A FORMER patron of the Black Swan State Theatre Company has delivered a withering critique of its recently launched season, Where the Heart Is. Sally Burton, the widow of Hollywood legend Richard Burton, recently circulated an email within the performing arts community which says the company’s board and artistic director are out of touch with…

Cigar club rejected over health concerns VINCENT councillors have unanimously snubbed out a proposal for a private cigar club in Highgate. In the lead up to Tuesday night’s vote at council, the WA Australian Medical Association voiced concerns about the exclusive club: “We are trying to make smoking history, not to make smoking and the…

CAT BUSES should run at night to make the city more lively, says Perth Labor MP John Carey. Speaking in parliament, he called for a “Black CAT” service that would encourage more people to visit small bars, restaurants and cafes in the city after dark. “At the moment, CAT services in part stop at 6pm…

MICHELLE SUTHERLAND is back at Bayswater council after winning a tight extraordinary election in the north ward. She previously held the seat from 2013-17, narrowly losing to councillors Stephanie Gray and Filomena Piffaretti at last year’s election. Earlier this year Cr Brent Fleeton retired early, sparking an extraordinary election. Low turnout In her candidate statement,…

A STIRLING resident is calling for a “developer contact register” after some councillors did not disclose meetings with the representative of a potential buyer for one of the city’s properties. Although the councillors have said the land sale wasn’t discussed during the meetings, meaning they didn’t have to disclosure any interest, former council candidate Jack…

THERE’LL be no rotten tomato reviews when ECU’s film graduates premiere six short dramas at the upcoming WA Screen Academy Gala: Unchartered Territory. They’re about to enter into the real world of the overcrowded film industry, but WA Screen Academy Director Cathy Henkel says this year’s students are “the most ambitious” and have produced bold…

MORE THAN 100 parents attended a “crisis meeting” with the education department on Friday (September 14) to discuss what can be done to improve low grades and culture at North Perth primary school. A department inquiry into the school followed poor NAPLAN results over the past few years, but parents say there’s more to the…

VINCENT council has chosen David MacLennan as their new CEO. Councillors unanimously approved the appointment at the September 11 special council meeting, and he’ll begin a five-year contract in mid-October. Mr MacLennan has a long history of public service in Australia and abroad, and he’ll be leaving his current gig as special advisor for economic…