Perth Voice Interactive

Allowances changes mooted

October 28, 2016

A PUSH for Bayswater councillors to get allowances paid in arrears has been postponed until next year.

Cr Catherine Ehrhardt spearheaded the policy review, saying up-front payment wasn’t good for accountability, because councillors could resign before completing their term.

“I will not let money override my ethical principles,” Cr Ehrhardt said at a council meeting on Tuesday night.

“This method of payment is wrong. Name for me one profession, just one, whereby you would receive an entire year of money up front?”

Other councillors agreed in principle, but some thought the timing was wrong because they had accounted for money coming in.

A new motion proposed by Cr Brent Fleeton foreshadowed quarterly payment in arrears being enforced from January 2018.

“I’m very happy that it has been adopted even though it is later than I would have like. I think it’s a fabulous step towards good governance at the City of Bayswater,” Cr Ehrhardt said.

The range of allowances payable to elected members is determined by the salaries and allowances tribunal.

by TRILOKESH CHANMUGAM
Youth, family mash-up

October 28, 2016

THIS year’s Bayswater youth fest is being bundled up with the city’s family fun day.

In a move designed to lift the profile of young people, the council’s Youth Advisory Council has been involved in the planning of the event, which will feature a silent disco, mechanical surfboard,

a gaming zone and inflatable soccer pitch alongside family favourites like farm animals, a bouncy castle and face painting.

YAC member Galvin Phuong says the events are a “bunch of fun” but organising them requires “enthusiasm and commitment”.

• YAC member Galvin Phuong and Bayswater youth services officer Caitlin Ciovica getting ready for the youth/family fest mash.

Mayor Barry McKenna says joining the two festivals was in response to a survey about what youth wanted to see in the city.

“Combining our traditional family fun day and the youth fest means we can deliver a bigger, better and more attractive event for everyone,” Mr McKenna.

The event runs from 12 noon to 4pm at the Bayswater Waves Aquatic Centre tomorrow, Sunday October 30. Entry costs just $2.
In the fine detail

October 28, 2016

WHEN Pavilion Books was looking to extend its worldwide line with a tome about Perth, the history publisher went straight to local historian Richard Offen.

The head of Heritage Perth received the email out of the blue just before last Christmas last year asking for a “then and now” series on Perth, comparing historical photographs with today’s surrounds.

Many of the photos he’d already seen in the state library’s collection, but the detail at full resolution was an eye-opener.

“My editor said to me with both the then-and-now shots, ‘don’t finish the captions until you’ve looked closely at the high resolution versions, because you’ll be surprised at what you see’,” Mr Offen told the Voice.

With the images blown up large he could pick out old advertisements on billboards, a blotch on a CBD street turned out to be a working dog (no one had handbag dogs back then), and it became clear how One Tree Point near the Narrows Bridge earned its name.

• Richard Offen on St Georges Terrace, where a lot has changed since Alfred Stone captured the area in the 1860s.

While some groan that most of Perth’s fine historical buildings have long since been knocked down, Mr Offen says the side-by-side comparisons show there’s still a lot there.

“There’s lots left. When you look at the picture of Barrack Street, you look up the street and you realise a vast majority of those buildings are still there.

“A lot of what’s on [St Georges] Terrace has gone, but there are still odd pockets of heritage like the Palace Hotel, the Cloisters building, the Old Perth Boys School and Newspaper House.”

Like his ridiculously popular history walks (that always book out) and his well-populated Heritage Days, the book’s been more proof of how interested people are with our past.

“Preorders outstripped supply,” he says. It’s already gone to a reprint, a record for Pavilion’s line of books.

Perth: Then and Now is available online at Amazon, at the Heritage Perth website, and a few bookshelves.

by DAVID BELL
Act-commit-copy

October 28, 2016

SCANDINAVIAN countries often lead social policy-making, but Denmark has taken cues from WA by adopting the state’s Act-Belong-Commit campaign.

Based on research by Curtin University, Act-Belong-Commit encourages people to stay mentally healthy by getting involved in physical, social, and spiritual activities.

Acting manager Bruno Faletti says the campaign is spreading around the world because it’s got simple advice which rings true for everyone.

“The campaign messages are quite universal, they’re not something that’s specifically cultural to Australia — that’s why we’ve had some activity in Fiji, activity in Japan, in Norway, and even in Mongolia,” Mr Faletti said.
LETTERS 29.10.16

October 28, 2016

No buses on Eighth, please
DEAR Lord, who has these brain(dead) waves about our public transport?
Please, keep buses out of that one-block strip of Eighth Ave in Maylands, and pretty please, don’t close Meltham station or any of the other sidings that serve us all so well along that stretch of railway line.
We may have to link hands and form human chains across the street and the tracks if the departments who are supposed to be serving us insist on thwarting us!
Do any of ‘em actually live, shop or catch public transport in this area? One wonders.
Cate Jennings
Dundas Rd, Inglewood

Wind-powered
REG HOWARD-SMITH (“Miners are Contributors”, Voice letters, October 15, 2016) is making an untrue claim when he suggests that the City of Vincent will lose money with its new divestment from fossil fuels policy.
The figure he quotes would only have applied if full divestment had been undertaken.
This was not the motion that was passed.
The passed motion preferences the fossil fuel free bank if the rate and risk are roughly equal.
So when investing, if two banks have roughly the same interest rate and similar risk then the fossil fuel-free option is chosen.
The climate has changed: floods, heatwaves and droughts are all increasing.
The ocean is rising, warming and acidifying, which has contributed to the bleaching of 93 per cent of the Great Barrier Reef this year.
Bushfire season has increased by 19 per cent since 1979.
People are suffering. The science tells us that we already have enough carbon in currently producing fossil fuel sources to blow the 2 degree target set in Paris.
We have to transition fast if we are to protect the planet for our children and grandchildren.
I commend the City of Vincent for taking a stance for future generations
Michael Fabiankovits
350.org Perth director

Scare campaign
WHILE I respect the Perth Voice’s openness to publishing opposing opinions, I’m disappointed to see blatant and misleading scaremongering.
If Mr Howard-Smith (“Miners are contributors,” Voice letters, October 15, 2016) had taken the time to read the City of Vincent’s amendment to the investment policy he would know it clearly protects the return of ratepayers by ensuring that “preference is to be given to investments with institutions that have been assessed to have a higher rating of demonstrated social and environmental responsibility, providing that doing so will secure a rate of return that is at least equal to alternatives offered by other institutions”.
As well as this, there is no evidence that preferencing non-fossil fuel investments actually gives a lower return.
The City of Stirling have had 70 per cent of their finances invested in non-fossil fuel banks for more than 10 years because it has given a better return.
They only recently solidified this by enacting official policy.
There’s no doubt that the resources industry has provided employment and opportunity for our state, but now it’s directly threatening not only livelihoods but human lives.
The future of our children and grandchildren should be more important than profitable dividends.
Jessica Topping
Smith Street, Highgate

Puffed up
I AM compelled to take issue with the ALP pre-selected candidate, John Carey, in the upcoming state election receiving prominent, almost weekly, coverage in Perth Voice.
The quality of the stories could be best described as puff pieces to bolster name and party recognition only six months out from the election.
To condemn the coverage further there is little or no mention of the incumbent Liberal member for Perth in the State parliament, Eleni Evangel.
I appreciate that legislated even-handed reporting and coverage comes into effect only when the writs are issued by the governor, but your distribution area covers most of the electoral boundary for the seat of Perth and as such one would expect some semblance of balanced reporting outside of that period.
For the record this correspondent has been well known at an East Perth polling booth supporting Labor candidates for two decades.
T J Maller
Goderich Street, East Perth
The Ed says: We checked over the last six months of coverage, and while Mr Carey’s name popped up more than twice as often as Ms Evangel’s, it was almost exclusively to do with his role as the mayor of Vincent and rarely touched on state issues. He’s the mayor, ratepayers want to know what he’s doing.

Suffering you
Why does everyone else and the environment have to suffer for the benefit of the shareholders.
Why must everything revolve around the shareholding scum. Yes, the mum and dad shareholding scum included. You know who you are.
Brad Capes
Coolbellup
Moliere would approve

October 28, 2016

MOLIERE wouldn’t recognise the language of the Ozified version of his biting comedy on power, hypocrisy and gullibility – but no doubt he’d approve.

In Aussie playwright Justin Fleming’s adaptation of Tartuffe things are “suss”, there’s plenty of “piss taking” and “shut your crack”, and a couple of “you’re giving me the shits”.

In a modern day setting there are references to menopause, pot smoking, and a line about “typical ABC bias”, that had the audience creasing over with laughter.

• Steve Turner, Darren Gilshenan, Alex Williams in Justin Fleming’s adaptation of Tartuffe. Photo supplied

The actors bounce the Moliére/Fleming rhyming couplets off each other at breakneck speed, at times passing the baton mid-rhyme – always in perfect unison.

The fast-paced story follows middle-aged, dithering Orgon (Steve Turner), who has fallen under the spell of duplicitous “man of God” Tartuffe (Darren Gilshenan).

His family and their outspoken maid Dorine hate the intruder, as they can see through his false piety.

Emily Weir is great as the feisty Dorine, who doesn’t hesitate to tell Orgon what she thinks.

“[Tartuffe] arrives with no shoes, his clothes not worth a cracker.

• Emily Weir is the withering maid to dithering father/daughter team Steve Turner and Tessa Lind.

“No sooner in the door than he starts to wag his clacker,” she says with several appropriately rude, sexual gestures.

Gilshenan’s Tartuffe is repellant as he butters-up Orgon, and even more so as he makes a play for his wife Elmire, played with wonderfully smooth sophistication by Alison Van Reeken.

I’m not sure about the wig though, which seemed to have a life of its own, draped like a dead possum about his face and flicked back behind an ear with a smirk.

Despite Dorine’s warnings, Orgon lines up a marriage between Tartuffe and his own daughter Mariane, who’s already engaged herself to Valere (James Sweeny).

Unlike the maid, Mariane is weak and vacillates between resignation at her fate and wanting to kill herself, while her brother Damis (Alex William) is a young tosser.

Neither really warmed the audience, probably saying more about Moliére’s characterisation than the actors’ ability.

Richard Roberts’ set is pure City Beach mansion setting the tone of an affluent family circa 2016 to perfection.

Fleming’s version of the centuries-old play hilariously demonstrates that nothing really changes about human nature.

Tartuffe is Black Swan Theatre director Kate Cherry’s last show before flying east to head up the prestigious acting academy NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art).

It’s on at the State Theatre until November 6.

by JENNY D’ANGER
ASTROLOGY: October 29 – November 5, 2016

October 28, 2016

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Even though you might be feeling the ebb and flow of many an inexplicable emotion, your sense of possibility is undimmed. Make sure it stays that way. Your innate sense of adventure can remain intact, no matter where your nose is pointing. Learning new things keeps our brains happy.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Though relationships remain your central focus, the whole idea of getting back to focussing on your work is getting interesting. ‘Work’ means your real work, not just your everyday occupation; that is unless you are blessed to experience both as the same thing. Surf your feelings.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
Relationship is getting interesting. The inevitable smorgasbord of emotion that intimacy brings with it, holds fascination. Fear is fading away. Anxiety can easily be excitement in disguise. Curiosity is what saved the cat, not killed it. Reverse the meaning of that tired old cliché.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
The Moon is coming to the end of its monthly cycle. It’s time to shed some old skin and get ready to start anew. This time around it is ambition that needs to take a holiday. Ambition without understanding has caused more mischief than anything in this world. Work on understanding.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Add the Scorpio Sun to the fact that you are hitting the limelight and you are vulnerable. Other people’s critiques can cut to the bone. Essentially, they activate our own inner critic, which can be seriously problematic. Identify where you are white-anting yourself and stop doing so ASAP.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Community is important for so many reasons. For a bunch of people to be able to function harmoniously, egos have to be put aside. When communities put the challenge of working at co-operation aside by surrendering to the loudest most strident voice, we have a large problem.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
The Moon is waning. It passes in front of Jupiter as it does so. The message is that though one version of reality has passed its use by date, another more expansive one will come in its stead. The key in this instance, as in most, is to trust in the regenerative capacity of humans and nature.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
The Sun is making itself at home in your sign. This is a moment for considering who you are, how you work and what you are up to in this crazy psychodrama called life on planet earth. Have a good look at your habits and patterns. Some work for you and some don’t. Make a few choices.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Venus and Saturn are doing a fancy dance in your sign. Imagine the most beloved and the most difficult parts of you figuring out that they can have some fun together, and you will be on to what’s happening. This moment suggests resolution. Resolve old disputes that need to be let go of.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Mars has been driving your desire to communicate. On a good day, this has you taking leaps and bounds to get through. On a bad day this can make you a little too pushy for those with sensitive boundaries. The missing piece in communication is silence. Explore it in depth. Be amazed.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Where will doesn’t work, acceptance does. Remember that the lion’s share of communication happens non-verbally. An open heart will make itself heard even when one’s sentences are all over the place. It’s not like you to get tongue-tied. Precious feelings that you are carrying need to be shared.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Don’t be put off by the loud voices of people who are in reaction. They mean well, even though their manner is disconcerting. Keep exploring all your relationships. Figure out where you can go and where you can’t; where there are walls and where there are doors. Be playful in it all.
Green thumbs’ dream

October 28, 2016

PUT simply, this is a dream home.

A huge, immaculate Federation home in a quiet street between the funky Beaufort Street strip and the CBD, set on 1012sqm of gorgeous gardens boasting an A-Z of fruit; it doesn’t get better than this.

The deep, cooling green ivy covering the front fence, and the stone columns flanking the driveway set the scene for this stately five-bedroom home.

Built just after the turn of the previous century, all the Federation-style features are intact, including a mix of exquisite tiled or jarrah fireplaces, ornate ceiling roses and cornices, huge rooms and wide jarrah floorboards.

Down the back of the house, a pretty sympathetic extension has added one of modern architecture’s better offerings; an open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area with big windows to capture the northern light.

Compared to the grandeur of the original house it almost seems snug, but there’s still room for a big, formal three-seat sofa, a couple of armchairs, a big telly, and a table and chairs for six. The galley kitchen features an Ilve stove and plenty of bench space.

Each of the bedrooms is gigantic – one is currently home to a grand piano – and they all come with working fireplaces in case Perth suffers through another prolonged winter.

Even the bathroom is a work of art, with a stunning timber and tile built-in cabinet with rose motifs, brass towel holders, a line of ornate tiling taking the wet area up to waist height, and the classic floor pattern of large brown/red tiles interspersed with small black tiles.

It’s the outside that lifts this property from the beautiful to the sublime.

The owner is a passionate green thumb and the garden is a vibrant and visual delight.

I was immediately drawn to the brilliant orange of the cumquats, as there was a couple dozen jars of marmalade just begging to be picked.

There’s a veritable orchard in various stages of growth; a mulberry tree just hitting its straps, a stripling quince tree, mandarin, orange, fig and apple. A beautiful, mature lime tree wraps itself around the corner of the wide front verandah, making a nice private spot where you could simply lean over and pluck a garnish for a cocktail. The tree is so prolific, its produce is bagged up and put out on the verge for neighbours, who apparently regularly report back on their culinary efforts.

There’s also a chook run and a substantial veggie patch and even an aquaculture set-up that’s up for negotiation if new owners are feeling like doing the whole The Good Life thing.

It’s a stunning property in a great area and deserves a committed owner. Come on Lotto.

by STEVE GRANT

32 Forrest Street, Mt Lawley
Expressions of Interest
Carlos Lehn | 0478 927 017
Paul Owen | 0411 601 420
Acton Mt Lawley | 9272 2488
‘Life’ savings falling short

October 28, 2016

WA SENIORS WEEK November 6 – 13

WATCH out Generation-Xers. If you thought your parents were stashing cash in order to shower you with gifts, think again; a new survey shows seniors are hoarding their savings because they’re worried they won’t last through their retirement.

And they’ve got reason to be worried, as the survey, by National Seniors Australia and Challenger bank, found that less than half or respondents were confident their super would last until retirement.

Jeremy Cooper from Challenger says it’s a wake-up call to many older Australians.

“Unfortunately for many Australian retirees there is a limited availability of suitable tools, help and guidance for them to manage their retirement income,” Mr Cooper said.

Philip Taylor, the NSA’s director of research, says the image of retirees sitting on a pot of gold is mostly a myth.

“Most older people are saving for a rainy day, and in their later years these tend to strike more frequently,” Prof Taylor says.

• Only half the seniors surveyed by National Seniors Australia had enough monoey to last their retirement.

In the Chook’s office alone, one staffer groaned that her 78-year-old dad had recently (and reluctantly) returned to work because his super had run out – and he’d worked all his adult life as a merchant seaman. His dreams of drawing the shot down at his local bowling club have been shattered by a 1.5 hour commute each day to a tedious job painting houses.

Lisa Gavranich, financial planner from Cherry Tree Financial Planning in Fremantle, says the key is to get advice early and start preparing long before retirement.

“People are spending longer in retirement now than previous generations which means they need to be more prepared,” she says.

“They forget to factor in things like car upgrades, house renovations and other expenses that continue to pop up throughout retirement.

“Retirees tend to spend on big ticket items when they first retire such as extensive holidays, new cars and new houses when there is not enough money in the fund to do so,” she said.

It is extremely important to get help early for planning and budgeting through retirement to ensure the fund doesn’t run out sooner rather than later. Some seniors who have not invested in super in their lifetime rely on the sale of a business or home to contribute to their retirement fund and in the current economic climate it could take longer than expected to come into contact with that money.

And the economic outlook for about 300,000 seniors is positively gloomy, with pension cuts introduced by the Turnbull government set to take effect in January next year. It will see 100,000 pensioners with assets over $816,000 completely cut off, while the rest will have to grin and bear losing some feathers from their nest egg. To compound the pain, the government initially told everyone the cut-off would be $823,000, but it was a stuff-up.

by HOLLY COOMEY
Going the Distance

October 28, 2016

WA Seniors Week: November 6 – 13
Your guide to the local businesses close to you, that matter to you.

Apple Denture Centre
Do you cover your mouth when you smile because of missing teeth? Regain your smile and your confidence at Apple Denture Centre.
Dentures make it easier to speak and eat. Without dentures, over time your facial muscles sag, making you look older. Creating and fitting dentures is an art – there can be a big difference between good ones and bad ones.
Apple Denture Centre is owned and operated by husband and wife team Scott and Yiota Freeman. In operation for over 15 years, Scott and Yiota recently relocated to brand new premises in Alfred Cove. All dentures are handmade on the premises in a state-of-the-art dental laboratory, using the highest grade materials.
Apple Denture Centre is the only clinic in WA that manufactures Valplast flexible dentures onsite, considered to be one of the best products on the market. Renowned for their comfortable fit and natural looking appearance, Valplast dentures are unbreakable and less expensive than fixed restorations.
Plus they are metal free, no more chrome dentures! For a friendly no obligation chat, give Apple Denture Centre a call today.
44 North Lake Road, Alfred Cove
Phone: 9329 9992
Email: info@appledenturecentre.com.au
http://www.appledentalcentre.com.au

Australian Mobility Equipment
Australian Mobility Equipment (AME) offers WA’s largest range of quality mobility equipment. There’s a vast choice on offer including manual and powered wheelchairs, scooters, seating and postural products and paediatric equipment for special needs children. AME sells and recommends equipment from some of the world’s most respected manufacturers. AME’s aim is to provide innovative mobility solutions at realistic prices.
Proudly WA owned and managed, AME has supplied mobility equipment to disability and seniors institutions for over 25 years. It is committed to helping people regain their independence and confidence by helping them find the right product for their needs. AME takes pride in providing outstanding customer service and after sales support.
All equipment can be customised to fit individual requirements. And any modifications, general service and repairs can be carried out in the onsite workshop or an AME service technician can make a home visit.
Visit the showroom to browse the full range and take advantage of the obligation-free in home 3 day trial.
40 Resource Way, Malaga
Phone: 9249 8868
Email: info@amemobility.com.au
http://www.amemobility.com.au

Elite Tours
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 http://www.elitetours.net.au
Phone: 9314 2170 or 0417 954 516
Email: kevin@elitetours.net.au

West Coast Cruise & Travel Centre
Let someone else do the cooking this Christmas and join train buff Kevin Pearce on the Australind train to celebrate Christmas in our magnificent Southwest.
Departing Perth on 23rd December 2016, the tour group will travel to Bunbury by train and then on to Manjimup and Pemberton over four days. Accommodation will be provided at a family motel with private facilities and includes a traditional Christmas lunch with entertainment, drinks and all the trimmings!
Sightseeing tours include a trip on the Pemberton Forrest Tram which travels deep into the heart of the towering Karri and Jarrah forests, plus lunch and wine tasting at an award winning local winery.
For further information and bookings contact West Coast Cruise & Travel Centre on 9335 4322.
Phone: 9335 4322
Email: fremantle@cruiseandtravelcentre.com.au
http://www.cruiseandtravelcentre.com.au

Sail Leeuwin II
Tall ship STS Leeuwin II has been part of the Western Australian landscape for the past 30 years. In that time more than 40,000 young people have taken part in the Leeuwin Foundation youth development program.
If you would like to see this magnificent square rigged three-master in action you can book a place at one of their 3 hour short sails. The Leeuwin is just about to start its summer day sailing season: from 6 November 2016 until Easter Sunday 16 April 2017. Experience sailing on a traditional sailing ship and see the volunteer crew hard at work.
During the sail you can join in the sailing activities or you can sit back and take it all in. Leeuwin 3 hour sails are a great experience for people of ages, including grandparents, grandchildren and families.
Phone: 9430 4105
http://www.sailleeuwin.com

Rainbow The Multicultural Aged Care Program
Rainbow Multicultural Aged Care Program is on a mission – a mission to fight the biggest issue facing older people today – loneliness. And according to the happy folk at Rainbow, they are winning! Providing high quality aged care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Rainbow has been caring for the community for over 20 years. Formed by the Polish Women’s Association of WA, a big part of Rainbow’s programs are designed to get older people moving, talking and laughing.
Every person’s birthday is celebrated. Every Christmas Santa visits
and gives away presents.
People of European origin know that music and dancing is the best medicine for vitalising the mind and strengthening the body – which is why there’s an emphasis on singing and dancing every week. There’s also some exciting activities every year, such as balloon fights!
Of course, the wonderful Rainbow team will help you with personal care, jobs around the house and garden, and they will take you shopping and to doctors appointments. At Rainbow, they don’t say NO, they say LETS TALK! Plus they won’t tell you how much you have to pay either – they will negotiate with you. All you need to do is ask!
33 Eighth Avenue, Maylands
Phone 9271 2026