Perth Voice Interactive

“APPALLED, but hardly surprised” is how Mount Lawley MP Simon Millman felt after discovering a swastika in the heart of his electorate.

The racist graffiti was scrawled on a stop sign on Park Road in Mount Lawley. It’s not super close to any Jewish landmarks (the Temple David is a bit over half a kilometre away) but the electorate has a significant Jewish population.

“Any way you cut it, this is an invitation to hate,” Mr Millman says.

“At best it’s some fooligan’s lame, tone-deaf attempt to be provocative, but it’s lazy and puerile.

“At worst it’s evidence of what many in the Jewish community and their friends have been saying for some time: antisemitism is an ever-present reality, even in communities like Mount Lawley.

“Either way, graffiti like this relies on spite and hatefulness. It has no place in our society.”

Antisemitism rise

It’s been reported to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry which compiles a yearly antisemitism report.

The council’s 2018 report said: “366 antisemitic incidents were recorded, an increase of 59 per cent over the previous 12 month period.”

It noted the swastika was one of the most common anti-Jewish symbols found in graffiti. The council says most antisemitic incidents aren’t reported.

by DAVID BELL

CONSTRUCTION of the new Highgate Woolworths is due to start early 2020.

The plan for the $10 million, three-storey supermarket, cafe, liquor store and early learning centre at the corner of Bulwer and Stirling Street was approved by the joint Vincent council/state government Development Assessment Panel on October 11.

Vincent council staff initially recommended the DAP refuse it over concerns it could draw trade away from existing town centres like Beaufort Street, and because it might “have an adverse impact on the residential amenity” of the area.

But after a second look at trade impact projections, a slightly rejigged plan (it’s a little shorter and an imposing 12.2m wall on the north-east boundary is now 2.8m) won unanimous approval.

Woolworths spokesperson Alicia Jones says they took inspiration from the site’s former use as the Premier Theatre to design a fresh, modern building.

One per cent of the cost ($100,000) will be put aside for artwork in line with Vincent council policy and Ms Jones says they’ll be using locals.

Once open, the centre will provide around 120 jobs.

by DAVID BELL

Business impact debated

WHILE competition between individual businesses isn’t usually a planning consideration, when a supermarket is proposed near an existing “activity centre”, state government policy calls for an assessment to see if it’ll be detrimental.

Woolies hired economics research outfit Location IQ to pen its assessment, which says the impact on five nearby town centres would be “within normal competitive range of 10 per cent or less”.

LIQ’s figures project that between 2018 and 2021, Woolies’ centre will lead to a loss of sales of:

• $2.8m for Beaufort Street businesses (2.5 per cent off their trade);

• $1.5m for Tyne Square (7.5 per cent);

• $4.1m for North Perth Plaza (8.5 per cent);

• $1m for 2nd Ave Plaza (7.5 per cent); and,

• $1m  for East Perth (5 per cent).

Vincent planning staff were skeptical and commissioned their own review, which found that while the overall impact on Beaufort Street might be low, the lion’s share of the $2.8m trade loss would be borne by just six food and liquor shops.

“This would likely mean that trading impacts would be significant, and potentially above the 10 per cent accepted level,” that review found.

Woolies’ hired gun shot back and said that under state government rules, they only had to consider the overall impact on the centre, not the impact on individual businesses or retail types.

Woolies says apart from those six, the remaining 97.2 per cent of Beaufort shops will get flow-on benefits from its presence.

On the positive side for local businesses LIQ has high hopes of an economic recovery, projecting Beaufort Street’s turnover increasing by 39 per cent between 2018 and 2021, and  Leederville’s by 43 per cent.

DANIEL SANTICH can’t remember the first time he saw Fremantle’s Blessing of the Fleet; it’s always just been part of life.

His “nonno” Nick Visaggio has been secretary of the Fishing Fleet Festival Association since 1969 and Daniel’s part of a new generation hoping to keep the tradition strong.

“I always walked alongside Nonno, or walked with the queen, with my little sister, my brother,” he says.

“Mum and dad were always there watching with Nonna as well.”

Now a barista at uber-hip coffee corner Blink in Freo’s West End, Daniel says the festival has helped keep a connection to his family’s Italian roots.

It’s not the only tradition that’s stuck.

“Sunday dinner for us; without a doubt you have to be there 6 o’clock, Nanna and Nonno’s house at the kitchen,” he says.

Traditions

“Just all those little things like picking up Nonno’s recipes; learning the way he makes his olives, he makes focaccia, the sausage – all that sort of stuff before you lose those traditions.

“You hear of families that don’t even sit down at the table any more,” he says as though it’s almost inconceivable.

This Sunday he’ll march alongside his grandfather in the procession from St Patrick’s Basilica down to Fishing Boat Harbour from the sidelines, but his mind’s always cast back to when he was dressed in Nonna’s costumes to accompany the queen.

“Sunday comes along and you’re all excited in the morning – ‘oh yes, you know, we’re walking’.

“If we were dressing up or we were part of it, we were nice and early at the church.

“You run amok outside in the gardens, and then you kind of know as soon as you enter the church, it’s ‘all right, sit still, be quiet, listen for the mass’.

“Then we’re good to go again when the parade kicks off.

“Sometimes you have no idea what’s going on, but you know it’s important to your grandparents and your parents, so you sit and listen.”

Daniel’s close connection to his grandfather is a running thread through the interview and is obviously a driving force in his passion to keep the tradition going.

“I listen to Nonno talk about it and for him, the Blessing of the Fleet is everything; it was part of how he made his living, part of how he raised his family, and a part of how, when he first came to Australia and joined this society, he made a completely new family from nothing.

“My grandfather fished in Lancelin for a long, long time.

“After Nonno finished as a professional fisherman he was at the co-op at the North Mole.

“I have some really vivid memories of going there and seeing the crays in the tank and the big, giant legs that would fall off the monsters.”

Daniel’s own family only dropped lobster pots recreationally, “being up at the ridiculous early hours of the morning” to head out on the boat.

But he loved his time aboard the boats during the Blessing, particularly as his grandfather’s influence ensured a ride up with the statue of the Madonna.

“It was exciting; a little rest after the long walk; winds blow in your face because you’re surfing the harbour,” he recalls.

“One year it was very rough and everyone was just rocking around trying not to throw up, but the rest of the time it’s a lot of fun; you’ve got the flags, the dignitaries, the Madonna, the harbour packed.

“Then you get off the boat and you walk all the way back to church and have a laugh,” Daniel says.

by STEVE GRANT

FREMANTLE’S Blessing of the Fleet displays the local Italian community’s devotion to Madonna di Capo d’Orlando and Madonna dei Martiri for a bountiful fishing season.

The tradition originated from the Italian town of Molfetta and was bought here by Italian migrant fishermen in the hope of continuing this important custom.

This year’s festivities take place tomorrow, Sunday October 27.

Firstly, there will be a solemn Mass in honour of the two Madonnas at 9.45am at St Patrick’s Basilica in Adelaide Street, Fremantle, celebrated by archbishop Barry Hickey.

The big procession leaves the Basilica at 2pm, winding its way through the streets of Fremantle to arrive at Fishing Boat Harbour for the 3.30pm blessing.

There’s a fireworks display to end the blessing, before everyone heads back to the Basilica for a final service.

Then there’s a big evening fireworks display at Fishing Boat Harbour from 8pm. It’s all free and a great day for the whole family

DAN BULL is back as Bayswater mayor.

Bayswater has not yet embraced the popular election of mayors, with Mr Bull given the nod by his colleagues on Monday night after taking west ward unopposed at last Saturday’s council elections.

Cr Catherine Ehrhardt unsuccessfully put her hand up for the job, but had consolation for the loss with a thumping 70.84 per cent vote in the three-way race for south ward.

Cr Filomena Piffaretti was chosen as deputy over Cr Stephanie Gray.

In other results from Bayswater, north ward incumbent Michelle Sutherland got a huge 72.35 per cent of the vote against sole rival Jill Devaney.

Central ward had two seats free. Steven Ostaszewskyj campaigned hard and scored top spot with 31.83 per cent of the vote – success for his second time around.

The second seat was retained by Sally Palmer (29.85 per cent).

Cr Bull said after the mayoral vote: “I’m really excited for what the next two years are going to bring working with our progressive, united council for our residents and ratepayers.”

by DAVID BELL

PERTH Police have charged a man with stealing a bicycle on Saturday 29 October 2019.

It will be alleged around 3pm the man was at a bike shop in Beaufort Street. He took a Cervelo road bike valued at $7,800 for a test ride and failed to return it.

On Monday October 21 he was spoken to by police and the bike was recovered.

A 24-year-old East Fremantle man was charged with stealing and he will appear in the Perth Magistrates Court 4 November 2019.

A PERTH craft brewery’s plans to launch a beer celebrating the Australian tour of heavy metal veterans Metallica has been derailed – ironically because lead singer James Hetfield entered rehab.

Blasta Brewing had collaborated with US beer giants Stone Brewing on the potent pale ale List.Loud.React to mark Metallica’s tour, which was to kick off in Perth last week, but it was abruptly cancelled.

“We did lose out on being the host venue for the Perth event which would’ve incorporated a big launch party at Blasta HQ on the Wednesday before the concert with Stone Brewing, which we had sunk some time and resources into organising unfortunately,” Blasta venue manager Joshua Morgan said.

“Plus obviously the added revenue of the night of the concert and publicity of being the host venue for the days leading up to and after the concert.”

Blasta initiated plan B and held a smaller event to launch the beer last Friday (October 18) with Stone merchandise.

Despite the Metallica no-show, Mr Morgan says the 8.488 per cent List.Loud.React has been “very well received” and sold well at the brewery’s Burswood venue, with external venues quick to order kegs.

“We hope that James Hetfield gets the help he needs and can come back through Australia and New Zealand at a latter date; I know they have many fans this side of the world,” Mr Morgan said.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK

Craftypint.com on List.Loud.React

“Lurid yellow in the glass, LIST.LOUD.REACT. comes on first with mango and assorted tropical fruit, supported by a juicy citrus and resin undercurrent. Although not overly forward, alcohol sweetness provides balance to a bitterness that manifests more as a perceived dryness than a hoppy assault, leaving the whole experience dangerously drinkable,” wrote Guy Southern.

THE future of Pica Bar is safe for another 10 years following a public campaign of support for the popular Northbridge venue.

Following an eviction edict from the indy bar’s landlord the Perth Theatre Trust in October 2018, Pica fans – who appreciated a chilled-out venue where getting glassed was unlikely – rallied to add 11,000 signatures to a petition calling on the McGowan government to step in.

The brouhaha reached Parliament and prompted WA arts minister David Templeman to tell the warring parties to sort it out.  It emerged during question time that Pica Bar believed it had been overcharged outgoings for more than five years. The PTT (which wanted to run the bar itself) offered a part-payment settlement just a week or so after telling bars owners Brian Buckley and Melissa Bowen they were to be evicted.

After lengthy negotiations and a trip to the State Administrative Tribunal over a contested lease conditions, a five-year lease was signed two weeks ago, with a further five year option. Mr Templeman said the bar would be spruced up to better complement the PICA gallery next door.

“We acknowledge the great love that the people of Perth have for this bar and the energy it provides to the Perth Cultural Centre,” he said.

JOE FERRANTE was re-elected as Lawley ward councillor in Stirling last Saturday (October 19), after seeing off a stiff challenge from former councillor and heritage advocate Paul Collins.

Cr Ferrante won by less than 340 votes, defeating Mr Collins 2435-2099.

Cr Ferrante says he plans to tackle red tape for retailers, lobby for upgraded parks, and push for more mobile CCTV during his fourth term.

He also wants to keep the city debt-free and keep rates at an historic low.

David Lagan was re-elected in the Inglewood ward, defeating closest rival Rozanne Byass by 620 votes.

Cr Lagan says his priorities for this term included getting government funding to help pay for the $10 million upgrade of Inglewood pool.

“Given that prime minister Scott Morrison personally visited the pool on more than one occasion during 2019, the need for modernising the facility would be clear given the age of the infrastructure,” he says.

Cr Lagan also wants Inglewood and Dianella’s sporting infrastructure upgraded, Stirling’s town centres revitalised, and the city’s heritage protection guidelines reviewed so properties can be “personalised” without impacting the historic streetscape.

OFF-key piano playing led retired engineer Zvi Yom-Tov to discover his talent for portrait painting aged 74.

Inspired by his anthropologist daughter Sagitte, a talented painter and musician who died age 36 in 2013 and is remembered by Yomtov Lane near her Hyde Park home, Mr Yom-Tov took to tangling the ivories.

After four years of private lessons, he was to music what Liberace was to minimalism, and his wife eventually put her foot down.

“So, so bad it was, she would shut the bedroom door,” he laughs.

Mr Yom-Tov switched to painting and turned out to be a natural, as Perth MP John Carey recently discovered.

The amateur painter asked the MP for a quick photo when he spotted him having a coffee break one day, having already been a fan from Mr Carey’s time as Vincent mayor.

“He was very helpful, you call him and you mention and issue and he’ll follow it up … on a number of occasions, he was excellent,” Mr Yom-Tov said.

Mr Carey was holding a garage sale on the weekend when Mr Yom-Tov popped in to surprise him with a new portrait.

“It was just so touching. This job, this game, is tough,” Mr Carey said – and he cops a fair bit of flak.

”That’s the nature of the job and I accept that. So to get something so lovely out of the blue was just so touching, it blew me away.

“It’s going up in my office, I’m deeply proud and tickled pink.”

Mr Yom-Tov remains humble about his fast-found talent: “I had a course last year in Morley Community Centre, and the teacher was Angela Verhagen, so all the credit actually belongs to her!”

A retired chemical engineer who earned his qualifications in Israel in 1968, his work did involve highly technical sketches.

“It’s a kind of a picture, a sketch, but not of people, not of flowers. Maybe it started there. I was sketching tanks, vessels, pumps, piping instrumentation, circuitry diagrams. It was never anything alive, anything human,” he says.

He painted his first portrait in April this year and found the dimensional precision from his career was useful.

He now paints local figures, friends, and people he sees on the news, keeping an eye out for interesting faces with distinctive features.

“I don’t have to tell you about Boris Johnson and his hair, it’s unique! And Netanyahu was so controversial, and for so long he was prime minister, and he was very recognisable… Kim Jong-un has a very square hairstyle, very recognisable.”

Mr Yom-Tov says more portraits are in the works: “I have about 60 or 70 people on my list I’d like to do when I have time.”

by DAVID BELL