Perth Voice Interactive

Main St parking delay

May 5, 2016

STIRLING city council has put off a decision to install on-street parking along Main Street.

The initiative would have cost $35,000 and resulted in $123,500 of street trees being removed.

A council report presented to the community and resources committee found that even with the parking, it wouldn’t have benefited business along the street and would have looked a bit tacky.

It suggested investigating other parking areas on side roads off Main Street.

Cr David Michael moved for the item to be deferred so the council could see what impact turning the stretch into a 40kph zone would have.

by BRIANA SHACKELFORD
Spreading the love

May 5, 2016

BEAUFORT STREET’S southern regions have always found funding love, from Vincent and Stirling councils pouring in cash to the old festival to the WA government splashing out big for road upgrades.

The stretch in the northern ends near Inglewood has sometimes felt like the second favourite child, but retiring federal Perth MP Alannah MacTiernan wants to spread the love north with the “Beautifying Beaufort” project, securing $20,000 of federal funding for Inglewood on a Beaufort community group that’s handing the plan.

• Inglewood on Beaufort president Vincenzo Garreffa, Perth federal MP Alannah MacTiernan and her potential replacement Tim Hammond at the murals on Mr Garreffa’s shop.

She says when “Ben Kent from from Inglewood on Beaufort contacted us, we were keen to help.

“We had seen the extraordinary success Ben, Vince Garreffa [from Mondos] and all the crew have made of the Monday night street markets, and we want to see this work continue.”

The cash comes from the Stronger Communities program which gives federal MPs $150,000 a year to allocate to community projects, and covers about half of the $38,000 needed for new murals, bike racks, street furniture and tree lighting.

by DAVID BELL
PCC keeps rates rise to inflation

May 5, 2016

PERTH city council is boasting that its residential rates will rise by a mere 1.6 per cent, keeping them in line with CPI.

Trouble among the brass (CCC investigations into the lord mayor, former CEO Gary Stevenson taking an unexpected early exit, half the council falling afoul of travel contribution reporting rules) haven’t affected the bottom line for the ratepayer on the street, who’s paying a rate that “compares favourably with all neighbouring councils” according to PCC staff.

The office sector is the largest contributor to rates but still cost more to service than the city gets back, since they pay such a low base rate.

But the PCC might not be able to eke even that much out of them in future years: the resource fizz means the CBD vacancy rate was close to 20 per cent as of the end of January this year, a 21-year high. So next time the places are valued for how much they can be rented out for (the way rates are devised) they’ll be valued much lower, creating a headache down the road.

The preliminary rates will go out to advertising and then councillors will have the final call come budget time.

by DAVID BELL
LETTERS 7.5.16

May 5, 2016

Friendly fire?
I REFER to “Hammond calls in big guns” (Voice, April 30, 2016).
As a result of my inability to obtain any traction in having improvements made to the intersection since my election in 2008, a meeting was, at my request, arranged at parliament house on September 28, 2011 by the then WA transport minister.
Representatives from the minister’s office, PTA, Main Roads and the cities of Vincent and Stirling attended. A working group was established with representatives of both Stirling and Vincent on it to consider what could be done to improve the intersection.
After professional monitoring of vehicle and pedestrian movement in early 2012 and after extensive research, investigation and discussion by the working group, a number of recommendations were made:
• that right turns be banned permanently and at all times on both Walcott and Beaufort Streets;
• that the all walk pedestrian phase be removed and that parallel pedestrian walk phases be introduced. (This could only occur if right hand turns were banned)
• that the 40km variable speed zone be extended up Beaufort street to the post office
• that the cities monitor the traffic volume and travel speeds along adjacent roads before and after six months to determine the effect of the changes.
In May 2012, Stirling council accepted the recommendations of the working group.
Vincent council — under the leadership of the-then mayor Alannah MacTiernan, in July 2012, refused to support the trial.
The only thing achieved from the recommendations has been the lowering by Stirling of the speed limit to 40kph on the Stirling side of Beaufort Street.
At the request of constituents I again, in December 2015, reopened discussions with officials from Stirling these have been ongoing.
Stirling remains agreeable to the trial of the recommendations which it believes are the only workable solutions. As regards Vincent, I have been informed this month the recommendations must be referred to Vincent’s Road Safety Advisory Group, which I believe has not met since the October 2015 council election, for reconsideration.
Until Vincent agrees to trial the solutions suggested by the working group the problems will remain.
The invisible “Berlin Wall” is alive and well and sitting in the middle of Beaufort Street.
Who is Mr Hammond going to train his big guns on?
Michael Sutherland MLA
Member for Mt Lawley

That’s a negative
“THE Unknown 100” (Voice, April 23, 2016) tells the fascinating story of the 600 or so portraits of First World War soldiers taken at the Dease Studio at 117 Barrack Street.
Your article incorrectly states the portraits form part of the Museum of Perth’s Collection. These treasured glass-plate negatives are part of the State Library of Western Australia’s collection. Visitors to our exhibition can view high-resolution copies of the photographs in the building in which they were originally taken, alongside the original camera which is on loan from the Western Australian Museum.
Reece Harley
Founding Chair
Museum of Perth

Wrong priorities for Perth
YOUR article (“We’ve come a long way…” Voice, April 16, 2016) reveals that treatment of poverty and want appears less humane in 2016 than in 1977.
Rangers may be better employed in putting on a sausage sizzle for those living rough than taking away their shelter, especially now the nights are chilly.
What an eye opener that the council in 1977 provided bins and port slops and was prepared to turn a blind eye until alternative accommodation could be found for those souls. Especially in light of all the money that’s been thrown at Elizabeth Quay just around the corner. Think how much affordable housing could have been built!
Catherine Jennings
Inglewood

WE love letters! Please send yours (about 200 words) to Voice Mail. Our various addresses are printed in the paper.
Like grandma made

May 5, 2016

IF only my lotto prayers were answered with the alacrity of my gnocchi plea. With a whispered “please, please let it be good” I sampled the pan-fried morsel and sang a little hallelujah.

The potato-based dough, used in Italian dishes instead of pasta, can be hit and miss and a recent one elsewhere had the texture and taste of rubber.

But these ($19) were soft, light and fluffy as a cloud, with a pleasant pan-fried bite.

I’d asked for mushroom instead of the poached egg on the menu and it arrived sitting on a bed of pumpkin mash, liberally sprinkled with toasted almond flakes and sunflower seeds.

“Good choice,” the women at the next table said as I tucked in.

She’d had the same, with the egg, and looked right at home on the side verandah, working on her laptop. It’s that sort of vibe.

At another table a stuffed capsicum ($14) was devoured with relish, as was the bad boy benedict ($19), corned beef with whole grain mustard, hollandaise, fresh spinach and a couple of poached eggs.

“It’s great,” was the response to my inquiry. The pickled bovine was tender, and the eggs perfectly cooked, he added.

The cafe is set in an old house on Beaufort Street and is named for the owner’s grandparents: “This cute little building reminded me of them,” the young owner tells the Voice.

A funky, hot pink cappuccino machine is a retro touch in an eatery full of nanna touches, including a flock of flying china ducks, and a huge photo of Betty and Dave on their wedding day over a fireplace, the mantle covered in silverware that could have been wedding presents.

The display cabinet had a tempting array of house-made goodies, including huge, crisp-looking sausage rolls and “posh pies” ($13), the filling depending on the whim of the chef on the day.

A woman eating alone can evoke pitying looks, but Betty and Dave’s isn’t that sort of place, so I kicked back and ordered a long black in a mug ($4) and a sticky date cake ($6).

Perfectly heated, the cake was full of date pieces and topped by a whole date and drizzled with caramel sauce.

I had no idea warm dates could taste so good and the cake was so moist it didn’t need the addition of cream.

The coffee was pretty good too, and I left this great addition to the Inglewood strip with an “amen” on my lips.

by JENNY D’ANGER

Betty and Dave’s Espresso and Kitchen
Corner Beaufort Street and Central Avenue, Inglewood
Open Tues–Sun 6.30am–3pm
Getting jazzed

May 5, 2016

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL, polyrhythmic gangster shit is how Melbourne band Hiataus Kaiyote describes itself on the web.

The funky jazz quartet was nominated for a Grammy, but was pipped at the post by Snarky Puppy.

Songwriter/singer Mai Palm brought her own brand of future soul to the band: “I always knew I wanted to be in a band, but I never knew it could be my own conversation,” she says online.

• Mai Palm from Hiatus Kaiyote. Photo  supplied | Wilk

Kaiyote is one of two headline acts for this year’s Perth International Jazz Festival, along with US group Yellowjackets. The Jackets have been around since the early ‘80s and two of their songs featured in the soundtrack of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.

The diverse jazz group plays regularly at festivals such as the Indy Jazz fest in Indianapolis.

“Hiatus will play their blend of captivating lyricism and emotive soundscapes as the main attraction of Saturday’s performance, while Yellowjackets, the undisputed legends of jazz fusion, will headline Sunday’s show,” PIJF head honcho Graham Wood says.

The three-day festival has a number of free and ticketed events at a swag of locations around Perth.

Local, national and international jazz artists will bring a feast of jazz, and see the return home of Dane Alderson: “The Perth bass-extraordinaire is the newest member to join Yellowjackets,” Wood says.

• Ali Bodycoat and Libby Hammer. Photo supplied | Tobey Black

In a first for the annual festival Cathedral Square will play host to a number of free performances on Saturday June 4, including two special shows by Alex Da Cost and the Graham Wood Trio and Christ McNulty (USA).

Festival highlights include Grammy-winning saxophonist Gary Barts (USA), Israeli pianist Shai Maestro, Australian producer, pianist and composer Stu Hunter, saxophonist and composer Sergio Galvao (Brazil), celebrated jazz vocalist Hetty kate (Melbourne) and internationally renowned guitarist Lionel Loueke (Aust).

“Perth International Jazz Festival is a fantastic celebration of music that can be enjoyed by a huge range of people,” Wood says.

“There really is something for everyone in this program and it’s fantastic to see so many talented artist converge on our wonderful city for a weekend of great music, food, wine and fun.”

For the full program go to perthjazzfestival.com.au

by JENNY D’ANGER
ASTROLOGY May 7 – May 14, 2016

May 5, 2016

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
There are a lot of planets in earth signs at the moment. This could have you feeling like you are pushing boulders. You are definitely not in a purple patch of free flow. Understand that no matter how good you might be feeling; you are in an environment that requires that you adjust tack.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Life could not be more on your side if it tried. This doesn’t mean that you are necessarily going to please or appease the status quo. It means that you have both the strength and the support to stand your ground and follow your own agenda. Wilfulness is not enough. Be sure to stay true.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
Mercury remains in sensual Taurus. There’s a lot to be said for coming down from the ivory tower of our frontal neo-cortex, where thoughts run rampant, into our brain stems, where there are less thoughts and a whole lot more body awareness. Try it. It will remove tension, to get physical.

CANCER (June 22 – Jul 22)
Enjoy the new Moon. Every new Moon is a new bud – a fresh beginning. This Taurus new Moon is likely to be one where foundations get dug, or pleasure deepens. Life is presently providing plenty of support. Relax into the comfort of this. Let-go and flow with your heart’s desire.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Communication is going to be very important this week – as is learning. Your usual methods of both expression and comprehension aren’t going to work so easily. Be pragmatic and grounded, and less obsessed with verbiage than usual, then you will discover fresh realms of pleasure.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Refrain from getting caught in the loop of old battles and you will discover a powerful transformative path forward. The temptation to react to those fanning old flames will be strong. Remember that it is your comfort and pleasure that is most important and you’ll stay on track.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
Take time for contemplative reflection. Spend time either alone, or shacked up quietly with one you love. It will be simplicity that nourishes you. Physical environments that put you in touch with the silence and presence of mother nature will serve you well. Feed your senses good food.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
As four planets pass through Taurus, the world may begin to look like it’s forgotten all that is deep, intense and mysterious – and instead be content with external things. This is a misconception, though understandable. The planetary centre of gravity is not in your court. Bide your time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You have much to offer, providing you can refrain from engaging in old squabbles. The moment you go down that rabbit hole, all your creative energy will get swallowed up. You presently have access to a timeless, wise voice within. Others will request and value your input. Be available.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
There’s a lot resting on your input. If you pull back in fear and refuse to engage, then a whole lot of positive intention will be wasted. If you decide that you are going to get involved and put your whole heart and soul in, then much can happen. Look out for allies willing to celebrate life.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Though you might sit back and wishfully ponder radical shifts and changes, they aren’t presently on the menu. Change is occurring in ways that are not always blatantly obvious and easy to see. Use your powers of observation to notice the gentle, silent shifts happening without fuss.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
By all rights this is a good week for Pisceans. The one proviso is that you don’t take the bait of those looking for the kind of evidence of micromanaged planning that would derail your poetry, your spontaneity. Remain true to yourself and you will be supported and then reign supreme.
Just delightful

May 5, 2016

WITH a swag of schools nearby you can set your watch by the drop in afternoon mobile coverage at this Mt Lawley home, as the home bell rings and a mass exodus of social-media deprived students reach for phones.

“At 3.30 you don’t make calls because of the traffic…as soon as the kids are out of school they go crazy texting,” the vendor of this Regent Street home laughs.

A life-long association with the swish neighbourhood hasn’t diminished his passion for the area, no doubt helped along by a membership at the nearby Mt Lawley Golf Club–and its proximity to just about everything: “Cafes, shops etcetera it’s all part of Mt Lawley.”

The four-bedroom/two-bathroom abode was built with consideration for the suburb’s past, its red-brick walls, peaked roof and finials and federation-style deep skirting boards creating an old world look to a very modern dwelling. And the lead light and beveled glass front door and feature windows are drop dead gorgeous.

Victorian ash floors glows like liquid honey from the entry hall through to the open plan, a light-filled space thanks to a swag of floor-to-ceiling windows and doors.

A sweep of soft, brown-flecked granite benches in the spacious kitchen contrasts with rich-golden timber cupboards overhead, and heap of white cupboards and drawers below.

Floor-to-ceiling glass in the dining area lead to a pleasant covered alfresco area, protected by alsynite overhead and a high, wall, and there’s a timber decked area for a spot of relaxed reading.

A ground-floor semi-ensuite bedroom is great for guests, or perhaps older parents unable to make it upstairs. The other bedrooms are on the second level, including the very generous main with its bank of built-in robes and ensuite.

You’ll find a second sitting room on this level, with a mini-kitchen, an area that would also make a great activity/play room for kids.

This is a delightful home in a great area, with nothing to do but move in and enrol the kids in the school of your choice.

3/2a Regent Street, Mt Lawley
offers from $1.285 million
Toby Baldwin | 0418 914 926
Here Property | 9443 8011
Open Sat May 7 12.30–1.30pm
Professional and realistic advice to getting ‘down under’.

May 5, 2016

With 90 visa classes and 149 subclasses further categorised into either temporary or permanent groupings, and within tourist, work, student, family or humanitarian visa types, the process of applying for residency is complicated. And without professional advice from a registered migration agent the costs can add up – a small mistake can cost you more than just your application fee – it can also damage your chances of future success.

“I have seen a lot of people who have submitted erroneous applications and with the wrong supporting documentation” says Alisdair Putt of Putt Legal.

Alisdair is an expert in migration matters and specialises in family and work visas including partner visas (spouse, de facto and same sex). In addition to being a qualified migration agent (MARN 1280017), he is also a qualified lawyer with several law degrees including a Masters of Law from the Australian National University. With a background working in migrant communities for the Australian Government for over fifteen years, and a distinguished career with the United Nations, including work in Bosnia, Darfur, Iraq and Pakistan, Alisdair’s skills are second to none. Just recently, he worked in Afghanistan for the Australian Government for nine months.

With a vast knowledge of the legal system, Alisdair is able to offer legal advice with regards to migration matters without the big legal bill of dealing with large law firms. He understands the practical and emotional issues that applicants face when trying to become Australian citizens.

In addition to visa applications, Putt Legal provides realistic advice on clients’ prospects of success but is very clear on not offering false hope. “I will not proceed with an Australian migration application unless I believe that there is a reasonable prospect of success,” says Alisdair.

For more information visit www.puttlegal.com.au

Putt Legal
3/184 Pier Street, Perth
Phone 9221 7682
Registration No. MARN 1280017
Perth fascists target teens

April 29, 2016

SUPPORTERS of the fascist United Patriots Front have called for the sterilisation of young people who support the Safe Schools anti-bullying program.

A tiny handful of UPF members was vastly outnumbered by Safe Schools supporters at a rally in Perth last weekend.

Following the rally, the UPF Facebook page posted images of several Safe Schools supporters who’d spoken at the rally, including year 10 high school student Oscar Kaspi-Crutchett.

• High school student Oscar Kaspi-Crutchett spoke at the Safe Schools rally and was targeted online by United Patriot Front supporters. Photo by Marziya Mohammedali

“These are the people who demand the right to indoctrinate your children with their perverse world view,” the UPF post accompanying the photos stated. The comments soon flowed.

“They are degenerates,” one opined. “They should all be put on a permanent sterilisation program,” another posited.

Many linked the Safe Schools program to paedophilia.

• Safe Schools program supporters at the rally vastly outnumbered the “six, angry pointless men” from the fascist UPF. Photo by Marziya Mohammedali

The UPF had swiped the images from photographer Marziya Mohammedali and posted them without permission.

After receiving numerous complaints, Facebook eventually removed the photos.

At the rally Greens senator Scott Ludlam described the UPF counter-protest as “six, angry, pointless men” and said it was unfortunate the program had been politicised, as anti-bullying shouldn’t be a political issue.

WA Labor education shadow Sue Ellery announced a McGowan Labor government would fund the program if the Turnbull government axed funding for it.

by DAVID BELL