Horizons August/September 2019

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

» What’s on in WA » Member benefits » 10 of the best

BLOOM TIME

On the trail of WA’s most surprising wildflowers

Car running costs

The cheapest cars to own and run

Going electric

How different is owning an electric car?

Emergency callout

Ordinary people stepping up to save lives

Win

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ALASKA 2020

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*Prices are per adult in AUD, based on lead-in twin share accommodation in each of the specified categories, inclusive of all savings/discounts, port and government charges, correct as at 18 June 2019. Offer is valid for a limited time only, unless sold out prior, is capacity controlled, subject to availability/ change and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Cruise or Alaska Land + Sea Journey Only. Single passengers must pay a single supplement. Some Oceanview and Verandah Staterooms may have obstructed views. To be read in conjunction with the full terms and conditions of Holland America Line, which passengers will be bound by. Agents may charge service fees/or fees for card payments which vary. Cancellation penalties and conditions apply.

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Terms & Conditions: *Free Onboard Credit is per cabin on selected voyages for new bookings made through RAC and amount may vary depending on voyage booked. Fares shown are per person, twin-share in AUD, and include port taxes, government charges (including GST when applicable) and promotional discounts. Prices differ for triple or quad-share. Buy one get one free offer applies to selected cruises and guests 1 and 2 must book together and share a cabin. Prices and cabin availability correct as at 19/6/19 and may be withdrawn or changed at any time. Offers valid for new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offers or promotions. Prices are governed by the CMV terms and conditions. Gratuities not included. Amendment/cancellation fees and booking conditions apply. E&OE. For full terms and conditions that apply, visit CMVAustralia.com. CO19717_RAC_Horizons_FP

Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Graphic Designer Renee Smith Head of Design Mark Coppini Managing Editor Rebecca Martin Advertising Gail Raj (WA only) Tel. 08 9388 7844 gail@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane Tel. 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com Horizons® Published by RAC WA Cover photo Dusty in the Everlastings Perenjori, Western Australia Photographer Ellie Morris elliemorris.com.au

Your RAC magazine Aug/Sep 2019

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All aboard Discover the Red Centre on board The Ghan

CAB audited as at March 2019 is 607,643 households

Our plastic wrapper is biodegradable

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Member lounge People, places and offers

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Member benefits RAC members save every day

Australia Post ISSN No 0810 8285.

The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.

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Contact

 facebook.com/RACWA  @racwa rac.com.au  editor@rac.com.au For deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au For more contact details, see page 81.

Roadside Assistance, Battery Services

Vehicle Condition Appraisals

13 11 11

1300 797 078

Membership, Motoring Advice, Insurance, Finance, Travel, Touring, Security Services

13 17 03

RAC Auto Services

1300 135 667 RAC Tyres

1300 651 042 Corporate Enquiries

9436 4111

August-September 2019 / Horizons

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President’s message Electrified transport network

Exchange Your views and feedback

Snapshot News from RAC

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What’s on Great events around WA

Riskiest roads Which WA roads are on the list

On road costs Your weekly car running costs

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Going electric We answer your EV questions

Pest infestation How to protect your home

First responders Meet the everyday heros

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49

Travel brief News from RAC Travel

Weird and wonderful WA’s kooky wildflowers

Motor news Everything on wheels

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82

Test drive Putting new cars to the test

Car doctor Your questions answered

The 10 best Dog-friendly walk trails

Horizons / August-September 2019

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Doing more for WA and for you That’s the power of membership Your membership is helping to create a better WA – from young driver education, to road safety and sustainability initiatives, and the sponsorship of the RAC Rescue helicopters. And we give back to you with discounts on RAC products and services, plus great everyday savings.

RBRA0525

Everyday savings

Find out more at rac.com.au/power Member Benefit Terms and Conditions apply. Funded by the State Government, the RAC Rescue helicopters are managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Young driver education

YO U R R A C

President’s message Moving toward an electrified transport network As part of our commitment to improving the lives of our members, RAC has made sustainability a key priority. Vehicle electrification in particular has been a major focus, due to the considerable health benefits it will deliver to our communities.

Research indicates that about 2500 deaths in Australia each year are attributable to air pollution, at an estimated economic cost of $11 billion.

Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution. Tailpipe emissions from vehicles in Australia are, per capita, 44 per cent higher than the average of other OECD nations, with 43 million tonnes being emitted from cars on Australian roads each year.

The move toward electrified transport will play a major role in reducing harmful vehicle emissions, however there has so far been little action taken to prepare WA, or indeed the nation, to manage the many impacts and opportunities of this transition.

Against the back drop of the recent Federal Election we saw the country’s attention more focused on electric vehicles (EV) and energy policy. While encouraging, debate alone is not enough. We must now take hold of this momentum and accelerate the real policy work that is required.

RAC has taken an active role in this space, including through the RAC Electric Highway®, a network of 11 fast-charging stations between Perth and WA’s South West. The Electric Highway allows EV owners to travel more than 520km of our State with confidence, knowing they’ll be able to recharge without hassle. This important project is helping the WA community become

more familiar with the concept of EVs while also delivering unique insights to help inform decision makers.

As with any change of this size, there will be a myriad of challenges to overcome, not least of which is the availability and speed of EV charging stations. A more active market for EVs will also be critical, as will reform of motoring taxation and the ongoing transition to a cleaner power grid.

These are complex issues that will require careful consideration. And while there are learnings we should embrace from other parts of the world, we should also recognise the uniqueness of our country and the issues we face.

This is precisely why we must move past the debate and start taking real action now to lock in the future benefits, which include a healthier and more efficient transport network for all West Australians.

RAC President

Tony Evans RAC Council Club Patron His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia President Tony Evans Senior Vice President Jacqueline Ronchi Vice President Ross Dowling Members of Council Allan Blagaich Esme Bowen Freda Crucitti Jill Darby John Driscoll Dalton Gooding Alden Halse Murray Lampard Emmerson Richardson Tim Shanahan Julie Wadley

Tony Evans RAC President

Horizons / August-September 2019

Jim Walker

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YO U R R A C

Member feedback

@racwa @racwa editor@rac.com.au Sign up to receive RAC’s For the Better enews rac.com.au/racenews

Mino Surkala / Shutterstock.com

Trailer training

Regional rescue

I gained my licence at the age of 17 in QLD (car and a motorbike up to 250cc). Since then I have gained a HR (Heavy Rigid vehicle) licence, and a licence for a larger motorbike. They are both a larger version of vehicles I have driven or ridden for years yet I am still required to take lessons and be tested. If I wish to drive articulated trucks I have to go to a driving school and be tested again. Why then can I go to a dealer and buy a caravan or even a trailer and just hook it up and drive off without any further qualification? Are they not ‘articulated’ by the meaning of the word? Surely there needs to be some test for towing vehicles?

As a reader mentioned in April/May Horizons magazine, many are unaware of the legal speed when towing. Greg Wilton

Thank you very much RAC for rescuing us when stranded on the Brand Highway on our way to Geraldton one afternoon. My family and I were 15km North of Cataby, when my Nissan Pulsar car broke down. A mobile phone call to RAC Roadside Assistance got a motor mechanic out from Dandaragan to check the car. With his help, we managed to ‘limp’ back to Cataby, where we stayed the night at the motel there. The following morning, the RAC kindly organised a tow truck from Gin Gin to tow our car back home to Ellenbrook.

Thank you once again. Dot and Ken Brown

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August-September 2019 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Celebrity chef Poh recently created a French fusion menu at RAC Karri Valley Resort in Pemberton.

Get social with @RACWA on Facebook and Twitter. Tag your snaps with #RACWA and you could feature in the next Horizons.

King prawn In the June/July edition of Horizons we asked which Big Prawn was best – Exmouth’s, or the one in Ballina, NSW.

 Really like this lady has such positive vibes.

Silvie Regina Cunes

Exmouth’s big prawn has to be the winner.

Truly a thing of beauty. It is anatomically accurate and very elegantly displayed. The Ballina prawn is crudely formed and supported on a very intrusive scaffold. No contest. Dena Shaw

 I love watching Poh’s Kitchen!

Margaret Higgs  She is a great cook.

Marija Antich

Daniel’s a little legend

Winning Exchange

My son Daniel (4 years old) did some artwork with the stickers you provided with his RAC Little Legends Club card. Annie Leotta

Care around L-platers As the mother of two L-platers I cannot believe the lack of respect by other drivers. As a younger driver I was taught to lead by example, that if we saw a car with L-plates we should keep a safe distance to not cause fear, and respect that this may be their first time on a road. I have lost count of the number of times my daughters have been abused, intimidated, tailgated, cut off, been honked at just for the fun of it, and generally been treated badly by people who should know better. It is like they are invisible. No wonder P-platers often have bad habits if they are treated like this when they are learning. I believe there needs to be a public campaign on leading by example for L-platers for many reasons - safety being just one. Lulu Langford

RAC Little Legends Club® helps primary school kids learn essential road safety skills and is free to join. To find out more, visit rac.com.au/littlelegends

CORRECTION: The image labelled St Gertrude’s College, New Norcia on page 32 of June/July Horizons was in fact St Ildephonsus’ College in New Norcia.

Send feedback and win Send us your opinions and feedback via Facebook, Twitter, email or post and you could win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance.

For assistance or more information call 13 17 03 or visit rac.com.au Terms and conditions on page 81. Published letters may be edited for style and length.

While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

Horizons / August-September 2019

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YO U R R A C

News in brief from the RAC and beyond

When a pelican signal is flashing at you A pelican crossing is a marked pedestrian crossing with signals for both pedestrians and drivers.

Pelican crossings are located away from road intersections but work like normal traffic control signals, except that they have a flashing yellow light facing drivers.

The flashing yellow light signals to drivers that they should approach and proceed through the intersection with caution.

If there is a pedestrian at the crossing while the yellow light is flashing, then the driver must give way to them, and not obstruct the pedestrian. Drivers are also not permitted to overtake another vehicle that is slowing down to stop, or has already stopped, at a pelican crossing with a flashing yellow light. And, of course, on a red signal the driver must stop.

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Crashes in WA In 2018, the most common vehicle crash type in metropolitan Perth that resulted in fatalities was not collisions with other vehicles but with objects such as walls and trees, according to the Road Safety Commission’s preliminary summary of road fatalities.

Overall, the number of fatalities in the metropolitan area decreased compared with the previous year, while the number of deaths on regional roads increased.

Source: rsc.wa.gov.au; 2018 Preliminary Summary of Fatalities on WA roads, Road Safety Commission

159

people died on WA roads in 2018

98

in regional areas

61

in metro Perth

20-29

was the most common age group for fatalities

75% of fatalities were male

August-September 2019 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

RAC Council election alert

Don’t overdecorate your car’s interior

The next issue of Horizons will contain an election supplement (with a ballot paper) that will allow eligible voting members of The Royal Automobile Club of W.A. (Inc.) (RAC) to cast their vote in the 2019 RAC Council election.

As our vehicle interiors become busier with gadgets and visual displays, drivers should be cautious about adding any other unnecessary accessories.

Where there is more than one eligible voting member in a household, one election supplement will be included with Horizons, with further copies being sent separately (by later post).

Please note: only those persons who are Honorary Life Members, Gold Life Members or Personal Members (being members with RAC Roadside Assistance or Wheels2go, and who have paid their subscriptions in full for the applicable period of membership) as at the date 28 days prior to the date of the annual general meeting, are eligible to vote. Other members, including Red Card, Rewards, free2go, child and youth, fleet and national assistance program members are not eligible to vote.

If you are an eligible voting member and if you have not received a copy of the election supplement by 4 October 2019, you can request one by calling us on 9436 4389, emailing councilelections@rac.com.au or by visiting our website rac.com.au and using the ‘Contact Us’ link.

Saving young lives In the year to March 2019, the RAC Rescue helicopter service transported 41 children under 16 years of age.

Here’s a breakdown of the kind of missions that involved young patients:

Anything that could prevent you from having a full and uninterrupted view of the road or traffic ahead and on each side of you, could attract a fine and one demerit point. The same goes for anything that could obstruct your view of overtaking vehicles from your rear-view and side-view mirrors.

Mascots, toys or similar objects shouldn’t be attached to your windscreen or other windows in the car. They also shouldn’t be attached anywhere else in the interior of the car in a position where they could be a distraction or where they might obstruct your view while driving.

Generally, visual display units, such as tablet devices, should not be visible to the driver from the normal driving position while the car is being driven or is stationary (but not parked), unless the unit is being used for a purpose that is allowed (such

as navigation).

They also can’t be positioned where they could distract another driver outside the car.

Exceptions to the rule include where visual display units are an integrated part of the vehicle’s design, such as screens in a dashboard, or where driver’s aids like GPS units are positioned so that the driver can look at the screen without the unit obscuring their view of the road.

Devices needed by professional drivers, such as drivers of emergency services vehicles, buses, taxis or trucks are also permitted. In these cases, the device must be fixed using a commercially designed mounting specifically for that purpose. So, no rigging anything up at home.

Types of child emergency missions

16 vehicle incidents

4 bicycle incidents

2 falls

2 horse falls

1 burn

1 medical issue

26 emergency rescues 15 non-emergency transfers To hear firsthand accounts of RAC Rescue missions, including stories from young people who have been rescued, visit rac.com.au/racrescue

Horizons / August-September 2019

The two RAC Rescue helicopters, based in Bunbury and Perth, are funded by the State Government, managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and sponsored by RAC. Source: Department of Fire and Emergency Services, missions flown from July 2018-March 2019

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WIN 25 HOURS OF DRIVING LESSONS GETTING YOUR TEEN ROAD READY Save yourself a whole lot of stress and let us help them learn all about road safety by joining our free program for high school students - RAC Road Ready®.

A go-to source for info on learning to drive, first cars, and being on and around our roads. Plus, access to a bunch of amazing discounts and benefits!

And until 6th September 2019, all new and existing members have the chance to win 25 hours’ professional driving lessons!

Enter at rac.com.au/learners

Novice drivers, have a much higher risk of being seriously injured or killed when behind the wheel. Decreasing the odds of your teen and their passengers becoming a statistic is very much in their control.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW EXPERIENCE Driving is like any skill - the more you do it, the better you get. Having at least 100-120 hours of supervised driving experience can reduce crash risk by about 30% for P plate drivers.

TEXTING Put down your phone. Drivers who use a mobile phone while driving are up to 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near miss, regardless of whether a hands-free device is used.

0%

ALCOHOL Don’t drink and drive. There is a zero-tolerance policy for having a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) above 0% for P plate drivers.

Discover more at rac.com.au/learners Term and conditions apply

EVENTS

What’s on

Events around the State in August and September

Avon Descent

3-4 August Avon and Swan Rivers This annual white-water race will test competitor’s skills and endurance as they tackle the water in power craft and paddle craft over two days.

The Avon Descent is one of WA’s most iconic and longest-running adventure-based sporting events.

The race begins in Northam and ends in Bayswater. avondescent.com.au

Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts 13-16 August State Theatre Centre

The award-winning production comes to Perth, bringing the unique stories of Roald Dahl to life. Some of the world’s best-loved fairy tales are given a surprising and hilarious twist live on stage in a family show that will entertain all ages. ptt.wa.gov.au

Nannup Flower and Garden Festival 15-18 August Nannup

See brilliant flower and garden displays and learn from the experts in the beautiful town of Nannup on the Blackwood River. There’s plenty of inspiration for garden lovers, with markets, garden workshops and entertainment. nannupgardens.org.au

Pedal Prix 18 August Busselton

Human Powered Vehicles will race in teams on a street circuit along the Busselton foreshore as part of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series.

The Busselton Pedal Prix is a six-hour event and race number five in a sixround series of races. ahpvss.com

Horizons / August-September 2019

IGA Perth Royal Show

Hugh Jackman’s The Man. The Music. The Show 21, and 23-24 August RAC Arena Jackman performs a new show, as part of his world tour, with hit songs from The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables and more, accompanied by a live orchestra. racarena.com.au/events

Good Food and Wine Show 23-25 August Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Live cooking demonstrations, delicious chef dining experiences, interactive masterclasses and a sensational line up of much-loved local and Australian talent to top it off, including Miguel Maestre and Matt Moran. goodfoodshow.com.au

CinefestOZ Film Festival 28 August – 1 September Various venues Held in WA’s South West, CinefestOZ premieres new Australian films, with screenings and events in the

region’s cinemas, wineries, small bars and galleries. The Festival includes IndigifestOZ, showcasing Indigenous films, and the CinefestOZ Prize Australia’s richest film prize. cinefestoz.com

Shinju Matsuri 7-15 September Broome

Celebrating Broome’s unique character and culture, this annual festival highlights the flavours, sights and sounds of this colourful and diverse region. Experience local art, music, an array of dining experiences, parades and more. shinjumatsuri.com.au

IGA Perth Royal Show 28 September – 5 October Claremont Showground

Just in time for the spring school holidays, the IGA Perth Royal Show is a celebration of the best in the West, with exhibitions, competitions, rides and entertainment for all ages, and spectacular fireworks displays each night. perthroyalshow.com.au

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YO U R R A C

UNCOVERING WA’S

RISKIEST ROADS ABOVE: The intersection at Swan Christian College and Great Northern Highway in Middle Swan.

If you want to know which roads are the most dangerous, ask the people who use them every day.

More than 6000 West Australians have voiced their concerns about dangerous and unsafe roads and intersections across WA in the 2018/19 RAC Risky Roads survey.

There were a range of issues identified through the survey, including poor road quality, narrow roads, poor traffic separation, confusing layouts and unsafe pedestrian access.

In the Perth metropolitan area, the most dangerous road identified was Kiernan Street in Mundijong, nominated for its unsafe pedestrian access and poor road surface quality.

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The riskiest intersection in Perth was at Swan Christian College and Great Northern Highway in Middle Swan, which survey respondents said required a lowering of the speed limit and the addition of traffic lights or a roundabout.

In our regions, the Bussell Highway between Busselton and Capel was nominated as the most dangerous road while the riskiest regional intersection was the Albany Highway and South Coast Highway intersection in Orana, for a confusing layout and difficulty in crossing traffic.

In a positive step, the State Government has already announced new funding for several of the roads and intersections nominated by the community.

RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said the results show there is more work to be done to ensure the people using our roads are safe.

“With one of the worst road safety records in the nation, these latest results further highlight the urgent need for funding to repair and upgrade our roads.

“RAC’s Risky Roads survey empowers Western Australians to voice their concerns so we can work together with the relevant authorities to have those roads fixed and to ultimately save lives.”

August-September 2019 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

METRO PERTH Top five risky roads

REGIONAL WA Top five risky roads

eirnan Street, Mundijong: Poor/no pedestrian access/ 1 K footpath. Unsafe or poor pedestrian crossing. Poor road surface quality.

ussell Highway, Busselton - Capel: Lacks overtaking 1 B opportunities. Narrow road, lanes or bridges. Lacks median strip/traffic separation.

winana Freeway and Canning Highway interchange, 2 K Como: Little chance to turn/cross traffic. Lacks median strip/traffic separation. Confusing layout.

2 I ndian Ocean Drive, Two Rocks - Arrowsmith: Lacks overtaking opportunities. Narrow road, lanes or bridges.

Tight curves or blind crests.

Road, Cockburn to Armadale: Little chance 3 Armadale to turn/cross traffic. Area requires lights/roundabout.

Vehicles travel over the speed limit.

Eastern Highway, The Lakes - Northam and 3 Great Merredin - Coolgardie: Poor road surface quality. Lacks overtaking opportunities. Tight curves or blind crests.

enny Avenue, Kelmscott: Poorly timed traffic light 4 D system. Little chance to turn/cross traffic. Confusing layout.

urakin - Wailki Road, Burakin: Narrow road, lanes 4 B or bridges. Poor road surface quality. Tight curves or blind crests.

orth Lake Road (South Street to Cockburn Central), 5 N Kardinya - Cockburn Central: Little chance to turn/cross traffic. Area requires lights/roundabout. Poorly timed traffic light system.

Top five risky intersections

Highway, Ashendon - Williams: Poor road 5 Albany surface quality. Lacks overtaking opportunities. Tight curves or blind crests.

Top five risky intersections lbany Highway X South Coast Highway (Chester 1 A Pass Roundabout), Lockyer/Orana: Confusing layout.

Little chance to turn/cross traffic.

2 Nicholson Road X Thomas Road, Oakford: Area requires lights/roundabout. Little chance to turn/cross traffic. Vehicles travel over the speed limit.

Highway X Somerville Drive, College Grove: 2 Bussell Little chance to turn/cross traffic. Area requires lights/ roundabout. Speed limit too high.

artman Drive X Mullingar Way, Darch: Little chance 3 H to turn/cross traffic. Area requires lights/roundabout. Lacks median strip/traffic separation.

Way X Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough: 3 Cyrillean Little chance to turn/cross traffic. Confusing layout. Unsafe or poor pedestrian crossing.

4 Green Street X Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn / Osborne Park / Joondanna: Confusing layout. Little chance to turn/cross traffic. Area requires lights/roundabout.

Road X South Western Highway, Glen Iris: 4 Dodson Area requires lights/roundabout. Little chance to turn/cross traffic. Vehicles travel over the speed limit.

argotich Road X Thomas Road, Oakford: Little chance 5 K to turn/cross traffic. Narrow road, lanes or bridges. Area requires lights/roundabout.

ussell Highway X Tuart Drive, Capel: Little chance 5 B to turn/cross traffic. Lacks median strip/traffic separation.

Lacks overtaking opportunities.

Photography: Stewart Allen

reat Northern Highway X Swan Christian College, 1 G Middle Swan: Little chance to turn/cross traffic. Area requires lights/roundabout. Speed limit too high.

ABOVE: Keirnan Street, Mundijong.

Horizons / August-September 2019

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MOTORING

WA'S CHEAPEST CARS TO OWN AND RUN

We’ve uncovered the 14 cars that score high when it comes to low running and ownership costs.

The cost of owning and running a car has increased slightly for West Australian motorists compared to last year, due in part to higher fuel prices and higher average vehicle purchase prices.

For those on a budget, the tiny Kia Rio S is officially the cheapest new car to own and run in WA, according to the 2019 RAC Vehicle Operating Costs survey.

While the Kia Rio S wasn’t the cheapest car to buy, it was considerably cheaper to service and insure than the competition.

It’s also a bigger vehicle than the winning cars in previous years, so as well as being good value, there’s a little more practicality for your dollar in there too.

The Rio will only set you back $105 per week to keep on the road – significantly less than the most expensive non-electric vehicle to run, the Toyota Landcruiser LC200 GXL which costs $357.50 per week.

There were a number of newcomers to the electric vehicle (EV) category for 2019, including

Horizons / August-September 2019

the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric and Renault Zoe.

Cheapest Micro Car

Mitsubishi Mirage ES 5 SPEED MANUAL

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $15,943 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $34.24 Interest $12.62 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $29.00 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $14.95 Tyres $2.34 Servicing $14.10 TOTAL COST per week $107.24 ANNUAL COST $5,576.63

The cheapest of the EVs to own and run was the Hyundai Ioniq Electric at $187.38 per week, while the most expensive electric vehicle for the category, and for the entire survey, was the all-electric Tesla Model X at $497 per week.

The RAC’s Vehicle Operating Costs survey looked at more than 140 vehicles on the Australian market across 14 categories and calculated the total weekly costs of owning those cars in WA. Costs considered in the survey included fuel and servicing along with standing costs such as registration, interest on loan repayments, driver’s licence fees and insurance premiums.

Depreciation was again found to be the biggest single cost of owning a car, despite it being something drivers don’t often consider.

For a full list of vehicles, visit rac.com.au/runningcosts

Cheapest Light Car

Kia Rio S

4 SPEED AUTO

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $17,990 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $44.05 Interest $14.21 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $14.47 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $19.72 Tyres $1.98 Servicing $11.57 TOTAL COST per week $105.99 ANNUAL COST $5,511.58

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MOTORING

Cheapest Small Car

Cheapest Medium Car

Cheapest Large Car

Kia Cerato S

Toyota Camry Ascent*

Holden Commodore RS

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $21,990 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $56.73 Interest $17.32 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $18.64 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $23.53 Tyres $2.12 Servicing $13.70 TOTAL COST per week $132.04 ANNUAL COST $6,865.85

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $35,805 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $83.93 Interest $24.92 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $36.13 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $14.65 Tyres $2.73 Servicing $14.09 TOTAL COST per week $176.43 ANNUAL COST $9,174.50

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $41,053 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $100.40 Interest $28.55 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $42.45 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $26.50 Tyres $7.23 Servicing $13.19 TOTAL COST per week $218.31 ANNUAL COST $11,352.27

6 SPEED AUTO

CONTINUOUS VARIABLE

9 SPEED AUTO

*Sport Hybrid

Cheapest Medium SUV

Cheapest Large SUV

Cheapest All Terrain SUV

Toyota RAV4 GXL

Subaru Outback 2.5i

Toyota Fortuner GX

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $39,680 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $83.62 Interest $27.60 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $37.31 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $20.67 Tyres $3.76 Servicing $10.67 TOTAL COST per week $183.63 ANNUAL COST $9,548.75

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $40,530 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $82.24 Interest $28.19 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $42.91 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $23.21 Tyres $5.41 Servicing $26.35 TOTAL COST per week $208.31 ANNUAL COST $10,832.13

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $49,617 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $96.04 Interest $31.77 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $46.51 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $30.09 Tyres $3.49 Servicing $22.65 TOTAL COST per week $230.54 ANNUAL COST $11,988.32

CONTINUOUS VARIABLE

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CONTINUOUS VARIABLE

6 SPEED AUTO

August-September 2019 / Horizons

MOTORING

Cheapest People Mover

Cheapest Sports Car

Cheapest Small SUV

Honda Odyssey VTi RC

Mazda MX-5 Roadster ND

Hyundai Kona Active

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $42,041 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $89.13 Interest $29.23 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $42.20 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $24.17 Tyres $2.38 Servicing $19.62 TOTAL COST per week $206.73 ANNUAL COST $10,749.81

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $41,031 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $83.71 Interest $28.53 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $40.30 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $22.32 Tyres $2.49 Servicing $17.04 TOTAL COST per week $194.39 ANNUAL COST $10,108.29

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $28,467 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $60.81 Interest $19.85 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $36.99 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $22.90 Tyres $1.94 Servicing $12.66 TOTAL COST per week $155.14 ANNUAL COST $8,067.40

Cheapest 2WD Ute

Cheapest 4WD Ute

Cheapest Electric

Mitsubishi Triton GLX

Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4X4

Hyundai Ioniq Electric Elite

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $39,954 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $87.93 Interest $27.79 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $39.75 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $26.24 Tyres $2.70 Servicing $19.28 TOTAL COST per week $203.68 ANNUAL COST $10,591.60

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $44,041 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $99.98 Interest $30.61 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $41.53 RUNNING COSTS Fuel $26.59 Tyres $5.34 Servicing $19.43 TOTAL COST per week $223.48 ANNUAL COST $11,620.84

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $49,823 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per week Depreciation $96.90 Interest $31.90 On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship $40.05 RUNNING COSTS Electricity $7.52 Tyres $2.12 Servicing $8.90 TOTAL COST per week $187.38 ANNUAL COST $9,743.67

CONTINUOUS VARIABLE

6 SPEED AUTO

Horizons / August-September 2019

6 SPEED AUTO

6 SPEED AUTO

6 SP AUTO

1 SPEED AUTO

21

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MOTORING

GOING ELECTRIC We answer some common questions you might have about making the switch to an electric vehicle.

By Byron Mathioudakis

Horizons / August-September 2019

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MOTORING

Most experts agree that the next decade will be when electric vehicles (EV) hit critical mass on the global market.

Most car makers are already ramping up their electrification development to help meet increasingly tougher antipollution regulations. Cities such as Paris are even calling for bans on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles - the kind that use petrol and diesel - by 2030. As an upshot, EVs are becoming much more affordable.

The Hyundai Kona Electric SUV has just surfaced and is priced from $60,000, the BMW i3 starts from $70,000, Jaguar’s striking I-Pace crossover/SUV landed late last year from $130,000, while Tesla’s Model S and X now commence from around $140,000 and $155,000 respectively after a massive global price cut.

For fans frustrated with the general apathy about EVs here, Australia, at last, is getting in on the act with improvements coming to the EV infrastructure needed to make EVs more viable for drivers.

So, if you’re considering making the switch, here are some things you might want to know.

Charge times are likely to keep reducing as EVs, batteries and charging technology are constantly evolving and improving.

Multinational oil companies are finally set to fit fast charger outlets to petrol stations as they already do in many other countries, and EV infrastructure specialist Chargefox says in the future it will have 21 ultra-fast charging stations throughout Australia to enable longdistance driving.

Australians can now purchase three EVs under $50,000 – the compact Renault Zoe, the Toyota Corolla-sized Nissan Leaf II and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric. There’s also an all-electric van in the shape of the Renault Kangoo from $49,990.

Although the next bracket of EVs are more expensive, they are not as expensive as they used to be, and there’s more choice for Australian buyers.

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Why are EVs more expensive to buy?

EV batteries contain metals that are expensive to mine, process and dispose of. Lightweight materials like aluminium, magnesium and carbon fibre are used to keep weight down and maximise efficiency and range but they are also much costlier than steel and other alternatives. Adding to this, the relatively tiny volumes of even the most successful EV to date (Nissan’s Leaf at 400,000 sales since 2010) means the formidable research and development costs must be paid off over a much longer period.

How do you charge an EV at home?

Any regular single-phase 10-amp (up to 2.4kW) power point should take between 14 and 50 hours to fully charge an EV, depending on the car’s battery size. A simple and inexpensive 16A upgrade (with up to 3.7kW) should drop that to between nine and 30 hours, or half the time again with a 32A (up to 7.7kW) set-up.

A ‘Level 2’ home wall recharger will convert domestic-supply AC to DC current, for convenient overnight charging. Costs vary wildly but a typical outlay is about $2000 for the ‘wall box’ and $1000 for the fit-out. We advise obtaining a quote before purchasing an EV. Fancier, faster chargers can cost upwards of $20,000. ow do you charge an EV H away from home?

Commuters can use conventional power points at car parks, shopping centres, petrol stations, restaurants, hotels and other commercial sites. They may even have a dedicated wall box installed at their work.

For longer-distance travelling, fast and ultra-rapid chargers are being installed across the state and nation. In WA, the RAC Electric Highway® was rolled out in 2015 consisting of 11 charging stations between Perth and Augusta.

Australian EV charging network provider, Chargefox, in partnership with RAC and other organisations, is also installing ultra-rapid charging stations, providing up to 350kW and 400km of renewable energy electricity in as little as 15 minutes for future EVs. Three are slated for WA, and the planned network will link Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.

August-September 2019 / Horizons

MOTORING

With many different providers of EV charging stations, the number of chargers is increasing monthly, so check out PlugShare – a crowdsourced EV charging map that locates available power points of every capacity around the world, including across WA. It also provides helpful information on the plug type, location, vehicle suitability and even surrounding points of interest. You can also check the RAC EV charger map which provides details of charging stations in WA, at rac.com.au/evchargers. ow long does charging H take? Will charge times improve?

This depends entirely on the power source and type of EV. From as little as 15 minutes for the latest fast-charge-capable EV at an ultra-rapid station with up to 350kW on offer, or from about 40 minutes with 100kW chargers for higher-end cars like Teslas, to nearly 40 hours for a Tesla Model S with a 100kWh battery pack using a 10A household socket.

Just keep in mind that an overnight charge every couple of days should keep most average commuters topped up and moving.

Horizons / August-September 2019

These charge times are likely to keep reducing as EVs, batteries and charging technology are constantly evolving and improving.

How far can you go on one charge?

Older EVs like the 2012 Nissan Leaf 1 and the earlier BMW i3 (both with circa 24kWh batteries) struggled to breach 100km in realworld driving, but newer models such as the 28kWh Hyundai Ioniq Electric should easily double that figure. This year’s 42kWh i3 update is now claimed to offer a 260km range – matching the Renault Zoe 40.

Nissan’s new 40kWh Leaf II has a 270km range, and the facelifted Ioniq, expected to launch in September with a 38kWh update, will see that figure hit 300km. The 90kWh Jaguar I-Pace is said to exceed 400km, equalling the Teslas with similar battery capacities.

That’s partly why they’re so expensive.

What do they feel like to drive?

From standstill, most EVs feel like they take off much faster and quicker than their internal combustion engine equivalents.

As well as their quite forceful acceleration, braking also feels different in EVs because they use regenerative braking. It’s complicated, but essentially the energy that would otherwise be lost as heat from the normal brakes, is instead captured and sent to the battery to power the vehicle.

In some EVs, you can bring the car to a complete stop using regenerative braking alone.

The paddle shifters behind the steering wheel on some EVs can be used to adjust the level of regenerative braking, which feels like changing through different gears as you go down a hill. Their heavy batteries are usually mounted under the floor, which helps lower their centre of gravity and contributes to EVs feeling firmly ‘planted’ on the road.

Significantly reduced mechanical noises make EVs quiet but not silent.

Many make a high-pitched whine, and at speed the sounds normally drowned out by the powertrain can be heard – such as the suspension working, wind rustling and tyre noise.

25

MOTORING

hat is the expected lifespan W of an EV battery?

Several manufacturers quote an eight-year/160,000km lifespan for their lithium-ion battery packs, though over-charging, persistently hot ambient temperatures and being left in a state of deep discharge over an extended period can reduce their lifespan markedly.

Do EVs need regular servicing?

Yes. While a whirring electric motor with about six moving parts is simpler than a typical internal combustion engine, there are still fluids and filters for the auxiliary units pertaining to battery cooling, climate control systems and other items that will require servicing.

Additionally, there are the disposable items like tyres and brake parts that need regular attention. The vehicle’s suspension and steering systems might also need attention over time.

Ultimately with use, the battery will degrade and lose the ability to maintain charge as easily. Some software updates can help, but eventually, it must be replaced. The good news is, replacement costs are tumbling globally. Nissan Australia quotes $9900 plus 5.6 hours labour to replace the battery in its first-gen Leaf. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s is about $6000.

Still, an American report has shown that – on average – servicing and maintaining an EV costs about 25 per cent less over three years/100,000km compared to a similarly-sized ICE vehicle. Other estimates put that figure as high as 65 per cent less.

I s the interior layout, dashboard displays and operation of the vehicle similar to other cars?

Very. A common criticism of earlier EVs were that they seemed too ‘alien’ and futuristic in terms of their design and interior layout,

but today’s EVs mostly feel familiar and welcome. Nothing too intimidating.

Still, some distinctive differences exist.

For starters, there’s no engine starting or idling sound to indicate the motor is ‘running’, just instrument lights and perhaps a distant whir of fans and other electrical gear to say the car is ready to be driven. hat are the registration W costs in WA? In WA, vehicle registration is calculated on vehicle weight.

Generally, EVs do weigh more than their petrol or diesel counterparts, so it will cost you slightly more.

A Hyundai Ioniq Electric, for example, tips the scales at 1475kg while the similarly sized, petrol-powered Hyundai i30 Elite is 1382kg, so the latter is $22.96 cheaper to register in WA. In the Hyundai Kona’s case, the electric is about 300kg heavier than the ICE equivalent, so it costs $68.88 more to register.

Overall, what are the benefits of owning an EV? • Strong, smooth and quiet performance • Zero tailpipe emissions • Home-charging capability that’s just like plugging in a mobile phone or tablet before going to bed • Cheaper servicing costs compared to ICE vehicles • New EVs are usually well specified with safety and convenience features What are the down sides?

• Costly to buy • Limited charging infrastructure in regional areas • Limited choice of vehicles in the market • Time required for charging Fortunately, all the above are expected to be addressed over time.

ABOVE: The most successful EV to date, Nissan’s Leaf, has only had 400,000 sales since 2010.

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August-September 2019 / Horizons

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K BOOW NO

YO U R R A C

HOME INVADERS Maintenance tips that can help you avoid pest infestations There are many pests, big and small, that are remarkably clever at gaining access to your home.

Some of the most common and most objectionable home invaders include termites, rodents, cockroaches and ants.

Once inside they can make life uncomfortable and cause significant damage.

Professional pest controllers can help you eradicate them, but some regular home maintenance can make your home a lot less inviting in the first place.

There are two main things to consider if you want to keep these particular pests at bay – moisture in and around your home and gaps they could use to gain access.

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August-September 2019 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Keeping it high and dry

Mind the gaps

Termites and cockroaches are attracted by dampness and moisture so don’t delay in repairing any leaks or other problems with moisture in your home. Beyond pest infestation, the moisture itself can also cause substantial damage to your home.

As well as loving lots of things in your pantry, ants are also attracted to sources of water in your home.

Here’s a checklist of things to look out for and what to do: Roof spaces and subfloor areas Make sure they are dry and well ventilated.

Roofing damage Check and repair broken tiles, damaged ridge capping, cracked ridge capping cement or other damaged roofing materials to prevent water getting into your ceiling.

Water pipes If you suspect a slow leak in a water pipe in your home, get a plumber to check and make repairs if needed. Telltale signs of a leak might include damp walls or higher than normal water bills.

Bathrooms and wet areas Make sure there are no cracked tiles or missing grout in bathrooms or other wet areas that could allow moisture to leak through the walls. Check that waterproof seals around baths and showers are adequate.

Weepholes These are the gaps in brickwork on external walls which provide ventilation to the wall cavity. Blockages can create moisture within the wall cavity so make sure they’re not blocked.

House perimeter Ensure that water is draining away from your home by checking that gutters and downpipes are clearing water.

Garden beds Avoid building up garden beds directly against the external walls of your home where damp soil could cause problems.

Horizons / August-September 2019

If you have problems with ants making trails through your home they will often be heading for taps, basins and even your dishwasher.

To find where ants are getting in, observe their regular trails through your home and follow them back.

Often, they come in through cracks around window frames or other cracks and gaps in walls. Once you’ve found the entry point seal it off with the appropriate sealant product.

As well as having a sweet tooth, ants also like a bit of grease so keep any foods that might attract them in wellsealed containers. This will also deter the rats and mice.

If you’re not keen to use chemicals to get rid of ants, try using lemon juice or warm soapy water and wipe along their trails to break the chemical calling cards they leave for other ants to follow.

Rats and mice are voracious eaters – they’ll chew through almost anything, including electrical wiring.

They can also squeeze through incredibly small gaps, along with cockroaches of course. Check around your home and seal up any likely entry points.

Cover weep holes in external brick work and other vents with wire mesh to allow ventilation through but to prevent pests from entering your home.

Fit weather strips to the bottom of external doors.

Seal off any gaps around pipes under sinks with a suitable sealant.

Fix any small gaps and holes in your eaves, roof and any external walls that pests could squeeze through.

Keep trees and other vegetation trimmed and away from the side of your home so rats can’t climb up and get in through any external gaps or cracks.

If you have a chimney and an open fireplace get a screen fitted to the chimney opening.

If you suspect any damage to wiring, get a qualified electrician to check it.

RAC Home Repair & Maintenance connects you to a range of licensed and reliable trade experts, for plumbing, carpentry, general maintenance work and more.

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29

Help us find you faster in an emergency.

Call Triple Zero (000) using the First Responder app to pinpoint your location.

BreastScreen WA – Supporting Western Australian women’s health and wellbeing for over 30 years!

2019 marks the 30th anniversary of WA’s only accredited breast cancer screening service, BreastScreen WA. All WA women aged 40 and above, may book their free appointment online at www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

1989-1995

1996-2000

2001-2005

Opened 1st Clinic in Cannington

Assessment comes under the BreastScreen WA umbrella – Sir Charles Gairdner and Royal Perth Hospitals

Website launched Consumer Reference Group and Aboriginal Women’s Reference Group is formed

2006-2010 One million screens!

Padbury clinic opens

2014-2015 Bunbury breast screening & assessment centre opens

2011-2013 The digital revolution begins

Online bookings, new website and social media launched

David Jones Rose Clinic opens in the Perth City store

Cockburn & Wanneroo Clinics open

2016-NOW! Mandurah clinic opens Commence electronic GP notifications BSWA performs its 2 millionth screen!

BreastScreen WA is mobile!

By 1995 there are 4 mobile units travelling around Western Australia BSWA expands - Welcome Mirrabooka, Midland & Perth City

GP Advisory Committee is convened Full accreditation with BreastScreen Australia

BreastScreen WA wins multicultural award!

Aboriginal resources created Rockingham clinic opens

New towns added to the rural mobile schedule, BSWA now visiting almost 100 towns

Visit: breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au or call: 13 20 50

New breast assessment centre at Fiona Stanley Hospital

Mobile in the Suburbs initiative proves a success utilising SMS invitations

Digital technology in all clinics and in the radiology rooms

A new secure client result portal launches in 2019

YO U R R A C

EVERYDAY

HEROES

Meet the everyday West Australians who’ve signed up to come to the rescue of strangers in need.

By Wendy Caccetta

When 24-year old Ashleigh Zinko heard her phone go off at 1.30 in the morning, she immediately thought it was her boyfriend calling.

Zinko was in Bunbury for a music festival and was now back in her hotel room and just getting into bed.

Picking up her phone, the digital marketing professional realised it wasn’t a call but an alert about a medical emergency coming through her St John Ambulance First Responder app. Someone in the area needed help.

Replying that she could respond, Zinko pulled on her slippers, put a jacket over her pyjamas, slipped out of her hotel room and followed the directions on her phone to a nearby corner.

ABOVE: Ashleigh Zinko is one of many thousand of West Australians using the St John First Responder app.

Horizons / August-September 2019

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YO U R R A C

Photography: Richard Ashford-Hatherly

“There was a young man there with his face in the dirt and his mother and aunty had no idea what to do,” Zinko says. “His older brother was also drunk and freaking out.

“I asked them as soon as I got there ‘Have you taken anything?’ Apparently, he’d had about half a bottle of vodka and he’d never drunk before in his life.

“He was unresponsive, but he was groaning and twitching and vomiting.

The paramedics were on the way so I had to maintain his breathing and open up his airway.

“When you are in that moment you just think ‘This person needs help. I’m going to do whatever I can to give them the best chance of survival’.”

Zinko has had a First Aid certificate since she was 17 and is now one of nearly 15,800 West Australians from all walks of life who are changing the face of emergency response in WA as First Responders — volunteers who step in to fill the vital minutes in a medical emergency before an ambulance arrives.

This new and potentially life-saving arm of emergency response has come

ABOVE: Danny Rummukainen, a construction site manager, was involved in a dramatic city incident in which he saved a man who went into cardiac arrest and had stopped breathing; BELOW: The St John First Responder app.

courtesy of a ground-breaking app developed by St John Ambulance in WA. Since it was launched in February 2017, more than 122,327 people have downloaded it to their mobile phones.

So far, members of the public with first aid or medical training have answered more than 537 calls for help.

Here’s how it works: When a 000 call is made for an ambulance, St John can tap into its network of First Responders who have the app, to potentially step in before the ambulance arrives. An alert is sent via the app to those within 500 metres of the emergency. They can then choose to respond if they can assist.

First Responders need to have a current First Aid certificate or be a registered health professional.

When you download the app you choose the option to be a First Responder, or you can just use the other lifesaving resources and features available on it.

If you use the app to make a 000 call it will guide ambulance crews to your exact location. It also shows other critical information like the location of nearby defibrillators and medical

32

centres, and has first aid tips.

As downloads continue to grow, the number of potential first responders close to an emergency also grows, says Harvey Green, senior software developer for St John who helped develop and now manages the app.

So far, members of the public with first aid or medical training have answered more than 537 calls for help.

“We often find when there is an incident in a high population area such as the Perth CBD, there will be 50 to 80 people running the app within 500 metres,” Green says.

“So that means there are always at least five people who respond and go there to help out.”

St John Ambulance medical director Dr Paul Bailey says the app is proving invaluable during the nine minutes or so it can take an ambulance to reach a scene.

August-September 2019 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

“We’re conceptually thinking of this as crowd sourcing local health prior to the arrival of an ambulance for a patient in need.” And he says every second counts in emergencies such as cardiac arrest.

“Survival decreases by 10 per cent every minute that you delay applying a defibrillator in cardiac arrest. Similarly, if we can get a bystander to start doing chest compressions, that doubles patients’ survival as well.”

“It can be really scary before the ambulance crews arrive if you don’t know what to do.”

So far, First Responders have been used in cases of cardiac arrest, unconsciousness and allergic reaction in public places. WA’s good samaritan laws cover First Responders from personal civil liability if they respond to an emergency in good faith, according to St John.

“We’re hoping to saturate WA with First Responders,” Bailey says. “That probably means about 100,000 active users. We think it’s very worthwhile and likely to be a real game-changer in the future for our community.”

and ran to where bank officer Mark Lee had collapsed during his lunch break.

Rummukainen, who is also a volunteer ambulance officer in his spare time, says Lee was “beyond blue, purple” and not breathing. The app showed there was a defibrillator on a neighbouring lot.

“When I got onto the scene there were already people who had started CPR,” Rummukainen says.

“Using my St John training, I took over and continued CPR and instructed one of the other bystanders to get the AED (defibrillator) from a construction site next door.

“We gave the person a shock and when the paramedic arrived we had got him breathing again on his own and he managed to survive.”

A year on, Lee has no memory of the few days leading up to and including August 14, the day he died for an estimated 12 minutes and was miraculously brought back to life by strangers and a co-worker.

He says he considers himself fortunate that people came to his aid and that

they had the training to help.

“I couldn’t speak highly enough of it,” he says of the First Responders program. “I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

Registered nurse, Emma McDowell, 36, signed up to the app when it launched and has now answered several calls for help, including one in an office building near her home. “A lady had fallen down the stairs,” McDowell says. “It was on a medical site so there were a few other nurses on site. We stabilised the patient as best we could and kept her conscious and talking until the ambulance crews arrived.”

McDowell says time is precious in an emergency and that’s where the app is really making a difference, both to the person needing aid but also for those around them who may not know how to help.

“It can be really scary before the ambulance crews arrive if you don’t know what to do,” she says.

“People are receptive when you arrive.

Just having someone turn up and say ‘Hi, I’m a registered nurse’. The relief on their face is awesome.”

St John Ambulance in WA is also investigating the possibility of being able to use the cameras on people’s mobile phones — with their permission — to remotely assess scenes and help determine responses.

When construction group site manager Danny Rummukainen, 41, raced to the help of a 58-year-old man who was suffering a heart attack in the Perth CBD last year what happened next demonstrated the app’s potential.

Rummukainen was at a meeting in St Georges Terrace when the app alerted him to an unfolding emergency about 450 metres away on Murray Street. He and his supervisor grabbed a first aid kit

Horizons / August-September 2019

ABOVE: Emma McDowell is a registered nurse who works with haemotology patients and in her own time responds to calls for emergency assistance via the St John app.

33

WIN COMPETITION

34

A getaway to RAC Karri Valley Resort

August-September 2019 / Horizons

COMPETITION

To celebrate the relaunch of RAC Karri Valley Resort, we’re giving one lucky family the chance to rediscover WA’s most loved holiday destination.

With renovations now complete, the Resort’s accommodation has been given a contemporary overhaul. Guests can choose between self-contained chalets with their own log fires or take a Lakeside Room overlooking picturesque Beedelup Lake.

If you’re hungry after bushwalking, bike riding, canoeing or just lazing about, the extensively refurbished Lakeside Restaurant offers a menu with a focus on great local produce.

In the Resort’s lounge area, you can warm yourself by the fireplace and relax with a drink from the bar, which features a selection of local wines.

Your prize includes

Three nights in a two-bedroom Lake View chalet

Dinner for two adults and two children at the newly renovated Lakeside Restaurant Activity pass for the whole family Pemberton Discovery Tour

How to enter Complete the online entry form at rac.com.au/winkarrivalley See page 81 for terms and conditions.

Another chance to win a WA holiday Place your vote in the 2019 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards for your chance to win a $5,000 holiday in Western Australia.

Voting opens 1 August.

Visit toptourismtown.com.au

Horizons / August-September 2019

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T R AV E L

Travel brief

News and info for travellers

Why the early bird wins Sometimes you can nab a good travel deal at the last minute, but most of the time the early birds definitely do get the best deal, and here’s why.

On an aircraft, the cheapest fares are offered on the first lot of seats released for sale. Once those are sold out, the price of the next ticket release is higher.

Occasionally airlines will re-release lower-priced seats towards the end of the booking window to fill a flight, but generally if you want the best price on the day you want to travel (especially in peak season) look to book around 10 months ahead.

Right now, we’re also hearing that the days of $1000 return airfares to Europe might be gone for the 2020 summer, so even more reason to get in early.

The same applies for hotel bookings the earlier the better.

For guided holidays, booking early will not only lock in a discounted rate but will also give you more chance of choosing the travel dates that suit you best.

On cruises, booking early means you get the cabin of your choice, plus early deals may include ‘fly free’ offers and extra onboard credit.

For Europe and the US, early bird specials are released in September and October, so start looking soon.

If you have the luxury of knowing your longer-term travel plans, don’t wait to book. No matter how or where you’re travelling, getting organised early will give you the best chance of getting a decent discount and more travel choices.

Japan’s breathtaking cherry blossoms From neon-lit cities with towering modern skyscrapers to ancient temples and beautiful castles, Japan is a land of incredible contrasts and the best way to see it is against a backdrop of magnificent cherry blossoms when they’re in full bloom.

Cherry blossom season in Japan has become an iconic travel experience, not just for the sheer spectacle but because of the great celebration that accompanies it right across the country.

The first blooms can start as early as late March, with the season moving further north during April and May. The atmosphere is vibrant, the traditions are captivating, and the scenery is simply breathtaking.

To make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights, RAC has organised an exclusive 18-night group tour to Japan for the 2020 cherry blossom season. Our group tour includes nine nights of cruising out of Tokyo, and then a private land-based tour from Tokyo to Osaka for nine nights with a guide and an RAC Travel Escort. Return flights to Japan are on the new All Nippon Airways service from Perth direct to Tokyo.

To find out more, visit rac.com.au/japan

Horizons / August-September 2019

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or taking over or leading conversations in our social scene as she’d had to do in the past, because she knew I wouldn’t hear the discussion. It’s really pleasing that I can now even make small talk, chit chat, that I couldn’t participate in before. And my speech has improved because I can hear myself talking.

In my 2 week trial period, I was much more confident in meetings at work and around the office. Working in real estate, I meet a lot of people and I was never quite sure that I’d heard everything or missed out on an opportunity.

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T R AV E L

Was weirdesT wiLdflowErs AND MOST WONDERFUL

With the largest collection of wildflowers on Earth right here in WA, we were bound to end up with some very rare and downright kooky varieties.

Tourism Western Australia

LEFT: Rock triggerplant (Stylidium rupestre), found in Fitzgerald River National Park.

Horizons / August-September 2019

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T R AV E L

A few years ago, Cath Walsh from Lyndon Station - 300km north east of Carnarvon spotted a small lily she had never seen before growing in waterholes on the station.

A keen amateur botanist, Walsh knew she’d found something unique and called the WA Herbarium at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

“She sent me a picture asking, ‘What on earth is it?’,” says botanist Rob Davis of the WA Herbarium.

“It turned out to be quite an unusual aquatic plant - unusual in the sense that there had been none of that particular group of plants found anywhere near there,” he said.

“It was a great discovery.”

The lily was one of around 50 new species of wildflowers identified in WA every year, usually first by eagle-eyed enthusiasts and then validated by the Western Australian Herbarium team.

WA’s wildflowers are internationally renowned. Between 60 to 70 per cent are not found anywhere else in the world.

Many wildflowers can be found all year round, but particularly from June to September each year, thousands of different varieties carpet paddocks and nestle between rocks all the way from the Pilbara to the southern coast of WA. As well as sheer numbers, WA’s wildflowers are famed for their uniqueness, both in design and behaviour. Some are insectivorous (they eat insects), some only flower underground, and others only flower at night.

Davis says when people think of WA wildflowers they think of everlastings, but everlastings are just a small part of the big picture.

Here are some of the rarest and most unusual wildflowers in WA.

40

TOP: Drakaea glyptodon almost like a siren, this sly bloom lures males for its own benefit; BOTTOM: Cephalotus follicularis or Albany Pitcher Plant, this innocent-looking flora eats insects alive.

August-September 2019 / Horizons

T R AV E L

Weird and wonderful The tricky Drakaea glyptodon is as seductive and deceptive as they come.

Its enticing pheromone-like scent lures flying male thynnine wasps to mate with it in order to pollinate itself.

The male wasps believe the flower is the flightless female wasp, and the momentum of the male trying to fly off with the female causes the reproductive parts of both wasp and orchid to come into contact.

The flower’s perfume is so powerful that it causes fights, with wasps scrambling over each other to mate with the false female.

The Cephalotus follicularis, or Albany Pitcher Plant, found in the South West, traps and eats small insects to keep itself alive.

Its name stems from the shape of the leaf, which has a pitcher shape with a lid above. The plant produces an odour to lure insects to its deadly trap, where they crawl

Horizons / August-September 2019

inside then slide into an enzyme that dissolves and absorbs them.

Enthusiastic wildflower spotters can stay up late to watch the Ptilotus polystachyus’s flowers open in the dark. It was only recently discovered that this fairly common plant flowered at night, so keen night-owls can witness the sweetly-scented flowers bloom after the sun goes down.

Moths are commonly found landing at the base of the flower, which is coated with pollen, before making their way up the stalk to, presumably, pollinate older flowers.

For the unsuspecting insect, Stylidiums, also known as Trigger Plants, can be a startling encounter.

When an insect lands in the centre of the flower, a tightly-coiled trigger snaps forward to knock the insect away from the flower, coating it in pollen.

The plants pollinate through this sensitive trigger, which acts as both male and female reproductive organs.

ABOVE: Ptilotus polystachyus stay up late to watch these flowers bloom in the dark; TOP LEFT: Stylidiums oblivious insects are swatted away by this flower’s trigger system; TOP RIGHT: Grevillea bracteosa this threatened species can be found north and east of Geraldton;

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T R AV E L

Few and far between Grevillea bracteosa contains two subspecies, both considered threatened. Large compact shrubs to two metres high, flower in spring and produce long, slender branches with light pink inflorescences. Grevillea bracteosa subsp. howatharra can be found just north and east of Geraldton.

Eucalyptus rhodantha subsp. rhodantha is a broad spreading mallee to four metres high, with silvery-grey leaves and large, red pendulous flowers several centimetres across. It is found in the lower Mid West around the Watheroo and Three Springs areas. It is often confused with another similarly striking species, Eucalyptus macrocarpa.

TOP LEFT: Eucalyptus rhodantha subsp. rhodantha don’t confuse this rare beauty with another similar species, Eucalyptus macrocarpa; TOP RIGHT: Brachyscias verecundus fire is the only thing that brings this species to life; ABOVE: Ptilotus pyramidatus this tiny herb was thought to be extinct until it was spotted a few years ago.

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Ptilotus pyramidatus is only known from one population in the Perth region, and up to a few years ago was thought to have been extinct as it hadn’t been collected or seen for 140 years. A small perennial herb to 10 centimetres high, with a rosette of spatulate leaves at the base of the

plant, it produces soft, hairy white-pink spikes in late spring.

A fire-stimulated species, the rare Brachyscias verecundus, only appears a couple of years after a fire, after which the seed lays dormant in the soil until the next blaze. The plant only reaches a few centimetres high and has pale green cross-shaped flowers and occurs in a couple of populations in the Northcliffe area. It belongs to the same family as celery and carrots.

For more information about wildflower hunting in WA, including driving itineraries, visit rac.com.au/wildflowers

RAC members save lan your wildflower drive P with a stay at one of the eight RAC Parks & Resorts across WA. Members save up to 20% off accommodation. Visit racparksandresorts.com.au As a member you also get 50% off digital National Park passes rac.com.au/parkpasses

August-September 2019 / Horizons

Members save

on accommodation in Broome RAC member save up to 20%* on accommodation at the revamped RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park. Stay in family cabins, studio rooms or shady powered caravan and camping sites. Lounge by the pool, play a game of mini golf and explore Broome.

Call 1800 871 570, or visit racparksandresorts.com.au *Terms and conditions apply. Discount varies according to season. See website for full details.

RAC Parks & Resorts » Busselton » Cable Beach » Cervantes » Exmouth » Karri Valley » Margaret River » Monkey Mia » Ningaloo

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MAKING TRACKS THROUGH THE RED CENTRE

Driving might be liberating, but when it comes to seeing the more remote parts of our vast country, you can’t beat travelling by train.

By Helen Foster There are no worries about getting stranded on a dirt road, gourmet lunches replace that Servo sausage roll, and you only need to unpack once.

When you’re considering crossing the country by train, every option is a good one. There are four trains – as iconic as the destinations they visit – that can take

you on adventures spanning between Sydney and Perth or Adelaide and Melbourne, Darwin or Brisbane. They are The Indian Pacific, The Overland, The Ghan and the new Great Southern.

The Ghan, which celebrates its 90th Anniversary this year, is classed as one of the great train journeys of the world.

On the Ghan Expedition trip, over four days and three nights you’ll gently rock the 2979 km south from Darwin to Adelaide following the route of the cameleers who carried supplies between remote outback towns in the 1900s. En-route you’ll stop at highlights like the spiritual Nitmiluk Gorge near Katherine, remote Alice Springs and the unique underground town of Coober Pedy.

But let’s start in Darwin where, after at least one night in the city, you arrive bright-eyed for the train’s 10am departure.

ABOVE: Alice Springs at sunset, with the MacDonnell Ranges in the background.

Horizons / August-September 2019

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T R AV E L

Only then do you realise how impressive The Ghan truly is. Shining silver, with not one but two, bright red engines pulling more than 1768 tonnes of weight, the 36 carriages stretch nearly a kilometre out from the station.

With a judder your journey begins and soon you’re clacking down the rails at between 85 and 115km an hour. Right now, you realise the true joy of travelling by train. At this speed by car you’d be staring only at the road, but here, from the picture window of your cabin you might be at eye-level with a bright yellow kapok tree or scanning the horizon for one of the hump-backed descendants of those camels who carried the original Ghan travellers.

During the day, the train stops and you can choose from a number of excursions and discover the uniqueness of each stop. On your first afternoon in Katherine, for example, you can take a cruise through the towering sandstone cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge or visit a huge cattle station to learn what life in the outback is truly like.

In Alice Springs, you can go walking, cycling, visit the Desert Park or tour the School of the Air and The Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The highlight of Alice has to be meeting 17-year-old saltwater crocodile Terry and his wrangler Rex Neindorf at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. You might not think you can train a crocodile,

but Rex proves otherwise as he commands Terry to dip back down in the water if he gets too close. This is also one stop where you might want to splash out on one of the optional extra excursions - a plane flight over Uluru at $1249 per person.

Shades of orange, pink, yellow and blue streak the sky and each day the landscape changes – from green trees in Darwin to the scorched red earth of Alice Springs.

Interesting locals also feature at Coober Pedy where retired miner Rudi will talk you through how miners blow open shafts without damaging the jewels within, while at The Breakaways – a plain of stunning colours and flattopped mesas that are the remains of Australia’s inland sea – it’s all about the landscape.

But enough about your time off the train – what about when you’re on it.

Where do you sleep, what do you do?

A night on The Ghan is filled with chatter as you wait in the Outback Explorer Lounge, drink in hand, to be called to your table (there are three dinner sittings each night – 6.30, 7.15 and 8pm – and you book your choice on your first day). Socialising is actively encouraged and with an amazing mix of people on board you never know who you might meet. Actors Margot Robbie and Miriam Margolyes have both been recent guests, but most travellers are normal folk often with remarkable stories to share. The atmosphere is friendly and congenial.

After chatting it’s time for sleep. There are three main types of cabin on The Ghan – single sleepers have a chair that turns into a bed at night – imagine

TOP: Nitmiluk Gorge near Katherine; ABOVE: The Ghan heading through the Gap.

46

August-September 2019 / Horizons

T R AV E L

a first-class airline seat with a better view. Bathrooms for these are shared but spacious and spotlessly clean.

The top tier cabins are the Platinum rooms with a seating area that turns into a double bed and a large ensuite bathroom.

Most of the cabins however fall into Gold Class, twin rooms with a large picture window, and a three-seater couch that converts to an upper and lower bunk during the night. All of

these have their own small ensuite.

Whichever you choose though you will get a good night’s sleep – the train does rumble and rock as it moves, but it’s relaxing not jarring.

Early morning though is when travelling via The Ghan seems truly magical.

Book an alarm call for sunrise and your steward will appear carrying a cup of tea or coffee and open the window blinds so you can watch the outback wake up around you.

Shades of orange, pink, yellow and blue streak the sky and each day the landscape changes – from green trees in Darwin to the scorched red earth of Alice Springs. You’ll see bounding kangaroos outside Coober Pedy and silos and salt lakes past Port Augusta.

Then, finally, as you approach Adelaide the endless horizon makes way for trackside houses. You’re back to reality and it’s time to say goodbye to The Ghan. Trust, us, you’ll miss it.

RAC members save Save 5% on everyday fares, and with four different great train journeys to experience with Journey Beyond there’s an option for everyone.

The Indian Pacific turns 50 in 2020 and the inaugural journey of the Great Southern takes place in December 2019. For more details visit rac.com.au/travel

Fast facts The journey from Darwin to Adelaide lasts four days, three nights.

It costs from $2,829 for a single Gold Class cabin, $2,999 per person for a Gold Class twin and $5,899 per person for Platinum service.

This includes your accommodation on the train, all meals, all drinks (soft and alcoholic) and a choice of off-train excursions in each stop.

The Ghan Expedition runs March – October.

Highlights: The stunning scenery of the Breakaways, learning about the stars during the outdoor BBQ night in Alice Springs, meeting Terry the saltie, and the food sourced locally from the regions in which you travel – don’t miss the Crocodile Sausage or the Buffalo Curry.

TOP: The stunning plains of The Breakaways near Coober Pedy are the remains of Australia’s inland sea; ABOVE: Serving dinner to guests on board The Ghan.

Horizons / August-September 2019

47

TOYOTA T OYOTA ACCESS A SMARTER WAY TO BUY

MOTORING

Motor news

By Alex Forrest

The latest news from the motoring world

Volvo’s safety sharing A technology that allows some Volvo cars to communicate with each other and alert drivers of nearby hazardous road conditions has been expanded to be available throughout Europe. The system was initially introduced in 2016 but was only available on Volvo’s 90 Series cars driving in Sweden and Norway. It utilises a cloud-based data network to anonymously collect road surface information from cars further ahead, and then warn approaching drivers of slippery sections of road. Also, if Volvos with this capability switch on their hazard lights, other connected Volvo cars in the area are notified.

Mazda’s engine innovation Before the end of 2019, Mazda plans to launch what promises to be one of the most innovative engine technologies to enter the market in years. The Japanese car maker has developed an engine with almost the power of a petrol engine, but with the fuel economy of a diesel. This is achieved using a fuel combustion method that utilises elements of both petrol and diesel engine functionality. Marketed as Skyactiv-X, the engine will make its debut in the current model Mazda3. The engine is expected to deliver more than 20-30 per cent better fuel economy compared to Mazda’s current comparable petrol engines. If Mazda gets it right and makes it as reliable as a modern car engine needs to be, this engine could justifiably be called revolutionary.

Italian Job is 50

Ford boosts off-road EVs Electric vehicles with serious off-road capability and acceptable range have come a little closer to reality thanks to an investment by Ford of $US500 million into the Michigan-based electric four-wheel drive company Rivian. In return, this will give Ford access to Rivian’s flexible ‘skateboard’ EV platform, which can support several EV types. Ford has said Rivian’s twin-cab ute and seven-seat SUV will deliver more than 600km of range when they go on sale in 2020. No word yet on their availability in Australia.

Horizons / August-September 2019

The classic caper movie, The Italian Job, turns 50 years old this year. It’s remembered for one of the silver screen’s most famous movie car chases featuring the three examples of the Mini Cooper S painted red, white and blue. The opening sequence of the movie is also renowned for showing the destruction of a rare Lamborghini Miura. In fact, the producers used two Miuras. The one which went off the cliff was previously crashed and unroadworthy. The one used for the driving scenes survived and was discovered in a Parisian carpark in 2015 after 46 years in hiding.

49

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MOTORING

Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars

Engine Features Safety Price

Specifications Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrol Power: 231kW @ 6600rpm Torque: 367Nm @ 5000rpm Claimed fuel economy 8.9L/100km (2wd) Price: fr $43,990 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Holden Acadia The Holden Acadia seven-seat SUV is built in a factory 57km south of Nashville, Tennessee, and it carries more than a little hint of its USA origins.

It’s a right-hand drive version of the GMC Acadia, which is built in the same factory and sold in the USA. Both are built by Holden’s parent company, General Motors.

Some of the Holden Acadia’s American traits are good, such as the vehicle’s interior space, its price, safety features and depending on your tastes, its looks.

Horizons / August-September 2019

However, some aspects of the Acadia aren’t great, such as the interior’s hard plastics, it’s ponderous handling and the tendency for the front tyres to break traction, especially in the front-wheel drive models.

Most of the time, the nine-speed automatic transmission is silky smooth.

It makes for both good acceleration and relaxed cruising, and on the Mitchell Freeway at 100km/h, the engine is turning over at just 1500rpm.

The 3.6-litre V6 is derived from the engine used in the current ZB Commodore, but it’s more refined in the Acadia

thanks to revised intake and exhaust systems.

Also, there’s no hesitation in getting torque to the wheels after you put your foot down.

That’s useful sometimes, but you need to move your foot quite carefully to avoid any wheelspin.

Standard features across the range include auto braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, rear cross traffic alert and a rear seat passenger reminder, which is designed to help avoid children or animals being left in the car.

We averaged 11.2L/100km around town. With 231kW

and 367Nm, its engine makes more power and torque than the Toyota Kluger and Nissan Pathfinder while using less fuel. However, the Acadia is nowhere near segment leaders such as the Mazda CX-9 in terms of its handling poise and interior quality.

Its steering is vague and the interior fit and finish is average. These may not be top priorities in this segment, but nowadays we do know what’s possible with large SUVs. The Acadia is a lot of vehicle for the money and one of the best for space outside of a people mover. Just make sure you’re ok with the pitfalls.

51

Specifications Engine: 2.4-litre turbo diesel Power: 133kW @ 3500rpm Torque: 430Nm @ 2500rpm Claimed fuel economy 7.6L/100km* Price: fr $36,990 drive away* ANCAP safety rating 

*GLX double cab 4x4

Mitsubishi Triton Among Australian buyers, the Mitsubishi Triton is a podium finisher in the popularity contest for four-wheel drive utes, finishing behind the Ford Ranger and the top-selling Toyota Hilux.

That puts the Triton ahead of other well-known players such as the Nissan Navara, Holden Colorado and Isuzu Ute D-Max. A major reason for the Triton’s popularity is its value for money. It’s significantly cheaper than its two bigger-selling

52

rivals and brings plenty of gear with it. That said, this new Triton is between $1500 and $3000 more expensive (depending on the variant) than the old model, but it’s not for nothing.

Higher spec versions of the new one now come with autonomous emergency braking which also detects pedestrians, rear cross traffic alert and a system to minimise the effects of accidentally pressing the accelerator.

Technologies addressing unintended acceleration are still unusual in new cars, and even rarer in commercial vehicles like this.

Mitsubishi calls it an ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation

system – try saying that fast five times – and it uses sensors in the front and rear bumpers to detect obstacles in the immediate path of the vehicle. Whether in forward or reverse gears, if it detects the driver has pressed the accelerator too hard, it’ll beep and reduce engine power.

The 2019 Triton also gets a brand new six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous five-speeder.

There’s a wider spread of ratios, with lower gearing for first, second, third and fourth gears and higher gearing for fifth and sixth gears for more relaxed highway cruising.

Manual versions get the same six-speed transmission

as in the previous model.

The auto’s lower gearing on the first to fourth cogs makes the Triton slightly less fuel efficient, although the tradeoff is much improved ability in low-speed off-road situations and when towing.

There are now four drive modes (up from three) and selecting the right one using the rotary toggle on the console was essential to the Triton showing off its true abilities when the going got rough.

Creature comforts in the Triton now include a new overhead air circulator for rear passengers in the dual cab utes, and improved USB charging and phone holders.

August-September 2019 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre petrol Power: 114kW @ 6000rpm Torque: 200 Nm @ 4,000 rpm Claimed fuel economy 6.2L/100km (auto 2.0 hatch) Price: fr $29,970 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

*G20 Pure auto

Mazda3 Straddling the divide between premium cars and mainstream cars has become an artform in the Mazda camp, and the new Mazda3 continues the trend.

Mazda has continued to target private buyers (as opposed to the hire car market) with the Mazda3, meaning even the cheapest one is better equipped and more refined. But it’s also a lot more expensive.

The new entry level Mazda3 G20 Pure is $4500 more than the previous base model Mazda3 Neo Sport, but that’s only telling half the story.

Horizons / August-September 2019

For the bigger spend you get extras like a heads-up display, radar cruise control and LED headlights plus a far smoother and quieter car overall, which makes it feel more like a premium European small car.

Another area of major improvement has been the start/stop system, which stops the engine when the car is stationary, such as at traffic lights. Refinement fixes have made this system far less intrusive.

Sweetening the deal further is Mazda’s cheaper servicing costs and more appealing five-year warranty, which compares to the three-year coverage offered by most

Euro brands.

In a bid to reduce driver distraction, Mazda has removed the touchscreen functionality from the infotainment screen, meaning the menus are now controlled solely via the toggle on the centre console.

However, the Mazda3 does have a huge C-pillar (the piece of bodywork running vertically between the roof and the lower window line at the rear corners of the car) and drivers will have to work around that.

As a driver, you will notice the changes made to the new Mazda3. The infotainment system is quick and intuitive to operate, the important gaug-

es are clear, and all the switch gear has a firm and consistent feel to its movement.

The Mazda3’s designers have maintained an obsessive focus on helping the driver interact with the car easily while minimising distraction and fatigue, and that’s very evident.

Meanwhile, the interior quality is a big step up compared with the previous model.

The new Mazda3 isn’t the cheapest small car. But it’s comparable to some premium European small cars while still costing less than them to buy and maintain, and that’ll be enough to give them a scare.

53

Specifications Engine: 3.0-litre turbo petrol Power: 265 kW @ 5500 rpm Torque: 500Nm @ 1200rpm Claimed fuel economy 9.2L/100km Price: fr $121,700 drive away ANCAP safety rating not rated

BMW X4 M40i Few cars carry as many contradictions as the BMW X4 M40i.

It’s almost an SUV, but it’s had the rear section of the roof raked down like on a coupe. But unlike a coupe, it has four doors, and yet even more confusingly, BMW is calling it a coupe.

Further, the X4 M40i has the wheel and tyre sizes and the sort of engine you’d find on a sports car.

It reflects what the market is demanding, which in this niche, is almost everything all at once.

54

The truth is BMW started the whole SUV coupe idea 10 years ago with the X6. The X4 was an extension of that when it arrived in 2014, and the M40i is a performance variant of that. Keeping up?

That makes the M40i a rather specific model, but one that’s not without its rivals. Chief among these is the MercedesAMG GLC43 Coupe.

Despite the disparity of the objectives the M40i is trying to achieve, it addresses most of them acceptably well. Its handling is taut and although the inertia of its 1780kg is obvious, it does change direction more readily than you’d expect.

Performance from its twin-scroll turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine is tremendous and this requires the driver’s full attention to keep it in check.

In the rear seats, a six-footer’s head will touch the roof and the rear cargo area is small for a vehicle this size, thanks to the raked roofline.

The driving position in the M40i is quite high, even by SUV standards, though the interior itself is tastefully designed and a well-made space to sit in.

But the crackly exhaust note and bold styling means the M40i doesn’t have the same

understated serenity you get with say, a 530i sedan.

Standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, parking assistance and adjustable suspension.

However, the M40i is the BMW X4 at peak preposterousness, and costs $121,700. More affordable and less conspicuous is the X4 xDrive 20i, which starts at $86,600.

Really, the X4 M40i is like a dessert pizza – unorthodox but something you might just admit to liking in a quiet moment.

August-September 2019 / Horizons

Trust us to maintain your new car warranty RAC Auto Services are authorised to perform Logbook servicing on all makes and models Our Logbook service includes: » all the manufacturer items » comprehensive safety check » Logbook stamp

Members save

10% off labour*

The power of membership

Save $30

HORIZONS

*

Present this voucher when you drop off your car and we’ll give you $30 off your minor, major or Logbook service.

To book call 1300 134 642 or visit rac.com.au/autoservices R16939

*With the exception of RAC member 10% discount, this offer is not to be used with any other offer. RAC 10% member discount applies to all labour costs performed by the RAC. Simply call to request additional vouchers for other members in your household. Offer valid for car services conducted before the 30th September 2019. Discount voucher to be presented at time of service. Wash, vacuum and courtesy bus conditions apply. Valid at our nine metro centres and the mobile mechanic van only. Service provided by RAC Automotive Services P/L MRB 935. Promo code: HORIZONS

Balcatta » Bentley » Canning Vale » Joondalup » Mandurah » Morley » Myaree » Osborne Park » Perth City » Mobile mechanic

Transforming a

WA icon In the 1950’s, the area where SwanCare Bentley Park now stands was a dense pine plantation. A fire ravaged the plantation in 1957, which cleared the way for development, including the construction of Curtin University, then known as the WA Institute of Technology, and SwanCare Bentley Park, then known as Swan Cottage Homes.

SwanCare Bentley Park was born out of the vision of Dr Richard Cleaver, former Federal Member for Swan, who wanted to provide affordable homes for war widows.

This vision has grown to become WA’s largest retirement and aged care site, home to over 1,000 residents in the community’s extensive retirement village or within one of three residential aged care facilities.

Despite a name change, the core organisation behind Swan Cottage Homes and its ethos, structure and community-minded culture remains at SwanCare, a non-profit charitable organisation.

With almost 60 years of history behind it, SwanCare is a WA success story, in part due to its continued growth and adaption to the needs of the modern retiree.

Founded in 1961, SwanCare has evolved to meet the needs of the modern retiree.

The Evolution SwanCare’s evolution includes an $80 million makeover which is now underway. Residents are already enjoying the award-winning retirement apartment complex, the landscaped piazza and a modernised “main street” with hairdresser and grocery store.

Before the end of the year, the site will also welcome a $20 million leisure precinct with club rooms, gymnasium, heated swimming pool, community pavilion with sound and light gardens.

In early 2020, a new 124-suite residential aged care facility – named SwanCare Ningana – will open, setting a new benchmark in aged care in Western Australia.

SwanCare Ningana Residential Care G RE

IST

NO ER

W

Setting the benchmark with dedicated care and exceptional facilities

Opening soon - Register your interest Register your interest today and receive a free personalised meeting to discuss SwanCare’s residential care options.

Name: _______________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________ Send to: SwanCare Ningana Mail: 26 Plantation Drive Bentley WA 6102 Email: care@swancare.com.au

www.swancare.com.au

Phone: 6250 0250

MOTORING

Ask the

Car doctor

Our experts answer your questions

Write to us and win If your question is published, you will receive a copy of the UBD Gregory’s 2019 Perth and Surrounds Street Directory from RAC Travel, which includes new streets and suburbs, petrol station locations and more.

Send your questions to: The Car Doctor, Horizons GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 or email editor@rac.com.au Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number with your query.

I am about to change my car tyres because the tread wear is close to the minimum legal limit.

I am going to change all four tyres but just wondering if I need to change the spare tyre as well? I’ve heard the tyre rubber could become hardened over time. My spare tyre is about six years old, brand new and never used. It always sits inside the boot.

Alfred, Bunbury If the tread depth of your vehicle’s tyres is close to the legal limit, we strongly recommend fitting new tyres.

As soon as the tread has worn down to the level of the tyre wear indicators, it is time to replace them. With your spare tyre, yes, we recommend you replace it.

Tyres have a five-year use-by date. Even if the tyre has not been used at all and has been in the boot all its life, the rubber will have aged and hardened over time, meaning its grip properties will be reduced. Replacing all the tyres will mean you have the safest set of tyres, even when you’re using the spare.

We have a VW Tiguan diesel 2010 model. Recently I was forced to spend $2400 on replacing the exhaust gas recirculation system.

The car had done 150,000km. I was told it could not be ‘cleaned’. Does this mean there is a problem with the car, the diesel sold in WA, the driving or something else?

Allan, Rivervale It is not unusual for a vehicle to require its exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve to be replaced due to it becoming clogged and/or stuck open or closed. This can occur over time and through regular driving. However, EGR problems can also be caused by other engine issues which let oil into the engine’s intake system, such as faulty turbo seals or piston ring problems.

Faulty sensors which let too much fuel into the intake could also be a cause.

As with all vehicle repairs, we strongly encourage motorists to shop around to ensure they get the best deal possible.

If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. See page 81 for terms and conditions of entry.

I have a PX III Ford Ranger 3.2 and was looking at installing an oil catch can. Are they effective in this vehicle, as I had heard that you shouldn’t install one, and if you can, do you have a recommendation?

Alan, Sorrento While an oil catch can might reduce the amount of oil vapours recirculating through the engine, unless you’ve had previous problems with oil vapours causing a build-up of thick oil in the engine’s intake system, we would not recommend installing an oil catch can into your Ranger. As the PX III is a relatively recent model, if you do decide to fit an oil catch can, we’d recommend checking with Ford to see whether this will affect the vehicle’s factory warranty, if the warranty is still current.

RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line. If you have a motoring question call 13 17 03 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm to speak to one of our experts.

Horizons / August-September 2019

57

YO U R R A C

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Driving in heavy rain Winter may be half way through, but there are still plenty of grey skies and rainy days on the way. Driving in a big downpour can be daunting, so here are some things to keep in mind to stay safe: When there is a lot of water on the road, your car can be at risk of aquaplaning. This happens when your tyre tread simply can’t clear away the water on the road fast enough and your car starts to slide. If this happens avoid braking suddenly as this may cause a loss of control. Take your foot off the accelerator to slow down gradually.

Stopping distances are increased in wet weather so increase your following distance and pay special attention to the brake lights of the vehicle ahead. Make sure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread depth.

Steer clear of big puddles to avoid water splashing up into your car’s electrical systems. A big puddle may also be hiding a big pothole which could damage your car. emisters can take some time to clear your foggy rear winD dow. For a more immediate result on all fogged up windows, use your air conditioner as it removes moisture from the air.

58

Consider using a water repellent product on your windscreen to clear water from it more efficiently.

Even though your windscreen is getting rained on, clean it by hand to get rid of any heavier build up. It will help your wipers move more smoothly across the glass.

As well as checking your windscreen wipers for wear and tear, don’t forget to also check the rear window wiper if you have one.

Until the end of August, RAC Auto Services are giving away free front windscreen wipers with every Essentials Plus car service. To book your service and for terms and conditions visit rac.com.au/winterwipers

August-September 2019 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Dealing with a burst water pipe A burst water pipe is a home maintenance disaster that often unfolds silently, so you may not be immediately aware that it’s happened, but it can cause extensive damage inside your home.

Pipes can burst because they’ve deteriorated due to age, have an existing fault or because of poor workmanship when they were installed.

Signs to look out for include water

pooling on the ground outside your home that’s not coming from a hose or tap outside, or as the result of rain.

Inside your home look out for sudden signs of dampness on walls, or the sound of water running continuously when no taps are on. Finding a large, unexplained increase in your water usage bill may also be a sign of a smaller leak.

If it’s clear you have a significant leak from a burst pipe, turn off the electricity

supply to your home first, then turn off water from the mains tap.

Once the water supply is off, turn on all the taps in the house to drain what’s left in the pipes, and call an emergency plumbing service.

Preventing a burst pipe is difficult because it’s hard to know what’s going on in the pipes you can’t see, so make sure the ones you can see are in good condition. This includes the flexible silver hoses that are often used to connect water supplies in the home.

And when going away on holiday it’s a good idea to turn the water off at the mains in case a plumbing problem develops while you’re away.

RAC Insurance offers Home and Contents insurance to protect your home from unexpected events, such as damage caused by a burst water pipe. To find out more and to view the PDS, visit rac.com.au/homecontents

Winter escape savings at RAC Parks & Resorts Winter is a great time to pack the car and take a home-grown holiday – WA’s north is warm, and the south is lush and green.

Book now with RAC Parks & Resorts and you’ll save on your winter escape, no matter which direction you’re heading in.

RAC members save 20 per cent during the winter months at RAC Karri Valley Resort, RAC Busselton Holiday Park and RAC Margaret River Nature Park.

Member discounts are also available at all other RAC Parks & Resorts in the sunny north.

To find out more and to book, call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au Conditions apply.

Horizons / August-September 2019

59

YO U R R A C

How safe do you feel?

We asked RAC members to consider their home security and personal safety:

46%

were very concerned about the level of security in their home

35%

were very concerned about their personal safety at home

Of those who were burgled:

42%

WA’s oldest electric car Although they hold a futuristic fascination for many people, electric cars have a long history.

In fact, Western Australia’s oldest electric car is more than 100 years old.

It is a Model 47 Brougham manufactured in 1914 by the Anderson Electric Car Company in Detroit, USA. WA’s 105-year-old Detroit Electric was originally one of three imported into Australia in 1914 by Messrs Allen, Allen and Hemsley, who were Sydney solicitors. It can travel an impressive 100km on a single battery charge at speeds of up to 40km/h and is still in good working order today.

At the time, some motorists preferred electric cars as they didn’t require the physical effort to be hand cranked and were quieter to drive.

Henry Ford’s wife Clara drove a 47 Brougham for many years, as did Thomas Edison.

The Anderson Electric Car Company built a total of 13,000 electric cars from 1907 to 1939 when production stopped due to cheaper internal combustion engines vehicles being available.

of incidents occurred during the day (6am to 6pm)

40%

of people were home when they were burgled

RAC members save

Home security is something many people don’t think about until it’s compromised. It’s worth taking the time to assess just how at risk your home may be and consider what you can do to keep everyone in your home safe and your property secure.

Get 20% off entry to the Motor Museum of Western Australia at Whiteman Park and up to 20% discount on Motor Museum of WA branded merchandise.

To find out more about security options for your home, contact RAC Security on 1300 132 735 or visit rac.com.au/security

It is thought that only around 100 of the Anderson electric cars are still in existence.

The 1914 Brougham is currently held at the Motor Museum at Whiteman Park, on loan from the Western Australian Museum.

2018 RAC Home Security survey

60

August-September 2019 / Horizons

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For more information visit rac.com.au/retravision *Terms and conditions apply. The following agency brands are excluded from the offer Asko, AEG, Falcon, Falmec, Gaggenau, Liebherr, Miele, Neff and Speed Queen.

Retravision acts as an agent for these brands and isn’t permitted to offer a discount or bonus. Visit rac.com.au/retravision for full details.

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August-September 2019 / Horizons

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August-September 2019 / Horizons

visit rac.com.au/mb for more

R16954

RAC members save 15% on travel insurance » 24/7 emergency assistance » $unlimited overseas medical & emergency expenses# » Cover for pre-existing medical conditions^

The power power of The of membership membership

Call 1300 655 179 or go to rac.com.au/travelinsurance Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please refer to the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement available from RAC before making a decision about this insurance. This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. R.A.C. Travel Services Pty. Limited (ABN 17 009 164 176, AR NO. 228577) is an authorised representative of Tokio Marine & Nichido. Its managing agent, Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty. Ltd. ABN 69 004 488 455 (TMMA) is authorised to act on behalf of Tokio Marine & Nichido to issue its policies and handle and settle claims in relation to those policies, subject to the terms of the authority. #Medical cover will not exceed a maximum of 12 months from the time you first received treatment for the injury or illness. ^Conditions are covered providing certain criteria is met and is subject to approval. Members save 15% off the standard rate.

Applecross 6150 6459 » Carousel 6150 6454 » Dianella 6466 2300 » Joondalup 6150 6477 » Mandurah 6150 6456 » Midland 6150 6468 » West Perth 9436 4830

Horizons / August-September 2019

67

Save at these partners everyday

Members save

5%

*

The power of membership

A healthy discount for RAC members RAC members save an additional 5%* when they shop in-store or online at Wizard Pharmacy.

For even more great benefits, join Wizard Rewards, our customer loyalty program, and save even more!

1300 929 929 | wizardpharmacy.com.au *Available to all current RAC members when a valid RAC membership card is presented in-store or online. RAC members don’t need to be a Wizard Rewards member to receive the 5% discount.

Discount not available on PBS prescriptions, clearance lines or postage. RAC membership can only be associated with one Wizard Rewards card.

68

August-September 2019 / Horizons

visit rac.com.au/mb for more

Outdoor Blinds End of Season SALE NOW ON!

Members save

10%

*

Nu home, Nu look, Nu Style!

The power of membership

Maximise your outdoor living all year round

Enjoy your alfresco all year round by installing premium quality Nu-Style outdoor blinds. They not only look stylish but will blockout the cold, rain & strong winds. With our End of Season Sale now on, there has never been a better time to save!

Call us today.

nustyleshutters.com.au

1300 798 776

179 Beringarra Ave, Malaga

*T&Cs apply. Offer ends 30 September 2019. Visit our website for more information. Security Agents License no. 20818

Horizons / August-September 2019

69

Save at these partners everyday

door Blinds Security Screens, Doors and Shutters End of Season SALE NOW ON!

Members save

10%

*

The power of membership

Security doors & screens • Premium Promesh stainless steel • Tough & affordable Gridlock Diamond grill • Australian standard triple locking system • Replace old flyscreens & doors Call now for a professional to install your security doors/screens

Outdoor Blinds End of Season Sale NOW ON !

Call now for a FREE measure and quote Perth metro

Nu Style premium quality outdoor blinds will blockout the cold, rain & strong winds so you can enjoy your alfresco all winter.

nustyleshutters.com.au

1300 798 776

179 Beringarra Ave, Malaga

*T&Cs apply. Offer ends 30 September 2019. Visit our website for more information. Security Agents License no. 20818

70

August-September 2019 / Horizons

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Members save

165

$

*

and 15% off all other services

Horizons / August-September 2019

71

Show your RAC member card

Make Yourself at Home & Save Everyday

Members save

10%

*

off full-priced items

ENJOY 10% OFF FULL-PRICED ITEMS* AND 5% OFF CLEARANCE ITEMS* On a premium selection of furniture, lighting, bed linen, tableware, gifts, kitchenware and much more from four iconic brands.

Present your RAC member card in store at 635 Hay Street Mall, Perth or shop online at rac.com.au/mb *Discount applies to full-priced items online or in Perth store locations only.

Extra 5% off clearance applies only to prices ending in $0.95. Full-priced electrical appliances at Williams Sonoma are entitled to a 5% discount only. Offer not valid for limited-time sale items, gift cards, gift wrap, delivery charges or previous purchases. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers, promotion codes or discounts (including New Mover and Trade programs).

For full Terms & Conditions, visit rac.com.au/mb.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER ONLY FOR RAC WA MEMBERS

GET THAT SHOWROOM SHINE

To see even more member offers across a range of categories, visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

WITH 10%* OFF ALL SERVICES

ALL WASHES

More discounts and special offers

CAR DETAILS WAX & POLISH

MB QP

Members save

10%

*

AUSTRALIA’S #1 CARWASH QUALITY GUARANTEED

The power of membership

* Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

72

August-September 2019 / Horizons

and start saving today

Horizons

more offers

Âť Members receive 15% off* Horizons / August-September 2019

73

Show your RAC member card

Horizons

RAC rs e Membeive rec

oufp –f 15T% ill otal b

itio nd Terms & co

perth’s only absolute beachfront restaurant, bar members and function space receive

ta ils . Va 9 lid until 30/09/1

more offers

–

$5 0

to ns de ap ply or – see website f

15% off * total bill up to $50

Award winning restaurant & lounge bar

* terms & conditions apply – see website for details valid until 30/09/19

44b Mews Road, Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle

47 mews road, fremantle | 08 9335 2911 www.bathersbeachhouse.com.au/rac open 7 days a week from 11am

(08) 9335 7666

www.charcharrb.com.au/rac

» Members save 15% off your bill up to a maximum of $50*

» Members save 15% off your bill up to a maximum of $50*

Tired of the Winter gloom?

Call us now to ‘Brighten Up’ any room!

www.skylightswa.com.au

Perth: (08) 9240 4045 Bunbury: 0458 169 191

PERTH SHOWROOM: Units 5 & 6/1 Halley Road, Balcatta (entrance on Geddes Street)

Better Spaces Better Lives

BUNBURY SHOWROOM: Unit 4/61 Albert Road East Bunbury *Conditions apply. Not in conjunction with other offers. Offer ends 30/9/19

» Members receive 7% off Solatube Brighten Up Skylights & Velux Roof Windows with SkylightsWA* 74

August-September 2019 / Horizons

and start saving today

Horizons

more offers

Âť Members receive $1000 off full roof replacements* Horizons / August-September 2019

75

more offers

Show your RAC member card

Horizons

GARAGE DOOR NEEDING ATTENTION?

· Gutters and downpipes · Roof restoration · Ridgecap re-pointing · Skylights

pp p New Doors pp p Replacements pp p Services pp p Spare Parts We install, repair, and service all makes and models of doors & motors

9303 9334 Unit 1, 5 Quantum link, Wangara WA 6065

edenrocgaragedoors.com.au *must show or quote your RAC member number at time of booking.

Discount applies to garage doors spare parts and servicing only. Offer expires 30/9/18.

» Members save 10% off parts*

Get a WATER BORE before summer!

· All general roof repairs

We will beat any quote!

· All work guaranteed · Re-roofs/Roof extensions · Free quotes

300mm $185 ZINC $195 COLORBOND Fully installed

Call 0439 707 578 or 9398 9861 www.roofrenewals.com.au

360mm $210 $200 ZINC $220 $210 COLORBOND Fully installed (while stocks last) *Conditions apply valid until 30/09/19

» Members get a free whirly bird on a full house gutter replacement*

Save $1000’s on ongoing water bills

Ken Peachey Caravan Repairs Insurance, servicing, modification, accessories and canvas work.

Call (08) 9277 1381 or Email info@kenpeachey.com • Submersible bore drilled to 18 metres (ideal in most lower-lying Perth suburbs)

18 METRE BORE

RAC members pay $3,900

$3,500

• Standard electrical connection to house power • 1hp submersible pump

www.kenpeachey.com 194 Campbell Street Belmont WA 6104

• Plumbed to existing reticulation

plus get a free tap and pressure release valve (worth $240)*

• Your stainless steel pump will be invisible, deep beneath the ground.

More RAC bore packages available — Ask us today!

Call for a quote on 9246 0111 Check us out online virginbores.com.au *Subject to obligation-free site visit. Other depths & pump configurations recommended/available as required depending on your location & depth to water. Assumes electrical & reticulation connection nearby & accessible. Valid until 30/09/19.

Must be claimed at time of quotation.

» Members save $640* 76

*Conditions apply valid until 30/09/19. Licensed repairer MRB1167

» Members save 10% on caravan parts* August-September 2019 / Horizons

and start saving today

Horizons

more offers

All our great brands, under one roof.

Our popular brand Solver, known for its quality products & professional advice, joined the Wattyl family almost 3 decades ago. Recently, each of our 75 Paint Centres across the country have been rebranded to carry the name of our parent company, Wattyl.

3 We will continue to stock quality products from both Wattyl and Solver including Wattyl Solagard, I.D Advanced, Killrust and Estapol as well as Solver MaxiWash and Duraguard.

3 We offer an extensive range of painting accessories and tools, colour matching capabilities and trademark expert service.

3 Both Wattyl & Solver are proudly manufactured in Australia and continue to support and service our local communities.

RAC MEMBER OFFER

RAC members save 10% everyday on paints, stains and accessories at Wattyl Paint Centres and can enjoy ongoing special promotions

Âť Members receive 10% off paints, stains and accessories* Horizons / August-September 2019

77

more offers

Show your RAC member card

Horizons

• Creates a water and dirt repellent effect on glass, allowing for clearer vision & improved SAFETY ON THE ROAD

KIT CONTENTS

2 x sachet no 1 2 x sachet no 2 1 x gloves 1 x coloured buffing cloth 1 x white microfiber cloth

• Improving visibility during wet weather and night conditions • SEE the difference with Liquid Glass for your windshield EASY TO USE

DO IT YOURSELF

WITH Liquid Glass

QUICK DRY

WITHOUT Liquid Glass

To purchase the DIY kit go to:

www.glassshield.com.au/auto Valid until 30/09/19

» Members receive 10% off*

» Members save $10*

Unwrap a new you RAC Members receive a FREE skin consultation and facial enzyme peel saving over $100.

Limited time – bookings in August & September 2019.

See website for full details, t&c’s.

Phone 9381 3791 or book online www.dentalesthetique.com.au/rac

324 Churchill Ave, Subiaco WA 6008 » Members receive a free electric toothbrush* 78

» Members receive a free skin consultation and facial enzyme peel* August-September 2019 / Horizons

and start saving today

Horizons

more offers

DBW BUILDERS PTY LTD. Builders Registration No: 101551

Full refurbishments including renovations and fitouts • Retirement villages • Aged care centres • Strata & multi dwellings • Residential additions & second storey additions • Commercial & residential fitouts / refurbishments • DBW Builders co-ordinate all shire and engineer approvals including building permits • Builders home warranty insurance supplied David 0408 814 917

dbwbuilders@yahoo.com.au

Commercial & Residential Builders & Roofing Specialists Builders REG. NO. 101551

Valid until 30/09/19

» Members receive $500 off plan applications*

RAC Winter Wellness

Only

$99*

Surround yourself with soothing warmth at endota spa this winter. Experience our signature Deep Recovery massage designed to relax the body and ease areas of tension. Instil a deep sense of calm and balance with this offer available exclusively at your local Western Australian endota spas.

Fremantle (08) 9433 3349 Belmont (08) 6146 1103

Joondalup (08) 6363 5303

Carousel (08) 6146 1128

Perth CBD (08) 6181 9858

Light & Hydration Studio Raine Square (08) 9226 3832

Regain the freedom of your home Simple, safe and stylish, Acorn Stairlifts give people the chance to enjoy their own homes once again.

• For straight or curved staircases • Indoor and outdoor lifts • Free home assessment • Fast installation

*Terms: Valid at endota spa Belmont, Carousel, Fremantle, Joondalup, Perth & endota Light & Hydration Studio Raine Square. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Cannot be purchased as a Gift Card. Must mention offer at time of booking. Offer valid 01 August to 30 September 2019.

1800 239 169

» Members receive a deep recovery massage for only $99*

» Members receive $50 off any stairlift purchase*

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE BROCHURE & QUOTATION Valid until 30/09/19

Horizons / August-September 2019

79

Terms & conditions RAC Karri Valley Resort, page 34 The competition begins on 19 July 2019 at 9am and ends on 30 September 2019 at 9am (Australian Western Standard Time). Up to one entrant (winner) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: Three nights in a two-bedroom Lakeside chalet for two adults and two children (0-12 years), dinner for two adults and two children at the newly renovated Lakeside Restaurant, activity pass for the whole family and Pemberton Discovery Beach and Forest Eco adventure tour. Travel valid during low to mid-season only. Expiry is three years from date of issue.

The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 1 October 2019 and notified by writing. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 31 October 2019.

Prizes must be claimed in person unless a winner is otherwise advised. Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required.

Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.

Car Doctor, page 57 Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a 2019 Perth and Surrounds UBD Street Directory, valued at $39.95. The prize is not transferable or

redeemable for cash. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid.

The winner will be notified by email, telephone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in August/September Horizons must claim their prize by 11 September 2019. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn, at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine.

Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Winning exchange, page 9 Entrants may submit more than one entry.

One entrant (winner) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance valued at $183. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their cover runs out.

Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, phone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in August/ September Horizons must claim their prize by 11 September 2019. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn, at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy

Contact us The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 tel: 13 17 03 rac.com.au Member Service Centres – Metropolitan Carousel Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. Dianella Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade.

Mandurah Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. West Perth (Head Office) 832 Wellington St. Member Service Centres – Regional Albany 110 Albany Hwy. Bunbury Shop 32, Stirling Centre, Stephen St. Geraldton Shop 8, Stirlings Central SC, 54 Sanford St. Kalgoorlie 51-53 Hannan St. Travel Centres Applecross Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley St. tel: 1300 657 681 Carousel Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Dianella Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade. tel: 6466 2300 Joondalup Lakeside Joondalup SC (external), Shop E24, Boas Ave. tel: 9308 1600 Midland Shop 100, Midland Gate SC, 274 Great Eastern Hwy. tel: 6150 6468 Mandurah Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. tel: 6150 6456 West Perth 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830

Full terms and conditions for each competition available at rac.com.au/competitions

Save on 20%

Horizons / August-September 2019

Adjustable Beds Made in WA Custom Made German Motors

81

YO U R R A C

Ten best The Life of Py

Dog-friendly walk trails

Do you have an idea for The 10 Best?

Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au

The Valley Loop Trail, Lesmurdie It’s best to explore the Valley Loop Trail in winter and spring when Lesmurdie Brook and the stunning Lesmurdie Falls are in full flow. You’ll also get great views over the coastal plain.

Whistlepipe Gully, Kalamunda This is a reasonably easy walk in the Mundy Regional Park. Start the 3.5km return trail at the northern end of Lewis Road in Forrestfield. In spring you can also catch the wildflowers along the way.

Bicentennial Walk, Boyup Brook The Bicentennial walk passes through bush reserves along the banks of the Blackwood River and the Boyup Brook, close to the boundaries of the Boyup Brook township. The 6km loop trail is accessible from several points.

Collie River Walk, Collie A well-marked 10km loop track that follows the picturesque Collie River, this walk has the option of doing the full 20km trail as well. There are picnic facilities and information shelters along the way and a suspension bridge with great views over the river.

Erskine Nature Trail, Len Howard Conservation Park, Mandurah Located on the north-western side of Peel Inlet, this easy 6km return trail features boardwalks over wetland areas and also passes through the Mandurah Quays Residential Resort.

Access the trail from Mandurah Quays or from Glandart Court, Erskine.

82

King Jarrah Walk Trail, Dwellingup

Luke Pen Walk, Kalgan The Luke Pen Walk follows the Kalgan River and is 16km from Albany. This return walk is 12km and should take around three to four hours. Along the way enjoy views over vineyards, pastures and bushlands.

Thungara Trail 5 – The Full Circuit, Port Denison This is one of several trails in the Dongara/Port Denison area. This 9km loop trail starts at the Fisherman’s Lookout, heads down to the marina in Port Denison, then along the river into Dongara.

Hill View Trail, Balingup This trail takes you through part of Balingup’s heritage listed Golden Valley Tree Park. The landscaped park features collections of flora, including rare specimens, from Australia and around the world. The 1.5km trail starts on Old Padbury Road.

King Jarrah Walk Trail, Dwellingup At 18km, this loop trail is a long walk and will take around five hours so come prepared. It takes you through lush jarrah forest where you can also see the 250-year-old tree known as the King Jarrah. The trail is located within Lane Poole Reserve and begins at the old Nanga Mill townsite.

Big Brook Dam Walk Track, Pemberton Just 5km from Pemberton at the Big Brook Dam, this is an easy 4km walk trail that follows the Dam’s shores.

Dogs are not permitted around the beach area. Follow the Karri Forest Explorer Drive along Golf Links Road from Pemberton.

Note – Dogs must be on a leash at all times on these trails.

August-September 2019 / Horizons

When your Eastern States insurer is on party time We’re on local time

RIANJS0071

Get $100 off RAC Comprehensive Car Insurance for the first year when you switch online

Switch today at rac.com.au/golocal Issued by RAC Insurance Pty Limited. Discount is subject to minimum premium. Check the PDS to see if this policy is right for you.