Horizons 2017 October/November by The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.)

What’s on in WA + Member Benefits + 10 of the best

Your RAC magazine October / November 2017

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Cars West Aussies loved in the ’70s

The future of insurance Meet Monkey Mia’s extraordinary dolphins

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Explore WA’s historic Goldfields

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Horizons

Inside

WIN! a share of

Your RAC magazine October / November 2017

Editor Vanessa Pogorelic

$24,000

Managing Editor Lucy Siebert

worth of prizes See page 24

Publisher Samantha Orb Advertising Des McNamara (WA only) tel: 08 9388 7844 des@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane tel: 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com

Horizons ® is published for The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) by Hardie Grant Media Building 1, 658 Church Street Richmond VIC 3121 Australia hardiegrant.com

50 Exotic

expedition

A luxury cruise with a dash of adventure, taking in the Indian subcontinent and Myanmar.

CAB audited as at March 2017 is 553,127 households Cover image: 1972 Valiant Charger VH E55, with thanks to Kylie and Wayne Sewell. Photography by Brodie Butler. 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.

Future gazing

Electric power

Latest & greatest

Technology is set to radically change the way we insure our lives.

This couple proved it’s possible to drive from Perth to Broome in an electric car.

Forty years of the Porsche 928, plus a new Hyundai SUV is on its way to our shores and other car news.

4 Horizons October / November 2017

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Inside

your Horizons 62 Member Lounge

Top cars from the ’70s

Why Monkey Mia’s dolphins are so special

Discover WA’s Goldfields

New cars on the road

Regulars

Travel

Move

7 President’s message

17 What’s on

19 Wheels we used to dig

Great events around WA.

Cars we loved in the ’70s.

27 Social butterflies

32 The wheels keep turning

Meet Monkey Mia’s dolphins.

A year on the road with RAC.

39 Going for gold

55 What’s new

Our slow down move over laws campaign.

8 Exchange Your views.

12 Snapshot News from RAC.

15 RAC annual report

Explore the historic Goldfields.

The latest news in motoring.

49 Travel brief

56 Car reviews

Our year in review.

News from RAC Travel.

Putting new cars to the test.

82 The 10 best

50 Luxury adventure

61 Car doctor

Go on an expedition cruise.

Your questions answered.

Weekend markets in WA.

Confronting an intruder in your home; a workshop for young people learning to drive; get your friends together for a springtime river cruise; bushfire tips; keeping safe at Leavers celebrations.

Member Benefits Show your card and save on everything from fuel and vehicle maintenance to groceries, entertainment and travel.

Download our free Member Benefits app to discover where you can save with exclusive member offers.

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and make the most of your RAC membership

rac.com.au/memberbenefits

October / November 2017 Horizons 5

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Giving back to you and WA Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the power of membership

Everyday we give to you and our great state instead of taking to satisfy shareholders. And we also give our members real benefits every second of every day, from discounts on fuel to savings on shopping, entertainment, holidays and more.

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Join today at rac.com.au/membership The RAC Rescue helicopters are managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

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President’s message

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 RAC Member Service Centres Metropolitan Carousel: Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. West Perth (Head Office): 832 Wellington St. Regional Albany: 110 Albany Hwy. Bunbury: Shop 32, Stirling Centre, Stephen St. Geraldton: Shop 8, Stirlings Central Shopping Centre, 54 Sanford St. Kalgoorlie: 51-53 Hannan St. Mandurah: Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. RAC Travel Centres Applecross: Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley St. tel: 1300 657 681 Carousel: Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Joondalup: Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre (external), Shop E24, Boas Ave. tel: 9308 1600 Midland: Shop 100, Midland Gate Shopping Centre, 274 Great Eastern Hwy. tel: 6150 6468 Mandurah: Shop SP037 Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. tel: 6150 6456 Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. tel: 6466 2300 West Perth: 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830 Deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au RAC contact numbers Roadside Assistance 13 11 11 Battery Services 13 11 11 Membership 13 17 03 Motoring Advice 13 17 03 Vehicle Condition Appraisals 1300 797 078 Insurance 13 17 03 Finance 13 17 03 Travel 13 17 03 Touring 13 17 03 Security Services 13 17 03 RAC Auto Services 1300 135 667 RAC Tyres 1300 651 042 Corporate Enquiries 9436 4111

Making room for those who need it most The State Government’s 2017 election commitment to introduce ‘slow down move over’ laws, or ‘SLOMO’ as it is commonly known, is an important road and workplace safety initiative to help improve the safety of both the community and workers operating on busy roadsides. Earlier this year RAC welcomed the 2017 election commitment because it recognised that the roadside, particularly on high-speed roads, can be a dangerous place. It can be a dangerous place for many, including stranded motorists, road workers, emergency services personnel, police officers, tow-truck drivers, roadside assistance patrols, and all those who call the roadside their place of work. RAC has consistently called for ‘SLOMO’ laws to be introduced to WA since 2012. Our continued advocacy on this important road safety initiative is due to a deep concern about motorists who do not slow down as they pass broken-down vehicles, emergency services, or people working at the roadside. The aim of ‘SLOMO’ laws is to require motorists to slow down when they see the flashing lights of emergency service vehicles, tow trucks or roadside assistance patrol vehicles; and move to another lane if it is safe to do so. Similar laws already exist in South Australia and more recently have commenced in Victoria, and they have a long history in the USA and Canada. A 2015 RAC survey of our roadside Patrols found that 91 per cent had experienced a near miss while assisting a member on the roadside in the past 12 months. Those near misses included the Patrol, the RAC member or their vehicle coming dangerously close to being involved in an incident that could have resulted in injury or property damage.

Our Patrols observed that the key reasons for the near misses included motorists not slowing down when there was a roadside incident, being impatient, not allowing extra space for a breakdown situation or even using emergency stopping lanes to avoid traffic congestion. It is important to highlight that these concerns are not just confined to the metropolitan road network. The problem is also exacerbated on country roads where high speed limits apply but there is little room on the roadside to safely park a broken-down vehicle. As part of the introduction of ‘SLOMO’ laws there is a need for a far-reaching community awareness campaign to promote the new requirements and to highlight the safety issues facing incident or breakdown response vehicles. The campaign must also inform motorists about how to remain safe in the event of a breakdown on a high-speed road. Breakdowns can happen to anyone at any time and this cannot be overlooked. All that the introduction of ‘SLOMO’ laws will require of us is to simply slow our driving speed for a short time; it may also spare the life of a stranded motorist or a person simply carrying out their work on the side of the road. Saving a life or stopping a serious injury on our roads is something we can all support.

Tony Evans RAC President

Your RAC Council Club Patron Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia President Tony Evans Senior Vice President Jacqueline Ronchi Vice President Ross Dowling Members of Council Dennis Banks, Esme Bowen, Freda Crucitti, Jill Darby, Dalton Gooding, Alden Halse, Murray Lampard, Stephanie Proud, Elizabeth Re, Emmerson Richardson, Tim Shanahan, Julie Wadley. October / November 2017 Horizons 7

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@racwa

email: editor@rac.com.au

Exchange

Feedback, opinion and fast facts

OLD CAR V NEW CAR

GET SOCIAL WITH US Some of our favourite snaps and comments that you’ve shared with us on social media Our Facebook followers shared memories of their favourite retro cars:

In 1976, the average age of a vehicle on Australian roads was six years. In 2016, it was 10 years.

“My first car was a brown ‘72 Ford Escort 2 door T-Bar automatic! Probably worth a fortune these days?” Photo credit: John Donoghue – Facebook

Australian Bureau of Statistics

“Love my Sandman”

2000

2011

33% 13%

Cars built before 2001 are involved in 33% of fatal crashes.

Cars built after 2010 are involved in just 13% of fatal crashes.

Occupant fatalities in passenger vehicles & SUVs. Source: Australasian New Car Assessment Program

Have your say ...

Are you confident you understand how to correctly use a roundabout, including dual lane roundabouts? Take our poll at rac.com.au/exchange.

Photo credit: Andrew Coulman – Facebook

“I wasn’t born then so I’m posting for my dad.” Photo credit: Claas Scholz – Facebook

“My first ride 1958 FC Holden back in 1982!” Photo credit: Robert Vitali – Facebook

Share your snaps with us on Facebook or Twitter, tagging #RACWA and you could feature.

8 Horizons October / November 2017

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Exchange

RENEWABLE ENERGY SURVEY

Do you currently have a solar energy system on your roof?

Yes 60% No 40% What do you believe is the key benefit of installing a rooftop solar power system? l Save money on power bills 45% l Reduce carbon emissions 22% l Be more self-sufficient in home power generation 28% l I don’t believe there are any benefits 5% If you already have or were to install solar panels, what would you prefer to do with excess power generated? l Store it at home for your own use 70% l Sell it back to the electricity grid 30% Horizons online survey, July 2017

MEMBER MAIL Time to countdown?

Tyre pressure reminder

I’d like to comment on the problem of people running orange and red lights. As an experienced driver, I know how daunting it can be to approach a green light not knowing how long you have to clear the intersection safely. If the lights change, your split second decision is governed by many factors: your speed, weather conditions and following traffic. Consequently you can be forced to proceed through orange and possibly red lights (depending on speed of light change), risking an accident. What I would like to see adopted here is the digital countdown timers. These systems give a clear and concise indication of your time available to clear the intersection safely.

Some people are not mechanically minded and don’t check or pump up their tyres regularly, leaving it until it’s too late. It’s something that needs to be done regularly. Don’t wait for the next service, as some tyres can lose pressure slowly through leaking valves. Keeping them at the designed pressure, which is detailed in the glove-box manual or stamped on the door trim sticker, can also improve the mileage and ride. And, of course, check the tread to stay safe.

Maxwell Watson

WIN

free roadside assistance for one year

Our winning letter

Give us your feedback via Facebook, Twitter, email or post and you could win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance, which gives motorists additional peace of mind by offering a range of extended benefits.

Ron Smith

Contact the editor. Email editor@rac.com.au or write to The Editor, RAC Horizons Magazine, GPO Box C140 Perth WA 6839.

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.

October / November 2017 Horizons 9

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Immersed in Culture The vast region of Arnhem Land is richly endowed with a culture that is more than 60,000 years old, making it the oldest surviving culture in human history. As part of this adventure, you’ll enjoy authentic cultural experiences and activities, learning about this sacred and mystical land from those who know it best.

Incredible Activities Enjoy a host of incredible activities throughout the journey, including marine adventures in Port Essington, Barramundi Fishing at Maningrida, a historical tour at Victoria Settlement and guided rock art tours at Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safaris, Mount Borradaile. You’ll be escorted by knowledgeable, experienced guides and skippers throughout the journey.

Luxury Safari Lodges With permission from Traditional Owners and the NLC, Outback Spirit has created an exquisite network of luxurious safari camps and lodges throughout Arnhem Land. Established in idyllic locations, these camps and lodges have made possible this extraordinary new adventure from Nhulunbuy in the east, to Seven Spirit Bay on the Cobourg Peninsula.

Number of Nights Scenic Flight 4WD Track

Tour Highlights & Inclusions • Travel through the heart of Arnhem Land and immerse yourself in the world’s oldest surviving culture • Learn from Indigenous guides who’ll share their knowledge and stories about their country • Take a fascinating journey back to 1838 on a historical tour of the old Victoria Settlement • Fish for Barramundi on a marine adventure of the Liverpool and Tomkinson Rivers • Discover the rich marine life of the Cobourg Marine Park Sanctuary on a cruise to Port Essington

• Cruise pristine swamps, creeks & billabongs in small groups • Spend 2 nights at Mount Borradaile and discover ancient rock art sites and the ‘catacombs’ • Discover the frontier town of Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula • Visit authentic art centres, including Buku Larrnggay Mulka at Yirrkala. Learn about the Yirrkala bark petitions that started the Aboriginal Land Rights movement in 1963 • Spend 6 nights in Outback Spirit’s luxurious wilderness lodges • Fully inclusive of all meals, activities, permit fees, expert guides and scenic flight from Vashon Head to Darwin

Watch our incredible Arnhem Land video online! Go to outbackspirittours.com.au

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Declared an Aboriginal Reserve in 1931, Arnhem Land has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for more than 60,000 years. Today, the region remains a vital cultural stronghold for Indigenous Australians and an extraordinary part of the Australian continent. Through extensive consultation with Traditional Owners and the Northern Land Council, Outback Spirit has created one of the most extraordinary cultural and wilderness journeys in Australia. Beginning in Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula, our exclusive 12-day adventure travels west through the heart of Arnhem Land. On the banks of the Arafura Swamp, you’ll spend two nights at our incredible Murwangi Safari Camp to discover the area with Traditional Owners. Then, head further west to Maningrida for two nights at the Barramundi Lodge and an incredible half day marine adventure on the wild and pristine Liverpool River. At Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safaris, Mount Borradaile, you’ll explore rarely seen rock art sites and cruise spectacular floodplains with expert guides. Towards the end of the journey, head to the Cobourg Peninsula and Garig Gunak Barlu National Park for two nights at the magnificently redeveloped Seven Spirit Bay, our third luxury lodge in Arnhem Land. Call now and join us for an extraordinary adventure through Arnhem Land in 2018.

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

News in brief from the RAC & beyond

Snapshot

Is it legal for motorcycles to travel between two lanes of traffic?

Electric bike trials a big success Two short-term electric bike (ebike) trials have resulted in participants saving an average combined total of $18,000 over 10 weeks, by choosing to cycle instead of using other modes of transport. Sixty people took part in the two 10-week trials across Perth and Albany, with more than 3000 ebike trips logged during this time, RAC General Manager Public Policy, Anne Still, said. “More than half the participants reported saving money by cycling to work, with fuel, public transport and parking key areas where savings were identified,” Still said. “The reported savings equate to an average of $530 per person over the 10-week period or around $50 each week. The benefits of cycling extend beyond just the financial, with participants also noting a range of health and wellbeing benefits,

including feeling less stressed, increased fitness and weight loss. “One in two participants enjoyed riding their ebike so much they purchased it at the end of their trial, while the overwhelming majority said they would recommend ebikes to family, friends and colleagues as a commuting option,” Still said. More than half of all commuting trips were made by ebike during both trials and almost 1300 car trips were replaced by participants choosing to cycle and use other transport modes instead of driving. “With ebikes helping to take some of the puff out of cycling, they can be a particularly convenient option for commuting to work and acrosstown trips, providing improved mobility and helping to manage congestion,” Still said. On average, the 20 Albany trial participants had a higher level of ebike usage, having made two-thirds as many ebike trips as the 40 participants in Perth. They also used their ebikes more for non-commuting trips compared with those in Perth.

This is a tricky one. While not explicitly banned in WA, this practice, which is known as lane splitting/filtering, may contravene other road rules while the rider is travelling between the lanes. For example, because every vehicle must signal before a lane change, if the rider doesn’t do this each time they move from one lane to the other, then they’ve broken a road rule. It’s also illegal for a vehicle to ride with its wheels on the lane line or to cross continuous lane lines, all of which a motorcyclist may do while travelling between two lanes of traffic.

Lane splitting and lane filtering The key difference between lane splitting and lane filtering is the speed of the surrounding traffic. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist moves between vehicles that are travelling more than 30km/h, and lane filtering is when a motorcyclist moves between vehicles that are stopped or moving at less than 30km/h. There are currently no specific exemptions for either of these practices in WA.

12 Horizons October / November 2017

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Snapshot

Notice of Annual General Meeting

The 112th Annual General Meeting of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (Incorporated) (RAC) will be held at:

Our motoring man’s milestone

RAC Office, 832 Wellington Street, West Perth, 7pm on Tuesday 28 November, 2017. BUSINESS 1. To declare the 2017 Annual General Meeting open. 2. To table the Notice of Meeting. 3. To receive apologies. 4. To table and confirm the minutes of the 2016 Annual General Meeting. 5. To table the report of the President. 6. To present for consideration: a) the financial report of the RAC for the year ended 30 June 2017; and b) a copy of the auditor’s report on the financial report. 7. To disclose the nature and extent of any material personal interests of Councillors declared. 8. Declaration of election of President and Senior Vice President. 9. Declaration of election of four (4) members to the Council by the Returning Officer. 10. Questions. 11. Close of Meeting. By order of the Council: TT Agnew, RAC Group Chief Executive.

When 25-year-old journalist Alex Forrest scored a job writing a regular motoring column in The West Australian, it was a breakthrough moment in the young motoring reporter’s career. Fast forward 20 years and Forrest, RAC’s Manager Vehicles and Fuels, is still at the helm of that same column, “Idle Torque”, which recently became Australia’s longest continuously running motoring column. Forrest also celebrated a second motorwriting milestone this year with 10 years of producing car reviews for RAC members, including Horizon’s “Test Drive”. Forrest said he never imagined the myriad experiences his career would bring. “I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some of the heroes of motoring and motorsport. I’ve also experienced some of the weirdest, rarest and most valuable vehicles in the world,” he said. One of his strangest car experiences was a ride on the Swan River in a 1967 Amphicar (a vehicle that travels on land and water – pictured above). He also

drove one of the greatest supercars ever made, a Ferrari F40, in Melbourne. Forrest has met WA motor racing greats, including Clem Dwyer, Jack Nelson and Alan Tomlinson. And he interviewed racing driver Peter Brock on the day he lost his life. “Having spoken to Peter on the morning he died in 2006 and then to be reporting on his death later that day was completely heartbreaking,” Forrest said. “I also had the privilege of meeting actress Lois Maxwell, who played Miss Moneypenny in the first 14 James Bond films and who lived in Perth for some time. At a party I attended for her 75th birthday, Bond actor Roger Moore personally called her to pass on his good wishes. “It was wonderful to get that first opportunity to write a motoring column all those years ago. Having kept it going alongside a number of full-time positions has been so rewarding given the amazing people I’ve met and the many long-lasting friendships I’ve made along the way.”

Get more of the latest news to your inbox Get additional news and stories from across WA. Sign up to RAC’s For the Better enews at

rac.com.au/racenews

October / November 2017 Horizons 13

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Report

RAC’s 2016/17

Annual report The 2016/17 financial year saw the external operating environment remain uncertain for many, with the management of the economy, the condition of the State’s finances and the cost of living all remaining at the centre of attention. Over the past 12 months, and into the future, RAC’s focus continues to be to operate sustainably and grow the organisation through the delivery of new and improved services and benefits to its members. RAC has also continued to innovate and advocate, ensuring RAC members can move around our State safely, easily and sustainably. This focus delivered RAC Group revenue for the year ended 30 June 2017 of $683.1 million and an overall profit after tax of $43.3 million. The total net assets of the Group as at 30 June 2017 increased to $845.6 million. During the past year a number of new member benefits and services have been introduced including a saving of four cents a litre on fuel at 68 participating Puma Energy, Gull and Peak service stations across WA, which ensures members can now simply show their membership card and save. Reaching out to our youth is also a key focus for RAC and we have continued to develop and provide young Western Australians with road safety information and member benefits through two free child and youth membership programs – RAC Little Legends Club and the RAC Road Ready program. In March 2017, a record 8500 year 10–12 students visited Perth Arena to watch RAC bstreetsmart, delivered in partnership with WA Police, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, St John Ambulance, Royal Perth Hospital and the Theatrical Response Group. Another new road safety initiative this year included the launch of the RAC Rescue Experience which provides an important insight into the incredible work undertaken by the RAC Rescue helicopters. RAC is proud to also continue our sponsorship of both RAC Rescue

helicopters, managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). The RAC Rescue helicopters are WA’s only emergency rescue helicopter service flying critical care paramedic services to emergencies and then transporting the injured directly to hospital where the best care can be given. Together the RAC Rescue helicopters have flown more than 5500 missions, and in doing so, helped to save hundreds of lives. RAC’s Elephant in the Wheatbelt campaign has continued to highlight the ongoing impact of road trauma in regional WA, where more than 60 per cent of WA’s road fatalities occurred in 2016. Tragically, in 2016 WA also experienced its worst road toll in eight years, and we continued to have the worst road fatality rate of any state. Mobility and innovation combined strongly this year for RAC with the on-road trial of the RAC Intellibus® which was launched in South Perth on the 31 August 2016. An Australian first and leading the world, the RAC Intellibus® is exploring the possibilities of driverless vehicle technology, and will help deliver a roadmap of changes that will need to occur for driverless vehicles to safely transition on to our roads and become an integrated part of our transport system. At the time of preparing this report 3450 people had ridden on the RAC Intellibus® which has travelled over 3300 kilometres along the streets of South Perth. It is pleasing to see that over 95 per cent of the participants who have experienced a ride on the RAC Intellibus® believe it could be used as a service in WA in the future. The strong focus on advocacy continued this year through the delivery of the Give Me Time State Election campaign, and at the Federal level, RAC has continued to advocate on the need for a fairer share of funding for transport in WA. It was also pleasing to see the Federal and State Governments agree to a $2.3 billion road and rail infrastructure package for Western Australia, following

RAC President Tony Evans and RAC Group CEO Terry Agnew.

RAC bstreetsmart, an annual youth road safety event.

RAC’s Intellibus® trial in South Perth.

RAC’s continued advocacy at both the state and national levels. Delivering new services in tourism continued this year as part of RAC’s Park and Resorts strategy and we also marked 70 years since RAC’s Insurance business commenced operations, building on RAC Roadside Assistance recently celebrating 90 years of service to RAC members. We would like to acknowledge RAC Councillors for your ongoing support, and to thank RAC people for your tireless contribution to deliver the variety of services to RAC members, every day. RAC has now grown to more than 950,000 members and it is through this power of membership that we continue to deliver a range of initiatives and services, and advocate for a better WA. Thank you for your support. l For a copy of the concise annual report visit rac.com.au/annualreport or call 9436 4389. October / November 2017 Horizons 15

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FRENCH CONNECTIONS MASTERS SERIES

FRI 13 & SAT 14 OCTOBER 7.30PM Perth Concert Hall

Tickets from $32* Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony is imbued with delicate lyricism and orchestral colour. Saint-Saëns’ stormy First Cello Concerto erupts with unique and imaginative melodies and is performed by international artist Li-Wei Qin.

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MEGAN WASHINGTON WITH WASO FRI 27 OCTOBER 8PM

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Tickets from $39* Two-time ARIA Award winner and multiplatinum album selling artist Megan Washington joins WASO with new songs and a selection of favourites from her three studio albums including How to Tame Lions, Consolation Prize and One For Sorrow. Don’t miss one of the defining Australian female singers of our age in this special concert with WASO.

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FRI 24 & SAT 25 NOVEMBER 7.30PM Perth Concert Hall

Popular stars of ABC KIDS Lah-Lah and Buzz present an educational and interactive musical show with lots of singing and dancing! Meet some new instrument friends as Buzz and Lah-Lah introduce Lola the Dancing Double Bass to the fascinating families of the orchestra in a fun and engaging concert perfect for 3-7 year olds with all the action on a big screen!

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HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS™ IN CONCERT

CHRISTMAS WITH THE IDEA OF NORTH & WASO

FRI 10 & SAT 11 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

Perth Concert Hall

Riverside Theatre, PCEC Tickets available from ticketek.com

The Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series continues with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™, the second film in the Harry Potter franchise. WASO will perform John Williams’ unforgettable score while the film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.

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Tickets from $49* In their first ever concert with WASO, multi ARIA Award winners The Idea of North perform songs and music from around the world - including your favourite holiday tunes! Enjoy the sophisticated harmonies and good old-fashioned fun that these superbly talented singers bring to the stage as they usher in the holiday season with WASO.

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HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © and ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING’S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17). Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts. *A one-off handling fee of $5.50 per transaction applies to all purchases on our website. A fee of $3.85 applies to over the counter bookings. A fee of $6.60 applies to phone and mail bookings. An additional fee of $4.40 per transaction applies for delivery via Registered Post

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What’s on

 Events around the state in October and November Last year’s opening night at Castle Rock.

Gooseberry Hill Art and Craft Exhibition 14–15 October

Support the Kalamunda community by browsing and buying arts and crafts from local artists. From watercolours to handmade clothing and toys, start your festive shopping early. gooseberryhillartscraftsgroup. weebly.com

Indian Ocean Festival 11 November Elements Margaret River

Margaret River Gourmet Escape 16–19 November

One of the country’s top culinary events brings together leading food and wine experts from around the world for a weekend of events, including beach barbecues, long-table lunches, sundowners, Q&A sessions and more, set in spectacular coastal, forest and rural scenery.

indianoceanfestival.com.au

Donnybrook Food & Wine Festival

1 October

ite

The whole family can enjoy a range of free activities at this community market, including scout rope bridge building, T-shirt painting and face painting. In addition to food and market stalls, there will be woodturning and engraving demonstrations, plus live music. quinninup.net.au

Perth Heritage Days 15 October

854

As part of the Heritage Days weekend, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Education and

ent Inc. pplies to ed Post

Heritage Centre in Perth will be open to the public. Take a look through the archive of historic emergency services documents, photographs and a display of vintage and modern emergency service vehicles, including the RAC Rescue Experience.

gourmetescape.com.au

Act-Belong-Commit Quinninup Annual Market Day

Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures 14 October–29 January

Start your working day with a brisk ride and a delicious brekky at the annual Ride2Work Day Breakfast. About 2000 riders are expected to take part, enjoying a free, healthy breakfast at Elizabeth Quay.

The local hero and Hollywood star’s achievements and creativity will be highlighted at this free exhibition at the Western Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. The exhibition will include some of Ledger’s most well-known costumes, including the Joker suit from The Dark Knight, as well as his research journals revealing how he developed key roles.

bwa.org.au

museum.wa.gov.au

heritageperth.com.au

Ride2Work Day 18 October

This seaside festival at Jurien Bay will feature rides, market stalls, live music and giveaways, plus the blessing of the fleet with the IGA Fireworks extravaganza to finish off the day. Go for the day or stay overnight at RAC Cervantes Holiday Park and catch the free shuttle to the event. The RAC Rescue experience will also be there for a virtual reality ride on RAC Rescue helicopters. Gates open 10am, entry $2.

25 November

Sample some of the Geographe region’s best produce and award-winning wines while perusing the specialty stores or enjoying cooking demonstrations by chefs and live music. Plus, there are free activities for the kids. donnybrookfoodandwinefest.com.au

Peter Pan 17 November–10 December

His Majesty’s Theatre The West Australian Ballet production of J.M. Barrie’s timeless story is brought to life with Kristian Fredrikson’s Edwardian-inspired picturebook designs and a magnificent cinematic score performed by the West Australian Philharmonic Orchestra. waballet.com.au October / November 2017 Horizons 17

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R15936

Save on car servicing this Spring

$30 off

Present this voucher when you drop off your car and we’ll give you $30 off your next service. Offer ends 30 November 2017.

To book call 1300 134 642 or visit rac.com.au/as *Apart from the RAC Member 10% discount this offer is not to be used with any other offer. This promotional discount and service features described apply to Essentials Plus, Essentials and Logbook servicing only. RAC 10% member discount applies to all labour costs performed by the RAC. Service provided by RAC Automotive Services P/L MRB 935. Promo code: HORIZONS1017

$30 off

Present this voucher when you drop off your car and we’ll give you $30 off your next service. Offer ends 30 November 2017.

Book at any of our nine Auto Services centres Balcatta

Bentley

15936 - AutoServices_horizons AD FPFC.indd 1 19-22_Cars 70s.indd 18

Canning Vale

Joondalup

Mandurah

Morley

Myaree

Osborne Park

Perth City

30/08/2017 12:16:08 PM 7/09/2017 3:08 PM

R15936

Motoring

The cars West Aussies loved in the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;70s It was a decade of great change and in Western Australia our motoring tastes were evolving, too. We took to the road in growing numbers, in versatile cars that went on to be among our most loved cars ever. by Toby Hagon

October / November 2017 Horizons 19

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Motoring

Valiant Charger If an advertising campaign could make a car, then the Charger was off to a flying start courtesy of the legendary “Hey Charger” catchcry, complete with the V for victory hand gestures still recognised today. The cool two-door coupe, complete with integrated rear spoiler, instantly gelled in a land of Monaros and Falcon Coupes, cementing the big Chrysler as an instant legend. Its gutsy Hemi six-cylinder and requisite V8 completed the muscle car deal.

Holden Gemini The Gemini was about as multicultural as Holden got in the 1970s, blending a European Opel design with some Japanese Isuzu know-how to create a small car that was fortuitously well positioned for the oil crisis that defined the automotive era. The combination of perky performance and solid value made it an instant sales winner, while Holden’s much-hyped Radial Tuned Suspension (complete with RTS badges) upped the Gemini’s handling ante late in the decade.

Toyota Corolla No one could have predicted the impact Toyota’s small car could have had on the market decades after it first arrived. But it was a different story when the gawky original started mixing it with the Holdens and Fords of the late 1960s. Those early examples weren’t in the least bit exciting to drive – or look at – but during the ’70s the newcomer quickly built a reputation for reliability and longevity, something that won the conservative vote. 20 Horizons October / November 2017

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Motoring

Ford Escort Versatility was the name of the game with Ford’s new small car. As a panel van, it was just as likely to be emblazoned with a plumber’s logo as it was with numbers down its side sliding sideways on a rally road. The four-door models were even used as family machines. Starting life with plenty of curves, the Escort later adopted sharper angles, with the sporty-looking RS2000 winning many fans in Australia. The loveable little rear-wheel drive car even had a presence on the small screen, where it was mercilessly thrashed on Pommy hit The Professionals.

Holden Sandman Datsun 120Y Few cars have tyres as skinny and gangly as the 120Y, an unassuming legend of 1970s roads. They didn’t have to be driven fast to be driven hard, leaning heavily on that little bit of rubber that connected the 12-inch wheels with the road. But it was the all-round ability and value of the diminutive 120Y that made it popular and lovable in an era when larger cars ruled. ▼

It was what was emblazoned down the sides – and what went on inside – that transformed the Sandman from the practical to the iconic. Yep, it was all surf, sun and fun with Holden’s panel van (a ute was also available), which incorporated some go-fast Monaro bits in an otherwise practical, (very) spacious two-seat body. The stylised Sandman sticker on the tailgate topped off the machine that appealed to tradies as much as the booming surfies. But it was the murals and stickers that reinforced the rebellious Sandman sub-culture.

October / November 2017 Horizons 21

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Motoring

Holden Monaro In an era when Holden could do no wrong the late 1960s arrival of a coupe made perfect sense, something replicated with instant success at Mount Panorama. While early cars featured a Chevrolet V8, later Monaros used the locally developed Holden V8, an engine that went on to define the brand through the ’70s. Practicality wasn’t a big deal in Monaros, but it didn’t have to be; for that there was the Kingswood.

See more cars West Aussies loved in the ’70s at rac.com.au/70scars.

Holden Torana Smaller than a Kingswood but with the under-bonnet muscle Aussies loved. That was the appeal of the mid-sized Torana, even if it was the four- and sixcylinders that sold in big numbers on the road. But it was Mount Panorama that made the Torana a true legend. Fresh from defeats dished out by the GTHO Falcons, Holden combined V8 power with the lighter Torana body to create a winner at the hands of emerging talent Peter Brock.

Back to the

’80s

In the December / January issue of Horizons, we check out the fab cars West Aussies loved in the ’80s.

22 Horizons October / November 2017

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I know that some people have special conditions on their driver’s licence saying they need to wear suitable spectacles while driving but I haven’t seen anybody else’s licence with what appeared on mine seven years ago - my driving licence was stamped with “Must wear suitable hearing aids.” I have hearing loss which is probably due to the fact that I lived on a farm in Victoria for 76 years, (63 of them with my wife Margaret) and where, like many other farmers, I could have lost some hearing from loud machinery noise and riding on tractors without cabins. We joined our family in the West following 12 years of drought in Victoria and love living here in Maida Vale. My licence showed there was nothing else to be done; I had to get hearing aids fitted. I was advised by another medical professional whom I trusted to go and see Brad Hutchinson as he was the best in the business, to get tested for hearing aids. He was right, Brad was marvellous from our first meeting, he has given me nothing less than

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At Brad Hutchinson Hearing we offer FREE* fully automatic digital hearing aids and free hearing services to pensioners and veterans who are eligible for the Australian Government Hearing Services October Program. *conditions apply 23 / November 2017 Horizons

7/09/2017 3:08 PM

Travel Competition

WIN a share of $24,000 worth of prizes from RAC’s Member Benefits partners We’ve teamed up with our Member Benefit partners to give RAC members a chance to win from a huge pool of prizes, including a $2000 solar system, $2000 to freshen up your home or an adventure in a motorhome with VIP cover and more.

All you need to do is use your RAC membership card to shop and save. Simply shop with any of our participating Member Benefit partners between now and 30 November 2017. The more benefits you use, the more chances you’ll have to win. 24 Horizons October / November 2017

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Win one of these prizes from our Member Benefits partners: Home and life l One Goccia City Retro 200 watt e-bike with throttle provided by Bikemore powered by RAC valued at $2190 l $2000 Solar package by Termico Solar Generation l $2000 Termite Treatment with Termico Pest Management

Shop Save Win!

l $2000 gift card to spend at Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids or west elm l $1000 for a shutter or outdoor blind at Nu-Style Shutters l St John Ambulance First Aid training course valued at $500 l Six x Goodlife Health Clubs three month memberships valued at $239 l 30 x $100 Woolworths WISH Gift Cards l Two months free storage including delivery and pick up with Mobistorage worth $731 l 25 x $15 RAC Online Shop vouchers to use towards cinema tickets, a National Park Pass, local attractions and more.

Car and motoring l $1450 paint protection and tint pack by Tint a Car Home and Office l Two x $500 gift cards to spend at Repco l 125 x $20 Puma Energy fuel vouchers

Last year more than 345,000 RAC members saved over $14.9 million by using their Member Benefits. With discounts on everything from fuel, travel, groceries, entertainment, dining and more, the benefits really stack up.

l Five x $100 SHOFER wallets to use on your next trip l 10 x car washes at Magic Hand Carwash valued at $25 each.

Travel and entertainment l Apollo motorhome hire including value pack up to $2000 l Thrifty car hire for seven days valued at $550 l Two x AMF Bowling gift cards valued at $250 l Two x double passes to Rottnest Island with Rottnest Express valued at $150 l One family voucher to Adventure World valued at $218.

Visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits and find out how and where you can save. See page 81 for terms and conditions. October / November 2017 Horizons 25

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Spring is family

getaways

With holiday parks and resorts positioned along the West Australian coastline, there are so many adventures your family will love. Choose from Busselton, Cervantes, Monkey Mia, Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef. As an RAC member, you save up to 20%* off accommodation with late check out. Great accommodation plus benefits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the power of membership.

Call 1800 871 570, go to racparksandresorts.com.au or visit your local RAC Travel & Cruise Centre *Terms and conditions apply. Discount varies according to season. See website for full details.

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Travel

Tourism Western Australia

A team of international scientists has been studying Monkey Mia’s dolphins for more than three decades.

Social butterflies of the sea Monkey Mia’s famous dolphin clans have given us more than just tourist happy-snap opportunities. They’re also providing incredible insights into dolphin behaviours never seen before. by Vanessa Pogorelic

beach for the chance to interact with one of the world’s most loved animals, an international dolphin research project has been quietly unfolding for more than 30 years, documenting the region’s complex dolphin society.

One of the world’s longestrunning dolphin studies Since 1982, an international team of scientists has been documenting the Monkey Mia and Shark Bay dolphins in what is the second-longest-running

dolphin study in the world. Their research has uncovered a level of intelligence and ingenuity that, in many instances, has never been observed before in wild dolphins. Dr Janet Mann, a professor at Georgetown University in the US, who has been visiting WA to study the dolphins since 1988, says the willingness of Monkey Mia’s dolphins to be closely observed by humans is unique. “They have no fear of humans. They’ll do most natural behaviours ▼

fter humans, dolphins have the largest brain of any animal in relation to body size, and their remarkable level of intelligence has long endeared them to land dwellers. Research being conducted along Western Australia’s Coral Coast is showing just how these intriguing mammals can put their large brains to good use. At Monkey Mia’s beachside tourist zone, where eager onlookers line the

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Tourism Western Australia

Travel

right in front of us,” says Mann. “Because they’ve experienced so little harassment from boats or human activity, they’re comfortable engaging in social and hunting behaviours very close to people. They’ve learnt to trust humans.” Bottlenose dolphins have a very complex society and Mann says that Monkey Mia’s dolphins exhibit social behaviours even more complex than those studied elsewhere. Particularly unique is the deep friendship networks and alliances between Monkey Mia’s male dolphins.

▼

“…they collaborate with each other and sometimes with other alliances. That hasn’t been found anywhere outside of humans really.”

Dolphin contact feeding times and the quantities of fish are carefully managed.

“They have multi-level, multi-male alliances that can range up to 14 animals. The size and levels of these male alliances haven’t been found in dolphins anywhere else,” Mann explains. “Each male dolphin can have several close friends that make up an alliance – usually of three males, and they collaborate with each other and sometimes with other alliances. That hasn’t been found anywhere outside of humans really.” While the males have deeply structured alliances, the females are more free-form in their friendships,

28 Horizons October / November 2017

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Travel

Artist’s impression.

An exciting upgrade and expansion of RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort gets underway in September, revamping the caravan, camping and resort facilities to create an even more special experience for guests. Added to the improved caravan and camping areas, which will also include more powered bays, will be 12 new two- and three-bedroom family beachfront cabins, a new reception area with retail space, a second pool and play spaces. “We’re very excited about the redevelopment of this iconic destination and think the new and upgraded facilities will greatly add to the already unique experience of Monkey Mia for members and international visitors,” says RAC Executive General Manager, Brand and Tourism, Tony Pickworth. The redevelopment will be completed in June 2018 and the cabins, rooms and restaurant will remain open during the redevelopment time. For the safety and comfort of guests the caravan and camping section of the Monkey Mia resort will be closed for six months.

Plan ahead Before you travel to the Shark Bay region, download the free Everythere app. The app features self-guided tours plus other standalone sites of interest and can help you make the most of your time in Shark Bay. It’s available for iPhone and Android.

A dolphin using a sponge to forage for food.

“I don’t think they’ve found so much individual variation in dolphin hunting or foraging strategies anywhere else in the world.” These busy working girls also make time to socialise and unwind. In their downtime, groups of females occasionally get a visit from a curious male dolphin who has snuck away from his buddies for a secret visit. According to Mann, on these solo visits the boys turn on the charm. “They’re very sweet with the females when their [male] alliance partners aren’t there. They’ll curry favour with a female so she’ll prefer them next time. And the females seem to like it. When more than one male joins their group, they’ll tense up entirely but when it’s just one male they’re like ‘Oh hi’, and they’ll be all over each other!” ▼

For queries on the redevelopment, call 9948 1320 or email reservations@racmonkeymia.com.au.

according to Mann. “The females have more fluid and flexible social bonds. They can join up with other female friends and hang out or they can go off alone and forage. But they do have long-term bonds, too, and they can have close female friends that last for decades.” Foraging and hunting is something female dolphins do particularly well and Monkey Mia’s females have an advanced repertoire of hunting techniques, including tool use, that have not been documented elsewhere. “We have females who use sponges as foraging tools and other females who specialise in hunting in seagrass beds,” says Mann. “Some female dolphins specialise in catching stingrays. We also know there are others that hunt at night because you can follow some females all day and they never catch a fish, day after day. They look fat and happy so they can’t be hungry! So we know they must be eating at night.

Tourism Western Australia

Bigger and better

October / November 2017 Horizons 29

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Travel

Dr Janet Mann

“She had brought in a live whiting and tried to give it to the ranger who had been trying to feed her before.”

Piccolo tries to share her fish with a DPAW ranger at a beach feed.

Sharing the love Over the years, the way dolphins interact with humans at Monkey Mia has often surprised the researchers. One particular incident stands out. In 1999, a young female dolphin named Piccolo began visiting the beach. She seemed to enjoy the attention from onlookers but continually refused to take fish offered by rangers. One day, Piccolo had a change of heart – at a beach feeding session, she took a fish and swam away with it. The next day she returned to the beach with her own gift. “She brought with her a live whiting and tried to give it to the ranger who’d been trying to feed her before,” says Mann, who was on the beach that day. “She literally went vertical in the water – practically holding the fish up to his face, trying so hard to get him to take it. He didn’t know what to do. Maybe

she felt guilty about taking the fish and wanted to give one back. She was obviously getting agitated because he wouldn’t take the fish, so she dropped it and kind of stormed off. It was hilarious!” As dolphins typically don’t share their food or try to steal another dolphin’s fish, Mann says attempts by the Monkey Mia dolphins to return a fish to those feeding them appeared to be their way of reciprocating or giving back. “It’s unusual, but every few years one of the dolphins will do that.”

Protecting our dolphins It is believed the first human-to-dolphin encounters at Monkey Mia occurred in the 1950s when fishermen would toss the discarded parts of their catch into the water and the dolphins would feed on it. By the 1960s, the dolphins were following the boats, often coming in

very close to shore. Through the ’70s, the feeding and close shore visits had become a more regular occurrence, and by the ’80s they had become a tourist attraction. The feeding became structured in 1986 when the Shire and Conservation and Land Management took up management of the dolphin feeding. Until 1988, visitors could buy fish in small buckets, then in 1989 rangers took charge of the feeding. After recommendations from the international research team, dolphin feeding at Monkey Mia became more regulated, with limits placed on the quantities of fish and feeding times. Regulating feeding and contact protects the dolphins while keeping open a connection between visitors and dolphins that’s both emotional and educational. “There’s a lot you can teach people about them without using fancy science terms,” says Mann. “People are so interested in these animals and everything about them and we know so much about them and their lives and the lives of their friends and associates. “It’s one of the best places in the world to see natural dolphin behaviour. You can see fantastic hunting and foraging behaviours. Just standing on the jetty you can see some unbelievable things. They trust us so much – that’s why we do need to take extra care.” l International researchers taking part in the ongoing Shark Bay Dolphin Project are supported by RAC Parks and Resorts, with accommodation free of charge at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.

Save up to 20% Members save up to 20 per cent off* room rates and sites at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, along with all other RAC Parks and Resorts at Exmouth, Ningaloo, Cervantes and Busselton. *Discount varies according to season. 20 per cent off low, 15 per cent of mid and 10 per cent off high season. For more details and bookings, visit parksandresorts.rac.com.au.

30 Horizons October / November 2017

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October / November 2017 Horizons 31

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Keeping WA on the road

We took a look at some of the ways RAC keeps you moving. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a snapshot from just one year.

303 kids rescued after they were locked in cars

373,084 members rescued from a breakdown

Top breakdown reasons: 92,768

22,876

flat batteries

flat tyres

16,333 68,144 membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cars towed

members locked out of cars

32 Horizons October / November 2017

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Motoring

2752

members helped who ran out of fuel

animals rescued from locked cars… including one guinea pig!

5498 tyres replaced

the number of years we’ve provided roadside assistance in WA

786 different car models serviced by RAC Auto Services

Top 4 cars serviced:

Toyota Corolla Hyundai Getz Mazda 3 Holden Astra

June 2016–June 2017 October / November 2017 Horizons 33

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Insurance

Risky business With driverless cars and wearable devices tipped to increasingly protect us from unforeseen circumstances, the way we insure ourselves is going to change. What might insurance look like for “future you”?

hat do David Beckham’s legs, a wedding, a storm and a hole-in-one all have in common? No, it is not the plot for a slapstick comedy (although it could be). You can either insure them (legs, a wedding) or insure against them (a storm, a hole in one). Let’s face it, insurance is not typically thought of as innovative, flexible or, if we’re being completely honest, interesting.

However, if you poke around a little, you’ll actually find that, having been around for more than 250 years, the insurance industry has learnt to be remarkably adaptive to changing times. It’s about to happen again. New technologies – like driverless vehicles, smart homes, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology – are tipped to change both what and how you insure. In the future, car insurance could be paid only as you drive, health and life insurance premiums could be calculated via a

smart device and claims would be instant – no calls, emails or visits to branch offices. The potential scenarios are exercising the minds of insurance executives worldwide. Why? Because, according to John Stringer, Chief Executive Officer of RAC Insurance and 40-year veteran of the industry, what the predicted disruptive change will look like for customers and insurers is still very much conjecture. “There are a lot of questions that we don’t have the answers to,” says Stringer.

▼

by Rebecca Martin

October / November 2017 Horizons 37

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7/09/2017 11:26 AM

Insurance

Highly personalised insurance Technology: Internet of Things (IoT)

RAC Insurance’s John Stringer.

The data obtained by your smart watch about your excellent health could result in better health and life insurance premiums.

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“We know driverless cars are coming and that they’ll raise lots of questions, like who’s responsible in a crash, but how soon? Given we don’t yet have any customers with driverless cars, we can only anticipate how that change will play out. “What we do know from experience is how quickly things can change. The smart phone is a good example of how technology can quickly become widespread – even 10 years ago, many people didn’t have one. Today, you don’t leave home without it and it’s your computer. “Insurance is driven by the wants and needs of consumers. The trick for insurers is to work through future scenarios and prepare so we can be ready for our future customers.”

What might insurance look like for “future you”? With new technologies coming along fast, here’s a breakdown of what your insurance might look like in the future.

Insuring people rather than objects Technology: driverless vehicles

You know those smart watches and Fitbits that track movement, heart rate and the number of steps you take in a day? They’re just a speck in the much larger world of data collection that can happen via a device, your connected home or your car, broadly termed the Internet of Things (IoT). Using that data, it’s predicted, will allow for highly personalised insurance. The more data insurance companies have on you, the better they can evaluate your risk profile and tweak your premiums. For example, if you park your car in a locked garage every night, data coming from the automatic garage door would show that and your premiums may be lower. The data obtained by your smart watch about your excellent health could result in better health and life insurance premiums. It could also help mitigate risks. Imagine you started to get seriously

“Look mum no hands” may have once been a byword for missing front teeth, but not anymore. With driverless technology tipped to reduce human error behind the wheel, the risk of you getting into a bingle will massively drop. And with many cities trialling transport alternatives such as car sharing, it’s expected that private car ownership levels will also drop. “If you don’t own a car, you don’t need car insurance,” says Stringer. “Even if you do own a car, if it uses safer technology, your risk of crashing decreases. With lower risk, come lower premiums. “It may mean that in the future, you are less likely to buy car insurance, or you might buy a lower level of insurance, but buy more personal insurance for yourself. In other words, you insure against something generally going wrong when travelling rather than just when driving a car.”

38 Horizons October / November 2017

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7/09/2017 11:26 AM

Insurance

sick, racing heart, fluctuating temperature. Your smart watch could pick the early signs and recommend you get medical help, reducing the severity (and therefore potential claim) of your illness. A connected smart home could work in the same way. Have a leak from your hot water system? The system would send an alert letting you and your insurer know, reducing the damage and fast-tracking your house insurance claim. Stringer says although the technology can sound “big brother”, he expects its use will be dictated by consumers rather than insurers. “We know some people are going to be completely fine with sharing that kind of personal information. They don’t mind living “publicly”. We also know a large segment of the market is more private and will not be comfortable providing access to that kind of information. “We need to appeal to all customers, so we’ll need to tailor our products to suit both those ‘public’ and ‘private’ preferences, plus probably a third category of customer that likes you knowing a little, but not everything.”

Instant claims Technology: Blockchain and artificial intelligence One big change with insurance over the past decade is how much digital technology has sped up the insurance process, from buying a policy to paying a claim. “Ten years ago, right across the insurance industry, it took a lot longer to get a claim paid out as it was a very manual process,” says Stringer. “If a fence blew over, we would send someone to assess the fence, get quotes and, in the end, go through a long and difficult process to pay out for damage to two panels. “Now, we use better technology and data to speed that process up. “Today, if your fence blows over, we just ask how many panels. We know the approximate cost, so without getting quotes, we just transfer the money direct to your account. You can buy your policy online, enter your claim online and the money turns up in your bank very quickly. It’s been a huge move forward.” After digitisation comes automation, where the claims process could happen with very little, or even no human intervention.

Blockchain, a new technology that works as a secure digital ledger of any agreement, is seen to hold the greatest promise for consumers. Because blockchain technology can hold the encrypted terms of your insurance policy, it could automatically pay your claim. For example, if you had travel insurance cover for cancelled flights, the digital ledger would pick up that your airline’s flight had been cancelled, note that the conditions of your insurance agreement had been met and automatically send your claim payout. Artificial intelligence (AI) is another new technology likely to play a role in automating parts of the claims process. As the amount of data around risks and claims grows, AI technology could use that data to process your claim instantly. “No-one can predict the future, but the one thing we do know is that with all this technology, it’s clear change is on its way,” says Stringer. “Given the amount of work that is being put into predicting and preparing to meet the needs of our customers by us and many others, I’m looking forward to seeing how it pans out, not just for the insurance industry, but for the way we all live. We live in exciting times.” l October / November 2017 Horizons 39

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7/09/2017 11:26 AM

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Horizons OCT17

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7/09/2017 11:38 AM

Travel The living ghost town of Gwalia.

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Horizons OCT17

by Kerry Faulkner

he thrill of unearthing an unexpected treasure is part of the allure of WA’s historical Goldfields. This area has a rich and surprisingly fascinating history, and the first unexpected gem I explore on my Goldfield’s road trip is Gwalia. One of many ghost towns that litter this outback landscape, Gwalia, near Leonora (240km north of Kalgoorlie), was a thriving mining town settlement in the late 1890s. When the mining boom there went bust back in 1963, within three weeks it went from a bustling population of 1200 to just 40 townsfolk after the closure of what had been Australia’s biggest gold mine. Wandering through the deserted miners’ cottages and shops at sunrise, I’m guided by an interactive map on the Gwalia website that tells me the former inhabitants’ stories. Gwalia’s history includes a connection to US President Herbert Hoover, who,

as a young geologist working in the WA Goldfields, was the first general manager appointed by the Sons of Gwalia mine. The beautifully restored Hoover House, designed by Hoover in 1898, is visually the most stunning aspect of the entire site, precariously perched on the

edge of a working open-cut mine that plunges thousands of metres into the earth. Hoover moved to China before the building was finished, but according to historians, he and wife Lou stayed in the house when they returned for a visit in 1902. I’m fortunate to stay the night in the Hoover Room; the biggest of three luxury rooms available to visitors.

On the road in the Goldfields The Goldfields Highway is a smooth drive, although animals, including kangaroos, emus and livestock, along with heavy vehicles hauling massive pieces of machinery to mine sites, commonly share the road. The Golden Quest Discovery Trail website has a number of different itineraries for a Goldfields adventure, ranging from three to five days. No matter which path you take, wide-open spaces, vibrant blue skies and rich red soil are interspersed by

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Explore WA’s fascinating Goldfields on a historical and cultural adventure.

Tourism Western Australia

e s. r n e "

Ltd

October / November 2017 Horizons 39

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7/09/2017 11:38 AM

Travel

LEONORA

LAVERTON

GWALIA

Gwalia’s timber incline headframe, built between 1896 and 1898, is the only one of its kind in the world that is still standing.

LAKE BALLARD

KOOKYNIE

SNAKE HILL

NIAGARA DAM

MENZIES

ORA BANDA

Goldfields Tourism Network

BROAD ARROW

ROWLES LAGOON

KALGOORLIEBOULDER COOLGARDIE

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interesting towns and friendly townsfolk. An added bonus are the historical and cultural touches that add so much depth to the region. While three days are good, five are even better for getting a good chance to really unwind.

Remote travel tips l You can easily complete the Goldfields itinerary in a two-wheel drive vehicle but a four-wheel drive will allow you to get off the beaten track and enjoy nature more. l Some fuel stations along the route are unmanned. l Leonora, Laverton, Norseman, Kalgoorlie all have caravan parks and are great places to meet other travellers.

Country driving in the Goldfields.

Kalgoorlie’s architecture, such as the Edwardian-style town hall (tours are available), is stunning, but the town remains most famous for those businesses aimed at separating early gold-rush miners from their money, with a grand pub on every corner, brothels and two-up. At the two-up, quietly spoken character Danny Sheehan is ring-keeper, a job his dad Jack ‘Dave’ Sheehan performed before him, when tossing the pennies for profit was illegal and determined gamblers placed big bets, playing cat and mouse with police eager to close it down. The game now runs

Goldfields Tourism Network

The mining mecca of Kalgoorlie, population more than 30,000, is the starting point for my Goldfields trip – my ‘drive-yourself-wild’ adventure – that will involve a 1000km circuit, including Norseman and the world-famous Great Western Woodlands and taking in Coolgardie to Laverton via Leonora along the Golden Quest Discovery Trail.

Tourism Western Australia

Starting the journey

Gwalia’s licence plate shed.

every Sunday in a round, slightly rusty tin shed about seven kilometres north of Kalgoorlie that Sheehan says is just good enough to keep the sun and the rain off. Like Kalgoorlie, many of the towns on my route grew up around the gold rush that started in the late 1880s, attracting prospectors from near and far after gold was discovered first around Coolgardie. So strong was the lure, they willingly endured travelling vast distances into harsh regions where temperatures soared beyond 40 degrees Celsius in summer and winter mornings hovered around one or two degrees.

40 Horizons October / November 2017

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7/09/2017 11:38 AM

Travel

Nullarbor Links sees players teeing off in one state (South Australia) and finishing up 18 holes later in another (Western Australia) more than 1300km away (depending which way the course is played). It’s a par-72 course that stretches along the Eyre Highway, with Norseman, Ceduna and Kalgoorlie each having two holes. Clubs and tees are provided along the way. For more information, visit nullarborlinks.com.

Mazza’s Store in Gwalia.

Will, the chestnut stallion, and a patron at the Grand Hotel in Kookynie.

e shed.

Beyond Kalgoorlie The area around Norseman (a two-hour drive south from Kalgoorlie) is a nature lover’s dream, the doorway into the 16 million hectares of the world’s largest remaining temperate woodland, the Great Western Woodlands. In Norseman, it’s worth stopping in at Lynn Webb’s photography studio to see the beautiful scenery he captures on wanders with his dog. Coolgardie (167km north-west of Norseman), with its famously wide main street designed for camel trains to turn around, was at the heart of the gold rush, and photos at the museum show

The Broad Arrow Tavern is 38km north of Kalgoorlie.

just what a rush it was, with men and tents as far as the eye can see. Today, the population is less than 1000 but offers much for visitors. Artist Jacqui Mills’ gift shop on the Main Street has her wildflower paintings of the local blooms, while fervent collector Maurice Costello has thrown open his shed’s doors to show off his historical poster collection, bringing back a flood of nostalgia with signs from Shell and Kodak film. There are at least two ‘must see’ pubs on my route. The Broad Arrow Tavern is an iconic little pub in the ‘middle of nowhere’ (38km north of Kalgoorlie),

where patrons sign the walls – there are decades upon decades of signatures on every surface. At Kookynie’s ambitiously named Grand Hotel (200km north of Kalgoorlie), be prepared to squeeze past Will the chestnut stallion, who adopted the tiny town (population 14) as his home and spends much of his time hanging out on the pub’s verandah. Publican Kevin Pusey says Will simply turned up one day in 2014 with a mighty thirst. Once quenched by bucket after bucket of water, Will simply decided to stay. When green feed is scarce, the former pacer mows the beer garden. On my visit, the beer garden is buzzing

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No matter which path you take, wide-open spaces, vibrant blue skies and rich red soil are interspersed by interesting towns and friendly townsfolk.

Tourism Western Australia

The world’s longest golf course

October / November 2017 Horizons 41

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Travel

by deep rich rust-coloured dust and blue outback skies overhead. The visitors’ footprints that connect each figure become part of the installation – as does the silence. The artist refuses to have it fenced or interpretive panels added, less they detract from the artwork’s impact. It is a spiritual experience in the midst of a 2.9 billion-years-old landscape. I am fortunate to have Kalgoorlie Aboriginal woman Gina Sambo tell me about the women’s dreaming story of this area, how the seven sisters (a star cluster) came to play on the surface of the lake, but when chased by a man they fled and hid in caves, later emerging through the lake as seven islands. Eager for more local artwork, I’m disappointed to find Laverton’s art gallery

Artist Antony Gormley’s sculptures.

For more about the drive, visit the Golden Quest Discovery Trail website: goldenquesttrail.com. And, for maps, guides, travel tips and to book your outback adventure, contact RAC Travel on 9436 4840.

Tourism Western Australia

Lake Ballard.

with thirsty travellers, enjoying mouth-watering steak sandwiches made on the barbeque. Artists and writers draw inspiration from the outback, and none as much as acclaimed British sculptor Antony Gormley, who built the remarkable sculptural artwork Inside Australia on Lake Ballard near Menzies (about an hour south of Kookynie). The last 51km of the road to Lake Ballard is gravel (beware of cattle), corrugated at best and at worst, after heavy rain, can be closed entirely. It is a stunning art installation made of 51 steel figures cast from scans of the bodies of the local townspeople, spread across 10sq km of flat salt lake, fringed

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It is a stunning art installation made of 51 steel figures cast from scans of the bodies of the local townspeople, spread across 10sq km of salt lake, fringed by deep rich rustcoloured dust and blue outback skies overhead.

Balladonia mallee is found in the Norseman area.

closed by the time I arrive. However, the Great Beyond Explorer Hall of Fame is open, and it proves to be a captivating small museum where interactive screens let the early explorers, such as WA’s first premier John Forrest, tell their own stories of early expeditions into unforgiving, waterless and disorienting desert conditions. Laverton is the jumping off point for Australia’s longest shortcut, the Outback Way, a 2800km trek (1733km is unsealed) to Winton in Queensland via Warburton and Alice Springs, one of the nation’s most-loved four-wheel drive adventure routes. But that’s another outback journey entirely, sure to also be filled with unforgettable sights. l

42 Horizons October / November 2017

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Motoring

An electric odyssey Two WA locals proved electric vehicles can go the distance with a pioneering 5400km cross-country journey across our vast state. by Jessica Zoiti

It was the doubters that spurred the couple to make the 13-day journey north along the WA coast and back in their electric 2015 Tesla Model S four-door sedan. “People were saying ‘you can’t do that!’, but I knew we could,” says Rob

Dean. “It became a challenge to prove we could, and I thought we could actually do it quite easily.”

Why the EV was up for the journey With his Tesla S having a range of up to 450km on one charge, Dean had calculated that to drive the length of the WA coast, he simply needed a power supply every 400km or so.

Which was easier than it sounds – EVs can be recharged from any power source, even a basic household 10Amp plug. Other than that, it was simply a matter of enjoying the ride. “Cars with electric motors perform just as well, if not better, than cars with internal combustion engines, which run on diesel, gas or petrol,” says Dean. “[The Tesla S] is equipped with two AC electric motors with a total output of 515kW. This provides a zero to 100km/h acceleration time of 3.3 seconds – that’s faster than a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder. “The trip wasn’t hard. What we had to do was the pre-planning. We got on the phone and made calls to places along the way to encourage people to sell their electricity to us. “This was actually the hardest part of the process, explaining that there is such a thing as an EV and it can be ▼

Challenge accepted

Clayton Jauncey

omeone always has to go first: the first people to cross from the east coast to the west, the first to put up signposts around WA, and now the first to travel from Perth to Broome in an electric vehicle (EV). Local EV enthusiasts Rob and Robin Dean can lay claim to this particular first after completing the 5400km epic trip in 2016, charging their Tesla along the way using only the power sources they could access. In doing so, they’ve proven wrong many who say there’s no place for EVs outside of the metro area.

October / November 2017 Horizons 45

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Motoring BROOME PORT HEDLAND

EV enthusiasts Robin and Rob Dean.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE CARNARVON

Clayton Jauncey

GERALDTON

New electric cars coming to WA Tesla Model 3 Due for Australian release: mid 2018 Price: TBC but about $50,000 Hyundai Ioniq Due for Australian release: late 2017. Price: TBC but about $30,000 to $40,000 Next-gen Nissan Leaf Due for Australian release: sometime in 2018. Price: TBC Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Due for Australian release: Available now Price: From $50,500 to $55,500 Jaguar I-PACE Due for Australian release: late 2018 Price: TBC but about $120,000

To find out more about new EVs on the way, visit rac.com.au/newevs.

PERTH

driven long distances. If they didn’t have any knowledge of EVs, it was like turning up in a DeLorean back in 1955! “But that was kind of part of the journey – to educate people as we went along.” However, they found no shortage of willing electricity suppliers, many insisting that they come and recharge for free. “It was nice of them, but it was important that we offered money for the charging, because as time goes on and they get more electric cars passing through, they’re going to need to take money for their electricity,” Dean says.

▼

Dean says part of the joy of the trip was the enthusiasm they found from strangers who went the extra mile to help make the drive successful.

13 days 5400km covered Power supply needed about every 400km

Community involvement Offers of free charge-ups were just the start. Dean says part of the joy of the trip was the enthusiasm they found from strangers who went the extra mile to help make the drive successful. “The Mayor of Carnarvon was really, really good to me,” he recalls. “He actually put in a three-phase power point at his premises so I could charge the car [more quickly]. “One of his friends put in a Tesla connector at his motel. He’d heard about the technology and asked me if he could get one [connector]. I told him to ring Tesla and they sent one right out. For free. It’s worth around $1500.” Then there was the “top bloke” in Port Hedland. “I couldn’t find anywhere to recharge in Port Hedland – I was getting absolutely nowhere. Then this big guy wearing a North West car club T-shirt

Dean and Robin’s Tesla S at a glance ● It has a central 17-inch touch screen that controls all functions. ● The car has a full-time internet connection that allows upgrades to the car’s software via a download, similar to updating an iPad. ● The car uses recyclable lithium ion battery packs. ● The batteries can be charged from any power source, even a basic household 10Amp plug. The car is mostly charged at home using rooftop solar power. ● The car is equipped with two AC electric motors with a total output of 515kW. ● It travels up to 450km on one charge. ● The car has travelled more than 85,000km at an average of almost 1000km per week.

came up and said, ‘Mate, I didn’t think I’d see one of these [a Tesla] up here’. I explained the situation and without saying a word, he pulled out his phone, rang a mate who owned a local hotel and we were able to go there to charge up.” The trip has sparked an interest among regional accommodation operators and roadhouses, such as the Whim Creek Hotel, which is halfway between Karratha and Port Hedland, to improve their power supply so future electric car travellers can recharge quickly. Dean is working with other Tesla and EV drivers to continue expanding WA’s charging station network. “We’re planning to improve the system so people don’t have to ring ahead to get a charging point – they can just pull into a location and plug in. We want to make it convenient and easier for others to do their road trips like we did.” ● In 2015, RAC launched Australia’s first Electric Highway®, a series of electric vehicle fast charging stations between Perth and Augusta. It’s just the start of our electric journey across WA. To find out more visit electrichighway.rac.com.au.

46 Horizons October / November 2017

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Travel brief Our top 10 overseas travel hotspots Singapore was the number one international destination for West Australians last financial year, according to RAC Travel booking data. The second most popular spot was the UK, followed by Indonesia and New Zealand. Mike Leary, RAC Executive Manager of Travel and Tourism, said the interesting mix of destinations shows West Australians are adventurous travellers. “Singapore is always really popular with our members, because it is nearby and is also one of the key cruise departure points,” he said. “Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are top travel choices as well, which is understandable – they’re nearby, relatively inexpensive and offer a great climate for those wanting to escape the cold. “The UK is a popular option, with London acting as a great base for further European travel, and flights to parts of Europe along with the US are now more affordable than ever which may also be a factor.”

Top 10 overseas destinations for West Aussies 1. Singapore 2. United Kingdom 5. United States 8. Vietnam 3. Indonesia 6. Canada 9. Thailand 4. New Zealand 7. Italy 10. Netherlands

News and information for travellers

Experience the world’s most renowned passion play



When bubonic plague ravaged the German town of Oberammergau in 1634, residents collectively prayed to God for help and pledged to produce a “passion play” – a theatrical depiction of the life and death of Jesus – if they were spared. The plague subsided and the town made good on its promise, producing the first play in 1634. The Oberammergau Passion Play has been performed in the picturesque alpine town ever since, staged every 10 years. The 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play will be performed on 16 May 2020, with 450,000 visitors expected over the fivemonth season. If you’d like to experience this historic event, early bookings are essential as the event sells out years in advance. RAC is partnering with Insight Vacations to offer an outstanding itinerary that shows off the best of Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria, culminating with the performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play. For enquiries and bookings, contact RAC Travel on 1300 655 179.

Our early history of mapping the state Putting WA’s best overland touring experiences on the map has been an integral part of RAC’s work for more than 112 years.

1905

1911

1923

1928

1955

1960

First directional sign-boards are made by the club.

Publishes the first road map, covering the South West of the state.

Trials marking various state routes with different coloured discs.

With cars being used more frequently for travelling around WA, a Touring Department is established.

A Survey and Signposting Unit begins placing hundreds of directional signs throughout WA. It also produces the first RAC map publication to cover the entire state.

RAC’s Touring Department produces maps for 10 of WA’s leading tourist areas.

Over the following decades, RAC’s range of WA maps and touring guides continued to expand. Today, our Touring Department continues to inspire West Australians to explore their state with an extensive range of HEMA maps and guides along with new mapping technologies, including HEMA GPS units. WIN To celebrate our history of WA touring, we’re giving away limited edition numbered prints of RAC’s first road map produced in 1911 covering the South West. For your chance to own a piece of our mapping history, visit rac.com.au/swmap and complete the online entry form. See terms and conditions on page 81.

Free driving itineraries updated Our range of free WA driving itineraries has been updated. Each features a route map and information about local attractions. Browse and download your free driving itineraries at rac.com.au/greatdrives.

October / November 2017 Horizons 49

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Travel

Exotic expedition A luxury expedition cruise through the Indian subcontinent, taking in Bangladesh and Myanmar, allows guests to enjoy access to hard-to-reach locales, while enjoying all their creature comforts. by Tricia Welsh

e hear them before we see them – otters, tethered by rope to rustic fishing boats and squealing enthusiastically. This handful of oriental small clawed otters are among the very few left in the world that are trained by fishermen to round up fish into large framed nets in the mangrovelined waterways of the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh.

The Sundarbans National Park is home to the Royal Bengal tiger.

This traditional method of fishing has been around for hundreds of years, but today, it is believed there might be just 10 such Bangladeshi fishing families left from the remote districts of Khulna and Noraile in the Delta. The fishermen live on board primitive boats for up to two weeks before taking their catch back to sell in their villages some 100km away. This is just one of the unexpected and remote encounters we experienced on a 14-night cruise on board expedition

Sunrise in Bangan, Myanmar.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans National Park in Bangladesh.

ship Silver Discoverer, sailing some 1817km from Kolkata in India, along the coast of Bangladesh to Myanmar before disembarking in Phuket, Thailand. The Silver Discoverer’s shallow draft allows the ship to navigate close to shore, with the fleet of 12 Zodiacs taking guests to land on isolated coastlines and truly explore wetlands and submerged ecosystems. We travelled by Zodiac along narrow high-tidal canals – ‘the blood vessels’ – through the Sundarbans

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Travel

National Park, one of the largest and most biologically diverse mangrove forests on the planet. Strolling along boardwalks, we looked for spotted deer or chital, tree-climbing mudskipper fish and fiddler crabs – and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger, the region being home to an estimated 300. Fresh pugmarks in the mud told us where these elusive big cats had been. However, even if they were in the vicinity, we were told, their natural camouflage would hide them from us. Nonetheless, the frisson of knowing these majestic creatures had been nearby remained. Yangon’s spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda is 2500 years old and is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

Discovering local villages On board there’s a good mix of nationalities, including Canadians, Americans, Brits and a sprinkling from Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Belgium and New Zealand. I’m one of eight Australians aboard. With 100 crew from more than 25 different countries, there’s a high ratio of crew to passengers. Ashore in Bangladesh, we are a curiosity – villagers take almost more photos of us than we do of them as we travel through the dusty village streets in a tuk-tuk convoy. Students at the local primary school at Maheshkhali Island, which has been supported by the Australian Government for many years, put on a concert of dancing and singing for us.

Silver Discoverer offers on-board luxury along with adventure excursions.

Exploring Myanmar Our next major port of call is Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, formerly Rangoon. At the incredible Shwedagon Pagoda, a 2500-year-old golden complex in central Yangon, we marvel at, among many things, a reclining 70m-long Buddha. Referred to in Myanmar as the ‘crown of Burma’, the Shwedagon is also where Aung San Suu Kyi first addressed the Burmese people after her release from house arrest in 1995. No visit to Myanmar would be complete without a visit to the 3000 temples and stupas built between the ▼

“No visit to Myanmar would be complete without a visit to the 3000 temples and stupas built between the 11th and 13th centuries in the northern town of Bagan.”

Facts about the ship Number of passengers: 120 Size of ship: 5218 tonnes What’s included: All expeditions and shore excursions; butler service; inclusive roomservice; select wine, spirits and soft drinks throughout the ship; on-board gratuities; one hour complimentary Wi-Fi per day for all guests; complimentary Silversea backpack; complimentary use of snorkelling equipment. Plus, those who book early can take advantage of ‘Free roundtrip air’ on select voyages aboard Silver Discoverer.

Silver Discoverer was refurbished in 2016, mainly focusing on public areas, including the restaurant and pool area. Silver Discoverer offers expedition cruises to a range of remote and adventure-filled destinations, including Africa, the Indian Ocean, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the remote archipelagos of the vast Pacific. For more, visit silversea.com.

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Travel

Turquoise waters beckon at Myanmar’s Horseshoe Island.

Tricia Welsh

It’s the perfect combination of onboard luxury with hard-toreach adventure experiences.

Local traders at Nyaung U Market in Bagan. ▼

11th and 13th centuries in the northern town of Bagan. The cruise line arranges our flight to Bagan where we spend a full day visiting the best of the ancient temples and wandering the local market stalls filled with plump and vibrantly coloured local produce, mounds of dried chillies and small logs of thanaka, which is ground into a paste and used as a natural sunblock or moisturiser. Two days and some 350 nautical miles later, we set off in Zodiacs to seek out the little-known Moken people, or sea gypsies, one of the smallest Burmese ethnic communities, who live a nomadic life among a handful of the 804 islands that comprise the Mergui Archipelago.

Next day, we rise early and board Zodiacs to Bo Cho Island in the Lampi National Marine Park. The palm-fringed beach village of Makyone Galet is home to some 850 Moken and comprises simple thatchroofed houses on stilts, a few shops, a school, a small Buddhist monastery and temple built on a small knoll at one end of the sweeping beach with beautiful views over the town and its fishing fleet.

abundant birdlife and the political background of Myanmar. Food on board is international, and executive chef Elton Tabaj and culinary nutritionist Dalila Roglieri even offer guests the odd cooking lesson. After their trip to the local market in Myanmar, we enjoy a Flavours of Burma dinner: spicy fermented tea leaf salad on a bed of crunchy garlic chips, peanuts and dried shrimps, local Myanmar beef cucumber salad, mohinga – the national fish noodle soup favoured by the Burmese for breakfast – and chicken Massaman flavoured with tamarind and coconut milk. On our second-last day in Myanmar, we visit two islands, Cocks Comb and Horseshoe Island, which turn out to be gems. The first boasts a tidal lagoon that is accessible only at mid-tide, and even then, only by swimming through a low rocky archway that is submerged at high tide. The second is shaped like a perfect horseshoe with coral gardens and turquoise water fringing a talc-fine beach, complete with portable beach bar … a blissful way to end our journey.

Years of preparation The itinerary to this region took more than two years to put together. Silversea’s Conrad Combrink first came to the Bangladeshi region in 2015 on an exploratory tour to see what might be possible. It’s an expedition cruise with plenty of luxury touches – white-glove personal butler service; a choice of Bvlgari or Ferragamo bathroom amenities; inclusive room service; minibars stocked with your personal beverage of choice; fine dining and free wines and spirits – and an astonishing face-recognition system that has the crew on first-name terms with guests within days. It’s the perfect combination of onboard luxury with hard-to-reach adventure experiences. l

Onboard learning Onboard, South Australian expedition leader Brad Siviour heads an energetic team of specialists, who share their immense knowledge on subjects as broad as coral reefs, tropical fish,

To find out more about the Silversea Kolkata to Phuket expedition cruise or any other Silversea itinerary, contact RAC Cruise Club on 1300 655 898.

52 Horizons October / November 2017

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7/09/2017 12:55 PM

What’s new

The latest news from the motoring world

Kona’s coming Hyundai’s new compact SUV, the Kona, is set to launch in Australia as this edition of Horizons goes to print. The baby SUV takes the place of the ix35, which was discontinued when the Tucson mid-sized SUV was introduced in 2015. Hyundai says the Australian-market Kona will be available with a choice of at least two petrol engines, comprising a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit and a 1.6-litre turbo. It’ll compete with the Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Subaru XV.

928 hits 40 It’s been 40 years since Porsche introduced the 928, the front-engined grand touring car originally developed to replace the iconic 911. Work on the 928 began in 1971, and by the time of its release, it had been developed into one of the most technologically advanced production cars of its time. Among the 928’s features were energy absorbing bumpers integrated into the body (common nowadays), a light but durable aluminium engine block and a passive rear steering setup known as the Weissach axle. On the big screen, the 928 is best remembered for its role in the 1983 Tom Cruise movie Risky Business.

Taking a tumble An unusual vehicle safety campaign has taken place in England, where a car mounted in a special rig has been able to safely simulate the experience of being in a vehicle involved in a rollover crash. The aim of the demonstration was to show how important the role of a correctly worn three-point seatbelt is in such a crash. Participants were slowly rolled over in the vehicle and when upside down, they reported hanging only by the seatbelt, before they were returned to the upright position. That certainly adds new meaning to the term, “going for a spin”.

End of the line Holden has said it will build its final vehicle in Australia on 20 October 2017, bringing to an end a history of car manufacturing here that dates back to 1948. Holden was founded in 1856 by James Holden in South Australia, where it operated as a saddlery business. It began making vehicle bodies in 1917, and made its first complete car in 1948 – the renowned 48-215 model. The actual first 48-215 built in Australia, a 1947 prototype built in Melbourne, resided in Western Australia for 33 years until 2013, when it was sold to a Victorian collector for $672,000. Toyota has also flagged plans to end vehicle production in Australia in October, after 54 years of manufacturing here. October / November 2017 Horizons 55

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Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars on our roads.

Test drive Land Rover Discovery Sport

A little luxury, some exclusivity and excellent off-road ability are some of what you’ll get if you decide to fork out $63,890 to drive away in the entry level Land Rover Discovery Sport. What you’ll also get, though, is an Australia’s Best Cars award-winning vehicle. The Discovery took the honours in the awards in the category for All Wheel Drive SUVs priced between $50,000 and $65,000, with one of the key reasons being its 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine introduced in September 2016. The new engine comes from Land Rover’s Ingenium range of powerplants, and brings with it much improved refinement and fuel economy.

A downside to this change was the 40Nm reduction in the torque output of the 2.0-litre unit compared with the 2.2-litre engine it superseded, but another benefit of this all-aluminium diesel unit is the significant reduction in both its weight and turbo lag. The Discovery Sport TD4 150 SE is priced closely to the most popular variants of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento, being the Highlander and Platinum respectively. While the Discovery Sport may more commonly be shopped against other premium brands, it’s worth bearing in mind that if you pay this amount for a Santa Fe Highlander, seven seats and a sunroof will be standard but are extras in the Disco Sport.

Land Rover Discovery Sport specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

from $63,890 drive away 2.0-litre turbo diesel 110kW 380Nm 5.3L/100km 123g/km ★★★★★

To get these two items in the Disco, you’ll need to spend another $1850 for the sunroof that doesn’t open – it’s really a glass panel with a blind. The extra two rear seats will be $3400, and rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection will also be extra. Simply put, this is an example of what happens at the crossover point between an entry level luxury vehicle and a near rangetopping mainstream one.

At the centre of its off-road ability is the Disco Sport’s switchable Terrain Response system, which allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s settings depending on the terrain. In this price range, the Discovery Sport really is an unusual combination of luxury, good on-road handling and yet commanding off-road ability. Just be aware you might need to tick some of those options boxes. l

56 Horizons Horizons October October/ /November November2017 2017

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Test drive

For more car reviews, visit rac.com.au/carreviews

Renault Megane Sure, the Renault Megane may look like a normal small European hatchback, with its sculpted headlights, low profile tyres and distinctive front grille. However, while it does have these in common with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, there are several areas where it deviates from the norm. For example, the Megane has the option of four-wheel steering, there is something called “3D Edge effect” lighting in the front and rear lights, and the infotainment system is fiddly. None of this is especially bad, it’ll just take some getting used to – in particular, that four-wheel steering. Renault is claiming the system, named 4Control, is a first in the segment, though

it’s been used before on other vehicles such as the Honda Prelude of the 1980s and the current Audi Q7. The 4Control system only comes with the top of the range Megane GT, which costs $39,090 drive away. Below 60km/h, the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels, which dramatically reduces the turning circle. At over 60km/h, the rear wheels are steered in the same direction as the fronts. Pricing for the Megane starts at $22,490 drive away for the entry level Life variant, which prices it keenly against the competition. Moving up, there is the Megane Zen, the GT-Line and then the performanceoriented GT. The Life and Zen variants

Renault Megane specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

from $22,490 drive away 1.2-litre turbo petrol 97kW @ 4500rpm 205Nm @ 2000rpm 5.6L/100km 125g/km ★★★★★

suit daily commuting just fine, but the GT packs the 151kW turbo petrol engine developed from the Clio RS. Its handling is pointy and responsive and a definite match for other mainstream warm hatches in this price range. Along with the recently launched Koleos SUV, the new Megane does have the potential to take Renault from the fringes to a compelling brand that’s considered

alongside the mainstream candidates. With the addition of around 50 new dealers in Australia in the past seven years, accessibility to customer support has also improved. Servicing is another area where the ownership experience has been enhanced, with once-a-year servicing (which can’t be said of some premium hatches) that is capped at $299 per service for the first three years. l October / November 2017 Horizons 57

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Test drive

Mercedes-Benz C 300 Only after you stop staring at the intricate polished metal speaker grilles, the exquisite sculpted air vents and the upholstery that seems too pristine to sit on, is the Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet safe to use for getting around. At more than $111,670 on the road, which includes more than $9000 in luxury car tax, one would rightly expect aspects such as these to be somewhat transfixing. However, as this kind of finish is available across the C-Class range, you could also enjoy it in the C 200 sedan, at $69,000. The C 300 Cabrio offers considerably more over the entry-level C-Class variant, the most obvious being the ability to go roofless, plus a

more powerful version of the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. Although this currentgeneration C-Class was introduced in 2014, the convertible version only arrived in 2016. However, this lengthy gestation resulted in the most civilised rendition of the traditional Merc convertible we’ve ever seen. Firstly, it has MercedesBenz’s Airscarf system, which caresses your neck with warm air when the weather is cool but you insist on having the roof down. It also has Aircap, which is a spoiler across the top of the windscreen frame designed to reduce buffeting on your hairdo while your neck is being warmed. But these have been

Mercedes-Benz C 300 specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

from $99,900 plus on-roads 2.0-litre turbo petrol 180kW @ 5500rpm 370Nm @ 1200rpm 7.2L/100km 164g/km not rated

around for a few years now on other Mercedes models. The fabric roof itself is particularly surprising in the level of noise suppression it achieves, which is as good as a folding metal roof. When the roof is open, it does take up a fair amount of the boot space, though. Compared with the C-Class sedan, you can feel the Cabriolet’s extra 300kg and for that reason, the C 300

Cabrio should be regarded as a cruiser rather than a razorsharp sports car. Plus, if that’s how you regard it, the C 300’s performance will still surprise you. Its main competitors are the Audi A5 cabrio and the BMW 4 Series convertible, and all three start in the mid-$80,000s, plus on roads. In the C 300, the engine makes 180kW and 370Nm, and is mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. l

58 Horizons October / November 2017

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Test drive

For more car reviews, visit rac.com.au/carreviews

Nissan Pathfinder The Nissan Pathfinder is like a solid B-student – it may not be top of the class, but it’s also no dropout, even though it’s sometimes overlooked in favour of the stars of the large SUV show. The Pathfinder covers some important priorities well, such as cavernous space, a smooth and quiet ride and good performance and towing ability from the 3.5-litre petrol V6. This was certainly the case with the just-superceded model when it was introduced in 2013, taking the Pathfinder from a commercial ute-based off-road wagon to a road-biased SUV. This year, the Pathfinder has had an update, including restyled front and rear ends. However, the most important changes are the addition of

extra safety gear, including autonomous braking, active cruise control and rear cross traffic alert. While these are worthy improvements, they are only available on the top two variants in the range. Making them standard equipment across the range – as has happened elsewhere in this vehicle segment – would sweeten the deal for consumers looking for a safe and affordable large SUV. Also, the addition of direct fuel injection to the 3.5-litre V6 engine has helped the unit shave an imperceptible 0.1L/100km off its ADR fuel consumption test figure for the two-wheel drive models, which translates to 9.9L/100km. This, and other internal changes to the engine, have

Nissan Pathfinder specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

from $46,980 drive away 3.5-litre V6 petrol 202kW @ 6400rpm 340Nm @ 4800rpm 9.9/10.1L/100km (2WD/4WD) 230/234g/km (2WD/4WD) ★★★★★

released an extra 12kW and 15Nm, taking its outputs to 202kW and 340Nm. All these changes make the Pathfinder a much more appealing prospect than it previously was, but it’s still not quite at the front of the curve. For example, when comparing entry-level twowheel drive models, there are competitors that cost less and come with longer warranties and more equipment, such

as Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Still, for a relatively affordable price, the Pathfinder does offer lots of comfort, refinement and storage (there are 16 cupholders!) and slightly better off-road ability than some of its more road-focused competitors. There is also reasonable space in the third row – even for adults – meaning it’s a worthy seven-seater option. l October / November 2017 Horizons 59

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Ask the car doctor

Our experts answer your questions

You can be a winner Toyota Prius.

We are thinking about a new car but it is so confusing as there are many so-called bargains – it is hard to know what to believe. We were thinking about a Toyota hybrid. However, when reading reports on it, there was, among other things, something referred to as the CVT. The writer gave this a poor review. What is your view? TE Ptolomey , North Yunderup

A: Numerous manufacturers

use Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). While this type of transmission does not have a perfect track record in terms of reliability and the driving experience, CVTs are improving. CVTs’ functionality has also been enhanced, with many incorporating built-in “steps” into the transmission software to avoid the droning engine noise, which can be a symptom of some less sophisticated CVTs. If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle with one, we would recommend buying the newest example you can afford. We also suggest thoroughly researching the vehicle you are looking at to establish whether that model has a history of CVT problems.

I’m a fit and healthy 77-year-old so I expect to continue driving for many more years. I drive a 1997 Toyota Corolla sedan. My query is about whether a car of this age is economically viable to keep. I have just had an outer CV joint and boot kit fitted. In your experience, do you think it likely more things could deteriorate because of its age and what might these be? I can’t afford a new car but I could consider a secondhand one not quite as old; however, I’d prefer to stay with what I have if it is unlikely to need expensive repairs. Your knowledge concerning older cars would be helpful. Judy Dolling, Samson

A: While there are many

variables that can affect the longevity of a car, such as regular maintenance and the way it is driven and stored, generally speaking, Toyota Corollas do have a good reputation for reliability. However, even this vehicle is not immune to wear and tear and deterioration, and it will continue to require

attention over time to keep it roadworthy. Another important consideration is vehicle safety features, which would be much more advanced in a newer car.

I have a six-year-old small SUV that I bought new with the original tyres on. We are a retired couple and only travel 8000km per year with the odometer currently reading about 50,000km. The tyres still have plenty of tread and look to be about half worn. Is there an age where tyres need to be changed for reasons other than wear or is it OK to use them to the tread mark before changing? Victor N Rann, Riverton

Tyres can be deceiving. Although there may not be any hairline cracks, bulges, or missing bits of rubber, the tyre can still deteriorate. This is due to UV light, weather conditions, road conditions and the quality of the tyres. A tyre can look new or in good condition but not be fresh and pliable. Generally speaking, a vehicle’s tyres should be replaced after five years, regardless of the amount of wear showing on them.

If your question is published, you will receive from RAC Travel a copy of the UBD Gregory’s 2018 Perth and Surrounds Street Directory, which includes new streets and suburbs, petrol station locations and more. See page 81 for terms and conditions of entry.

Send your questions to: The Car Doctor RAC 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. If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery.

Contact

US If you have a motoring question, don’t forget that RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line.

Call 13 17 03 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm to speak to one of our experts.

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People, places, prizes and RAC news

Member Lounge Confronting an intruder in your home Around one in 10 households that experienced a home break-in reported having a household member confront the offender, Australian Bureau of Statistics survey data from 2015/16 shows. Coming face to face with a burglar who has broken into your home can have far-reaching emotional impacts – and householders should avoid any confrontation unless it is in self-defence. You do have the right to defend yourself from assault but must not carry anything that could be described as a

weapon to do this. If someone invades your home while you are inside, retreat to a safe place and call the police. If you arrive home and suspect someone has broken in, do not go inside. Go to a neighbour’s house and call the police. Once it’s safe to go back inside, make sure you don’t disturb anything before police arrive, as they may be able to get DNA or fingerprints to use as evidence. Below are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk of you and your home being targeted.

l Trim foliage that may obstruct a clear view of your property from the street. l Ensure all windows and doors are locked even while you’re at home. l Keep your screen-door locked when speaking to a stranger at your door.

l Consider installing a perimeter alarm that can be left on while you sleep, or a CCTV security camera system to capture footage for evidence. l Install motion activated lighting.

To find out more about securing your home, book a free in-home consultation with RAC Security on 1300 132 735 or visit rac.com.au/security.

Young driver workshops Keys for Life: A workshop for parents and young people motivates young people and their parents to work as partners in the learning to drive process while accumulating extensive hours of supervised driving practice. This free workshop covers the graduated driver training and licensing system, how to organise practice sessions and what to expect in the practical driving assessment. Each family receives a free pack providing essential information, checklists and a free set of L-plates. Bookings are essential. Call RAC Community Education on 9436 4471 or visit rac.com.au/learntodrive to register. The workshops are conducted in partnership with School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA) and are funded by the Road Trauma Trust Account. Workshops are presented by RAC in the metropolitan area and SDERA Consultants in regional areas.

The next workshop: 18 October at RAC Head Office, West Perth, 6.15pm–7.15pm Free parking available.

Dine out with a moving view Get a group together for a springtime river cruise and enjoy lunch or dinner with a view that’s constantly changing along Perth’s beautiful river. Captain Cook Cruises offers lunch, dinner, twilight or Swan Valley wine cruises and RAC members enjoy 15 per cent off selected cruises. To book, visit your local RAC Travel branch or call 9436 4840.

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Member Lounge

Living with the bushfire risk An average of 5400 bushfire incidents around the state are attended by emergency crews from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) each year. Bushfires are a risk for many Western Australians in remote, regional and some metropolitan areas. As the threat lasts for months each year, it is essential you’re well prepared before the season begins. While the bushfire season for the northern half of WA is coming to an end, for southern parts, including Perth, it begins in November and runs until April. To keep your family safe, assess your risk and start preparing your home now, before the heat arrives. DFES recommends the following: l Create and maintain a minimum two-metre gap between trees and your home and prune lower branches to prevent a ground fire spreading. l Create a mineral earth firebreak along the boundary of your property that meets your local government requirements. l Keep grass short, prune shrubs and trees, and clear your roof gutters. l To prevent sparks and embers getting into your home, place a mesh guard on your air conditioner and block any gaps under floor spaces, in the roof and under eaves. For more information about bushfire preparation, download RAC’s Bushfire Fact Sheet at rac.com.au/bushfires or visit the Emergency WA website emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare.

Assess your risk and make sure you have the right level of home and contents cover. To check that you’re not underinsured use the online building and contents insurance calculators at rac.com.au/calculator.

Meelup Beach Day.

Safety at Leavers celebrations Leavers 2017 will run from the 20–23 November in Dunsborough and Rottnest Island, with drug and alcohol-free events at both locations. Dunsborough Leavers will also have access to the Leavers Entertainment Zone and the Royal Life Saving Society Don’t Drink and Drown Meelup Beach Day. WA Police and a range of support agencies and volunteers will ensure Leavers can celebrate safely. It’s recommended that parents know their teen’s travel and accommodation plans, arrange regular check-in times and don’t supply them with alcohol. For Leavers, the key messages are to carry photo ID, wear your Leavers wristband, respect the community you’re

visiting, focus on the road if you’re driving and know where to go for help. For more information, visit leaverswa.com.au, Leavers WA 2017 on Facebook or download the Leavers WA App (on iOS and Android).

RAC Leavers Pit Stop Leavers coming home along Forrest Highway can take a break at the RAC Leavers Pit Stop. Free food and giveaways will be available, along with free vehicle checks. It’s on 24 November, 9am–4pm, at the Forrest Highway Northbound rest stop in Waroona (corner Old Bunbury Rd).

Road Ready and free2go RAC free2go Roadside Assistance offers 17 to 21-year-old new drivers their first year of roadside assistance free, so cover your young driver for their drive down south. Young people without a licence can also join RAC’s Road Ready road safety program for teens. For more about how RAC can keep your young driver safe during Leavers, visit rac.com.au/leavers. October / November 2017 Horizons 63

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MemberBenefits For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

WIN! 1 of 150

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Win 1 of 150 double passes In this brand new adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the tables are turned as four teenagers are sucked into the world of Jumanji. In cinemas 26 December 2017

To enter visit rac.com.au/jumanji Terms and conditions apply, visit rac.com.au/jumanji for details

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Member Show your benefits RAC membership card and start saving For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits Member benefits

Save 4 cents per litre at Better Choice Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the power of membership Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve partnered with Better Choice, so members now save on fuel at even more locations.

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Visit rac.com.au/betterchoice Terms and conditions apply. RAC members will receive 4 cents per litre off the pump price of fuel, diesel and LPG, maximum 120 litres per transaction. Only available for RAC WA members at participating Better Choice Fuel stations in Western Australia. To qualify, a valid RAC membership card or digital RAC membership card must be presented at time of purchase. Offer not valid in conjunction with a shopper docket or any other fuel discount unless specified including Pumacard, Motorpass, Motorcharge or any other fuel card (WEX, Country Age Pension Fuel Card). Offer valid from 1 August 2017 to 4 December 2019.

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Member benefits

Show your RAC Membership Card & Save On one pair of glasses with standard single vision lenses from the $149 range or above

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Price complete with standard single vision lenses with scratch resistant coating. 25% off when you select 1 pair of glasses from the $149 range or above. Discount includes lenses and lens options. Not to be used in conjunction with the 2 pairs for 1 low price. Valid Auto Club card must be presented at time of purchase.

October / November 2017 Horizons 67

Member benefits

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MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME & SAVE EVERYDAY 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.

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68 Horizons October / November 2017

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# Terms and conditions apply. RAC 5% Member discount offer only valid at time of purchase, ends 30th November 2017. Valid RAC membership card must be presented with this advert at time of purchase to redeem offer. *Terms and conditions apply. Fully Installed offer applies to products installed in the Perth Metro area only. Unless otherwise stipulated, optional extras on all products include but not restricted to, shire plans and specifications, building permit fees, planning approval fees, water corporation fees, delivery, installation, concrete floors, skylights, in-fills, freestanding units, lattice, windows and personal access doors. All colorbond garages and workshops have zinc roof as standard. Photographs used with paint or varnishes are for illustration purposes only. Contact Factory Direct for more details.

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RAC members receive

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St Anne’s Florist & Gift Basket’s T: 08 9388 8844 111 Newcastle Street (Cnr Stirling Street) Perth Western Australia 6000 www.stannesflorist.com.au Terms and conditions: To qualify, you must register a customer account on the www.stannesflorist.com.au website, your valid RAC membership number must be entered in ‘Discount Code’ field in ‘My Cart’ section of your Shopping Cart for the discount to apply. The discount applies to all orders for delivery within the Perth metro area only. Offer may not be combined with any other offers or discounts, separated, redeemed for cash or transferred. Other terms and conditions may apply; see order Terms & Conditions on the St Anne’s Florist website for more information.

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Comfort is what LA-Z-BOY does best, after all we’ve been doing it since 1927. But, perhaps you may not have realized the vast range of designs now available at LA-Z-BOY Furniture Galleries. Choose from our extensive range of designs, fabric or leather coverings and recliner action mechanisms. The one thing we can promise is, the entire range delivers unrivalled comfort. RAC W.A. Members Save 20% - Exclusive offer for LA-Z-BOY Furniture Gallery customers. METRO STORES Midland 147 Gt Eastern Hwy Osborne Park 2/425 Scarborough Bch Rd (Cnr Hutton) Cannington Cnr Albany Hwy & Nicholson Rd Joondalup Joondalup Dve (opposite Bunnings)

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Member benefits

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PLUMBING & GAS SERVICE

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COME AND ENJOY OFF * AT SAVE 10% MISS 10% MAUD OUR IRRESISTIBLE SMÖRGÅSBORD SWEDISH RESTAURANT Smörgåsbord Breakfast or Lunch (excludes Sunday) December: Breakfast Dinner festive Smörgåsbord Dinner & (excludes Fridaysmörgåsbord & Saturday) Mon – Thur only January: Breakfast, Lunch or Card Dinner Monthe – Fri. Your Please present your valid RAC onsmörgåsbord arrival to receive entire group receives 10% discount presentation oftable. your valid RAC discount for your entire group. Onlyon one payment per card. Only one payment per table. Reservations are essential. Reservations are essential. 97 MURRAY MURRAY STREET STREET PERTH PERTH 97

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SAVE ON FLOREAT PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS If purchasing or selling your home or rural property, Floreat Settlements offers RAC Members $600 settlement fees for Sellers and $880 settlement fees for Buyers plus govt fees and disbursements. LIMITED TIME ONLY. REGISTER NOW.

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Member benefits

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

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PRIVACY

aremote free upgrade^

Relax in comfort and style by installing Nu Style Outdoor Roller Blinds on your home. Call now! 1300 798 776 info@nustyleshutters.com.au

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE IN METRO AREAS

nustyleshutters.com.au 179 Beringarra Avenue, Malaga, 6090 * T&Cs apply offer ends 30 November 2017. Visit our website for more info. ^Free upgrade to remote operation with every new electric roller blinds purchase. Security Agents License no.20818

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Member benefits

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Member benefits

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

40% off Roller Shutters E SP

AL S G RIN

RAC Members receive

BLOCK-OUT HEAT

YEAR WARRANTY

REDUCE

REDUCE NOISE

ENERGY BILLS

SAFE & SECURE

a further 10% off^

Call now!

1300 798 776

info@nustyleshutters.com.au FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE IN METRO AREAS

nustyleshutters.com.au 179 Beringarra Avenue, Malaga, 6090

* T&Cs apply offer ends 30 November 2017. ^A further 10% off the already discounted price. Visit our website for more information. Security Agents License no.20818

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Member benefits

The CSIRO recommends annual termite inspections

Save

$165

Plus, 15% off all other services*

RAC Members Exclusive Offer only $190* (Normally $355) Offer only available once per household

*RAC member discounts and offers are not applicable to warranty renewal contracts or other Termico offers. Offer only applicable in metro and selected country areas (Bunbury and Busselton). Spider treatment not available with pre-purchase inspection. Offer available once per household.** To approved customers only. October / November 2017 Horizons 77 For more member savings visit rac.com.au/memberbenefit s

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Member benefits

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

RAC Half Page Advert.qxp_Eden Roc RAC 90 x 54 30/07/2014 3:37 pm Page

Garage Door Needing Attention? RAC Members receive

RECEIVE 10%* OFF FULL HOUSE GUTTER REPLACEMENT • Gutters and Downpipes • Roof Restoration • Ridgecap Re-pointing • Skylights • All General Roof Repairs • All work guaranteed

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HUGE RANGE OF GARAGE DOOR PARTS

Plus we install, repair and service all makes and models.

9303 9334

Unit1/5 Quantum link Wangara WA 6065

www.edenrocgaragedoors.com.au

*Show RAC card at time of booking. Discount applies to garage door parts only

Fully installed

Fully installed *Conditions apply

$210 ZINC $220 COLORBOND

Metro-wide retic and bore installation and repairs

Call 734300 300oror 0411 Call 1300 1300 734 0411 511511 611611

Also Alsobore boreand andreticulation reticulationservice serviceand andmaintenance maintenance

Don’t buy until you have seen Elite Triple Cell Solar Pool Blanket

or visit our factory showroom, at 10 Cressall Road, Balcatta

360mm

$185 ZINC $195 COLORBOND

Receive $150 off installation and a FREE 3/4˝ tap and Receive $150 off installation and a FREE 3/4” tap and pressure release valve worth $240 with all new bores. pressure release valve worth $240 with all new bores.

· Cut Water Evaporation by nearly 100% · Save on Water Bills · Swim longer in a warmer pool · Save Water

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300mm

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Call 0439 707 578 or 9398 9861

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*Offer available until 14 November 2017. Factory direct sales only. Not valid with any other offer or if Elite has to measure pool.

SAVE 10% OFF CARAVAN ACCESSORIES KEN PEACHEY CARAVAN REPAIRS Insurance, servicing, modification, accessories and canvas work.

Call (08) 9277 1381 or Email info@kenpeachey.com www.kenpeachey.com 194 Campbell Street Belmont WA 6104

Licensed repairer MRB1167

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Member benefits

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2017

Thrifty is RACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive car rental partner ^Terms & conditions apply. 15% discount applies on the best rate of the day. Must quote RAC membership number. For full terms and conditions go to rac.com.au/thrifty

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Terms & conditions $24,000 in Member Benefit partner prizes

Win a map page 49

page 24

The competition begins on 20 September at 12.00am and ends on 30 November 2017 at 11.59pm (Australian Western Standard Time). Entries must be received by the promoter during the competition period. Entry is automatic upon the RAC member transacting at participating RAC Member Benefit partners. See Member Benefit partners pages terms and conditions on rac.com.au/ mb to find out if the partner is participating. Up to 218 entrants (winner/s) may each be awarded only one prize (prizes) from the prize pool. Prizes are not transferrable or redeemable for cash. The winners shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The judge’s decision is final. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winners will be drawn on 1 December 2017 and notified in writing. When the winners are notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collections of their prize. Each winner must claim their prize on or before Monday, 8 January 2018. In the event that no contact details are available, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn or subject to a redraw, 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

More info

The competition begins on Wednesday 20 September 2017 at 09:00 and ends on 31 October 2017 at 12pm (AWST). Up to one entrant (winner) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: hand drawn South West map. Map must be collected from RAC West Perth. The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random The winner will be drawn on 14 November 2017 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 30 November 2017. 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 policy.

Car Doctor page 61

Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a 2018 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 October / November Horizons must claim their prize by 15 November 2017. 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 Letter 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 $174. 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 October / November Horizons must claim their prize by 15 November 2017. 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 the Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Full terms and conditions for each competition are available at rac.com.au/competitions. For details of winners from our past promotions, visit rac.com.au/horizonswinners.

SCOOTER SPRING SALE 9242 7333 www.blueskyhealthcare.com.au 19 Pearson Way, Osborne Park WE WILL BEAT %* ANY WRITTEN QUOTE

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The 1 best

Contact

US Perth Upmarket.

Do you have an idea for The 10 best? Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au.

Margaret River Town Square Markets For more than 30 years, Margaret River’s Town Square Markets have been showcasing local crafts, local produce and more. The range of goods on offer includes jewellery, woodwork and clothing, along with fresh and homemade gourmet produce. It’s at the town square on Bussell Highway every Sunday from November until the end of April and twice a month, plus public holidays, at other times of the year, from 8am–12.30pm.

Nannup Markets

10 best weekend markets Platform Markets, Geraldton

Dwellingup Community Markets

Beaufort Street Artisan Market

Held on a platform at Geraldton’s old railway station, the markets feature local produce and gourmet foods, along with original crafts, including jewellery and homewares. The Platform Markets are held every Saturday and Sunday from 8am–noon at 65 Chapman Road Geraldton.

The Dwellingup markets showcase a range of homemade goods produced by the local community. Stalls feature handmade quilts and other hand-sewn items, glassware, books, plants and handmade cards, along with homemade treats. It’s held at the Dwellingup Hall on McLarty Street on the third Sunday of each month from 9am–1pm.

A curated artisans’ market where you can pick up unique works directly from the artists and craftspeople. It’s held on the second Sunday of the month at the Mary Street Piazza and Mt Lawley Laneways, off Beaufort Street, Mt Lawley.

Broome Courthouse Markets Held in the gardens of Broome’s Courthouse, these markets are one of the town’s key attractions. Visitors can browse through a selection of local handicrafts, artworks, jewellery and clothing. Plus, there are delicious local treats to enjoy. It’s held year-round every Saturday morning (and Sunday mornings from Easter until October).

Perth Upmarket This popular and extensive quarterly market features original wares created by more than 150 artists, designers and craftspeople. There’s also a selection of gourmet produce to buy. Perth Upmarket is held at Winthrop Hall at the University of Western Australia, four Sundays a year from 10am–4pm.

Boatshed Markets, Albany Quality local produce and creative wares share the stage at Albany’s Boatshed Markets. Explore stalls that showcase a range of products created by local artisans, along with a tempting selection of fresh produce from the Great Southern region. The Boatshed Markets are located by the Albany Waterfront on Princess Royal Drive and are open every Sunday from 10am–1pm.

Held in Nannup’s main street, the markets are a colourful mix of local produce and interesting local handicrafts and artworks – a great place to find a gift or taste some of the region’s fresh produce. The markets are held fortnightly on a Saturday from 8.30am–12pm.

Kalamunda Village Markets Pick up jewellery, ceramics, artwork and clothing, along with homemade gourmet foods at this bustling market held in Kalamunda’s Town Square. Locally grown fresh produce is also on sale and there are plenty of options for lunch with local musicians entertaining the crowd. The market is held on the first Sunday of every month.

Serpentine Country Markets The scenic Serpentine Valley is the backdrop for these monthly markets where you’ll find wood crafts, jewellery and other handmade goods as well as tasty homemade produce from sweets and preserves to flavoured oils. The markets are held on the oval at Clem Kentish Hall Karnup Road, Serpentine.

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Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island

Vineyards, South Australia

EXPERIENCE A JOURNEY FOR THE SENSES Be consumed by culinary wonders as you journey across the majestic South West. Plan your adventure today and save.

UNEARTH REMARKABLE SA 8 D AY S / 7 N I G H T S J O U R N E Y F R O M P E R T H T O A D E L A I D E V. V.

3699

PER PERSON

S AV E $ 7 6 7

TA K E I N E X Q U I S I T E S C E N E R Y A S YO U S A M P L E S O M E O F T H E F I N E S T LO CA L P R O D U C E A N D WI N E SA HAS TO OFFE R.

INCLUSIONS: • 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS ABOARD THE INDIAN PACIFIC IN GOLD SERVICE INCLUDING ALL MEALS, BEVERAGES AND OFF TRAIN EXPERIENCES FROM PERTH TO ADELAIDE OR V.V. • TRANSFER FROM ADELAIDE PARKLANDS TERMINAL TO HOTEL OR V.V. • 4 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION AT 5 STAR HILTON ADELAIDE INCLUDING BREAKFAST DAILY • 2 DAY KANGAROO ISLAND IN STYLE INCLUDING FLIGHTS TO AND FROM THE ISLAND, ACCOMMODATION AT 4 STAR MERCURE KANGAROO ISLAND LODGE, 4 MEALS, PERSONALISED TOURING WITH A RANGE OF WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES AT LATHAMI CONSERVATION PARK, SEAL BAY CONSERVATION PARK, FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK AND KELLY HILL CONSERVATION PARK • 90 MINUTE ADELAIDE CENTRAL MARKET TOUR WITH EXPERT GUIDES INCLUDING LOCAL PRODUCE TASTINGS • 1 DAY MCLAREN VALE WINERY EXPERIENCE INCLUDING CELLAR DOOR WINE TASTINGS AND LUNCH

Save up to $767 per person is based on Advance Purchase fare with twin share of a Gold Service Twin Cabin on the Indian Pacific from Perth to Adelaide in Shoulder Season. For new bookings from 03 October 2017 until 17 December 2017. For travel from 01 June 2018 to 31 August 2018. Offer is subject to availability and is not available on all dates. Full payment required within 14 days of booking. 100% cancellation fees apply 14 days after booking date and the fare is non-transferable and non-refundable. Amendments to travel dates allowed more than 45 days before travel when changing to another Advance Purchase fare more than 6 months from date of travel, subject to Advance Purchase availability on the new date. If no Advance Purchase fare availability on new date or amendment is less than 45 days before travel, guests will need to pay higher fare. Blockout dates may apply to hotels. Booking and credit card fees may apply. Not available with any other offer. For general terms, booking and travel conditions please visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au ATAS number A10679 05133CDBD 0817

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We’ve got your caravan covered, and your next road trip That’s the power of membership You get more than just insurance with RAC. We’ll cover your caravan for malicious damage, fire, theft, storm or flood, and give you access to great member benefits, like up to 20%* off at RAC Parks and Resorts.

RINS0626

Call 1300 736 143 to get a quote Check the PDS to see if the policy is right for you. *Discount varies according to season. See rac.com.au for full terms and conditions.

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