A CHANCE meeting with a local MP who’d popped in to buy a dress has alerted a local dressmaking boutique to the existence of federal grants that can help them take on overseas competitors. Tokay Boutique—run by Jessica McLagan and her mum Jennifer Stefanelli—has for 16 years been making its own clothes using WA suppliers…

THIS Sunday’s supposedly non-partisan March in March rally, which is highly critical of the Abbott government, is being coordinated by people with links to ALP-affiliated unions. March in March events are planned for cities Australia-wide and are billed by organisers as a “people’s vote of no confidence” in Abbott government policies. Perth’s organisers include officials…

PRE-LOVED bikes and parts are on offer down at the bike swap meet at the Barlee Street carpark next Saturday. Stallholders are invited to clear out their sheds of old odds and ends, while punters can hunt down elusive replacement parts. It’s on March 22 from 10am to 1pm (stallholders set up at 9am). Register…

VINCENT city council acting CEO Rob Boardman is reported to have been hospitalised, and remains in a serious condition, after suffering a heart attack, just three weeks after taking the reins from John Giorgi. The council is refusing to comment, with new acting CEO Mike Rootsey saying only, “this is a private matter and we…

“FOOTBALL is not a matter of life and death…it’s much more important than that,” legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said. Ziggy Kramer knows a thing or two about the beautiful game, having been involved with Inglewood United for more than 60 years. He’s played for, managed and latterly been the president of the club,…

AROUND 50 people attended a Perth rally Saturday to protest China’s 55-year occupation of Tibet. Organised by the Tibetan Action Group of WA, the group held a ceremony outside Perth’s Chinese consulate before marching to Wesley Church. TAG member June Lowe says Tibetans in Perth wanted to show support for people back home. “The Tibetan…

A SLAP-UP “networking lunch” with Michael Sutherland and Troy Buswell has beenº hastily rearranged following the WA treasurer’s shock resignation this week. WA finance and energy minister Mike Nahan will replace Mr Buswell as keynote speaker at the $150-per-head Dianella lunch on March 26. Mr Buswell resigned Sunday after allegedly drink-driving and crashing his ministerial…

 A MAYLANDS heritage trail has been launched by Bayswater city council. The 1.3km trail includes 31 heritage-listed properties in the town centre, most  situated on Eighth Avenue, Whatley Crescent and Guildford Road. Featured properties include the Old Peninsula Hotel, Maylands primary and the old police station and quarters. Each site has a granite plaque with…

PURPORTED industrial action by Vincent staff (Voice, March 8, 2014) has not occurred. Last week former councillor John Little told the Voice a large contingent of staff was planning a walkout, unhappy that CEO John Giorgi’s contract hadn’t been renewed. But Wednesday rolled around and there was no action. Mr Little, a supporter of Mr…

BAYSWATER pensioners will continue to wilt in the heat and get soaked in the rain, after the Barnett government refused their requests for shaded bus shelters. Elderly shoppers want a shelter at the stop on Eighth Avenue, beside the Maylands Town Hall, while the residents’ committee at Mertome retirement village want a shelter at nearby…