STIRLING councillors have voted to abolish free parking on Field Street and in more sections of Beaufort Street.
Motorists parking on Field Street or at 679/680 Beaufort Street will now get the first 60 minutes for free, but will then have to pay $2 per hour.
Councillors voted not to introduce paid parking at the Main Street plaza precinct in Osborne Park.
Since the council adopted its parking strategy in 2009, paid parking has been established in six areas including Herdsman Business Park, Glendalough and Cedric and Bradford Streets.
In a council report officers noted that paid parking is “not generally embraced by motorists”, however “in areas of high demand where parking is provided by the city, it is reasonable that the city utilise the opportunity to recover the cost of development and maintenance and charge a fee for its use.”
THEY’VE known nothing but “the future”, so the latest Year 12 Perspective’s exhibition will be an interesting look into how WA’s Millennials want to engage us, says WA Art Gallery curator Dunja Rmandic.
“It is worth keeping in mind that many students completing year 12 this year would have been born in the year 2000,” says Ms Rmandic.
“Their entire lives have been lived in what was for earlier generations the future – exemplified by the show Beyond 2000, the Y2K bug scare and sold-out time capsules to mark the end of the 20th century.
• Swan Christian College student Grace Hogan’s clay scratchboard titled Four places, one face, is at the new Year 12 Perspectives exhibition.
“Their native sphere of engagement is the internet, social media and instant accessibility.”
This year 55 works from high school graduates across WA will be hung at the gallery from March 17 through to July 16.
Prominent themes in this year’s exhibition include family, multiculturalism, history and our place in it, international politics and human impact on nature.
There’s an opportunity for viewers to vote for their favourite piece, but the official judges include art teachers association president Leith Elliott, artist Nathan Beard and Ms Rmandic.
Uber hip, but can you get round Vincent?
I APPLAUD Vincent Council’s move to eliminate fees and speed up the approval process for cafes and restaurants wishing to provide alfresco areas outside their premises (“Alfastco”, Voice, February 24, 2018).
I do however wish that the council would enforce its requirement that seating in these areas is restricted to a set distance out onto the footpath, a requirement usually marked by brass plaques.
Many of these businesses ignore this requirement, making it difficult for pedestrians to negotiate the footpath. Other times they don’t bother reining in the chairs when customers push them out into the public realm.
Greens & Co in Oxford Street can be particularly difficult to negotiate, with seats often spilling out well over half the footpath.
The large numbers of pedestrians in this area means it is often necessary to step out onto the road surface to get past.
Reminds me of that old truism; give them an inch and they’ll take a mile.
Please Vincent, enforce your own regulations. Alan Stobie Tennyson Street, Leederville
We are not a democracy
IF anyone thinks democracy will prevail against the tyrannical laws enacted by our governments (“Charities lose, corporations win”, Voice mail, February 24, 2018), then maybe we are also bullet proofed by draping ourselves with the Australian flag emblazoned with the crosses of three Christian saints.
We are not a democracy. We have been duped into believing we are one when in reality it is a monumental confidence trick for political gain.
We are thus conditioned to readily accept as a democracy an Australian republic, in the event of one, favoured by the Australian Republic Movement and our politicians where a not-popularly-elected prime minister, without the formality of undemocratic royal assent, is given the power to appoint (and sack) a puppet president instead of a governor general.
Former prime minister Gough Whitlam would be having rather messy erotic dreams at the prospect of the sacking bit.
The Indians are erroneously led to believe they are a democracy where their parliament appoints a president and they do not democratically elect one by their popular vote.
Since before the penal settlement of Australia in 1788 the British parliament won parliamentary freedom against dissolution by the crown which gives us a constitutional monarchy and the Westminster system of government.
This in no way makes us a democracy because we still have a monarch, the queen, as head-of-state.
Appropriately, her home is the United Kingdom of Great Britain, not the United Democracy.
There are those who have it that monarchy and democracy are made one by a holy “twinity”—at some undetermined time.
From parliamentary freedom (re)interpreted as parliamentary democracy and then falsely into a full blown democracy with a monarch, no less!
Our history has been rewritten by frauds and our national broadcaster, which in its ABC education series on our government has Annabel Crabb stating, at the end of the last one on the senate, that we are a democracy.
Our young are also then being deceived and brainwashed. These zealots cannot help themselves.
The ABC cannot even be impartial by law let alone accurate because no one polices and enforces the law except the ABC itself. That in itself is tyranny. Media Watch blows!
We have a queen as head-of-state by undemocratic royal succession as head-of-state who is also a prelate. A democracy has neither.
We only have discretionary constitutional rights under a monarch and her presence in any capacity denies us democratic ones. Gordon Westwood Coode St, Maylands
Make the right call, Michelle
THE WA minister for road safety and police, Michelle Roberts, seems to be sitting on her hands in regards to implementing changes to the use of mobile phones by drivers.
As has been said previously, there have been calls by the former police commissioner, the public and all concerned about the increasing use of mobile phones while driving.
Our minister for road safety is waiting for the road safety council to make a recommendation for her before she will act. Talk about not doing her job.
While we wait for the non-elected RSC to make a recommendation, there is more and more crashes, injuries, etc on our roads.
Since bans are in place in other states and territories, would it be that difficult for our minister to implement changes now.
Common sense says if it’s working in other states then there is no reason for it not to work here.
Mark McGowan should find someone else to be our minister for road safety and police, because the current minister is missing and not doing her job. Steven Cruden Witts Lane, Kwinana
JEREMY PEREY is a Perth local. In this week’s SPEAKER’S CORNER, he raises concerns about bauxite strip mining in the Jarrah forest encroaching on areas of high aesthetic and recreational value.
IT will likely come as news to many that jarrah forest has already been completely cleared from parts of the southwestern hillside of Mt Solus to make way for bauxite strip mining.
This hill is one of Perth’s few peripheral 500-plus-meter-high peaks and offers a phenomenal view from the top, and it’s not even ninety kilometres by car from the CBD.
For such a flat state, a hill of such height is unique, especially considering that the view from the top looking in an arc swinging from the north to the east is one of intact Jarrah forest.
• Northeast from Mt Solus is rolling green as far as you can see
Paramount
This view, in my opinion, is of paramount aesthetic value.
The same I cannot say of the view looking to the west and south west—just look on google maps.
My real concern, however, is that the ever encroaching creep of bauxite strip mining will very soon surround the mountain from both sides, and disturb that phenomenal view of the remaining un-fragmented tract of bushland on the northern, north-eastern and eastern slopes of Mt Solus, and the forest all the way to Albany highway in the direction of the other notable hills in the area, such as Mount Cooke and Mt Vincent.
And the views also looking back at Mt Solus itself.
The Monadnocks area is reasonably popular for the great hiking it offers, with the brilliant views serving as well-earned treats for those who go there.
• turn around and you may gulp at the view bauxite mining’s left.
I expect that more people will enjoy bushwalking in this region in the future as a way to escape the busy pace of life in a hyper-paced digital world.
But this area needs serious protecting as damage is imminent, yet there is almost no visible leadership advocating a restraint of damaging mining activities.
Regardless of what form of protection may eventuate, the mining and drilling exploration from Mt Solus right up to Albany Highway must first be stopped, and completely.
It’s not just Mt Solus though.
Remarkable stands of Jarrah forest located right near Dwellingup town site are earmarked for exploratory drilling and possibly a flattening.
These are intact, species rich forests and are some of the best examples of thriving original Jarrah forests in the entire world.
I’m not totally against bauxite strip mining in WA, and until recently not anti-logging, provided it can be sustainable.
But I am wary of hasty and poorly thought out actions that spoil landscapes for our own and future generations.
These are Perth’s hidden treasures at stake and it’d be nice to see people continuing to enjoy them in their current form into the future.
Spanning three suburbs it reminds me of Freo’s Cappuccino Strip during the mid-2000s.
Remember, before it became numb and lifeless?
Beaufort Street is a foodie’s paradise and has more restaurants and cafes than you can poke a chopstick at, and not just the familiar suspects like Nando’s and Grill’d.
Highlights include the quirky Asian roasting house Dainty Dowager, and tucked down a backstreet is the seafood restaurant Grab a Yabby.
Bustling atmosphere
At the Highgate end is The Queens Tavern, which combines Beaufort Street’s bustling atmosphere with a family-friendly vibe.
The Queens is made up of vast dining spaces and has a beer garden with beautifully-lit Plane trees, which turned out to be a great spot to plonk the kids so they didn’t disturb other patrons.
I recommend you arrive hungry because the food here comes in very large portions.
The fish tacos ($16) are great value: the chargrilled hake fillets were moist and flakey, and the pickled slaw and creamy jalapeno mayonnaise added a nice kick.
Sadly the tortillas are those dry store-bought ones. A quick fry in olive oil would have really brought them to life (I certainly don’t mind getting my hands greasy for good food).
The pork belly bao ($16) is served in sweet, fluffy buns with a generous hunk of hoisin-flavoured pork belly and more slaw. It’s all brought together by this seriously sticky caramel sauce, which is to die for.
The Queens has a unique take on squid ($15), opting for nori and sesame-infused bread crumbs over batter.
The sesame was missing in action but it didn’t matter, and it was deliciously moorish.
The mushroom and truffle arancini ($15) are very good. The extra large risotto balls are dotted with chunky mushroom pieces and the creamy filling exudes an earthy, truffle aroma. Mouthwatering.
Mini burgers
We ordered the sliders ($9.90) for Ollie and Chloe and the mini burgers were more than enough for the two kids to share.
The sliders are the perfect size to fill small bellies and the mound of chips ensured there was no bickering over who had the most.
The Queens Tavern is everything a good pub should be—it serves well-priced quality food, the staff are friendly and the service is impeccable.
by MATTHEW EELES
The Queens Tavern 520 Beaufort Street, Highgate 9328 7267
EXPECT a bit of chaos when urban artist Handbrake holds his first solo show in a refurbished warehouse in East Perth.
Along with more than 50 works, many on skateboards, there’ll be a custom, hand-painted cafe racer motorbike which was created with mate Billy (Marjin) Kuijken from Rogue Motorcycles.
The pair cut an old Triumph “into a million pieces” and rebuilt it, then Handbrake added his distinctive artwork to the fuel tank, rim and helmet.
• Urban artist Hans Bruechle, aka Handbrake. Photos supplied
Showmanship
“It will be the most unique bike in WA,” he says.
Chaos Controlled is for one night only as the warehouse goes back to being a prosaic storage facility on Monday.
“I view art and creativity as immediate processes,” Handbrake, aka Hans Bruechle, says.
“For me it’s more about an event rather than a long drawn-out process.
“It’s a big epic night of people having fun.”
His colourful art blurs the line between street, skate and urban culture and there are dark messages to be gleaned from the bold, almost cartoon-like works.
Just about anything is a canvas for Handbrake’s creative muse including skateboards, hockey sticks, public walls and an old Bakelite phone tuned into a lamp.
Art was just a hobby when he graduated from the WA Academy of Performing Arts with a radio and television degree.
But then he found himself in hot water while working at Nova radio in 2010, facing claims he rigged a competition so his friend could win $10,000.
He resigned and describes the incident as “a massacre”.
But with plenty of time on his hands it was a turning point for his art.
“I have done so many cool things over the past seven or eight years…It started me off as Handbrake,” he says.
“Now it’s all about the art, and I take myself more seriously.
“This is my life now.”
Chaos Controlled is a mixture of art and showmanship, with food trucks, a bunch of customised motorbikes and a palette load of fun.
It’s free and on today (Saturday March 10) on Cheriton Street, East Perth at 6.30pm.
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20) Mercury and Venus have just arrived in Aries to join Uranus. Mercury will give you insight, should you choose to trust your own intelligence. He will trick you up if you go with the crowd. Venus will soften you. She will have you focussing on delight rather than mechanistic successes.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20) As Venus shifts into fiery Aries, so you get a jolt in your nervous system. It wakes you up and makes you aware that you need to lift your head from the patch of clover you are immersed in and get to doing the things that matter. A certain divine discontent is a requisite blessing now.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) Mercury is in Aries, making you feel possessed by a desire for clear communication. This need could be thwarted by hot-headedness. Just when you need to be patient, patience could be hard to bed down. Stay sincere, even when you jump the gun. Make sure your heart shines through.
CANCER (June 22 – July 22) You want to find home. At the same time, the Moon is in Sagittarius, inspiring adventure and long-distance travel. This is a paradox you need to resolve without backing off or hiding. Your home might well be on the open road. Nurturance doesn’t always come in the way we expect it to.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22) Life is sending you the energy to get on with things, along with the sensitivity to know which are the right things to get on with. This is a special moment – the kind of moment that doesn’t come around every day. Trust what feels right – and move. If it’s effortless, then you are on track.
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22) As Mercury crosses over into Aries, you suddenly have movement, where you’ve been feeling becalmed. You are also a little hot under the collar, which you will have to attend to in one way or another. Running around the block will help – or dancing till you are blissfully knackered.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23) Your relationships are picking up momentum. You are coming out of a fallow period, where life has essentially put your though a process of solitary regeneration. Your planet Venus is now in your opposite sign, Aries. Your life has now shifted into gear, after being stuck at the lights.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21) Jupiter is your good luck charm. If he’s got any character flaws, it’s hubris. Watch out for getting too big for your boots when things are going your way. You are starting to ride change as if it’s an ally not an enemy. This is a big shift. No matter where you are in life, creativity is the best option.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) The Moon begins her week in Sagittarius. She stirs up a hornet’s nest. Essentially, in one way or another, she makes you aware of all the places where you have been taking things for granted – and moves you on. It’s time to clear out some of the cobwebs in your system. Shift into gear.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) To the degree that you are comfortable with your feelings, all is going well; actually better than well – transformational is more likely. This is a good moment in history to know what you feel. Your ethics and empathy genes will need to be turned on, to be able to read the social landscape.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) As the odd planet shifts out of Pisces into Aries, so you start to spark up. People who have been scaring you suddenly look attractive and friendly. Connecting with them seems a matter of course rather than a mountain to climb. Soothe your heart as best you can. Make connections.
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20) Venus and Mercury have moved out of Pisces. You will feel a little less sparky and maybe a little less obviously delighted. The Sun is still in there though, with Neptune and Chiron. There’s a subtle shift of mood. Any intensity that surfaces is good. It will drive you to act with conscience.
HOMES like this Hill View Road beauty were made to last, and having survived two World Wars, the Depression and the 1968 Meckering earthquake—it’s set to turn 100.
Amazingly it’s had just two owners since it was built in 1919 for successful businessman James Vincent.
Which is perhaps why the four-bedroom abode has survived virtually intact: right down to the original brass pull bell at the front door, which I can confirm still works, and a maid’s room off the kitchen.
There were some modernisations a few years ago including the generous kitchen and bathroom, but the old home retains the charm of its era.
Soaring four-metre high ceilings are beautifully decorative and there’s an abundance of lovely fireplaces and deep skirting.
The cavernous entry is as big as some modern apartments, and under the carpet, jarrah floor boards are just waiting to be restored.
The original flocked wallpaper in the dining room is in very good condition, except for some small worn patches where the children of the owners curled up on seats in the recessed windows to read a book by the fire.
Next door is a smaller room dubbed the breakfast room, where the maid would have served lighter meals.
In winter the fire would have been crackling, and in summer the french doors to the balcony opened.
The huge formal lounge also has a fireplace and a large bay window with built-in seating. Most of the bedrooms have french doors opening onto the wide, wrap-around verandah.
The rear garden is a bit neglected, but with 1518sqm there’s plenty of scope to work with, including a massive oak tree the original owners brought back from Wales as an acorn.
The original toilet, complete with a working cistern and chain, and the old laundry, with a triple concrete sink and wood-fired copper, are in solid-brick, outbuildings.
And the double garage has an inspection pit; harking back to the days when people serviced their own cars.
This amazing home blends effortlessly with Mt Lawley’s leafy streets and presents a rare opportunity to be part of WA’s heritage.
by JENNY D’ANGER
14 Hill View Road, Mt Lawley auction Saturday, March 17, 11am Stuart Irving 0418 920 672 Brad Irving 0422 678 144 Irving & Keenan Real Estate 9272 0566
Married at St Patrick’s on Beaufort Street and with his children born a stone’s throw away, Simon Millman is a proud local who was elected as the Member for Mount Lawley last year.
He now reflects on his first twelve months in parliament.
“It’s been an honour representing our local area,” Simon says, “but my proudest achievements would have been impossible without close collaboration with our community.
“That’s why I speak so often in parliament about our vibrant neighbourhood and the tireless work of schools, community groups and sporting clubs.”
These achievements include stopping the widening of Guildford Road, implementing a ban on right hand turns at the Beaucott intersection, and helping parkrun get up and running at Yokine Reserve.
But as a father of two young boys, his highlight has been investing in local schools.
“Mount Lawley Senior High School is one of the best schools in the state,” Simon says, “so I was thrilled to commit $4 million during the campaign.”
Every public primary school in the electorate has also received funding, including $20,000 for Mount Lawley Primary’s robotics program and $50,000 for Coolbinia Primary’s outdoor learning area.
But what are his top priorities for the next three years?
As well as focusing on local jobs and advancing the Government’s tough Meth Action Plan, Simon wants to tackle congestion by building Metronet.
“So many people travelling to the CBD pass through our neighbourhood,” Simon says, “so congestion and rat running is a common concern I share with fellow locals.
“I can’t wait to see how Metronet transforms our city, alleviating congestion by taking cars off our roads.”
Simon is eager to meet as many residents as possible and is encouraging the community to always pop by if they have concerns.
Simon Millman MLA
Member for Mount Lawley Simon.millman.mla@mp.wa.gov.au 9473 0800 2/58 Walcott Street Mount Lawley
Reminiscent of the markets in old Italy in the centre of the town piazza, The Provedores Market provides a place where people can gather and bond over their love of Italian food, wine & culture.
Set outside the Pisconeri Fine Foods & Wines warehouse the market showcases fine imported Italian product alongside artisan offerings from local stallholders.
Begin your day with coffee & cannoli, followed by freshly shucked oysters, finishing with pasta, arancini or wood fired pizza all while enjoying an Aperol Spritz at our unique fully licensed outdoor bar.
Take a moment to wander through the classic car display while the kids enjoy a gelato and take part in art activities.
Take home grower direct fruit & veg, fresh flowers, artisan sauces & spreads, treat yourself to a handcrafted timber board. Explore Pisconeri which will be open throughout the market offering wine, cheese and cured meat tastings plus some amazing specials. Spend your Saturday with us at our all ages, family friendly event!
The Provedores Market Saturday, 10 March 9am – 5pm 106-110 Hobart Street Mount Hawthorn
Perth Voice Interactive 