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Vol. 55 No. 2 March 2015
www.darlingtonvillage.org
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Darlington Review - March 2015
Editorial
Illustration by Darlington Artist Alastair Taylor
Just prior to the Premier’s dramatic announcement that
he was raising the white flag, there was that interesting
announcement from the Department of Local Government
and Communities that ended up being totally eclipsed by
the flag raising. You probably weren’t even aware that the
Department had called local governments together to say,
in effect, “listen up: we’ve just discovered a bit in the Local
Government Act that will, after all, allow you to have wards
if you insist” … even though the minister had abolished
wards when announcing boundary adjustments.
Tel: 0424 031 059 Email [email protected] or www.goatpix.com
Even more ‘good government’ on
the menu?
What a month it was, starting with that promise of ‘good
government’ on a Federal level and ending with the State
Government’s local government reforms in a heap as a
result of a deeply-flawed process and a denial of democracy.
Cynics wondered whether, finally, the Minister was
appreciating the extent of community angst generated by
the ‘double insult’ of border adjustments and no wards.
Did local government need reform?
Undoubtedly! The lack of logic in some metro boundaries
is breathtaking and the merging of rate-rich with ratepoor neighbouring councils might have created more
sustainable entities. However, people need a say when
their local landscape is being remodeled and they need to
be convinced there will be tangible benefits for them —
not just for planners and developers. Voting on the issue
(for those to be amalgamated rather than merged) never
happened until the final chapter of this sorry saga, so the
process ensured its own failure.
Whatever the motivation, the possibility of wards made
members of the Darlington Ratepayers and Residents
Association (DRRA) seize the opportunity of inviting
Shire CEO Jonathan Throssell to attend their February
community meeting that night. At short notice, he agreed,
outlining a ward structure previously agreed to by Swan
and Mundaring that would have given the Hills two wards
out of seven (and five councillors between the two). That
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Darlington Review - March 2015
certainly appeared better than no wards — so a unanimous
motion was passed urging the council to press for the ward
option.
The backflip on wards and the flurry of activity it generated
was just another example of the flawed process, and of
course it was all unnecessary because hard on its heels
came the white flag moment and a subsequent Mundaring
Council meeting that will stand as something of a landmark.
With passionate words from DRRA President Poul Dahl
and former President Peter Horobin, our representatives
urged the council to request that Governor’s Orders (that
established the merged City of Swan on Christmas Eve) be
rescinded.
Other ratepayer groups spoke with equal conviction about
the totally undemocratic process and, with one voice, called
on Mundaring to withdraw from the process, a sentiment
echoed by a jubilant Helen Dullard. The Shire President
reiterated that it had always been a reluctant partner in
the merger and she was backed by councillors who voted
unanimously for the merger process to be halted.
You may recall that Alastair did the excellent illustration
we ran in the November Review, in which a feisty forest
marsupial confronted a powerful Swan. We thank him
again for making the time to turn these moments in local
government history into such appealing illustrations. For
those keen to have prints of Alastair’s two memorable
images, they can be purchased through the website under
the illustration.
“Long live Mundaring,” was the spirited call from the ranks
of ratepayers filing out the visitors’ gallery and into the pub.
It was indeed an occasion when ratepayers, councillors and
officers all shared a sense of victory!
The ‘bring it on!’ brigade
During the protracted reform process with all its twists
and turns, the Review has been surprised by the number
of locals who have said, and vehemently, “Bring it on!”
in relation to the prospect of our council’s near demise.
These are the ‘walking wounded’ who have dealt with Shire
officials with a reputation for putting obstacles in front of
applicants, be they landowners seeking a sub-division or
small business owners.
As we went to press, we asked the City of Swan whether
its council planned a similar withdrawal request to the
government and were told that this was not planned. CEO
Mike Foley said that the city had not yet received anything
in writing from the government about the revocation of
Governor’s Orders.
“However, we are aware of the statements to the media
outlining the Government’s decision,” he said. “Our staff has
put an enormous amount of time, effort and commitment
into the transition to the planned new entity as part of the
reform process and we are disappointed this has not been
acknowledged in the Government’s decision.
“Kalamunda was so much easier to deal with,” says a
businessman who dealt with both. “Swan is more efficient,
more responsive to community,” says another who hires
community halls in both. Not only have hall rates risen
recently (which she accepts), but those with weekly bookings
now face a booking fee. “Yet there is little to show in terms
of improved facilities,” she laments. And who can forget
the recent fiasco that brought bitter complaints from the
Shire’s own local committee, the Darlington Community
Recreation Management Committee, on learning that,
after eight years of discussion and final agreement, the
Shire failed to make long term budgetary provision for the
maintenance of the proposed community pavilion that will
be funded by the community? Fortunately, relations are
now being restored (see Geoff Barker’s Community Notice
in this issue).
“The City of Swan Council had been supportive of
sector reform from the outset and we were proactive in
approaching all of our neighbouring Councils to speak
to them about reform opportunities. We realise that the
boundary change with Mundaring will now not go ahead
and we are focused on ensuring we continue to govern
in the best interests of our community. We have a robust
10-year financial plan and will remain a sustainable Local
Government.”
It needs to be said that officers from Swan and Mundaring
were working together cooperatively and that as both
CEOs have confirmed, a lot of time, energy and money had
been invested in the process. See Councillor Trish Cook’s
excellent summation later in this issue.
While the merger process has certainly made us appreciate
what the Shire does well — and FODS notes in this issue
and our next story attest to this — it has also highlighted
its shortcomings.
Can a line be drawn in the sand? Will post-reform
Mundaring address them?
Once again we turned to brilliant local artist Alastair Taylor
to capture that heady sense of victory being celebrated in
the Hills while the Swan swims serenely on its fiscallysustainable stream.
That’s the next chapter…
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Darlington Review - March 2015
The MAC success story
Community Arts Coordinator. Darlington resident
and artist Clare Stroud joined MAC in 2006, becoming
Exhibition Administrator and according to Jenny, she has
been “indispensable” ever since. Congratulations to them,
to MAC’s team, and to its many supporters who rally when
help is needed and ensure that this fine little gallery (and
its shop packed with distinctive gifts) continues to flourish.
Several days after Mundaring councillors voted to
withdraw, Shire President Helen Dullard addressed those
gathered for the opening of Mundaring Art Centre’s
current Art Acquisition Exhibition In-Material that runs
to March 22.
The Shire President admitted that, well before the
white flag moment — and while judges pondered their
acquisition decisions — she agonized over the knowledge
that purchased works would go to Swan rather than the
Shire’s art collection.
When Jenny Haynes heard we were writing about
Darlington artist and art patron Jenny Mills (see next
story) she wanted to make the point that MAC would not
have been possible without the vision of people like Jenny.
A public meeting in 1979 started the MAC ball rolling
and, recalls the MAC Coordinator, it was the result of
“many afternoon teas and glasses of wine where passionate
community members and artists discussed their vision for
encouraging the arts in the region”.
Fortunately, that was not to be, and three works — by Tanija
and Graham Carr, Nalda Searles and Greg Crowe —now
join Mundaring’s collection that grows with each of these
annual exhibitions. Of the more than 40 works currently
on display were several by Darlington artists: stunning
jewellery by Willem Heynecker, vibrant felt works by
Katrina Virgona and Janie Matthews’ very beautiful handstitched work on silk. All appear in the banner above along
with the local artists.
Roy Weston was the first president of the Art Gallery
Board, with Jenny Mills serving as Secretary and
Darlington artist Drusilla Williams becoming Treasurer.
The first committee included several locals including
Richard Woldendorp and Philippa O’Brien who describes
Jenny Mills as a “unique individual with an inclusive and
generous spirit, who embraces everything!”
This is a great exhibition to open the 2015 program and
it is accompanied by some interesting workshops and
events. Bookings are essential for the Meet the Makers –
Artists talk and demo events, the first of which features
exhibition curator Ricky Arnold and artists including
Katrina Virgona and Janie Matthews.
Katrina’s workshop on March 15 will allow her to guide you
through the creation of hand-felted pieces while Willem
welcomes those participating in his May workshop to his
Darlington studio. An added In-Material pleasure was
the beautiful catalogue photographs (above) by Richard
Woldendorp.
The launch of the 2015 program was also a good time
to pay tribute to MAC, which has garnered such a fine
reputation since it was established (in partnership with
the Shire) 35 years ago following intense lobbying by Hills
artists (see next story).
Chair of MAC Jude van der Merwe (Far Left) And Vice-Chair Erin Taylor
(Far Right) with Jenny Haynes and Clare Stroud, as Jenny is presented
with a gift to celebrate 15 years with MAC
Much credit goes to Jenny Haynes who has run the centre
for 15 years and, as the Shire President observed, this has
often required a 24/7 engagement. “You now have a strong
and credible organisation and we will go forward together
as partners,” she said.
“Jenny has continued to support the Centre since its
inception, holding positions on the board over 14 years
and becoming a Trustee, Life Member and Patron. She was
always ready to assist on committees, with projects and
philanthropically,” says Jenny Haynes. “Coming from a
family that supported the community on a grand scale, she
is a person with a warm welcoming spirit who is treasured
by all who meet her.”
It was a popular sentiment that saw many raising their
glasses to MAC.
Last month Jenny celebrated 15 years with the Centre,
having started in 2000 working one day a week as
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Darlington Review - March 2015
An artist, an art patron
causing much confusion and hilarity.
The Mills family took full advantage of living in Darlington,
with the girls riding at the pony club area now occupied by
the BMX jumps and competing in equestrian events, while
their son enjoyed CEBS under the guidance of Mike Tooby.
While Jenny is reluctant to talk about her overall
contribution to art in the Hills, Gail Gregson makes the
point that the artist’s generosity goes far further than
volunteering her time. Her philanthropy, stresses Gail, has
been appreciated in organisations including MAC, DAF
and the Darlington Chamber Music concerts.
As Jenny and David pack up their Dalry Road home that
has hosted so many happy times, their friends are at least
glad that they are only moving to Mosman Park, and there
will be visits to MAC openings, festivals and other cultural
events at which they have become familiar and well-loved
faces, and to which they have contributed so much.
Time to meet the lady herself — at the home of long-time
friend Gail Gregson. Sitting beneath a David Gregson
painting she loves and that she still recalls hanging at
a Darlington Arts Festival exhibition, Jenny Mills tells
growing up in a Peppermint Grove home that was always
filled with interesting people and artworks (her mother
Flora Bunning was a painter and gallery owner).
“Of course we’ll be back,” says Jenny. “It’s such a special
place and so much a part of our lives.”
Join up!
Jenny’s own artistic journey began when her mother
encouraged her to enrol in the Central School of Art
in London that boasted several distinguished artists as
teachers. While in the UK, the young artist met and married
RAF pilot David Mills and after several years living in the
UK where their children were born, the couple settled in
Perth. However, suburbia did not appeal to them after
living in the English countryside, so they soon headed to
Darlington that, in the late 60s, was already home to many
leading artists.
Working as a journalist for The West Australian, Jenny found
herself interviewing many of the artists she had befriended
before moving to the Hills, some of whom exhibited work
at the gallery her mother had established.
“Of course I got roped into hanging work at the Darlington
Arts Festival and with organising it,” she recalls, and she
still remembers one Festival when, with the event winding
down and organisers sharing a glass of wine, children
emerged from the hall covered in the red ‘sold’ dots —
One of our community success stories has been the
Darlington History Group (see their notes in this issue) that
has published books about Darlington’s history, gathered
vital oral histories, held lots of informative and fun events
and forged firm friendships among its members. But,
says Chairperson Chris McConigley, while membership is
healthy, they need more members to do the many things on
their ‘to do’ list!
Says Chris, “History buffs are certainly welcome, but we
also need others to assist with various things such as the
website — due any day now; chatting up and typing up
residents stories; researching; assisting at our Afternoon
Teas; helping at the Arts Festival Tent; and celebrations.
“We always seem to have lots of things to celebrate. In
March the History Group is having a ‘Show and Tell’ that
involves bringing any historical items you have at home. In
April we want to have an ANZAC memorial (we already
Jenny Mills: Window in Arles (1993)
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Darlington Review - March 2015
have photos and stories of all the soldiers mentioned on the
Honour Board in the Hall) but the list goes on.
“We think there may be people out there who want to meet
others, have fun (the noise of our meetings is amazing) and
do something that will benefit Darlington as a whole.”
If that sounds like an invitation too good to refuse, read
their notes for details of meetings or phone Chris on 9299
6894.
The group’s latest book is a real winner and should be on
every local bookshelf. Full of interesting old photos and
fascinating information, The historical story of the Original
Darlington Vineyard was researched and compiled by
Cliff Burns and Arlene Collings, with research assistance
from Lyn Miles. You can purchase copies by phone Chris
McConigley, Arlene (9299 6154) or Cliff (9299 6696)
If you want to
fight fires…
… and are keen to
contribute to your
community, the
Darlington Volunteer
Bush Fire Brigade
would love to hear
from you says
Justine Howard, who
manages to juggle
being a Law lecturer
with community
commitments that
including fighting
fires with her brigade
colleagues.
“I think there’s a
tendency for women to hold back — to think perhaps
they’re not strong enough. What I say is: don’t be afraid
— women are as capable as men in fighting fires and the
brigade would warmly welcome you,” says the local who
joined when she returned to her ‘hometown’ after studying
Law part-time in Sydney, serving as an associate to a
supreme court judge, and working full time as a psychiatric
nurse.
After graduating, Justine joined a Sydney law firm as a
solicitor working in areas such as dispute resolution and
medical defence — but she missed family, friends and
Darlington where she had grown up.
The former Darlington Primary/Mercedes College/Curtin
University graduate decided in 2009 that it was time to
move home after nine years in Sydney and she was offered
a job lecturing in criminal law at Notre Dame. “I love my
job and being back in Darlington,” she says. “I had always
been aware of the wonderful work our local brigade does,
and I really wanted to give back to the community.
“The brigade is amazing — a diverse range of people from
every background and life experience, but with one thing
in common: they genuinely want to help and are willing to
drop everything, leave work, go out into the night to fight
fires, or spend weekends away from families.
“Recently we’ve had brigade members down in Boddington
and Northcliffe and resources have been stretched with so
many fires burning.
“Living in the rural/urban interface we really have to get that
message of shared responsibility across. We need to make
our own properties safe knowing that, when resources are
stretched, we can’t always rely on a fire truck appearing on
our street if there is a fire. If there were a Bushfire Ready
Action Group on every Darlington street it would be great
because that awareness and preparation goes a long way.
“Another thing that has struck me after joining the brigade
has been the extraordinary community support for the
brigade. It’s enormous and very humbling.”
Does she get a bit overwhelmed when sent out to a big fire?
“You certainly have a moment when you arrive to find that
even seasoned fire fighters are saying: ‘this is a big one…’
So, yes, there are those initial stomach flutters but when
you get to work your training kicks in and you’re fine. And
the training is so thorough that your confidence grows as
you progress. Initially, you are just doing mop-ups and
controlled burns. You’re never thrown into the deep end
because so much emphasis is put on safety, and trainees are
very prudently managed.
“I live in Darlington but work in Fremantle, so I can’t always
respond because it would take a bit of travel time to get
to a fire. However, we’re lucky to have members who work
locally or nearby and are able to get to a fire site quickly.
That’s why we need a strong membership base, so the load
is shared.”
If you want to know more, the brigade office is open
Saturday mornings.
And while we’re on the subject of the brigade, a local chap
sent in a lovely poem about our brigade that we’re running
in this issue. He wishes to remain anonymous but would
be known to many who attended the fund-raiser at the hall
following the Parkerville fires. It’s well worth reading and
keeping, and I suspect will find a spot on the walls of the
brigade’s headquarters.
A cautionary tale…
Anyone strolling by the doggie club’s remembrance post
that bears the names of dogs that were well loved knows
that Darlington dogs add a great deal of character to the
place. There’s the one that made history by becoming the
first canine member of Darlington Tennis Club and another
that occasionally penned letters to the Review via his owner.
Sure there are the odd annoying nocturnal barkers and
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Darlington Review - March 2015
designed roads, perhaps the number of accidents like Halos
can be reduced or an even greater tragedy prevented.
some that warrant
more control, but
for the most part
we love to see dogs
gamboling on the
oval or greeting
one another on the
bridle path.
“Also we would really like to thank the community for the
support that we have had. It has been amazing. My family
has been overwhelmed by the messages of support and
encouragement for Halo since the accident and throughout
his rehabilitation (which is progressing but may take some
time.)
So we’re very happy
to be announcing
that
golden
retriever Halo of
Darlington Road
has not become a name etched on the post. But it was close.
Halo has nearby mates that he visits, usually through hedges
rather than via the road. However, on a fateful morning
recently he took off and was hit by a car on Darlington
Road, with his eight-year-old owner at his heels.
“Can I also ask that we spare a thought for the driver of the
vehicle involved as they were obviously devastated at the
time of the accident and are often forgotten victims in these
types of events.”
While in no way suggesting speed was a factor in the
accident, Kylie did bring the question of Darlington Road to
the attention of Councillor Trish Cook who duly mentioned
it at the last DRRA meeting (community meetings are now
on the first Tuesday of the month at Darlington Hall).
Traffic calming on Ryecroft, Glen, Darlington and Lionel
Roads are perennial discussion points in DRRA and
among locals, with some supporting speed bumps (that
have certainly proved effective outside The Pines) while
others do not.
Mum Kylie Holberton watched with horror because her
son, chasing the dog, was close to also being a casualty.
We’re pleased to report that after a lengthy stay in hospital
Halo is slowly recovering at home, however the Holbertons
— while grateful for the expert veterinary care — are
recovering from the size of the vet’s bill.
Trish Cook brought the lack of a footpath on sections of
Darlington Road to the attention of DRRA along with
the need for traffic calming/signage on this road. DRRA
President Poul Dahl agreed it was a problem that should
be addressed and Committee member Tony Rees probably
spoke for many when he observed in relation to the speed
bump debate: “This is a safety matter … sometimes we
need to put our opinions second to the interests of the
community. Traffic coming off the highway speeds down
both Lionel and Darlington Roads. We need to stop being
selfish, take a community view and put speed bumps where
they’re needed.”
At a recent DRRA meeting one resident certainly endorsed
the effectiveness of the Shire’s stage one Lionel Road
traffic calming for a road that residents agree sees a lot of
speeding. You may recall that efforts have been made to
consult Lionel Road residents. However, the results — from
those who bothered to give feedback— were inconclusive.
As Kylie tells the Review: “The total bill is $17K. I have
set up a fund-raising page and we would appreciate
if anyone can help us by donating a small amount:
http://gofund.me/pleasehelphalo.
A new year, a new challenge
Whenever a new year unfolds, we encounter locals
exploring ‘roads less travelled’ and new challenges, and this
issue is full of locals pursuing them!
Kylie adds: “As pet owners, we need to ensure that our
animals are kept secure, however, even with our best
efforts, animals (and children) can be unpredictable and
may escape and run off. It takes very little time for someone
or something with little road sense to end up on a situation
like Halo did.
During the month we came across an unusual new exercise
routine beside the oval one balmy evening: local Jack
Gooch balancing on a slackline strung between two trees.
And we weren’t the only ones intrigued. Children quickly
abandoned the swings to watch as Jack made his way
across the line, occasionally wobbling precariously before
finishing off with a neat somersault that saw him land on
his feet.
“If we all remember that the area does have a lot of children,
pets, wildlife and pedestrians (and yes, even cyclists)
combined with bushland, roadside vegetation and poorly
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Darlington Review - March 2015
would walk a long slackline between two cliffs or buildings.
“I want to do that!” said one little kid and his mum looked
as if she wouldn’t mind having a go as well. You can read
about slacklining and Jack’s other sports in this issue.
“I started rock climbing with friends about a year ago — for
fun but also to keep fit. I eventually started to get better and
more interested and found a great climbing gym in Malaga
and from there I learned different types of climbing, like
lead climbing and deep water soloing (climbing cliffs with
no ropes over the ocean).
Another resident taking a new direction is Kevin Norris
who is off to walk the length of Great Britain, to run in the
Berlin marathon and to do some photography in Iceland.
Photographs by this seasoned traveller are on the walls of
The Pines, adding to the café’s growing suite of art works
for sale.
And among our advertisers launching a new venture is
local Caroline Muia (below) who has operated a local
bookkeeping business here for several years and who
decided to go back to study in 2013. “I have to say studying
and doing ‘work experience’ with a local accountant
while running a full-time business was challenging,” says
Caroline. But she did it, and has completed her Master of
Commerce and Accounting, been approved as a tax agent,
and has opened up a small accounting practice.
For those of us unacquainted with these sports, lead
climbing is finding a rockface, cliff or gym and bringing
your rope/safety gear with you, clipping or tying into safety
points as you ascend.
Slacklining, deep water soloing and
more …
“It can be dangerous as sometimes the best safety points are
far apart and there’s potential to fall, so it can be scary,” says
Jack who is also into deep water soloing where you climb
cliffs over ocean or river (no ropes or safety gear) and then
jump or fall into the water. “A bit more hardcore but really
fun,” says Jack, “and all you need is a pair of climbing shoes.
A cool aspect is that it’s more about your mental state than
how physically strong you are. You have to overcome your
fears to climb hard walls.”
The local we encountered slacklining by the oval, Jack
Gooch (yes, son of Chris), explains that because the line is
slack and springy, this is different from tightrope walking.
“The aim is simply to balance — so it can be meditative,
competitive or just fun! It goes hand-in-hand with
climbing because our muscles need rest days to recover
and slacklining is much less strenuous but still fun. And in
case anyone was worried I made sure the line wouldn’t hurt
the bark on the trees. There are also highlines, where you
As a Darlington kid, Jack started off riding bikes, BMX and
then downhill mountain biking — we suspect that today
his family remember those days fondly!
8
Darlington Review - March 2015
a low government-controlled wage, tourism work
is a coveted job because it gives Cubans access
to Cuban Convertible Pesos that tourists use —
rather than the Cuban pesos that let locals buy a
very limited range of merchandise. While there
are frustrations about travelling on the island, it
is safe and drug-free and there’s great music. The
Buena Vista Social Club is still running with some
of the old-timers still making music in their 80s
and a young group of emerging musicians adding
to the fun.”
Roads less travelled…
Local resident Kevin Norris (pictured above) came to
Darlington from Yorkshire via South Africa and he teaches
metal fabrication and welding – in fact he taught Review
advertiser Gus Skeen (of Gus’s Gates).
We wish this adventurous traveller well as he embarks on
another journey and the traveller’s tales that will become
part of it.
A final swim, an eclipse and the
Year of the Sheep/Goat/Gazelle?
However, he clearly views his major life’s work as being an
adventurous traveller and climber, so he’s scaled the highest
peaks in Mexico, the Andes and Russia, done a solo bike
ride from Norway to Crete, and much more, but what he
loves most is meeting people on the way and soaking up
different cultures.
As we approach the March 21 equinox and the occasional
hint that summer is beginning to wane, those who love
their Bilgoman swims — and the fine new facilities at the
Shire’s pool — will be sad to note that it closes on April 2
at 3pm. However, there is a lot on the calendar to keep us
busy, with Easter on the horizon, along with the nocturnal
treat of a total eclipse of the moon on Easter Saturday. We
are also into the lunar new year even though there is still
debate whether — as the Chinese zodiac Horse gallops into
the sunset — we have entered the Year of the Sheep, Ram,
Goat or indeed the Mongolian Gazelle. We hear from Hong
Kong that, after its torrid year of street demonstrations,
the territory’s chief executive is urging locals to follow
the example of the placid and non-confrontational sheep,
presumably so everyone can get back to making money
rather than talking about democracy. His critics see this as
a ploy to allow him to act as the big, bad wolf! Whatever
the predictions, and whichever calendar you choose to live
by, we feel confident that after they’ve finished celebrating
in Alastair Taylor’s fine illustration, Mundaring’s feisty
forest marsupials will continue to make their presence felt
in 2015.
Kevin is also into photography and you can see examples
of his work at The Pines. He uses a weatherproof Fuji XT1
mirrorless camera that is less conspicuous for doing street
photography and gives him the quality of an SLR, plus it’s
easy to stow in a travel bag.
In fact he’s packing his bags now for a trip to Iceland to
do some photography, along with a cycle from Land’s End
to John O’Groats south to north across the UK, the Berlin
marathon and further travels through eastern Europe.
Kevin’s Cuban photography gives us a glimpse into the
peeling facades, ancient vehicles and picturesque poverty
of a Cuba on the cusp of change.
“For Cubans, there’s education, health, food on the table, but
that’s it. There’s little incentive and a good deal of inertia as
people have given up trying to better themselves,” observes
Kevin. “However, things are changing: people are now able
to buy their own homes, cars can now be imported —though
you can still find the old V8 Chevvies I photographed —
and there’s talk of increased opportunities for trade, with
a new container harbour being built in anticipation. “With
Trea Wiltshire
Editor
NOTE:
Calling all Darlington Review members. Please note that the world’s speediest AGM (with a glass of champagne to follow)
will be on Monday March 30 at 7pm at 6 Brook Road. If you can’t come, please fill out proxy forms and return them to
[email protected]
9
Darlington Review - March 2015
LOCAL HEROES
They’re ordinary Aussie folk no different from us all
Your average sheila, normal bloke, the long, the short, the tall.
A teacher or an architect, a sparky or a nurse
There’s some that drive a semi, and there’s some that drive a hearse
There’s those that steer a haulpak, and those that steer a desk
There’s students down at Murdoch, out at Curtin or Muresk.
There’s some that spend their days in ironing clothes or pushing hoovers
And some of them are stay-at-homes and some of them are groovers.
But one thing they’ve in common, when the land is dry and brown
And there’s smoke on the horizon and a hot wind blowing down
And the siren starts a-wailing, and the water-bomber roars
They drop all that they’re doing and they make a common cause
They take off from their work place or farewell their near and dear
And down at the fire station they put on the special gear
With nervous hands they zip into their fire-retardant suits
Then they climb aboard the fire-trucks clad in helmet, gloves and boots.
When the understorey’s flaming and the eucalypts explode
And the smoke is thick and choking, and there’s trees across the road
And the air’s ablaze with cinders, and the heat can melt your face
As the holocaust approaches at a terrifying pace
They will stand firm by their tenders and they’ll keep the hoses playing
And they’ll guard those who are leaving and they’ll help those that are staying
And they’re fashioning the firebreaks that can turn the blaze around
And quenching little spot fires that can bring a building down
And after many hours perhaps, relieved, they can go home
Begrimed, bemused, exhausted with an ache in every bone
But if it is a bad ‘un they’ll just snatch a few hours’ rest
And then they will return to put their courage to the test.
And those of us who live here let us lose no chance to show ‘em
How deeply we appreciate the massive debt we owe ‘em
They’re ordinary Aussie folk, when all is said and done
But they’re also something special – local heroes, every one!
Images courtesy of: Kylie Holmes, Tony Sandler, Ricky Harvey, Gerry Starr, Johan Nesser, Pat Lane, Peter Thomas & Daniel Eves
10
Letters to the Darlington Review
From Josephine Jones
as Lord Richard Percy and Michael Heap as King Henry. Also
impressive were Perth opera singers Eva-Marie Middleton,
Thomas Friberg, Courtney Pitman and Simon Wood, and the
stunning 35-piece orchestra. under the baton of Christopher
Dragon.
While Darlington often bubbles with discussions about big issues
– both positive and negative – a stroll through the centre of the
village on a Saturday morning is a pleasing reminder of the good
things about life in our community. The place feels alive with
frenetic activity and gentle pastimes. Our wonderful volunteer
fire fighters are out in force checking equipment and trucks.
Youngsters are skateboarding and a few are on bikes practising
their art on the BMX track. White clad young cricketers are
concentrating on their game on the oval and a trio of boys are
honing their skills on the basketball pad. The tennis courts are
heaving with more young people learning how to get that ball
over the net. Surveying this scene is a couple sitting quietly at
one of the tables under the shade of a tree. Music is floating from
the Hall while a dance class is in progress and a large group of
sweating athletes are milling around after completing their early
morning run. People are chatting with their take away coffees
while watching little bodies on the playground. Accompanying
all of this is a mouth watering smell of bacon wafting out of The
Pines Café with barely a spare table. I continued my walk with a
OperaBox has the support of Darlington Concerts Inc, which for
the past decade has been the backbone of classical music in this
part of the Hills. The Darlington Ensemble’s five-concert winter
series will commence on Sunday, May 3. For further details
contact www.darlingtonconcerts.com.au
Re: Mobile phone reception in Darlington (Name
and Address supplied)
I’m with Eion Cameron of the ABC’s breakfast programme. I
HATE mobile phones! However, I hate mine for one reason in
particular, and that is that the loathsome thing does not work at
home.
I have changed providers, upgraded to some wonderful smart
phone which does everything bar making bread, but it does not
work consistently or reliably at home. I have line of sight of the
city, the airport, Gooseberry Hill and the Zig Zag. It simply does
not work in my part of Darlington. I believe I am not alone. If we
were to run a local survey of what the majority of us think about
Hill’s mobile phone reception, I am fairly sure the majority would
be pretty negative. Ask any tradie who works in Darlington!
bounce in my step.
From Tony Rees,
I would like to place on record my appreciation of the amazing
performance of Anna Bolena by OperaBox at Darlington Hall
in January.
I did plough through Christian Porter’s missive in last month’s
Darlington Review in the hope he might offer some hope for
better reception from any, or all of our service providers. In
fact he just offered a dire warning of substantial fines for using
repeaters (an unlikely scenario in my case) and cautioning on
the use of legal boosters, as this too might affect the already poor
signals we have here.
This not-for-profit opera ensemble, which has delighted
Darlington audiences in past years with their spirited versions
of Hänsel & Gretel, Cosi fan Tutte, La Bohème and Rigoletto,
excelled themselves with their performance of Donizetti’s littleknown dramatisation of the last fateful days of Anne Boleyn,
second wife of Henry VIII.
Just why this powerful, musically impressive opera has languished
in the back blocks is difficult to understand, but this première
performance in WA was a significant “plus” for both OperaBox
and Darlington. It was also a sell-out, indicating the devotion of
Hills music lovers to live opera.
Some years ago I was lucky enough to go to the remote Great
Rift Valley in Kenya, I got signal there and was able to call for
assistance when our vehicle broke down. As I have a VOIP
landline phone which in the event of a power outage is useless
and would take out my internet connection, my reliance on fire
warnings and alerts would have to be on my erratic and totally
useless mobile phone. Anyone else have the same predicament?
The performances of the major players were difficult to fault.
Local soprano Jenna Robertson’s sensitive portrayal of the
doomed queen was outstanding, as were tenor Henry Choo
Community Notice
Pavillion Update
is now advancing several actions to ensure the project goes
ahead with the support of the Shire and Staff.
Members of the Darlington Pavilion Sub-Committee
of the DCRMC with Cr Trish Cook met with Shire staff
recently to discuss the advancement of the Pavilion. The
meeting was positive with a spirit of collaboration alive and
productive. An important outcome form the meeting was
tat a strategy has been put in place to advance the project.
The distraction of the Shire Boundary change had enabled
everyone to refocus on the Project and the Sub-Committee
If you would like to be involved we will be seeking assistance
in fund raising and securing the commitment of pro-bono
services, labour and materials. So if you are interested, have
contacts or would like to contribute to the advancement of
the project in some way please contact Mr Geoff Barker on
0418 953 176 or email [email protected]
11
Darlington Review - March 2015
Bushfire Ready
We would have all
seen the graphic
footage of the
recent Northcliffe
fires……..
thankfully only
a couple of homes and shed’s destroyed, whereas the
township of Northcliffe was threatened at one time. Why
did this happen……..the forest fuel loads around the town
had not been managed for years.
A destructive bushfire does not require extreme weather
conditions, and bushfires with high fuel loads will spread
faster, be more intense and damage more bushland…….
regrowth will be slower……..and impact on property. It is
a fact that where prescribed burns have been undertaken
and fuel loads in those areas reduced to manageable levels
it will restrict the potential fire intensity to below 2,000
kilowatts per metre allowing fire fighters to directly attack
the fire. As we saw at Northcliffe, they could only attack the
flank fires, for a long time.
I acknowledge that the summer period is still upon us
and no protection fires until at least March 31, however if
you have bush on your property, it is not too early to start
planning what you can do during the winter months. The
Shire of Mundaring has a ‘Winter Burn’ brochure as well as
conducting workshops for residents on the correct way to
burn garden refuse and reduce fuel loads. These workshops
run from May to July.
In the meantime remain vigilant and maintain your 20
metre cleared zone around your home to minimise the risk
of fallen embers catching alight next to your home if that
Northcliffe fire comes to Darlington, hopefully surrounding
fuel loads are in the manageable zone.
Colin James
Coordinator …62980836
Darlington Community Recreation Management Commitee
Our meeting in February was well
attended by club delegates and
observers. It was pleasing to note
that no major matters were raised
for Shire attention to.
financial planning ….netball ring also on the basketball
court; new astro cricket wicket; additional wooden seats
to those recently built around the oval; resurfacing of the
tennis courts and a longer term need for a 5th court; CCTV
to be installed around the hall and oval pavilion.
Potholes in gravel roadway leading to the oval pavilion
continues to be noted. The playground shade saga is a
matter of concern as appears no agreeable resolution to
this need. Suggestion for a minor sail to cover part of the
equipment was a possibility, and a nature based layout for
younger children under the tree near bar-b-q area another.
We have written to the Shire seeking a current status report
to ascertain what further action we may take.
The pavilion sub-committee presented a very detail
proposal for consideration to the Shire of Mundaring.
This proposal looked at a couple of options and meeting
favoured consideration by all of its member organizations
to consider implications of the Shire sub-leasing a parcel
of land including the current pavilion and surrounding
facilities to an umbrella Sports and Cultural organization,
which can become incorporated to be the leaseholder.
Members have been asked to consider this at a meeting of
their associations and report back to the sub-committee
chair, Geoff Barker, by 28th February.
The meeting also discussed the, at that time take over by
the City of Swan, and how we should approach them re role
of this committee. Given the Premier’s ‘backflip’ that will be
held in abeyance know doubt.
Colin James
Secretary
Delegates also presented the following items for
consideration in the Shires 2015/2016 budget and beyond,
12
Darlington Review - March 2015
Darlington Volunteer Bushfire Brigade
report any signs of smoke or fire to 000 and record and
report any suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800
333 000.
•
Remember, 000 is the
ONLY number to ring for all fire &
smoke sightings. The ComCen will
page our members who are on duty.
Most local volunteer bush fire brigades, including us here
at Darlington, now have public Facebook pages or groups.
There are also several community Facebook groups such
as ‘Darlington & Surrounds Fire Awareness’, ‘Shires of
Swan and Mundaring Fire & Community Awareness’
and ‘Perth Hills Fire Chat’. Whilst social media sites often
provide quick updates and eye witness information, and
site administrators do their best to manage content, please
be mindful that they are not always accurate and may
offer conflicting information. DFES states it “…does not
recommend that users rely solely on any single source for
alert and warning information… Users are encouraged to
monitor other live sources to ensure that they have received
the most up to date information.”, and also provides a
Twitter feed that disseminates alerts and warnings, Fire
Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans and media releases (http://
twitter.com/dfes_wa (@DFES_WA).
•
For
general
Brigade
enquiries please ring 9299
7217. Station hours: Saturday
9am-10:30am. Facebook Page:
Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire
Brigade
•
Next Brigade meeting: Tuesday, March 10th 2015, at
the Darlington Fire Station.
Fortunately again this season, there has only been a small
number of fires in the Darlington area so far this summer.
Unfortunately other districts around the state haven’t
been so lucky. Over the past several months crews and
appliances from the Darlington station have travelled to
assist with fires in; Swan
View, High Wycombe,
Gin Gin, Pinjar, Maida
Vale,
Jane
Brook,
Stratton,
Forrestfield,
Herne Hill, Toodyay,
Clackline,
Bullsbrook,
Ellenbrook, The Lakes,
Hovea,
Nowergup,
Parkerville,
Waroona,
Midvale,
Northcliffe,
Boddington,
The
Spectacles, Mandogalup
and Baldivis.
And while on social media, there has been some
discussion regarding the discarding of cigarette butts.
Please be reminded that discarding cigarette butts is not
only an offence, it has the potential to cause damage, loss
of property and loss of life. You can help minimise the
likelihood of fires by disposing of cigarette butts responsibly
and encouraging others do the same. Ensure your butt is
fully extinguished before disposing of it and never throw
a cigarette butt from a moving car. If you see someone
carelessly dispose of a cigarette you can report the offence to
Keep Australia Beautiful WA. Careless disposal of cigarette
butts contravenes the Litter Act, the Road Traffic Code, and
the Bushfire Act (penalty: $200). During a Total Fire Ban
any person who disposes of burning tobacco, or a burning
cigarette, cigar or match in circumstances that is likely to
set fire to the bush; including by throwing it from a vehicle,
could face a fine of $25,000 and/or 12 months in jail.
There is no predicting where a fire will start so preparedness
and vigilance is the key. Here are some helpful tips. Firstly,
prepare your own property by maintaining fire breaks,
trimming trees (including removing lower branches),
removing leaf litter, creating a 20m clearance zone around
buildings and cleaning out gutters. Secondly, encourage
your neighbours to do the same and consider starting, or
joining, a Bushfire Ready group in your street. Immediately
Finally, thank you to everyone in the district that
acknowledged National Red Balloon Day on February
28th. Your community’s volunteer fire fighters appreciate
the
support
and
recognition
with such a simple gesture.
(www.nationalredballoonday.org)
“I can no other answer make, but
thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.” ~
William Shakespeare
Cheers
Ricky Harvey
13
Darlington Review - March 2015
Darlington Residents and Ratepayers Association
As you probably are now aware, Amalgamation or in
the case of Mundaring Shire, boundary change, will not
happen. The State Government, faced with overwhelming
opposition from the communities of Perth, have ceased the
planned Local Government reform. It is worth stating again
that DRRA’s central pillar of objection was not whether the
reasons for amalgamation were right or wrong, but the lack
of democratic process employed. The State Government
and indeed our own shire had also failed in informing
residents of the benefits.
Given the Shire can now focus on communicating and
building relationships with community groups again,
DRRA will now be focussed on issues which had been put
on hold. To that end we will be seeking a meeting with the
Shire to discuss the revised Precinct Plan which includes all
of Darlington; traffic management, playground, footpaths
etc.
Our first community meeting held on the 3rd February
was dominated by the subject of the (then) imminent shire
boundary change. Mundaring CEO, Jonathan Throssell,
kindly addressed the meeting with a briefing of the extent
of the Shire’s understanding of how the process would
proceed with the lack of ward structure.
results in the general degradation of mobile reception
in the area.
The litter collection initiative we have called LET’S TALK
RUBBISH recently had its Sub-Committee Planning
Meeting and we aim to get it up and running sometime in
May. It is envisaged that, rather than making it an annual
event, it should be an ongoing process throughout the year.
We intend holding a ‘thank you barbecue’ for all volunteers
during the annual Keep Australia Beautiful Corporation
(KABC) Week in August. We have formed the initiative
under the auspices of the KABC; who will provide us with
essential equipment, insurance and advice. Once we have
formed our band of volunteers KABC are prepared to give
us a presentation with information gained from supporting
similar programs.
DRRA Community Meetings are held on the first Tuesday
of each month. The next meeting will be at 1730 on Tuesday
the 3rd of March in Darlington Lesser Hall. Some of the
items on the agenda are:
•
Discussion about the problem of excessive speed on
Darlington Road, particularly in the downhill direction.
•
To discuss the contents and tone of a letter to the Shire
about the resumption of normal business dealings and
our expectations about the way forward.
•
A briefing by the LET’S TALK RUBBISH subcommittee
leader on progress that has been made so far in setting
up the program.
Other matters on the agenda were:
•
Concern of a resident of Darlington Road. about
speeding motorists in the downhill direction.
•
The subject of vandalism and the possibility of CCTV
being installed in the Pines area was again raised.
•
A letter from the Hon. Christian Porter MP reminding
residents of Darlington that the use of mobile phone
repeater and booster devices is illegal unless specific
approval has been granted. The use of these devices
If there is an item that either interests or affects
you, please make time to come to the meeting to air
your concerns and opinions or you can contact us at
[email protected]
14
Darlington Review - March 2015
Councillor’s Column
The lengthy, bumpy and
difficult process of Local
Government
Reform
has come to a surprising
end this week with the
Premier and Minister
conceding to the wishes
of the people. The decision by the three Communities that
were to be Amalgamated and thus allowed poll provisions,
have all voted not to amalgamate, which has resulted in
Mr Barnett raising the ‘white flag’ and announcing that,
“There will be no forced amalgamations ”, though leaving it
uncertain as to whether this applied to Boundary Changes.
Following these comments the Council of Mundaring
has voted to withdraw from the reform process and Cr
Dullard has communicated the council’s decision in a
letter to the Minister of Local Government in which she
confirmed the Shire’s
position. Subsequent
to further statements
by the Minister for
Local Government it
appears too that this
will apply to Boundary
Changes and thus the
City of Swan takeover
is now apparently
off the table. Steps
‘should’ now be taken
to revoke Governor’s
Orders which were
made on Christmas
Eve and due to come
into effect July 1st this
year. As is prudent
in politics, however,
we shall wait with
anticipation
until
those orders are revoked but in the meantime the staff of
SOM will continue preparations for both options.
there was never any clearly articulated case to demonstrate
that the change would be beneficial to our community.
However, the true lessons to be learned from this process
is that every organisation needs to have the mind set of
continual improvement of their systems and policies, and
to always remember they work to build better communities
both with facilities and social capital.
This process has been long, emotional, frustrating and at
times discouraging but it is now time to shake hands with
the opponents, umpires, and supporters, reflect on the good
plays, put our heads down and get back to work. Councillor
Lavell and myself shall now continue to represent the people
of South Ward whilst governing for all within the Shire for
another two years. Cr Jones (current deputy president also
South Ward) will be up for re election in October as will Cr
Dullard (current president) and others.
On another long drawn out matter the issue of Playground
shade is still being pursued by the Shire and hasn’t been
forgotten. Below are a couple of pictures which show
a couple of options that the Shire are currently looking
into, as well as the modifications of the existing castle to
include a couple more turret modules. As you may recall
we have now secured a budget of $20k in this year’s Shire of
Mundaring (SOM) budget. Final pricing for the swing set
with built-in shade including customs and delivery is still
under investigation. Anyone feeling very strongly about
the project please contact Shane Purdy at the SOM as this
is now an operational matter.
News of the Shire of Mundaring continuing will no doubt
be most welcome by both individuals and community
organisations. The positive and constructive relationships
that have been established over the years by local ratepayers
and community groups will continue to be built upon in a
framework of familiarity and understanding of local issues.
To those people who supported a merger I would like to
say that Council had, at all times, engaged with the reform
process with a goal of true reform underpinning our
negotiations. As both organisations worked toward the new
entity in good faith, it became clear that significant benefits
of a merger were neither forthcoming nor obvious and
Cr Trish Cook
15
Darlington Review - March 2015
Helena College
International Baccalaureate School
Year 12 Drama Production
Important dates for March 2015:
Crafted from the interviews of Laramie natives and
residents, The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later revisits the
small town of Laramie, Wyoming, a decade after the town
was plagued by the brutal bashing and murder of Matthew
Shepard a young, gay university student.
Written by Moisés Kaufman, Leigh Fondakowski,
Greg Pierotti, Andy Paris and Stephen Belber, along
with members of the Tectonic Theatre company, this
controversial and iconic account is a must see performance
for anyone with an interest in broadening their cultural
knowledge of a moment in history that affected so many
lives.
The Year 12 drama class will present the Laramie Project:
Ten Years Later on 19, 20 and 21 March. Doors open at
7:15pm for a 7:30pm start time, in the Helena College
Performing Arts Centre, Bilgoman Road, Glen Forrest.
Tickets are available for purchase at lunchtimes from
the Performing Arts Centre foyer or by emailing Kristen
Twynam-Perkins ([email protected])
from 3 March. All tickets are $10.
This play contains mature content in the form of coarse
language and adult themes. Students under the age of 15
must have written parental permission or need to attend
with an adult.
Congratulations to the Men of the Trees!
Men of the Trees is now the Guinness World Record Holder
for ‘The most trees planted simultaneously.’ Our Year 7s
students assisted with the plantings on the day. They were
amongst 1,978 volunteers who planted 100,450 trees in one
hour at Whiteman Park on Friday, 25 July 2014. Men of the
Trees are hoping to do further re-vegetation plantings in
2015, and no doubt Mr Neil George, Science teacher, will
be encouraging our students to be involved again.
WA native plants and trees can be purchased from Men of
the Trees nurseries which are open to the public during the
week. Visit the website (www.menofthetrees.com.au) for
further information.
Friday, 8 March
Tour for prospective JS parents @ 11am
Thursday, 14 March
Year 12 drama production
Friday, 15 March
Year 12 drama production
Junior School P&F bush dance
Saturday, 16 March
Year 12 drama production
Thursday, 28 March
Tour for prospective SS parents @ 9.30am
Contact Mr Neil George, Science teacher ngeorge@helena.
wa.edu.au about our students’ involvement in this IB MYP
Service and Action project, providing community service
and helping to create a better environment for all of us.
Julie Carlton, Director of Community Relations
[email protected]
16
Darlington Review - March 2015
The Darlington Club
The Darlington Club’s AGM was held on Friday 20th February.
The new Committee are:
President David Lavell, Vice-President Helen Rawlings,
Secretary Margaret Barker, Treasurer Andrew Roles,
Committee Members Graham Jefferys, Adrian Eastwell, Ray Griffiths, Sue Nicholls, Don Cole,
Susan Lavell and Karen Lawson.
To celebrate the election of our new Committee, The Club will be holding a Free BBQ for all our members on Friday 6th
March. Meat and salad will be provided. Please BYO drinks, or avail yourself of The Club Bar.
We would like to expand our book library to also include DVDs. If you have any old DVDs please bring them along to the
Club any Friday Night.
The famous Darlington Curry Night will be on again in the not so distant future. Last year was a huge success, with Uma’s
wonderful, authentic Indian Cuisine. More details of this event in the next Darlington Review.
Remember, The Club is open most Friday Nights - come and enjoy.
Sue Nicholls
Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre
A plethora of activities
coming up in March and
April to inspire and nurture
every level of reader and
writer
This online course with internationally best-selling author
Valerie Parv leads you through three stages of story
creation - nurturing the spark of your ideas; creating living,
breathing people; and shaping your material to suit your
writing goals. Included are step-by-step ways to access
your creative brain and overcome blocks, with the option
of submitting work for helpful feedback.
The KSP Café Presents…
Laurie Steed – Tues 3 Mar,
7-9.30pm
$100 KSP members, $150 non-members
Writing Emotion – Sat 28 Mar, 1-4pm
Come along to a beautiful evening of food and entertainment
as the KSP Writers’ Centre presents Emerging Writer-inResidence Laurie Steed at this special event. Laurie will read
from and talk about his work in between three gourmet
courses. Bring your favourite drinks to complement the
meal, meet Laurie and mingle with local authors. Casual
and intimate ambiance. Book a table and bring your friends.
How do you authentically lend emotion to fictional
characters without falling into the trap of cliché? How do
you incorporate scenes of emotion to best tell your story?
Come to this workshop with Fremantle Press author Kate
McCaffrey to learn useful techniques.
$30 members, $45 non-members
$25 members, $30 others
Writing for Games – Sat 18 Apr, 1-4pm
Breaking the Writing Block – Sun 8 Mar, 1-4pm
Crafting an experience for players is a difficult challenge
that requires more skill and training than is often respected.
This workshop introduces some of the core concepts and
techniques used when writing game design documents. It
will provide standard templates for game documents, inworkshop activities, and writing exercises you can pursue
in your own time. Led by ECU lecturer Dr Glen Spoors.
This is a workshop for anyone who wants to begin writing
or who has started and got stuck. Horst Kornberger offers
a step-by-step process that helps writers recover artistic
imagination. The imagination is born in stages during
childhood and youth. When we revisit these stages through
writing, we reconnect with the core capacities we need to
bring our work into flow.
$30 members and full-time students, $45 non-member
$30 members, $45 non-members
Booking and payment in advance to 9294 1872 /
[email protected]
Online Creativity Course – 3 weeks from Mon 16 Mar, via
email
17
Darlington Review - March 2015
Darlington Theatre Players Inc.
AFTER THE BALL
The season opens on Friday 6 March to Saturday 21 March.
by David Williamson and directed by
Hayley Derwort
Dates: March 6, 7, 8*, 11, 13, 14, 15*, 18, 20, 21.
Time: 8pm curtain up except Sunday matinees* 2pm.
Stephen Macrae (Paul Reed) has finally
come home from his seemingly perfect
overseas lifestyle to farewell his dying
mother, Kate (Irma McCullen). His sister
Judy (Kerri-Anne Mulley), skeptical of his
true intentions, opens a Pandora’s Box of memories by accident.
This leads both siblings down a path of haunting family memories,
good, bad and ugly. Is Kate the terror Stephen has thought her to
be? Or is there more to it than meets the eye?
Tickets: Adults $20, Concession/child $18, Members $16. Family
2ad+2ch $65.
Bookings: Gwyne 92551783 or www.trybooking.com/GKIO
This David Williamson play jumps between the 60s and the 90s,
covering the social fabric of Australian culture and a family stuck
in the middle of it all.
Director and actor, Hayley Derwort, is
another of our budding talented people
who have risen through the ranks to a
high level of competence in the theatre
world. Without these gifted new artists
the local theatre world would disappear.
Hayley has assembled a stellar cast for
After the Ball which is another highly
acclaimed play for Australian playwright
David Williamson whose plays include
the best-selling novels and later, films, The
Removalists, Don’s Party and The Club.
Darlington Chamber Music
Mike Tooby has decided to retire
as co-ordinator of Darlington
Concerts after playing a pivotal role
for several years. Mike, whose cellist
son Jon founded the Darlington
Trio 11 years ago, has attended
with great diligence to the myriad
tasks required to ensure that the performing artists can
concentrate their talents on their music.
While the back-room members of the Darlington Concerts
committee prefer to leave the limelight to the musicians
who bring such delight to local audiences in their fiveconcert winter series, we thought it was a fitting time to
pay tribute to Mike and his wife, Pam, who have been
unstinting in their support of these unique Darlington
events, and will continue to assist from the background.
Thanks also go to George Grayston and Bruce Pearce,
who are joining Mike in retirement from the committee.
The selfless commitment by these volunteers to presenting
chamber music in Darlington is an inspiration – even in a
village that prides itself on getting things done.
We welcome new members Peter Vitalich and Malcolm
Firth, who join Jon Tooby, Ros Bannister, Allan Davies,
Chris Durrant, Peter Edwards, Jill Trevenen, Jenny Mills
and Michael Wishart on the committee. Co-ordinator is
Tony Rees.
The 2015 series commences on Sunday, May 3, with a
program comprising Miniatures by Frank Bridge, Ravel’s
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2, and the Piano Trio
Opus 15 by Smetana, performed by the Darlington Trio:
Jon Tooby (cello), Semra Lee-Smith (violin) and Graeme
Gilling (piano).
Tickets ($40 adults, $35 concession) for the concert,
which starts at 3 pm, can be purchased in person from the
Darlington Post Office, Café 2, Darlington, and Bendigo
Bank, Mundaring; by phoning Bendigo Bank on 9295 6411
(credit card only);.or by email [email protected].
au. Season tickets for five concerts are also available ($175
adults, $150 concession). Unsold or returned tickets can be
purchased at the door on concert days.
18
Darlington Review - March 2015
Treetops - A Montessori and
International Baccalaureate School
2015 has started in style at Treetops with
our Community Shindig held on the
second week of school. The Shindig was
a family social event that rounded off a
week of engagement where parents were
invited into classrooms to learn about their
children’s learning environment. Local
band, Blue Manna, had our community
up and dancing, our Parents and Friends
Committee ensured everyone was fed
and refreshed and our students organised
White Elephant stalls for a spot of shopping
(and class fundraising!) Thank you to
everyone involved and to our neighbours,
who allowed us to fill our little part of the
Hills with some rocking great tunes well
into the evening.
By the time this Darlington Review is
published, all our classes will have been
back in full swing for some weeks. We
are pleased that many of our classes are at
capacity and we are planning for expansion
in Semester 2. Our multi-age group
Children’s House is full, however we currently have some siblings
and younger students on our wait list turning 3 this year, so we
are considering a stand-alone 3 year old program for the second
half of 2015. If you have a little person turning 3 on or before June
2015 and they are ready for a morning program, please contact us
in the office for a tour.
Equally, our Sugar Gums Playgroup sessions are also currently full.
We are now planning a fourth morning session time on a Tuesday
from Term 2 and onwards. Sugar Gums Playgroup is a safe, fun,
caring and stimulating environment where children spend quality
time with their parents (or grandparents!) Playgroup sessions
are run by leaders who have experience in a Montessori school
and this learning facilitated environment makes our Playgroups
unique. If you would like to apply for one of these limited places,
please contact [email protected] or download
the Sugar Gums Application form via our school website:
http://www.treetops.wa.edu.au/education/early-years/
We wish all our Darlington neighbours a very happy and
successful beginning to the school year.
Jay-Lee Crisp Crow
Communications and Admissions
Darlington Retirement Accommodation Assoc. (Inc) The Glen
The Glen’s new
resident, Claire
Willmott, will
shortly
move
into her twobedroom unit,
which
was
recently repainted and has been given a thorough clean-up for
the occasion.
a sumptuous morning tea – with delicious cakes, sandwiches and
goodies always much appreciated by the workers – prepared by
residents and committee members.
More goodies will be on offer on Saturday, April 18, when The
Glen holds its annual Residents’ Afternoon Party. The get-together
used to take place around Christmas, but was rescheduled last
year because the summer weather was judged too hot for outdoor
gatherings. The committee decided autumn was a better time and
made the change permanent.
The Wooroloo Prison Farm gang will pay another visit to the
village on March 23 to clean up the gardens, trim and prune
trees, etc. Their welcome and excellent work will be rewarded by
The next DRAA meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at
Unit 2 The Glen, starting at 7.30 pm.
19
Darlington Review - March 2015
Shire of Mundaring Library Service
thanked personally by the president of the
WA branch of the RSL, Graham Edwards.
This community contribution has also been
acknowledged on the RSL website –
Poppy Project Update
http://rslwahq.org.au/News/Mundaring-poppy-donations.aspx
What an amazing community we
belong to!
The first parcel of poppies was sent to Albany for the
services that were held to commemorate the departure of
the Anzac contingent on 1st November 1914.
1123 Poppies
Some were then incorporated into the three wreaths that
were part of the recent “Giants” street theatre event only
then to join the rest which are being sent to Melbourne
for the Anzac Day 100 year commemorations to be held in
Federation Square. Their journey will conclude with their
return to WA to be part of Remembrance Day here.
The Shire of Mundaring Library Service is delighted at the
way in which the community has embraced this project
and would like to thank you all so very much for helping
out with the Poppy Project and donating so many gorgeous
knitted, crocheted and felted poppies.
These have now been delivered to Anzac House by library
staff members who were lucky enough to meet and be
The libraries are proud to have been a part of this very
worthwhile project and hope that the community has
gained as much satisfaction adding this beautiful collection
of poppies to the Australia wide campaign as we have.
Mundaring and Hills Historical Society Inc
The Year of Anzac
Students in Australia learn
early that, on 25th April 1915,
Australian and New Zealand
troops commenced a tragic
military action at Gallipoli
that left some 26,000 dead,
yet is considered one of the
key events in the building of Australia as a nation.
In this centenary year of Anzac, Mundaring and Hills
Historical Society has arranged a programme that we hope
will stimulate people to look at the impact the Great War has
had on their own family history and our local environment.
Our first guest speaker for the year will be Robert Mitchell,
Curator at the Army Museum and a past President of
Museums Australia WA Branch, with the topic “Opening
the Door to the Great War”. Robert’s talk
will look at the traces of the War that
might have been handed down through
the generations in tobacco tins and
cigarette boxes. What do those medals
mean? Where were the battles fought?
And how can we find out more and write
our own stories? The talk will be held at
the Mundaring District Museum at 2pm
on Saturday 21st March.
Blackboy Hill Camp was the place where many of our
troops trained and decamped for battlefields in the Middle
East and Europe. At our June meeting, Valerie Everett will
talk about the KSP Writers’ Centre project to produce a
social history of the Camp. Copies of the book Blackboy
Hill is Calling will be available at that meeting. Blackboy
Hill Camp may be gone but the ground still holds secrets
and in August we will hear from one of the archaeologists
from Notre Dame University who undertook a dig there
last year.
Check out the Mundaring District Museum between
February and May where our Curator and volunteers are
installing new displays on Mundaring and the Great War.
A limited number of copies of Clare Menck’s book
Mundaring Weir Forestry Settlement 1923-2011 is still
available for $40 from Mundaring and Hills Historical
Society’s office at the
Station Master’s House,
3060 Jacoby St, Mundaring.
Enquiries about any of
the above can be made to
MHHS on
08 9295 0540 or
[email protected]
Photo: Mundaring District
Museum
20
Darlington Review - March 2015
John Day, Member for Kalamunda
Minister for Planning; Culture and the Arts
Local Government Reform
Mariko Mori Exhibition – Art
Gallery of WA
No doubt local residents who were concerned about
the implications of the proposed merger of the Shire of
Mundaring and the City of Swan will be pleased that this
will no longer be required.
I was pleased to recently open
an exhibition of the work of
internationally
acclaimed
Japanese multi-media artist,
Mariko Mori, at the Art Gallery
of Western Australia
Although there is a strong rationale for changes to the
structure of local governments in Western Australia, as
indicated in numerous reports over the last 60 years,
bringing about such change is complex.
Her works explore the cycle
of life through installations,
glowing LED sculptures, photographs, drawings and
videos and are on display at the Gallery until June 29, 2015.
Quite a number of local residents were understanding of
the need for some change, but were concerned about the
fact there would not be a ward structure, allowing for more
effective local (ie Hills) representation, in the new entity.
This was a concern I shared, and was communicated in the
discussions within government in which I was involved.
The exhibition has travelled to Perth as part of the Perth
International Arts Festival 2015 Visual Arts Program after
showings at the Royal Academy of Arts in London and the
Japan Society Gallery in New York.
John Day MLA
A partnership between the Art Gallery of WA and Perth
Festival has been able to secure the only Australian viewing
of Rebirth.
Member for Kalamunda
It presents a great opportunity for Western Australian
audiences and visitors to experience the works of an
internationally significant and contemporary artist in
Perth.
Soroptimist International of Helena
these kits to attend a dinner meeting an informing us of
the success of this project and are prepared to deliver the
products to North Africa, Bali and many other countries.
We continue to hold our meetings at the Dome in the
convention room on the first Tuesday of the month and a
dinner meeting on the third Tuesday, the convenient and
peaceful venue is really appreciated. Upcoming activities
are being planned and include an April 18th Sausage Sizzle
at Bunnings, a Jazz afternoon tea and photo competition to
be held at open garden “Romancing the Stone” on Hawtin
Rd Forrestfield on 12th April . This is to raise further funds
to assist a student of metallurgy at the School of Mines in
Tanzania.
We were happy to induct a new member at the AGM, but
unhappy to learn that two of our members have resigned
due to pressures of work. We often hear from Darlington
ladies who feel that our mission is what they believe in also,
so - if you feel you would like to join us on our journey
to improve the lives of women and girls please contact us
through this article or by email [email protected] You
would be more than welcome
The Fashion parade will probably be held on 24th May (to
be confirmed).
Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement
working together to transform the lives of women and girls.
As mentioned in the February notes, the numbers of
knickers and packs for the “Days for Girls” project has
increased. We had some very dynamic women who sew
Rosalie Gordon
21
Darlington Review - March 2015
1st Darlington Scout Group
The scouting year has started with full program of activity
across our Joey Scout, Cub Scout & Scout Sections. It has
been great to see so many existing and new members
over the past few weeks. In fact we have reached capacity
within our Cub Scout and Scout sections and will not
be able to take on any further members until at least
next term. If you are interested in joining please e-mail
the group leader [email protected] as a
waiting list is now in place. A few places remain in our
Joey section for boys and girls aged from 6 – 7.5.
Final preparations are under way for our Medieval
themed Group camp at the end of the month at the
Manjadel activity centre in Byford. Our Knights will be
fine tuning their archery skills and testing their balance
as they fly through the air (attached to a harness on
the flying fox). The Cubs have been busy making their
armour with shields and swords. Scouts will be testing
their knotting ability with the construction of a catapult
for the final battle … how far can those water balloons
go?
Founders Day
Each year on the
22nd of February
Scouts from all
over the world
celebrate Founders
Day. The founder
of Scouting, Lord
Robert
BadenPowell (B-P) was
born on this day in
1857 in England.
He lived a busy and
adventurous life,
and as a boy spent
much of his spare
time in open-air
pursuits, hunting
in the woods, and
joining his brothers in expeditions by land and in their
boats. Thus he developed his powers of observation and
resourcefulness and acquired many useful skills.
some 20 boys from all walks
of life and suitable adult
leaders,
Baden-Powell
taught the boys what he
meant by Scouting. They
lived in tents, cooked their
own food and learnt many
valuable skills through
games. 1 August 1907 is
regarded as the beginning
of the Scout Movement
worldwide.
Scouting is currently
active in 216 countries
and territories, with a
global membership of
over 31 million, male and
female. Two thirds of the
international membership are in developing countries.
While Scouting’s Purpose, Promise and Law are timeless
and universal, Scouting’s flexible programme adapts to
meet the needs of youth and their society wherever they
live.
Help Needed
We are looking for assistance with a number of
improvements to our hall that we share with the Guides.
We also have a big fund-raising target to support up to
8 scouts and a leader to attend the Australian Scouting
Jamboree in Sydney in January 2016. If you are able
to assist in any way please contact Glen Stenton
[email protected] 0403 809 226.
Current wish list projects include evaporative air
conditioning to the hall, construction of a patio on the
East side of the building and earthworks to facilitate
more camping areas and a safer carpark. We also need
a bobcat/ loader and truck to collect approx 20m3 of fill
from Darlington and deliver and spread as directed at
our hall.
We are thankful for recent assistance from Nathan’s
Plumbing & Gas for works at our hall and to Go On A
Bus for their support with transport to our group camp.
He first conducted an experimental camp in 1907 on
Brownsea Island off the Dorset coast of the UK. With
22
Darlington Review - March 2015
Mundaring Arts Centre
MARCH AT MAC
encouraged to have a go at the drop-in station, designing
their own characters and adding to an installation of
looped short films. The incredible results will be launched
with the heARTlines Festival in May. Steven has developed
a reputation as a leading animator, engaging communities
across regional WA.
What an incredible start to the MAC year!
Our opening night was a true celebration of
the creative heart that beats in Mundaring
with a huge crowd gathering to hear which
works would be included in the Shire of
Mundaring Art Collection – there were
many jubilant Shire Councillors, none more so than Shire
President Helen Dullard who could hardly contain her
relief that Mundaring would keep its independence.
MAC is at 7190 Great Eastern Hwy in the heart of Mundaring.
Entry is free and the Gallery and Shop are open TuesdayFriday 10am–5pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am–3pm (closed
Mondays and Public Holidays). For further information
and to book workshops, please contact 9295 3991 or visit
www.mundaringartscentre.com.au
Acquired artists Graham and Tanija Carr and Greg Crowe at the
announcement of their acquisition
With outstanding works to choose from, the selection
panel finally settled on three works by renowned local
artists Greg Crowe (potter), Tanija and Graham Carr
(leather sculptors) and Nalda Searles (textiles) to join this
prestigious Art Collection, built in partnership between
the Shire and MAC since 1986.
There are still opportunities to see the show and participate
in the fantastic public program:
15 March - Unique hand felted pieces with Katrina Virgona
Meet the Makers
1 March: Ricky Arnold joins textile artists Katrina
Virgona, Trudi Pollard, Peggy Lyon, Janie Matthews and
Nalda Searles
22 March: Ricky joins Bethamy Linton, Julie-Ann Ogilvie,
Jessica Jubb, Rozy Dann and Greg Crowe as they share
their passion for sculptural forms
ABOVE: Alice in Wheatland, homage to DH by Nalda Searles, original
wheat bag circa 1950’s, child’s hand-smocked dress with embroidery
(sourced from Kellerberrin op shop), hand stitching, oil pastel. Acquired
by the Shire of Mundaring
The exhibition runs until Sunday 22 March.
If technology is more your thing, we have a treat in store
from March 27. Animator Steven Aiton takes up residence
and hosts school holiday workshops. People of all ages are
23
Darlington Review - March 2015
Darlington History Group
Wednesday
18th
February was our first
General Meeting of the
year with a good turnout
of members all interested
to know what the
Committee had planned
for 2015. Our formula
for meetings has changed
somewhat since last year
because we found tha,t when we had a guest speaker, there
was very little time left to discuss any business which had
arisen. So Committee meetings will now be held on the
third Monday of each month with reportage of information
at a General Meeting two days later. This alleviates the
problem of protracted discussions when a guest speaker is
waiting and audience members are keen to hear just what
the speaker has to say.
As to this latter, we have a very interesting program planned
starting with a “Show and Tell” evening on 18th March.
Members are required to bring along an historical artefact
of any kind and be prepared to provide the audience with
its provenance. Last year we had some fascinating objects
which gave us an insight of days of yore. This meeting is
open to all, so, if you have an item of historical relevance
which you would like to share with us please feel free to
join us for a warm welcome, coffee/tea and something
yummy to go with it.
At our April meeting we are planning an Anzac tribute,
but the exact format of this event is not yet finalised – keep
watching the Review for details.
May will see Arlene Collings speaking about the old goldmining town of Gwalia on which she is a “full bottle”.
In June we will not have a Guest Speaker at our General
Meeting since we will be deep in discussion and planning
for our next Sunday Afternoon High Tea, this year with an
emphasis on the past and present residents of the iconic
Darlington Road, one of the lovely gateways to our village.
Please let former residents know of this event ASAP, to
take place on a Sunday in mid-June depending on other
hall bookings for that month.
One of our members, Mira Ashton, has a brother-in-law
who is going to regale us with an account of the geological
history of the Darlington area. We are aware of the granite
and the basalt which abounds, but how were these rocks
formed and for how many years did they lie undisturbed
before the indigenous people wandered the area followed
millennia later by the European settlers. There are so many
people with a fascination for rocks; if you are one of them
please take this opportunity to discover the origins of your
backyard and your greater neighbourhood. This will form
the basis of our General Meeting on Wednesday 15th July.
On visiting the history group in Mundaring recently,
Arlene became aware of a new publication by a young
woman, Clare Menck who had compiled a history of the
Mundaring Forestry Village which stood at the site now
occupied by the Water Corporation’s new works. Having
lived and taught in a forestry town I know of the close
friendships and camaraderie which was a binding force
within these bush settlements. I am sure that Clare will
have much to tell us about this vital part of our Shire’s
history.
In September we are going to ask a young woman from
Darlington to share with us her wonderful and meticulously
written history of the Beenong Road area.
October and November are devoted to planning and
recovering from the Darlington Arts Festival and then we
are back to our annual Christmas high jinks once more.
We sincerely hope that you will be able to find a topic/s
to interest you among this smorgasbord of history and
that you will join us on THE THIRD WEDNESDAY OF
EACH MONTH AT 7:30 PM IN THE LESSER HALL,
DARLINGTON.
Cheers for now!
Judi Bracks
Publicity Officer
24
Darlington Review - March 2015
Hills Hash House Harriers
and making use of nature strips to get us up to Stoneville. It was
a scorcher of a day, so a stash of cold water and lemonade was
appreciated by runners (although not as much as beer would
have been, so I was told) The return trip brought us home along
the Summit Park PAW—the meaning of which we are still trying
to figure out.
Pictured below is Frodo receiving
his 100 runs mug from the Grand
Master, a sweaty yet proud dad, and
a frozen Tumbletoes.
Love was not quite in the air for
our annual Valentine’s Day run. The theme
of the day was lingerie,
which turns out is not
particularly
practical
running gear, nor perhaps
a step forward in the
popularity stakes, but it
does turn heads! (away)
The run was followed by
a meal at the Mirimar
Chinese
Restaurant,
causing a few doubletakes from staff and
customers. We promise
not to do it again—until
next year.
On a negative note, other recent runs have been marred by car
break-ins, and near misses where we have witnessed the aftermath
of car break-ins. It seems many of the Hills scenic carparks are
also currently theft hot-spots. Very much a shame.
We are always looking for new walkers or runners to join us
each Sunday at 4pm. Walkers cover about 3 km; runners about
6 km. We try to keep the terrain interesting, venturing into
national park and whatever picturesque locales we can discover
in the Hills and surrounds. Runners follow a marked course,
sometimes required to hunt in various directions to discover
the correct path. Walkers follow a fixed route. It is entirely noncompetitive, and everyone moves at their own pace, whether that
be a vigorous sprint or a casual amble. If you can walk or run, you
can Hash. BBQ or nibblies often follow.
Details are advertised every week at www.hillshash.com or can be
gained from Halina on 0411 411 828.
A recent run took us
through the back streets
of Mundaring, crossing a
very dry Bugle Tree Creek
--El Keeno,
Hash Scribe
Mezzanine Gallery
to show inauthentic work would be a violation of what he’s about.
For this reason, he destroys many works that fail this test, but
those that survive are triumphs.
While his voice is his own, Graziano admires many other artists,
in particular the American abstract expressionist Franz Kline
who flourished in 1940s and 50s. In parallel, Graziano finds
powerful stimulation in the realm of parapsychology from which
he channels mystical guidance from people of this world and
beyond. Indeed, he plans to channel the energy of the viewers as
he paints in situ at the opening of The Second Thought.
Despite this intensity, Graziano is profoundly optimistic,
generous and humble. He doesn’t take himself too seriously but
rather uses stimulus to free himself and to liberate his expression.
To this end music is indispensible - drawing out the stark colour
contrasts and savage lines but also the gentle detail and streams
of symbols that are interwoven.
The Second Thought
From his earliest years in Sardinia, Graziano Piras was powerfully
drawn to the art around him. Now he paints in response to an
inner compulsion. Exploding with energy, Graziano starts with
emotion as inspiration, but colour is his first consideration.
Colour is critical.
Graziano’s work is not for everyone, but nor is anything that is
challenging and original.
The Second Thought opens Friday 27th February 6.30 pm, then
Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm at Mezzanine Gallery rear
of Darlington Hall, Owen Road, Darlington. Then, throughout
March a selection of Graziano’s works will be on display for
sale at the Gallery at Darlington Dental, 2 Montrose Avenue,
Darlington 9am - 4pm.
For Graziano, it’s about truth. It’s as important to avoid getting a
work wrong as it is to “get it right”. If a work doesn’t capture his
intention, then it’s important that no-one sees it, it’s a falsehood.
The image of the temperamental artist is a cliché, but for Graziano
[email protected]
25
Darlington Review - March 2015
Part of one of the new stunning wall designs at the Mundaring Arts Centre - photography by Richard Woldondorp
26
Darlington Review - March 2015
Darlington Tennis Club
are put in teams for their night for the duration of the
competition (usually around 2-3 months). There is
a commitment to turn up every week or organize a
substitute from the reserve list.
The Darlington tennis
courts are available for
public hire when they
are not being used
for club sessions or
coaching. Current club
session times are:
•
•
•
Monday and Thursday mornings 9am – 12pm;
Thursday nights from 7pm; and Sunday afternoon
2-5pm*. Anyone welcome – format is mixed doubles
and you will be assigned different partners during the
sessions. (*Two courts may be available for public hire
at the same time as the Sunday afternoon session).
At other times court hire is available through the
Pines Shop opposite the courts for $5 an hour (free for
members who show their tags) or $7 with lights. There
is a $20 refundable deposit for the key. For after-hours
bookings please contact Brendon on 0427 250 566.
For more information, including coaching inquiries, please
go to the club website www.darlingtontennisclub.org.au
or contact the club secretary [email protected]
(ph 0439 976 672).
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights 7.00 - 9.30pm
– Darlington mixed social team competitions. Members
Friends of Darlington Station Reserve (FODS)
At this point in time there are no plans to do any plantings
but this may come later if deemed necessary.
The FODS band of faithful volunteers has been working
hard over the last few weeks tidying and watering the
station reserve. The heat does produce some challenges but
so far everything is alive and doing well.
The Shire will also be doing some work in the area adjacent
to the tennis courts when upgrading and expanding the
carpark. Talks have taken place with Shane Purdy of the
Shire of Mundaring and DRRA regarding the impact of the
works and retention of the trees in the area affected.
The planting program was completed a couple of seasons
back and we are now in the final year of watering. From
this point on the plants should be able to continue their
growth without the need for us to water them.
Our clearing of this area will begin at the end of our current
watering program and we may be calling for some more
volunteers to help us get things off the ground.
Let nature take its course!
Our care and maintenance of the station reserve and
adjoining areas is naturally on-going but our plans are now
focussed on new fields.
Much of our equipment has worn out and FODS would like
to acknowledge and thank Brad Thompson of the Shire of
Mundaring for supporting us by providing new equipment
and hoses as without this on-going assistance we could not
do our work.
Over the last season we have planted out the Telstra and
Water Board areas on Darlington Road. At the moment
these are in the watering, care and maintenance phase.
Major road works at the junction of Hillsden
and Darlington Roads will commence very soon.
FODS and DRRA have met with the Shire and provided
input into the design and planting out of the new landscape.
Now we are looking to move onto the other side of Owen
Road between it and the Darlington tennis courts.
It is intended to clear out unwanted weeds and nondesirable growth so that we are left with a neat and
presentable area that can be maintained in the same way as
the Station Reserve. This part of Owen Road is in the heart
of the Darlington Precinct and needs to be attended to.
Watch this space for more information.
Phil Vile
FODS Co-ordinator
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Darlington Review - March 2015
St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church
cnr Darlington Rd and Hillsden Rd, Darlington. 9299 7274
After a welcome lull in activity during January, February brought plenty of action at St Cuthbert’s. The annual Parish Dinner
(above) on 6 February saw more than 80 people gathered on the church lawn for an excellent meal, some entertaining presentations
and good times together. Just a few days later, the well-attended Anglicare Love Languages seminar provided a thought provoking,
helpful perspective on recognising and responding to emotional needs in a loving relationship.
HOLY WEEK AND THE GREAT THREE DAYS OF EASTER
Holy Week and the Great Three Days of Easter are the
most important, and thus the most active, times of the
church year. The services and events over this time are
as follows:
HOLY WEEK
Sunday 29 March, 9.00am ~ Palm Sunday
Eucharist with Procession of Palms
Friday 3 April, 9.00am – Good Friday
Liturgy of the Passion
Saturday 4 April, 7.00pm - The Great Vigil of Easter
Eucharist with Lighting of the New Fire, Baptism and
Confirmation. Followed by a Champagne Supper.
Sunday 29 March, 1pm, Walk for Justice4Refugees
In the CBD, see www.justice4refugeeswa.com
Monday 30 March, 5.30pm ~ Eucharist
Tuesday 31 March, 5.30pm ~ Eucharist
Wednesday 1 April, 5.30pm ~ Eucharist
Wednesday 1 April, 4.00 – 5.30pm ~ Reconciliation
Also called Confession, a formal, one-on-one liturgy.
Please wait outside the church until you are called.
THE TRIDUUM (THE GREAT THREE DAYS)
Thursday 2 April, 7.30pm ~ Maundy Thursday
Eucharist with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar Sunday 5 April, 9.00am ~ Easter Day Holy
Communion
Thursday 2 April, 9.00pm – Friday 3 April 9.00am
Sung Eucharist with classic hymns and age-appropriate
Vigil before the Blessed Sacrament
activities for children
Services 9am every Sunday; 7pm on the first Sunday of the month; 9.15am most Thursdays
[email protected] or [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.hillsanglicans.com.au
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Darlington Review - March 2015
Darlington United Church
him and open ourselves to him. A relationship in which we
can share with Jesus our joys, fears and struggles because
he understands. DUC is also a place where we do things
together. We grow in our faith together. We are all very
different – different personalities, different backgrounds
different nationalities. However, together we encourage
each other, pray for each other and learn from each other.
We are not perfect of course and sometimes we disagree
with each other. However, we are bound together through
our faith in Jesus and our love for him.
The beginning of 2015 brought changes at DUC as our
pastor Rod Holmes left to resume his teaching career. We
were saddened to see him go and miss him and his family.
However, we are enjoying messages from a variety of
visiting speakers and are looking to the future.
This month I want to look at the question “What is DUC
about?” This is best summarised by our Vision Statement.
Our vision is that through the ministry of DUC many in
our community will be challenged to a personal faith in
Jesus Christ. Together we will be nurtured into a maturing
relationship with Jesus Christ and become actively involved
in the life and ministry of his church. Three words I want
to highlight from this statement are faith, relationship and
together. Often people perceive Christianity as a religion
of following rules, for example, the Ten Commandments.
However, at DUC we want people to know that Jesus is
more concerned about relationship than keeping rules. He
longs to be in relationship with us. A relationship entered
into when we recognise we need him, place our faith in
In future issues of the Review we plan to share some of our
stories and journeys of faith. Stay tuned.
Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and
whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).
Service time: Sunday 9.30am. All welcome. Contact:
Murray Guy (President) - 0417 174 441
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.darlingtonunitedchurch.com.au
Mundaring Bahá’í Community
Celebrating the Intercalary Days (Ayyam-i-Ha)
Fasting
Ayyam-i-Ha prepares
Baha'is for the fast,
which lasts from
March 2 to March 20.
During the fast,
Baha'is abstain from
food and drink
between sunrise and
sunset, and recite
special prayers for
the Baha'i month of fasting. Fasting, in the various forms that
people have observed throughout history, has been known to
have a beneficial effect on health. However in a religious context,
it is primarily a technique for seeking proximity to God and the
divine. Baha’i’s are exempt from fasting should they be ill, younger
than 15 or older than 70, travelling, or engaged in heavy labour.
Women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating are also
exempt.
The Festival of Ayyám-i-Há, or Intercalary Days, occurs between
the eighteenth and nineteenth months of the Baha’i Calendar
(February 26 to March 1 inclusive), and ends one day before the
Baha’i fast begins. There are four Intercalary Days in an ordinary
year and five in leap years.
Bahá'ís are encouraged to celebrate God and his oneness by
showing love, fellowship and unity towards all. Bahá'ís often give
and accept gifts to demonstrate these attributes (it is sometimes
described as the "Bahá'í Christmas") but many Baha'is only
exchange small or handmade gifts because gifts are not the main
focus. It is also a time of charity and goodwill, a time to participate
in various humanitarian projects.
The purpose of the fast is: "Verily, I say, fasting is the supreme
remedy and the most great healing for the disease of self and
passion." --Baha'u'llah
All Welcome
For more details on our regular interfaith devotionals, “Pray and Play” afternoons and information nights please
contact Susheel: 9295 2839 or Sue: 9252 1010.
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Darlington Review - March 2015
Darlington Social Cricket Club Inc
“Slips, Stumpings Appeals & Silly Points”
With my job, I get to travel
to some interesting places in
Western Australia. Recently I
travelled to the Pilbara region
for a week. My first port of call was Exmouth, which at this time of
year is a tad warm, but still very nice. After driving for 13 hours,
I eventually arrived at the hotel I had booked into, only to find
out it was closed, due to some work being done in the area. I rang
the phone number on the notice which was stuck to the reception
door. The nice lady on the other end of the line informed me of
the closure of the hotel, but sadly had neglected to let me know.
I had visions of curling up with a kangaroo under a Frangepani,
if not for the lovely lady who managed to get me a room for the
same price at a nice little pub called the Novotel Ningaloo Resort.
After a very comfortable night’s sleep and a nice breakfast the
next day, it was time for work, which I managed to finish by
2.00pm. I had packed my snorkel, flippers and goggle, so I took a
short drive (75km’s) to a stunning beach called Turquoise Bay. I
parked the car and walked down to the section called The Drift.
I applied copious amounts of sunblock, except to the middle
two feet down the length of my back which I couldn’t reach. I
walked five hundred metres south along the beach and stepped
into a world full of beautifully coloured coral and stunning fish of
varying sizes. I drifted till just before I reached the point and got
out and enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of this stunning place,
as I was the only person around who was stupid enough to go out
in 45 degree heat, but I did have a good water supply.
While sitting on the beach, I remembered a story told to me
about a certain member of DSCC who loves to cook for his
family. Recently he ventured out and purchased eight King
George Whiting. He was going to do a special dish for his family,
he was going to steam the Whiting whole and have a beautiful
garden salad with it. As it was a Friday and he normally finishes
at his dental surgery early on a Friday. He stopped in at a local
fish monger in the Midland area and purchased the King George
Whiting, then stopped at the fruit and vegie store and got the
salad. When he got home he took the groceries into the house
then went down to give the Alpaca some more water as it had
been a very hot day and the temperature was still quite high.
Later that evening he got the greens out to make the salad, then
went to the fridge to get out the Whiting. To his amazement,
he couldn’t find them, so he checked all three fridges, but to
no avail. The only explanation was that he left them at the fish
shop. The next morning being Saturday, he went shopping with
his trusty friend, who always helped him out. After doing all his
shopping at Midland Gate, his friend took him to the fish monger
in Midland he had been to the day before. The staff were very
obliging and remembered he had been in the on the previous
day . They checked the fridges to see if the Whiting had been
left behind, but could not find them, so the member purchased
another eight Whiting. On the way home, the two members
stopped in at the TAB to place a bet. The elderly member couldn’t
think what had happened to the fish purchased the previous day.
When they reached his West Toodyay home, at which point it was
three O’clock and about thirty eight degrees outside, the younger
member offered to help the member try to find the original lot of
fish. He went to his friend’s grandson’s car and opened the door,
only to assaulted by a foul odour. He called out to his older friend
to tell him he had found his well and truly steamed Whiting. It
would seem that they had slipped down behind some stuff. After
a week of leaving the windows down, his grandson was able to
drive the car.
On the 14th of December, the annual Fathers Vs Son’s fixture
was held. Chris and Jane Arnold had recently arrived in Australia
to visit their son, so Chris captained the fathers while his son
Gareth, captained the son’s. The fathers made 2 for 267 with
Graham Ekert and Mark Lucas shared a fine opening partnership
of 112, scoring 50 and 59 respectively. The son’s scored 6 for 268,
with Matt Mallaby scoring 49, Daniel Zardin making 42 and Matt
Lucas and Kieran Cork both scoring 50. The barbeque was great
as it gave Chris and Jane the chance to catch up with old friends.
DSCC played against the Cavallaro XI (Pony Club) on the 21st
of December, the annual Christmas match. DSCC scored 7 for
266 with Cam Giles scoring 56 and Matt Ellis with a fine 31 and
Mitch Cork 61. Doc Bates with another failure, didn’t bother the
scorers. A fine spread for afternoon tea was provided by Debbie
Gauder. In reply, Cav’s XI could only make 146, with the main
destroyers being James Moon with 4/10 and Mitch Cork with
3/17. Being the Christmas match, it was a very big barbeque and
everyone had a wonderful time. Farther Christmas turned up
later and handed out presents to all the kids. It was fantastic to
see all the smiling happy faces of the children.
On the 4th of January, DSCC hosted the Umpires XI. The umpires
batted first and made 146. A few of them complained about being
given out, but were told never to argue with the umpire. The chief
destroyers were Terry Giles with 3/2 and James Miller 2/9. DSCC
made light work of the score with Scrimma and Craig Van Der
Laan scoring 35 each and Matt Ellis making 28.
On the 11th of January DSCC hosted the Subiaco Floreat Old
Boys. DSCC were all out for 193, but things could have been a
lot worse had it not been for some courageous batting by Shaun
Meredith with 42 and Matt Ellis with 32. It was pleasing to see
that Doc Bates finally got to bother the scorers with a scratchy 37.
In reply, Subi Floreat could only manage to score 7/178 of their
allotted 40 overs. Duncan Bell was the chief wicket taker with
2/13 and the rest of the pie throwers shared the wickets.
Over the Christmas season, my good friends Mick and Wendy
Turner took their family to Canada and America to enjoy a white
Christmas. From all accounts it was a fantastic holiday and they
all had lots of fun having snow fights and building snow men.
Also just before Christmas, Sharron and Cliff Burns became
grandparents for the first time with the arrival of grand son Aric.
Cliff has been spending most of his time knitting booty’s for
young Aric.
Till next month, stay safe, stay cool and enjoy what ever
takes your fancy.
The Ferret.
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Darlington Review - March 2015
REPRESENTATIVES OF CONTRIBUTING ORGANISATIONS
Anglican Church (Church Office 9299 7274)
Baha’i Faith
United Church (PO Box 81, Darlington)
Bushfire Ready Group
Darlington Arts Festival Inc ([email protected])
Darlington Chamber Music
Darlington Community Recreation Management Committee
Darlington Junior Football Club
Darlington Family Playgroup
Darlington History Group
Darlington Primary School
Darlington Primary School P & C Association Darlington Ratepayers & Residents Association
Darlington Retirement Accommodation Assn Inc
Darlington Social Cricket Club Inc
Darlington Tennis Club
Darlington Theatre Players at Marloo Theatre (9255 1212)
Darlington Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Inc
1st Darlington Scouts
Federal Member for Pearce
Friends of Darlington Station Reserve
Guides Western Australia (Forrest Hills District)
Guildford Grammar School
Helena College Junior School
Helena College Senior School
Hills Hash House Harriers
Hills Hub
KSP Writers’ Centre
Member for Kalamunda
Mezzanine Gallery
Mundaring and Hills Historical Society Inc
Mundaring Arts Centre Inc
Mundaring Arts Scholarships
Mundaring Sharing
Mundaring Weir Gallery
Seen and Heard Shire of Mundaring Library Service
Silver Tree Steiner School
Soroptimist International of Helena
State Emergency Service
The Darlington Club
Treetops Montessori School
Jan Carroll
9299 7240
Cynthia Olson
9299 8090
Murray Guy
0417 174 441
Colin James
6298 0836
Sue Lavell
9299 7420
Tony Rees
9299 6342
Colin James 6298 0836
Andrew Boys
0428 924 328
Serena Goldsmith
9299 6396
Chris McCognigley 9299 6894
Lorna Woodley
9299 6888
Alex Stevens
9299 6699
Peter Horobin 0448 410 101
Carolyn Earnshaw 0427 271 765
Jeni Di Filippo 0475 508 252
Alex Hoschke 9299 6456
Brendan Tobin
0419 949 564
Ricky Harvey
0409 685 445
Glen Stenton
0403 809 226
Hon. Christian Porter MP
9294 3222
Phil Vile
0424 703 200
Tracey Jenkin
9299 6636
Gillian MacDonald
9377 9222
Greg Miller
9299 6626
Julie Carlton
9298 9100
Halina
0411 411 828
Rachel Bacon
9290 6683
Shannon Coyle 9294 1872
Hon. John Day MLA
9293 4747
Mark Alderson
0428 102 567
Margaret Fowler
9295 0540
Jenny Haynes
9295 3991
Chris Durrant
9299 6093
Hilda Christian
9295 1688
[email protected]
Noleen Ryan
9255 2570
Kerryn Martin, Branch Librarian, Greenmount Public Library 9290 6758
Marie Hutton/ Nyaree Blakeney
9295 4787
Fay Kappler 9274 4543
Rosalie Gordon 9299 6230
Robbie Palmer
9295 3133
David Lavell
9299 7420
Scott Taprell
9299 6725
Mundaring Shire South Ward Councillors:
Cr Darrell Jones Cr Trish Cook
Cr David Lavell Justice of the Peace:
163 Lakeside Drive Helena Valley
Darlington
14 Sandover Road, Darlington
Warren Southwell 9250 5856
040 9479 551
9299 7420
9252 0361
Darlington Hall bookings ring Shire of Mundaring Booking Officer on 9290 6666 or email [email protected]
Non-profit community-based organisations may become members of the Review. Membership costs $85 per annum or $45 per half year.
This entitles organisations to a half-page in each issue. Please keep contributions to a half page (approx 300 words).
Full page entry $170 per annum.
EDITORIAL:
Editor: Trea Wiltshire
Email: [email protected]
Business Manager: Josephine Jones, PO Box 196, Darlington. Email: [email protected] Auditor: Peter Edwards B.Comm CPA - Peter Edwards & Assoc Pty
9299 6080
9299 8802
9379 1155
Editorial Deadline:
Material for each edition of the Review must be submitted before 5 pm on the 20th of the preceding month. Late entries may be included
in the online edition at the Editor’s discretion. “Letters to the Editor” are to kept brief. Place material in the Review Box at the Post Office, or
emailed to [email protected]
ADVERTISING:
Kirsty Carslaw 9299 6316 or Email: [email protected]
Display Advertising Rates : 1/2 page $120 1/3 page $100 1/6 page $50 Back cover colour strip ad $100 when available. Print ready artwork is
required. Fees may apply for artwork requiring amendment. Payment for first advertisements in advance. Print quality pdf preferred.
Cover illustrations: The Review covers are available to community groups to publicise community events. Front $120 Back $100
Placement of business advertisements and notification of cancellation must be mailed to the Advertising Manager (PO Box 196, Darlington, WA
6070) by 5pm on the 20th of each month.
Classified Ads: $10 for 4 lines + $4 each additional line; $5 for students. Monies must be included with the advertisement and placed in the
Review Box at Darlington Post Office by the 20th of each month.
TYPING: Kirsty Carslaw, P O Box 196, Darlington.
Email: [email protected]
DARLINGTON VILLAGE WEBSITE (sponsored by the Darlington Review): www.darlingtonvillage.org
PRINTERS: Vanguard Press, 26 John Street, Northbridge, WA 6003
9299 6316
9328 1388
Material presented after deadlines cannot be accepted, however notes may appear on the online version of the Darlington Review on www.darlingtonvillage.org
Please note occasionally for space reasons we have to drop the popular diary page. This however is always available online at the above web address.
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Darlington Review - March 2015
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