Perth Voice Interactive

GEARING up local traders to cater for Chinese tourists has been singled out as a priority by Perth city council.

China is our fifth largest source of tourists, but Chinese outspend Brits, Malays, Singaporeans and New Zealanders by such a margin that Tourism WA ranks China as the number one spender.

WeChat

PCC staff have recommended commissioners provide $15,000 in funding for three free “China Host” training sessions at the city library to teach 50 small to medium businesses and tourism operators to “get your business China ready.”

Run by the Australian Tourism Export Council and thinktank Asialink, the first workshop will teach traders about China’s internet and the tricky terrain of social media, as China has blocked many of the usual social media advertising platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.

Businesses will instead learn to get their message out via WeChat, China’s communist party-approved (and monitored) social media/messaging/payment “app for everything”.

The second workshop will teach how to cater products and services for Chinese consumers, and the third workshop will prepare traders to accept Chinese people’s favoured forms of payment. Many Chinese people now operate cashlessly and prefer to use digital wallet apps stored on phones, like WeChat Pay and Alipay.

Airport

Perth Airport has noticed the trend and is currently working with its shops to bring them up to speed on mobile payment technology for the 65,000 travellers from China that come through its terminal each year.

The export council has previously run the training sessions in Sydney, regional WA and the Great Ocean Road region.

ATEC is also proposing a “Japan Host” program to teach businesses how to do customer service Nihonjin-style, but city staff have noted the China version is more in-depth and more tailored. Japanese tourists make up 3 per cent of WA’s international visitors.

Commissioners vote on the spend at the next meeting on September 24.

by DAVID BELL

AMIDST the tales of closures this year, Beaufort Street has its survivors and thrivers.

Nick Mammoliti’s Hemisphere Hair joins the Mount Lawley/Highgate strip’s two-decade club this week, alongside the likes of Planet, Fullin Tailoring Co, The Astor and a handful of other long-termers who’ve ridden the ups and downs.

Back in 1999, Mr Mammoliti was already an industry veteran of 15 years.

“I saw the potential in Beaufort Street, and so we started with three staff,” Mr Mammoliti says.

“Within three years I had nine staff, and then we went through the real boom times in Mount Lawley which was great for everyone.”

Trims

He says the service industry’s been luckier than retail when it comes to weathering the economic storm as people can’t just order haircuts online, though they do space them out a bit more: A few years back short dos were in style and they’d require frequent trims, but the longer cuts can go for a few more weeks between snips.

Mr Mammoliti says the main reason he’s been able to stick around has been a loyal customer base which has come back over the decades.

“I would say at least 70 per cent of my clients I do today, I’ve been doing for about 20 years.

“I definitely want to thank my great loyal customer base that I’ve had, and I think one big factor in getting return clientele is trying to employ the right staff to fit the salon … you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”

Part-owner Damien Kabay started as one of those staff members. “It was about 14 years ago, and he’d come back from the UK and he walked in to see whether we were looking for any staff,” Mr Mammoliti said.

Already knowing him by reputation, Mr Mammoliti hired Mr Kabay on the spot.

Hemisphere has nine staff but has just moved three doors down from its old spot next to Gelare.

Bursting

“We’d been bursting at the scenes in the previous salon,” he says, and they’ve now got a bit of space to grow if the hair game remains good.

Musing over what Beaufort needs to make a full comeback, Mr Mammoliti says: “I would love to see it getting back to having more cafes and restaurants.

“I feel like at one stage many years ago we were flush with cafes. Unfortunately that little strip we’re on is in desperate need for more cafes where people can sit down and enjoy a coffee and have lunch, and that’s definitely something that can bring people back into the area.”

by DAVID BELL

ONE extra spot for a Whadjuk Noongar will be added to Perth city council’s cultural advisory committee.

Historically the PCC hasn’t had the best scoresheet when it comes to Aboriginal issues and hopes a second position on the committee can help turn that around.

In the past the city’s art collection has been criticised for being too white, and relations with some families in the Noongar community were frayed during the Matagarup/Heirisson Island protests, peaking when rangers confiscated a sacred stone.

The city defended the rangers saying they didn’t realise its significance thinking it just a pointy rock that might be dangerous.

The PCC’s new Cultural Development Plan 2019-2029 acknowledges Aboriginal culture has been “inadequately recognised, promoted and celebrated” and calls for “meaningful relationships and partnerships” with the Aboriginal community.

Yorga

The new 10-person cultural committee was formed to usher in the goals of the plan and keep the council advised on cultural issues.

But an elders’ group that advises the city said the committee needed one yorga and one maaman—a woman and a man—to properly represent the community, and they should be Whadjuk Noongar for a local perspective.

PCC staff have redrawn the CAC’s terms of reference to provide those two spots, making it an 11-person committee.

A selection panel has recommended Barbara Bynder as the yorga representative, and suggested either Richard Walley or Noel Nannup could be the maaman.

Ms Bynder is a Whadjuk Ballardong Noongar yorga researcher and artist. Dr Walley is a performer and writer who’s shared Noongar culture around the world, and Dr Nannup is a storyteller and cultural guide who’s studied the links between Aboriginal lore and modern science.

Apart from Aboriginal topics the committee has a broad remit, advising on arts and heritage (it will partly replace Heritage Perth, after that independent body was defunded by commissioners earlier this year).

The other shortlisted committee members for the remaining nine spots are Chamber of Culture and Arts executive director Shelagh Magadza, WA Museum CEO Alec Coles, National Trust CEO Julian Donaldson, Jade Balfour from the state government’s cultural department, urban designer and artist Peter Ciemitis, Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub CEO Chad Creighton (also a Bardi and Nyul Nyul man from the Kimberley region), the Museum of Freedom and Tolerance CEO Shaheen Hughes, Perth Festival’s Gemma Weston, and History Council heritage advisor Helen Munt.  PCC commissioners vote on the lineup September 24.

by DAVID BELL

EMMA COLE has won a second term as Vincent mayor.

Ms Cole was elected unopposed after no other candidates nominated, which she said was a bit of a shock.

“I will continue to deliver positive, common sense results for our community and drive initiatives that support our unique community spirit and bring people together,” Ms Cole said.

North ward was filled without troubling voters, with incumbent Dan Loden – a sustainability engineer – returned for a second term.

Cr Loden said the first thing that came to mind was a Simpsons scene where Homer wins a competition to go to outer space after he ends up being the only candidate, celebrating the win by “de fault: The two sweetest words in the English language”.

With Ros Harley retiring, the other empty spot went to newcomer Sally Smith. She’s been a resident for 30 years, volunteered for the town team Mount Hawthorn Hub, and ran kids’ store Little Posh in the Mezz Shopping Centre for 10 years. With a small business background she’s keen on making traders’ lives easier and improving town centres.

The south ward is a battleground with six candidates vying for two spaces: One occupied by deputy mayor Susan Gontaszewski and the other vacated by outgoing Jimmy Murphy.

Ashley Wallace: An environmental engineer, he wants to use that experience to “help create a neighbourhood and council that is inclusive, engaging, safe and fun, supported by the responsive, accountable and cost-effective delivery of municipal services”.

Susan Gontaszewski: The current deputy mayor is standing again, saying she wants to continue Vincent’s path of reform. Cr Gontaszewski says she’s had some good wins so far, ushering in improvements to parks and the public open space policy, reducing red tape for local business, and investing in town centres, events and public art.

David McDermont: Former Subiaco councillor from 1978 to 1981, he was also one of the “Friends of Robertson Park” who stopped an unpopular large-scale redevelopment in the park. Mr McDermont wants community-friendly parks and town centres, to safeguard existing residential quality of life, and to retain heritage places and buildings.

Joshua O’Keefe: Chair of the Beaufort Street Network, school teacher and former town planner who worked at Vincent, he wants to bring a planner’s eye to the town centre crisis. ”Our town centres are crying out, the planning system is at crossroads and the way you get involved in decisions needs a rethink,” Mr O’Keefe says. “My energy combined with 10 years of town planning and place management in Local Government means I know what questions to ask and will think outside the box for solutions.”

Peter Le: A Highgate resident and lawyer who’s provided legal and governance compliance advice to councils, he says; “I will promote accountability and acceptance of responsibility for decision-making and performance. I believe councils should make informed evidenced based decision-making”. A Vietnamese refugee, he was past president of the Vietnamese Community in WA, and his volunteer work in many organisations earned him the 2019 WA Volunteer for Multicultural Communities Award.

Adina Lieblich: A civil engineer, she says “roads, footpaths and bike paths are literally what I do. I am passionate about helping our community move in a safe, efficient and sustainable manner”. Ms Lieblich is keen on “renewing our existing infrastructure with a focus on sustainable transport we can achieve less congestion on our streets and easier parking”.

by DAVID BELL

A BRONZE kangaroo stood in as Perth’s top official when The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of the City of London dropped by recently.

Peter Estlin, London’s 691st lord mayor, has been on a global diplomatic trip and this month his Twitter feed has been filled with pictures of him alongside elected officials.

In Melbourne he posted a pic with lord mayor Sally Capp, in Canberra it was snaps with senators Josh Frydenberg and Jane Hume, before heading off to Nepal for a handshake photo opp with prime minister KP Sharma Oli, then India for a grip’n’grin with special secretary Yaduvendra Mathur.

In the midst of the whistlestop tour, with Perth’s lord mayor and council suspended, Alderman Estlin’s feature photo was a happy snap next to a bronze kangaroo sculpture on St Georges Terrace.

Alderman Estlin also met with the lord mayor’s replacements; state government-appointed commissioners Andrew Hammond, Gaye McMath and Len Kosova.

But while the City of Perth included that image in a press release about the visit, it didn’t make it into Alderman Estlin’s Twitter highlights.

by DAVID BELL

PERTH’S latest “climate crisis strike was due to take place in Forrest Place yesterday (Friday September 20).

With people from 150 countries now participating, the global event aims to bring awareness to what strikers are calling a “climate crisis”, and is being held in the lead-up to a UN climate change summit in Korea this week.

The Conservation Council of WA, Doctors For The Environment, Australian Parents for Climate Action, a P&C from a primary school in Fremantle as well as youth and the general public were expected to attend, with organisers predicting Perth’s biggest climate protest to date.

Many from Perth are pledging to miss work and school, calling for legislation to combat the crisis and demanding the end of environmental “degradation and destruction”.

More than 1000 Australian businesses have voiced support for their workers attending the climate strikes.

Extinction Rebellion held one climate strike outside Parliament House on August 15 with 15 strikers prompting politicians to legislate and act for a climate crisis which they say is putting species at risk for extinction and failing to protect the overall livelihood of citizens.

by TATIANA DALIN

LAWLEY 

A FORMER soldier who served in the Middle East and a director at the WA Cricket Association are just some of the interesting candidates locking horns at the Stirling council election next month:

• PAUL COLLINS was Lawley ward councillor from 2007-11 and is a former president of the Mount Lawley Society. He was born in Mt Lawley and is a Western Australian Cricket Association director. Mr Collins is pledging to focus on local issues: “I don’t support peripheral issues such as removing citizenship ceremonies from Australia Day. I will strongly support our local schools, sporting clubs and community/senior groups. I will engage with our local businesses and improve planning outcomes for residents concerned with infill, overlooking and loss of amenity. City customer service levels and consultation processes need improving as does increasing our tree canopy cover.” Mr Collins also ran for the state seat of Perth as an independent.

• JOE DRAGO is the son of late former Bayswater councillor Frank, who had the Frank Drago Reserve named after him. Joe says he and his wife Julie chose to raise their kids in the Lawley Ward because of the “fantastic schools, open spaces and proud heritage dwellings.” He says he wants to get the community more involved in council decision-making: “I will respect your views and ensure I am accessible to all residents to discuss the issues important to you. Sporting clubs, community organisations and senior’s programs are the lifeblood of our community but they need our ongoing support. Although many of us are passionate supporters of the heritage within the City of Stirling, including the Beaufort Street strip, we need a plan to preserve it.”

• JOE FERRANTE has been the Lawley Ward councillor since 2011. A lifelong resident, he is patron of Yokine Bowling Club and Alexander Park Tennis Club, a Coolbinia Bombers friend and a member of the Mt Lawley Society. “Identifying and eliminating wasteful expenditure has led to the lowest rate increases in the city’s history, and we need to keep Stirling on track. I have been instrumental in implementing CCTV in Nollamara, improvements to Hamer Park and Lockwood Reserve, the Moyle Pavilion redevelopment and more. He says he is committed to a two-year rates freeze, protecting the city’s heritage and more security patrols. Mr Ferrante has also had a crack at the seat of Perth, running for the Liberal party in 2010.

INGLEWOOD

• ANDREW BETHELL says he has literally walked every street in Stirling as a local newspaper distributor and dog owner. “In that time I have talked with, and listened to, many residents, and business owners. This will help me be a good advocate for your concerns, and difficulties, with the city and future direction of Inglewood.” Mr Bethell says his advanced diploma in accounting will ensure he has a good grasp of the city’s finances and he will “work with the council to ensure that your rates are used effectively”.

• ROZANNE BYASS is up for a battle to win a place on council: “Having served in the Australian Army for 12 years, including in the Middle East, I believe my personal attributes of strong leadership, integrity and ability to motivate will enable me to serve the community well. Council must concentrate on its core activities, keep rates low and provide good grass roots services. It is not only about big projects. Inglewood Ward is on the periphery of Stirling and can sometimes be ignored.

• DAVID LAGAN has been on council since 2011. He says he’s been busy supporting projects which benefited local sporting clubs and community groups: “Assisting in the progression of the Dianella industrial area plan and the Inglewood night markets has enabled me to work closely with the community on new and vibrant initiatives. Securing funds for clubroom upgrades at Dianella open space and Breckler Park ensures future community participation for many age groups.”

FOR the first time in Stirling’s history the mayor will be elected by popular vote at next month’s council elections.

Previously the mayor was voted in by councillors, but this time residents will decided who presides over the largest council in WA.

The move is part of Stirling’s push to get more people voting; at the last local government election in 2017 Stirling had the highest voter enrolment in WA, but one of the lower participation rates at 32 per cent.

Stirling’s governance manager Jamie Blanchard says the council will be using the internet to lure younger voters.

“Data from the previous election cycle also indicated a low voter turnout for the 18-34 age group, so we are hoping our digital advertising campaign targeting this demographic will translate to more ballots lodged,” he said.

Culturally diverse

Stirling is one of the most culturally diverse local governments in Australia with about 45 per cent of its 210,000 residents born overseas.

“To capture this diverse audience, Stirling has increased ‘how-to-vote’ signage in areas with multicultural communities as well as increasing the amount signage displayed throughout the city”, Mr Blanchard said.

“The city also worked with the local Indigenous community, as part of its Reconciliation Action Plan, to increase engagement by the Aboriginal community in the city’s democratic processes.”

WA council elections will be held on Saturday October 19.

Polls close at 6pm.

• SANJEEV GUPTA says he represents “multiculturalism and a socially inclusive society who believe in the Australian attitude of [a] fair go for everyone”. A member of the Institute of Professional Accountants, he says he will bring “extensive knowledge of good governance, financial management and technological knowledge to account for every dollar spent. Adding that he is all about “restoring faith in local governance independence and integrity. I believe and will work towards an honest, independent, open, innovative, transparent, ethical, unbiased and accountable local government.”

• MARK IRWIN is the current mayor, and was born and raised in Stirling: “Under my leadership we‘ve delivered Stephenson Avenue, revitalised Scarborough, prioritised $100 million into community facilities and parks, increased security services, achieved the lowest ever rates increase and reduced bureaucratic red tape. During my term as mayor the city has thrived, [and been] awarded for accountability, transparency and incredible community projects. I’ll continue to listen and consult with community.”

• DAVID LAGAN is the current deputy mayor and an Inglewood ward councillor. “A leaner city spending less on staff and consultants and more on the community is my vision and my promise to the ratepayers of our city. My time as your deputy mayor for two terms has afforded me insight into the workings of our city and the way forward in these exciting times.”

• ADAM SPAGNOLO is an Osborne ward councillor and former Stirling mayor (1989-90, 1993-95). He says he is immune from party politics: “I live and work in the area and have no affiliation with any political party or council faction. I have a young family and am focused on better service to our community, reducing red tape, bringing power back to the people, reducing rates, community safety and increased security. Seniors, our aged and sporting clubs, maintaining a sustainable environment and a culture change are also high up on my agenda.”

• TERRY TYZACK is a former Stirling mayor (1984-86, 2005-07) and veteran councillor. “Stirling’s debt-free strategy, initiated during my previous mayoral term, has enabled Stirling to manage global financial crises without impost on ratepayers. However, ongoing sound financial management is essential for the protection of Stirling’s strong position. My focus, if elected, will be on protecting residential amenity by listening and responding to community feedback, ensuring council activities deliver sustainable benefits, improving customer service levels.”

• ELIZABETH RE is a passionate Doubleview ward councillor who has strong ties to the community. She believes in “putting the community first and the importance of financial transparency and accountability aligned with improved consultation and community involvement in all aspects of council’s decision making”. Cr Re has lived in the city for most of her life and is “passionate and committed to listening” as well as keeping the city to account.