Federal Member for Bullwinkel Trish Cook - trish.cook.mp@aph.wa.gov.au
Member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia Anthony Spagnolo - Anthony.Spagnolo@mp.wa.gov.au
Mundaring Shire South Ward Councillors:
Cr Luke Ellery
Cr Ben Heptinstall
Justice of the Peace:
Shire of Mundaring
General enquiries/graffiti/vandalism
shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au
Darlington Hall Bookings bookings@mundaringwa.gov.au
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April Editor: Marie Sherwood marie.sherwood92@gmail.com | 0436 418 630
May Editor: Will Kitely: wkitelytattoo@gmail.com | 0435 357 856 Torres Skeen tkskene@gmail.com
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EDITORIAL
Marie Sherwood | April Editor
Marie is in her fourth year writing for the Darlington Review and loves being actively involved in the Darlington community. When she is not writing, she is a busy mum of three, a volunteer firefighter with the Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and a high school teacher at Treetops Montessori School. She has also recently joined a social netball group with other local mums and is rediscovering muscles she forgot she had.
Djeran: The Season of Cooler Weather
If you’ve lived in the Perth Hills for a while, you’ve probably discovered many of the wonderful places that make this area such a hidden gem. My family loves exploring the Hills whenever we can, and I’m still amazed when we stumble across somewhere new. With the long weekend and school holidays approaching, it felt like the perfect time to share a few fun and unique things you and your family can do this Easter in the Hills, all within a short drive of Darlington.
Perth Observatory
For 125 years, the Perth Observatory in Bickley has explored the universe while sharing its passion and knowledge with visitors. The observatory offers day tours throughout the week and night tours on weekends, along with a range of special events and workshops. Their upcoming May the 4th night tour is a fun way to celebrate Star Wars Day. For more details or to make a booking, visit www.perthobservatory.com.au
Malmalling Vineyard
This boutique local winery in Parkerville is surrounded by stunning bushland views and offers a delicious range of wines produced and bottled on site. Visitors can enjoy tastings at the cellar door or dine at the restaurant, which is open Friday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. For more details or to make a booking, visit www.malmallingvineyard.com.au
Amaroo Retreat and Spa
Ideal for a peaceful escape in the Hills, Amaroo Retreat and Spa is nestled in Mount Helena amid tranquil bushland. Guests can enjoy a luxurious day spa, charming chalet accommodation, and
the boutique restaurant, The Lounge at Amaroo, which offers dining throughout the week with varying hours. Weekends feature live music, while monthly high tea and degustation experiences promise unforgettable indulgence. For more information or bookings, visit www.amarooretreat.com.au
John Forrest National Park
John Forrest National Park has been undergoing extensive revitalisation, with many wonderful improvements already in place and more planned for the future. The park is ideal for picnics, BBQs, scenic walks, bicycle trails, wildlife spotting, and exploring historic buildings and nature play areas. Visitors can also journey through the Swan View Tunnels for a unique experience. Park fees apply. For more information, call (08) 9290 6100.
Night sky from the Perth Observatory
Chalet accommodation at Amaroo Retreat and Spa
Lake Leschenaultia
A favourite Hills getaway, Lake Leschenaultia is ideal for a day trip or overnight stay. Visitors can enjoy a serviced campground, Flackseed Café, nature playground, free BBQs, picnic areas, and hireable shelters. Take a stroll around the lake, try orienteering, explore the pump track and mountain bike trails, or enjoy canoes and paddleboards on weekends. For more information or bookings, visit www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/leisure-lifestyle/ lake-leschenaultia
Core Cider
Located in Pickering Brook, Core Cider sits on 40 acres of orchards and is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch. Enjoy live music on weekends, a large play space for the kids, rolling hill views, and seasonal fruit picking. The venue also hosts events and offers a small, secluded cottage retreat for rent. If you haven’t visited before, it’s a must-try in the Hills. For more information or bookings, visit www.corecider.com.au
Masonmill Restaurant and Beer Garden
Located in Carmel, Masonmill is a Bickley Valley favourite, showcasing award-winning gardens nestled in a serene forest setting. Visitors can enjoy an 18-hole game of mini golf, playgrounds, accommodation, special events, with a variety of dining options, including catered picnic baskets available. The Irish village-themed outdoor area offers a fun and unique experience for visitors. Open Wednesday to Sunday with varying hours. For more information, visit www.masonmill.com.au
Bickley Valley Wine Trail
Alongside Core Cider and Masonmill, Bickley Valley offers a host of venues to explore, perfect for a full-day outing and a scenic drive through rolling hills. Highlights include restaurants and boutique wineries such as La Fattoria, Carmel Tea Rooms, Plume Estate, Hainault at Carmel, and the Packing Shed at Lawnbrook Estate. Visitors can also enjoy Carmel Cider Co, Bickley Valley Fresh for local produce, and the Flying Duck Studio art gallery. For more information, visit www.experienceperthhills.com.au/ things-to-do/bickley-valley-wine-trail
Kalamunda Zig Zag Cultural Centre
A hub for arts and information in the Perth Hills, the Visitor Centre offers everything you need to plan your visit in the area, while the Zig Zag Gallery hosts a range of cultural activities in a charming boutique-style setting. For more information, visit www.zzcc.com.au
Kalamunda History Village
Next door to the Zig Zag Cultural Centre, Kalamunda History Village is the largest folk museum in Western Australia, celebrating the life and industries of the Perth Hills. It is located on the site of the former Upper Darling Range Railway Station, built in the 1890s to service the Zig Zag timber line, with a collection of local heritage buildings relocated to the village. Opening times vary and fees apply. For more information, visit www.kalamundahistoricalsociety.com
Lake Leschenaultia
View of Core Cider
Mini golf course at Masonmill
Locomotive at Kalamunda History Village
Lesmurdie Falls and Mundy Regional Park
A stunning destination in the Perth Hills, Lesmurdie Falls features a 50-metre waterfall cascading over the Darling Scarp, picnic shelters, and walking trails with panoramic views of the Perth skyline and Swan Coastal Plain. Entry is free, with the best time to visit from June to November. The falls are part of Mundy Regional Park, which offers many additional trails and hikes to explore. For more information, visit www.exploreparks.dbca. wa.gov.au/park/mundy-regional-park
Lesmurdie Falls
Darlington Estate Winery
Established in 1983 as a cellar door and small restaurant, Darlington Estate has grown into one of Perth’s premier wedding venues and award-winning dining destinations. Guests can enjoy à la carte lunches on weekends, wine tastings from the estate’s extensive range, and seasonal events set against picturesque vineyard views. The estate also hosts private functions and special celebrations. For more information, visit www.darlingtonestate.com.au
Araluen Botanic Park
Araluen Botanic Park features 14 hectares of stunning cultivated gardens set within 59 hectares of native Western Australian bushland. Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking trails suitable for all abilities, birdwatching, wildlife photography, cafés, picnic areas, and regular seasonal events. The park is open daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm, with last entry at 3:00pm. Entry fees apply. For more information, visit www.araluenbotanicpark.com.au
Mahogany Inn and Distillery
Beginning life as a military barracks in 1839, Ye Olde Mahogany Inn has undergone many transformations over the years. It is the oldest hotel on the Great Eastern Highway, which was once known as York Road, and has served at various times as a wayside house, convict depot, tea rooms, and family residence. Today it proudly describes itself as a local watering hole, offering great food, drinks, live music, accommodation, and an on-site distillery producing the Spirits of Mahogany since 2024. For more information or bookings, visit www.themahoganyinn. com.au
Tulip season at Araluen Botanic Park
The Mahogany Inn and Distillery
The Parkerville Tavern ESTD
Mundaring Weir and Reservoir
Completed in 1903 as the brainchild of C. Y. O’Connor, Mundaring Weir is a concrete gravity dam that was once the world’s highest overflow dam originally designed to pump water to the Kalgoorlie goldfields. The free site is open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm and offers stunning views, walking trails, picnic areas, and BBQ spots. More history can be explored at the No. 1 Pump Station Museum located at the foot of the Mundaring Weir, open on Sundays 12-4pm and some public holidays. Nearby, the historic Mundaring Weir Hotel, established in 1898, provides dining, entertainment, and event options. For more information or bookings, visit www.mundaringweirhotel.com.au
Mundaring Weir
The Zig Zag Scenic Drive
Located within Gooseberry Hill National Park, the Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a historic one-way route shared by cars, cyclists and pedestrians. Following the former Upper Darling Range Railway line, the winding road descends from Kalamunda to the foothills and offers spectacular views across Perth. Several lookout bays allow visitors to stop safely and enjoy the scenery. The drive is open daily from 11:00am to 8:30pm and entry is free.
Perth Hills Trails
The Perth Hills offer an extensive network of trails catering to walkers, hikers and mountain bikers of all abilities. History enthusiasts can explore the Darlington Heritage Trail, part of the much larger Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, which retraces
59km of the old Eastern Railway. The route offers a scenic journey through the settlements that once developed alongside the line, each with its own unique history and character. In John Forrest National Park, visitors can explore the historic Swan View Tunnel or take on the Eagle View Trail, which offers panoramic views across the Hills and surrounding valleys. Nature lovers will also enjoy the peaceful Noble Falls Walk and Rocky Pool Walk, both featuring beautiful bushland and seasonal water features. Long distance hikers can tackle sections of the iconic Bibbulmun Track, one of the world’s great long distance walking trails winding through forests and farmland across the region. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore the Kep Track, which follows the old Eastern Railway alignment from Mundaring to Northam, and the Goat Farm Mountain Bike Park, offering varied terrain and challenging rides for a range of skill levels. Whether you are seeking a leisurely walk, a full day hike or an adrenaline filled ride, the Perth Hills trails provide something for everyone. For more information, visit www.trailswa.com.au/trails/regions/ perth-hills
Views from the Zig Zag scenic drive
Swan View Tunnel
Railway Reserves Heritage Trail
Bouldering and Rock Climbing
For those looking to add a bit of vertical adventure, the Perth Hills offer several local bouldering spots. Areas like John Forrest National Park, Greenmount, and Mundaring provide accessible rock formations for climbers of varying skill levels, while the Darlington Boulders feature granite outcrops and natural challenges set among scenic ridgelines and trees, and the Boya Quarry offers both sport climbing faces and smaller boulders
On Your Doorstep!
Over the Easter long weekend and throughout the school holidays, our local Darlington venues will be open on selected days and excited to welcome you!
• Two Birds - Behind the Post Office is open on Saturday and Sunday over the long weekend. For more information, visit www.twobirdsdarlington.com.au
• Darlington Estate is open for Easter Lunch on Sunday April 5 from 11.30am to 3.30pm. For more information or bookings, visit www.darlingtonestate.com.au
• The Hive Darlington is open over the Easter long weekend. For more information or bookings, visit www.thehivedarlington.com.au
• Little Nook Cafe is open over the Easter long weekend. For more information or bookings, contact 0480 182 678.
around its edges, though some rock can be loose. These locations provide both challenging problems and beautiful surroundings, making them a great complement to the region’s walking and hiking trails. Always remember to climb safely and consider using a crash pad and spotter when tackling boulders. For more information, visit www.thecrag.com/en/climbing/ australia/western-australia/perth
Local Markets
Kalamunda Night Markets
Held at Central Mall, these markets run once a month throughout summer/autumn from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The final markets of the season are scheduled for Friday April 24 and Friday May 22.
Kalamunda Artisan Markets
Also taking place at Central Mall, these markets are held on the first Saturday of each month from 8:00am to 12:00pm. The next market will be held on Saturday April 4.
Kalamunda Farmers Markets
Running every Sunday at Central Mall from 8:30am to 2:00pm, including the Easter long weekend, with a range of fresh local produce and artisan goods.
Mundaring Garden and Farmers Market
Located beside the Sculpture Park in Mundaring, this market operates every Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, including the Easter long weekend.
News and Recent Events
Keeping Up to Date
With so many things happening in Darlington, it can sometimes be hard to keep track. One of the easiest ways to stay informed is by following the Darlington Hub Facebook page, where locals regularly share community information, ask questions and post updates about upcoming events and activities. You can find the page at: www.facebook.com/ groups/darlington.hub.wa or visit darlingtonvillage.org
Another great way to stay connected is by joining the Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Association for just $20 per year.
Darlington Half Marathon
One of the West Australian Marathon Club’s longest-standing events, the 57th Darlington Half Marathon and 8km Fun Run, took place on Sunday March 15 and was once again a great success. More than 540 participants competed in the half marathon, while over 150 runners took part in the fun run. Starting at Darlington Hall, runners enjoyed a unique and memorable course along the Heritage Trail.
Darlington Community Garden
Members receive updates about community events, notices, information from the Shire and other important local matters. If you cannot attend the regular monthly community meetings held at the Darlington Hall, there are still plenty of ways to stay informed. You can join the DRRA mailing list by contacting Malcom on 0400 204 845, read their monthly notes in the Darlington Review, or follow their new dedicated Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/1DRRA
The 21.1km half marathon was completed with the fastest time of 1 hour, 14 minutes and 19 seconds, while the 8km fun run saw the fastest finish of 30 minutes and 17 seconds. Proceeds from the event were donated to Hannah’s House, an organisation dedicated to supporting families with children living with life limiting or complex conditions. For more information, visit www.wamc.org.au/event/darlington-half-marathon-8km
The Darlington Community Garden is a not-for-profit community space and a much-loved part of the village that many people enjoy visiting. It operates independently from the Shire and receives no government or council funding, despite significant running costs that rely soley on containers for cash and membership, with water bills alone reaching more than $2000 per year. However the government did provide significant funding for the establishment of the Community Garden and the Shire provided the Lease. The volunteers who maintain the garden are incredibly dedicated and hope the community will help act as custodians of this special place in the heart of the village.
Unfortunately, there has been a recent increase in theft, with 17 plants of the same species taken in recent weeks, which is both costly and disheartening for those who work so hard to keep the garden thriving for everyone. If you notice anything suspicious, please report it or pop over and say hello if you are unsure. You can follow the garden’s regular notes in the
Darlington Review to stay up to date, and one of the simplest ways to support the garden is by becoming a member for $20 per year or making a donation through their website, visit www.darlingtoncommunitygarden.org.au
Darlington Community Garden
Darlington Marathon fun runners
Darlington Half Marathon runners
Alison Atkinson (left), daughter and runner Peggy Atkinson (middle) and race director Simon Windsor (right)
Darlington NoiseBin Now a Regional Attraction
Darlington's unique container recycling sculpture, the NoiseBin next to the Darlington Community Pavilion, is attracting families, sporting teams, and visitors from across the region. Designed by local students and built by volunteers Gus Skene, Kevin Norris and Graeme Gordan with Ian Crawford as maestro of technology, under the auspices of DaSRA. It makes a playful noise when a container is deposited, combining art and technology while keeping the area tidy and raising funds for the Community Garden. In early March, the Forrest Darlings and CWA delegates helped fill the bin, with containers coming from as far away as York and Bullsbrook.
Coinciding with the recent thefts at the neighbouring Community Garden, the NoiseBin recently lost a sensor box that was broken off the mounting point on top of the bin sometime before Friday February 27. The NoiseBin team is asking the community to remain vigilant and report any misuse. They are also exploring opportunities for the installation of a security camera in the area, something several community groups have expressed interest in. If you can assist, please contact Ian Crawford via admin@noisebin.org
Bilgoman Well Celebration
Most Darlington residents will be familiar with the Bilgoman Aquatic Centre (‘swimming pool’ to most of us). Not everyone may know that just below the pool are two interesting mementoes of the 19th Century Swan River Colony. The first of these is a well, constructed in the 1840s to provide water to those travelling or working on the road to the East. The second were the remains of some huts built in the 1860s to accommodate the convicts that the Government had imported to work on the road.
Both Huts and Well fell into disuse from the 1880s, though they were still used for recreation by locals until the 1930s, surrendering to the bush before being restored with new paths and signboards as a Bicentennial project in 1988. In years since then, the bush gained the upper hand again until the Friends of the Bilgoman Well (FOBWE) was formed in 2022 and there has been much replanting of suitable native plants, tidying up of the Well surrounds, and installation of informative signs like the ones on the Darlington Heritage Trail.
To celebrate the Well’s second rebirth, a get-together was held at Bilgoman recently attended by many of those who have been involved in this important historical site for many years. Speeches were made by our Shire President Paige McNeil, representatives
Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Meeting
The March DRRA meeting spanned a range of topics – from the long awaited, now on-the-horizon, replacement two-plate playground BBQ to the demise of the maritime pine tree near the tennis court. A motion was also passed confirming the establishment of a project-oriented DRRA sub-committee to assist in the delivery of community-approved project proposals on public land. Much behind-the-scenes work has gone into the mechanisms and processes of the Project Advisory Group (thanks to Chris Arnold and Geoff Barker) – and hopefully it will speed-up the delivery of proposals such as the BBQ.
of the Darlington History Group and the Bendigo Bank that funded the latest works. A very enjoyable occasion which we will hope ushers in a new era of public awareness and enjoyment of this beautiful and interesting place! Visit the area and see for yourself!
Lindsay Earnshaw, long associated with The Glen, provided the background to Darlington’s only retirement accommodation on government-granted land, kicking off a discussion on the need for more accommodation for locals wishing to downsize. Cr Luke Ellery said the only Shire land that could possibly be used was the Owen Rd/Pine Terrace corner block – an area that coincidentally came in for later discussion when a concerned Pine Terrace resident lamented the impact on the block’s trees due to overparking and vehicles using it as a short cut. There is more on all this in DRRA Notes.
Di Robertson-Smith and Deborah Needle from York CWA, visiting the NoiseBin in early March
Vale Ted Gloor
Ted Gloor was a giant of a man – impossible to miss in a crowd – but it was his even bigger heart that people will remember most. He had a rare talent for making life feel lighter, louder, and a lot more fun, usually all at once.
When Ted arrived in Darlington in the 1980s, he didn’t just settle in, he embedded himself. Before long, the village wasn’t just where he lived, it was his extended living room. Ted loved a party (and, it must be said, was often the reason one happened in the first place), loved his friends fiercely, and had a knack for turning ordinary moments into something worth remembering – sometimes for all the wrong reasons, but always for the best ones.
He had a deep love of art, music, books, travel, and culture but equally, a deep love of a good laugh, especially if he was the one delivering it. Ted didn’t just enjoy life, he got stuck into it with both hands and a grin. He loved his coffee, but not nearly as much as he loved the ritual around it – the chats, the banter, and making sure everyone behind the counter felt seen and appreciated.
To many he was Tall Ted or Swiss Ted, but to those who really knew him, he was simply Teddy – a big man with a soft centre and a mischievous streak. Ted leaves behind a trail of stories, laughter, and friendships that will be retold (and possibly exaggerated) for years to come. As his longtime friend Mark so perfectly put it:
"And so we realise the like of Ted will not return, and how much he meant to us all. That old and battered warrior will be partying in Valhalla and drinking Odin himself under the table. We can raise a glass and toast his mighty deeds and say he was our friend."
And you just know Ted would insist we don’t make this too solemn. So raise a glass, have a laugh, and maybe stay a little longer for one more story. That’s what Ted would have done.
WHAT'S ON
k Mundaring Village Easter Fun will be held on Saturday April 4 from 10:00am to 1:00pm, with a special visit from the Easter Bunny, free activities and chocolates for the kids.
k Armadale Market Easter Edition will be held on Sunday April 5 from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Memorial Park, Armadale, featuring local stalls, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
k The next Darlington Ratepayers and Residents meeting will take place on Thursday April 9 at 7.30pm at the Darlington Hall.
k The Kalamunda Agricultural Show will take place on Friday April 10 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm at Kostera Oval in Kalamunda.
k Clue on Stage at Marloo Theatre from Friday May 1 to Saturday May 16. For more information or bookings, visit marlootheatre.com.au
k The Darlington Review AGM 2026
We’re hoping that Darlington Review member groups will join us for our very speedy AGM now planned for April. Our very sociable 2026 AGM (business first, followed by bubbles) will take place on Tuesday April 21 at 7pm at 6A Brook Road in Darlington. This is a great occasion for groups to get together and to meet the Review Committee, our editorial writers and scribes for local groups. Members (listed on the inside front cover) will receive notices of the AGM and proxy forms.
If you have enquiries, please contact Business Manager Betty Pitcher at: business@darlingtonreview.com.au
Disclaimer: The Darlington Review’s Rules of Association (2024) read: “To produce and publish a monthly journal with the intention of fostering good relationships within the Darlington community, supporting the community, and keeping residents informed about community issues.” Our Guide for Scribes invites members to submit notes "to inform members and the Darlington Community about past, ongoing and future activities…”. The Review accepts no liability for errors/omissions contained in articles, statements or advertisements published herein.The views expressed in Letters and Notes are not the views of the Darlington Review and we are not responsible for them. Members are requested to ensure their notes adhere to the magazine’s guiding spirit of fostering harmonious community relationships. The Darlington Review is available in digital format via darlingtonreview.com.au, the online website.
Barb Thomas, Sandra and Mark Alderson
Darlington wetland rehabilitation action plan (wrap)
Tucked away in our neighbourhood behind The Glen Retirement Village and Darlington Community Garden is a little-known wetland that many residents didn’t even realise existed. For years the area was almost completely covered in kikuyu grass and non-native plant species, hiding its natural character and ecological value.
Over the past two years, the WRAP has made exciting progress in bringing this site back to life. What began as a small community effort is steadily transforming the area into a healthier habitat for plants, wildlife, and, very soon, a place where people can enjoy this special place.
Last winter was our first season working directly within the wetland itself. Volunteers planted hundreds of native seedlings, including trees, shrubs and large numbers of rushes. We also created swales to slow the flow of water and help it soak into the ground, improving water retention and creating better conditions for native plants to establish. The season proved to be a great success, with many of the seedlings surviving the summer and already showing encouraging growth.
We have big plans for the next few years, supported by generous state government funding, with fortnightly working bees starting at the end of April. Look out for more information in coming months or, if you would like to be part of this exciting community venture, please contact Chris on 0497 999 985.
Kasia Thomson, Friends of Darlington Wetland
Cr Ben Heptinstall | Councillor's Column South Ward | Shire of Mundaring
Dear Darlington,
It was great to see so much strong representation from Darlington residents at the March Ordinary council meeting.
There were a large number of deputations and questions put to council highlighting the issues that matter the most to our community.
This continued engagement is vital to ensure Darlington’s voice is heard and thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to get involved.
There was a number of items discussed at the meeting that reflected broader themes, including planning, environmental protection and how we engage with residents and local groups on future changes.
Council considered outcomes from the Annual Electors meeting, including clear communication around planning reviews and ensuring the community is properly informed and involved as these processes move forward.
Environmental protections were also discussed, particularly around the protections of native vegetation, where the natural environment is such a defining feature of the hills.
Outside of council it was great to hear from Birdlife Australia about the success of their campaign to have the regulator recommend a ban on second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). These products have been shown to cause significant harm to wildlife, particularly with birds of prey like Owls which are native to the Darlington area.
This recommendation from the regulator to remove these SGAR baits from public sale and restrict their use to professionals is a positive step forward. It is now on the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of Australia to make this official.
As always I encourage anyone with feedback, ideas or concerns to reach out. Staying connected to council helps ensure we continue to represent Darlington effectively and maintain the strong sense of community that makes our area such a great place to live. Cr
Federal Member for Bullwinkel | Trish
Hi Neighbours!
As many of you know, I’ve been a nurse since I was 17, following in my mother’s footsteps. It’s a profession that has shaped who I am and the values I bring to my work.
I’m proud to be the first Member for Bullwinkel, an electorate named in honour of Vivian Bullwinkel, a World War II army nurse whose courage continues to inspire me every day. As we approach Anzac Day, we are reminded of those who served, including the contributions of nurses like Vivian, who cared for others in the most challenging of circumstances.
Nursing instilled in me the values of compassion and fairness, values I carry with me into Parliament. I’m proud to be part of a government that is taking healthcare seriously and delivering real improvements for our community, including:
• Record investment in Medicare, boosting bulk-billing and training more doctors and nurses
• Free, 24/7 health advice through 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422), connecting you directly with a nurse or health professional
• My election commitment of a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Mundaring, one of 130 across Australia, providing walk-in, fully bulk-billed care for cuts, burns, sprains and infections
• More affordable medicines, with PBS prescriptions now capped at $25, or $7.70 for concession card holders, alongside record funding for public hospitals and the NDIS.
• If you need support with your mental health, you can access free Medicare Mental Health Check-Ins by calling 1800 595 212
These improvements mean you can get the care you need sooner, while also taking pressure off our hospital emergency departments.
Access to quality, affordable healthcare is something every Australian deserves, no matter where you live or what you earn. The Albanese Labor Government is committed to making sure you can get the care you need, when you need it.
If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
It was great to catch up with local Darlington residents on Friday 20 March at The Hive and spend some time chatting about all things Darlington.
One issue that came up repeatedly during those conversations was hooning and dangerous driving behaviour occurring in parts of Darlington and surrounding Perth Hills communities.
Over recent months a number of residents have also contacted my office describing repeated burnouts, reckless driving and late-night vehicle activity on local streets. Several locations have been mentioned, but in the interest of supporting those local streets I will not list them in this local newspaper. I have no doubt that those who live nearby know the streets and intersections I am referring to.
Residents have told me these incidents often occur late at night and are leaving visible damage to road surfaces, including long burnout marks and tyre damage.
Darlington and the surrounding Hills suburbs are normally quiet residential areas, so when this sort of activity occurs it can have a real impact on people’s sense of safety and amenity. The noise, the road damage and the risk to other road users are all genuine concerns that residents have raised.
I want to acknowledge that our police do an outstanding job keeping our community safe. At the same time, they are working under extremely stretched conditions, with the ratio of police to population in Western Australia nearing a thirty-year low. That makes it even more important that we support their work wherever possible.
I have written to the Minister for Police raising the community’s concerns and asking what steps are currently being taken to
address hooning and dangerous driving in the Perth Hills. I have also asked whether targeted enforcement activities or patrols may be considered in response to the reports coming from Darlington.
I would encourage residents to continue reporting incidents to WA Police and Crime Stoppers. It may not always feel like there is a direct outcome from an individual report, but every piece of information helps build the intelligence picture and can assist police in taking enforcement action. Please never place yourself in danger when collecting information.
A big thank you to everyone who has reached out to my office to share their experiences. I raised these concerns with the Police Minister on 5th March and I will keep the community informed as soon as I receive a response.
Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Association (DRRA)
“Preserving the character of Darlington and safeguarding the interests of its ratepayers and residents - Since 1909”
Every now and again we hear that DRRA is a bunch of bossy old NIMBY’s ( not in my back yard) sitting around and talking? Well, maybe we are to a degree as we certainly do a lot of talking with 2 meetings a month and correspondence in between, dedicated to community issues. However, half of the committee are closer to 60 than 50, with the other half closer to 40 than 50, and we are NIMBY only in the fact that we have a State Government which is pro-development at any cost, and at the same time, a mandate to safeguard and protect the interests of residents and ratepayers.
The range of professional expertise and experience on the committee is wide, and the overriding passion for the community is what motivates people to spend a considerable amount of personal time protecting it from urban creep.
As with all committee volunteer groups, we are far from perfect, but DRRA has always been a very vocal and proactive ratepayers association as confirmed by a past Council President who confided to a DRRA Member after a council function ‘ if only the rest of the Shire was as proactive as DRRA…’.
At times, DRRA has been positively annoying and persistent and they have been a thorn in the side of the Shire and Council, the SEC and the Agriculture Dept to prevent trees from being indiscriminately removed, roads widened, verges cleared and inappropriate development sprawl from creeping in. Just a few DRRA snippets over the decades show that DRRA has actively shaped the environment that we currently enjoy.
1968 saw the DRRA organising a huge petition against the building of a 6 lane highway along the old Railway Track (Heritage Trail). In 1974, DRRA facilitated an opinion survey which stopped the proposed Montrose Ave shopping centre which was to include a supermarket, gourmet shop, newsagent, garden centre and parking for 49 vehicles. 1984 saw DRRA recommending more footpaths and traffic calming devices
In 1987, DRRA fought the SEC on indiscriminate removal of all trees from under existing powerlines and sought safer alternative cabling options instead. In 1987 DRRA developed the first locality and precinct plan to present to the Shire for inclusion in all planning decisions. In 2007, DRRA fought the Agricultural Dept to stop the ‘preventative’ wholesale removal of the Pines from around the oval with the discovery of European house borer in the Hills. More recently DRRA facilitated community conversation and subsequent rejection of a proposal for a 100 cover restaurant proposal, masquerading as a wine bar.
With that in mind, the Shire has begun the planning for Local Planning Scheme 5 (LSP5) and ratepayer groups met with a Shire representative in late March to ensure that we have a seat at the table, ensuring adequate and extensive consultation throughout the process. This is where a strong focus from DRRA and the community needs to be over the next few months.
The State Government has made it clear to the Shire that they want more development in the hills, and LSP5 will determine
what this looks like for the hills over the next 15 - 20 years, and further in the future. Local government now have significantly less direct influence in planning decisions, with developers now able to take any $2 million planning approval to the Development Assessment panel (DAP) where homogonous planning law is applied and the hills are at risk of inappropriate development unless we actively stand up and protect this.
DRRA will be facilitating community conversations together with the Shire, and this is something we as a community will need to be active participants in. Without close involvement in the development of the LSP5, we risk not implementing tight controls around hills development. It is important to remember that the sense of place we enjoy now was created by those who held the environment and community - and future communities – in mind with their decisions. We will need to do the same.
The March community meeting hosted Lindsay Earnshaw as the current Chair of The Glen Retirement Association to speak on accommodation options for those who are looking for a low cost retirement option.
It was interesting to hear how The Glen, as a charity organisation, was donated land for the development from the Shire. Even more interesting, we discovered that there is still a parcel of land within the village which was once earmarked as potential retirement accommodation by the Shire.
This generated discussion around what potential options might be considered if more retirement accommodation was needed and this led to a conversation around co-housing and shared land use. With the housing situation as it is and with residents wanting to potentially downsize without leaving the community, this is a conversation that is likely to continue to be explored.
Please consider joining DRRA and attending community meetings to have your voice in how your community is shaped and maintained. Membership forms can be obtained through emailing drra@darlingtonvillage.org
Next community meeting: Thursday 9 April 7:30pm at the Hall
Voting on tree species for succession planting along Pine Tce will take place.
DRRA membership is $20/ annum/ individual. For membership enquiries please contact Malcolm on 0400204845.
Darlington Arts Festival
The Festival Poster Competition is back for 2026! Fire up your creativity – its back! The Festival poster competition returns for 2026 and we want your boldest ideas. The winning entrant receives a $300 cash prize and an invitation to the Festival Opening Night. The winning design will star on the official Festival T-Shirt. Check out the Festival website for details. Competition closes 5pm 6 April so get cracking!
Your Festival needs you!
Got a few minutes? A few hours? We’d love your help. Join us as a Festival volunteer or committee member and be part of the magic. You’ll be supported by an experienced coordinator, with opportunities to get involved in social media management, the
Open Art Exhibition, youth engagement and performing arts. Sound like you? Jump in.
Register to be a volunteer through our easy web form darlingtonartsfestival.com/participate/volunteer/
Support comes in many shapes and sizes!
Darlington Arts Festival relies on grants, sponsorships, donations and fundraising events. Donations of any amount are very welcome, at any time in the year and you can even throw us a monthly or annual donation to set and forget! Help us keep this fabulous festival free and thriving by donating today darlingtonartsfestival.com/support/donate/
See you at the 2026 Darlington Arts Festival!
Kalamunda Lapidary Club Inc
Kalamunda Lapidary Club Turns 60, Open Day and Silversmithing Room Refurbishment
The Kalamunda Lapidary Club (KLC), established in 1966 as a not-for-profit organisation, is proudly celebrating its 60th year of continuous operation and valuable service to the community.
On Saturday, 11 April, the KLC are holding an Open Day coinciding with the annual Kalamunda Show. Our clubrooms at 3 Recreation Road will be open from 10am to 4pm, and visitors are warmly invited to explore our extensive displays of fossils, precious and semi-precious gemstones, and a wide range of handiwork created by our members, which will also be available for purchase. We encourage everyone to stop by, enjoy our exhibits and maybe make a purchase from our range of reasonably priced handiwork.
The club has also begun the year with a major refurbishment of its silversmithing room. This project was made possible through the generous support of the Forrestfield branch of the Bendigo Bank, which provided a $5,000 grant. The funding enabled the club to purchase new tools, upgrade ageing equipment, creating a more functional workspace for members.
Completed over the Christmas break, the refurbishment included the installation of new storage and display cabinets, offering improved organisation and additional space. A custom workbench was added to the centre of the room, providing a practical hub for silversmithing projects and collaborative learning.
A key highlight of the upgrade is the new rolling machine, a much-needed addition that significantly enhances the club’s silversmithing capabilities. Several other essential tools were also purchased to replace older equipment that had reached the end of its service life.
The result is a modern, well-equipped silversmithing room that will serve us well into the future. The club extends a most sincere thank you to Bendigo Bank for its generous assistance. We also want to give a huge shout out to the volunteers whose hard work made the refurbishment possible.
Future Dates to Remember:
• 8 June – Club Winter Market, 10am-4pm
Club Opening Hours:
Saturday 10am-2pm
Tuesday (Silversmithing for members) 1pm-4pm
Wednesday 12pm-4pm Thursday 7pm-10pm
For further information, please contact the club at klc165@outlook.com.
Darlington Bushfire Ready Group
How Do I Keep Informed
Street contacts will be at a meeting at the Fire Station on MONDAY, 25th May at 7.30pm. Interested residents are also invited to attend and learn more about being prepared. DFES have indicated the fire season is far from over, so it's important to keep our properties with low fuel, gutters cleaned, and BE PREPARED. Have your BUSHFIRE PLAN ready.
Take these four steps to help you keep informed about bushfires and emergencies near you.
• Get connected – connected communities are safer communities
• Join a Bushfire Ready Group to get to know the risk in your local area
• Keep in contact with neighbours, friends and family, especially during high fire-risk days
• Talk to your local brigade about how to prepare for a bushfire
Stay alert – if you can see or smell a bushfire - that’s your warning. Your surroundings could be the best source of information. If you live in, or near bush, stay alert. If there are signs of a bushfire you could be in danger. Act immediately to keep you and your family safe. Many homes some distance from an actual fire can be destroyed by ember attack, particularly those built prior to
the current (bushfire prone area) construction standards which apply today.
Could this happen in Darlington…sadly YES! WE ARE IN A CLASSIFIED HIGH RISK BUSHFIRE PRONE AREA where many of our homes are older and built on steep slopes. Thankfully the recent local fires did not result in tragedy thanks to no strong winds and support from dedicated DEFES and DVBB teams.... BUT COULD HAVE.
It is important to keep up the good work of reducing the fuel load around your home. Haven’t done any yet? It’s never too late to start!
Understand that no warning system is foolproof. Remember, fires can happen suddenly and change quickly, so don’t rely on receiving a warning. It’s your responsibility to stay informed and alert. Be flexible – get emergency information from multiple sources and never rely on any one source of information.
Monitor official warnings.
During an emergency, monitor what’s happening. You can find bushfire alerts and warnings at: www.emergency.wa.gov. au OR 13 3337 (13 DFES) and at the Shire of Mundaring. www. mundaring.wa.gov.au Phone 9290 6666.
Colin James, Coordinator 0419 969 223
For more information about what you can do to be prepared for bushfires, contact the Department of Fire and Emergency Service (DFES) Community Preparedness team on 9395 9300 or visit the DFES website on www.dfes.wa.gov.au
Firebreak notices and information can be accessed from the Shire of Mundaring on 9290 6666 or website on www.mundaring.wa.gov.au
2026 Advertising Rates and Subscriptions
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Non-profit community-based organisations may become members of the Review.
Membership costs:
• Full page 11 issues - $280 per year (Text only 900 words. With photos 450 words).
• Full page 6 issues - $148 per half year (Text only 900 words. With photos 450 words).
• Half page 11 issues - $148 per year (Text only 400 words. With photo 350 words)
• Half page 6 issues - $79 per half year (Text only 400 words. With photo 350 words)
Word & photo samples available in Guideline to Scribes.
Advertising on Covers – available to Member Groups
• Front page $200
• Back page $200
• Inside back page $160 Advertising
REMEMBER
000 is the ONLY number to ring for all fire and smoke sightings.
Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade
The ComCen will page our members who are on duty. For general Brigade enquiries please ring 9299 7217. Station hours: Saturday 9am-10:30am.
Web: darlingtonfire.org.au • Facebook: Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade • Instagram: dvbfb_ Next Brigade meeting: Tues, April14th 2026 at the Darlington Fire Station.
Wednesday, April 1st would normally see the Shire of Mundaring move to the first Restricted Burning period for 2026, but at the time of writing additional restrictions and/ or conditions were being considered. The Shire may extend the Prohibited Burning period or withhold issuing of permits until further notice. Please contact the Shire, check their website, or call their information hotline on (08) 9290 6644, to confirm the current restrictions, find out about any bans in place, obtain burning information, and check for updates. We will also endeavour to post notifications on the Brigade’s Facebook page. During the Restricted Burning period permits to burn must be obtained (when available) for lighting ALL fires BEFORE 6pm, for all ‘running’ fires, and for piles larger than 1m2. Permits to burn for Darlington and surrounding suburbs will be available, when authorised, via the Shire of Mundaring website, or from the Darlington Fire Station on Saturday mornings between 9am – 10am.
monthly. So if you haven’t already, change your smoke alarm batteries today as it could save your home… and your life. Here are some smoke alarm facts;
• Smoke alarms require replacement approximately every 10 years.
• It is LAW that property owners install mains powered smoke alarms BEFORE they sell or rent their property.
• Current regulations require smoke alarms to be hard wired and interconnected.
• Authorities encourage the use of long-lasting alkaline batteries to ensure smoke alarms work properly.
• Smoke alarms require regular cleaning – check smoke alarms for a build-up of dust and cobwebs, and clean with a vacuum cleaner.
During any Restricted Burning period, when authorised, some small fires of garden refuse ONLY, may be lit AFTER 6pm without a permit, under strict criteria, including;
• the pile of garden refuse being burnt does not exceed 1m2
• a 5-metre-wide area, clear of flammable material, surrounds the pile
• the fire is lit only between 6pm and 11pm
• only one pile is alight at any one time
• the fire is completely extinguished by midnight (NO heat, smoke, steam, white ash)
• at least one able bodied adult is in attendance, AT THE FIRE, at all times
• there is a means of extinguishing the fire available at all times (e.g. garden hose, knapsack spray, or fire unit)
• neighbours are informed of your intention to burn
• the smoke does not cause a nuisance to neighbours or create a traffic hazard
Don’t be a Fool! Change your smoke alarm battery on April 1st. If you haven’t done so for a while, now is the time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms, as only working smoke alarms can save lives. DFES urges households to change their smoke alarm batteries each year, and also to test their smoke alarms
Darlington
April 2026
The ongoing hotter temperatures and lack of rain means the continued risk of bush fire leading into autumn. Our long, hot summer has left fuel loads very dry, and it might take quite some time for autumn and winter rains to penetrate surface fuels and soil, especially with long periods of fine weather in between. Please remain vigilant, continue to look out for signs of fire, and call 000 immediately. Report suspicious activity in bush areas, or around where fires start, to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000. And if you are conducting fuel reduction burns on your property, please follow all State and Local Government regulations, the details of your permit; and exercise the utmost caution.
At the time of writing, the Darlington Brigade was scheduled to take on the Darlington Social Cricket Club on Sunday March 22nd, for the annual Hughes-Burns Trophy match. We will bring you the results in the next edition, but hopefully we can report a triumphant win for the brigade.
Thank you to all the families that came and saw us at the recent Helena Valley Primary School welcome picnic. Our volunteers had a great time showing everyone our fire trucks, and helping the kids put out our pretend fires.
“If Prometheus was worthy of the wrath of heaven for kindling the first fire upon earth, how ought all the gods honour the men who make it their professional business to put it out?" ~ John Godfrey Saxe.
Pack a picnic, settle back under the stars, and drink in the fiercely West Australian sounds and stories of David Hyams and Rose Parker.
These luminaries of the Freo folk scene have collaborated as co producers and performers for over 15 years, and weave folk, country, rock and blues into songs and stories that will take you on their journeys across this big brown land from Goomalling to Roebourne.
With a swag of songs and albums under their belt buckles already, both have new albums ready to release this year PLUS you can also expect to hear a few classic country duets as they dip into the songbooks of artists that have shaped them and continue to inspire ~ Neil Young, Stevie Knicks, Bob Dylan ,Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings.
Hi Everyone, Fundraiser for the Fire Brigade
We are looking forward to our Long Table Dinner on the verandah of the club, Friday 27th March at 6.30pm as our fundraiser for the fire brigade. Roast meats, salad and sweets. BYO drinks. $30 pp.
Fires effect us all in the hills so this is a great cause to donate to. With the recent fires we all have to be vigilant in preparing our properties. The fire brigade did a tireless job. I can't imagine what it would be like in their suits in the heat.
If you are unable to make the Long Table Dinner and want to donate to a great cause please transfer monies to Darlington Club BSB: 633000 ACC: 124527748 and reference your name and fire donation.
We will be having a spokesperson from the Fire Brigade to speak on the recent fires and things we need to do to prepare.
Looking forward to catching up at the club or one of our events.
Fees are due on the 1st July 2025
Fees to join are $25 per person or $50 for two or family. Payee The Darlington Club Inc. BSB 633000, Account 124527748. Reference Surname and Subs.
Regards, Sue Bennetts, Club Secretary
Mundaring Probus Club
Mundaring Probus provides for the social and intellectual needs of retirees and part-retirees. There are over 110,000 Probus Club members in Australia.
We meet at the Glen Forrest Sports Club, McGlew Road, Glen Forrest, on the second Monday of each month at 10:00am. Our monthly meetings generally have a guest speaker.
Recent talks have included John Rando, well known as a defence lawyer, spoke of his early days as a young Italian migrant. Former ABC political reporter Peter Kennedy speaking about WA premiers he has known and Ron Banks author and former arts editor of the West Australian.
After the speaker we enjoy morning tea and socialising.
We also have an informal coffee morning at the Hive Café, in Darlington, on the last Saturday of each month at 10:00am.
From time to time, we have outings where we hire a bus or car pool. Recent outings have been to Wheelchairs for Kids in Wangara, a bus trip and dolphin cruise followed by one of the giants at Mandurah and a visit to Drome Dairy Camel Farm in Morangup.
We celebrate our Club’s birthday each June and Christmas at local restaurants.
Members also receive a monthly club bulletin and an electronic monthly newsletter Active Retiree.
Our annual subscription is $45.00 and there is a $5.00 entry fee for each monthly meeting.
Type Mundaring Probus into your browser to visit our website www.probussouthpacific. org/microsites/mundaring
We are also on Facebook www.facebook.com/ mundaringprobus
Probus Club of Mundaring’s President for 2026-7 Robyn Cain.
Our motto is: FUN FRIENDSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP
Next meeting Monday 13th April.
Next meeting Monday 13th April. Our speaker will be Professor Josh Lewis from Edith Cowan University on innovative approaches to healthy ageing (focusing on nutrition).
Next coffee morning at the Hive, Darlington 10.00am March28.
Ask for the Probus table at the counter or find the long table of happy faces wearing Probus badges.
What’s On at The Hub of the Hills for over 55’s
Book Café & Biggest Morning Tea - EVENT
Tuesday 12 May | 9.30am to 11am
Free tea and coffee, $2 home-made morning tea, raffle, donation for book purchases. All funds raised support the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
Summer DelightEVENT
Tue 21 Apr | 11am
Enjoy a light lunch for a $2 gold coin donation.
cso4@mundaring.wa.gov.au (08)9290 6683
The Hub of the Hills, 8 Craig St, Mundaring Officer present on Tuesday 8.30am to 11.30am | Wednesday 9am to 12pm | Thursday 10am to 2pm
Over 55’s Drop-In
Every Wed | 9.30am
Read the paper, do a puzzle, play board games or just have a chat and cuppa.
Darlington History Group
Review: Garden History of Darlington 1890 - 1940
The Darlington History Group was delighted to welcome a strong and enthusiastic attendance to our first guest speaker presentation for the year, Garden History of Darlington 1890 - 1940. The evening offered a fascinating introduction to the natural foundations that shaped early settlement, beginning with an overview of Darlington’s geography, topography, climate, and soils.
From there, the presentation moved into the earliest cultivated landscapes of the area, including the vineyard and orchard established by Waylen, and the garden and orchard at Holmesdale – Darlington’s first permanent residence. These early plantings included a remarkable variety of apples, pears, plums, peaches, and apricots, many of them historic cultivars that are now rarely seen or no longer available. Their loss reminds us of the rich horticultural diversity that once was so valued for various purposes such as preserving, drying, or long storage.
The talk also explored the structural elements of early gardens, discussing traditional hardscape features and the practical design approaches that reflected both necessity and ingenuity. A key turning point in Darlington’s garden history was the arrival of scheme water, which would go on to significantly transform what could be grown and how gardens were designed. Thank you to all that attended.
Guest Speaker Evening : Garden History Of Darlington 1920 -
1940 Part Two
Garden History of Darlington Garden Darlington Garden History of Darlington
The Darlington History Group warmly invites you to attend the final presentation in the Garden History of Darlington series, presented by local history enthusiast and Chair of the WA Branch of the Australian Garden History Society, Ursula Sharman.
How did water supply change Darlington gardens?
Focusing on the interwar period, we will explore a transformative period in local garden history. With the introduction of scheme water, gardens evolved in both style and substance, allowing for a broader palette of plantings and more elaborate designs. The presentation will highlight influential local garden figures, the development of Darlington’s garden character, and features such as Mofflin’s Rose Garden and the popular horticultural shows once held in the Darlington Hall.
Through plant choices, design trends, and gardening practices, this talk offers a window into the past – and a reminder of why this living heritage continues to matter today.
Date: Wednesday 8 April
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: The Lesser Hall, Owen Road, Darlington Light refreshments provided Entry: Gold coin donation appreciated at the door Bookings are essential as seats are limited. Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/DIXKN
Rose planted 100 years ago that still survives today!
The McCartney rose, commonly known as the Dog Rose, is a simple yet resilient plant, with single white petals and a yellow centre. It forms dense, thorny thickets that arch and climb, creating a strong, woody base beneath.
A 1920 map from the Saw family shows the Holmesdale property - Darlington’s first permanent residence - and marks a substantial Dog Rose hedge surrounding it. Remarkably, part of this hedge still survives today along the road reserve at the top of Coulston Road, standing for over 100 years.
In the 1990s, the Village Gardner a garden shop run by Kim and Michael Noonan even adopted the Dog Rose as its emblem, reflecting its long-standing presence in the area.
This enduring plant remains a quiet but living link to Darlington’s past.
Mundaring | Midland Junction Arts Centre
Mundaring Arts Centre | 7190 Great Eastern Hwy (corner Nichol Street) 9295 3991 | mundaringartscentre.com.au Tues - Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat & Sun 11am - 3pm | closed Mon & Public Holidays
Drop into MAC to visit a new showcase, revisiting forty years of the Shire of Mundaring Art Collection. After visiting the exhibition, discover a stunning array of handcrafted art objects by local artists and makers and explore our hands-on school holiday workshops.
WHAT'S ON
Marks for Mundaring | Shire of Mundaring Art Collection survey | 11 Apr – 14 Jun
Presenting a selection of artworks acquired between 1986 and 2026 that respond to the natural and cultivated environment of the Perth Hills, sharing works that explore ideas of place, ownership, loss, displacement and belonging.
PUBLIC PROGRAM
Visit mundaringartscentre.com.au
Sculpting with Paper | The Pencil Case Art Studio | Kids Workshop Wed 15 Apr 2026 | 10am – 12pm | $35 | $31.50 Members
Marionette Puppets | The Pencil Case Art Studio | Kids Workshop Fri 17 Apr 2026 | 10am – 1pm | $45 | $40.50 Members
Image right: Philippa O’Brien, Hovea, 1986, acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of Shire of Mundaring Art Collection
Visit our website or scan the QR code for workshop and public program details and to book. mundaringartscentre.com.au
Midland Junction Arts Centre | 276 Great Eastern Hwy (corner Cale St) 9250 8062 | midlandjunctionartscentre.com.au
Tues - Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat & Sun 11am - 3pm | closed Mon & Public Holidays
MJAC celebrates our little markers these April School Holidays with an extensive workshop program with something for every young artist, from kids to teens. Drop in to view the exhibitions and explore beautiful art objects in the Store.
WHAT'S ON
Tran-sitations | Jon Tarry | Until 19 Apr
From rail to sky, Osaka to Midland, juxtaposing new and ‘Jurassic’ technology, Tarry explores mass transit and connection in a constantly moving world with photography, sound and sculptural installations.
Sacred Ground | Rachelle Dusting | Until 19 Apr
Through figurative and still life oil paintings, Rachelle Dusting explores the sacred and shifting terrains of identity, beauty and transformation as a woman approaching motherhood.
PUBLIC PROGRAM
Visit midlandjunctionartscentre.com.au for upcoming workshops and events.
Cyanotype Printmaking for Kids | Odile Bell
Thu 9 Apr 2026 | 11am - 2pm | $50 | $45 Members
Machine Sewing - Pencil Cases for Kids | Esther Hort
Screen Printing With Drawing Fuild for Teens | Odile Bell Thu 16 Apr 2026 | 11am - 2:30pm | $50 | $45 Members
Darlington
April 2026
Image above: Cyanotype Printmaking for Kids. Image courtesy of Odile Bell.
Visit our website or scan the QR code for a full list of creative workshops and public program details and to book. midlandjunctionartscentre.com.au
Glen Forrest Bridge Club (GFBC)
Bridge is calling you
Bridge is such a great game with so many benefits, cognitive, social and emotional. Maybe you have considered learning to play or to renew your interest in the game. Glen Forrest bridge club is a friendly and supportive club that caters to beginners and experienced players.
For beginners, a very friendly and supportive session is held on Wednesday mornings 9.30 to 11.30. People can learn to play from scratch, refresh skills, or just play socially without the pressure of competition. No need to feel shy, everyone is made very welcome.
Gathering of the Birds 2026
58 ladies from 11 branches of the Country Women’s Association came together on Monday 9 March at Darlington Pavilion to celebrate the annual Gathering of the Birds.
Hosted this year by Forrest Darlings and Mundaring branches, this annual event is celebrated close to International Women’s Day.
Members heard the inspiring life story of Shire of Mundaring Cr Prapti Mehta, who spoke about her childhood in India and her move to Australia as a young woman.
Many ladies took the opportunity to try out the Noisebin and take a walk through the Darlington Community Garden, which hosts the Forrest Darlings CWA bench. The Noisebin is a community initiative designed and built in conjunction with local school groups. The bin is programmed with a range of sound effects which are emitted at random when an item is dropped down the chute. The Noisebin is located adjacent to the Darlington Pavilion and accepts all 10c Containers for Change bottles, cans and cartons.
Members were well fed by the Mundaring and Forrest Darlings ladies. Everyone enjoyed homemade scones, a delicious lunch and sweet treats for afternoon tea. There were lots of lovely comments and everyone is looking forward to next year already! Gathering of the Birds is hosted by a different CWA branch in the area every year.
Regular sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, learners/social session Wednesday morning.
Fees at our bridge club are very modest and include membership of the Sports Club. After the Monday and Wednesday sessions refreshments are available from the bar to discuss hands played with whoever wishes to stay for a drink.
Membership fees are very modest, $40 per year and $5 per session, or $7 per session without membership. Membership of the bridge club includes membership of the Sports Club (an amazing bonus) where you can play bowls or darts. They also have a Ukulele session and social evenings. There is a bar at the Sports Club and some members like to stop for a social drink and chat after bridge finishes.
Come and try us out if you are at all interested. You could become one of the very keen players who play several times a week.
The Bridge club is located at the Glen Forrest Sports Club, 33 Mc Glew Road Glen Forrest.
Ring Ronnie 0419 961 711 or look us up at glenforrest. bridgeaustralia.org
Forrest Darlings CWA
About your CWA Forrest Darlings Branch
Forrest Darlings is a friendly branch of the Country Womens Association which meets monthly at Darlington Pavilion. Guests and non members always welcome. Our focus is shared between crafts, community and catering. Next meeting: Wed 15 April 2026 at 7pm, Darlington Pavilion.
For more information follow Forrest Darlings CWA on Facebook or call Treasurer Jen Woods 0417 173 478
GOURMET IN THE PARK
Presented by Perth Hills Events
KIDS GAMES PICNIC IN THE PARK
MORGAN JOHN MORGAN RESERVE, GLEN FORREST 10.00AM - 3.00PM THE HILLS FAVOURITE GOURMET EVENT
19TH APRIL 20
For 16 years, we've been the go-to solution for pool owners in Perth Hills and surrounding areas Our services are fast, reliable, and friendly, covering everything from green pool restorations to ment repair and supply We specialise in troubleshooting pools, installing pool blankets, and offering expert advice pool cleaners Trust us to keep your pool in top condition you can enjoy hassle-free swimming all year round 19 Canning Road, Kalamunda Call Phil: (08) 9293 1356 kalamunda@thepoolshopgroup.com.au thepoolshopgroup.com.au Dependable. Transparent. Traditional Service with a Modern Twist to Pool & Spa Maintenance.
The Pool Shop Group Locations and Service Centres: Mundaring. Floreat. Kalamunda. Ellenbrook
mundaring@wa.bahai.org.au
www.bahai.org.au
Darlington Dibbler Girl Guides
Fun, Friendship and Adventure. Join today>>>www.girlguideswa.org.au
Our girl guides came together with 40 girls from the Avon Hills Region to celebrate World Thinking Day. The region met at Whiteman’s Park for a 1920’s themed morning tea followed by a wide game of friendship themed activities. The girls enjoyed lawn games, making pearl beaded bracelets, folding traditional fans, and letter writing with wax seals among other activities.
The weather has remained warm which is great excuse to have a water fun night, the girl guides enjoyed getting drenched during a number of games designed to encourage plenty of team work! World Pancake Day saw the unit make pancakes in
the shape of bunnies and a relay race….hopping all the way. We have been working towards our pet badge this term. So far the guides have made collages of their pets.
We welcome new girls aged from 7-12 years. We meet at Kathleen Skipsey Hall – on Glen Road, Darlington on Tuesdays from 6pm to 7.30pm during the school term. If you have any queries regarding Darlington Dibbler Girl Guides please contact Karen P on 0405 401 501 or enquire at Girl Guides WA.
Mundaring Baha’i Community
P: 08 9250 5811
Summertime fun
This term already we’ve had some adventures!
Cubs camped at the beautiful location of Vasse on Geographe Bay in March. They enjoyed two days of canoeing, spotting dolphins and even sea lions, beach cricket, a neon disco night, stargazing and friendship.
Scouts joined with other groups from all around Perth to join in the Swan Descent, paddling from Middle Swan Reserve to Fishmarket Reserve in Guildford. A great day out on the water.
Darlington Scouts are open to boys and girls, comprising four sections:
Joey Scouts (age 5-8) Monday
Cub Scouts (age 8-11) Wednesday
Scouts (age 11-14) Thursday
Venturer Scouts (age 14-18) Friday
Rovers (age 18- 25) Mondays
Joeys did their community bit and participated in Clean Up Australia around the hall and neighbourhood.
OneCamp 2026 – Discover Scouts Day!
Registrations are now open for Discover Scouts Day – OneCamp’s official open day!
Bring your family and friends and experience Scouting in action. Whether you’re already involved or just keen to “have a go,” this is your chance to be part of a fun event at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre Friday 17th April.
Entry includes:
• Climbing wall • Entertainment
• Food trucks • Camp cooking
• Pioneering activities …and more!
Friday 17 April 2026
10:00am – 9:00pm
Joey Scouts ages 5-8
Cub Scouts ages 8-11
Scouts ages 11-14
Venturer Scouts ages 14-18
Rover Scouts ages 18-25
Adult Volunteers ages 18+
Swan Valley Adventure Centre, Middle Swan
Secure your tickets for just $10 https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1532324
Note: Children under 18 years must be accompanied by a supervising Adult. Ticket price includes activities and badge.
The sections usually meet at the Kathleen Skipsey Hall on Glen Road, Darlington, in a lovely bush setting on the creek line, with a fire pit and ample opportunity for getting amongst nature.
The Scouts meet weekly during school terms, and there are often extended weekend and school holidays camps, hikes and other activities on offer. If you have a child that may be interested in coming along, you can have a trial few visits before making a commitment. We do ask parents to take turns in helping with activities, and this may be at their weekly session, or it may be helping with a camp or other weekend activity.
Scan the QR code here to make in inquiry, find information on our website www.darlingtonscouts.com, find our Facebook page, or email membership@darlingtonscouts.com
Instagram @DarlingtonVenturers and @DarlingtonRovers
Shire of Mundaring Libraries
Children’s Programs -Term Two
Regular children’s library programs will resume for Term Two from Monday 20 April. LEGO Club, Minecraft Club, and story and rhyme times will take a break for the school holidays from Thursday 2 April to Friday 17 April.
The Golden Feather Hunt
The Golden Feather Hunt has swooped back into libraries! It is a magical treasure hunt where readers get to be the hero! Just visit your local library and borrow books. Hidden inside, you might find a special feather-shaped bookmark. But these are not just any feathers. They are your ticket to amazing prizes! This competition is for young people aged up to 18 years. Entries open 3 March and close 8 May 2026.
Libby Reads Online Book Club
Fresh Produce Swap Stands
The heat has given everyone’s gardens a battering, and so our fresh produce swap stands have been looking a bit bare. If your garden is thriving and you do have excess fresh fruit, vegetables, or herbs, we would welcome them for our swap stands. We appreciate everyone who shared the wonderful, locally grown produce. Every little bit counts!
Upcoming events:
Fleur McDonald in Conversation
Boya Community Centre, Wednesday 1 April, 10.30am12pm.
Would you like to join an online book club? Libby Reads with David Allan-Petale (formerly Libby Book Club WA) is a monthly book club for Western Australian library members. The book club is hosted via Zoom on the third Wednesday of every month. Browse and register for free upcoming virtual book clubs at https:// pages.libbylife.com/DavidAllan-Petale. You can ask questions, interact with authors, and enjoy a well-rounded 'bookish' discussion. The month's title is The Ghost Walk by Karen Herbert, and can be downloaded free as an eBook or eAudiobook with no waiting or holds via the Libby app.
New Acoustic Pod at Boya Library!
We are excited to announce the installation of an Acoustic Pod at Boya Library. Its clever noisereduction design allows you to conduct online calls, sensitive conversations, or online interviews in a quiet and comfortable space. The pod accommodates up to two people and includes USB and USB-C outlets. The space can be used for up to two hours and is free to use.
Fleur will be sharing insights with Elizabeth Lewis into her latest Kalgoorlie-set thriller, The Witness. Bookings essential at https://events.humanitix. com/010426b
Life Writing Workshop with Melinda Tognini
Boya Library, Thursday 23 April, 5pm-7pm.
Melinda will guide you on writing stories about your life or those of an ancestor. Tickets are $20. Bookings essential at https:// events.humanitix.com/230426b.
How to Get Creative with Amanda Kendle
Boya Community Centre, Monday 30 April, 6pm-7.15pm. Understand what creativity is, how to unlock it, and add it you your life in ways that work best for you. Bookings essential at https://events.humanitix.com/300426b
Murder and Music with Dave Warner
Boya Community Centre Wednesday 4 May, 10.30am-12pm. Dave will talk about his latest book, Sound Mind Dead Body, and perform music, joined by guitarist Tony Durant. Bookings essential at https://events.humanitix.com/040526b
Easter Hours
Shire of Mundaring Libraries will close for Easter from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April. The libraries will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 7 April. The after-hours chutes will not be available during this time. We wish you a safe and happy Easter.
Darlington Social Cricket Club
A Weekend to Remember at Lake Brockman
Our club’s annual family trip over the Labour Day long weekend saw us hitting the road for destination Lake Brockman. Set against the backdrop of calm waters and towering forest, the weekend once again delivered the perfect blend of adventure, laughter, and community spirit.
Delicious food, tranquil forest sunsets, champagne company, kayaks on the turquoise blue water and Darlington’s favourite barbecue trailer made every moment memorable from start to finish.
The standout event—by unanimous agreement—was Mr Jones’ Stranger Things–themed games night. He went all-in, transforming the campsite into a playful version of Hawkins, complete with eerie challenges, quirky puzzles, and costume dress-ups that ranged from impressively accurate to hilariously improvised. They say some people (obviously Cambell Giles excepted) can look good wearing anything, even a garbage bag! Despite there not being a single pirate across 42 episodes of Stranger Things, Mr Jones’ Captain Strangebeard costume had him thinking he was thoroughly in touch with gen-alpha and the passion that he brings makes it difficult to tell him otherwise, sometimes ignorance is bliss.
The fact that everyone survived the stick and ball games without sustaining any life or limb threatening injuries has been hailed as a modern day miracle however the committee is refusing to ratify any formal honours upon Captain Strangebeard for this happenstance. Overall, seeing everyone embrace the theme added a layer of fun that will be talked about for years.
Evenings were spent socialising around the eskies and cheeseboards, sharing stories and enjoying the simple pleasure of being together away from the rush of everyday life.
By the time we packed up on Sunday, spirits were high and plans are already underway for a bigger, better and stranger weekend away next year at a very exciting never before toured (by DSCC) location. For anyone keen to get on board for next summer please get in touch and come along.
The good, the bad, and the ugly (in no particular order) Some costumes are elaborate and look great. Others choose function over form.
How’s the serenity …
Cliff Williams pictured here winding the clock back 40 years to pretend he’s one of the cool kids.
… not a sound!
Captain Strangebeard, the strangest of them all.
Dan Ryan channeling an aging Groucho Marx after a shower … that’s a very strange thing!
The only thing more delicious than GT’s smile here is the bacon he is barbecuing.
Andrew Grivas and Ben Harvey … the less we know the better I think.
Contracts
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Company Incorporation
Preparation of Trusts
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Mundaring and Hills Historical Society
A School's Story
The present Parkerville School is the third, on as many sites in the 100 years since the first government school was established in Parkerville. Small private schools provided education in the early days of the settlement.
The first school was in Battery Road, near the corner of Parker and Seaborne Streets and gazetted in 1898. The school opened in 1899 with Miss Towle as the first teacher. The numbers grew quickly. In 1909 a new location in Riley Road was chosen and a new two roomed wooden school site opened in 1911.
In August 1921, at the directive of the Chief Inspector to relocate to the larger Parkerville Home School, a private school, was met with hostility and the Riley Road School reopened in that October.
During World War 2, the children at the Riley Road school dug air raid shelters and trenches, some remain today.
The Riley Road location on steep slopes created challenges to provide playing areas. The community cleared land in the reserve, built a running track and a bough shed. A cricket pitch was cleared on an adjoining reserve and traces are still visible.
Head Teacher, Mr Schock, a keen gardener established an orchard and rose garden. Today little remains of these gardens.
In 1954, the Parkerville Home School amalgamated with the Riley Road school. Two transportable classrooms were erected to provide for the extra pupils. The Queen’s visit to WA coincided with a Polio Epidemic in WA. This was a busy year in Parkerville!
The post war boom in population was affecting the Hills infrastructure. Subdivision in the Jane Brook valley over 50 years meant the school was too small for future needs, closing in 1962. The current school opened in Windoo Road in 1962.
The Riley Road site provided a meeting place for Girl Guides and Woodturners. Several options for the site were considered including demolition and subdivision. The Guide’s long lease halted that plan. It was transferred to Mundaring Shire in 1998 and entered on the local Heritage List.
The present school stands on 3.5 hectares trusted to the Education Dept in 1909. Busy bees were held by staff and parents to create gardens and play areas. In 1998 a $1million upgrade was undertaken.
Parkerville’s education story is a long one and the journey is a credit to the community of Parkerville.
Ref: Rob Borsje - A History of Parkerville and Stoneville
Ian Elliot - A History of The Shire
MHHS Archives
Darlington Christian Fellowship
When Jesus was talking with his disciples at Passover, he was very specific when telling them about the kind of joy and peace they will experience. His own. At such a confusing, terrifying time for the disciples, their incomprehension of Jesus’ meaning might be justified!
‘These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.’ John 15:11
“My joy”. One meaning of this word joy is ‘calm delight’. I resonate with that. It conveys a wholesome, stable contentment and gladness. This universal desire can only be found in Jesus Himself. Galatians 5 lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit, a fitting image as this passage is about producing spiritual fruit by abiding in the true vine.
The more I read this passage, the more I have wondered why knowing ‘these things’ (ch 15.1-10) would give me His joy. Jesus is saying that there’s a time coming very soon when knowing
| cnr Darlington and Allestree Rds, Darlington
Him deeply will infinitely surpass mere human proximity. His death and resurrection mean that through his Spirit we have access, we are invited into the very relationship mankind was always destined for! Unity with the Father and the Son. Christ’s joy becomes ours the deeper we treasure His words and are willing to be transformed by them. But it gets better, because He Himself becomes our joy, and that joy can never be taken away. It branches out like a vine into every crevice of our lives. Our every-day may be mundane, but when every day is filled with constant, soul deep connection with Jesus, our Maker and Saviour, our every-day is a holy offering. As His joys, pursuits, plans, interests begin to eclipse our own, we behold the glory of the life that abides in Jesus, yielding much fruit to the glory of God the Father.
Emma Davis
Email: contact us at darlingtonchristianfellowship.com.au Find us on Facebook at Darlington Christian Fellowship W: darlingtonchristianfellowship.com.au
Darlington Theatre Players at Marloo Theatre
Mystery Abound in ‘Clue On Stage’
After the rollicking success of the February/ March season of ‘School of Rock’, the Darlington Theatre Players at Marloo Theatre turn their attention to their second season of 2026, the comedic mystery ‘Clue On Stage’. There is no shortage of stage shows based on books or films but ‘Clue’ has the unique nature of being based on one of the world’s best known and most beloved board games Cluedo.
Known as ‘Clue’ in North America, Cluedo was first manufactured in the United Kingdom in 1949. Since then, it has undergone numerous re-iterations and is currently owned and published by the American game and toy company Hasbro.
Now, you can meet Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock and Mustard as Marloo Theatre turns into Boddy Manor this May. Directed by Harrison Ricci, who made his directorial debut at Marloo in 2024 with the one act comedy ‘Cut’. “I really wanted a new challenge and this felt like the next step up” Ricci said. “I have been involved with Marloo since 2021 and it has just been a joy to go through this journey with the people here” he concluded.
On a dark and stormy night, the show follows a cast of oddball characters who have been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias and there is a butler who offers a variety of weapons. The only issue? The host is dead. A madcap comedy which follows our cast of colour coded characters as they race to identify ‘Whodunnit’.
‘Clue’ is set to be a crowd pleaser with fast paced comedy, beloved characters and a stellar cast. Featuring Verity Lux as Wadsworth, Clara Lee as Yvette, Helen Kerr as Miss Scarlet, Liz Croft as Mrs Peacock, Sarah McCabe as Mrs White, Andreas D’Angelo as Colonel Mustard, Jack Buckmaster as Professor Plum, Tom Rankin as Mr Green and Chelsea Dunning, Teah Steward and Garrison Cox as Ensemble.
Physical Comedy? Yep. Stupid characters? You can count on it” he continued. “There have been some rehearsals where I myself, just can't stop laughing! When all the acting comes together with the lighting, sound, set, makeup, costumes and more; it's going to be a rollercoaster of a time” he concluded.
For Ricci, following up ‘Cut’ with ‘Clue’ was the next logical step, with this being his first full length production as Director. “ I chose Clue for my first play because I have such fond memories associated with board games” he said. “Playing Cluedo with my family and friends has given way to some of my best childhood memories. I just really wanted to capture that feeling in the form of a play” he continued.
The fast paced nature of the show will thrill and delight audiences with plenty to love and lots of laughs in store. “Audiences can expect just a good time at theatre with some good laughs throughout” Ricci said! “Clue is one of those shows where there is something for everyone. Dad jokes? Yep.
‘Clue On Stage’ opens at Marloo Theatre on May 1st and tickets are on sale now. Don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to visit Marloo Theatre for this delightfully madcap comedy!
Easter Sunday, 5 April: Dawn Service @ 6am and Sunday Service @ 9am.
Everyone is invited to be part of the Easter celebrations at St Cuthbert’s - either the main Dawn Service at 6am, or the later service at 9am. Easter though, is not simply an event but a whole season where Resurrection is worked out through personal communal transformation. We continue to celebrate and participate in the Resurrection, the return to life, through Gathering (Sundays, Mainly Music and Agape Meals), Entering Stillness (Meditation and Taize) and a deep dive into the inner workings of the main symbol and experience of resurrection (the Inner Eucharist). Of course, you are all invited to join us!
Worship in the Style of Taize, Sunday 5 April, 6.30pm
Our regular Taizé services offer us a chance to be spiritually enriched through chant, meditation and scripture in our candlelit church.In our service we are joining with thousands of groups across the world inspired by the spiritual impetus arising out of Taizé in France Taizé offers an opportunity to experience the Mystery beyond the names and labels we use for the Divine.
Mainly Music: Tuesdays 9.30am - 11am, parish centre
The Mainly Music team are ready to welcome you and your children to Mainly Music for the second term of 2026, beginning Tuesday 28 April. It ’s a time of singing and movement, followed by morning tea and free play. It takes place in the Parish Centre. For your first visit, you’re welcome to just ‘show up’. Once you are coming regularly, we ask for a donation of $5 per child or $8 per family We hope that you will be joining us for music, movement and delicious morning tea.
Meditation: Unfolding in the Divine
Tuesdays, 6pm and Fridays, 10am during school terms. Experience connection and unfoldment in the divine through easy learnt meditation process (centering prayer). No experience is required and this space is open to all people, of any faith or none Tuesdays, 6pm and Fridays, 10am during school terms apart from special events (commencing after Easter on Tuesday 7 April).
Agape Meal, Friday 10 April, 6.30pm
Agapes are relaxed, informal gatherings where we break bread and share life over a simple liturgy. There is always a different set of folk, several from outside the parish, which is great We share life, connection to the Divine and of course, amazing food. They are a great way of getting to know each other. Every second Friday of the Month in the Parish Centre, Please rsvp if possible to info@hillsanglicans.com
The Inner Eucharist, Saturday 9 May, 1.30pm – 5pm
For many people the Sunday Eucharist or Mass is either pretty mystifying or simply something we do, without real knowledge of why we ‘do it ’ – doing it by rote or by habit. Often we have not been taught the deep and beautiful meaning behind the ceremony itself and, more importantly, how we may personally participate in the meaning This workshop will explore the little discussed symbolism, inner meaning and personal participation in the rite that brings Heaven to Earth and Earth to Heaven. Open to everyone of any faith or denomination or none.
The Reverend Peregrin Campbell-Osgood Priest-in-charge
Email: priest@hillsanglicans.com
Parish Office: 6292 0074
SUNDAY SERVICES @9AM
Email: info@hillsanglicans.com
Mail: PO Box 77 Darlington, WA 6070
Find us on Facebook at Hills Anglicans
Website: w ww.hillsanglicans.com
Darlington Tennis Club
The Darlington tennis club welcomes new players of all levels to come and join in our sessions. We have three night-time sessions each week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, all from 7.00 pm and a day session on Friday mornings 9.00 am to 11.00 am.
Monday is for competitive players and Tuesday and Wednesday is a more social format, Wednesday being very social. Friday mornings offer mainly singles games and doubles games opportunities depending on the numbers attending. Please contact the relevant captains for more information.
Monday evening: Paula Wood 0430 022 047
Tuesday evening: Nat Welsh 0478 842 918
Wednesday evening: Brendon Thompson 0427 250 566
Friday morning: Janis Balodis 0400 916 667
The club also has adult pennants teams if you wish to play at that level and the teams are managed by Lee Oliver, lolivers@ live.com.au
Eric's Tennis
Term 2 tennis group lessons for kids @ Darlington Tennis Club will soon be open for enrolment, with sessions available for all skill levels, including preschool classes, junior groups, and competitive squad training. If you’re interested, please register your expression of interest at: https://www.darlingtontennisclub. org.au/coaching
Milly Pachota runs private coaching sessions if you want to brush up on your skills, Milly Pachota 0417 040 413
Information can also be found on the Darlington Tennis Club website: darlingtontennisclub.org.au
Darlington Primary School
New Faces at Darlington Primary School
This year, we are delighted to welcome three new teachers to the Darlington Primary School community.
Karen Speedy joins us as our Year 2 teacher. Ms Speedy is an experienced educator, bringing 23 years of teaching experience, including the past 15 years in the Belmont area. She has an 8-year-old daughter also in Year 2. Karen is passionate about improving students’ literacy and numeracy outcomes and places strong importance on student wellbeing.
“I am excited to join the DPS community and have felt very welcomed by staff, students and parents. It is a pleasure teaching in such a lovely environment.”
Karen Reinsma has seamlessly integrated into our team after many years teaching in a variety of settings. She is thrilled to be part of the Darlington community. Originally from the UK, Karen grew up in the town of Guisborough and is a keen fan of “real” football (soccer!). She moved to Australia at 17 and soon began her teaching studies. With 16 years of experience across the Perth metropolitan area, she has a particular passion for early childhood education, teaching from Kindy to Year 2, where she believes the foundations for lifelong learning are established.
Outside of school, Karen enjoys spending time with her two children at various after-school activities or heading off on adventures in the family caravan.
Simon Bates joins us from another Hills school as our Physical Education teacher. He has already demonstrated his expertise through the successful planning and delivery of our recent swimming carnival.
“I’m really happy to be stepping in to teach PE for the first semester while Mrs Good is away. Having grown up here in Darlington, it feels special to be back teaching in my old stomping ground. We’ve had a fantastic start to the year with our school swimming carnival, and the interschool carnival is just around the corner. When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me cycling, indoor rock climbing, or exploring the hills with my two daughters.”
We are thrilled to have such talented educators join our school and look forward to the positive contributions they will bring to our community.
Also to welcome new faces in the School community, the P&C held a Welcome Sundowner on the school oval. Many families took this opportunity to have a relaxed evening meeting new people while the children played with big bubbles. Live music added to the chilled atmosphere.
Treetops | A Montessori and International Baccalaureate School
Treetops School – Supporting students from Playgroup to Year 12 in the Perth Hills
At Treetops, we know that your child’s first experiences at school can shape their education journey for years to come. That’s why the first steps in our K-12 journey at Treetops, within the specialised Montessori Children’s House classroom, focus on play, relationships and a love of learning.
Play is not merely a pastime for children; it is their primary mode of learning and development.
Dr Maria Montessori aptly stated that “Play is the work of the child”. Through play, children engage in collaboration, innovation, adaptation, compromise, negotiation, investigation, problem-solving, creativity, persistence, critical thinking, resilience, and gain a profound understanding of their place in the world.
While introducing early literacy and numeracy, our Children’s House students learn about their environment and the wider world. Importantly, they are inspired through fun to learn ‘how to learn’. The orderly, prepared Montessori environment allows students to undertake real-life practical and sensory tasks, developing their confidence, dexterity, concentration and communication. A fascinating part of Montessori activities is the freedom of choice for students, working at their own pace. To the child, our Children’s House is a world of independent discovery.
About Treetops School
The Montessori skills learned in our Children’s House form the foundation for students to build confidence and explore the world in Treetops Primary (Montessori-inspired WA Curriculum). Students in our Middle School continue this journey, growing in independence and connecting knowledge and ideas. We begin introducing skills from our International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in Middle school, which sees students developing the deeper, critical thinking skills utilised in the Senior Secondary years. It is a joy to watch our Year 11 and 12 students discover their pathway through the well-respected IB Diploma and WACE General programmes.
Treetops is a Montessori and International Baccalaureate school located in Darlington, in the beautiful Perth Hills. Treetops’ nurturing environment provides students with a broad, harmonious, and thorough education from Playgroup through to Year 12. At Treetops, we provide the perfect environment for student success, with high-quality teachers, small class sizes, and a supportive atmosphere. Our non-comparative and non-competitive environment develops each student as an individual and encourages them to reach their full potential.
To learn more or arrange a tour of Treetops School, head to our website at www.treetops.wa.edu.au
We are currently accepting applications for Kindergarten, Years 11 and 12, with waitlists for all other year groups.
Paul Shearer
GOT SOMETHING TO SELL?
A service like babysitting, handyman jobs, walking a dog or watering plants for someone travelling? Or that much-loved guitar that’s not seeing any action? Or last year’s school ballgown? COST? Only $10 for four lines (40 words max). Special $5 rate for students. It’s easy: Email your classified by the 20th of the month to: business@darlingtonreview.com.au AND deposit $10 (BSB 633 000 Acc No: 158788273). Use your name and date of email as reference. Classifieds with $$$ can also be placed in the Review box at Darlington Post Office.
GARDENING: Pruning, weeding, mulching, whipper snipping, gutters cleaned, yard tidy up etc. Phone Geoff 0409 088 936.
FOR SALE: NORDIC WALKER EXERCISER. Measures 145H x 65W x 70D and folds for storage. Never used due to changed circumstances. Cost $299. For sale $100. Phone Betty 0408 912 101.
FOR SALE: BEER BREWING KIT, Coopers, new: $80; POOL TABLE,1000x1850, inc. balls & cues etc: $330; POLE, stainless 14m. long, ideal for TV/Radio aerial/flag mast: $100; TYRES x 9, on rims, near new, 165/70 R13: $100 the lot. TYRES X 4, on rims, near new, 14” Dunlop Monza ; $150 the lot. Phone Geoff 0409 088 936
WANTED: Containers of Napthalene for a project. Phone Geoff 0409 088 936
CARPENTRY & HOME MAINTENANCE: Widely experienced and insured carpenter available for many tasks including installing doors, architraves & skirtings etc, wood floor repairs, plasterboard work, flatpack assembly & installation and much more. Phone Ken Fox: 0418 903 355
Electricity
Mundaring Christian College
Unite26 Brings Perth Hills Youth Together at MCC
More than three hundred young people from six local church youth groups gathered at Mundaring Christian College on Friday, 6 March, for a vibrant evening of worship, fellowship, and encouragement centred on the message of the Gospel.
The event, titled Unite26, brought together students and youth leaders from across the Perth Hills to celebrate their unity in Christ. Hosted at the College’s Secondary Campus, the evening featured live worship music, testimonies and opportunities for young people to connect with others who share their faith.
Mundaring Christian College Principal, Mr Doug Holtam, said: “The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of partnership between Christian schools and local churches in supporting young people in their spiritual journey.”
“It was incredibly encouraging to see so many young people from different churches come together in one place with a shared desire to worship God”, Mr Holtam said.
“Events like this demonstrate the strength of the Christian community in the Hills and the positive impact that unity can have on the lives of young people.”
Throughout the evening, many students gathered at the front of the auditorium, singing and worshipping together with hands raised as the band led a series of contemporary worship songs. The atmosphere was one of joy, energy and genuine engagement.
One particularly memorable moment came when Mr Holtam spoke with a student who does not regularly attend church. When asked what she thought of the evening, her response was simple but powerful: “I think I’ve been missing out.”
Mr Holtam said moments like this highlight the importance of creating opportunities for young people to explore faith and experience Christian community in a welcoming environment.
“We believe it is important to provide students with opportunities to encounter God and ask deeper questions about life and faith”, he said. “Friday evening was a wonderful example of what can happen when churches and schools work together to support young people.”
The College also expressed sincere thanks to the many staff and volunteers who helped organise the event, with special recognition given to organiser Miss Kylee Retallack for her outstanding leadership and coordination.
Following the success of Unite26, plans are already underway to continue building connections between local youth groups across the Hills.
HELENA COLLEGE
CURIOSITY, CONNECTION AND COLLABORATION
Teaching is a collaborative profession, and earlier this term, we were delighted to welcome several staff members from St Andrew’s Grammar in Dianella to our Early Learning Centre (ELC), which is based at our Darlington Campus. The visit was facilitated by AISWA’s Early Childhood Consultant, Lynne McCarney. AISWA (Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia) supports independent schools through professional learning, educational expertise and collaboration across the sector, and Lynne helped establish this valuable connection between the two schools.
During the visit, our guests explored our learning environments and spent time discussing approaches to early childhood education. At Helena, children sit at the centre of all decision-making, and our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework alongside the College’s Learning Principles. In the Early Learning Centre, we focus on nurturing the development of the whole child, supporting curiosity, confidence, wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging as the foundations for lifelong learning.
Our ELC team were acknowledged for their commitment to creating learning experiences that are both purposeful and developmentally appropriate. Through play-based inquiry and thoughtfully designed environments, children are encouraged to explore, question, collaborate and make meaningful connections in their learning. These experiences support children to develop independence, creativity and resilience while building the skills and dispositions that will support them throughout their educational journey.
Creating spaces where children feel secure, supported and known allows them to take risks in their learning and develop the confidence to explore new ideas. It was particularly affirming for our team to share these practices and to reflect on the important role early childhood education plays in shaping children’s attitudes toward learning.
Lynne McCarney described the visit as a positive and inspiring professional exchange, highlighting the value of educators learning alongside one another and the importance of strong connections across schools.
Quality early childhood education lays the foundation for future learning and success. We are always pleased to open our learning spaces in the spirit of shared professional learning, and we are incredibly proud of the programs and environments our ELC team provide each day as they nurture the whole child and support our youngest learners to grow with curiosity, confidence and joy.
DISCOVER PURPOSEFUL LEARNING
Helena College is now inviting applications for enrolment in Kindergarten in 2028 and 2029.
Scan the QR code to register your interest today. For more information, please email enrolments@helena.wa.edu.au
100 Dolls Project
This year marks the one hundred year anniversary of Kindergartens in Steiner Education. To celebrate this special milestone, a group of Western Australian Steiner Kindergarten teachers decided to embark on an ambitious project – to create one hundred dolls to give away to Steiner Kindergartens across the world!
This statewide initiative has expanded organically, with the project taking on a life of its own with all the Western Australian Steiner schools getting involved and organising their own crafting days, either to prepare individual doll kits or to help people make their own. It has been incredible to see how this project has picked up momentum through the community.
What has been most uplifting is seeing how the project has drawn the community together. Each workshop brought a rich mix of former and current teachers, craft teachers, assistants, parents, grandparents, and even Silver Tree alumni. Some Class 6 students from Silver Tree have joined in too!
At times the workshops produced many dolls; at others, they produced something equally valuable: new connections, shared learning and the passing on of craft knowledge.
Handcrafted Waldorf (or Steiner) dolls are quite remarkable and unique and are designed to nurture a child’s imagination, emotional connection, and open-ended play. They originate from the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, whose approach to childhood development emphasises creativity, simplicity, and a deep connection to natural materials.
The dolls are usually made from natural, tactile materials such as cotton, wool, and sometimes linen. Wool is often used for stuffing because it retains warmth, giving the doll a comforting, almost lifelike quality. This focus on natural fibres reflects the broader values of Waldorf education, where sensory experience and connection to the natural world are considered essential to learning.
A defining feature of Waldorf dolls is their minimal facial expression. Instead of detailed features, they typically have simple eyes and a soft suggestion of a mouth. This intentional simplicity allows children to project their own feelings onto the doll—happy, sad, sleepy, or excited—encouraging emotional development and imaginative storytelling.
2026 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the opening of the first Steiner Kindergarten. Early last year, the West Australian Early Childhood Steiner Community pondered - “How shall we celebrate this milestone?” And it was decided:
“Let’s make one hundred dolls to
give
away to Steiner
Kindergartens
across the world!”
Because dollmaking is a labour intensive craft, we began early. Two crafters from each metropolitan school—along with keen community makers—were invited to learn how to create small Waldorf dolls. Each school then received kits and instructions to continue the work within their own communities.
What has been most uplifting is seeing how the project has drawn the community together. Each workshop brought a rich mix of retired and current teachers, craft teachers, assistants, parents, grandparents, and even Silver Tree alumni—often from several schools at once. Some Class 6 students joined in too, as did staff from primary, secondary and administration teams.
Our Easter deadline for completion of the hundred dolls is fast approaching, but at last count we are well on our way to completion with over seventy dolls in Perth and many more to be collected from the regions. Early next term we will have a gathering of the dolls for everyone who has made a doll, and a grand sorting of the dolls to send to Waldorf Schools all around the world.
At times the workshops produced many dolls; at others, they produced something equally valuable: new connections, shared learning and the passing on of craft knowledge. We exchanged countless tips—how to shape the legs, correct the feet, adjust patterns when fabric is limited, choose clothes that are easiest to sew, and explore the many creative ways to make hair.
As we write, we are preparing for a road trip to Geraldton, while doll kits have already travelled to Witchcliffe and Yallingup, where the spirit of the project continues. It has become, above all, a community building endeavour.
With our Easter deadline approaching, we are delighted to report that more than 70 dolls have already been completed in Perth, with many more expected from regional contributors. Early next term, we will gather all the dolls, celebrate the makers, and assemble collections to send to Waldorf schools around the world.
This project has been a joyful journey, and we extend heartfelt thanks to every person who has contributed in any way.
JOIN YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
If you are a community, cultural or sporting group, a local school or faith group, and you would like information about joining the Darlington Review as a subscribing member, contact our Business Manager Betty Pitcher.
Membership allows subscribers to connect with the community (full details are on the inside front cover of the magazine).
If you would like to advertise in the magazine, contact our Advertising Manager Ron Stuurstraat.
The Darlington Review is run by volunteers and is delivered free to all local households. Its aim is to build a strong, engaged and cohesive community.
Advertising Manager | Ron Stuurstraat advertising@darlingtonreview.com.au Business Manager | Betty Pitcher business@darlingtonreview.com.au
Seeing to Understand – Science at Parkerville Steiner College
Science Main Lessons are a highlight at Parkerville Steiner College, designed to be practical, engaging, and enjoyed by all students.
Whether exploring concepts in physics, chemistry, or biology, students play an active part in every investigation. Through practical experience, they learn to trace cause and effect, and through genuine observation, they describe exactly what they see before making judgments or drawing conclusions. This disciplined approach cultivates independent, analytical thinking and deep understanding.
Parkerville Steiner College
Drawing also plays a central role in this process. When students sketch experiments, record the shapes of flames, or chart the movement of colour through liquid, they refine their perception. The act of careful and accurate drawing slows observation and reveals fine detail, turning fleeting impressions into clear, lasting insight. It is a training in seeing that strengthens comprehension and supports long term learning.
In this way, Science at Parkerville Steiner College combines intellectual rigour with an artistic discipline of attention. Students learn to observe before judging, to think before concluding, and to keep a sense of wonder alive in every discovery.
Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS)
Anticipation of the New Working Season in the Life of the Station Reserve
It is not an easy time to be looking forward in the world generally maybe but, as gardeners, we have the luxury of working with Nature and supporting her wonderful response to the forthcoming change of season. In the meantime we can still enjoy the tenacity of our reserve plantings to survive, against the odds sometimes, when all is so dry and hot. These photos show how beautiful our natives can be once the seed pods are formed. Look for these good examples:
Photo 1 – Our prolific Marri trees provide lots of Honkey ( or Honky ) nuts for our larger birds to feed on,for the kids to enjoy and for the rest of us to avoid slipping on!
Photo 2 – Old Man Banksia. Who does not know this famous Banksia Serrata.
Photo 3 – Well named ‘ Bird Beak Hakea’ -following the plant’s beautiful red flowers.
We will start meeting again on our regular fortnightly Sunday mornings on Sunday, 12 April. We will work for two hours from 8 am and then have morning tea together at the Glen Road end picnic table. If you are new to reading about our group, let me introduce us:
Friends of Darlington Station Reserve members are all volunteers and while we are now mostly retired ( Nat, Graham
and Oscar are our valued ‘ Young Things’ ) we will get through an amazing amount of clearing up accumulated summer debris, judicious pruning and then new planting by just that regular 2 hours all through winter into spring until another Darlington Arts Festival. As you might imagine we always hope for new members to boost our numbers, so please come and meet us anytime while we are working or socialising on the reserve. As members of the Darlington community we share the reserve with you all and we always hope you will spend time on the reserve and make it your own too.
Any clever photographers out there who get good photos whilst walking in the reserve, whether of the plants or resident wildlife, are invited to get me to show their photos here. Please do- we would all love that.
If you can spare time to come and help on the reserve, you can either just come down one Sunday or ring and talk to Jane on 0477 987 048. We are casual and very sociable people and we all come to work when we can, which does not have to be any more regularly than life allows.
Happy Easter to you all and may we ( imagine we) see our Easter Bilby down on the reserve this year.
Diane
1. Honkey nuts of course
2. Second most recognised seed pod from an Old Man Banksia
3. The Bird Beak Hakea - Hakea Orthorryncha
Newburn Accounting & Tax
We are an accountancy firm based in Darlington, Western Australia. Located not far off Gt Eastern Hwy, We provide accountancy and tax management services to a range of businesses and individuals.
While we are proudly Hills based, our clientele ranges from the Swan Valley to the wheatbelt.
Our highly effective team of business specialists and service providers work with best practices and state-of-the-art solutions.
Our professional ‘business service allows you to focus and remain on top.
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start-up formation, for company, partnership and sole
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• Crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, full & partial dentures
• Crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, full & partial dentures
• Crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, full & partial dentures
• Providing dental care for the whole family in a leafy, relaxed setting
• Providing dental care for the whole family in a leafy, relaxed setting
• Providing dental care for the whole family in a leafy, relaxed setting
Darlington Community Garden (DCG)
Greetings from the Darlington Community Garden in the season of Djeran. At the time of writing, we are waiting patiently for the drought to end with a good downpour so that we, like the plants, can feel replenished. With the days getting shorter and cooler it's the right time for us to switch back to the 4pm timeslot for Monday busy bees.
As you may have heard, the DCG has been the target of many plant thefts over Summer, with the latest incident, our Lilly Pilly tree, kindly donated by HOSCA, vanishing in mid-March. Thanks to all the community members who have offered assistance with providing replacement plants or funding deterrents. We are looking at all options. In the meantime, please let us know if you see the thieving in action with a message via the DCG or Darlington Hub Facebook pages. Or email us at info@ darlingtoncommunitygarden.org.au.
The ongoing offences have had us documenting all the losses that we are aware of since 2024 and we are including in the litany of theft, the wavy bridge that used to live behind the skate park. One morning it was there, then by afternoon it was gone. Shire staff said they knew nothing about it. I daresay the community did not report the theft to police and who knows, it could be the same person or people. We will present the information to the Shire of Mundaring as well as the Police.
the first in place near our garden to have one.
Although many may not want another CCTV camera in our world, it is a well-researched phenomenon that people behave better when they think they are being watched. It has certainly been talked about many times over the years and would not be
Last year we told you about a grant application we made to transform ‘Lake Darlington’ into something special. That application did not bear fruit and needs a long lead time to factor in Shire works, so we have changed tack with our revegetation plans for 2026/27. We will now consolidate work on the Pine Terrace garden and plant out the steep bank on the Southwest side this year. We will also start working on revegetation of the adjacent bank, to be completed in 2027. Plans to revegetate these areas have been in place since the LAMP 1 Masterplan was created in 2021, and although these zones are outside the DCG lease, we are proud to be leading the charge in realising that vision piece by piece. We will be announcing a series of community planting days soon.
And most importantly, by the time the Darlington Review arrives in your letterbox, we will have sent messages out about our next Nature Play Day, run partnership with our dear friends at HOSCA. Always so much fun to be had.
Come visit soon and see how the garden grows!
www.darlingtoncommunitygarden.org.au/join-us-1
Keep in touch and have your say on our DCG FACEBOOK page www.facebook.com/groups/ 218148335647263
Advertisement Specifications
The Darlington Review is a well-loved institution informing and binding the community since the 1950s - and it’s the very best advertising option, along with word-of-mouth.
The Darlington Review is delivered free to all local households and our low advertising rates makes it easily affordable. We have it on good authority from local tradies that it’s the only advertising you may need to do. If you are interested and want further information get in touch with our Advertising Manager
Ron Stuurstraat: 0451 662 917
1. ‘Print’ (or ‘High’) resolution PDF
2.
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4. Images embedded (critical); and
5. Border ‘keyline’
(*Contact Production Manager for any clarification of specifications.)
advertising@darlingtonreview.com.au
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