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  • Teenage kicks

    Teenage kicks

    SUSHI entered my culinary consciousness when I was about fifteen and in the throes of teenage angst.

    Everything and everyone seemed mundane and as I searched for creative ways to express my individuality, I found solace at Go Sushi while my friends headed off to gorge on big macs and chicken nuggets.

    I’m still a sushi fiend, but hadn’t connected with  Perth’s “fancy sushi” joints since arriving, until I scored a table at Aisuru Sushi in Northbridge.

    Japanese delights 

    In typical Japanese style, the interior was incredibly clean and modern, albeit a little cramped.

    We were given the choice of a table beside the window — a great spot for people-watching — or by the central kitchen, where you can enjoy watching your sushi being artfully prepared.

    The menu was incredibly long and detailed with a wonderful selection of Japanese delights.

    Along with the usual types of entrees, meats and sushi, I was impressed with the inclusion of different vegetarian and vegan options, as North Asian cuisine does not always look kindly upon our herbivore friends.

    As always, it took me an inordinate amount of time to order, but eventually I plumped for the teriyaki tofu ($8.50) and seared salmon nigiri ($9).

    The tofu was silky on the inside, and delicately spiced and slightly crunchy on the outside, while the salmon was cooked to rare perfection and retained a moist texture.

    My less adventurous friend ordered chicken teriyaki ($10) and steamed rice ($2.50), and despite my reservations I found it enjoyable.

    For mains I went for the Philli Roll ($10.50) — cream cheese and cucumber sushi topped with seared salmon and red onions—and the Plum Flower Roll ($9.50): chicken teriyaki and avocado sushi topped with tamago egg.

    Both were stunningly presented and each element engaged beautifully, creating a delicious meal.

    I was uncertain about fusing cream cheese and sushi but it perfectly complemented the seared salmon.

    Enlightened

    My friend didn’t seem too enlightened by the sushi options and decided to chow down on some yakitori skewers ($16.50), basically Japanese chicken kebabs.

    He seemed enamoured with his decision, but I am still overcoming the trauma of knowing someone who doesn’t want to order sushi at a sushi restaurant.

    Despite this I had a wonderful evening at Aisuru Sushi and would be delighted to dine there again — minus one picky friend!

    by JASMINE KAZLAUSKAS 

    Aisuru Sushi
    208 William Street
    Northbridge
    http://www.aisurusushi.com.au
    9328 8578

  • Percussive feast

    Percussive feast

    NEVER Tilt Your Chair Back on Two Legs is a sonic double bill of percussion, exploring the role of women throughout history.

    Mum’s dinner table etiquette on chair tilting and elbow leaning probably didn’t include the musicality of knives and forks.

    “Antique silverware really does sound like bells,” percussionist Louise Devenish tells the Voice.

    The Bayswater local has performed with the WA Symphony Orchestra and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and her music has taken her around the world, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, China and  South Korea.

    • Leah Scholes gets all John Bonham with her mum’s cutlery. Photos
    suppliedAn advocate of Australian music she has commissioned more than 40 percussion works and recently completed a music doctorate at UWA, where she is head of percussion.

    She’ll will be joined by fellow percussionist Leah Scholes and Vanessa Tomlinson on stage for Never Tilt Your Chair, while Australian composer Kate Neal is on tour with them.

    Top of the bill is a feminist take on composer Mauricio Kagel’s composition Dressur.

    Kagel revolutionised musical performance in the 70s, introducing an absurdist element to his works. He composed a ballet for non-dancers and asked musicians to adopt certain facial expressions  or gestures while playing.

    “It is quite important in contemporary music history and the history of instrumental theatre,” Devenish says.

    Dressur was written specifically for male voices and body, and while it’s been popular in Europe the trio’s performance, which marks the 40th anniversary of its composition, will be the Australian premiere.

    • Scholes with a more traditional percussion instrument.

    Tomlinson, Scholes and Devenish’s feminist revision will: “Becoming a significant contribution to the performance history of the work,” claims the latter.

    Neal, who hails from Victoria, took out the 2016 Art Music Award.

    Her compositions are also known for incorporating theatrical elements such as physical gesture, design and choreography, and her new work focuses on the percussive tone of everyday objects.

    It features new hybrid instruments, including a mechanical chandelier, and chronicles two centuries of women’s domesticity and social customs.

    Never Tilt Your Chair Back on Two Legs, co-produced by Tura New Music, is at PICA, James Street, Northbridge from April 10–11.

    Tickets at http://www.pica.org.au or by telephoning 9228 6300.

    by JENNY D’ANGER

  • ASTROLOGY March 25 – April 1, 2017

    ASTROLOGY March 25 – April 1, 2017

    ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
    It’s party time for all our lovely excitable Rams. If you manage to keep your celebratory activity relatively grounded, then you will discover all sorts of secrets to take both work and health deeper. Mars is in the midst of Taurus, giving you traction, sensuality – and follow-through to burn.

    TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
    Venus is in Aries, delighting you with a burst of initiative. Mars is in Taurus, adding to the possibility that you will adventure rather than take the conservative path. To be adventurous will put wind in your sails. By doing new things, you will refresh your whole earthy organism.

    GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
    With the Sun and Mercury in Aries, you are not likely to be holding your tongue. You may say more than you thought you would, and you may well tread on a toe or two – but nobody will be wondering where you stand. Be sure to turn each and every debacle into a transformational experience.

    CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
    The Sun is in Aries, which means this is not an easy time for Cancerians. You are more likely to be manifesting the hardness of your shell and your skills of evasion, than showing your softness. On the surface this is wise. Choose who to trust. Communicate your needs to them, plainly.

    LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
    As four planets make their way through Aries, so life feels like a fine and fabulous place to be. When people are sparking off people and there’s aliveness and energy in the air, you feel at home. Blandness is not on the agenda at all. Saturday’s Aquarian Moon will make you feel expansive.

    VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22
    The Aries Sun is working well for you. There is friction and rambunctiousness in the air, but it is stoking your creative fires rather than bowling you over. This is a very good thing. You can get stuck in grooves that leave you feeling frustrated. Your cobwebs are being blown away.

    LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
    This is a tricky time for Librans. Though you have generous, and superficially jovial Jupiter in your midst, you are being opposed by a powerful posse of planets in Aries. The solution is to embrace the people you find oppositional and discover your wholeness. Find your own strident voice.

    SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
    Caste off those pathways, ideas and dubious imaginings that aren’t serving you. This is cleanout time. To bring a fresh beginning in your life, there is no avoiding a few goodbyes. You know what’s working for you and what’s not. Prune your garden so the new shoots can blossom and grow.

    SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
    To make full use of the powerful energies coming from Aries, you are going to have to look at those ideas and beliefs you carry, that are in some way holding you back. Chances are they are ideas that you inherited in the distant past, from someone who worried about you. Review them.

    CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
    If you’ve ever seen a picture of a wild mountain goat standing on a miniscule ledge, on a sheer cliff face, you’ll know that a sense of adventure is part of the Capricornian genetic database. It’s this kind of exploratory drive that will come in handy now. It will help you surmount obstacles.

    AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
    The waning Moon is in Aquarius at the start of the week. As she slips into a state of restfulness and renewal, then so too will you. This is just as well, because all the planetary energy emanating from impulsive Aries is anything but restful. Work your magic to keep your community harmonious.

    PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
    Somehow you are evading the heavy planetary traffic that is around at the moment. There’s no need to wonder why. Your intuitive responses just happen, naturally and spontaneously. Focus on the simple things in life; food, shelter, good company – and you will find yourself dancing.

  • Dianella delight

    Dianella delight

    AN impressive array of power tools is a clue that the rear extension of this Grand Promenade home isn’t being used as a family room, or second sitting area.

    Mind you, it’s spick and span enough to be either.

    The tools are not included with this two-bedroom cottage, which is a shame, as I’d be using them to cut a hole in the wall of this man cave to provide easier access to a covered patio, currently accessed via the sparkling white laundry.

    A family room isn’t really required as there is a spacious lounge, where timber-framed double doors and windows onto the front verandah reflect the home’s 1960s vintage.

    The entry and lounge’s richly polished jarrah floors flow into a dining alcove that links the lounge and kitchen.

    Recently renovated, the kitchen is a generous space that would satisfy the fussiest of cooks, with an expanse of dark, grey benchtops; a plethora of white, soft-close drawers and cupboards; and a double pantry.

    Each of the bedrooms have built-in-robes, and share the renovated bathroom, which has a deep tub, separate shower, and crisp white walls.

    Sitting on 690sqm this is a great home for a young family, with a swathe of grass to play under the shade of a massive jacaranda tree.

    There’s even a double shed to store everything when the indoor man cave is no more.

    Metres from the Bedford border, this home is a few minutes drive from the Beaufort Street cafe strip and Morley Galleria.

    Zoned R30, there’s potential to keep the existing cottage and build on the rear — subject to council approval — or demolish and build two new dwellings.

    267 Grand Promenade, Dianella
    $499–$539,000
    Wayne Heldt
    0433 118 353
    Acton Mt Lawley
    9272 2488

  • Training push for seniors

    Training push for seniors

    NATIONAL Seniors Australia wants the new WA Labor government to make it easier for older people to find jobs and pay gas bills.

    NSA chief advocate Ian Henschke says 26 per cent of the state’s workforce is aged 50 or over and more help is needed to keep their skills up-to-date.

    “National Seniors would like to see the government commit to a trial of a dedicated program for people aged 50 and over to help them learn more skills,” he says.

    “Employers often hire younger people in preference to older, more experienced workers who are seen as averse to learning new skills and technology.

    “But that is a stereotype and workers aged 50 and over make up more than a quarter of the state’s workforce.”

    “Setting up a seniors’ advisory committee, reporting to the minister for seniors, would also ensure that the needs of older people would be catered to in a stand-alone portfolio.”

    • Digital Hub lesson at Melville council provides seniors with small group, or one-on-one training, in using smartphones, computers, learn about cyber safety. Photos supplied

    Struggling

    With utility charges rising, many retirees are struggling to make ends meet, but Mr Henschke says the current energy assistance payment only applies to electricity: “It would help vulnerable older people pay their energy bills if the EAP was extended to gas as well as electricity accounts.”

    The not-for-profit lobby group also wants the WA government to help seniors maintain social connections, to combat depression and social isolation.

    “That is where the government should lead the way with initiatives that encourage positive attitudes towards ageing and behavioural changes to tackle the incidence of elder abuse,” he says.

    • New minister for seniors and ageing Mick Murray.

    Newly-appointed seniors and ageing minister Mick Murray is still coming to grips with his portfolio, but told the Voice he is looking at fast-tracking aged care facilities and Medihotels.

    “There are now more pensioners in this state than under 16-year-olds and the number of people aged over 85 is set to double in the next 20 years,” Mr Murray says.

    “Currently one in seven Western Australians is aged over 65. By 2060, this will increase to one in four people, leading to increased health service demand.

    “The McGowan Government will fast track the establishment of much-needed additional aged care facilities. There are currently 3500 Commonwealth aged care bed licences not being utilised in Western Australia.”

    “The McGowan government will develop Australia’s first Medihotels,” he says.

    “This approach will improve the treatment experience for many seniors by allowing them to leave hospital faster by moving into a Medihotel before returning home.

    “Medihotels will also help our seniors waiting for elective surgery by freeing up more hospital beds, reducing pressure on the health system and allowing health professionals to allocate more time to individual patients.

    “It is early days, but I am looking forward to gaining a greater understanding of the issues facing our seniors and looking at where the state government can assist.”

  • SENIORS FEATURE

    SENIORS FEATURE

    A real sense of community Platinum Community
    Balcatta is fast becoming a destination of choice for over 55’s. More than a third of the 10,000 residents of the suburb are over 55 (2011 Census) and are already enjoy living in this northern suburb. The area is only 10 kilometres from Perth City centre and just minutes from the Innaloo shopping centre where there are discount food markets, access to Centrelink and medical facilities and a cinema complex.
    There are two local shopping centres, Northlands Plaza and Amelia Heights for daily shopping trips and close by is a number of large parklands great for morning walks with neighbours or the dog. You can also welcome family and visitors to your new home easily with plenty of free visitor and street parking. Speak to the Village Solutions team about how Balcatta has all the amenities and services needed for a comfortable retirement.
    “My cat Lulu and I moved into Platinum Community Balcatta, 7 years ago and I didn’t realise how great the area was until moving in. I often take advantage of the nearby bus routes that take me straight into the City or to Fremantle and even the beach. I also really like the convenience of having Northlands Plaza in walking distance and large shopping centres like Karrinyup and Innaloo nearby. Other residents and I often have self-organised catch ups and outings such as going to the movies nearby and our Anzac Day BBQ gets a great turn out. It’s the kind of community where you have a chat with your neighbours and keep an eye out for each other, everyone here is really friendly. Platinum Community has a different feel to most retirement villages because of its urban location and active residents.”
    Mary Bond, Resident
    Village Solutions
    8/36 Ord Street West Perth
    Phone 9355 3400
    sigrid@villagesolutions.com.au
    http://www.villagesolutions.com.au

    Dentures Service Provided with Care
    Restore your smile with AC Dentures Home Care Service. Owned and operated by Amanda Cresswell, a dental prosthetist with over 27 years experience in the industry. Amanda provides a caring, friendly service and natural looking dentures at an affordable price.
    Whether you require full or partial dentures, relines or repairs, Amanda can help. Only the highest quality materials are used for maximum comfort and durability.
    Amanda takes pride in providing personalised care for each client, making and fitting every pair of dentures herself. And if you find it difficult to get out and about, Amanda can visit you at your home, retirement village, or aged care centre and is experienced working with clients who have dementia. Rebates are available for all health funds and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    For caring and reliable service, call Amanda Cresswell at AC Dentures Home Care Service today.
    AC Dentures Home Care Service
    Phone 0407 610 219 or 9337 4002 
    acdentures@outlook.com

    Inner-city living for over 55s
    Leederville Gardens
    Leederville is one of Perth’s smallest but most vibrant suburbs located in the bustling City of Vincent precinct just 2km north of the City. Being only one square kilometre, the suburb has countless opportunities for you to get out of the house and be part of the atmosphere at any time.
    Start your day with a walk around Lake Monger, lunch at any of the nearby cafés or coffee hotspots or catch an evening film at the outdoor cinema all within walking distance. The nearby Leederville town centre has everything else you need including a post office, hair salons and banks. Retirement is better in Leederville.
    “In 1993 I needed to move from a large house and a villa in Leederville Gardens Retirement Estate looked perfect, a small village, ideal location close to shopping and recreational facilities and minutes from the CBD by car, bus or train. I arrived when the village was new and people were moving in, it was apparent that the social life was going to be busy and each year it seems to be getting better. The lively social committee are always looking for ways to include everybody.
    Units here are on completely flat ground, there are no steps or walking hazards. We can choose to do as much gardening as we want or none at all, I have gardens in the back yard and out the front door, including a macadamia tree, which I love. Shopping has always been easy with the Mezz on Scarborough Beach Road and the IGA in Leederville nearby. The Re-Store was walking distance in the early years, now I drive but still love it! How do I feel about living here? It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, perfect location, the right size, easy shopping and I’m able to do what I want to do with every aspect of my life.”
    Verna Kingsbury, Resident
    Village Solutions
    8/36 Ord Street West Perth
    Phone 9355 3400
    sigrid@villagesolutions.com.au
    http://www.villagesolutions.com.au

  • SENIORS FEATURE II

    SENIORS FEATURE II

    Your guide to choosing a home care provider
    With so much information out there, it can be daunting when looking for the right home care provider for you or your loved one, says Southern Plus General Manager, Service Delivery Jane O’Halloran.
    “Be clear about your expectations and when you’re making any enquiries, don’t be afraid to tell the aged care provider exactly what you want,” she said.
    Ms O’Halloran said other things to consider include working with the provider to maximise your budget and get value for money, having a good connection with your case manager regarding your health and wellness goals and ensuring the organisation provides a full range of flexible services in the home and within the community.
    “When I speak to clients, one of the main things they tell me is that they want and need flexibility with their home care services. You don’t want to be locked into contracts whereby you’re paying for services that you don’t want or need.”
    Ensuring providers offer allied health care such as physiotherapy, podiatry or occupational therapy can ensure clients are able to stay at home for as long as possible.
    “Staying at home as you age means you should look for a provider that offers a broad range of services to support your health and wellness goals so you can stay independent and do the things you want and enjoy.”
    For more information, please visit the website.
    Southern Plus
    Phone 1300 000 161
    http://www.southernplus.org.au

    Kitchen storage solutions
    Do you need more storage space in your kitchen? Is it hard to see what’s in your pantry? Do you have trouble reaching to the back of your cupboards? Improve your kitchen with Easy Access Kitchens, a local company specialising in pull out drawers for your pantry, drawers and cabinets. Adding pull out drawers is an affordable way to maximise the space in your kitchen without the need for an expensive renovation.
    Easy Access Kitchens only uses Blum under bench drawers for their superior quality and durability. And with each drawer being able to hold up to 65kg in weight when pulled all the way out, you will be able to access all those heavy pots and pans with ease.
    Visit the website for more information or call Brett Gaffin today for a free quote on 0416 067 493.
    Easy Access Kitchens
    Phone 0416 067 493
    http://www.easyaccesskitchens.com.au

    Travel and make new friends
    Do you love to travel? Want to meet new people? Then Elite Tours might be just the thing for you. Elite offers a great range of day trips and extended tours throughout WA.
    Elite’s tours are designed for individuals and groups and provide a way for travellers to meet new people without the formality of belonging to a club, group or retirement village.
    Elite has has four convenient pick-up locations – Hilton, Melville, Como and East Perth, with tours including: transport, homemade cake for morning tea, 2-course lunch, (3-courses on some tours), tea, coffee and entrance fees if applicable.
    As a family owned business with over 20 years experience, Elite prides itself on providing personalised customer service to make your trip one to remember. So come and join Kevin and Sue Oliffe and the Elite Tours team on a great day out. Membership is free.
    For further information, please call 9314 2170 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or visit www.elitetours.net.au
    Elite Tours
    Phone 9314 2170 or 0417 954 516
    kevin@elitetours.net.au
    http://www.elitetours.net.au

    Say Cheese!
    Ha Ve Harvey Cheese is family owned and operated, specialising in making cheese to time-honoured methods using only the freshest, creamiest milk. Harvey Cheese is delicious due to its clean, fresh creamy flavour, soft, moist texture and low salt content.
    “What sets our gourmet cheese apart from others is the love and care with which we handcraft every batch of cheese…and it’s this approach that has seen Harvey Cheese become the best in the region. Drop in and taste for yourself…you won’t be disappointed!” says owner Penny St. Duke.
    The factory retail outlet is located in Wokalup, a 5 minute drive south of the picturesque town of Harvey. Open 7 days a week from 9.30am to 5pm, you can view and taste the cheeses and browse through the shop. Get out of the city and spend a day in the glorious southwest countryside. And don’t forget to call into Harvey Cheese for some tasty treats!
    Ha Ve Harvey Cheese
    11442 South Western Highway, Wokalup
    Phone 9729 3949
    Mobile 0409 105 493
    http://www.harveycheese.com

  • SENIORS FEATURE III

    SENIORS FEATURE III

    Live the Good Life
    Make your older years the best ones of your life by making the move to Ocean Gardens Village – Perth’s most prestigious retirement address. Situated on one of City Beach’s highest hilltops, Ocean Gardens Village boasts stunning panoramic vistas of magnificent Indian Ocean sunsets to the west and views of the Perth CBD and Darling Range to the east.
    Ocean Gardens offers a stress free environment, with resort-style facilities including a restaurant, coffee lounge and terrace, all overlooking the ocean, and a large modern, heated swimming pool, a gym and community centre, croquet and bowling greens, a library, games room, computer room, men’s shed, hairdresser and beautician.
    The design and quality of the villas and apartments are of the highest standard, All are superbly refurbished with ample built-in cupboard space, excellent finishes and luxury appointments. Most impressive are the high quality kitchen appliances, stone bench tops and the stylish bathroom fixtures and fittings. There is no stamp duty payable on unit purchases and the village operating costs are not subject to GST.
    For residents who may require an extra measure of care, the village has an onsite care services team which is on call via a 24/7 emergency call-response system. There is also a full time wellness coordinator who runs group sessions or can undertake individual assessments and prepare personalised programs.
    You might think this sort of lifestyle comes with a hefty price tag, but Ocean Gardens Village is a surprisingly affordable option, with apartments starting from $450,000 and Villas from $695,000. For more information, please call Geraldine O’Shaughnessy on
    9285 3021.
    Ocean Gardens Village
    Phone 9285 3021
    60 Kalinda Drive, City Beach
    http://www.oceangardens.com.au

    Vibrant Aged Care Living
    Leading residential aged care provider Rosewood will open its new $36 million home in Leederville, this August. The completely redeveloped centre was built in response to the growing demand for quality aged care places and represents Rosewood’s ongoing commitment to the care of WA’s senior citizens.
    Rosewood is set in the heart of residential Leederville and offers 120 single rooms for residents, each with its own television, Foxtel, data connections and NBN broadband. The home-like environment has 24-hour care and a self service café for residents and their families, as well as a wellness centre with a podiatry and dental room, physiotherapy area and a medical room for doctors and visiting specialists.
    Rosewood also welcomes families and has provided an overnight room if relatives live out of town or need to be close to their loved one. A sophisticated security system supports easy access for relatives while ensuring security for residents.
    Rosewood has provided aged care in the City of Vincent since 1953, pioneering services for the elderly, including as an infirmary and founding Meals on Wheels.
    For more information and to register your interest,
    please contact the Resident Liaison Manager Naomi Scott at Email: leederville@rosewood.org.au or telephone
    1300 971 771.
    Rosewood Leederville
    5 Brittania Road Leederville 
    http://www.rosewoodcare.org,au

    What is Grow?
    Grow holds weekly meetings of small groups for people who have experienced depression, anxiety and other mental or emotional distress, who come together to help each other deal with the challenges of life. It can be extraordinarily liberating and affirming to share problems with others who are encouraging and accepting, and facing similar issues!
    Developing understanding, acceptance, confidence, control and love is at the heart of the Grow program. Meetings are supportive, non-threatening, positive and constructive and you don’t require a doctor’s referral to attend. Members are known in their group on a first name basis only and make a commitment to confidentiality. No fees are charged, however a small donation to meet necessary expenses is usual, though strictly voluntary.
    Grow meetings are run by the members themselves, according to a well-structured format. During the meeting, members can share their problems, learn how to re-build their lives and report on their own progress.
    Find out more at grow.org.au/wa
    Grow 
    Phone 9228 1411
    wa@grow.org.au
    grow.org.au/wa

  • Labor land

    Labor land

    LABOR has reclaimed its traditional stronghold of Perth with John Carey emphatically winning the seat at last weekend’s state election.

    It was one of the first results to be called on Saturday night and Mr Carey ended up nabbing a 14.6 per cent swing after preferences for a total of 61.8 per cent, wresting the seat from Liberal Eleni Evangel after her first term.

    “It was really pleasing to get the primary vote from 36 up to 47 per cent,” he said, “and I was just overwhelmed by the number of messages from local residents in the leadup to the election saying ‘I’ve never voted Labor in my life, but based on your record as mayor…we’re voting for you’.”

    • Labor wrested power from the Liberals in Voiceland during last weekend’s state election. John Carey took Perth with more than 60 per cent of the vote after preferences, Simon Millman landed Mt Lawley and David Michael snatched Balcatta. Labor’s Lisa Baker also has a stranglehold on Maylands after the Liberal vote collapsed. Mr Carey says rejuvenating East Perth is one of his first priorities.

    He says his political priorities will be championing small business —having become well acquainted with the bureaucratic hurdles they have to go through — and reversing planning changes that have led to increased housing density in his patch.

    Mr Carey differs from official Labor party policy in that he wants the Development Assessment Panels gone.

    He singled out the quiet end of East Perth as an area in desperate need of revitalisation.

    He said the CBD got a lot of investment in the form of projects like Elizabeth Quay and the City Link, but in East Perth (which boasts some of our swankiest hotels like the Hyatt) tourists step out of the door and find a dead part of town with closed shops and tumbleweeds.

    Having experienced what he calls “a smear campaign”, he says “I genuinely want to raise the standard in politics…the first decision I made was to run a 100 per cent positive campaign.”

    “There were no negative flyers or advertising, nothing against my opponent, because I wanted to win based on my ideas and my vision for Perth and not based on negativity.”

    Mr Carey had several public public disagreements with Perth lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi over issues like council amalgamation and Perth council’s level of transparency. Despite that, he says he’ll happily work with her.

    by DAVID BELL

  • Media leak sparks bizarre loyalty test

    Media leak sparks bizarre loyalty test

    A BIZARRE scene played out just before the Perth council meeting this week when councillors were asked to sign a statutory declaration promising they hadn’t spoken to a journalist about CEO Martin Mileham’s contract.

    Mr Mileham’s probation period is coming to an end and there’s internal disagreement over the council’s decision not to get an independent audit of his performance before committing to the remainder of his five-year contract; it’s a decision that’s worth about $2 million a year once wages and perks are taken into consideration.

    Interview

    Instead the decision was made by the three-member CEO Performance Review Committee of councillor Janet Davidson (chair), lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi and her deputy James Limnios.

    The meeting was held behind closed doors and the minutes are unclear as to what happened, but it was adjourned overnight because Cr Limnios hadn’t been able to interview Mr Mileham beforehand.

    When the meeting reconvened, he voted against signing off on the CEO’s probation, while Ms Scaffidi and Cr Davidson were ready to commit to him for the next 4.5 years.

    News about the lack of an independent audit was apparently leaked to journalist Angela Pownall from the West Australian, who fired through a question asking whether proper process was being followed.

    But this irked Scaffidi ally Judy McEvoy, who handed out stat decs to her colleagues in the committee room just before they headed into the council meeting.

    The prepared forms read: “I did not (personally) background or make contact or direct anyone to contact Angela Pownall or any other journalist at The West Australian regarding the City of Perth’s CEO’s probation or the CEO’s performance review committee matters”.

    Councillors Limnios and Jemma Green refused to sign.

    Embarrassing

    “I have never seen anything like it before,” Cr Limnios said. “It’s embarrassing. It’s scare tactics and nothing more than that.”

    After a confidential discussion the majority of councillors gave the CEO a satisfactory mark on his review period, with councillors Green, Limnios and Reece Harley dissenting.

    The Voice understands that was over concerns about the process rather than disapproval of the CEO.

    by DAVID BELL