POST Newspaper 18 April 2026

Sox appeal for tower power

By JEN REWELL

Noisy and smelly diesel generators powering two temporary City Beach mobile phone towers were installed because Cambridge council refused to allow the operators to connect to the local power grid.

Neighbours have launched a display of old socks to draw attention to their protest.

The Optus and Telstra towers had to find new homes after their previous location at Ocean Village Shopping Centre was demolished to make way for a 23-storey apartment block.

Cambridge had no say when the telcos moved the towers to neighbouring Ocean Village Park.

But residents are annoyed that the towers have each taken up 60sq.m of the small park while the generators have created constant noise and fumes.

Resident Doug Barrett said measurements taken by council health officers at his house confirmed noise levels were far above allowed levels.

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What a VERY western suburb story

By

Endless money disputes between fabulously wealthy western suburb tribes reached their zenith in a high-rise courtroom in Perth on Wednesday.

This story has its roots around 90 years ago when two Hale School classmates, Lang Hancock and Peter Wright, went into business together.

The names of their children and grandchildren, plus Don

Rhodes, friend of Lang and a savvy miner, earthmoving contractor and prospector, became entangled in a case that has kept a phalanx of high-priced lawyers busy for 16 years.

The Wright and Rhodes families and Gina Rinehart all walked away claiming victory, the result summed up by Supreme Court judge Jennifer Smith as both sides won half their case and lost half.

The Wright and Rhodes descendants and two of Gina

Rinehart’s children have been awarded past and future royalties for their claim of the Hope Downs iron ore reserves, but

Homeless camp in tram stop

By JACK MADDERN

A West Perth resident says he feels powerless to stop people sleeping and defecating at the Old Tram Stop on the corner of Hay and Thomas streets.

Itinerant occupants of the small, historic brick building are also accused of harassing passers-by.

But Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said the issue of homelessness could not be fixed with short-term solutions.

Moving people on did not solve the problem, she said.

Local resident Mike Groves said some people sleeping in the Old Tram Stop were aggressive and shouted abuse at people walking past.

He said he believed the homeless at the tram stop had been squatting in a state-owned house at 58 Thomas Road, which was

recently demolished.

“It’s an obvious shelter spot,” he said.

“It’s also about the welfare of the people who sleep there, how they look after their hygiene.

“They are pooing in the bushes nearby. What are they using for toilet paper?

“Sometimes people turn up with discarded furniture.

“Eight people rocked up with camp chairs and tables,

There is no simple solution to groups of

then rangers came and moved them on.”

Mr Groves said he was at a loss to know what a long-term solution might be.

“Some of these people are probably there through no fault of their own but there must be a better solution to help them,” he said.

He said one of the tram stop occupants, a young girl, was standing at the intersection with a sign asking passers-by for money.

She tripped and fell into the path of a car, he said.

“She got taken to the hospital and was pretty badly injured but she’s back there collecting money again,” he said.

“It’s a little heritage tram stop so if there is a way it could be made secure so it’s not an inviting space for people to go into maybe some discrete fencing or grills to become a deterrent.”

were unsuccessful in getting part ownership of the mines.

Mrs Rinehart, Australia’s richest person, and global miner Rio Tinto will have to fork out possibly hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties – chickenfeed compared with having to share profits from the mines had the main claims succeeded.

The legal dispute that began in 2010 will now enter the next phase of wrangling over legal costs, and calculating the exact

amounts of hundreds of millions of outstanding royalty payments.

Justice Smith was decisive in untangling the claims of the people who sought a cut of the wealth gushing out of the red dirt: heirs, owners, and wannabe owners of some of the mines.

She handed down a 1655-page judgment two years after the three-month civil trial in 2023.

“Hancock Prospecting and subsidiary Hope Downs has won

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We are here to help with your next move. Contact Tony and Maree to achieve an outstanding result.

Eating into unaffordability

For a long time now I have been unable to understand how anyone in Australia aged from 25 years cannot afford a humble one-bedroom 40sq.m apartment in, say, Subiaco.

There are so many government enticements and some can acquire a property if they have only $2000 saved.

The problem is in front of my eyes at shopping centres, seeing couples with trolleys loaded with gourmet foods such as expensive cheeses, out-of-season exotic fruits and expensive cuts of meat.

I am shocked when I see people paying $12 for a sandwich or top price for a coffee when my local petrol station has them for $2 and after the fourth one a loyalty fifth one free.

There was none of this restaurant stuff when I was young, but a healthy picnic basket in the park.

Several of my neighbours rent, yet have very expensive vehicles parked outside.

Focus, focus.

Due to excessive eating, a

lot of “struggling” non-owners are hugely overweight. Do they ever think of taking the neighbour’s dog for a wander down the road?

What’s more, they think it appropriate to sign up with expensive gyms when there are free ones for a 30-day trial. Even better, why not pick up a shovel and work in the garden?

Perhaps next week I will find a bunch of aggressive

overweight renters contacting the POST, aiming virtual bows and arrows at me in frustration over my opinions, as they sit at Perth International Airport anxiously awaiting their flight to Bali for the 17th time – this time to try out the Oberoi because the four-star lodge they stayed in down the road five months ago is so yesterday now.

Murray Pitsikas Broadway, Crawley Email

Cyclists may not be the problem

Nick Yiannopoulos (Cycle sport endangers life on public roads, Letters, April 4) rails against the large groups of cyclists who can be seen in the mornings out for a training ride.

I began riding a tricycle when I was about three, had my first bike race in 1952 and only stopped riding when I developed a bad case of the “low-speed wobbles” just a couple of years ago. This infliction can be fatal in today’s traffic conditions so I thought I was wise to retire the bike, though by this time it had morphed into an e-bike. Getting to the important part, the integration of cycling with traffic and pedestrians, I have been a part of this interaction throughout 50plus years in the transport industry, including driving road trains in WA’s North and buses in Perth.

In my experience, cyclists did not pose a problem to buses on

You’re not Knightsbridge, Claremont

the always congested Stirling Highway. They could keep up with the traffic. It was car drivers who were the problem!

While cycle pelotons are alleged to be a safety hazard, kilometres of slow-moving, nose-to-tail motorists, all rushing to work, are the real problem.

Now a word of advice from an old guy who has done a bit of riding and driving: If you want to stay safe on a mixed-use path or a dual-use path, keep religiously to the left!

A lot of cyclists do not ring their bell when approaching pedestrians from behind because the first thing the pedestrian does is prop and then turn to look over their right shoulder, stepping directly into the path of the cyclist.

We don’t like colliding with pedestrians because we sit higher and have further to fall. And as we are usually going faster, we tend to hurt a tad more.

Dave Tierney Kalinda Drive, City Beach

Descent into smoke

EXPERT RUG WASH

Thank you, POST, for the article on the plight of Claremont Drapers looking for a new / old home (Chaos chic too shabby for Claremont, April 11).

Claremont is now supposed to be chic but I just wonder how many chic people there actually are in the western suburbs who need to shop only at Chanel, Camilla etc. I have almost given up shopping in Claremont because of the vibe that now emanates from the Quarter. Frankly it’s boring and, in my opinion, pretentious.

Claremont ain’t 5th Avenue or Knightsbridge; it’s a suburban shopping mall.

Claremont Drapers has been chugging along in the western suburbs for 112 years.  It must appeal to a lot of people.   S. Burgess Wing eld Avenue, Crawley

As I flew back from Adelaide last weekend the alarming sight of Perth blanketed in smoke haze greeted me. Dozens of prescribedburn spot fires were evident as we descended. Air quality would be little better than in New Delhi in December. For the climate warriors, carbon emissions from these fires would be significant, and there is a growing body of evidence that “fuel load reduction” prescribed burns are ineffective and counterproductive because of their large impact on biodiversity.

David Main Lapsley Road, Claremont ■ Burn clouds health, page 7

Monster towers drain sunlight

By BRET CHRISTIAN

The state government has over-ruled overwhelming public objections to three noncompliant high-rise apartment towers in Jolimont.

Rising up to 12 storeys, the towers would cast a shadow over neighbouring St Ives retirement village for up to five hours a day in winter.

The project breaches a raft of Subiaco council’s local planning laws.

The 12-storey tower is three times Subiaco’s four-storey cap for the site, though it may be extended to six storeys under special conditions.

Two other towers are seven and nine storeys high, with a ground level cafe and a swimming pool for 236 apartments.

Nathan Blackburne’s Cedar Woods says it needs to exceed the height limits in order to save a gum tree on the former council depot site at 2 Upham

Street, Jolimont (A gum equals six storeys, POST November 29).

In a rare split decision, the WA Planning Commission committee voted 4-2 to approve the plans.

The proposal was opposed by Subiaco and Cambridge councils, and 87% of 162 public submissions.

“The proposal departs from the applicable planning framework on every key metric,” Mere View Way resident Gary Roberts, known as the king of Perth’s FM radio, submitted to the state’s Statutory Planning Committee this week.

He said the design departures compound one another and include excessive height that creates overshadowing, excessive bulk that reduces permissible setbacks by 9.5m, and reduced setbacks that diminish solar access.

“In combination with the height, they create an overbearing presence on neighbouring properties,” he said.

Subiaco said the community benefit was inadequate for the proposed level of development, which was expected to double traffic volumes at the Bishop Street and Salvado Road inter-

Scott snatches back his stolen bike, again

By BEN DICKINSON

A Nedlands real estate

agent used a tracking tag to confront the man who he believed stole his bike last week.

Scott Banister-Jones said his $4000 Specialized mountain bike went missing on Friday from the Farmer Jacks entrance of Claremont Quarter.

“I locked it to the bike rack only to find it gone when I got back from a coffee with my old man,” he said.

The keen cyclist alerted shopping centre security, who notified police and pulled CCTV footage.

“I had put a tracker in it so I could see it was in Subi,” Mr Banister-Jones said.

“Unfortunately by the time [a police officer] arrived, the thief had jumped back onto the train and was in the city.”

“I informed the police but thought I’d go there to point them in the right direction as they didn’t have my tracker to see its location.

“When I got to the spot in East Perth I thought I saw a handlebar in a laneway between shops.

“When I walked past I found this gentleman eating a pizza with his mate.”

Mr Banister-Jones snapped a photo of the man before confronting him.

“I told him the police were on their way and that he should leave the bike and go,” he said.

“I’m a featherweight at best and this guy isn’t afraid of the cookie jar so I was bricking it.

“However, I had my fullface motorbike helmet on, which gave me a little bit of confidence.

“I grabbed my bike from him and walked away.

“My helmet, saddle bag and

lock are all missing in action, but at least I have my bike.”

Mr Banister-Jones said it was “the third of my bike’s nine lives” after it was twice stolen previously.

He interrupted a burglar in 2021 as he was wheeling the bike out of his Megalong Street home (Scott cops rude shock, POST August 21, 2021). And the bike was stolen from Claremont Quarter in 2023, and similarly tracked to the Perth CBD, where police found it locked in the Hay Street Mall (Airtag proves its worth on stolen bike, POST December 9, 2023).

section to 4230 vehicles a day.

“No additional height or plot ratio should be supported,” the City submitted.

Cedar Woods went through three rounds of redesigns with the State Design Review Panel but stopped engaging after failing to win its support.

“Potential impacts, such as overshadowing, have not been addressed,” the panel’s final report said.

Rowe Group planning consultant Chris Green pushed for an approval at Wednesday’s meeting.

“We really want to push on with this project,” he said.

Cedar Woods state manager Ben Rosser said there was a

“fragile balance” between improving the design and keeping the development economically viable.

“Apartment development is not easy, particularly at this time,” he said.

“It will be a high-quality development pitched at a middle market offering.”

SPC members were at first lukewarm on the plans, telling the meeting they were concerned about overshadowing.

“We do want to see dwellings being delivered … but it can’t be at any cost,” commissioner Ray Haeren said.

“There is significant discretion that is being sought”.

Fellow commissioner Claire Franklin said she felt the proposal was “underdone”, while Rebecca Moore said she was “concerned that the engagement with the SDRP didn’t follow through”.

But WA Planning Commission chair Emma Cole said she thought the overshadowing issue could be resolved by pushing the sixth storey of one building back 3.5m, as suggested by state planners.

“I have taken the view that it is possible to work with the recommendation before us,” she said.

Mr Haeren added a condition that required the developer to minimise overshadowing of St Ives’ residents courtyards “to the satisfaction of [Ms Cole],” but exactly how that could be achieved was not specified.

Claremont

THE listening

Residents at the “Paris end” of Blencowe Street in West Leederville make a splash every Christmas with a long-table dinner party that regularly attracts up to 100 current and former occupants of the precinct.

But does a party even count if it doesn’t have merch?

Martin Anderson was appointed to design and produce an appropriate item and soon came up with a chic BS cap to recognise the Blencowe spirit.

Prominent youth advocate George Davies, one of the longest current residents of the street, was on hand for the grand reveal and gave it his tick of approval.

RSL double for Anzac Day

The Subiaco-Shenton Park RSL is holding two services on Anzac Day.

The rst service will be held outside the Shenton Park Community Centre, 240 Onslow Road, starting at 7am.

The second service will take place at the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial in Rokeby Road, Subiaco, beginning at 8.15am after the arrival of a parade from Subiaco Post O ce to the memorial. Morning tea will be made available at the conclusion of both services.

Team

Claremont urged to slow speeders

By BONNIE CHRISTIAN

Claremont residents woken by a man who flipped his car on Davies Road say it is only a matter of time before someone is killed by a speeding driver.

People rushed out of their homes when they heard a loud bang just before 5am last Sunday.

They watched as the driver climbed out of the front passenger window of a Subaru that had crashed into a tree on the median strip and flipped on its side opposite Mulder Park.

He was uninjured and police were not called.

before I as Carr drives to top

Xavier Carr is not only a singular Cambridge councillor but a cricket star of some renown.

Xavier won the Perth Swan Cricket Association’s I Grade batting award after producing 439 runs at 54.8 in 10 games for City Beach Green Range Cricket Club.

His innings included 134 o 94 balls, 78 o 62 and a blazing 50 o 28. But I Grade did not make the nals and Xavier downplayed his personal feat given the absence of team success.

“As any sportsman will tell you, individual awards are one thing but team trophies taste much better,” he said.

Xavier was promoted to the D Grade team which won its semi nal but could not play in the losing grand nal against Scarborough.

But nearby residents are calling on Claremont council to implement measures to slow traffic on a road that is often busy with children, parents with prams and people using the park and the Claremont pool.

A Claremont spokesman they had recently received complaints of speeding drivers on Davies Road.

“The Town has therefore arranged for traffic counts (after the school holidays) on two locations along the stretch of road where the alleged speeding has been reported,” the spokesperson said.

“These counts will reflect the number of vehicles and their speeds for a designated period.

“Once the counts and speed profiles have been analysed, where required, measures to address any identified concerns will be designed and implemented where approved by council.”

They said Davies Road was a distributor road and would not be considered for inclusion in the introduction of 40kmh speed reduction zones (Claremont wants 40kmh limit, POST April 4).

Witness tells of crash horror

By BEN DICKINSON

An 11-year-old girl was seriously injured when she was hit by a car while crossing Stirling Highway in Nedlands on Saturday afternoon.

Former Nedlands mayor Cilla de Lacy was first on the scene when she saw the girl thrown “10 to 12 metres” after riding her bike into the path of a car at the Weld Street intersection.

“Her friend had just crossed halfway from the north side to the south side when she followed out onto the highway, not seeing a car on the outside lane,” Ms de Lacy said.

“We saw her come out and bounce off the front of the car and [get] thrown 10 to 12 metres down the road towards our car.

“It all happened so quickly.

“We administered first aid, as did the driver, who was in shock.”

St John Ambulance told the POST the girl was rushed to Perth Children’s Hospital under lights and sirens with “serious but not life-threatening injuries”.

The crash has reignited calls for a signalised safe pedestrian crossing on the Nedlands stretch of the highway.

There is only one signalled crossing – at Dalkeith Road –in the 2.2km stretch between Loch Street and Broadway.

Another is due to be installed at Smyth Road to help pedestrians cross to the new Woolworths shopping centre at the Captain Stirling site, which is under construction.

“That’s about all that’s happened,” Ms de Lacy told ABC Radio on Monday. “There are plans and there are more plans, but we need action now.

“I do not ever [again] want to witness what I saw on Saturday.”

Residents have for decades campaigned for safer highway crossings, but with little success.

In 2002, the POST reported that Nedlands mum Cristina Angel was lobbying for wider median strips between the Loch Street and Dalkeith Road intersections, calling the stretch of highway “a death trap”.

“The islands are not wide enough for a pram and you have to swivel it sideways to fit,” Ms Angel said at the time.

An 85-year-old woman died after being hit by a car on the Nedlands stretch of the highway in April 2023.

Soon after, then-mayor Fiona Argyle lobbied for the state government to fund a pedestrian underpass.

In 2017, Cambridge council staff estimated that a similar underpass proposed for Lake Monger Drive in Wembley would cost around $4million.

Seapines units to hit market

By BRET CHRISTIAN

A Shenton Park real estate agency has been appointed to sell the 17 units of the trophy Seapines site on Cottesloe beach that have been seized by liquidators.

Kirk Bellerby, of Bellcourt Real Estate, said he had been appointed to sell the 17 lots. A raft of agents, residential and commercial, tendered for the plum sales job.

Robert Kirman of McGrath Nicol was appointed as liquidator after Seapines Property Group (SPG), the trust that controls 17 of the 28 units, failed to meet its deadline to repay a large loan.

The strata-title low-rise chalets were mortgaged to lender Rockford Seapines Pty Ltd.

On December 19 last year, Rockford moved to take possession as mortgagees.

The sales process is being closely watched because full control of all 28 units would enable a developer to build high-priced luxury units on the 2000sq.m block behind the Indiana in central Cottesloe.

A neighbouring new penthouse has just hit the market for $25million (report page 62).

A developer would need to acquire 80% of the units, including some of the 11 that are individually owned, in order to start a process to force the sale of the rest under the WA’s untested “boot-a-granny” laws.

SPG paid about $11million for the 17 units over 20 years, but interest and costs have ballooned those debts to more than $24 million. The size of the debt is disputed by the SPG trustee.

Many of the SPG unit holders are mum-anddad investors and private superannuation funds.

One has told the liquidators that maximum

Napoleon lane to link to $500m Cott towers

By JACK MADDERN

Developers behind a $500million plan for high-rise apartment towers in Cottesloe plan to build a connection between Napoleon and Station streets.

Sirona Urban will be able to link the two streets after buying 24 and 26 Napoleon Street last year plus the corner block at 1 Station Street last month.

The buys will add 800sq.m to the original 3200sq.m project site at 7-11 Station Street.

No change to the design for 17 and 15 storey towers has been announced.

Cottesloe council CEO Mark Newman said any new plans for the area would be subject to further public consultation.

Businesses operating on Sironaowned land have to vacate by next month.

Sirona is part owned by billionaire iron ore heiress Leonie Baldock.

Managing director Matthew McNeilly said Sirona had been looking to better connect Station Street with the Napoleon Street shopping strip.

“When the former De Nardi properties at 24-26 Napoleon Street became available, we saw a chance to improve our plans for 7 and 11 Station Street,” he said.

“This additional investment will help lift the public realm, retail, and hotel amenity significantly, providing

a proper north to south laneway connection through our development.”

The 17-storey residential tower will contain 125 apartments while the other tower will have a hotel and commercial space on the ground floor.

The Sirona plan will be the first development on Napoleon Street since Adam Zorzi’s four-storey restaurant and office space proposal was approved by the WA Planning Commission in 2022.

Developing the small heritage space behind the Shiraz shop was hotly contested by Cottesloe council with councillors saying it did not respect the scale and streetscape of the neighbouring properties. No move has been made to develop the site and the original approval will expire in October.

A spokesperson for Mr Zorzi said he would not comment.

Cottesloe objected to the Sirona and Zorzi development proposals but the council’s planning powers have since been diluted further under Planning Minister John Carey’s 800m train precinct zones.

“Napoleon Street falls within the State Government’s station precinct improvement plan area and is expected to be the subject of a future improvement scheme currently being prepared by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage,” Mr Newman said.

“The Town has no further details at this stage.”

prices are required to be realised, even if that means selling the 17 units to individual buyers.

Further fragmenting ownership of the units would likely cause indefinite delays to any plans to redevelop the site.

The site has a five-storey height limit under Cottesloe’s local planning scheme, similar to a site on the old Beaches cafe site where a seven-storey tower is now under construction.

EVENTS

From art workshops and film screenings to corporate and celebratory events, our award-winning heritage spaces set the perfect stage. Book the Club Lounge, Makerspace, Cinema, or Meeting Room today. Corner Warton Street & Marine Parade, Cottesloe heritagecollective@curtinheritage.com.au heritagecollective.com.au @theheritagecollective_ Louise Farnay is an award-winning Claremont artist who runs popular, fun and relaxed workshops using easy-to-learn techniques in oil and acrylic. Louise is renowned for her detailed hyperrealism and whimsical coastal scenes. She accepts commissions. www.louisefarnay.com louise@louisefarnay.com is an

CHARACTER

Tanning trend scars Abbey

By JACK MADDERN

The scar on Abbey Templeton’s arm is a reminder that too much time in the sun has potentially fatal consequences.

It is two years since the Mt Claremont woman was diagnosed with melanoma, a cancer with a 50% survival rate.

But Abbey, 24, now uses the scars from her life-saving surgery to help other people avoid going through her ordeal.

Her message is part of a Cancer Council report that blames social media pressures for promoting sun tanning in young people’s beauty standards and creating more risky behaviour.

“No tan is worth what I went through,” Abbey said.

“When I say bloody social media, I sound like my parents but it is driving this in our culture.

“I saw a swimwear brand in their marketing have their brand burned into models’ backs.

“There’s always going to be trends that people try to follow and try to be cool.

“But this one is just such a damaging one that it’s hard not to get angry when I see young girls with tan lines so burned in.

“There’s no positive aspect to it. It’s just not worth it.”

Abbey was 23 when she noticed a mole on her left arm get progressively darker over

Pocket forest plan takes root in Floreat

By BEN DICKINSON

A “Miyawaki Method forest” could be planted on the site where Hackett Hall once stood in Floreat.

three months.

Her doctor confirmed it was a melanoma.

“It didn’t really hit until I called my mum,” she said.

“I don’t think people realise it can happen that young.”

Surgery removed the cancer but Abbey now uses the scar as a visual message to others to take sun protection seriously.

“When I warn my friends now, they listen because I’ve had skin cancer,” she said.

“You have to also lead by example.

“Telling them sun damage causes wrinkles is also a good way of getting through to them.”

Abbey took sun safety seriously enough as a youngster but still ended up with melanoma.

“The start of high school, you want to try and be cool with your friends,” she said.

“And all my friends could tan, but I realised the hard way that I couldn’t, so I had to give up on that.”

“Examples: outdoor amphitheatre, contemplation garden, Miyawaki Method forest planting.”

The Miyawaki method involves extensive soil preparation and dense planting to create a “pocket forest” that matures in just 10 to

The community theatre venue in Lawler Park was bulldozed last year after succumbing to a termite infestation, leaving the park with a Hall was removed?” asks the survey.

Sally Blane, from the Cancer Council’s SunSmart education program, has teamed up with Abbey to educate people about the importance of sun safety.

She said the recent survey showed young people were aware of the sun’s risk but still chose to tan.

“That tan or sunburn will fade, but on a deeper DNA

‘Fantastic’ burn clouds health

By JEN REWELL

Stunning sunsets brought a catch in the back of the throat and an official health smoke alert.

The “perfect burning conditions” prompted by autumn rains have coincided with easterly winds which makes smoke linger over the metropolitan area.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is responsible for the Hills fires which have left a blanket of smoke over metro homes.

“People with health conditions which are impacted by smoke are advised to keep up to date with smoke messaging, as well as follow advice from health care professionals,” a DBCA statement said.

The smoke pollution from the burns also contributed to huge carbon emissions to the atmosphere, according to Shenton Park resident and environmental activist Carole Peters.

“Burning remote areas has zero protective effect on lives and properties but it does incinerate biodiversity and severely degrade forests, woodlands and coastal heaths, bringing on dense and flammable regrowth that inflames the cycle of burn and burn again,” Dr Peters said.

“It is time for an independent review into the combined impacts of target-driven broadscale prescribed burning in south-western WA.”

Rain on Wednesday concealed smoke from one of DBCA’s biggest prescribed burns, which was started on Good Friday in Bannister, about 129km from Perth.

The DBCA’s Brodie Selby said the perfect burn conditions aligned with easterly winds which, “unfortunately, pushed smoke into the Perth metropolitan area.”

The DBCA had an “embedded” fire science program to support planning and decisionmaking, and smoke management

Hidden health hazard … Smoke from burn-offs produced spectacular sunrises and sunsets, like this o v er Cottesloe beach last weekend, but are the toxic smoke effects worth the disputed benefits of prescribed burning?

was one of its most important considerations, he said.

“Prescribed burning is the state’s main way of reducing bushfire risk and that is generally supported by 50 to 60 years of forest science that highlights how prescribed burning works to reduce the risk of bushfire,” he said.

Farmers near the Fitzgerald River National Park on the south coast pushed for an independent review of DBCA’s fire mitigation strategy after a megafire in January burned around 173,000ha, according to the ABC.

In 2023, a request by a host of highly-credentialed scientists for an independent review was refused by the state government’s Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs, chaired by Peter Foster.

The committee said it was satisfied that DBCA was “well aware” of the need for improving

Smoke from prescribed burns has caused stunning sunsets but exacerbated some people’s health issues.

publicly available information and educating people on “the benefits that derive” from burns.

The committee also said there should be more detailed pre- and post-burn monitoring of fauna and flora, as there was “very little knowledge” of the impact on the biodiversity in a burn area.

Neurologist Carolyn Orr said the benefits of prescribed burning must be considered against its health effects.

“Wood smoke, whether it comes from a bushfire or a pre-

WALGA accepts judge’s ruling on FOI

By BEN DICKINSON

The WA Local Government Association (WALGA) will not appeal a ruling that it is subject to Freedom of Information laws.

The powerful organisation, which has never before been subject to public disclosure laws, will be forced to comply with FOI requests after a decision by Supreme Court Judge Marcus Solomon this month.

The action was brought by former Cottesloe councillor Sandra Boulter and the Local Government Elected Members Association (LGEMA), who sought information about how WALGA chooses its appointees to government boards.

WALGA had until late this month to appeal the ruling, but this week agreed to a court order that ruled out that possibility. It agreed to a consent order that requires it to pay LGEMA’s legal fees and sends a decision on the FOI application back to the Freedom of Information Commissioner.

LGEMA was represented by Tony Fifield of Avon Legal and Greg McIntyre SC.

Who can help when your child has died?

The Compassionate Friends organisation provides support for bereaved parents.

Coffee morning for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents.

Free support from those who understand others who have lost a child

When: 4th Thursday of each month

Time: 10a.m. – 12noon

CONTACT

Where: Nedlands

scribed burn, is the most toxic type of air pollution the average person breathes, as it contains harmful solid particles called PM2.5, as well as carbon monoxide, VOCs [volatile organic compounds] and respiratory irritants,” Dr Orr said.

“The smoke we’re exposed to here in Perth and surrounding areas comes mostly from prescribed burns, because they happen much more often than bushfires, they’re generally done closer to homes, and they tend to be done in fair weather con-

An official map showing bush on fire from prescribed burns on Wednesday.

ditions, when smoke can linger.

“The health impacts from prescribed burning in WA are 10 times those from natural bushfires.”

• Please turn to page 68

CENTRE is up to! All are welcome! There is something for everyone! Join us for informative talks and activities

• Come and meet Leanne Stojmenov, the new Artistic Director of WA Ballet and hear what she brings to the ballet.

• Hear about John Burridge on preserving Militaria or Bill Cutler will take us on a journey of his family’s connection to the First Fleet.

• Terry Harvey will share the miraculous rescue and 49 day ordeal of survivors from the ice after an airship disaster in the Arctic in 1926.

• Share a bus trip out to Antonio Battistessa’s renowned studio, for the internationally celebrated master blacksmith.

• For exercise we have our weekday walkers and Chair Pilates & Yoga

• We have mind exercises like Mah Jong, Pony Canasta, or Scrabble.

• Come along to enjoy for mornings playing games, nd out what the new hit game called Rummikub.

• Located 3.5km from Perth CBD

• Less than 80m from the Swan River with direct access to 2.5km of foreshore

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$10million bill to shift horse centre

By LLOYD GORMAN

The state government will pay $10million to move a horseriding centre a few metres to make way for a new mental health unit at Graylands hospital.

The Claremont Therapeutic Riding Centre will next year shift north across John XXIII Avenue in Mt Claremont.

It is part of the $218million Graylands Campus Project that will deliver 40 new beds for mental health patients at the hospital.

ADCO Constructions will build the new centre.

The government said the project would transform and expand forensic mental health services.

$400 fine for dog attack

A woman needed medical attention after being bitten by a dog on a popular Peppermint Grove riverfront track.

Rangers fined the dog owner $400 for failing to prevent her dog chasing or attacking a person, causing physical injury.

The attack happened on the unsealed bush track below Devil’s Elbow at the start of The Esplanade.

The dog was not on a lead, Peppermint Grove CEO Don Burnett said.

It will include 32 new subacute male forensic mental health beds, an eight-bed child and adolescent unit and integrated patient services and rehabilitation hub.

The riding centre was founded by M’liss Henry in 1972 to run therapeutic and recreation services for people with disabilities. The new facility will cost $10.6million.

Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the project would deliver WA’s first dedicated child and adolescent forensic mental health unit.

“This project is about ensuring our mental health system can continue providing appropriate trauma-informed care,” she said.

Are Subiaco’s streets really safer?

Subiaco councillors have questioned whether the new Safe Active Streets program is working as more cars appear to be rat-running through surrounding streets.

Councillor Danny Fyffe noted at an agenda forum on Tuesday that 20 extra cars travelling on Waylen Road and Morgan Street – an increase of around 10% – should be considered significant since population growth was only three to four percent.

“If you multiply that out annually or every 16 months for six or seven years you get a doubling of the traffic,” he said.

A staff report to councillors shows traffic on Waylen Road and Morgan Streets had risen from 300 vehicles per day on average to 330.

“It equates to being about one or two vehicles per hour additional, so we don’t see that to be a significant increase,” manager of engineering services Randhir Karma told the meeting.

Councillors will vote

next week whether to accept the report into traffic impacts since the Safe Active Streets program was introduced in May.

Traffic-calming measures and a 30kmh speed limit were applied in May to Keightley Road and Excelsior and Evans streets in Shenton Park, to link the busy thoroughfares of Thomas Street and Railway Road.

Residents in surrounding streets feared the project would mean increased traffic and provided stiff

Sunset Beats hits the right note at Rutter Park

More than 400 people gathered at Rutter Park in Wembley on Sunday 22 March for the Town of Cambridge’s latest Sunset Beats event, enjoying an afternoon of live music, family fun and a great atmosphere in the park.

Featuring Perth favourites The Murphy Brothers, the free community event brought people of all ages together for a relaxed Sunday afternoon in the park, with many settling in to enjoy the music and activities as the sun went down.

Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack said it was fantastic to see such a strong turnout for the Wembley event.

“It was wonderful to see more than 400 people come together at Rutter Park for another successful Sunset Beats event,” Mayor Mack said.

Major upgrade completed at Floreat Surf Life Saving Club

A standout feature of the afternoon was the mix of activities on offer, giving people plenty to enjoy between sets from The Murphy Brothers. While children enjoyed craft, bubbles and games, others relaxed on picnic rugs and camp chairs, making the most of the warm weather and great atmosphere.

The Town of Cambridge’s Sunset Beats series continues to bring people together in some of the Town’s most beautiful parks and beaches through free, family-friendly entertainment and live music.

The Town has celebrated upgrades to the Floreat Surf Life Saving Club, supporting surf lifesaving and community use.

Originally built in 1981, the redevelopment improved accessibility, functionality and safety. Works included accessible toilets, upgraded changerooms, improved ventilation, a new lift, better disability access, redesigned kitchen and bar areas, expanded storage, and improved member spaces.

Supported by State Government funding through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund and Lotterywest, Mayor Gary Mack said the upgrades will help meet the needs of a growing and diverse community.

Wembley Golf Course Coordinator recognised

Maintenance Coordinator Luke Candido has been named Employee of the Year at the 2025 WA Golf Industry Awards, recognising his outstanding contribution to the operation, maintenance and ongoing improvement of Wembley Golf Course. Presented at Optus Stadium on 27 March 2026, the award reflects Luke’s dedication and professionalism.

Over nine years, he has built a reputation for going above and beyond, including after-hours support, TrackMan expertise and project leadership. Mayor Gary Mack said it was encouraging to see the people behind a high-performing facility acknowledged for the contribution they make.

Term 2 Enrolments Open for Swim Academy

Bold Park Aquatic Swim Academy is now taking enrolments for Term 2, giving families the chance to keep children building confidence and essential water safety skills year-round.

The premium program offers small class sizes, experienced teachers and consistent learning to support ongoing progress, even through the cooler months.

Term 2 runs from 20 April to 5 July 2026. Families are encouraged to secure their child’s place early, with limited spots expected to fill quickly.

ANZAC Day Parade and Ceremony 7.50am to 9.30am West Leederville Memorial Garden

ANZAC Day parade and remembrance ceremony honouring service and sacrifice.

An evening with Dave Warner 6pm to 7.30pm Cambridge Library

shares stories, and performs

Creating Low Waste Gifts Workshop 10am to 11.30am Cambridge Library

Create three thoughtful low-waste gifts to take home in this fun, easy and hands-on workshop.

What Goes in Your Green-Lid FOGO Bin? Make Every Scrap Count

If it’s food or from the garden, it belongs in your green-lid FOGO bin. FOGO is an easy way for households to reduce waste sent to landfill. Items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, pizza crusts, fish bones, coffee grounds, grass clippings, leaves and flowers can all go in together to be turned into compost.

Using your FOGO bin correctly helps create a cleaner end product and supports a more sustainable waste system. You can line your kitchen caddy with certified compostable liners or newspaper to make it easier to transfer food scraps, but regular plastic bags and other non-organic items must stay out.

Scan the QR code to visit the FOGO webpage and find out what can go in your green-lid bin and other helpful tips.

Croquet with grace and grit

By BEN DICKINSON

Rain was never going to stop Ian Dumerque chasing croquet glory.

The 57-year-old is one of 10 members of Team WA, whose campaign for the national title was only briefly threatened by lightning near Cambridge Croquet Club on Wednesday morning.

“We’ve done a lot of practice and preparation and I think we’re in the best possible shape we could be,” he said.

Ian and his teammates played Queensland in the first day of the Eire Cup, a gruelling five-day competition that determines which state has croquet bragging rights over the rest of the country for the

12-hour games

next 12 months.

Each round of association croquet can take up to 12 hours and does not stop for rain.

“If the ball can travel on the court, you can still play,” Ian said.

“It’s the best of five matches, and each match can take half an hour or it can take three hours.”

Ian came tantalisingly close to the men’s singles title on Tuesday in a finals match loss to Victorian gunslinger Stephen Forster.

“His presence, fluidity, grace and precision on the court is inspirational to watch,” reads Forster’s inscription in the

Australian Croquet Hall of Fame.

If Ian was disappointed by the singles loss he wasn’t showing it on Wednesday, perhaps reassured by his long list of accomplishments during his 39-year croquet career.

Ian said he began playing as a teenager after being introduced to the sport by his great-uncle.

He was the first Australian to win the New Zealand Open, a feat he pulled off during a 2015 tour that included a 12-hour slugfest during a qualifying round in Christchurch.

“Christchurch has a lot of clay, so it’s a lot harder to move the ball,” Ian said.

“Edward Wilson from South

• Please turn to page 69

Ellison mansion could hit $80m

By JACK MADDERN

Mining magnate Chris Ellison’s Mosman Park home could shatter its own residential sale record with a potential price of $80million.

Mr Ellison and his wife Tia paid $57.5million in 2009 for the riverfront property at 43 Saunders Street.

It was the highest residential sale price recorded in Australia but has since been beaten by other properties in interstate.

The Ellisons have put the house on the market with local agents suggesting the 7567sq.m site would be valued at $10,000 a square metre, making it the most expensive residential block in the country.

Selling agent Vivien Yap, of Ray White Dalkeith, said there had been strong interest from buyers from Asia.

“The sale of 43 Saunders Street is expected to be one of the most closely watched

real estate transactions in Australian history,” she said.

The house has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a boathouse with direct access to a jetty, a full-size tennis court and a private cinema.

William Porteous, who sold the house to the Ellisons in 2009, said they might have to play a long game to get a record price.

“You can’t be clever with that house,” he said.

“It’s a rich man’s toy – wait for them to come around.

“Just put it up for sale and have it on the international websites and wait for the buyer.

“A lot of people, even when they have the money, don’t want massive properties.”

The Ellisons’ plans to demolish the house and build a seven-storey ultra luxury mansion were approved in 2019 but never came to fruition.

“[Mr Ellison] decided he didn’t like the house and

SAFEGUARDS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED TO PREVENT A ROBODEBT REPEAT

would tear it down, but everyone is so busy and never got around to tearing it down,” Mr Porteous said.

“With his kids gone and his wife’s kids gone, they don’t need such a big house.”

Mr Porteous said it was a good house and buying the land to subdivide was not recommended.

“The subdivisions would lose the foreshore reserves,” he said.

Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said the area’s housing price growth compared to eastern state suburbs.

“In the last year, Mosman Park–Peppermint Grove’s median house price grew 16.9% to $3.03million,” she said.

“Perth is in its third consecutive year of double-digit growth in the luxury space.”

The Ellisons own other multi-million-dollar properties in Saunders Street and Eagle Bay.

We said ‘never again’ after the tragic failings of Robodebt. But more than two years after the Robodebt Royal Commission recommended “legislative reform to introduce a consistent legal framework in which automation in government services can operate”, nothing has changed. And once again, vulnerable Australians are asked to trust systems they cannotsee or understand.

New automated decision-making (ADM) tools are being rolledout by the Government in aged care, the NDIS and beyond, with little capacity for humans to override decisions made automatically by a computer program.

Experts are warning that these programs are producing problematic and inaccurate outcomes, which is deeply concerning when determining support and life outcomes forthe most vulnerable.

Done well, automation can help government make faster and more consistent decisions. But automation without safeguards risks a repeat of Robodebt.

That’s why I’ve launched a clear, legislated framework to govern how ADM is used across government.

Nearly 800 people in Curtin responded to my community survey on ADM. These views, along with expert advice, have informed my new policy paper which proposes a framework to ensure automation delivers decisions that are both fairer and faster. The framework has three pillars.

Transparency

We need increased transparency about how and when ADM systems are used in government. Anyone impacted by an automated decision should be told ADM was used and how it was used. Transparency leads to trust and trust is essential if the Government wants to unlock efficiency gains from further use of ADM.

Decision-level controls

A legislated framework should require risk assessments before automated systems are deployed by government departments and agencies, and stronger safeguards for decisions that are complex and impactful. There should be human accountability and oversight for high-risk use cases.

Review and oversight

There must be independent oversight of ADM, and a clear and efficient process for reporting concerns. TheGovernment should conduct internal testing to ensure ADM tools are getting decisions right.

The use of ADM by Government is only going to increase with the roll-out of artificial intelligence. I will be urging the Government to prioritise legislating a mandatory framework for faster and fairer government decisions.

Bring on the cockies

Keen nature lovers Grace and Scarlett Strong were well prepared for the annual Great Cocky Count last Sunday.

Their mum and dad were appointed with me to count at the Perry Lakes site adjacent to Underwood Avenue Bushland.

As the cockatoos flew in from the north to roost for the night, we were able to record the pairs and threes – 2, 2, 3, 7, 3, 2, 2, 2 – adding up to 257.

But then, suddenly, through the looming dusk, another flock arrived from the south with speed and noise, and the flock that had already settled gave flight.

The counted and uncounted flocks rapidly became intermingled.

We just had to estimate how many had flown in through the dusk.

In the end we found we had 359 Carnaby’s roosting.

Grace and Scarlett counted Carnaby’s last year at the same roost site. I am sure we will see them again in 2027. Margaret Owen Daglish Street, Wembley

Holding WALGA to account, at last

Supreme Court judge Marcus Solomon was astute in requiring the WA Local Government Association to adhere to Freedom of Information laws (Court ends WALGA secrecy, POST, April 11).

Successive governments, aided by state bureaucracies, have cleverly integrated WALGA with all that goes on in relation to local government.

WALGA is represented on all the committees of the Local Government Department and any other body that directly bears on local government.

The result is that WALGA is fatally compromised when it comes to standing up against the State Government on behalf of local government. A quiet word behind closed doors is the best they can do.

Shabby treatment for iconic Claremont Drapers

The front-page report Chaos chic too shabby for Claremont (POST, April 11) detailed Mary Gatica-Evans’ search for new premises for her well-loved shop Claremont Drapers, currently located in Station Street, Cottesloe, and about to be demolished.

The impression is that Mary’s shop is a down-market place, the equivalent of an op shop which would lower the tone of St Quentin Avenue in Claremont if it was relocated there.

The owner of the empty property in St Quentin Avenue is evidently in favour of all shops in Claremont being high-end fashion shops selling expensive clothes to wealthy people who

go from shop to shop, searching for specific brands and labels and seldom interacting with shop assistants.

Claremont Drapers in Station Street is well known in the local community, but is neither chaotic nor shabby chic.

It offers a wide range of reasonably priced garments sourced from a variety of suppliers.

Mary stands behind her counter, welcoming clients in a cheerful and friendly manner, knowing many of them by name and greeting them like old friends.

She suggests styles to suit different clients, and encourages them to try the clothes on and show her and anyone else in the

shop how they look.

She also stocks additional items ranging from tea-towels and jewellery to pins and needles, cotton reels, buttons and ribbons.

Her shop is a thriving business in which people feel comfortable and at ease, happy to stay on for a chat rather than rushing back into the outside world.

We need more shops and businesses like Claremont Drapers in our locality, not fewer. We need individuality, not sameness.

Let’s hope a location can be found so that Claremont Drapers can continue to trade for the mutual benefit of us all.

Rose Senior Derby Street, Swanbourne

When I was a councillor at Nedlands, I persuaded the City to leave WALGA because of this and other matters, including the inordinate cost and waste of money.

We were confronted with dire warnings about not being able to get advice on industrial relations matters, and other terrible threats such as not being able to get insurance.

In fact, all the services required by the City of Nedlands could be and were secured from willing suppliers, including insurance with very considerable savings.

You might ask what WALGA actually does. It has lots of meetings all over the place and some councillors like nothing better than to travel at ratepayers’ expense to attend zone and other WALGA meetings which are fundamentally talk-fests.

The bottom line is that WALGA does not fight for local government. When did you see a WALGA campaign against the State’s destruction of the planning system and exclusion of local government, as ably exposed by Ken Perry (Jerking the wrong levers, Letters, April 11)?

WALGA is a self-perpetuating bureaucracy that occupies a large building along the railway in West Leederville and keeps occupied many paperpushers and many councillors who should be better attending to their residents and ratepayers.

Bill Hassell Loneragan Street, Nedlands

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For the first time, The Gardens opens its doors. Be among the first to experience a building defined by iconic design and bespoke architecture, where light and liveability come together.

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North Freo tower to restrict bowlo

By JACK MADDERN

Plans for a six-storey North Fremantle tower on busy Stirling Highway have hit a snag with the neighbouring bowling club and community centre.

The proposed residential and medical hub on the corner of Harvest Road could cut off access to the shared laneway used by the North Fremantle Bowling Club and Community Centre.

The owners want to rezone land at 2-8 Harvest Road from R25 to R160.

RP Data shows HT Properties owns 2-6 Harvest Road, while Jonathan and Michelle Dalitz own No 8.

Fremantle council officers recommended the block become R100 with a four-storey maximum height.

Councillors have deferred a decision on the matter until next month.

CLE Planning’s Simon Burnell told the council the owners had been trying to develop the prime site since 2017.

There were no residential neighbours and the site was one of very few locations not subject to heritage restrictions.

“Our amendment proposes a density coding of R160 that reflects the opportunity of the location,” he said.

“The intent is to provide a diversity of housing and a selection of land uses that will benefit local resident particularly those on the eastern side of Stirling Highway.”

Mr Burnell said the proposed development was aligned with the state’s

Libs push Cott rail projects

By JACK MADDERN

State Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas wants to resurrect a range of stalled building projects along the Fremantle train line.

He joined Cottesloe MP Sandra Brewer at the 114-yearold Eric Street bridge to support her fight to see the bridge renewed.

“I wanted to show [Basil] the state of our infrastructure in Cottesloe,” Ms Brewer said.

“Together we inspected the

Eric Street bridge, which was only supposed to be temporary when built back in 1912.”

The wooden bridge is a pivotal train line crossing used by thousands of motorists every day.

But it has not had any significant overhaul since it was first used by horse-drawn carts in the early 1900s.

“Relying on quick fixes for a bridge long past its lifespan is wasteful,” Ms Brewer said.

“I uncovered [in Parliament] that Transport Minister Rita Saffioti is delaying a proper up-

grade to the Eric Street bridge.”

She asked Ms Saffioti in Parliament how and when it would use $4.6million allocated in the state’s budget for the bridge.

“I do not have the full details,” Ms Saffioti said. “What I have is that the 2025–26 amount has been deferred from 2025–26 to 2026–27.

“In the meantime, we have completed essential repairs.”

Ms Saffioti confirmed that no work would be undertaken along

housing agenda and it was important that Fremantle not restrain developers’ future needs.

“Constraints and amended obligations will be addressed through a future development application,” he said.

The North Fremantle Community Association was critical of the proposal, with convener Gerard MacGill identifying the size of the project and potential loss of the bowling club lane as adverse factors.

“The scale of the development could allow six stories – they must be trying it on,” he said.

“Maintaining the viability of the laneway is absolutely essential.

“We support the strongest officer’s resolution on it, which is to approve R100

Saturday 25 APRIL 7.50AM West Leederville Memorial Gardens & Cenotaph ANZAC DAY

Cambridge Street will be closed from 7.30am to 9.30am between Kerr and Abbotsford Street to facilitate the Anzac Day parade.

The RAAF will conduct a flyover during this event. Patrons may experience a brief peroid of elevated aircraft noise.

A free community BBQ will provided after the service at Leederville Sporting Club.

Spilling into the streets

Further to Geoff Dobb (New build full to overflowing, Letters, April 11), the Bunnings development on Hay Street is only the latest inconvenience we’ve experienced in the area.

Jolimont has long been a lovely place to walk around, but in recent times too many apartment buildings have taken over our great parks, roads and footpaths.

Examples are Mabel One, The Treehouse, Florin, Jolie and another under construction in Bishop Street.

Footpaths are fenced off, forcing pedestrians to cross streets, and roads are often blocked off for weeks at a time, making vehicles detour.

Once the development is completed, footpaths are sometimes left with broken paving.

The current one, Jolie on Salvado Road, is blocking access along Allison Drive. With netball season approaching, it could cause all sorts of chaos.

Ronnie Chambers Halesworth Road, Jolimont

POST editorial standards

The POST’s policy is to produce accurate and fair reports, and to correct any verified errors at the earliest opportunity, preferably in the next edition. For details of the policy please visit the editorial standards page at postnewspapers.com.au/feedback-policy/

Just the thing for Claremont

It was disappointing to read the report (Chaos chic too shabby for Claremont, POST, April 11) about Claremont Drapers being denied tenancy in St Quentin Avenue, Claremont because it was deemed incompatible with the high-end fashion outlets in the shopping precinct.

We have more than enough highend fashion shops in Claremont, most of which cater for the younger generations.

Claremont Drapers offers members of the community a choice. It is exactly the sort of shop we need in Claremont.

It has a great range of reasonablypriced clothing for women and men as well as selling a wide variety of merchandise.

It is truly an iconic drapery store. Barbara Browne Stirling Road, Claremont

High hopes for high-level ferry talks

It is great to learn (Ferry proposal reignites high-level talks, POST, April 11) that there might be talks on the proposed ferry location.

Will this lead to a sensible resolution?

I applaud the State Government for its Metronet roll-out, even though the 2017 $3billion estimate has blown out to $15.5billion. This will be an asset to the whole metro area for years to come.

The ferry service to Crawley/ Nedlands is the next step. The concept is a good one but I do think there needs to be some serious revision.

The placement and size of the ferry terminal need to be looked at. The interruption to many groups that use that area seems unacceptable, and it will also mean the loss of many mature trees.

I am no expert, but putting it slap-bang in the middle of

Matilda Bay seems to lack much consideration to all stakeholders. It could be moved closer to Royal Perth Yacht  Club or to near JoJo’s.

The proposed hours of service also seem excessive. There is already a free “Cat” bus servicing the hospital and UWA precincts.

Anyway, let level heads get together and try to nut out a better solution that really looks into the community consultation and what the experts claim. Benedict Hodsdon Meriwa Street, Nedlands

Why settle for second best?

Ben Secrett (Preferences not so bad, Letters, April 11) says there is nothing wrong with the preferential voting system used in Australia. He states that only a handful of seats are affected. In that case, it serves no useful purpose so why do we continue to use it? Why are we happy to accept a second-best candidate instead of the person who has gained the largest popular vote? Is it a near-enough is goodenough attitude?

J. Russell Myera Street, Swanbourne

Anzac Day Dawn Service

Proudly supported by Old Scotch Collegians

All are welcome to join us at dawn as we reflect on the past and express our respect and gratitude for our armed services, past and present.

When 6am, Sat 25 Apr (5.30am for quiet reflection)

Where Scotch College Playing Fields

Wild Bakery will be joining us with all proceeds from Anzac biscuit sales supporting the SAS Resources Fund.

Registrations are essential

calendar.scotch.wa.edu.au

Former Fremantle

Docker Ryan Crowley said he was “looking forward” to defending serious domestic violence allegations after appearing in court on Tuesday.

Mr Crowley is accused of brutally attacking then-girlfriend Lauren Dunn in her Claremont apartment on the night of May 27 last year.

Police allege the footballer assaulted Ms Dunn in the Freshwater Parade flat, choked her unconscious and repeatedly slammed her head against the floor.

“It’s one of the most serious examples of family violence that I’ve had the misfortune to read to the court,” police prosecutor Glenn Morey told a bail hearing shortly after the alleged assault.

Mr Crowley is also accused of making threats against a person in West Leederville in 2019 and assault occasioning bodily harm in Cottesloe in 2020.

He has pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges and was due to be al-

Commish to talk cop career

Former police commissioner Karl O’Callaghan will share insights from his 44-year law enforcement career in a free talk at Subiaco Library on April 24.

Dr O’Callaghan, who was WA’s top cop from 2004 to 2017, will offer “practical perspectives on community safety and the role individuals and communities can play in creating safer, more connected neighbourhoods”, organisers said.

“Drawing on his leadership experience and community work, Karl will also explore the link between safety, wellbeing and strong community relationships.” While police commissioner, Dr O’Callaghan was also guitarist for local rock band The Filth. The 90-minute talk kicks off at 6pm. Registration is essential via the City of Subiaco website.

located a trial date in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday, but was granted an adjournment after his lawyer flagged a timing issue.

An indictable charge had been dropped by police, prompting the District Court to send the remaining charges back to the lower Magistrates Court for trial.

“We’re just waiting for those charges to be remitted,” the lawyer said.

A new trial allocation date was scheduled for May 26.

Asked by media outside court if he wanted to comment on his upcoming trial, he said “not yet, looking forward to it”.

Mr Crowley played 188 games for Fremantle between 2005 and 2014, and was a Subiaco premiership player.

Ex-Senator fined for lying on election forms

Police Beat Police Beat

Former One Nation

Senator Rod Culleton tried to leave Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday during his sentencing for lying to the Australian Electoral Commission.

“I know you’re going to cut my throat, your honour,” he told Magistrate Gregory Benn.

“I can read the paper and find out [the sentence] tomorrow.”

“Yes, you could,” Mr Benn replied.

“But that’s not what’s going to happen.”

A two-day trial found Culleton guilty of lying on his nomination papers for the 2025 federal election, in which he falsely declared he was not bankrupt.

Mr Benn fined Culleton $1900 for one count of giving false or misleading information and ordered him to pay costs of $5791.

It is the second time this year Culleton has been convicted of the offence at a trial.

He was found guilty in December of making the same false declaration in his Senate nomination papers for the previous federal election in 2019.

Culleton, a self-described “Senator in Exile”

who has aligned himself with the sovereign citizen movement, had an electorate office in West Perth for his six-month stint as a Senator in 2016.

He was ejected from the Senate in January 2017 after Federal Court action brought by creditor Dick Lester made him bankrupt over a $200,000 debt.

He later left One Nation and founded the Great Australia Party.

The court heard on Tuesday that Culleton’s name appeared on ballot papers as a GAP Senate candidate in 2019 and 2022 because the Electoral Commission did not have the power to reject nominations.

“He’s shown a flagrant disregard for the electoral process,” prosecutor Fiona Lester told the court.

“Had he been elected,

the High Court … would have needed to determine a petition alleging Mr Culleton ought to be disqualified.”

Culleton, who represented himself, gave contradictory explanations for his false declaration.

He told Mr Benn at one point that he was mistaken for declaring he was not an undischarged bankrupt.

But he also referred to his “so-called bankruptcy” and said the sequestration order that made him bankrupt was “unsafe”.

“You can add whatever adjectives you want to the term sequestration order, that doesn’t change the fact a sequestration order was in place,” Mr Benn said.

“So you’re bankrupt.”

“Well, am I legally bankrupt?” Culleton asked.

“Yes,” Mr Benn replied.

People declared bankrupt are usually discharged three years and one day after they lodge their statement of affairs with the Australian Financial Security Authority, but Mr Benn said Culleton had never done so.

“The clear bottom line here is you were bankrupt, you are still bankrupt, and you would have been well aware,” Mr Benn said.

Culleton told Mr Benn the proceedings were a “witch hunt, politically”.

“Does it really concern me at this point?” he said.

“Not really, because I feel I’m going to get it all squashed anyway.”

Cottesloe set to go electric

By JEN REWELL

More than 500 interstate guests will join locals at the T1000 Electric Island festival on Cottesloe beach this weekend, event director Damian Gelle said.

The show’s performers included a strong mix of Australian talent and international names who were flying in for the event.

“We’re seeing people travelling in from interstate, with a big number coming from Sydney and the east coast, plus guests flying in from overseas,” Mr Gelle said.

This year will be the fourth time Cottesloe has hosted the annual two-day Electric Island festival.

Mr Gelle said last time artist Armand van Helden performed at Cottesloe beach he insisted on having a swim just before his set. He put on a pair of board shorts and security staff opened the fence for him to take a dip.

“Electric Island has always been about music, location and atmosphere and Cottesloe beach gives us all three,” Mr Gelle said.

“There’s nothing quite like watching the sun go down over the ocean with thousands of people dancing on the beach.”

There had been some changes to the festival layout to improve “the overall guest experience” across the two days.

“The goal is always to keep the atmosphere special while making sure the event works well for

Melissa

prepare for the weekend’s event at Cottesloe beach. Photo: Jane Wishaw

patrons, artists, local businesses and the community,” he said.

Shuttle buses will ferry patrons from the train station to the festival on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

At the end of the event each day, shuttle buses will run for an hour after the show ends, until 11pm Saturday and 10pm Sunday.

Cottesloe mayor Melissa Harkins said the event had received strong support from the majority of residents in previous years.

“Many families have enjoyed coming down to the foreshore to listen to music and watch the fireworks,” she said.

The fireworks will be launched from the groyne at 9.55pm on Saturday and 8.55pm on Sunday.

Huston links fraud spike to Labor

By BEN DICKINSON

Fraud and corruption in the WA public service has spiked by 40% in a single year, government data shows.

Public Sector Commissioner Sharyn O’Neill reported that public servants were disciplined for 446 substantiated incidents of “fraud, corrupt use of position [and] theft” last financial year, up from 319 the year before.

Nedlands MP and shadow minister for public sector reform Jonathan Huston, pictured, seized on the figures, suggesting the “hockey stick” rise in substantiated serious misconduct reports could be linked to “the cosy relationship between ministers and their Labor-appointed mates”.

“At 446 instances a year that’s

just under two instances a working day,” he said.

“Worse still is that public servants themselves are lodging more and more grievances to raise complaints and concerns as to their workplace.”

That figure rose from 764 to 1124 over the same period.

“This tells me that the majority of hard-working and honest public servants have had enough of what’s happening around them, and fair enough,” Mr Huston said.

Premier Roger Cook rejected Mr Huston’s criticism in a Question Time exchange in Parliament in February, attributing part of the rise to population growth.

“We now have a very well

drilled and trained public sector protocol or ethics culture, which ensures that when people see corruption or activity that may be corrupt, they feel confident enough to report it,” Mr Cook said.

“I think we need to be very careful about the way we interpret these statistics.”

Mr Huston, who ran a corporate training firm before he entered Parliament, told the POST that full-day ethics training his company used to deliver had been replaced by “a 25-minute online course that you can do on the bus on the way to work”.

KPMG has the contract to develop 120 courses for the $20million program.

School safety suffers from govt delays

By JACK MADDERN

Children’s safety at Mosman Park Primary School is not at the top of the state government’s priority list, says Mosman Park mayor Paul Shaw.

The Department of Education has planned to upgrade the “inadequate” and “unsafe” school parking lot on Solomon Street for nearly three years.

But work has stalled since Mosman Park council agreed in 2023 to vest the street and

Petrel out of gas needed a rescue

By JEN REWELL

Easter was a giant rescue weekend for volunteers of WA Seabird Rescue, with 89 calls to help birds in distress.

The star of the show was an exhausted giant petrel that was spotted bobbing amongst the moored boats at Rottnest Island.

The rescue call was made by Natalie Kirby, who was holidaying on the island.

“We tracked her from the evening the night before, she took a fancy to our boat and fresh fish,” Ms Kirby said.

Island rangers caught the petrel – a feat in itself.

“These birds are powerful, have serious beaks, and rescuing one from a boat takes skill and guts,” a WA Seabird Rescue spokesperson said.

A WASR volunteer took the biggest bird-crate available over on the ferry.

The special guest was brought back to the mainland in “VIP style” with top deck views.

The southern giant petrel has a wing span of 180 to 210cm and can have a body length of almost a metre.

They are considered “extremely aggressive” and can kill other birds by battering them to death or drowning them.

They are known to follow fishing boats in the hope of picking up offal or waste.

The bird was assessed by a veterinarian and is now getting the care required.

A different petrel was recently released after being nursed back to health by wildlife volunteers after it was discovered

on shore, severely underweight.

Other rescues over the weekend included 11 that needed untangling from fishing line and three birds that were hit by vehicles.

Twelve dead birds with botulism were removed from lakes.

“This is the reality of wildlife rescue,” said the spokesperson.

“Long hours, difficult situations, and a team that never stops showing up.”

Water-bird patients included five cormorants, four geese, six silver gulls, two ducks, two swans, three darters, two pelicans, an oystercatcher, a coot, an ibis and a heron.

Non-water rescues included three ravens, two galahs, corellas, and doves, as well as a fairy wren, a mudlark, a tawny frogmouth and a magpie.

kindergarten land at no cost to the department and leave decisions to them.

“I just don’t see the urgency from the department to undertake this work,” Mr Shaw said.

“I can assure you it’s not due to any delay at our end, it is the Department of Education which is dragging its feet.

“We found this very frustrating, and we would like them to get a move on.”

Mr Shaw said that, during school pickup and drop-off hours, the carpark space becomes a jumble of reversing cars and unsafe traffic flow.

“The key safety issue is with the use of the current carpark for school children, some of whom have disabilities, as it’s co-shared with the school for the deaf,” he said.

“The risk is even greater for someone with a hearing disability.

“There have been multiple instances of close calls.

“It is another example of Mosman Park being way down the priority list.”

An Education Department spokesperson said the project was undergoing a formal road closure managed by Mosman Park.

“A tender release is expected by mid-2026,” they said.

“The department will continue working with the Town to deliver this project as quickly as possible.”

A Mosman Park meeting revealed that years of delay and

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Herpes virus floated as carp killer

Jolimont flush with fatbergs

Two fatbergs that blocked Jolimont’s drains twice within eight days have prompted a warning to residents about what they can send down their drains.

People flushing sanitary products, kitty litter and other heavy products down their toilets, and pouring oils and fats down their sinks, are causing the pipes to block.

Water Corporation’s customer manager Karen Willis told ABC Radio that it was quite unusual for such blockages to happen in quick succession.

She said rather than scrape fat off dishes and utensils into the sink, they should be

scraped onto paper and put in the bin.

It could be a big and expensive job to clear the blockages.

Clearing the state’s 18,000km of waste pipes cost taxpayers $1million a year.

“We’ve had, about 850 of those blockages so far this financial year, and they’re completely preventable,” she said.

The letters sent to Jolimont residents, who neighbour new high-rise towers built on the old City of Perth garden nursery, were not unusual, with 30,000 letters sent out statewide this year.

Many products labelled flushable could be flushed, but caused problems once they disappeared down the toilet.

“You can probably literally flush them, but what happens after that?” she said.

“That isn’t clearly stated on the packaging.”

By JEN REWELL

A herpes virus should be used as a weapon against invasive freshwater fish as soon as 2028, according to politician Darren Chester.

Mr Chester, the federal Opposition spokesman for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, said “paralysis by analysis” was causing delays and inaction in the nationwide fight against carp.

High numbers of carp have become a pest in western suburb waters, including Herdsman Lake.

The invasive fish, which poses a threat to native species, has been targeted by electrofishing experts at Galup, Herdsman Lake and Perry Lakes in an effort to reduce numbers (Feral fishers urged to put rods away, POST, April 4).

Murdoch University researchers have used the electrofishing technique to remove hundreds of feral fish from freshwater lakes in just a few days.

But CSIRO scientists have for more than a decade been investigating the cyprinid herpesvirus-3 which could be used as a biological weapon to kill carp quickly.

The scientists have also been testing the susceptibility of other fish and amphibian species to the virus.

“Current research has also shown that the virus does not develop in native Australian or any other introduced species of fish,” a CSIRO statement said.

Mr Chester told Parliament on March 26 that the time for talk was over.

Research on the carp herpes virus had been going for 20 years.

“There’s been thousands of

pages of scientific research and investigation into how we manage carp and detailed reports on different approaches that are available to us,” he said.

“The important thing to note here is that there is a way forward, there is a plan, and there’s been an enormous amount of work already done on this invasive species.

“We need to set clear timelines to complete deliberations around the carp herpes virus as a priority and set a clear timeline for releasing the virus by 2028 at the latest.

“If we can reduce the biomass of the carp to a level where the native species can prey on the juvenile carp, we can turn the balance in this debate and get some great environmental outcomes across our nation.”

Biological controls have been used successfully to control plants, including the prickly pear cactus which in the 1920s was targeted by the cactoblastis moth, according to CSIRO.

Rabbit numbers were unchecked for a century after 24 were released in 1859 in Geelong, according to a Department of Primary and Industries statement.

In the 1950s, they were targeted by myxomatosis, a virus spread by fleas and mosquitoes.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus was introduced in the 1990s, after survivors became resistant to myxomatosis, but the efficacy of that is now decreasing, according to the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The WA Department of Agriculture notes that a plan to kill off portuguese millipedes in South Australia via a parasitic european fly failed after the flies were released but never seen again.

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Lifestyle & Leisure

Find your tribe and sing

Do you love singing in the shower, or in the car? Singing is an uplifting and life-affirming activity – and studies suggest that the positive effects are often stronger in a group.

“Singing with others is a trait humans share with few other animals and singing in harmony may be uniquely human,” said Tim Fisher, who heads up the WA chapter of the Australian National Choral Association (ANCA).

“Our brains respond to music on a deeper, more fundamental level.”

Singing is not unique in helping people make social connections, but it is easier to maintain and cheaper to participate in than other recognised social facilitators such as dancing and sports. No special equipment is needed, and age is no barrier.

Creative Pair Studio

In WA there are more than 120 registered community choirs. They offer a huge range of styles, vocal-part combinations, age, ambition, times of the day and days of the week.

Finding the right choir is an important part of finding your tribe and sharing your voice.

For those who don’t want to go to a gym or run a marathon, singing also counts as an aerobic activity.

It requires deep breaths using full lung capacity and engaging the muscles around the ribcage. Taking a lungful of breath introduces more oxygen into the blood, leading to better circulation – and a better mood.

There is an increasing amount of evidence that singing releases endor-

Why are more people turning to art to reconnect and unwind?

In a fast-paced world, more people are seeking creative ways to slow down and reconnect, says Creative Pair founder Catherine Lumb.

Catherine’s mission is to bring Perth people together through art and design, creating a warm, like-minded community for beginners and experienced creatives alike.

Creative Pair Studio, located on Subiaco’s vibrant Rokeby Road, offers painting, collage and interior design workshops designed for all skill levels. With sessions running weekdays, evenings and weekends, including private parties and special events, the studio welcomes up to 25 artists per class in a relaxed, inspiring space.

Come and get creative. Book your next experience today.

phins, serotonin and dopamine – the “happy” chemicals that boost mood.

But a key benefit of community singing is socialising with other people in the choir. It creates community and, through this, singers also gain mental health benefits.

As part of the Perth

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The company specialises in Club Med escapes, offering a re ned approach to all-inclusive luxury, with every detail thoughtfully and effortlessly delivered to you. From sun-drenched beachfront resorts to elegant alpine retreats, expect exceptional cuisine, curated experiences and a choice of accommodation.

For those drawn to the sea, the consultants at Floreat World of Travel are all CLIA certi ed cruise specialists. Cruising reveals a world of discovery at a relaxed pace, combining the romance of river and ocean travel with the comforts of a oating sanctuary.

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Heritage Festival, ANCA WA has organised the annual Singing in the City choir festival this month with Voice Moves, a choir that rehearses weekly at Perth Modern School in Subiaco. This Sunday, April 19, they perform in Forrest Place.

of dining options, world-class entertainment and attentive service, while each new port invites exploration, culture and connection.

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Jump out of a sauna into an ice bath

During the past few years there has been a huge shift in wellness spa treatments. Partly it is about seeking the quickest, most effective way to reset body and mind, and partly there is a new generation of people who recognise that old ways are sometimes better ways.

The days of spending hours in a spa centre, or travelling to a remote location for the ultimate in relaxation, have given way to a faster and more convenient approach: simply jump out of a sauna into an ice bath.

Contrast therapy, alternating between hot and cold, creates a natural high that reportedly leaves you happy and healthy.

Ancient Greek and Roman cultures employed contrast bathing rituals,

using hot rooms (Latin caldarium) followed by cold plunges (frigidarium).

Indigenous North American cultures have long used sweat lodges followed by immersion in cold water or snow for

purification and healing.

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Perth International Jazz Festival

Perth International Jazz Festival presents two of Europe’s most compelling jazz artists – acclaimed Belgian pianist Jef Neve and Dutch trumpeter Teus Nobel – at Camelot Arts Club on Monday June 8.

Expect a night of virtuosity, spontaneity, and connection with classics and originals from their album, Esho Funi. A world-class jazz experience!

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Happy Hub Collective

When Shiloh Blondel returned to Perth in 2016 to care for her mum through cancer treatment, creativity became her anchor. The experience of nding steadiness in making something with her hands became the foundation of Happy Hub Collective. Shiloh studied pottery, oristry, art therapy and mindfulness, weaving her background in health science into a simple philosophy: Creativity heals.

In northern Europe it became known as the Nordic Cycle when people sat in hot saunas and ran out to do snow rolls. It is not the heat or the cold alone that is therapeutic, but the deliberate switch between them, causing blood vessels to expand (vasodilation) in heat and contract (vasoconstriction) in cold.

endorphins, natural painkillers that can help reduce stress and improve mood.

Researchers describe it as a “vascular workout,” stimulating the cardiovascular system without physical exertion.

Ice baths and infrared saunas are now everywhere, from mobile saunas on the beach to traditional spa retreats redefined.

Palm Beach Wellness invites you to experience elevated wellbeing with bespoke treatments designed to restore energy, enhance vitality, and support total relaxation.

Discover personalised care, advanced therapies, and a tranquil environment where your health and

Happy Hub Collective runs weekly in-studio workshops and mobile in-home experiences. Every session is beginner-friendly, thoughtfully paced, and designed to feel less like a class and more like a breath. This Mother’s Day, treat mum to something she’ll make, feel and remember.

It increases circulation efficiency, enhances oxygen delivery, and helps clear metabolic waste from tissues. The contrast also stimulates the release of

It is a return to simple elements that have always been available – heat and cold – and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful experiences are also the most fundamental.

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Learn the best waterwise plants

In a world that feels constantly switched on, there is an increasing search for ways to slow down – meditation apps, yoga, digital detoxes. But gardeners believe the most effective remedy for stress is in the backyard gardening.

Spending time outdoors helps lower cortisol – the body’s main stress hormone. Even short periods in green spaces can reduce anxiety, slow the heart

rate and help us feel more grounded.

And for those in need of movement, digging, lifting pots and pulling weeds all count as light exercise.

The Perth Garden Show is on this weekend to inspire and reinvigorate spirits and show the best ways to create flourishing, restful gardens.

The show will deliver a selection of gardens designed to fit a certain space

Coastal arty facts

L

ife’s a beach, when you are an artist showing your work with like-minded fellow artists.

The group exhibition Life’s a Beach, at Palette cafe on Leighton beach, closes this Sunday.

It is the last chance to see the group of 15 local artists – including

Poppin’ Painting

Louise Farnay, Annabelle Brockman, Melanie Gray, Katie Leishman and Peter Wales showing their fun, vibrant works.

Palette is at 1 Freeman Loop, North Fremantle and the exhibition closes at 6pm.

or a certain climate, gardens that suit small blocks or larger areas, plants that work well together – and

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Participants are guided step-by-step to create artwork they’ll be proud of, with no experience needed.

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Body & Soul Women’s Wellness

If you are looking for a private women’s training facility and a space where you can feel completely comfortable and fully supported on your fitness journey, Body & Soul Women’s Wellness in Wembley is exactly what you need.

I am Helen Simpson, owner and operator of Body & Soul Women’s Wellness. I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 35 years, guiding women of all ages and fitness levels.

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most importantly, gardens with a waterwise focus.

Most displays and workshops will focus on the vital role of gardens in our hot and drying climate and on using waterwise plants.

Workshops are based on sustainability, recycling, composting, and growing edible plants, turning kitchen waste into garden gold, and selecting the best native plants and best lawns.

Perth Garden Show is on from Friday to Sunday, April 17 to 19, from 9am to 5pm at McCallum Park on the river in Victoria Park.

Inspiring Women’s Awards in 2015, and a two-time finalist in the Best in Business Awards, I continue to work with women from all backgrounds through my company Body & Soul Women’s Wellness, coaching and empowering them towards creating positive change.

Fast forward to today, and at 65 I am still doing what I love most: providing a private, welcoming space for women where they are guided every step of the way. Whether it is one-onone personal training or small group sessions, there is support for every stage of the journey.

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Tread softly on a silent bushwalk

Join two special walks in Kings Park this month.

Kings Park volunteer guides will lead a 2km guided walk on April 26 called the Birds of Kings Park, starting at 10am at the Visitors’ Information Centre.

Learn more about the birds that rely on the diverse eucalypts and other flora for food and habitat in the WA Botanic Garden and Kings Park Bushland.

The two-hour walk will also celebrate the marri tree, Corymbia calophylla, which has been voted 2026 Eucalypt of the Year.

Tickets $10 available by going to Eventbrite.com. au and searching “Birds of Kings Park”.

On April 30 a mindfulness instructor will lead a 90-minute event that will include a silent, slow walk through the bushland and a guided meditation under an ancient peppermint tree.

Cost $10. For tickets go to Eventbrite.com.au and search “Treading Softly: Mindfully Meeting Nature in Kings Park”.

Kings Park Volunteer Guides have more guided walks planned in coming weeks. For more information go to kingsparkguides.com.au.

True story of a daring escape

The story of an Italian builder who migrated to WA, and the escape of Fenian prisoners from Fremantle Prison in 1876, will be the topics of two talks this Monday, April 20.

The University of the Third Age western suburb branch meets from 1pm every second Monday in the Grove Library River Room on the corner of Stirling

Highway and Leake Street, Peppermint Grove.

At 1pm on Monday Franco Smargiassi will talk about his migrant father Giuseppe, who was a builder, in a presentation titled “Pingelly 1953 and Terrazzo Floors”.

At 2.30pm Mike and Joy Lefroy will talk about how a group of Irish political prisoners escaped from Fremantle Gaol and after a dramatic ride to Rockingham

StirlingNotices

beach were rowed out to an American whaling ship called the Catalpa, which sailed them safely to North America.

Mike and Joy have coauthored a book of the story called “Catalpa – Escape to Freedom”.

Entry $3. Visitors welcome. For more information phone Nick Beeching 0438 488 839 or email nickbeeching@gmail.com.

Seasonal weed control notification

To keep the City’s bushlands, parks and sports fields free from weeds and ensure their continued health and community use, seasonal broadleaf and bushland weed control will be conducted from May to October 2026 (weather permitting).

• Herbicides will be applied in accordance with label directions and best practice from the Western Australian Department of Health

• Application will cease in wet or windy conditions

• Weed spraying vehicles will have clear signage showing which chemical is being applied. Signage will also be positioned around the area while spraying is in progress

• Spotters will be present to warn pedestrians of spraying on site where required.

For more information or to subscribe to the City’s pesticide notification register, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/pestsandweeds or call the City on (08) 9205 8555.

A lithograph by E.N. Russell dated 1876 picturing the escaped convicts being rowed towards the whaling ship Catalpa, with a police boat and British ship Georgette in pursuit.

The heroes, villains and vagabonds in our past

The Royal WA Historical Society will present a talk called “Heroes, Villains and Vagabonds” in Nedlands on Wednesday.

A society spokeswoman said guest speaker and historian

Richard Offen will tell stories of some of the prominent colourful characters who helped shape the history of Perth.

“Eliza Shaw was an early settler whose diaries show just how tough life was in the Swan River settlement,” she said. William Hayes endeared himself to Perth and Fremantle society but in reality was quite different to how he was perceived.

“And Thomas Malloy, sometime Mayor of Perth, often found himself in court as either plaintiff or accused,” she said.

EVENTS POLICY DRAFT COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

The Town of Cottesloe would like to invite the community to participate in an online survey, available from Monday, 13 April and closing Sunday, 10 May 2026

The public is welcome to attend a Community Information Session on 29 April at 6pm in the War Memorial Hall, 109 Broome Street, Cottesloe

The survey and associated documents are available on Engage Cottesloe at https://cottesloe.engagementhub.com.au/ (or click on the Engage quick link on our home page located under the ‘search’ function).

Please do not hesitate to contact the Town’s Customer Services team on 9285 5000 or email town@cottesloe.wa.gov.au if you require any further information.

The talk will be at the RWAHS premises, 109 Stirling Highway, 10am for 10.30 on April 22.

Bookings are essential by phoning the office at 9386 3841. For more information go to histwest.org. au or email admin@ histwest.org.au.

Prisoners of war Down South

Three talks about different aspects of Australia’s military history will be presented by the Hollywood Subiaco Learners’ Club in Subiaco in May, June, and July.

On Friday May 15 Ernie Polis will talk about the prisoner-ofwar camps set up in the SouthWest of WA during World War II. Ernie has written a book called A Cage in the Bush, about the No.16 POW camp at Marrinup, near Dwellingup.

On Friday June 19 HMAS Stirling commanding officer Captain Ken Burleigh will talk

about the history, the strategic significance, and the future of the Garden Island base, which is the largest naval base in Australia.

On Friday July 17 former Royal Australian Navy submariner Garry Coombe will present a talk about the role of the RAN in the Vietnam War. His service in the RAN includes two combat tours to Vietnam.

The presentations will be at Hollywood Subiaco Bowling Club, 42 Smyth Road, Nedlands, from 3 to 4pm.

Registrations are essential by emailing donarosa49@gmail.com.

Make your story a winner

Writers have until April 30 to enter short stories of no more than 3000 words in the 2026 Mattie Furphy Short Story Competition.

The competition is run by the Fellowship of Australian Writers WA, in Swanbourne.

The 2026 Mattie Furphy Short Story Competition is open

to writers 18 years and over, who will be in the running for prizes of $1000, $300 and $100.

It is an open theme, and stories must be previously unpublished.

For more information go to fawwa.org/mfss-comp or email fellowshipaustralianwriterswa@gmail.com.

Portraits to tell stories of autism

A Floreat artist invites people to nominate someone they know who is neurodiverse and would be willing to have their portrait painted.

Jenny Davies has launched a project called Art for Autism, to coincide with World Autism Month.

It will involve her painting the portrait of a different person who is neurodiverse, or their parents and carers, each week for 50 weeks.

A subject could even be someone who works with people with autism, but successful subjects must live or work within the Federal seat of Curtin.

The 50 paintings will be unveiled in April next year at the Autism Association of Western Australia in Shenton Park.

All portraits will be for sale to benefit the charity.

Jenny said she aimed to reveal the stories behind each person – to celebrate their resilience, diversity and shared experiences.

“Each work will capture a member of the Curtin community, including people who are autistic or neurodiverse, parents or carers, and individuals whose work contributes positively to community wellbeing,” she said.

“This project is about more than painting portraits.

“It’s about recognising people, sharing stories, and creating a sense of belonging and hope.”

Jenny is a Lester Portrait Prize finalist who studied at Claremont School of Art and the Mitchell School of Art in New South Wales.

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• Recognised by the national estate!

“You can nominate yourself or someone in your family or community.

“I’m looking forward to hearing all the stories.”

For more information or to submit a nomination go to artforautism.com.au.

“There is a real joy in bringing someone to life through the vibrancy of oils and the immediacy of graphite,” Jenny said.

Toodyay Real Estate

John Butler M: 0429 964 060

E: john@toodyayrealestate.com.au

Garland International

Toodyay Real Estate

• A prize of unequalled lasting quality since 1854.

• Fastidiously maintained and improved for each generation with class and respect.

John Garland M: 0418 923 347 E: johng@garlandintl.com.au

John Butler M: 0429 964 060

E: john@toodyayrealestate.com.au

Garland International

Toodyay Real Estate

John Butler M: 0429 964 060

E: john@toodyayrealestate.com.au

John Garland M: 0418 923 347 E: johng@garlandintl.com.au

www.garlandinternational.com.au

Garland International

John Garland M: 0418 923 347 E: johng@garlandintl.com.au

Peaceful, Private, Single-Level Living

Mareena Weston 0422 406 199 mweston@haivenproperty.com.au west.haivenproperty.com.au

Positioned within the sought-after Regent Park over-55s complex, this beautifully presented single-level villa offers rare privacy with no residence above. Freshly painted with new carpets, it delivers a move-in-ready lifestyle with generous proportions and a low-maintenance design. The home features two spacious double bedrooms, plus a versatile third room ideal as a study, guest bedroom or hobby space. An open-plan living, dining and kitchen area flows to a private courtyard, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Complete with a car bay near the front door and an additional WC within the outdoor storeroom, this is an excellent opportunity to secure easy-care living in a well-regarded community. Regent Park also offers a warm, social atmosphere with shared facilities including a residents’ lounge, alfresco area, swimming pool and croquet/bowling green, plus regular social and fitness activities.

11/67 Smiths Beach Road, Yallingup

1 1 1 78m²

Positioned directly across from the pristine waters of Smiths Beach Yallingup, Apartment 11 at the Smiths Beach Resort presents a rare opportunity to secure a luxury coastal retreat with ocean views. Set within one of the Margaret River Region's most prestigious resorts, this beautifully appointed apartment offers the perfect blend of relaxed beachside living and investment potential.

This luxury villa delivers stylish, low-maintenance accommodation designed for comfort and convenience.

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Thursday 23 April 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm

What to know.

Offers.

Who to talk to.

5 3 21.25ha

Set on a private, parkland-cleared block in the sought-after Yallingup Hills, this beautifully upgraded lifestyle property delivers the perfect balance of space, privacy and modern comfort.

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What to know.

All offers presented by 5:00pm 19 April 2026 (unless sold prior).

Extensively improved by the current owners, the home features a stunning new kitchen with premium appliances, stone benchtops and gas cooking, flowing seamlessly into a light-filled open plan living and dining area. The north-facing design captures natural light, with wide bi-fold doors opening to expansive outdoor entertaining overlooking landscaped gardens and a tranquil winter creek. Who to talk to.

Julie

Mitch Fairclough 0427 386 690

mfairclough@realmark.com.au

Violinist set to debut her own composition

A work by composer and violinist Ellie Malonzo will have its world premiere with Fremantle Chamber Orchestra on Saturday May 16 in Fremantle Town Hall.

Ellie debuted as a soloist with the FCO four years ago.

Her Concerto for Violin and Viola 2 was commissioned by Noel Mattocks and will be performed by the violinist herself, joined by her teacher Paul Wright on the viola.

The May 16 performance will be conducted by John Keene who said about Ellie: “I find myself realising every now and then that I am working with someone so young whose maturity, technical

A talk about the new world order

Australia’s national security will be the subject of a talk to be given in Peppermint Grove on April 28 at 10am.

Alexey Muraviev, who is Associate Professor of National Security and Strategic Studies at Curtin University, will speak on the topic “National Security in a Time of Testiness, Tantrums and Political Game-Playing”. He will discuss the attack on Iran by Israel and the US, rivalry of the “great powers”, the breakdown of the post-World War II international order, and the current threat environment.

His talk, offered by the West Coast Community Centre, will be in the Grove Library community room at 1 Leake Street.

Cost: $12 for community centre

members $17 non-members.

For tickets go to westcoastcommunity.com.au/programme.

The WCCC will offer a wide range of talks, activities, and outings in coming weeks and months, including restaurant and theatre bookings, cooking classes, day trips, exercise or craft groups, cards and mahjong, poetry readings and a book club.

For more information go to westcoastcommunity.com.au/ programme, email westcoastcommunity@gmail.com, or phone 9286 8676.

Curtin University Associate Professor of National Security and Strategic Studies Alexey Muraviev, pictured, will discuss the breakdown of the postWorld War II international order.

skill, and superb ear and musical sensibility belies her years as both performer and composer.”

The program will include works by Corelli, Gesualdo, Mozart, Svendsen and Bottesini.

It will be at St Patrick’s Basilica, 47 Adelaide Street, Fremantle at 2.30pm.

Tickets $50, $40, or $20 can be purchased online by going to trybooking.com and search “FCO with Ellie Malonzo”.

Or phone Natalie on 0438 933 250, or pay at the door an hour before the concert starts.

Ellie, Paul and the FCO will repeat the performance at the PHC Synagogue in Freedman Road, Menora, at 3pm on Sunday May 17.

Choir award on offer

Amateur choirs are invited to apply for the Michaela Collingwood Choral Award in celebration of the Royal Schools Music Club Centenary.

The award is possible thanks to a bequest from Michaela Collingwood, who was a longtime member of the Nedlands club.

Two awards for $3000 and $1000 will be made this year.

Choirs who wish to be considered are invited to submit an audio file of up to 10 minutes before April 30 and pay $100 to enter.

Applicants are to present two contrasting pieces with at least

one sung a capella. The pieces can be in any style including general part songs, jazz, Broadway, musical theatre, sacred or symphonic. Selected finalists are to perform on Sunday June 7 from 2.30pm at the Callaway Auditorium at the University of Western Australia music department.

Members of the public are invited to the recital of finalists. Tickets are $25, $5, or free to members.

For more information email rsmc@rsmc.info, phone 0419 930 624, or go to rsmc.info and click on the awards section.

How to observe Anzac Day in Fremantle

The City of Fremantle invites all to honour past and present servicemen and women on Anzac Day next Saturday, April 25.

A Dawn Service will be held at Fremantle War Memorial on Monument Hill from 5.50am.

Organisations or individuals

who wish to lay a wreath at the Dawn Service are asked to register their name with the City of Fremantle by Monday. In North Fremantle, Anzac Day will be observed at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Park on Harvest Road at 9am, with a service hosted by the North

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Fremantle Football Club.

An Anzac Day march will be held along the streets of Fremantle, setting off at 10.15am from Pioneer Park on Phillimore Street.

Marchers will proceed along South Terrace, turn into Henderson Street mall and head down William Street before falling out at Walyalup Koort, formerly known as King’s Square, near Fremantle Town Hall.

Register your attendance at Anzac Day events by emailing civicevents@fremantle.wa.gov. au by Monday.

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Molik powers Cottesloe tennis

Cottesloe Tennis Club’s powerful State League women’s team capped off another dominant summer of tennis by beating Royal Kings Park comfortably in the Division 1 final played at Cottesloe.

On Sunday March 22 Cottesloe, led by former Olympian and world No.8ranked player Alicia Molik, ensured the club went one better in 2026 after it finished as runner-up last year.

Alicia was well supported by teammates Nisha Whittome, Lexie Wier, Ksenija Vujacic, Elana Manoj, Jessie Culley, and Ruby Culley to win 4-0.

However, Cottesloe was unable to make a clean sweep of the top State League division after their men’s team went down in the final to neighbouring club Claremont 0-4, despite finishing the qualifying rounds on top.

Cottesloe’s ability to reach the finals in the Tennis West elite division was matched by the club’s success across all levels of tennis in the past year.

Club members reached finals in 24 men’s and women’s divisions and the club was well represented at junior levels.

Club president Rob Wilde said the recent on-court vibrancy was a result of enthusiastic input by a dedicated group of volunteers at competitive and social tennis levels at the club, particularly in encouraging junior players.

“It’s pleasing to see so many people contributing to the running of the club across all levels as our membership hits new heights,” he said.

“We are fortunate to have 27 superb grass courts along with 10 hard courts, which ensures our members, and visitors, have access to worldclass facilities and coaching 12

months of the year.

“We are also blessed to have a person of Alicia Molik’s international profile and personality to mentor and encourage junior development on a voluntary basis. Her enthusiasm is infectious.”

For more information about Cottesloe Tennis Club go to cottesloetennis.com.au.

Magpies strike gold in baseball and softball

The UWA Magpies have had championship success across both junior baseball and senior softball competitions in 2026.

Simon Renwick from the club said the UWA Magpies Gold team claimed the Baseball WA Little League championship for the Central Metro division, marking their first title in 10 years.

“The premiership capped off a remarkable season, with the team going through undefeated and displaying outstanding teamwork, skill and sportsmanship throughout the year,” he said.

“Many of the players only stepped up from City Beach

City Beach cricketers triumphant

City Beach Green Range Cricket Club finished their regular season with two of their three teams ending as minor premiers, while their Third XI team narrowly missed the finals.

The finals-bound teams comfortably beat the fourth-ranked teams at home in the semi-finals on March 14.

D Grade beat Southern Rossmoyne by 74 runs, and H Grade beat the Bayswater Postels by seven wickets, which meant that for the first time in the club’s 39-season history City Beach Oval would host two home grand finals on March 21.

H Grade, playing on the upper oval, won the toss and put on a very competitive 189 with significant scores hit by Lachy Teakle, Trevor Hart, Jake Codling and Jake Wheeler.

After a bit of early pressure in Midland’s batting innings which saw the score at 1/68 in the 15th over, Harry Kau and Jake Wheeler managed to halt

Midland’s run to the title, finally getting them all out for 117. This brought City Beach their 15th premiership flag.

D Grade lost the toss in their grand final on the City Beach lower oval, with Scarborough opting to bat first.

their win.

They got off to a very good start before spin slowed their progress somewhat, to finish their 40 overs on 8/196.

For City Beach, best bowling figures were Shane Attard, Jordan Brock and Tristan Showers.

After a solid start in the home team’s batting innings and despite the efforts of Gareth King, Tristan Showers and Jamie Wood, the team fell 79 runs short.

Perth Swan Cricket Association gave numerous awards to players from the three teams.

In D Grade Shane Attard was named for the most wickets and Jordan Brock for the best bowling average.

In H Grade Dylan Morgan was named best player for the most runs and best batting average, and Mitch Rees for the best bowling average.

In First Grade Xavier Carr was named with the best batting average.

Dylan Morgan and Lachy Teakle were named in the Perth Swan Cricket Association’s

Tee-ball last season, with several also competing at the state tee-ball championships in 2025 under the guidance of Sue Lothian and Tracey Honeycutt.”

He said the result highlighted the strength of the Magpies’ junior development pathways, from tee-ball through to competitive baseball.

Adding to the success of the UWA Baseball and Softball Club, the UWA Magpies Division 6 softball team secured their championship after a strong season.

“Mentored by Janna Roberts, who joined the club from the US, and coached by Division 3 players Renae Hovey and Lou Kirkby, the team sat at the top of the ladder for much of the year before defeating the Renegades 10–9 in a close contest to secure the premiership in the Grand Final,” Simon said.

The UWA Magpies are looking ahead to an even bigger 2026/27 season.

Registrations open in August. For more information go to uwabaseball.com.au or email secretary@uwamagpies.com.au.

Bowling

Mosman Park

Wednesday Scroungers April 8 had a good roll-up on a lovely evening. The winner was Trish De Bouvre, and the runners-up were Duncan Worthington and Sandra Whelan. Winter bowls will begin in May, with a range of games to take part in.

The members’ draw was won by a popular bowling member on Friday. Congratulations, and don’t spend it all at once! Mahjong is held on Thursdays from 9 to 11am. Social membership of the club is the only requirement to play.

Subiaco Pétanque

A total of 31 members competed for points in the President’s Cup last Saturday, in an enjoyable afternoon of petanque.  Best on the day was Emma Isliker. Nick Siciliano, Ravin Parianen, Arnaud Virassamy, Gilbert Baatard and Kurt Isliker were also prize-winners. This Saturday, life member Guy Soubeyran will be honoured with a singles tournament, open to all club members.

Visitors are welcome on Saturdays and Wednesdays. For more information visit petanquesubiaco.com.

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Finbar settles twin tower block

Apartment developer Finbar Group has settled its purchase of a prime West Leederville site and will launch its proposed $230million twin tower project.

Finbar bought the 4997sq.m Railway Parade site for $15.7million from Michael and Susan Frawley’s Kilmaley Investments.

It has lodged an application for two towers comprising 240 apartments.

The site was previously the home of the Catholic community group Bethel Covenant but had to be sold to settle sexual abuse claims made against the director.

It is within 400metres of Finbar’s Motive apartment development, which was completed in 2017.

The settlement follows the recent adoption of West Leederville’s Precinct Structure Plan, which sets out future development guidelines for the area.

Finbar Group chief executive Ronald Chan said the settlement and development application were important milestones.

“Finbar has a strong track record in the West Leederville area, which benefits from established amenity and proximity to the CBD, Leederville, Subiaco and public transport,” he said.

“The scale of the site supports a proposed two-tower development that is expected to deliver construction ef-

ficiencies, while strengthening Finbar’s medium-cost product offering.”

Finbar expects the project to take three years to complete.

The property is next to four blocks totalling 2070sq.m that were put up for sale recently after being the subject of a failed bid to build two towers.

UWA considers Karratha campus

By Tom Zaunmayr

UWA is considering establishing a tertiary education and research campus in Karratha.

The precinct could focus on the resources sector, health, green energy transition and Aboriginalfocused anthropology and archaeology.

UWA has sought funding from Karratha council to build a business case for what it has labelled a Pilbara education, training and research precinct.

City councillors agreed to put $200,000 toward a business case for a campus at the old hospital site.

Karratha mayor Dan Scott said the existing tertiary offering, the Pilbara Kimberley University Centre, was “bursting at the seams”.

Mr Scott said a multi-

university hub with student accommodation would help young people in the Pilbara study closer to home.

“You can picture a campus going there that has PKUC, UWA, ECU,” he said.

“We can build a building that houses multiple universities that are offering multiple courses, and then behind that, we get student accommodation.

“Kids of the Pilbara, particularly Aboriginal kids … have a hard time at the thought of going to Perth, leaving country for further education.

“If we can have student accommodation here and offer the kids of the Pilbara to be able to do their tertiary education … on country or close to home, then we’re going to

Baldock buys Guildford Hotel

By Ella Loneragan

WA billionaire Leonie Baldock has bought the Guildford Hotel for $17.1million from brothers Luke and Domenic Martino.

A grand-daughter of the late iron ore magnate Peter Wright and a backer of developer Sirona Urban, Ms Baldock is the state’s seventh richest person.

The Martino brothers owned the heritage-listed 1886 pub for 20 years, and restored it after a major fire in 2008.

Ms Baldock is now the owner of about 5000sq.m of land with the hotel at 159-161 James Street, Guildford, and its recent extension to the Vaudeville Theatre at 163 James Street.

A 3000sq.m carpark behind the hotel has development potential.

“The Guildford Hotel is an iconic

venue and what’s been achieved by the owners and the operator since the restoration has been remarkable,” a Baldock spokesperson said.

“It is a much-loved local venue with a long lease to an experienced operator, and it is in good hands.

“We also recognise the hotel’s heritage and character, its community connections, and its operational excellence.”

National hospitality operator Australian Venue Co will continue to lease the hotel. The lease expires in 2042.

The Martinos had development approval to build a shopping centre on the carpark but did not pursue the project.

RP Data shows the Guildford Hotel was purchased through Belvedere Tower, which is owned by Ms Baldock and her investment vehicle, San Ricardo.

Ms Baldock’s hospitality interests

get a lot better outcomes for our society.”

Mr Scott said he expected the state and federal governments, and the city’s resources stakeholders, to contribute to establishing the facility should it be approved.

A UWA precinct would be the second major physical university presence in the North-West with Notre Dame having a campus in Broome.

include caravan parks at Molloy Island and Bouvard, and a motel in Busselton. Business News’ 2025 Rich 100 estimated her wealth at $4billion.

She is a beneficiary of the commercial deals struck by Peter Wright, who was business partners with Lang Hancock, which deliver big royalties from Rio Tinto’s iron ore production.

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Personal touch in Anzac Day concert

SARAH McNEILL

“I got up, and I pulled the bolt from my rifle. The carburettor had got clogged up with mud and snow. So, I got down and a young chap from the 13th got up. And as soon as he got up, he got it right through the head. He said ‘Mother’, and just dropped down. I’ll never forget that.”

This is an extract from a transcript by Charles Leonard Pooley, aka Len, about the horrific Battle of Bullecourt on the Western Front in April 1917.

Overwhelmed by the Germans, the Australians suffered 3289 casualties. Len was among 1166 taken prisoner.

The grandfather of

Subiaco performer Simone Craddock, Len was just 16 at the time.

“Looking back now, his time in the war was always there, quietly in the background,” Simone said of him.

“He suffered from PTSD his entire life. He had nightmares and couldn’t bear the sound of slamming doors – they made him shake.”

Simone was in her early 20s when she learned that Len had given an interview at the end of his life, to the grandson of a veteran from the same frontline battle. The interviewer sent Simone the transcript.

In her Anzac Day concert I Remember You, honouring her grandfather, she will

intersperse readings from that interview with jazz standards and songs from both world wars, including Pack Up Your Troubles and Smile, Sheik of Araby, For All We Know and We’ll Meet Again.

“Granddad had several near-misses and was nearly starved and worked to death in a German POW camp,” Simone said.

“But he made it home, met my Nana, and raised eight children with her. My mum was their youngest.”

Simone’s “upbeat, optimistic, yet reverent” concert is at Perth Town Hall next Saturday, April 25, as part of the Boorloo Heritage Festival. Tickets are free but bookings are required.

Laugh a lot with Comedy All-Stars

“The West is best,” says WA Comedy producer Ronan Freeburn of WA Comedy All-Stars, a one-night-only evening of local comedy as part of Perth Comedy Festival.

Ronan brings together some of the state’s best comedians, and said the show reflects a growing audience demand for locally produced comedy:

“Each time we’ve brought WA Comedy All-Stars to the festival, the audience has grown,” he said.

“It speaks to the depth of talent we have here.”

This year’s line-

■ Janelle Koenig represented Australia in Last Comic Standing in the US.

up features Janelle Koenig (US Last Comic Standing), Josh Makinda (NYC-based WA comedian), Squirly

(WA RAW Comedy Winner), Thabo Tshuma (Comedy Lounge Comedian of the Year), Dave Hughes (writer for The Project), Chris Pucillo (nationally touring WA comedian) and Nola Bliss (Next Gen Comedy Winner), and host Luke Joseph Ryan (Nickelodeon)

WA Comedy AllStars is at State Theatre Centre on Saturday May 2 at 8.45pm.

The Perth Comedy Festival runs from April 20 to May 17. See the full program and book through perthcomedyfestival. com.

Artist Nancy had a lot to say

Art collector Thomas Murrell is using artist Nancy Sayer (1909–2005) as the inspiration for the Australian Heritage Festival’s theme of Change when he opens the doors to his historic Subiaco home, Fairview.

The daughter of WA’s first Solicitor-General, William Sayer, Nancy grew up in Peppermint Grove and attended PLC.

She moved to Adelaide where she famously skipped the opening event to her own solo exhibition in 1997 to take her dog to obedience school. “I’m interested in painting, not selling,” she said at the time and admitted to being uncomfortable at mingling with the “arty throng”.

Thomas said Nancy’s “stubborn, honest, authentic yet self-confident personality comes out in

day. She wasn’t into big groups of people and was quite happy in her own company. She has left a wonderful legacy.”

Thomas will run tours through Fairview and the Fairview Art Collection every Saturday and Sunday from April 18 to May 18, as part of the Australian Heritage Festival. Book through Fairview2026.eventbrite. com.au.

her paintings”.

Her niece, Suzanne Bellanger, who lives in Albany, owns a large body of her work.

“She was a very brave women who didn’t need anyone else,” Suzanne said.

“She was prolific, often painting six oils in a

Bittersweet betrayal a tangerine dream

Calle Málaga (M)

PIER LEACH

Morocco’s vibrant, multicultural port city of Tangier is the setting of Maryam Touzani’s uplifting Spanish-language salute to flourishing later in life.

It’s also a memo to our children: Don’t relegate us to the dustbin just yet.

Veteran Spanish actor and muse to Pedro Almodóvar, Carmen Maura (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown), plays María Ángeles, a widow who was born in Tangier after her parents fled Franco’s regime in the 1930s and has lived there ever since.

As the film opens, she greets neighbours and market stall keepers and busies herself around her lovingly appointed apartment overlooking the street of the title.

She’s eagerly preparing for her only daughter, Clara (Marta Etura), to arrive from Madrid on a rare visit.

She’s less enthusiastic when Clara informs her

Australia’s most renowned Aboriginal art centres alongside independent artists, selling paintings, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and sculptures.

Revealed Aboriginal Art Market returns to WA Museum Boola Bardip for the second year, after more than a decade in Fremantle. The open-air market in the museum’s forecourt is on this Saturday, offering the opportunity to buy original artworks directly from art centres and independent artists, with the proceeds supporting artists and their communities.

With more than 40 stalls, Revealed brings together artists from some of

There is also a program of indigenous dance, music and theatre – including Nyumbi dance and performances by Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, Lilly Grogos, Kayps and DJ Yikes along with kids’ activities, coffee and food trucks

Revealed is on this Saturday, April 18 at WA Museum Boola Bardip.

■

Thirty talented young artists from Years 7 to 12 across Australia have been selected as finalists

that she’s decided to sell the apartment, which María’s husband left in Clara’s name.

No discussion; her choice is to either move to Madrid or into a local old folks’ home.

in the Lester Prize Youth Awards, Lester Prize executive director Shannon Yujnovich said the youth awards highlight the depth of emerging artistic talent across the country.

“These young artists are telling powerful and deeply personal stories through portraiture,” she said.

“The calibre of work we’ve seen this year is exceptional, and it’s incredibly exciting to support and celebrate the next generation of Australian artists at such an important stage in their creative journey.”

Final judging is under way, and the winners will be announced at the Youth Awards’ opening night on Thursday, April 23. Prizes include cash, art materials, framing prizes, and school workshops valued at more than $6500. All the finalist artworks will be on show from April 24 to July 19 in the Old Gaol building at WA Museum Boola Bardip

■ ■ ■

Mossenson Galleries in Subiaco will welcome Jan and Chris Griffiths from Kununurra this Sunday, to talk about their family’s artistic legacy and the importance of passing down cultural knowledge through generations.

The intergenerational exhibition at the gallery brings together the Griffiths family of artists spanning multiple genera-

María chooses the latter, but after an amusing altercation with a hairdresser intent on chopping off her lengthy silver tresses, she checks

tions, with works by Alan Griffiths and his wife Peggy Griffiths (each individually recognised as WA State Cultural Treasures), along with their children and grandchildren. Jan and Chris will talk about this shared artistic and cultural lineage this Sunday, April 19, at 2pm at Mossenson Galleries, 115 Hay Street, Subiaco.

■ Above: Meet the artists at Revealed Art Market: Paula Lyons and Nora Nyutjanka Davidson from Papulankutja Artists Collective.

Photo: Jessica Russell

herself out with a halfbaked plan to squat in her own home.

After all, her apartment is inextricably linked to her identity. It’s who she is.

Before long, she’s buying

back her possessions from the local antiques dealer, Abslam (Ahmed Boulane), devising a fun, moneymaking side-hustle to fund the endeavour, and even striking up a romance.

Touzani, who co-wrote with her filmmaker husband Nabil Ayouch, keeps proceedings mostly breezy, skirting Clara’s fundamental betrayal of her mother and instead focusing on María’s resourcefulness and innate ability to build community.

In 80-year-old Maura, Touzani has an actor who can carry the full spectrum of the story’s drama and comedy, and whose wonderful comic timing is never more honed than when she is confiding in her childhood friend Josefa (María Alfonsa Rosso), a nun who has conveniently taken a vow of silence. It’s a bittersweet charmer.

Right: The walls of Mossenson are full of art works from generations of the Griffiths family.

doesn’t understand why I am angry or hurt. Is this a form of unfaithfulness, or am I just being a prude?

Rod

I am in my 30s in a committed relationship with a woman considerably older than me.

She sees no harm in asking for other men’s phone numbers, and giving them hers, to meet for coffees, though she tells them she is in a committed relationship. When men do phone to set up a coffee date, she declines.

She said it is a purely innocent gesture, and she

Rod, the publisher Bennett Cerf was known for placing ads for books that didn’t exist. He would dream up a title such as Seven Tips of Great Gardeners. If enough orders came in for the book, he would commission someone to write it. In the meantime, he would return customers’ money telling them the book was out

of stock or temporarily unavailable.

Your girlfriend is advertising her availability, a product which does not yet exist, but may if demand is sufficient.

She is also compiling a list of back orders she may decide to fill. You know how much men respect a woman in a relationship who asks for their phone number. Those men know the difference between a committed woman and a woman asking them for a date, and so does she.

Wayne & Tamara

• Need some advice? Write to writedirectanswers@gmail.com

■

“The

Penthouse ‘impossible to value’

Multimillion-dollar properties with panoramic ocean views are a dime a dozen in Cottesloe, so what’s so special about this penthouse?

It’s the double-height glass frontage that curves around to the south, capturing the coastline in a broad uninterrupted span, turning the ocean into a permanent backdrop.

at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.

“We ordered 15 different samples from Spain,” the architect said.

“It wasn’t an easy choice, but we are thrilled with the result.”

$1.2million CLAREMONT

34A First Avenue

A farming couple bought this 342sq.m property around the corner from the Ashton Avenue shops. It last sold in 1990, for $125,000.

AGENT: Mareena Weston, Haiven Property.

$5.35million DALKEITH

46 Gallop Road

The sellers, who have moved to the east coast, built this Georgian-style house on a 1103sq.m corner block.

AGENT: Tim Caporn, Ray White.

$6.8million COTTESLOE

The striking penthouse that appears to float above the tessellated tile exterior of the new complex on the corner of Warnham Road didn’t come together easily.

feat that briefly turned the beachfront strip into a construction site.

A sculptural steel staircase had to be craned into position – a logistical

And the curved section of the glass wall took months to arrive.

The delays and challenges of building the penthouse dubbed The Glasshouse have paid off because it has finally hit the market, without a price tag.

“There is no asking price because it is impossible to value,” agent Chris Shellabear said.

He expects it will go to a local buyer rather than someone from overseas.

“Locals understand our deep connection to the ocean and the lifestyle it brings,” he said.

The two-level penthouse is among eight dwellings on the site, which was originally

owned by former lawyer and sandalwood promoter Frank Wilson.

Mr Wilson was heavily involved in the project, according to architect Felipe de Soto.

“Frank understood what we were hoping to achieve,” Mr de Soto said.

The pair collaborated on the choice of mosaic tiles on the exterior, which were inspired by those

The exceptional finishes and fixtures are what you would expect in an apartment of this calibre, but it’s the view that is the real showstopper, taking in the ocean, Sea View Golf Course, Fremantle and Hillarys.

An arched window, window seat, double glazing and a private lift directly to the apartment are among the many features.

A mezzanine above the main living area adds to the spacious feel.

– Julie Bailey

CONTACT: Chris Shellabear 0418 910 065 and Justin Davies 0419 909 350.

6B Nailsworth Street

Riverstone Homes built this four-bedroom and threebathroom house on an elevated 570sq.m site.

AGENT: Olivia Porteous, William Porteous Properties International.

$8million MOSMAN PARK

136 Glyde Street

Landgate records show a Cottesloe resident has added another property to her portfolio. The 1001sq.m property was sold off-market.

AGENT: William Porteous, William Porteous Properties International.

Nicola’s new headquarters

Nicola Forrest has bought the historic Fremantle Trades Hall as the headquarters for Coaxial. She founded Coaxial (meaning “to connect on a common axis”) in 2023 to redistribute her wealth and “drive positive social change”. A spokesperson for Coaxial said the premises will be renovated to become a private family of ce. “This acquisition establishes a permanent base for Coaxial as we build our team and progress our initial pipeline of work across WA and nationally,” they said. Coaxial also intends that the building continues to be used by the community. “This will not be a closed or private space — our intention is for the building to remain active, accessible and part of Fremantle’s community life,” they

said. “We are actively exploring how the upper level can host events, arts and cultural programming and forums that bring people together. We have a strong respect for the history of the building and the role it has played in supporting workers, community groups and civic dialogue over many decades.”  Ms Forrest has purchased ve building in Fremantle. “Nicola has a longstanding commitment to Fremantle, and this [new acquisition] re ects that — a practical investment in the community’s future, grounded in respect for its past,” the spokesman said.

Word was not his bond Osborne Park agency Dilleen Realty and Property Management, and its licensee Edward James Dilleen, have been reprimanded and ned a total of $4000. The State Administrative

Tribunal found they delaying the lodgement of a residential tenancy bond by 155 days and provided incorrect information to the tenant in relation to the lodgement. Agents must lodge tenancy bonds with the bond administrator within 14 days of receiving the funds. The agency also told the tenant that a “system error” had prevented the earlier attempt from going through. Consumer Protection commissioner Trish Blake said real estate professionals must understand that compliance was not optional. Home

renovators were also reminded that that anyone engaged to carry out electrical work must have a licence. Reginald Noel Byrne trading as Renovate Right, was ned $3000 for performing unlicensed electrical work as part of a laundry renovation. The renovations included the installation of socket outlets and the relocation of a light switch. Mr Byrne has never held an electrical licence.

Queensland castle sells for $8million

The eccentric Rumble Castle in Waterford, Queensland, sold for $8million last month. Brian Rumble, now in his mid-80s, had for decades, fended off offers of up $2.5million. Built by Mr Rumble more than 40 years ago, the impressive fortress has since

Auctions cancelled after offers triumph

Several houses which were supposed to go under the hammer last weekend never made it to auction as owners entered negotiations with prospective buyers before the planned dates Houses at 230 Oceanic Drive, City Beach, 16 Riversea View, Mosman Park, and 32 Waroonga Road, Nedlands, were snatched up before last weekend and are now under contract. The early sale of these houses shows the impressive performance of the western suburb property market. The early bird offers meant there were no local auctions last weekend.

Courtyard, gardens engender sense of calm

“Iwanted a relaxed, wellappointed downsizer that engaged with the outdoors and was easy to care for,” said the owner of this compact home in a quiet, tree-lined street.

Designed by Cottesloe architect Peter Moran and built by Distinctive Homes just eight years ago, it was created around a central courtyard to provide a year-round green aspect and lovely sense of calm.

The garden was designed by award-winning Neil Delmage and his late wife Jenny, always known for creating stylish and classic waterwise gardens.

“The courtyard and raised garden beds were integrated into the house design,” the owner said.

“We had water features that capture and channel rain, and a beautiful native verge garden that attracts many birds.”

Designed along solarpassive principles, the downstairs areas are flexible, with cosy separate living zones that can be opened up to comfortably accommodate large gatherings.

The upstairs, with three generous bedrooms, is divided into two zones with the main bedroom

featuring a delightful juliet balcony opening into the tree canopy.

The rear zone offers privacy for guests, with two bedrooms overlooking a shaded terrace, plus a bathroom and a study or sitting room.

“There is a sense of calm throughout,” the owner said of the simple palette of timeless timber and neutral finishes. “It has an open aspect while still providing privacy and security.”

Gazing at the stars … and tigers?

H

olidays down south are often the thing which keeps us sane in the madness of modern life.

The appearance of Stargazers Forest Hideaway on the market could make this holiday calm an everyday reality.

Featuring a main homestead, six cottages, three glamping tents and seven campsites, this forest oasis

offers a lifestyle to anyone looking for a change.

The property gives buyers the opportunity to not

The Allen Park precinct is a “special neighbourhood of friendly people” and there is access to the beach with a 10-minute walk across Allen Park and Swanbourne Reserve. – Sarah McNeill

CONTACT: Marcus Sproule

The kitchen and dining area lead out the sunny, green courtyard.

just live in this serene location, but to share it with others looking for a break from everyday life.

As the name suggests, this hideaway is free of light pollution, providing owners and guests with exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Agent Steve Papadopoulis said the unim-

peded view of the night sky made a strong impression on those who stayed there.

The property also has an operational avocado farm with 1500 trees, offering an additional revenue stream.

The comfortable homestead, with polished jarrah floors, has a private pool off the veranda, and is set well away from the chalets.

The property encircles a central dam with a boardwalk onto which the glamping tents open.

Located about halfway between Nannup and Pemberton, Stargazers is in the heart of the SouthWest’s incredible forests which

many tourists.

Hideaway

Bordering on Beedalup National Park, Stargazers has access to pristine natural bushland and forests, known internationally as an important biodiversity hotspot.

The Diamond and Gloucester trees are both within a 40-minute drive of the property. You might even see the legendary Nannup Tiger if you’re lucky.

– Noah Morcombe

GARDENING

PLASTERING

and Big Jobs •

REPAIRSINSTALLATION

LEAKS FIXED

RETIC REPAIRS

Sox appeal for tower power

“It showed that the noise from the generators was exceeding the maximum allowable nighttime levels, and by quite a lot,” he said.

Residents had stopped using the park due to noxious diesel fumes, he said.

Locals have staged a silent protest by draping socks on the tower fences.

“There has been a lot of community support,” Mr Barrett said.

A hand-lettered sign declared: “Community Protest. Hang up your socks. Remove ugly, noisy polluters from our park.”

Another read: “Give us back our park and playground.”

Optus responded to the community concerns by replacing the original generator with a quieter model and implementing additional acoustic dampening measures.

“Optus has sought access to existing local power sources; however, approval has not been granted by the relevant authorities to date,” Optus said.

“As a result, the installation of a generator remains necessary in the near term to maintain reliable mobile coverage in the area.”

Telstra said it had asked Cambridge to allow it to use mains power and had taken other steps.

“We have conducted noise studies, installed noise dampening blankets and requested the council approve a power connection to electricity so we don’t have to use generators,” it said.

The towers were erected in

August, two months after the Town was informed.

The council wanted the towers installed closer to Hale Road but the terms of the Telecommunications Act meant that it had no say in the location.

Telstra said keeping the towers close to their original location was required to ensure mobile connection was maintained.

“We needed to place a temporary facility in close proximity to the original location to replicate the previous level of mobile coverage and keep the local community connected,” it said.

“Moving the tower would severely impact services including emergency calls, and the safety of the community is our number one priority.”

Cambridge did not respond to a request for comment.

Homeless camp in tram stop

Mr Groves said the City of Perth had been responsive to the issues he had raised with them.

It had installed a mobile security camera and a large mobile electronic sign nearby which advised the public to report antisocial behaviour.

The City of Perth said it had completed a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessment.

“The City is now exploring

design options to improve safety while maintaining the heritage character and accessibility of the location,” a spokesperson said.

“The City is aware of community concerns regarding behaviour at the Old Tram Stop and has implemented a range of measures including increased ranger patrols and coordination with WA Police.”

But Ms Snell said the issue of homelessness needed a compas-

sionate response and lasting solutions.

“Hostile architecture is never the solution, whether it’s benches designed to prevent lying down or acoustic deterrents,” she said.

“It simply shifts the problem and adds to the suffering of people who are already doing it tough.

“Any response to homelessness must be compassionate, person-centred, and focused on

What a VERY western suburb story

• From page 1

and lost half of its case, so the parties could consider bearing the cost of their own proceedings.”

At stake were shares of the mind-boggling riches that flow from digging iron ore out of the Pilbara and shipping it overseas.

The judge said Wright Prospecting and the Rhodes’ claims for the royalties had been made out.

“Rhodes’ claim in equity in the past and future royalties has been made out,” she said.

Justice Smith said claims over ownership should be dismissed.

She also said Bianca’s and John’s claim failed at the first hurdle and was a matter for private arbitration.

Lang Hancock was raised on a remote Pilbara station, where in 1952 he spotted iron deposits from his small plane before beginning to exploit them in the 1960s.

Another huge iron ore body called the East Angelas, a name his daughter Gina later changed to Hope Downs in honour of her mother, became the focus of Justice Smith’s judgment.

Gina Rinehart’s side expressed delight that the claimants, including two of her own children, had failed dismally in their most lucrative claim of part ownership of Hope Downs.

Gina’s right-hand man Jay Newby, the executive director of Hancock Prospecting, said they welcomed Justice Smith’s decision to reject “baseless” ownership claims.

“The court found that these tenements belong to HPPL (Hancock Prospecting PL) exclusively,” Mr Newby said.

But royalty streams reaching back 19 years, and into the future, will flow to the claimants as a result of the judgment.

the final amount.

He described coming up against the Hancock empire as contending against “formidable opponents”.

A Wright Prospecting spokesperson also welcomed the decision and said the company would review it in detail before determining further action.

“Wright Prospecting commenced this action to recover our share of royalties from the Hope Downs 1 to 3 mines,” they said.

“That claim has been upheld.

“WPPL also sought either a proprietary interest or a royalty in the Hope Downs 4 to 6 mines and has been successful in its royalty claim.

“These proceedings were commenced in 2010 and, after many delays, we are pleased to finally receive a result in our favour.”

According to HPPL, the Rhodes family will receive the lion’s share with $14million a year in back payments. John and Bianca, plus the Wrights, will receive around $4million a year.

“On the far less significant issue of royalties, HPPL welcomes the court’s rejection of WPPL’s claim to a volume royalty,” Mr Newby said.

“HPPL also welcomes the court’s rejection of the majority of Rhodes’ royalty claims.”

DFD Rhodes chief executive Matthew Keady called the decision on Wednesday a win for Rhodes.

“We are very, very pleased that the judgment has recognised the contributions of Don Rhodes to the iron ore industry,” he said.

Don Rhodes’ descendants joined the legal action in 2013, claiming a stake in Hope Downs from a 1969 agreement Don had with Lang Hancock.

Mr Keady called the win “substantial” but anticipated further arguments would be had over

Lawyers will return to court next Thursday to talk about costs.

It is likely the decision on Wednesday will be followed by a separate hearing to determine numbers and, possibly, appeals.

lasting outcomes.”

Ms Snell said Shelter WA’s advice to councils was to create more affordable housing.

“Providing people-friendly public amenities and collecting local data to better understand and respond to need,” she said.

“WA has a severe shortage of homes that are affordable.

“We need governments to be adding 5000 more social and affordable homes every year to meet demand.”

Ms Snell said that included the western suburbs, which were not exempt from homelessness issues.

“Demand for a place to sleep far outstrips supply,” she said.

“In Perth’s west we need close to 24,000 social and affordable homes.”

A State Heritage document said the first tramline in Perth opened on September 28, 1899 from the eastern end of Hay Street to Thomas Street in West Perth.

North Freo tower to restrict bowlo

• From page 16

“The council needs to make clear the community’s reservations to the Department of Planning, Lands, and Heritage and the minister who decides whether to approve it or not.”

Fremantle councillor Jemima Williamson-Wong called Fremantle’s local planning policies “due-regard documents”.

“We know that state governments are taking away power from local governments,” she said at the meeting.

“To put something in our scheme does set an expectation and guardrail that we are not going to accept a certain height.”

The bowling club relies on the laneway for deliveries.

A spokesperson said they would not comment until details of the proposal became clearer.

It indicates the laneway would be converted into a public rightof-way, and the land boundaries altered.

Councillor Andrew Sullivan moved the deferment.

“This is a really important issue for the North Fremantle community,” he said.

“They have had a lot of development over the years and are a bit prickly and sensitive, and justifiably so.”

North ward councillor Ingrid van Dorssen flagged she would not support R160.

“My concern with the proposal at R160 is it is a lot for the site,” she said.

“The surrounding context is R25.

“It is a big jump and I do appreciate the officer’s recommendation for R100.”

Libs push Cott rail projects

• From page 16 with a four-storey maximum height.

the Fremantle train line until the Fremantle Traffic Bridge was completed.

That would delay replacement of Swanbourne’s 116-year-old Congdon Street bridge.

Both bridge projects were announced and funded in successive state budgets but have been stalled.

Main Roads said works on the Congdon Street bridge would start in mid-2027.

State plans to remove level

railway crossings have also stalled.

“It is the long-term ambition of the State Government to remove all remaining level crossings on Perth’s metropolitan passenger rail network,” the Public Transport Authority said.

“The State Government will continue to assess the remaining level crossings on the network and identify future opportunities for their removal.”

A Wellington Street underpass and Curtin Avenue lane widening are other stalled projects.

Croquet with grace and grit

• From page 11

Australia went over a few years later and he managed to win it as well, which annoyed them no end.”

Croquet players use wooden mallets to knock balls through a series of hoops in a fixed order.

“It’s lovely gentle exercise,” Ian said.

“It suits people that have got attention to detail, that enjoy geometry and angles – a bit like snooker or billiards.”

International croquet competition is dominated by New Zealand, Australia, England, the US, and, surprisingly, Egypt.

“The British military had croquet courts at their bases in Cairo,” Croquetwest vicepresident David Fardon told the POST.

Much like cricket, croquet has developed a shorter format in the hopes of attracting players not keen to dedicate their entire weekend to the higher-level competition.

Golf croquet takes only 30 minutes to an hour per game, making it – perhaps unsurprisingly – the sport’s fastestgrowing code.

Ian was joined on the court on Wednesday by WA teammate and Mosman Park local Megan

Fardon, who said she discovered the sport in 2009.

“I was a carer for my parents who both had dementia, and there were lessons being offered at East Fremantle Croquet Club,” Megan said.

“I found it a great escape from the pressures of being a carer… I got hooked.”

Megan is a former president of Croquetwest which now boasts 26 member clubs in WA with about 1000 registered players. Three clubs – Cambridge, Nedlands, and Como – hosted the Eire Cup this week as part of the 76th Australian Association Croquet Championships.

Mean word ban erodes Anzac spirit

‘

’ The punishment should at least t the crime

THE Sporting

football is following suit. young footballer could be sus-

after taking said item into a WAFL tribunal to swear on as part of his powerful and cleareyed rejection of a charge of punching opponent Trizzy Lawrence.

Funny that a player on the field that day recalled many years later that Sheedy, his eyes blazing as Lawrence came onto the field, rushed past him with the threat: “Get out of the f****** way, Ray, I’m going to kill that bastard.”

pended for nine matches for using the word “faggot” on the football field.

Nine weeks? Punch an opponent in the head, break his jaw and you wouldn’t get the same penalty. Smash your knee into his face in a marking contest and it would not even draw a free kick.

The draconian ban imposed on former Subiaco player Lance Collard was handed down on the same day that Port Adelaide captain Zak Butters was fined $1500 for allegedly asking umpire Nick Foot how much he got paid to give a free kick to the opposition.

Foot, who works in the AFLendorsed gambling industry when he is not blowing the whistle, was hurt to have his integrity questioned.

There is no place for humour in football, obviously.

Butters vehemently denied making the comment, a stand supported by his team-mate Ollie Wines, a Brownlow medallist who was a metre or two away at the time.

But two against one does not cut it at the tribunal.

It is a pity that the ubiquitous technology, which is now overwhelming every aspect of the game and causing constant delays to dissect the most irrelevant minutiae, did not extend to Foot’s microphone. That missed the critical moment when it could have revealed the truth of the exchange.

Collard also denied making the comment attributed to him, saying he called his VFL opponent a “maggot” and reinforced that claim formally in a statutory declaration.

There were also two players against him at the tribunal, both eager to provide the most damning evidence for the prosecution in a manner that would have seen them ostracised as unAustralian dobbers only a few years ago.

Two against one counted this time as their version was given greater weight than Collard’s vehement denial.

Now, only the most naive person would believe every denial presented at a footy tribunal.

WA football great Jack Sheedy won the nickname Bible Jack

There was no chance of THAT evidence being presented at the tribunal.

It is not that Collard’s comment should not draw a sanction, but nine weeks? The punishment should at least fit the crime. Anything else is social engineering and brand protection.

The irony of a player being suspended for nine weeks for uttering a rude word is that it has come only a week or so before Anzac Day when the AFL will make much of the sacrifices of those thousands of Australians who risked all – and sometimes paid all – for their country.

Given the choice of being called a name or being shot by Johnny Turk or the host of other enemies confronted over the past century, how many Anzacs would take the former?

Steve Hales was one of those heroes who returned from conflict to pursue his sporting career.

I met Steve when I was a kid because he and my father worked at the Commonwealth Development Bank, the section of the nation’s biggest bank that helped finance businesses.

It was Jaeger mech versus Category 4 Kaiju as two Brazilian brawlers turned chest-high Winkipop runners into a full-blown surf apocalypse during last week’s Bells Beach Pro.

Gabriel “Power Core” Medinatron went head-tohead against Italo “Breaker of Worlds” Ferreirazilla in a blood-letting battle royale.

Air blasts, rail carnage, and the whole end of days spectacle were delivered by two surfing myths built for wave destruction.

Never before has soft little Winki walls been treated with such disregard by two apex Krakens in a watery cage match.

When it comes to optics the Brazilians are all for one and one for all, God and country.

But you could tell straight up that this was something else, a grudge match, with each wanting the other’s head on a pike.

Medina deployed first with his precision-engineered, impeccably-timed backside

Steve came to our house in Swanbourne a few times and always had stories about his foot-

Steve came to our house in Swanbourne a few times and always had stories about his football career at Claremont where he played 28 league games after returning from active service as a Beaufort bomber pilot in New Guinea.

He had grown up in Swanbourne, actually, after being born at Nurse Jones’ private hospital in Marmion Street, Cottesloe, and went on to a splendid career that including becoming an inaugural WA Tourism commissioner.

Steve made his league debut in May 1945 only a day after the London Gazette reported that he had been awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism in New Guinea two years earlier.

Only 21 at the time, the same age that Collard is now, Hales had been recognised for his bravery in leading a series of vital bombing raids on heavilydefended Japanese convoys.

“Flight Lieutenant Hales showed great courage and skill and pressed home his attacks in the face of intense opposition in a manner which ensured their success,” his DFC citation read.

“On October 11, 1943, whilst

patrolling off Buka, F/L Hales sighted a convoy of six enemy ships escorted by two float-planes.

“He took cover in the cloud, and, waiting until the float planes were on the far side of the convoy, made a dive-bombing and strafing attack to 1200ft on a merchant ship.

“On October 21, 1943, F/L Hales again made a daring attack, this time at night, on two enemy cruisers.

“Acting as flight-commander on the strike, F/L Hales made a dive bombing attack to 1400ft through intense anti-aircraft fire.

“Bright flashes were seen to come from one cruiser as the bombs burst and it was confirmed later that the cruiser had been seriously damaged.”

The most remarkable part of the first attack came from Hales’ excited radio comment reported in the unit history Song of the Beauforts.

“One of the bombs looks as if it might have gone down the funnel,” he exclaimed.

Hitting a moving target under intense fire is one thing, but collecting the bullseye is barely imaginable.

Steve returned to Perth, established a fine career and a family, and maintained his football connection through his grandson who displayed his own courage on the field numerous times. That footballer’s name is Ben Cousins.

It is conceited to compare wartime heroism to sporting contests but, equally, it is hypocritical to cash in on the Anzac spirit while demanding drastic penalties for offences that would not draw a second glance from the instigators of that same spirit.

Transforming damage control on the Pacific rim surfing

flow, moving like a machine with its eyes glowing red and targeting crosshairs locked onto its objective.

Every movement was deliberate, every turn measured like it was programmed in some secret underground weapon’s lab calibrated for power hacks and air perfect rotations. Then there was Italo, the EMP burst in boardshorts, summoned from an interdimensional portal

at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, with no program or safety net, just the full unfiltered freak show triggering a judging meltdown.

There’s nothing better than watching Italo lose the plot midair, full rotation, board fluttering like a leaf in the wind about to spin out of control and then impossibly finding it with his feet, riding out like he meant it all along.

It’s not surfing, it’s damage control two metres above wavelit reality and somehow, he makes it look easy.

The problem for Italo is that judges don’t like that sort of thing because it’s too unstable, too difficult to quantify.

They prefer clean lines, predictability, everything tucked neatly into a tidy scorecard and surfing that behaves itself.

Stuff stability, I want chaos,

collapse and recovery, a score manufactured around miracles not conservative limitations signed off on by a panel that’s never touched the impossible. I want to watch a surfer completely lose control and then stitch it back together before he sticks the landing. In the end Medinatron won the spreadsheet but for me it was Ferreirazilla that broke the system.

Use this shape to make a drawing. The best two entries will win.

How to enter:

Do your best Doodlebug drawing in the box above, and fill in the entry form. Cut out the drawing and entry form and ask an adult to email it to sarah@postnewspapers.com.au, with “Doodlebug” in the subject heading. Or drop your entry off to our office at 276 Onslow Road, Shenton Park 6008, during normal business hours, or mail it to POST Kids at that address. For artists up to the age of 12. ENTRIES MUST ARRIVE BY NOON ON WEDNESDAY.

Name: Age

Address

Suburb Postcode

Phone number:

What have you drawn?:

Go troppo with Trop Fest Junior!

If lmmaking is your thing, check out short lm festival

Trop Fest’s Trop Jr program and competition for the next generation of storytellers, lmmakers and creatives.

Trop Jr is about imagination and possibility.

No entry fee. No polished production pressure.

Just big ideas, creative courage and stories told in three to ve minutes by young voices aged 15 and under.

This is where tomorrow’s lmmakers, animators, editors, actors, writers and creators in general begin.

More than a competition, Trop Jr a creative program that runs throughout the school year, supporting students, teachers and families through virtual masterclasses, teacher guides and step-by-step learning resources to teach you how to create an amazing short lm. For details go to www.tropfest.com/tropjr.

Doodles good to gobble

There were wonderfully crazy ideas that came out of this week’s wacky doodle, like Violet’s funny, confusing teapot, Cecilia’s outof-control scooter underwater, Tommy’s weirdly funny tyrannosaurus, and Sam’s lovely dog balancing a ball on its nose.

There were also some very pretty pictures, like Iris and Micah’s beautiful butterflies, Lewis’s fish, and Sophie’s calm pond.

Tongue Twister

Zebras

Our two winners this week both demonstrated a strong cartoon style and lots of humour.

Vesper de Boer, 8, from Cottesloe, drew a picture of a piranha plant trying to eat Mario (Kart). The plant looks very like the man-eating Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors – and poor Mario doesn’t stand a chance!

Nina Belotti, 10, from Floreat, is our other winner with a drawing titled The Food Chain, with a piece of cheese being eyed off by a hungry mouse, who’s being pursued by a drooling cat. Funny and clever. Great work, everyone!

You are all fabulous artists so it’s time to get supercreative and enter this year’s Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists.

The City of Subiaco’s art award returns for its 24th year and budding artists from Years 1 to 12 are encouraged to enter a unique and original painting or drawing into the competition.

Shaun Tan’s advice is “draw and draw and paint and paint and gure it out for yourselves. The real learning happens on your own.”

Entries open next Friday, April 24, and close on Monday May 18. For details go to subiaco.wa.gov.au and search “communityawards”.

Q. How do you find your way around a website about wild cats?

A. Just follow the lynx!

Q. Why did the clown go to the doctor?

A. Because he lost his funny bone!

Q. Why did the toilet roll go down the hill?

A. To get to the bottom!

Q. What do eagles watch on TV?

A. Talon quests!

Q. What kind of vehicle does a podiatrist drive?

A. A toe truck!

Q. Which Roman emperor was always running out of breath?

A. Julius Wheezer!

Head to postnewspapers.com.au and lodge your classified online or drop by our o ce at 276 Onslow Rd, Shenton Park.