WA is well-placed to cash in on a renewed interest in getting outdoors, but needs more qualified leaders to help the sector reach its potential, says the peak organisation representing educators, adventure tourism and recreation operators. Crawley-based Outdoors WA released a report this week that pulled together decades of research into the benefits of getting…

A LOVE story spanning 51 years, Touch is a poignant tale of longing, memory, and the enduring power of first love. At its heart is Kristofer, a 70-year-old widower from Iceland, who embarks on an emotional journey to rediscover the love that defined his youth. As his own time on earth begins to dwindle, he is…

MEMBERS of Perth’s Sri Lankan community have established a protest camp outside Tangney Labor MP Sam Lim’s office. Their tents and banners are visible along Leach Highway. The protesters are demanding the federal government end the practice of keeping Sri Lankan refugees on bridging visas that deny them the right to work, study and receive…

A BID to make a popular recording studio and pint-size performance venue a permanent fixture in Baker Avenue has hit a snag, with a neighbour complaining that the after-parties are decidedly off-key. CentreStage Recording Studio sits across from Birdwood Square in Vincent’s slab of Perth, and while it looks across to the buzzing Brisbane Hotel…

PERTH council is looking for its next batch of Citizens of the Year. Auspire, otherwise known as the Australia Day Council of WA, has opened nominations for the awards, which shine a spotlight on individuals and groups who make a difference in their community. Lord mayor Basil Zempilas said the awards were about recognising and…

AUCKLAND STREET is the latest precinct set to get its “character” enshrined in Vincent council’s policies. At this week’s meeting, councillors will decide whether to include Auckland Street under its Local Planning Policy for character areas and send it out for public comment. If adopted, the street’s single-storey homes, generous street setbacks and large front…

BEING a wildcard entry for the U18s championships at this week’s HoopsFest, the Binar Indigenous Team know any victories will have to be hard-earned. With a place in the WA Basketball League just edging nearer after a decade of dreaming, founder Adam Desmond says his young players rarely get an opportunity to play in competitions…

THE chance encounter of a blossoming wattle in the south of France years ago provided the seed which has bloomed into the WA Maritime Museum’s latest exhibition Empress Joséphine’s Garden. AGB Creative director Anthony Bastic, who’d been senior events manager at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, was having a career break and renting a holiday…

THE popularity of winter sports is set to get a significant boost in WA, with the first figure skating championship where competitors can earn international points to be held later this month.   The WA Figure Skating Club’s Swan Trophy will be allow figure skaters to gain points necessary for national and international selection, the…

THE WA government has given Vincent council $3.8 million to replace the turf and upgrade lighting at Leederville Oval. The upgrades to the oval, home to both East Perth and Subiaco football clubs, will help make sure it’s up to broadcasting standards. Vincent has been arguing for the state government to put funding into the…