LABOR has pledged $1.5 million towards buying the “Carter’s block” wetlands. The privately owned wetlands was partially cleared last year to make way for a housing development. Bayswater council’s already pledged $1.5 million and wants the WA Planning Commission to chip in the rest. On Wednesday January 25 Labor’s Lisa Baker met with shadow planning…

FITNESS junkies have scored a win over weary neighbours following a decision by the lands minister Terry Redman to keep Jacobs Ladder open without restrictions. The hideously steep staircase is a popular exercise spot for early-birds, but was last year threatened with a  curfew after neighbours complained about the noise. The City of Perth acknowledged…

THE Bedford Bowling Club has asked Bayswater council to replace four recently-planted saplings on its verge. The city doubled its tree budget to $400,000 last year and planted an extra thousand street trees, but the bowlers are concerned four coral gums along Grand Promenade will drop leaves on the club’s greens when they grow up.…

LABOR’S candidate for the state Perth seat John Carey launched his campaign Saturday January 21, with about 270 people packing out Perth town hall to wish him well. During his speech Mr Carey recalled his father’s advice: ‘In politics, one day you’re a rooster, the next day you’re a feather duster’.” He said its message…

TWO candidates popped in last-minute nominations for a vacancy in Vincent council’s south ward. A solicitor practicing family law, Amy Fels has lived in south ward three years and has some previous political-ish experience as a guild councillor at UWA. Ms Fels says she’ll use her “experience working with constituents and stakeholders to foster transparency…

TOM GOODE has uncovered a little known part of World War I history. The Mt Lawley railway buff has penned a book about long-forgotten railway workers who brought ammunition and supplies to the trenches of Belgium while under threat of German artillery fire. It’s rare to find even a Great War buff who knows about…

THE Museum of Perth has moved into new digs at the historic Atlas Building on the Esplanade. Plans to restore the building and build up a presence include reviving a tradition of flying the Australian flag, one that’s been dormant for half a century. The Atlas Building was opened in 1931 to house the Atlas…

FIXING up Maylands Waterland could cost more than anticipated, with some plans coming in at double the $3 million Bayswater council had earmarked for the project. It’s a beloved community asset popular with young families (since the shallow waters are more youngster-oriented than nearby Bayswater Waves) but it’s tired and falling apart. This will be…

PORTRAITS of early Chinese migrants are displayed alongside those of Perth’s current Chinese community in the free exhibition Kiss the Sun, Marry the Moon, held for the Chinese New Year. The vintage portraits were taken by Perth snapper Denis Dease between 1900 and 1927, but were lost after the studio’s closure. They were unearthed in…

State election March 2017: With the state election just over the horizon, the Perth Voice takes a look at some of the policy announcements affecting seniors.  THE Liberal party is turning to film-makers to help sell a positive message about ageing. Seniors and volunteering minister Paul Miles recently launched the Life in Pictures short film competition, to be…