THE rollout of nature playgrounds continues down Bayswater way with a $70,000 Lotterywest grant going into upgrades at Bert Wright Park. Bayswater council threw in $100,000 for stage one and the $70,000 will help build a water play creek for kids to paddle around in and a climbing net, along with a barbie, picnic area and paths through the park. Nature play’s taken off in the past few years, replacing sterile steel, plastic and rubber-matted playgrounds, with some solid science showing it encourages kids’ imaginations, helps them understand minor risk taking, builds resilience, and playing around in the dirt a bit can even help their immune systems.

IF the kids are going hog wild after a few weeks on holidays the Northbridge Piazza is showing free films every Saturday at 5.30pm. This Saturday January 21 they’re showing Free Birds, a story about two turkeys who travel back in time to try to change the course of history and get turkey off the holiday food menu. http://www.visitperthcity.com has the full list of free movies coming up through April.

A PERTH council garbo working early Monday morning was hit by a speeding ute, badly injuring his leg. The ute had peeled out of Metros night club, sped down Roe Street, hit the worker who was standing beside his truck, then careened into another car. Council media man Michael Holland says the man was “seriously injured” in the crash. “The City’s main priority is the welfare of our colleague, and to support him and his immediate family”. Police closed off the street Monday to investigate and the driver and passenger have been “assisting” police with enquiries.

MOUNT HAWTHORN’S Anzac Cottage is now officially an antique, celebrating 101 years since the community build the house in one day for a returning Great War veteran. It’s open for a free guided tour at 1.30pm and 2.45pm on its birthday, February 12 at 38 Kalgoorlie Street.

• Mrs C Roberts, the Soldiers’ Queen, hoists the flag at Anzac Cottage.