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  • Airbnb battle

    Airbnb battle

    FOR the second time in just over five months, Vincent council has voted unanimously to stop a homeowner from Airbnb-ing his heritage-listed cottage.

    The 58 heritage-listed workers cottages in the Moir and Brookman Streets precinct are the kind of neighbourly area you’d see on a 1950s TV show: Everyone knows everyone, they hold community events and in 2017 the precinct won a UNESCO award for cultural heritage conservation.

    But the owner of 8 Moir Street, Boaz Kogon, lives overseas and prefers to rent out his place via online services like Airbnb.

    After going through a number of long term tenants that weren’t up to scratch, he began renting it out short term, which also meant he could stay there when he was back in Perth.

    But the cottage is close to the nightclub strip and neighbours started reporting loud noise and partying from Airbnbers staying there.

    When Mr Boaz first starting renting it out online in 2017 he didn’t have approval from Vincent council. He applied for retrospective approval in October last year (paying three times the usual fee as a penalty for operating it unauthorised), but the council said no because of the “likely noise, parking and traffic”.

    He appealed to the State Administrative Tribunal, which “invited” Vincent council to reconsider its decision.

    Gallery

    At the Tuesday April 2 council meeting Moir and Brookman residents came out in force to oppose it – nearly filling the entire seating area in the public gallery.

    Mr Boaz’ mum told the meeting they had a solid management plan in place now and argued short term rental could actually be beneficial since a bad tenant can be ousted quickly, while it’s an arduous process to get rid of a troublesome long-term renter on a lease.

    But councillors heeded the majority view and unanimously voted against approving it for short term use.

    Deputy mayor Susan Gontaszewski said “I don’t consider that this type of short term accommodation as proposed, where a caretaker does not reside on site, to be suitable at this location”. She said the houses have common walls and there’s “a limited ability to design out impacts from neighbouring properties”.

    She said “the views of the local community are clear and they have seen and reported to us what they have experienced in terms of a negative impact to amenity when the management plan is not in place or not adhered to”.

    Vincent mayor Emma Cole said “we are dealing with the Brookman and Moir Street precinct…an intact residential neighbourhood in Northbridge, very close to the city. This is actually an incredibly rare thing to have”. She said short term stayers coming and going was very different to long term tenants with a more stable routine and added “if we did allow this, it would potentially lead to further applications”.

    Mr Kogon has the option to go back to SAT to appeal the decision again.

    by DAVID BELL

  • LETTERS: 6.4.19

    LETTERS: 6.4.19

    Station toilets – is it that hard?
    THE current furore surrounding the replacement of the sculpture marking the history of Seventh Avenue bridge with a public toilet, is the result of the implacable position taken by the Public Transport Authority in refusing a toilet on railway land at Maylands.
    In 2016 Maylands MP Lisa Baker put out a study by Curtin University looking at ‘designing out crime’ in Maylands.
    It found that the provision of a public toilet within the Maylands activity centre was an essential element in reducing antisocial behaviour.
    The PTA’s position warranting no further discussion, Ms Baker and Bayswater  councillor Catherine Ehrhardt have worked hard for eight years to find an alternate site which suited the community and business alike, but without success; until now it seems.
    However the plan to move the sculpture has found little support from community organisations, nor some members of the Maylands Business Association.
    Maylands is steeped in history and celebrates it: moving past the site proposed for the toilet on Whatley Crescent, we see the beautifully restored School for the Blind, now an elegant home for the WA Ballet.
    On the corner of Eighth Avenue are the 100-year-old shops and apartment building, and opposite is the majestic Old Peninsula Hotel.
    To move a sculpture recognising the bridge’s history from this area to be replaced by a public loo, no matter how decorative, is incomprehensible.
    The Seventh Avenue-Whatley Crescent intersection is busy as vehicles turn on and off the bridge.
    A toilet block on that site would be extremely difficult to access and dangerous to use, particularly with a clientele who may be intoxicated.
    No, the logical site is the car park on railway land near the train station.
    Discretely placed beside the bike path and backing onto the brick signals building, it would be screened by trees on the verge opposite, to serve public transport users, cyclists and the general public.
    Come on PTA, railways are a public amenity and should be serving the community through which they pass.
    A toilet at any station has always been the norm.
    Why is Maylands being discriminated against?
    Pam Hall
    Johnson Road, Maylands

    Enriching lives
    I WRITE with much pleasure to inform you what a difference the Maylands library makes to the lives of its many patrons.
    From the moment I joined Bayswater libraries, I have had unbridled enjoyment from the atmosphere of friendliness and enthusiasm I see every week when I change books, and each month, especially, when I attend the book club.
    One of the issues within the brief of local government is social justice. By providing a safe space where people can meet, use technology and discuss books and ideas in safety and comfort, the council is making this accessible in spades.
    At a time when literacy can mean anything from finance to safety, I can safely say I have enjoyed each book club meeting.
    I grew up in the then-town of Bayswater. When I was 12, the Bayswater library opened on King William Street.
    I mention this because the range of people from diverse backgrounds that I see at the library demonstrates the relevance of book clubs and activities, including story time and rhyme time, to our community.
    At a time when some people can be seen as “others” and when many people are isolated, it is wonderful to see how effectively Maylands library operates.
    This evening I watched as a recent arrival to Australia was shown how to borrow books.
    I thought how wonderful it was to see the joy on the little girl and her mum’s faces.
    I have worked in a school library and I have knowledge and experience of the demands made on willing and hard-working staff.
    It is commendable that the librarians and other staff do such an outstanding job.
    Jennifer Antulov
    Address supplied

    Don’t move it
    I WAS a member of one of the Maylands community groups who worked with Main Roads on the Seventh Avenue bridge committee to choose the successful artwork and decide where it would be located.
    I would be very disappointed if Main Roads now agreed to Bayswater council’s request to relocate the sculpture to the other side of the railway line, where the committee had already decided was not the best place to put it.
    I believe a public toilet near the train station is needed, however the site where the sculpture now stands would have to be the worst possible position for it.
    The city of Bayswater should rescind the decision to request Main Roads’ permission to relocate the sculpture.
    The city should also request that the premier bangs some heads together at the Public Transport Trust, so that permission be granted to allow the toilets to be built at the train station where water, power and sewerage services already exist.
    This is where the toilets are needed most and the best outcome for Maylands residents and also train patrons.
    My thoughts are shared by the other Maylands community groups who were part of the the original Main Roads’ committee, as do every other local person I have spoken with.
    Terry Gaunt,
    Maylands
    Ed’s note: Mr Gaunt is a former Bayswater councillor

    Good for some
    FURTHER to my recent letter “A sobering thought” (Voice, March 23, 2019) I have further questions about parklets in Vincent.
    These are the parking bays on the street given over to certain traders for commercial use.
    Who decides which businesses get them and what do they pay for them?
    As a parklet increases the traders’ floor space, do they pay extra rent or rates? If not, why not?
    Do the customers get a discount on their food and beverages because of the city’s generous concessions afforded to the trader? No.
    Not only are ratepayers paying for the upkeep of areas like streets and parking bays, but they are also subsidising certain businesses.
    Ratepayers are not getting a discount on their consumables from these preferred traders.
    What concessions are given to a business that does not serve food and beverages, and conducts its business inside its premises, whether leased or owned?
    Where is the equity?
    Hope Alexander
    West Perth

  • This chick’s impressed

    This chick’s impressed

    PINK neon lights blaze “In hummus we trust” as you enter the Hummus Club.

    I’ve eaten here a few times and can safely say; ”You sure can”.

    A mate and I were off to see You Know We Belong Together at the State Theatre, so we squeezed in an early dinner at this Northbridge restaurant.

    The staff were uber helpful and suggested a variety of dishes that would give us a good taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.

    Smoothest

    Hummus was a given and we went with the mushroom version ($18).

    In the centre of a thick collar of the smoothest most flavoursome hummus you’ll ever find, were delicious pan-fried mushrooms.

    Using the locally-made Iraqi flat bread, we hoed in, mixing the sharpness of the hummus with the sweetness of the funghi.

    My companion tucked into a lamb kefta with pomegranate glaze ($18).

    A Moroccan version of meatballs, they were spicy and flame grilled. “They’re really tender, succulent and juicy, and there’s a lot of coriander,” my mate said.

    Mezza of the day was cherry tomatoes on a bed of labneh ($18), with lemon sauce and pepita seeds.

    The labneh was smooth as a baby’s bottom, while the warmed tomatoes added a pleasant sharpness, and chunks of flame-grilled bread married the flavours in perfect unison.

    Middle Eastern food wouldn’t be the same without olives ($5), so we polished off a bowl of them too.

    For dessert we agonised over a baklava ice cream sandwich ($13), but eventually opted to share Tayta’s doughnuts ($14).

    The pastry, made from potato flour, orange and apple, is fried and rolled in cinnamon.

    Sitting on a bed of pistachio butter and smothered in orange marmalade sauce, it was heaven on a plate.

    by JENNY D’ANGER

    The Hummus Club
    258 William St, Northbridge
    9227 8215
    lunch Fri/Sat 12-2pm,
    dinner Tues-Sun 5-10pm
    licenced

  • Growing wings

    Growing wings

    PERTH is busy fostering new musical talent and Noah Dillon sits somewhere towards the front.

    Following the blessing of Triple J last year, the 21-year-old singer songwriter has enjoyed some serious airplay, beguiling audiences with his cosmic tones and catchy pop melodies.

    Dillon is an emotional lyricist and performer: hugging his guitar as he sings while executing strange body spasms between drastic chord changes.

    His music is like Paul Kelly meets Courtney Barnett on a windy day at the beach.

    “I love the communication of music – being able to express yourself,” he says.

    “I think I really like the fact you can communicate emotionally to tell a story without even speaking – it’s so powerful.”

    Unlike many musos his age, Noah Dillon isn’t too-cool-for-school and his on- and off-stage persona are very much intertwined.

    His genuine personality is reflected in his lyrics, which often deal with the importance of family.

    Family

    In the song Jersey Street he writes fondly about visiting his grandma, and in You Did It To Yourself he sings: ‘If there’s a God I bet it looks like my mum.’

    “I think I find it quite easy to write about family because it’s very present in my life,” Dillon explains.

    “And at 21 I feel like it’s something I’m growing into and out of at the same time.

    “It’s something that’s always there.”

    It was his 2018 song Maggots which grabbed the attention of Triple J, which went on to label WA the “golden state” for music that year.

    The powerful song, combining distorted slide guitars with Dillon’s fervent voice, is about his time living in a share house in North Perth.

    “I was in a big share house with lots of young people. It was really dirty. And one morning there was a bunch of maggots. At that time in my life the maggots were very indicative of what was going on around me,” Dillon laughs.

    You can catch Noah Dillon at In The Pines festival, at UWA’s Somerville Auditorium, on April 14.

    by CHARLIE BRAY

  • ASTROLOGY: April 6 – April 13, 2019

    ASTROLOGY: April 6 – April 13, 2019

    ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
    It’s a new Moon and life is handing out its next set of challenges. You have practical career matters to attend to, along with a loud callout to attend to all your familial relationships with great sensitivity. You don’t have a lot of room to whoop and holler. Full awareness is requisite.

    TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
    It is slowly dawning on you that the various upheavals now occurring, are opening up a whole new level of emotional and soul freedom in you. Every thorn has it’s rose. It is a new Moon week. Another round of fresh beginnings is breaking through the rockiness of your everyday life.

    GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
    You are being blessed by the asteroid Chiron. He plays the role of the wounded healer. He is in Aries. Doors are being opened for you to move towards people and places that resonate with your soul. Life will make it abundantly clear when you have to wait and when you have to move.

    CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
    Safety is a good thing. We need to feel safe; but living in a ‘safe’ is a bad thing. We are locked in. Life can’t get to us. Existence is extracting you from those places where comfort has become anti-life. The new Moon is in Aries. Use its power to give yourself the courage needed to move.

    LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
    There’s a new Moon dawning in fellow fire sign, Aries. Aries is the instigator. If you have had ideas brewing in your cranium, this is a moment for them to move into action. Lions can be lazy. These are not lazy days. These are momentum days. Shake yourself off and step into motion.

    VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
    Mercury continues, rather unusually, to stay in Pisces. The Sun and Moon are in feisty Aries, but your guiding planet, who is working so closely with the Sun, has decided to languish in the deep, lazy waters of Pisces. This is naturally slowing you down. Great patience is required here.

    LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
    Your ears are pricked. You know you have to be alert and awake. If you nod off now, you are bound to pay for it in the form of unnecessary discomfort. Especially be alert to the messages your beloved is trying to convey. Listening demands that we put our ego aside; hence it’s too rare.

    SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
    The new Moon in Aries puts a fire under you; a creative fire. Suddenly you are flying out of your lair, rushing around, putting added touches to your most heartfelt projects and expressions. Don’t for goodness sake, get in your own way. Give yourself permission to burn brightly and freely.

    SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
    By being proactive, getting out there and doing what needs to be done, you open up space for your feelings to flow freely. If you don’t move and express yourself, your emotions will get stuck in regret and frustration. Stay in curiosity and unknowing. Don’t let yourself get bogged down.

    CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
    For some reason you are baulking at the idea of moving forward. Forward motion at this time in history means waking up to new sensitivities. Goats can be stubborn like donkeys. Don’t be a donkey. Get on board the waves of intelligence and renewal that are rolling inexorably in.

    AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
    Freedom seems to be presenting itself in ways that you haven’t conceived of before. The tectonic plates beneath your feet seem to be rearranging themselves in such a way as to be able to hold your fresh wishes dreams and visions. As they do, so you are confronted with the notion of trust.

    PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
    Even though it is a new Moon in Aries, which is generally a boisterous thing, your path is proving to be slow and gentle. Venus is ensuring that there is deep beauty around. Mercury keeps reminding you to be watchful and aware. Neptune is here to take you from fleeting illusion to deep bliss.

  • London calling

    London calling

    TRAFFIC was whizzing down London Street, but as I walked inside this rear strata property a blissful serenity descended.

    Nothing disturbed the peace, except for the clicking of high heels on the Tasmanian oak floors.

    The formal lounge is bathed in light and has french doors that open onto a small courtyard, shaded by a huge tree.

    This lounge is cosy and has a 19th century-style cast-iron fire that is gas-powered and provides instant warmth at the push of a button.

    Cathedral

    A soaring cathedral ceiling with timber beams adds to the sense of space and light in the dining/living area.

    And the compact kitchen is stream-lined for ease of use, with plenty of storage including a stand-in-pantry.

    French doors off the living area lead to a covered alfresco space that has a built-in preparation area and sink.

    Gardeners will love the raised garden beds, which are are just itching for some green fingers to bring them to life.

    The second level is where you’ll find the three bedrooms, including the spacious main which has built-in-robes and an en suite with deep bath and separate shower.

    French doors lead to a balcony sheltered by the greenery of a couple of trees.

    Close to the Mt Hawthorn cafe strip, Hobart Street Deli and Oxford Street, this home is near to all the action but feels peaceful and quiet.

    by JENNY D’ANGER

    49A London St, Mt Hawthorn
    offers over $675,000
    Susy Kohn team
    0418 944 293
    Edison Property
    9201 9800

  • Under the Sea

    Under the Sea

    Family fun this school holidays with Blueback Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s new production.

    Blueback is an evocative story set along the West Australian coastline. It captures the mystery of the sea and the majesty of an old fish called Blueback, and the moment when an inquisitive boy stands up for what he loves and believes in.

    Adapted by Peta Murray from the book by Tim Winton, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s new production will captivate both young and old with this quintessentially WA story.

    One of Tim Winton’s most personal stories, Blueback will nourish your heart and the beautiful Tim Winton poetry will resonate with you long after you leave the theatre. This award-winning production is an underwater menagerie of exquisite puppetry and an extraordinary celebration of the western coastline from one of WA’s most beloved authors. Blueback plays from 13-27 April at 10am & 1pm daily. Special 6.30pm performances on 18 & 24 April. No performances Sundays or public holidays. Duration 50 mins. Perfect for ages 5 and above.

    Bookings are essential. Please visit http://www.sppt.puppettheatre.com.au or phone 9335 5044.

    Spare Parts Puppet Theatre
    1 Short Street Fremantle
    (opp. Fremantle train station)

  • Step it up for autism

    Step it up for autism

    IT’S fundraising – 21st century style.

    On Sunday March 31 Australians started the Walk for Autism; a virtual walking challenge in which they aim to rack up 10,000 steps a day for eight consecutive days.

    It’s hoped this year’s walk, which coincides with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, will raise $1.4 million to support people on the autistic spectrum.

    Full potential

    The walk is organised by Autism Spectrum Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that has one of the biggest autism-specific school programs in the world.

    ASA CEO Adrian Ford said the walk was a great way for the community to show their support by doing a walking challenge at their own pace, in their own time.

    Supportive

    “One step at a time, we’re edging closer to a world where no-one on the autism spectrum is left behind,” Mr Ford said.

    “It is estimated that one in 70 Australians are on the autism spectrum.

    Our goal is to make sure that each individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential, whilst living in a supportive and inclusive community.”

    Funds raised will help more than 18,000 autistic people in communities across Australia.

    At the time of going to print, the walk had raised nearly $1.1 million and on track to meet its target.

    To find out more about the walk go to http://www.walkforautism.org.au

  • Easter family fun

    Easter family fun

    Come along to The Provedores Market Easter Edition, proudly sponsored by Pisconeri Fine Foods & Wines.

    Held on Saturday 13 April from 9am-4pm, the market looks set to be one of the biggest and best yet, with something for the whole family to enjoy. Featuring all the Italian food stalls that have made The Provedores Market one of the most talked about markets in Perth.

    Browse through 40 stalls offering a wide variety of quality goods and wares, including lots of creative/craft stalls, just in time for Easter & Mothers Day gifts. Ten stalls will be run by local Mt Hawthorn businesses & residents and four of the stalls will be run by entrepreneurial children!

    Pisconeri Cash & Carry will be open all day, offering a tempting selection of cured meat, cheese, wine and beer tastings, as well as a cooking demonstration. All children are welcome to take part in the Easter egg hunt at 11am. There’s also a special Easter raffle for the adults: within the Pisconeri Cash & Carry, 5 products will be marked with a golden egg sticker. Find and buy the product and you will win an Easter Hamper!

    Established in 1952, Pisconeri Fine Foods & Wines has long been part of the local community, operating in Mt Hawthorn since the 1990s. The market was created to showcase European products and local artisan offerings. It’s a wonderful fun-filled day that brings the community together. For more information, please visit the facebook page: The Provedores Market.

    The Provedores Market
    13 April 9am-4pm
    106-110 Hobart Street Mount Hawthorn

  • United in grief

    United in grief

    A BROAD cross section of the community turned out at the Perth Mosque last Saturday (March 23) to remember victims of the Christchurch shooting.

    Muslim leaders welcomed Aboriginal dancers from Corroboree for Life, Maoris from Haka for Life, and many locals at their William Street mosque for the service.

    Imam Mohammed Shakeeb thanked the Kiwi community for showing their love and support.

    “I’d also like to thank all those wonderful people who came to our mosque to present flowers and cards,” Imam Shakeeb said.

    “Some of them came while they were in tears.

    “I have no words to express my gratitude for your love and compassion. Thank you very much.”

    • Imam Mohammed Shakeeb performing the traditional Maori gesture the hongi with Haka for Life founder Leon Ruri. Photo by Brian Osborne

    A minute’s silence was held to remember the victims.

    “I encourage all of you who also share my belief in God to pray silently with me, and those who may not believe in God to observe a minute’s silence in respect of the victims,” Imam Shakeeb said.

    Afterwards the victims’ names were read out.

    The Imam had high praise for New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, thanking her for “leading by example and showing the world how a leader should behave. I wish we had more leaders like you,” he said, to wide applause.

    “You brought your people together in the face of this tragedy.

    “You showed courage when confronting hatred.

    “You came to the mosque wearing a headscarf and provided a shoulder to cry on. You told relatives of the victims that you would take care of all funeral expenses, regardless of citizenship or visa status.

    “You put politics to one side, you didn’t behave like a politician, in fact you behaved like a human being.”

    by DAVID BELL