ORCs are invading Vincent, provoking a fiery battle in the council chamber. The “On Road Cafes”—where tables and chairs replace car bays—were trialled outside Foam cafe in Leederville for nine months, and were so popular they’ll now be rolled out across another six cafes. But nearby cafe owner Debbie Saunders of 50ml is unhappy Foam’s…

Traumatised refugees are learning to cook healthy Aussie grub in Perth. The classes, organised by the Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors, help refugees to socialise and forget their troubled pasts. People from countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan, Iran and Iraq are flocking to the classes. Nutritionist Rachel Pearce is trying to wean…

A public meeting will be held over the East Perth concrete batching plants, amidst fears the Barnett government intends to let them operate well into the future. Vincent city councillor Josh Topelberg—who is seeking re-election next month—proposed the meeting after the WA planning commission edited the council’s new town planning scheme, banning residential developments near…

Names of locals who served in World War I are being sought for a memorial in Axford Park. Vincent council is working with the Mt Hawthorn RSL to find the names to inscribe on the plaque, but records from those days are scant. David Millar is a veteran of Vietnam and East Timor, and says…

With their nudie animals on a bike sculpture such a big hit, artists Gillie and Marc have lent Vincent city council three more artworks. Crab Riders features the familiar anthromorphic dog and rabbit riding giant river crabs. It’s for sale for $90,000, but the NSW artists are offering a long-term loan to Vincent. It’ll go…

A traffic trial has been brought to a premature end after Mt Hawthorn residents mobbed Vincent city council’s chamber Tuesday. The council has reopened Merredin Street after residents in Bondi and Matlock Streets complained about being flooded with rat-runners.  

• About 200 Stirling locals have attended a rally in Dianella to oppose premier Colin Barnett’s amalgamation plans. Photo supplied Senior Liberal MP Michael Sutherland has joined a growing chorus of state Liberals opposed to premier Colin Barnett’s council amalgamations. Last weekend the speaker of state parliament—a job with the status of a Cabinet minister—took…

Stirling mayor David Boothman has been re-elected to council unopposed after no-one else nominated for Balga ward. “I don’t think this necessarily represents any voter apathy, but more that people know it is hard to depose an incumbent, especially the mayor,” he says, gleefully. “Without sounding big-headed, it may also mean that ratepayers think I’m…