POST Newspapers 6 September 2025 by POST Newspapers

Dog poisoner strikes

By JEN REWELL

Two dogs poisoned in Barker Road, Subiaco are being mourned by the family and neighbours as attempts are made to identify their killers.

Golden retriever siblings Cindy and Chief, both 4, died last week despite desperate attempts by vet teams to save them.

Leanne Cooper said her family of six had been in “ﬂoods of tears” since the deaths.

The family is now paying $4000 for autopsies to be done on both dogs in a bid to seek answers.

“The vets kept asking us what poisons we had in the house, what medicines,” Leanne said.

“We have four children, we’re not lax with what we keep around the house.”

Vets did a “street drug” test and tried to identify the cause of the symptoms.

Both dogs became agitated, panted and had elevated temperature before they died.

The vets looked at toxins like rat poison, snail bait and strychnine, and considered hyperthermia, heat

stroke, seizure, congenital disease and other conditions.

Chief died too quickly for vets to do any toxicology tests on him.

But Cindy was found to have oxycodone and benzodiazepine in her urine.

One is a powerful opioid painkiller and the other is used to relieve stress and anxiety.

Both are highly addictive prescription-only drugs for humans that were not kept in the Cooper household.

“You don’t immediately think your dog has been poisoned,” Leanne said.

It is unlikely that the dogs ingested the drugs while out walking, because in the previous 24 hours they had been walked on leads, separately, in different locations.

The dogs were kept in the back yard and in the house but were not able to access the front yard.

“Someone would have had to walk down our driveway,” Leanne said.

Wembley police were quickly on the case and spoke to several neighbours and asked for CCTV.

Neighbour Marianne Dixon said • Please turn to page 65

Jutland battles lycra

By BEN DICKINSON

Jutland Parade’s immensely popular riverside cycling route through Dalkeith has been removed from Nedlands council’s ofﬁcial cycle network after noise complaints from residents.

The prestigious riverside street, home to some of Perth’s wealthiest residents, forms

part of the 40km riverside loop between Perth and Fremantle. Hundreds of cyclists ride its length every day, but the street was deleted from Nedlands’ draft Long-Term Cycle Network plan after residents complained of riders calling out loudly to each other, especially in the early morning. It’s deletion from the Nedlands map means it will

Cambridge rates overcharged $1m

By JEN REWELL

Cambridge council has apologised for overcharging ratepayers by nearly a million dollars after staff made a rate calculation mistake.

The money will have to be repaid, with refunds ranging from $8.75 to $2437, while a shortfall will affect the council budget.

The error was discovered when an eagle-eyed resident

queried how their rates were calculated.

Staff did an internal review and discovered they had overcharged 4633 properties in the Endowment Lands Area by $999,739.

CEO Lisa Clack said the error was “unacceptable” and “deeply regrettable”.

The error originated during the early modelling stages of the calculation, and was not picked up when the budget was passed by council, which now has a shortfall.

“Unfortunately, it was not picked up in subsequent internal reviews and it would not have been possible for elected

members to identify the error during the budget process,” Ms Clack said.

To recover the shortfall, the budget will be adjusted using surplus funds and additional unbudgeted income from the previous ﬁnancial year, rather than increasing rates.

The miscalculation was in the rate in the dollar applied to Unimproved Value of properties within the areas covered by the Cambridge Endowment Lands Act, which includes parts of City Beach and Floreat.

The correct rate in the dollar should have been 0.001854, but it was applied as 0.001995.

• Please turn to page 65

be ineligible for cycle grant funding in the future.

“The quiet suburb has become a haven for speeding motorbike clubs, construction vehicles and noisy cyclists nearly every morning,” wrote one resident.

But local cycling advocate Julian Atkinson said the removal of Jutland Parade ignored reality.

“They’re saying ‘It’s outrageous that people ride down our street’,” he said.

“Since when did people in a street override commonsense and the appropriate use of public property?”

A route along the eastern boundary of Cottesloe Golf Club was also removed in response to objections.

• Please turn to page 64

Golden retriever siblings Cindy, left, and Chief were poisoned in Subiaco.

Too noisy … a Dalkeith cyclist.

Kids’ phones don’t bond, they isolate

Last week’s POST article Smart phones, angry kids covers the catastrophic consequences for young people and their families when parents are fearmongered into giving smartphones to their kids for “safety” reasons when they were never in danger until they were actually handed the things. While it is admirable that the private schools referred to in the article are doing their best, our public school system is not well equipped to ban smart phone usage.

I know of one 12-year-old who stopped attending his ﬁrst year of high school for several reasons, one key reason being entering the grounds for the ﬁrst time to the sight of silent,

stationary and zombified students bent over devices when mere months before at primary school he had been met with loudness, laughter, play and sport. His alarm that “all” of his Year 7 cohort had smart phones (an exaggeration, of course) meant facing the reality of “missing out” on essential social bonding through devices outside of school, which he could not face at this socially and hormonally fragile developmental stage.

My advice to parents and to those making the rules in our secondary public education sector is to install play equipment for the early years and shift to a middle school

rather than high school environment for 11 to 14-year-olds, completely ban phones from school grounds and install more publicly accessible phones for emergency use while at school.

This inevitably means challenging angry parents who believe their adolescents need phones at school, but at the end of the day, would we not rather have authentic, lively, angry, curious, messy and socially connected children as opposed to manufactured, AI generative versions of what children and adolescents used to be?

At last, some prospect of light on the planning system

We now have the prospect of a Legislative Council Select Committee to shine a light on WA’s planning system mess.

How bright the light is will depend on the committee’s level of resources and approach.

Ally Oliver (Why people have no faith in the existing planning system, Letters, August 30) pointed out very well that it is the way the planning system is operating that is the main cause of distrust.

The rules of engagement are set by the Department of Planning with ministerial oversight. The senior external appointees as decision-makers did not create the system that employs them. But

if they have sound judgment and sufﬁcient integrity they should push for changes to improve the integrity of the system. Or resign as a form of protest.

Over the past ﬁve years I have made more than 100 presentations, all on the same point – development bonuses have real value and come at the expense of the community.

All of those presentations and appendices are on the public record.

And yet the system has chosen to ignore the issue, I believe mostly because the rule makers have no answers.

Ken Perry Dalkeith Road, Nedlands

Sally Vanderwiel counselling psychologist Trusley Way, Karrinyup

Cop cleared of assaulting baby son

By BEN DICKINSON

Police constable Cameron Smith has been acquitted of assaulting his infant son at Perth Children’s Hospital in Nedlands, ending a two-year legal saga that saw his twin children removed from their parents’ care.

Const. Smith was charged by the Child Abuse Squad after his seven-week-old son was observed bleeding from his mouth while being bottle fed by the new father in August 2023.

Magistrate Donna Webb found the 30-year-old not guilty of aggravated assault on Thursday, ruling a laceration to a part of the boy’s lip, known as the frenulum, was an accident.

“The injury was not intended and further would not have been reasonably foreseen,” Ms Webb told the court.

“The accused is not guilty of the charge.”

Const. Smith, who has been stood down from his job with the police force for nearly two years, smiled as the verdict was read out.

Members of his family sat in the back of court.

The case against him had been slammed as “speculative” by his barrister, Tom Percy, at trial.

“I don’t know that there’s ever been a case where it was said we can’t tell you how this occurred, when it occurred, all we say is it must have been him,” Mr Percy told the court in May.

“[As a result] he spends a long time on bail, he misses the ﬁrst two years of his children’s lives.”

The boy, who was born premature, was being treated at the hospital for oral ulcers and had difﬁculty bottle feeding.

Two doctors alerted the hospital’s child protection unit

several months later when the boy’s twin sister was also treated for bleeding from her mouth.

Prosecutor James Bennett told the trial that frenulum lacerations were “a well-documented sign of child abuse”.

Ofﬁcers from the Child Abuse Squad put Const. Smith and the children’s mother, Madison French, under electronic surveillance and seized their phones.

Both children were placed in their grandparents’ care because bail conditions prohibited Const. Smith from living with them, and Ms French wanted to stay with him.

Mr Percy told the trial that police interviewed all four of the couple’s grandparents, “hoping to ﬁnd some suggestion that he was irritable, that he was affected by short-temperedness”.

“Nothing materialised”, Mr

Percy said. “They weren’t called as witnesses.”

An expert medical witness, who did not examine the boy, told the trial that the laceration was “highly suspicious of an inﬂ injury” caused by a blunt force.

The expert witness told the court a substantial degree of force would be required to cause the injury.

But Ms Webb called that evidence “unhelpful”, as it was based on observations of healthy toddlers.

“I am therefore satisﬁ the frenulum tear would have occurred by accident,” she said.

Mr Percy suggested at trial the injury could have been caused by “probing” of the boy’s mouth by various medical professionals in the course of his treatment.

Const. Smith will seek $66,000 in legal costs from the state at a hearing on September 16.

He declined to comment as he left court.

Graves ‘gouging’ grievers

By BEN DICKINSON

Nedlands MP Jonathan Huston has accused the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board of “gouging” grieving families after the agency reported an $8.5million cash surplus.

The windfall from last ﬁnancial year – representing nearly a quarter of its revenue – will feed the MCB’s ballooning investment fund, which was sitting at $84.7million last year.

“This is fee-gouging, plain and simple,” Mr Huston told the POST.

“Funeral costs are a burden for low-income families who are at their most vulnerable

during this time.

“Taxpayers should not be generating such huge proﬁts.”

Mr Huston, a former managing director of chain businesses Tint-A-Car and Croissant Express, grilled Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley on the MCB’s accounts during a recent State Budget estimates hearing.

“How does the minister feel, morally, about the idea of the government making a 25% return on revenues for a cemetery?” he asked.

“Why does the MCB need $84million invested in debentures, foreign shares and Australian shares?”

Ms Beazley said the MCB had “long-term obligations and longterm liabilities”, and use of its

Mayor Barker faces challenge

By JACK MADDERN

Long-time Claremont mayor Jock Barker is being challenged by former councillor Peter Telford in October’s local government elections.

The contest between a one-term councillor and a four-term mayor is expected to be a tight race that pits Mr Barker’s “safe hands” against Mr Telford’s “fresh leadership”.

“I like Jock, but I was really hoping he would see 16 years would be

enough,” Mr Telford said.

“The president of the United States only gets eight [years], and he’s pushing for 20.”

It will be just the second time Mr Barker has faced a challenger in 16 years as mayor.

He beat Jonathan Huston convincingly in 2017.

Mr Telford said his campaign would run on ways to capitalise on what the Town needs.

“It’s time for fresh leadership, not

time to ﬁx the council, per se,” he said.

Mr Telford lost a bid to become deputy mayor in 2023.

He has remained engaged since then as chair of the audit and risk committee while working with the Royal Agricultural Society and running his local business.

“I am in a stronger position to come back to council and I’ll bring a different dynamic,” he said.

“[I will] keep the current council

• Please turn to page 65

funding was legally restricted.

“There are seven sites that the MCB has control over, and their needs and future development needs are very signiﬁcant,” she said.

MCB chief executive Kathlene Oliver told the POST that “every dollar” the MCB collected in burial fees and other charges was directed back into the cemetery system.

“Our investment fund isn’t proﬁt,” she said. “It safeguards up to 75 years of future commitments and reﬂects responsible stewardship of public monies.

“MCB cemeteries’ burial services remain the most affordable of any Australian capital city.”

• Please turn to page 64

Grave concerns … Jonathan Huston at the cemetery gates this week.

Photo: Paul McGovern

Const. Cameron Smith leaves court on Thursday. Photo: Paul McGovern

THE listening

Vincent and Basile Allegre took the POST on the Silk Road to Samarkand. In Marco Polo’s footsteps on the road to Samarkand

Stunning Samarkand is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the world, dating back almost 30 centuries to a time when human civilisation was starting to put down urban roots.

It was visited by figures such as Alexander the Great, Tamerlane (or Timur), Marco Polo and Genghis Khan (although the latter put it to the sword), and was a key stop on the famous Silk Road between Europe and China.

Much of the existing Uzbekistan city was built in the 14th Century, and Subiaco residents Vincent and Basile Allegre took in the magnificent sights during a recent visit.

“This ensemble of madrasas (Islamic schools) is known as the Registan,” Vincent reported.

“The building on the left was constructed by Timur’s grandson, an extraordinary scientist who excelled in mathematics, astronomy and more.”

Basile headed west to start his university studies in Amsterdam after the visit, while Vincent returned home to Subiaco.

Travelling?

Send us a POSTcard!

It’s a western suburbs tradition to travel with a copy of the POST and send us your holiday snap with it. mailbox@postnewspapers.com.au

Hale musicians strike a chord

Four young musicians from Hale School came fourth in the national finals of Musica Viva’s Strike a Chord, Australia’s national chamber music competition for school-aged students.

Hale Bravura ensemble consists of Year 9 musicians, Joshua Woods and Seth Cheah on violin, Zachary Madan on viola and Jordan Scott on cello.

The four boys are all good friends and have been playing together since they were in Year 7. They are heavily involved in all aspects of music at Hale. They play in the school orchestra, and sing in a choir.

Jordan is a proficient pianist, Seth is an exceptional percussionist and both Seth and Zach are members of a school rock band.

They all love being involved in the school’s musical theatre shows, either as performers or as musicians.

As the classic ensemble

Stan the man for office culture

A West Perth pooch has won third prize in the national Top Office Dog competition.

Stanley, a dapper cavoodle, has been charming neighbours and clients with his bow tie, greetings and playful antics at DFG Legal in West Perth.

He is known for morning zoomies and polite demands to sit in someone’s lap.

“His daily presence has boosted office wellbeing, and provided comfort and joy to clients navigating

stressful moments, making him an irreplaceable part of the office culture,” the award said.

Bravura, they are one of 12 ensembles to make it into Musica Viva Australia’s Strike A Chord, and the

DOG OF THE WEEK

The awards recognised the dogs that make Australian workplaces and home offices happier, healthier and more connected.

Dapper Stanley is a top dog. “His daily presence has boosted office wellbeing,” the award said.

only one from WA. They went to Melbourne last month to perform in the national finals at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday August 30, playing Movement 1 from String Quartet No.14 in D minor, Death and the Maiden by Franz Schubert.

Hale Bravura Joshua Woods (violin), Jordan Scott (cello), Seth Cheah (violin) and Zachary Madan (viola) came fourth in Strike a Chord’s national finals in Melbourne.

Swanbourne frothing over ‘entitled’ cafe

By JACK MADDERN

A new cafe in the heart of residential Swanbourne has injected a surge of energy into the Shenton Road community, but locals say it may be too much for the area to handle.

Side Piece Deli is the newest project for Cottesloe landmark Daisy’s owners Pia Prior and Sam Kaye. It has brought activity and coffee to Swanbourne but locals say noise and trafﬁc congestion has increased while

customers annoy neighbours by parking cars on neighbouring verges.

Residents warned of potential troubles before Claremont council approved the cafe in May, cafe owners saying noise and congested streets would not be an issue because customers would be locals walking to the venue.

breached every single condition of their noise control report,” a resident said.

“There is probably not a lot we can do about the trafﬁc issue until something terrible happens, and something terrible will happen.”

Large numbers are now arriving by car.

Busy Shenton Road is at times reduced to one lane, with cars parked on both sides.

“They have pretty much

Neighbouring shop-owner John Burridge said a “degree of entitlement” was now coming from the cafe while he was outraged to be asked to stop his dog urinating in his backyard in case the smell affected cafe customers.

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Swan fish kill mystery solved

By JACK MADDERN

Thousands of fish have washed up dead or struggling on the surface of local river shores because of an upheaval in the Swan River’s marine ecosystem.

Friends out for a walk with their dogs along Johnson Parade in Mosman Park and Peppermint Grove stumbled on the scene of a mass ﬁsh graveyard on Wednesday morning.

From the Swan Canoe Club through to the Scotch College boatshed, hundreds of ﬁsh bodies litter the rocks while more ﬂail on the water surface and shoreline.

This is not the ﬁrst sign of

Heavy rain has upset the balance of the Swan River, leading to multiple fish deaths.

the apocalypse, but rather a result of all of Perth’s heavy rainfall ﬂowing into the river, upending a delicate balance of fresh and salt water.

Principal Scientist and

Rivers and Estuaries Science Program Leader Dr Kerry Trayler said scientists were looking at dead ﬁsh in at least

“We’re seeing a signiﬁcant fish kill event occurring,”

“We are encouraging people certainly not to swim in the waterway or get into the water with dead or dying ﬁsh.”

Her warning extends to pets, and to ﬁshers who should not use the dead ﬁsh as bait.

“At this point, we don’t believe any other species are likely to be impacted by consuming those fish,” Dr Trayler said.

• Please turn to page 64

supported the date with 59% in favour (Cott votes for Jan 26, POST August 23).

Councillor Chila Bulbeck told her fellow councillors that community sentiment might change in the future.

“I do not imagine that the issue would likely be revisited for at least two years,” she said, She said that if 15 of the 150

an absolute majority (ﬁve votes) to change the date.

Mayor Lorraine Young said a future council had the full ﬂexibility to make changes.

“It’s an issue that does generate quite a lot of emotion,” she said. The council voted to accept the poll result and hold its celebrations on January 26, with no ﬂexibility clause.

Swanbourne has been inundated with visitors to new cafe Side Piece Deli, some using neighbouring walls or queueing for service.

Brand name forever linked to Hale, JTC

By JEN REWELL

Tony Brand’s legacy is on show to City and Floreat beach visitors.

The prominent architect, who died recently at 93, designed the brutalist concrete kiosks that sit on the beach front, said friend and colleague, architect Neil Cownie.

Hale School and John XXIII College buildings are also among his noteworthy designs that have stood the test of time.

He was responsible for East Perth train station, the Forrest Place and Perth City station developments, Cinema City, Exchange Plaza, and UWA’s music school and computer complex.

Perth architects consider him a design legend whose

From 1942 to 48 he attended Hale School, where he was a boarder and swim team captain.

While studying architecture at university, one of the projects was to “design a school” and he and another architect designed

The 1962 Hale School

He used tricks like columns and steps to reduce the scale of the building.

“At the same time, it was a memorial building and that was important,” he said.

While a partner at the former Perth architectural practice Forbes & Fitzhardinge, Tony designed three expressive beachside concrete kiosk buildings located at Floreat Beach and City Beach (only two now remain).

The organic forms of these concrete buildings were designed in response to the adjacent curved stone sea walls, designed by one-time City of Perth town planner Paul Ritter. Tony’s design work was often

fordable and functional public buildings.

His design of the East Perth Transport Centre is another example of the ideals of the movement.

The interior of the building is something to behold, with mechanical and other services dramatically displayed and celebrated within the central void space.

Tony fought against the proposed deregulation of the architectural profession and the possible deregistration of the Architects Board of WA in 2000.

“It is imperative for the safety of the unsuspecting public that the registration of architects is retained,” he said at the time.

He spoke out against the development of the Perth riverfront,

opponent of Hale’s plans to renovate Memorial Hall last year, removing his approval of the design and threatening to revoke a $500,000 bequest to the school.

Tony was created Member of the Order of Australia for services to architecture

He was a devoted husband to his late wife Barb, and a father of two.

After many battles with his health, he died peacefully “with great dignity and on his own terms”, his daughter Caroline said.

He was an avid trout angler, a lover of sport, the owner and skipper of several boats and had a soft spot for the family cats.

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The City Beach kiosk building. Photo: Patrick Bingham-Hall

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Christ Church ‘conspiracy’

Shannon blames Cambridge staff

By BEN DICKINSON

Former Cambridge mayor Keri Shannon has accused her old staff of conspiring to approve the development of Mt Claremont playing ﬁelds as she defends a raft of adverse conduct ﬁndings.

Ms Shannon, now the CEO of Nedlands city council, told the State Administrative Tribunal on Thursday that then-planning director Brett Cammell was “singularly focused” on adopting Christ Church Grammar School’s controversial scheme amendment over its Fortview Road playing ﬁ

Ms Shannon is appealing ﬁve misconduct ﬁndings by the Local Government Standards Panel, including that she breached the code of conduct when she engaged an independent town planner to bypass Mr Cammell.

That planner, Ken Adam, drafted the legal justiﬁcation for rejecting Christ Church’s plans.

Ms Shannon said Mr Cammell’s drafted reasons were “embarrassing”.

“I wasn’t really sure that Mr Cammell was trying to help me,” she told the SAT.

“I’ve seen Mr Cammell draft fantastic reasons for refusal and this was something that a ﬁve-year old could have done.”

The state’s lawyer, Zachary Clifford, also grilled Ms Shannon about ﬁndings that she had breached the code of conduct by calling councillors “misogynist” in 2022 and by writing letters to the POST that were critical of her one-time council ally, town planner Ian Everett.

Ms Shannon claimed the POST’s edits to one of her letters had changed the focus to be more critical of Mr Everett than she intended.

One letter suggested that town planners should be prohibited from running for council because of their “inherent conﬂict of interest”.

“You’ve previously named Councillor Everett as a person who would ﬁt that description as the owner of a town planning ﬁrm,” Mr Clifford put to Ms Shannon.

“I think he was managing his planning conﬂicts,” Ms Shannon replied.

“That wasn’t my question,” Mr Clifford said.

Ms Shannon said the “misogynist” comment, made during a heated meeting, was not directed at any particular councillor.

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“I’m sick and tired of the misogynists in this room,” she said, after clashing with then-councillors Rod Bradley and Gary Mack.

Mr Clifford said he would contend in his closing argument that Ms Shannon had evaded questions.

“In a lot of the questions I’ve been asking you haven’t responded directly,” he said.

“I don’t think that’s true,” Ms Shannon said.

“I believe that context is everything.”

The playing ﬁelds project was eventually rejected by then Planning Minister Rita Safﬁotti.

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Vacant blocks pay double rates?

By JACK MADDERN

Claremont councillors are divided on a plan to increase rates for vacant blocks in a bid to stop land banking.

Doubling rates for blocks left vacant and without development plans could happen if the council endorses a recommendation to be included in next year’s budget.

Councillor Kate Main said a ﬁnancial penalty would encourage landowners to be more active with their planning.

“It’s for people who are sitting on land and have no planning approval or don’t have a planning approval in the works,” she said.

“What we’re trying to do is promote inﬁll planning approvals.

“We’ve got one that was there

Ms Main asked the Town to investigate increased rates last year after seeing other local councils adopt similar budget changes.

The biggest block of vacant land last year was The Terraces site at Claremont Oval, which remained unused after years of inaction.

Claremont’s vacant blocks have dropped from 59 to 50 in the past eight months.

The vacant blocks account for 0.87% of all rateable properties.

“We don’t have a lot of vacant properties, but there’s no reason not to be proactive,” Ms Main said.

“If someone decides to have an empty block, clear and leave it vacant, left to be covered in weeds, then we should at least make them pay for it.

“At the moment, the rate is dirt cheap.”

Doubling rates on these blocks could net Claremont an extra

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The Terraces site is being developed after years of inaction.

Keri Shannon in her time as Cambridge mayor.

Photo: Paul McGovern

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No fluke … This southern right whale entranced Leighton beachgoers. Photo: Curtis Ramsey RIGHT: Two mothers and calves spotted from the air. Photo: Saltysnapsbyscot

Galup drain risks turtles

By JEN REWELL

A dedicated turtle-rescuer who saved seven turtles from starving to death at Galup last autumn is worried she will have to do it again.

Tessa Esparon, who is still recovering from a tiger snake bite she received in her job as a licensed reptile relocator and rehabilitator, in April had to crawl through mud and squeeze under a heavy metal grate to rescue to the stuck turtles.

She was dismayed to discover the drain at Galup had not been altered despite her raising the problem with the Water Corporation and the Town of Cambridge months ago.

“I went down there to check on the progress of what (the Water Corporation) had done to stop turtles getting trapped as the water level has risen considerably after these last few weeks of rain,” she said.

“I’m gutted. They’ve done nothing.”

Galup is full and water is gushing into the drain in a strong steady current.

The drain is part of a wider stormwater management network that protects the surrounding area from ﬂooding.

“Turtles will be sucked in there from the lake and they won’t be able to swim against the current,” Tessa said.

Once the water levels fall, turtles caught in the drain cannot

the lake.

“They said the turtles could go down the drain to a sump, but a turtle’s not going to walk away from the water that’s here, is it?” she said. “It doesn’t have a map.”

A Water Corporation spokesperson said it was “unknown whether the turtles entered the drain from downstream or were able to swim over the stopboards when water levels were high”.

boards,” the spokesperson said.

“This protocol will reﬂect the role of both organisations with respect to operating the drain for ﬂood protection purposes and to maintain environmental values in and around Galup.”

Tessa said turtles were essential to the ecology of the lake and helped keep it healthy.

“If I have to crawl in there to save them again, I’ll do it,” she said.

‘Illegal’

By BEN DICKINSON

spend is not

Nedlands commissioner Bianca Sandri has backed down on her claim that the council illegally spent money before the delayed adoption of its annual budget.

The claim caused a onemonth delay to a $1.55million roundabout project at a crashprone Nedlands intersection, after Ms Sandri told an August 6 meeting the law was “very clear, when you don’t have a current budget in place you can’t expend funds” (Neds spend ‘illegal’, POST, August 30).

If true, that would mean virtually all council expenditure since July 1 – including paying staff wages – would have been illegal.

The claim was backed by state-appointed commissioners David Caddy and Cath Hart, who voted to delay the roundabout’s approval and ordered CEO Keri Shannon to draw up a list of all expenditure since July 1.

But on Tuesday all three commissioners quietly retreated from that argument,

• Please turn to page 65

Tessa Esparon says she may have to crawl into this drain to save turtles again in the summer. Photo: Jen Rewell LEFT: Some of the skinny turtles Tessa saved last summer.

‘Ancient

Neds enmities’ on show

The POST’s Letters pages have been peppered lately with the sad echoes of ancient enmities within Nedlands councils of the past.

The bitterness and anger expressed by these correspondents may go some way to explain the chronic dysfunction we have wit-

nessed in the past three decades. Could this energy be diverted to positive discussions so that a way forward could be found? If not, further wasted time seems inevitable, to the detriment of our beautiful city. Nick Smith Webster Street, Nedlands

AGED CARE

Race is on to protect parkland reserves

Basil Zempilas and Brad Pettitt, representing the Liberals and the Greens respectively, are reported to have joined forces to oppose Rita’s Race Track (aka proposed Supercars circuit) at Burswood.

Not an unholy alliance, but a sensible union in pursuing the protection of Burswood parklands.

Lands Minister John Carey’s proposal to excise more of Allen

Park in Swanbourne is due to go before WA’s Upper House of Parliament, the Legislative Council, on Thursday. I understand that the Greens will oppose it. But to date the Liberals have been prepared to accept the proposed excision, on the basis of the now irrelevant “problematic” Nedlands council. Are Allen Park and the concerns of the Swanbourne community less important than

Burswood? Do the Liberals not understand that the best protection of parkland is A-Class reserve status? If Liberals and Greens can unite to oppose the destruction of the Burswood parkland, why not do so for Allen Park and other WA Labor Government land grabs? Not an unholy alliance but a marriage made in heaven?

Denzil McCotter Walba Way, Swanbourne

Seriously, do you really need that ambulance?

It’s time the state or even federal government ran a campaign like “Slip Slop Slap” to train people when to call, and when NOT to call, an ambulance.

There were more than 1000 ambulance call-outs in Perth on a recent Monday night. This is beyond ridiculous.

It’s long been a concern that all Australian states have ambulance ramping issues that leave patients frustrated, hospital staff overworked and sleep

deprived, and the Opposition claiming that the Government doesn’t have a handle on the problem.

The issue emanates from the community’s inability to judge when to call an ambulance.

Ambulances are ﬁtted with life-saving equipment. Therefore they should only be called for life-threatening situations such as heart attacks, strokes, inability to breathe, or serious injuries.

If you’re desperate to sit in a hospital emergency department for hours, ask family, friends, taxis or Ubers to take you.

Every time you call an ambulance in a non-critical situation, such as suspecting you might have a broken leg or broken some ribs, you might be denying a person their right to live … if he or she had been able to get an ambulance on time.

Julie Zilko Swanbourne Street, Fremantle

Advice to City of Nedlands commissioners

Nedlands council, in my view a demonstrably incompetent and dysfunctional entity (now controlled by WA government commissioners) is not only rolling out a shambolic, unfair and unwanted underground power project; now it wants to increase rates, allegedly to make good a revenue shortfall.

Hello? A council with a captive clientele who pay multimillions of dollars each year, now wants to get the ratepayers

to help balance the books?

I thought balancing the books was the responsibility of the very well-paid CEO and the ﬁnance staff. (Hint #1: Make sure the expenditure doesn’t exceed the revenue.) My not-so-profound conclusion is that local government has adopted a ﬁnancial management philosophy similar to those of the state and federal governments – squeeze the golden goose as much as you can. (Hint

#2: The golden goose is rapidly adopting the appearance of an anorexic canary.)

Hint #3 (To the commissioners): Consider abolishing the Nedlands council entirely and redraw the boundaries, incorporating the suburb of Nedlands into Subiaco and Mt Claremont into the Claremont council area. Roy Stall Rochdale Road, Mt Claremont

The Melvista is a boutique home with just 80 private aged care rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed and created for the residents of Dalkeith, Nedlands and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Nestled in the heart of Nedlands, with panoramic views over Dalkeith and Masons Gardens. The Melvista offers a continuum of care, supporting everything from low care to more complex needs, always with warmth and dignity.

Case in point ... The proposed Supercar circuit at Burswood.

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Expression of Interest Independent Member: CEO Selection Panel About the Role

The Town of Claremont is recruiting a Chief Executive Ofﬁcer. To support this process, Council has established a CEO Selection Panel and is seeking a suitably qualiﬁed or experienced independent member. The independent member will be a voting member of the Panel, contributing their insights and expertise to the recruitment process. This is a voluntary role. The Terms of Reference for the Panel can be viewed at https://www.claremont.wa.gov.au/council/committees/. About You

The independent member will ideally be:

•Experienced in the recruitment of CEOs or senior executives;

•A former council member or staff member of a local government;

•A prominent or highly regarded member of the community with relevant expertise. How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to complete the Expression of Interest form available at www.claremont.wa.gov.au and submit to the Town by 5pm,Monday 15 September 2025. Responses may be lodged to governance@claremont.wa.gov.au.

The contact person for enquiries is Jessica Guy, Manager Governance and Records at governance@claremont.wa.gov.au or 08 9285 4300.

Baroque’n roll at new Cott art space

By SARAH McNEILL

The elegant Club Lounge in the heart of Curtin Heritage Living in Cottesloe has become a new and intimate performance space.

Singer Katie Noonan (George) last month performed music inspired by writer Tim Winton to an intimate audience of 40 in the Club Lounge.

workshops.

There is also a small cinema that seats 40, and a bar for pre-event gatherings or small parties.

Elizabeth said there were kitchen facilities available for catering, and people could book catering or take their own food and drink.

to create and work with local art enthusiasts.

The artist has an open studio every Friday from 10am to noon to encourage the community to visit the centre.

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And Cottesloe soprano Prue Sanders and Australian Baroque director Helen Kruger will this month launch a new Sunday afternoon concert series featuring baroque composers Bach, Vivaldi and Handel.

Elizabeth Clarke is the new marketing and activations specialist at The Heritage Collective, and wants to expand arts and culture events in the beautifully restored heritage buildings on Marine Parade.

Artist Angela Rossen in January was the ﬁrst artist in residence at The Heritage Collective. Every couple of months an artist takes up residence

Strings by the Sea with Prudence Sanders begins on September 14 at 3pm with A Celebration of George Frideric Handel, accompanied by Helen on violin and James Huntingford on harpsichord. Book through australianbaroque.com.

Bus shelter TV horror

“Our client spotted our ad in the POST over coffee, gave me a call, and I showed him the property that afternoon. He wasn’t even searching in that area online — that’s the power of the POST.”

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“All our spaces are very ﬂexible, and we want the community to know that our spaces are available for hire,” she said.

The Heritage Collective operates from the three heritage buildings that began life as the Ministering League Convalescent Home in 1897 and was then Wearne Hostel for the aged in 1984.

Now beautifully renovated and incorporating some of the buildings’ original features, it is an arts and culture hub in Cottesloe.

Creative spaces include the Makerspace for artists to hold community classes and showings, the Club Lounge for cocktail parties, launches and performances, and the MLC Room for meetings, private dinners or group

The idea of bus shelters showing video advertisements on the Cottesloe foreshore caused most local councillors to recoil in horror last week.

Councillor Sonja Heath suggested that when new bus shelters are built, companies tendering for the contract should be asked to state how much more revenue the council could make from video ads.

Four companies have been listed as tenderers to build six new bus shelters on the foreshore and more elsewhere, including on Stirling Highway.

In return, the winning company will be given the rights to sell advertising for 14 years, provided it was not damaging to health and wellbeing.

The lighted panels could be either static of dynamic, Ms Heath said,

and councillors should be told how much extra income the council could derive.

“It would be really good to know how much we could earn if we had the dynamic devices on the bus stop,” Ms Heath told the meeting. Several council members said videos would be visual pollution, unaesthetic and a distraction to drivers.

The council voted against the idea, but reﬁned its description of the bus shelter design to say they were required to be architecturally aesthetic and contextually appropriate, as well as functional in providing shade and shelter.

It also decided formally to ban bus shelter ads for alcohol, unhealthy food and drink, gambling and fossil fuels (Health comes to bus stops, POST August 23.

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The Club Lounge became a music venue with Ave Ensemble; Fiona Campbell, Andrew O’Connor, Katie Noonan and Louis Hurley.

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In trouble? Fraser to the rescue

By BEN DICKINSON

A boat full of scuba divers was rapidly taking on water off Fremantle when Fraser Boulter’s phone buzzed.

Fraser, a 24-year-old volunteer with Fremantle Marine Rescue, was on his way home to North Fremantle from his day job at a Henderson shipbuilder when the distress call came through on December 7 last year.

He turned his car towards Challenger Harbour, where he and just one other crew member launched the rescue vessel Resolute within 10 minutes.

“It wasn’t a particularly nice night, I remember,” he said this week.

“We came out of the pen in Challenger Harbour and turned west towards the ocean and it was just pitch black.”

Fraser was named Marine Rescue Young Person of the Year at the emergency services awards last week, in part due to his actions in that night-time rescue.

Cyclists on trial in Perry Lakes

By JEN REWELL

Time trials will return to the streets of Cambridge for two more summers, after a national cycling event was approved by council.

The national road championships were held in Perth for the ﬁrst time earlier this year, after being run in Ballarat for 18 years.

Cambridge has approved championship time trials on local roads around Perry Lakes and Bold Park in January 2026 and 2027.

The championships are Australia’s biggest cycling and paracycling event and are considered essential to Olympic and Paralympic Games preparation.

The council has waived $4700 of fees to support the event but

required national governing body Auscycle to pay a $2000 bond.

The council said they had received four complaints related to trafﬁc management after the 2025 competition, and would make amendments to road closures in the future.

Two days of racing will be held in Kings Park, which had its roads upgraded last year for the event.

He manned Resolute’s radio direction ﬁnder, which was picking up intermittent signals from the stricken boat’s EPIRB, while his colleague piloted the boat toward its source.

“We’d been punching out for about 10 to 15 minutes … when we got the ﬁrst ping on the RDF,” he said.

“As soon as we saw that we just started heading straight for it.

“Suddenly we see this very small vessel, I think four-anda-half metres, very low to the

waterline.”

The boat’s outboard engine had failed during a strong sea breeze, which caused it to begin taking on water.

“There were three or four guys inside, four or ﬁve dive tanks on the deck and just a whole lot of water,” Fraser said.

“There was one guy sitting right on the back of the boat, face in his lap … he had the widest eyes you could imagine.

“They realised how bad the situation could have been.”

Fraser and his crewmate managed to tow the stricken dive boat back to port without incident or injury.

Fraser’s award commendation read: “Throughout this rescue, at night and in poor conditions, Fraser was the senior crew and completed all the tasks required of him efficiently, accurately and safely.”

It was one of 93 rescues Fraser has been involved with in the six years since he signed up as a Marine Rescue volunteer straight out of Shenton College.

“I used to ﬁsh a lot down in Freo, and I’d see the boats going out at night, sometimes with the [emergency] lights on,” he said. “I thought ‘That looks cool’.”

Mechanical problems and unexpected fuel shortages are responsible for the vast majority of rescue incidents, he said.

“Fill your boat up every time you use it,” he advised boaties.

“Everyone that runs out of fuel will always tell you; ‘My gauge says I’ve still got half a tank’. The gauges [on boats] just don’t work properly.”

North Fremantle’s Fraser Boulter has been involved in 93 rescues as a Marine Rescue volunteer.

Swanbourne bridge work to power on

By JACK MADDERN

The historic Congdon Street Bridge is about to be replaced after a century as a sturdy wooden connection between Swanbourne and Claremont.

The 115-year-old wooden bridge was allocated $38million in the 2024-25 state budget to replace its antique local timber.

Western Power will start by relocating underground powerlines from either side of the train tracks to underneath the adjacent Claremont Crescent and Railway Street footpaths.

The project is expected to cause trafﬁc congestion when it starts this month but it will then pause from November until 2027 to avoid the Fremantle Trafﬁc Bridge closure that will create more road and rail disruption.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the new bridge would have wider lanes and footpaths than its historic predecessor, more staircases and

an upgraded disability ramp.

“The bridge is used by more than 5000 vehicles daily and represents a critical link for residents, businesses, schools and commuters in the Swanbourne community,” she said.

A temporary bridge will be installed during the power work.

The Pizza Lounge owner Stewart McLure, who opened his business six years ago, was concerned about power cuts during the project.

“The main thing I’m worried about is if they take the power out,” he said.

“At any given time, we’ve got thousands of dollars worth of food ingredients sitting in refrigeration.

“There’s room for extreme disruption.”

Western Power said outages were not planned and local access would be maintained.

Low-impact drilling will begin this month and is due to ﬁnish in November.

Justice search wins Premier’s award

By SARAH McNEILL

Western suburb authors were the hit of this year’s WA Premier’s Book Awards. North Fremantle writer Gerard McCann won NonFiction Book of the Year for his memoir Anatomy of a Secret: One Man’s Search for Justice; Subiaco writer and illustrator Kelly Canby won Children’s Book of the Year for A Leaf Called Greaf and Nedlands author Emily Tsokos Purtill won the Emerging Writer award for her novel, Matia.

A prominent architect, Gerard lives in North Fremantle, not far from where his story began. His memoir charts the terrible traumas of child sexual abuse within the Catholic church and his quest for healing and justice.

“All my life I have carried that burden of abuse,” Gerard told the POST when his book was launched. “You get on with life, but it is a patched-up life, it is life in a state of perpetual defeat.”

He said his book started as a method of getting some longheld feelings down on paper as a positive psychological exercise, but it turned into an investigation into a man who deliberately used the church to access boys, and an exploration of the secrets the church held on to and protected over decades.

Lawyer-turned-writer Emily’s great-grandmother came to Australia just before World War II and her paternal grand-

of her story that masterfully weaves Greek migrant culture and experience through four generations of women.

Multi-award-winning children’s author and illustrator Kelly Canby’s gentle way of exploring grief is told in a story about Bear, who is all alone and lonely until he ﬁnds the greenest, most beguiling leaf, a leaf called Greaf. But Greaf changes

told the POST.

“And for a young reader, knowing you’re not alone in feeling the way you feel can offer some comfort. I hope.”

Alan Fyfe won Book of the Year for his debut poetry collection G-d, Sleep, and Chaos, which also won Poetry Book of the Year and Louise Wolhuter won Fiction of the Year for Shadows of Winter Robins.

“It has been cathartic to write this,” said Gerard McCann of his award-winning memoir Anatomy of a Secret.

The jarrah bridge is showing its age after carrying traffic for 115 years.

Photo: Paul McGovern

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Police Beat

With Ben Dickinson

Gun scare before police crash

A woman who caused a gun scare that led to a police car crash in Subiaco last month is facing criminal charges.

The woman walked into a Rokeby Road pharmacy around 11am on Thursday August 21 carrying “an item that looked like a ﬁrearm”, according to police, before taking various items from the shelves and leaving without paying.

“Nearby members of the public feared for their safety,” police said.

Officers were dispatched to the scene, but two of them never made it after their vehicle collided with a car in Bagot Road.

The car’s driver, an 80-year-old woman who was turning into her driveway, sustained multiple fractures and remains in a serious condition.

The police officers were unharmed.

An 80-year-old Subiacowoman was seriously injured when this police car crashed into her car while responding to an emergency call.

Phone grab costs man $1000

A man who knocked his female partner to the ground in Nedlands has been ﬁned $1000.

sault but changed his plea to guilty at the last minute.

Child charged with car offences

A 14-year-old boy was behind the wheel of a stolen car when it collided with a taxi in Claremont last week, police allege. Both drivers were treated for non-life-threatening injuries after the latenight crash at the intersection of Ashton Avenue and Gugeri Street on Thursday, August 28.

A police spokesperson said the driver of the stolen Hyundai Kona station sedan failed to stop when directed by officers on nearby Selby Street in

Daglish, leading to a short pursuit.

The chase ended about 10.30pm when the Hyundai collided with the taxi and veered into a brick wall.

“It came to rest in the front yard of a nearby residence,” police said. A juvenile has been charged with ﬁve offences, including stealing the Hyundai, failing to stop, and reckless driving to escape pursuit by police. He will appear in Perth Children’s Court on Monday.

Police chase accused in custody

A 39-year-old man is behind bars after allegedly escaping a series of police pursuits, including one through the western suburbs.

Albert Asiimwe

Wednesday.

Mr Kalyebara appeared in the dock in a brown coat and spoke politely to the magistrate.

She has been charged with being armed in a way that may cause fear – which does not require a real weapon to be involved – as well as stealing and possessing drug paraphernalia in which there was a prohibited drug.

The woman, from the Geraldton area, will appear before Perth Magistrates Court on September 19.

• Have you been a victim of crime? Please send details to the POST at ben@postnewspapers.com.au or call Ben on 9381 3088.

Police say the 32-yearold woman was soon apprehended by police, who discovered she had not been in possession of a ﬁrearm.

Brendan James Coubourne Halliwell, 33, was “arguing about some property” with the woman in Kingsway on February 10, police prosecutor Andy Keyes told Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

“The accused has grabbed the phone of the victim, causing her to fall to the ground,” Sergeant Keyes told the court.

At the time of the incident, Halliwell was serving a suspended prison sentence for breaching a restraining order.

He was due to stand trial on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to aggravated common as-

His lawyer told the court that Halliwell, a landscaper by trade, was taking heavy doses of painkillers at the time of the assault after he “lost his achilles” in a lawnmower accident.

His partner sat in the back of the court for the hearing.

“She has been very vocal to express her lack of support for the prosecution,” the lawyer said.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Woods said she would ﬁne Halliwell $1000 and extend his suspended imprisonment order, rather than requiring him to serve time in jail.

Kalyebara is accused of failing to stop a Ford Falcon he was driving when directed by ofﬁcers in Shenton Park on Monday, then driving more than 45kmh over the limit in Peppermint Grove.

He is also accused of fleeing police in East Victoria Park on the same day, and in Dianella on Tuesday, before his arrest later that day.

He faces 28 charges, including reckless driving to escape pursuit, driving while disqualified, and possessing housebreaking implements.

“It’s almost too much to read,” Magistrate Andrew Matthews told Mr Kalyebara in Perth Magistrates Court on

“Yes, your honour,” he said when asked if he understood the charges. He appeared surprised when his duty lawyer did not apply for bail.

“I was not the driver,” he told Mr Matthews.

“Given the number and volume of offences … it’s not a strong case for bail today,” said Mr Matthews, who urged him to get legal advice.

Mr Kalyebara will appear via video link from prison on September 24.

The POST targets a population of over 112,000 local people each week.

Enid wants her trees to live on

By JEN REWELL

Enid Hopps wants her trees to outlast her.

Enid, 78, has lived in her Wembley Downs home for 30 years and adores the mature trees that frame her garden and are home for local pardalotes and owls.

“I don’t want the trees to go,” she said.

She was horriﬁed to read in the POST about a large tuart being cut down on private property in Cambridge (Owner chops ancient tuart, POST, March 25).

Cambridge trees are now protected but Enid, who lives in the City of Stirling, plans to register the mature trees in her garden with the council’s signiﬁcant tree register.

“It probably might cut out the number of people who might want to buy the house, but I don’t care,” she said.

“I like my trees better than those people.”

The City must receive a written nomination from the landowner to consider a tree for addition to the register.

If a tree meets the criteria, the City obtains an arborist report, and a tree assessment panel determines the nomination.

Registered trees are protected under the policy, with a notiﬁcation placed on the property title.

Stirling mayor Mark Irwin said 135.5ha of tree canopy had been lost from residential land in the City in the past decade.

“In October last year, we introduced a signiﬁcant tree register to encourage the protection of established trees on private

property,” he said.

“These trees can only be removed with the approval of the tree assessment panel.”

Enid has a history of protecting trees.

When she and her late husband built their first house, she insisted that the builder not touch a single tree on the property unless it was absolutely necessary.

“He said to my husband, ‘she’s a funny lady, isn’t she’,” she said.

Across the road from her current home, a grove of immature

gums, as well as mature trees and shrubs, had been cleared for a new house.

The blase attitude to felling trees disturbs Enid.

“The thing that bothers me if I sold this place is that someone would knock that big tree down,” she said.

While she is very busy and active, she’s aware that the time will come when she needs to sell.

“I’d hate to think that someone would come in after I go and chop it down,” she said.

“I’m trying to protect them.”

Mummucc gets longer hours

A year-long time limit has been put on extended trading hours for the popular Wembley bar Mummucc.

The Grantham Street bar applied for a tavern licence last September to enable them to sell takeaway alcohol.

The owners have now applied for extended hours so they can open for lunch and on Mondays and Tuesdays.

There had been no complaints made about the business, council staff said.

But the local ratepayers association opposed the changes, citing concerns that children at the local primary school would be able to see people drinking alcohol.

Councillors approved the extension of hours but put a 12-month limit on the changes.

Leave a legacy … Enid Hopps wants her trees to stand long after she’s gone. Photos: Paul McGovern

One of the beautiful native plants in Enid’s garden.

Photo: Dean Arthurell - Carnaby’s Crusaders

Righting a wrong – the Magdalene legacy

I am trying to contact women and their loved ones who have suffered great historical injustices in institutions in Northern Ireland.

My appeal extends to those living in Australia, and right around the world.

This year we, the politicians in Northern Ireland, have the opportunity to right a great wrong of the 20th Century, imposed upon young women in mother and baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses, between 1922 and 1995.

Among the problematical Magdalene institutions in Australia was The Home of the Good Shepherd Industrial School for Girls in West Leederville, which operated from 1907 to 1979.

We have launched an international appeal to victims and survivors of these institutions, asking for their views on legislation to establish a public inquiry and ﬁnancial redress scheme.

Both are aimed at addressing the terrible wrongs done to them during one of the most distressing and hurtful episodes in our history.

The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill was

Please email your letter to letters@postnewspapers.com.au, lodge online at postnewspapers.com.au or snail mail to: The Editor, 276 Onslow

me phone

introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly in June.

Our scrutiny of it has begun, and as part of our work we are asking those who will be directly affected by the legislation to respond to an online consultation. We want as many as possible to have their say before it closes at the end of September.

The consultation is available online at https://lk.cmte.fyi/ InquiryRedressBill, but we can also email or post hard copies to anyone who is interested. Email us at cteotrconsultation@ niassembly.gov.uk.

You can also contact the Committee for the Executive Ofﬁce by writing to us at Room 247, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT4 3XX.

Paula Bradshaw MLA chairperson, Committee for the Executive Office Northern Ireland Assembly

No action on road dangers

What a shame 20-yearold Luca Muir Anderson (Youngest on council? POST, August 30) decided against running for Subiaco mayor. He would have had my vote.

Four months ago I alerted the City of Subiaco to the speeding vehicles and dangerous driving along Herbert Road in Shenton Park.

After numerous “pingpong” emails to three elected members (including the mayor) and three City staff members, the elephant-inthe-room question remains ignored and unanswered by them all: “Who will accept responsibility when, inevitably, someone is hurt or even killed on Herbert Road?”

Hooning and dangerous driving are still occurring daily.

David Beaton Onslow Road, Shenton Park

Hills development protest landing on God’s doorstep

On Monday week, September 15, the Satterley Group and the Anglican Church will once again appeal the rejection of their controversial plan to build an urban town on a rural property gifted to the Church 130 years ago.

Their appeal before the State Administrative Tribunal follows a dozen unsuccessful, conﬁdential mediations and appeals advanced by the proponents and funded by taxpayers.

Volunteer group Save Perth Hills does not have the means or inﬂuence of the proponents but is continuing the fight against them and is organising a protest gathering at St George’s Cathedral on Sunday, September 14, to remind parishioners of their church’s destructive plan for the Hills.

All community members are invited to attend, from 9.15am until 10.30.

The property, identiﬁed as “North Stoneville”, is between Parkerville and Stoneville in the Perth Hills.

The 530ha programmed for destruction is within an internationally-recognised biodiversity hotspot.

The plan is to bulldoze 60,000 ancient trees, native bush and unique ﬂora; home to countless species of native birds and animals, including eagles and critically endangered black cockatoos.

In this proven Extreme Bushﬁre Zone, the estimated 11,000 extra trafﬁc movements each day on inadequate rural

roads would prove catastrophic in a bushﬁre.

The Satterley proposal contravenes four State Planning Policies and has been rejected by the Mundaring and Swan shires, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, thousands of public submissions and representatives from all political parties.

WA Planning Commission reasons for refusal include “unacceptable bushﬁre danger, environmental loss and trafﬁc risks”.

The Hills area, the “lungs of Perth”, is a favourite destination for visitors to enjoy the unique range of native animals and bushland. Once destroyed, it can never be replaced.

Save Perth Hills continues to receive generous community support and appreciates any ﬁnancial help from the WA community to help with legal and expert advice via its Facebook page.

Walsh Grant Street, Cottesloe

Rosie

The “Magdalene” Home of the Good Shepherd in West Leederville, circa 1911.

WINTER SALE

Stylish Living, Easy Lifestyle

This elegant three-bedroom, two-bathroom home features vaulted ceilings, Jarrah floors, and a light-ﬁlled

Open for Inspection: Saturday 6th of September 11:00am - 11:30am

ideal for entertaining. The modern kitchen includes Miele and Bosch appliances, while a flexible layout offers a master suite, spacious bedrooms, and an upstairs retreat. Perfectly positioned near shops, parks, and transport, it’s a stylish, low-maintenance option for families, downsizers, or investors. Contact Mareena Weston 0422 406 199 mweston@haivenproperty.com.au haivenproperty.com.au

47 PEARSE STREET, COTTESLOE

Sophisticated Chic Lifestyle Residence

Resting in one of Cottesloe’s most iconic streets, this near-new luxury residence, is a stunning reflection of sophisticated, sumptuous lifestyle living at its most beautiful.

Wall crash ‘like an explosion’

By LLOYD GORMAN

A solid limestone block wall near Subiaco’s busy Thomas Street was damaged – for a second time – when a car ploughed into it.

Residents in Bedford Avenue, a cul-de-sac backing onto Thomas Street, heard a loud crash just before midnight recently.

A car was lodged in a section of the wall and chunks of masonry were strewn along the street.

Some rubble hit a parked car 30m away.

“It was like an explosion, it woke everybody up,” a resident said.

“I don’t know how fast he was going but it was fast, and it had been raining very hard.

“Next thing I heard yelling and everyone was out in the street in their pyjamas.”

It was the second time in two years that the wall had been damaged.

A petrol tanker visiting the neighbouring service station hit the wall in 2023.

Resident Allan Jackson, who said the wall was vital as a noise buffer and safety barrier, urged Subiaco council to repair it immediately.

“Unfortunately, this is the second time the wall has been damaged and repaired,” he said.

“It took a long period to remediate [last time].

“It was requested at the time that bollards be placed on the south side of the wall to limit any further vehicle incidents and in this instance it may have limited wall damage.

“This wall is important as it acts as a noise buffer for the residents at the top end of the street.”

Subiaco council owns the wall and said it was in the process xed through

Mr Innovation Mr lays another egg another egg

Leonardo Pisano Fibonacci.

A woman injured in the most

By LLOYD GORMAN

A bespoke trailer with a touch of genius about it is one of the latest creations of Daglish man Graham Bowman.

The 79-year-old retired senior engineering designer said the distinctive egg shape is inspired by the Fibonacci spiral discovered by 13th Century Italian mathematician

“It could be a mini-caravan, a mobile cubby for kids, a market traders van, a shepherd’s hut or a ﬁsherman’s overnight camper, or all of those things and more,” he said.

Graham built the 2.13m by 1.5m pod, using mainly recycled materials, for his grandchildren’s enjoyment and for his own use, but has recently sold it.

An active member of the

Subiaco Men’s Shed, he goes by the motto “Age is no barrier to creativity”. He is proud of the “eclectic” fence around the front garden of his Stubbs Terrace home, and of some of his other creations. “I must have the only Mercedes Benz handcrafted jarrah roof rack in Perth,” he said. “It’s very strong. “I’m also designing a wooden bicycle, so watch out for me on that.”

Spring Selling Season: Low Stock, High Demand

Spring has statistically always been one of the busiest seasons in real estate. This year, the landscape looks a little different with more buyers out looking for their next home, the number of properties available for sale remains well below historic levels. For homeowners considering a move, this imbalance between supply and demand creates a rare window of opportunity.

A Market Where Buyers Compete, Not Sellers

Across Perth’s western suburbs, buyer enquiry is as strong as ever, yet there simply are not enough homes to meet the demand, with just 2,981 homes for sale in the entire Perth metro area. More specifically there is just 17 properties (from apartments to homes) available for sale, in all of Cottesloe. These numbers are lower than the same period last year, and last year we were also reflecting on low stock levels. This shortage of quality stock means buyers are competing harder, often leading to quicker decisions, firmer offers, and, in some cases, record-setting results.

In suburbs like Cottesloe, Swanbourne, Peppermint Grove, and Mosman Park – buyers continue to seek all manner of residences, from family homes and lifestyle residences, to lock-and-leave downsizer properties. With so little available, wellpresented properties are standing out and attracting intense interest..

Why Buyers Are Motivated

This Spring

There is currently a buyer expectation that more properties will come to market as the weather warms up – but many analysts are not so sure. There is a feeling that many people who needed to sell (who had been holding property waiting for prices to rise) did so during the COVID burst. And although there are always going to be reasons for people to sell (and buy) there doesn’t seem to be a driving influencer to facilitate a

mindset of people wanting to sell/trade/buy. When prices are falling or rapidly rising, the motivation to act creates the movement - but this is what Perth has already been through, and many now think we are in cruise mode.

The tightness in the stock, however, can then trigger price rises, and this then becomes the ‘influencer’ and motivator for people to sell (like in the Covid market).

In a low stock market, sellers can also be more particular about the terms of the sale, with reference to settlement times, rentbacks, conditions to sell only if they can secure their next property – all outside of price negotiations.

Family Timelines

As many families prefer to buy in spring so they can move and settle before the start of the new school year. This creates a sense of urgency that often translates into stronger offers and fewer conditions – or conditions that meet the sellers priorities.

Lifestyle Reset

The longer days, warmer weather, and fresh energy of spring inspire people to act on lifestyle changes they may have been considering over winter. Homes with gardens, outdoor entertaining spaces, or proximity to the coast feel especially appealing.

Downsizer Decisions

The one section of the market that seems to be independent of prevailing market conditions effecting stock levels – are the sellers who are wishing to downsize and change their ‘property’ lifestyle. These people are usually making decisions to sell and buy, based on their own personal life situation – and not what’s going on in the market. Statistics show, that more coastal/ lifestyle properties are sold during the spring/ summer months – being the time that these people swing into action. This can often also lead to some great (long-held) family homes hitting the market over the next few months

- so there may be some relief in the family residence stock levels lifting a little.

Interstate and International Interest

Interstate and international relocations are typically planned around the Christmas and New Year period meaning these buyers are needing to look now to secure a home for when they move to Perth so that the kids can get settled before they start school and the professionals can settle in before starting the new role – so these buyers also add to what can be a difficult and dynamic few months.

Optimism in the Air

Spring traditionally signals new beginnings, and in property, that optimism matters. Buyers tend to make more decisive moves, spurred on by competition and the natural feeling that this is “the right time” to secure their next chapter.

How buyers can secure a home in the competitive spring market

If you’re looking to buy this spring season, then think of the phrase ‘Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.’ You will want to be prepared to ensure you’re ready to grab the opportunity when it presents itself. Here are some things you can prepare beforehand.

Get your finances ready.

Having pre-approval and your finances in order shows sellers your serious and allows you to make a strong offer.

Building relationships with local agents.

The best opportunities are often shown to the agents hot buyers first. By making your requirements known, they can tell you about off market and pre-market properties early allowing you to get ahead of the curve.

Be decisive but informed.

Homes are moving quickly with median selling days being just 10 days. Do your research on comparable sales before attending inspections so your confident in making swift, informed offers when the right

property comes up.

Consider Stronger Terms, Not Just Price. Sellers value certainty. Offering flexible settlement dates, larger deposits, or fewer conditions can make your offer more attractive than one that’s higher in price but less secure like an offer subject to sale.

Think laterally.

Be open to different streets or property types that still meet your lifestyle needs. A flexible approach broadens your options and reduces the chance of being priced out.

Maximising the Conditions

For sellers, timing and presentation are everything. Bringing your property to market this spring means launching at a moment when buyers have limited choice but strong intent. Styling, strategic marketing, and professional guidance make a significant difference in ensuring your home captures attention and competition.

Some sellers are also choosing a discreet off-market strategy – testing demand while maintaining privacy. Others are going to full campaigns to maximise buyer competition. Both approaches are proving effective when handled strategically.

Why Early Movers Have the Edge

The strongest results are often achieved by those who act early in the spring season before more homes arrive on the market. With demand running high and supply remaining tight, sellers can position themselves to achieve outstanding outcomes—often on their own terms. Buyers just don’t want to take the gamble of letting an opportunity pass by in the hope another home will soon present itself. So, if you’re selling Sell and if you’re buying Buy.

0419 909 350

Fuelled by Fibonacci … Graham Bowman designed this pod to be used as a caravan, cubby or camper.

Photo: Paul McGovern

A car burst through this wall at the end of Bedford Avenue, leaving limestone strewn along the road.

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Light shines on Subi photo winners

By SARAH McNEILL

Andrea Cotumaccio, from Claremont, took out the top prize at the City of Subiaco’s photographic awards for The Face I Had.

Winners of the annual awards were announced last week with the Italian-born traveller and photographer Andrea taking out the overall prize.

The judges said they found the image incredibly evocative.

“A real comment on the world and captures how the world is feeling,” they said.

They pondered whether it was taken in Rome or Subiaco, and noted that its cinematic feel prompted

Shenton Park, took out the residents’ prize for his image Wanaka Tree, his interpretation of the famous lone willow tree that grows in Lake Wanaka in New Zealand.

The photographic awards are open to all photographers in the Perth metro region.

Paul Harrison, from

Bonfires and bush in memory lane

Old neighbours and friends from Wilcock Avenue in Daglish have gathered to remember the halcyon days they called it home.

The group of former residents – aged between 71 and 88 – reunited in the park at the corner of Jersey Street and Troy Terrace for a picnic and a stroll down memory lane.

They could all remember bonﬁres on the same spot for Guy Fawkes Night and how their counterparts in nearby McCallum Avenue also built

their own stack to burn.

“This was all bush back then,” one said. We would come here to play and we used to go on walks as far as the sewerage plant, picking wildﬂowers.”

Several recalled how the bush extended all the way from their place out as far as City Beach and the bumpy trip to the beach on “the Switchback”, the old plank road to the coast. They remembered the steam engines that used to run on the tracks and how they could hear the train setting off from

A record 1250 photographs were entered this year, which added two new categories to the awards – People and Portrait won by Beaconsﬁeld resident Samantha de Souza with Red, and Nature won by Canning Vale resident Donald Chin with a photo of birds feeding their chicks, titled Yum!!

Vincenzo Avallone won the open category for his urban shot titled Geometries of Anonymity, Tomasz Sobkow won the AI category, Oliver Tomkins won the youth award and Cameron Pedersen won the kids award.

The 91 finalists’ photos are now on display at Subiaco Library until Sunday September 7. Visitors can vote for the ﬁnal People’s Choice award.

Shenton Park station and as children racing to meet it at Daglish station.

The reunion happens every few years and is organised by David James.

A return trip to Wilcock Avenue – pictured in the background – earlier this year was a stroll down memory lane for this group who grew up as kids together in the street. Photo Lloyd Gorman

The Face I Had by Andrea Cotumaccio won the City of Subiaco Photography Award.

Create your dream wildflower garden

The Perth branch of the Wildﬂower Society of WA is hosting an evening of garden inspiration on Tuesday.

Several members with outstanding wildflower gardens will share their experiences of designing, planting, and maintaining gardens ﬁlled with native species.

The presenters will highlight the plants that have thrived, the surprises and challenges they’ve encountered, and the wildlife the gardens attracts.

Specimens from their gardens will be on display up close.

Graham Zemunik from the Wildﬂower Society of WA Perth branch said “Whether you’re just starting to think about replacing a patch of lawn or you’re already nurturing your own native garden, you’re sure to come away with new ideas, practical tips, and a renewed appreciation for the role that gardens can play in conserving our natural heritage.”

He said that although Perth is within a global biodiversity hotspot, its suburbs are too often dominated by lawns and exotic ornamentals that do little for local wildlife.

“Native gardens, on the other hand, can transform ordinary backyards into thriving sanctuaries for plants, birds, insects and other creatures,” he said.

“By choosing species from WA’s renowned ﬂora, we can

conserve biodiversity and also create spaces that are uniquely beautiful, waterwise and resilient to climate change.”

Tuesday’s meeting will be at The Palms Community Centre on the corner of Nicholson Road and Rokeby Road in Subiaco. Doors open at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. The $3 entry donation includes a ticket for the night’s door prize.

For more information about the Wildflower Society of WA go to wildflowersocietywa.org. au or email perth.branch@wildflowersocietywa.org.au.

Film sounds alarm for wild Scott Reef

A new documentary about the campaign to stop Scott Reef being drilled for gas will be screened in Mosman Park on Friday September 19. lm will be shown by the Cottesloe Independent campaign at the indoor Camelot

Corals’ Last Stand follows marine scientists, conservationists and artists including Australian novelist Tim Winton and musician John Butler as they travel to Scott Reef, one of Australia’s cant and biodiverse coral reefs, to document threats posed by Woodside’s Browse gas proposal.

A discussion panel will follow, to include Conservation Council of WA president Dr Richard Yin, environmental scientist and Oceanwise Australia director Dr Ben Fitzpatrick and Conservation Council of WA senior campaigner Greta Carroll. The discussion will be moderated by the Community Independent candidate for Cottesloe, Dr Rachel Horncastle.

Tim Winton has described Scott Reef as the jewel in the crown of WA’s Kimberley coast and one of the last wild places left in the country.

Australia’s biggest offshore

coral reef, it supports about 1500 species including endangered turtles, sea snakes and pygmy blue whales.

There are 900 species of ﬁsh, 29 species of marine mammals, and hundreds of species of corals.

Energy giant Woodside plans to drill up to 50 gas wells around the reef, some two kilometres away, as part of plans to expand its gas plant at Burrup Peninsula.

Camelot is at 16 Lochee Street, Mosman Park. Doors open at 6pm. Food and drinks available. Purchase tickets by going to humanitix.com and searching “Corals’ Last Stand”.

Corals’ Last Stand follows the fight to protect Scott Reef from Woodside’s Browse gas proposal.

Stunning natives eucalyptus caesia, above left, and Grevillea cooljarloo. Photos: Graham Zemunik

Discover Bold Park after dark

Bush lovers are invited to explore Bold Park after sunset with two night walks led by Friends of Bold Park volunteers.

The Thursday September 25 night walk is only for grownups, but families are welcome on Tuesday September 30.

With a bit of luck, participants might spot boobooks, tawny frogmouths, brushtail possums, quenda, frogs and many of the park’s smaller critters that come alive after dusk.

Friends of Bold Park bushland volunteers will also lead free wildﬂower walks on September 13, 16, and 21 at 9am.

Walk through wildﬂower-rich areas on a leisurely walk on September 13 or 16 to learn about the ﬂowers, plants and animals that make this bushland thrive.

The September 21 walk will

be more active, covering 5km in 90 minutes. Or join a guided walk on Saturday September 20 through a rarely accessed area that has been rehabilitated during the past 30 years and is now one of the park’s most diverse and ecologically healthy areas. Bookings are essential for that walk, costing $25 including a light morning tea. For more information visit friendsofboldpark.com.au/ events or email info@friendsofboldpark.com.au.

Unscramble your mind with Scrabble

Do you love words?

Do you like to learn new ones – even obscure ones?

Would you play Scrabble with a small group of likeminded people?

Nedlands Scrabble Club is calling for new members to enjoy all of the above.

The club meets on Tuesday mornings in Dalkeith, and the next meeting is this Tuesday.

For more information phone Chris on 0428 846 325.

Quiz night offers lots to gain

A non-proﬁt group which works for better health for women will turn 25 this year with a fundraising quiz night.

The Gynaecological Awareness Information Network, known as GAIN, is in Subiaco next to King Edward Memorial Hospital.

It is run by volunteers who aim to provide every woman with the opportunity, knowledge, conﬁdence and support to obtain her optimal gynaecological and sexual health.

To raise money for its programs, GAIN will hold a funfilled trivia night at Grill’d Subiaco on Thursday, from 6

to 9pm. Get there early to get settled.

Book a table for eight, or just come along and join a bigger group on the night.

There will be prizes to be won, a free rafﬂe draw, and special cash prizes to celebrate 25 years of GAIN.

Tickets are $25 per person which includes a burger and chips.

To book go to trybooking.com and search “GAIN quiz night”. Grill’d Subiaco is at 20 Subiaco Square Road. For more information about GAIN go to gain.org.au.

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• Historic classic country homestead.

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• Two adjoining titles with excellent farming, environmental and investment credentials.

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Donkey orchids, top left, photographed by Barbara Knott, and a hoverfly on acacia pulchella, by Steve Lofthouse.

From left Linda Glassford, Rachael Rowe, GAIN Founder Kath Mazzella, Angela Rowe, Catherine Aurubind and Annaliese Nugent at GAIN’s 20th anniversary high tea on September 19, 2020.

Set across 1,099 hectares (2,715 acres) over three titles, Foggarthorpe presents an exceptional opportunity to secure one of the region’s most signiﬁcant rural holdings, with extensive subdivision zoning.

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The property offers a beautifully renovated 3-bed, 2-bath farmhouse that blends timeless country charm with modern comfort. A welcoming country kitchen and dining area ﬂows into a formal lounge, complemented by a light-ﬁlled sunroom. Outdoor living is enhanced by a swimming pool - perfect for relaxing after a day on the land. Multiple dams, a creek and a main bore provides abundant water supply.

This is a rare chance to secure a landmark Avon Valley property. A true legacy holding ready for its next chapter.

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See Subi on Saturday nights

Saturdays are Subi Night

Market nights from September to 9pm.

Subiaco Mayor David McMullen said the buzz and vibrancy of the markets was a highlight of the City’s busy

“They have become a Saturday evening staple in the warmer months; offering the chance for people to come together over food, drinks, market stalls and entertainment, right here in

For more information go to

Young performers go for baroque

Young soloist musicians will present a recital of baroque and classical pieces this Sunday, in the Allegri Chamber Orchestra’s annual youth concerto showcase.

Violinist Zachary Madan will play Winter by Vivaldi, violinist Lucas Allmark will play Summer by Vivaldi, Crystal Lee will play the Quantz Flute Concerto in G, and Isabella Sanchez will play the Haydn Violin Concerto in G.

Oboists Jane Blanchard and Yonna Sunderland will perform Handel’s Concerto Grosso in D minor for two oboes and strings.

Music director Grace Ahquee said Allegri, as a community orchestra, prioritised quality music presented by young musicians.

“Our ongoing intitiatives are proving to be a strong and valued connection to community,” she said.

How an Arctic aviator crashed and survived

How to age well, and an incredible Arctic airship crash and rescue will be the two topics of talks at U3A Cambridge on Thursday.

U3A stands for the University of the Third Age, and the ﬁrst guest speaker at the Cambridge branch will be David Beard who will talk about ageing well.

David has worked in the aged care industry and written a book,

“If I’d Only Known I’d Live This Long”.

His talk is described as a great way to learn what changes people can make to ensure they age gracefully and with energy.

Terry Harvey’s presentation will tell the story of a polar

explorer who wanted to reach the North Pole by airship.

On a trip in 1928 the airship crashed on the ice in bad weather. What followed was one of the most astonishing episodes in aviation history.

The meeting is at 1.30pm at Ocean Gardens Retirement Village, Kalinda Drive, City Beach.

Admission $3 includes afternoon tea. The Seaview Restaurant will be open for lunch from noon.

Bookings are essential by phoning Michelina on 0407 516 001 or 9285 3017.

For more information phone Jim Barns on 9448 6432 or email jnjbarns@bigpond.com.

The 60-minute recital will be September 7 at the Church of the Resurrection 105 Shenton Road, Swanbourne, starting at 3pm. There will be no interval.

Tickets $10, $25, $30 or $45 for a family are available online by going to trybooking and searching “Allegri Youth Concerto 2025”.

Any remaining tickets will be available at the door.

For more information phone Ronniet 0402 084 765 or visit allegrichamberorchestra.com.

Isabella Sanchez will play the Haydn Violin Concerto in G.

Bathed in northern light with stunning views of Allen Park, this brand-new Swanbourne home spans three levels with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, a below-ground pool, undercroft parking, and an elevator.

create their ideal coastal lifestyle just 800m from the beach. Contact Andy Nye today to arrange a viewing!

Tess to talk about her radio days

Tess Earnshaw will talk about her life in radio when she is guest speaker at the Probus Club of Subiaco’s meeting on Monday.

She says she had always been fascinated by radio and began with a job as junior typist at 6IX. Her ﬁrst position at the microphone was in 1992 when she was asked to join The Nostalgia Team on RTR.

Since 2018 she has been a presenter with Capital Community Radio.

Visitors and new members are welcome to the Subiaco Probus meeting at St Edmund’s Anglican Church hall, 54 Pangbourne Street, Wembley, which begins at 10am with a brief business session followed by morning tea and the presentation.

The fee of $5 covers entry, morning tea and a door prize ticket. To register, email kerryeivers@yahoo.com.au or phone Gay Eivers on 9381 1306.

Tess Earnshaw

Kids build a fun community

Not even the cold and rain could dampen spirits at the Mosman Bay Sea Scouts Hall on a recent Sunday afternoon..

A total of 88 enthusiastic young Lego builders gathered for the ninth annual Lego Mini Masters Competition, and imaginations burned bright as the wintry weather swirled outside.

The event was compered by former Sea Scout Ciaran Harrison, who guided participants through an afternoon ﬁlled with creativity, competition and community spirit.

The competition was divided into three age categories, each with a unique building challenge designed to test imagination and skill.

Builders in the Pre-Primary to Year 1 category were tasked with building a robot out of Lego.

The art of reading a will

There will be two guest speakers at next meeting of U3A western suburbs branch on Monday at the Grove Library.

At 1pm David Hounsome will talk about Art with a Purpose.

A former Art Gallery of WA guide, he will discuss art for religious faith, propaganda, shock and other purposes.

At 2.30pm Krishna Prasad will give a presentation on understanding wills and legal

directives.

Visitors are welcome and there is a $3 charge. Cash only.

U3A’s western suburbs branch meets every second Monday in the River Room at the Grove Library, on the corner of Stirling Highway and Leake Street, Peppermint Grove.

For more information about the group phone Sath Moodley 0413 212 513 or email sath. moodley@gmail.com.

The vibrant and inventive design by Mosman Park Primary School Year 1 students Ailsa Wray and Evie Slayter captured the judges’ attention and earned them ﬁrst prize.

Students in Years 2 and 3 were challenged to create a room with Lego bricks.

It was Mosman Park Primary School Year 3 student Jasper Bettridge who, with help from his younger brother Arlo, impressed the judges with the cleverly constructed “Room of Danger” to secure the top spot in their age group.

The ﬁnal challenge of the day was for Years 4, 5 and 6, for

something inspired by a book. Mosman Park Primary School Year 5 students Ada Lonie and Priti Cuthbert took home ﬁrst place in the senior category with a beautifully detailed magical bookstore complete with scenes from a range of beloved stories. Parents, judges and volunteers praised the standard of entries, highlighting the creativity, teamwork and storytelling evident in each build. Now in its seventh year, the Lego Mini Masters Competition has become a local tradition, encouraging children to think outside the box, brick by brick.

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+ Offers close 2pm (AWST) Thursday, 25 September 2025

Top: Ada Lonie and Priti Cuthbert. Above: Evie Slayter and Ailsa Wray.

Mosman Park Primary School Year 3 student Jasper Bettridge and his younger brother Arlo.

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A dollar from every bowl of blueberry porridge sold this Saturday morning at Subiaco Farmers Market will go to Respiratory Care WA.

The popular porridge stall Soak or Simmer will serve up a special “Do Blue Blueberry Porridge”, to raise money and awareness for National Asthma Week.

The week, from September 1 to 7, supports the more than 230,000 West Australians – many of them children – who have asthma.

Respiratory Care WA urged members of the public to “Do Blue” for the campaign.

Soak or Simmer stall owner Carole Sinclair said: “While asthma hasn’t directly touched my family, I know how many people in our community live with respiratory conditions every day, and this felt like a simple way to give back.

“By turning something comforting and familiar into a fundraiser, I hope not only to raise funds but also to spark awareness and connection around a cause that truly makes a difference.”

Funds raised on September 6 would support Respiratory Care WA’s free services for people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions, such as lung function testing.

Respiratory Care WA acting

CEO Rael Rivers said the campaign was to start conversations about asthma, its impact, and the importance of correct diagnosis – steps that could prevent hospital visits and save lives.

In 2022–23, about 97,000

Australians presented to an emergency department with asthma, and children made up almost half of all hospitalisations, Ms Rivers said. For more information go to respiratorycarewa.org.au.

Increase brand familiarity.

Get moving after prostate cancer

Men who have, or have had, prostate cancer are invited to get up and go with a free masterclass to support their health and recovery.

The three-hour class on September 13 is being offered by a non-proﬁt group called Exercise 4 Prostate Cancer, known as Prost.

Prost runs an exercise program for men diagnosed with prostate cancer, before and after treatment, to beneﬁ cal and mental health.

Group exercise sessions are followed by social time over coffee.

The workshop is designed to provide men with practical ways to cope better with the stressful and emotional impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis. It will be run by clinical psy-

ated prostate cancer specialist nurse for more than 10 years. The class will be 9am to midday next Saturday at the Bay View Community Centre, 64 Bay View Terrace, Claremont. Register by emailing supportgroupleader@prost.com. au or call Bill van Didden on 0497 969 916.

Share about your shares

Self-funded retirees are invited to the Australian Independent Retirees Perth discussion group on Wednesday.

Self-funded retirees supported by share investments are welcome to share their knowledge, thoughts and experiences of investing in ASX-listed companies.

The group meets to discuss

investment strategies, review financial statements, and analyse company and industry information. It does not offer advice. Meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month from 2 to 4pm at Cambridge Bowling Club. For more information phone David Brooke 9368 6275 or email dfbrooke@bigpond.com.

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Soak or Simmer stall owner Carole Sinclair at Subiaco Farmers Market.

MLC surfers the best body boarders in WA

Two students from Methodist Ladies’ College, Claremont have topped the state in body boarding at the Surﬁng WA schools surfing championships.

On August 29, Year 12 students Sabah Phillips, 18, of Claremont, and Bronte Scott, 17, of Cottesloe represented MLC in the Surﬁng WA schools competition state ﬁnal at Trigg.

They competed in senior girls’ surﬁng, and the body boarding division, and took off the top spot in body boarding against competitors from across WA.Eliza Rowe coaches the girls at MLC while the

pair regularly surfs and competes with the Trigg Board Riders.

Sabah’s mum Dodie Bond said her daughter had been surﬁng since she was about three – as had her friend Bronte.

“They have been surﬁng since they were babies,” she said.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my daughter not only winning with her best friend in the metro surf comp, but also having a such a healthy lifestyle that nurtures resilience, conﬁdence, and physical wellbeing.

“For girls especially [surfing competitively] offers a powerful blend

of strength and serenity.

“It teaches them to trust their instincts, embrace the unpredictability of nature, and celebrate their bodies for what they can do – not just how they look.

“They just don’t ride the waves … they make them.”

An MLC spokesperson said the result was a testament to the skill, dedication and commitment of students and coaches.

“Competing beyond the IGSSA level and achieving success on the state stage is a proud moment for the entire MLC community,” they said.

“All of your hard work and teamwork continue to inspire us all.”

Run tough times out of town

Marty Kallane is an ultra-marathon runner, navy veteran and business owner with a passion for pushing his limits beyond the pain barrier.

He will be guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Cambridge meeting on Wednesday, September 10.

Marty took up ultra-

running to raise money to help children with mental illness.

Since then he has ﬁnished some of the toughest runs in Australia, including back-to-back 321km ultra-marathons through some of the country’s most challenging terrain.

He has said his inspiration is the constant re-

minder that no matter how hard life can get, everyone can ﬁnd strength in the shadow of darkness and ﬁght back against suicidal thoughts.

He is passionate about giving back to the community and sharing his experiences with others who have faced similar challenges.

The Rotary meeting on Wednesday will be at Cambridge Bowling Club, Chandler Avenue West, Floreat, at 7.15 for 7.30 am.

A light breakfast will be served. Cost $20 per person cash or credit card at the door.

Phone Frank Nathan 0448 906 624 or email frank_nathan@hotmail. com to register in advance by Monday.

Cambridge

There were no bowls Monday August 25, because of the weather.

Wednesday August 27:

1 Geoff Parker, Geoff Boyd, Ann Strack and Paula Poynter +6; 2 David Heath, Brian Smith and Chuck Belotte +3.

New leaders at Cambridge club

New leaders are in charge at Cambridge Croquet club.

The new committee was elected at the club’s annual general meeting on August 29.

Longtime member Stephen Barnes said secretary Robyn Cornish ensured the meeting ran smoothly and met all the necessary requirements.

The new president is Mark Johnson, who will serve with current captain Amanda Hurt.

Outgoing president Ian Tarling and treasurer David Williams reported at the meeting that they were stepping

down from their positions, but that the club had had a successful year and was ﬁnancially sound.

Di Cooke also resigned after 20 years on the committee.

Stephen said: “Apart from being an outstanding player and coach, Di has organised many of the club events. In the best way possible, she is Cambridge Croquet.”

He said Cambridge was lucky to have members willing to take up the challenge of serving on the new committee. The club was on the move and in good hands.

Bowling

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So support POST advertisers - they make your free local paper possible.

Friday August 29: 1 George Savage and Marilyn Boss.

Saturday August 30: 1 Andy Jenkins, Colin Herring and Geoff Boyd +19; 2 Cliff Racey, Steve Parsons and Ted Delaney +2.

See some good bowls in the St Ives Sponsored Bowls this weekend. We are still short of helpers in the kitchen. Please let Mary Ann know if you can help.

Dalkeith Nedlands

Fine conditions on Thursday August 28 saw 41 players take part in sets play. Best-performed were Alan Pitman, Brian Burton, John McCormack, Maureen Davison and Bruce Fiegert who won both sets with an 18-shot margin. Second were Tod Allen, Jeff Irwin, Pauline Kelly and Tom James 2 sets +7; third Ric Camins, Rod Tilt, Rob Wood and Andy McGlew

1 set +6. Other winners were Lindsay Richardson, Rob Kelly, Bev Copley and Pat Clohessy 1 set +4; and Gordon Wilson, Gof Bowles, Ivor Davies and Ron Day 1 set +3. Saturday was also ﬁne and sunny with 55 bowlers competing in sets play. Andrew Foster Tony Payne, Roger Gray and Lesley Cross won both sets with a 21-shot margin. Second were Gordon Wilson, Keith Alan, Rob Wood and Jan Steinberg 2 sets +11; third Allan Pitman, Fran Farrell and Ivor Davies 2 sets +10. Other winners were Ross MacKenzie, David Steinberg and Allan Rowe 2 sets +4; Martin Saunders, Jeff Irwin, Bev Copley and Ron Day 1 set +7; and Heather Hince, Peter Hopper and Tom James also 1 set +7.

Our ladies teams played a tenacious Mt Lawley lineup at Innaloo on Tuesday August 26. Margaret McHugh, Ron

Palmer, Anne Ormsby and Doris Brown lost 8-25, and Usha Nigam, Dot Leeson, Lesley Langley and Jeannine Millsteed lost 10-23.

In three-bowl triples on Thursday August 28 Mike Basford, John Horsfall and Milton Byass were too strong for Mark Wilde, David Allport and Wally Graham, winning 21-6.

Alan Evans, Craig Hirsch and Rob Campbell also ran out easy winners from Paula Hatch, Ron Palmer and Mike Hatch 20-7.

On Saturday Ron Palmer, Mike Basford and Glen Morey outplayed John Horsfall and Mark Wilde 16-6; and Paula Hatch, Billy Gerlach and Rob Campbell cruised home from Mick Canci, David Allport and Mike Hatch 21-6.

There was lots of bowling last week with only one more week of winter bowls to go. Practice for the pennant season is just

Wednesday bowls winners on August 27 were Mark Bright, Peter Brown, Richard Webster and Ron Hassall. Second were Ian Lilly, John Pallett and Aidan O’Sullivan.

Friday pairs winners on August 29 were Cameron Hoffman, Mark Robertson. Second place went to Jeff Adams and Del Adams. The WOL went to Catherine Chappelle and Aidan O’Sullivan.

Saturday saw a good roll-up and the winners were Jay Kop, Bruce Neaves, Toby Roney and Iris Newbold. Second were Ian Thomas, John Pallett, Sandra Ellis and Ron Hassall.

Members are reminded that the AGM will be on Thursday evening September 18.

The club held a day of social petanque last Saturday in delightfully warm sunshine. There will be another round of the President’s Cup this Saturday. Visitors are welcome on Saturdays and Wednesdays. For more information visit petanquesubiaco.com.

Mosman Park

Subiaco

Pétanque

Hollywood Subiaco

Marty Kallane.

Cambridge Croquet’s new committee from left Amanda Hurt, Brian Hadley, Robyn Cornish, Sandy Boon, and Mark Johnson.

Bronte Scott from Cottesloe, above left, and Sabah Phillips from Claremont in action at Trigg.

22 Wentworth Loop, Dunsborough

2/18 Toddy Place, Dunsborough

Oﬀers

Top doc pays WA’s top price for house

By Claire Tyrrell

Retired

cardiologist

Bernard Hockings has paid $22.75million inWA’s most expensive house sale this year.

Dr Hockings bought the Mosman Park mansion from mining rich-lister Tim Goyder.

The Saunders Street house has spectacular river views east to the CBD and hills.

The sale price exceeds the 2025 Perth record of $21.5million this year for real estate agent Vivien Yap’s former Mosman Park home.

Dr Hockings retired as a cardiologist in 2017 and was a major shareholder of drug development com-

pany PYC Therapeutics.

He was a non-executive director of PYC Therapeutics for more than seven years, stepping down in 2021.

He was credited with helping the company evolve into a leading biotechnology business, which has operations in Australia and the US.

PYC Therapeutics, formerly known as Phylogica, was founded in Nedlands in 2001 and has an approximate $752million market cap.

Marketing material described the Saunders Street property as “offering unparalleled luxury with expansive living spaces”.

“The home reflects

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exceptional detail to form, ﬁnish, design and modernartistic architecture it said.”

“This architect-designed residence is a masterpiece that maximises on its north-facing orientation and panoramic river views.

“Resting on a large, elevated landholding on one of Mosman Park’s most exclusive addresses, it is hard to imagine a more beautiful residence or a more inspiring view over

Mosman Park, Peppermint Grove, to the city and the Darling escarpment.”

Mr Goyder is the non-executive chair of Liontown Resources, founding chairman of private company Plato Prospecting and on several mining and energy related boards.

Business News last year estimated his wealth at $470million.

Real estate agent Justin Davies brokered the deal for the Mosman Park home.

Harvey funds luxury Cott project

By Mark Pownall

National retailer Gerry Harvey has emerged as the ﬁnancier of a high-end Cottesloe beach apartment project, reflecting the growth of private funding on property development.

Mr Harvey is the founder of retail giant Harvey Norman and Australia’s 23rd richest person.

He has funded development of the nearcomplete five-storey luxury apartment complex called The Warnham on Marine Parade.

The project is on beachfront land owned by the family of entrepreneurial lawyer Frank Wilson and has a penthouse expected

to sell for more than $20million.

Property agent Chris Shellabear conﬁrmed Mr Harvey’s role, thought to be his ﬁrst involvement in a WA residential project.

“For someone like Gerry, the way he viewed it was like investing in Bondi, it was a lower level but it was the same story,” he said.

Mr Shellabear said that Mr Harvey’s backing of the apartment development reﬂected a recent trend towards patient private capital in the sector.

“Virtually every development we have been selling for the past two to three years has been privately funded,”

The five-storey Marine Parade development is nearing completion.

Mr Shellabear said.

“That allows them [developers] to get off the ground and get moving without and not be hamstrung by particular requirements like percentage of sales to be made.”

Mr Shellabear said a lot of banks also required fixed-price building contracts which were

difﬁcult to obtain under current market conditions.

Mr Harvey has reportedly suggested the development’s best apartments could reach $25million.

“I think there have been other properties purportedly selling in Perth for around $20million-plus and I think this is the best positioned of any of them,”

Mr Shellabear said.

BWC Corp, a company controlled by the Wilson family, spent $4million for the land in 2003.

Mr Wilson was the founder and chief executive of sandalwood business TFS which rebranded as Quintis in 2016. He stood down a year later.

DMG Property buys Subiaco heritage building

By Claire Tyrrell

DMG Property has paid $5million for a heritage-listed building in Subiaco’s main street as it eyes its development potential.

The purchase of 131 Rokeby Road from Summit Homes boss David Simpson is the latest in a spate of transactions in the area.

The Perth-based property advisory ﬁrm bought the corner site from Rockingham Park Pty Ltd in an offmarket deal.

ASIC records show that Rockingham Park is controlled by David Simpson and his brother Richard Simpson.

The entity bought Tighe’s Building, named for grocer and wine merchant Michael Tighe, for $2.06million in May 1999, RP data shows.

Anchored by fashion retailer Decjuba, it was constructed in 1905 and heritage listed in 2003.

It occupies a 642sq.m site, with a net lettable are of 612.3sq.m occupied by ofﬁce and retail tenancies.

The purchase follows the sale of 150 Rokeby Road for $2.7million, 83 to 85 Rokeby and 14-16 Rowland Street for $4.5million earlier this year while 132 Rokeby Road sold for $3million last year.

RWC WA’s Michael Milne brokered the sales

of those properties as well as the Tighe’s Building.

“We’re seeing pent-up demand from a wide range of buyer groups, whereby investors recognise the likelihood of rental uplift and developers have identiﬁed surplus development potential,” he said.

“There’s been close to $37million in transactions within 200 metres of this site in the past 18 months alone, and I’ve had the privilege of brokering over $15million of those.”

DMG Property managing director Martin Steens said the purchase aligned with DMG’s strategy of purchasing assets in popular locations with strong rental returns and development potential.

“Off the back of Subiaco going through a renaissance, we see some opportunity for development uplift,” he said.

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This Mosman Park home sold for $22.75million.

Photo: Michael O’Brien

Agent Michael Milne (left) and buyer Martin Steens at 131 Rokeby Road, Subiaco.

Photo: RWC WA

Murder on the dance ﬂoor

SARAH McNEILL

The infamous story of Audrey Jacob, who shot her former ﬁance in the middle of Government House Ballroom – and got away with murder – is being retold in the very space where it occurred.

Arthur Haynes and the Smoking Gun, written by Jenny Davis for Theatre 180, is the story of how Audrey’s defence lawyer, Arthur Haynes, used the media and reframed the murder, leading to changes in WA law.

Almost exactly 100 years ago, in the early hours of August 27, 1925, at a charity dance in the Governor’s

Cyril Gidley, was shot dead.

His former ﬁancee, Audrey Jacob, was caught holding a revolver and, according to witnesses, said “I did it”, before being led away by police.

In a trial that played out like the musical Chicago, defence lawyer Arthur Haynes made a case that Gidley had been a violent and controlling young man who almost deserved his fate.

Haynes also used a concept known as the “unwritten law”.

According to Caroline Ingram, a PhD candidate in history at UWA, unwritten law – a defence previously used in America

and France – was “a popular understanding that respectable women who had been seduced and abandoned, or jilted by their ﬁance or lover, had the right to take their revenge”.

Barely six weeks after the killing, on October

9, 1925, a jury of 12 men found Audrey not guilty of murder.

Theatre 180 has collaborated with the Government House Foundation to mark the 100th anniversary of the scandalous ballroom shooting.

Dancing through the chaos

y Effect was a term coined by mathematician and meteorologist Edward Norton Lorenz in the 1960s. His chaos theory was based on the idea that a apping its wings could ultimately inﬂuence a larger effect, such as a

Australian Ballet’s resident choreographer Alice Topp is in Perth to create rst full-length ballet, y Effect. for WA Ballet under the guidance of artistic director

David McAllister

Alice’s story ballet begins in regional WA with a young medic and part-time army reservist, Charlie. The ﬂap of a delicate wing is Charlie’s desire to leave her happy family to embark on a peace-keeping mission abroad where she feels the call to help those less fortunate.

The subsequent chaos sees Charlie in a world of war, pain and turbulence and a family unravelling without her. She ultimately has to ﬁnd her way home,

both physically and emotionally.

It is a contemporary ballet described as “raw, resilient and deeply human”. Alice is only the second female resident choreographer in the 62-year history of the Australian Ballet. She said that creating a new story ballet under the guidance of David, was a “pinch-me moment”.

■ WA Ballet’s Butterﬂy Effect is performing now at His Majesty’s Theatre, until September 20.

Directed by Stuart Halusz and featuring Andrew Lewis, Alexandria Henderson and Brett Hamilton, with live musicians led by pianist and conductor Mark Coughlan, the show performs in Government House Ballroom on Thursday, Friday and Saturday next week. It will return to Como Theatre next March.

Herbal teas at Upmarket

Tea is a universal panacea – for comfort, for sharing, for sorrow, for friends. But Cottesloe herbalist Stephenie Borowiec knows that a good cuppa is also about the healing power of herbs.

Just ﬁve months ago Steph, who is studying to be a naturopath, launched her company Solyte, a range of herbal teas created to support good health.

“Tea is often an entry point for people to choose a natural pathway to health,” she said.

She will be at Upmarket for the ﬁrst

■ Steph has created her own range of

time next Sunday to introduce her new range of “functional” teas.

Perth Upmarket at UWA’s Winthrop Hall continues to showcase more than 200 of WA’s best artists, designers and gourmet producers. The next event is on Sunday September 14 from 10am to 4pm.

■ Arthur Haynes (Andrew Lewis) reframed Audrey’s cold-blooded murder of Cyril Gidley (Alexandria Henderson, Brett Hamilton) for a not-guilty verdict.

■ Alice Topp creates her ﬁrst full-length ballet in Perth. Photo: Stef King

herbal teas.

Getting by after bad things happen

Sorry, Baby is the strong, affecting debut ﬁlm of American writer, director and actor Eva Victor.

It pivots on a “bad thing” that happens to Agnes (Victor), a scene powerfully rendered in time-lapse partway through the ﬁlm. It never actually shows what happened; we hear details of the assault afterwards.

The ﬁlm is more focused on what happens in its wake. It is a richly composed, darkly funny drama about the lifeline of friendship and how we forge our way in the world, despite bad things happening.

Shifting in timeframes, it begins post-assault in the present, the ﬁrst of four chapters called “The Year

A bit over a year ago I met a woman who was getting divorced from a damaging marriage. I knew almost from day one I was interested.

Eventually I let my feelings slip to one of her friends, and it got back to her. Almost all contact stopped.

Then we began hanging out again, and decided on dinner and a movie. She turned up with a friend and ﬂirted the entire time at dinner and began making out in front of me at the movie.

I was utterly

with the Baby”. Agnes, who lives in the same small New England town where she went to grad school – and where she is now a tenured English professor – is thrilled to welcome home her best friend, Lydie (Naomi Ackie), who moved to New York City after they graduated and has come back to share some big news.

Meanwhile, to the surprise of nobody, the bright, witty Agnes has advanced in her career, she’s got a vague situationship with her sweet neighbour (Lucas Hedges), but she’s been grappling with profound depression in the three years since her assault.

When the next chapter, “The Year with the Bad Thing”, unfolds, it’s palpable how much freer Agnes is before her thesis supervisor

direct answers

wayneandtamara.com

heartbroken. She said she needed my friendship, and sometimes we hang out until the early morning hours talking about everything.

So I am wondering if she loves me. I have no idea what to think or do about this situation.

Ed, there is a phenomenon is called inattention blindness, and

(Louis Cancelmi) stealthily shatters her world.

The beauty of Victor’s examination of the slow project of rebuilding is the ability to observe comic absurdities alongside the trauma, such as the doctor who admonishes Agnes for taking a bath before going to the hospital. “I’ll try to remember that for next time,” is her wry response. Through it all, Ackie’s Lydie exempliﬁes the best friend everyone needs. And random people, like a guy (John Carroll Lynch) who recognises and soothes Agnes through a panic attack, offer moments of valuable insight and connection.

Its smart, understated screenplay and lived-in performances speak to a tough subject with wit, warmth, and a subtle well of hope.

One step back from Eskimo Joe

Kav Temperley is taking the opportunity to get back to basics with a solo show at Clancy’s City Beach next Thursday.

“Eskimo Joe is a big beast of a thing and a welloiled machine,” Kav said, “so playing solo allows me to perform songs that sound the way they were when I ﬁrst wrote them.”

it refers to the fact that we often cannot see what we don’t expect to see.

In your case, you cannot see what you don’t want to see. A woman brought another man to your date with her. That was the clearest possible way to inform you that you are not in her dating circle. That is the way it has always been for her. When a woman treats a man like a conﬁdante and girlfriend, it means she is not interested in that man as a man.

Wayne & Tamara

• Need some advice? Write to writedirectanswers@gmail.com

Kav was born in Mosman Park, and is now a self-proclaimed “Freo

tragic”. He said that after “millions” of Eskimo Joe shows over the past 18 months he was taking time to work on a solo album until next year when the band will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

“Playing solo allows me to really use my voice as an instrument,” he said.

Kav plays Solo by the Sea at an intimate dinner show at Clancy’s City Beach on Thursday September 11 from 7pm. Book through Oztix.

■ Kav Temperley

Last look at Dickerson

To mark what would have been artist Robert Dickerson’s 101st birthday – and 10 years since he died – Gallows Gallery is holding a special commemorative exhibition featuring the ﬁnal release of original works on paper from the artist’s estate.

The drawings have been in the Dickerson family for up to 50 years, and

never publicly exhibited or offered for sale until now.

Many were preliminary studies or key references for the artist’s most iconic prints and graphic works, giving collectors and admirers a unique opportunity to see into his process.

“These drawings were kept aside for a reason –they tell the story behind the artworks that made him

famous,” said Robert’s son, Sam Dickerson. “They’ve stayed in the family until now, and this exhibition marks the last time they will be shown and made available.”

■ Drawn to Print: Robert Dickerson, A Tribute Exhibition is on show at Gallows Gallery, Glyde Street, Mosman Park until September 21.

–

EXHIBITION DATES September 7th to 20th (inclusive)

Hours: Mon-Thur 9am to 6pm, Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 4pm and Sun 12pm to 4pm

VENUE 1 Leake Street Peppermint Grove FREE ENTRY

Ian Bauert

Brian Carew-Hopkins

Tim Sewell

George Schaeffer

Sue CrossMiles Humphreys

■ A kitten provides one lifeline of friendship for Agnes (Eva Victor) as she rebuilds her life.

Eskimo Joe frontman

HalynGoesPink

Inthelead-upto NationalBreastCancerAwarenessMonth,Halyn Propertyisdonating $250foreveryhomeSOLDthroughoutSeptember.

Thenin October,ourteam – HalynGoesPink – willbewalkingthe LesmurdieFallstrail insupportof BreastCancerNetworkAustralia (BCNA).

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DonationswillcloseonOctober30.

ScantoDonate – HelpUs ReachOurGoal!

Rare find among Subi renovations

Agent John Hunter must have had a crystal ball because on Tuesday he expected this renovated character home would sell before its closing date of September 8.

The builder’s own home went under offer the next day to an east coast buyer who paid in the low to mid $3million range.

A drastic shortage of properties for sale was one of the reasons why the house was snapped up after 14 days.

There were only three houses for sale in Subiaco at the time of going to print while the number of list-

ings in Perth dropped to a record low of 2981 at the end of August, according to REIWA.

This was 10.4% fewer than July and 18.3% lower than a year ago.

Buyers would normally expect more properties

Bailee Farm, TOODYAY - KATRINE “On the Banks of the Avon River”

For Sale by way of EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 811.92 hectares - 2,006 acres

Bailee Farm is an amazing parcel of land which has become available for sale due to the owners retiring. Located on the banks of the Avon river in the middle of Toodyay and Northam in the area of Katrine it has some of the better views that could be offered given it rises up into a massive granite ridge which then overlooks the Avon River with views out to Northam and the Eastern farmland.

• Located just 97 kms from the CBD of Perth and along the banks of the Avon River

• Very early selected farmland with highly productive red clay loams in approx 450mm rainfall zone

• Mixed farming options with capacity to run large volumes of livestock and 300 hectares of open cropping land

• Bailee Farm has been assessed to have very high carbon biodiversity options

• An excellent future landbanking opportunity given its unique location Property ID: nutrienharcourts.com.au/LEP38649 For all enquiries please contact: TERRY NORRISH Nutrien Harcourts Real Estate M: 0429 471 219 | E: terry.norrish@nutrien.com.au

to come on the market in spring.

“We call it the spring drop, but it is not happening this year,” Mr Hunter said.

“I have been speaking to some of the top agents in the western suburbs and they are saying the same thing: People are not selling because they have nothing to go to.

“About 70% of the buyers I deal with buy ﬁrst, get a bridging loan, then sell their other house three months later.”

About 80 groups inspected the house on a 430sq.m site at the Kings Park end of Subiaco.

The 1930s house had seen better days when the builder-owner bought it in 2005.

Old real-estate photos show a poky kitchen, wainscoting painted Federation green (it was trendy back then) and a rockery garden

In 2017, he gave it a major makeover to cater

for his growing family.

“It was the kind of renovation you would expect a builder to do for his own family,” Mr Hunter said.

The dysfunctional and dated kitchen was transformed into an open-plan design with white cabinets, subway tiles, stainlesssteel appliances and a Hamptons-style lightﬁtting.

Parents were given the ﬁve-star treatment with a whole ﬂoor to themselves.

Upstairs is a main bedroom, ensuite, retreat and larger-than-average dressing room.

The three minor bedrooms are in the original section of the house which has jarrah ﬂoorboards, high ceilings and ﬁreplaces.

■ Niches for candles and other homewares in the pannelled wall show the attention to detail.

■ Out went the old, poky kitchen and in went this contemporary design.

■ Buyers are looking to demolish or renovate this ornate Dalkeith house on a 2023sq.m site.

Dalkeith auction falls short of sale

Back in 1989, it would have cost a bomb to buy two blocks in Dalkeith and build a lavish house with marble floors, chandeliers, a circular staircase and elaborate Indonesian furniture. The seven-bedroom and three-bathroom house at 37 Circe Circle is not everyone’s cup of tea, but the 2023sq.m property has appealed to buyers looking to

either renovate or demolish. Agent Ryan Smith of Whitefox said he was chasing about $6million for the sprawling property, which was passed in at auction for $5.5million. Indonesian owners are living in Singapore so their children are selling the family home on their behalf. In other auction news, there are two local auctions scheduled for this Saturday, September 6: •6B Myera Swanbourne, at 11am and •7 Hardy Road, Nedlands, at 1pm.

Couple looking at around $30million

Cottesloe couple Roger and Yulia Bryerhave pocketed $19million from selling commercial properties at 413 Murray Street and 886890 Hay Street, Perth. They are also off-loading their home at 17 Warton Street, which is listed with Bev Heymans of Acton | Belle

A 10-car garage is among the many features of the five-bedroom and six-bathroom house on an 840sq.m site. Marketing material

■ A woman called Yan Zhang paid $7.2million for this City Beach house last year. Landgate shows the same name appears on a further 28 properties in suburbs such as Hocking, Rossmoyne and Wembley Downs.

new Palazzo build that merged world-class wellness amenities phenomenal scale and extravagant finishes”. The basement level has a cellar and a “salon quality” spa room. The house, 250m from the beach, is priced from $10million to $12million. RP Data shows it had been on the market in 2023 with a different agent.

Beach mansion with ocean views to a $137,000 Wellard block. The POST asked Landgate if the same person owned all 29 properties but we are still in the dark. This was the reply: “Under the Transfer of Land Act 1983, Landgate only records the name and address on a certificate of title. As such, we cannot confirm whether these properties belong to the same individual or different people with the same name.” The POST has contacted Yan Zhang from City Beach for a comment.

Church property close to selling

■ A “salon quality” spa room is on the long list of luxurious finishes in this Cottesloe house priced from $10million to $12million.

Who is Yan Zhang? Is it the Chinese-born millennial who reportedly bought a $141million Sydney penthouse? AFR reporter Bonnie Campbell said the littleknown name appeared on the title deed for the three-storey Barangaroo apartment. Or is it the woman in her 50s who paid $7.2million for a luxury house in City Beach last year? Yan Zhang is a common Chinese name, according to a property watcher who has met the woman. “It is a bit like Mary Smith,” she said. Yan Zhang has 29 properties in WA, according to Landgate. They range from the City

Uniting Church could be saying amen to its huge 5344sq.m site in West Perth, which is now under offer. Heritage-listed Ross Memorial Church is the centrepiece of the significant site advertised for $17.5million (excluding GST). The 1916 Federation-style church is associated with Sir John Forrest, the great-uncle of mining billionaire Andrew Forrest. The property at 1202-1204 Hay Street and 80 Colin Street hit the market in March. It is described on the JLL website as an “unprecedented West Perth

■ The Uniting Church has put a price tag of $17.5million on its West Perth site, which is close to being sold.

Masterpiece of planning

Aesthetics, design and the ocean are all important to the owner of this home, a barrister, surfer and art collector.

And it is evident throughout his art-galleryinspired house with an abundance of walls to display his collection ranging from paintings to restored vintage surfboards.

“The surfboards reﬂect my original connection to Cottesloe when I was a serious surfer,” the owner said.

He commissioned architect Jean-mic Perrine to design this house for sale, and the one next door at No.1A that won

Award for Residential Architecture in 2020.

“They are similar in design but next door is twice the size,” the owner said.

The house at 1A, which sold in 2021 for $4.75million, is on a 355sq.m site.

The owner was deeply involved in the planning

project,which was designed to appear as one building from the street. But they are two separate, unconnected dwellings.

“It was all part of the aesthetic; I didn’t want it to look like two apartments,” he said.

The house, with a at roof, was designed

to maximise Perth’s Mediterranean-style climate.

“With our climate, I’ve never seen the sense of a pitched roof,” he said.

A minimalist style inspired by 1950s brutalist architecture deﬁnes the home with concrete walls, interesting light ﬁttings and strategic windows to capture the light.

Dark grey cabinets, carpets and windows contrast with white paintwork in the home with a strong,

$599,000 SUBIACO

304/10 Rokeby Road

This one-bedroom apartment in the ONE Subiaco complex sold off-the-plan for $430,000 in 2020.

AGENT: Paige Garvey, Blackburne.

$3.25million CLAREMONT

24 Vaucluse Avenue

masculine look.

Much thought went into future-prooﬁng the home with add-ons such as more wiring and switching from electricity to gas in the kitchen.

Engineers allowed for a roof terrace to be built to take advantage of the ocean views.

Asked what kind of buyer the house would suit, the owner said: “Someone like me, a person who understands and appreciates the aesthetics of the house and the beneﬁts of living this close to the beach.”

The house, in a cul-desac, has a car lift and a turntable in the basement garage.

Other features are double-glazing, underﬂoor heating and a lift.

The French-inspired garden with hedges and urns creates a welcoming ﬁrst impression of this home two doors from Stirling Highway.

AGENT: Oliva Ruello, Wallace Real Estate.

$3.4million CITY BEACH

6 Omaroo Terrace

The cellar was among the many features of this Ocean Mia home which went to an expat from Canada, sight unseen.

AGENT: Vangelis Katsaitis, Excellence Property Specialists.

Walk to beach

Future-proofed to age in place

Lock-and-leave

CONTACT: Marcus Sproule 0409 990 559. Things you will love

$5million FLOREAT

6 Elphin Street

Avanti Builders shelled out $1.8million for a 797sq.m block opposite a reserve and built a luxurious, modernist-style house.

AGENT: Scott Swingler, Shore Property.

■ Art collectors will feel at home in this gallery-inspired house with plenty of walls and natural light.

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Swan fish kill mystery

“We haven’t discounted that there could be harmful algae involved, so we are doing tests on the water.

“Local governments are working with the DBCA to identify key locations, and those cleanups are starting now.”

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Lycra battle

• From page 1

The changes were made originally in 2022 but are being readvertised for public feedback on the Your Voice Nedlands website until September 7 after the project stalled.

No upgrades to Jutland Parade were included in the original plan.

The revised plan designates Beatrice Road, two blocks inland, as the preferred route for cyclists rounding the Dalkeith peninsula.

“The council knows that Beatrice is not a suitable road,” Mr Atkinson said.

“Jutland Parade will always remain the preferred cycle route.”

Dr Trayler said this should be the worst of the initial impact on marine wildlife. Fish fatalities has mainly consisted of smaller ﬁsh, like (scaly) mackerel or blowﬁsh.

The culprit is the fresh water introduced by recent wet weather that sits above denser saltwater at the mouth of the river.

Any small ﬁsh caught in this fresh-water top layer struggle to breathe, until they eventually suffocate.

That is why locals have been sighting ﬁsh ﬂoundering on the river surface, appearing to gulp for oxygen.

All this ﬁsh misfortune is subjective, the scientists say.

“The birds and dolphins are having an absolute ﬁeld day out there today, and really enjoying those ﬁsh,” Dr Trayler said.

“We don’t believe that the ﬁsh have been affected by any kind of

There are also benefits to reap from a marine ecosystem reset that has culled significant numbers of pest-like fish.

“These kinds of fresh-water ﬂows will see their populations diminish in the waterway, so it’s not all bad news for the waterway,” Dr Trayler said.

She estimates the river could take until summer to eventually return to normal.

Further testing, monitoring, and clean-up efforts are underway and will continue into the weeks ahead.

Swanbourne frothing over cafe

“That was a straw that broke the camel’s back,” he said.

“I sort of ceased being cooperative after that.”

He was grateful the “lycra brigade” had not found the place after problems with a previous cafe when cyclists rested their bikes on his shop window.

“It’s not that I’ve got anything against the deli, because I’ve been beside previous shops for

Graves

40 years, but there’s a degree of entitlement that’s coming from next door,” he said.

Mr Burridge and other locals have complained to Claremont about the cafe since it opened.

Councillors who visited the deli for the opening day exchanged glowing recommendations during last month’s council meeting.

The Town of Claremont, Ms Prior and Mr Kaye did not respond to questions about the cafe’s impact.

‘gouging’ grievers

• From page 3

He suggested the council impose overnight parking restrictions along Jutland Parade so that riders did not have to call out to each other.

Nedlands commissioners will vote on the plan after public feedback is collated.

Mr Huston used Parliament to query long-serving members of the MCB’s board, asking Ms Beazley to identify “the maximum length of time” a board member should serve.

“Is the minister satisﬁed that the turnover of the board is in accordance with public sector government standards?” he asked.

“Every appointment or reappointment goes through a review and approvals process,” Ms Beazley said.

Mr Huston did not name any board members he thought had served too long. The longest-serving member is Bowra & O’Dea executive chairman Joe O’Dea, now the MCB chair, who joined the board more than 30 years ago.

Dead fish washed under rocks in the Swan River.

• From page 5

Dog poisoner strikes

almost everyone on the road had been affected.

“The whole street is absolutely enraged,” she said.

Other dog owners on the street were keeping their dogs inside to keep them safe from the unknown poisoner.

“People are afraid to let their dogs out into their own courtyards,” she said.

The family has suspicions about the identity of the killer.

The family last month received a complaint letter printed on a forged Subiaco council letterhead.

“When I took it to the council they said they had no record of a complaint having been made,” Leanne said.

A neighbour had once knocked on her door and told her the dogs had been “barking all day”.

“I work from home and had

been at home all day, with the dogs in the room,” Leanne said.

The devastating events began last Tuesday, when Chief fell ill, panting and becoming agitated.

He was taken to the vet where his temperature spiked and his condition deteriorated.

“We still didn’t realise how serious it was,” Leanne said.

Leanne and Brent were with Chief at the vet as he died.

They then received a devastating video from the children at home, showing Cindy panting and displaying the same symptoms.

They rushed home and took her to straight to the vet, but her temperature spiked and she went downhill before dying that night.

“They did everything they could, because they knew we’d lost our other dog in the morning,” Leanne said.

“These aren’t just animals,

Barker faces challenge

• From page 3

together, which is already very good, and commit to a more transparent local government where the deputy mayor will have a more inclusive role.

“My children attend Scotch College and JTC. I am an active parent able to understand a different age demographic.”

Mr Telford supports a review of the Town’s fees and charges for waste services and has pitched ideas for new public amenities like a padel tennis court and public toilets at parks.

Mr Barker joined the council in 2001 but his pitch to residents is not dissimilar to Mr Telford’s.

“I think it will be quite close,” Kate Main said. “Jock’s had 20 great years and Peter is younger

He advocated for transparency, new public facilities, environmental protections and more support for local businesses.

“Now more than ever, the Town needs an experienced and competent leader ensure it is prepared for the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.

Councillors were diplomatic about the prospects of either

‘Illegal’ spend

• From page 11 voting without discussion to accept a staff report that the spending was permitted by a special provision of the Local Government Act.

They ﬁnally approved the long-delayed roundabout project for the intersection of The Avenue and Birdwood Parade, which is entirely funded by a $1.55million Black Spot grant.

Contractor WCP Civil is now in a race against time to ﬁnish the project by the end of the year, when the grant is due to expire.

Main Roads has already granted one extension after Nedlands missed the original deadline earlier this year.

“Works are expected to start in September and be completed by mid-December,” council staff reported.

The project also includes raised plateaus along The Avenue between Birdwood Parade and Broadway, plus a raised intersection at Bessel Avenue.

The stretch of road saw 17 major crashes in a ﬁve-year period.

they are part of our family. They were extremely well loved, adored.”

The family spent $40,000 on quarantine after bringing the dogs to Australia last year when they moved back from Oman.

Leanne said the dogs were family dogs who went almost everywhere, including soccer trainings and holidays.

They were regulars at Mueller and Rosalie parks, and often took walks on the Scotch College grounds.

“We’ve been robbed of all the years they would have been with our family,” Leanne said.

“Cindy wanted to be everyone’s best friend and Chief was more mischievous.”

Once they have the autopsy results, the Coopers are determined to try to get justice for their dogs.

“We can’t just sit back and do nothing,” Leanne said.

“They are both very competent people who would do the right thing.”

• In Cambridge, deputy mayor Ben Mayes has renominated for the Wembley ward and said he had worked hard and wanted to “continue the positive momentum”.

There are two vacancies for four-year terms in both Cambridge wards.

Councillor Xavier Carr has renominated in the Coast ward.

Brett Heil has also nominated; he volunteers with the Friends of Perry Lakes and the Dog’s Refuge Home.

• Mosman Park newcomer Emily Orrell has nominated for the vacancy left by Georgie Carey’s departure.

Her background in project managing and involvement with her children attending local schools has driven a commitment to safer road crossings and library upgrades.

Mayor Paul Shaw and all other councillors intend to renominate.

• Brigitte Pine, chair of the Subiaco Women’s Shed, will stand against Lisa Hindmarsh in Subiaco’s East ward.

And farmer and small businessman Daniel Fyffe will stand against Shenton Park man Luca Muir Anderson in the South ward.

North ward councillor Rosemarie De Vries and Penny O’Connor (Central) appear set to be returned unopposed.

No candidate had emerged to run against mayor David McMullen – but nominations had not closed at time of going to press.

Vacant block pay double rates?

• From page 7

$192,444 but would require ministerial approval.

Councillor Sara Franklyn asked whether a rise would encourage landowners or hamper those already struggling in a building crisis.

“Those poor people are getting smashed on that front, and I wouldn’t want to add to their pain,” she said.

“I’m not sure the time and

effort is worth pursuing.”

Councillor Paul Kelly said the money raised would be negligible and that the time it would take the administration to manage this would not be worth it.

“One property is a signiﬁcant contributor, and if you take that out of the equation because the earthworks have already started now, there’s not a hell of a lot in it from the ﬁnancial sense,” he said.

A Claremont report found 15 local governments have imposed higher rates on vacant blocks but Cottesloe was the only western suburb council among them.

Cottesloe imposed differential rates on 77 vacant blocks, 62 of which were residential land.

Claremont has until early next year to decide whether to adopt the plan.

Cambridge rates overcharged $1m

“I would like to sincerely apologise to the Town’s ratepayers for this mistake,” Ms Clack said.

“We appreciate council rates make up a large part of household budgets and issuing Cambridge residents with the wrong amount is unacceptable.”

She said the affected properties were only in the Endowment Lands Area.

“Residents in other parts of the Town can be assured your rates are correct,” she said.

“We have double checked and conﬁrmed this.”

The Town applied to the

State Administrative Tribunal to correct the error, after legal advice and discussions with the Department of Local Government.

SAT senior member Stephen Willey quashed the rate ﬁgure on Tuesday after hearing evidence from Cambridge.

The council called a special meeting for Wednesday evening to vote in the correct rate amount, one day before the council goes into caretaker mode before the October election.

“I hope that this goes some way to rebuilding some trust with our community,” Ms Clack said.

She said the issue was

“squarely” with the Town’s administration.

“I know the mayor and council committed many hours to interrogating budget data to achieve the best outcome for their community, including the rates modelling they were presented during the budget development as part of their commitment to transparency and accountability,” she said.

The council would engage an external review on the rates calculation and modelling as part of the budget development, she said.

Ms Clack encouraged people with questions to contact the Cambridge rates department.

The POST targets 112,000 local people each week.

The cheque’s in the mail … twice

The WACA has found a novel way to bridge the funding shortfall in its ground redevelopment project.

The $185million project to convert the world-famous venue into a small domestic ground is still short of its target although the state Government, for a Perth Bears quid pro quo, has recently kicked in another $15million and a $10million loan has been arranged.

Things were also looking rosy, for a minute or two at least, when the federal Government TWICE sent a cheque for $8.8million to the WACA.

Margaret River stay top of the class

surfing with cameron bedford-brown

Western suburb schools came out swinging hammers in the lineup during the state ﬁnal of the WA School Surﬁ last Friday.

From bodyboard chargers to smooth railcarvers, western suburb schools nailed some epic results to prove they are right at the spearhead of WA surﬁng.

Leading the charge were Methodist Ladies College surfers Bronte Scott and Sabah Phillips who stormed home in style to claim back-to-back glory and defend their crown in the senior girls bodyboarding.

Scotch College duo Harley Kitts and Jackson Douglas were on absolute heaters, powering through the sets to take out the win in the junior boys bodyboarding.

John XXIII College brothers Ben and Jake Scott kept the stoke burning with a silky second in the senior boys surﬁng while Christ Church Grammar School pair Jake Jordan and Lawson Kirby ripped their way to runners-up in the senior boys bodyboarding.

John XXIII, Scotch and MLC ﬁ second and Christ Church equal sixth.

Four local schools, four massive results and the western suburbs are well and truly staking their claim as a surf force.

Trigg Beach frothed into overdrive as groms from every corner of the state waxed up, paddled out and lit up the lineup in an event that’s as West Australian as a dawn patrol at Cott Main.

The loudest cheers and the biggest slabs of glory once again belonged to Margaret River Senior High School.

After two decades of dominance, Margaret River isn’t just a school, it’s a surf dynasty.

The powerhouse surf factory from the SouthWest didn’t just show up, they blew up, winning ﬁve of the eight divisions to take out their 20th consecutive champion school title.

The WA School Surﬁng Titles is the one comp that captures the stoke and soul of West Aussie surﬁng.

Bill’s golden wheel of progress ress

with over 400 teams from 40 schools competing across 10 qualifying events with 21 schools reaching the state ﬁnal.

Surﬁng WA regional manager Kim Clift reckons this year’s standard was next-level.

“We had kids from Exmouth through to Albany and the standard of surﬁng was outstanding,” he said.

“Congratulations to Margaret River Senior High School on once again proving they’re the best surﬁng school in WA.”

obstinacy of his will as much as the power of the massive shoulders that used to propel him around the basketball court or lift weights as though they

His approach to life was evident from his role as a feisty columnist in the weekly footy newspaper Westside Football.

The column was called “From Where I Sit” and the tone of the title was reected in his unsparing approach to his subject

A browse through some of his columns this week turned up one in which he accused WA football selectors of cheating by picking former Victorians Geoff Miles and Colin Waterson in the 1986 State of Origin team.

pointed sporting column took no prisoners.

cided that that’s me and that’s Addressing the challenge with the enthusiasm that marked every part of his life, he organised games, started fundraising and soon had a team able to compete in the Stoke Mandeville games, an event in England that was the forerunner of the rst gold medal –rstchoice member of the Australian rst three Paralympic editions in Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964) and Tel Aviv (1968).

But his greatest success came at home in Perth when the city hosted the inaugural Commonwealth Paraplegic Games to coincide with the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

Pioneered by surgeon George Bedbrook, the paralympics event owed no small part of its success to the charismatic local star, who was always available for a spicy quote or soundbite to enhance his muscular performances. And what performances they were, whether in teams or individual sport, in his clunky wheelchair or in the water.

Went from scrubbers to international players in about two years ‘ ’

The columnist had his dander up as he launched a colourful and merciless critique of the decision. Consequences be damned when he had a point

“It makes you want to chun-

“If the state selectors entertain the idea, the [WAFL] should give them and the coach

“I’m a West Australian with more than my average quota of pride and there is no way I would call on two Victorians to help me win a State of Origin

The fact that the rules allowed it, and WA went on to beat the Big V by just three points in one of the most memorable state matches ever staged, did nothing to soften his stance.

That refusal to countenance a backwards step, or rather roll, was part of the reason Matheruential in a sporting realm that is now one of the biggest on the planet.

He was working as a sport reporter for radio station 6IX in 1955 and was sent to cover a remedial sport day at Royal Perth’s Shenton Park annex.

He fully expected to ﬁle a cliched report about brave cripples getting on with life but, instead, had a Road to Damascus moment.

“They started to play basketball and my whole world changed,” he once said. “I de-

He won gold in weightlifting, basketball, table tennis doubles and 50m backstroke, and silver medals in the table tennis singles and 50m freestyle.

“It was big for us,” he said. “We went from being scrubbers to international players in about two years.”

A decade as a regular international also saw him orchestrate regular success in the national basketball championships with nothing better than beating Victoria on their home soil.

“We recruited everyone we knew who had a disability to get on that basketball court and give it all they had,” he said of his list management approach.

“We won seven of the ﬁrst eight interstate tournaments … and we would’ve won the eighth, too, but we picked the wrong coach.”

Mather-Brown was not ﬁnished when his representative career was over, and continued to have a profound presence in WA sport “as a coach, agitator, you name it”.

He was named WA Citizen of the Year in 1981 in recognition of the range and depth of his achievements, but you sense that was not enough to satisfy the competitive juices raging within him.

“In the early days at Shenton Park, they’d say ‘It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, as long as you’re taking part’,” he said.

“It mattered greatly to me. I wanted to compete. And, more than anything, I wanted to win.”

Bill Mather-Brown, left, with the Australian team at the Rome Paralympics.

Mather-Brown’s

Use this shape to make a drawing. The best two entries will win.

How to enter:

Do your best Doodlebug drawing in the box above, and fill in the entry form. Cut out the drawing and entry form and ask an adult to email it to sarah@postnewspapers.com.au, with “Doodlebug” in the subject heading. Or drop your entry off to our office at 276 Onslow Road, Shenton Park 6008, during normal business hours, or mail it to POST Kids at that address. For artists up to the age of 12. ENTRIES MUST ARRIVE BY NOON ON WEDNESDAY.

Name: .........................................................................Age ............................

Address ...........................................................................................................

Suburb ........................................................................Postcode ....................

Phone number: ..............................................................................................

What have you drawn?:

Vouchers will be mailed and valid for 4 weeks. These Doodlebug contestants have won.

Lennon Gillam, Olivia Carr, Genevieve Tozer, Olivia Norburn, Jake Levitzke, Lewis Grida, Daniella Fish, Ellen Turner, Asha Kuppusamy, Noah Tydde.

Doozy of a dodo doodle

Some sporty cars and hot rods zoomed in this week, like Lennon’s crazy cars, Olivia’s racing car, Jake’s old Sunday drive and Lewis’s car that accidentally ended up in a stunt show.

There were also some really inventive ideas such as Daniella’s pelican, Olivia’s sculpture by the sea, Ellen’s cool cowboy and Asha’s

Q. What goes tick, tock, bow wow, tick, tock bow wow?

A. A watch dog!

Q. Why can’t cars play football?

A. They only have one boot!

Q. What do you call a sleeping bull?

A. A bulldozer!

Q. What do you get when dinosaurs crash their cars?

A. Tyrannosaurus wrecks!

These cute and cheeky cupcakes and easy to make and fun to decorate.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 200g butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 100g dark chocolate

• 2 extra large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¾ cup self-raising flour

• ¼ cup cocoa TO DECORATE:

WHAT TO DO:

• 150g unsalted butter

• 250g chocolate

buttercream icing mix

• 3 tsp water

• marshmallows

• desiccated coconut

• sprinkles

Preheat oven to 150°C fan-forced. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper patty cases. Combine butter, sugar and chocolate in a saucepan and heat gently until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly. Whisk the eggs into the chocolate mixture one at a time, followed by vanilla, until smooth. Fold in flour and cocoa. Spoon batter into prepared paper cases. Bake for 25 minutes until just cooked. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tongue twister

Roger Rabbit’s red Rolls-Royce rolled right.

perfect girl pirate. But it was the animals that caught my attention this week. The two main winners this week are Olivia Soo, 9, from Claremont, and Elle Markov, 9, from Mt Claremont. Both girls have used the doodle lines expertly – Olivia in her picture of a dog with a ball in its mouth in a dog park, and Elle in a beautiful and imaginative rendition of a dodo reaching up for some spring berries.

Q. What do you call a dog with a fever?

A. A hot dog!

I get lots of great drawings when it’s raining – so I’m looking forward to next week!

Q. What happened to the wooden car?

A. It wooden go!

Chocolate bunny bottom cupcakes

ICING: For buttercream, place butter in a bowl and use electric beaters to mix until smooth. Add icing mix and water, mixing well.

TO DECORATE CUPCAKES: Transfer to a piping bag with a small round nozzle. Pipe in a circular motion on the top of cupcakes and decorate to resemble bunny bottoms. Add a marshmallow dipped in desiccated coconut in the centre for the tail and split a second marshmallow for the feet.

You can use pink sprinkles as foot pads if you’re feeling up to it.

WANT TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD?

Head to postnewspapers.com.au and lodge your classiﬁed online or drop by our office at 276 Onslow Rd, Shenton Park.

Olivia Soo (9)

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