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  • How now, our Round House?

    Dr Ingrid van Bremen is a senior lecturer in architectural conservation at UWA and consulting architect in conservation FRAIA. Author of the series – Western Building Construction: Roofs, Walls, Floors & Ceilings, and Friend of the Round House. This is part 2 of her review of Steve Errington’s new book The Round House 1831-1856, the early years of Western Australia’s oldest building – and how it survived

    FOR conservation architects and planners, the Round House building is valued for its design in a strong geometrical form, construction with local limestone, and position on the high ground at the focal point of the main town street. 

    It was originally the first place-maker of Fremantle town, even before the church in the square. 

    Since then, it has been a prominent visual public icon providing a sense of identity to Fremantle people and visitors. 

    This is part of the reason it has survived. 

    It is alluded to in the Round House book but deserves more. 

    The visual continuity is beginning to be obscured again by the latest urban design ‘improvements’ in High Street (trees and planters). 

    Arthur Head and the Round House – as “the most significant historic site for all Western Australians” (quoting the FCC 1983 project) is a focus for UWA students in the School of Design studying conservation in cultural landscapes. 

    The social history in Errington’s books will add to their understanding and experience of this special place.

    For those interested in the history of the building, of Fremantle, and of the administration of the law in the early days of settlement, these books are a valuable addition to the literature. 

    For the current volunteer guides who interpret the place for the many visitors it has each year, the books now provide strong documentary evidence to back their often colourful renditions of events and conditions. 

    They are already using these books in their daily talks to visitors, and they keep the books handy to show their sources and promote the place. 

    The volunteer guides (and Steve Errington among them) know that surviving historic buildings are the best places to bring history to life – telling the stories of people’s lives.

    There have been recent interpretation reports prepared for the Round House: in 2015 for improvements and 2021 for a complete overhaul, but the latter has gone very dark. 

    Now the publication of these new books provides a reliable source for a more balanced approach to interpretation. 

    One that should also be used in the planning for the upcoming bicentennial events where it is likely to involve Arthur Head and the Round House. 

    ——————————

    John Wade has a night out in ‘The Round House’

    JOHN WADE’S escape by climbing over the wall in September 1844 was bit unusual in that he broke back in again. 

    At daybreak on 12 September Gaoler Nicholas Smith was woken by a noise in the exercise yard. 

    Looking out of his window he saw a man moving about the yard. 

    It was John Wade… Wade tried to bluff his way out of trouble, accusing Smith of locking him out of his cell, saying that he was starving and had to get out to get some food, and he’d only climbed back in so Smith wouldn’t be in trouble. 

    Smith refused to believe that Wade had been out until he noticed that the well rope had been unshipped from the windlass and made into a rope ladder. 

    It all became clear when Wade’s cell was unlocked: Wade’s bed was made up to look like someone was in it. 

    At 8am came news that Francisco’s store in High Street had been burgled overnight. 

    Tried on October 2, Wade was found guilty and sentenced to transportation for 14 years. On October 11 he was escorted to the government schooner Champion and sent on his way to Van Diemen’s Land.

    From The Round House 1831-1856

  • LETTERS: 22.2.25

    Authorative

    THE State Government recently announced its endorsement of the Future of Fremantle Place and Economic Vision Report.

    The report makes a lot of sense, though I’m sure with choices to be made, the vision will vary and evolve over time.

    May I suggest that the next step towards ‘stewardship’ of the vision (ie who is going to make things happen), should be undertaken as quickly as possible.

    This step would enable actioning the immediate priority of comprehensively connecting and fully integrating the Fremantle Town Centre with the Victoria Quay waterfront, a major ‘game changing’ and energising opportunity for Freo which should be undertaken without any more delay.

    So, who is going to make it happen?

    Implementation will require involvement of the Fremantle Council, the Port Authority and Transperth to mention just a few of the agencies involved, none of them, though, with overall authority, financial capacity and breadth of expertise to get things done in an effective, co-ordinated way to ensure the highest quality social, economic and civic outcomes.

    It really needs a special purpose project agency with overarching state government authority, financial capacity, design and engineering skills to implement the Fremantle Vision plans.

    I suggest that its time for a purpose designed Redevelopment Authority to get things moving. This is the next logical, immediate and important decision that needs to be taken by the State Government.

    Please, no dithering. It’s long overdue and time to get on with it.

    John Adderley
    South Fremantle

    Melville’s all fired up

    AT the annual general meeting of electors on Monday February 3, the City received questions regarding the recent scrub fire in Bull Creek.

    While the City cannot comment on this specific incident as it’s currently being investigated by the WA Police, I wanted to assure our community that we take our responsibilities in relation to fire prevention extremely seriously.

    With the impacts of climate change being increasingly felt, we’re actively working with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and other key agencies to strengthen our emergency management preparedness as the safety of our community is our priority.

    Recently, all of the City’s operational bush fire control officers underwent retraining with DFES to enhance their skills and comprehension in assessing bushfire risk.

    As part of our seasonal preparedness efforts leading up to summer, the City actively promotes community-based messaging by deploying variable message signs trailers to local areas and exploring opportunities to raise bushfire awareness through various communication channels.

    As of February 2025, City bush fire control officers had conducted approximately 1,400 bushfire hazard inspections since mid-November 2024 leading to a significant reduction in bushfire risk within the community.

    In addition to this, our environmental teams regularly visit all of our reserves to conduct weed control, including grasses which are a major fire risk, maintain buffer zones, clear rubbish including along pathways and selectively clear plant material, noting that dead timber is required for habitat purposes and is less of a fire risk compared to grassy weeds.

    Looking ahead, the City is collaborating with DFES to develop a mitigation planning strategy for fuel load reduction works, scheduled for autumn and spring of 2025 in selected areas.

    The January bushfire serves as a stark reminder that fire risk is not limited to those living in bushland areas – urban residents are also vulnerable, and we encourage the community to be bushfire-ready by visiting the DFES website to find out measures they can implement to help minimise the risk of fire spreading to their property.

    Katy Mair
    City of Melville Mayor

    Urban jungle/ urban dream

    HOW is it possible in today’s landscape of talented urban planners that in Western Australia we continue to build urban jungles and not urban dreams. 

    Drive across Canning Bridge and witness standards we currently endure – but why?

    We all understand population increase, the need for affordable housing and right now the destruction of the urban canopy one street at a time, one local government area at a time; yet our urban planning response is based on an erroneous process of up-zoning without any genuine commitment to creating best practice liveable cities and healthy neighbourhoods. 

    How is that our forefathers had the insight to build parks large and small, woven into our neighbourhoods, yet today our WAPC destroys them; not one local government area at a time but in unison. 

    The truth is there is no master plan.

    In the City of Melville there are currently seven stakeholder engagements all independent of each other and nothing to tie the urban landscape of the full city together, yet that’s what ratepayers are demanding instead of receiving a letter in the post “you’ve been rezoned”.

    No explanations, no streetscapes, no pocket parks and a lot less green canopy. 

    Millions are paid on consultants to guide one slice at a time without anything to weave this together as an extraordinary city that could be world class. 

    It’s a lost opportunity for everyone; the chance for the City to create a liveable modern and vibrant city which is it stated aim.

    By changing the focus the City planners would enjoy a wonderful project opportunity. 

    The community would become engaged, there would be less angst for all and a lot less meeting and wasted money. 

    It truly is time to lift our collective horizons on genuine strategic urban planning. Other cities can, other capitals do, so why not here?

    Leonie Anderson
    East Fremantle

  • Shed hits 20

    THE Fremantle Men’s Community Shed celebrated its 20th birthday this month.

    They marked the occasion with a special dinner at their HQ on Shepherd St in Beaconsfield. 

    The festivities kicked off with sundowner drinks in the Shed’s alfresco, where members have installed an impressive model of the solar system.

    The meal was attended by about 60 folk including past and present sheddies, councillors and politicians, and former Freo mayor Peter Tagliaferri, who back in the day helped the Men’s Shed get up and running.

    Originally based at the Pigeon Racing Club in White Gum Valley, the Freo Men’s Shed moved to a site beside Hilton Bowling Club in 2016 and now has 260 male and 60 female members.

    • Fremantle MP Simone McGurk with Richard, Bill Johnstone and Alan Gowland at the Freo Men’s Community Shed birthday bash. photo
    supplied

    Their oldest sheddie is 96 and their youngest is 18, and founding president Bill Johnstone is still heavily involved.

    Johnstone was so impressed with a Men’s Shed on a visit to New South Wales in the early noughties, he decided to set one up on returning to Freo.

    The first of its kind in metro WA, it was initially a place for blokes to socialise and do woodwork and metalwork, but it now offers everything from ceramic and glasswork to guest speakers, art groups, music jams and gardening.

    The Shed is also involved in numerous community projects including the removal of graffiti in Fremantle, repairing and making furniture used by the general public, and doing voluntary work for the disadvantaged.

    Freo Men’s Shed president Mark Chatfield says they have participated in some memorable projects over the years.

    “One time we made 300 crosses for a special ceremony for fallen soldiers on Anzac Day,” he recalls. “That was pretty special and poignant.”

    “And then, at the other end of the spectrum, we made tiny model cranes for the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, who used them as table decorations at their annual dinner.

    “We do a wide variety of projects and right now are busy making recycling hubs for councils across Perth. We’ve always got a huge to-do list and are in-demand.”

    Although still called the Men’s Shed, women are welcome, and they hold weekly women-only and mixed sessions.

    “They’ve really enriched the Shed and brought a whole new dimension to things,” Chatfield says.

    So what does the next 20 years hold for the Shed?

    “We’re gradually adapting to the digital age with new machines, and someone has kindly donated a laser cutter and a three dimensional routing machine,” Chatfield says.

    “So learning to use these will keep us busy.”

    They don’t have a 3D printer yet, but that could be on the cards soon. Chatfield says the one thing they are missing is a music specialist to come along and lead a group, so if you’re keen then email admin@freomenshed.org.au.

    To find out more see freomenshed.org.au.

    by STEPHEN POLLOCK

  • Spice of life

    THE world has gone mad – Trump elected, Musk in the White House, and now hundreds of people queuing in Joondalup to meet Rick Ardon and Susannah Carr. 

    To be fair, they are the world’s longest-serving TV news anchor duo and were celebrating being on the air together for 40 years.

    As part of the meet-and-greet, you got a commemorative medallion and a free lobotomy.

    To get over all this madness, I needed some comfort food, so I decided to visit Tao Cafe in Myaree.

    The Asian eatery is a jack of all trades – offering Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.

    Normally I steer clear of these places and target restaurants that do one thing very well.

    But I’d heard good reports about Tao from locals, so I decided to give it a whirl.

    Each section – Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese – had about 15-20 classic dishes with everything from Pho Tai soup and lemongrass chicken to mixed tempura and bun xao.

    There was also sushi, entrees, a kids menu and desserts, including cheesecake and merengue.

    A lot of bases were covered and if you had a picky family who like different Asian dishes, it’s a good option.

    First off, the portion sizes are really big – my two young kids shared a chicken pad Thai ($24) and they didn’t finish it, and my daughter had just been to her modern dance class, where she jumps around like Leroy from Fame on speed.

    Old pot-bellied dad was happy to polish off the excess and I can report it was a very enjoyable pad Thai. 

    There was lots of slices of tender chook, a nice scattering of crushed peanuts and plenty of soft, flavoursome noodles.

    Interestingly, there was quite a strong tomato flavour to the sauce.

    I liked it, as sometimes pad Thai can be blander than a game show host.

    Across the table my wife “Special K” was tucking into her Thai green curry ($25) and jasmine rice ($4).

    I was jealous – the sweet-spicy aroma was wafting across the table and my mouth was starting to water.

    “Some Thai green curries skimp on the veg or have virtually none at all, but there’s a nice helping of red capsicum and green beans in this,” she noted.

    “The fragrant sauce is thick and crammed with flavour, and has just the right level of heat.

    “It’s very tasty and there’s lots of it. My only gripe – the chicken is slightly over; it could be more tender.”

    I brought up the rear with the Thai grilled beef salad ($25).

    Tender slices of lean beef were perched on a colourful medley of tomato, cucumber, shredded carrot and leafy greens.

    The dressing – made from lemon, juice, fish sauce and palm sugar – had a nice sweet-sour tang and wasn’t too overpowering.

    It was a very enjoyable salad with the fresh herbs and chilli keeping my palate on its toes.

    Situated just past Bunnings on the Leach Highway, Tao Cafe isn’t exactly on the Champs-Élysées, but if you’re shopping in the area, give it a go.

    Like me, you might be pleasantly surprised at the quality and quantity of the food.

    Right, I’m off to watch the news headlines…

    Tao Cafe Myaree
    10/1-7 Marshall Rd, Myaree
    taocafe.com.au

    by STEPHEN POLLOCK

  • Master of light

    RENOWNED Fremantle artist Ian de Souza is holding his first solo exhibition in WA in more than a decade.

    Clear Light features a series of large-scale abstract ink-on-rice-paper works.

    An exercise in negative space, the wispy colours and shapes are like fragments of memories or fleeting moments in time.

    There is a lyrical movement to the brush strokes and it’s almost like looking at a treble clef or the impressionistic dabblings of a composer.

    Maybe for authors like Vladimir Nabokov, who had grapheme-colour synesthesia, this is how they viewed their prose.

    Or if you are into psychoanalysis, it could be a Rorschach inkblot, revealing different aspects of your personality.

    • (above) Landscape of the Human Form by Ian de Souza (below).

    Regardless of interpretation, we can all agree that Clear Light is an introspective affair.

    “For the past 45 years, my art has been about looking outward, seeking inspiration in the external world,” de Souza says.

    “This work is different. It’s about turning inward. With Clear Light, I’ve reached a state of minimum distraction – a purity where the empty spaces are as significant as the brushstrokes. For me, it’s in the emptiness that the light lives.”

    de Souza was born in 1939 in the old Malaya – a British colony in Southeast Asia that included the Malay Peninsula and some islands – and didn’t start practising art in earnest until he was 43.

    His work combines years of training as a classical artist with techniques from Chinese calligraphy and painting.

    It’s hard to believe de Souza is in his mid 80s; his youthful appearance perhaps a by-product of his Buddhist philosophy and ‘deep connection to light’.

    “I’ve always believed that art is a mirror,” de Souza says.

    “In this exhibition, I offer my vision of light, and within it, the viewer might see their own memories, transitions, and emotions. These works are about connection – between artist and audience, between the self and the world.”

    De Souza’s unique creative process – bleeding ink through successive layers of rice paper, gives his work a layered depth.

    And there is a subtle nod to his Eastern heritage, spirituality and harmony.

    “Art has always been my sanctuary,” de Souza says. “My studio, surrounded by light and shadow, is where I find peace and reflection. This exhibition is born from that place of stillness. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the space it creates for others to reflect and connect.”

    Clear Light is at the Moores Gallery 46 Henry St, Fremantle until March 23. For more info see iandesouza.com.au.

    by STEPHEN POLLOCK

  • High-end living

    THERE’S a glamorous sheen to this Highgate apartment.

    The light wooden floors, cornicing, picture rails and ornate mirrors combine to create a sort of contemporary baroque.

    The highlight of this two bedroom one bathroom property is probably the spacious open plan living/dining/kitchen area.

    It’s bathed in natural light, courtesy of the French doors leading to the balcony, and feels bright and airy.

    The kitchen is a cracker – it’s got classy stone benchtops, high-end cooker and gastop, and a sleek splashback.

    Completing the pretty picture is a gorgeous bespoke jarrah dining table.

    It really is a looker and sets the area off beautifully.

    It would be a joy convening here for meals.

    Another high point is the main bedroom, which has a glorious wallpaper feature wall and massive fitted wardrobe.

    Often second bedrooms in apartments can be a grotty footnote, but this is an absolute gem with another wallpapered feature wall and plenty of natural light.

    Both bedrooms are carpeted and feel like relaxing places to get some shut eye.

    The bathroom is one of the most stylish the Voice has seen in an apartment, outwith a penthouse, and features gorgeous floor and wall tiles, a massive shower and stylish wavy mirror.

    It really is super luxurious for an apartment and will wow people at the home open. 

    But we perhaps left the best to last – the 14sqm balcony where you can relax with a glass of vino and glimpse the city skyscrapers in the distance.

    A beautiful spot to hangout with your partner or friends.

    This spacious 87sqm apartment includes plenty of storage and a covered 14sqm car bay, securely positioned behind an electric gate.

    Part of a small quiet complex with only eight apartments and three character homes, this abode is on the first floor at the rear.

    Situated on Smith Street, you are surrounded by parks and it’s a short walk to Beaufort Street, East Perth train station, the Swan River and only 2km from the CBD.

    And if you’re a Perth Glory fan, you can walk to all their home games (let’s hope they start doing better!). This is a spacious Highgate apartment with lots of panache.

    From mid $500,000s
    3/41 Smith Street, Highgate
    Beaucott Property 9272 2488
    Agent Carlos Lehn
    0478 927 017

  • FEATURE: Discover the joy of retirement living with Keyton

    For many Australians, the decision to move into a retirement village is one of the most significant and rewarding choices they will make. Keyton understands the importance of finding a community that not only meets their individual wants and needs but also enhances their overall quality of life. Their 10 retirement villages across Western Australia offer vibrant, supportive environments where residents can thrive in their next best chapter.

    A sense of belonging and community

    Dot, a resident of Woodstock West in Bunbury, moved from Victoria to be closer to her daughter and family. “The first day I came, I drove in the driveway, all the roses were in bloom, and I thought this is really nice, and I feel like I’m at home already and I haven’t even moved in yet,” she said. “The convenience and security are really good”.

    Lorraine, a resident at Parkland Villas Booragoon says she’s always felt very comfortable and at home. “I just found it a really welcoming environment,’ she said. “I think the best thing is the community, the friendships I’ve made, they’re a very caring community”.

    Thriving communities with exceptional amenities

    Keyton villages are designed to offer an exciting lifestyle with a wealth of amenities. From pools and bowling greens to gymnasiums and welcoming community centres, there is always something happening. CEO Nathan Cockerill further emphasises that Keyton retirement communities provide active, independent retirees with a wealth of amenities and green spaces. “It’s an exciting lifestyle if you want it to be and it also offers an incredible sense of peace and tranquillity,” he says.

    Safety, security and financial transparency

    Keyton prioritises the physical safety and financial security of every resident. All villages operate under state-specific retirement village legislation, ensuring the rights and interests of residents are protected. “We offer multiple payment options and are fully transparent about contracts and associated fees,” says Cockerill. Prospective residents are encouraged to seek independent financial advice before buying into a Keyton community.Residents pay a monthly service fee for maintenance, gardening and insurance, but there are no additional costs for Keyton’s wellbeing programs and lifestyle amenities. This transparency and commitment to resident welfare are key reasons why so many seniors choose to make a Keyton village their home.

    A lifestyle choice you won’t regret

    For Lorraine, after looking at various villages, Parkland Villas Booragoon suited her best. “This was the one that suited me in every aspect. It was the convenience to the shops, the bus,” Lorraine said. And she encourages anyone considering moving to a retirement village not to wait too long. “Come and have a really good look at the village, if possible, speak to residents that are already here,” said Lorraine. “And most importantly, not to leave it too late.” Keyton creates independent retirement living communities that inspire social connection and support good health and wellbeing for residents.

  • Left hanging

    VINCENT council is paying $1500 a month to store a sculpture it commissioned but couldn’t install, and now has a second $215,000 public art project on the verge of collapse.

    Back in 2021 the council launched the Arts Rebound: Town Centre Artworks program to stimulate the arts community after Covid forced the cancellation of live gigs, performances and gallery openings.

    A panel approved two artworks from 14 applicants; a $215,000 joint proposal from artist Marcus Canning, Globe TAG Architects and The Butcher Shop called The Globe which was to hang over the corner of William and Beaufort Streets, and a more modest $80,000 canopy with a light show for the heart of Leederville by Cruickshank Design Studio.

    Last year The Globe was the subject of a petition led by restaurateur Emma Pegrum from Wines of While, asking for it to be relocated.

    • The Globe was to hang on the corner of William and Beaufort Streets, but faced a petition and now a report which is found it can’t be installed in that location without blowing out the budget.

    “It appears there was no direct consultation with the community members, business owners and ratepayers most impacted by the proposed artwork at this location at the time the decision was made,” Ms Pegrum said in her petition.

    “The proposed artwork at this location presents significant safety concerns due to its large scale and suspension over an already busy and poorly managed traffic intersection, with the potential to distract drivers.

    “It is unclear whether the suspended installation will be possible without the addition of new obstructive and invasive infrastructure at the street/pedestrian level.”

    The latter point proved to be on the money, and this week’s council meeting heard that Canning had determined The Globe couldn’t be hung under the proposed budget after the City asked for it to be raised higher.

    • Cruickshank Design Studio’s installation is in the same boat, stored at a cost of $1500 a month.

    He’s already been paid $75,250 in “milestone payments” and Vincent now has to find an alternative location, with a report to the meeting painting an ominous picture: “If the artist was to submit the design in its current form, the City would reject the design, pay out the remaining $32,250 milestone and close the project,” the report found.

    Canning is confident he can get The Globe up at an alternative location by redesigning and reducing the footings.

    But at the meeting, councillor Suzanne Worner revealed the Leederville installation had also come unstuck due to engineering issues and was being stored at the cost of $1500 a month.

    “This can’t be installed due to engineering and major service access issues, and has already had its preferred site moved one,” Cr Worner said.

    An administrator in the arts herself, Cr Worner said she supported Vincent’s aspiration to become the “arts capital of Perth” but found the implementation “incredibly frustrating”.

    “We’re nearing four years of a project that was originally designed as a Covid response.

    “The assessment of the William Street artwork indicated that a high level of consideration has been given to the maintenance, longevity, construction, risk management and public safety of the project, and it was on that advice that the council approved this in December 21 (2021).

    “I suggest that information was inaccurate.”

    Cr Worner successfully moved a motion that essentially calls for an investigation into what went wrong and how it can be avoided in the future.

    by STEVE GRANT

  • Sounds great!

    VINCENT council will be hosting the Sounds of Warndoolier next Saturday February 22, marking the launch of the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

    Warndoolier was recently renamed, reverting back to how it had been identified in early maps rather than Banks Reserve as it has been known since 1963. 

     Outlining its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander goals for the coming years, the reconciliation plan includes new additions to the City’s library, including a minimum of five new cultural items in its collection per year along with additions to its language collection. 

    The library will also host two Noongar story time sessions annually in the children’s section.

    • River Journey “interpretation nodes” ensure the Whadjuk connection to Warndoolier is recorded and shared.

    The City plans to implement a formalised procedure for naming places like laneways with Whadjuk names in consultation with Traditional Owners. 

    Way-finding and signage upgrades will also include Noongar language. 

    There are also plans to install artwork and sculptures from Noongar artists as well as a dedicated Noongar six seasons garden. 

    The City also wants to encourage people to visit the Galup Virtual Reality Truth-telling experience which describes the lasting impacts of colonisation in the local area.

    Vincent aims to have at least 2 per cent of its permanent employees be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and plans to engage in commercial relationships with more than 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses.

    “One of the biggest achievements is the launch of our fourth RAP, Stretch, making Vincent one of a handful of local governments in Australia to reach this stage of Reconciliation Australia’s framework,” mayor Alison Xamon said.

    The Sounds of Warndoolier will be from 10am to 12noon.

    Attendees can taste native herbs and spices in light refreshments supplied by Aboriginal caterer All Good Grub accompanied by a live performance by Bibbulman Noongar singer Kobi Morrison. Noongar Elder Lindsay Calvin, who grew up in East Perth in the ‘60s, voices a Moorditj Footprints audio trail, while artwork by Vaughn McGuire will be on display in a River Journeys interpretation node.

    by CODY OLSEN

  • Hoping for creative ECU outcome

    FRANK PAOLINO says it’s a bit early to outline his vision for the Edith Cowan University site once lectures are moved to Perth’s CBD, but Labor’s candidate for Mt Lawley says he “absolutely” wants to see a creative presence to remain in the neighbourhood.

    “The local residents enjoy the artistic component of ECU as it is now,” Mr Paolino says.

    “I won’t go into my whole vision of it, because I’ll do that on March 9 if I’m elected, but imagine a great, creative space or destination, not just for our local residents, but for all Western Australians. 

    “I think that would be part of changing the face, for the better, of this electorate, and something that we can take forward for the future and be very, very proud of.”

    • Labor’s Mt Lawley candidate Frank Paolino is in the front seat for the March 8 election, sitting on a 21 per cent margin.

    Mr Paolino says he heading into his preselection he was insistent on a community reference group being formed regarding the move.

    “That community reference group is important because, in my view, it creates a baseline of what the community expects from that site. 

    “From that baseline we can build.”

    The shifting landscape of Mt Lawley has also raised questions about development and the preservation of the suburb’s unique character. The Mount Lawley Society has been vocal about the impact of WA’s planning system on Beaufort Street’s streetscape and character (“Alarm bells over Beau protection,” Voice, January 16, 2025).

    Mr Paolino says the society does a great job advocating for the preservation of the suburb’s heritage, but believes the state’s JDAP system is balanced.

    “I do think that by and large, we are getting it correct, because otherwise, in certain areas – not just in the Mt Lawley electorate, but in certain areas of wide Western Australia, we would see some halting in progress,” he says.

    “Whether that one size fits all approach is suitable, I’m not quite sure, however, there are mechanisms in place for public opinion to be voiced and public views to be shared.”

    He doesn’t sound quite as convinced over the six-storey apartments approved by the local JDAP for a site next to Our Lady’s Assumption School in Dianella. 

    Wider debate

    Stirling councillors Suzanne Migdale and Teresa Orlow voted against the proposal after a wave of community anger about apartments overlooking the school’s playgrounds, but they were outweighed by the state-appointed members of the panel.

    Mr Paolino said while the decision had been made before his preselection, the approval did concern him and it had opened the door to a wider debate he hoped Catholic Education WA would be part of.

    One debate he skipped recently was a Doctors For The Environment candidate forum. 

    The Chook asked him whether environmental groups criticising the WA Labor government’s lack of action on emissions was an achilles heel.

    “I’m very understanding and I’m very aware of the Doctors For The Environment, their views and what their concerns are, but I can only listen to those views and either share or not share their view,” he says.

    “But up until March 9, which is the day after the next state election, that is all really I can do –  just listen to them and make sure that I take those views into consideration.”

    But he says initiatives like the Cook government’s “Treebates” which incentivise planting trees on verges.

    “We are doing some great stuff in the environment, but Treebates that affect mums and dads and homes and streetscapes is fantastic.”

    Mr Paolino credits WA Labor’s cost-of-living measures, such as electricity bill credits and free public transport for children, with helping families during tough times. 

    “I don’t think there’s any other government in any other state government in Australia that has done what WA Labor has done for Western Australians,” he says.

    “One gentleman said to me the other day, ‘Thank god you guys are here because this summer I got to run my air conditioner’. 

    “My son going to school with his the smart rider, that saved me $50 a week for him to get to school on public transport.”

    Mr Paolino is also proud of the government’s commitment to the area’s sporting facilities, with pledges for $150,000 to revamp the Mt Lawley Tennis Club’s hard courts and $40,000 to get the locally-founded Starkick All Abilities a car so it can take its award-winning football program on the road.

    by STEVE GRANT