A SPATE of thefts from cars has dampened the Christmas spirit for visitors to Bayswater’s Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary The weekend after Christmas, police reported five thefts from vehicles in the sanctuary car park and three more in the surrounding area. “We did have a line of inquiry via iPhone tracking but that didn’t pan…

TIRED of talented bands playing to empty rooms, Bassendean music producer Peter Renzullo has started up the Perth Underground Live Music Appreciation Club, to revitalise the flagging live music scene. The aim is simple: he doesn’t want people to just join his group. He wants rock-solid commitment to attending gigs. Early indications are positive: he’d…

’TWAS the night before Christmas when the Barnett government gazetted its legislation to merge Bayswater and Bassendean councils and rejig Stirling’s borders. Former Vincent councillor and anti-forced amalgamation campaigner Ian Ker found the timing deeply suspect, given many people were either deeply distracted or on holiday (including the Voice). Mr Ker commented: “What a cynical…

ANOTHER artwork by Chinese sculptor Chen Wen Ling has been damaged by Perth’s philistine denizens. On New Year’s Eve delinquents tore the $58,000 sculpture free from its pricey plinth at the corner of Bulwer and Vincent Streets. They left the sculpture languishing on the grass, where Vincent council staff retrieved it. It’s now in storage…

LOUD grunts and leering have been banned at Beatty Park. New directives follow complaints last year, reported in the Voice, that women were being eyed up by sweaty muscle-men in the sauna. A sign’s now been erected at the swim centre, reminding sauna-goers “inappropriate comments, language, topics of conversation within hearing of other members” are…

A THIEF has been seen stealing mail from letterboxes in the dead of night in West Perth. At 2am Monday January 6 this Voice journo peered out his kitchen window, spotting the thief, kitted out in dark clothes, cap, backpack and torch, taking envelopes from mailboxes. Heroic urges to intervene and apprehend were short-circuited by…

A BUSHFIRE in Coolbinia last Sunday has been declared suspicious by fire authorities, leading to an investigation by the police arson squad. The fire started around noon near the Coolbinia primary and Sir David Brand schools, beside Glick Road. Locals were evacuated and Bradford Street closed as 11 fire trucks and four water bomber helicopters…

FRINGE FESTIVAL fever is set to rock Perth as performers and artists across Australia and the world pack their glittery shoes, outrageous wigs and head to town. From high theatre and a cathedral candle light cabaret at St George’s Cathedral, to dark and brooding plays to outrageous vaudeville, song, dance and circus there’s something for…

O’Neill nails it SHAYNE G O’NEILL in his letter “Garbage” (Voice Mail, December 20, 2014) nailed it for me. The Northbridge area has always been the epicentre for homeless people where they have access to accommodation, food and medical aid, as well being able to socialise with people in a similar predicament on public land.…