholic Church (Fr Paul Fox ph 9571 8068)

ACROSS 1. Consecrate with oil 5. Cut (grass) 7. Black wood 8. Opera solo 9. Did breaststroke 10. Circle (planet) 11. Examiner 13. Supplements, ... out 14. Plunder 18. Coyest 21. Petty quarrel 22. Go back on deal 24. Consumption 25. Be unsuccessful 26. Sound boosters 27. Tied (shoes) 28. Catch sight of 29. Dress ribbons

DOWN 1. Electric socket converter 2. Unsuitable 3. Male voice 4. Recreational activities 5. Suspense novel 6. Loom operators 12. Poultry product 15. Zoo inmates 16. Appallingly 17. Beautify 19. Shade 20. Locks of hair 22. Splits apart 23. Comes closer to

Solutions to last month’s crossword P

A M

B O M B

N P

E M A

I E

N N

R N

O R

A U

N G E

S A D

O R

O N R

S E

R D

M E

W Y

R E

N D

C K

N H

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THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Tony Webb, former editor Chittering Times

Be a good listener James 1 verse 19 My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. The fact that we are born with two ears but one mouth should be an indication that listening is more important than speech. Count the number of your aquaintences and think of the ones that truly listen to you, I bet they are few in number. If there is one quality I would aspire to have it is the Gift of listening. To listen intently and focus on what is being said to you is one of the best ways of giving honour to another

WORDLINESS by XIV

If ever you seriously consider starting a website, please be aware that the web address you choose can be of vital importance. As many who have gone before have discovered, strange things can happen when names are translated into computer lingo. For example, Big Al’s bowling Alley in the United States came up with www.ilovebigals.com and got some very odd phone calls! As did a company listing famous people’s agents when they tried www.whorepresents.com. Oops! But wait! There’s more! Similar mishaps include: www.lesbocages.com (Les Bocages) from a team of French tree surgeons; www.

Rainfall Data

Anglican Church (Marion Bird 9576 2054, John Broad 9576 0311)

person. It is a skill that is easy to talk about but very hard to put into practice. I for one, am preparing my answer long before the speaker has finished. Observe the interviews on the media, the great interviewers are the ones who are listening. My favorite story is the one about Conrad Hilton, the founder of the Hilton chain of hotels. The multi millionaire was known to sit through long and tedious business meetings with out a word from his lips, not once interjecting.. At the end of the proceedings he would stand up, sum up the thousands of words in a short sentence of well chosen words, precise and to the point. The scripture from James is also clear and precise molestationnursery.com (Mole Station Nursery) from an Aussie plant nursery; www.powergenitalia.com (Power Gen Italia) from an electricity company operating in Italy; www.ladrape.com (La Drape) from an up-market curtain company; www.semensemble.com (S.E.M Ensemble) from a New York orchestra; www.penisland.com (Pen Island) from a fountain pen manufacturer; www. therapistfinder.com (therapist finder) from a service listing assorted therapists; www. expertsexchange.com (experts exchange) from a group of computer programmers who swopped ideas. All are interesting examples of lack of foresight but the prize must go to the annual Dutch Pop music festival called Holland’s Hit Festival who discovered that apostrophes don’t count in web addresses and thus became www. hollandshitfestival.nl.

Sat Vigil: St Catherine’s Gingin 6pm (Constable Street) Sunday: St Anne’s Bindoon 7.30am Bullsbrook Shrine-Church 9.30am (9am Rosary) Immaculate Heart College, 34 Santa Gertrudis Drive, Lower Chittering Sunday 5pm Mass. Muchea Bullsbrook Christian Fellowship Lowery Park Hall,End of Parklands Rd., Bullsbrook. 9576 1326 Worship Service every Sunday 10am Gateway Church (0437 411 227 or 9571 8238) Pickett Park Hall, Sundays 10am Christian Fellowship nondenominational worship. (Jac 0412873447)

Gingin Christian Fellowship, Cnr. Brockman & Robinson Streets, Gingin. Meeting: Every Sunday - 10 am Sunday School available All welcome Ph: Barry & Alison - 9575 3089 or Judy - 9577 2938

We welcome your local community events & information. Please email to Jackie@nvnews. com.au

or Phone: 0419 045 783

Recorded at 150 Bindoon-Moora Road, Bindoon 2013/2014 This month Rain days

30 years Ave Rainfall

This mth

Last year

This month

Last year

May

74.1

21.2

June

12.4

July

August

September

Progressive total Rain days

This year

Last year

This year

Last year

76.4

177.7

93.8

81.9

93.1

190.1

175.7

93.2

25.6

113.0

283.3

201.3

139.7

63.4

88.3

423.0

264.7

136.9

70.7

62.8

559.9

335.4

October

16.7

4.6

31.1

576.6

340.0

November

3.2

59.5

19.6

579.8

399.5

December

2.5

14.4

11.5

582.3

413.9

January

0.4

24.7

14.8

0.4

24.7

February

0.5

0.7

12.9

1.4

25.4

March

3.5

60.5

15.4

4.9

85.9

April

49.2

17.7

22.1

54.1

103.6

Month

PONDERINGS By Alex Douglas

In recent times I have said some unkind, perhaps even harsh, things about the bureaucratic mind, usually with a decidedly negative slant. Well now it’s time to redress the balance. We have to thank them for their contribution to our language and the merriment that can be derived from their linguistic antics. We should be grateful to them for the fun they have brought us over the years, from such classic television as “Yes, Minister.” and “Thick Of It.” to the sheer delight of watching assorted pollies, spokespersons, pundits and even the media personnel themselves wallowing in a sea of jargon in ways ranging from mildly irritating to downright hilarious. From Kevin Rudd’s ”In the fullness of time” – meaning later – to Tony Abbott’s monotonous use of “Fair dinkum”, our pollies have consistently – and quite unintentionally - amused us. Sadly, the affliction is contagious. The presence of the media in our homes means that we are inclined to collect and use these words and phrases. Because of the threat to sensible communication, in recent years the British Government has attempted to limit the use of jargon in an effort to be understood by ordinary (dare I say real) people. Many of the expressions still popular here are being actively discouraged. Some of our favourites include “benchmarking; capacity building; empowerment; fasttrack; interface; parameter; stakeholder; sustainable; transparency; and vision.” They are dumping dozens of others, most of which we cling to and bandy about with great abandon. We incentivise instead of reward; we network instead of talk; we advise instead of tell; we impact on things instead of effect them; we even misspeak

26 www.nvnews.com.au

instead of lie. Misspeak implies a sort of verbal typo. Typo itself is just another word for a mistake. Of course making mistakes is traumatic, as is being caught lying, so we must do all we can to avoid condemnation of either, lest we add to the perpetrator’s anguish! Handy that! We forward-plan (because we can’t plan backwards?); we pre-plan (I’m not sure what this means – maybe sharpening pencils and checking supplies of stationery); we commit or pledge instead of promise (unless we’re on the tv news, in which case we vow – either way, we probably won’t do whatever it is!) and we have keys! Once we used keys to open locks or we poked them on pianos or typewriter keyboards. Now we have key human resources (people) and key other stuff. We really mean important but for some reason we think that “key” sounds more important than “important”. It all sounds a bit silly to me. Even sillier was an announcement from a UK Cabinet Office Spokeswoman who said: “Going forward, we will be advancing a pledge to deliver and utilize clearer language on our award-winning GOV.UK. We are keen to foster improved cooperation to empower further the public and are delighted that the Independent has recognized this drive to deploy and leverage a streamlined vocabulary.” What can I say? Perhaps “You can’t turn a tanker around with a speed boat change.” Or maybe “What we need is a holistic, cradle-to-grave approach.” Know what I mean? Thanks for your time.

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

NN community

It’s your community... Working with Warriors

Looking After Ourselves in Busy Times Wheatbelt Men’s Health. PO Box 768, Northam WA 6401, Phone: 08 9690 2277 Email: menshealth@4blokes.com.au

Now that the Easter and ANZAC break has come and gone, we are now entering one of the extremely busy times of the year with seeding knocking at the door. One of the most important things to consider looking after, during this time, is our most valuable resource, “US”! Because of this time pressure we can sometimes take short cuts, and if we take short cuts regarding our wellbeing it can increase our risk factors dramatically. It is a time when accidents can happen, relationships come under pressure and our physical health is ignored. Risk Taking! What blokes in particular don’t do well is consider the consequences of risk taking. It won’t happen to me! Consequences are something we must live with, so in your seeding preparation limit your personal risk, and if what you’re planning is an overstretch, reconsider your options. Wellbeing Guidelines In addition to the usual seeding preparations perhaps we should follow the lead of other industries, such as mining and construction, where clear guidelines on safe parameters for work have been implemented. Some things to reflect on when considering your wellbeing include:

• Well briefed work crew; (often our partner and family) Keep those working with you briefed on daily activities, unfortunately with farming this doesn’t happen as well as it could which often leads to unnecessary disputes and increased tension and frustration.

• Fatigue management; limiting your working time to no more than 14 hours in a 24 hour period. Seeding might be over a relatively short period but this work strategy should not be compromised. The only solution to fatigue is taking a break and SLEEPING. Getting off the tractor and doing other jobs is not good enough, you need to sleep. • Factored in regular breaks; this also reduces the impact of fatigue and increases our capacity to beat boredom, which often leads to expensive mistakes and machine damage. • Pre start exercises; I would be surprised if many farmers begin a shift with some limbering up exercises. It is a known fact that this type of start to the day significantly reduces muscle injuries. • Suitable dietary needs; how often are you eating and what are are you snacking on? It is not just about good meals it is also about good snacks that are nutritious and correctly timed. A good meal is very beneficial at the beginning of a shift and a light meal at the end is beneficial in helping to promote good sleep. • Adequate sleep; for most people this is about seven to eight hours in every twenty four hour cycle. It is not possible to reduce this and still function properly. Remember this is “sleep” not just being in bed! Seeding is hectic, a controlled and planned approach will pay dividends. Enjoy seeding, it is a great time. If we look after ourselves most other things will fall into place.

Bindoon Townsite Heritage Walk project The Shire of Chittering are creating a community history stories walk trail through the Bindoon townsite which has been proudly supported by the Australian Government funded Your Community Heritage Program.

The 2km walk through the townsite will have trailhead and road-crossing signage, along with interpretive placards telling the history of 12 sites around the town. Here is one of the heritage stories...

groups

ADRA Bindoon Op Shop Bindoon Arts and Crafts Bindoon Basketball Bindoon Bowling Club Bindoon and District Ag Society Bindoon Community Progress Association Bindoon Districts Historical Society Bindoon Men’s Shed Inc.

Open each morning Sunday-Friday (Closed Sat) Market last Sunday each month Dawn & Bob Blizard Jenny Brown Teena Leuba Sandra Clarke Meets 3rd Monday of each month at 7.30pm in the Society Office, northern end of oval. 7.30pm 3rd Tues of month in Ag Society Rm. Rin Rutherford (Pres) Lance Stagbouer (Secretary) Meets 2nd Tuesday of each month 2pm in The Museum- Don Gibson First and third Tuesday at the Museum 10.00am to 1.00pm Rex Thorpe John Williams

Bindoon Sporting and Rec Assn

Meets 2nd Monday of each month at 8pm at Chinkabee. Gail Smith

Bindoon P and C Assn

Meets every 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Bindoon Primary School Staff room, Trish Shemeld Meets every Friday at Chinkabee 9.30am-12pm Belinda Martin Ros Maindock George Ferguson Lois Jones (President) Joy Askew (Secretary) Colin Clarkson (Captain) Dave Mann (Secretary) Meets Mon nights in the Town Hall from 7-9pm Yvonne Press Thursday evenings at 6:30pm, Chinkabee courts. Ph Vivienne du Plessis Alex Douglas Meets 1st Wed every second month at 7pm in the Fire Station Captain Fred Hoogland. Rory Bennett John Thompson (President) Open 7 days a week. Visitors welcome. info@chequersgolf.org Open 7 days a week. Volunteers welcome Meets Thursdays at the Lower Chittering Hall. Scouter in Charge is Sue Budd Ian Hall

Bindoon Play Group Bindoon Range Pony Club Bindoon RSL Bindoon Retirees Bindoon Rifle Club Bindoon Sing Australia BIndoon Tennis Club Bindoon Theatre Group Bindoon Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Bullsbrook Football Club (Seniors) Bullsbrook Senior Citizens Chequers Golf Club Chittering Visitors Centre Chittering Scout Group Chittering Junior Football Club Chittering Junior Cricket Club Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc Country Women’s Association Chamber of Commerce Gingin Arts and Crafts Group Gingin/Chittering Lions

Ian Claxon Ann Graham (injured wildlife) Secretary - Karen Derrick Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the CWA rooms at 10.00am Carolyn Cover (President) Jackie Shervington Pres Angela Anspach Secretary Irene Dewar email: irenedewar@me.com. 2nd Mon of month at 6.30pm, Bowling club, Gingin. 4th Mon of month at 6.30pm at St John Ambulance Rooms, Bindoon. Pat Elliot

9576 0085 or 0429 209 264 9576 0593 0429942032 9576 1444 bindoonshow@ gmail.com 0457103 033 9576 2001 9576 1090

0448 793 513 0439 937 829 9655 9046

042 729 0048 0429 180 245 95760285 9576 1046 9576 0451 9576 0262 9576 0772 9296 0103 9576 1409 0420 352 958 9576 1154

0422 228 415 0432 872 931 9571 3129 9571 1277 9576 1100 0403 852 333 0419 042 455 0409 087 917 9576 1010 0417 518 958 9571 0263 0419045783 0419 043 960 0427 752 348

9575 2316

Gingin Freemasons Lodge

Bob Blizard

9576 0085

Gingin Bowling club

Tom Cabassi

9575 2342

Gingin Tennis Club

Nicole Hendry

9575 3043

Rodney Hannagan

9575 2339

Gingin Football Club Gingin Pensioners Social Club

9575 2245

Gingin P & C Assoc Muchea Senior Cricket Club Muchea Netball Muchea Judo Club Inc Muchea Vol Bushfire Brigade

BINDOON CITRUS According to an August 1960 story in “The Countryman” Harold Edmonds was the first man to plant citrus trees in Bindoon. This was in 1922 when he purchased 200 young trees from the Eastern States for his hillside orchard (part of a 100-acre virgin bush block) which he had cleared by hand with a borrowed horse, a mattock, an axe and some explosives. The first crop was picked in 1926 before being packed in the farmhouse using cases made on the verandah. “The Countryman” story tells how following World War II (1945) up until current day (1960) production costs had skyrocketed whilst

the price received for produce remained the same (18/ to 19/ per bushel case, a bushel is equivalent to 8 Imperial Gallons [36.3 litres] and contains approximately 28 oranges); • c ase nails per hundredweight (cwt) – from 30/ to £6/

9575 2249 Shane Angel Fran Bryant Meets every Tues at Muchea Hall Ann Peter Hall, Secretary autoelec@iinet.net.au

Pearce Community Toy Library

Open Fridays 9.30am – 11.30am

South Midlands Polocrosse Club

Jenny Hall

South Midlands Pony Club

Kay Kavanagh Ruth Loudon Keith Cunningham

Wannamal Community Centre Wannamal Indoor Bowls Wannamal Tennis Club

• fencing per mile – from £76/10 to £180/-

0408 674 643 9571 4168 9576 1497 0437 908 079 9571 7491 9571 4362 0407 509 509 9655 7024 9655 7070

Julie Taylor

9655 7013

• l and per acre – from £6/- to between £50/- and £60/-- wage with keep – from 30/ to £14/• s uper phosphate & sulphate ammonia – fourfold - fruit trees per hundred – from £5/to £62/Note: £Pounds/Shillings. There were 20 shillings in a pound.

Do we have your club here? Are the contact details correctly listed?

If not please let us know so we can update this list asap! email editor@nvnews.com.au or call 0419 045 783

www.nvnews.com.au

Local Traders Computing

Accounting

Electrician

Burke Electrical Services offer design, installation maintenance and repairs to all private powerlines and electrical services.

Taxation For local assistance with all your tax needs, contact Chris Oversby

stan’s mowing

offer design, Supply and installation of newBurke privateElectrical overhead Services powerlines. New underground power supplies. installation maintenance and repairs to all Repairs, maintenance, upgrades to existing powerlines and poles. and electrical services. Straightening and stabilising ofprivate existingpowerlines poles. Pole and crossarm inspection.• Supply and installation of new private Overhead – underground conversions. overhead powerlines. Tree trimming over or near powerlines. • New underground power supplies. Meterboard replacement and upgrades. New power supplies to houses, pumps,and lighting poles,of existing poles. • Ssheds, traightening stabilising workshops. • Pole and crossarm inspection. • Lighting poles and lights for: Horse/equestrian arenas, sporting facilities, tennis courts,conversions. truck • Overhead – underground unload areas, carparks. • Tree trimming over or near powerlines. • Pump installation and repairs. • Trenching. • Meterboard replacement Contact: steve@burkeelectrical.com.au 0417 and 923upgrades. 775 city – rural – regional remote 3169 • Lighting – poles and lights for:ECHorse/equestrian arenas, sporting facilities, tennis courts,etc

Lawn-mowing & Handyman jobs in the Bindoon-Chittering area.

• • • • • • • • •

Tax Agent on

0400 440 277

or PO Box 46 Bindoon 6502

Trish Murrell Trish MurrellCPA CPA

1391167

Building & renovation

Registered Tax Registered TaxAgent Agent

• Pump installation and repairs.

Specializing in Individual Tax Returns

• Trenching.

Specializing in Rental Properties ◦ Capital Gains ◦ Managed Funds Individual Tax Returns

Contact: steve@burkeelectrical.com.au 0417 923 775

Defence Forces ◦ Teachers

M: 0438 860 022 E: trish_murrell@bigpond.com M: 0438 860022 E: trish_murrell@bigpond.com Health Services ◦ Contractors ◦ Mining

Air conditioning

Ring Stan 0429 154 600

Hairdressing

Trade Ads $120 for 6 months

Email tamieka@nvnews.com.au or Ph 041 9902 904

Plumbing

Jensen plumbing Licence no 5370

H a i r

S t u d i o

9575 2759

Suite 8, 14 Brockman St, Gingin

All General Plumbing & Gas. Maintenance, Repairs & Septic systems Free quotes • Prompt Service

Ph/Fax: 9576 1067 Mob: 0428 929 906

Mark Leuba

ELECTRICIAN

Carpenter/ Handyman

• Ducted Reverse Cycle Scott DaviDSon • Split Systems Mob: 0457 003 685 Fax: (08) 9575 3307 • Evaporative Email: scott@precisionacs.com.au

• All Plumbing and Gas • New Housing and Renovations • ATU Septic Systems • Solar Hot Water

EC 005957

M: 0428 899 839 P/F: 9576 1197

Ph : 0425 741 201

Scott ABN: 92 523Davidson 679 640 ARCTICK No: AU33951 Mob: 0457 003 685 Email: scott@precisionacs.com.au ABN: 92 523 679 640

Garden EC 3169

Chris and Michelle Ellyard 0414 922 456 or 0418 933 198 www.ishouldbeyourplumber.com.au

For those ‘little’ things. Bindoon & surrounding areas

ARCTICK NO: AU33951

Agricultural

Anspach Ag contracting

Graeme Springett 0437 728 391

• Transport • Agricultural services • Earthmoving • Plant Hire Phone: 9655 7074 Rob: 0427 770 365 Angela: 0419 043 960 Email: anspachag@bigpond.com

Solar Water Pumps Sales & Service

Agents for Electric Pumps, Tanks, Troughs etc Variety of pumps designed to meet your requirements

Ross Poultney 0427 454 226

Carpet Cleaning

Your Local Carpet & Tile cleaning We do: Sports Clubs, Pubs, Halls Shire offices, shops, houses & more Call Adam & Kelly Shields Office: 08 9575 1000 Ph or Txt: 04 5757 8807 or 04 2910 4760 E: adzy77@bigpond.com

run by farmers for farmers

Bulldozing and general earthmoving. All ag work, damsinking specialist, 40 yrs exp. Dozer, IT loader and float hire.

Rural Fencing Phill & Vicki Humphry

• Waxing/Tinting • Manicure/Pedicure • Facials/Peel • Special Occasion Make-up • MISMO Skin Care Range available Ph: 9576 0170 for an appointment.

• • • •

Electrical Consulting Electrical Testing General Electrical Work Domestic and Commercial

Ph 0427083929 E-mail. karon5@bigpond.con

Read your local NEWS ONLINE

www.nvnews.com.au

Lic No. EC. 007260

Electrician

Rurelec

Massage in Bindoon Rehabilitation & Renewed movement Relieve your pain today Functional Fascial Taping *Heath fund provider

Ph 0419 964 909 or 9576 1978

• • • • •

Free Quoting 24hr service Blocked drains New houses Maintenance

Noel Russell Ph: 043 996 6449 or 9576 1687

SEPTICS SYSTEMS INSTALLED PH CAL FEWSON 0407 423 598

Teena Leuba Bowen Therapist

PL 5730

Injury, Pain & Stress Relief Ph: 9576 0170 for an appointment.

Fencing

Ring Wayne 042 796 8215

Teena Leuba Beautician

Barni Norton

Remedial Therapist& Personal Trainer

Contact: 9571 0022

office@ace-electrical. net.au Lot 1 Brand Highway, Muchea Lic N0: EC: 008014 AU: 32857

All types of electrical installation work Diesel generators service and repair Bruce Pannell Mob: 0419047742 www.genspark.com.au

BARRON CONTRACTING 95762012

Beautician

Massage

Open Wednesdays & Thursdays

Earthworks

Antennas

Electrical · New Houses, Renovations, PowerPoint’s, Lights, Connections & Emergency repairs Air Conditioning · Design & Install · Service & Repair Security · CCTV, Alarm Systems, Communication · Phone points, Home Data Networks, Digital TV Underground Services · Trenching, Cable Locating & Scanning

460 Hart Drive, Chittering 6084

Ph 9576 1050 Mob 0427 761 050

Painter

BINDOON painter Professional House & Commercial Painting Interior & exterior Contact for free Quote We use qualified tradesmen Reg 5330

Call 9525 4111 or email pickero@eftel.net.au Eftpos/credit card facilities available

www.carduppainting.com.au

Funeral cars Classic last cruise For that personal touch hire a classic hearse for your funeral

Ian Clark 0407 773 095 Treasure Clark 0400 080 687 Email: www.classiclastcruise@yahoo.com

www.classiclastcruise.com

28 www.nvnews.com.au

Colourwest painting • Residential/ commercial • Free quotations • References available • 20 yrs exp www.colourwestpainting.com.au E- colourwestpainting@bigpond.com

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

Local Traders Pest Control

For Sale

Travis & Kelly Professional Shooters

For all your roo & fox control

Mob: 0427 774 158 Fax: 9575 2167

Business for Sale

Bindoon Butcher. Prime location with good turnover & attractive new lease. Owner keen to support new Butcher start-up. Phone John 041 714 7799 Price on Application

$10 each 10 for $80 or 20 for $120 ive ffect E e f Sa tions Solu ement nag & Ma

PHD Lic: 1566

• Termites • Pre-Purchase Reports • Timber Pest Inspections • Pre Treatments • Rodent Control • All Household Pests • Total Weed Management Jason & Lynette Prendergast chitteringpestandweed@ westnet.com.au

0400 979 000 Sheds

Free Delivery Monday 9 June Bindoon, New Norcia

9844 3485 Stud Wiltshire Horn purple tag 2012 -drop rams. Asking $200 includes GST. Obligation-free inspection welcome. Ph John Williams Mob: 0439 937 829

The Bindoon Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade AGM 7pm on Wednesday 28th May in the Bindoon Fire Station. Help! Does anyone remember the band called The Reporters, who played back-up at the Bindoon Rock festival in 1990 and 1991. Husband seeking video footage of his wife, Nerida Aitken who was the lead singer, to help celebrate 50th birthday. Call Fab Pagnoni 0420 924 447

The City of Swan gives notice that the draft Bullsbrook Townsite Land Use Master Plan is now available for public comment. The Bullsbrook Townsite Land Use Master Plan provides strategic guidance and advocacy for development of the Bullsbrook townsite to 2031 and beyond. Proposed development is intended to work towards meeting the aims and requirements of the State Government, in particular its vision set out in 'Directions 2031' and Beyond - Metropolitan Planning beyond the Horizon' to provide for anticipated population growth in a liveable town which is sustainable, vibrant and prosperous.

migwich

transport services

• Tilt Tray & Small Freight Specialists • OLD CARS REMOVED

Coo-ee Couriers & Transport

Bullsbrook, Chittering, Muchea, Gingin & Bindoon. Daily parcel pickup & delivery service to and from anywhere, to the Metro area. Taxi Truck service also available.

Mobile 0400 210 274 Bus Ph 9571 2551

TV Antennas

M J Foley CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

For more information go to www.army.gov.au

AG81997

MFE C66730

Piano Teacher AMEB exams if required Singing tutoring available 0458 477 306- Mrs Harris

Post your Classifieds on the Northern Valleys News Facebook page

It’s FREE!

Calling Local Business for Advertising In the next edition of the annual

Russell Fuller (ACMA License T17010)

Mobile: 0419 961 410 Fax: 9571 2225 Email: info@chitteringcommunications.com.au www.chitteringcommunications.com.au

Tough Sheds built Tough To Last.

Contact Barni Norton Email; chittering.directory@bigpond.com Or phone 08 9576 1978 or 0419 964 909 view the current 2013/2014 edition online at www.chittering.com

Advertising Rates

Water Services

Bullsbrook Water Carriers

Drinking Water Only Professional, Prompt, Reliable Approved Carrier for Water Corp Health Dept Compliant

Kevin Bailey 9571 2726 (All Hours)

Bullsbrook Water Services Water Tank Supply & Installation Tank roofs & Liners Tank Refurbishments Storm water piping Irrigated Fire Prevention systems

Northern Valleys News With a print run of 4000 The Northern Valleys News has an estimated readership of over 8000 people, and covers the areas of Bindoon, Bullsbrook, Calingiri, Chittering, Gingin, Muchea, Mooliabeenie, New Norcia, Regans Ford and Wannamal.

Phone: 95714600 or 0417958804 Karlyn Assist

Trade Ads $120 for 6 months Email tamieka@nvnews. com.au or Ph 041 9902 904

www.shedalliancewangara.com.au

Members of the Australian Defence Force will be conducting training in the Perth region, including Bindoon Training Area, between 5 May and 5 June 2014. This training is designed to provide a realistic test of Australian Defence Force skills and interoperability with supporting agencies in the form of emergency response scenarios. During the course of the training, the Australian Defence Force will be using helicopters which may result in some noise disturbance. Flights will occur during the afternoon and evening. They will usually be completed by 11 pm or 12 pm but may in isolated cases occur after 12 pm. The Australian Defence Force will make every effort to minimise the disruption to local residents and businesses while providing realistic training for its members. WA Police and relevant State and Federal agencies have been made aware of this training.

Transport

John & Gail Milner Mobile 0427 875 447 Tel 9655 0020

Ph Terry Singleton on 0427 072 454

Australian Defence Force training in Perth 5 May – 5 June 2014

You can view the Bullsbrook Townsite Land Use Master Plan: • At the City of Swan Administration Centre in Midland • At the City's libraries • Via the City's website: http://www.swan.wa.gov.au/ Our_City/ Have_Your_Say or • At an Open House event at the Pickett Park Hall, Bullsbrook on Tuesday 13 May 2014 between 5.30-8.00pm. Planning officers will be available to provide details of the plan and to answer any questions. Your comment is valuable and welcome. Written comments should contain the reference BTLUMP and can either be emailed to the City at swan@swan.wa.gov.au or posted to the City at City of Swan, PO Box 196, MIDLAND WA 6936. In order for your submission to be registered they must include your name and address. Comments on the BTLUMP need to be lodged by 4.00pm on Wednesday 21st May 2014.

www.swan.wa.gov.au

HENS LAYING

Public Notices

Water Filtration Services

Full Page $995 Half Page $510 1/4 page $260 1/8 page $130

Agent for Purani Filtration Products

Lyndon Parker PO Box 221 BINDOON WA 6502 Phone: 08 9576 0342 Mobile: 0428 990 166

Bench top filters Twin under-sink filter systems Ultra violet water sterilisers Reverse osmosis water purifiers Water chillers Water softeners

Email: karlyn56@hotmail.com

Shower filters

Classifieds linage $3.50 pl Ph Jackie Shervington 0419 045 783 or email jackie@ nvnews.com.au

www.nvnews.com.au

Trade Ads $120 for 6 months or $200 for 12 months For ad sizes see: www.nvnews.com.au/rate-card Ph Jackie Shervington 29

It’s your news...

Gingin Shire Invests in its Youth

The Shire of Gingin has taken another step towards investing in its future. Earlier this year local school leavers Alex Gibbs and Nathan Micallef took advantage of two youth employment initiatives offered by the Shire and both are now enjoying being part of a diverse and progressive country local government. As part of its commitment to deliver on its Strategic Community Plan by supporting youth leadership and training programs, the Shire of Gingin decided to address resource gaps within its Corporate and Community Services and Operations departments by offering a local government administration traineeship and plant mechanic apprenticeship to prospective graduates of Gingin District High School. “This was achievable through some internal restructuring and flexibility arrangements with our full time employees,” said Shire CEO Jeremy Edwards. “Both Alex and Nathan went through the Gingin DHS program called School of Isolated Distant

Education (SIDE), and the experience and knowledge they gained through this program was invaluable. They have both adjusted well to working life at the Shire of Gingin and will receive ongoing training and plenty of support from their peers. This initiative by Council is a strong investment.”

Happy Birthday Iluka Aquatic Center!

For local girl Alex Gibbs the administration traineeship has given her career a jump-start. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after finishing Year 12 but when this job came up I thought it would be an excellent place to start my professional life,” she said. “And working close to home has been a definite bonus too.” It was Nathan Micallef’s initiative and drive while still in school that helped him secure his plant mechanic apprenticeship at the Gingin Shire Depot. “Fortunately for me I had done work experience with the Shire in Years 11 and 12,” he said. “This meant I was familiar with all the equipment and facilities, and the manager knew what kind of worker I was.” While Alex and Nathan are busy getting a handle on their respective new roles, they both agree that the friendliness of their fellow colleagues and the supportive work environment has made their transition an enjoyable process.

South Midlands Netball Association is very much alive! South Midlands Netball Association

SMNA is very much alive and we would like to welcome any teams or individual players from juniors to seniors to come along and join our newly revamped association at Bendigo Complex – Regional Hardcourts, Gingin. We are in the process of working with Netball WA to restructure our Association and we are looking forward to some exciting times ahead. We are investing back in our junior ranks offering a Junior Invitational Carnival to be held in June 2014, specialised clinics from both local and WA Netball coaches along with the regular Talent Identification opportunities that have been offered in the past. For the first three weeks of the season on

9/14 Brockman Street, Gingin

Ph 9575 2759

At the senior level we are trying something new and will commence an inaugural Wednesday night competition. We will have both a senior level and a social format on offer. These will commence on the 7th May 2014 with social netball starting at 6.15pm and our senior competition beginning at 7pm. Even though some clubs have not nominated with South Midlands Netball Association this year, all players in all areas are still welcome to come and play. We look forward to seeing you all. To register a Junior team or individual player please contact our Association Secretary, Michelle Kabelka mob 0412 903466 smna.secretary@hotmail.com For Wednesday night games Tanya Anderson, 0439 018152 tanya.brad@ bigpond.com

fun fitness

Frayed Knot Hair, Beauty & Skin clinic Frayed Knot now offers all aspects of Beauty Therapy. Colour technicians, cut & colour specialists NEW Professially trained Skin clinician offering chemical peels, Ionzyme DF II vitamin infusion. Collagen induction theraphy & anti aging skin solutions Daily, weekly and monthly specials available on our facebook page.

Saturdays we have organised a specialist training/coaching course, followed by a round robin for our juniors starting at 9am.

AUSKICK Saturday mornings from 10 May to 14 June. Muchea Arena. 11am to Midday. Call Alan 0467 282 422

Bindoon Bootcamp

Fridays 9.30am-10.30am at the Edmonds Place Reserve, Bindoon First class is FREE then $15 per class after that. Craig, Gener8 Fitness 0417960724

Chittering JFC

Special Needs Auskick Centre What: Chittering JFC is delivering a 6 week inclusive Auskick program aimed at providing kids with disabilities with the chance to develop new skills in a positive and structured environment. Who: Boys & Girls aged 5 to 12 Dates: Saturday, 10th May to Saturday, 14th June (6 Sessions) Time: 11:00am-12:00pm Venue: Muchea Arena, Muchea Cost: Free Requirements: Sneakers & Drink Bottle RSVP: Chittering JFC Secretary, Alan Nairn by Friday, 25th April on 0467 282 422 or chitteringjfc@hotmail.com

30 www.nvnews.com.au

Classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays, Pickett Park Hall, at 9am, and cost $6.50 per class. This also includes tea and coffee afterwards as the group is extremely social and friendly. Fitness instructor Janet Alexander 0405039833

Bullsbrook Group Exercise Class

Bindoon over 50’s Exercise Group

Mondays 6:30pm-7:30pm at Chequers Golf Club, Bullsbrook Ph: Rachael 0428 720 005

Meets every Friday at 9am at the Upper Chittering Fire station Laz Rabin 0412 911 193

Bullsbrook - Zumba

Bindoon Tai chi Thursdays 9:00am at Clune Park, Bindoon. Ph Barni Norton 0419 964 909

Bullsbrook ‘Be Active Together’ Fitness classes

Tuesday night at 7.30pm $10 at Chittering Hall. Friday night’s at Pickett park hall in Bullsbrook at 7pm. Ph Rose 0417176548

Calingiri Community Gym Open 24/7, contact 9628 7004

Should your class be here? Email to Jackie@nvnews.com.au or Phone: 0419 045 783

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014

Sport

Gingin hosts inaugural triathlon

Triathlon Masters Northern Valleys Knights, winners of the open team - SLATER-GARTRELL SHORT COURSE

A cool overcast day provided the perfect weather conditions for 115 enthusiastic competitors who participated in the Shire of Gingin’s first ever Be Active community triathlon on Sunday 6th April. Starting and finishing at the Gingin Iluka Aquatic Centre, entrants had a choice of two courses – the Bendigo Bank Fun Course consisting 150m swim, 6km cycle and 1.5km run, or the SlaterGartrell Short Course consisting 350m swim, 12km cycle and 3km run. Entrants

Volunteers Daryl du Plessis and Cher Groves

Individual Winners - Bendigo Fun Course

could also participate as individuals or in teams. The Shire’s Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Edwards was overwhelmed with the community’s interest in the event. “Events like this bring the whole community together, either as participants competing on the day or one of the 40-odd volunteers (including Shire staff) who made the event run like clockwork, said Mr Edwards. “A number of people also mentioned that they would like to participate in many more events such as this as they had so much fun. We are hopeful that the Gingin Triathlon will become one of a set of events that can be held throughout the region on an annual basis.” The fastest team to finish the Bendigo Bank Fun Course was the Gingin Legends (Tom Mackey, Travis Galbraith and Jack Mackey) with a time of 30:26.5 and the Northern Valley Knights (Brendon Fewster, Tim Shervington and Jannie Baard) finished the SlaterGartrell Short Course fastest with a time of 40:59:5.

The fastest individual competitor of the Bendigo Fun Course was Chris Richards with a time of 25:50.1 and Simon Martin was fastest across the finishing line of the Slater-Gartrell Short Course with a time of 47:25.0. Full race results can be found on the Shire’s website www.gingin. wa.gov.au. The day was also cause for celebration as the Gingin Iluka Aquatic Centre celebrated its 10th birthday. The Gingin Super Seals Swimming Club, who formed when the pool opened in 2004, provided an enormous cake for everyone attending the triathlon. “On behalf of the Shire of Gingin I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the event,” said Mr Edwards. “Especially the volunteers and event sponsors Bendigo Bank Gingin, Slater-Gartrell Sports, Be Active, Iluka Resources, Act Belong Commit, and Shires of Chittering and Moora – without their help the day would not have been possible.”

Proving that this family friendly event offered something for all ages – Margaret Gow and Robert Brodie Hall (pictured above) provided inspiration for all. Margaret Gow completed the swim leg for a family team “Slow but sure”. She trained every day in the pool when it was is open through summer, swimming about 70 to 80 laps a day – coming in to the pool at 6am and every day after 12. Margaret moved to Gingin three years ago from England where she had enjoyed a lifetime of competitive swimming. Margaret was delighted with the day and commented on how it brought everyone in Gingin together. For Robert Brodie Hall, doing a Triathlon had always been on his bucket list and so when news of the Gingin Triathlon reached him in March, his training began. He purchased a bike from the Gingin treasure trove for $25 and set about his training regime for the next 4 weeks. Robert shares, “I started off looking for a team but couldn’t get any old guys interested so decided to do it myself”. A commendable effort given Robert has had both hips replaced in the last 12 months. According to Robert the hardest leg was the last leg, the run, but he just walked through it and successfully ticked off his goal of completing his first triathlon. Bravo Robert!

Individual winners SLATER-GARTRELL SHORT COURSE

www.nvnews.com.au

It’s YOUR your News... news...

Founder members and current members at the last game on the original bowls green.

Greener greens ahead for Bullsbrook Bowls Tamieka Preston

Bowls rolled for the last time on the original grass green at the Bullsbrook Bowling club on the 12th April. Members marked the occasion with a special game and celebratory luncheon. The green which was built by original club members nearly thirty years ago will soon be demolished to make way for the new Bullsbrook recreation complex, and the club will

receive a brand new facility courtesy of City of Swan. The club was formed when a group of keen community members got together and approached the (then) Swan Shire about leasing the piece of land known as Pickett Park to build a bowling green and clubhouse. 165 foundation members each contributed $10, and with their $1650 bounty and countless volunteer hours the green

Good people to know for farm insurance.

was built. It was opened on November 20 1978 by MLA Gavan Troy who delivered the first bowl. In the three decades since then the club has hosted pennant bowls, social Sundays and many a merry luncheon. Club members are completely self sufficient, maintaining the greens and clubhouse themselves – a lot of work for the core group in charge of keeping the grounds – most of whom are

in their seventies. Member Joe Lilley said members were looking forward to a reduced workload when the new, state of the art, 10 rink synthetic green is completed. “Both the community and the environment will gain,” he said. “The synthetic grass of the new green will take the pressure off the volunteers who maintain it, and also use less water”. The new rinks will literally be

greener, bringing the Bowls club in line with the City of Swan’s green policy around recreation. With more rinks and floodlights for night play, the club is also planning to boost it’s membership and hopes the new facility will attract younger members as well. If you are interested in joining Bullsbrook Bowls club, please contact Joe on 9571 3878.

With over 90 years experience insuring farms, WFI knows what you’re looking for. Find out for yourself why WFI is one of Australia’s leading rural insurance companies by contacting your local WFI Area Manager, Mark Paris. Mark Paris - WFI Bassendean Mobile 0407 441 681 mark.paris@wfi.com.au wfi.com.au

WFI is a trading name of Wesfarmers General Insurance Limited ABN 24 000 036 279 AFSL 241461. Mark Paris (AR252742) is an authorised repsentative of WGIL

32 www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys News MAY 2014