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Demons danger men

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

WE’RE confident we can hit the ground running at home against Perth this Saturday after our two-week break from football.

It should be a fantastic game; the Demons are playing with great confidence.

They’ve lost just two games this season and both those were winnable.

We need to restrict their spread – their ball movement has been sharp so we cannot allow them to run.

They are playing with great belief.

There have been questions about how we’re going to stop Brennan Stack and Paul Bevan from kicking goals, but that’s not our main focus.

We need to play with a defensive mindset all over the ground.

The players can’t allow them to score the way East Fremantle did against us in round eight.

Perth have a few tricks around stoppages, but we think we’ve got them figured out enough to counter them.

It comes down to our effort and energy at the contest, and if that’s up, we’ve proved we can beat most sides this season.

Given we’ve had two weeks off we’ll be taking a near full strength team into the match.

Jason Salecic will make a long-awaited return from injury. We considered bringing him back through the reserves, but he could have played last week, so we think the extra week’s rest has left him in good stead for senior football.

We might slightly limit his game time, but we’re confident he’s 100 per cent.

As always, we need to hear from West Coast and Fremantle before we know whether we’ll have Mark Hutchings and Josh Mellington.

Overnight relay target set at $320,000

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THIS year’s Joondalup Wanneroo Relay for Life has been officially launched.

The overnight event, where teams of 10 to 15 take part in a relay-style walk or run at Arena Joondalup to raise funds for the WA Cancer Council, will be held on October 19 and 20.

Mr Pickard, who launched the 2013 event last week and co-chairs the organising committee with Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts, said the past five relays at the arena had raised more than $1.3 million for the Cancer Council.

“We hope to have 100 teams take part in this year’s relay,” he said. “Our fundraising target for 2013 is $320,000.”

WA Cancer Council area officer Linda Malone said the council was working to achieve a cancer-free future for the people of WA.

“Fifty six per cent of our funding comes from Relay for Life events,” Ms Malone said. “So the Joondalup Wanneroo Relay for Life is a major fundraiser for the council.

“More than $2.5 million has been awarded in grants for cancer research, while other funds support a variety of programs such as accommodation for country cancer patients, emotional and practical support, education and prevention.

“If detected early, many cancers can be treated and prevented from becoming life-threatening.”

To register or form a relay team, phone 0497 384 486 or email relayteamsjoondalupwanneroo@gmail.com

Worthy warrior leads the way

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

KALIN Foley stood tall among his fellow footballers before the game in his honour at Heathridge Park last Sunday.

Kalin, who was diagnosed with cancer after a footy match last year, watched his club Wanneroo defeat Ocean Ridge for the Foley Cup.

About $2200 was raised for the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group and Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth.

Co-organiser Sharon Kenney said items not sold in a silent auction would be used to raise more money for the cause at Ocean Ridge’s quiz night on June 28.

For more photos from the day, visit facebook.com/WannerooJoondalupTimes and like our page.

Volunteers are told ‘thanks a million’

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

TO celebrate National Volunteer Week last week, a not-for-profit aged care provider held a series of thank you events.

Bethanie Kingsley and Beachside in Yanchep honoured their volunteers’ philanthropic efforts at a combined recognition dinner last Tuesday.

The event was themed ‘volunteers, thanks a million’ and volunteers from Kingsway Christian College also attended the celebration.

Bethanie Corporate outreach program manager Laurette LeCras said the aged care provider had about 450 volunteers working across its programs.

“These events provide an avenue for us to recognise and acknowledge the valuable contribution they make to the wellbeing and care of our residents and clients,” she said.

“The time they give up to help is truly valued by Bethanie and the local community.”

Locals cheer win against quarry

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

A MONTH shy of four years of campaigning, Nowergup residents celebrated a decision in their favour against a limestone quarry this week.

After the Department of Environment and Conservation decided last year not to approve a clearing permit application from PMR Quarries, which trades as WA Limestone, the company appealed to the Appeals Convenor.

On Tuesday, May 21, Environment Minister Albert Jacob announced his decision to dismiss the appeal regarding the property on the corner of Nowergup Road and Wanneroo Road.

“After considering the issues raised in the appeal, I formed the view that the decision of the DEC to refuse to grant a clearing permit to PMR Quarries to clear 6.7 hectares of native vegetation in Nowergup was justified and I dismissed the appeal,” Mr Jacob said.

“I have also written to the Planning Minister encouraging him to continue to pursue a land exchange option that is palatable to all parties.”

Lake Nowergup Carabooda Valley Community Group spokeswoman Sabine Winton welcomed the news on the 1437th day of campaigns against extractive industries close to the lake.

“I’m pretty pleased about it (and) I would be hopeful that this might be the end of it,” she said. “The DEC obviously has thought very carefully about this proposal and deemed it environmentally unacceptable.

“WA Limestone’s WAPC approval has lapsed, their planning approval with the City of Wanneroo has lapsed and they still have no Federal Environmental approval to proceed.”

WA Limestone surveyor Denis Hill said the company was disappointed.

“The critical shortage of limestone and other construction materials in proximity to the Perth metropolitan area is recognised at all levels of government, with our site currently specifically identified as containing a limestone resource of state significance,” he said.

“WA Limestone remains confident that when the State Strategic Assessment of development and resource requirements for the Perth and Peel regions is completed that the limestone resource will be developed.”

Mr Hill said they were confident an agreement would then be reached that balanced the community’s need for the limestone to be taken and the protection of the environment.

A potential land swap between the State Government and WA Limestone was first suggested in early 2011.

Ms Winton said residents had received plenty of support, particularly from environmental groups such as the Urban Bushland Council.

Dream for Grace finally fulfilled

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE consecration of the new Grace Anglican Church in Joondalup last Sunday fulfilled a long-held dream for “pioneers” of the parish.

The purpose-built church replaces worship space in an adjacent office building, which the parish occupied for most of its 20 years after relocating from a community hall in Edgewater.

The new church, specialist medical suites and a stand-alone café are part of the $20 million Shenton House, a joint Diocese of Perth-Perth Radiological Clinic development, opposite Joondalup Health Campus.

Anglican Archbishop Roger Herft consecrated the new building, which includes 15sq m of worship space expandable by opening glass doors onto a courtyard, offices, meeting room and kitchen, on May 19.

The contemporary church with a nod to 20 centuries of Christian tradition has a stone floor reminiscent of early churches and a cross-shaped font with ever-flowing water for immersion of adults and children.

Dunsborough artist Marice Sariola drew on Christian iconology for her commissioned pieces, including a crucifix above the altar.

About 200 people attended the service, which was doubly special for parish “pioneer” Joyce Geach, who turned 90. The church’s meeting room is named for Mrs Geach and late husband Lionel in recognition of their long service.

Parish priest David Wood said the new building was a “cherished dream come true” for the parish, which had grown slowly but steadily.

Father Wood said that over the years “grand” plans for a cathedral failed and there were no funds for subsequent plans, including a large regional straw bale church.

After the diocese and radiological clinic joined forces in 2008, a new church on a “little patch of bush in the heart of the city” became a reality.

“Grace Church is a gift to the City of Joondalup and beyond,” he said.

The old worship space next door is now a parish centre available to the community for conferences, community groups and other gatherings.

- See page 52

Hollywood celeb visits Joondalup

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

MARLON Wayans had “nothing but love” for the audience who packed out a Joondalup cinema on Sunday for a preview screening of his new film A Haunted House.

Comedy fans lined up for over an hour for the chance to get an autograph and photo with the star of Scary Movie and White Chicks, who hosted a meet-and-greet at Grand Cinemas Joondalup for half an hour before the screening.

“It was a rare treat to have a Hollywood celeb like Marlon actually meet and greet before the film,” Chris Smith said. “I’ve enjoyed his comedy since In Living Colour was on TV – pure gold.”

Before the film, a spoof that takes aim at the ‘found footage’ horror phenomenon, Wayans thanked fans for their support.

“Hopefully this one stays in the tradition of what you expect from us,” he said.

“It’s wild, it’s crazy, it’s raucous, it’s naughty as all s***. Basically it’s Paranormal Activity if it happened to a black couple.”

He also asked the audience members to tweet him their opinions after the movie.

“You guys are my critics. That’s who I do movies for. I do it for the paying audience, not for the critics,” he said.

A Haunted House will be released in cinemas on May 30.

Wayans was in Perth with brother Shawn as part of the Perth International Comedy Festival. See more pictures, at facebook.|com/WannerooJoondalupTimes.

A big win for small business

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

AN application by Wanneroo landowners to keep their five commercial vehicles on a property was recently reconsidered and approved by Wanneroo councillors.

The application was rejected last September and the landowners appealed against the decision in October at the State Administrative Tribunal.

The issue was first brought to the councillors’ attention when City officers saw the vehicles (three trucks and two trailers) parked on the Lenore Road property last May and advised the owners it was a breach of the District Planning Scheme No 2 and they needed to apply for approval.

During the application process, three neighbouring properties were sent letters regarding the proposal and all objected, with concerns regarding dust, noise, the dumping of rubble and the potential for the site to become a commercial vehicle parking lot.

In a deputation given before the April 30 meeting, the landowner’s son Darren Agrela said there had been changes to the application and its conditions because of mediation with SAT.

“We’re just a little family business that goes about our stuff,” Mr Agrela said.

“We’ve done everything, we will do anything to get the permit.”

In a confidential session, Wanneroo councillors approved the parking of the five commercial vehicles with 16 conditions including the parking area and driveway being hard sealed, the vehicles not running between 6pm and 6am or for longer than five minutes, no reversing between 6am and 8am, a vegetation screen planted 1.5m from the southern and eastern boundaries and no unloading or loading of the vehicles on site.

Murder charges mounting

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

POLICE have laid six murder charges within the City of Wanneroo in the past 18 months, with a double killing taking place in Girrawheen just last week.District police boss Charlie Carver agreed the statistic could cause alarm, but reminded residents of the efficiency of police.

“There have been six deaths, but every single one of those has resulted in people charged,” he said.

He said it was impossible to predict when a murder was going to happen.

He recalled a time when he was confronted with 14 killings in a year, when working as an officer in Warwick in 1997.

He said drugs and alcohol often motivated murders, while others were crimes of passion resulting in devastating consequences where weapons were used.

“You don’t know how people are going to react,” he said.

“The next thing you know people are dead.”

Four murder trials are currently before the courts.

Another two recent cases resulted in convictions.

The fatal Wanneroo shooting of Jeremia Iskander (21) in 2011 ended with Hayden Shane Wayne Joseph (then 23) and Damien Phillip Mathews (then 23) being found guilty of murder earlier this year.

Prosecutor Amanda Forrester told a Supreme Court jury Mr Iskander had fallen out with Joseph because Joseph owed him a drug debt.

On December 2, 2011, Joseph and Mathews confronted Mr Iskander at a Lalina Way home, the jury heard.

He was shot dead after a struggle ensued between the three young men.

The pair pleaded not guilty, with the defence arguing Mr Iskander was carrying the gun and it had gone off accidentally.

Joseph and Mathews will be sentenced on May 31.

Auckram pleaded not guilty to murder, claiming he shot his mentally-unstable stepson in self defence.

Earlier this month, a Supreme Court jury found Auckram guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. He will be sentenced in June.

Three months prior to Mr Burton’s death, David Blenkinsopp (30) went missing in the early hours of March 4, 2012, on Taywood Drive in Wanneroo.

His body was found at a bush site in Pinjar at the end of March.

Four people – Damien Paul Kosick (37), Gary David Young (53), Kym Steven Foster (45) and Tamara Kathleen Broadbent (42) – were charged over the killing.

They will stand trial in July.

On April 13 in Merriwa, a vehicle driven by Luke David Taylor (23) allegedly ran down Sudanese refugee William Maker (29) on Baltimore Parade.

It was reported to police Mr Maker had beckoned at Taylor to slow down.

Police initially charged Taylor with manslaughter but have since upgraded the charge to murder.

Taylor remains in custody and will face court on June 26.

Last Wednesday’s double killing in Girrawheen resulted in Nik Stoeski (36) being charged with the murder of his wife Vanesa Farcich (31) and friend Saso Filkovski (37).

Stoeski remains in custody.

He will appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 29.

Child hit by car in Perth

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

A CHILD was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) this morning after being struck by car on St Georges Terrace.A police spokeswoman said a car hit the child, who was sitting in a pram, and a pedestrian at about 9am this morning at the Irwin Street crossing on St Georges Terrace.

The child, whose age is unknown, was taken to PMH with minor injuries.

It is not known if the pedestrian received any injuries.

Police are investigating the crash.

Stirling man charged over crash

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

POLICE have charged a 63-year-old Stirling man with dangerous driving occasioning death after his car and a motorcycle collided in Northbridge on May 10.A police spokesman said the crash occurred when the two vehicles collided on Fitzgerald Street at the Aberdeen Street intersection.

The 74-year-old motorcyclist was taken to Royal Perth Hospital by ambulance where he later died.

The Stirling man is expected to appear at Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 20.

Subiaco must change with the times

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

DEVELOPMENT applications, housing development and a major problem with parking will see Subiaco become Perth's ghost town if something does not change dramatically. The city, while very pretty, cannot remain a viable and thriving place if it does not have modern facilities to attract other WA residents or tourists.

It will also remain this way unless residents prompt change at the council to approve development, instead of crying out every time one is approved.

Even watching councillors discuss residents’ applications to modify their homes is a bit of a joke.

I know the city wants to retain its historic origins, but when someone is proposing to build a garage, which would alleviate some of the parking problems, you would think the council would be ecstatic.

The city cannot remain a pretty town and keep money flowing through to remain viable. And it can not continue to knock back developments when they would bring vibrancy and modern services to the area.

Subiaco needs to evolve, or risk dying.

Ravenswood dog owner fined

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE owner of a Pitbull cross that jumped a fence and attacked a Silky Terrier was fined $1250 when she appeared in Mandurah Magistrates Court on May 21.Sharyn Marie Brown, of Ravenswood, pleaded guilty to failing to register a dog and person liable for a dog attack.

Shire of Murray ranger Terry Simms said Brown was living in Ravenswood Road on March 26 and had a male pitbull cross called Chief in the backyard. Chief was not registered.

Mr Simms said Brown's neighbour was in his backyard with his Silky Terrier when Chief jumped the fence and attacked the Terrier.

The court was told the Terrier had a severe wound that cost $1138 in vet bills to treat.

Duty lawyer Claire Hay said Brown was remorseful over what had happened.

She said Chief had been like a member of Brown's family for eight years without incident.

Brown had three children and Chief had lived with other dogs.

Ms Hay said Brown was in unstable accommodation and the fence of the property was low.

She said Brown had permission from a ranger to keep Chief in a shed or tied up.

The court was told Brown's mother let Chief out of the shed and he jumped the fence.

Magistrate Richard Huston said it would have been a “horrific ordeal” for Brown's neighbour.

“You were ordered for the dog to be constrained to the shed or leash,” he told Brown.

Brown was fined $1250 and was ordered to pay $1138 in restitution and $129 costs.

Mayor steps down

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

EAST Fremantle Mayor Alan Ferris announced his intention to resign effective June 30 at last night’s council meeting. Mr Ferris said he had taken a position as Director General of the Department of Culture and the Arts and would be unable to perform both roles to the best of his ability.

He said he would look back fondly on his time in local government and that East Fremantle should stand strong on local government reform.

“I believe as a council we continually punch above our weight and that’s due to the dedication of everyone here,” he said.

“East Fremantle does have a strong role and it’s important to work together with other councils in the region to remain independent.”

Elder praises police handling after riot

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

Shame on you.That was the message from Aboriginal elder George Walley to participants in a riot at Pinjarra shopping centre on May 17.

The riot, involving up to 20 people, resulted in the hospitalisation of a 77-year-old bystander.

Senior Sergeant Ian Francis said rioters threw “anything they could get their hands on including cups and signs.”

Eleven adults and two juveniles have been charged.

“They are numbskulls that just don't get it,” Mr Walley said of the rioters.

“It was a terrible thing to put the rest of the community in the path of such criminal behaviour.

“A lot of people are disappointed that this has happened in such a public place.

“It makes it look bad for all of us.”

Mr Walley said the riot was a result of hostilities between two families.

“Things had been said on social media and they were waiting to catch up with each other,” he said.

Mr Walley, 10 Aboriginal elders and women from both families met with police to discuss the reasons behind the friction yesterday.

“I am proud of the discussions, people were very respectful,” Mr Walley said.

“The women from both groups plan to meet and talk…this bonding will empower them and is good modelling.”

Mr Walley said he was happy with the way police dealt with issues and there were good things happening in Pinjarra, such as health awareness programs and involvement in a community garden.

Amazing Grace scores five

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE Mandurah Pirates teams had a huge weekend, winning all four games.

The under-18s played Southern Lions away at Cockburn. With a much needed 20-12 win, they pushed up to fourth on the competition ladder.

Forwards dominated the game from the first whistle, and the backs showed their skills in both attack and defence.

The three senior teams played University of WA and the third grade team had the first game of the day. Another much needed 15 -7 win pushed it from second last on the ladder to fifth.

The second grade team kicked off next, running on the field looking for another win. After a scrappy first half, they finally found some form to come away with a 28-10 win, which pushed the team back up to fourth on the ladder.

The first grade team finished off the day with a huge 99-0 win over a disappointing UWA. There where plenty of skills on show from the Pirates and this was the second biggest win of the club’s history.

However, Nolan Grace did create some club history by scoring five tries in one game, passing the previous record of four tries shared by Dougie Ellis and Kevin Williams.

All four teams are at home next Sunday, the under- 18s kicking off first at 11:40am

Magpie Bob swoops home

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

A VERY smart run by Magpie Bob during last weekend’s Mandurah Middle Distance Championship (647m) heats has positioned the David Hobby-trained chaser as the greyhound to beat in this Friday’s final.

Magpie Bob jumped straight to the front in his heat and led all the way to score in 36.56, less than three lengths outside of Miata track record of 36.40.

Although it was Magpie Bob’s first run over the 647m journey, the white and black stayer has forged a good record racing in 642m and 715m events at Cannington in recent months.

Hobby also prepared the winner of the other heat, Montana Express.

Montana Express proved to be too strong for the leading Din’s Chappi as he overpowered that greyhound before going on the win comfortably by more than six lengths in a time of 36.98.

In other racing, Jungle Hero continued his revival of fortunes when the veteran chaser claimed the Free To All run over 490m.

The Linda Britton-trained red brindle broke a 25-race losing streak when he saluted at Cannington a fortnight ago and he made it two from two when he came from mid-field to surge to victory in a time of 27.72.

Caring challenges

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

RAISING a child as a grandparent brings with it a whole set of unique challenges and grandparents in the Peel region are coming together to laugh, share and vent.

Grandcare has been operating in the region for 10 years and has 20 members. The support group meets at Wanslea in Mandurah once a month.

At last week’s meeting, members discussed the impact of trauma on children in the early years.

The group was told drugs and alcohol were the reason many local parents were unable to care for their children.

Grandparents discussed custody issues, the difficulty in getting passports for their grandchildren and their fears for the future.

They also spoke about the support they received from local school teachers and their pride in their grandchildren’s achievements.

Dot Gibbins said there were “a lot of tears” at some meetings.

“But it is good to know you are not alone… we are a good support for each other,” she said.

For more information about Grandcare, call 9245 2441.

Women ready to score

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THEY may be hot, but these girls are no princesses.

Mandurah resident Jasmine “Jazz” Sheridan (25) will line up for the Legends Football League as a player for the WA Angels this December.

The sport has had a major rebranding – the Lingerie Football League has been renamed and women who were once expected to play in a lingerie-style uniform will now play in a crop top and shorts.

However, Sheridan would play in a “garbage bag” if she had to.

“I got into LFL through a love of NFL,” she said.

“A friend played for Perth Blitz (a Perth Gridiron team) and told me they were making a girls side up.

“I was so excited I immediately started ramping up my fitness regime to include more plyometrics for explosiveness – a must in football – and strength training.”

In her professional life, Sheridan is an executive assistant and is studying a double major in management and human resources.

On the field, she plays defensive back and trains Mondays to Thursdays and Sunday mornings.

She said there were differences between traditional NFL and LFL.

“The rules are slightly different and obviously the uniforms, but the heart and soul of the game is the same and it is as hard hitting as the guys,” she said.

“I was a little nervous for trials, as I knew from watching LFL games that these girls were athletes and could take a hit.”

Last lap for lovely Pat

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

CHAMPION swimmer and Mandurah resident Pat Greysmith has died at the age of 95.

Cold mornings never deterred Mrs Greysmith, who was at Mandurah Aquatic Recreation Centre at 5.30am every morning to train for the World Masters Games.

She competed in two world championships and in 2008 won two gold medals at the championships at Challenge Stadium.

She was also a member of Mandurah Mannas and swam freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke but her swimming days ended when, competing in Sydney, she fell and broke her elbow, resulting in a long stay in hospital.

At 16 and working at Perth Hospital, she attended Fremantle Salvation Army Citadel and played the timbrel in the Army band.

She married in 1936 and had three children.

When she married her second husband Francis Greysmith in 1957, she changed her name from Maude to Pat.

The Bridgetown publican’s wife became a care worker in a New South Wales boys correctional institution and pig farmer.

She returned to WA to set up a sheep and wheat farm near Ravensthorpe and eventually the Greysmiths retired to Halls Head.

Mrs Greysmith belonged to many clubs and organisations but none was more precious than the Uniting Church .

She was a passionate West Coast Eagles supporter and had a passion for dancing.

But after becoming increasingly frail since Christmas she moved to the RSL Hostel at Meadow Springs and died at Peel Health Campus after a recent fall.

Juniors shine at championships

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

MOORE District Junior Tennis players did well at the country zone Junior Tennis Championships recently.

More than a dozen players from Wubin, Wannamal, Goomalling, Kalannie, Dalwallinu, Yerecoin, Ballidu and Buntine competed in the major tournament.

“The Moore District competed against other larger zones, such as the South West, Mid West and South Coast,” MDJT secretary Julie Taylor said.

Wade Southcott, of Wubin, and Corey Taylor, of Wannamal, were the winners of the under-14 doubles.

MDJT covers an area from Jurien to Kalannie, Wubin and Bullsbrook, Gingin, Toodyay, Wongan Hills and Goomalling.

On call for the local community

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE Gingin-Chittering community is lucky to have three generations of the Elliot family devoting their time as St John Ambulance volunteers.

Matriarch Pat Elliot (65), her daughter-in-law Dianne Elliot (44) and granddaughter Jessica (20) are volunteer paramedics at the Chittering-Gingin sub centre.

Pat Elliot has been volunteering with the service for the past 15 years and said she inspired Dianne and Jessica to do their bit for the wider community.

“In the town of Gingin there is an urgent need for volunteers and three generations of the Elliot family feel that it is a worthwhile thing to be involved in,” she said.

“Volunteering not for any personal reward but personal self-satisfaction in helping a small community.”

Pat is involved in a number of other volunteering roles, including Lions Club Gingin-Chittering treasurer, helping the local fire brigade and she is also a life member of Gingin netball and hockey clubs.

Ellenbrook girls aiming high

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

WITH 27 netball teams playing in the Ellenbrook Netball Association this season, there was certainly no shortage of purple and white during game day at Swan Districts Netball Association in Midvale last week.

ENA has teams ranging from Year 3, playing in the NetSetGo competition, right through to senior women.

It also encourages players from Year 7 upwards to participate in the umpiring program.

This week, we take a look at the Grade 6 girls in Ellenbrook number 19 team – Madison, Mikayla, Callie, Teale, Jade, Holly, Isabelle, Lily, Jasmin and Taylor.

After a convincing win in their first game against Illusions 8, the girls were excited to take on Swan Christian 6.

It was an evenly matched, hard-fought game from the start, with the final result being an exciting draw.

It was a good outcome for the Ellenbrook girls, who had to claw their way back in the final quarter. With a strong defence, great goal shooters and a midfield full of “pocket rockets”, Ellenbrook number 19 has the mix to be a strong performer all season.

With finals being introduced at the Year 6 level this year, the girls will be aiming high and working on their skills during training sessions.

Students on the path to safety

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

ON Friday, students from Pinjarra Primary School will join thousands of students around Australia pounding the pavements on National Walk Safely to School Day.

They will be walking towards a healthier childhood by joining the ranks of kids walking to school.

In its 14th year, the objective of Walk Safely to School Day is to encourage each Australian child to achieve at least 60 minutes of exercise a day.

Meeting this target will help prevent obesity and other health problems.

This year there is a Walk Safely to School Day app for Apple and Android phones.

The app will allow children and parents or carers to track the kilometres travelled to and from school, time spent walking and average walking speeds.

Schools brace for battle

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

ELLENBROOK’S four high schools will hit the courts next term in the Battle of the Brooks basketball competition.

Ellenbrook Secondary College Warriors team coach and key organiser Nathan Brown said the tournament aimed to engage Year 10 to Year 12 students across the region to take part in the sport.

Other schools involved are Ellenbrook Christian College, Holy Cross College and Swan Valley Anglican Community School.

“We’re looking to engage as many students as possible, including those that aren’t basketball kids,” Mr Brown said.

“We also want kids coming down to referee, cheerleaders for half-time, and just building positive school spirit across all schools.”

The ultimate goal was for the Battle of the Brooks to have a wider range of many sports, where points gained would go towards a main perpetual shield for the best all-round sporting school

ESC Warriors captain Luke Castle (17) said he looked forward to playing against the other schools.

“I’m the big guy who plays centre under the hoop,” he said.

“It’s just a bit of fun for now but if it goes toward professional basketball, I’d love it.”

Equipment to boost rescue capacity

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

MANDURAH Fire Station has been upgraded and now has heavy rescue capability.

Last week career firefighters received $55,000 worth of new equipment and have completed training for enhanced rescues.

Peel district officer Rick Darlow said Mandurah Fire Station could now cater for heavy rescues, such as trains, trucks, bus and industrial accidents.

“Previously the closest stations that could perform these tasks were in Fremantle and Bunbury,” he said.

“We have a new vehicle with 55 tonne jacks, jaws of life with a 70 tonne capacity, an airbag for heavy lifting and equipment to cut concrete. These enhanced capabilities are important because we now have two major railways and more traffic through the region with the Forrest Highway.”

Mandurah fire station has recorded a steady increase in calls to traffic crash and/or rescue from 24 in 2001-02 to 81 in 2011/12.

All in a Day’s work

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

VOLUNTEERS received national volunteer certificates and volunteer pins from Volunteering WA and certificates of appreciation from the Department of Veterans Affairs to celebrate National Volunteers Week.

They were presented by vice president Chris Hartney at the Pinjarra RSL Sub Branch last week, going to volunteers from the Murray Day Club, held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Retirees from in and around the district and surrounding district nursing homes/lodges attend the day club.

Bingo and fellowship are conducted in the hall over the period of the day.

The Pinjarra RSL Women’s Auxiliary provides morning tea and lunch to all people taking part at a minimal cost.

Volunteers from the Pinjarra RSL conduct bingo, along with giving a helping hand to the people taking part and the women’s auxiliary.

Without the help of these volunteers, Murray Day Club could not take place, Mr Hartney said.

“The RSL is happy to be involved in the day club and supports these valued members of the community,” he said.

Verge collection doubt

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

MANDURAH seems likely to lose its hard waste collection service for a trial period in the next financial year.

Households that put out more than their allowance, and scavengers who rip through other people’s verge collections, are to blame, along with rising costs.

The once-a-year verge collection is available to all households.

Use of the collection is significant, according to the City of Mandurah, but collections are frequently extended because of high volumes of rubbish in which streets are disfigured by untidy waste.

The council said an increasing number of households were putting out volumes greater than the specified 3sq m. It could collect rubbish regardless of volume, or simply collect the allowed amount.

A combination of the volume and the activities of scavengers caused streets to look unsightly for up to three months and were responsible for a growing number of complaints and adverse comments that did not reflect well on a tourist destination.

The current system is believed to be the most equitable because it can be used by all ratepayers, but is not equitable because not all households use the service and some put out lower volumes than others.

Distribution costs are based on gross rental values, with households with higher GRVs paying more for the service, regardless of use.

The council was expected to consider three options at its meeting last night (Tuesday), although withdrawal of the service is the recommended option.

Others include: continuing with the current model which, despite criticism, is well used and the most cost-effective; providing street skips for defined periods; or an all year round system in which waste is collected from households on a booking system.

Withdrawal could lead to increased illegal dumping which, according to the council, is already occurring.

If the service is withdrawn, the council would consider issuing two general and two green waste vouchers per year rather than the current four annual green waste vouchers.

Crime crackdown

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

OPERATION Carambola will be no blow-through, warns its leader Inspector Paul Dallimore.

He and operation manager Senior-Sergeant Glenn Spencer have brought a combined 50-plus years’ policing experience to bear in planning Carambola.

In the tradition of Operation Apollo parts 1 and 2, each lasting a fortnight in October and January, Carambola is aiming extra resources at the Armadale region, this time for three months.

Sgt Spencer said the operation, the first on this scale for WA Police, expanded Apollo’s techniques into an operation built from metropolitan-wide resources.

He said the wide casting of the recruitment net ensured the rest of Perth did not suffer, while Carambola had the grunt to impact criminal networks.

While Armadale police station’s daily operations will continue unchanged, extra muscle in the form of “smart cars”, bike, mounted and traffic patrols and investigative teams will target core and fringe offenders.

Insp. Dallimore and Sgt Spencer will deploy strike teams into visible patrolling, pursuing known offenders and executing search warrants.

They will focus on anti-social behaviour on and off-road, on drugs, and on volume crimes such as car theft and burglary.

In return, police want the public to make a special effort to share intelligence that will prove crucial to planning.

“People can report anecdotal tthings, things they might not ordinarily report. Now is the time,” Sgt Spencer said.

Insp. Dallimore said Apollo, which had impressive results in terms of charges lain, had shown the time it took for increased police presence to affect offending groups.

“Once that’s in place, you have either apprehension, or displacement of, the offenders, whose activities become disrupted by the volume of the police,” he said. “This sustained effort will increase our opportunity to get that.”

Sgt Spencer added that it would also create opportunities to divert people stuck in a cycle of repeated offending towards support services.

City development on a roll

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

DEVELOPMENT in Perth is at a generational high point says Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) chief executive Kieran Kinsella, with substantial growth expected over coming years.

Speaking to the Guardian Express, Mr Kinsella said the opportunities for development in Perth had come on the back of a strong economy and sustained population growth.

Quoting recent ABS figures, he said Perth’s population had increased by almost 70,000 people last year.

“That is the population of Mandurah coming to WA in one year,” he said.

“That population growth is increasing demand for roads, schools and hospital beds.

“It is a very difficult scenario for any government to accommodate that level of growth.”

Mr Kinsella said the MRA’s role in helping Perth adjust was to look at different ways to accommodate people.

“If you look across Australia, there are no other cities doing anywhere near the sort of development that Perth is doing ,” he said.

“It is a generational high point and a lot is happening at one time.”

The government organisation has responsibility for eight key areas within the City, including Elizabeth Quay, Perth City Link, Riverside and the Perth Cultural Centre.

Each area has its own master plan, with a mix of commercial, residential and hotel development, but Mr Kinsella said the guiding principle behind each was similar.

“We want to create a place people will enjoy, where they will come out of their apartments and office towers and enjoy the area,” he said.

“What typically happens around the world is if the locals go to a place and they like it, then when visitors come to that place they come out and enjoy it as well.”

Mr Kinsella said private investments within each project area and beyond it, such as the Brookfield Plaza, were also important in developing the city.

“I think Perth has a critical mass now that its sustained growth is locked in and that the trick for people like ourselves and the City of Perth and other government agencies is that we continue to understand what the market is wanting and making sure we maintain Perth as a very liveable city,” he said.