A plan for a ferry from Banks Reserve in Mt Lawley looks to be dead in the water. Vincent councillor John Pintabona had hoped a service from the under-used jetty could head past the proposed Burswood stadium and into Perth, helping ease congestion. But both state’s transport planners say they have no plans for a…

A Coolbinia war veteran who struck up a “unique rapport” with one of Hitler’s most decorated commanders is set to relive his memories with a visiting German historian. Talbot Bashall was a young British army lieutenant when in 1947 he was given the job of guarding Albert Kesselring—a Nazi field marshal facing the death penalty…

Independent candidate Ant Clark has put his hand up for the federal seat of Perth. With Kevin Rudd’s resurrection heralding a Labor resurgence, it’s tipped to be a close contest and independent preferences are now more likely to come into play. The 45-year-old Bayswater resident has three main platforms: • Affordable housing; • Raising Australia’s…

Stirling city council has blocked a new tattoo studio from opening up in Yokine (“Studio needles locals”, Voice, July 6, 2013). Fifteen objections were lodged against the proposed Michael Street parlour, with locals worried about anti-social behaviour in nearby Knight Avenue reserve and surrounding streets. Councillor Giovanni Italiano, who used to have his ex-wife’s name…

Fishy business YOU highlight an important debate in “Foie gras faux pas” (Voice, July 6, 2013). However, I wonder how many readers are also aware that a significant number of restaurants in our local area continue to serve shark fin products, particularly shark fin soup. I don’t make a habit of eating in restaurants which…

“I WANT to go home,” Barbara Campbell, 87, says, unable to finish lunch at Mercy Hospital in Mt Lawley. “I can’t believe it has happened.” The frail North Perth grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of four told the Voice she had been held against her will since suffering a fall at home two weeks ago.…

VINCENT city council approved a former councillor’s planning application in three days but took four months to get around to a resident’s demolition application. John Little, publican of Leederville’s Fibber McGee’s, was a councillor from 1995 to 1997 and is a close confidante and political ally of former mayor Nick Catania. On June 7 he…

A NEW route has been added to the CAT bus circuit. The new green route runs every eight minutes through Leederville, West Perth, past King’s Park and into the CBD. The Public Transport Authority fast-tracked the project so it would be running in time for train disruptions caused by sinking the rail line. Extending CAT…

“TAKE a break” and “work from home” are among the Public Transport Authority’s helpful suggestions for commuters as it temporarily shuts down train lines so it can sink them below ground. The entire Fremantle line will shut from July 12–17 and again July 31 to August 4. Bits of Midland, Joondalup, Armadale and Thornlie will…

BAYSWATER residents will pay an extra 4.5 per cent for their rates this year. Perth’s rates went up 5.1 per cent and Vincent’s 3.92. Cr Mike Anderton says the small rise is a win for ratepayers. “Considering the large increases in electricity and other utility costs, this is a good result for ratepayers,” he said.…