IT’S a new record for Bayswater Bridge with two trucks running into it in a single day.
Perth drivers only made it two weeks into the new year before driving into the bridge, with a truck peeling its top off just after noon on January 15.
• Brad Serls took these photos of the second truck to hit Bayswater bridge in one day.
Before the end of the day another truck would strike the adamantine bridge around 5pm, marking the first twofer recorded on Simon Vin’s Baysy bridge crash website.
Four trucks hit the bridge in December on the 6th, 18th, 20th, and 29th.
There are three signs warning of the King William Street underpass’s 3.8m height limit, but while they’re obvious approaching head on, you only get a last minute warning if you come around the corner from Whatley Crescent.
Residents’ and business owners’ group, Future Bayswater, want to sink the railway station, and Federal Labor was going to pledge $1 million for a structure plan to look into that if they won the last election—but they didn’t.
PERTH-based company Power Ledger is one of three finalists in this year’s Extreme Tech Challenge, and they’re off to Richard Branson’s Necker Island for the final round.
The tech startup uses blockchain and a virtual currency that can be used as tokens for people with renewable energy generators, like solar panels, to trade excess power.
The blockchain is the same technology used by Bitcoin (where the data is distributed between users and not held on one central database), but with a practical real-world use of trading energy units already built in.
Currently, solar panel owners can put their excess energy back into the grid, where it’s sent back to the power company then resold to other users, but payments can be subject to the vagaries of government or the power company.
• Power Ledger chair Jemma Green with board adviser Bill Tai. Photo supplied
This peer-to-peer system would remove the middle man and let owners trade directly with consumers who might not be able to have renewable energy, like people in apartments or those in areas without a lot of sun.
Co-founder Jemma Green, a Curtin uni sustainability researcher, former investment banker and also a Perth councillor, says “getting the chance to present our peer-to-peer renewable energy trading platform at the Consumer Electronics Show 2018 was a fantastic opportunity to get our message out to even more markets around the globe.
“We know that our solution is one that can truly make a difference in humanity, in both developing and developed nations.”
The finals are at Richard Branson’s privately owned Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands at the end of February.
Power Ledger was the only Australian company in the top 10.
The other two tech companies in the top three were Revl, a smart action camera that uses artificial intelligence-powered editing, and Owlet, an infant health data collector.
HERITAGE PERTH is inviting budding historians aged 6-16 to enter its Capturing Change school holiday competition.
Perth has changed dramatically since the early days of the Swan River Colony in 1829, but there are still spots where new buildings sit alongside remnants of the past, be it natural heritage or historic buildings.
Capturing Change wants photographs of the past rubbing shoulders with the present in the City of Perth, and you can submit a 100-word creative interpretation of your submission using poetry, prose, song or a 30-second video.
• A lot has changed in Perth since colonial lawyer Alfred Stone took this photo of Perth jetty in 1861. For instance, we now have Krispy Kreme in Perth.
The competition closes at 5pm on the last day of the school holidays, January 30, and there’s two age categories: 6-10 and 11-16 year olds.
First prize is a $60 book voucher and a morning/afternoon tea prize at the Isle of Voyage at Elizabeth Quay, and second prize is a $40 book voucher.
For an entry form head to learning.heritageperth.com.au/learning/capturing-change/
Golden duck for Saffioti
THE newly build OPTUS Stadium was built to increase the capacity of fans (60,000) for all events but transport and planning minister Ms Saffioti has stated over the past few days, that for the BBL Match, the capacity for the stadium is going to be capped at 40,000 because of the afternoon rush hour traffic.
Ms Saffioti also stated that 14,300 people would use the bridge when completed, which is a distance of 1.2 km across the Swan River.
How does the minister come up with these figures?
If the train system was upgraded to handle 28,000 passengers a hour before and a hour after an event, then why would peak traffic period effect fans from attending the BBL match or any other events at the stadium?
Also the stadium has very limited parking even for those who have an ACROD sticker, and to park they need to have a valid ticket and a special parking permit to park close to the stadium.
How many ACROD parking bays are there?
Where are all those other fans who have a ACROD permit going to park?
The minister is forgetting that many adults take their young children to matches and how do they expect young 6-10 year old children to walk across the Swan River (1.2 km) or the walk from the train station another long walk on a wet winters day or late at night?
Those coming from over East will not be impressed with our train or foot bridge to and from the stadium.
I’m well aware that this was the work of the previous government but the minister is now responsible for the stadium.
I think both governments haven’t worked out the true logistic and the placement of the new stadium because there is still so many unanswered questions about how fans are going to get to and from the stadium on any given day, night or event!
I can’t see the train service or the foot bridge a solution to getting fans to and from the stadium safety. Steven Cruden Witts Lane, Kwinana Town Centre
No junk, please
I’M not sure why real estate companies believe that their flyers/advertisement is not junk and persist in putting it into letterboxes marked “No Junk Mail”.
Apologies to inform these said real estate companies, but yes it is pure junk mail and besides the fact it is a waste of time, effort and resources for a householder to just put it in the bin.
It is also very annoying for a real estate agent to write on a flyer that it is ‘the highlight of their year, to send Christmas greetings to their potential customers”. Sorry mate, but that is a lie and if it isn’t then you really need to have a good look at yourself.
Maybe City of Vincent could take a stand and ban all junk mail. David Collins North Perth
AN email from theatre company Squid Vicious arrived as I was thinking about my lunch at The Blacksmith cafe.
The Perth/Singapore production company boasts its GodeatGod show, “serves diverse morsels of contemporary performance on a platter”.
Perhaps it’s returning to an avalanche of Fringe Festival press releases after two weeks off, but it seemed an aligning of the gods, as I had just eaten squid at The Blacksmith.
It was the salt and pepper variety ($18): a row of tender, crispy morsels on a bed of pearl cous cous, which was a great accompaniment with cooling mint, dried/fried onion flakes and an assortment of spices.
A stranger at the next table didn’t blink when I asked to photograph his beef burger ($20).
The brioche bun, with chilli jam, egg, bacon and cheese, was topped with a skewer of golden onion rings.
It was “really good”, the man said clearly, more interested in eating than talking.
I finished my meal with a long black iced coffee and lemon tart ($6), a deliciously sharp dessert with a hint of sweetness, which complemented the icy cold coffee.
The Blacksmith is co-owned by brother and sister Angela and Michael Ng, who refitted the former vet practice just over a year ago, adding a huge outdoor area with a sandpit and colourful toys.
It’s been a real hit with mums, Angela says.
“It’s the only one in the area where mums can relax and have a coffee.”
The interior has an industrial grunge theme, with massive beaten copper tables and plenty of heavy metal fittings, and shabby-chic polished concrete floors.
The food is made in-house and Blacksmith source many of their ingredients from WA producers.
But real pride of place is the coffee in their “brew bar”, Angela says, especially their “pour over coffee”, where hot water is manually poured over freshly ground beans in a filter.
It’s popular with coffee enthusiasts, as it lets you to control factors such as taste and strength better than other brewing methods.
The menu is not huge, but along with an all-day breakfast, chicken kaarage ($16) and a very impressive looking salmon benedict ($20), lunch includes chicken salad ($18) and slow braised pork belly ($29).
by JENNY D’ANGER
The Blacksmith 460 Beaufort Street, Highgate 6113 8684 open Tues–Sun 7am–3.30pm
THERE’S a quite a lot of Scott McArdle’s childhood in his latest production, Josephine.
The Perth writer/director says he wrote the play for kids and has firsthand experience of the pain they can face growing up.
When McArdle was 11 his school mate died, a grandparent died, and then his parents divorced.
“Loss was a big part of my life,” he says.
“We all hope kids are not going though these things, but they do.”
Josephine is about the resilience of kids, something adults often fail to appreciate,” the playwright says.
• Murdoch University graduate Rhianna Hall as Josephine. Photos supplied
“Childhood is a trial by fire that some kids come unscathed out of, and some come away with lifelong trauma.
“How they deal with that is a beautiful, sad triumphant process and I don’t think they get enough credit for their strength.”
The play deals with loss and bullying: “It’s important for kids to have these kinds of conversations,” McArdle says.
Nine-year-old Josephine lives in the vents of an apartment building, and residents suspect she is a ghost: “Or maybe a cat that sleep talks,” McArdle says.
She meets fellow nine-year old William, who plays the cello and is bullied: “He has trouble at school and making friends.”
The pair become buddies, but of course in the best tradition things go awry: William goes missing and it’s up to Josephine to make a choice.
• William (Tristan McInnes) in Josephine.
“Is she going to hide in the vents all her life, or have the adventure of a lifetime,” McArdle says.
There’s plenty to engage kids with rollicking adventures involving pirates, ghosts, and haiku.
“To keep kids onside you have to have fun with them…as an adult we forget to have fun,” McArdle says.
Murdoch University graduate Rhianna Hall plays Josephine, Tristan McInnes plays William, the female narrator and Josephine’s Aunt Caroline is played by Jo Morris, and Nick Maclaine is the male narrator.
The music was written by Georgina Cramond and set design by Clare Testoni.
Josephine is on at the kid-friendly time of 6pm, February 6 to 13, at The Blue Room Theatre, as part of Fringe Festival 2018.
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20) The Sun moves out of Capricorn early in the week. This will feel like a rather large weight is lifted from your shoulders. As it moves into Aquarius, you will begin to feel like you suddenly have wider horizons and a greater sense of possibility. Your sense of intensity is slowly lifting.
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20) Venus has moved out of Capricorn and into Aquarius. Others may find this liberating. You feel like you suddenly have no footing. Though this feeling of disorientation is disconcerting, it won’t last for long. You will soon get used to it. You may be more of a gypsy than you thought.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) On the surface things look like they are moving along in leaps and bounds. In reality there are plenty of practical details to be taken care of. The message is not to get ahead of yourself. Take it slowly. Be patient. By going slowly you will end up going a whole lot faster in the long run.
CANCER (June 22 – July 22) The Moon begins the week rising in Pisces; a fellow emotionally focussed water sign. There are still three planets in Capricorn keeping you honest. Focus on sorting out the practical skills required to express your most sensitive and exquisite feelings. Work technique and feeling together.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22) Support is arriving like the light-brigade from unusual and unexpected angles. Relationship matters need a shift and a shift is exactly what they get. Drop the idea that you can predict what is going to unfold, lest you create exactly what you fear. To be open is to be open to being surprised.
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22 The Sun moves into Aquarius this week. You aren’t quite ready to spread your wings and swoop into the open skies. There are ‘i’s’ to be dotted and ‘t’s’ to be crossed. You know better to run in excitement towards dreams and fantasies. Your sensible spirit is not out of place. Go slowly.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23) To be on a high-wire attempting to stay upright, is a classic Libran position. There is tension and exhilaration in the act of maintaining balance. Get too tense you will fall off. Get too relaxed and you will fall off too. Stay incredibly centred and sensible, though may be tempted otherwise.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21) Some of the pressure is easing. Mars has passed Jupiter and is heading towards his exit from your sign. You can lower your hackles. You can lower your sting. You can chill out. As you relax, you discover that you are instantly more competent and accomplished. Ease into your skill-set.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Take all the time you can, to slow down and connect with your extended family. This is one of those times when you can go deep. Defences are down and hearts are willing to open. Mars will be coming your way soon. He will soon change the mood to one of adventure. Seize this moment.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) The Sun moves out of Capricorn this week. For the last month he has been illuminating places that had been a little shadowy and mysterious. Unfathomable matters are beginning to become fathomable. Having a commitment to understanding provokes understanding. It’s that simple.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) The Sun moves into Aquarius. Get your birthday preparations in order. Venus is present, adding to the feeling that you are the special one. There are adventures afoot. You don’t have to work to go out and get them. The appropriate ones are arriving at the appropriate time. Float blissfully.
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20) The Moon begins her week in Pisces. She is rising; slowly turning up the wick on feeling. Don’t get caught in the trap of being intense for the sake of being intense. Explore the richness of the present emotional landscape in a relaxed and effortless manner. Be grounded in self-worth.
I WAS in a bit of a Zen mood when I walked around this delightful Third Avenue home in Mt Lawley.
There were only a few empty berths in the conspicuous wine rack in the living room, and I pondered the joy of a full rack, versus the sense of loss the gaps represented.
I could imagine discussing the cosmic implications during dinner parties, whether seated in the dining area of the open plan, or on the gorgeous alfresco deck.
Situated on a rear strata, this three-bedroom/two-bathroom home is a private retreat and the perfect entry point into the housing market.
With 376sqm, it’s also a great abode for those looking to downsize while still having a garden.
Glossy, caramel brown bamboo floors flow from the entry and formal lounge, with its study nook and bay window, to the rear of the home.
Almost floor-to-ceiling windows and doors ensure the open-plan is light filled.
The cupboards in the kitchen—a generous space with walk-in-pantry—have a slightly darker, golden hue timber-look.
Even Monday’s downpour wouldn’t deter the most zealous alfresco diner, thanks to a peaked roof, expansive timber deck and high fences.
A bank of mature trees and hedging offer further protection, and a pleasant leafy outlook, and there’s even lawn for the kids and grandkids.
At the front of the home is the main bedroom, a generous space with built-in-robes and ensuite.
Large windows look onto the front courtyard, where a small deck is protected by attractive timber and brick high fences.
There’s a great cafe just down the road and the Beaufort Street and Eighth Avenue cafe strips are a short drive away.
While the prestigious Perth College, Mt Lawley Senior High School and Edith Cowan University are in walking distance.
by JENNY D’ANGER
122a Third Avenue, Mt Lawley EOI over $789,000 Natalie Hoye 0405 812 273 Acton Mt Lawley 9272 2488
SLOW cooked” kids is the key to successful parenting and child care, according to a course being held at the Perth Waldorf School in Bibra Lake.
“Allowing the child not to be over sensitised…not rushing out in the car all the time, allow them to be slow,” teacher, educator and story teller Jenny Hill says.
“There are so many fast things around them…You have all the electronic world around, which you can’t change, but you can be more aware.”
Supporting babies as they take their first tentative steps feels like a natural approach, but it can inhibit learning, Ms Hill says.
“People feel compelled to walk babies; but it’s the wrong approach.”
“When we allow our babies to develop in freedom to sit, walk, climb and physically explore they world they will perform all the wonderful transitional postures that have a distinct and valuable developmental purpose.”
The course covers a range of topics including embryology, speech, sleep, nutrition, the environment and observation.
“Sleep is a huge issue for parents, so it’s not producing a magic wand, it recognises the importance of sleep and the rhythm in the day so it can happen more easily
“When you’re rushing around you can’t get the lead in to sleep.”
The course also looks at the “metamorphous” of conception to birth: “The development of the embryo…the spine developing and the unfolding of the whole nervous system, the limbs and organs.”
• Jenny Hill and Rose Hughes. Photo supplied
The nutrition component includes practical things, Ms Hill says.
“We make bread and talk about the nourishment of different foods…And if you’re running a family or child care, it looks at the quality of the food.”
Based on the work of Rudolf Steiner, the course is designed for anyone working with young children in childcare or playgroups as well as parents.
Lecturers include a pediatrician, nurse, teachers and artists.
It runs for 16 Saturdays from February 10 and there is a five-day intensive course in July.
For more information call Jenny Hill on 0432 735 744.
What better way to start the year than with a change to your daily routine that’s sure to improve your mental, physical and spiritual health?
Taoist Tai Chi™ classes offer a method steeped in the tradition of an ancient wisdom and provide a way to develop a body that is strong, yet supple, balanced and energetic; a mind that is calm and clear, yet creative and dynamic, and a spirit that is light and peaceful, yet resilient.
The Taoist Tai Chi Society, an international volunteer-run, charitable organisation was founded almost 50 years ago by a Taoist monk, Master Moy Lin-shin, and teaches this ancient art to more than 40,000 members in 26 countries around the world.
Taoist Tai ChiTM teachers are accredited volunteers with a commitment to ongoing training, led by advanced instructors. This enables you to learn Taoist Tai Chi™ using a tried and tested teaching method, and begin to gain the benefits quickly and effectively. Come along to one of the open houses around the metro area and sample a little of what Taoist Tai Chi™ classes can do for you. You can see demonstrations and join in a free have-a-go session. Everyone is welcome.
“My physical, mental and emotional health have improved immensely. And it’s always incredibly enjoyable”, says Sally, a member who has embraced Taoist Tai Chi™ as part of her daily life. “My only regret is that I didn’t begin learning much sooner”.
Cultivating mind, body and spirit is easier than ever right now. Join any beginner class in February, at any one of the locations around Perth and all your classes in February and March are free! What are you waiting for?
Perth Voice Interactive 