Perth Voice Interactive

LETTERS 4.8.18

August 3, 2018

AIDS in name fuels stigma
THE Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Perth support the calls from HIV+ people for the WA AIDS Council to change their name at the forthcoming AGM to reflect the new medical reality that allows positive people to live longer, healthier lives while not transmitting HIV, when on treatments and not dying from AIDS.
Having the word AIDS in the name of the primary health provider for positive people is allowing the old stigmatisation and discrimination that is associated with AIDS to continue to reinforce tired old stereotypes of who positive people really are.
The term AIDS has long been known to be a barrier for people to seek help and services.
It seems while the WA AIDS Council is quick to encourage positive people to embrace this new reality, that are living with HIV today, they are unwilling to change their own public profile in line with this new paradigm and prefer to keep a brand name which invokes the grim reaper and the disempowered suffering AIDS victim at the expense of its client’s health and wellbeing.
It is time for the WA AIDS Council to update their current branding used for attracting funding as Eastern States HIV Groups have done.
This would be a start towards ending the stigma, discrimination and violence that is still experienced by people living with HIV in WA.
The Sisters call for this matter to be an agenda item for the membership to decide the name change at the forthcoming AGM.
As always the Sisters are happy to meet with the AIDS Council for a genuine and constructive dialogue about this matter at any time.
Neil Buckley
Wellington Street, Perth
Ed says: WA AIDS Council CEO David Kernohan told us the board would discuss the name change at an upcoming meeting in August. “As an incorporated association it can be a lengthy process to change names because we need to ensure the majority of members agree with any proposed change and then there is the legal process to go through.”

The tortoise and the hare
REGARDING the letter “Main Objection” in last week’s Voice.
The move towards lowering speed limits for vehicles on residential streets is not confined to Vincent, nor even Perth.
In towns and cities across Europe, the UK, and South and North America there has been a progressive move towards slower speeds on city streets.
In fact many of these new regulations set the maximum speed at 30km/h rather than 40.
In the UK for example, the 20 is Plenty program has ensured that many towns, cities and boroughs have lowered their speeds to 20 miles per hour (32km/h). This movement towards lower vehicle speeds does have positive safety outcomes, as many studies have consistently demonstrated.
However this change represents something beyond improving safety: residents in cities across the world are identifying that streets form a part of their community life.
They see their local streets providing not just spaces “shared” with cars, but places where people are prioritised and vehicles enter in a way which ensures that the most vulnerable user, the pedestrian, can use the space safely.
The results of these altered environments is community building, improvements for local businesses, increased activity levels of people of all ages and a more socially-connected local area.
Geraldine Box, spokesperson for
Our Streets at 40
Alma Road, North Perth
This letter was edited for length.
A soaring success

August 3, 2018

THERE is literally magic in the air halfway through Aladdin when a flying carpet soars across the stage.

When the curtain fell I thought the star of the show must be set designer Bob Crowley, but Jim Steinmyer, who devises the illusions, was also a strong candidate.

The audience gasped when Aladdin entered a cave in search of the lamp, marvelling at a cavernous grotto of glittering stalagmites and pyramids of gold and jewels.

And there were cheers when the magic carpet climbed into the night sky with Aladdin and princess Jasmine onboard.

Stare all you like, but you won’t see what’s holding the carpet up and I swear it really was magical.

• Just one of the spectacular song and dance routines in Aladdin. Photos supplied

Frenetic

The cave was the setting for another type of magic when the Perth audience got out of their seats and applauded the song Friend Like Me halfway through the show.

It was pure 1930s Hollywood: a singing, dancing extravaganza with plenty of bling, dazzle and razzmatazz.

The number had all the energy of a genie released from a cramped lamp after several hundred years.

• Jafar (Adam Murphy).

WAAPA graduate Ainsley Melham is superb as Aladdin, bringing to the role a perfect mix of cheeky street urchin and young love, but Gareth Jacob’s genie almost steals the show with his smooth vocals and high camp.

Looking drop-dead gorgeous in harem pants, Princess Jasmine (Perth-born Shubshri Kandiah) is the classic Disney princess – beautiful with gorgeous vocals and enough feistiness to keep Germaine Greer happy.

Adam Murphy plays the comic book villain, Jafar, and his side-kick Iago (Aljin Abella) is malicious and very funny.

• Princess Jasmine (Shubshri Kandiah) and Aladdin (Ainsley Melham).

A sword fight between palace guards and Aladdin’s mates Kassim (Adam-Jon Fiorention), Babkak (Troy Sussman) and Omar (Robert Tripolino) is a frenetic routine that leaves you wondering how they could possibly dance, wield a sword and sing at the same time.

Gregg Barnes’ amazing costumes: a technicolour extravaganza of 337 Middle Eastern-inspired outfits, including a bevy of men dancing in trousers adorned with 1428 Swarovski crystals.

Aladdin, at the Crown Theatre in Burswood, is on until October.

by JENNY D’ANGER
ASTROLOGY: August 4, – August 11, 2018

August 3, 2018

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
There’s a lot of listening to be done. If healing is to happen receptivity and intent is a huge first step. It doesn’t come naturally to let instinctive responses pass through without acting on them. The benefits are huge. Your heart will turn into the heart of a lion and you will feel newly free.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
The waning Moon begins her week in Taurus. Because she passes directly in front of wildly unpredictable Uranus, you will find yourself being unusually moody for a day or two. As you peruse the state of the world, it’s becoming obvious there are changes to be heralded and made.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
You are quietly making your way to a position of import and influence. You may not even be aware that this is going on. There’s a tiger in your tank that is bursting to show its colours and make some noise. The Leo Sun and your planet Mercury there too, are inspiring you behind the scenes.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
Normally when the Moon passes through Taurus, as she does this week, you would feel settled and supported; but as she does a dance with unpredictable Uranus, there is no such assurance. These are unpredictable times. If you need to feel grounded, spend time with like-minded friends.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Beware of all ideologies. Mars is in Aquarius triggering an outbreak of dogmatism. Ideals are cold, hard things. Humans are warm, soft things. Keep remembering the gorgeousness of human frailty and you won’t get sucked in. Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn are challenging you to keep it real.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Venus is putting the final touches on her Virgo painting. The beauty of Virgo is nature. Virgo is a symbol of natural law. Exquisite, unique and always capable of igniting the feeling of awe, mother nature is your guru. Take yourself out to where you can experience these things and refuel.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
Check your store of acorns. Is it full to the brim and overflowing or does it need shoring up? Your focus needs to be on identifying your resources. These can be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. You are being encouraged to feel the ground beneath your feet. Soak in self-love.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Jupiter is exactly half way through his transit of Scorpio. He is presently focussed on inspiring you to identify and articulate your deepest longings; those longings that need to be put into place for you to be able to smile blissfully even if there is a tempest brewing. Write your feelings down.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
On the surface this looks like a cruisy week for Centaurs. The fact that your guiding planetary light, Jupiter is cruising through Scorpio means that there is always going to be an emotional undercurrent. This undercurrent is a thread to your deeper feelings, so you’d best listen to it.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
The Leo Sun is helping you to get out of any mind-sets that are walling you in. When pure pragmatism is closing you down, rather than opening you up, it’s time to flick the switch of your imagination and your intuition. Both are readily on tap and eager to help. Invite them in.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Mars is now very much in your midst. Mars is the planetary incarnation of testosterone. He can be both very unruly and a lot of fun. He can veer into nosedives of destruction. He can inspire great, courageous adventuring. He may just be ready for seeing himself in the mirror of relationship.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
The more grounded you can stay, the more you will dance. Focus on simple, practical things. Refrain from anything other-worldly. Be more like Zorba the Greek than Gautama the Buddha. Celebrate. Be festive. Be unashamed. As you let go into life, so life will treat you generously.
A warm welcome

August 3, 2018

I WAS instantly smitten by the promo shot for this Mt Lawley home featuring a cute pooch peering out the front gate.

I quickly discovered there’s loads more to love about this federation-era house on Barlee Street.

There’s the bullnose verandah and stained glass front door, the beautiful jarrah floors, ceiling roses and fire places, and the sense of history infused in walls more than 100 years old.

The adorable fluffy white dog quietly followed as I checked out the street-facing lounge, four bedrooms and federation-style bathroom in the original section of the home.

By the time I got to the kitchen – where old and new meld in perfect harmony in a sprawling open plan – he lost interest, wandering off for pats from the estate agent.

Natural light pours into the long, lean, galley-style kitchen, thanks to a huge skylight.

Jarrah floors glow amidst pale-grey cupboards and there’s a huge island bench with an olive-flecked granite top.

Space won’t be a problem with a floor-to-ceiling, dual, pull-out pantry, and there’s a lovely glass splash-back behind the induction stove.

Stepping down into the open plan, all is serene and it’s a cosy place for contemplation.

But I’m betting the room that gets the most use is the huge, all-year-round entertaining area.

With a built-in-barbecue kitchen and glass walls either end, this room really is “all weather”.

Bifold doors lead to a covered alfresco, where you could entertain a couple of football teams and still not feel cramped.

For quieter times there’s a swathe of grass in the pleasant but low-maintenance garden, which is protected by high fences. A rear lane provides access to two garages.

Situated almost in the heart of the Beaufort Street strip, this home offers an inner-city lifestyle in a quiet location.

Forrest Park is a couple of minutes’ walk away and the lovely Banks Reserve is close by.

You can catch a bus on Beaufort St and you’re in the CBD in 15 minutes; or get on your bike and be there in ten.

by JENNY D’ANGER

9 Barlee Street, Mt Lawley
$1.25 million
Pam Herron
0413 610 660
Jodi Darlington
0413 610 661
The Agency (formerly Beaufort Realty)
6060 1300
Virtually cured

August 3, 2018

VIRTUAL reality headsets are synonymous with immersive gaming experiences for teenagers.

But health care provider Sliver Chain is using the technology to improve the wellbeing of its clients, many of whom are old and house-bound.

Nurses can attach the headset to a client in their home, allowing them to have a conversation with a 3D holographic doctor in their living room.

Health care professional can also wear headsets and stream live video back to a doctor for guidance or a second opinion.

The technology is been trialled across WA, and Silver Chain Group CEO Lyn Jones says the technology will improve health care for people who live in isolated locations, or have limited mobility or poor health.

“The feedback has been very positive,” she says.

“The device and the way it is used is quite intuitive and our clients have enjoyed being part of the trial and using the technology.”

• Virtual reality headsets are being increasingly used in health care.

Virtual reality was just one of the exciting new technologies on show at the recent mini health and innovation expo in East Perth, organised by the Sustainable Health Review Panel.

Digital “Brain Games” are being developed by SAP to diagnose strokes faster than the traditional Face, Arms, Speech, Time checks, which have been used used around the world for the last 20 years to provide early stroke identification.

The games would be played using off-the-shelf gaming headsets to capture brain wave activity, which would then be analysed by SAP software, allowing responders to identify the stroke faster and more accurately.

Currently, the FAST tests require an additional CT scan or MRI scan to confirm and establish a treatment plan, which is often too late for patients who either die or are left with a significantly higher level of disability than if blood flow to the brain had been restored earlier.

The expo also showcased independent living technology to assist people stay safely in their own home, an app to help delay the symptoms of Huntington’s, and an unobtrusive and easy-to-wear monitor to measure heart rhythm and detect potentially deadly cardiac problems.

“Western Australia is a leading global contributor to health innovation and medical research. Digital health is one of the fastest growing industry sectors globally, particularly mobile and wireless health,” says WA health minister Roger Cook.

“This expo provides hands-on and interesting insights into this emerging space and reinforces the key themes of the Sustainable Health Review’s Interim Report around primary care, health prevention and promotion, and care in the community.”

The final report of the Sustainable Health Review will be presented to government in November.
Botox Injections for Vaginismus

August 3, 2018

Vaginismus is a condition in some women that makes intercourse very painful or sometimes impossible. It’s defined as an involuntary contraction of the vaginal musculature which often means women are unable to insert tampons, have intercourse or take gynaecological exams. This can be caused by fear and anxiety of penetration, or a number of physical conditions that can cause the vaginal muscles to spasm.

When attempted penetration takes place, the vagina seems to tighten involuntarily, causing pain. This is caused by the contraction of a strong band of pelvic floor muscle in the first third of the vagina, called the pubococcogeus muscle. This contraction can sometimes be so severe any form of penetration is impossible. Vaginismus is common and can happen to any woman at any stage in her life, even those who have already enjoyed a successful sex life.

Vaginismus can be either primary or secondary. A woman with primary vaginismus has never been able to have penetrative intercourse without pain, or perhaps has never been able to have sex at all. Primary vaginismus can be discovered when first attempting to use tampons or have a gynaecological examination or pap smear.

Secondary vaginismus develops in a woman who has previously been able to of these things. In this case, a precipitating cause might be easier to detect.

Treatment
Vaginal dilators, sexual counselling, behavioural therapy, vaginal oestrogens in postmenopausal women and BOTOX injections can all be offered as treatment.

How does BOTOX for Vaginismus work?
BOTOX is injected into the pelvic floor muscles to relax the area and break the pain cycle by releasing the contracting muscles that obstruct penetration. Depending on the degree of vaginismus, a local anaesthesia or sedation is provided for the patient.Usually only one BOTOX injection is necessary and effects last around four months. About 10 days after the initial treatment, patients can begin to use a dilator in conjunction with physical relaxation therapy.

BOTOX is effective in 90% of women. This procedure is not Medicare rebatable and the cost of the treatment is between $1000-1500 depending upon the dosage of Botox used.

To find out more contact:
Dr. A S Arun MD DNB CCST, FRCOG, FRANZCOG
Waikiki Specialist Centre – 221 Wilmott Drive, Waikiki
Phone: 9550 0300
E: reception.drarun@gmail.com
W: www.doctorarun.com.au

Physical Causes:
Urinary tract infection
Yeast infection
Endometriosis
Vulvodynia
Lichen Sclerosis/ Planus
Childbirth trauma
Menopausal changes such as dry vagina
Post effects of pelvic surgery
Abuse – sexual assault

Non Physical Causes:
Fear of sex
Anxiety
Past sexual abuse or trauma
Partner issues
Negative thoughts about sex
Got toenail issues?

August 3, 2018

Onychomycosis (try saying that three times fast!) is a fungal infection that accounts for half of all nail disorders and can be uncomfortable and unattractive. Hexima Ltd is developing a new treatment for onychomycosis and is looking for volunteers with onychomycosis who are otherwise healthy to participate in a clinical trial.

The study drug, HXP124, is a naturally occurring plant protein that has strong antifungal properties. HXP124 has been formulated as a topical solution that, once applied, rapidly penetrates the nail to reach the site of infection and kills the fungal disease. The study drug (or placebo) will be applied by brushing onto all 10 toenails once a day for 42 days. You will be shown how to apply the treatment on Day 1 and will perform subsequent applications yourself at home after bathing and drying your toes.

The study is being conducted at Linear Clinical Research in Perth. To find out more, register your interest at toenailstudyperth.com.au
Participation the goal

July 27, 2018

VINCENT deputy mayor Susan Gontaszewski wants more women kicking a ball around the city’s parks and ovals.

Cr Gontaszewski has called for an audit of the city’s sports facilities after a recent report found women made up less than a third of all local club memberships.

City officers noted that few of Vincent’s sports facilities cater for women, lacking privacy screens in changerooms, individual toilet cubicles and lockable showers.

“We want men and women and boys and girls and everyone in between to be able to play sport, and I think it’s important they have those opportunities close to home,” Cr Gontaszewski says.

She lives opposite a park and says the gender imbalance on the playing field is disappointing.

“I started thinking about women and girls doing so well on the international sporting stage and young girls seeing that and thinking ‘I want to be that’ or ‘I want to have a go’, and I wanted to explore how to make more space for them to engage in sport locally,” she says.

Following her successful motion at Tuesday’s meeting, Vincent will also run a marketing campaign recognising local sportswomen, and will hold workshops with local clubs about increasing female participation.

• Vincent deputy mayor Susan Gontaszewski gives mayor Emma Cole a workout in the goals; we think it’s safe to say Lydia Williams’ place in the Matilda’s isn’t under immediate threat. Photo by Steve Grant

Cr Gontaszewski takes her daughters to women’s AFL matches, but says she’s never played a team sport.

“Maybe if there were more opportunities, I would have,” says the lifelong Vincent resident.

“We need to address really critical issues around infrastructure.

“We can’t say we want women and girls playing sports if they don’t have access to functional facilities to play sports in.”

She says some clubs are leading the way, with Modernians Hockey Club boasting 44 per cent female participation.

“Modernians was a shining light out of this report and we can engage with them and learn from how they’ve created an inclusive sports club,” Cr Gontaszewski says.

Local resident Evangeline Douglas says she played AFL in school, but wouldn’t know where to look to join a women’s team in Vincent.

“There’s so many green spaces and sporting fields in the city of Vincent but I’m not running out on a soccer pitch because there’s no incentive to,” she says.

Ms Douglas, who was returning from the gym when she spoke with the Voice, says she thinks gyms have made more space for women.

“At the gym it’s not just gym bros pumping iron anymore, there’s lots of group class with women of all ages.”

Ms Douglas says she’s looking forward to seeing sporting clubs also make space for women like her.

by MOLLY SCHMIDT
Baysy goes to 40

July 27, 2018

BAYSWATER town centre will be a 40kmh zone after the local council voted for slower speed limits this week.

It’s been a long and windy road to get here: more than a year ago people showed up to a place making forum lobbying for a 40 kmh zone.

Main Roads surveyed the area and agreed to a slightly smaller zone than they were hoping for, roping in stretches of Railway Parade, Coode Street and Whatley Crescent near the train station.

Bayswater mayor Dan Bull calls it “an important step in putting people before cars and improving the area for pedestrians, cyclists, locals and businesses”.

He also has plans in the works for a raft of other changes to turn the area into a “pedestrian first” precinct.

“We’re conscious of not spending money on infrastructure that’s going to be ripped up in two years’ time,” Cr Bulls says.

“The first domino to fall in making it more pedestrian friendly is to get the Metronet works completed in the next couple of years, and following that we’ll be able to look at changes to footpaths and other things to make it better for cyclists and people walking.”

• Dan Bull down at the slower town centre. Photo by Steve Grant

In a report to councillors over the 40kmh plan, city staff augured there could be “potential concerns from motorists in relation to speed reduction”.

When Cr Bull announced the slower speeds on his Facebook page he was greeted with a couple of people calling it a “revenue raising” measure; but it’s police who take revenue from speeding fines, not council.

A couple of other people reported family members being hit and seriously injured by cars on the strip and welcomed the slowdown.

Cr Bull says; “it’s great that people want to engage in that debate around cars and road safety, but I think once the changes are made people will see how much better it is.”

Hopefully the new limit will give drivers who keep hitting the Bayswater Bridge another moment to read the three signs advising them of the height limit.

Another vehicle ran into the bridge on Friday, bringing the count to seven crashes this year.

by DAVID BELL
Art on the charge

July 27, 2018

WHAT do you reckon? This is the new public artwork for a service station planned for Walter Road, Embleton

Costing about $38,000 and paid for by the developer, Bayswater councillors (mostly) gave it a thumbs up at their last planning meeting, with just Sally Palmer lodging a no vote.

Designed by artists Luke Davey and John Denaro across five weeks, the 5.7-metre sculpture is called People Power and “aims to generate a response that lasts beyond the fleeting moment of visual engagement, to resonate with the viewer, to provide a metaphor which is contemplative but also has light hearted humour”.

Cr Catherine Ehrhardt said her first thought was it was very “literal” but she grew to like it: “The more I looked at the piece the more it grew on me.”

Lorna Clarke also supported it: “I had a similar reaction when I saw it, but art is in the eye of the beholder. I studied art history as an undergrad, and plenty of art I looked at in my undergrad I thought wasn’t actually art, so who am I to say.”

Cr Sally Palmer lodged the only vote against the artwork, saying the plug “doesn’t fit”.

“It’s quite a nice upmarket village location and I think putting a plug and a box on the other side of the road doesn’t complement the area.

Cr Ehrhardt suggested they get their Arts Advisory Group to have a look at public art pieces.

by DAVID BELL